Good Morning! On this day in 1902, Orlando passed a law ordering all drivers to have horns installed in their cars and to use them whenever they turned a corner. A speed limit of 5 miles per hour was also implemented.
Today is the 12th Day of Christmas, known as Three Kings Day or Epiphany. It’s traditional for some to bless their homes on this day.
Later today: You will find a quick sponsor message in your inbox from FinanceBuzz on a cash-back card that could pay off if you shop on Amazon or at Whole Foods.
Today’s sponsor, LeanBliss, is sharing a science-backed weight loss approach that flips conventional dieting on its head—showing how a simple twist on eating chocolate could help target stubborn belly fat.
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Florida Tourism Up Despite Canadian Travel Dip
According to Visit Florida, approximately 34.3 million people visited the Sunshine State between July and September, representing a slight increase from 34.2 million during the same period last year.
Canadian travel to Florida continued to decline amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Visit Florida estimated 507,000 Canadians visited during the quarter, down 15% from 597,000 a year earlier and down nearly 28% from the third quarter of 2019.
Travel from outside the U.S. increased 4.5% despite the Canadian dip, with about 2.3 million travelers counted. It was the strongest third quarter for tourism since prior to the pandemic.
Ovation Orlando on the Horizon
A $1 billion mixed-use entertainment district, Ovation Orlando, is slated for development on Osceola County’s former Orlando Sun resort property.
In what is being called one of the most anticipated and consequential deals of the year, South Florida-based Accesso paid over $70 million for the site. Together with the Meyers Group, Accesso acquired 76 acres at the northeast corner of Interstate 4 and U.S. 192.
The deal closed on Dec. 30, with demolition of the old hotel structures expected to begin next week. Groundbreaking for the entertainment complex is set for the first quarter of the year.
Ovation Orlando will offer 670,000 square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment, creating a destination near Walt Disney World that will also feature four new hotels close to the theme parks.
Daytona Speedway to Mark America’s Anniversary
This year’s Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary on Feb. 12, a few days before the big race.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is sponsoring the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona, an event that celebrates the nation’s founding in 1776 while honoring the launch of Speedweeks and Florida’s rich racing history.
FDOT’s ongoing partnership with Daytona International Speedway aims to promote safe driving behaviors.
The event will take place three days before the annual Daytona 500, set for Feb. 15. While acknowledging America’s beginning will be a centerpiece of the partnership, Florida’s unique prominence as “the birthplace of speed” will also be celebrated.
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➤ Tallahassee: Attorney General James Uthmeier asked the Florida Supreme Court to block a new marijuana legalization initiative from reaching the ballot, arguing it is misleading, violates the single-subject rule, and conflicts with federal law. (More)
➤ Statewide: The booming legal sports betting market is facing pressure from a growing shadow gambling economy, prompting Attorney General James Uthmeier to make a statewide crackdown a top priority in 2026. (More)
➤ St. Petersburg: The city formally opened a 30-day period on Sunday for private developers to submit proposals to redevelop all or part of the 86-acre Gas Plant District site. The submission window closes Feb. 3. (More)
➤ Miami-Dade County: U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Miami-Dade) was among the first to receive a call from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s capture and removal. (More)
➤ Marion County: An Ocala family is advocating for rural pedestrian infrastructure changes after 133 crashes involving pedestrians resulted in 18 pedestrian deaths, including Shannon Rushing, killed on Blichton Road while walking to her bus stop. (More)
➤ Riverview: State Rep. Danny Alvarez (R-Riverview) filed a bill to create a statewide counterintelligence and counterterrorism unit within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (More)
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➤ The defending champion Florida Gators men’s basketball team fell out of this week’s AP Top 25 poll for the first time this season. UCF debuted in the rankings at No. 25. (See Poll)
➤ UCF football landed a commitment from James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III this week. He threw for 5,433 yards and 49 touchdowns at JMU, which earned a College Football Playoff berth this year. (More)
➤Former University of Florida quarterback DJ Lagway visited Florida State yesterday and is reportedly considering transferring to the Gators’ in-state rival. (More)
➤Inter Miami signed Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to a one-year deal. St. Clair won MLS goalkeeper of the year last season with Minnesota, logging 113 saves and 10 shutouts. (More)
➤ Upgrade your everyday carry with the Spartan Wallet — a slim, RFID-blocking MagSafe-compatible wallet that holds up to 7 cards, protects against digital theft, and now comes at 50% off for a limited time, making it the perfect blend of security, convenience, and style for modern life! (LEARN MORE)
➤ Florida businesses and the government may begin accepting gold and silver as payment on July 1 if the state joins others, including Texas and Missouri, that have passed legislation allowing the precious metals to be used as legal tender. The Legislature must still approve rules governing the change during an upcoming session. (More)
➤ A hurricane-free season had many Floridians relieved, but for farmers across the state, the lack of major storms has come with a lack of water and a widespread drought that is devastating crops. (More)
➤ Max Space, headquartered at Kennedy Space Center, unveiled plans for its private space habitat, dubbed Thunderbird Station, that can inflate like a balloon once in space and expand to 12,300 cubic feet while only requiring a single launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. (More)
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After analyzing the weight loss pattern of more than 600 patients between the ages of 45 and 75…
➤ Members of the Florida House were forced to return a December Christmas package of swag with Florida branding due to a 20-year-old law that prohibits legislators from accepting anything of value from lobbyists. (More)
➤ The Brazil-Scotland group stage soccer match on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is currently the biggest draw of the entire 2026 World Cup for travelers seeking lodging. (More)
➤ The Gasparilla Inn on Boca Grande Island was voted the No. 1 resort in Florida by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. (More)
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➤ Why Your Ibuprofen Might Soon Be Obsolete. Unlike ibuprofen, which offers temporary relief while potentially creating health risks, this powerful marine-derived substance works with your body’s own systems to resolve inflammation permanently. Even more remarkable? It simultaneously supports heart, brain, and liver function instead of jeopardizing these vital organs. (Learn More)
