DeSantis Signs School Voucher Bill In Miami
(Miami, FL) --Thanks to a bill signed into law in Miami, private school vouchers are now available for all Florida students.Governor Ron DeSantis yesterday signed HB One into law in a ceremony at Christopher Columbus High School. The bill allows all K-through-12 students, regardless of income, to get a taxpayer-funded voucher to attend private school. The law goes into effect July First. DeSantis says this cements Florida as number one in education freedom and education choice.
Volusia Sheriff Meets Man Who Threatened To Kill Him
(Sanford, FL) --The man accused of threatening to kill Volusia County's sheriff is now in a local jail. New Jersey's Richard Golden was extradited yesterday to Volusia County. The 38-year-old Golden was arrested three weeks ago for allegedly making online threats to kill Sheriff Mike Chitwood. When he arrived at Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Chitwood was waiting for him. Chitwood said to him, 'I hope you enjoy your stay,' and 'welcome to Florida.' Golden didn't respond.
Worrell Refutes Allegations From Osceola County Sheriff
(Orlando, FL) --A local prosecutor accuses the Osceola County sheriff of using selective facts to fit a narrative. Sheriff Marcos Lopez last week criticized Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell. Lopez claimed Worrell didn't prosecute any of the drug trafficking cases he presented to her last year. Worrell, though, said yesterday that isn't true. She says her office got 13 drug convictions and 36 are still awaiting trials. Worrell says her primary focus is prosecuting cases, and she'll stand before the community as many times as she needs to to push back on false narratives.
State Officials Find No Evidence Children Were Exposed To Genitals At Orlando Drag Show
(Tallahassee, FL) --Details are out on what children were exposed to at a drag show in Orlando. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation released a report yesterday on A Drag Queen Christmas. The DBPR found three underage children were at the December show at The Plaza Live, but they weren't exposed to any genitals. The kids, though, did see provocative outfits, acts simulating sexual activity and a performer swinging what appeared to be male genitalia. News 6 reports investigators found one performer unzipped his crotch, dropped what appeared to be meat onto the stage and threw pieces of it into the crowd.
Miami Beach Approves Changes For Future Spring Breaks
(Miami Beach, FL) --Miami Beach is sending what one official calls a bold resounding message around the world. The city commission voted yesterday to impose curfews, limit alcohol sales, and beef up security for Spring Break, starting next year. The vote came after two people were killed in shootings this month. City Commissioner Alex Fernandez tells CBS4 the message this sends is don't come to Miami Beach on the third weekend in March if you intend to cause chaos.
Trapped Manatee Freed In Brevard County
(Cocoa, FL) --Thanks to a team effort, a manatee stuck in Brevard County is free. The FWC, Brevard Zoo and SeaWorld freed the manatee last week after it was caught in a crab trap near Cocoa. The manatee was taken to the Jacksonville Zoo for treatment.
Disney To Begin Series Of Layoffs This Week
(Orlando, FL) --Disney will soon begin its plan to cut back on seven-thousand jobs across the company. CEO Bob Iger sent a letter to employees today saying the first of three waves will start this week. It's unclear how many workers in Florida will be impacted since the memo does not explain who will lose their jobs. Deadline was the first to report the information saying managers will notify the affected employees over the next four days. The next round of layoffs is expected to take place next month. The CEO stated the move is necessary for creating a more effective and streamlined approach to the business.
Former Tallahassee Principal Invited To Italy Following Resignation
(Tallahassee, FL)-- A former school principal in north Florida is getting a personal invitation to Italy. Principal of Tallahassee Classic School Hope Carrasquilla said last week she was told by the district to resign. It was in response to three complaints from parents who claimed a sixth grade lesson on several of Michelangelo's sculptures was inappropriate and pornographic. The mayor of Florence took to Twitter to personally invite the former principal to his city so he can give her recognition. He went on to say anyone who teaches art deserves respect.
Study Links Strong Friendships And Physical Well-Being
(Washington, DC)-- A study published Monday found a connection between having strong friendships and better physical health outcomes. Positive social interactions were found to decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and increase a person's ability to cope with stress. Negative interactions, however, had an even stronger adverse effect on the body. The study's author said it's these ups and downs that can have the strongest impact. One researcher stressed the importance of scheduling time with friends and providing mutual support in times of trouble.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs a harmful "Don't Say Gay" bill.
2017, US President Donald Trump signs Energy Independence executive order undoing Obama climate-control measures.
1996, Congress passed the line-item veto, giving the president the power to cut government spending by scrapping specific items.
1984, the Baltimore Colts moved to Indianapolis in the middle of the night.
1979, residents in and around Middletown, Pennsylvania, were evacuated following a nuclear meltdown inside the Unit Two reactor at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant.
1881, Barnum and Bailey formed their "Greatest Show On Earth."