INSIDER
Donald Trump Jr. says pushback against Cabinet picks proves they're the disrupters voters wanted
Read full article: Donald Trump Jr. says pushback against Cabinet picks proves they're the disrupters voters wantedDonald Trump Jr. says any pushback from the Washington establishment around his father’s unconventional choices for Cabinet proves they are just the kind of disruptors that voters are demanding.
Trump announces golf partner and former Georgia senator will co-chair inaugural committee
Read full article: Trump announces golf partner and former Georgia senator will co-chair inaugural committeeDonald Trump announced on Saturday that his inaugural committee will be chaired by Florida real estate investor Steven Witkoff and former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
Trump Media gains post-election, even as Truth Social parent reports $19 million quarterly loss
Read full article: Trump Media gains post-election, even as Truth Social parent reports $19 million quarterly lossThe parent company of Donald Trump’s social networking site Truth Social lost $19.2 million in the last quarter, according to an earnings report released on the same day he won back the presidency.
Florida elections officials seek flexibility on voting rules after hurricanes
Read full article: Florida elections officials seek flexibility on voting rules after hurricanesFlorida elections officials are seeking accommodations from Gov. Ron DeSantis after multiple counties were devastated by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
Man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges
Read full article: Man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump pleads not guilty to federal chargesA man who authorities say spent 12 hours camped outside Donald Trump’s golf course before Secret Service spotted him with a rifle has pleaded not guilty to federal charges including attempted assassination.
Man who staked out Trump at Florida golf course charged with attempting an assassination
Read full article: Man who staked out Trump at Florida golf course charged with attempting an assassinationA man who authorities say staked out Donald Trump for 12 hours on his golf course in Florida and wrote of his desire to kill him has been indicted on charges that he attempted to assassinate the former president.
The Secret Service again faces scrutiny after another gunman targets Trump
Read full article: The Secret Service again faces scrutiny after another gunman targets TrumpThe Secret Service is under scrutiny again — this time after a gunman hid in the shrubs along the fence of former President Donald Trump’s golf course for 12 hours.
DeSantis says Florida AG, law enforcement will launch criminal probe of apparent Trump assassination attempt
Read full article: DeSantis says Florida AG, law enforcement will launch criminal probe of apparent Trump assassination attemptGov. Ron DeSantis is slated to speak Tuesday morning with law enforcement in West Palm Beach.
Florida to launch probe of apparent Trump assassination attempt; former federal prosecutor calls it a ‘political stunt’
Read full article: Florida to launch probe of apparent Trump assassination attempt; former federal prosecutor calls it a ‘political stunt’Gov. Ron DeSantis is slated to speak Tuesday morning with law enforcement in West Palm Beach.
Florida now counts 1 million more registered Republican voters than Democrats
Read full article: Florida now counts 1 million more registered Republican voters than DemocratsFlorida has about 1 million more Republican registered voters than Democrats, further cementing its status as a conservative hotbed.
The July 4th holiday rush is on. TSA expects to screen a record number of travelers this weekend
Read full article: The July 4th holiday rush is on. TSA expects to screen a record number of travelers this weekendA long Fourth of July holiday weekend in the United States is expected to create new travel records.
Female capybara goes to Florida as part of a breeding program for the large South American rodents
Read full article: Female capybara goes to Florida as part of a breeding program for the large South American rodentsA female capybara has arrived at a Florida zoo as part of a breeding program to bolster the population of the large South American rodents.
Trump raises $141 million in May, bolstered by guilty verdict
Read full article: Trump raises $141 million in May, bolstered by guilty verdictDonald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee say they raised $141 million in May, a massive fundraising haul that includes tens of millions of dollars raised in the aftermath of his guilty verdict in his criminal hush money trial.
Florida’s major power company prepares for this year’s hurricanes by dealing with a fake one
Read full article: Florida’s major power company prepares for this year’s hurricanes by dealing with a fake oneFlorida's largest power company is preparing for this year's hurricane season by pretending a major storm already hit.
Florida's major power company prepares for this year's hurricanes by dealing with a fake one
Read full article: Florida's major power company prepares for this year's hurricanes by dealing with a fake oneFlorida's largest power company is preparing for this year's hurricane season by pretending a major storm already hit.
