FWC Updates Trapping Rules

In the first major update to state trapping regulations in 50 years, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted 3-2 Wednesday to finalize a series of rule amendments.

The new rules require stricter specifications for trap designs and types, along with more explicit mandates on where traps can be placed and how often they must be checked. The change eliminates a special-use permit requirement for steel traps.

Commissioners echoed concerns from animal advocates that some traps in use are inhumane.

The changes, set to take effect on Dec. 31, are meant to modernize Florida’s trapping rules and reflect decades of advancements in research and technology since the rules were last revised.

FWC also updated rules for the 2026-27 hunting season, opening thousands of new acres to the public and changing the gear allowed in certain areas.

Florida’s Role at Super Bowl LX

Florida doesn’t have a team in Super Bowl LX this Sunday, but the state will be well represented on the big game’s broadcast during the anthem flyover, the coin toss, and the commercials.

Milton native Lt. Caleb Champion of the U.S. Navy will fly an F-35C Lightning II as part of an eight-aircraft flyover during the national anthem performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Members of four Navy tactical squadrons will conduct the flyover alongside Air Force planes and crews.

For the 33rd consecutive year, the coin for the Super Bowl coin toss was made by the Highland Mint in Melbourne. This year’s coin will join the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection as a modern restrike of the Libertas Americana, a medal first made in 1782 to celebrate America’s victory in the Revolutionary War.

Later in the game, Universal Orlando’s new ad campaign will air during a prime position in the broadcast. The series, dubbed This Changes Everything, includes a 60-second spot titled Lil’ Bro that airs just before halftime.

Finally, Nicholas the Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has correctly predicted the winning team for 18 out of 30 sporting events since 2017. The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin predicts that the New England Patriots will beat the Seattle Seahawks to become world champions.

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➤ Statewide: The University of Florida’s consumer sentiment index rose 2.3 points, to 77.2 out of a possible 150. Most Floridians started the year more optimistic about the state of the economy than they’ve been over the past eight months. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said early assessments show the state’s farmers lost anywhere from $500 million to $1.5 billion to crop damage during the recent bout of cold weather. (More)

➤ Brevard County: Students who take part in a planned ICE walkout protest today could face suspension after School Board Chair Matt Susin warned of punishment for anyone who leaves campus without permission. (More)

➤ Okaloosa County: A second teen was sentenced to four years in state prison for a 2023 swatting incident at Baker School. The first teen received the same sentence in June. Both boys were 14 years old at the time of the incident. (More)

➤ Miami: Lawsuits allege design errors and defective concrete have led to over $400 million in extra costs for a delayed roadway project to build a bridge over Biscayne Boulevard. (More)

➤ Martin County: The sheriff’s office warned of two scams targeting seniors, with about $40,000 stolen from residents over the past week. One involves a call from a “bank,” stating that an account has been compromised. (More)

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➤ Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett said it “meant the world” to be selected for the Canadian Olympic hockey team at the last minute: “It’s really something I’ve dreamt about as a kid.” (More)

➤ USA Today ranked Florida State No. 5 and Florida No. 7 in its preseason softball power rankings. (More)

➤ Rivals named Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal as one of the ten best college football recruiters in the country. (See List)

➤ Olympic sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson pleaded not guilty to the excessive speeding charges—going 104 mph in a 65-mph zone—that she picked up in Orange County last week. (More)

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

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What is the best part of a Super Bowl Sunday party?

1. The game
2. The commercials
3. The company
4. The food

Thursday’s Results:

Would you try the Reese’s Pieces Donut Burger featured at the Florida State Fair?

1. Not my thing: 36%
2. This is wrong: 24%
3. Maybe: 21%
4. Absolutely: 19%

What is Cracker Country in Florida?

Show me the answer