Lara Trump Considered Top Candidate To Replace Rubio
(Tallahassee, FL) --Lara Trump is stepping down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. Reports are that she's being considered to replace Florida Senator Marco Rubio who President-elect Donald Trump tapped for Secretary of State. Rubio's term ends in 2026. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced last month that he aims to have Rubio's replacement announced by early January.
Bartow Man Arrested for Killing Father, Shooting Mother
(Bartow, FL) --A 23-year-old Bartow man is in custody after allegedly killing his father and shooting his mother. Police identified the suspect as Joseph Voigt, who was arrested Sunday morning in Orlando after fleeing in the family car. Authorities found the father dead and the mother critically injured at a home on Highland Boulevard. Voigt faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He was recently released from jail after a prior arrest in October for discharging a firearm.
Deadly Fire Likely Caused By Space Heater
(Jacksonville, FL) --Investigators believe a deadly Jacksonville house fire may have been caused by a space heater. Jacksonville Fire Rescue responded to the home on Pipit Avenue around 8:15 Sunday morning. The man they found inside was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Fire officials are warning residents to only plug heaters directly into the wall and avoid extension cords.
Three Injured in Merritt Island Boat Parade Collision
(Merritt Island, FL) -- Three people were injured after two boats collided during the Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade. Witnesses say one boat was driven recklessly, causing a crash that sent someone overboard. Officials confirmed both boats were registered in the parade, though event organizers stated one driver was not part of this year's official lineup. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident.
Man Without Pants Breaks Into Home Holding Carpet Cleaner
(Winter Haven, FL) -- A pantsless man wielding a carpet cleaner is facing burglary charges. Austin Smith is accused of kicking in a door to get inside a Winter Haven home. Officials say Smith dropped the cleaner and ran from the house when confronted by a resident. Cops caught the 23-year-old a short distance away. Smith says methamphetamine made him do it.
Jacksonville Zoo Friday Night Holiday Lights Show Canceled Due To Escaped Warthog
(Jacksonville, FL) --An escaped warthog is to blame for cancelling a holiday light show at a Florida zoo. Officials at the Jacksonville Zoo say the warthog got loose from its enclosure during the "Colors of the Wild" holiday show. Visitors at the zoo were told to shelter in place and then were evacuated. The zoo was then closed for the evening as a precaution, and to make sure none of the visitors startled the warthog.
Today in History
1990, Lech Walesa won a landslide victory to become Poland's president.
1907, the United States Post Office offered Christmas Seals for the first time. Original contributions went to the fight against tuberculosis.
1793, "The American Minerva" was published for the first time. It became the first daily newspaper in New York City.