Florida: 5 Things To Know For Feb 14

Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.

MAN GUILTY, GETS LIFE IN BODY-IN-CONCRETE TRIAL

A fantasy game enthusiast was sentenced to life in prison without parole for beating a former Pensacola newspaper reporter to death with a hammer and burying his body in a concrete-covered pit in Georgia. A jury earlier Thursday convicted William Cormier III of first-degree murder in the killing of Sean Dugas so he could steal a collection of fantasy role-playing cards with $100,000.

JURY MULLING FATE OF MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING TEEN OVER LOUD MUSIC

Jurors are returning today to continue deliberating the case of a Florida man accused of fatally shooting a Georgia teen during an argument over loud music coming from the SUV the teen was riding in. Michael Dunn is charged with first-degree murder, but jurors could also consider second-degree murder or manslaughter as options.

GAY MARRIAGE OPPONENTS GEAR UP TO FIGHT LAWSUIT

A coalition of groups opposed to gay marriage in Florida is gearing up to fight a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The lawsuit filed last month in Miami by lawyers for six gay couples claims the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES PARASAILING GUIDELINES

A Senate committee unanimously approved a bill that would provide safety guidelines for parasailing companies. The proposed legislation details specific insurance, equipment and license requirements, along with weather guidelines that dictate a halt in operation.

VANILLA ICE NAMED WELLINGTON CITIZEN OF YEAR

Rob Van Winkle, better known as rapper/TV reality star “Vanilla Ice,” is being named citizen of the year by the South Florida town where he lives. Van Winkle will be named Wellington’s “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” by the town’s chamber of commerce during an event later this month because of his charitable giving and because he films his show “The Vanilla Ice Project” in Wellington.

Source: Associated Press