Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE IS TAKING A WEEK OFF
State legislators are taking off the seventh week of the 2014 session because it conflicts with Passover and Easter. The session lasts 60 days and is scheduled to end in early May. Legislators have already passed major bills dealing with sex offenders and a rollback in auto registration fees. However, the Legislature must still pass a state budget in order to adjourn on time.
JUDGE SCHEDULED TO HEAR ARGUMENTS ON BAIL FOR SUSPECT IN FATAL DAYCARE CRASH
Bail for Robert Corchado was initially set for $100,000. Prosecutors told the judge that Corchado is a flight risk and should be held without bond. Corchado’s attorneys want the bond to remain in place. Corchado was held at the Orange County jail over the weekend ahead of Monday’s hearing. Authorities say Corchado drove an SUV that crashed into a convertible, sending the car spinning into the Winter Park daycare center. The crash killed a 4-year-old girl.
CENTRAL FLORIDA WOMAN RECOVERING AFTER BEAR ATTACK IN HER YARD
Wildlife officials are warning residents to watch out for bears on the move, particularly after Terri Frana encountered a bear Saturday night outside her Lake Mary home. Frana was treated at a hospital and released. Seminole County Fire Rescue officials told reporters that Frana was bitten on her head and arm. The wildlife commission is investigating and has set several bear traps in the area. Wildlife officials say bears are leaving their winter dens and looking for food.
MIAMI-DADE POLICE LIEUTENANT CHARGED IN COCAINE CONSPIRACY SEEKS RELEASE ON BAIL
A hearing is set Monday for Miami-Dade Police Lt. Ralph Mata. The FBI says Mata provided protection, sensitive law enforcement information and security for a drug trafficking organization that smuggled cocaine into the U.S. They allegedly used shipments of bananas and other produce from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Authorities also say Mata planned a hit on a rival gang, although that never took place.
GRANDSON OF OCEAN EXPLORER JACQUES COUSTEAU PREPARING TO SPEND 31 DAYS UNDERWATER IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Fabien Cousteau’s “Mission 31” will begin June 1 at Aquarius Reef Base. Cousteau and his team of scientists and filmmakers plan to re-emerge July 2 after testing experimental equipment and studying the underwater effects of pollution and climate change. It’s the longest mission ever at the lab that sits about 60 feet below the ocean’s surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
