Florida Pressuring Congress In Order To Support Citrus Growers
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida is working with other states to pressure Congress into supporting additional relief for citrus growers impacted by recent hurricanes. State Citrus Commission Chairman Steve Johnson is calling on the legislature to pass agricultural disaster assistance in the wake of Helene and Milton. During yesterday's commission meeting, Johnson explained how he has met with farmers from North Carolina and Georgia to help press lawmakers. In the Sunshine State, farmers and ranchers are expected to experience a loss of at least one-point-five-billion dollars in response to Milton, with the citrus industry feeling about 20-percent of the financial impact.
DeSantis Administration Battles Abortion Rights Ad
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Governor Ron DeSantis' administration is challenging a TV ad supporting a ballot measure to protect abortion rights. The state argues the ad spreads false claims about Florida's abortion law, which includes life-saving exceptions. A federal judge has temporarily blocked state actions against stations airing the ad, with a hearing scheduled for today.
Two Men Arrested in Indian River County Illegal Arcade Raids
(Indian River County, FL) -- Two men have been arrested on racketeering charges following raids on two illegal arcades in Indian River County. Deputies seized gambling machines from a location on 27th Avenue and the Panda Arcade in Vero Beach. Jing Yang and Jinquan Lin, both 35, are being held on a one-million-dollar bond. The sheriff's office has closed both establishments, and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Man Killed By Deputies, Wife Found Dead In Polk Co
(Polk Co., FL)-- A man and his wife are dead following an officer involved shooting and standoff in Polk County. Authorities say deputies received a call yesterday from a man who said his brother, Adayn Rodriguez, was going to kill himself and his wife. Deputies responded to a home in the two-thousand block of Slocumb Road in unincorporated Haines City. Rodriguez came out onto the second-floor balcony and pointed a gun at the deputies multiple times. One deputy then shot Rodriguez, who ran back into the house, where deputies shot him several more times, killing him. His wife, Karla Rodriguez, was also dead in the home. The incident is under investigation.
Florida CFO Warns of Fraud After Hurricane Milton
(Acreage, FL) -- Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis is warning homeowners about fraud following Hurricane Milton. He cautioned against signing over insurance claims to shady contractors or adjusters and announced a new program, "Check My Contract," offering free reviews to help prevent scams. Patronis' office has been canvassing neighborhoods to raise awareness and advises homeowners not to sign anything hastily. Homeowners have 30 days to cancel bad contracts signed post-storm.
NASA Astronauts Undock From ISS
(Undated) -- Four astronauts are on their way back to Earth after undocking from the International Space Station. Three Americans and one Russian were scheduled to return over two weeks ago, but had to wait out weather delays caused by Hurricane Milton. The returning astronauts include NASA's Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps. They've spent over 200 days on the ISS. The Space X Dragon capsule is scheduled to splash down early Friday morning off the coast of Florida.
Rockledge Man Accused Of Killing His Dog Over His Power Not Being Restored
(Rockledge, FL) -- A Rockledge man accused of killing his dog because he was mad that his power wasn't restored after Hurricane Milton is now facing charges. Sheriff Wayne Ivey said during a news conference yesterday, that 72-year-old John Burgos was angry that Florida Power and Light hadn't restored his power and he allegedly began shooting inside of his home on October fourth. His dog was hit in the gunfire. A neighbor called police and the dog was taken to an animal hospital, where he later died. Ivey also said that Burgos was allegedly drunk at the time of the incident. He's facing several charges, including animal cruelty and use of a firearm under the influence of alcohol. Burgos is jailed without bond.
Today in History
1962, the United States' blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis began.
1940, the 40-hour work week went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.