Good Morning! On this day in 1944, Katherine Kurtz, the author of Deryni Rising and Saint Camber, was born in Coral Gables during a hurricane.
A charter school in Tampa wants to build a gym after four years without one, and they’re asking for the community’s help. “There is no place for us to play here,” said eighth-grader Cadence Rolls. See Around Florida for more information.
If you’ve ever wished you could make a real, life-changing impact in the world—not just donate, but help someone truly heal—this story from today’s sponsor, Mercy Ships will show you exactly how.
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Manatee County Criticized for Overspending
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, on Thursday afternoon, called Manatee County “the worst” as far as overspending.
“We came up with the number of where (it) should’ve been if you account for population and inflation…I’m sorry to say that Manatee County blew right past that number,” Ingoglia said.
The county’s general budget had risen nearly $270 million, a nearly 70% increase after five years, Ingoglia stated.
Manatee County said in a statement, “We were not previously aware of the details…but we welcome the opportunity to review the findings…In fact, Manatee County recently established a citizen-led Government Efficiency Liaison Committee, which is dedicated to reviewing spending, streamlining operations, and reducing waste.“
Charges Dropped in Dog Abandonment Case
Charges were dropped on Friday against a man accused of leaving a dog tied to a fence in chest-deep water along Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County before Hurricane Milton struck last year.
Officials said, “We did not have sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant intentionally tied the dog to the fence in rising flood waters.“
A video of the dog, now known as Trooper, posted on social media quickly went viral and gained national attention. On Friday, Trooper’s new owner expressed frustration with the lack of charges and said prosecutors were “chickening out.”
Trooper inspired a new law that would make it a third-degree felony to restrain or abandon a dog outside during an emergency or evacuation order.
Gators Celebrate Homecoming
People lined the streets of University Avenue in Gainesville to watch the University of Florida homecoming parade on Friday.
When was the last time you had a doctor’s appointment? Perhaps you had to wait a few weeks or even months… But what if there was no appointment to be found? No doctors to treat you, and no healing possible? Sadly, this is the reality for many in the world:
Globally, 5 billion people lack access to surgical care.
In sub-Saharan Africa, there is only one surgeon for every 200,000 people.
For 45 years, Mercy Ships has been meeting this need. With state-of-the-art hospital ships, they provide safe surgery to children and adults living with treatable conditions—and it’s completely free of charge.
One of those children is Umu, who was born with a dangerous tumor on her neck. As she grew, eating became more difficult. Her mother Yei worried that soon breathing would get harder.
As Umu’s family searched for help, the tumor continued to grow. Surgery felt unreachable—until hope arrived!
➤Clay County: The sheriff’s office says it is “fully supportive” of and ready to enforce a new policy requiring juveniles to have adult supervision at Orange Park Mall. (More)
➤Orlando:The Fort Gatlin Historical Group, focused on preserving the city’s first settlement, wants Orange County to buy the site and operate it as a public park. This summer, the school district, which owns the land, considered selling it. (See Video)
➤Tampa: Terrace Community Middle School is fundraising with a goal of $1.7 million for a new gym. (Details)
➤Palm Beach County:The Solid Waste Authority voted to spend $1.5 billion building a new trash incinerator, slated to open by 2034. (More)
➤Miami:A bankruptcy judge approved the $22.5 million sale of the Miami Seaquarium property lease to a South Florida development group. (See Property)
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➤ Carson Beckthrew four interceptions, and No. 2 Miami fell 24-21 at home to Louisville, the Hurricanes’ first loss of the season. (Box Score)
➤FSU basketball lost to Alabama 105-109 in a preseason exhibition game that featured 43 3-point attempts from the Seminoles. Robert McCray V paced the team with 26 points, 24 of which came in the second half. (More)
➤ Rumors are swirling that Florida head coach Billy Napier could be fired as soon as this weekend if today’s game against Mississippi State goes poorly. (More)
➤ The Miami Heat waived forward Steve Settle III just two days after initially signing him, then added former Yale guard Bez Mbeng to fill the vacant spot on Thursday night. (More)
One day, Umu’s mother heard about Mercy Ships and the chance for her daughter to receive free surgery.
Hoping to find help, Umu’s family traveled to the hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, and met with doctors. Realizing the severity of the young girl’s situation, they jumped into action.
The tumor was removed, likely saving Umu’s life. She has since been able to eat more easily, and her health is improving. Today, she and her family can let go of fear and embrace a future filled with hope.
➤Netflixreleased The Perfect Neighbor on Friday, a documentary about the murder of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a mother of four killed by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala in 2023. (See Video)
➤A Jacksonville mother,Helen Johnson, finally has a home of her own after 25 years of dreaming of it thanks to a local nonprofit. Johnson says the first thing she’ll do in her new home is “pray, and tell God, ‘Thank you’.” (See Video)
➤An artist who created an immersive flower installation at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2025 Orchid Show in Sarasota called it “painting the air.” The display is open through Dec. 7. (See Video)
Manatee County Criticized for Overspending
