Good Morning! On this day in 2024, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, causing at least 23 deaths during one of the state’s largest evacuations.
Two plane crashes had very different outcomes this week. On Sunday, three people were killed when a small plane crashed into a peanut field in Levy County. Tuesday afternoon, a Cessna 172 Skyhawk overturned and crashed in the Everglades in Miami-Dade County. A pilot and a passenger were stranded, then rescued by helicopter.
If you’ve ever noticed your gums bleeding while brushing, new Harvard research shared by today’s sponsor, SynaDentix, reveals it could be more than a dental issue. It may be an early warning sign of memory loss.
Daytona Beach ⛈️ 82/74° | Fort Myers ⛈️ 87/73° | Jacksonville ⚡ 79/69° | Key West ⚡ 84/79° | Miami 🌦️ 84/76° | Ocala 🌦️ 84/70° | Orlando 🌦️ 84/73° | Pensacola 🌤️ 86/64° | Port St. Lucie ⚡ 84/74° | Tallahassee 🌥️ 83/62° | Tampa 🌤️ 89/73°
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Brevard School District Settles First Amendment Lawsuit
The Brevard Public School District agreed to pay nearly $568,000 to settle a lawsuit filed in 2021 by Moms for Liberty, which accused school board officials of violating the First Amendment by restricting public comments at meetings.
The lawsuit was filed in the midst of contentious school board meetings about masking policies and guidelines for LGBTQ students. The board, at the time, passed a policy to shorten public comment time in an effort to reduce the duration of hours-long meetings.
The suit alleged that the school board’s guidelines stifled dissent and that the rules were enforced unevenly, allowing compliments but clamping down on critics who opposed LGBTQ policies.
“To every parent who has ever felt silenced or intimidated at a public meeting: you have rights,” plaintiff Amy Kneessy, a former Brevard school board member, said. “Use your voice. Hold your elected officials accountable.”
Man Arrested in Melbourne for Deadly LA Fire
Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old Uber driver, appeared in federal court in Orlando on Wednesday, charged with “maliciously” sparking the Palisades Fire in California, the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.
Rinderknecht moved to Melbourne after the fire and was arrested there on Tuesday on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he started the Lachman Fire, a brush fire, on Jan. 1. The Lachman Fire was initially extinguished but reignited and went on to burn much of the Pacific Palisades a week later.
The blaze left 12 people dead and caused about $150 billion in damages, with over 6,800 homes and buildings in the wealthy coastal enclave destroyed.
At a press conference on Wednesday, authorities cited digital records that led to Rinderknecht’s arrest, including AI images using ChatGPT that showed a burning city. Rinderknecht filmed the fire on his phone and listened to a rap song by French artist Josman, whose music video features him setting things on fire.
Mote Aquarium Reopens, Relocates Animals
Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium relocated hundreds of marine animals from its historic City Island location to a new $130 million facility at Nathan Benderson Park, which opened to the public on Wednesday.
Marine creatures, including river otters, sea turtles, manatees, penguins, and sharks, were carefully moved to the new education center using large nets, water-filled containers, and box trucks.
The Mote Science Education Aquarium educates over 350,000 guests each year and is expected to double that number in the new center. The nonprofit marine research organization was founded in 1955 by pioneering scientist and “Shark Lady,” Dr. Eugenie Clark.
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Harvard research reveals a specific pattern of gum bleeding that’s now directly linked to memory loss.
Most people think a little bleeding when brushing is harmless.
However, this specific bleeding pattern is a red flag, a warning that something potentially dangerous is already spreading within your body.
You might not even realize it’s happening until it’s too late.
If your gums bleed like THIS, your brain could already be at risk.
A new video shows exactly what to look for, and what you need to do as soon as possible:
➤ Panama City Beach: On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said a third migrant deportation center is coming soon. The state’s efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants will continue through the federal government shutdown. (More)
➤ Palm Beach County: Candidate Emily Gregory sued the governor to expedite a special election for a House seat made vacant in August when he tapped Rep. Mike Caruso for Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. (See Photos)
➤ Seminole County: Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia criticized the county for raising property taxes last month and said his team uncovered $48.4 million in “wasteful and excessive spending.” The county responded that raising the tax rate was necessary to preserve essential public safety services. (See Details)
➤ Broward County: The school board moved closer to closing several public schools due to declining enrollment, despite pleas from dozens of parents at Tuesday’s meeting. (More)
➤ Martin County: State and local leaders agreed to preserve 1,700 acres of land known as Bar-B Ranch as a wildlife corridor through the Florida Forever Program, which is providing $17 million for the project. (See Photos)
➤ Tampa: The Tampa Bay Rays’ new owners shared their plans for the future of the baseball team and a new “world-class ballpark” ready for 2029. Their purchase was finalized last week. (See Details)
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➤ Jesper Boqvist scored a go-ahead goal in the final period to give the Florida Panthers an opening-night win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Their quest for a Stanley Cup three-peat begins. (See Highlight)
➤ Orlando City was reportedly interested in bringing over forward Richarlison from the Premier League in hopes of making him the face of the franchise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. A transfer move for the Brazilian forward fell apart because of the potential $46 million transfer fee. (More)
➤ Former Florida State quarterback Drew Weatherford is joining the Tampa Bay Rays’ new ownership group as a limited partner. (More)
➤ The Miami-based developers who purchased Fort Lauderdale’s Galleria Mall last month are considering a redevelopment plan that includes nine 30-story towers, a 170-room hotel, and hundreds of affordable-housing units. (More)
➤Daniel’s, a steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale, was crowned the best in the state by digital media company Tasting Table, which reports on food and drink trends. The company opened a second location in Coral Gables in July. (More)
➤ The United Football League announced the addition of the Orlando Storm as one of three new franchises set to debut in the spring of 2026 when the league kicks off its third season. The Storm will play at Inter&Co Stadium downtown. (More)
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➤ Lower Your Home Insurance Bill in Minutes. Home insurance rates are rising. This easy tool can help homeowners save thousands of dollars a year in minutes, thanks to our partners at FinanceBuzz. (LEARN MORE)
Flying together with our sponsor
Harvard research reveals a surprising link: a specific gum bleeding pattern now tied to memory loss. While most people dismiss a little blood while brushing as harmless, this hidden sign can actually warn of something dangerous already spreading in the body. You may not notice until it’s too late. If your gums bleed like THIS, your brain could be at risk.
➤ Osteria Positano, an Italian Restaurant in Miami Beach, is the only Florida eatery listed on Tripadvisor’s list of the world’s top 25 casual restaurants. Ranked at No. 10, it is one of only two restaurants in the U.S. that made the list. (See List)
➤ Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center has asked for blood platelet donations from the community to support its patients and their fight against cancer. (See Video)
➤ The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office released video of a local dog named Eeyore that led a sheriff’s deputy to its owner’s mother after she had a fall while out walking. (See Video)
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➤ Looking to help your body maintain healthy glucose levels? Try Manna – Blood Sugar Complex — a powerful blend of botanicals and minerals designed to support steady energy and reduce sugar cravings naturally. (LEARN MORE)
Have you visited Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium?
Brevard School District Settles First Amendment Lawsuit
