A New Year means new laws for Florida drivers

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013, 7:13pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- It is a new year in the Sunshine State and on Florida's roadways there are some new laws in effect.

To start, say you want to flash your headlights to warn other drivers about nearby police.

"Just to alert," said Kim Rolfe, of Jacksonville. "It's just a courtesy to let other driver's know 'Hey, you're about to pass a cop.'"

Before the new year, that was illegal in Florida.

"I did not know that that was illegal!" Rolfe shouted with a laugh. "I thought I was just doing something nice for my fellow drivers!"

As of January 1, 2013, it's now legal, after the state legislature cleared up the law.

"So, it could be a good law to aide in safety," William Lee, of St. Augustine, said Tuesday morning. "So, I think it's good."

If you're ever in an accident, there's another law you should know about. It's about the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of your Florida policy.

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Planning your 2013 'fiscal cliff' finances

Submitted by Jeff Marcu, Anchor/Investigative Reporter

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013, 7:40am

So what should you be doing to prepare your finances for 2013, with the possible the "fiscal cliff?" We spoke with a wealth manager who said now is not the time to start making knee-jerk reactions.

Jim Newman is Senior Vice President of financial firm Janney Montgomery Scott. He said, "I think as we get past this fiscal cliff, we're going to look back and think it was just a small little gyration. And even though we might see some volatility, it shouldn't be anything on your long-term."

He said you should use caution when you hear the talk from politicians. "Their trying to show both sides how drastic it's going to be from both sides and it's a political ploy more than anything else," Newman explained.

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Pilot shortage could mean higher ticket prices, fewer flights

Submitted by Jeff Marcu, Anchor/Investigative Reporter

Friday, December 21st, 2012, 1:33am

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A major pilot shortage could mean higher prices and fewer flights in the future. It's an industry that has had a turbulent decade. Now, airline customers could be flying into new challenges.

"There's going to be a huge pilot shortage like we have never seen," said Wayne Ziskal, a retired American Airlines captain and current Jacksonville University assistant professor of aeronautics. He said it's a perfect storm that could lead to some major airlines losing as much as 70 percent of their pilots in the next 10 years.

"The people who were able to go to 65 are going to be retiring as of starting this month. There will be many foreign airlines and countries that will require United States-trained pilots," Ziskal explained.

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Man Charged with Murdering His Own Brother

Submitted by Jessika Lewis, Assignment Editor

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012, 3:30pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A First Coast man is in custody after police said he shot and killed his own brother on Monday, Dec. 17.

According a JSO booking report, Victor Wilson, 45, has been charged with murder after police said he shot and his brother, 41-year-old Eugene Wilson, multiple times.

Eugene Wilson died after being taken to Shands Hospital for treatment, officers wrote.

Quintina Smith, Eugene Wilson's girlfriend, told police she witnessed the incident and police said Smith picked Victor Wilson's picture out of a photospread. Smith told officers that Victor Wilson also pointed his gun at her as she ran to get help for her boyfriend.

Officers arrested Victor Wilson at the scene, but said he denied having any knowledge of the shooting. Investigators noted that Victor Wilson is a convicted felon, meaning it was illegal for him to have a firearm.

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Keeping recalled items off your holiday shopping list

Submitted by Ken Amaro, Ken Amaro, Community Reporter

Thursday, December 13th, 2012, 7:43pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an estimated 69 percent of stores (thrift, consignment and resale) are selling at least one hazardous item. These are items that are on the government's recall list.

We went shopping in several stores to see if we could find any.

We found that most stores make an effort to filter the good from the recalled, but even the store operators know that is not foolproof.

"Consumers should be careful," said David Purcell.

Purcell is manager of the Northeast Florida Community Hospice thrift stores. He said a few years ago, they made a decision not to sell children's toys or cribs or car seats.

"You have to determine if the items have been recalled," said Purcell, "and you have to determine if the items contain lead."

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Enter to Win: Discover New Fantasyland and make Disney memories all year long!

Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Friday, December 7th, 2012, 1:01am

Enter to Win: Discover New Fantasyland and make Disney memories all year long!

First Coast News wants give you a year of Walt Disney World® magic with Florida Resident Annual Passes! Experience a new land full of adventure and excitement. Where beasts roar and mermaids sing. New Fantasyland®, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom® history, welcomes you into the Enchanted Forest to explore Prince Eric’s Castle. Go under the sea with Ariel. Dine in Beast's Castle. Join Belle for a retelling of the “tale as old as time.” Play in all four theme parks year-round, experience magical Holidays, access special Passholder events, and step inside Disney stories like never before!

Enter for a chance to discover new Fantasyland and make Disney memories all year long!

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First Coast News surprises a viewer on her birthday

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Friday, November 30th, 2012, 10:17pm

Birthday wishes can come true. Theo Wakefield sent First Coast News this email:

"My wife Nikki Wakefield is a First Coast News fanatic!!! She has a birthday this month and I was hoping that I could stop by with my iPad and that you all would wish her a happy birthday."

Forget a video. Take a look at the surprise we pulled off:

Steve Smith and Amanda Zitzman surprised Nikki at Garden City Elementary, where she works as the principal.

They gave her a cake, mug and t-shirts. They then sat down and ate cake with her.

Today is also Nikki's daughter's birthday.

Happy birthday to you both. Hope you liked your present from your First Coast News family.

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