Warnings Issued For Central Florida
(Melbourne, FL)-- Central Florida is bracing for what's expected to be a major hurricane. The National Weather Service has issued Tropical Storm warnings for the area. The affected counties are Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Brevard and Volusia. Tropical Storm Helene [[ huh-LEEN ]] is expected to strengthen into a hurricane early today and emerge into the southeast Gulf through this afternoon. The NWS is forecasting up to four inches of rain, but six is possible in some areas. Tornadoes are possible tonight through tomorrow, and beach erosion is expected along the coast. The NWS warns this will be a very large storm with impacts far from the center, and 'do not let your guard down.'
Florida CFO Shares Storm Recovery Resources
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida's chief financial officer is reminding residents about recovery resources to take advantage of before and after a storm hits. Jimmy Patronis says the PrepareFL website has emergency checklists, flood claim information, and a natural disaster guide. He says anyone who is covered under the National Flood Insurance Program should be prepared to document potential damage in order to get assistance quickly.
NASA Postpones Launch Due To Helene
(Cape Canaveral, FL)-- Helene [[ huh-LEEN ]] is disrupting plans on the Space Coast. NASA announced yesterday it's postponing tomorrow's joint SpaceX launch of the Crew 9 mission. The new launch time is Saturday at 1:17 p.m. at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut will board a Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station.
Judge Sides With Disney In Dispute With Orange County
(Orlando, FL) -- A legal fight with Disney could be costly for Orange County. A judge on Monday ruled that Disney was overcharged for the taxes it paid in 2015 and '16 at its Yacht and Beach Club near Epcot. County Tax Collector Scott Randolph says Orange County Public Schools may have to pay back at least two million dollars. He warns, though, the amount could grow to as much as 80 million dollars if the ruling covers all of Disney's other resorts, too. Randolph also tells the Orlando Sentinel other hotels could follow Disney's lead and sue over their tax bills, as well.
Woman Rescued After Car Left Dangling Off Parking Garage
(Coral Gables, FL)-- A woman in Coral Gables is lucky to be alive after her car was left dangling off of the fourth floor of a parking garage Monday morning. According to WSVN-TV, the driver apparently went over the edge after hitting the gas instead of the brake, sending her through the barrier. A first responder was lowered to the car, the victim was placed on a stretcher, and then she was pulled to safety.
Today in History
1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as the first female justice on the Supreme Court.
1974, scientists say the use of aerosol sprays will harm ozone, thus leading to global weather changes.
1789, the first U.S. Congress adopted 12 amendments to the Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. Ten of the 12 were approved and became the Bill of Rights.
1690, "Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestic" became the first newspaper to be published in America. Authorities considered the paper offensive and ordered publisher Benjamin Harris to stop publishing.