DeSantis Signs 11 Bills Friday

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed 11 more bills into law on Friday, including legislation to support veterans in applying for benefits and to establish a new arts and entertainment district in Oviedo.

The bills allow nursing homes to designate specific beds for veterans and their families, increase regulations for benefit advisors, and create a framework for early detection of mental health issues in veterans. 

“(This legislation) is a huge step, because instead of waiting for the trainwreck to happen and cleaning it up, it helps prevent the crash . . . That kind of early care keeps veterans on the road to recovery,” said Todd Belknap, president of Veterans Helping Veterans USA in Marion County.

Another new law creates a special district in Oviedo where businesses can now obtain permits to sell alcoholic drinks that people can carry and enjoy while walking around.

Ghost Orchid May Be Named Endangered

The ghost orchid—a rare flower found only in two Southwest Florida counties and Cuba—moved one step closer to endangered species protection on Wednesday.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the elusive plant, with just 1,000 remaining in the U.S., as a threatened species.

“The ghost orchid is Florida’s most famous flower, and it deserves a chance to live,” said Melissa Abdo, Ph.D., Sun Coast regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association.

When a super ghost orchid bloomed late last June in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, it attracted a lot of attention and visitors.

Florida Cities Where It’s Better Not to Rent

A recent study found nine Florida cities where renting is more expensive than owning a home.

Holly Hill, Riviera Beach, Fruitland Park, Florida City, Palmetto, Edgewater, Daytona Beach Shores, Port Richey, and Eagle Lake all have higher average rents than mortgage costs.

Holly Hill was found to be the most expensive for renters. The average monthly rent is $2,079, nearly double the average mortgage payment of $1,100—adding up to $11,751 more per year.

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➤ St. Petersburg: Over 100 businesses, including Big Storm Brewing in Tampa Bay, were seized this week from a businessman accused of taking $100 million from special needs trusts. (Details)

➤ Sunny Isles Beach: A massive fire burned six yachts and two other boats on Friday. No injuries were reported. (See Video)

➤ Jacksonville: Former Mayor Alvin Brown filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday for “unlawful removal” as vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board. (More)

➤ Brevard County: A possible pipe bomb was found during a search of a suspicious vehicle, prompting the closure of parts of Deering Parkway Road on Friday. (More)

➤ Everglades: A bobcat killed a Burmese python, suggesting that the native bobcats may be fighting back against the invasive species of snakes. (More)

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➤ Miami defeated Louisville 9-6 in Game 2 of the Louisville super regional to send the series to a decisive Game 3 that will be played today at noon. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Miami Marlins 4-3 in the two teams’ fourth rivalry matchup of the year, evening the season series at two games apiece. (More)

➤ A high school student in Lithia aims to become the first MLB player with a prosthetic leg. (See Video)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | NCAAB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA | Tennis

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➤ The oldest known manatee, Romeo, recently moved into Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach to be near two other non-releasable manatees. He is over 70 years old. (See Video)

➤ Coast to Coast Pizza in Fort Lauderdale is recreating Bronx tap water “down to the molecule” to help its dough have that perfect NYC fluffiness. (See Video)

➤ A Delray Beach megamansion that takes inspiration from Chanel and Cartier was listed for $47.5 million. It features a 200,000 crystal Swarovski chandelier in the grand salon. (See Photos)

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A Florida man took an alligator on a beer run.

Waffles or pancakes?

1. Waffles
2. Pancakes
3. Neither

Yesterday’s Results:

What do you wish you had more of?

1. Money: 40%
2. Other: 24%
3. Friends: 20%
4. Free Time: 16%

Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fort in St. Augustine, is one of the few structures in the world built from what semi-rare type of stone?

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