Family of Florida woman killed in alligator attack sues housing company alleging negligence
Read full article: Family of Florida woman killed in alligator attack sues housing company alleging negligenceThe family of an 85-year-old Florida woman who was killed by an alligator last year has filed a lawsuit against her housing complex.
New Florida law requiring more elected officials to disclose detailed financial information leads to resignations
Read full article: New Florida law requiring more elected officials to disclose detailed financial information leads to resignationsDozens of local elected officials in communities across Florida have resigned or are considering quitting their positions before a new law requires them to disclose detailed financial information.
Mother gets 14 years in death of newborn found floating off Florida coast in 2018
Read full article: Mother gets 14 years in death of newborn found floating off Florida coast in 2018A Florida mother is going to prison for 14 years for the death of her newborn daughter who was found floating off the Palm Beach County coast five years ago.
Ex-Florida State football player acquitted in fatal shooting
Read full article: Ex-Florida State football player acquitted in fatal shootingA South Florida jury has agreed that a former Florida State football player acted in self-defense when he fatally shot one man and injured another several hours after he scuffled with his girlfriend.
DeSantis to visit Iowa next week before expected 2024 bid
Read full article: DeSantis to visit Iowa next week before expected 2024 bidFlorida Gov. DeSantis is planning his first visit to Iowa next week, making a stop in the leadoff Republican voting state before an expected 2024 presidential announcement later this year.
Trump records lawyer meets with FBI in Mar-a-Lago probe
Read full article: Trump records lawyer meets with FBI in Mar-a-Lago probeA lawyer for former president Donald Trump who signed a letter stating that a “diligent search” for classified records had been conducted and that all such documents had been given back to the government has spoken with the FBI.
Florida woman who left baby in trash bin takes plea deal
Read full article: Florida woman who left baby in trash bin takes plea dealA woman who left her newborn baby in a trash bin pleaded guilty to attempted murder and child abuse in exchange for a seven-year prison sentence and potential deportation.
Surgeon: Pilot had remarkable recovery after passing out
Read full article: Surgeon: Pilot had remarkable recovery after passing outThe 64-year-old pilot of a small plane who passed out in flight, leaving his passenger with no flying experience to land the Cessna in Florida, suffered a tear in his aorta.
Pilot down, passenger takes over with ‘no idea how to fly’
Read full article: Pilot down, passenger takes over with ‘no idea how to fly’A passenger with no flying experience radioed an urgent plea for help when the pilot of a small plane fell ill off Florida’s Atlantic coast, and was able to land safely with the help of air traffic controllers.
Can Palm Beach school board ban ‘personal attacks’?
Read full article: Can Palm Beach school board ban ‘personal attacks’?If Palm Beach County School Board members get their way, people who address them at their meetings soon will have to refrain from saying their names or personally criticizing them.
Higher-speed train hits car on 1st day back from shutdown
Read full article: Higher-speed train hits car on 1st day back from shutdownOfficials say a Brightline commuter train hit a car carrying a woman and her grandchild on the higher-speed line’s first day back in operation since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Gov. DeSantis wants to create state division to investigate election crimes
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis wants to create state division to investigate election crimesAs elections across the country wrapped up, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday said he wants to create a statewide office that is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting election crimes in Florida.
Bird migration starts with some unruly starlings
Read full article: Bird migration starts with some unruly starlingsThick chattering flocks of European starlings are a common sight in South Florida this time of year, products of a Shakespeare fan’s long-ago folly but a hint that summer’s fire will soon extinguish.
CEO of UF Health Jacksonville died in jet ski accident, FWC says
Read full article: CEO of UF Health Jacksonville died in jet ski accident, FWC saysUF Health Jacksonville CEO Dr. Leon Haley Jr. died Saturday after he was thrown from a jet ski in the Palm Beach Inlet, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement Sunday.
Alonso cites fictional coach, unhappy with Mets change
Read full article: Alonso cites fictional coach, unhappy with Mets changePete Alonso and Francisco Lindor learned from phone messages that the New York Mets had fired hitting coach Chili Davis and assistant Tom Slater, a move that left players unhappy.
