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Tom Leek refiles ‘Office Jason Raynor Act’ to hike penalties for cop killers

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A proposal to enhance penalties for cop killers that failed to pass last year has gained new life under Sen. Tom Leek.

Leek, an Ormond Beach Republican, just re-filed the “Officer Jason Raynor Act.”

If passed, the measure would require defendants convicted of manslaughter in cases involving the death of a police officer to receive life sentences without parole.

The bill (SB 234) is named for Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Rayner, who was fatally shot in 2021. A jury found Rayner’s killer, Othal Wallace, guilty of manslaughter, which today carries a maximum 30-year prison sentence when the crime involves a firearm.

Community outrage followed Wallace’s sentencing. So did legislation last year by Fort Myers Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin and Jacksonville Republican Rep. Jessica Baker, both former Assistant State Attorneys.

But the bills failed. Baker’s version (HB 1657) advanced to the House floor, where it died after its Senate companion (SB 1092) hit a snag in committee.

Leek is now picking up the proverbial baton, and SB 234 is the first bill he’s filed since winning his Senate District 7 seat in November.

“I am proud to file this important legislation to honor the memory of police officer Jason Raynor in his untimely death at the hands of someone who was only sentenced to 30 years instead of life in prison without parole,” Leek said in a prepared statement.

“Those who choose to attack our law enforcement with deadly force must face the consequence of their actions and be held accountable and prosecuted to the highest extent of the law.”

SB 234, to which a House companion is still pending, would amend Florida Statutes to provide that it is not justified to use force to resist lawful detention by a police officer in addition to an existing prohibition on forcefully resisting arrest.

The measure would delete language requiring compliance during an arrest or detainment if an officer is “engaged in the execution of a legal duty (and) acting in good faith.” It would also nix a passage that says use of force during an arrest isn’t justified if the cop knows the arrest is unlawful.

Rayner, 26, was on duty and in uniform when he approached Wallace behind Wallace’s apartment building in Daytona Beach. He asked Wallace, now 33, if he lived there. Wallace countered with a question about what prompted Raynor’s interest in him.

The exchange soon turned physical and, following a short struggle, Wallace drew his gun and shot Raynor in the head. Wallace then fled to Atlanta, where police captured him three days later. Raynor died from his injury 52 days after.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza of the 7th Judicial Circuit pursued a first-degree murder conviction against Wallace, which would have conferred a death penalty or mandatory life sentence. A Clay County jury instead convicted Wallace of manslaughter with a firearm.

In a letter to the Daytona Beach News-Journal last year, Wallace’s defense attorneys, Terry Shoemaker and Tim Pribisco, called the “Officer Jason Raynor Act” unnecessary. They warned that if the bill passes, it would provide “immunity for officers who use force against the citizens regardless of whether the officer is acting in good faith.”

“The citizens of Florida should pay close attention to the specific language of the bill which prohibits a citizen from using force against law enforcement under any circumstance, even if the officer is illegally detaining, illegally arresting or using excessive force,” they wrote.

Leek’s measure would complement other protections lawmakers have given first responders in recent years. That includes measures Gov. Ron DeSantis signed last year enabling police to establish a 25-foot protective zone around themselves, with trespassers facing up to 60-day jail sentences, and limiting powers of civilian police oversight boards.

SB 234 would go into effect Oct. 1.


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Disney World’s government settles ride evacuation injury lawsuit for $50K

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Walt Disney World’s government has settled a lawsuit after a boy was injured during a ride evacuation in 2021 at the Magic Kingdom, records show.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District agreed to pay the boy’s grandfather, Richard McNamara, $50,000 and did not admit any liability for the incident, according to the terms of settlement. Both sides agreed to pay their own legal expenses.

CFTOD, formerly known as Reedy Creek Improvement District, released the settlement this week following a Florida Politics records request made late last year.

The boy, originally from Alabama, had gone through a lot in his 12 years before he came to Orlando on vacation in March 2021.

His teenager brother shot and killed their father before shooting the boy, paralyzing him from the waist down, according to media reports.

An organization that helps children in need provided the boy with a trip to Disney World.

It was on that vacation when the boy rode the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a popular roller coaster based on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” when the coaster broke down.

