Dog Adopted By A Familiar Face After Being Left Tied Up At Florida Park

According to the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care shelter, a dog named Ares was recently reunited with his original owner, Tierney, after being left tied up at a Florida park for an extended period. The organization revealed that Tierney was shocked to recognize Ares in a photograph and had been searching for him without success for a long time. When Tierney visited the Gainesville location, she showed staff photos of the dog from years ago, and they were able to confirm that the dog in the photos was indeed Ares.

In reunion photos shared online, Tierney can be seen holding onto a thrilled Ares. The shelter expressed their joy at the reunion, stating that it was a heartwarming moment for everyone involved. The organization emphasized the importance of microchipping pets to ensure their safety and increase the chances of a successful reunion in the event they become lost.

The story of Ares and Tierney serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up hope when searching for a lost loved one. The reunion between Ares and Tierney is a testament to the dedication and compassion of the staff at the A [+]

According to the organization, the individual — identified only as Tierney — saw a photograph of the dog, named Ares, and "was in shock" to recognize him.

Origin: See here

4 Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes In Florida Waters

Source: 4 Men Rescued After Boat Capsizes in Florida Waters

Florida Festival Throws Spotlight On Kumquats

Florida, known for its sunny weather and citrus production, is hosting a festival dedicated to a lesser-known fruit - the kumquat. The Kumquat Festival, held annually in the city of Winter Haven, brings together fruit enthusiasts, farmers, and chefs to celebrate the unique flavors and uses of this small, sweet citrus fruit. Attendees can sample kumquat-based dishes, drinks, and desserts, as well as learn about the history and cultivation of the fruit.

Kumquats are a type of citrus fruit that are native to Asia and are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and small size. They are often used in cooking and baking, and are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. The Kumquat Festival provides an opportunity for people to learn more about this versatile fruit and its many uses, as well as to support local farmers and food producers.

#Festival

DADE CITY, Fla. — Step aside oranges and grapefruit. On the last Saturday of January, your citrus cousin the kumquat takes center stage. At least that's the case in Dade City, the laid-back little community situated between Tampa and Orlando.

Source: Florida festival throws spotlight on kumquats - The Boston Globe

Biggest Events, Festivals Coming To Central Florida In 2024

This list will be updated with more details as they become available for some of the events happening later this year.

Source: Visit website

Five Things To Watch In Florida Legislative Session 2024

Florida's 2024 legislative session is set to begin on January 9 with a "State of the State" address from Governor Ron DeSantis. During this 60-day session, there are several key issues that are expected to be addressed, including education funding, healthcare reform, and economic development. It will be important to watch how these issues are addressed and how they impact various industries and communities throughout the state.

Another factor to consider is the potential impact of Governor DeSantis' recent second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses on his campaign for the presidency. If he continues to perform well in upcoming primaries in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada, it could affect the legislative session and the decisions made by lawmakers.

Overall, the 2024 Florida legislative session is expected to be a busy and important one, with many significant issues on the table. It will be important to stay informed and pay close attention to the actions and decisions made by lawmakers during this time.

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Here is what to look for over the 60-day session, which starts Jan. 9 with a 'State of the State' address from the governor.

Excerpt: See here

Florida Bill Would Require Option Of Policies That Cover Only Unpaid Mortgage Amount

A new bill proposed in Florida aims to provide homeowners with an additional insurance option to cover only the unpaid amount of their mortgage in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. The bill, which was introduced by State Representative Tom Leek, would require insurance companies to offer policies that cover the difference between the outstanding mortgage balance and the actual value of the damaged property. This would provide homeowners with additional financial protection and help them avoid the financial burden of paying off their mortgage in full after a disaster.

The proposed bill is seen as a response to the challenges faced by homeowners in Florida, who are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. According to a recent report by the Insurance Information Institute, Florida has the highest number of insured homes in the country, with over 60% of homes having some form of insurance coverage.

Ahead of Florida’s 2024 legislative session that begins Jan. 9, at least a dozen bills have been filed that could have an impact on the state’s insureds and insurers. It’s a sign that lawmakers are under renewed pressure to take further steps to reduce still-rising property ...

