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Friday, January 24, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1989, serial killer Ted Bundy was executed by electric chair at Florida State Prison in Starke.

It's National Peanut Butter Day. Peanuts are grown on 185,000 acres in Florida, with 75% made into peanut butter. Reply to this email to let us know your favorite food using peanuts!

Do you love Florida? So do our 160,000 readers. Advertise in Flyover Florida and connect your business with passionate locals. Learn more.

If you're looking for your next investment opportunity, look no further than today's sponsor, BOXABL.

New Space Race Between Moguls

President Trump's inaugural call to plant an American flag on Mars has sparked a new space race between billionaire tech moguls Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, with Florida's Space Coast playing a key role.

Musk's SpaceX's Starship is currently the only spacecraft being developed that can refuel in space, an essential part of the long journey. However, Bezos' Blue Origin's orbital New Glenn launched from Cape Canaveral last week, promising new competition.

Last year, NASA awarded Mars mission contracts to seven companies, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin. The U.S. is competing with China, Russia, and other nations to reach Mars.

Of the seven contracted companies, only Lockheed Martin successfully built spacecraft that landed on Mars—the Viking landers that launched from Cape Canaveral in 1975.

James Beard Semifinalists Named

Thirteen Florida restaurants and chefs have been named 2025 James Beard Semifinalists in the 35th anniversary of the prestigious culinary awards. You can see the list here.

Semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories, with three new ones added this year: best new bar, outstanding professional in beverage service, and outstanding professional in cocktail service.

Finalists will be named on April 2. The winners will be announced on June 16 at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in Chicago.

Two Cities Make Budget Travel List

Jacksonville and Fort Myers are among the world's "22 Cheapest Places to Travel This Year." You can see the full list here.

With 5.2 billion people expected to travel by air this year, a 6.7% increase from last year, Travel + Leisure and travel site Kayak compiled the list of domestic and international destinations.

A trip to Jacksonville comes with an average flight and hotel cost of $520, with May to September the best time to visit, the article advises. Must-see sites include the Big Talbot Island State Park.

A Fort Myers trip carries an average flight and hotel cost of $569, with September to November the best time to visit.

Flying together with our sponsor

America's top homebuilder invests in "non-traded" stock

You must be doing something right if the biggest names in your industry take an interest.

That's the story with BOXABL. The company has gained the attention of investors like D.R. Horton with a business model that brings assembly lines to new home construction.

You see, where traditional homes take over seven months to build, BOXABL factories can make their signature Casita home in nearly four hours, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and all. No wonder 190,000+ potential buyers already reserved one*. And they're just getting started.

Now, everyday investors can join them too. When BOXABL last opened a Reg A investment opportunity, they maxed out the $75M limit. Become an investor for just $0.80/share.

➤ Tallahassee: Gov. Ron DeSantis scheduled special elections for April 1 (primary) and June 10 (general) to fill two congressional seats. (See Details)

➤ Brevard County: A $1.4 million federal grant will go to 13 homeless projects and services, including an affordable housing complex in Cocoa. (See Video)

➤ Flagler County: The sheriff's office bought a $135,000 high-tech fingerprint machine, paid for with drug forfeiture funds. (See Video)

➤ Merritt Island: NASA honored fallen astronauts at a Day of Remembrance event at the Kennedy Space Center. (Watch)

➤ Port Orange: A suspected chemical leak at a wastewater treatment plant led to the evacuation of nearby residents. (More)

➤ Volusia County: Weapons-related incidents are down in area schools thanks to K-9 officer Maverick's success in sniffing out dangerous objects. (See Photo)

➤ Miami Dolphins pass rusher Chop Robinson and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. have been nominated for Rookie of the Year awards. (More)

➤ The Miami Heat suspended star forward Jimmy Butler for the second time this season after he missed a team flight amid trade rumors. (More)

➤ Some Tampa Bay Rays ticket packages are going up nearly 40% as the team readies to play in a much smaller stadium due to Tropicana Field's hurricane damage. (More)

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➤ A bill under consideration by lawmakers could make Florida's insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, available to all homeowners in the state, but it would only cover windstorm damage. (More)

➤ The Jacksonville Jaguars issued another invitation to bid on the "Stadium of the Future" renovation of EverBank Stadium, seeking contractors for the $1.4 billion project. (More)

➤ Tallahassee's Dog Et Al, a landmark comfort food restaurant on South Monroe Street, has relocated to Bannerman Crossing due to rising crime in its old location. (More)

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210 Days v. 4 Hours

Building a new home today can take over 210 days. No wonder there's a housing shortage of 2.3 million homes. That's why BOXABL's solution is so intriguing.

By leveraging the power of the assembly line, BOXABL's factories can produce a home in nearly 4 hours, fully equipped with plumbing, electrical, and HVAC—ready to be shipped to their final destination. It's gaining attention, too. They've built 600+ homes and gotten 190,000+ more reservations from potential buyers*. America's largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, even invested.

Now, you can join them. Become a BOXABL shareholder for just $0.80/share.

This is a paid advertisement for Boxabl's Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at https://www.boxabl.com/invest/ * Reservations represents a non-binding indication of interest to purchase as Casita. A reservation does not require purchase of a Casita and there is no assurance of how many will result in actual purchases.

➤ Finalists for Florida Atlantic University president include former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, with public candidate forums set for February. (See Details)

➤ A charter boat captain shared video footage of the rescue of nearly 150 vultures stranded in water near the Florida Keys. (Watch Video)

➤ Watch these dogs in North Florida experience snow for the first time. (Watch)

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