Good Morning! On this day in 1893, Merian C. Cooper, the producer of 1933’s King Kong, was born in Jacksonville. He was film director John Ford’s favorite producer to work with.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its Thanksgiving weather forecast, predicting a mild and comfortable day in Florida.
Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving memory to share with our crew? We plan to include a few of your stories in an upcoming holiday edition. Reply to this email with a one-paragraph memory and include your first name and your city.
If you’ve ever wondered how you could make a real difference in someone’s darkest moment, today’s sponsor, Convoy of Hope, is turning compassion into action when it’s needed most.
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Progressive to Credit Nearly $1B to Customers
Progressive, the largest auto insurance company in the state, said it will credit an average of $300 to each policyholder after reports showed the company posted more profits than Florida law allows.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, joined by Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky, announced on Wednesday that Florida’s recent insurance reforms are leading to significant savings.
“Florida’s insurance market is stabilizing with decreasing auto and home insurance rates, and frivolous litigation is declining,” DeSantis said. “We’ve secured nearly $1 billion in credits for Progressive auto policyholders, and the other carriers are expected to follow suit soon.”
Florida’s top five auto insurers averaged a 6.5% rate drop this year, with Allstate offering a 7% decrease.
Citrus County to Vote on Local Sales Tax
Citrus County Commissioners are placing a local option sales tax vote on the November 2026 ballot, aiming to end the county’s status as the only county in Florida to never have one.
A survey showed that citizens would consider supporting a referendum for a 1-cent sales tax, which would generate about $25 million in annual revenue. The county is still seeking resident feedback.
The tax would sunset in four years and be used for road resurfacing. Every county in Florida except Citrus and Collier has a voter-approved local option 1-cent sales tax. Collier County had one in place but sunset it after reaching its financial goal.
Citrus County leaders have considered the sales tax for years. They are suggesting it now as the county grapples with residential and commercial growth that accompanied the opening of the Suncoast Parkway in 2022.
Jack Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit
Jack Nicklaus, the 18-time major golf champion, won a $50 million verdict in a defamation case against his former company, ending a bitter two-year feud.
A Palm Beach County jury found that Nicklaus Companies defamed “the Golden Bear” by spreading false claims that he had considered a $750 million offer to become a public face of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
The six-person jury ruled that the company’s actions damaged the 85-year-old’s reputation and exposed him to “ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust, or contempt.”
Gary Nicklaus, Jack Nicklaus’s son, was in the news in August when he abruptly resigned from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before a vote on reinstating a statewide black bear hunt.
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➤ Tallahassee: State officials said a Texas man was arrested for making death threats against Jewish conservative media figures who live in Florida. Nicholas Ray is in custody and will be extradited to Florida. (More)
➤ St. Petersburg: David Fischer, who served as mayor from 1991 to 2001, died Wednesday at the age of 92. (See Photo)
➤ Hillsborough County: State Rep. Michael Owen plans to propose legislation to have the county’s school superintendent chosen by voters rather than appointed by the school board. (More)
➤ Boca Raton: City leaders are considering four different proposals for enhanced activities at the North Park recreation site. The proposals include a potential surf park, golf course, sports complex, or community facilities. (More)
➤ Pinellas County: School board officials are considering piloting a weapon detection system in two county public schools. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick says the money would come from capital funds and be covered by grants. (More)
➤ Tampa: The University of South Florida Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Moez Limayem as the university’s ninth president. Limayem currently serves as president of the University of North Florida. (See Photo)
➤ Wakulla: Circuit Judge J. Layne Smith apologized and then recused himself from several cases after telling lawyers in his courtroom for a civil matter that he wanted the deputy to “pull his gun and shoot” them. (More)
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➤ Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested immediately after the team’s season opener against Orlando. Following an FBI gambling probe, Rozier has been accused of manipulating his in-game performance during his time with the Charlotte Hornets to help bets pay off. (More)
➤ Orlando City SC lost to the Chicago Fire FC 3-1 in the MLS Cup Wild Card Game, bringing their season to an end. They finished with a 14-9-11 record, ninth-best in the Eastern Conference. (More)
➤Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will take on Nashville SC tonight at Chase Stadium in their first MLS playoff game of the season. (More)
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➤ SpaceX hit a milestone this week from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, having launched over 10,000 Starlink satellites. (More)
➤ Southeastern Grocers, the Jacksonville-based parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, announced it will rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company in early 2026, marking a return to its heritage and a sharpened focus on its home state. (More)
➤ Jacksonville University President Tim Cost will step down next year from the role he has held since 2013 at the private college. He will remain heavily involved as chancellor. (See Video)
➤ U.S. Central Command, based at Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base, focuses on Middle East military affairs and is serving as the central U.S. military hub for coordinating international assistance to Gaza and preserving the ceasefire. (More)
➤ Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Fort Lauderdale’s historic estate and cultural landmark, announced the return of its annual five-night Holiday Magic celebration, one of the museum’s most beloved traditions and largest fundraisers of the year. (See Details)
➤ Scrunchie, a Golden Retriever therapy dog, awakened a woman from her coma at Pembroke Pines hospital. (See Photo)
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Progressive to Credit Nearly $1B to Customers