“When the first responders attempted to lift (the boy) to remove him from the ride, they over-extended his leg, snapping his right femur at the knee,” the lawsuit said.

The family sued in 2022 for a claim of more than $100,000.

The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed last year after the two sides reached a settlement.

McNamara’s attorney, the boy’s attorney and CFTOD either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

At the time, Disney did not disclose the boy’s injury on the state theme park injury report released every quarter by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Theme parks face little regulation when it comes to disclosing juries to the public. Theme parks are only required to disclose injuries if people are hurt on a ride and require at least 24-hours of hospitalization.


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Scott Franklin to head House Environment Subcommittee

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Another Florida lawmaker will have a gavel for one of the U.S. House science subcommittees

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, will chair the House Environment Subcommittee.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Brian Babin, a Texas Republican, picked the Florida lawmaker for his expertise in the fields and the role the subcommittee would play on policy affecting the Sunshine State.

“I’m excited about our SST Committee assignments for this Congress,” Babin said. “The valuable expertise and diverse backgrounds that each member brings will be instrumental in strengthening U.S. leadership and competitiveness in science, space, and technology. We have a full agenda ahead that will prioritize advancing critical scientific research, fostering technological innovation, leading the world in space exploration, addressing regulatory burdens across industries, and more. Through our shared efforts, I am confident we can achieve our objectives and drive meaningful progress in our scientific endeavors. Let’s get to work!”

Franklin said he was enthusiastic about the assignment.

“I’m eager to tackle environmental research related to weather forecasting and ensuring disaster readiness,” Franklin said. “I thank Chairman Babin for this opportunity and look forward to advancing America First policy priorities to remain at the forefront of innovation and boost job growth.”

Babin praised Franklin’s conservative record on business issues.

“I’m confident Congressman Franklin will provide strong leadership for our Environment Subcommittee this Congress,” Babin said. “He has been a steadfast advocate against burdensome government regulations that stifle innovation and fail to address states’ needs. His perspective will be critical as we consider key weather legislation in the months ahead. I look forward to working with him to advance commonsense environmental policies and legislation.”

The same day, Babin assigned Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbor Beach Republican, to head the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommitee.

“Since the earliest days of our space program, Florida’s Space Coast has been the launchpad for America’s journey to the stars,” Haridopolos said. “From the Apollo missions that first carried Americans to the Moon to today’s groundbreaking private sector launches, our skies have always been at the forefront of space exploration. Space is central to our district’s identity and economy, providing countless high-paying jobs and opportunities.”

He praised Haridopolos’ knowledge of the Space Program.

“Over the past several years, the SST Committee has diligently worked to support and advance our nation’s space endeavors,” Babin said. “As the representative of Florida’s Space Coast, the Congressman brings valuable expertise and leadership that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to keep America at the forefront of exploration and development. I am excited to work alongside him to propel our space agenda forward.”


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Disney plans to convert Star Wars hotel into Imagineers’ offices

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It’s going to be an office far, far, away.

Disney World is converting the shuttered Star Wars hotel into office space for the famous Imagineers who will be designing new lands and projects at the theme parks.

The hotel’s update was reported by The Wrap and confirmed by other media outlets.

Disney closed the hotel September 2023 less than two years after it opened. The company had said it took a $300 million tax write off for shutting down the hotel after it reportedly had low occupancy.

At the hotel near Hollywood Studios, guests who were willing to pay nearly $5,000 for a two-night stay could pretend to be in their own Star Wars story at the hotel. Lightsabers included.

“Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms,” Disney said in a statement when it announced it was closing.

Why did it fail?

YouTuber Jenny Nicholson explained the list of reasons in a four-hour video called “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel” which captured 11 million views. The cost, the marketing, and not fully embracing the cosplay concept all likely hurt the hotel, she said.

The Wrap reported Disney had been considering using the empty hotel for a dinner theater-type experience but Disney ultimately settled on keeping the space closed to the public.

The Imagineers’ new office space comes as Disney World is starting a major expansion across several of its Orlando theme parks. Disney plans to build a Villains land and add “Cars” attractions at the Magic Kingdom as well as “Encanto” and Indiana Jones to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and “A Monsters, Inc.” land at Hollywood Studios. Disney is closing several longtime attractions in the process.


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