FL Supreme Court Expedites Lawsuit on Abortion

The Florida Supreme Court fast-tracked a lawsuit on Wednesday, accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and other state officials of interfering with a constitutional amendment on abortion rights.

The lawsuit, filed by Palm Beach attorney John Richardson, claims state resources were improperly used to influence public opinion against Amendment 4, which seeks to limit government regulation of abortion access.

The case was filed after the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration launched a website that contains statements opposing the amendment.

DeSantis defended the website, asserting it provides accurate information about state abortion laws and counters misinformation circulated by amendment supporters.

Francine Soaks North Florida

Francine continues to weaken and is now a tropical depression. Still, impacts continue to be felt across the Panhandle and parts of North Florida.

Early Thursday, a tornado watch was issued for several counties in Florida, followed shortly by a tornado warning for Franklin County.

Heavy rain fell Thursday and will continue throughout Friday in the Florida Panhandle and parts of North Florida. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and coastal flood advisory for St. Johns County through tonight.

Pinellas Golf Community Fighting New Owners

Residents of a golf community in Pinellas County are fighting to retain their property rights after discovering the community was sold two years ago. The new owners plan to turn the golf course into a wetlands preserve.

The Tarpon Woods golf community, previously owned by the nonprofit Jan Stephenson’s Crossroads Foundation, was quietly sold to a limited liability company in 2022 for $1.65 million.

Pinellas County Property Appraiser Mike Twitty noted that the sale was never recorded, saying he never received a transfer of property form.

The new owners received a property tax exemption even though the property is no longer owned by a nonprofit, and they now owe more than $70,000 in penalties.

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Why This Doctor Takes a SHOT Each Morning (Not What You Think)

➤ Gainesville: University of Florida Scientists uncovered a new species of microscopic worm that damages several common Florida fruits, posing a threat to the state’s economy. (More)

➤ St. Augustine: A new interactive, chocolate-centered exhibit is coming this winter to the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, highlighting the city’s pivotal role in introducing chocolate to North America. (More)

➤ Daytona Beach: Halifax Humane Society is raffling off a 2024 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic to coincide with BIKETOBERFEST 2024. Entries are $50, and 3,500 tickets will be sold. (Buy Raffle Here)

➤ Edgewater: The youngest elected official in Florida’s history, 20-year-old Mayor Diezel DePew, is facing accusations of drinking and using racial slurs after a video was released on social media. (See Video)

➤ St. Petersburg: City leaders are close to finalizing the budget for the next fiscal year, with a planned $700,000 celebration of the fifth anniversary of the city pier causing debate. (See Details)

➤ Miami-Dade: A fourth potential site for a new trash incinerator was proposed this week near Okeechobee Road and Northwest 137th Avenue. The battle continues over where the incinerator should be located. (See Video)

➤ The Buffalo Bills overwhelmed the Miami Dolphins 31-10, securing their fifth straight win over their AFC East rival. The Bills’ James Cook scored three first-half touchdowns, but the story of the night was another concussion for Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. (More)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly signing veteran cornerback Zach McPhearson after losing defensive star Tyson Campbell to a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 2024 season opener. (More)

➤ Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier told reporters that he plans to use both quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway moving forward despite naming Mertz as the team’s starter in Week 1. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | WNBA | PGA

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➤ SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission conducted the first private spacewalk in history, testing a new line of spacesuits in the company’s riskiest mission to date. (Watch Video)

➤ The iconic Maitland sandwich shop Kappy’s Subs is permanently closing on Saturday after 52 years in business due to a change in property ownership. Lines have been around the building all week. (See Video)

➤ Miami Beach is ending its $50,000-a-month water taxi deal with Ormond Beach-based Poseidon Ferry after repeated maintenance failures. The Biscayne Bay water taxi launched two months ago. (More)

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➤ A Florida man in Marion County was arrested for keeping alligators in his backyard swimming pool and several freshwater slider turtles on his property. (See Video)

➤ Indian River Lagoon is now home to a bright yellow and green floating tiki boat cafe named for a joyful frog. (See Photo)

➤ Several Florida restaurants are named on the 50 Top Pizza USA 2024 list, including La Leggenda in Miami, which ranked No. 9. (See List)

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Do you have a bicycle?

1. Yes
2. No

Thursday’s Results:

Apart from your cell phone, do you have a camera that you use regularly?

1. Yes: 19%
2. No: 81%

What is the name of the legendary creature that’s been “sighted” several times in Putnam County and considered Florida’s spin on Bigfoot?

Show me the answer