Reference: Florida Bill Would Require Option of Policies That Cover Only Unpaid Mortgage Amount

Los Angeles, Or Seattle For Less Than 10,000 SkyMiles Thanks To Delta's Latest ...

Opinion column: Travelers with a New Year's resolution to visit more destinations can start planning now with Delta's latest SkyMiles deals. Sorting by origin city, destination, or region, travelers can find which deal works for them. Additionally, selecting certain trip interests such as 'beach', 'city', 'food', or 'ski' can provide inspiration. The outbound travel dates, which are between Jan. 28, 2024, and Feb. 27, 2024, vary by city. Some top deals include flying to Florida, Los Angeles, or Seattle for less than 10,000 SkyMiles.

Delta shares on the SkyMiles Deals page, "You've earned the miles, now learn where they can take you. Explore deals to cities you already love or discover new destinations that await you." After a rocky start, James Harden has helped remake the Clippers in Los Angeles. Investors will dissect the December jobs report for further signs of labor market cooling, while lawmakers push [+]

For travelers with a New Year's resolution to visit more destinations, the time to start planning is now with these latest SkyMiles deals from Delta.

Reference: Fly to Florida, Los Angeles, or Seattle for Less Than 10,000 SkyMiles Thanks to Delta's Latest ...

Disney Says It’s A $40 Billion Benefit To Florida. Is It?

Disney's recent PR campaign highlighted the theme park empire's economic benefits to Florida, with TV ads featuring small-business owners expressing gratitude for Disney's business. However, the media's immediate acceptance of Disney's $40 billion economic impact claim without questioning or verifying the figure is surprising. The Associated Press story carried by the Sentinel noted that the figure was based on a "company-ordered" study, but no one attempted to vet the study's numbers or validity.

Disney and the study's conductor, Oxford Economics, refused to release backup documentation to support their claim, leaving the figure's legitimacy unverified. This raises questions about the quality and reliability of the "impact" being touted. Not all economic benefits are created equal, and some may even place a financial burden on the state and community.

^^, while Disney's economic impact on Florida is undoubtedly significant, it is essential to critically evaluate the claim of $40 billion in benefits.

Using TV ads that featured small-business owners who thanked Disney for doing business with them, the PR campaign was basically meant to remind everyone how valuable the theme park empire is to Florida.

Origin: Disney says it's a $40 billion benefit to Florida. Is it? | Commentary

NEW Florida Resident Discount Announced For Walt Disney World Hotel Stays In Spring * Summer ...

Walt Disney World has announced a new hotel discount for Florida residents booking stays at select Disney Resort hotels this spring and summer. The discount offers up to 30% off rooms for minimum 1-night stays through July 7, 2024, with a maximum of 14 nights. Excluded room types include Tower Studios at Disney's Riviera Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Pool View at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, and The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.

Advance reservations are required, and proof of Florida residency must be provided at check-in. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Walt Disney World has announced a new hotel discount for Florida residents vacationing this spring and summer.

Source: NEW Florida Resident Discount Announced for Walt Disney World Hotel Stays in Spring & Summer ...

1,400-pound Great White Shark Pings Off Florida Near Flagler Beach On New Year's Day

A massive 1,400-pound great white shark was spotted off the coast of Florida near Flagler Beach on New Year's Day, according to reports. The shark, which is believed to be a female, was tracked by a team of researchers from the University of Florida using a satellite-linked tracking device. The shark was last seen swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 10 miles off the coast of Flagler Beach.

While great white sharks are not uncommon in the waters off Florida, the sheer size of this particular shark is unusual. Great white sharks typically weigh between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, with the largest individuals reaching lengths of up to 20 feet. The shark spotted off Flagler Beach is believed to be one of the largest great whites ever recorded in the area.

The sighting of the massive great white shark has raised concerns among local residents and beachgoers.

He has traveled 8 miles in the past 72 hours and 33,969 miles since he was tagged, according to his tracker.

Origin: See here

Join The 33rd Annual Festival Of Chefs In Miami

Join the 33rd Annual Festival of Chefs in Miami and prepare your palate for a culinary experience like no other. This year's event will feature up to 700 food, wine, and spirits enthusiasts sampling the culinary offerings from some of South Florida's hottest chefs and restaurants. Chef Jose Mendin will serve as this year's Event Chef Chair, while Kelly Blanco will serve as Event Emcee. The highlight of every Festival of Chefs is when the Easterseals culinary students proudly show off their skills with a signature dish presented to attendees.

