Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday on Hold

The annual sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness is on hold due to a delayed state budget that remains unresolved. According to the latest budget proposal, the sales tax holiday was scheduled for June 2-15.

Each year, the Florida Legislature passes a bill authorizing the sales tax exemption period and identifying which hurricane supplies qualify. As of Thursday, no such legislation has been passed, and lawmakers are not scheduled to meet this week.

Without approval, the sales tax holiday allowing Floridians to save on essential storm supplies cannot proceed. Uncertainty around this year’s tax holiday may lead people to put off their purchases, increasing their risk if a major storm hits early in the season.

The measure was expected to save Florida residents about $72 million in taxes on hurricane-related goods.

Todd Chrisley Released from Pensacola Prison

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed pardons for reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, who have been serving federal prison sentences since being convicted three years ago of bank fraud and tax evasion.

Best known for the TV series Chrisley Knows Best, Todd Chrisley, 57, had been incarcerated at a minimum security prison camp in Pensacola. Julie Chrisley, 52, was imprisoned at a facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

Savannah Chrisley, their daughter, had appealed to the Trump administration for pardons for her parents and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Savannah said on Tuesday that Trump had called to notify her that he was signing “pardon paperwork for both of my parents.”

Panthers Headed to Stanley Cup Finals

The Florida Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final on Wednesday night, marking their third straight appearance in the NHL Stanley Cup Final. The defending champions will now have some time to nurse injuries before the series begins.

Panthers players refused to touch the conference championship trophy after the game. In 2023, the team bucked superstition by holding the trophy, but eventually lost the Stanley Cup Final. In 2024, they steered clear of the conference trophy and ended up hoisting the Stanley Cup.

“It’s an odd feeling,” said winger Brad Marchand of the team’s decision not to touch the trophy. “Excited to win the East, but our job isn’t done.”

If they win it this year, the Panthers will become the second Florida team to repeat as NHL champions this decade. The Tampa Bay Lightning pulled off the feat in 2020 and 2021.

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My name is Cole, and I’m the CEO here at Flyover Florida.

I’ve had plenty of jobs in my life. Before I found my way into several digital media roles, I had some dirty jobs—the kind that would make Mike Rowe proud. Flowback driver in the oilfield, drywall hauler, medical janitor, home flood restoration tech.

Without a doubt, my favorite job has been running Flyover Florida.

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➤ Statewide: On Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed HB 6017, which would have lifted age restrictions for seeking uncapped non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. (More) 

➤ Meanwhile, the governor signed two bills into law on Wednesday, Dexter’s Law and Trooper’s Law. The animal rights laws strengthen punishments in animal cruelty cases and secure animal welfare during emergencies. (See Photos)

➤ Tallahassee: Former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp was chosen as the next president and CEO for Florida TaxWatch, the state’s preeminent fiscal watchdog. (More)

➤ St. Cloud: The city council voted to annex King’s Crest, Edgewater, and Twin Lakes neighborhoods into city limits. Residents of King’s Crest filed a petition against the annexation. (More)

➤ Orlo Vista: A $23 million flood mitigation project is expected to be completed by the end of June, with residents hoping the refurbished water retention site will keep homes safe. (See Details)

➤ Volusia County: The county council is considering a proposal for horseback riding on two, 1-mile-long stretches of beach to give visitors and locals a unique experience on the coast. (More)

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➤ Multiple Florida college men’s baseball teams will begin their quest for the College World Series today, headlined by No. 9 overall seed Florida State. (See Full Schedule)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-rounder, Travis Hunter, began working with defensive coaches this week after focusing on offense for the first portion of the team’s offseason program. Hunter says he will play both offense and defense for the 2025 season. (More)

➤ UCF women’s rowing team is battling for the Division I championship this weekend, starting with an early morning session today. (Watch Live)

➤ The Florida Gators fell to the Texas Longhorns 3-0 today in the College Softball World Series. (More) 

Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | WNBA | NHL | PGA | LPGA | NCAASB | Soccer | PGA | LPGA | Tennis

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➤ Florida had a 12% increase in its rate of non-current mortgages—the biggest year-over-year jump of any state. The state is among the top five for home loans that are more than 90 days past due. (More)

➤ Mignow, a Brazilian company providing AI-driven software migration solutions, announced it is opening a U.S. headquarters in Miami and will hire 15 to 25 people by the end of this year. (More)

➤ The U.S. Department of Labor recovered $594,313 in back wages and damages for 419 workers after a federal investigation found that Leesburg-based Southeast Modular Manufacturing failed to pay workers all required overtime wages. (More)

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➤ The Tampa Bay Rays are lighting up the night sky with postgame drone shows at Steinbrenner Field, featuring over 350 synchronized drones. (More)

➤ Aston Martin revealed the Palm Beach edition, a new one-of-one DB12 Volante designed to celebrate the area. The special edition is finished in an exclusive Frosted Glass Blue exterior paint and features a palm-leaf motif in the interior. (See Photo)

➤ The Guardians of the Reef, an underwater snorkel-friendly artificial reef trail 250 to 350 feet off Hollywood Beach, opened last week and includes 50 sculptures and habitat modules. (More)

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Have you ever seen an alligator in person?

1. Yes
2. No

Thursday’s Results:

Do you know how to swim?

1. Yes: 85%
2. No: 15%

What is the oldest restaurant in Florida, founded in Tampa in 1905?

Show me the answer