SpaceX Makes First Successful Launch And Landing
(Boca Chica, TX) -- SpaceX has notched a big win in its belt by launching and then successfully landing its Starship prototype 15. It was the first successful launch and landing after three previous attempts ended in failure. Plans by SpaceX call for the Starship to eventually break free of Earth's gravity and fly to the moon and later, Mars. One of SpaceX's production facilities is located in Cocoa.
Governor DeSantis Wants Cruise Lines To Resume Sailing Again
(Tampa, FL) -- Governor Ron DeSantis has called on cruise lines to resume cruises again. The governor says he disagrees with the CDC's guidance on cruises. His ban on vaccine passports also counters CDC recommendations. Yesterday, the CDC said cruise lines can begin test cruises with volunteers, but that they can skip the tests if 98-percent of the crew and 95-percent of the passengers are vaccinated. But DeSantis has also banned vaccine passports, which includes cruise lines. Both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines say they're studying the latest CDC guidance before deciding whether to make vaccinations mandatory for their crew and guests.
State Lawmakers Set Up Special Session On Gambling This Month
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida lawmakers have paved the way for Governor Ron DeSantis to call for a special session later this month for a gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. House and Senate leaders issued a formal joint proclamation to bring back lawmakers to the state Capitol the week of May 17th. The 30-year gambling compact will allow sports betting in the state.
Universal Orlando Resort No Longer Doing Temperature Screenings
(Orlando, FL) -- Starting today, Universal Orlando Resort will no longer conduct temperature screenings at its theme parks. This comes after new guidance from the CDC. The theme park is also reducing its requirements for physical distancing, moving markers from six feet apart to three feet. Other COVID-19 protocols remain in place, including a mask mandate.
Disney World To Phase Out Temperature Checks Starting This Weekend
(Orlando, FL) -- Disney World cast members will no longer need temperature screenings starting May 8th. Then, beginning on May 16th, guests won't need their temperatures checked before entering the park, either. Previously, anyone with a 100.4 degree temperature or higher wasn't allowed in the park. Disney officials say the mask requirement will stay in place as anyone two or older must wear a face covering.
Hillsborough County To Extend Emergency COVID-19 Order, Not Mask Mandate
(Tampa, FL) -- The Hillsborough County Commission has voted to extend the local state of emergency but without its face mask mandate. Commissioners say this is because Governor Ron DeSantis suspended his local emergency order for COVID-19, which means mask mandates are no longer allowed. It marks the first time in more than a year that there will be no mask mandate in Hillsborough County. But commission members say businesses are still free to require masks and other safety measures themselves. Tampa is allowing its emergency order to expire because of DeSantis' decision.
Former Broward County Superintendent, School Board Attorney Negotiating Severance
(Broward County, FL) -- Severance negotiations are underway for former Broward County school officials. School board attorney Barbara Myrick and Superintendent Robert Runcie were indicted by a grand jury. They were allowed to resign from their roles. An agreement has been reached with Myrick and the School Board will vote on it today, but negotiations with Runcie will resume Monday.
Experts Say Don't Eat Rotten Meat Hoping To Get High
(Undated) -- Some people online are swearing by a new and arguably disgusting trend when it comes to experiencing artificial highs - eating rotten, raw meat. They call it "high meat." It refers to meat left untreated for months, or even years, until it becomes rancid and is said to produce feelings of euphoria. Health experts say they're not even sure if those feelings are real or if it's just a reaction to the colonies of bacteria entering your body or the delirium and dehydration of severe food poisoning which, understandably, is a real possibility. Their advice: Skip this internet trend.
Wine Aged On ISS Hitting Auction House
(Undated) -- Christie's auction house is giving someone the opportunity to purchase wine that's out of this world. They are auctioning off one of the 12 bottles of Petrus 2000 that spent over a year aging on the International Space Station. Wine researcher Jane Anson told BBC the bottle has a more "floral and smoky" flavor profile compared to a bottle left on earth. The auction house expects the wine will go for somewhere around a million dollars.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2004, the final episode of "Friends" aired on NBC, bringing the popular ten-year-old sitcom to an end.
1994, comedian Bobcat Goldthwait set a chair on fire during an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." He was later banned from the show.
1941, Joseph Stalin became premier of Russia.
1937, 36 people died when the German dirigible "Hindenburg" exploded at an airfield in Lakehurst, New Jersey.