Florida Files New Push Against Congressional Redistricting Challenge
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The state of Florida is taking new action in a legal battle over its congressional redistricting plan. Officials are asking the Florida Supreme Court to not take up a challenge to the constitutionality of the maps that were approved last year. The filing by state attorneys late last week also mentions the start of the legislative session next week. Voting rights groups are accusing the state's plan of preventing minority voters from electing representatives of their choice. They want a decision by March, so lawmakers will have time to make potential adjustments before the 2024 elections. Another challenge to the maps is underway in federal court.
Osceola County Deputies Won't Be Charged In Deadly Shooting
(Kissimmee, FL)-- Two deputies won't face charges for a deadly shooting in Osceola County. State Attorney Andrew Bain announced yesterday he made the decision after a grand jury did not support charging the deputies. They were involved in a shooting in Kissimmee in April 2022 where one man was killed and two others were hurt. The deputies were investigating a robbery at a Target, and they used their cars to block the three men. Jayden Baez tried to drive away and wound up crashing into several of the deputies' cars. Two deputies fired their weapons several times and hit the men. The 21-year-old Baez was killed.
Car Found In Pond Linked To Missing Woman
(Orlando, FL) -- It looks like the case of a missing Orlando woman is at a sad end. Police said yesterday that a car found in a retention pond on Sunday is linked to Sandra Lee Lemire. She was 47 when she went missing over 11 years ago after leaving a restaurant in Kissimmee. Remains were found in the car. Police have not identified the remains, but family members say they believe it's her.
Police Officer Shot In Broward County
(Fort Lauderdale, FL)-- A police officer is hurt after a shooting in Broward County. It happened yesterday afternoon in Fort Lauderdale on Northwest 22nd Ave. Police say a Sunrise Police officer was shot in the leg during an investigation at a park-and-ride station. A suspect was also shot. Both were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition. Sunrise Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Romuliss Hicks. He was wanted for carjacking and the attempted murder of his girlfriend last week.
Florida GOP Chair Being Investigated For Video Voyeurism
(Sarasota, FL)-- One of Florida's top Republicans is facing more disturbing accusations. Sarasota Police are investigating Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler for video voyeurism. He's already under investigation for rape, and both accusations are from the same woman for the same sexual encounter. She claims Ziegler raped her and recorded her without her consent. No charges have been filed, and Ziegler maintains his innocence.
Mall Store Owners Upset Over Damage Caused By Ocala Police
(Ocala, FL) -- Some business owners are upset with some of the steps police took after a shooting in Marion County. There was a deadly shooting last month in Ocala at the Paddock Mall, and the SWAT team apparently cut holes into the gates at some of the stores to get inside. That left the store's owners with large repair bills, and they want the OPD to pay. One business owner says it's just destruction of private property, and he wishes police had taken a more measured approach that day. Ocala Police tell Fox 35 they understand the frustration of the business owners, and they're looking into the matter
Brevard County Opens New Veterans Facility
(Palm Bay, FL)-- There's a new resource for veterans in Brevard County. The Veterans Services Office opened yesterday in Palm Bay at city hall on Malabar Road. The center can answer questions about benefits, finding work or healthcare. You can get more info at PalmBayFlorida.org.
Pinellas County Woman Credits Dog For Saving Son's Life In Fire
(Safety Harbor, FL)-- A Pinellas County woman credits her dog for possibly saving her son's life. Nicole Evans' 17-year-old son, Griffin, was alone and asleep in their Safety Harbor home Sunday when the house caught fire. Nicole says Griffin didn't wake up until the dog barked and bit him. The two got out OK, and Griffin Facetimed his mom to let her know what happened. Nicole tells 10 Tampa Bay if it wasn't for the dog, she doesn't know what would have happened. There's no word on what caused the fire.
Gender-Neutral Toy Aisles Are Now Required In California
(Sacramento, CA) -- By law, major retailers in California are now required to have gender-neutral toy aisles. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law back in 2021. A major retailer is defined as having at least five-hundred employees. Violations bring a two-hundred-50 dollar fine for the first offense and up to five hundred dollars for each subsequent infraction.
Today in History
1987, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1977, the technology company Apple was incorporated.
1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the Union.
1888, the drinking straw was patented by Marvin C. Stone of Washington D.C.