Deputy Dies In Crash
(DeLand, FL) -- A Volusia County deputy is dead after a crash. Senior Deputy Frank Scofield was killed when he was hit by a van while riding his bike yesterday morning. Deputies say the driver rear-ended Scofield after running a stop sign at Tomoka Farms Road and Pioneer Trail near New Smyrna Beach. Sheriff Mike Chitwood says the 58-year-old Schofield was training for the upcoming 9/11 memorial ride in New York.
Wildfire In Volusia County
(DeBary, FL) -- Crews are gaining the upper hand over a persistent wildfire in Volusia County. The Dutchman's Bend Fire started Saturday in DeBary after a lightning strike near Dutchman's Bend Road. The Florida Forest Service reported yesterday the fire was 50-percent contained, but hours later, the fire jumped containment lines and threatened a power plant and railroad tracks. More help arrived, and at last report, the fire was 75-percent contained and Duke power plant was no longer in danger.
Universal Workers Hurt Due To 'Technical Issue'
(Orlando, FL) -- Technical issues are to blame for an accident that left some theme park workers hurt. Universal's Volcano Bay closed yesterday and some workers were brought to the hospital as a precaution. No details were released on what happened, but the Orlando Fire Department says it was called to the park for a possible electrocution. The workers have been released from the hospital.
Man Arrested For Shooting At Police
(Pembroke Pines, FL) -- A former Miami-Dade school board member is facing charges after an argument over a parking space turned violent in Broward County. Miami 81-year-old Solomon Stinson allegedly shot at a man's car yesterday during an argument outside a theater at the Pembroke Lakes Mall in Pembroke Pines. During a police chase, Stinson allegedly fired at officers, who fired back before he crashed on Sheridan Street, which caused the car to catch fire. He tried to run but was caught, and no one was hurt.
Self-Driving Car Test Facility Moves Forward In Polk County
(Auburndale, FL) -- A new addition in Polk County could help determine the future of transportation. The city of Auburndale is home to SunTrax, which is a two-plus mile track to be used for testing driverless cars. It won't be finished for a couple years, but Auburndale's mayor recently got to take a spin around the track. Afterward, he told The Ledger it's very exciting to have such visionary technology in little old Auburndale.
Alligator Breaks Into Clearwater Home Through Window
(Clearwater, FL) -- A woman in Clearwater had an unusual intruder break into her home Friday morning by smashing through a window. The woman said she woke up to noises in her kitchen around 3 a.m. and discovered a gator had made its way into her house. She said the gator had destroyed the kitchen table and gotten into her wine, and there was minor damage to her walls. A trapper responded early Friday morning and was able to capture and relocate the gator without any injuries. The gator was reportedly eleven feet long.
Pokemon Weddings Offered In Japan
(Tokyo) -- Pokemon weddings are being offered in Japan. The Pokemon company announced that it's partnering with a wedding planning firm in Japan. The wedding features all things Pokemon, including food items, a cake and even a wedding certificate with Pokemon imagery. To sweeten the deal even more, two Pikachu mascots dressed as a bride and a groom accompany the couple at the altar. Currently, these wedding are only offered in Japan.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1992, in one of the landmark moments of the 1992 presidential campaign, Democratic candidate Bill Clinton played his saxophone on "The Arsenio Hall Show."
1965, astronaut Edward White became the first American to take a "walk" in space during the Gemini Four flight.
1959, the first class graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
1871, 24-year-old Jesse James and his gang robbed the Obocock Bank in Corydon, Iowa getting away with a reported 15-thousand-dollars.
1800, John Adams, the second President of the United States, became the first president to take up a residence in Washington D.C.