Florida Report Shows Increase In Hate Crimes
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A new report is showing an increase in hate crimes across Florida. Attorney General Ashley Moody released the latest statistics collected by the FDLE during the 2022 calendar year. It states that there was a more than one-hundred-percent uptick in anti-Jewish incidents between 2021 and last year. More than two-hundred hate crimes were reported statewide during the same time period. Moody says the Sunshine State stands against anti-Semitism and hate of any kind.
Ocala Police Reach Man Who Grabbed Shooting Suspect's Hat
(Ocala, FL) -- Ocala Police now have what they call a valuable piece of evidence in a deadly shooting. The OPD announced yesterday they have made contact with the man who grabbed a hat that belonged to the suspected Paddock Mall shooter. Investigators say the man gave them the hat and is cooperating. The hat may belong to Albert Shell, Jr. The 39-year-old is wanted for a shooting Saturday that killed a 40-year-old man and injured a woman. No arrest has been announced.
No Charges Filed Against Osceola County School Board Member Accused Of Stalking
(Orlando, FL) -- An Osceola County School Board member accused of stalking won't face charges. A resident last year accused Jon Arguello of harassment and unethical behavior, but Ninth District State Attorney Andrew McBain announced yesterday Arguello's actions were protected political speech. The complaint referred to comments Arguello made on social media and at school board meetings. McBain says while Arguello's disagreement with the resident may have been hostile, the state was unable to prove there was no legitimate political purpose for the speech. McBain adds the case is now officially closed.
Jax Beach Official Resigns
(Jacksonville Beach, FL)-- There will be an unexpected opening on the Jacksonville Beach City Council next year. Councilman Cory Nichols announced this week that he's resigning, effective Saturday. He spent five years on the council, including three as vice mayor. Nichols says his private business needs more of his time, and he's unhappy with a new rule that requires local elected officials to disclose income that exceeds a thousand dollars. The rule takes effect Monday, and Nichols calls it a direct attack on Home Rule. He adds, though, that the city is in an outstanding financial position with substantially improved transparency.
Deadly Helicopter Crash In Miami-Dade County
(Miami, FL) -- A man is dead after a helicopter crash in Miami-Dade County. It happened yesterday afternoon in the area of Southwest 184th Ave and Southwest 122nd Street. Police say the Hughes 369 helicopter crashed into a canal, but there's no word on a cause. Two people were onboard. A man was killed, and a woman was hurt but is expected to survive. The helicopter took off from Fort Myers, and the crash was just a files from Miami Executive Airport. The NTSB and FAA are investigating.
Three Hurt In Miami Shooting
(Miami, FL) -- Three men are hurt after a shooting in Miami. It happened yesterday morning in Overtown. Police say the three were in a store when one of the men, Jose Falu, got upset because the other two were wearing ski masks in front of his son. When Falu showed the other two he had a gun, they left, but Falu followed them and allegedly pointed a gun at one of them. According to the MPD, one of the men pulled out his own gun and shot Falu in the leg. Falu shot back and hit one of the men in the chest and the other in the leg. All three were taken to the hospital. There's no word on their conditions. Thirty-two-year-old Falu is facing charges that include attempted felony murder.
TODAY IN HISTORY
1949, 20th Century Fox announces its plans to produce TV programming.
1902, Hawaii and the U.S. become linked through the trans-Pacific cab