Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE POISED TO PICK NEW LEADERS
Two central Florida Republicans are going to take control of the Florida Legislature. The Florida Legislature is meeting Tuesday to select a new Senate president and a new House speaker. Republicans hold a firm majority so Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, will be chosen as speaker, while Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, will be selected as president. Crisafulli replaces Will Weatherford, who is leaving because of term limits. Sen. Don Gaetz has another two years left in office.
MAN CONVICTED OF KILLING NEIGHBOR REPORTS TO JAIL
A Tampa Bay area man sentenced to eight years in prison for fatally shooting his neighbor has started his sentence. An attorney for 73-year-old Trevor Dooley says the man reported to Hillsborough County’s jail Friday before heading to state prison. Dooley had been convicted of manslaughter in November 2012, despite claims of self-defense, and then sentenced two months later. He had remained free on bail while he appealed the conviction, but that appeal was denied last month.
PESTICIDE POISONING CLAIMS HEAD TO STATE OFFICIALS
Worried they may have been poisoned by a pesticide used on strawberry fields, some 63 people in Hillsborough County families have told state officials about their concerns. If toxicologists with the Florida Department of Health do find evidence of pesticide poisoning, it will be up to the federal Environmental Protection Agency to determine what to do with the information. The EPA is responsible for determining how restricted chemicals can be applied and whether they are a risk to human health or the environment.
STANTON AGREES TO $325 MILLION DEAL WITH MARLINS
Giancarlo Stanton has agreed to terms with the Marlins on a $325 million, 13-year deal that offers a no-trade clause and an opt-out after six years. The contract is the most lucrative deal for an American athlete and averages $25 million a year.
CHURCH BOOKKEEPER CHARGED WITH FORGERY
A former bookkeeper for a church in the Florida Panhandle will serve 20 years of probation after pleading no contest to forging 138 checks worth $38,849. The News Herald of Panama City reports 38-year-old Kelli Elane Space was sentenced Monday. She was arrested in April after authorities say she forged checks at Parker United Methodist Church over a six-month period.
