Former Domestic Violence Victim's Advocate Pleads Guilty To Fraud
(Tallahassee, FL)-- A Gulf County woman who once got millions from the state to help victims of domestic violence now admits she committed fraud. Port St. Joe's Tiffany Carr reached a deal yesterday in which she pled guilty to organized fraud and official misconduct. She was President and CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and she was responsible for passing out federal grant money to over 40 shelters in the state. Carr and CFO Patricia Duarte are accused of using millions of dollars for themselves. As part of her plea deal, she'll avoid prison time, but she'll get 10 years probation, pay a 260-thousand dollar fine and testify against Duarte.
Lawmakers Discuss Bills Banning Hair Discrimination
(Eatonville, FL)-- Some local lawmakers are behind an effort to address hair discrimination. A group called Black Girls Govern held a meeting in Eatonville yesterday to discuss the CROWN Act. CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The CROWN Act would ban discrimination at work or school against those with natural hairstyles, like Afros, braids or twists.Congressman Maxwell Frost, State Senator Lavon Bracy Davis and State Rep. Anna Eskamani attended the meeting to show their support for the CROWN Act. Frost says discrimination based on someone's hair is racism, and Bracy Davis tells WESH 2 the biggest misconception about hair discrimination is that it doesn't exist.
Ten Cars Damaged In Tampa Fire
(Tampa, FL) -- Ten cars are damaged after a fire in Tampa. A two-alarm fire started yesterday in the parking garage of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay hotel on Bayport Drive. Tampa Fire Rescue says the fire was contained to the second floor of the parking garage, and no one was hurt. The cars, though, sustained significant damage. There's no word on how the fire started.
Tallahassee Man Arrested For Discharging Weapon
(Tallahassee, FL)-- A Tallahassee man's way of celebrating the new year has him facing charges. Eddric Murray allegedly fired about 60 shots into the air New Year's Day on Gaile Ave.Tallahassee Police say he told them he was just celebrating the first. Murray is charged with discharging a firearm in public or on residential property and tampering with physical evidence.
Today in History
2001, the U.S. Congress formally certified George W. Bush the winner of the bitterly contested 2000 presidential election over Vice President Al Gore.
2000, angered by the U.S. government's decision to send Elian Gonzalez back to Cuba, demonstrators in Miami clashed with police. Hundreds blocked intersections and cut off access to the busy Port of Miami.
1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked and wounded in the knee following a practice session for the National Figure Skating Championships in Detroit, Michigan.
1973, "Schoolhouse Rock" debuted on ABC.