Blue Origin Rocket Explodes on Pad

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket erupted in a massive fireball Thursday night on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The explosion, which the company is describing as an “anomaly”, occurred around 9 p.m during a static fire test. Footage of the incident can be seen here.

The U.S. Space Force Eastern Range confirmed that nobody was injured in the explosion.

Hazardous debris from the incident could come ashore over the next coming days and weeks. Officials are advising the public not to touch the debris and to contact Blue Origin through its hotline or email if suspected wreckage is found.

An investigation has been launched to determine the extent of damage to the launch pad and the cause of the accident.

Florida Forever Lands No Money in Budget

Florida’s flagship land conservation initiative, Florida Forever, is set to receive zero state dollars in the upcoming fiscal year under the newly-approved state budget.

Instead of traditional land purchases under Florida Forever, lawmakers are directing funds towards the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which compensates farmers and ranchers for keeping their land undeveloped.

Since its creation in 2000, Florida Forever has protected more than 1 million acres of land across the state and has become one of the nation’s largest public land acquisition programs. 

Lawmakers approved Florida’s $114.5 billion budget Friday. It now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’s signature. 

Florida Gets Its Statewide Michelin Guide

Michelin released a statewide restaurant guide for the Sunshine State for the first time, with 200 eateries receiving recognition. 

Fat Beet Farm Kitchen and Bakery in Tampa earned a coveted Green Star, Michelin’s distinction for sustainable, mindful gastronomy. However, Lilac, a Mediterranean restaurant that was one of the first three restaurants in Tampa to earn a Michelin star in the city, lost its star. 

Two new One Star restaurants also debuted in the 2026 edition: Emelina in West Palm Beach and Mutra in North Miami.

Six Orlando-area restaurants retained Michelin stars, while three others lost the distinction. 

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➤ Statewide: Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special legislative session for Monday to consider property tax cuts, proposing a $250,000 exemption and aiming to eventually make Florida the first state in the nation to eliminate property taxes. (More)

➤ Glades County: A burn ban has been put in place because of dry weather and heightened wildfire risk, temporarily banning all outdoor burning. (More)

➤ Palm Beach County: A woman born without her right hand had traffic citations dropped after a deputy accused her of holding a cell phone while driving. Body camera footage went viral, and deputies cleared her of wrongdoing. (More)

➤ Wakulla County: Crews broke ground on a new Wakulla High School, launching Phase 1 of a multi-year project to replace the aging 1960s-era campus with a modern, expanded facility expected to open in 2029. (More)

➤ Orange County: New affordable housing developments are opening across Central Florida, offering relief for residents squeezed by rising rents and home prices. (More)

➤ Florida’s football coaching staff will earn a combined $11.2 million this season under new head coach Jon Sumrall, nearly 50% more than the previous staff’s total. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner will become the first $2 million coordinator in school history. (More)

➤ Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi was named to Argentina’s World Cup squad this week, setting up a record sixth appearance in the tournament. The only other player to match that number will be Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. (More)

➤ Former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was hit with additional federal charges in his sports gambling case, with prosecutors alleging he agreed to a $100,000 bribe to leave a 2023 game early so gamblers could cash out on player prop bets. (More)

➤ Two archers from North Fort Myers brought home gold medals for Team USA this week at the Pan American Youth and Masters Championships in Colombia. Mark Williams won three golds total, and Melissa McAvoy won gold in the barebow division. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NHL | MLB | Soccer | NCAASB | NCAAB | WNBA | Golf

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China’s 60% Grip on Lithium Is Breaking

A domestic lithium producer backed by General Motors just announced plans for its second U.S. facility. This Utah project will sit atop approximately 2.4 million tons of lithium. Now, investors can claim an early-stage stake. 

Here’s the bigger picture.

China controls 60% of the world’s lithium. But as demand for high-tech innovations like AI and EVs continues to grow, America needs its own reliable supply fast. The window to profit from what comes next is open.

America holds the world’s 5th-largest lithium reserves, and they’ve barely been touched. EnergyX is changing that with patented technology that recovers up to 3X more lithium than conventional methods.

In a world reliant on lithium for batteries, electric vehicles, and grid storage, a domestic lithium supply is critical. Invest in EnergyX today.

➤ Walt Disney World is rolling out a variety of new additions this year, with a Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, a new Bluey experience at Animal Kingdom, and more. (See Details)

➤ A family’s trail camera captured a bear playing with a pool inflatable in their Golden Gate Estates backyard. (See Video)

➤ Pier Sixty-Six resort in Fort Lauderdale has announced a Phase II expansion adding new marina facilities and hospitality amenities. (More)

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Have you ever dined at a Michelin-starred restaurant?

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Is your home part of a community HOA?

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Yes: 52% 
            2. No: 43% 
            3. Don’t know: 5%

What is the oldest restaurant in Florida, founded in Tampa in 1905?

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