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Thursday, January 2, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1936, Central Florida's first tourist attraction, Cypress Gardens, opened to visitors. The attraction was known for its nature displays, thrilling ski shows, and traditional amusement park thrill rides.

It's National Cream Puff Day. Originating in France, cream puffs are also known as profiteroles and choux a la creme. We hope you enjoy one today.

Today's edition is abbreviated as we return from the holiday break. We'll be back tomorrow with a full Flyover Florida packed with news.

We're sponsored today by Audien Atom 2, the most affordable hearing aid on the market.

Florida's Changing Attractions

A gallery of incredible photos shows how Florida's attractions have changed over the decades—or, in some cases, haven't changed much at all. You can see the photos here.

The expansion of American railways in the 1860s opened vast tracts of Florida to development, and the Sunshine State has been constantly evolving ever since.

Cypress Gardens, mentioned in our history item today, opened in 1936 and ushered in a future of theme parks, water rides, and shows in Florida. One of the most striking changes in the state, however, can be seen by comparing photos of Miami in the early 1900s with the same spots today.

Best Florida Comfort Foods

Few foods are more comforting than a stack of warm pancakes or a slice of gooey pizza. Two Florida restaurants have been recognized as the best in the state for serving each.

A list identifying the best pancake house in each state named Keke's Breakfast Cafe as the top spot for pancakes in Florida. With locations throughout the state, Keke's also serves other morning favorites and lunch.

Pummarola Pizzeria Napoletana, with locations in Boca Raton and Miami, was ranked No. 45 on the list of the "50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains," presented by 50 Top Pizza. Helmed by four brothers from the Mele family, Pummarola Pizzeria Napoletana is the only Florida eatery to make the list.

The World's Most Affordable Hearing Aids

Meet the Atom 2, the next generation of over the counter hearing aids from Audien Hearing. Enjoy crystal clear sound the moment you put them on!

Get your hearing back for $1000s less than traditional hearing aids. No doctor visits required!

➤ Statewide: Check out this field guide of the best bird-watching spots in the Sunshine State. (See Guide)

➤ St. Petersburg: The Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival & Competition will take place at Vinoy Park on Saturday and Sunday, January 11-12. (See Details)

➤ Plant City: The Florida Strawberry Festival is expected to attract 500,000 visitors over 11 days starting Feb. 27, featuring headliner Reba McEntire. (More)

➤ Tampa: Area leaders are looking to make Tampa a premier destination for high-profile sporting events. (See Events)

➤ Elkton: The Florida Man Games will feature audience participation and a new venue at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds for the March 1 competition. (More)

➤ Orlando: Voting is underway for the 2025 Miss America pageant, with the winner set to be crowned on Jan. 5 at The Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Improve your golf game at home! The Birdie Mat Pro is the key to improving your golf swing with real-time feedback on your swing, you don't even need to use a ball to practice! (See It Here)

Audien Atom's hearing aids are specifically designed to help resolve mild to moderate hearing loss. The Atom 2's advanced A2 chip provides brilliant amplified sound, reduces "ringing", and lasts a full 24 hours on a single charge.

The best part is that we sell directly to you, without middlemen. So you don't pay for a doctor visit, hearing test, or bulky, outdated prescription hearing aids!

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