Nats OF Juan Soto leaves game early with right calf cramp
Read full article: Nats OF Juan Soto leaves game early with right calf crampThe Nationals slugger drew an 11-pitch walk from Sixto Sánchez with one out in the top of the first. He then was replaced in right field in the bottom half of the inning by Gerardo Parra. AdOpening day of the 2021 baseball season is a week away; Washington hosts the New York Mets at night on April 1. We can do some different things to keep them ready as far as the swing and things of that nature,” Martinez said. “But we want to make sure this doesn’t become a bigger issue.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Florida school district to pay $2 million after student dies while choking on chicken nugget
Read full article: Florida school district to pay $2 million after student dies while choking on chicken nuggetWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The family of a 19-year-old student with autism will receive a $2 million settlement from a Florida school district a year and a half after he choked on a chicken nugget and died. AdKedar Williams was rushed to a hospital Aug. 13, 2019, after choking on the chicken nugget at William T. Dwyer High in Palm Beach Gardens. But video showed the aide was attending to another student when Williams choked. “Having your son wave goodbye to you in the morning, before school, and then never seeing him alive again is a mother’s worst nightmare. Our family has a gaping hole without Kedar in our lives,” his mother, Megan Williams, said in a statement.
McCullers agrees to $85M deal with Astros for 2022-26
Read full article: McCullers agrees to $85M deal with Astros for 2022-26Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and the Houston Astros have agreed to an $85 million, five-year contract covering 2022-26, a deal awaiting announcement by the team. McCullers agreed on Jan. 15 to a $6.5 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. “Houston is where I want to be," he said at spring training on Feb. 28. who broke his left ring finger in his first spring training appearance. McCullers is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA over seven innings in three spring training games.
Strasburg leaves start early with leg issue; 'nothing major'
Read full article: Strasburg leaves start early with leg issue; 'nothing major'We’re in spring training. There’s no sense in pushing it.”Strasburg said he was looked at by a team doctor and had an ultrasound exam. “I didn’t really feel it at all except for that last pitch, where I kind of felt it simultaneously as I was finishing the pitch,” Strasburg said. “I’ve had my calves cramping up on me in the past and I’ve pitched through that," he said. Ad“If he wakes up tomorrow sore or something, he might be held back,” the manager said.
Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teams
Read full article: Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teamsThe reigning World Series champions already had a pair of Cy Young Award winners in Clayton Kershaw and David Price. Darvish has twice finished runner-up for a Cy Young Award, including last season when he was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. Lester is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with Boston and once with the Cubs. He’s part of a rotation led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and lefty Patrick Corbin. Bradley was a Gold Glove winner in 2018 when the Red Sox won the World Series.
Viral video: Hundreds of blacktip sharks migrate off Florida shore
Read full article: Viral video: Hundreds of blacktip sharks migrate off Florida shoreWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Another News4Jax video has gone viral after showing a shark frenzy in Florida. Paul Dabill, 45, who runs Paul Dabill Photography, spotted hundreds of migrating blacktip sharks with his drone camera on Wednesday. From January to March, tens of thousands of blacktips and spinner sharks arrive to reside in the shallow warm waters off Palm Beach County, TC Palm reports. The video, posted on our News4Jax Facebook page, has been viewed 1.2 million times and shared 6,600 times since Friday. SHARK FRENZY!🦈😱 Check out this wild video of hundreds of sharks swimming close to the shore near West Palm Beach!
Nats release Jeffress for unspecified 'personnel reasons'
Read full article: Nats release Jeffress for unspecified 'personnel reasons'WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Jeremy Jeffress was released by the Washington Nationals on Sunday for what general manager Mike Rizzo called unspecified “personnel reasons,” less than two weeks after the reliever agreed to terms on a minor league deal. The 33-year-old Jeffress was taken by Milwaukee in the first round pick of the 2006 amateur draft and has pitched for five teams over 11 years in the majors. Last season, Jeffress went 4-1 with a 1.54 ERA and eight saves in 10 chances for the Chicago Cubs. AdMore than a decade ago, Jeffress was suspended twice for violating the minor league drug treatment and prevention program. He has said he used marijuana to manage a severe case of anxiety and he was diagnosed with juvenile epilepsy in 2013.
The Latest: NBA's Hornets ready to welcome fans again
Read full article: The Latest: NBA's Hornets ready to welcome fans againPortland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, right, passes the ball over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo, second from right, as Hornets forward P.J. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The Charlotte Hornets are getting set to welcome fans for home games. The Hornets’ reopening plan has been approved by state and county authorities and allows the team to host fans at 15% capacity, approximately 3,000 per game. “We are excited about the opportunity to welcome more fans to our outdoor venues,” the university said in a written statement. AdTuesday night’s game will be the first game with fans in attendance at PPG Paints Arena since last March.
