Florida: 5 Things To Know For Mar 5

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

MICHELLE OBAMA TO PROMOTE HEALTH INSURANCE IN FLORIDA

The Obama administration is dispatching one of its most popular leaders to help boost health insurance enrollments as the deadline enters its final weeks. Michelle Obama will visit a Miami health center Wednesday to highlight various ways consumers can sign up. Florida has led enrollment efforts among the states relying on the federal exchange with nearly 300,000.

FAMILY RESCUED FROM VAN SUBMERGED IN OCEAN

A family from South Carolina was rescued from a van that drove into the Atlantic Ocean off Daytona Beach on Tuesday evening. The woman and her three young children were rescued from the vehicle and taken to a hospital to be checked out.

TEEN CHARGED WITH CAUSING 23 CRASHES

Authorities say a 16-year-old southwest Florida boy stole a truck and caused 23 crashes as deputies chased him. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports that was arrested and charged with grand theft auto, reckless driving, fleeing to elude and other counts.

Truck

WARM WEATHER BRINGS EARLY ALLIGATOR ACTIVITY

Wildlife experts say unseasonably warm temperatures in recent weeks have brought an early surge of alligator activity. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Gary Morse says March 1 signals the start of alligators’ most active period, which extends through early November. Mating season runs from April through June.

SPRING BREAKER MISSING IN PANAMA CITY BEACH

A 21-year-old from Rice University has been reported missing in Panama City Beach. Remy Jose was last seen by friends on Monday night. His clothes and personal items were found in a garbage can near the beach-front home he was renting.

Source: Associated Press