WOKC Local News – September 09, 2026, 7:40 AM
Transcript
WOKC News. More voter freedom with WOKC News. I’m Charles Murphy. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission outlined a new voter freedom law to protect mariners. Director of the Law Enforcement Division for the FWC, Tom Vantries, says the Voter Freedom Act is designed to reduce unnecessary government interference in voting activities. This new law introduced several changes aimed at protecting voters’ rights and also prohibits foreign powers from receiving commercial fishing licenses and ensures that the use and sale of the vessel cannot be prohibited because of the nature of the vessel’s propulsion system. Good turnouts for the Pete Clements from Oil Labor Day Rodeo Saturday and Sunday nights. There was some rough weather that delayed things on Saturday. The winners in the breakaway roping were Zoe Carpenter with a total payoff of $4,700. Talyn Seabrook won the steer wrestling. Bradley Massey and Zach Mabry the team roping. Connor Brumley, saddle bronc. Polo Baquette, tie-down roping. And Kristen Hansche the barrel racing. The total payoff in those events, $20,301. A seven-year sentence against Chris Singletary of Lakeland. He allegedly trafficked methamphetamine in Okeechobee. Authorities say he sold two ounces of methamphetamine for $800 on December 17, 2024. Also had a prior record. He’ll also pay a $100,000 fine. Singletary agreed to meet the undercover officer at a shopping plaza in Okeechobee. Deputies searched his vehicle and say they found bullets, a revolver, and just under 22 grams of methamphetamine. Congressman in the 9th District, Darren Soto, a Democrat, understands he’s outnumbered in the new district. District 9, there still are pending court litigations challenging the new map. It won’t affect this year’s election, most likely. 58% of voters supported President Trump in the 2024 election in this new district. Soto was asked, is it possible he gets reelected? I’m someone who focuses on bread and butter issues, on economic issues, on ag issues, on make sure we have clean water and places for recreation, things that I think Floridians care about. The Republican opponent is Dan Green. Osceola County voters asked to approve a one-mill property tax hike for schools. 25% of their students now are attending charter schools. The money will go to teacher and staff compensation and benefits, school safety and security, and academic programs. Dr. Mark Sharanoff told voters, remember who the money is impacting. So who benefits from these hikes? The students will be the primary beneficiary of the operational knowledge. Having a consistent teaching and support staff workforce lowers costs across the organization in due training and retraining. The students will know who their teachers and staff members are in a way that is consistent with how well they know their administrators. He notes the average teacher salary is $52,840 in Central Florida, which is the lowest in that region. I’m Charles Murphy, WOKC News.
Recorded from the WOKC daily newscast (Glades Media).