Chronister Withdraws from DEA Nomination

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister announced his decision to withdraw his name from consideration for leading the Drug Enforcement Agency, just days after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for the role. 

Chronister posted his decision on X, stating that “the gravity of this very important responsibility set in.” He didn’t elaborate, but some conservatives have raised concerns over his handling of restrictions during the pandemic.

Chronister described his nomination as the honor of a lifetime but indicated he plans to continue serving as sheriff of Florida’s third-largest county.

Trump May Replace Hegseth with DeSantis

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Gov. Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Pete Hegseth, his nominee for secretary of defense.

Several Republican senators, whose votes would be critical for Hegseth’s confirmation, have expressed concerns over allegations about the former Fox News host’s personal life and past conduct.

DeSantis’ term as governor ends in early 2027. The Pentagon position could bolster his future political prospects, including another potential run for president.

If DeSantis is appointed secretary of defense, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez would become the first female governor of Florida and the first governor of Cuban descent.

Electric Bill Surcharges Approved

Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved a surcharge that will run through 2025, allowing the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to recover costs associated with its massive storm response efforts during this past hurricane season.

On Tuesday, state utility regulators also approved Tampa Electric’s (TECO) new three-year base rate, which will increase residential customer bills starting in January.

FPL will impose a monthly charge of $12.02 for residential customers who use at least 1,000 kilowatt-hours. The fee will run from Jan. 1 through December. TECO has not determined the amount of its surcharge but says it should be less than $5 per month.

Both utilities indicated that the charges will be subject to refunds, pending further review of the total actual costs of recovery.

➤ Statewide: Florida consumers who purchased cucumbers packaged under the brand name SunFed between Oct. 12 and Nov. 26 should throw them away. The FDA is investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to the produce. (More)

➤ West Palm Beach: President-elect Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis joined thousands at a memorial service Tuesday for three Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office deputies who were killed in a crash two weeks ago. (See Photos)

➤ Brevard County: County commissioners have postponed consideration of the Bill of Rights Sanctuary County ordinance, removing it from their agenda on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Miami: Sen. Ileana Garcia introduced legislation guaranteeing residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities the right to install and use an electronic monitoring device in their rooms. (See Details)

➤ Orlando: The Florida Association of Health Plans (FAHP) presented First Lady Casey DeSantis with a $50,000 check for the Hope Florida program, which helps connect Floridians with resources to achieve self-sufficiency. (See Photos)

➤ Tampa: The USF Bulls football team will celebrate the holidays in the Pacific, facing San Jose State in the Dec. 24 Hawai’i Bowl in Honolulu. (More)

➤ Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving was named the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week after a 185-yard performance in Week 13. (More)

➤ Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been placed on Injured Reserve (IR) status for the concussion he received from an illegal hit in last Sunday’s game. Lawrence will miss at least the next four games. (More)

➤ The Orlando Magic have advanced to the NBA Cup’s knockout round despite a blowout loss on Tuesday night. The Magic will face former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec 10. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers nearly pulled off a three-goal comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins but fell in overtime. (More)

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW 

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➤ Orlando-based Rosen Hotels & Resorts’ new CEO, Frank Santos, vowed Tuesday to sustain the vision of the company’s late founder, ruling out a sale of the business and pledging to continue its commitment to charitable giving. (More)

➤ AARP has named volunteers Kip Corriveau and Frank Wells to its Executive Council. The pair have extensive experience with nonprofit groups, community organizing, and efforts to assist senior citizens. (More)

➤ The Orlando-based GrayRobinson law firm is expanding into the Pensacola market with a new office and a team of board-certified attorneys. (More)

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➤ A teacher accused of punching a law enforcement officer in the face was found naked with sex toys and drugs inside an elementary school classroom in Port St. Lucie. (More)

➤ Port Canaveral’s future aquarium, a sister attraction to the Brevard Zoo, has been named after John and Pat Bowen of Satellite Beach, whose initial $1 million donation helped anchor the project. (More)

➤ Hope Florida is working alongside state agencies to collect donations to purchase toys for families in need as a result of recent hurricanes. The Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive runs through Dec. 13. (Donations Accepted Here)

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Do you put up Christmas lights?

1. Yes
2. Nope
3. I have the brightest house on the block!
4. I don’t celebrate Christmas

Results:

Do you eat rum cake at the holidays?

1. Yes: 36.3%
2. No: 63.7%

What is the name of the first Mickey Mouse cartoon ever produced?

Show me the answer.