Two people have been charged in connection with the death of a 3-month-old girl in Avon Park. The child’s mother, Sabrina Denise Watson, has been charged with negligent manslaughter of a child, two counts of child neglect, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug equipment. Gwendolyn L. Wyche, a legal guardian, has been charged with child neglect. An investigation revealed that on the night of May 3rd, Wyche dropped off the baby to Watson in violation of a court order. Sometime during that night, Watson was sleeping on a mattress with the baby and another child, and rolled onto the baby, causing the child to not to be able to breathe. The District 10 Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be an “accidental overlay.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a deputy sheriff who showed up for duty on Saturday morning, June 22, 2024, and exhibited signs of being intoxicated. 27-year old Joseph Everett, who has worked for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for two years, was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol.
Saharan dust over the west of Africa could arrive in South Florida this weekend. National Weather Service senior meteorologist Robert Garcia says the good news is the dust typically limits tropical activity. But the dust can also lead to stronger afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane forecasters are keeping close tabs on another tropical wave currently emerging off the African coastline. A few models have suggested some development by next week.
Under a new law, it’ll soon be illegal to intentionally release a balloon in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill yesterday that bans balloon releases, effective July First. Violators could be fined 150 dollars. Children six or younger are exempt. Balloon releases had been popular at memorials, but they also raised environmental concerns as the balloons can pose a danger to marine life.
The FDLE is investigating a Central Florida lawmaker. The agency confirmed yesterday it’s investigating Windermere State Rep. Carolina Amesty and Central Christian University. That’s the nonprofit school in Orange County her family runs. The 29-year-old Amesty used to be an administrator at the school. The FDLE did not disclose what they’re investigating. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the state is also investigating Amesty for her work as a notary public.
A woman who works with local victims of domestic violence is pleased with a recent Supreme Court ruling, but she has questions. The high court ruled Friday that law enforcement officers have the right to seize guns from those who are issued a restraining order. Michelle Sperzel is CEO of Harbor House of Central Florida in Orlando. She applauds the court’s decision, but she wonders how police and deputies will enforce the law. Sperzel tells News 6 law enforcement is going to have to figure out how they’re going to get the guns out of the homes and out of the hands of the abuser.
We’re in store for another unusually hot day in North Florida. The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect from Northeast Florida to the Panhandle from noon to 8:00 p.m. eastern. Heat index values up to 112 are expected. The NWS warns you to take precautions to avoid heat illness. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
President Biden and Donald Trump are preparing for the first debate of the 2024 presidential election. Biden is hunkering down with top aides and advisers at Camp David holding mock debates and isn’t expected to make any public appearances until the debate in Atlanta on Thursday. Rather than holding mock debates, Trump has been holding rallies and meeting with senators and allies to go over policies likely to come up when the two political rivals face off. Trump has met with Senators J.D. Vance of Ohio and Marco Rubio of Florida among others in recent days.
Marco Rubio and Rick Scott want to make sure we don’t forget those killed in a condo collapse in Miami-Dade County. The senators introduced a resolution yesterday on the third anniversary of the tragedy in Surfside that killed 98 people. Rubio says we must continue to honor the memory of the lives lost that day and reaffirm our support for the survivors and loved ones. Scott praised first responders who answered the call that day in the face of great danger. He also says the community came together to mourn and support those affected, and they showed what it meant to be Surfside strong.