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Monday, December 23, 2024

Good Morning! On this day in 1978, Andra Davis, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills after a standout college career with the Florida Gators, was born in Live Oak.

Christmas and Hanukkah are only a few days away, and The Florida Flyover will be adjusting its coverage a bit so that our team members can spend time with their families. Beginning Christmas Day, we'll be publishing shorter editions until the weekend and then be back on Monday with our regular publication.

Today is National Christmas Movie Marathon Day. Grab some popcorn, your favorite beverage, and your best friend—and plan a night of holiday movie magic.

Today's sponsor is the Voice of Martyrs, who are helping provide aid to Christians in hostile territories.

Lara Trump Withdraws from Senate Consideration

Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, posted on X Saturday that she has withdrawn her name from consideration to replace outgoing Sen. Marco Rubio.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will select a replacement for Rubio, who is expected to resign as senator after being confirmed by the Senate as Trump's pick for secretary of state.

Speculation had mounted that Lara Trump, who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 election cycle, would succeed Rubio in the Senate.

Lara Trump said she has a "big announcement" to make in January but did not provide details. She stated that she remains passionate about public service and looks forward to serving again in the future.

St. Augustine Named 'The Ultimate Southern Christmas Town'

Southern Living has declared St. Augustine the "Ultimate Southern Christmas Town" this year, citing its stunning holiday light displays, abundant shopping options, and festive Christmas cocktails.

The magazine highlighted the city's annual Night of Lights festival, during which 20 city blocks are covered in more than 3 million white lights for the holiday season.

The city is celebrating its 459th birthday this year as one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the continental United States. HGTV praised St. Augustine last year for going "all out for Christmas."

Central Florida's Best Holiday Light Displays

The Orlando Sentinel's seventh annual Twinkly Awards honored 25 aspiring Clark Griswolds of Central Florida who dedicated their time, talent, and electric bills to spreading holiday cheer with a variety of Christmas light displays. See the list of addresses here.

Neely Nights in Oviedo celebrates Neely Street neighbors coming together to decorate their front lawns. The focal point of the collaboration is the first home visitors see when entering the neighborhood, decked with thousands of lights.

George Case, 87, has been putting out his handmade wooden Christmas decorations in Orlando for years. Case's late wife, Beatrice—to whom he dedicates his display—painted many of the wooden creatures.

The Bivona Christmas Lights Show in Winter Springs, which started in 1983, is now a modern display that dances to the beat of dubstep and electronic remixes of holiday music.

Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world's most hostile and restricted nations.

His mission? To meet the courageous men and women who have faced persecution for their unwavering faith in Christ. Todd has traveled far and wide to hear their powerful stories firsthand and to bring their voices to the world, sharing their extraordinary testimonies of faith and resilience.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ Statewide: Growing faster than almost any other state, Florida's estimated population topped 23.3 million this year, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. (See Details)

➤ Pinellas County: The county recorded its highest-ever economic impact from tourism dollars this year, reaching $11.2 billion, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. (See Video)

➤ Tampa: The Public Service Commission approved a $9.14 monthly rate increase for Tampa Electric Co. residential customers starting in January. (More)

➤ Cape Canaveral: A SpaceX rocket launch was aborted during liftoff on Saturday, postponing what would have been the Space Coast's 91st launch of the year. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) graduated 17 troopers who completed the lateral recruit class (LRC) at the FHP Academy. It was the third graduation this year. (See Photos)

➤ Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed George Heisel and reappointed Carlos Duart to the Florida International University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 7. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came up short in a tough 26-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night despite a late-game surge. (More)

➤ The University of Florida blew out Tulane 33-8 in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl on Friday. (More)

➤ The Orlando Magic tied a franchise record with a 25-point comeback win over the Miami Heat on Saturday. (More)

Yesterday's results: NFL | NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | PGA

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➤ Palm House, a boutique luxury hotel on Palm Beach Island, has opened, marking the first U.S. venture for its UK-based owners. (More)

➤ Orlando-based XR Training has completed the international fielding of its Amphibious Combat Vehicle Driver Training System (ACV-DTS) for the U.S. Marine Corps. (See Photos)

➤ Big Lots announced it will hold "going-out-of-business sales" at all remaining stores in the coming days. The company has already closed more than 30 stores in Florida. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

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Be Inspired by Bold Believers

For 25 years, Todd Nettleton, the host of VOM Radio, has ventured into some of the world's most hostile and restricted nations.

In his new book, When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians, Todd invites you to meet these bold believers.

Each stop on this journey will challenge you to reflect on your own walk with Christ along the sometimes-difficult path toward our heavenly home.

Through their incredible stories of courageous faith, we pray you will be inspired to a deeper, bolder walk with Christ.

This compelling book is free for you with any gift—simply request your copy today!

➤ A state committee tasked with writing an annual report about medical school graduates' training in Florida hospitals held its first meeting six months late last week. The law that created the committee required it to meet no later than July 1, 2024. (More)

➤ Scientists at the University of Florida focusing on avocado production have secured a $5 million federal grant to combat the lethal Laurel wilt disease and the redbay ambrosia beetles responsible for it. (More)

➤ Strong east winds have pushed red tide blooms 6-to-8 miles offshore from Lee County, leaving coastal communities mostly clear. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

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