Florida Lawmakers Release Proposals Ahead Of Special Session
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida lawmakers are laying out their plans ahead of next week's special legislative session. The state House and Senate released their proposals yesterday that would lift a cap on school vouchers to benefit students with disabilities. The change would be funded by more than three-hundred-million dollars set aside in the state budget to address school enrollment. Legislators are also expected to discuss placing additional state sanction on Iran and Hurricane Idalia assistance. The special session is scheduled to kick off on Monday.
OnePulse Foundation Won't Return Donations
(Orlando, FL) --Donors who want their money back from the onePulse Foundation may be out of luck. The organization raised millions to build a memorial and museum to the victims of the 2016 mass shooting but announced last week it won't build the museum after all. A spokesman said yesterday there was never a plan to return funds to individual donors, and the gifts have already been used appropriately. He tells WESH 2 News restricted gifts meant for a specific purpose have been used to match the donor's intent, and unrestricted gifts have been used for ongoing initiatives and general operations.
Ybor City Curfew Runs Into Opposition
(Tampa, FL) --A plan to impose a curfew in part of Tampa doesn't seem to be a popular one. Ybor City business owners and residents went before the city council yesterday after Councilmember Gwen Henderson proposed a 1:00 a.m. curfew for businesses. Her proposal came after a deadly shooting in the neighborhood last weekend. Dozens spoke against the plan. One business owner, though, told the city council it would be a gut punch, and a resident said the shooting was not the fault of the business owners. Henderson says she wasn't trying to punish businesses, and the goal was to eradicate an environment that promotes violence and ensure Ybor continues to thrive. The council could discuss the issue again next month.
Escambia County Superintendent Wants Bond Denied For Those Who Commit Violent Crime Near School
(Pensacola, FL) --The Escambia County superintendent hopes state lawmakers embrace his idea for punishing some violent offenders.Superintendent Keith Leonard is proposing that bond be denied for anyone charged with a shooting near a school.He tells WEAR News he takes the responsibility of protecting students seriously, and his proposed change would make it easier to do so.
"Booty Patrol" Driver Cited
(Arcadia, FL) --A Florida man is in trouble for driving a truck painted to look like a Border Patrol vehicle. There was one little difference as instead of "Border Patrol," the truck read "Booty Patrol." The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office posted photos of the truck online this week to warn about people impersonating authorities.The man, who wasn't identified, got off with a citation for using prohibited vehicle lights that resemble those used by law enforcement.
Florida Completes Its First Air Taxi Flight Test
(Tampa, FL) -- Florida is taking to the sky in its first-ever "air taxi" test flight. Officials say they conducted an urban air mobility trial at Tampa International Airport earlier this morning, marking the first at a large U.S. airport.It was in collaboration with German aircraft manufacturer Volocopter. The electric-powered aircraft is designed to take people and supplies to different places within city limits. The goal is to reduce road congestion, while lowering the aviation industry's carbon footprint.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1998, running on a Minnesota Reform Party ticket, former pro wrestler Jesse "The Body" Ventura defeated Democrat Hubert Humphrey III and Republican Norm Coleman to become Minnesota's new governor.
1992, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton won the presidential election, defeating President George Bush.
1964, President Lyndon Johnson defeated Republican challenger Barry Goldwater to return to the White House as president.
1911, the Chevrolet Motor Company was founded.