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!
1. West Palm Beach issues precautionary boil water notice after water main break
Officials urge residents to not use tap water for the following, until the city issues a “Rescission” notice:
- Drinking water for you or your pets
- Brushing teeth
- Cooking
- Making Ice (shut off the ice maker in your refrigerator)
- Washing dishes.
The city says the water is safe to use for bathing, showering, and washing clothes.
The notice is for in the City of West Palm Beach, Town of Palm Beach, and Town of South Palm Beach.
2. Ready, set, go! Another round of Publix vaccine appointments come with new rules:
Another mad dash for coronavirus appointments is expected on the Publix website Friday morning, but this time the starting line has been moved back until 7 a.m.
If you’ve had COVID-19 and are trying to get the vaccine, you may not be able to get it at Publix. The grocery store chain says you can only get it 90 days after your first symptoms.
Publix said it booked more than 41,000 appointments Wednesday morning, but those appointments were gone in just over an hour. To book an appointment, click here.
3. Jewish, Christian, Islamic faiths unite to receive COVID-19 vaccine in South Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than 500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are being distributed to 65 and older members of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, Islamic Center of Greater Miami, and Trinity Church in Miami.
More than 13,000 people have been vaccinated at more than two dozen places of worship throughout the state.
The governor also announced that Florida is allocating 750 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for homebound seniors who are Holocaust survivors.
4. Rep. Greene removed from committees after expressing regret about conspiracy claims
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been removed from a pair of House committees, with 11 Republican members joining the Democratic caucus on Thursday in removing Greene from the committees.
In the past, the Georgia representative has embraced far-right conspiracy theories, like suggestions that school shootings were staged including the Parkland shooting. She’s also endorsed calls for violence against Democrats.
In an effort to avoid being stripped from her committees, Greene took to the House floor to give a speech. During her remarks, Greene explained that she came across QAnon a few years ago and became interested in posts related to the group. She said those posts blended fact with fiction.
5. Need plans for this weekend? It's not all Super Bowl celebrations:
It's a busy weekend, as Football's championship game is played in Tampa, the City of West Palm Beach restarts waterfront events and lots of laughs at the Palm Beach Improv.
One of the more unusual events will try to predict the outcome of the Super Bowl. On Friday around 11 a.m., Lion Country Safari’s chimpanzees will share their pick for the winners of Super Bowl LV.
You can find a full list of fun events at the link above.
Today's Forecast
The iguana didn't see his shadow and winter is over in South Florida for now:
Get your complete hour-by-hour forecast here.
On This Day In History
On February 5, 1994, white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith is convicted in the murder of African American civil rights leader Medgar Evers, over 30 years after the crime occurred. Evers was gunned down in the driveway of his Jackson, Mississippi, home on June 12, 1963, while his wife, Myrlie, and the couple’s three small children were inside.
Remember, you can join Mike Trim and Ashleigh Walters every weekday on WPTV NewsChannel 5 beginning at 4:30 a.m. And you can always watch the latest news from WPTV anytime on your favorite streaming device. Just search for "WPTV."