Florida-Bound Talent: Rivals Analyst John Garcia Jr.'S Top Prospects

Florida-Bound Talent: John Garcia Jr.'s Top Sunshine State Prospects In a series examining the next big things in college football, John Garcia Jr., a national recruiting analyst, has identified five prospects from the Sunshine State who are poised for stardom. This installment focuses on two Florida natives, Will Pickett and Graceson Littleton, as well as two recruits who have relocated to the state, Jalen Carroll and TJ Moore.

Pickett, a towering 6-foot-4 talent, is being heavily recruited by both Oregon and Miami, with the possibility of playing on both sides of the ball increasing. With 30 receiving touchdowns in his last 30 varsity games, Pickett's athleticism, speed, and ball skills make him an impressive prospect. Having committed to LSU, Pickett's recruitment is becoming more intriguing as the cycle comes to a close.

Jalen Carroll, a native Pennsylvanian... has made the move to Florida and has flourished on the gridiron. As a dominant run blocker, Carroll has captivated scouts with his size, athleticism, and mentality. Though there is a question mark regarding his positional future, Carroll's immense potential could translate to a swing prospect.

Clemson has been reliant on younger athletes this season, often the result of early identification and strong recruiting efforts by Dabo Swinney and his coaching staff. One notable find among the current freshman class is wide receiver TJ Moore, a Tampa native who could be joined by Graceson Littleton, another local product... as a potential key contributor.

These prospects, including Pickett, Carroll, Moore, Littleton, "and Travis Hunter," "are shaping up to be the next big things in college football," with their success potentially following in the footsteps of storied programs like Florida State and the University of Florida. This information was first published in "NBC Sports".

Reference: See here

John Garcia, Jr. is a national recruiting analyst for Rivals, known for his in-depth coverage of top prospects in college football. With a keen eye for talent, he scouts the nation's top players, identifying those who will make a significant impact in the sport. Garcia's expertise extends beyond analysis, as he has built a reputation for accurate predictions and insider knowledge.

His insights and opinions are highly sought after by college programs, scouts, "and fans alike.".. making him a go-to authority in the world of college football recruitment.

●●● ●●●

• • • •

Rivals national recruiting analyst John Garcia, Jr . looks at five Sunshine State prospects who are going to be the next big thing in college football. THIS SERIES – THE NEXT GREAT .... Midwest | Southeast | Mid-South An unprecedented venture before Floridian Deion Sanders became Prime Time at Florida State by excelling in all three phases in addition to two other sports, we didn't see him get chances at wide receiver until his NFL days. Travis Hunter , another native Floridian under the tutelage of Sanders at Colorado , is surely next in line.
Will Pickett continue the trend going for Sunshine State natives? The 6-foot-4 talent is being courted on both sides of the ball late in his recruitment.

Miniature Giants Of The Deep: Elusive Whale Secrets Revealed Lastly

The whale measures 8 feet in length. Pygmy and dwarf sperm whales ___ in deep, offshore waters, making it difficult to study them in their natural environment. They inhabit temperate and tropical oceans and are smaller than other types of whales.

Read more: Visit website

JUPITER — The depths of the Atlantic paid a visit to the beaches of Palm Beach County last week when an 8-foot whale washed up on the shore just south of Carlin Park.

People who work with the Stewards, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue and the Jupiter Police Department moved the whale into a van and took it to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton .

There, scientists will conduct a necropsy — an animal autopsy — on the whale. The Stewards said they hope the investigation will better inform them about whale health and the challenges these mammals are facing in the wild.

The Stewards said they had not confirmed the whale's exact species, but its scientists think it is a pygmy or dwarf sperm whale. These types of whales live in deep, offshore waters. This makes them difficult to study in their natural environment, according to the release.

These whales live in temperate and tropical oceans and are on the smaller side when compared to others. All told, there are an estimated 300,000 sperm whales left worldwide.

