No comments:

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1513, explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in what is now Florida and claimed it for Spain.

GOP candidates swept the Special Election on Tuesday, with Randy Fine winning in the 6th Congressional District and Jimmy Patronis winning in the 1st Congressional District.

Today's sponsor is DeleteMe, offering a quick, easy, and safe way to remove your data online.

DeSantis, Lawmakers Clash on Budget, Taxes

Budget battles are brewing in Florida between the governor and the House, as well as between the House and the Senate.

Gov. Ron DeSantis countered the House's newly announced proposal to cut sales taxes with his plan to give a $1,000 property tax rebate to state homesteaded homeowners in December.

"The tax relief needs to be Florida first; we need to focus on our Florida residents," DeSantis said, explaining that a sales tax cut benefits Florida's tourists.

In another House proposal, $50 million is allocated for the Hometown Heroes housing program, while the Senate's budget lists $150 million. The program, which was expanded under the Live Local Act, aids first-time homebuyers with down payments and other costs.

Lawmakers Seek to Repeal No-Fault Auto Insurance

A House subcommittee has advanced legislation to repeal Florida's no-fault automobile insurance, while the Senate is pushing a similar bill that would take effect on July 1, 2026.

In Florida, no-fault auto insurance means all drivers must carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) to cover their medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of fault.

The proposed law would instead require bodily injury liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per incident, and $10,000 in property damage coverage.

A similar bill was first proposed in 2021, and the debate about whether the repeal of PIP will raise insurance premiums has been ongoing since then. Industry groups and Gov. Ron DeSantis oppose the repeal.

Housing Crash Risk in Florida Cities

A recent report lists three Florida cities at a higher risk of facing a housing market crash this year, with the state having five of the 10 coolest markets in America. You can see the report here.

West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Winter Haven are among the top U.S. markets to watch, according to real estate analytics company Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). The report says these cities are "very high risk," showing an over 70% chance of price declines.

While reasons vary, the declines are generally tied to soaring insurance rates, overdevelopment, affordability, and a correction after extreme growth.

Flying together with our sponsor

Every day, data brokers compile your personal details—career milestones, family ties, and online habits—and sell them to the highest bidder.

This unchecked trade exposes you to identity theft, phishing scams, and targeted harassment, compromising your privacy.

DeleteMe removes your data from hundreds of broker sites, reducing your risk. In our interconnected world, every click leaves a mark. Safeguarding your data preserves not just today's security, but your legacy for tomorrow. Own your narrative and secure your digital life.

Get 20% off at joindeleteme.com/FLYOVER with promo code FLYOVER at checkout. Act now—protect your privacy and take control of your data.

➤ Tallahassee: On Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the Hope Florida program now has a liaison stationed in every sheriff's office across all 67 counties. (See Video)

➤ Merritt Island: SpaceX launched the first humans to orbit Earth's poles Monday night from Kennedy Space Center, sending the Fram2 team up aboard a Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket. (See Launch)

➤ Sebring: Nonprofit Donate Life Florida announced the launch of the state's first-ever statewide organ donor registration initiative in April, timed to coincide with National Donate Life Month. (More)

➤ Boca Raton: At a PragerU gala, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that if Canada became the 51st state, conservatives would regret having tens of millions of progressive Canadians voting for the U.S. president. (See Details)

➤ Winter Garden: Zoning officers have delayed action on a proposed ordinance to limit home sizes and restrict how much older homes can be expanded after nearly 200 residents packed a community meeting to share opinions. (See Video)

➤ Tampa International Airport launched its first nonstop service to South America and its first route to a new continent in nearly 50 years with Avianca's flight to Bogotá, Colombia. (More)

➤ Tampa Bay Rays rookie Jake Mangum recorded his first MLB hit in the team's 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. Mangum finished his day with four hits, two RBIs, and two stolen bases. (Watch Video)

➤ Paolo Banchero has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 30.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, as well as leading the Orlando Magic to three wins this past week. (More)

➤ Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware put the finishing touches on the team's 120-94 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday with this violent dunk over 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr. (Watch Video)

Yesterday's Results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NIT | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Rediscover vibrant sound with AmpliHear's advanced hearing aids. Designed for comfort and clarity, these devices enhance your auditory experience, allowing you to reconnect with life's precious moments. Experience the difference AmpliHear can make in your daily life. Shop affordable hearing aids now.

➤ St. Petersburg-based Raymond James Financial was ranked the top large employer in Florida on Forbes' annual list of America's best large employers. (See List)

➤ At the eMerge Americas Conference in Miami, business and innovation leaders announced a new partnership aimed at positioning Florida as a premier global hub for technology, capital, and entrepreneurship. (More)

➤ An appeals court has rejected a challenge by Sanctuary Cannabis to a Florida Department of Health rule that led to dramatically increased license renewal costs for medical marijuana companies. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Introducing the ICE Box—a comprehensive solution to organize and protect your life's essential documents and accounts. Securely store information on possessions, policies, government documents, and estate plans in one place. Simplify your life and safeguard your legacy with the ICE Box. (Shop Now)

Flying together with our sponsor

Every day, data brokers sell your personal details—career, family, and online habits—to the highest bidder, putting you at risk of identity theft and scams. DeleteMe removes your data from hundreds of sites, reducing your exposure and protecting your privacy. Take control of your digital life today.

Get 20% off at joindeleteme.com/FLYOVER with promo code FLYOVER. Act now—your privacy is worth it.

➤ The FAA released its 2024 report on laser strikes against aircraft, revealing Florida ranks third in the nation for these dangerous incidents. (More)

➤ A federal judge in Florida has blocked the imports of high-priced Chilean sea bass from protected waters near Antarctica in a fishing feud with Russia. (See Details)

➤ The Village People music group, made popular again by President Trump's use of its song Y.M.C.A., will headline the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival in Tampa on April 5. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your home with LeafFilter's top-rated gutter protection system. Enjoy clog-free gutters, free cleaning and realignment, and a lifetime transferable warranty. Schedule your free estimate today and experience the peace of mind that comes with America's #1 gutter guard. Right now, get 75% off your installation. (Shop Now)