Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
MONDAY IS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR HEALTH INSURANCE UNDER NEW FEDERAL LAW
Monday is the last day to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Florida has led the way among the 36 states relying on the federal exchange, with more than 440,000 enrollees. Federal officials say more than 6 million have signed up for health coverage nationwide. Those without health insurance face a fine of $95 or 1 percent of their income.
GOV. RICK SCOTT TO SIGN GI BILL INTO LAW
Gov. Rick Scott is planning to sign the “Florida GI” bill at a ceremony in Panama City on Monday. The bill offers a tuition break to honorably discharged veterans regardless of when they moved to the state. The tuition break will cost an estimated $12 million. The bill also includes college scholarships for National Guard members and sets aside money to renovate armories and acquire land adjacent to existing military installations in the state.
SECURITY GUARD TRAMPLED AT ULTRA FEST HAS SEVERE BRAIN HEMORRHAGING
City officials say a private security guard has severe brain hemorrhaging after being trampled by a crowd at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival on Friday night. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado blamed the organizers of the three-day electronic music festival for failing to properly secure the venue. He doesn’t want Miami to host the event in the future.
DRIVER IN GOV. RICK SCOTT’S SECURITY DETAIL IN MINOR PARKING LOT FENDER BENDER
A driver who was part of Gov. Rick Scott’s security detail was in a minor car accident while trying to back into a parking spot outside a restaurant in Naples. The governor was not in the car at the time of the crash. Florida Highway Patrol officials say both cars received minor damage.
FORMER HOMELESS FLORIDA COLLEGE STUDENT PREPARING TO PERFORM AT CARNEGIE HALL
A former homeless college student is realizing his dreams as he prepares to perform at Carnegie Hall. In the past, 24-year-old James Matthews sometimes occasionally slept in his instructor’s piano studio for shelter. Now, the University of West Florida student is rehearsing for a concert at the New York City venue next month after placing in the American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition
