Good Morning! On this day in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Indian River Lagoon, the first wildlife refuge in the U.S.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy met U.S. negotiators in Florida on Wednesday, in their first talks since the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said they “discussed a variety of topics and agreed to stay in touch.”
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping Americans prepare for economic uncertainty with a free Gold & Silver Kit explaining how precious metals like gold and silver have historically helped protect wealth during recessions and periods of inflation.
Daytona Beach 🌤️ 74/66° | Fort Myers 🌤️ 85/67° | Jacksonville 🌤️ 76/56° | Key West 🌤️ 80/75° | Miami 🌧️ 80/72° | Ocala 🌤️ 81/59° | Orlando 🌥️ 80/65° | Pensacola ☀️ 69/51° | Port St. Lucie ☁️ 80/67° | Tallahassee ☀️ 77/49° | Tampa 🌤️ 84/67°
Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.
Lawmakers Seek Control of Utilities
Among the bills passed by Florida lawmakers on Wednesday was an “unprecedented” measure that would give the state control over any utility authority created by the legislature after Jan. 1, 2023.
The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 29-6, which was pitched as a tightening of municipal utility service agreements. If signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, an amendment to the bill would override local control. The bill’s specific target is said to be Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU).
The amendment was offered by Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, a Coral Gables Republican, and adopted without objection. There was no committee debate on the preemption clause, nor was there any discussion referencing Gainesville or the GRU Authority.
A state-appointed board to oversee GRU was created in 2023, shifting control from the Gainesville City Commission. The bill blocks Gainesville’s efforts to retake control, despite two individual voter referendums that passed with over 70% approval.
Miami Prepares for Changes in Cuba
The Miami City Commission met on Thursday to review the city’s contingency planning and policy guardrails in the event of a political transition in Cuba.
The agenda item comes amid growing speculation from national leaders that a leadership change on the island is imminent. Both President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have said the Cuban regime could collapse.
On Monday, Trump addressed the future of Cuba during a visit to Doral. The president said the “takeover” may or may not be friendly. “It wouldn’t matter,” he said, “because they’re down to—as they say—fumes. They have no energy, they have no money, they’re in deep trouble on a humanitarian basis.“
For decades, Miami has been the epicenter of the Cuban-American community. Political changes on the island have generated large public demonstrations, vigils, and celebrations across the city, particularly in Little Havana.
Airports, Streets Changing Names
Florida lawmakers have voted to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump. They have also approved renaming a street for the president and honoring two Florida State University (FSU) leaders.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s city commission approved honoring Trump with a street name by a 3-2 vote, in line with a decision by lawmakers last week to put the president’s name on a stretch of Commercial Boulevard. Gov. DeSantis will cast the final vote, as he has yet to sign the bill into law.
Farther north, Sen. Corey Simon has proposed renaming Tallahassee International Airport after legendary FSU football coach Bobby Bowden. Simon, an All-American defensive lineman who played for Bowden and the Seminoles from 1996-99, proposed the change as an amendment to a transportation bill.
The Senate also passed an amendment introduced by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, that would designate a stretch of College Avenue in downtown Tallahassee after beloved former FSU President John Thrasher.
Flying together with our sponsor
The Next Recession Is Coming. And Experts Warn: “This Time, You’re the Collateral”
You can probably feel it. The markets are shaking. And the data confirms it. A recession isn’t just likely, it’s inevitable. The cracks in the system aren’t just cracks anymore.
They’re looking like fractures.
War is raging in the Middle East.
Debt levels are at historic highs.
Wall Street is on edge.
Inflation is still bleeding your purchasing power.
One wrong move and the whole thing could snap. But here’s the part many aren’t willing to admit. America may not be prepared. The next recession likely won’t look like 2008… it could look much worse. Because this time, the average American may be the shock absorber.
Thousands of Americans Are Moving Into Physical Assets
Physical precious metals like gold and silver are real, tangible wealth. They don’t depend on Wall Street, Washington, or the job market. Their value has historically risen when confidence in the economy falls. That’s why so many people are scrambling to get a hold of Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit.
