National Hurricane Center Releases Idalia's Impact On Florida
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Floridians are learning the full scope of Hurricane Idalia's impact on the Gulf Coast last year. The National Hurricane Center released its findings over five months since the storm hit. The system rapidly strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane with winds of up to 132 miles-per-hour. It slightly weakened before making landfall near Keaton Beach in the Big Bend region, causing about three-point-six-billion dollars in damages. A dozen deaths were attributed to Idalia with eight of them caused by rip currents and rough seas. Idalia was the third largest hurricane to hit the Big Bend in the state's history.
Theft Suspect Accused Of Targeting Florida Home Improvement Stores
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A man is accused of running a retail theft scam across Florida. Attorney General Ashley Moody says Edrey Rojas targeted Lowe's and Home Depot stores in 15 counties throughout the state and the southeastern portion of the country over a seven-month period. During this time, Rojas reportedly used fraudulent barcodes to make returns on products to get a larger refund. Moody says he used this tactic nearly 80 times to steal more than 28-thousand dollars. He was already in custody in connection to an unrelated burglary case.
Train Hits Vehicle In Seminole County
(Sanford, FL) -- Luckily, there are no injuries to report after a train hit a car in Seminole County. It happened last night in Sanford at Monroe Road and Orange Boulevard between the DeBary and Sanford SunRail stations. Sanford Police say everyone in the car got out before the collision.
Orlando Rideshare Drivers May Go On Strike Today
(Orlando, FL) -- You may have trouble getting a Lyft or Uber today. Rideshare drivers across the country, including Orlando, are planning to go on strike this Valentine's Day. About a hundred drivers won't be making drop-offs or pickups at Orlando International Airport between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. DoorDash drivers may also take part. Members of a group called Justice for App Workers want more money and better working conditions. Drivers tell 10 Tampa Bay this is our living, and we have to do what we have to do to survive.
SpaceX Has Launch Planned For Today
(Cape Canaveral, FL)-- SpaceX has a launch planned for today. A Falcon 9 rocket is expected to blast off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 5:30 p.m. The launch is for a classified US Space Force mission. Meanwhile, a launch planned for this morning was scrubbed last night. The IM-One Moon lander is now set to launch tomorrow morning at 1:05.
SCOTUS Asked To Weigh In On State Sports Gambling Compact
(Washington, DC)-- The U.S. Supreme Court may weigh in on Florida's sports gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe. Two pari-mutuel companies asked the court last week to reject the deal that was agreed to in 2021. The companies say the deal violates the state constitution because it expanding gambling without being approved by voters. In their petition to the court, the companies' lawyers say the case holds massive importance for the future of online gaming across the country.
Inventor Of Pop-Tarts Dies
(Grand Rapids, MI)-- William "Bill" Post, the man often credited as the inventor of the Pop-Tart, has died. Post passed away at the age of 96 on Saturday. While a Keebler plant manager in the 1960s, Post was approached by Kellogg's executives and asked to create a breakfast food for a toaster. Early versions of the item were developed by Post and a team of co-workers, with the final product becoming what we know today as the Pop-Tart. Post continued to work for the company, retiring as a senior vice president before continuing as a consultant.
Today in History
2018, 17 people were killed and 17 more were injured in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
1929, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre took place in Chicago, Illinois. Noted gangster Al Capone and his gang killed seven members of a rival gang in a warehouse.
1899, the U.S. Congress approved the use of voting machines for federal elections.