Poll: Floridians Don’t Support Ending Mandates

About 62% of Florida voters are against the state’s proposal to get rid of all vaccine mandates for public schoolchildren, according to a new poll by the James Madison Institute.

A survey of 1,200 registered voters showed that 49% would support a streamlined schedule, mandating only the MMR and polio vaccines, while making others optional.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo want to make Florida the first state to eliminate all school vaccine requirements.

The plan has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle, including the former Florida surgeon general, who said the vaccination mandate ban is “not based on science.”

Candidate Scrutinized for Father’s Murders

Miami Beach Commission candidate Monique Pardo Pope is facing scrutiny after it was revealed last week by documentarian Billy Corben that her father is the executed killer Manuel Pardo.

The Republican lawyer announced her candidacy in May, describing herself as coming from a working-class “Cuban family that believed in deep sacrifice, service of others, and standing up for what’s right.”

Pardo, a former police officer and Hitler admirer, murdered nine people in 1986. Corben posted on X that the serial killer “inspired Dexter, and was sentenced to the electric chair.” Pardo was executed in December 2012.

Pardo Pope, who was four years old at the time, has memorialized her father on social media, including a 2013 Instagram post in which she referred to him as her hero. In a statement, she said she prays for the victims’ families and has forgiven her father to “move forward.”

Jumbo Shrimp Win National Title

The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp won its first Triple-A National Championship on Saturday in Nevada, after winning the International League Championships last week at their home stadium, VyStar Ballpark.

The Shrimp overcame the hometown Las Vegas Aviators, who had five runs in their final at-bat in the ninth inning to take a 7-6 lead. The Shrimp came from behind when Jacob Berry crushed a two-run homer to clinch the title with an 8-7 victory.

The win marked Jacksonville’s first Triple-A championship of any kind since the 1968 season, when it won the Triple-A International League title as the Jacksonville Suns.

Winners of numerous marketing and sales awards since the team was rebranded before the 2017 season, the Shrimp have consistently led the state in attendance among all minor league professional sports organizations.

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➤ East Coast: The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Imelda will turn out to sea today. The Atlantic coastline may still experience life-threatening rip currents, wind gusts, and hazardous boating conditions through Wednesday. (See Map)

➤ Statewide: More than two dozen new laws take effect on Oct. 1, including Trooper’s Law, which creates harsher penalties for those who restrain dogs during natural disasters. (See List)

➤ Destin: The state will buy 4 acres in the Panhandle for $83.3 million from a real estate investor to expand beach access and protect it from development. Conservationists argue the state should prioritize precious land-buying dollars elsewhere. (More)

➤ Treasure Island: The Bilmar Beach Resort completed its final phase of reopening—a renovated lobby, more than 30 first-floor guest rooms, and Waves Beach Bar—marking one year since Hurricane Helene flooded the property with over 3 feet of storm surge. (See Video)

➤ Pinellas County: Michael Greenstein, a Madeira Beach resident who was honored by the sheriff’s office for his bravery, reunited with an elderly neighbor he rescued during Hurricane Helene. (See Video)

➤ Orlando: Second Harvest of Central Florida Food Bank stayed open for 24 hours for the first time in its history as over 300 volunteers rotated through three-hour shifts to pack 126,000 meals. (See Video)

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➤ The Miami Dolphins beat the Jets 27-21 last night despite superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill exiting the game early with a knee injury. Tight end Darren Waller caught a pair of touchdowns in his first NFL game since 2023. (More)

➤ Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin nailed a 65-yard field goal on Sunday, the longest outdoor kick in NFL history. (See Kick) 

➤ The Palm Beach Symphony recorded a version of the Florida Panthers’ goal song, Panther Pulse, in collaboration with the team. They may debut it at a game this year. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NHL | Soccer

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➤ Gas prices continued to fall through the weekend, and are 13 cents per gallon lower than a week ago. The average price for regular unleaded in Florida is currently $2.97 per gallon. (See Map)

➤ The St. Augustine restaurant Asado Life plans to open a second location at the future Shipyards Marina in downtown Jacksonville, next door to Jaguars owner Shad Khan’s forthcoming Four Seasons hotel. (More)

➤ Kars-R-Us.com, a charity that accepted donations of vehicles to pay for breast cancer screenings for low-income patients in Florida and other states, agreed to pay a $3.8 million fine for deceptive advertising. Less than half a percent of $45 million raised went toward breast cancer screenings. (More)

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The AI Restaurant Brands Are Demanding

Sellouts are good for business, and Miso sold out initial units of its newest AI-powered kitchen robot, Flippy Fry Station, in one week. 

Why? The $1T fast-food industry faces 144% worker turnover and $20/hour minimum wages in places like California. But these units can boost industry profits by up to $24B. Brands like White Castle already use them. 

With partnerships in place with NVIDIA and Uber AI to refine its robots and AI, Miso is currently ramping up its U.S.-based manufacturing to capture a $4B/year annual revenue opportunity. 

There are 100,000+ U.S. fast food locations in need. And you can join as an investor before these pivotal next steps. 

Just don’t wait. Invest before bonus shares change on 10/9.

➤ Hometown Heroes premieres today across the Tallahassee Police Department’s social media platforms and website. The five-part video series will showcase the unique stories of different officers. (More)

➤ Thousands of Polk County teachers and school staff members were treated to free bagels courtesy of Sam DeBellis, co-owner of a South Lakeland deli and catering shop, to show educators they are appreciated. (See Video)

➤ Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will debut its “most significant expansion in a decade” in 2026 with the opening of a new animal habitat. (More)

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Would your vote be influenced by the crimes of a political candidate’s parent?

1. Yes
2. Depends on the crimes
3. I’m not sure
4. No

Monday’s Results:

Do you drink coffee daily?

1. Yes: 65%
2. No: 35%

What symbol of Florida commonly seen in souvenirs is rarely seen in nature in the state?

Show me the answer