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. Another chance to sign up for a Publix vaccine appt. this morning
Tens of thousands of additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are flowing to Florida, and it's allowing Publix to give people more opportunities to make an appointment to get inoculated.
Publix has opened an additional appointment window every Monday at 7 a.m. That will complement current appointment windows on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
To make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Publix,click here.
2. Thousands gather to remember 17 victims killed in Parkland school shooting
Thousands gathered Sunday night in Parkland to pay tribute to the 14 students and three staff members were killed on Valentine's Day in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Among those who were killed was Joaquin Oliver and his parents are turning their pain into purpose with what they're calling "shame cards."
"These are graphics of cities that have suffered gun violence. You can send these to your congressmen, to members of Congress that represent each of these cities that we're holding," said Manuel Oliver explaining his proposal. "For example, safe storage in a federal way, a red-flag law in a federal way. None of them are actually infringing on your Second Amendment right, but all of them might be able to save lives."
3. Rubio and Scott maintain impeachment trial was 'unconstitutional' after Trump's acquittal
Former President Donald Trump was acquitted by the US Senate on Saturday on an article of impeachment that he incited the deadly US Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6.
"The attack on 6 Jan was a crime & a disgrace," Sen. Marco Rubio wrote on Twitter. "But the Senate does not have the Constitutional power to convict a former government official no longer in office."
"The attack on the Capitol we all witnessed on January 6 was horrific and the lawless thugs who are responsible for the disgusting violence we saw do not represent America," Sen. Rick Scott wrote on Twitter. "Democrats in Congress put our work for the American people on hold and pushed forward with an unconstitutional impeachment trial."
4. Mutilated pelicans found at Florida pier dubbed 'death row'
A pelican rescue group in Florida wants state wildlife officials to heighten patrols at a popular fishing pier in Manatee County after more than a dozen mutilated birds were discovered over the past month in the area.
The group Friends of the Pelicans typically rescues between 25 to 35 pelicans every day at the fishing pier. In the past two months, it has rescued a total of 600 pelicans. Most of those birds were tangled in fishing lines or snagged with hooks.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Senior Officer Adam Brown said they are currently investigating reports of pelicans being intentionally injured at the pier.
5. 100-1 underdog wins the Daytona 500
Michael McDowell stunned NASCAR by scoring his first career victory in the Daytona 500.
McDowell charged through a crash scene when Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano wrecked racing for the win.
It made a hole for McDowell that he drove through for his first win in 358 career starts.
Today's Forecast
Warm weather through Friday:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On February 15, 1933, America’s president-elect, Franklin D. Roosevelt escaped an assassination attempt in Miami. A deranged, unemployed brick layer named Giuseppe Zangara shouts "Too many people are starving!" and fired at Roosevelt.
Roosevelt had just delivered a speech in Miami’s Bayfront Park from the back seat of his open touring car when Zangara opened fire with six rounds. Five people were hit. The president escaped injury but the mayor of Chicago, Anton Cermak, who was also in attendance, received a mortal stomach wound in the attack.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m. And you can always watch the latest news from WPTV anytime on your favorite streaming device. Just search for "WPTV."
