Deadly Hit & Run In Brevard County
(Melbourne Beach, FL) -- An Ohio man is dead after a hit-and-run in Brevard County. It happened yesterday morning in Melbourne Beach at SR A-One-A and Harmony Place. FHP says Melbourne's Kevin Percell hit the bicyclist with his work truck and fled the scene. The 57-year-old victim was taken to the hospital where he passed away. The 32-year-old Percell was arrested, and he's charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
Jacksonville Man Arrested At DeSantis Press Conference
(Jacksonville, FL) - A Jacksonville civil rights activist is facing charges after he was arrested at the governor's press conference. Northside Coalition founder Ben Frazier was charged with misdemeanor trespassing yesterday when he disrupted the press conference and refused to leave. Frazier accused DeSantis of being Missing In Action when it comes to COVID. During the press conference, DeSantis announced a monoclonal antibody treatment site will open in Jacksonville once the state receives more doses.
Ladapo Urges Asymptomatic People To Forego COVID Testing
(Naples, FL) - Some Florida residents are being asked to refrain from getting a COVID test. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo [[LAD-uh-po]] said yesterday in Naples that too many asymptomatic people are getting tested, and that's causing a backlog at testing sites around the state. He says if you don't have symptoms, you are not a case, and he'd rather focus on high-value testing on those most at risk, like the elderly. Ladapo adds that we need to de-normalize the idea that you can't go anywhere unless you get tested.
SFL Lawmakers Support Proposed New Retail Theft Law
(Hialeah, FL) - Some South Florida lawmakers support a new proposal to stop smash-and-grab robberies. Attorney General Ashley Moody was in Hialeah yesterday to announce enhanced charges for those involved in organized retail theft. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said what we're seeing in state after state is the rule of law breaking down. Hialeah Mayor Steve Bovo says these kinds of crimes have not been a big issue yet, but we need to make sure we blunt it before it takes root. The plan calls for more serious charges if a suspect takes at least ten items at two or more businesses within 30 days. Moody says Florida will never become California.
Cruise Ship Returning To Miami Due To COVID Spread
(Miami, FL) - COVID is disrupting the plans of some cruise ship passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line said yesterday that the Norwegian Pearl will return to Port Miami as soon as today because of several breakthrough infections among staff. The announcement came just a day into the 11-day voyage through the Panama Canal. Norwegian also announced another cruise set to leave Miami today is canceled.
Report: Florida Cities Tops In 2022 Housing Market
(Tampa, FL) -- Three Florida cities have made the top ten list for 2022's hottest housing markets. Zillow released its rankings for the top markets in the United States, and Tampa is number one. Zillow chose Tampa because of its relative affordability and high job growth. Jacksonville came in at number two on the list, followed by Orlando at number nine.
NH Dog Rescues Owner In Car Wreck
(Lananon, NH) -- A dog in New Hampshire is being called a hero after saving its owner from a car crash. The German Shepherd named Tinsley actually saved two lives January 3rd. New Hampshire police say they were alerted about a loose dog on Interstate 89. When they approached Tinsley, she led them into Vermont on the interstate to her badly injured owner, as well as the other car's injured occupant. Once on the scene, police were able to immediately bring in medical assistance, all thanks to Tinsley's quick actions and devotion to her owner.
Missing Hikers Found After Writing 'SOS' In Snow
(Eugene, OR) -- A pair of missing hikers are being rescued from the Oregon back country after writing 'SOS' in the snow. The two 19-year-old hikers were reported missing near Swastika Mountain outside of Eugene. The pair had gone camping around Christmas day but failed to return. The Lane County Sheriff's Office began a ground search on December 31st. The aircrew eventually located the teens near their vehicle and hoisted them to safety. Both were unharmed. Law enforcement recommends hikers carry personal locater beacons when traveling in the back country.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2020, a Chinese professor published a SARS-CoV-2 genome map. This allowed officials across the world to identify COVID-19.
1993, slugger Reggie Jackson was elected into the baseball Hall of Fame.
1940, the first transmission on the FM radio with a static-free signal was heard by the FCC.
1925, Nellie Taylor Ross took office as Governor of Wyoming. She was the first female Governor in the United States.