Florida: 5 Things To Know For October 30

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

POLL SHOWS TIGHT RACE FOR FLORIDA GOVERNOR

A Quinnipiac University poll shows the race between Democrat Charlie Crist and Republican Gov. Rick Scott is still tight. Crist was supported by 43 percent of those polled while Scott received support from 40 percent. But the survey released Thursday has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percent, making the race a statistical tie. Libertarian candidate Adrian Wyllie received 8 percent support in the poll.

DEFENSE EXPECTED TO REST CASE IN FAMU HAZING TRIAL

Defense attorneys are expected to begin presenting their case in the manslaughter and hazing trial of a former Florida A&M University band member charged in the death of a drum major. Dante Martin’s attorneys could begin their case midday Wednesday. State attorney Jeff Ashton told Judge Renee Roche late Tuesday that the medical examiner who examined Robert Champion should be his eighth and final witness.

FEDS REACH $1M SETTLEMENT WITH SHIP FIRM

Federal prosecutors have reached a $1 million settlement with a Jacksonville ship repair company accused of making false claims to get Coast Guard contracts set aside for disabled veterans. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said Wednesday that North Florida Shipyards and its president, Matt Self, agreed to pay the U.S. government the money back.

REGULATORS ISSUING TICKETS TO RIDESHARE COMPANIES

Hillsborough County regulators are going undercover to ticket drivers they say are operating illegally, whether they drive for ride-share outlets Uber and Lyft or traditional taxi companies. The Public Transportation Commission, which regulates for-hire vehicles, has reported issuing about 50 tickets so far. The undercover work began three months ago.

TEEN SHOOTS 14-YEAR-OLD; CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER

A Florida teenager faces manslaughter charges after shooting a 14-year-old boy while they were “playing around” with guns. The shooting happened Wednesday at a home in Belleview near Ocala. Marion County Sheriff’s deputies say the 17-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday night and taken to a juvenile detention center.