Destiny Wiggins TV
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A stormwater project to help with flooding in is now complete.
County officials say the project in Geneva off of Retreat Road included the clearing of a property to dig a dry pond for water retention, upsizing the existing ditches and re-grading low spots in the existing road; but that project only benefits a handful of homes off of Retreat Road.
Just last year during Hurricane Ian, John Carter, who is now living in a mobile home, says he had to use canoes to get in and out of his property and that’s not the first time he’s had to rely on a boat to get out of his flooded driveway.
John hopes that the county will look at other ways to help with the constant flooding issues many Geneva residents experience on a constant basis.
https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/11/27/storm-water-construction-complete
Here's a good one!
An Orlando area nonprofit organization, Athlete Connections Foundation was founded by University of Florida Hall of Fame basketball player Dan Cross. The organization uses sports to teach important life lessons for youth.
This past weekend, the organization hosted its sixth annual showcase where elite players come together to show off their skills, talk with veteran coaches and create unforgettable memories.
Full web article: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/11/25/the-florida-get-down-showcase-
Athlete Connections
Are you traveling today?
Orlando International Airport officials expect over 180,000 travelers to go in and out of the airport today.
A few things before you go, use the 3-2-1 rule.
Get to the ticket counter three hours before your flight
Try to arrive at the TSA checkpoint two hours before your flight Arrive at your gate one hour before your flight takes off
If you plan to park at the airport, officials encourager travelers to check their website ahead of time to see what lots are full and what spaces are available.
A GoFundMe has now been set up to help support Shakeira Ruckers four children.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/shakeiras-rucker-children-support
Original Post:
A missing Winter Springs mother was found dead Saturday evening, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Officials say Shakeira Rucker was found inside a self-storage unit around 5 p.m. Saturday at 2400 Wiggins Road in .
The sheriff's office says Rucker's family has been notified and that the case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Read more: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/11/19/ocso--missing-winter-springs-mother-found-dead-in-apopka
Some owners of older Maitland homes are finding out they're having to pay thousands of dollars to connect to the city's sewer line.
Nearly 430 homes in the Dommerich Hills community are expected to be impacted as part of efforts to upgrade wastewater services and reduce pollution.
Web article: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/11/13/maitland-dommerich-
Second chances. We all need them!
Check out this story on a local Orlando organization who was able to pass an amendment that restored voting rights for some formerly incarcerated individuals.
Florida Amendment 4 was passed five years ago, Executive Director Desmond Meade says his second chance in life is something he’s forever grateful for.
Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
Full web story: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/11/06/frrc-celebrates-amendment-4
31/10/2023
This is the sign located on a fence that wraps around the in Eatonville. The land was donated to the town over 100 years ago and is now owned by the Orange County Public Schools System. The land is now going through a legal battle and Eatonville residents are speaking up and out to get their land back.
I spoke with the founder of a local organization in Eatonville, known as 1887 First who are now looking for solutions that will protect Eatonville's historic land.
Full story to air at 5:00 p.m. on Spectrum News13.
Full web article: https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/10/31/eatonville-hungerford-property-
A very sad situation after a young boy was killed in a car crash in Apopka on Thursday.
Full story and web article: https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/10/06/family-of-7-year-old-killed-in-apopka-crash-wants-justice-?cid=app_share
06/10/2023
Turn on your TV screens at 5 pm to watch my first story LIVE.
Here’s the app to watch if you don’t have Spectrum.
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/app
27/09/2023
Headshots are in and I want to know which one is your favorite? I may be a little biased but I love them all.
18/09/2023
I’m home! So excited to continue my journalism career with a company who believes in creating impactful and meaningful stories. Let’s get to work.
22/08/2023
Identity theft crimes are increasing and I spoke with experts who are weighing in on the topic and how to not fall victim.
I spoke with CEO Bryan Lewis, CEO of Intellicheck IDN who says last year $43 billion was stolen from Americans due to identity theft, impacting 40 million people. He added that 27% of Hispanic families and 26% of black families were victims of identity theft last year. Lewis says that's much higher than White or Asian communities.
Full story to air tonight at 10:00 p.m.
https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/identity-theft-crimes-are-increasing-experts-weigh-in-on-how-to-not-fall-victim-beaufort-south-carolina-national-retail-federation #
Identity theft crimes are increasing; experts weigh in on how to not fall victim A local expert in Beaufort, South Carolina says identity theft is increasing and his company works with credit card issuers and banks to make sure people are aw
17/08/2023
In just a few short weeks, I’ll be leaving the news team in Savannah, Ga at FOX28 and headed back home to Orlando, Fl to continue my on-air journalism career.
