Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Top Stories

Article Icon 1 State Sued Over Child Media Law

Two technology groups have sued Florida over a law restricting social media use by children, saying it is unconstitutional under the First Amendment.

The law, championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Paul Renner, applies to platforms with certain engagement metrics considered addictive – for example, if at least 10% of users under 16 use the platforms at least two hours a day.

The challenge comes from NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represent technology giants including Meta, X, and Google.

The associations said the Florida law amounts to “government censorship” that bars teens’ access to information that other Americans can readily access on the internet.

Article Icon 1 Evacuated Seniors Can’t Return Until 2025

A group of senior citizens, ordered to leave their Pinellas County apartments for Hurricane Helene, now cannot return until 2025.

Residents said they were given two hours to evacuate their apartments the day before Helene hit. They described disruption and confusion in the month that followed. Family members said they were moved from place to place, some as far as Boynton Beach.

A new property management company for Elance at Pasadena said the complex saw extensive damage during Helene and again when Hurricane Milton hit on Oct. 9.

The company, QSLM, posted a notice on its website saying both its towers will require “extensive remediation” because of the ground level and elevator flooding from Helene; and roof damage from Milton, which allowed water inside the upper floors.

Article Icon 1 Study: Teen Marijuana Use is Down

A Florida Atlantic University study shows about 16% of teens admitted using marijuana in 2021, down from 23% in 2011.

The report, which analyzed data from the Youth Behavioral Risk Survey, came out as Florida residents were casting votes on a referendum to allow recreational marijuana sales.

The report reveals that the precise age matters. Fewer had tried marijuana for the first time before age 13: 4.9%, down from 8.1% over the 10-year period. On the other hand, 22% of high school seniors said they were using pot, followed by 18.7% of 11th graders.

State health department data says teen pot use is on the rise, warns of harmful effects to cognitive development and mental health if users are under 18.

Dear Flyover Florida Reader,

The election will be over in six days, but we might not know who wins for many more.

It seems like virtually every other commercial is a political ad, half the neighborhood has a candidate sign stuck in their yard, and there’s an absolute spin-fest coming from the legacy media outlets.

I could give you countless examples of bias and spin from election season, but the real proof of the corporate media’s failure is on full display in the most recent Gallup survey numbers.

Only 31 percent of Americans say they trust the news media. That’s the lowest level recorded by Gallup since they began tracking it in 1972, and it’s the reason Flyover Florida exists.

Americans don’t trust the legacy media anymore—and with good reason.

This election season, my team and I have been working extra hard to give you only the facts – with none of the spin. 

I added an special election section so our readers have as much information as possible. We aren’t perfect – but you have my word we work around the clock, so you have unbiased news to read.

If you have found Flyover Florida valuable this election season, I’m asking you to consider supporting me and my team with a donation to help us continue our work.

It would mean a lot to me if you contribute—even if it’s a small amount. While we appreciate our advertisers – they don’t pay all our bills, and I must rely on readers like you. Will you help?

Give $15
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Give $500

I consider it an honor to deliver honest news to honest Americans every day. Your donation helps us accomplish that mission, and I’m grateful for it.

 Thank you for your support!

-Cole, CEO

Around Florida

Pinellas County: Two storms were too much for the mayor of Treasure Island. His house was flooded beyond repair, his family is leaving—and he is stepping down. (More)

Pasco County: Temporary government housing is providing relief for families displaced by hurricanes Helene and Milton. (More)

 Volusia County: A woman called 911 and pretended to be ordering pizza while being held against her will. Sheriff’s deputies rescued her and arrested the man for sexual battery and false imprisonment. (See Details)

 Bay County: A former Lynn Haven City Council member can go back to work as a high school teacher despite legal troubles that included a guilty plea of lying for a bank loan. A state board settlement calls for ethics training. (More)

 Duval County: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is expanding its Gang Investigations Unit despite community groups urging them to disband it. (More)

Florida Sports

Paolo Banchero became the fourth player in Orlando Magic history with a 50-point game, joining Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Nick Anderson. (Watch highlights)

Four-star wide receiver Malachi Toney has committed to Miami. He is the second 4-star receiver in the Hurricanes’ 2025 recruiting class. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers arrived in Finland Tuesday to play two NHL games against the Dallas Stars later this week, and the four Finns on the team couldn’t be happier. (More)

 Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | MLS

Flying together with our sponsor

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The Business Of Florida

➤ Florida Power & Light Company said Tuesday that it’s asking for approval of a temporary surcharge on customer bills in 2025 to recover $1.2 billion in hurricane restoration costs. (See Details)

United Airlines is adding more than 20 additional flights from its hub airports to Florida destinations including Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach. (More)

 Palm House, a luxury hotel shuttered after a fraud case, is reopening under new ownership while keeping its original style. (More)

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Did you know that Flyover Florida depends on direct support from our readers?

Our advertisers help us pay some bills, but not all.

We wouldn’t exist without the donations from our loyal readers like you.

If you think Flyover Florida has kept you informed this election season—without subjecting you to propaganda like the legacy media does, would you help me and my team by donating today?

I would appreciate it very much.

Give $15
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– Cole, CEO

Et Cetera

The world’s largest consortium of pavement artists returns to Sarasota next month for the annual International Chalk Festival. (See Photos)

 Cocoa Beach: Three-wheel recreational vehicles called “Slingshots” are a little bit transportation and a little bit adventure. (See Photos)

A jet ski rider has been arrested after deliberately knocking a fisherman off of his kayak and into the water in a video that’s gone viral across social media. (See Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

Backing up photos used to be stressful, risky, and time-consuming… but with ThePhotoStick® OMNI, you simply click GO and watch the magic begin! (See It Here 

The Polling Station

Can you drive a manual transmission car?

  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Haltingly

 

Yesterday’s Results:

Should trick-or-treating still exist?

  1. Yes: 65.2%
  2. No: 34.8%
Florida Trivia

Why are there no dinosaur fossils in Florida?

Show me the answer

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