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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1977, NASA’s Voyager 1 captured the first image of the Earth and Moon together in a single frame, just months after launching from Cape Canaveral.

Today is National Cheeseburger Day, and several burger restaurants are offering specials and freebies to celebrate. Check them out here. Hit reply to let us know which burger you like best.

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Florida Prepaid Program Has Record Refunds

On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced record refunds of over $1 billion to Florida families through the Florida Prepaid program citing the state’s college tuition rates as the lowest rising in the country over the past decade.

DeSantis made the announcement at an Orlando elementary school during a news conference celebrating National College Savings Month. He encouraged Florida families to take advantage of a prepaid college plan and the $130 million in available refunds.

To date, over 1.2 million families have received money through the program.

“This is a way for you to prepay for your child’s future education at any of our state colleges or state universities. You can lock in tomorrow’s tuition costs at today’s prices,” DeSantis said. Visit the Florida Prepaid website here.

DeSantis Vows Transparency in State Investigation

On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in West Palm Beach about Sunday’s attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, explaining Florida’s criminal probe and planned charges. Watch the conference replay here.

DeSantis vowed that the state’s investigation will be more transparent than the federal one and said Florida could bring attempted murder charges against the suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii.

The governor explained that Florida has multiple grounds to pursue “the most serious charges” possible against the suspect, noting that the state can file different charges than the federal government and seek a life sentence.

Sunshine State Friendly to Teachers

Florida is the eighth best state in the U.S. for teachers to live in, according to a new report that compares 24 key indicators of teacher-friendliness, including opportunity & competition and academic & work environment. See the report here.

The state ranked ninth for average starting teacher salaries, adjusted for cost of living.

The Sunshine State also performed well in other categories: projected competition by 2030 (No. 6), quality of school system (No. 11), and teachers’ income growth potential (No. 20).

The report notes that teachers are more fairly compensated and better protected in some states, with the top five states being New York, Washington, Virginia, Utah, and Maryland.

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➤ Florida ranked first in education freedom and academic transparency for the third consecutive year, according to the annual Education Freedom Report Card. (See Report)

➤ Jacksonville: The city on Monday dismissed a foreclosure lawsuit it filed a month ago against the owner of the Laura Street Trio redevelopment project, clearing the way for another round of negotiations. (More)

➤ Volusia County: An environmental nonprofit announced its plans to open up D Ranch Preserve to the public in the spring of 2025. The 476-acre preserve will have recreational activities such as hiking and equestrian trails. (See Video)

➤ Brevard County: Public schools will install metal detectors at high schools throughout the district in October, starting with Melbourne High. (More)

➤ Orlando: A fundraising event and online auction are underway to save The Hammered Lamb pub from closing its doors for good. As of Tuesday, efforts have raised $27,300. (See Video)

➤ Sarasota: Rep. Vern Buchanan will chair a congressional hearing on Investing in a Healthier America today in Washington, D.C. (See Details)

➤ Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence expressed his frustration with the team’s 0-2 start, telling reporters “We suck right now.” (More)

➤ The Miami Heat spoke out against former President Trump’s comments on Haitians during the presidential debate. (See Statement)

➤ Florida University boosters reportedly have the funds to cover a potential buyout of coach Billy Napier's $26 million contract if he's fired this season. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA

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➤ Great Wolf Lodge is holding a grand opening for its Naples location today, marking the first Florida location for the water park resort. (More)

➤ The Seminole Towne Center Mall in Sanford will change ownership after just one year. Plans are to focus on new retail opportunities, restaurants, hotels, apartments, and possibly new pickleball courts. (See Video)

➤ Orlando-based Ripley Entertainment and GoPhoto have formed a joint venture to expand souvenir photography at attractions in North America. (More)

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➤ Plant like a Floridian workshops aim to help the 1,200 people who move to Florida daily learn about the state’s more than 3,000 native plant species. (See Video)

➤ It’s moon jellyfish season, and officials are warning ocean and gulf visitors to watch out for these native Florida creatures. (More)

➤ Florida ranked No. 14 on WalletHub’s 2024 Happiest States in America list. (See List)

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