DeSantis Delivers SOS
(Tallahassee, FL) --Governor Ron DeSantis kicked off the regular legislative session with the State of the State address. He touted Florida's economy, saying it's number one in the nation. DeSantis said the state's unemployment rate has been lower than the national average for 50 straight months. The Governor also promised to help decrease auto and homeowner insurance.
2025 Legislative Session Opens
(Tallahassee, FL)-- The annual 60-day Florida legislative session is underway in Tallahassee. The governor has proposed a 115-point-six-billion-dollar state budget for the next fiscal year. It includes substantial pay raises for state law enforcement officers and firefighters. The session is due to end on May 2nd.
Sanford Police Chief Responds To Viral Video
(Sanford, FL) -- Sanford's police chief is promising a thorough review after seeing a viral video. Chief Cecil Smith posted a message on Facebook yesterday about a video recorded in June. The body cam video posted online shows two police officers responding to a gas station where a man was holding a woman at knifepoint in the bathroom. The video shows two officers waiting five minutes for backup before entering the bathroom even as they could hear the woman screaming for help. Even though the video was taken eight months ago, Chief Smith says he saw it for the first time on Sunday and wasn't even aware of it before that. He says an Administrative Investigation has been opened to review the officers' response on scene. Also, the two officers who waited for backup are now on administrative assignment. Smith promises the investigation will be thorough, and the outcome will be released publicly.
Protesters Rally Over Ukraine
(Tampa, FL) -- President Trump's decision to pause aid to Ukraine is not sitting well with some in Tampa Bay. A rally was held yesterday in downtown Tampa to protest the move. One woman worries Ukraine won't have a chance to defend itself without US aid. An 11-year-old boy from Ukraine was at the rally. He tells News Channel 8 his family wants their country to be free so they can go back home.
Man Arrested After Swallowing Stolen Jewelry
(Orlando, FL) -- A robbery suspect is in custody in Orange County after apparently swallowing the evidence. Jaythan Lawrence Gilder was arrested Friday after allegedly stealing two pair of earrings from the Tiffany and Company jewelry store at the Mall at Millenia. Orlando Police say he was able to leave the store, and he was caught later driving on I-10 in Washington County. FHP pulled him over, and troopers say during the traffic stop, Gilder swallowed several items. Once he was taken to jail, his stomach was scanned, and the scan revealed what police believe was the stolen jewelry, valued at almost 800-thousand dollars.
Texas Company Creates Woolly Mice
(Dallas, TX) -- A company that wants to bring back the extinct woolly mammoth and other animals has created woolly mice. The genetically modified mice have big wavy hair that's much longer than a normal mouse. Scientists with Texas-based Colossal Biosciences targeted specific genes to give the mice a woolly appearance. They looked at the woolly mammoth's closest living relative, the Asian elephant, for guidance.
Today in History
1989, Time Incorporated merged with Warner Communications Incorporated to form a world leading media and entertainment giant.
1770, the "Boston Massacre" took place. Five people were killed when British troops opened fire on a crowd of colonists.