Heat Advisory Issued for Florida Counties

The first heat advisory of the summer was issued Friday for 25 of Florida’s 67 counties. The heat index got as high as 111 degrees, with the strongest heat along the southern Gulf Coast.

That heat wave is expected to continue through the weekend. Highs in southern Florida will remain around 92 degrees, but humidity will drive the “feels like” temperature into the 100s over the weekend.

In Central Florida, the heat index is expected to soar to 105 degrees through Sunday, climb to 106 degrees on Monday, and ease slightly to 102 degrees by Tuesday.

Officials advise drinking plenty of water, wearing appropriate clothing and spending time indoors as much as possible.

Surveillance Video Shows Abduction Attempt

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance video on Tuesday of a June 29 kidnapping attempt in St. Augustine.

Theodore Michael Tundidor, 31, robbed a store then tried to force a female employee, heard on the video screaming for help, into his truck.

“I got in his way so he wouldn’t leave with the product. And then he pushed me out of the store, and then put me in a chokehold and dragged me out to the truck,” store employee Emma Marine said.

She was able to fight back and escape. Tundidor was later arrested and charged with kidnapping, robbery, and grand theft auto.

Supreme Court Upholds Congressional Map

Florida’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the state’s congressional map was legal and constitutional.

The legal challenge had sought to restore the district that previously united black communities from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee. The Supreme Court said that would amount to impermissible racial gerrymandering.

“This was always the constitutionally correct map—and now both the federal courts and the FL Supreme Court have upheld it,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a social media post.

However, opponents plan additional legal challenges. “Make no mistake, the fight for fair maps in Florida is far from over,” said Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation.

➤ Gainesville: City commissioners unanimously approved spending nearly $590,000 on 75 Bigbelly trash can units, which also include a recycling bin and a built-in compactor. (See Video)

➤ Orlando: The Central Florida Expressway Authority proposed a new toll road Thursday to link State Road 417 to Orlando Sanford International Airport. Residents are concerned about its impact on historic homes in the area. (More)

➤ Pembroke Pines: The Grand Palms Homeowners Association has given preliminary approval for a makeover costing more than $1 billion for the golf course community. The project will take five to seven years to complete. (Details)

➤ Live Oak: Residents lined up for the grand opening of a Chick-fil-A on Ohio Avenue on Thursday. The restaurant will bring around 120 jobs to the area. (More)

➤ Key West: A woman used bear spray on another driver to “teach her a lesson” for running over a chicken crossing the road on Wednesday. (Details)

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➤ The Orlando Pride soccer team is now offering over 500 player-specific items for purchase, the largest collection of any major professional sports team in the country. (More)

➤ The Miami Hurricanes scored a huge commitment from St. Augustine-based wide receiver Somourian Wingo, beating out the Florida Gators for the four-star football talent. (More)

➤ Tampa Bay’s two professional soccer teams—the Rowdies and Sun—are likely to be impacted by the $1.7 billion sale of the Rays. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | PGA | Tour de France

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➤ Orlando Health debuted a new emergency transport helicopter they’re calling “Big Bird of the Skies” on Thursday. It’s the first of its kind in the U.S. (See Video)

➤ Dozens of baby sea turtles were caught on camera scrambling toward the ocean on Fernandina Beach on Friday, assisted by volunteers from Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch. (See Video)

➤ Over 50 restaurants are participating in Polk County Burger Week through July 27, with discounts and special menu items. (See the List)

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It’s National Words With Friends Day. Do you play the computer word game?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever been to Miami?

1. Yes: 75%
2. No: 25%

Where in Florida was Frank Sinatra’s movie Lady in Cement filmed?

Show me the answer