I am so thankful to the Savannah community and to the viewers of FOX28 for allowing me to share your stories.
Stay tuned for updates on which station I’ll be joining!
Here’s my full story on Savannah native, national champion Flaujae Monae Johnson
Johnson took home a National Championship with the LSU Tigers playing her freshman year for the women's basketball team.
Savannah welcomed her back with open arms Friday morning with a homecoming parade to kick off a weekend stacked with festivities.
A lightning strike caused a fire at a Savannah church Monday afternoon.
The fire department said lightning hit the Central Missionary Baptist Church's steeple and caused the entire roof to collapse.
The pastor of the church, Tyrone Edwards, said he was changing out of his work clothes before he heard a loud banging noise and a knock at the door.
Full story below: https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/savannah-central-missionary-baptist-church-fire-mcallister-street-hitch-drive-sfd-monday-afternoon-july-17-2023 #
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has named a solo finalist in their superintendent of schools search.
Dr. Denise Watts will serve as the next SCCPSS superintendent if voted in by the school board when they meet in at least 14 days. Dr. Watts currently serves as the Chief of Schools for the Houston Independent School District.
Current Savannah Chatham Schools superintendent Dr. Ann Levett’s last day is June 30. She announced her retirement earlier this year.
FULL STORY to air tonight at 10 on WTGS FOX28 Savannah
https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/savannah-chatham-county-public-schools-superintendent-role-finalist-announcement-press-conference-georgia-board-education-bull-street-applicants-position-officials-associates-natonwide-search-houston-independent-denise-watts-doctor-live-stream #
11/05/2023
Georgia House Democratic Caucus are calling on the lieutenant governor, speaker of the house and Governor Brian Kemp for a special session to consider gun safety legislation.
With the two recent shootings in Georgia, Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook (Savannah) says more needs to be done to address gun safety at the state level.
I also spoke with a firearm expert, who has a military and law enforcement background and he believes additional gun laws aren't necessary in Georgia.
Georgia Democrats calling on legislation for special session to address gun safety The Georgia House Democrats held a news conference Wednesday morning to express concerns about gun violence.
27/04/2023
Bryan County teacher reaches $181,000 settlement and is reinstated after claims of wrongful termination. According to attorneys, (Alliance Defending Freedom) representing Lindsey Barr, Barr was fired from her substitute teaching job last year in August after expressing her concerns as a mother about a book that shared images of same-sex couples in a children's book, titled "All Are Welcome".
Attorney's said due to Barr's religious beliefs, she wanted her children to be removed from the reading of the book that would be incorporated in Bryan County Schools' new read-along program.
The Bryan County School District said they did not have any comments to provide when I asked for a statement about Barr's termination.
They did provide the statement below: "
In part "The insurance company for Bryan County Schools made a business decision to settle this lawsuit, to save the time, trouble, and expense of litigation. It has paid the settlement amount, with none of that money coming from the School District. The settlement agreement states Mrs. Barr was paid $45,000 and her attorneys were paid $136,000 for fees and costs. Both were paid by the insurance company. The District notes that there is no admission of liability on the part of the School District."
Bryan County Schools
Full story:
https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/bryan-county-teacher-reaches-181000-settlement-in-claims-of-wrongful-termination #
Bryan County teacher reaches $181,000 settlement in claims of wrongful termination Bryan County Schools says their insurance company will have to pay $181,000 to a substitute teacher who was allegedly fired after expressing her concerns about
A bigger conversation into gang culture: On Wednesday, Georgia lawmakers passed Senate Bill 44, which would institute a mandatory five-year prison sentence for gang-related offenses in addition to a 10-year sentence for anyone convicted of recruiting minors into gang activity.
I spoke with a former gang member, who was also formally incarcerated, and he shares his thoughts on SB 44.
Dwight Futch, says handcuffs are not the answer to addressing gang culture. He says providing options, and alternative measures and discussing rehabilitation efforts are the conversations that need to take place.
The full story is to air tonight at 10.
Web link: https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/legislation-senate-house-representatives-georgia-gang-activity-crime-governor-brian-kemp-savannah-charges-arrest
Major progress in Chatham County. The partial turbine bridge ramp for the I-16/I-95 Improvement Projects is set to open this Thursday.
Georgia Department of Transportation says the improvement project will create safer traffic flow.
