Florida Blue Negotiations Stalled with Hospitals

Florida Blue, a health insurance provider serving 6 million Florida residents, remains unable to reach an agreement with two of South Florida’s largest hospital systems and is entering negotiations with a third.

Florida Blue claims to be making “significant progress” with Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, but no deal is in place. 

Now, the Cleveland Clinic could go out of network in May 2026 if an agreement isn’t reached between the parties. 

At least one family with a daughter with a rare medical condition was forced to switch insurance providers. “It’s very scary to think about what eventually could happen if an agreement is not reached—what it means for the ongoing care for my daughter,” said father Miles McGrane.

FSU Football Player Returns Home after Shooting

Florida State University freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard rang a bell as he was released from a rehab facility to go home, two months after he was shot in the head in a case of mistaken identity. 

A post on the family Facebook page said, “I remember when I couldn’t even move my arms or hands. I couldn’t lift nothing but my faith and prayers. Now I’m out here putting in work, lifting weights, getting stronger every day.“

Pritchard completed 34 days of “intensive rehabilitation” at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville and will move on to the “next stage in his recovery.”

Meteor Shower Peaks Sunday

The Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak between midnight and dawn on Monday, and skywatchers can catch its streaks through Nov. 30.

Typically, 10 or 15 meteors an hour will streak across the sky under clear, dark skies.

DarkSky International lists three locations in Florida where the shower may be especially visible: Groveland in Lake County, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park near Okeechobee, and Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee.

➤ Lake County: The bridge into Spring Ridge Estates is repaired and operational two weeks after it collapsed, cutting off the neighborhood. “We wanted to get these people back into their homes,” an official said. (Details)

➤ Delray Beach: After an elderly woman’s wallet was stolen at a dollar store, police are warning residents of thieves targeting distracted shoppers. (See Surveillance Video)

➤ Miami Beach: Video released this week shows a lifeguard’s F-350 truck accidentally driving over a 59-year-old man who was sunbathing on South Beach on Nov. 17, 2024. The man suffered minor injuries, and the ocean-rescue lifeguards involved may be fired. (See Video)

➤ St. Augustine: Nights of Lights kicks off today, and the city is increasing the spaces at satellite parking lots and urging visitors to ride a free shuttle into downtown to ease traffic congestion. (Details)

➤ Pensacola: Volunteers packed 5,000 bags of free groceries on Thursday at Brownsville Church. “Every bag of groceries represents… someone in this community who needs to feed their family,” an organizer said. (See Video)

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➤ Today’s college football slate kicks off with No. 24 USF playing Navy on the road, followed by UCF traveling to No. 6 Texas Tech in hopes of an upset. In the afternoon, No. 15 Miami will try to hold off NC State’s own upset bid before Florida takes on No. 7 Ole Miss in the evening. (See Full Schedule)

➤ President Trump’s granddaughter Kai shot a 13-over-par 83 on Thursday in her first LPGA tour event at Pelican Bay Golf Club this week. Kai is committed to playing golf for the University of Miami in Fall, 2026. (More)

➤ Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is joining the ownership group responsible for bringing a professional rugby team to Seattle, Washington—his own hometown. (More)

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

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➤ Around 200 manatees were counted at Blue Spring State Park in Volusia County on Wednesday, a higher-than-average number seeking warmer temperatures due to last week’s cold front. (See Video)

➤ Collier County doctors are preparing for the 2025 Physicians’ Community Talent Show. “Your gynecologist is singing, your dentist is playing the guitar or… your anesthesiologist is doing magic and telling jokes,” an organizer said. (See Video)

➤ The Lynn Haven Rotary Club installed “Buddy Benches” in six Bay County schools, where students can sit to signal to others that they would like someone to talk to or play with. (See Photo)

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Do you decorate your home for Thanksgiving?

1. Yes
2. No

Friday’s Results:

Do you call your evening meal dinner or supper?

1. Dinner: 41%
2. Supper: 25%
3. Either: 22%
4. Neither: 12%

Where in the Sunshine State did serial killer Aileen Wuornos drink her last beer?

Show me the answer