Former Osceola Co. Sheriff Set For October Trial
(Osceola Co., FL) -- A trial date is set for former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez and his wife, Robin. It's scheduled for the week of October 20th. The couple will attend a pre-trail hearing on October 9th.They're charged in connection to an alleged 20-million-dollar racketeering scheme.
Florida CFO Met By Protests In St. Pete
(St. Petersburg, FL)-- Protesters are planning to make their presence known at St. Petersburg City Hall today. They were there yesterday to protest DOGE's audit of the city's finances. Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia [[ in-GO-lee-uh ]] was there to oversee the audit. He told the protesters they can talk as long and loud as they want, but he's hellbent on delivering property tax relief to the state. The audit team will be back at city hall today to finish their work. A report should be released in a couple months.
GOAA Cracking Down On Unpermitted Drivers
(Orlando, FL) -- A new report should be a warning for hired drivers going to Orlando International Airport. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has released numbers that show it's cracking down on hired drivers picking up passengers without a permit. About 3-hundred more notices of violation have been handed out this year compared to last year. Also, about 50 more people have been trespassed from MCO this year compared to 2024.The crackdown does not affect ride-share drivers who have a permit through their app. City Commissioner Jim Gray wants a similar law throughout the city.He tells Fox 35 this is also a problem at theme parks, concerts and sporting events.
Crane Falls On Home In Brevard County
(Merritt Island, FL)-- A house is completely destroyed after a construction accident in Brevard County. A crane fell onto a home yesterday in Merritt Island on Mackeral Ave. No one was hurt, but owner Jim Crane says the house is uninhabitable. The company that owns the crane says it toppled because it was on top of a water line they didn't know was there. Dozens of homes in the neighborhood lost water service and electricity. Crane and his wife have owned the home for over 40 years. Now, they're staying with friends and family. Crane tells WESH 2 he's grateful they have a place to lay their heads, but this is just devastating.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Part Of State Law Concerning School Library Books
(Orlando, FL) -- A judge's ruling could make it more difficult to remove books from school libraries in Florida. A federal judge yesterday struck down part of a state law that allows parents to request a book be removed for sexual content. Lawyer Dan Novack represents a publisher that was one of the plaintiffs, and he calls the judge's ruling a complete knockout. He says there wasn't a single issue the judge didn't side with the plaintiffs on. Novack also tells the Orlando Sentinel he expects the state will appeal the ruling.
Handyman Attacks Couple In Pinellas County
(Pinellas Park, FL)-- A couple is recovering from a violent home invasion in Pinellas County. Pinellas Park Police say Stephen Houpt [[ hoopt ]] attacked McKenzie Bray and fiance James Allen in their home on 72nd Way North on Tuesday. Houpt once worked for the couple as a handyman, and Allen says he showed up this week to rob them. Houpt allegedly forced his way in, beat Bray with a crowbar, tied her up, demanded money and then attacked Allen when Allen got home. Allen says he fought back, though, and he was able to detain Houpt while Bray called 911. Allen and Bray were taken to the hospital, treated and released. Houpt was also taken to the hospital, and he's in stable condition. Allen tells Fox 13 News the house is wrecked, there's blood everywhere and everything's damaged, but he and his fiance are fine, and that's what matters most.
Horned Rabbits Spotted In Northern Colorado
(Denver, CO) -- People in northern Colorado are reporting horned rabbits. Residents in some parts of the state have taken photos recently of wild rabbits that appear to have black horns and tentacles growing out of their heads. A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the horn-like growths are the result of a benign virus commonly referred to as SPV, which will sometimes affect rabbits in parts of the central U.S. during the summer months. They say there's no risk of the virus spreading to humans or other animals, though they recommend you avoid contact with horned rabbits.
Today in History
1945, President Harry S. Truman announced that Japan had surrendered to the Allies.
1935, the Social Security Act was signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.