Samsung is holding its first Unpacked event of 2024 on January 17, and many expect to see the Galaxy S24 flagship smartphone line unveiled during the presentation.

Looking to save money and make traveling a little easier? Consider adding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card to your wallet. Business credit cards can help business owners streamline and improve their operations.

The annual event attracts up to 700 food, wine, and spirits enthusiasts to sample the culinary offerings from some of South Florida's hottest chefs and restaurants. Chef Jose Mendin will serve as this year's Event Chef Chair while Kelly Blanco will serve as Event Emcee.

Origin: Visit website

Unique New Year’s Eve Events In Florida To Ring In 2024

Looking for unique New Year's Eve events in Florida to ring in 2024? Look no further! Florida has many fun and distinctive events happening this year, including shrimp drops, pineapple drops, orange drops, drag queen performances, beach ball drops, and more. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly celebration or a more adult-oriented event, there's something for everyone across the Sunshine State.

Don't miss out on the excitement! On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Panama City Beach's Pier Park will host a family-friendly party starting at 5:35 pm, followed by a 10,000 beach ball drop for kids at 8:00 pm and one of the world's largest beach balls drops at 12:00 am. For more information, visit the event's website.

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As another year closes, you may look for the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve events in Florida. to ring in the New Year across the Sunshine State.

Reference: Visit website

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Revamped Florida Bills Aiming To Protect Kids Online

TAMPA, Fla. — It's no secret that billions of people use social media every day, but what so many of us don't always think about is that kids are part of that group of users.

Citation: Just a moment...

Here Are Some Of The Best Spots To Find Manatees In Florida

Manatees are fascinating creatures that can be found in various locations throughout Florida. These gentle giants are known to congregate in shallow waters, bays, and estuaries, where they can feed on aquatic plants and enjoy the warm waters. Some of the best spots to find manatees in Florida include Blue Spring State Park, Three Sisters Springs, and Kings Bay. These areas offer a safe and comfortable environment for manatees to thrive, and they are also popular tourist destinations, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

In addition to these well-known locations, there are many other hidden gems throughout Florida where manatees can be spotted. For example, the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to a rehabilitation center for injured manatees, and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge offers guided tours that allow visitors to swim alongside these gentle creatures.

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ORLANDO, Fla. – During winter, manatees typically head inland to Florida waterways to wait out the colder months in warmer temperatures.

Reference: Visit website

Computer Device In Florida Girl’s Head Keeps Seizures At Bay

A small electrical device implanted in a Florida girl's head has been keeping seizures at bay for her. The device, which resembles the bottom half of an old flip phone, sends a tiny electrical charge through two wires directly into the girl's brain about 250 times a day. This has allowed her to read at grade level, play sports, and give piano recitals without experiencing any clinical seizures for almost three years.

The girl, named Emma, was 11 years old at the time of the implant. Her parents, Lynda and Danny Coto, met in Tampa's Soho neighborhood and are both from New Orleans. The device was implanted below Emma's scalp and has been effective in controlling her seizures.

According to the article, Emma's last clinical seizure occurred almost three years ago, and she has been able to ### a relatively normal ### since then. The device has been a game-changer for Emma and her family, providing her with the freedom to pursue her interests and ### without the fear of [+]

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It comes from a small electrical device, reminiscent of the bottom half of an old flip phone, that doctors implanted below her scalp. About 250 times a day, it sends a tiny electrical charge through two wires directly into her brain.

Referrer: MSN

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2023 Florida Sports Year In Review

In 2023, Florida sports saw a mix of highs and lows. The year began with the retirement of legendary quarterback Tom Brady, a blow to fans across the state. However, local athletes made their mark in Major League Baseball, the NBA, and the NFL, with several first-round draft picks emerging from Florida teams. The golf world also saw significant developments, including the merger of the PGA and LIV tours, and first-time winners on the PGA tour in Taylor Moore and Kurt Kitayama.

