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Morning News Recap

Posted: 6:10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013

Fair Share Tax 

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Good morning. It's Wednesday, February 27th, 2013.  Some impressive rainfall totals from the two-day deluge that finally ended around Noon Tuesday. The National Weather Service says Olustee in Baker County had a three-day total of more than 6 and a half inches. Jacksonville Beach and JIA both had just under 4 and a half inches. Craig Field in Arlington had just under 2 and a half inches. Heather Zehr says we'll stay dry through the weekend.

The Big Three things you need to know:

1.) Walmart Shooting. A man is shot dead in a car at the parking lot of the WalMart on Beach and Southside. Tuesday night's shooting happened as two men were parked inside a car when a third man walked up to the car, got inside, and shot one of the men. Police say the gunman ran off. The driver quickly called police and drove the victim to a nearby Kangaroo gas station. As of now police have no suspects.

2.) $150,000 expense to find out how many millions are tied up in vacant property YOU own. WOKV's Stephanie Brown has been investigating for seven months the vacant city-owned property. Jacksonville City Council voted Tuesday to spend $150,000 of your tax dollars to hire a company to inventory and assess all the land it owns. Finance Chair John Crescimbeni says he expects the amount of money the city will pay is going to drop because the original scope of the project isn't quite as large as previously thought, but he's counting on the administration to make sure that happens.

3.) Sequester planning. Two days until the big federal cuts and no sign of a deal. As WOKV's Jamie Dupree reports, Senate Democrats have rolled out a plan that includes a "Fair Share Tax" for those making over $1 million a year. Senate Republicans may offer their own proposal today. Neither proposal is expected to pass.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, says the cuts to start Friday are haphazard, and affect "good programs and bad.''

A lot of uproar from the public following city council's reappointment of Dr. Parvez Ahmed to the Human Rights Commission. Councilman Robin Lumb says he hasn't gotten to question Ahmed and he, along with five other councilmen, voted against the reappointment. Ahmed tells our partner Action News he enjoys giving back to the city he loves. He flatly rejects any ties to terrorism.

A leaky roof at the downtown library could end up costing around $1.5 million to repair. City Council President Bill Bishop says the city has known about hte leaks for two years and has done nothing to fix it. The library opened in 2005.

A problem in Jacksonville that's costing you. JEA says almost a quarter-million dollars have been lost by 520 cases of electricity theft reported in the city between October and January. Now the Florida Senate and House are considering bills to upgrade the charge of stealing a utility from a misdemeanor to a felony.

The Supreme Court hears arguments today on a challenge to part of the Voting Rights Act. Shelby County, Alabama is challenging part of the law that forces places with a history of discrimination to get approval before they change the way elections are held. The court is expected to weigh the enormous progress in civil rights against the need to continue to protect minority voters. Five Florida counties would be affected by the outcome of this case.  Hear Jamie Dupree run down the five counties and explain why this ruling is so important. 

An Australian multi-millionaire has unveiled blueprints for the Titanic Two, a modern replica of the first. He plans to build it and sail across the Atlantic just like its namesake attempted back in 1912. Mining tycoon Clive Palmer says he's confident the ship won't sink, but he refused to say the boat would be "unsinkable."

We've found an opportunity to learn how to save a ton of money every time you buy groceries for your family.  I spoke with Karen Rodriguez from SavingTheFamilyMoney.com about the March 7th grocery coupon class.  You have to register in advance for this free workshop. 

 
 
 

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