Florida Schools on High Alert

Florida schools are on high alert after a deadly school shooting in Georgia, leading officials to enhance safety measures and communication efforts.

Marion County introduced a new panic alarm system, while Bay County deployed additional resources despite a non-credible threat made by a middle school student.

In Broward County, a 14-year-old girl was arrested for online threats against several schools, and in Miami-Dade, authorities made an arrest following a threat against Lamar Louise Curry Middle School.

Schools have reassured families with safety statements and offered excused absences to worried students. 

Trump: Yes on Legal Marijuana

Former President Donald Trump announced his intention to vote yes on Florida’s referendum to legalize recreational marijuana, marking his clearest stance on the issue.

Trump stated it was time to end arrests for small amounts of marijuana for personal use and called for smart regulations and safe access.

He expressed support for reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule 3 drug and allowing each state to pass its own regulations.

Trump’s position contrasts with many Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who opposes the measure. 

Florida Women Business Owners Making Gains

Female business owners in Florida have made progress in recent years compared to their male counterparts, according to a new study, States With The Most Successful Female Business Owners.

A  new study shows that average earnings among female business owners in the state have increased 23% in the past five years, rising to $49,700 annually. See the full study here.

Florida ranked 27th among U.S. states in the study’s four key metrics: average earnings, percentage of female business owners earning more than $100,000, business growth rate, and the earnings disparity between male and female-owned businesses.

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➤ Sanford: City leaders met on Monday to discuss a utility rate increase. Mayor Art Woodruff said the increase is needed to keep up with inflation and to provide quality utility service. (More)

➤ Titusville: Commissioners approved a rezoning request for a development planned for Sherwood Golf Course just north of the city. (See Video)

➤ Hillsborough County: The School Board named a new school in Wimauma the Aquilla J. Morgan High School last week, after the teacher who spent more than 40 years teaching in the district. The school is expected to open in 2025. (See Photo)

➤ Oldsmar: Surveillance video captured a woman allegedly stealing a $2,400 baby bird from a pet store on Saturday. Deputies are investigating the theft of the Black-Headed Caique, which requires special care. (Watch Video)

➤ Florida Keys: Over 300 swimmers from the U.S. and several other countries competed in an 8-mile open-water challenge Saturday to raise awareness to fund the restoration of an aging lighthouse. (See Video)

➤ The Miami Hurricanes moved to No. 10 from No. 12 in the new AP Top 25 rankings after a 56-9 win over FCS Florida A&M. The rankings are dominated by SEC teams. (See Poll)

➤ The Florida Gators women’s soccer team suffered their first loss of the season with a 3-0 defeat against the No. 3-ranked Florida State Seminoles on Sunday afternoon. (More)

➤ The Miami Heat may lose Jimmy Butler to the Brooklyn Nets. Butler has expressed interest in the New York team and holds a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. He can opt out next summer to become a free agent. (See Details)

Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB  

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➤ Amazon has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Homestead facility, a cross-dock facility where goods are sorted, processed, and shipped out more quickly. The facility is the size of 17 football fields and operates 24/7. (More)

➤ Palm Beach International Airport announced that Southwest Airlines will offer daily nonstop service to Nashville starting March 6th. (More)

➤ GOBankingRates spoke with experts to determine the best small businesses to consider launching in Florida in 2024. (See List)

➤ LL Flooring, formerly Lumber Liquidators, is going out of business and closing all of its stores, including 20 in Florida. Final sales will be held over the next 12 weeks. (See Details)

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➤ A new podcast highlights the 30-year-old mystery of a rogue wave in Volusia County that was 18 feet tall and 27 miles long. (See Photos)

➤ FSU was recognized as the No. 3 college in the nation for promoting free expression, moving up two spots from last year. (More)

➤ Walt Disney World announced that Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen on Nov. 4 after its refurbishment. The Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass has returned for a limited time for $79 plus tax. (See Details)

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Do you watch Hallmark Channel movies?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Sometimes
4. Only at Christmas

Monday’s Results:

Are you a college football fan?

1. Yes: 30.3%
2. Only if it’s on: 22%
3. I prefer NFL: 14.5%
4. I love ALL football: 11.6%
5. No: 11.5%
6. I don’t follow football: 10.1%

Which Florida city is home to the smallest working post office in the U.S.?

Show me the answer