More Water Testing Underway in Cocoa Beach (Cocoa Beach, FL) -- Testing is underway to determine whether there are cancer-causing chemicals in Cocoa Beach's water. Earlier rounds of testing found two of those chemicals in the city's groundwater and wastewater, but none have been found in the drinking water. Florida Today reports samples were collected at 19 sites yesterday. There's no word on when the results will be in.
Ocala Police Officer Fired After DUI Arrest (Ocala, FL) -- A woman who was called a promising new police officer is now out of a job due to an off-duty incident in Marion County. Ocala Police officer Kaitlyn MacDonald was fired last week after her arrest for drunk driving.
The 21-year-old was off duty on Friday when she crashed into a telephone pole on Southwest Fifth Street. The police department says it has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drunk driving.
Sanders To Campaign With Gillum (Tampa, FL) -- Tallahassee's mayor says Friday will be a big day in his quest to become governor. Andrew Gillum announced yesterday that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders will campaign with him in Tampa.
Gillum is running for the Democratic nomination, and the primary is less than two weeks away. The campaign event will take place Friday morning before an afternoon event in Orlando.
Clearwater Votes To Add Strong-Mayor Referendum To Ballot (Clearwater, FL) -- Voters in Clearwater will get to make a major change to their government. The city council voted yesterday to ask voters this November if they want to adopt a strong-mayor form of government.
Tampa and St. Petersburg have a strong-mayor government, but Clearwater has used a council-manager government for over a hundred years. The Tampa Bay Times reports current Mayor George Cretekos [[crett-uh-cose]] was one of those who voted no.
"In God We Trust" To Be Displayed At Florida Schools (Undated) -- There is something new at Florida public schools this year. The words "In God We Trust" must be displayed somewhere on school grounds.
The requirement comes from a sweeping education bill passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Scott back in March.
Girl Scouts Announce New Cookie (New York, NY) -- The Girl Scouts will be selling a new cookie next year. Yesterday, they announced the Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie will be joining their 2019 line-up. It will be the second gluten-free option to be offered, joining the Toffee-tastic cookies.
The Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie will have caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a hint of sea salt combined to create a sweet and salty taste in a chewy cookie. There are now 12 different cookie options to choose from.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2007, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pled guilty on charges related to a betting scandal.
1993, Nolan Ryan earned his 324th and final major league victory as the Texas Rangers beat Cleveland four-to-one.
1969, The Woodstock Music and Arts Fair opened in upstate New York.
1948, CBS Television presented the first nightly news broadcast. Douglas Edwards was the anchorman.
1939, MGM's "The Wizard of Oz" opened at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
1914, the Panama Canal opened for traffic.
1911, Proctor and Gamble Company introduced Crisco shortening.