HISTORIC CITY NEWS 2019

Medical Examiner says this is no suicide — Washtock death ruled homicide

Ellie Marie (Eli) Washtock, whose non-binary sexual preference has overshadowed the investigation of his murder, is on the road to justice; as the district Medical Examiner has ruled his death a homicide. The murder was discovered by Washtock’s 15-year-old son about 7:30 a.m. on January 31, 2019, in a third-floor unit at Laterra Condominiums inside…

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Public Safety

Letter: Dr King would not be trying to remove inanimate memorials

Gregory WhiteSt Augustine, FL Dear Historic City News Editor: The age-old institution of slavery existed in most of St. Augustine’s long and diverse history. Reminders of it can be seen all over town today including the old fort and many historic buildings.

Editorials

Seven drunk driving arrests reported during last 24-hours

Saturday night was apparently the night to drink and drive in St Johns County, according to the booking records of the St Johns County Detention Facility obtained by Historic City News reporters this morning.

Public Safety

Senator Hutson celebrating conclusion of 2019 legislative session

It’s report card time now that the Florida legislature has adjourned sine die. Florida Senator Travis Hutson reported to Historic City News this weekend on his accomplishments and issues important to constituents in Florida’s 7th District.

Government

Sine die: 2019 Legislative session accomplishments

by Phil AmmannThe News Service of FloridaSpecial to Historic City News Florida lawmakers finished the 2019 Legislative Session Saturday by passing a budget for the upcoming year. During the two-month Session, lawmakers considered hundreds of bills and made more than $90 billion in spending decisions. It also was the first Session for Republican Gov. Ron…

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Government

Cancer benefits for firefighters enacted over League of Cities objection

A measure aiming to help firefighters in the battle against cancer (SB 426) has been signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis over the objection of some local governments as relayed by the Florida League of Cities.

Public Safety

Several criminal justice reforms headed to the governor

The Legislature sent Governor Ron DeSantis a bill making a number of criminal justice reforms today, and DeSantis has signaled to Historic City News that he supports the reforms. Some of the issues addressed have not been updated in Florida in decades.

Government

Repayment of obligations before felons can vote now up to DeSantis

With two men who’ve become the faces of Amendment 4 watching from the gallery, Florida lawmakers passed a controversial measure that would require repayment of financial obligations before felons’ voting rights could be restored.

Government