House Speaker Defends Special Session
(Tallahassee, FL) --Some Republicans aren't happy with the apparent feud between two of the party's leaders. House Speaker Daniel Perez held a video call yesterday with about 200 Republican Party of Florida members. Some questioned why he called a special session after rejecting the special session Governor Ron DeSantis called. Lawmakers then passed their own immigration bill instead of the one DeSantis proposed, and they gave some of DeSantis' immigration powers to the agriculture commissioner. Perez says DeSantis didn't want to work with him on a compromise immigration bill. Perez says he was completely blindsided when DeSantis called for a special session, and he says there has been a lack of communication between DeSantis and the legislature for six years. DeSantis has indicated he'll veto the bill.
DCPS Superintendent Holds Town Hall
(Jacksonville, FL) --Duval County Public Schools is taking steps to stop more tragic incidents. So far, this school year, 13 students have been hit by cars, and three of them died. Superintendent Dr. Chris Bernier discussed pedestrian and bike safety at a town hall yesterday. The district has launched a program called Be Safe, Be Seen. It teaches kids about bike and pedestrian safety, and it reminds drivers to pay attention to kids going to or from school in the mornings and afternoons. Some parents believe the district can do more, though. One woman tells First Coast News the district needs more flashing lights and crossing guards, and she'd rather see them prioritize keeping kids safe over saving money.
HillsCo Fire Captain Facing Child Porn Charges
(Tampa, FL) --A member of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is facing child porn charges. Captain Marshall Van Nelson was arrested yesterday on more than one hundred counts of child porn possession. The sheriff's office says detectives found over 300 images or videos of child sexual abuse material. Sheriff Chad Chronister says Van Nelson's actions are not only vile and deeply disturbing but also a betrayal of the trust placed in those who are meant to protect and serve. He adds there is no place in our community for such reprehensible behavior. Van Nelson has been with Fire Rescue for almost 25 years.
Project Dynamo Rescues Missionary In Haiti
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- A Florida nonprofit is credited with saving three Americans who were stuck in Haiti. A Texas man named Zachary arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport last night with his wife and daughter. The Christian missionaries went to Haiti, but for the last three years, they had been unable to leave because of gang violence. US military veterans from a Tampa Bay organization called Project Dynamo heard about their situation and decided to help. They were able to get Zachary and his family to the US embassy in the Dominican Republic on Monday where they waited for a flight to the US. They'll be heading home to Texas today. Zachary tells 7News it feels unreal, and there's no words that can express their gratitude for Project Dynamo.
Florida Among Best State To Drive In
(Tallahassee, FL) -- Florida is among the top states for drivers. A new study released by WalletHub says the Sunshine State is the 14th best state to drive in. Researchers compared each state across more than two dozen metrics, including average gas prices, rush hour traffic, and road quality. The findings showed that Florida had high rankings for the cost of vehicle maintenance and traffic. The state named the best to drive in was Kansas, while Hawaii was placed last.
Report Indicates Painting Bought At MN Yard Sale Is A Van Gogh
(New York, NY) --A group of experts says a painting bought at a Minnesota yard sale several years ago may be the work of Vincent van Gogh. Art-News-dot-com reported that a panel of about 20 experts examined the painting, comparing it to other works by van Gogh and testing the canvas and paint. They now believe the painting was created between 1889 and 1890 while the famous artist was staying at a mental institution in France. The painting was bought for about 50 dollars at the yard sale, but the experts say it could be worth as much as 15 million.
Today in History
1958, the Explorer One satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch marked the United States' entry into the Space Age.
1865, Congress approved the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.
1865, General Robert E. Lee was named commander-in-chief of the Confederate armies.
