Bill Proposes Mask Ban for ICE

Two Florida lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill called the VISIBLE Act. It would require law enforcement and immigration officers to display visible identification and ban face coverings during public enforcement operations, with exceptions for undercover work and hazardous conditions.

State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) and Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) filed matching House and Senate bills.

“Officers should not be able to grab people off the street while hiding behind a mask. The use of this draconian tactic has led to several incidents of criminals posing as ICE officers committing robberies, kidnapping, and sexual assault,” Smith said.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem disagreed, saying in August, “With a rise in violence that we continue to see against these officers, with that 1,000% increase, it’s making sure that they are safe while they do this job, and that they get home to their families.“

Judge Denies Reinstatement after Kirk Post

A federal judge has denied a request to force the state to reinstate a biologist who was fired over a social media post made after the killing of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk.

“The crux of this case comes down to whether plaintiff has met her burden … to show that her free speech interest outweighs FWC’s (the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s) interest in the effective and efficient fulfillment of its responsibilities,” said U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who noted that free speech is not absolute.

The case began when Brittney Brown, a biologist assigned to the Tyndall Air Force Base Critical Wildlife Area, was fired after sharing a post from a parody account that said whales weren’t saddened by Kirk’s death.

Broward County Name Change Stalled

A proposal to rename Broward County as Lauderdale County was withdrawn at Thursday’s commission meeting after facing pushback over the time and cost the change would require.

Broward Commissioner Michael Udine had championed the change as a boost to tourism, saying, “I think people outside of the area have no clue where (Broward County) is.”  

Supporters of the change say they plan to regroup and spend more time educating the community about the potential benefits. 

Broward County’s name has been around for over 100 years and is named after former Florida Gov. Napoleon Bonaparte Broward.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Daytona Beach: City Commissioner Stacy Cantu says she found “questionable charges” on city-issued credit cards, including cell phone bills—despite the city already providing a bulk cell phone account—and other expenses that may violate policy. (Details)

➤ Volusia: A man was arrested Friday after a 36-hour pursuit that began when deputies tracked a stolen car, leading to a foot chase through a swamp. The arrest was captured on body camera. (See Video)

➤ Space Coast: SpaceX launched two rockets less than four hours apart on Friday night, with a Falcon 9 rocket lifting off at 10:08 p.m. at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, followed by a second Falcon 9 at 1:44 a.m. from Cape Canaveral. (See Photos)

➤ Jacksonville: The city broke ground Friday on a marine fireboat station capable of quicker response to shipboard fires and riverfront blazes. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Ron DeSantis said conservatism is “very much in a racket stage” with “people that can monetize outrage online” in a talk on Friday at The Buckley Institute’s Fifteenth Annual Conference. (More)

Enjoy reading Flyover Florida? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Carson Beck threw three touchdown passes in No. 15 Miami’s 41-7 victory over NC State. (Recap)

➤ Florida State rushed for 237 yards in a 34-14 win over Virginia Tech; Florida was shut out in the second half of a 34-24 loss to No. 7 Ole Miss; and No. 24 South Florida allowed 338 rushing yards in a 41-38 loss to Navy. (See Scores)

➤ UCF lost 48-9 to No. 6 Texas Tech; Florida Atlantic fell 35-24 to Tulane; and Florida International beat Liberty 34-27 in overtime. (See Scores)

➤ Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner led the way in the team’s Friday night NBA Cup win over the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 25 points along with six rebounds and five assists in a 105-98 victory. (Watch Highlights)

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

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Warm up any room in seconds with the UltraHeatMate—an energy-efficient, portable heater designed to deliver powerful, even heat without raising your electric bill. Its compact design, adjustable settings, and quiet operation make it perfect for bedrooms, offices, RVs, and drafty spaces that never seem to stay warm. (LEARN MORE)

Flying together with our sponsor

Everyone’s talking about these 37 gadgets—and for good reason. They actually work. From clever home upgrades to everyday problem-solvers, each one delivers real results and rave reviews. People can’t stop sharing them, and shelves are clearing fast. See why these genius finds are selling out nationwide. (LEARN MORE)

➤ A viral video from Four Corners captures the moment an alligator lunges out of a pond toward a fisherman. Cole Rossner said he’s “lucky to have a foot right now.” (See Video)

➤ Miami Gardens police are conducting traffic stops throughout the city and giving drivers a turkey instead of a ticket. (See Video)

➤ A St. Augustine bride opened the box containing her preserved wedding dress after five years, only to find out she’d been given someone else’s dress. (See Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Night Vision Pro Driving Glasses: Drive at night with clarity and confidence—these anti-glare, yellow-tinted lenses reduce oncoming headlight glare and sharp reflections so you can see roads and signs more clearly. Lightweight and stylish with UV protection, they’re the ideal upgrade for safer, more comfortable night driving. (SHOP NOW)

What’s your favorite way to eat sweet potatoes?

1. In a pie
2. Roasted
3. Baked
4. Casserole with marshmallows
5. Casserole with pecans
6. Other
7. Don’t eat them

Saturday’s Results:

Do you decorate your home for Thanksgiving?

1. Yes: 45%
2. No: 55%

Where in Florida can you find Swampy, a 200-foot-long alligator-shaped building that is home to a ticket counter, gift shop, and offices of a roadside zoo?

Show me the answer