Sunday, May 17, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1777, the Battle of Thomas Creek was fought near present-day Jacksonville—the southernmost engagement of the American Revolution and the only major battle of the war on Florida soil. A force of Georgia militia trying to capture British-held St. Augustine was ambushed and routed.

A 20-foot inflatable statue of soccer star Lionel Messi has gone up ahead of World Cup festivities. Find out where in Et Cetera.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown shared three simple habits researchers say may help keep your brain sharp as you age. Scientists believe small everyday choices could play a bigger role in long-term cognitive health than many people realize. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, Splash Spotless Cleaning Products, is here to upgrade your spring cleaning routine with a hands-free foam toilet cleaner that tackles stains and odors without scrubbing—just pour, let it foam, and flush for a fresh, sparkling bathroom.

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 Map Gets Day in Court

A Florida state judge heard arguments Friday on whether to block the legislature’s newly redrawn congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Voting-rights groups argue the new boundaries violate the state constitution’s Fair Districts Amendment, which bans partisan gerrymandering. The new map, drawn by Gov. DeSantis’s office and passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, reshaped competitive districts and triggered several incumbent retirements.

The challenge could determine which districts and which candidates appear on Florida ballots next year. A ruling is expected soon, before primary filing deadlines.

The fight has spilled beyond the courtroom as State Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) was arrested last week after a five-hour sit-in outside Gov. DeSantis’s Tallahassee office to protest the map.

Rays, Tampa Sign $2.3B Stadium MOU

The Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa-area officials announced a memorandum of understanding Thursday for a new $2.3 billion ballpark, the most concrete step yet in the franchise’s years-long search for a new home.

The project splits costs three ways: Hillsborough County contributes roughly $796 million, the City of Tampa $180 million, and the Rays shoulder the largest share at $1.27 billion. A formal vote by the Hillsborough County Commission on the non-binding agreement is scheduled for May 20.

The stadium quest took on new urgency after Hurricane Milton heavily damaged Tropicana Field in 2024, leaving the Rays without a permanent home. Thursday’s MOU signals that the franchise is staying put in Tampa Bay—ending years of relocation speculation.

Officials were careful to note the agreement is non-binding, with significant work still ahead before any ground breaks. But for a franchise that has chased a new ballpark for the better part of two decades, the mood Thursday was decidedly celebratory.

DeSantis Signs College Campus Safety Law

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 757 at Miami Dade College on Friday, extending Florida’s school safety framework to public colleges and universities for the first time.

The School Safety bill expands the Guardian Program, which allows trained faculty and staff to carry concealed firearms on campus as armed guardians. The program was created after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and had been limited to K-12 schools until now.

Under the new law, postsecondary institutions must develop assailant response plans, form threat management teams, and establish family reunification procedures. A new second-degree felony charge will apply to anyone who discharges a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school.

“We’ve made historic strides to implement school safety measures that are working to protect our schools,” DeSantis said at the signing. “We can have the highest academic standards… but must also continue our focus on the safety of our students and educators.”

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➤ Jacksonville: The Duval County school district says it can start rebuilding Raines High School a full year ahead of schedule, administrators announced this week. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: Greene Pointe Holdings broke ground this week on a 900-acre mixed-use community with 1,500 homes called TalisTrails, which some are calling one of the largest developments in Northeast Tallahassee. (Details)

➤ Space Coast: A passenger rescued from last week’s offshore Melbourne plane crash where all 11 aboard survived has since been named in a federal cocaine smuggling conspiracy. (More)

➤ Miami-Dade: The county’s annual Adopt-a-Tree program is back, giving homeowners free trees through a community planting initiative aimed at boosting the urban canopy. (More)

➤ Bradenton: The Bishop Animal Shelter in Manatee County is drawing criticism from advocates and volunteers who say conditions at the facility need immediate improvement. (More)

➤ Destin: The Destin Fire Control District unveiled a $13,000 rip current simulator to sharpen first responder training, equipment officials say could save lives at Panhandle beaches. (More)

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➤ Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had his No. 7 jersey retired by Boynton Beach High School, where the road leading into the school was renamed Lamar Jackson Way. The city of Boynton Beach also proclaimed May 15 as Lamar Jackson Day. (See Photo)

➤ Five-star St. Thomas Aquinas offensive tackle Mark Matthews, Florida’s top-ranked high school football player, committed to Texas A&M over Miami. (More)

➤ FIFA and Coca-Cola brought interactive games, activities, and a photo booth to patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, aiming to give families a break from hospital routines ahead of World Cup matches in South Florida. (More)

➤ South Walton defeated North Broward Prep in the 3A high school baseball championship with a daring walk-off suicide squeeze. (Watch Video)

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➤ Clavicular the looksmaxxing influencer pleaded no contest Friday in Miami after being caught on video shooting at a dead alligator in the Everglades. (More)

➤ World Cup watch parties are coming to St. Pete this June, with PMB Events, American Outlaws St. Pete, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies teaming up at three iconic venues for Team USA matches. (Details)

➤ Soccer star Lionel Messi is getting the larger-than-life treatment outside Nu Stadium through a 20-foot inflatable of the Inter Miami star on display ahead of World Cup season. (See Inflatable)

➤ Maitland crews are working to repair a large sinkhole that opened overnight on Wymore Road, forcing a road closure. (See Video)

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