Laundrie, Petito Families Settle Lawsuit To Avoid Trial
(Sarasota, FL) --A legal dispute between Gabby Petito's and Brian Laundrie's families is over. The two sides announced yesterday they settled a civil lawsuit after what the Petito family calls a long day of mediation in Sarasota County. The Petitos also say their hope is to close this chapter of their lives so they can move on and continue to honor the legacy of their beautiful daughter. The lawyer for the Laundries says the terms of the resolution are confidential, and they look forward to putting this matter behind them. The Petitos sued the Laundries for intentional infliction of emotional distress. They accused the Laundries of refusing to tell them that Gabby was dead. Gabby was 22 when she died almost three years ago in Wyoming while on a cross-country trip with Brian. A few weeks later Brian committed suicide.
First School Zone Speed Cameras Installed In Florida
(Eustis, FL) -- Technology designed to crack down on reckless drivers near schools will be up and running for the first time in Florida today. The school zone speed enforcement cameras were installed near Eustis Elementary in Lake County earlier today. The equipment will capture people traveling over the speed limit, sending them a warning in the mail. Many cities and towns throughout the state are considering the program, but Eustis is the first to install the software. After 30 days, violators will start receiving one-hundred-dollar fines in the mail.
Polk County Sheriff Announces New Behavioral Health Treatment Program
(Bartow, FL) -- Inmates in Polk County could benefit from what the sheriff calls a new groundbreaking behavioral health treatment program. Sheriff Grady Judd announced yesterday the STARR program has launched in the county's jails. STARR stands for Substance Treatment Advocacy Recovery and Reentry, and it's already in place at the South County Jail. It's a new mental health alliance partnership between the county's health and human services division, the sheriff's office, Judd himself, and Tri-County Human Services, Inc. Judd says the program breaks down silos between mental health providers. He adds it'll provide inmates with concrete opportunities to improve their mental health, prevent future crime and prevent future victims.
Fight Between Lawmakers Caught On Video
(Riviera Beach, FL)-- Newly-released video shows two lawmakers in a physical confrontation in Palm Beach County. News Channel 5 yesterday released security footage from last month that shows the incident between Riviera Beach City Council members Tradrick McCoy and Douglas Lawson. The video shows McCoy poking Lawson in the face before Lawson responds. Witnesses tell News Channel 5 Lawson pushed McCoy into a corner, off camera, and held him by his shirt collar. Neither man wanted to press charges. Lawson tells News Channel 5 McCoy needs to get help addressing his anger issues.
Manatee County Names Road For Roberto Clemente
(Bradenton, FL)-- A baseball Hall of Famer will be immortalized in Manatee County. The county yesterday named a stretch of road in Bradenton for Roberto Clemente. Roberto Clemente Memorial Way is on 27th Street East at Pirate City between SR 64 and 38th Ave East. Clemente played outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have held spring training in Bradenton since 1969. Two of the late Clemente's kids were at the ceremony. Roberto, Jr. says his dad's dedication to excellence, compassion for others and unwavering commitment to serving his community and nation continue to inspire us all.
Anchorage Wins Plowing For Pizza Contest
(Anchorage, AK)-- Snow-covered roads shouldn't get in the way of hot pizza. That's the message from the world's largest pizza company, Domino's. It launched a new plowing promotion, and Anchorage is the winner of a 25-thousand-dollar grant -- thanks to several local residents who nominated their city. In exchange for the funds, Anchorage will share photos and videos of its operations, which will be featured on the "Plowing for Pizza" website.
Today in History
1991, President Bush and U.S. Gulf War allies gave Iraq 24 hours to begin withdrawing from Kuwait, or face a final all-out attack.
1980, the U.S. Olympic hockey team beat the heavily-favored Soviets, four-to-three, in what became known as "The Miracle On Ice." The U.S. squad went on to win the gold medal a few days later.
1935, it became illegal for airplanes to fly over the White House.