SpaceX Launch Scrubbed
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- SpaceX will have to find another date for a planned rocket launch. A launch set for yesterday morning at Kennedy Space Center was scrubbed after engines had been fired. The company says 'out-of-family data' during the engine power check triggered an auto abort. There's no word on when SpaceX will make another attempt.
More Than 70-Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus In Florida
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The Florida Department of Health released new numbers late Friday night on coronavirus cases. There are now over 70-patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Florida. Health officials distinguish between those who are residents and have not traveled from those Floridians who did travel and were infected while away. Three-who tested positive have died.
TSA Worker At OIA Tests Positive For Coronavirus
(Orlando, FL) -- Travelers through Florida's busiest airport should be aware of a new coronavirus case. The TSA says an officer at Orlando International Airport has tested positive for the virus. The 48-year-old Orange County woman got her test results this weekend and has been at home resting since Tuesday. The TSA says she hasn't traveled, and she may have gotten sick through her job screening passengers between Gates One and 59.
Volusia Sheriff Gives Update On Coronavirus
(DeLand, FL) -- Volusia County's sheriff finds himself at odds with state officials over the coronavirus. Sheriff Mike Chitwood wrote last night on Facebook that 27 people are being monitored for possible exposure, and he listed the cities they live in. State health officials, though, only release the county a confirmed patient lives in, and County Chair Ed Kelley says Chitwood will probably get a phone call from an unhappy Department of Health. Kelley tells the News-Journal he questions what good Chitwood accomplished by releasing the info, but Chitwood says an information vacuum only causes needless frustration and panic.
Tampa's Mayor Calls For Halt To Domestic Travel
(Tampa, FL) -- Tampa's mayor believes we need to go even further to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Mayor Jane Castor said yesterday she supports indefinite restrictions on domestic flights. She tells 10News that would help eliminate close contact that could allow the virus to spread.
Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach Plan Changes For Spring Break
(Miami Beach, FL) -- Some big changes prompted by the coronavirus are meant to send a message to spring breakers. Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach yesterday announced beach closures, and early closings for bars and restaurants. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber says it simply can't be business as usual, and he hopes these changes let people know spring break is over.
Coronavirus Could Hurt Businesses That Rely On Spring Break
(Daytona Beach, FL) -- Coronavirus fears could hurt businesses that rely on spring break crowds, but at least one owner is cautiously optimistic. Some people are staying home to avoid large crowds in an effort to stop the spread of the virus, but there were still people yesterday at Daytona Beach's Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club. Customers say restaurants are really clean, and you just have to take a chance. The restaurant's co-owner tells News 6 they're hopeful the virus won't disrupt normal activities too adversely.
Florida Dems React To Gillum's Miami Beach Stumble
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Reactions emerge in Florida on news Andrew Gillum was involved in a police incident. A Miami Beach Police report says early Friday officers answered a complaint call at a hotel where the former Tallahassee Mayor was found inebriated with two other men and several baggies suspected to contain methamphetamine. The Tallahassee Democrat reports that Tallahassee official Curtis Richardson is disappointed and concerned for Gillum and his family. Gillum denies using any drugs and says he was in Miami Beach for a wedding.
American Airlines Flight Delayed Because Of Coronavirus Joke
(Nashville, TN) -- A man has been arrested after making a false claim of a coronavirus infection aboard an American Airlines flight. Officials say the plane was delayed for takeoff by nearly eight hours in Nashville, Tennessee because of the incident. The unidentified man is said to have refused to lift his tray as the flight prepared to leave before claiming he was infected with COVID-19. Passengers began to worry, but the man was then removed from the plane by hazmat crews and police officers, who later explained the man was joking. After the incident, crew members still refused to leave the tarmac for a few hours. There is no word on any charges the man may face.
Nevada Man Wears Hazmat Suit, Sprays Liquid In Walmart
(Las Vegas, NV) -- A Nevada man is in custody after he allegedly entered a Las Vegas Walmart and shot off a strange, clear liquid. Authorities say the man came into the store in a hazmat suit and began spraying several items with the substance. About 13 people came into contact with it, though none of them had to be hospitalized or showed any odd symptoms. After the incident, one shopper followed the man outside and wrote down his license plate, leading to the suspect's arrest. It is not known if the man will face any charges. Police are still working to identify the clear liquid that was used.
Kangaroo Caught Eating Toilet paper
(Undated) -- One Australia campground is having a toilet paper shortage, but it has nothing to do with the coronavirus. A camper filmed a kangaroo eating toilet paper out of a restroom in a campground in Wilpena Pound in South Australia. Apparently, it's not the first time it has happened. The filmer says the camp managers told them they're planning on putting up a fence to keep the kangaroos from feasting on the toilet paper next month.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2016, President Obama picked appellate court judge Merrick Garland to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. However, Senate Republican leaders ignored Obama's nomination, arguing that the next president should make the selection.
2005, a California jury found actor Robert Blake not guilty of first degree murder in the 2001 death of his wife Bonny Lee Bakley. The jury also found the former "Baretta" TV actor not guilty on one count of solicitation of murder. The jury deadlocked on a second count of solicitation of murder with eleven of the panel members voting not guilty, and one person voting guilty.
2005, a judge in Redwood City, California formally sentenced Scott Peterson to death for the murders of his pregnant wife Laci and their unborn son.
1995, astronaut Norman Thagard became the first American to visit the Russian space station Mir.
1945, the Japanese Island of Iwo Jima was secured by the Allies.
1802, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point was established by an act of Congress. The school was originally intended for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.