➤ Tampa: Attorney General James Uthmeier accused Mayor Jane Castor of forcing sanctuary policies on police, and said officers are not permitted by her office to share information with federal immigration officers. (See Details)
➤ Orange County: Commissioners voted unanimously to support a resolution opposing any planned ICE facility in the county. A group of over 60 advocates and local leaders gathered to support the resolution. (More)
➤ Palm Beach County: The school board approved a rezoning plan for elementary schools in Riviera Beach for the 2026-2027 school year for West Riviera Elementary, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary. (More)
➤ Pensacola: As the commission weighs a $189 million transformation of the Pensacola Bay Center, a survey of residents showed 82% support for adding a convention center instead of an ice rink. (More)
➤ Bradford County: A Florida man filed a lawsuit against the county and the county fair association, claiming they unlawfully banned him from open carry of firearms, violating state law. (More)
➤ Northeast Florida: Atlantic Beach Mayor Curtis Ford has signed a proclamation encouraging residents to turn off their lights at night from March 15 to May 15 for migration season to ensure birds can navigate the night sky safely. (More)
Enjoy reading Flyover Florida? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️
➤ The Dominican Republic takes on Korea today in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals at loanDepot Park in Miami. (How to Watch)
➤ Orlando City “mutually parted ways” with head coach Oscar Pareja after six seasons with the franchise. Assistant coach Martín Perelman will serve as interim coach. (More)
➤Meanwhile, Kay Rawlins, founder of the Orlando City soccer club, announced she’s retiring today after a decade with the team. (More)
➤ Inter Miami played to a scoreless draw at Nashville SC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16, setting up the decisive second leg in South Florida next Wednesday. (More)
➤ Find support and relief with the Compressa Knee Sleeve designed to help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Its flexible, breathable fabric provides targeted compression to support movement during daily activities, workouts, or long days on your feet—helping you stay active and move with greater confidence. (LEARN MORE)
➤ Howard Schultz is the latest billionaire to leave the West Coast for South Florida. The former Starbucks CEO, worth $3.5 billion, is moving from his 44-year home in Seattle to a $44 million, 5,500-square-foot penthouse at the Surf Club in Surfside. (More)
➤Florida is among multiple states that will soon see prototypes of electric air taxis in their skies as several aircraft makers start a high-stakes testing program authorized this week by the U.S. government. (More)
➤ Central Florida’s aerospace and defense industry is seeing rising demand for defense technologies as Middle East tensions escalate. The defense industry generates over $102.6 billion in economic impact annually across the state. (More)
The next recession is coming, and experts warn: “This Time, You’re the Collateral.” A recession isn’t just likely… It’s inevitable. The cracks in the system aren’t just cracks anymore.
Debt levels are at historic highs.
Consumer savings are drained.
Wall Street is on edge.
Inflation is still bleeding your purchasing power.
One wrong move and the whole thing could snap. That’s why thousands of Americans are turning to physical gold and silver. Your FREE Gold & Silver Kit from the top precious metals company, Goldco, reveals why gold is often a safe haven during recessions and the truth about inflation. Get your Free Guide today.
➤ Wound care products, including those sold at CVS, have been recalled because they could cause serious infections. (See List)
➤ Floridians are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a license plate that now serves as a standard option, not a specialty plate. (See Photo)
➤ Miami’s waterfront has a $15 million budget for Fan Fest, a three-week World Cup watch party that includes televisions the size of houses, temporary fields for youth games, and turning Biscayne Bay into a saltwater soccer pitch, with the players riding personal watercraft and wearing aqua jet packs. (See Photos)
Flying together with our sponsor
➤ Embarrassing Toenails? This breakthrough gadget is fixing them.FungaBeam’s breakthrough laser technology blasts fungus at the source… fast, pain-free, and right from home. No creams. No pills. Just visibly clearer, healthier nails in weeks, not months. (LEARN MORE)
Lawmakers Seek Control of Utilities
