Legislature Passes State Park Bill

The Florida Legislature unanimously passed a bill this week to restrict the development of golf courses, pickleball courts, and large hotels in state parks. The measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“We’ve put real plans in place to make sure that, for generations to come, our state parks will be preserved,“ said state Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart.

When plans for park development first became public last August, hundreds of people protested the move. The current bill allows for “conservation-based recreational uses,” which include activities such as hiking and swimming.

Florida Executes Veteran for Murders

Jeffrey Hutchinson, 62, was executed on Thursday for the murder of his girlfriend and her three young children with a shotgun in 1998.

Hutchinson served as a paratrooper and an Army Ranger in the Gulf War, and relatives say he suffered from “mood swings” related to Gulf War Syndrome and bipolar disorder.

Hutchinson’s attorneys had argued that his execution should be delayed while the impact of his mental health issues were further explored, a rationale the Florida Supreme Court rejected Wednesday.

“We think he’s murdered other people beyond this, but obviously he got sentenced for this,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said when signing the order for execution. “So the death sentence is appropriate for someone whose committed crimes this heinous.”

Weekend Full of Festivals Kicks Off

It’s Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in Miami, with a full day of racing planned plus a concert headlined by Pitbull. In addition, a free Beachfront Grand Prix Festival featuring live music, food vendors, and a pit stop challenge is happening in Fort Lauderdale.

Tap into the fun this afternoon at the St. Augustine Craft Brewers Festival, where over 25 local and regional breweries will be serving samples, plus enjoy live music and food trucks.

Tampa Riverfest is holding Taco Fest today, along with live music, a wiener dog derby, and a hot air balloon glow to close out the festival.

In celebration of the Kentucky derby, the Orlando Derby Fest features equestrian events, bourbon tasting and live music. Derby attire is required.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: Unemployment claims in Florida fell to 5,660 last week, down from 6,060 the week before. (More)

➤ Escambia County: Sea turtle nesting season kicked off Thursday, with volunteers hitting the beaches each morning to search for signs of new nests. (More)

➤ Miami: A newly launched water taxi service hopes to help solve traffic congestion problems. (More)

➤ Pinellas County: A $167 million Powerball jackpot winner was arrested two days later at a St. Pete Beach resort for kicking a deputy in the face. (See Photo)

➤ Atlantic Beach: A coyote alleged to have attacked four people and a dog was shot and killed on Wednesday. A rabies test will be carried out. (More)

➤ No. 9 Florida State softball’s series this weekend against No. 15 Virginia Tech will determine who wins the ACC regular season championship. (More)

➤ Inter Miami CF fell to the Vancouver White Caps in a 1-3 loss that spoiled their chances of winning the Concacaf Champions Cup. (More)

➤ Heartland Dental founder Rick Workman was identified as the primary investor trying to bring an MLB team to Orlando. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | LPGA | PGA

Flying together with our sponsor 

➤ Move Easier. Feel Better. Stiff knees? Achy joints? Don’t let discomfort slow you down. EverJoint is a natural joint support formula designed to reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and help you move freely again—without relying on harsh medications.

Whether it’s walking the dog or enjoying a workout, EverJoint helps you stay active and comfortable every day.

Flying together with our sponsor

If you’ve been on the fence about getting a travel card, but are itching to plan more trips, then this just might be the perfect card for you…

Earn a rare welcome bonus to use towards travel with this incredible card’s limited time offer from FinanceBuzz.

Take advantage while you can because it might be gone soon!

➤ A deputy jumped onto an unmanned speed boat going 40 mph in Sarasota on Monday. The driver had been thrown from the boat. (See Video)

➤ A group of capybaras recently arrived at Busch Gardens’ new Wild Oasis experience in Tampa. The cuddly crew is settling in ahead of the attraction’s upcoming debut. (See Photo)

➤ A 12-year-old boy and a 17-year old boy were both cited on Tuesday in Volusia County after allegedly being caught street racing. (See Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Car insurance costs to hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to hit $2,101 in 2025, overpaying isn’t an option. Switching providers could save you $1,300 yearly–don’t leave it on the table. View Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save. SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

Would you rather have Monday or Friday off from work?

1. Monday
2. Friday
3. I’m off every day

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you order bakery items online for delivery?

1. No: 45%
2. Depends on the item: 29%
3. Yes: 26%

Where in Florida was the longest FBI shootout in history?

Show me the answer