Details Released In Deadly Deputy-Involved Shooting In Volusia County
(DeLand, FL) -- A deadly deputy-involved shooting in Volusia County appears to have started with a seat belt violation. DeLand Police said yesterday that an officer pulled over Gregory Howe Tuesday afternoon for not wearing a seatbelt, but Howe fled the scene and led deputies on a slow-speed chase to his home in Deltona. That's where he was shot after Sheriff Mike Chitwood says Howe pointed a gun at deputies. Chitwood tells the News-Journal four deputies fired about 80 rounds at Howe, and the 37-year-old was hit 14 times.
Governor DeSantis Seeking Ways To Allow Nursing Home Visitations Again
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Governor Ron DeSantis is looking for ways to start allowing visitors again at long term nursing homes. There's no timeline for that to happen, but the governor says he's encouraged by testing numbers, which are low here compared to other states. DeSantis says the biggest risk to the patients has been staff bringing in the virus.
Overdose Deaths Up Amidst Pandemic
(Jacksonville, FL) -- COVID-19 appears to be having tragic side effects in Jacksonville. Lakeview Health Dr. Lantie Jorandby [[ JOR-ind-bee ]] says since the outbreak started, there has been a 20-percent spike in the number of drug overdose deaths compared to last year. She blames the increase on job losses and the sense of isolation some may experience during the pandemic. Jorandby recently told First Coast News those who know addicts should encourage them to see a doctor or at least find an online 12-step meeting.
Former School Bus Driver Caught In Undercover Child Sex Sting
(Tampa, FL) -- A former Hillsborough County school bus driver is accused of what the sheriff calls sickening behavior. Tampa's Hector Cabrera was arrested yesterday after the 32-year-old showed up at a site where he allegedly agreed to meet a 14-year-old girl he communicated with online. The girl, though, was actually a detective. Cabrera drove a school bus from 2015 to 2018, and he currently works for the County Clerk of Courts Office.
Universal CityWalk Opens Today
(Orlando, FL) -- There will be another sign of life returning to normal today. Universal Orlando's CityWalk reopens at 4 o'clock this afternoon. All theme parks remain closed, though, and no reopening dates have been announced. Anyone attending CityWalk must wear a mask and get their temperature checked.
Mechanic Helps Elderly Woman Get Satisfaction From Dealer
(Port Richey, FL) -- Thanks, in part, to social media, a Tampa Bay grandmother is getting satisfaction from a car salesman. Robin Howard recently used her stimulus check to buy a used car from a Port Richey dealership, but she soon realized the car had brake problems that were so bad a mechanic told her the car was a death trap. Suncoast Auto mechanic Mack Walls confronted the salesman, but Walls says the salesman laughed and said he didn't care if the woman died in the car. Walls' Facebook post yesterday about the dealer he calls a dirtbag got over five-thousand shares, and the dealer now tells News Channel 8 he'll give Howard a full refund.
Miramar To Furlough City Staffers
(Miramar, FL) -- The financial fallout of the coronavirus is forcing a city in Broward County to make what one official calls a difficult decision. Miramar City Manager Vernon Hargray announced yesterday that all city employees, including police officers and firefighters, will be partially furloughed. Employees must take one unpaid day off per week from June 11th to December 9th. Hargray says the decision was made to protect the financial stability of the city, but reps for the city's police and fire unions tell Local 10 News cutting public safety puts lives at risk.
Professional Sports Can Begin Again in Florida
(Undated) -- Let the games begin. Governor Ron DeSantis says professional sports can begin again in Florida. DeSantis says practicing and playing is okay, for Florida teams and those from other states. But there may not be fans allowed at those events right away.
Woman Marries Man Who Helped Save Her At Vegas Massacre
(San Diego, CA) -- More than six thousand followers on Instagram are cheering the wedding of a couple that met at the Las Vegas mass shooting. American Austin Monfort helped lead Canadian Chantal Melanson out of the country music festival when the bullets began flying. They have been chronicling their love story ever since. It started a new chapter when they got married. The celebration will have to wait because of the pandemic. You can follow the next chapter of their love story on Instagram @tragedytolove.
TODAY IN HISTORY- May 14:
2019, San Francisco voted against the use of facial recognition. It becomes the first major city to do so.
2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a federal law that would ban sports gambling in numerous states.
2010, Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off for its final planned flight in the space shuttle program after a quarter century of service.
1973, America's first space station Skylab One launched into orbit.
1969, the last Chevrolet Corvair rolled of the line at the Willow Run assembly plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
1948, Israel was proclaimed an independent state.
1796, Edward Jenner administered the first vaccination against smallpox.