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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024
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Good Morning! On this day in 1969, Dr. Thomas G. Carpenter became the first president of the University of North Florida-Jacksonville. In 1973, the first graduating class included 35 students.
It’s 7-11 Day. You can cool off with a free, small Slurpee in a cup designed by Nolan, a seven-year-old champion of the Children’s Miracle Network, at any participating 7-11 store.
As always, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us and reply to this email.
Be sure to check out our sponsors today, Chuck Norris and Roundhouse Provisions, with advice on healthy living as you age.
Daytona Beach 🌦️ 89/74° | Ft. Myers ☁️ 90/76° | Jacksonville 🌤️ 94/75° | Key West 🌤️ 88/83° | Miami 🌧️ 87/80° | Ocala 🌦️ 92/73° | Orlando 🌦️ 86/77° | Pensacola 🌤️ 92/77° | Port St. Lucie ⚡ 86/74° | Tallahassee 🌤️ 94/72° | Tampa ☁️ 90/77°
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State Considers Nuclear Power
Florida is considering adding new nuclear power capacity for the first time in decades, with state regulators set to study the feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies.
The Florida Public Service Commission has scheduled a workshop on Sept. 5 with a goal of submitting a report by April 2025. Included in the study is the possibility of using “advanced” nuclear technologies at military bases.
According to a state House analysis, nuclear plants generate about 13% of Florida’s electricity. The state has not seen new nuclear plants since the 1970s and 1980s.
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Overdose Deaths Trending Downward
Officials say drug-related deaths in Florida have declined from a year ago as the state makes strides against the fentanyl and opioid crises.
A new report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows a 7% decrease in total drug-related deaths, a 10% decrease in deaths caused by fentanyl, and a 10% decrease in opioid-caused deaths.
Attorney General Ashley Moody says she’s “cautiously optimistic” about the trend, while acknowledging the battle’s not over. You can watch the press conference here.
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List: Florida’s Best Downtown Areas
The World Atlas released a list of the eight best downtown areas in Florida, ranging from towns with ritzy shopping like Naples and Palm Beach to the historic streets of St. Augustine.
The smallest downtown to make the list is Micanopy, just south of Gainesville, known as the “little town that time forgot.” Founded in 1821, it is the oldest inland town in Florida.
While Florida is America’s most-visited state, attracting over 120 million tourists yearly for its endless sunshine, beaches, and theme parks, the list notes that it’s also “home to numerous charming small towns eager to deliver great vacation and getaway experiences.”
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Flying together with our sponsor

Look at the legendary Chuck Norris’ advice since he is now a whopping 84 years old and yet has MORE energy than me.
He found a key to healthy aging… and it was by doing the opposite of what most people are told. Now, he’s put the entire method into a 15-minute video that explains the 3 “Internal Enemies” that can wreck our health as we age, and the simple ways to help combat them, using foods and herbs you may even have at home. I’ve included the Chuck Norris video here >> so you can give it a shot.
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South Florida
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➤ Doral: Former President Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally at his golf resort on Tuesday. Potential VP pick Senator Marco Rubio was there and was mentioned by Trump several times. (Video)
➤ Boynton Beach: Ezell Hester Jr. Athletic Field reopened on Tuesday after renovations were made with a $250,000 grant from the NFL. (See Photo)
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Central Florida
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➤ Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority was awarded a $27.8 million federal grant on Tuesday for purchasing electric hybrid buses and equipment. (More)
➤ Tarpon Springs: City commissioners voted this week to allow residents a chance to weigh in on whether the state should install a viaduct along U.S. 19 in a nonbinding referendum next March. (More)
➤ Tampa Theatre was named America’s Outstanding Historic Theatre for 2024 by The League of Historic American Theatres, which also recognized Theatre President John Bell. (See Photo)
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North Florida
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➤ Alachua County: Commissioners approved $645,000 in upgrades to the county-owned West End Golf Course this week. The course will host the 2025 World Masters Indoor Track Championships. (Video)
➤ Jacksonville: A new, live music venue is coming to the site of the former Sun-Ray Cinema in Jacksonville’s Five Points neighborhood in January. (More)
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The Panhandle
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➤ Springfield: City officials are pointing to delays by FEMA and the state as the reason construction to replace buildings destroyed in Hurricane Michael hasn’t begun. (See Details)
➤ St. George Island: Leatherback turtles have returned to the state’s “Forgotten Coast” for the first time in 10 years. The largest sea turtle species, they travel thousands of miles to nest. (See Photo)
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➤ Wander Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, has been officially charged with sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor. The 23-year-old hasn’t played a game since Aug. 12th, 2023, and has been on administration leave ever since. (More)
➤ Miami Hurricanes legend Bernie Kosar, who became a star quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and also likely needs a liver transplant. (More)
➤ The Florida Panthers have signed former No. 8 overall pick Adam Boqvist to a one-year contract. Boqvist was placed on waivers by the Blue Jackets on June 30th. (More)
➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | Wimbledon | WNBA | Tour de France | Copa América | EURO 2024
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➤ Space Florida and its Israel Innovation Authority partners announced award recipients for their most recent round of funding. The program supports aerospace and technology projects to benefit Florida’s economy. (More)
➤ Boca Raton-based medical device maker FloSpine raised $1.7 million in funding from a group of high-net-worth individuals after recently closing on $530,000 in seed capital. (More)
➤ Food vendor HMSHost ended its contract with Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport this week, affecting nearly 100 local jobs. (More)
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➤ Naturally improve your breathing with AirPhysio. A patented, award-winning device that uses Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) to naturally improve your breathing. After using AirPhysio once, you’ll see why 250,000+ people describe it as “life-changing.” (See It Here)
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Flying together with our sponsor
He found a key to healthy aging… and it was by doing the opposite of what most people are told. Now, he’s put the entire method into a 15-minute video that explains the 3 “Internal Enemies” that can wreck our health as we age, and the simple ways to help combat them, using foods and herbs you may even have at home. I’ve included the Chuck Norris video here >> so you can give it a shot.
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➤ Drivers traveling into Florida across state lines will now be treated with new signs reading, “Welcome to the Free State of Florida.” (See Photo)
➤ Health officials placed a warning sign on a radioactive “Fountain of Youth” in Punta Gorda after locals refused to allow the popular drinking spot to be removed. (See Photos)
➤ The trailer for Brad Pitt’s new movie F1 was released this week. Filmed partially in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, the movie debuts in June 2025. (See Trailer)
➤ A Florida man plummeted into a creek at Crystal Springs from a 60-foot-tall tree, and emerged with only minor injuries. (Video)
Flying together with our sponsor
➤ Relieve pain FAST – wherever you are! Paingone Plus is the pocket-sized pain relief pen that delivers targeted relief for your acute or chronic pain in less than 1 minute. It’s natural, fast-acting, and works almost anywhere on the body! (See It Here)
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Are you taking a vacation this summer?
- Yes
- No
Wednesday’s Results:
Do you have a cat?
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- Yes: 31.3%
- No: 68.7%
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