Good Morning! On this day in 1901, Walt Disney was born in Chicago. The creator of Mickey Mouse and the founder of Disneyland, he went on to establish Walt Disney World and build a vast film and television empire. Disney sold his first sketches to his neighbors when he was just seven years old.
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🎄Keep an eye on your inbox later today. We’re sending a special Flyover Florida spotlight on The Village Shops on Venetian Bay and all their holiday events.
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New Laws to Combat Illegal Immigration
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia unveiled a list of legislative priorities Wednesday aimed at “disincentivizing” illegal immigration through new restrictions on financial services, licensing, and employment practices.
During a visit to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Ingoglia shared proposed measures for eight new laws intended to aid in the “battle” to keep illegal immigrants out of Florida.
Ingoglia said he’s helping write legislation to close loopholes in existing state statutes that allow individuals in the state illegally to buy car insurance, open bank accounts, and take advantage of workers’ compensation after an on-the-job injury.
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick expressed strong support for the initiatives, saying his department has transferred over 550 individuals to ICE for deportation.
FDA Recalls Shredded Cheese
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese sold at major retailers in Florida, including Publix, Aldi, Target, and Walmart, are being recalled because the products may contain metal fragments.
Great Lakes Cheese Co., a manufacturer based in Hiram, Ohio, initiated a voluntary recall in early October for cheeses sold in 31 states and Puerto Rico. Consumers should review the batch sell-by dates for recalled cheese products from Jan. 14 to March 22.
The FDA’s alert follows an announcement last week by cheese distributor Ambriola Company that it was recalling some of its products after “routine testing confirmed the presence of listeria.” Brands affected include Boar’s Head and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brand.
Miami-Dade Mayor Can Be Recalled
At a meeting on Tuesday, Miami-Dade commissioners updated the county code to allow for a recall election of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to potentially take place if a special recall election petition is filed.
Some residents of Miami-Dade County are working to remove Levine Cava from office. Alex Otaola, who ran against Levine Cava for mayor and lost, is participating in the effort.
Organizers must obtain about 61,000 signatures, or 4% of the registered voters in Miami-Dade County, on a petition. If successful, a recall election must be held within 90 days of the petition’s filing.
The mayor’s political advisor, Christian Ulvert, released a statement that said, “We are confident that this sham effort will be seen by voters as a political stunt led by a failed perennial candidate, who was resoundingly defeated last summer.”
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➤ Statewide: Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $112 million for 23 projects across the state aimed at restoring freshwater springs and fighting red tide by improving water quality and enhancing spring flow. (More)
➤ Tallahassee: The state needs another $50.6 million to help administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), after federal aid to the program’s administrative costs was cut from 50% to 25%. (More)
➤ Destin: Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the decision to purchase a 4-acre waterfront parcel on behalf of the state, arguing that the $83.3 million purchase prevents condo development. Conservation experts and some Republicans question the land’s actual environmental value. (More)
➤ Boca Raton: A Jan. 13 special election was canceled after a judge deemed the questions planned for the ballot unconstitutional. The questions referred to charter and ordinance amendments initiated by residents. (More)
➤ Bushnell: The city council moved to renew a contract with the Heart of Florida landfill for another five years despite residents’ concerns of a strong smell they say has been coming from the landfill for almost a year. (See Video)
➤ Orange County: The school board and county commissioners are working to put safety rules in place as more people use electric bikes and electric scooters. They say there are too many accidents with no formal safety or enforcement rules. (More)
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➤ Florida State women’s soccer takes on TCU tonight in the NCAA College Cup semifinal. If they win today, they’ll play either Stanford or Duke in the national championship. (More)
➤ Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner was blocked at the rim in the final seconds of their game against the Spurs, losing 114-112. (More)
➤Former NBA champion Elden Campbell passed away this week while on a fishing trip in Florida. The cause of death is unknown. (More)
➤ Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi said in a recent interview that he’d like to play in the 2026 World Cup for Argentina but said he’ll make his final decision closer to the tournament’s start. (More)
➤ The gift book lovers actually want (and will use daily). Delight the book lover in your life with the BookHaven Mug—handcrafted 3D book details, durable glass, microwave and dishwasher safe. Over 9,780 sold, 50% off, and a 30-day guarantee. Perfect, unique holiday gift! (LEARN MORE)
➤ SpaceX has been given approval by the U.S. Department of the Air Force to build a launch and landing pad for its Starship rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 37. (More)
➤ Comcast has expanded fiber-rich Internet service in Okeechobee County, Florida, bringing faster access to more than 2,600 homes and businesses. (More)
➤ Archer Aviation, developer of an electric-powered aircraft, is joining West Palm Beach real estate developer Related Ross and several airports to start a taxi service between Miami and West Palm Beach. (More)
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➤ Sarasota’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens broke ground on Phase 2 of a major master project on Tuesday, expanding and advancing its hurricane resiliency. The expansion will include a new conservatory complex and a learning pavilion. (More)
➤ Bluey and her younger sister, Bingo, will be at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando this summer. Guests will meet the duo at Conservation Station and get to play popular games from the Bluey TV series. (See Photo)
➤ Here’s a guide to holiday events in Orlando and Tampa Bay for theme parks, zoos, and other attractions. (More)
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Should the use of electric bikes and scooters be more closely regulated?
