Lawyer: Teen Accused Of Beating Florida School Worker 'Not Mentally Competent'
(Flagler County, FL) -- The lawyer for a teenager accused of assaulting a teacher's aide last month at a Flagler County high school claims his client is "not mentally competent to stand trial." Cell phone video taken at the scene February 21st reportedly shows the 17-year-old suspect knocking the school employee off her feet before repeatedly striking her while both were on the floor. Authorities say the victim had confiscated the suspect's gaming device before the attack occurred. The suspect, whose identity has not been released due to his age, remains in custody on a first-degree felony charge. Bond was set at one million dollars.
Rare Infection Blamed For Death Of Southwest Florida Resident
(Punta Gorda, FL)-- A southwest Florida resident is dead after they were infected with what doctors say was an extremely rare, brain-eating amoeba. State health made the announcement yesterday that the deadly infection might have been prompted by the victim's use of ordinary tap water as a sinus rinse, which can lead to a dangerous infection from a single-celled organism that lives in soil or freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. Health officials say only about three people get the infection - which is typically fatal - in the U.S. each year.
Teen Shot In Brevard County
(Rockledge, FL)-- A teenager is hurt after a shooting in Brevard County. Rockledge Police say a 15-year-old boy was shot yesterday morning at the Hammock Harbor Apartments. He was airlifted to the hospital, but there's no word on his condition. Police arrested the boy's 35-year-old guardian. Chanel Williams is facing charges that include child neglect with great bodily harm, but she's not charged in the actual shooting. She's due in court today.
Deadly Shooting In Brevard County
(Cocoa, FL)-- A man is dead after a shooting in Brevard County. It happened yesterday afternoon near Cocoa on Fern Street in the Sunshine Mobile Home Park. The sheriff's office says the victim was taken to the hospital where he passed away. He has not been identified. No arrest has been announced, and there's no word on a motive.
St. Pete Man Rescued After 8 Hours In Gulf
(St. Petersburg, FL)-- A man seems to be OK after spending about eight hours in the Gulf waiting for help. The Coast Guard says a crew from St. Petersburg found the 22-year-old in the water Saturday morning near Egmont Key. He had apparently been dragged by a barge. He was taken to the hospital but was alert and conscious. The Coast Guard says he's in stable condition.
Engine Catches Fire On Flight To Broward County
(Fort Lauderdale, FL)-- A bird strike is believed to be the cause of a scary incident on a flight to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. A Southwest Airlines flight out of Cuba had to return to Havana yesterday after an engine caught fire. The airline says birds hit the engine shortly after takeoff. The cabin filled with smoke as oxygen masks dropped from their overhead compartments. One passenger, though, says some masks weren't dropping down, and passengers were punching the roof to eject the masks. He also tells NBC 6 he was terrified and thought he might not make it.
Florida Woman Pitches 'Sugar Daddy Appreciation Day' At Boca Raton Board Meeting
(Boca Raton, FL)-- If a Florida woman has her way, March 10th will someday be observed as national "Sugar Daddy/Mommy Appreciation Day." In a video no doubt posted to YouTube, the young woman identifying herself as 'Ashley Cream' informed attendees at a local board meeting that Boca Raton is home to the "largest per-capita population of sugar daddies in the U.S." Ms. Cream, who was accompanied by an unidentified elderly man, went on to point out that Sugar Daddy/Mommy Appreciation Day would "honor those who have given so much to help support the local economy." She noted that these noble citizens are "responsible for college educations, cars, homes, vans, jets and the occasional body enhancement."
NPS: Don't "Push A Slower Friend Down" When Seeing A Bear
(Washington, DC)-- The National Park Service is using humor to remind everyone about bear safety. The agency tweeted last week to "never push a slower friend down" if you encounter a bear in the wild, "even if you feel the friendship has run its course." NPS then jumped into more serious safety tips for national park visitors. This comes as spring approaches and bears become more active. However, some Twitter users seemed more interested in the agency's friendship advice. One even asked what to do in case they happen to be the slower friend. The NPS replied, "check in on the friendship" before heading into the woods.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1992, the computer virus known as "Michelangelo" hit thousands of personal computers around the world.
1857, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in the Dred Scott case. The court ruled black Americans were not full citizens. The case came about when an escaped slave filed a lawsuit to have himself declared free.
1836, Mexican General Santa Anna and his army captured the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, after a 13-day battle. Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were among the 187 U.S. soldiers killed during the siege.