Good Morning! On this day in 1989, Ted Bundy, one of the most prolific serial killers in American history, was executed by electric chair at Florida State Prison in Starke.
While Florida isn’t expecting any snowfall from the massive storm expected to hit the Southern U.S., flights have been delayed at Florida airports and local electrical workers are deploying to help other East Coast states. Learn more in Around Florida.
The Flyover family of newsletters passed 4 million total readers on Friday, a new milestone for us. That includes the Flyover Florida you’re reading now, plus editions covering the news in eight other states—and our flagship newsletter, The Flyover, which covers national news. If you have friends or family who want to stay up to date on the news that matters, we encourage you to invite them to join The Flyover family.
Today’s sponsor is FinanceBuzz, sharing smart Amazon shopping hacks to help you find lower prices, avoid overpaying, and save more every time you shop online.
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Arrest Made in City of Tallahassee Fraud
The Tallahassee Police Department announced on Friday the arrest of Richard N. Golding of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, following an extensive investigation into the 2024 theft of City of Tallahassee funds.
More than $1 million was stolen by a scammer in March 2024 who “presented themselves as the legitimate vendor for those dollars,” City Commissioner Curtis Richardson said.
The investigation revealed that Golding participated in the complex fraud scheme, receiving a total of $2.35 million in stolen funds from multiple states and helped transfer money internationally to a Mexican bank for an unidentified criminal network. A total of $1.4 million has been recovered for Tallahassee citizens.
Golding faces charges of two counts of wire fraud, money laundering, grand theft, and attempted grand theft.
Waymo Launches in Miami
Alphabet’s Waymo announced on Thursday the launch of its robotaxi service in Miami, the company’s first new market in 2026. The services are now available to paying customers.
The service launched with an initial coverage area of about 60 square miles, including neighborhoods such as the Design District, Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables.
Waymo says it plans to expand to Miami International Airport soon.
The service is fully autonomous, with 10,000 people signed up, and new riders are being invited on a “rolling basis.”
Orlando Plans First Public-Private Charter School
Plans are moving forward for Orange Center Elementary School in Orlando to become Florida’s first public-private charter school through a partnership between Lift Orlando and Orange County Public Schools.
Parents overwhelmingly supported it, with 82% voting for the change at a meeting on Thursday.
“I am ecstatic, honestly. I’m very excited about it. Lift Orlando has done amazing things for Orange Center and our community as a whole,” said parent Natalie Updyke.
Lift Orlando still has to get its charter application approved by the state and then have the acquisition approved by the Orange County School Board. They hope to kick off the school year in fall 2026.
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➤Statewide:Duke Energy Florida is deploying 500 workers to Florence, South Carolina, as a powerful winter storm is expected to hit the Southern states this weekend. (More)
➤South Florida:A severe winter storm is expected to impact flights, with cancellations and delays already reported at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. (More)
➤Jacksonville:The Downtown Investment Authority approved a plan to demolish the old Museum of Science and History building. (See Building)
➤Wakulla County:C.O.A.S.T Charter School has launched a Little Free Library by the St. Marks Fire Hall aimed at promoting literacy in elementary and middle school-aged children. (See Photo)
➤Fort Pierce:Indian River State College has launched its Promise Program for the Class of 2026, offering local high school graduates free tuition. (More)
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➤ Miami’s national championship matchup with Indiana drew 30.1 million viewers—the second biggest championship audience in College Football Playoff history. (More)
➤The NCAAasked a Florida appeals court to overturn a decision which allows a Bethune Cookman basketball player to extend his “eligibility clock” to seven years. (More)
➤Inter Miami signed goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo to a permanent transfer following his excellent performance last season on loan. (More)
➤Meanwhile,Inter Miami is sending Argentine center-back Tomás Avilés to CF Montreal on loan. The 21-year-old defender started over half of Inter Miami’s games last season. (More)
➤ This Sleeping Position Triggers Nerve Pain. Back sleeper or side sleeper? One common sleeping position stops nerves from repairing and triggers burning pain every night. Board-certified surgeon Dr. John Jairo reveals which position to avoid and the real solution to nerve pain. (Watch the free video)
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Arrest Made in City of Tallahassee Fraud
