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! You can watch the latest LIVE on WPTV here from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.
1. The wait is over!Martin County opening all beaches to non-residents today
Martin County officials reopened beaches on May 8, but only to county residents. Starting today, you don't need a Martin County address to enjoy the beach.
In addition, Hobe Sound Beach, which was closed because of its proximity to Palm Beach County, will reopen.
2.Some people just can't take a hint, even when the Sheriff calls you out on Facebook
The Brevard County Sheriff issued a very public warning to a home where deputies had been called to more than 100 times in the past year. The Sheriff outlined several crimes that had been committed at the house and told the occupants that if they broke the law again, they would be going to jail. Less than 24 hours later, he posted another video of walking the suspect to jail. Was this justice or just weird? Responses to the videos have been mixed.
The videos have over 4 million views on Facebook.
3. Out of the frying pan, into the flood: Thousands evacuated as river dams break in central Michigan
As Michigan began its recovery from the coronavirus, it now has another emergency. Rapidly rising water has overtaken dams and forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in central Michigan.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared an emergency for Midland county after two dams breached and on expectations of extreme flooding https://t.co/4guOTPTlmC pic.twitter.com/8XvEkCquLZ
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 20, 2020
4. The never ending story: Gov. DeSantis says any remaining unemployment issues are user error. Users disagree.
The governor said the problems with unemployment are with mistakes by the applicants.The applicants have fought back saying the system is confusing on purpose to dissuade people from applying. Some applicants claim they were denied for information they weren't asked to provide. New information suggests that the state didn't touch federal unemployment funds until after Florida began to reopen and fewer would need unemployment.
5. A sale on wicker chairs and expensive throw pillows is coming: Pier 1 to close all its stores
Pier 1 said they seeking approval from bankruptcy court to wind-down operations as soon as store locations reopen following the closures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. They say they will initiate store closing efforts and liquidation sales once stores reopen.
Today's Forecast
Near record highs today with a few strong afternoon storms.
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
Charles Lindbergh takes off across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis on May 20, 1927.
He took off from Roosevelt Field with his monoplane was so loaded down with fuel that it barely cleared the telephone wires at the end of the runway. His greatest challenge was staying awake; he had to hold his eyelids open with his fingers and hallucinated ghosts passing through the cockpit.
The next afternoon, after flying 3,610 miles in 33 1/2 hours, Lindbergh landed at Le Bourget field in Paris, becoming the first pilot to accomplish the solo, nonstop transatlantic crossing.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m.