Homes Evacuated In Brevard County Over Threat Of Explosives
(Cocoa, FL)-- A neighborhood in Brevard County should be back to normal after an incident that led to a visit from the bomb squad. A camper caught fire yesterday morning in Cocoa behind a home on McLeod Drive. Police say there was ammunition that ignited during the fire, and they were concerned about explosives in the yard outside the home. Neighbors were evacuated, and the bomb squad was called in. The scene was secured, and neighbors were allowed to return to their homes yesterday afternoon. No injuries were reported.
Proposed Legislation Would Provide Florida Toll Discount
(Miami, FL) -- Newly proposed legislation could help Florida drivers save on their commute. Governor Ron DeSantis was in Miami yesterday to explain a long-term plan to bring additional toll relief. Under the measure, residents would get a 50-percent discount on all tolls in the state for a full year. This would save the average person more than five-hundred dollars a year. If lawmakers approve the law, it would take effect next July.
Rebekah Jones' Trial Date Set
(Tallahassee, FL)-- A congressional candidate facing criminal charges won't go on trial until after November's election. A judge on Tuesday set Rebekah Jones' trial date for January 23rd. The former Florida Department of Health employee was arrested last year for allegedly accessing a DOH computer illegally. She's now running for Congress as a Democrat against District One Republican incumbent Matt Gaetz.
Video Of Arrest In Volusia County Gets Millions Of Views
(DeLand, FL)-- The Volusia County Sheriff's Office is trying to paint a fuller picture of an incident that went viral on social media. A video posted on Tuesday to TikTok shows a black man running down a street in Deltona while a white deputy chases him. The video got about four million views. The sheriff's office then released body cam video to provide more context. Deputy Caleb Jones was chasing 42-year-old Cleveland Rahymes, Jr. on foot after Rahymes fled from a traffic stop. Rahymes was wanted for drug trafficking. Rahymes stopped running after about a quarter-mile, and Jones caught up to him and made the arrest. Jones tells Fox 35 he was pretty tired, and maybe he needs to work out a little bit more.
Woman Arrested For Beating Senior Citizen With Baseball Bat
(Miami, FL)-- A woman who claimed she was attacked with a baseball bat in Miami-Dade County is now the one facing charges. Hialeah Police on Tuesday arrested Tupac Amaru Shakur for aggravated battery on a person over 65. She allegedly walked up to a man sitting on a bench on East 25th Street and started hitting him with the bat. He was able to grab the bat, and Shakur ran into Hialeah Hospital. She claimed the man attacked her, but investigators say they found surveillance video that shows otherwise. There's no word on a motive.
Teen Wanted For Stealing Car That Had Kids Inside
(Gulfport, FL)-- A search is underway to find a teenager wanted for kidnapping in Pinellas County. Gulfport Police said yesterday that 18-year-old David Elam stole a car two weeks ago that had two children inside. The 14-year-old and ten-year-old were found safe a short time later, but there has been no sign of Elam. Police say his parents are not cooperating. He's facing charges of grand theft, kidnapping and child abuse.
Condo Association President Arrested For Voyeurism
(Palm Coast, FL)-- The head of a Flagler County condo board is facing charges for what the sheriff calls a disgusting invasion of privacy. Robert Orr turned himself in on Tuesday to face four counts of video voyeurism. Investigators say the 59-year-old installed a USB camera in a flower pot in a bedroom at Las Brisas Condos in Matanzas Shores. A woman staying at the condo noticed the camera while packing up to leave last week and called the sheriff's office. Sheriff Rick Staly says several spy cameras and recording devices were found in Orr's home, and there could be more victims. Orr has since resigned as president of the Las Brisas Homeowners Association.
Robotic Dogs Providing Comfort At St. Pete Senior Center
(St. Petersburg, FL)-- Residents at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay are using robotic dogs to keep them company. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs passed out the dogs when the pandemic started, but the dogs became so popular, they're still around. One resident says even though his dog is a robot, it's still a companion. Another calls hers the perfect pet because she never has to walk it, feed it or take it to the vet. The center's community life director says the robotic dogs have grown exponentially in popularity. She recently told ABC Action News these dogs have allowed residents to foster a connection, and that's one of her biggest responsibilities.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2004, President Bush surveyed the devastation left in Florida by Hurricane Frances.
1998, Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals broke major league baseball's record for home runs in a single season, hitting number 62 off Chicago Cubs pitcher Steve Trachsel.
1987, during an interview on ABC's "Nightline," former presidential candidate Gary Hart admitted to cheating on his wife. The declaration ended his bid for the White House.
1985, Cincinnati Red Pete Rose tied Ty Cobb's career record for hits, with a single for number 4191.
1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned former President Richard Nixon for any crimes he may have committed or participated in while in office. Ford explained his action as an attempt to end national divisions created by the Watergate break-in.
1966, "Star Trek" debuted on NBC. The first season consisted of 29 episodes, and featured William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Spock, and DeForest Kelley as Leonard McCoy.
1504, Michelangelo's marble statue of David was unveiled in Florence, Italy.