In-State Tuition Waiver for Undocumented Immigrants Under Fire

New legislation proposed by a Brevard County Republican would eliminate tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants. The bill, as written, would go into effect next July.

Sen. Randy Fine seeks to end the 10-year practice of giving undocumented immigrants in-state tuition at colleges and universities, saving an estimated $45 million in taxpayer dollars.

“This is a no-brainer way to reduce the size of government and free up resources to help Floridians in need. We must put Floridians first, and I am proud to do my part to rebalance the scales for our citizens,” Fine said.

Florida is home to roughly 40,000 undocumented students, according to the American Immigration Council.

Blue Origin to Launch ‘New Glenn’ Rocket by End of Year

Blue Origin confirmed Monday that the Merritt Island-based company still expects to launch its massive New Glenn rocket before the end of the year, despite awaiting regulatory approval to conduct a key final test.

That test, known as a “hot fire,” involves powering up all seven of the first stage’s BE-4 engines and firing them to full thrust while the rocket remains on the pad. The test is designed to simulate how the vehicle will operate during lift-off.

The launch will be the first for the 320-foot-tall rocket and will serve as a certification flight to demonstrate its ability to carry Department of Defense payloads.

Blue Origin, currently headed by Dave Limp, was founded by former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. 

Orlando Second Best City for New Year’s Eve

Orlando is second only to New York City on a new list ranking the “Best Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations.” You can see the full list here.

WalletHub compared 100 of the biggest U.S. cities based on 26 key indicators, ranging from the legality of fireworks and the nightlife options per capita to the affordability of food and lodging.

Orlando ranked No. 1 for entertainment and food choices and for having one of the longest fireworks displays in the country. Here’s where you can see fireworks in Orlando.

Miami also made the top 10, ranking seventh, with high marks for food and entertainment choices. Tampa is listed at No. 32.

➤ St. Petersburg: Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred met with Pinellas County officials Monday to discuss the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium deal ahead of a key vote on Dec. 17. Manfred met with Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. (More)

➤ Orlando: The state’s medical regulatory board rejected an effort by the governor’s administration to revoke a doctor’s medical license for providing 193 abortions—primarily non-surgical—without adhering to the required 24-hour waiting period. (More)

➤ Daytona Beach: The family of a former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student, whose death was classified as a suicide, has won a $4 million federal wrongful death lawsuit against the roommate they accused of killing him. (More)

➤ Navarre: Rep. Joel Rudman has filed an open carry bill in the Florida House before departing to run in a special election to succeed former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz in Congress. The bill would undo a court’s ability to temporarily confiscate guns. (See Details)

➤ Hillsborough County: Rep. Susan Valdés has switched political parties, leaving the Democrats to join the GOP. The move came less than a week after Valdés lost a bid to chair the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. (More)

➤ Brevard County: Sheriff Wayne Ivey reported that $1.7 million worth of cocaine, neatly packed and embossed with black scorpions, was found off the coast this weekend by a fisherman. (See Photo)

➤ Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jalen McMillan have both been nominated for the NFL’s Rookie of the Week Award. (Cast Your Vote)

➤ Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has been named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, an award given to the most outstanding player in college football each season. (More)

➤ The undefeated Florida Gators men’s basketball team is off to its best start since 2005. They moved up to the No. 7 spot on the USA Today Sports Coaches Poll this week. (More)

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW

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➤ The Glazer family, owners of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced a $1 million program to support small businesses in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. (See Photo)

➤ Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant opened a second location in Jacksonville, situated in the Mandarin neighborhood. This marks the company’s 14th location in Florida. (See Photos)

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➤ Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo hosted his annual toy drive on Monday, welcoming more than 1,000 children from selected communities to the event. (See Video)

➤ An entrepreneur from Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway was offered $250,000 during CrocTank, a first-of-its-kind live business pitch event held in Boca Raton, featuring judges from ABC’s Shark Tank. (More)

➤ Iguanas have overrun a high school pool in Lake Worth Beach, forcing the swim team to vacate. (See Video)

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Do you have New Year’s Eve plans?

1. Yes
2. No

Monday’s Results:

Which do you prefer at the holidays?

1. Eggnog: 28%
2. None of the above: 26%
3. Hot chocolate: 25%
4. Cider: 21%

Which Florida city has the nickname “The City Beautiful”?

Show me the answer