No comments:

Friday, November 15, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1969, singer Janis Joplin was arrested in Tampa and charged with using “vulgar and obscene language." The arrest stemmed from an altercation with police officers who were instructing people in her audience to sit down.

Friday is the launchpad for the weekend. Enjoy these 22 fun facts about Friday as you wind down the week. Have a great weekend, and do something that makes you smile!

Did someone send this to you? Keep Flyover Florida coming to your inbox by subscribing today.

We're sponsored today by Laughland, the 100% safe and easy to use teeth whitening kit you can use at home.

State Investigates FEMA for Anti-Trump Policy

Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office launched a formal investigation into FEMA on Wednesday.

Following the admission by a FEMA administrator that properties with signs supporting former President Donald Trump were passed over for assistance in Lake Placid, suspicions have surfaced that the alleged discrimination was more widespread.

According to FEMA, Marn'i Washington, the supervisor who has since been fired, ordered FEMA workers on the ground throughout the state to "avoid" homes with Trump signs after Hurricane Milton and had given similar directives in North Carolina.

FEMA’s Administrator on Employee Misconduct Deanne Criswell stated that any such policy is “a clear violation of FEMA’s core values and principles.”

International Florida Trade Office to Open in Italy

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will open a new international trade development office in Italy next year as part of the SelectFlorida program. SelectFlorida currently operates 18 international trade offices in 16 countries.

In Viareggio, DeSantis and the Florida leadership visited with local leaders and representatives from three of the world's top shipyards, each with involvement in Pensacola, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, respectively.

The meetings focused on increasing Italian investments in Florida's ports and expanding Italian business operations in the state.

Tropical Storm Sara Could Strengthen and Hit Florida

As a cold front moves through Florida, Tropical Depression Nineteen formed about 280 miles east of Isla Guanaja, Honduras, and is expected to become Tropical Storm Sara.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the system is expected to slow down near the Honduran coast late Friday and through the weekend. Some strengthening is expected by Saturday.

Two projected paths indicate Sara may impact Florida by Wednesday or Thursday. One path follows the system across Central America and the Yucatan peninsula over the weekend, which would result in a weaker storm hitting the Sunshine State.

In a video, The Weather Channel breaks down what Floridians need to know about Sara.

Whiten Your Teeth With Science — Not Gimmicks!

Laughland is the dentist-formulated, clinically proven whitening kit that’s given 200,000+ people their dream smile — without pain or sensitivity. It’s easy to use, 100% safe, and guaranteed to work!

Get 7+ shades whiter in just 6 days — guaranteed!

➤ Seminole County: Commissioners blasted Lynx bus service for inefficiencies before approving a $14 million contract for the upcoming year and committing to explore ways to reduce costs to the county. (More)

➤ Hialeah: The city council appointed Juan Francisco Junco, 86, as its newest member, making him the oldest person in the city’s history to hold the position. (More)

➤ Palm Bay: Over the next few days, residents in the city’s northwest section may hear small explosions and scattered gunfire as Patrick Space Force Base conducts fall training exercises. (See Photos)

➤ The Miami Beach Convention Center reported a record-breaking fiscal year in 2024 and is preparing to host even more events in fiscal 2025, with 64 already booked. (See Details)

➤ Orlando: As the city works to reduce violence downtown by diversifying beyond bars, it will lose a theater in the heart of the Church Street entertainment area. Orlando Fringe will close in February. (More)

➤ Howey-in-the-Hills: Charlie Woods, son of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, wrapped up his first round of the Class 1A Florida high school state championship this week, shooting a 78—six shots over par—and finishing 55th. (See Photos)

➤ Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss a second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 home games at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees Spring Training facility. (More)

➤ The Orlando Magic held the Indiana Pacers to just 90 points in an impressive defensive performance on Wednesday night. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ The Only Device Stand You’ll Ever Need. GoDonut is a clever and convenient stand for phones, tablets, and e-readers that makes it easy to enjoy your mobile devices anywhere, hands-free. (See It Here)

➤ Defense contractor Northrop Grumman secured approval to build an expansion complex for 1,200 employees, including a single-story, 50-foot-high bay at Melbourne Orlando International Airport. (More)

➤ The University of South Florida’s Tampa campus recently broke ground on its new football stadium, a 35,000-seat venue scheduled to open in the fall of 2027. (See Photos)

➤ Disney’s Hollywood Studios is celebrating the holidays with an after-hours event called Jollywood Nights. The five-hour event features entertainment, festive food and beverages, and character meet-and-greets. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ ZQuiet is a ready-to-use, anti-snoring mouthpiece that provides immediate relief by gently moving your jaw forward. With ZQuiet, you can finally stop snoring at the source — for good! (See It Here)

How does Laughland whiten your teeth by 7+ shades in less than a week without sensitivity? It’s simple — we partnered with a team of renowned dentists, then did exactly what they told us to do!

That’s why our proprietary formula combines Hydrogen Peroxide — the exact same whitening agent your dentist uses — with a soothing blend of Glycerin, Sodium Bicarbonate and more natural ingredients that prevent sensitivity and boost results.

Finally, we keep our formula temperature controlled at all times to guarantee maximum effectiveness.

Only your dentist can offer similar results — yet Laughland is a fraction of the price, and you can use it from the comfort of your couch!

Laughland is the only whitening kit with a 100% success rate in clinical trials.

➤ An off-duty Coral Gables police officer chased a pair of burglars to a southwest Miami-Dade gas station Wednesday after they targeted his home. The suspects were apprehended. (See Video)

➤ Sea turtle nesting season was cut short after hurricanes left beaches and dunes flooded. Still, conservationists documented more nests in Pinellas County than last year. (See Video)

➤ The owner of a Panhandle home has gone viral for displaying large banners in support of President-elect Donald Trump over the years. The homeowner refuses to remove the banners, despite accumulating $63,000 in fines. (See Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ As the cold air creeps in, don’t let drafty windows ruin your comfort—or your energy bills. With Renewal by Andersen®, you can keep the chill out and enjoy a cozier, more energy-efficient home. For a limited time, save $400 on every window and $850 on every door¹. Their premium windows are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring lower heating costs and long-lasting comfort. Backed by a limited warranty and installed by experts, you’ll experience a perfect fit that stands the test of time.

Don’t wait! Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a warmer, more comfortable home.