Shooting At Central Florida Town Center Not Random
(Orlando, FL) -- Authorities are providing more details on a Central Florida shooting that left two teenagers and a man injured. Orange County deputies gave an update yesterday saying they believe the drive-by incident in Waterford Lakes Town Center over the weekend was not a random attack. A 14-year-old girl, 15-year-old boy and 19-year-old man were behind the Orlando town center on Saturday night when shots were fired from a nearby car. Deputies say there was an argument between people outside the victims' group before the incident. One of the victims isn't cooperating, while the other two are offering limited information.
Nassau County Sergeant Arrested On Drug Charges
(Fernandina Beach, FL)-- The Nassau County sheriff is shocked by allegations made against an employee. Sergeant and DEA Task Force Agent James Hickox was in court yesterday to face drug charges. He was arrested Friday for possession of cocaine, MDMA, and fentanyl with the intent to sell. Sheriff Bill Leeper says he's disappointed, disgusted, and beyond angry. He also says Hickox let down his coworkers, his community, threw away his career and embarrassed his family. The 37-year-old Hickox has been with the sheriff's office for 17 years.
Pinellas County Deputy Recovering From Injuries In Shooting
(Clearwater, FL) --The outlook is good for a Pinellas County deputy hurt in a shootout with a suspect. Corporal Matthew Aitken had surgery yesterday after he was shot in the neck, hand and leg Sunday in Pinellas Park. The 40-year-old is expected to survive, and Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says Aitken is doing well. The suspect who shot him was identified as 23-year-old Zion Bostic. Aitken was pursuing him for car burglary when shots were exchanged on 60th Ave North. Gualtieri says Sergeant Jacob Viano shot and killed Bostic.
Body Of Missing Teen Found In Brevard County
(Melbourne Beach, FL) -- The search for a missing teenager is at a sad end in Brevard County. The sheriff's office announced yesterday that the body of Benjamin Pierre Gilles [[GILL-is]] was found yesterday morning in Melbourne Beach. The 18-year-old went missing Friday after he was apparently caught in a rip current in Indialantic. The Coast Guard called off the search Sunday.
Volusia County Child Rescued From Drowning
(Deleon Springs, FL)-- The outlook is good for a Volusia County child who almost drowned. The sheriff's office announced yesterday that a two-year-old girl was found unresponsive Sunday in a family pool in Deleon Springs. A family member found the girl, face down, and called 911 for help. A dispatcher gave CPR instructions over the phone until paramedics arrived and took over. The girl was then taken to a Fire Rescue crew and was soon responsive and crying. She was taken to the hospital in serious condition, but deputies said yesterday she's doing well and showing signs of making a full recovery.
Massive Seaweed Pile Heading Toward Florida's Gulf Coast
(Tampa, FL)-- One of the largest seaweed mounds in history is floating toward Florida's Gulf Coast. WFLA reports the five-thousand mile wide algae bloom can be spotted from space heading toward the state's coast. The Florida Department of Health says the brown seaweed washed up on beaches in large amounts to provide habitats for creatures like crabs, shrimp, and sea turtles. While positive for the environment, it can create a bad odor and cause skin rashes. This comes at a time when the Gulf Coast is already dealing with impacts of red tide.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1967, Michigan State University defensive lineman Bubba Smith became the first player chosen in the first combined draft of the NFL and the AFL. He was selected by the Baltimore Colts.
1923, President Warren G. Harding became the first president to pay taxes and account for his income.