In-game video returning to baseball for 2021
Read full article: In-game video returning to baseball for 2021“You’d come back in the dugout and you’d say, ‘Hey where was that pitch at?’” Owings said Monday. “It would be like it is on the MLB app where it just shows where the pitch crossed the plate. But Major League Baseball has cleared the way for the return of in-game video on dugout iPads beginning on opening day, with catcher signals clipped when they are displayed on a computer. “I think the fact that they would have it in the dugout is a step in the right direction.”How much in-game video helps depends on the hitter. ___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum and AP Sports Writers Pat Graham, Stephen Hawkins and Howard Fendrich contributed to this report.
Florida gas prices reach 19-month high
Read full article: Florida gas prices reach 19-month highJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – February was the most expensive month at Florida gas pumps since July 2019, according to AAA records. Throughout the month, gas prices increased an average total of 24 cents per gallon, the auto club reported. Last month, Florida gas prices averaged $2.52 per gallon -- 20 cents more than the monthly average in January. By the end of the month, the average price in the state had risen to $2.61 -- an increase of 41 cents since Jan. 1. Jacksonville, along with Orlando and Punta Gorda, had the least expensive prices last week -- $2.55/gallon in Jacksonville.
DeSantis proposes tightening voting laws despite ‘most transparent and efficient’ election in 2020
Read full article: DeSantis proposes tightening voting laws despite ‘most transparent and efficient’ election in 2020“The result of 2020, from an administrative perspective, was that Florida had the most transparent and efficient election anywhere in the country,” DeSantis said to the cheering crowd. He did not mention that those states operate under different laws that don’t allow them to begin counting mail-in ballots until after the polls close on election day. “Why do Florida Republicans want to limit vote by mail access? Well it all comes down to who has access to the franchise,” Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Marcus Dixon said. “This is not an issue of Republicans versus Democrats, but instead an issue of Republicans versus democracy,” Diaz said.
Rod Stewart lawyer: Plea deal in works in hotel altercation
Read full article: Rod Stewart lawyer: Plea deal in works in hotel altercationDefense attorneys said Friday that Stewart and his son, Sean Stewart, would not be going to trial for the altercation at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach on New Year's Day 2020, the South Florida SunSentinel r eported. The Stewarts’ lawyer, Guy Fronstin of Boca Raton, has been negotiating a plea deal with Assistant State Attorney Zachary O’Neill, according to the SunSentinel. AdProsecutors had no immediate announcement in the case, but did say Saturday that plea deal negotiations are ongoing. Rod Stewart punched Dixon in his “left rib cage area” with a closed fist, a police report said. It was updated on Jan. 30, 2021, to correct that prosecutors and defense lawyers have not announced a plea deal.
Watchdog probes if DOJ officials tried to overturn election
Read full article: Watchdog probes if DOJ officials tried to overturn electionFormer President Donald Trump waves to the members of the media on arrival at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s inspector general is launching an investigation to examine whether any former or current department officials “engaged in an improper attempt” to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Inspector General Michael Horowitz said Monday that the investigation will investigate allegations concerning the conduct of former and current Justice Department officials but will not extend to other government officials. Republican governors in Arizona and Georgia, key battleground states won by Biden, also vouched for the integrity of the elections in their states. Nearly all the legal challenges from Trump and his allies have been dismissed by judges, including two tossed by the Supreme Court, which includes three justices nominated by Trump.
Florida company accused of steering vaccines to rich donors
Read full article: Florida company accused of steering vaccines to rich donors(AP Photo/Cody Jackson)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida launched an investigation Wednesday into an upscale nursing home amid reports that it administered coronavirus vaccines to wealthy donors and members of a country club along with its residents and employees. The newspapers reported that the vaccinations were organized by MorseLife CEO Keith Myers and New Jersey-based developer David Mack, who is a member of various MorseLife boards and chairman of the country club foundation's board. The vaccines were distributed at the Joseph L. Morse Health Center, which is on David S. Mack Drive. He denied that the distribution was targeted at Palm Beach Country Club members. The company on its website says, “our goal is to ensure that older adults enjoy full, rewarding lives in an atmosphere of luxury, outstanding service, and compassionate care.”The country club declined comment.
