While you were sleeping, we compiled the biggest stories of the day in one place. Each story has a quick and easy summary, so you're prepared for whatever the day brings. Just click on the links if you want to know more!
1. DeSantis '100%' opposed to any attempt at Florida travel restrictions
Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Rubio and more have sounded off after a report that President Joe Biden's administration is considering travel restrictions, fearful that coronavirus mutations are threatening to reverse hard-fought progress on the pandemic.
"I think it would be unconstitutional, it would be unwise and it would be unjust," DeSantis said.
Rubio sent Biden a letter Wednesday calling any such travel restrictions for Florida "reckless and economically harmful."
2. Trump's defense steps up to the plate today:
Democrats finished their arguments in the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump on Thursday, arguing that the Senate should vote to convict the former president while warning that he could stoke violence again if lawmakers don’t.
And now that Democrats have finished, Trump’s defense team is expected to begin their presentation Friday, arguing for senators to vote to acquit.
Donald Trump’s lawyers have a simple objective as they open their defense at the former president’s impeachment trial: Don’t lose any Republican votes. Hoping that brevity appeals to their captive Senate audience, the lawyers are expected to keep their arguments short.
3. Light at the end of the tunnel: Most Americans could be vaccinated by August
President Biden said Thursday that the U.S. will have enough supply of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the summer to inoculate 300 million Americans.
The U.S. is on pace to exceed Biden’s goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses in his first 100 days in office, with more than 26 million shots delivered in his first three weeks.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, projected on Thursday’s NBC “Today” it will be “open season” for coronavirus vaccines in April.
4. Where can you find the vaccine in Florida? Walmart joins Publix and Winn-Dixie
Starting today, COVID-19 vaccinations will begin at more than 100 Walmart and Sam's Club stores across Florida.
DeSantis said the state is expecting to receive more than 65,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week as part of the Federal Pharmacy Program.
That supply will be sent to hundreds of Publix, Walmart, Sam's Club, and Winn-Dixie pharmacies throughout Florida.
5. Wondering what to do for Valentine's Weekend? TA Walker has some ideas:
Big changes coming to ArtiGras, a place where even the singles can celebrate Valentine's Day and have a little fun, a laser show set to Beatles music, a free tribute show and a free movie round out this weekend's Five Fun Things list.
If you are used to walking down Central Blvd. in Jupiter to experience one of the top 10 art shows in the country, make a note, due to construction they are in a new location at the Gardens North County District Park.
For more information on ArtiGras and other events happening this weekend, click the link above.
Today's Forecast
Increasing rain chances for the weekend:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On February 12, 1909, the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, a group that included African American leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells-Barnett announced the formation of a new organization. Called the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, it would have a profound effect on the struggle for civil rights and the course of 20th Century American history.
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