Good Morning! On this day in 1971, rock icon Jim Morrison of The Doors left for Paris to avoid the jail sentence he had received in Miami. He never returned to the U.S.
After a wild day of weather Monday in Central Florida, today promises bright sunshine throughout the state. Enjoy!
We’re sponsored today by RYSE, offering an investment opportunity in the next smart home technology.
Daytona Beach ☀️ 72/50° | Ft. Myers ☀️ 77/50° | Jacksonville ☀️ 76/49° | Key West 🌤️ 71/67° | Miami ☀️ 77/58° | Ocala ☀️ 77/45° | Orlando 🌤️ 76/50° | Pensacola ☀️ 72/50° | Port St. Lucie ☀️ 76/50° | Tallahassee ☀️ 77/45° | Tampa ☀️ 75/51°
Miami Beach Police Fight Spring Break Crime
Miami Beach Police unveiled a Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and Skydio X10 drone ahead of spring break. The$2 million project was partially funded by a 2018 voter-approved General Obligation Bond.
Commissioner Alex Fernandez stated that the groundbreaking technology enhances the department’s capability to respond to incidents as they are happening, providing the city with proactive measures against potential threats.
At a press conference last week in Miami Beach, Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed the resources allocated for spring break security, stating that the plan is to not just crack down on misbehavior but deter it.
Disney Announces New Pixar Rides
Disney revealed new details about two rides coming to Walt Disney World, inspired by beloved Pixar franchises. Disney has not announced when either ride will open but expects construction to begin this year.
A new Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom will feature off-road vehicles simulating races over rocky terrain. Disney Imagineers traveled to Arizona to race a customized production vehicle on a dirt track to learn how the vehicle responds to various terrains.
A Monsters, Inc. coaster will be a featured ride in a new area being developed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The “Door Coaster” will be the first-ever suspended coaster and vertical lift at a Disney park.
The Grand Avenue area of Hollywood Studios will begin a phased closure in May to make way for the coaster. The last day to dine at Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will be May 10. Disney also announced that Muppet Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close on June 7.
Florida Named a Tax-Friendly State
A recent WalletHub study indicates that Florida remains one of the most tax-friendly states in the nation.
When adjusting for the cost of living, Florida moves up even further, securing the No. 6 spot. Florida’s ranking is less favorable in the category of real estate property tax rates, where it lands at No. 24.
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➤ Lake Mary:A tornado hit a TV station on Monday during a live weather broadcast. The storm caused at least one home to collapse, but there were no reports of injuries or deaths. (See Video)
➤ Collier County: Construction began Monday on the county’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange at the I-75 and Pine Ridge Road interchange. (See Map)
➤Palm Beach County: The school district has discontinued its sexual education curriculum due to challenges in obtaining state approval. (More)
➤Miami-Dade: The county sheriff suspended the enforcement of certain school bus camera citations across South Florida due to drivers receiving erroneous tickets. The program, initiated in 2024, was designed to enhance student safety. (See Details)
➤Tallahassee: Today is Girl Scout Day at the Capitol. Troops will participate in a pinning ceremony for legislators, hear from inspiring female leaders, work toward a Democracy badge, and tour the Capitol. (More)
➤Palm Beach:NORAD F-16 fighter jets continue to intercept and escort civilian aircraft that violate the restricted airspace over President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. (See Photos)
➤ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed star wide receiver Chris Godwin to a three-year, $66 million contract. Godwin has played all eight years of his career with Tampa Bay. (More)
➤ The Miami Marlins will reportedly keep 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara on an innings limit in 2025 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. (More)
➤Tampa Bay Rays ownership is facing pressure from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and other MLB owners to sell the team. Several groups are interested in purchasing the Rays. (More)
➤ Winter Haven-based SouthState Bank sold and leased back more than 165 of its retail branches in the Southeast U.S. for $467 million in cash. (More)
➤ Virtual reality simulationspecialist Vrai is set to open a new base in Orlando after a multimillion-dollar investment. Clients include the Irish Defense Forces, the Royal Air Force, Amazon Web Services, and Samsung Electronics. (See Details)
➤ Clearwater-basedMarineMax bought Shelter Bay Marine, a full-service marina and storage facility in Marathon, bringing its total facility count to 65. (More)
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RYSE’s patented retrofit technology allows users to automate their window shades in minutes, controlled via smartphone or voice. With 200% year-over-year growth, demand is skyrocketing.
Now, RYSE’s public offering is live at just $1.90/share, and you can earn up to 25% in bonus shares.
➤ Faded Bistro & Beer Garden in Sebring ranked No. 5 on USA Today’s list of the 10 best beer gardens in the U.S. (See List)
➤ Margaritaville at Sea announced themed cruises for 2026 with 2- to 4-night itineraries from the Port of Palm Beach to Key West, The Bahamas, and Mexico. (See Themes)
➤ “Grandpa Bob,” an 84-year-old volunteer at Carwise Middle School in Palm Harbor, connects with the students, providing candy and support. (See Photo)
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