Florida: 5 Things To Know For Jan. 9th

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

WARNING SHOT BILL MOVES AHEAD

Florida legislators are pushing ahead with a bill designed to make it clear people can show a gun, or even fire a warning shot, without drawing long prison sentences. The legislation was partially inspired by a Jacksonville woman who was given a 20-year sentence after firing a gun near her estranged husband during an argument.

TOP OFFICIAL UNDER FLORIDA AG JOINING LAW FIRM

The chief of staff for Attorney General Pam Bondi is leaving state government and taking a new job. Carlos Muniz, who was also deputy state attorney general, joined McGuireWoods Consulting as a senior vice president on Dec. 31. He is also going to be a partner for the McGuireWoods law firm. He will be based in the Jacksonville office.

PILL MILL DOC GETS 5-PLUS YEARS IN PRISON

A South Florida doctor has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for his role in a major pill mill operation that illegally dispensed oxycodone and other painkillers. Documents show Dr. Scott Becker of Pembroke Pines must also forfeit $470,000 in money and property that represents profits from the crime.

BABY ACCIDENTALLY SMOTHERED BY MOM

A 5-week-old baby is dead after his mother fell asleep with him on her chest and then rolled over. Deputies in Marion County say the baby was found unresponsive the next morning in a home in Belleview, near Ocala.

SCHOOL NAMED FOR KKK CO-FOUNDER GETS NEW NAME

A Jacksonville High School named after a Confederate general and co-founder of the Ku Klux Klan has a new name. The Duval County School Board voted Tuesday to change the name from Nathan B. Forrest High School to Westside High. It is now named after the surrounding neighborhood.

Source: Associated Press