Challenge to Trump Library Dismissed

A judge in Miami has dismissed a complaint challenging a college’s decision to gift prime downtown real estate for President Trump’s future presidential library.

A local activist brought the lawsuit against Miami Dade College, arguing the school’s board didn’t give sufficient public notice. However, a second hearing held in December filled the college’s obligations, the judge ruled.

“This is not and has ever been and is not today a political decision,” Circuit Judge Mavel Ruiz said. “The court is not deciding whether this is wise, whether appropriate for one president or another or for a library or for a petting zoo. That is not what the court is here to decide.”

Florida Serial Killer Executed

Serial killer Frank Athen Walls, 58, was executed Thursday evening at Florida State Prison near Starke, becoming the Sunshine State’s 19th death row inmate to die this year.

Walls was sentenced to death for breaking into a Florida Panhandle mobile home in July 1987 and killing the couple inside, Eglin Air Force Base airman Edward Alger, 22, and his girlfriend Ann Peterson, 20.

After Walls’ conviction, DNA evidence linked him to an additional rape and murder, and he then confessed to two more killings.

Hurricanes Make Playoff Debut

No. 10 seed Miami will play No. 7 seed Texas A&M at noon today in College Station, Texas, in a first-round College Football Playoff game. It’s the first playoff appearance for both teams.

The Hurricanes are led by transfer quarterback Carson Beck and an offensive line that ranks among the nation’s best. Miami’s defense features defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Texas A&M’s lone loss came against rival Texas in the regular-season finale. Wide receiver K.C. Concepcion is the first Aggie in the modern era to record receiving, rushing, and punt return touchdowns in a single season.

The winner will advance to face No. 2 seed Ohio State, the defending national champion, in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 31. See the bracket here. Miami is chasing its first national championship game appearance since the 2002-03 season, and its first title since 2001-02.

➤ Merritt Island: A warning was issued for boaters near the island after a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted with her calf off the coast. (See Video)

➤ Orlando: Five new lawsuits have been filed against Universal and Mack Rides by individuals who claim they suffered injuries while riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. (Details)

➤ St. Johns County: The county is reviewing plans for a 280-unit apartment project at Florida 207 and Interstate 95. The project is scheduled for discussion on Jan. 21. (More)

➤ Miami-Dade County: An address in Ives Estates, an unincorporated area near Aventura, has been linked to the now-deceased Brown shooting suspect. (More)

➤ Daytona Beach: Central Florida racing fans are mourning Gregory Biffle, considered one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers, after his death in a plane crash in North Carolina. The plane was headed to Sarasota before the crash. (More)

Enjoy reading Flyover Florida? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars signed wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to a three-year, $60 million contract yesterday just weeks after acquiring him via trade. The Jaguars rank second in the league in points per game since acquiring him in Week 10. (More)

➤ Miami Hurricanes basketball player Marcus Allen will miss the remainder of the season as he battles non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of cancer. The sophomore was diagnosed following a routine checkup and is now undergoing chemotherapy treatments. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins signed infielder Christopher Morel to a one-year, $2 million contract this week. Morel hit .219 last season with the Tampa Bay Rays. (More)

➤ Former Florida football coach Will Muschamp was just hired as the Texas Longhorns’ next defensive coordinator. It’s Muschamp’s second stint with the Longhorns. (More)

➤ Florida State defensive end Jayson Jenkins announced he’s entering the transfer portal after just one season with the Seminoles. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Save Hundreds on GLP-1 Meds With These Top Providers

Flying together with our sponsor

Some of my patients complain of peeing more than 50 times a day, making their lives MISERABLE. I have tried everything to help them.

But only THIS method had a 100% success rate and works perfectly every time. And practically guarantees that you will pee three or four times a day like a normal person!

Click here to see this easy and fast method, which already helped more than 47,000 men.

➤ A famous Southwest Florida eagle pair welcomed a new baby eaglet on Thursday evening. A second egg is expected to hatch in the next few days. (See Live Eagle Cam)

➤ A Pensacola woman is sharing her story after learning she was a “perfect match” and donating a kidney to her father at Ascension Sacred Heart. (See Video)

➤ A Miami cruise terminal’s new art highlights Florida’s changing corals, inspired by artist Lauren Shapiro’s childhood love of collecting seashells. (See Art)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ When every second counts, nothing’s more frustrating than staring at a blinking red battery icon… seconds slipping away, loaded with calls, messages, and moments you can’t afford to miss. Meet QuickCharge Pro, the lightning‑fast, compact charger that powers your devices in record time, no bulky blocks, no waiting by the socket. (Learn More)

Do you wish it snowed more in Florida?

1. Yes
2. No

Friday’s Results:

Do you support ending tolls for Florida residents?

1. Yes please!: 42%
2. If roads are still funded: 38%
3. Don’t love the idea: 20%

What South Florida city originated as a cattle-shipping port?

Show me the answer