Uthmeier Calls For Change After Deadly Tractor Trailer Crash
(Tallahassee, FL)-- Florida is taking steps to make sure no illegal alien truck drivers enter the state. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced yesterday state police will ramp up inspections at state-entry points. They'll be looking for illegal aliens who may be operating large trucks using out-of-state driver's licenses. This comes after an illegal immigrant was arrested for a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County this month. Uthmeier says he also sent a letter to the US Department of Transportation urging them to take action against California and Washington for issuing a Commercial Driver's License to the suspect.
Protesters Try To Save Pulse Crosswalk
(Orlando, FL) -- A tribute to the Pulse shooting victims continues to be a source of friction in Orlando. A rainbow crosswalk was painted at an intersection near the site of the 2016 massacre, but it was painted over by FDOT this weekend. Those who want the mural back were at the scene yesterday protesting its removal. Some used chalk to draw their own mural at the intersection. Orlando Police and FHP troopers stood by and watched, but no arrests have been announced.
Seminole County To Paint Over Crosswalks
(Sanford, FL) -- Seminole County is complying with the state's order to repaint crosswalks. The county had over a dozen crosswalks painted green to promote bike and pedestrian safety near trails. FDOT, though, warned the county to paint over them by September 4th.Some have already been painted black to comply with FDOT's order. A county spokesperson says the others will be painted over by the end of the week.
St. Petersburg Ends Crosswalk Battle
(St. Petersburg, FL)-- St. Petersburg is giving up its effort to keep its rainbow street art. Mayor Ken Welch says the city tried to get an exemption but was unable to. The Florida Department of Transportation is demanding cities across the state remove "political ideologies" from the streets. Welch says the city will stop fighting the rule in order to keep millions in state and federal transportation funding. In addition to LGBTQ themes, the street art also includes a Black History Matters mural and a USF-themed crosswalk at the St. Pete campus.
Protest Held Over Crosswalk Order
(Wilton Manors, FL) -- An effort to erase crosswalks in Broward County is really about erasing human beings. That's what one man said yesterday in Wilton Manors. He and others were protesting the state's order to remove rainbow-colored crosswalks. Eric Swanson organized the protest march from Fort Lauderdale Beach to the Rainbow Bridge. He tells CBS News Miami rainbow-colored crosswalks signify a safe space where he can hold his husband's hand.
Stand Your Ground Hearing Begins For Officer Involved In Deadly Shootout
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- A judge will determine if a Miami-Dade Police officer involved in a deadly shooting can get immunity. Officer Jose Mateo was in court yesterday for a hearing. He was involved in the 2019 shootout with two robbery and kidnapping suspects in Broward County. The suspects were killed, but so were the UPS driver they kidnapped and an innocent bystander. Mateo is charged with manslaughter, but he's arguing the charge should be dropped because of the Stand Your Ground defense. He says he was trying to save lives. Prosecutors say Stand Your Ground doesn't apply when it comes to the deaths of the UPS driver and the bystander. The hearing is expected to last at least two more days.
Ocala Could Get National Park
(Ocala, FL) --Central Florida could be home to the newest national park. Congressman Randy Fine wants to turn the Ocala National Forest, along with Alexander, Juniper, and Silver Springs, into the Florida Springs National Park. He says the designation would drive tourism, increase environmental protection, and make federal funding available. The bill has been referred to the House's Natural Resources Committee.
Burbank Butt Sniffer Arrested Again
(Burbank, CA) -- The man accused of sniffing the rear ends of women in Southern California has been arrested once again. Records show 38-year-old Calese Crowder was arrested last week, following another alleged sniffing incident at a Walgreen's in Burbank. A woman and the store reported it to police, who arrested Crowder a few hours later. Crowder was previously arrested in July, after alleged sniffing incidents at a Nordstrom and a Walmart in Burbank. He has a history of similar arrests for lewd conduct in Burbank and Glendale, dating back to 2021. This time, he's been charged with a felony and is being held without bail.
Today in History
2024, Danny Jansen became the first player in Major League Baseball to play for both teams in the same game. Jansen was the starting catcher for the Boston Red Sox in their June 26th game against the Toronto Blue Jays, which was suspended due to weather. Jansen was traded to the Blue Jays and was playing for Toronto when the game was resumed.
1945, Japanese envoys boarded the U.S. battleship Missouri to receive surrender instructions at the end of World War Two.
1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified by U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby. The amendment granted and guaranteed women the right to vote.