Richmond mayor orders removal of Confederate statues
Richmond mayor orders removal of all Confederate statues
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Wednesday ordered the immediate removal of all Confederate statues in the city.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Wednesday ordered the immediate removal of all Confederate statues in the city, saying he was using his emergency powers to speed up the healing process for the former capital of the Confederacy amid weeks of protests over police brutality and racial injustice.
Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather
Work crews began removing a statue of Gen. Stonewall Jackson early Wednesday afternoon. Flatbed trucks and other equipment were also spotted at several other Confederate monuments along Richmond's famed Monument Avenue.
Stoney said he was also moving quickly because protesters have already toppled several Confederate monuments and is concerned that people could be hurt trying to take down the gigantic statues.
READ MORE: Injunction extended against removing Richmond Robert E Lee statue
“We have an urgent need to protect the public,” Stoney said in a statement.
Stoney's move came on the day a new state law took effect granting control of the monuments to the city. The law outlines a removal process that would take at 60 days to unfold.
READ MORE: New DMV laws going into effect today, including DC’s $15 minimum wage
But during a City Council meeting Wednesday morning, Stoney balked as the council scheduled a special meeting for Thursday to formally vote on a resolution calling for the immediate removal of the statues.
“Today, I have the ability to do this through my emergency powers,” Stoney said. “I think we need to act today.”
About an hour later, work crews were spotted near the Jackson statue.
Videos posted on Twitter showed workers being lifted in a crane to the top of the statue and attempting to attach something to it.
During Wednesday's meeting, city councilors expressed support for removing the statues, but several councilors said the council needed to follow the proper legal process.
Interim city attorney Haskell Brown said any claim that Stoney has the authority to remove the statues without following the state process would contradict legal advice he has previously given the council and administration.
Stoney and several city councilors said they were concerned that the statues have become a public safety hazard during weeks of protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In Portsmouth, one man was seriously injured as protesters tried to pull down a Confederate statue.
New report alleges deadly DeLand double shooting was result of drug deal gone wrong: Police
A drug deal that turned into an attempted robbery may have led to the deadly shootings of two teenagers in downtown DeLand, according to a newly released police report.
Orlando weather: More rain ahead for Central Florida this weekend
The weekend, much like our Thursday, will feature more frequent showers and storms, especially west of Orlando.
Small cameras at Melbourne Beach spark privacy concerns: 'It's just like creepy'
Concerns over privacy are growing in Brevard County after surveillance cameras were installed on public beaches in Melbourne Beach.
Florida man accused of attempted murder at Miami lobster diving spot
A Florida man is accused of attempted murder after allegedly shutting off a diver's underwater air supply during a dispute over a Miami lobster dive spot.
Young Orlando fashion designers compete for dream New York City bootcamp
Burgeoning fashion designers are taking root in Orlando as young designers are set to compete for the coveted prize: a fashion bootcamp in New York City. Form 2 Fashion focuses on education and creativity by teaching sewing and design work from start to finish.
Watch: 33-foot vessel sinks off Florida Coast after being stuck on a sandbar
Flagler County Fire Rescue (FCFR) located the nearly half-submerged vessel and safely transported its solo occupant back to the dock.
33-foot vessel sinks off Florida Coast
A man was safely rescued late Thursday night after his 33-foot sailboat ran aground on a sandbar and began taking on water in Flagler County.
Orlando Weather Forecast: Weekend rain chances
Weather Friday night will be cloudy with a few showers, but not nearly as heavy as Thursday night. Temperatures rest in the 70s as temperatures are expected to heat up for the weekend. Beachgoers should expect rip current threats with two to four feet high.
75 lost sea turtles hatchlings rescued by Florida deputies
Volusia County deputies helped rescue 75 lost baby sea turtles. Sea turtle hatchlings use moonlight to guide themselves towards the ocean. However, artificial lighting can confuse their instincts, causing them to move inland toward roads instead of the ocean. Deputies helped collect the lost turtles and contacted Volusia County, who helped get them back to the ocean.
Beachgoers share concerns of AI cameras in Brevard County
Cameras at public beach access points in Melbourne Beach are facing new pushback. Beachgoers are worried about privacy and where the footage is going and being stored. The town says they’re installed to monitor rescue rings and prevent theft.