News 6′s Matt Austin talks to ‘Monsters in the Morning’ about viral video in defense of his daughters
News 6 anchor Matt Austin appeared on the popular Orlando radio show "The Monsters in the Morning" on Wednesday to discuss his viral video in defense of his daughters that has grabbed headlines from across the world.
State attorney will not seek death penalty against Markeith Loyd
ORLANDO, Fla. - State Attorney Aramis Ayala said Thursday that she will not seek the death penalty for accused murder Marketih Loyd or for any first-degree murder cases during her time in office. Rick Scott signed a bill requiring a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "I have spoken with the State Attorney (Aramis Ayala) and I'm extremely upset that she will not be seeking the death penalty for triple murderer Markeith Loyd," Mina said in a letter posted on Twitter. "I have seen the video of Markeith Loyd executing Lt. Debra Clayton while she lay defenseless on the ground. [VOTE BELOW: Should state pursue death penalty against Loyd?]
Here's how many Florida drivers have been ticketed for texting and driving
ORLANDO, Fla. - Recently released numbers show that hundreds of drivers across the Sunshine State have been ticketed or warned since Florida's new texting and driving law went into effect. Florida Highway Patrol troopers began issuing warnings on July 1, when texting while driving officially became illegal in Florida. Representatives with Florida Highway Patrol delivered their report Wednesday to members of the Florida House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee. [READ: Florida texting and driving statistics]"I think it's low, principally because it's new," Florida Representative Geraldine Thompson said. News 6 was a major force behind helping to get the new law banning texting and driving enacted with an initiative called Driving Change.
Anchors' AncestryDNA results revealed
Gadsden and fellow anchors Matt Austin, Lisa Bell and Julie Broughton all decided to take part. Finally, it was time to find out their results-- and some of the anchors were more surprised than others. "I feel like it has a part of my parents in there and I think that's what's special -- because they're not here anymore -- and I think that's part of them, too. LISA BELL'S RESULTSBefore Bell checked out her results, she revealed something not many people know about her: she was adopted. "You know, you don't know how exact it's going to be, is it going to say Basque?
Fireworks at the Fountain: Parking, food vendors, saluting our veterans
ORLANDO, Fla. - This year marks the 42nd annual Fourth of July celebration at Lake Eola, known as Fireworks at the Foundation. Portions of the event, including the 9:15 p.m. fireworks show, will be broadcast on WKMG News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. [STORY: How the Lake Eola swans deal with Fireworks at the Fountain]Best places to parkAlthough biking and ride-sharing is encouraged, there is parking available in the downtown area. A map and list of Downtown Orlando parking options is available at orlando.gov/fireworks. There is a free LYMMO circulator to get to Lake Eola Park from parking locations around downtown.
What you can, can't do with your phone while driving
ORLANDO, Fla. - Floridas law enforcement officers can pull over drivers suspected of texting and driving starting Monday. Floridas new distracted driving law makes texting behind the wheel a primary offense, which means if a law enforcement officer sees you on your phone while operating a vehicle they can pull you over. [RELATED: News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill | 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving bill | Timeline: News 6 Driving Change ]Gov. You will not be penalized for receiving a message while youre driving or glancing at your phone when you receive one unless youre in a hands-free zone. Law enforcement would rather you use Bluetooth, but you can still physically answer phone calls on your phone with no penalties unless youre in a hands-free zone.
What you can, can't do behind the wheel starting July 1
ORLANDO, Fla. - Floridas law enforcement officers can pull over drivers suspected of texting and driving starting Monday. [RELATED: News 6 anchor Matt Austin testifies for distracted driving bill | 5 things to know about Florida's texting and driving bill | Timeline: News 6 Driving Change ]Gov. Ron Desantis signed Floridas texting and driving bill into law May 17. News 6 wants to clarify what you can or cannot do with your phone while you are behind the wheel. USE SOCIAL MEDIANoScrolling through your Instagram or Facebook while behind the wheel is not allowed and will be considered texting.
Police issue reminder about new texting and driving law in Florida
MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Mount Dora police on Thursday posted a video reminding drivers that texting and driving in Florida will become a primary offense July 1. "We want to pass along some information you need to know while you're driving. News 6 led the Driving Change campaign after anchor Matt Austin was injured in a crash by a distracted driver. During Austins overnight stay in the hospital, the responding officer to the crash told him the driver was texting. News 6 anchor Matt Austin details crash]It was then that Austin learned that in Florida, texting and driving was a secondary offense and officers could not issue tickets unless they witnessed the driver texting and driving and witnessed the driver also breaking another law.