Scott Announces Senate Bid In Orlando (Orlando, FL) -- There is no big surprise here, but Governor Rick Scott was in Orlando yesterday where he announced he's running for Senate against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson. The Republican governor criticized career politicians, and he called for term limits on Congress. He says we won't see a change in Washington until that happens.
FSU Analyst Weighs In On Scott-Nelson Race (Tallahassee, FL) -- Senator Bill Nelson is about to face his toughest and most expensive reelection fight. That's what FSU Political Science Professor Carol Weissert said after Governor Rick Scott announced yesterday he will challenge Nelson. The Democratic senator is in his third term, and Weissert says the Republican governor's visibility and access to money will pose big challenges to Nelson. Speaking of money, Weissert tells 'News 13' she expects the race will cost the candidates more than 100-million dollars.
Coach Charged With Child Abuse (New Smyrna Beach, FL) -- A youth football coach is facing charges for an incident one mother says was devastating to her child. Middleburg Broncos coach Larry Cruce was arrested this weekend for punching three children when a fight broke out during a football game in New Smyrna Beach. The 33-year-old is charged with three counts of child abuse. A mother of one of the players tells the "Daytona Beach News-Journal" Cruce left her 13-year-old son with a mark under his eye and pain in his cheek and jaw.
Macy Running For Port Authority Commission (Merritt Island, FL) -- A man with experience organizing three Olympics wants to focus his attention closer to home. Merritt Island's Tim Macy recently became the fourth candidate to run for the Canaveral Port Authority Commission's District Five seat being vacated by Tom Weinberg. Macy has served on the organizing committees for the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and the Sydney Games in 2000, and he was a consultant for the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. "Florida Today" reports Macy is currently working for Universal Creative in Orlando, and he was previously an executive with Port Canaveral for three years.
Gillum Gets Gun Control Group's Support (Tallahassee, FL) -- Tallahassee's mayor is getting some national recognition for his stance on gun control. The group Moms Demand Action recently announced Andrew Gillum has earned the distinction of being a gun sense candidate. The only other Democratic candidate for governor to have that distinction is Congresswoman Gwen Graham. Gillum tells FloridaPolitics.com he's deeply honored, and he promises that if elected governor, he'll pass common sense gun laws that keep our families and communities safe. CHOOSE WELL, REPUBLICANS, OTHERWISE IT WILL BE THIS FIGHT FOR FOUR YEARS NO MATTER WHICH DEMOCRAT GETS NOMINATED.
Sheriff Defends Immigration Detention Policy (St. Petersburg, FL) -- Pinellas County's sheriff is trying to clarify a new policy that has illegal immigration advocates upset. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri answered questions last night in St. Petersburg at Allendale United Methodist Church. Many who showed up are upset that deputies are now holding illegal immigrants at the request of federal immigration agents. The "Tampa Bay Times" reports Gualtieri emphasized the policy only applies to those already in jail, but critics say those arrested for minor non-violent offenses could wind up being deported. WELL, THEY ARE ILLEGAL!
Zoo Theft Attempt Botched By Defensive Monkeys (Wellington) -- A pack of monkeys in New Zealand isn't allowing any thief take them away from their home at the Wellington Zoo. Zoo officials say an apparent attempt to steal squirrel monkeys failed when the primates fought back. Someone reportedly used box cutters to cut into the zoo enclosure. Several of the 12 monkeys living inside the enclosure had minor injuries on them leading zoo officials to believe they fought off the thieves.
Moose Wins Kick fight (Houston, AK) -- An Alaska man is recovering from a moose attack that officials say was his own fault. State troopers say the incident happened late last week when a man tried to cut through two moose that were on a trail. It didn't go very well and escalated when the man accidentally kicked the animal and it kicked back. Troopers also say it's not a good idea to kick moose. Moose sightings in South-central Alaska are on the rise and residents are being urged not to approach wildlife. FIRST IT’S MONKEYS AND THEN MOOSE? MAYBE IT’S TIME TO TRY ANOTHER LETTER…LIKE PUPPIES OR PUSSY CATS…
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2008, the International Olympic Committee ordered the relay teammates of disgraced sprinter Marion Jones to return the medals they won in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Jones was the first woman to claim five medals in an Olympics, but lost all five when she admitted to steroid use in late 2007. She was sentenced to six months in jail.
1998, British and Irish negotiators reached a landmark settlement in the Northern Ireland peace talks to end 30 years of bitter rivalries and bloody attacks in the region.
1970, Paul McCartney announced he was resigning from The Beatles. The move officially disbanded the lead group of the British Invasion.
1955, Dr. Jonas Salk successfully tested the Polio vaccine.
1912, the luxury ocean liner RMS Titanic set sail from Southhampton, England, on her ill-fated maiden voyage.
1849, Walter Hunt of New York City patented the safety pin. He immediately sold the patent rights for 100-dollars.