'Swatting' Incidents Reported Across Several Florida Counties
(Boca Raton, FL)-- Law enforcement agencies are investigating multiple cases of "swatting" at schools across several Florida counties. Authorities say first responders were called to at least seven counties yesterday in connection to apparent hoax calls referencing threats of violence. Classrooms in Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota were impacted. Police reported not finding anything suspicious following their searches.
Teen Shot In Brevard County
(Mims, FL) -- A teenager is hurt after a shooting in Brevard County. The sheriff's office says a 16-year-old boy was shot Monday night in Mims on Cypress Ave. He's in critical condition. No arrest has been announced, and there's no word on a motive.
Mail Carrier Charged With Drug Distribution
(Tampa, FL)-- A Manatee County woman is accused of using her job as a mail carrier to transport drugs. The Justice Department announced yesterday that Bradenton's Natasha Prieto and her boyfriend were indicted by a federal grand jury last week. Prosecutors say the 33-year-old worked with her boyfriend to deliver cocaine from Puerto Rico using addresses on her route. If convicted, they could each get 10 years in prison.
Closing Arguments Conclude In Nikolas Cruz Trial
(Fort Lauderdale, FL)-- Jurors today will start discussing if Nikolas Cruz will live or die.Closing arguments took place yesterday in his death penalty trial, and deliberations will begin this morning. Seven men and five women will be sequestered in what the judge calls a top secret location with no phone, TV or any electronics. They'll be allowed to read certain books, no legal thrillers, and two alcoholic drinks a day at their own expense. Prosecutors want jurors to sentence the 24-year-old to death, but Cruz' attorneys are asking jurors to show mercy and sentence him to life without parole.
Rental Car Employees Finds Toddler In Returned Car
(Daytona Beach, FL)-- A toddler is safe after being found in the back of a returned rental car in Daytona Beach. Volusia County deputies say Hertz employees at the city's airport found the girl in the locked car Monday. While in the shade, the car's temperature clocked in around 80-degrees.Authorities say 62-year-old David Towner was babysitting his granddaughter for the day when he left her in the car. He is cooperating with police, but is facing one count of child neglect.
Temporary Repairs Made To Sanibel Causeway
(Sanibel Island, FL)-- Another lifeline is open to those hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday that temporary repairs to the Sanibel Causeway have been completed. That allowed utility crews to access Sanibel Island and start restoring power to its seven thousand residents. Some of those still on the island cheered as 350 trucks made their way across the causeway. Prior to this, the only way to get to the island was by boat or plane. DeSantis says the causeway may not be open to civilian traffic, though, for another nine days.
St. Johns River Flooding Could Last A While
(Geneva, FL)-- Those who live near the St. Johns River may have to deal with flooding for a while longer. The National Weather Service says the river may not go down below flood stage until Thanksgiving. While water levels are declining, an NWS meteorologist says it's happening very slowly. He also recently told Fox 35 the Geneva area could see relief the earliest, but those in Astor, DeLand and Sanford may have to be more patient.
Crist Campaigns In South Florida
(Undated) -- For Charlie Crist, the race for governor is about freedom for women. That's what the Democratic nominee said yesterday during campaign stops in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. He met with voters in Fort Lauderdale and Little Havana. Crist said if elected he'll sign an executive order protecting a women's right to choose. The RealClearPolitics.com average has Governor Ron DeSantis leading Crist by almost eight points.
Hot Sauce Lawsuit Directed At North Carolina Company
(Winston-Salem, NC)-- A North Carolina-based hot sauce maker is facing a lawsuit over false advertising. USA Today reports Philip White of California is suing the manufacturer Texas Pete, saying he wouldn't have purchased it if he knew it was created in Winston-Salem. White's lawyers claim the company cheated its way to a market-leading position by tricking customers and wants them to change their branding. The hot sauce company's owner said decades ago that the name was connected to a nickname for one of his sons.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2019, California bans the sale and manufacture of new fur products. The law goes into effect in 2023.
2007, former Vice President Al Gore and a United Nations climate panel were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for raising awareness of the risks of climate change.
1933, Alcatraz Island became a federal maximum security prison.
1901, President Theodore Roosevelt renamed the Executive Mansion "The White House."