Ex-FEMA Worker Faces Discipline

A federal agency filed a request for disciplinary action against a former FEMA supervisor who told hurricane relief workers to avoid homes displaying Donald Trump campaign signs.

The Office of Special Counsel alleges Marn’i Washington violated the Hatch Act, which restricts the partisan political activities of government workers.

The special counsel accuses her of engaging in political activity while on duty and “using her official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the results” of the election.

The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board will hear the case. Possible penalties include a civil penalty and a ban on federal employment for a certain period.

$60M Donated to Music Center

The Sarasota Orchestra announced a $60 million donation toward the planning and construction of its new music center.

Considered one of the largest financial gifts given to an American orchestra, the donor asked to remain anonymous and does not want naming rights.

The building will occupy a 31-acre site and include a 1,700-seat concert hall, a 700-seat recital hall, rehearsal rooms, offices, and classrooms.

The center will be the area’s first concert hall built specifically for acoustic music.

Miami Boat Show Opens

The Miami International Boat Show, the world’s largest, begins its five-day run today with 1,000 boats on display in six locations. Organizers expect the show to deliver a $1 billion impact on the region.

Vessels displayed range from a small, 13-foot Boston Whaler to the show’s largest brokerage superyacht, the 274-foot Bold from SilverYachts. See 15 of the best yachts here.

The Ferretti Group, a leader in luxury yachts, debuted its state-of-the-art Pershing GTX116 for the U.S. market. You can preview all 2025 models here.

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➤ Statewide: The FDA recalled canned tuna products sold by Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart over botulism concerns. (See Details)

➤ Volusia County: Police searched for a man accused of killing two people in New York after he was seen in the DeLand area. (More)

➤ Escambia County: A tornado injured at least three people, caused damage, and downed power lines on Tuesday afternoon. (See Photos)

➤ Tallahassee: The state Senate moved forward with a bill preventing golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotel-style lodges in state parks. (More)

➤ State: State lawmakers rejected a taxpayer-funded bailout for condo owners dealing with new mandates after the 2021 Surfside condo building collapse. (See Details)

➤ Daytona Beach: Doctors revived a man who was clinically dead for nearly an hour. (See Video)

➤ No. 3 Florida men’s basketball posted its third straight win on Tuesday, beating No. 22 Mississippi State 81-68. (More)

➤ The Miami Dolphins hired former Houston offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as senior pass game coordinator. (More)

➤ A 99-year-old Miami Heat fan attended her first game. (Watch Video)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ Trader Joe’s will open its first Volusia County store in Daytona Beach. (More)

➤ Miami-based Lennar completed its spin-off of Millrose Properties, which trades under “MRP” on the New York Stock Exchange. (See Details)

➤ Popular chicken restaurant Raising Cane’s opened its first Seminole County location in Altamonte Springs. (More)

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➤ Universal Orlando Resort shared a first look at its Epic Universe theme park menus, featuring more than 100 items. The new park opens on May 22. (See Photos)

➤  Weather may be a factor in another Daytona 500. Ahead of Sunday’s race, a reporter recalls the rainy 2012 race when a driver crashed into a jet dryer truck, causing a fire. (See Photos)

➤ Cape Canaveral: NASA’s two stuck astronauts may return to Earth sooner than expected through a new SpaceX plan. (See How)

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Do you prefer chocolate or flowers for Valentine’s Day?

1. Chocolate
2. Flowers
3. Both
4. Neither

Wednesday’s Results:

Will you buy flowers for Valentine’s Day?

1. Yes: 37%
2. No: 63%

Where can you explore the Navy’s first underwater living facility?

Show me the answer