Gaetz Withdraws as Attorney General Candidate

On Thursday, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general. Hours later, the president-elect named Pam Bondi as his new pick for the position. Bondi served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011-2019. 

Gaetz announced the decision on the social platform X, stating that while he had “excellent meetings” with senators on Wednesday, his confirmation was “unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”

The House Ethics Committee met for two hours behind closed doors on Wednesday to discuss a controversial report on Gaetz, deciding it would remain sealed after the committee failed to reach an agreement on its release.

The Justice Department previously investigated Gaetz as part of a broader sex trafficking probe that included allegations involving an underage woman. The department ultimately decided not to pursue charges, and Gaetz has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Kia Center and Camping World Stadium Upgrades Coming

Orange County’s Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously this week to approve an agreement between Orange County and the City of Orlando for $626 million in improvements to Camping World Stadium and Kia Center.

County commissioners authorized the use of Tourist Development Tax revenues for multiple projects in January, including $400 million for Camping World Stadium, which will increase the seating capacity from 63,000 to 65,000.

For the Kia Center, $226 million in improvements will go toward new elevators, escalators, and concourse renovations.

The funding approval is also part of the county’s annexation deal which prevents Orlando from annexing more than 52,000 acres of the Deseret Ranch property.

Florida-Based Cruise Lines Dominate Rankings

Florida-based Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises took three of the top spots among six categories in the 11th annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Cruise Lines” rankings. You can see the report here.

The publication examined 18 cruise lines and ranked them as the best value for money, best for families, best for couples, best in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and best luxury lines.

Miami-based Royal Caribbean ranked second behind Disney in the “Best Cruise Lines for Families” category, with Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line coming in third.

Plantation-based Virgin Voyages ranked among the top three in the “Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean” category and the “Best Cruise Lines for the Money” category.

➤ Escambia County: On Wednesday, the judge in the Sheila Agee murder trial granted the defense team’s motion for a mistrial, citing an “unhinged juror.” (See Details)

➤ Sarasota: The Circus Arts Conservatory, formerly known as Circus Sarasota, has named Jennifer Mitchell its new president and CEO. (See Details)

➤ Coral Springs: A South Florida resident was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange. FBI agents found “bomb-making sketches” and electronic timing devices in his storage unit. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, John Lapinski remains in jail following his Halloween arrest in Margate. Police responded to reports of shots fired and discovered a target list that included a Jewish congressman and prosecutors. (More)

➤ Port Canaveral: The Space History Foundation has proposed leasing Exploration Tower to establish an immersive public learning center. The seven-story tower has remained closed to the public since 2022. (See Photos)

➤ Brevard County: Nearly one year after the deaths of World Series Champion Tim Wakefield and, later, his wife, their Indian Harbour Beach home is now up for sale. (See Photos)

➤ Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs has returned to practice as a limited participant just two weeks after suffering a knee injury initially feared to be serious. (More)

➤ Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier is expected to return to the team’s lineup on Sunday after missing time with foot pain. (More)

➤ Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze threw down this fast-break dunk during the team’s touch 104-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. (Watch Video)

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

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➤ Orlando International Airport expects more than 1.9 million passengers this holiday season. A study found the airport had the second-highest rate of canceled and delayed flights among the 50 busiest U.S. airports during the same period last year. (See Details)

➤ The Honey Baked Ham Company is adding prime rib to its holiday meal offerings in Miami and Tampa and in select cities in Ohio and Texas. (More)

➤ The University of Florida will lead a regional hub of the $285 million SMART USA Institute, leveraging AI and digital twins to advance semiconductor manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. (More)

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➤ Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises announced a cruise for dogs and their humans, set to sail out of Tampa next November. The first-ever dog-friendly cruise will be hosted on the Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander ship. (See Photo)

➤ Wild Boars capable of causing property damage are worrying some residents in St. Lucie County. More than 70 boars have been removed from Tradition over the past two years. (See Video)

➤ Ernest Hemingway’s six-toed cats are on hand to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West. (See Photos)

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Would you go on a cruise for dogs and their humans?

1. Absolutely
2. No
3. Depends where it’s sailing

Thursday’s Results:

Do you eat pie on Thanksgiving?

1. Yes: 51.3%
2. Sometimes: 26.4%
3. No: 22.3%

What was the name of the original six-toed cat given to Ernest Hemingway by a ship’s captain?

Show me the answer