Texas judge dismisses suit aimed at overturning election
Read full article: Texas judge dismisses suit aimed at overturning electionPence, as president of the Senate, will oversee the session Wednesday and declare the winner of the White House race. The Electoral College this month cemented Biden’s 306-232 victory, and multiple legal efforts by President Donald Trump's campaign to challenge the results have failed. “A suit to establish that the Vice President has discretion over the count, filed against the Vice President, is a walking legal contradiction,” the department argued. But a range of nonpartisan election officials and Republicans has confirmed there was no fraud in the November contest that would change the results of the election. Trump and his allies have filed roughly 50 lawsuits challenging election results, and nearly all have been dismissed or dropped.
Trump extends visa ban; court clears health insurance rule
Read full article: Trump extends visa ban; court clears health insurance ruleIn April, Trump imposed a ban on green cards issued abroad that largely targets family members of people already in the United States. A temporary ban on non-essential travel across the Mexican and Canadian borders was also done for public health. In December, a federal judge in Oakland, California, prevented the green-card ban from taking effect against families of 181 U.S. citizens and legal residents who sued. A federal judge blocked the rule from taking effect almost immediately after it was announced in October 2019. The ruling “makes clear that the Biden administration must move swiftly to rescind all of President Trump’s xenophobic presidential proclamations, including this health care ban,” she said.
Records show Casey Anthony is starting investigation firm
Read full article: Records show Casey Anthony is starting investigation firmWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – State records show that Casey Anthony has filed documents to start a private investigation firm in South Florida. The limited liability company, Case Research & Consulting Services, has an effective date of Jan. 1, according to state records. The address listed for the company belongs to Patrick McKenna, according to Palm Beach County property records. McKenna was the lead investigator on Anthony’s defense team during her 2011 trial. McKenna was also the lead investigator for O.J.
President Trump wants an airport named in his honor, anonymous report says
Read full article: President Trump wants an airport named in his honor, anonymous report saysPresident Donald Trump, flanked by first lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump, waves from the top of the steps of Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach. PALM BEACH, Fla. – According to the Sun-Sentinel, an anonymous report said that a top official with the Republican Party of Florida suggested Palm Beach International Airport be renamed after the 45th president. The Sun-Sentinel also reported that Melania Trump is “reportedly scoping out elite private schools in South Florida for their 14-year-old son Barron Trump.”Christian Ziegler, a top official with the Republican Party of Florida, said Palm Beach International Airport — just down the road from Mar-a-Lago — “would be named in the president’s honor.”“It would be the South Florida gateway for the former president’s adoring fans,” Christian Ziegler told the Sun-Sentinel. Citing anonymous White House sources, The Daily Beast reported that Trump has asked aides what it would take to get a major U.S. airport named in his honor. The same sources say Trump speculated about having a future aircraft carrier named the USS Donald Trump.
DeSantis: 60K vaccines could be sent to long-term care facilities this week
Read full article: DeSantis: 60K vaccines could be sent to long-term care facilities this weekWe’ve got thousands of facilities in Florida, it’s not as easy as it would be in some smaller state,” DeSantis said. The state is also expected to receive an additional 20,000 doses to help with vaccination efforts in long-term care facilities. DeSantis thinks it won’t be until about February before the vaccine is available to the general public, although that depends on when the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved. “The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, unlike the Pfizer and Moderna, it’s only one dose... the Johnson & Johnson is just normal refrigeration and you take it one time. He expects Johnson & Johnson to seek emergency use authorization in late January and, if approved, the first doses would be shipped out shortly thereafter.
Gov. DeSantis calls for restaurants to remain open amid spike in virus cases
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis calls for restaurants to remain open amid spike in virus casesRon DeSantis reiterated his desire to see Florida restaurants remain open despite the recent surge in coronavirus cases. During a press conference Tuesday at Okeechobee Steakhouse in West Palm Beach, DeSantis said he would work to stop any attempt by the local government leaders to shut down restaurants. But I think we have to understand the vast, vast majority of infections are occurring in people’s homes, particularly if you have people getting together,” DeSantis said. DeSantis has promised no more lockdowns in the state and extended an order that bans local governments from enforcing mask mandate violations. The Florida Department of Health on Tuesday reported more than 9,400 cases of the coronavirus and another 94 deaths in Florida.
