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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1969, New York Jets center and guard Cal Dixon was born in Fort Lauderdale.

Hurricane Milton’s landfall south of Tampa Bay avoided the massive water surge that would have utterly devastated the region. Still, widespread destruction remains. You can see photos here. As we venture out into the damage, please remain cautious and heed the state’s warnings. Be safe, Florida!

Today, the Bonner Private Wine Partnership sponsors us and is offering a rare wine you won't want to miss.

Milton Ravages Florida

Hurricane Milton slammed into the Florida Peninsula on Thursday, leaving behind a path of destruction across the state, killing at least 11 people, spawning 150 tornado warnings, and knocking out power to more than 3.4 million Floridians.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and meteorologists said the "worst-case scenario" was averted, but tornadic activity devastated five counties, setting a record for tornado warnings in a single day. You can see photos here.

Hurricane Milton compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.

Gov. DeSantis said the worst storm surge from Milton reached 8 to 10 feet in Sarasota County, less than Helene’s highs.

More than 3,000 flights have been canceled or delayed as many airports throughout Florida were completely shut down due to the storm, which caused a ripple effect across the country.

Florida Hospitals Navigate IV Fluids Shortage

Florida medical providers are grappling with a national shortage of IV fluids and dialysis solutions after 60% of the country’s supply ceased production due to damage from Hurricane Helene.

Baxter International, a major manufacturer in North Carolina, suffered damage and flooding at its plant, where most of the nation’s IV fluids are produced.

Federal officials moved critical hospital supplies from B. Braun Medical in Daytona Beach out of Hurricane Milton’s path. The company is one of several IV producers tapped to boost supplies after the North Carolina plant was damaged and closed.

IV fluids, including sterile water and saline, are used daily in hospitals, surgery centers, nursing homes, and dialysis centers.

Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, said Florida hospitals are joining others in efforts to preserve every drop of IV fluid.

Miami-Dade Seeks to Add Major New Airport

Hurricane Milton delayed a Wednesday meeting of Miami-Dade commissioners, where they were set to vote on a resolution authorizing a feasibility study for a new airport, a proposal discussed since the 1960s.

If approved, the study would explore building an airport capable of supporting cargo, commercial passenger, and general aviation operations to accommodate Miami International Airport’s 'explosive' growth.

The study would identify land for the new airport, funding sources, economic impact, and potential impediments. Miami-Dade’s mayor or a designee would conduct the study, which is due 90 days after the resolution takes effect.

Florida, This Rare Wine Is Finally Here – Don’t Miss Out!

Looking for a wine experience that’s anything but ordinary? Introducing the world’s first Extreme Altitude Wine Club, now available in Florida!

This rare club gives you access to wines grown at some of the highest vineyards in the world — up to 8,950 feet in Argentina’s rugged Andes. With bold flavors, rich complexity, and a story in every bottle, it’s no wonder this club is becoming Florida’s best-kept wine secret.

➤ Sarasota County: Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, leaving 75% of county residents without power. Crews assessed the damage throughout Thursday. (See Photos)

➤ Pinellas County: Hurricane Milton triggered a massive rescue operation in Clearwater, Florida, where over 500 people were saved from a flooded apartment complex. The storm caused widespread damage, power outages, and flooding across Pinellas County. (More)

➤ Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast: Tornadoes from Hurricane Milton's feeder bands wreaked havoc in the area. (See Photos)

➤ Brevard County: Damage was assessed throughout the day on Thursday, including in Cocoa Beach, where several buildings were severely battered by wind and water. (See Photos)

➤ Southwest Florida: Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties are dealing with widespread destruction and hazardous roadways left by the hurricane. Officials are warning residents to check road closures before venturing out. (Road Closures)

➤ Statewide: Homeowners affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have until March 1 to apply for Florida's property tax rebate program for a break on their 2024 property taxes. (See Details)

➤ Tallahassee: A federal judge on Wednesday rejected a request from the League of Women Voters and the NAACP to reopen voter registration for the November election due to Hurricane Milton. (See Details)

➤ Hurricane Milton disrupted Gator Athletics, causing cancellations and rescheduling of several events, including volleyball, swimming, tennis, and cross-country competitions. (See Schedule)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that their flight to London for the team’s game on Sunday has been delayed, also due to Hurricane Milton. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face a rookie quarterback for the third time in six games on Sunday, as the New Orleans Saints announced they will turn to Spencer Rattler. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAF | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Health department officials sent cease-and-desist letters to Florida news stations to block an advertisement urging voters to support a ballot measure expanding abortion rights, calling the ads "categorically false." (See Details)

➤ Floww, a British fintech company, is creating a U.S. hub in Miami, citing the city's energy, affordability, and connectivity to Europe and Latin America. (More)

➤ Bonita Springs-based Green Check, a financial services and software provider for cannabis-related businesses, reported $1 billion in monthly sales deposits in the third quarter. (More)

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What Makes Bonner Private Wine Different?

One-of-a-Kind Flavor: Grown at high altitudes for an intense, bold taste you won’t find in grocery store bottles.
Healthier Wine: With 93% less sugar and 10x more resveratrol, it’s crafted for those who want wine that’s as good for them as it tastes.
Small-Batch, Hard to Find: Sourced from family-owned vineyards and available in limited quantities, just for our club members.

Be one of the first Floridians to discover the exclusive Extreme Altitude Wine Club.

Join today to see what makes this wine Florida’s best-kept secret!

👉 [Discover Your Rare Wine – Join Now]

➤ A mother and her four children were rescued from rising floodwaters early Thursday morning after heavy rains inundated their Lakeland neighborhood in Polk County. (See Video)

➤ Multiple water rescues were conducted in the area of Big Tree Road in South Daytona, where high water from Hurricane Milton flooded the neighborhood and entered homes. (See Video)

➤ "Lieutenant Dan," a one-legged sailor, defied evacuation orders and rode out Hurricane Milton on his Tampa Bay sailboat, contradicting the mayor's claims and captivating the internet. (See Photos)

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