Record Cold Numbs the Sunshine State

A strong cold front moved through the state late Sunday, bringing temperatures well below normal. Breezy conditions peaked on Tuesday, accompanied by record or near-record-breaking cold temperatures.

By 6 a.m. Tuesday, the temperature had dropped to 39 degrees in Tampa, setting a new record for Nov. 12. The previous record was 40 degrees, set in 1892. Brooksville and Winter Haven also set records, while other areas came very close.

In Southwest Florida, Punta Gorda and Naples set record lows as temperatures plummeted into the upper 30s to low 40s. Almost every location in Central Florida was expected to break a record, with the most significant drop in temperatures since 1993.

Cold weather shelters were set up across the state, including at the Nature Coast Church in Homosassa, where about 40 people took refuge Monday night from the freezing temps.

James Fishback Launches Gubernatorial Bid

James Fishback, the 30-year-old founder of the anti-woke investing firm Azoria, says he plans to launch a campaign for governor on Monday, setting up a high-stakes Republican clash with President Trump-backed Rep. Byron Donalds.

Fishback will run on hardline immigration and affordability proposals, including eliminating property taxes for homesteads and forcing companies to replace H-1B visa workers with Americans.

Donalds, serving as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 19th congressional district since 2021, has raised over $31.5 million and is running to extend Gov. Ron DeSantis’ conservative legacy. If elected, Donalds would be the first black governor of the state.

Despite pressure from Trump allies to bow out, Fishback says Florida needs “a new generation of leadership.” The GOP race includes former House Speaker Paul Renner and potential bids from Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and First Lady Casey DeSantis.

Star Could Explode Over Florida this Week

Last year, NASA announced an upcoming nova outburst that’s expected to occur around 3,000 light-years from Earth. Scientists don’t know exactly when it will happen, but expert Jean Schneider has published a prediction that the next eruption could occur as soon as this week.

Nova outbursts visible from Earth occur only once every approximately 80 years, making them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most. The star that explodes is usually too dim for the naked eye to see, but the nova burst will increase its brightness to a level similar to the North Star.

The star system T Coronae Borealis (the Blaze Star) last experienced an explosion in 1946, and astronomers believe it will do so again. Other possible dates include June 25, 2026, and Feb. 8, 2027.

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➤ Broward County: A man died in Oakland Park on Monday after a collision with a high-speed Brightline passenger train. Sheriff’s deputies and fire rescue personnel responded to the 1200 block of Northeast 38 Street, where the man was found. (More)

➤ Martin County: Approved by the county commission last week, the $1.50 passenger fee for 14 buses has been eliminated for residents. Martin joins Indian River and St. Lucie counties in offering free access to public transit. (More)

➤ Nature Coast: U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, which would require AM radios to be included in every new car sold. During emergencies, AM radio is often the most reliable source of information. (More)

➤ Titusville: The family of an 18-year-old high school senior, whose body was found aboard the Carnival Horizon passenger ship that returned to Port Miami on Saturday, is awaiting word from FBI investigators about the circumstances leading to the teen’s death. (See Photos)

➤ Apopka: Family, friends, and community members gathered Monday night on East Welch Road at a memorial for three young men who died in a fatal crash. Three others were hospitalized. (See Photo)

➤ Palm Beach County: According to Discover the Palm Beaches, the county’s tourism marketing organization, 2025 will be another record year for tourism, with a total of $10.5 billion added to the economy. (More)

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➤ Florida State qualified for the NCAA women’s postseason soccer tournament as a No. 3 seed, while UCF made the cut as a No. 7 seed. They’ll face Samford and Maine, respectively, in the first round. (See Full Bracket)

➤ Florida high school football playoff brackets have officially dropped for 1A through 7A classifications. Miami Northwestern and Dillard enter the postseason as the only two undefeated teams left in the state. (More)

➤ UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey, 38, was found dead in his prison cell in Fort Lauderdale this week after apparently taking his own life. Pepey held a 14-7-1 MMA record before his incarceration this summer on kidnapping and domestic violence charges. (More)

➤ The Miami Heat beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime on a game-winning alley-oop lob to Andrew Wiggins at the buzzer. The play came just an hour after the Orlando Magic hit a game-winning 3-pointer to beat the Portland Trail Blazers. (See Highlight)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | Soccer | NCAAF | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ SeaPort Manatee on the Gulf handled a record amount of cargo in 2025, nearly 12 million tons, with a planned expansion next year for the 55-year-old port. (More)

➤ Wendy’s fast food chain estimates it will close 300 of its U.S. restaurants over the next few months in an effort to boost profits. As of Nov. 10, there are 500 Wendy’s locations in Florida. (More)

➤ A new prototype Publix store will open in Lakeland tomorrow, offering Polk County expanded deli offerings and a Pours area, which will sell coffee, wine, beer, and kombucha on tap for guests to drink as they shop. (More)

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The world’s biggest brands turn to TerraCycle

In a world where 95% of waste isn’t recycled, TerraCycle builds profitable recycling models for “unrecyclable” products and packages by working with hundreds of major brands, like Coca-Cola, Gillette, Whole Foods, and Taco Bell, to recycle razors, sauce packets, coffee pods, and so much more.

With over 8 billion items kept out of landfills, they’re becoming the world’s go-to name in recycling. It’s fueling 10+ years of profits for TerraCycle, with 75% revenue growth since 2020.

Previous investors have already seen returns of 17-20% in dividends. 

➤ Three Tampa natives who met as teenagers at Tampa Bay Tech have turned a lifelong friendship into a $3 million affordable housing venture. The ribbon-cutting on their first multifamily development was held on Monday. (More)

➤ Air Force families at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City were told to take their Christmas decorations down until after Thanksgiving by Balfour Beatty Communities, the landlord for all privatized housing on the base. (See Details)

➤ Disney shared a new holiday short, Best Christmas Ever, directed by Taika Waititi and voiced by John Goodman. It tells the story of a girl and her friendship with a doodle. (See Video)

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Do you have key lime pie on Thanksgiving?

1. Always
2. Sometimes
3. Never

Tuesday’s Results:

Are you a veteran?

1. No: 41%
2. Yes: 32%
3. No, but married to one: 27%

In which Florida city can you find Wall South, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C.?

Show me the answer