Proposal seeks higher threshold for ballot measures in Florida
Read full article: Proposal seeks higher threshold for ballot measures in FloridaTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Continuing efforts to make it harder to amend the Florida Constitution, a House Republican on Thursday filed a proposal that would increase a vote threshold for passing ballot measures. Rep. Rick Roth, R-West Palm Beach, filed a measure that would require two-thirds of voters to approve constitutional amendments, up from the current 60%. The proposal (HJR 61) is filed for consideration during the 2021 legislative session, which starts in March. Republican lawmakers have pushed measures in recent years to make it harder to amend the Constitution, including stiffening requirements for citizens’ initiatives. If passed by the Legislature, Roth’s proposal would have to go before voters because it would change the Constitution.
Women plead guilty in sex sting involving Patriots owner
Read full article: Women plead guilty in sex sting involving Patriots ownerLei Wang, 41, and Shen Mingbi, 60, each pleaded guilty in Palm Beach County circuit court to one count of soliciting another to commit prostitution, records show. Kraft had pleaded not guilty but issued a public apology for his actions. Hua Zhang, 59, pleaded guilty last month to two misdemeanors. Lei Chen, 45, pleaded guilty to eight counts of offering to commit prostitution in February. Police say the recordings show Kraft and other men engaging in sex acts with women and paying them.
Trump, Pence, Obama all in Florida as campaign heats up
Read full article: Trump, Pence, Obama all in Florida as campaign heats upST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Battleground Florida was again a central focus of the presidential campaign Saturday as President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and former President Barack Obama all had high-profile events in the state. Trump kicked things off in the morning by voting early at a library in West Palm Beach, saying he voted for “a guy named Trump" as he left the building. Trump had spent the night at his nearby Mar-a-Lago club and then headed out to several events in other states. Ron DeSantis were taking part in early voting events aimed at rallying around the president. Before his event, Obama stopped by a Democratic volunteer location in Miami Springs, which is next to Miami International Airport.
The Latest: Pence's top aide tests positive for coronavirus
Read full article: The Latest: Pence's top aide tests positive for coronavirusShort is Pence’s closest aide and the vice president is considered a “close contact” under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. ___6:25 p.m.President Donald Trump says he voted “straight Republican” when he voted early in Florida on Saturday. “But we’ve got to come together.”President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Biden of supporting a ban on fracking. Trump voted Saturday in Florida before rallies in North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. That event came mere hours before Clinton lost to Donald Trump.
Florida school district scrambles to find substitute teachers
Read full article: Florida school district scrambles to find substitute teachersWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A Florida school district is scrambling to find substitute teachers after a large number of full-time teachers chose to stay home as students returned to brick and mortar classes for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. The Palm Beach County school district said 944 teachers did not show for work on Monday when students who chose the in-school option returned to classrooms. The number was slightly lower — nearly 894 teachers, or roughly 1 of every 13 — on Tuesday, the Palm Beach Post reported. Officials said 387 substitute teachers were called in to assist on Tuesday across the district, which consist of 180 campuses. The concerns causing teachers to stay home is also making some substitute teachers uneasy about accepting assignments.
Official rips critics for attack on daughter with COVID-19
Read full article: Official rips critics for attack on daughter with COVID-19In one image Eade grabbed from the teen's Instagram account, McKinlay’s daughter shows off a tattoo. Tattoo parlors have reopened across much of Florida and it is not clear when the daughter got the tattoo. Also, McKinlay says her daughter is following all protocols at the University of Central Florida in Orlando where she attends classes. After Eade's post, McKinlay shot back with a fiery missive of her own on her county commission Facebook page at those accusing her daughter of wrongdoing. Her daughter attends the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where her mother says she is adhering to the schools coronavirus policies.
Florida teachers want superintendent fired over COVID plans
Read full article: Florida teachers want superintendent fired over COVID plansWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A Florida teachers union wants a district superintendent fired for his handling of school reopenings while the state Wednesday reported more than 13,000 people have died of COVID-19 in Florida since March. The union representing Palm Beach County teachers is calling for Superintendent Donald Fennoy to be fired because its members have “lost all faith” in his ability to successfully reopen campuses next week. Katz said he plans to formally make the termination request to school board members at a board meeting later Wednesday, the Palm Beach Post reported. Earlier this week, school board member Barbara McQuinn ruled out the possibility of a change in the district’s administration, saying it would be too disruptive. Palm Beach schools are scheduled to reopen for in-person classes Monday.
