Good Morning! On this day in 1819, the Adams-Onís Treaty between Spain and the United States was signed, ceding Florida to the U.S. and defining the boundary between the U.S. and New Spain.
Volunteers with Isla’s Journey, a search and rescue group based in Brevard County, spent days looking for a dog that went missing after a car crash, leading to a heartfelt reunion. Learn more in Et Cetera.
In case you missed our breakdown of the best and worst states to retire in, tune in to The Flyover Podcast, where host Ayla Brown walks through the new ranking. You won’t be able to guess which state landed at the No. 1 spot. Tune in here!
Today’s sponsor is The Stonegate Firm, an attorney-powered team that helps timeshare owners cancel their contracts and eliminate costly, unwanted fees so they can finally move on financially.
Daytona Beach 🌦️ 73/40° | Fort Myers 🌦️ 80/44° | Jacksonville 🌦️ 68/37° | Key West 🌦️ 79/56° | Miami 🌤️ 86/50° | Ocala 🌦️ 70/38° | Orlando 🌦️ 76/41° | Pensacola ☀️ 58/34° | Port St. Lucie ⛈️ 80/41° | Tallahassee 🌤️ 60/33° | Tampa 🌧️ 73/45°
Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.
Florida Tourism Breaks Records
Florida tourism set a new annual record in 2025, welcoming an estimated 143.3 million visitors, according to data released Friday.
“Florida continues to set the standard as the top travel destination in the nation, welcoming millions of visitors while delivering real economic benefits for our residents,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
The total represents a 0.2 percent increase over 2024 and marks the highest annual visitation recorded by the state.
Domestic travelers accounted for 91.5% of visitors last year, with 131.1 million Americans having traveled to the Sunshine State, while 9.3 million were international visitors, with Canadian visitors totaling 2.9 million.
Jacksonville Mayor Defends Utility CEO
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan defended JEA CEO Vickie Cavey from what she calls a politically motivated “smear campaign” in a news conference held Friday at City Hall.
“This vile smear campaign magically appeared after she resisted pressure to renew a lobbying contract with people who are politically connected to a handful of council members, including our council president,” Deegan said.
On Thursday, Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico blasted the city-owned utility, saying he’s heard multiple allegations of racism and a toxic culture within the organization.
However, Carrico’s facing scrutiny himself, after he told JEA Board Member Arthur Adams via text message on Feb. 5 that he needed to replace Adams because Carrico “owed a big favor” and had to do it for “my guy.”
Lee County Mourns Manatee Deaths
Cold stress caused the deaths of 25 manatees between Feb. 13-18 in Lee County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed.
Eighteen of those were found dead at Manatee Park.
“I wasn’t super surprised, because I know the water has just been like super cold. But I was devastated. It’s heartbreaking. Everybody loves manatees,” said Joey Nelson, the owner of Island Breeze Kayak and Paddle Board Rental.
The recent, unplanned shutdown of a Florida Power & Light power plant may have impacted mortality levels, as the plant helps keep the water warm.
Most timeshares don’t appreciate—they depreciate. In fact, many are listed for $1 or less on resale sites. Owners who contact The Stonegate Firm are often stunned to learn their so-called “investment” has no real market value. What was sold as an asset has quietly become a long-term financial liability, draining money year after year with no exit in sight.
Stonegate’s proven, attorney-powered timeshare cancellation process has helped clients effectively stop the bleeding, cancel their timeshares and eliminate thousands in unwanted fees.
➤Melbourne: Florida Tech was on a list of 34 schools around the country where military personnel may be banned from using federal assistance in a leaked memo from the U.S. Department of War. (More)
➤Sarasota:One Stop Housing broke ground on Sarasota Station, a workforce housing development located at 2211 Fruitville Road, realizing a long-standing dream two decades after they first purchased the land. (More)
➤St. Johns County:Plans for a gas station at the entrance to Fruit Cove Estates have sparked backlash from residents, with one warning that Tuesday’s public comment meeting will be held in a venue too small to accommodate the crowd expected. (Details)
➤Broward County:The roof of New Life Christian Center in Dania Beach partially collapsed on Friday afternoon. “I just heard the boom, and I came out the door; it was caved in,” a neighbor said. (See Video)
➤Wakulla County:A bill currently under consideration by the Florida Legislature would provide $500,000 to create an apprenticeship program for the oyster industry. “What we’d like to see is hiring locals and retaining locals,” said Cainnon Greg, owner of Pelican Oyster Company. (More)
Enjoy reading Flyover Florida? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️
➤Florida Panthers standout Matthew Tkachuk will take the ice for Team USA today in the men’s hockey gold medal game, squaring off against teammates Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, and Brad Marchand, who are representing Canada. On the Canadian bench, Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper will lead the squad, with Lightning winger Brandon Hagel skating for Canada. Meanwhile, his Tampa Bay teammate Jake Guentzel will suit up for Team USA. (More)
➤Tampa Bay sportswriter Joey Knight passed away Friday morning due to illness at the age of 57. Despite his sickness, Knight remained an integral part of Florida sports media throughout 2025. (More)
➤Miami men’s basketball fell 86-83 against No. 14 Virginia yesterday. The Hurricanes led by as many as 11 points early in the game, but a tough second half ended Miami’s four-game win streak. (More)
➤Get unbeatable comfort with Akusoli Insoles. Magnetic acupressure insoles that relieve foot pain, boost support, and keep feet feeling fresh all day. Perfect for long walks, work, or workouts, they reduce fatigue, improve posture, and fit any shoe with ease. Step into comfort and feel the difference! (LEARN MORE)
Some timeshare contracts are written to last forever, with no natural end date. That means owners could be responsible for rising fees for life, and in some cases, the burden can even be passed down to their children. Instead of offering flexibility, these contracts trap families in obligations they never expected. What once seemed like a vacation plan quickly turns into a generational financial strain.
➤A car crash survivor was reunited on Wednesday with her dog, Haze, after she bolted from the scene of an accident on Feb. 13 near the Indian River County and Brevard County line. (See Reunion)
➤Miami teenIsabel Gurvitch started the nonprofit MammogramMe to ensure women in her home country of Ukraine can receive preventive care despite the war. (More)
➤Hundredsof cold-stunned turtles have been rescued from Florida’s beaches so far this year, according to officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (See Photo)
Flying together with our sponsor
➤Get the Zippi Sweeper, a cordless, ultra-light electric floor cleaner with 360° Tri-Brush Technology that sweeps dirt, dust, pet hair, and debris from every corner, edge, and under furniture—effortless, mess-free cleaning on hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpets. Try it risk-free today!
Ron Magill announced his retirement from Zoo Miami, bringing an end to a storied career.
Florida Tourism Breaks Records