New Six-Story Hotel Coming To Nora Mixed-Use Development In Florida

A new six-story hotel is set to be built as part of the Nora mixed-use development in Florida, situated at 1055 N Railroad Avenue. The hotel will feature 201 rooms and is expected to be completed by 2026. The broader Nora development is a 175,000-square-foot project, with the first phase consisting of approximately 150,000 square feet of retail and 55,000 square feet of office space.

This phase, which is expected to be completed next year, has secured a $84 million mortgage from Bank OZK. The first-phase tenants at the development include a range of businesses, including Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, H⁘H Bagels from New York, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Juliana's Pizza, Celis Juice Bar and Café from West Palm Beach, "and national boutique fitness chains Rumble and Solidcore." The completion of the hotel and development is expected to bring new amenities and opportunities to the area... solidifying the Nora mixed-use development as a desirable destination in Florida.

This article relies on valuable information from Commercial Observer... a trusted source for news and insights in the commercial real estate industry.

Read more: Found here

The new, six-story hotel, to be built within the Nora mixed-use development, will house 201 rooms at 1055 N Railroad Avenue . The 175,000-square-foot development is expected to be completed in 2026. In June, Bank OZK provided a $84 million mortgage for the first phase, which will feature about 150,000 square feet of retail and 55,000 square feet for office space inside rehabilitated warehouses and new development. Construction is expected to be completed next year. 

Hurricanes Helene And Milton Leave Massive Sandbarriers To Florida's Recovery

Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left a trail of destruction along Florida's Gulf Coast, with the unexpected consequence of mountains of sand obstructing recovery efforts. The powerful storms have dumped massive amounts of fine, white sand, transforming it into a costly impediment to recovery for homeowners and municipalities.

Residents of Bradenton Beach, about an hour's drive south of Tampa, are working tirelessly to dig out from under the sand. The roads are lined with sandbanks several feet high, surrounding some bungalows. The scene is comparable to a blustery Midwestern blizzard, with the sand resembling 4 to 6 feet of snow.

Roughly an hour south of Bradenton Beach, Ron and Jean Dyer have seen their condo building on Venice Island inundated with sand. Hurricane Helene had blown approximately 3 feet of sand up against the building... which took dozens of volunteers armed with shovels and wheelbarrows two days to dig out of the condo's pool. However, Hurricane Milton soon filled the pool back in. Contractor Scott Bennett, who has worked in storm recovery since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has never encountered sand to the extent seen in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

"I've never seen sand like this," Bennett said. "Wind, rain, water, but never sand." The sheer volume of sand has left communities struggling to recover, "with the fine," "white sand creating literal barriers to access." The recovery efforts are ongoing... with authorities and residents working together to clear the massive amounts of sand.

The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness and resilience.

Source: Found here

Residents of Florida's Gulf Coast are digging out from mountains of sand after Hurricanes Helene and Milton clobbered them with back-to-back hits in less than two weeks BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. -- When a hurricane sets its sights on Florida, storm-weary residents may think of catastrophic wind, hammering rain and dangerous storm surge. Mounds of sand swallowing their homes? Not so much.

Harvest Nights Music Festival Postponed To January 2025 Due To Hurricanes

The Harvest Nights Music Festival, touted as the largest Southwest Florida concert event of the year, has been postponed to 2025 due to the impact of Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, which struck the region in recent weeks. The event, organized by The Charity Pros, a Fort Myers-based nonprofit, had originally been scheduled to take place from November 22-24 in the John Jimmie Rodeo Grounds on the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Immokalee Reservation.

According to an official statement, the festival has been rescheduled for January 10-12, 2025. Despite the postponement, the majority of the original lineup --- intact, including headliners Def Leppard, Brad Paisley, and Train. However, The Glorious Sons and Mac McAnally, who was set to perform with Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, will no longer be part of the event.

Ticket holders will be emailed instructions for exchanging their tickets... according to the festival's Facebook post. The Harvest Nights Music Festival is a camping-style event that allows attendees to stay on site for the entire weekend, or they can opt for concert-only tickets. The event also features a Festival Village, which will offer --- entertainment, food trucks, and arts and crafts booths.

