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. Publix's vaccine appointments open at 7 a.m.
Publix announced they will resume scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments Friday at pharmacies across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
Publix said their online reservation system for vaccination appointments will be open Friday at 7 a.m. for all 730 of its Florida pharmacies.
Vaccine appointments are open to Florida residents 65 years and older through Publix's online reservation system.
2. Florida to lower vaccine age 'sometime in March'
The governor said that once the demand softens among seniors and more supply of the vaccine comes in, Florida will lower the age of eligible residents.
"Without question, barring any problems with the vaccine distribution, you're gonna see the age lower at sometime in March. For sure," DeSantis said. "Once we get to the point of the senior population where we start to see the demand go down, then we obviously are going to lower the age and get people, at a minimum 60, and then maybe even 55 right off the bat."
3. US bombs facilities in Syria used by Iran-backed militia
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against facilities in eastern Syria that the Pentagon said were used by Iran-backed militia groups, in response to recent attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq.
Kirby said the U.S. attacks destroyed multiple facilities at a border control point used by a number of Iranian-backed militant groups, which include Kait’ib Hezbollah and Kait’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.
The U.S. was retaliating for a rocket attack earlier this month that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a U.S. service member and other coalition troops.
4. House passes Equality Act, posed to pass stimulus
The Democratic-led House is passed a bill Thursday that enshrines protections in the nation’s labor and civil rights laws for LGBTQ people.
House Democrats are still poised to pass President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus bill on Friday after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that a proposed increase to the minimum wage cannot be included in the stimulus bill.
What is likely to happen is after House Democrats approve the measure on Friday, the Senate would then be expected to remove the minimum wage provision, kicking the bill back to the House for a final vote.
5. Peppa Pig theme park set for Legoland Florida Resort in 2022
A standalone Peppa Pig theme park is set to open next year at the Legoland Florida Resort.
The Peppa Pig theme park will feature rides, interactive attractions, play areas and live shows.
Today's Forecast
Warmer than normal weather pattern through next week:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On Feb. 23, 1993, the World Trade Center was bombed.
Although the terrorist bomb failed to critically damage the main structure of the skyscrapers, six people were killed and more than 1,000 were injured.
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