First lady pushes back against critics of her tennis tweet
Read full article: First lady pushes back against critics of her tennis tweetWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Melania Trump pushed back Saturday after photos she tweeted of herself overseeing a White House construction project generated an online backlash. On Thursday, the first lady tweeted a series of pics, including two of herself wearing a hard hat while reviewing blueprints for the construction of a tennis pavilion on the south grounds. Critics lashed out, with some saying the photos were insensitive during the global coronavirus scare. The first lady helped break ground for the pavilion in October. The White House has said no public funds will be used for the project.
Ex-Mrs. Florida headed to prison for stealing mom’s checks
Read full article: Ex-Mrs. Florida headed to prison for stealing mom’s checksWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A federal judge in Florida ordered Mrs. Florida 2016 to spend a month in jail for stealing her mother’s Social Security checks rather than using the money to pay for nursing home care. Turk, who lives in Highland Beach, must report to prison March 2. She and her lawyers sought to convince the judge that she’s suffered enough and didn’t deserve prison or house arrest. Attorney David Tarras said that since Turk pleaded guilty in September to a misdemeanor charge of Social Security fraud, she’s been harassed on social media. She brought a check for $46,000 to court to reimburse the government, the attorney told the judge, adding that should be enough.
Woman, 2 grandsons killed by train at gate-less crossing
Read full article: Woman, 2 grandsons killed by train at gate-less crossingJUPITER, Fla. – A Florida woman and her two grandsons were killed by a passing Amtrak train on Saturday afternoon as she drove the Cub Scouts to an overnight camping trip near West Palm Beach. The train carrying some 200 passengers collided with the family's Subaru Outback at the gate-less railroad crossing near the entrance to the J.W. The train dragged the vehicle for a half-mile, killing Valery Jo Rintamaki, 58; Tristan Prestano, 10; and Skyler Prestano, 8. "We just lost three members of our community, and young kids,'' Willhite told the Post. ``I'm going to look into why we don't have more than just a yield sign at a rail crossing where a train is going (at high speeds).''
21-Year-Old Juror Jailed Sleeping Through Alarm and Missing Trial
Read full article: 21-Year-Old Juror Jailed Sleeping Through Alarm and Missing TrialDeandre Somerville of West Palm Beach was picked to be a juror on Aug. 20, according to multiple reports. He told NBC News that he searched online about what would happen if a juror missed court. "I should have called," Somerville told NBC News. The judge sentence Somerville to 10 days in jail, one year of probation, 150 hours of community service and a $223 fine to cover court costs. He told NBC News that while he regrest his actions, he believes his jail sentence was "a little overdone" and that his probation sentence was unnecessary.
Florida man who overslept for jury duty gets 10 days in jail
Read full article: Florida man who overslept for jury duty gets 10 days in jailAP Photo/Brynn AndersonA West Palm Beach man who accidentally overslept and missed jury duty in August was sentenced to 10 days in jail, WPTV reports. I thought maybe I would get a fine or something like that," Somerville told the Sun Sentinel. A few days later, he was served with a subpoena to go before the judge. I said, 'Sir, I've never been arrested,'" Somerville told WPTV. He could have given me 365 days in jail," Somerville said.
Jacksonville's coast out of Hurricane Dorian's cone of concern
Read full article: Jacksonville's coast out of Hurricane Dorian's cone of concernJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The 5 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center showed Hurricane Dorian's predicted path turning east and the storm's cone moving just off the Jacksonville coast. The Tropical Storm Warning includes Camden, Duval, Glynn, and Nassau counties. A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within the area within the next 36 hours. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 48 hours. Hurricane Dorian's sustained winds decreased through the day, but it was still measured at 120 mph at 5 a.m. today.
Nervous wait continues for slow-moving Hurricane Dorian
Read full article: Nervous wait continues for slow-moving Hurricane DorianRon DeSantis exits the National Hurricane Center to give a briefing regarding Hurricane Dorian to the media on August 29, 2019, in Miami, Florida. The slow-moving nature of Dorian brought concerns that search-and-rescue operations and electricity restoration could be delayed by high winds from a lingering storm. The National Hurricane Center warned that while Dorian should weaken during the next few days, the "system will remain a dangerous major hurricane for the next several days." Mandatory evacuation orders had been issued for coastal areas of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, St. Johns, Duval and Nassau counties. Airports in areas such as West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale suspended operations Monday.