The year ended on a high note for Florida sports, with three professional teams making the playoffs in the Rays, Lightning, and Bucs. However, the Florida State University football team went undefeated and won the ACC Championship, only to be snubbed from the College Football Playoff. Despite this setback, the year was filled with exciting moments and talented athletes, and Spectrum Sports looks back on the events and personalities that made it one to remember.

#Sports

FLORIDA — Well, 2023 brought us another Tom Brady retirement, local athletes getting being first round draft picks in Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NFL.

Excerpt: See here

Mayor Removes Confederate Monument In Jacksonville Despite Opposition

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan ordered the removal of a Confederate monument from a city park early Wednesday morning, ending years of debate and controversy over its removal. Deegan stated that the monument was a divisive presence that had no place in a city park, and that symbols matter, as they represent what a city stands for and what it aspires to be. By removing the Confederate monument, the city signals a belief in shared humanity and equality among all people.

Resident Wells Todd expressed bittersweet feelings about the monument's removal, questioning why it took so long to take action on something that should never have been erected. Black filed legislation in the 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions to block cities from removing Confederate and other historical memorials in the state, giving Governor Ron DeSantis the authority to remove and fine any elected official involved in taking down such memorials.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Crews removed a Confederate monument from a Jacksonville, Florida, park early Wednesday morning after years of debate and controversy over its removal.

Source: MSN

The monument was removed early Wednesday morning.

Merrimac Ventures Announce $1 Billion Colorado Project

Fort Partners and Merrimac Ventures, two successful developers from Florida, are teaming up to launch a nearly $1 billion project in Telluride, Colorado. The project will feature a Four Seasons hotel and residential complex, with 52 guest rooms and 68 residences, each priced over $2 million. The developers aim to open the property two to three years after construction begins, and while the project is their first outside of Florida, they are confident in Telluride's untapped luxury real estate potential.

Despite being unfamiliar with skiing, Merrimac's co-managing partner, Dev Motwani, was convinced by a businessman from Telluride during a New York City visit to invest in the project. Merrimac's partner, Nadim Ashi, a dedicated skier with three decades of winter visits to Telluride, jumped on the concept. The developers see potential in turning Telluride into a year-round destination, engaging in discussions with European spa companies and tapping into summer activities such as music festiv [+]

... ...

Florida developers Fort Partners and Merrimac Ventures are setting out on a grand adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

Source: MSN

Florida Woman Shocked To Find Entire Driveway Stolen

Amanda Brochu, a resident of Orange County, Florida, was shocked to discover that her entire driveway had been stolen. She had recently put her home up for sale and had made repairs, including replacing the roof, in preparation for the sale. When she confronted one of the contractors who had been hired to do the work, he provided screenshots of text messages between himself and a man named Andre, who had allegedly requested a quote for replacing the driveway. However, when the contractor demanded proof of ownership before starting the job, Andre disappeared and the driveway was never replaced.

The following week, Brochu's entire driveway was missing, leaving her and her real estate agent in shock. The deputies launched a criminal mischief investigation into the incident and called Andre, who hung up without providing any explanation. The incident is unusual and has raised concerns about the safety and security of homeowners in the area.

^^, Amanda Brochu's experience with a missing driveway is a concerning one, highlighting the potential risks of hiring unverified contractors for home [+]

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When most people encounter scammers , they usually try to take their money or valuables. For one Florida woman , her entire driveway was stolen.

Source: Florida Woman Shocked to Find Entire Driveway Stolen - The Messenger

Florida Beach Guardians

Florida Beach Guardians: Origin

Florida Beach Guardians, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the state's beaches, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. The organization was founded by a group of concerned citizens who recognized the importance of preserving Florida's coastline and the impact of human activities on the environment. These early pioneers saw the need for a coordinated effort to protect the state's beaches from erosion, pollution, and other threats, and they worked tirelessly to establish the organization that would become Florida Beach Guardians.

Throughout its history, Florida Beach Guardians has been instrumental in advocating for policies and practices that promote sustainable beach management. The organization has worked with state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to develop and implement measures that protect the state's beaches and ensure their long-term health. From advocating for beach re-nourishment projects to promoting responsible land use practices, Florida Beach Guardians has been a leading voice in the effort to preserve Florida's beaches for future generations.

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Origin: Florida Beach Guardians

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