Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
ASSOCIATE OF RIVERA SEEKS BAIL IN CAMPAIGN CASE
An associate of former U.S. Rep. David Rivera is seeking release on bail while awaiting trial on charges of violating federal campaign finance laws. A hearing is set Friday in Miami federal court for 44-year-old Ana Alliegro. Federal prosecutors want Alliegro jailed because she might flee prosecution. She was arrested in Nicaragua in March. Alliegro’s attorney wants house arrest.
FLORIDA GOP RAKES IN MONEY FROM MAJOR COMPANIES
The Republican Party of Florida continues to raise significantly more money than their counterparts at the Florida Democratic Party. Republicans raised nearly $10.4 million in the first three months of the year, according to campaign reports filed Thursday. Democrats by contrast only raised $2.15 million. One of the largest donors for the GOP was Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. Ross donated $250,000.
DRUG COURTS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN MIAMI EVENT
A celebration is taking place in Miami for the 25th anniversary of the creation of drug courts that divert people into treatment rather than putting them in prison. Acting White House drug czar Michael Botticelli will be among those on hand for Friday’s event. Miami was the location of the first drug court and now there are about 2,800 across the country.
TAMPA-BASED MILITARY DOG TO RETIRE WITH HONORS
A bomb sniffing dog in Tampa will retire with full military honors. Military officials say that in 2012, a Belgian Malinois named Eddie found two improvised explosive devices containing 10 pounds of homemade explosives. It saved the lives of his 13-member patrol unit, which was made up of U.S. allied forces. Eddie will retire during a ceremony on Friday.
FLORIDA LEGISLATORS DIVIDED OVER TAX HOLIDAYS
Florida legislators are divided over what type of additional tax breaks to offer residents this year. The Florida House has already passed a bill that calls for four sales tax holidays, plus a tax holiday on energy efficient appliances, gym memberships and hurricane preparation supplies. But a key Senate panel on Thursday worked on a tax cut package that would include just the back-to-school tax holiday. Instead the Senate bill includes a cut in the state tax charged on cellphones, cable television and home satellite services.