'Catastrophic' Hurricane Dorian's Category 5 winds grow to 180 mph
Read full article: 'Catastrophic' Hurricane Dorian's Category 5 winds grow to 180 mphJACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Dorian became the strongest hurricane in modern records to pummel the northwestern Bahamas when its maximum sustained winds reached 180 mph Sunday morning, the National Hurricane Center reported. Catastrophic storm surge of 18-23 feet will affect the Abaco Islands during the next several hours. Catastrophic Storm Surge of 18 to 23 feet from #Dorian will affect the Abaco Islands during the next several hours. Dorian's eyewall will hit the northwestern Bahamas with devastating winds, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall, the NHC said. The hope of dodging Dorians fury came Friday, even as the storm ratcheted up from a menacing Category 3 hurricane to an even more dangerous Category 4.
WATCH: Officers escort fallen brother's son to first day of kindergarten
Read full article: WATCH: Officers escort fallen brother's son to first day of kindergartenWest Palm Beach police officers fulfilled a last request from one of their brothers in blue who died of cancer last September. He wanted them to escort his son to his first day of kindergarten this year at Crystal Lakes Elementary School. WPTV captured video of those emotional moments for Sgt. Bill Nealy's son. Nealy has another son who is starting high school this year, and the department plans to be there for him as well.
Tropical Depression 3 dissipates to a remnant low
Read full article: Tropical Depression 3 dissipates to a remnant lowJACKSONVILLE, Fla - Tropical Depression 3 has dissipated to a remnant low. Recent surface observations and data from an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft indicate that the depression has degenerated into a trough of low pressure. Data from the aircraft indicate that the system is still producing winds of around 30 kt, and this remains the initial intensity. The system is likely to continue producing gusty winds through tonight. The remnants should turn north-northeastward as they become embedded within southwesterly flow ahead of a cold front near the southeastern United States.
West Palm Beach using 'Baby Shark' to repel homeless people
Read full article: West Palm Beach using 'Baby Shark' to repel homeless peopleWest Palm Beach is playing insufferable tunes like Baby Shark on a loop overnight to repel homeless people camped outside the Lake Pavilion. Well, for one, the city venue makes roughly $240,000 a year through events, parks and recreation director Leah Rockwell told The Palm Beach Post. An employee for an organization that assists homeless people in Palm Beach County did not wish to comment on the record for this story. According to an annual head count recorded in January 2018, West Palm Beach is home to roughly 426 unsheltered residents, a bit fewer than the 483 unsheltered persons living in Jacksonville. Gilman said the unorthodox approach in West Palm Beach, though interesting, seems like officials are putting a temporary bandage on a problem that requires a long-term solution.
Billboard calling for President Trump impeachment going up near Mar-a-Lago
Read full article: Billboard calling for President Trump impeachment going up near Mar-a-LagoWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A message soon will appear near President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida, calling for his impeachment, the Miami Herald reports. The billboard reads “Impeachment Now, Make America America Again!”It will be up over Interstate 95 about 2 miles from the resort from March 19 to April 15, the Miami Herald reported. The left-wing organization Mad Dog PAC is funding the sign, which will cost more than $5,000. Mad Dog PAC founder Claude Taylor told WPEC-TV Trump is “unfit, ill-prepared, and unstable.”
South Florida woman accused of DUI with 3-year-old unbuckled in back seat
Read full article: South Florida woman accused of DUI with 3-year-old unbuckled in back seatWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A South Florida woman is accused of drunken driving with a 3-year-old child unbuckled in the back seat. Brandy Lerma, 31, of Boynton Beach, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence and child neglect, Local10.com reports. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office report, Lerma was stopped while driving south on Haverhill Road near Belvedere Road about 4:15 p.m.Another driver called 911 and followed her until deputies could initiate a traffic stop. When deputies arrived, they found Lerma sitting in the driver's seat with a toddler standing in the back seat, the report said. Lerma told deputies that she had two Fireball shots and had taken Percocet and Xanax.