Florida executes 74-year-old man, making him oldest in state’s modern history

Dusty Ray Spencer, convicted of fatally stabbing his wife Karen in 1992, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke on Thursday evening, becoming the oldest person put to death in Florida’s modern era. Spencer, 74, was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. after a three-drug injection. Florida has another 74-year-old inmate scheduled for execution next month.

Sources: WCJB TV20

Taxpayer group defends data centers as tax revenue, jobs boon for Florida counties

The Taxpayer Protection Alliance entered the debate over data centers in Florida this week, releasing a fact sheet arguing that such facilities bring meaningful tax revenue and high-paying jobs — particularly to rural counties. The group’s executive director warned that moratoriums or restrictions on data centers amount to rejecting six-figure blue-collar salaries and local tax dollars. The push comes as data centers have faced bipartisan criticism in Florida.

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Sources: WCJB TV20

Venezuela earthquakes prompt questions about Florida’s own fault lines

Four earthquakes struck Venezuela within eight hours, leaving behind visible damage and prompting concern along the Florida coast where tremors were reportedly felt. The cluster of quakes raised questions about whether Florida’s own fault lines share any dangerous characteristics with those responsible for the Venezuelan seismic activity.

Sources: The Gainesville Sun