Major Florida Citrus Grower To Refocus Business
(Fort Myers, FL) -- A major citrus grower is planning to redirect its Florida operations after more than a century. Alico Inc. says it will not put additional money into its citrus production after harvesting its current crops. The Fort Myers-based company broke the news earlier today, saying it will focus on more profitable uses for its land after fighting off a citrus disease and hurricane damages. Alico says it has been one of the Sunshine State's leading citrus producers for more than one-hundred years, but has seen a more than 70-percent drop in its operations over the last decade. Overall, Florida's citrus industry has seen a 90-percent decline in production over the last two decades.
Doctor Facing Child Porn Charges
(Tampa, FL) -- A St. Petersburg doctor is facing child sex charges. The US Justice Department announced yesterday that Stephen Andrew Leedy was arrested and indicted. He's accused of producing child sexual abuse material and coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. Prosecutors say they found ten victims around the country, including one who died over three years ago. Investigators say the 13-year-old hanged herself in a manner consistent with instructions Leedy gave her. The 59-year-old could get life in prison.
FIU Student Claims Alleged Threats Were A Joke
(Miami, FL) -- An FIU student is facing charges for what he claims was a joke. Ronaldo Hernandez-Padron talked yesterday about the charges filed against him last week. The 18-year-old allegedly made threatening comments on Instagram. In one comment, he wrote, 'bombing a house today. 'Hernandez-Padron is charged with making written threats to commit a mass shooting or terrorism. He said yesterday it was supposed to be a joke, but it got taken literally, and he's sorry. Hernandez-Padron also says he'll learn from this, and it won't happen again.
Blue Origin Announces Launch Date For New Glenn Mission
(Cape Canaveral, FL)-- Blue Origin is ready for a milestone launch. The company announced yesterday its New Glenn inaugural mission will happen no earlier than Friday, January 10th. It'll take place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. NG-One is Blue Origin's first National Security Space Launch certification flight. The company says it's key objective is to reach orbit safely. It also hopes to land the booster offshore in the Atlantic, but it says doing so on their first try is ambitious.
Boy Found In "Lion-Infested" Game Park In Zimbabwe After Five Days Missing
(Harare) -- A seven-year-old boy who went missing for five days in Southern Africa is safe after he was found in a "lion-infested" national park. According to a spokesperson from Zimbabwe Parks, a rescue mission with park rangers, police and the local community searched for the boy after he went missing from his village on December 27th.A member of parliament for a region that includes the national park called the rescue a "true miracle" on X. The child reportedly got lost and unknowingly walked in the direction of the dangerous game park.
Today in History
2023, Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected Speaker of the House on the 15th ballot. It was the most rounds of voting since 1860.
2021, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg blocked former President Donald Trump from the social media outlet along with its sister outlet Instagram until January 20th. It came after his other social media accounts were suspended after the storming of the Capitol by his supporters the day prior.
1789, the first presidential election was held. The people voted for electors who later selected George Washington as the first president and John Adams as vice president.