Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
GUILTY PLEA SET IN CUBAN BALLPLAYER SMUGGLING
The accused leader of a human trafficking ring is set to plead guilty to U.S. charges involving the smuggling of more than 1,000 Cubans, including baseball players such as Texas Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin. A federal judge set a Friday afternoon hearing in the case of Eliezer Lazo, who is already serving a five-year prison sentence for money laundering in a Medicare fraud case.
SEVERAL INJURED IN COMMUTER BUS CRASH
Authorities say several people were injured in a Tampa Bay area commuter bus crash. The St. Petersburg police reports that a 57-year-old woman lost control of her car at a bend in a road Thursday morning and moved into the path of an oncoming Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus. Police say the crash left the woman driving the car in critical condition.
POLICE: THIEVES STOLE $50K IN 4-H FARM EQUIPMENT
Police are looking for thieves who took nearly $50,000 in farm equipment that was to be used to teach children about agriculture at Marion County’s 4-H farm. Ocala police report that the thieves broke into a locked storage barn and took a utility truck, compact tractor and a riding lawn more. Officer Doug Russell says tire tracks were found near a cut fence at Grace Christian School.
MAN GUILTY OF KILLING LAKELAND POLICE OFFICER
A central Florida man has been convicted of killing a Lakeland police officer. A Polk County jury found 21-year-old Kyle Williams guilty on Thursday of first-degree murder. That same panel will return Monday to recommend either life in prison or the death penalty for Williams. A judge will make the final decision.
RAYS HOLD OFF PRICE IN FIRST MEETING SINCE TRADE
The Tampa Bay Rays overcame a masterful performance by David Price. Price allowed only a first-inning RBI triple to Brandon Guyer in his first start against his former team, and Alex Cobb and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.
