Democrat announces bid for Mica seat

Banker Bill Phillips, a Democrat, announced Monday his campaign for Congress in Florida’s 7th congressional district, a seat held by Republican John Mica. “Washington, D.C. is a mess, and the career politicians aren’t going to clean it up,” Phillips said in a news release. “It’s time to make strategic investments in education, clean energy, and transportation.” Phillips has worked in private businesses, for nonprofits and as communications director of the Florida Education Association.

Mark Skoneki

St. Pete mayor seeks Tampa ferry service

ST. PETERSBURG — Ferry rides across Tampa Bay during the winter months could be running in as little as a year through a pilot program pushed by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. The Tampa Tribune reports the mayor is working with a ferry promoter on a plan to run a ferry service between the downtowns of Tampa and St. Petersburg through the winter months. One or two vessels would be rented from ferry services in the northeast that close for the winter.

Associated Press

Bar ditches plan for out-of-state lawyers

Reacting to heated outcry from its members, the Florida Bar Board of Governors has unanimously killed a proposal that would have allowed out-of-state lawyers to get licensed without taking the state Bar’s exam. About 40 other states allow some sort of admission by motion. The issue drew fire from lawyers from small or individual practices.

News Service of Florida

Deputies: Body found near Apopka

A body was found Monday in a wooded area off Golden Gem Road near Apopka, officials said. Someone called Orange County Fire Rescue about 2 p.m. to report the body, according to the department. Emergency responders then rushed to the scene in the 4500 block of Golden Gem Road. Once there, investigators discovered a man’s body in a wooded area near the road. He was identified as Angel Miguel Cruz. “The cause of death was not readily apparent,” Orange County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman Jeff Williamson said.

Tiffany Walden

Council approves money for body cams

The final vote needed to launch the Orlando Police Department’s body-camera program passed on Monday, when the City Council approved matching a nearly $500,000 federal grant that was awarded last month. Police Chief John Mina has said the money will help purchase 450 new cameras, in addition to the 50 already in use by OPD officers who participated in a recent study. The feds awarded Orlando $497,480, which the city will match.

Jeff Weiner

1 person hurt in mobile-home fire

One person was seriously injured following a fire that engulfed a mobile home in the Scottsmoor area Monday, according to Brevard County Fire Rescue. The person suffered burns in the fire along the 4800 block of Meadowgreen Road near Interstate 95, but their condition was not immediately known.

Florida Today