Full story: https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/new-turbine-bridge-ramp-set-to-open-thursday-for-the-1695-improvement-projects
LAST NIGHT: The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was killed in a shooting last year has filed a lawsuit against the Housing Authority of Savannah.
Desaray was killed in a place she called home, known as Yamacraw Village. The property is operated by the housing authority and the lawsuit claims that the authority failed to keep the property safe.
Watch below
Full web story: https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/yamacraw-village-desaray-gilliard-murder-savannah-police-department-housing-authority-lawsuit-mother-killing-arrests-chatham-county-georgia #
The family of 60-year-old William Harvey, who died in police custody in 2021 is asking the city of to pay them $12 million or they'll be filing a civil lawsuit. Watch below https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/william-harvey-savannah-police-department-lawsuit-civil-death-suicide-custody-interrogation-room-officers-chief-chatham-county-attorneys-davis-bozeman-law-case-action-assault-investigation-georgia #
Yesterday was a rough day for many reasons but hopefully the story I did at the Chatham County Jail will spread a little bit of happiness throughout everyone’s timeline today.
When I found out I was doing a story on the jails inmates program, I had no idea I would actually be in a room with them. Going through security and walking the hallways inside of a jail.
I went through so many emotions, sitting in a room with people who under these circumstances are still trying to better themselves.
One of them smiled, waived and thanked me for “putting us on the news for a good reason”
While we as a community feel many emotions after the death of another unarmed black man , this story reminded me why there’s always a story to be told. A story that will put a smile back on your face.
As a reporter, I cover a different story everyday and when I’m done for the day I can barely remember what my story was about. But this, this is a story I’ll never forget.
I know I'm four days late but Happy New Year to everyone! I believe that starting the year off in a positive way sets the tone for the rest of year. I look forward to continuing to share the stories of Savannah and its surrounding areas and growing as a journalist.
I'm not the best with being as active on my news account here on Facebook but we're changing that this year!
Who knows? You all might see more of my "non-news" personality here as well :)
Be sure to follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/_DestinyWiggins
What happened to is a question left unanswered.
Diontae was last seen on Aug. 11 in Savannah and is still missing. The family is now offering a $1,000 reward in addition to the $2,500 reward offered by CrimeStoppers, that will lead to an arrest and information regarding Diontae's whereabouts.
I spoke with Diontae's sister Chyna Funkhouser yesterday, she says as a family they just want to know where Diontae is and what happened.
Full web story: https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/diontae-roberson-family-savannah-missing-disappearance-chatham-county-police-department
02/12/2022
GEORGIA: Today is the last day to vote early in-person for the runoff election on Dec 6.
Whether you vote early or decide to wait till Tuesday, make sure you have a plan to make your voice heard and make your vote count!
01/12/2022
Coming up at 10 on WTGS FOX28 Savannah
I spoke with Attorney Lee Merritt and Wanda Cooper-Jones, mother of Ahmaud Arbery, to hear their thoughts about former GA prosecutor Jackie Johnson making her first court appearance this month.
Johnson was one of the first prosecutors to be handed the case after the death of Ahmaud Arbery and she is charged with a felony count of violating her oath of office and with hindering a law enforcement investigation, a misdemeanor.
Johnson is set to appear in court on Dec. 29.
FULL WEB STORY: https://fox28savannah.com/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-mother-former-prosecutor-jackie-johnson-murder-case-brunswick-glynn-county-georgia #
Jackie Johnson: Photo Credit (Glynn County Jail)
29/11/2022
Shortly after the FBI traced human remains found at a landfill to Quinton Simon, an obituary has been posted for the toddler. https://bit.ly/3ESpbOG
29/11/2022
Here's an exciting story for your Monday. A new sports bar and grill is opening soon in Savannah!
The full story will air tonight at 10.
Special shoutout to Hideaway Sports Bar & Grill Inc.!
'If you want to get away, come to the hideaway;' new sports bar coming to Savannah A new hub for catching all of the biggest sports games will soon be opening its doors in Savannah: Hideaway Sports Bar & Grill.
23/11/2022
Update in Leilani Simon Case:
Leilani Simon had her first court appearance today after being arrested and charged on Monday, with murder in the death of her 20-month-old son Quinton Simon. However, Leilani waived her rights to appear in court today. Her public defender represented her on her behalf. Leilani has entered a NOT GUILTY PLEA.
I will be following this case as it moves forward.
