Weird

Fla. Sued Over Ban of Doctors Asking About Guns

Monday, June 6th, 2011, 11:15pm

Fla. Sued Over Ban of Doctors Asking About Guns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence is suing to overturn Florida's new law that bans doctors from asking patients about gun ownership.

The center filed the suit in a Miami federal court on behalf of three doctors and three physicians groups.

"The best medicine is prevention," said Florida Pediatric Society president-elect Mobeen Rathore. "Unfortunately, I have seen too many tragic outcomes of an accidental shooting."

Rathore calls the new law a gag order. His organization along with the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and The Florida College of Physicians are part of the lawsuit against the state.

Opponents of the law are calling it vague, and say the punishment doesn't fit the crime."It could go to the board of medicine. You could essentially lose your license if you violate it," said Chris Nuland, an attorney for physicians.

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Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011, 4:20am

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- If Interstate 95 is the artery that feeds Jacksonville, then at the Bowden exit Tom Trout has added some heart.

"I kinda snoop around the office every now and then," the 84-year-old retired business owner said.

Once a week he makes a trip to the office his son now operates. "I'm just letting my presence be felt," he said.

He does still have a job though.

Once a week, it's his responsibility to come up with a new phrase for the sign that towers over the building and is seen by thousands each day from the interstate.

"I'm up to 1,615 sayings I think," Trout said.

He keeps a notebook of catchy phrases that have been collected since he put the sign up back in 1983. "My motivation each day is trying to change someone's life for the better."

Past sayings include:

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Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011, 7:49pm

JFRD: Thermal Imaging Camera Stolen During House Fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Susannah Carter home burned down in 2003. She knows the loss that comes with a house fire.

"We unfortunately lost a couple of pets," Carter said.

But she's thankful that firefighters were there to help keep her family safe using, among other things, a thermal imaging camera. The camera can find hot spots and body heat easily in a fire, but one of the 60 cameras the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department owns, was stolen right off a truck on Sunday.

"These tools are life saving products and they should be left alone," said JFRD spokesman Tom Francis.

According to the police report, Fire Station 21 used the camera at an apartment fire on Barnes Road on Sunday. Firefighters put it back in its charging station and went back to fighting the fire.

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Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011, 8:14am

5-Year-Old Grabs Wheel from Unconscious Dad

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Authorities say a 5-year-old girl took the steering wheel and did her best to drive the car off the road after her father passed out.

The 2010 Camaro jumped a curb, ran over landscaping and crashed into a parking sign before it came to a stop Monday evening. A Jacksonville Sheriff's Office report indicates the child had a bloody nose and lower lip.

Officers found 40-year-old Mark Endicot Jackson unresponsive and staring at the ceiling. He later told officials he had taken Xanax and oxycodone earlier in the day.

Jackson was charged with driving under the influence while accompanied by a minor. He remained in the Jacksonville Jail early Wednesday, with bail set at $3,000. No attorney was listed on jail records.

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Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011, 5:05pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville police are on the hunt for the thief who broke into a home on Pearl Street, stealing televisions and food.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office police report, on Monday televisions were stolen along with a microwave, telephone and security cameras which were posted outside the house.

The report also said the burglar ransacked the refrigerator and stole food.

Police also said clothing, which was inside the house, was damaged with bleach.

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Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011, 3:52pm

First Coast News Launches "Hot Man Madness"

College basketball season has officially ended - ladies - it’s time to take back the remote! Why, you ask? Could it be a new Reality TV show? Priorities people! It’s “Hot Man Madness!”