Boy Found Safe after Amber Alert

A 17-year-old boy from Marion County was found safe on Friday after his disappearance triggered an Amber Alert and an overnight search.

Caden Speight was first reported missing on Thursday after a reported shooting, with authorities believing he may have been abducted and traveling with four unidentified men in a van.

Further investigation showed he had most likely left the scene on his own, riding a recently purchased bicycle and carrying a tent.

Detectives said they have also found no evidence of a shooting around the same time and location where Speight initially disappeared.

Florida CFO Criticizes Alachua County

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia held a press conference on Thursday to criticize “excessive, wasteful spending” in Alachua County.

“Floridians are suffering due to rising property taxes…I am calling on the Alachua County government to provide real relief to its taxpayers and put Alachua County families first, ahead of reckless spending,” Ingoglia said.

Ingoglia said the Alachua County government has increased their annual budget by $140.02 million since 2019, a 77% jump in a five-year span. He said that amounts to $84.83 million in excessive spending.

An Alachua County spokesperson stated, “Alachua County has been transparent and cooperative with the State’s DOGE staff. We had no advanced knowledge of the numbers shared at the press conference and are reviewing them.”

Four Florida Universities in Top 50

Four Florida schools were named in the top 50 public colleges and universities in the country, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report.

The University of Florida made it into the top 10, earning the 7th spot on the list.

In addition, Florida State University claimed the 21st spot, University of South Florida in Tampa ranked 43rd, and Florida International University earned the 46th spot.

Institutions are scored on criteria such as graduation rate, retention rate, borrower debt, student-faculty ratio, and standardized tests.

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➤ Orlando: A woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that an Epic Universe rollercoaster left her with permanent injuries, claiming her head “shook violently and slammed into the headrest for the entire ride.” (More)

➤ Jacksonville: City leaders broke ground on a new portion of the Emerald Trail on Thursday. The .9-mile stretch will run along Hogan Street from Riverfront Plaza to Springfield. (More)

➤ Boca Raton: The city could get a new police station if voters approve a March 2026 ballot referendum question that would allow city officials to allocate money for the project. (More)

➤ Punta Gorda: Members of a statewide diesel fuel theft ring were caught last week using a device called a Pulsar mechanism to tamper with pumps, making them record fewer gallons than were actually pumped. (Details)

➤ Monroe County: The Board of County Commissioners rejected a proposed ordinance on Wednesday that would have allowed for the expansion of traffic lanes on the Overseas Highway. (More)

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➤ UVA defeated No. 8 FSU after Virginia senior quarterback Chandler Morris scrambled for the go-ahead touchdown in double overtime to secure the 46-38 win. (Watch Video)

➤ Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov left the ice during Thursday’s practice session with what team officials fear may be an ACL-related injury. (More)

➤ Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets announced that he’ll be retiring at the end of the MLS season. His nearly 20-year career includes a productive stint with Barcelona and multiple trophies with the Spanish national team. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | MLB | NHL | Soccer | Ryder Cup | WNBA

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➤ A new report looks at Florida’s biggest slang terms and their meanings, including 6-7, aura farming, and clanker. (See List)

➤ Bakso, a Sumatran tiger born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, celebrated his first birthday this week with special treats. (See Photos)

➤ A Miami “deinfluencer” encourages followers to spend less and save more. “You are just bored. You don’t need more stuff. Go clean your car,” Katia Chesnok said. (See Video)

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Would you take an airboat ride through the Everglades?

1. Yes
2. I already have
3. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Have you ever seen Shamu in person at SeaWorld?

1. Yes: 57%
2. No: 43%

Which small Florida town’s name was changed to include “in the Hills,” to highlight its rolling terrain often referred to as the Florida Alps?

Show me the answer