Good Morning! On this day in 1994, NFL running back Derrick Henry was born in Yulee. Henry set the SEC single-season rushing record with 1,986 yards and tied the conference mark for rushing touchdowns with 23 on his way to Alabama’s second Heisman trophy award.
Could Florida’s next crop outshine the orange? University of Florida researchers are testing Barbados cherries, a superfruit boasting up to 100 times the vitamin C, to see if they can thrive in the Sunshine State.
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South Florida Celebrates Maduro’s Capture
Celebrations filled the streets of Doral hours after President Trump announced the U.S. launched strikes in Venezuela and captured the country’s leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Outside El Arepazo, a restaurant that has become a hub for Venezuelans speaking out against injustices in their country for decades, people were dancing and cheering.
Meanwhile, Florida Republicans spoke out in support of the large-scale strike, with Sen. Rick Scott saying, “The United States and our hemisphere are safer because of President Trump’s leadership.”
In addition, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a South Florida Democrat with a large Venezuelan population in her district, called Maduro’s capture “welcome news for my friends and neighbors who fled his violent, lawless, and disastrous rule.”
Flu Surging across Florida
Flu activity is surging across Florida, with Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in particular reporting increases.
“We expect to have an influenza season that is potentially going to be more intense than prior influenza seasons,” said Dr. Kleper De Almeida with Good Samaritan Hospital in Palm Beach County.
Florida is one of 32 states where flu cases are rising. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates this flu season has already caused at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths nationwide.
Central Florida’s theme parks will debut new family-friendly rides and reopen reimagined favorites in 2026.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, billed as the world’s first suspended dark ride, is slated to open at SeaWorld Orlando in 2026 and will take riders on an underwater journey through ocean ecosystems and legendary sea life aboard a submersible-style vehicle.
In addition, Disney World’s Epcot plans to update Soarin’ Across the World to Soarin’ Across America by Memorial Day to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
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➤Statewide: Fifty-two bears were killed during Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade, state wildlife officials said Tuesday. (More)
➤ Tampa:Researchers at the University of Florida are running field trials on the Barbados cherry to see if the superfruit could become Florida’s next crop. (More)
➤ Duval County:The former president of the Duval teacher’s union, Teresa Brady, paid back more than $1.3 million after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering. (Details)
➤Lake City:The Lake City Police Department is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with special badges featuring a relief depicting the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence. (See Badges)
➤Flagler County:An 11-year-old boy was rescued during a traffic stop, telling officers he had been kidnapped after registered sex offender Darnell Hairston lured him to a campsite last week. (More)
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➤The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14 on Saturday to temporarily take control of first place in the NFC South. However, if the Atlanta Falcons win today, the Carolina Panthers would advance to the playoffs instead. (More)
➤The Florida Panthers fell 5-1 to the New York Rangers on Friday night at loanDepot Park—home of the Miami Marlins—in the 2026 “Winter Classic” game. (More)
➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars will clinch the NFC South if they can win today against the lowly Tennessee Titans. Additionally, Jacksonville has a shot at the AFC’s No. 1 seed, but it would need a win from the Miami Dolphins over the New England Patriots as well as a win from the Los Angeles Chargers over the Denver Broncos today. (See Playoff Scenarios)
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➤President Trump went shopping at Arc Stone & Tile in Lake Worth Beach for his planned White House ballroom on Friday, purchasing marble and onyx “at his own expense.” (More)
➤That’s So Tampareleased a list of the best new and used bookstores in the area for those looking to read more books in the new year. (See List)
➤An alligatortook a late-night dip in a pool in Naples on Friday. “My wife got up… and she’s like, ‘Hey, I just heard something splash in the pool,'” the homeowner said. (See Video)
South Florida Celebrates Maduro’s Capture