The event's organizers expressed their gratitude to attendees for their patience and understanding... stating that they are "blessed to have kept almost all of our lineup together" and look forward to seeing everyone in January. This news was reported by the Naples Daily News, "a trusted source for local news in Southwest Florida." With the event's postponement, there is an opportunity for attendees to plan accordingly and make any necessary arrangements for the new dates.

The rescheduled Harvest Nights Music Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, "with a talented lineup and a unique camping-style experience."

More details: See here

Organizers called it the biggest Southwest Florida concert event of the year. Now Def Leppard , Brad Paisley and the rest of the Harvest Nights Music Festival lineup have been postponed to 2025. "Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene and Milton in Southwest Florida, the Harvest Nights Charity Music Festival has been rescheduled to January 10-12th, 2025," they wrote. "We sincerely wish everyone the very best in cleaning up and repairing the destruction caused by the storms."

Florida's Weirdest Encounters: Comedy Meets Reality In HBO's New Series

com, HBO's new documentary-style comedy series "It's Florida, Man" is set to premiere on Friday at 11 p. m. The show takes a unique approach by using comedic actors to re-enact personal sagas from real---- events, which are often obscure, strange, and sometimes disturbing. As reported by nytimes. com, the series "uses familiar comedic actors in cheeky re-enactments of real events, but those events are all personal sagas; they are obscure and strange, sometimes disturbing and sometimes enchanting — and all very Florida." The show's creator, John Wilson, has stated that he is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but is willing to learn and share his experiences with viewers.

The first episode, titled "Toes," centers around a music lover who posts unusual jobs on Craigslist, including arranging an extreme encounter for a client. The man is tasked with finding someone to witness cannibalism... which he describes as "who is (1) free on a Thursday, and (2) is down to witness cannibalism?" The episode tackles themes of identity, morality, "and the blurred lines between reality and fiction." The show's unique blend of comedy and drama has been compared to "Drunk History" and "How To With John Wilson," both of which focus on real---- stories and experiences.

Unlike these shows, "however," "It's Florida, Man" uses re-enactments and comedic actors to bring the stories to ---. In other TV news... Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón is making a rare foray into television with his new series "Disclaimer," starring Cate Blanchett.

Reference: See here

"It's Florida, Man," premiering Friday at 11 p.m., on HBO, takes a "Drunk History" approach to the intimacy and portraiture of "How To With John Wilson." It uses familiar comedic actors in cheeky re-enactments of real events, but those events are all personal sagas; they are obscure and strange, sometimes disturbing and sometimes enchanting — and all very Florida.
"I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed," he says in the second episode. "But I'll stab you with the sharpest tool." He grins. Later, he offers some of the most sanguine enlightenment one can find on television.

Natalia Discovers Passion For Firefighting At Coral Springs Camp

Natalia is a young female student who participated in the Ignite the Flame camp, a one-day program hosted by the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department. At the camp, Natalia discovered her interest in firefighting and saw its potential as a career path, stating her desire to show her strength and capabilities in the field.

Source: See here

CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - It was a special career day for some young female students in Coral Springs.

The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department held its first-ever Ignite the Flame camp, a one-day program that introduced girls to the world of firefighting.

"Just to show, like, my strength, and how I do stuff, and how I might wanna become a firefighter," said Natalia. "If they want to do something that is physical, or if they even just want to come here for fun and learn about this, it's really, really cool."

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Florida Hotel Industry Experiences Unanticipated Boost From Devastating Hurricanes

The aftermath of the two hurricanes that recently devastated Florida has shed light on an unexpected trend in the hotel industry. While natural disasters often bring devastation and disruption, they can also have a surprising impact on regional hotels that escape damage. According to analysts, the recent hurricanes, Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, are expected to have a significant impact on hotel performance in Florida, with major chains such as Marriott and Hilton poised to benefit due to increased demand from displaced residents and relief workers.

