Activists In Jacksonville Protest Governor's Anti Mob Defense Proposal
(Jacksonville, FL) -- Activists in Jacksonville protest Governor Ron de Santis' proposal for citizens to defend themselves against looting mobs. The protest organized by the Northside Coalition and the Jacksonville Community Action Committee opposes De Santis' legislation proposal to expand the state's stand your ground law allowing citizens to use force to defend their property against looters. The proposal would criminalize traffic obstruction and protect drivers who unintentionally run over rioters in the streets. Cities that defund police would not receive funding under the measure.
Rocket Launch Scrubbed
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- Maintenance issues are to blame for a scrubbed rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. SpaceX was set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket last night, but it called off the launch and said it needed to conduct additional maintenance assurance. SpaceX is hoping to launch tonight at 9:34, and weather conditions are 80-percent Go. The rocket will carry 60 Starlink satellites that will help spread broadband internet around the world.
Bodycam Video Released After Deadly Deputy-Involved Shooting
(DeLand, FL) -- New video shows what led to a deadly deputy-involved shooting in Volusia County. The sheriff's office released bodycam video yesterday from Saturday's shooting in New Smyrna Beach. Police shot and killed Holly Hill 25-year-old Matthew Thomas after he allegedly shot at officers trying to arrest him. The video shows officers running toward Thomas as shots are fired at them, and one New Smyrna Beach officer was shot in the leg but is expected to recover.
Polk County Teacher Faces Child Porn Charges
(Bartow, FL) -- A teacher in Polk County is facing what the superintendent calls shocking and disgusting charges. Lakeland High School special needs teacher Shawn Fitzgerald was arrested last week on child porn charges. Besides teaching, the 46-year-old is also a soccer and tennis coach at LHS and a youth director at Bartow's First Methodist Church. Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd says the district is in the process of terminating Fitzgerald's employment.
Tropical Storm Eta Lead To Shipwreck Discovery
(St. Augustine, FL) -- It looks like Tropical Storm Eta [[ eh-tah ]] helped discover pieces from an 1800s shipwreck. Mark O'Donoghue was walking on Crescent beach in St. Augustine when he discovered pieces of timber. The pieces were made visible because the storm caused beach erosion when it hit parts of the northern Florida coast earlier this month. The St. Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program says they believe the wood came from the American merchant ship Caroline Eddy. Director Chuck Meide said the pieces look "quite similar" to other ships from the 1800s that they have seen.
Oregon Man Suing Doctor Over Alleged Affair
(Bend, OR) -- An Oregon man has filed suit against his family physician, claiming the doctor was having an affair with his wife. Pierson Tone, of Bend, is seeking nearly three-million dollars from Ronald Rosen in his lawsuit alleging professional negligence. Tone says Rosen began to see his wife between 2015 and 2018, the affair caused extreme emotional distress to him and his family, and that only worsened after he learned of Rosen's participation. Rosen reportedly treated Tone for the stress, prescribing marijuana, CBD, herbs and breathing techniques. The doctor has not publicly responded to the suit.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1984, Boston College upset the heavily-favored University of Miami 47-to-45 on Doug Flutie's last second Hail Mary pass to Gerard Phelan. It is widely regarded as the most famous play in college football history.
1936, the first issue of "Life" magazine was published.
1889, the first jukebox made its debut at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco.