Big Bend Lawmakers Discuss Property Tax Proposal
(Tallahassee, FL) --Some Big Bend lawmakers are on opposite sides of a plan to reduce property taxes. Tallahassee Republican State Senator Corey Simon voted yesterday to pass a bill that would raise the homestead exemption to 250-thousand dollars by 2028. It'll go before voters in November, and at least 60 percent have to support the referendum for it to pass. Leon County Commissioner David O'Keefe is warning the cut will cause the county to severely reduce or eliminate some programs and services. He tells WCTV residents need relief, but this is not a practical, thoughtful way to do it.
Daycare Worker Charged With Child Abuse In Brevard County
(West Melbourne, FL) -- A daycare worker is charged with child abuse in Brevard County. The West Melbourne Police Department announced yesterday Latasha Deniese Mullings was arrested on 5 counts. The investigation started last week after a parent complained about inappropriate physical contact at Mustard Seed Kidz daycare on Eber Boulevard. Police say school officials looked at surveillance footage and found Mullings hitting children between the ages of 2 and 4 on numerous occasions. Investigators say the kids could be seen showing pain and fear as Mullings would sometimes chase them around the room. Mullings has been fired, and she's out on bond.
Developer Cancels Meeting Over Data Center In Polk County
(Lakeland, FL) --Residents who opposed a data center in Polk County may be able to claim victory. A developer called Kimley-Horn was supposed to meet today with Lakeland officials to discuss building the center near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road. Kimley-Horn, though, canceled the meeting and a city website shows the project has been withdrawn. Residents have come out against the plan, called Project Swan. They're worried about the environmental impact and how it could affect their quality of life. Lakeland Communications Director Larry Little says the project isn't dead, necessarily, and it's up to Kimley-Horn to decide how to proceed. He tells LkldNow.com the ball is in Kimley-Horn's court, and there's no timeline for when it has to make a decision.
Tampa Sports Authority Formally Prioritizes Bucs Over Rays
(Tampa, FL) --The Tampa Sports Authority is making clear what its priorities are. The TSA board met yesterday, and members voted to prioritize stadium renovations for the Buccaneers over a new stadium for the Rays. Letters to the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council to inform them of the vote will be drafted. One board member says there are only so many dollars out there, and current tenants need to be taken care of first. The board also voted to manage USF's on-campus football stadium once it opens next year.
Black Candidates Meet To Discuss How To Beat Wasserman Schultz
(Undated) --Black candidates for Congress may unify to beat the incumbent in their district. Four Black candidates are running in the Democratic primary for District 20 against Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. The four challengers met Monday to discuss if three of them should drop out and throw their support behind the other candidate. The thinking is that candidate would have a better chance of winning the primary and ensuring the district has a Black representative. The four candidates at the meeting were Elijah Manley, Luther Campbell, Dale Holness and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Manley tells the Miami Herald no decision was made at the meeting, but he expects an agreement will come before the end of qualifying on June 12th.
Today in History
2020, three former Minneapolis police officers were charged in connection to George Floyd's death.
1965, astronaut Edward White became the first American to take a "walk" in space during the Gemini Four flight.
1871, 24-year-old Jesse James and his gang robbed the Obocock Bank in Corydon, Iowa getting away with a reported 15-thousand-dollars.