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Tito Jackson, a key member of the iconic pop group the Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70, according to a statement from his family. Known for his role as a guitarist and background singer, Tito was the third of nine Jackson siblings, including global superstars Michael and Janet Jackson.
The ongoing debate over the appropriateness of certain books for children in Florida has shifted from schools to public libraries, particularly concerning titles with LGBTQ+ themes. Notably, while Nassau County reinstated several books, Pasco County removed over 130 titles after a review prompted by a county commissioner.
A Pinellas County pet resort employee has been charged with animal cruelty after leaving two dogs outside in extreme heat, resulting in the death of one dog from heat exhaustion. The incident occurred at Bay Paws Pet Resort, where the employee reportedly forgot to bring the dogs back inside after a potty break.
The Residences at 400 Central in St. Petersburg has officially topped out, becoming the tallest residential building on Florida's west coast. Mayor Ken Welch praised the development as a significant symbol of the city's progress. The 46-story building features 301 luxury condominiums along with office and retail spaces.
Florida's property insurance crisis has become a contentious issue in the Senate race between incumbent Rick Scott and challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. While Mucarsel-Powell blames Scott for the insurance woes stemming from his tenure as governor, Scott's team argues that other factors, including current leadership, play a larger role. The debate highlights the complexities of Florida's insurance market and the differing perspectives on accountability.
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards kicked off with hosts Eugene and Dan Levy humorously addressing the shifting landscape of television. Highlighting the dominance of streaming services, the ceremony featured notable favorites such as "Shogun" and "The Bear" vying for top honors.
Pasco County is considering new regulations that could significantly limit the establishment of car washes in the area. A proposal to amend the county’s land development code will be voted on by the County Commission, aiming to preserve job-generating land and reduce the number of car washes in busy corridors.
Waterfront property owners in Redington Beach are appealing a federal court ruling that upheld a 2018 ordinance protecting public access to "dry sand areas" of the beach. The owners argue that the ordinance constitutes an unconstitutional taking of their private property, while the court found that it recognizes customary use rights for the community.
Florida's current six-week abortion ban includes some exceptions, contrary to claims made by proponents of Amendment 4, which seeks to enshrine broader abortion access. The law allows for abortions in cases of health risks and for rape or incest, although critics argue that the requirements for these exceptions are cumbersome. The ongoing debate is intensified by a statewide campaign led by groups including Planned Parenthood to expand abortion rights.
Former President Donald Trump was the target of an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf club, according to the FBI. Secret Service agents intervened after noticing a gunman with an AK-style rifle, leading to the suspect's arrest. Trump assured his supporters that he is safe and will continue with his campaign activities.