Charges Dismissed Against Man Who Shot Brevard County Deputy
(Titusville, FL) -- Brevard County's sheriff believes a judge's recent ruling puts lives at risk. That's what Sheriff Wayne Ivey said yesterday after a judge this week cited the Stand Your Ground law to dismiss attempted murder charges against a man who shot a deputy. The shooting took place in Port St. John five years ago at the home of John DeRossett when deputies tried to arrest the 60-year-old's niece. DeRossett claims he shot the deputies because they didn't identify themselves as law enforcement officers.Sheriff Ivey says that's not true and he's worried others will use the judge's ruling to their advantage.
Publix Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus
(Lakeland, FL) -- A couple new coronavirus cases might be of interest to Publix shoppers. The company announced yesterday that two employees in the Orlando area have tested positive for COVID-19. One employee works at a store on South Orange Ave, and the other works on East Colonial Drive near Bithlo. The company is giving 14 days paid leave to the infected workers and those who had close contact with them.
Rep. Murphy Named To Economic Recovery Team
(Washington, DC) -- Two people from Central Florida will have the president's ear when it comes to reopening the economy. President Trump yesterday named Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy and Darden Restaurants CEO Gene Lee to separate task forces. Murphy is a Democrat who represents the 7th District, and Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden, is based in Orlando. Murphy says while she disagrees with the president on a vast array of issues, she's putting politics aside to advocate for her constituents.
DeSantis Lifts Unemployment Assistance Restriction
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The governor is trying to make it easier for the unemployed to get help uninterrupted. Governor Ron DeSantis announced yesterday he has suspended the requirement that the unemployed must recertify their status every two weeks. That requirement was designed to ensure those getting benefits were actively looking for work. DeSantis, though, says it's unlikely the unemployed will be able to find work in such a short period of time during the pandemic.
Only 4% Of Unemployment Claims Processed
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Patience will be required for many waiting for unemployment assistance. State officials announced yesterday that only four percent of unemployment claims have been processed. Those four percent of cases account for 50 million dollars. DeSantis, this week, named Jonathan Satter as the new head of the state's unemployment system in the hopes of revamping it.
Jacksonville Beaches Reopening
(Jacksonville, FL) -- New options are available for those tired of being cooped up in the house during the pandemic. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced yesterday Duval County beaches and city parks, including golf courses, will reopen today. The order will take effect at 5:00 p.m. when both will be open for those who want to take part in essential activities, like exercise or fishing, but social distancing guidelines must be maintained. Parks and beaches will be open in the mornings from 6:00 to 11:00 and at night from 5:00 to 8:00, but city golf courses will have normal operating hours.
Business Owner Arrested For Violating Safer-At-Home Order
(Pinellas Park, FL) -- A business in Pinellas County apparently isn't as essential as its owner thinks it is. Deputies yesterday arrested Galen Wood for violating the Safer-at-Home order by opening his business, Kitchen Table Games, in Pinellas Park. The 36-year-old was ordered to close the business on 66th Street North two weeks ago because it was non-essential, but deputies say he has repeatedly ignored the order. Wood is facing a misdemeanor charge of operating a non-essential business.
Streaming Channel Seeks True Crime Fan
(Undated) -- Fans of true crime documentaries can earn some cash during the coronavirus lockdown. The video streaming service MagellanTV is offering a thousand-bucks to someone to watch their 24 hour "All Night Crime Watch." The "True Crime Fanatic" must be able to handle tales of serial killers and murder mysteries. The person who lands the job will have to document the 24 hour crime-fest on their social media.
Utah Mom Raising Charity Money By Selling Penis Face Masks
(Salt Lake City, UT) -- A mom in Utah has raised around 56-thousand dollars for charity by selling her unique face masks. Buyers flooded the Facebook page of Mindy Vincent after her penis-covered masks went viral across social media. The Salt Lake City resident originally posted her mask on Facebook, saying if someone notices the tiny penises on her mask then they are too close to her. She now has the fabric materials to make about 19-thousand of them, selling for about 20-dollars each. Vincent says the proceeds will go to the syringe exchange non-profit Utah Harm Reduction Coalition.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
2006, former Illinois Governor George Ryan was found guilty on all charges in his federal corruption trial in Chicago. A onetime Nobel Prize nominee, Ryan received international attention in 2003 when he commuted the death row sentences of 167 Illinois prisoners.
1993, a federal grand jury in Los Angeles convicted two former police officers, Stacey Koon and Laurence Powell of violating the civil rights of beaten motorist Rodney King. Two other officers were acquitted.
1970, the damaged Apollo 13 module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
1969, Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of assassinating Senator Robert F. Kennedy. He was originally sentenced to death, but the sentence was reduced to life in prison after California abolished the death penalty.