Florida: 5 Things To Know For Mar 13

Reubin_Askew

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

FORMER FLORIDA GOV. REUBIN ASKEW Dies

Former Florida Gov. Reubin Askew died early Thursday. He was 85. His family issued a statement Wednesday saying that he was admitted to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare on Saturday. Over the past three months, he has suffered from aspiration pneumonia, hip surgery and, most recently, a stroke. In 1970, Askew rose from obscurity in the Florida Legislature to become the Democrats’ surprise gubernatorial nominee, and beat the incumbent Republican, Claude Kirk.

JULY 1 SENTENCING DATE FOR TERROR PLOTTER PADILLA

A Miami judge has set a July 1 date to impose a new prison sentence on Jose Padilla, who was convicted in 2007 of terrorism support and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors and Padilla’s defense lawyer said at a hearing Wednesday they still need time to go through hundreds of classified documents. Padilla was originally sentenced to more than 17 years, but an appeals court ruled that was too lenient.

TEEN GETS 40 YEARS FOR FATAL DRUG ROBBERY

A Florida Panhandle teen has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his part in a fatal drug robbery. A Bay County judge sentenced 19-year-old Katari Jackson on Wednesday after he pleaded no contest to second-degree murder.

SW FLORIDA POLICE INVESTIGATING STOLEN MERCEDES

Naples police detectives are trying to find out who made off with a $71,496 Mercedes-Benz from a Jaguar dealership. The thief used a stolen identity out of Chicago and a $71,495.85 loan from SunTrust Bank. Months later, a woman who claimed to have had her identification stolen called the dealership and said she never purchased the car.

2 FORMER FAMU OFFICIALS CHARGED WITH THEFT

Two former Florida A&M University officials have been charged with stealing from a university fund that helps students attend away football games. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement reports that former dean of students Henry Kirby and former Student Government Association coordinator Morris Hawkins turned themselves Wednesday.