6 Things to Know in Florida for December 18

Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.

FLORIDA TO GIVE OUT NEW GRADES FOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Florida's high schools are getting their annual grades. The Florida Department of Education on Wednesday is expected to release A-to-F grades for the state's high schools. Last year, nearly half of Florida's high schools received an A grade for the 2011-12 school year, despite the implementation of a more rigorous graduation rate. Three high schools last year were given an F.

FLORIDA WOMAN CHARGED IN DEATH OF TODDLER SON

An Englewood mother has been charged in the death of her 11-month old son who drowned in a bathtub in June. Sharon Swat was arrested Saturday after detectives said they didn't believe her explanation on how her son died. Swat told police she left Kayden in the bathtub as she went to put his bottle in the kitchen sink. Authorities believe she likely left Kayden alone in the bathtub for upward of 30 minutes.

100 ACRES TO BE BURNED AT STATE PARK

State officials will conduct a prescribed burn at a state park in Hobe Sound. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Jonathan Dickinson State Park will conduct the prescribed burn on Wednesday, weather permitting. The burn will include about 100 acres of pine flatwoods.

GRINCH HANDS OUT ONIONS TO KEYS SPEEDERS

Motorists who slightly speed through certain school zones on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway during the holidays might just get an onion from the Grinch instead of a traffic citation. Major Lou Caputo, of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, dons the Grinch costume and often wields a radar speed gun accompanied by other deputies.

MOTHER WON'T BE CHARGED IN ABANDONED INFANT CASE

Authorities say the girlfriend of a man who was charged with falsely claiming he had found an abandoned newborn girl won't face any criminal charges, even though the infant was hers. Volusia County Sheriff's Office deputies said Tuesday that the mother, who authorities didn't publicly identify, doesn't face criminal charges.

THOUSANDS OF NEEDY FAMILIES RECEIVING FOOD FOR HOLIDAYS IN LITTLE HAVANA

Thousands of families in need will be receiving bags filled with free food Wednesday in Little Havana as part of the Latin Chamber of Commerce's annual holiday meal distribution. Several families were lined up before dawn at the CAMACOL Tower on W. Flagler Street to be among the first to receive their baskets.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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