Be sure to follow my twitter:
Mother charged in Chatham Co. toddler's murder pleads not guilty; Bond denied Leilani Simon, the mother charged in the murder of her 20-month-old toddler, Quinton Simon, will appear before a bond hearing in court.The hearing starts at 11
22-year-old Leilani Simon will make her first court appearance tomorrow morning after being charged with malice murder in the death of her 20-month-old Quinton Simon.
Quinton was last seen on Oct. 5 and was reported missing by his mother Leilani. Chatham County PD named Leilani as the primary suspect weeks ago but no arrest had been made until yesterday evening.
22/11/2022
UPDATE IN MISSING TODDLER:
Leilani Simon arrested, charged with murder of 20-month-old son, Quinton Simon The Chatham County Police Department arrested Leilani Simon for the murder of her son, 20-month-old Quinton Simon.
15/11/2022
BREAKING: Georgia's abortion ban overturned.
Judge overturns Georgia's ban on abortion after 6 weeks ATLANTA (AP) — A judge overturned Georgia’s ban on abortion starting around six weeks into a pregnancy, ruling Tuesday that it violated the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court precedent when it was enacted.
GEORGIA: We're heading into several more weeks of election coverage as we prepare for a runoff election on Dec. 6, for the U.S. Senate race. State secretary Brad Raffensperger says he's expecting all counties to provide at least five days of early voting.
Link to web article: https://fox28media.com/news/local/raphael-warnock-herschel-walker-brad-raffensperger-runoff-election-december-6-midterm-georgia
It’s Georgia Pre-K Week and I had the oppturnity to visit a classroom today to read to the young scholars in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
Georgia Pre-K week is a weeklong celebration and provides opportunities for leaders in the community and around the state to visit with and read a children’s book to pre-k classrooms.
I read the children's book “Hey Georgia” which was written by former NFL wide receiver and UGA grad Read with Malcolm - Share the Magic Foundation. The book was inspired by Georgia’s first lady Marty Kemp
Happening now: Governor Brian Kemp is in Savannah to address plans and resources ahead of potential impacts of Hurricane Ian.
Watch live on WTGS FOX28 Savannah
28/09/2022
UPDATE IN MISSING PERSON CASE:
The Savannah Police Department says they've located the missing Mercury Grand Marquis (the car Diontae Roberson, 32 was possibly traveling in, when he went missing in Savannah over a month ago.)
SPD along with Robersons family held a press conference last week asking for the publics help to locate Roberson. According to the release, SPD was able to locate the car from a tip they received.
Roberson was last seen on Aug. 11.
'You feel numb:' Mother of missing son last seen in Savannah pleading for answers A mother is pleading for answers after her son went missing in Savannah last month.
13/09/2022
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson shared his testimony with prostate cancer at his weekly news conference Monday morning.
Now, he’s using his platform to urge men to get tested early.
"I've learned that you go through test, to have a testimony," said Johnson.
Web article:
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson shares battle with prostate cancer at weekly news conference Savannah Mayor Van Johnson shared that on August 3rd, 2020 he received a phone call that he had prostate cancer.
01/04/2022
Yesterday, the family of Julian Lewis and the state of Georgia reached a $4.8 million settlement after Lewis, a black man was fatally shot by a former Georgia State Patrol Trooper in 2020.
Attorneys in the case say this is a historic moment in the state but that doesn't mean it's the final step in their search for justice.
https://fox28media.com/news/local/family-of-julian-lewis-reaches-multi-million-dollar-settlement-after-deadly-shooting
Family of Julian Lewis reaches multi-million dollar settlement after deadly shooting The family of Julian Lewis has reached a settlement with the State of Georgia after his shooting death in 2020. Lewis was shot and killed by a former Georgia State Patrol trooper in August 2020. According to Hall & Lampros Attorneys at Law, they have secured a $4. 8 Million settlement with the state...
11/03/2022
In the state of Georgia, minors who are convicted as adults could potentially be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The death penalty also on the table.
Rep. Derek Mallow (D-Savannah) recently introduced a bill that would change that law.
The minimum age for a criminal prosecution is 13-years-old, yet studies show men haven't reached their full level of maturity until the age of 24.
A discussion worth having.
Full story and article link: https://fox28media.com/news/local/i-dont-want-them-to-have-to-die-in-prison-bill-offers-changes-for-convicted-ga-minors
'I don't want them to have to die in prison:' bill offers changes for convicted Ga. minors A Savannah state lawmaker wants to take a closer look at potentially eliminating the death penalty or life without parole for inmates who were convicted as minors. A second chance, that’s the message that House bill 1452 stands on. In the state of Georgia, minors who are charged and convicted....
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