DeSantis, Crist To Debate Monday Evening
(Fort Pierce, FL)-- Governor Ron DeSantis and Congressman Charlie Crist are set to debate this evening. The Republican governor and the Democratic challenger will debate at 7 p.m. at the Sunrise Theater in Fort Pierce. DeSantis and Crist were originally scheduled to debate on October 12th but that was postponed because of damages from Hurricane Ian. The debate at 7 p.m. will air live on ten TV stations throughout the state.
Charlie Crist Dismisses Campaign Manager Over Arrest
(Miami, FL)-- Democratic governor candidate Charlie Crist has fired his campaign manager over a domestic violence charge. The Crist campaigned announced on Wednesday that Austin Durrer had resigned because of what was termed a family matter. But an announcement on Friday said Durrer was dismissed as soon as the campaign learned he'd been arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault in Dorchester County, Maryland. Durrer's firing comes less than three weeks before Election Day.
State Officials Hail Glowing Numbers In Latest Florida Economic Survey
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Florida's economy appears to be hitting on all cylinders. This, according to officials who report that Florida's unemployment rate dropped to two point five percent September, the second-lowest rate in the state's recorded history, and the lowest rate since October 2006. Meanwhile, Florida reportedly boasts the nation's second-fastest GDP growth with an annual rise of one point six percent in the second quarter of 2022. In addition, data show Florida's private-sector employment growing by 5.8 percent from September 2021 to September 2022 compared to the corresponding national figure of 4.4 percent.
Armed Burglar Arrested After Jumping In River To Avoid Capture
(Sanford, FL)-- An Orange County man is in custody after he jumped into a river in Seminole County to avoid capture. Apopka's Oscar Leonides, Jr. was wanted for armed burglary Saturday. Orange County deputies say they followed him into Seminole County where he stopped the car, got out and jumped into the St. Johns River. The 28-year-old was eventually found and taken into custody. Leonides is also facing drug charges.
Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Brevard County
(Titusville, FL)-- Those looking for hurricane relief in Brevard County should be aware of a change. A Disaster Recovery Center opened Friday in Titusville at the Cuyler Community Building on Harry T. Moore Ave. It was originally open from 8:00 to 7:00, but yesterday, FEMA announced the new hours would be 9:00 to 6:00. You can still find help online at DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA officials say over five thousand people have applied for assistance so far.
Pilot Uses Small Plane To Flee Cuba
(West Miami-Dade, FL) -- A Cuban pilot apparently used an old Russian-made, single engine plane to fly to freedom in Florida. The plane landed on Friday at a small airport in the Everglades. The pilot has been identified as someone from central Cuba. Customs and Border Protection and Miami-Dade Police officers rushed to the small airport. His family was questioned by police.
DeSantis Beats Trump In New Poll
(Undated) -- Republicans looking for a new leader may be turning to Florida. An ABC News/Ipsos poll released yesterday shows 74 percent of Republican voters want Governor Ron DeSantis to have a great or good deal of influence on the party's future. That's more than any other Republican, including Donald Trump. He got 64 percent support.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1963, the Beatles began their first tour outside Great Britain.
1962, the United States' blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis began.
1940, the 40-hour work week went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.