Miami PD Officer Suspended After Claiming To Be Black
(Miami, FL) -- The head of a black police union believes the suspension of a controversial Miami officer is a step in the right direction. That's what Miami Community Police Benevolent Association President Stanley Jean-Poix said yesterday about Javier Ortiz, who was suspended with pay. The suspension came after Ortiz, who once claimed to be a white Hispanic, told the city commission last week that he's a black non-Hispanic. Jean-Poix tells 7News he's glad to see Ortiz suspended, but he would like to see Ortiz terminated.
Teen Arrested For Threatening Tweets
(Hialeah, FL) -- A Miami-Dade County teenager is facing charges for some disturbing tweets. Hialeah's Lazaro Lesteiro-Diaz was arrested this week for allegedly threatening to kill homosexuals, blacks and other minorities. Police say the 19-year-old is a threat to public safety. Lesteiro-Diaz, though, told a judge yesterday he doesn't own any weapons.
Arrest Warrant Issued For Wide Receiver Antonio Brown
(Hollywood, FL) -- A warrant is out in Broward County for the arrest of Antonio Brown. Hollywood Police issued the warrant yesterday for an alleged altercation this week involving the former NFL star and a moving company truck driver. Brown's trainer was arrested in the incident at Brown's home in The Oaks Gated Community. TMZ reports the warrant warns officers to use caution when approaching Brown because he's "known for being confrontational when dealing with police."
Space Pioneer Passes Away
(Melbourne, FL) -- Family and friends are mourning the loss of a space program pioneer. Brevard County's Julius Montgomery passed away yesterday in Melbourne at the age of 90. The Florida Tech alum was one of the first African-Americans to work in the space program when he moved to the area in the 1950s. He also served as president of the local NAACP chapter, was vice mayor of Melbourne, and his brother tells Florida Today there was nothing Julius couldn't do.
Teen Hurt In Fall Out Of Car Window
(Orlando, FL) -- A teenager is hurt after an unusual incident in Orange County. FHP says the 14-year-old girl fell out of the window of a moving car last night after it apparently hit a curb on Rain Forest Drive. She's in critical condition. No charges have been announced, and no other injuries were reported.
SeaWorld Shows Off New Coaster
(Orlando, FL) -- Progress is being made on a one-of-a-kind roller coaster. SeaWorld Orlando hosted a media tour this week of its Ice Breaker coaster, which is still under construction. A park official says the coaster will feature the steepest drop of any ride in the state, and it will have a top speed of 52 miles an hour. The ride is expected to open in the spring.
Falling Iguanas Lead to Lizard Meat Sale In Florida
(Miami, FL) -- Lizard meat is going up for sale in Florida after a cold snap sent iguanas falling from the trees. The cold-blooded reptiles were stunned by 40-degree temperatures in South Florida Tuesday, and many of them dropped out of trees and were found paralyzed on the ground Wednesday morning. In Florida, iguana is sometimes called "chicken of the trees," and the Miami Herald says iguana meat has been showing up on Facebook Marketplace since the cold snap. Iguanas are an invasive species in Florida, and are not protected by any law.
Mr. Peanut Dies In Super Bowl Commercial
(Miami, FL) -- The first Super Bowl commercials are already out. Planters is killing off its longtime mascot, Mister Peanut, in one released online. He gives up his life to save friends Wesley Snipes and Matt Walsh. Planters announced on Twitter that Mr. Peanut is indeed gone. A Planters spokesperson said Mister Peanut died at the age of 104. And they teased another Super Bowl commercial to air in the third quarter that will feature the funeral of Mister Peanut.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2018, researchers in China claim they cloned two monkeys.
2002, "Wall Street Journal" reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted while on assignment in Karachi, Pakistan. He was later murdered by his captors.
1992, Howard Cosell retired from sports broadcasting.
1789, Georgetown University was established as the first Catholic college in the United States.