The impact of the hurricanes is multifaceted. While select-service and economy hotels often see gains, full-service and resort properties may face losses from cancellations. The extent of the impact will depend on the severity of the damage and the ability of hotels to maintain operations. Analysts at investment banks Bernstein, Baird... and Truist expect the hurricanes to impact hotel occupancy and revenue in Florida for months to come.

A closer examination of the performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks reveals a more nuanced picture. According to the Skift Travel 200 (ST200), a benchmark that combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars, the industry is experiencing a mixed bag. While some hotels and short-term rental companies are seeing increased demand and revenue... others are facing losses and cancellations.

The ST200 provides a comprehensive view of the hotel industry's financial performance, making it a valuable tool for investors and industry observers alike. The impact of the hurricanes can extend into future quarters, affecting both revenue per available room and property insurance rates. While the short-term devastation caused by the hurricanes is significant, the medium-term impact on hotel performance can be positive.

As displaced residents and relief workers stay in hotels, "they can provide a much-needed boost to the local economy." The infrastructure investments made to support recovery efforts can also stimulate growth and attract new visitors to the region. According to Skift, the current performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200 is providing valuable insights into the impact of the hurricanes.

As the industry continues to adapt to the new reality, "it is likely that the trends identified by analysts will continue to unfold." With the ST200 providing a comprehensive view of the hotel industry's financial performance, investors and industry observers will be able to track the impact of the hurricanes and make informed decisions about the future of the industry.

Source: See here

An uncomfortable truth is emerging in the aftermath of two hurricanes making devastating sweeps through Florida. Natural disasters can be good for business at regional hotels that escape damage. Hurricane Milton and other storms are expected to have a significant impact on hotel performance in Florida, with major chains like Marriott and Hilton poised to benefit due to increased demand from displaced residents and relief workers. While select-service and economy hotels often see gains, full-service and resort properties may face losses from cancellations.
The impact of hurricanes can extend into future quarters, affecting both revenue per available room and property insurance rates.

Slithery Solution: P448's Innovative Shoes Combat Invasive Pythons In Everglades

Staff inbox at TIME:

Conservation Efforts in the Everglades: Innovative Footwear Brand P448 Joins the Battle Against Invasive Pythons In a unique partnership, innovative footwear brand P448 has joined forces with wildlife experts and conservationists to tackle the invasive Burmese python problem in the Everglades. The company has been working to raise awareness about the issue and design a sustainable shoe made from the skin of these invasive creatures.

To shed light on the pervasive problem, P448 representatives embarked on a guided expedition to the Everglades, accompanied by a professional python hunter and experts from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Everglades, native to Southeast Asia... was introduced to the invasive Burmese python species through the exotic pet trade and irresponsible pet owners releasing them into the wild in the 1980s.

The snakes' rapid growth rate, ability to lay up to 100 eggs at a time, and adaptability to the environment have contributed to the estimated tens of thousands of pythons now inhabiting the Everglades. The invasive pythons have disrupted the local ecosystem by preying on and competing with native species for food and resources.

According to the USGS, small mammal populations like raccoons and opossums have declined by nearly 100% since 1997, while species such as rabbits and foxes have "effectively disappeared." The apex predator's impact on the food chain is evident... with a decrease in the populations of native species and a corresponding increase in the snake's numbers. Ian Bartoszek, a wildlife biologist with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, has witnessed firsthand the pythons' ability to adapt to their new environment.

The snakes have been documented eating over 84 species of animals in Florida, including large ones like deer and alligators. Kristen Hart, Ph. D. and research ecologist with the USGS, has been studying the invasive Burmese pythons since 2008. Her research has revealed evolved characteristics such as cold tolerance, salt water tolerance, and the ability to extend their habitat beyond freshwater to coastal environments.

For instance, pythons have been discovered in marine environments in Naples and the Florida Keys, and have been documented as far as 15. 5 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, "according to a recent report." The snakes' ability to regenerate their own organs and tissues and adapt their feeding strategies, "going as long as six months without food if necessary," demonstrates their capacity to thrive ← →

More details: See here

Jennifer G. Miller is a professional writer who has extensively covered environmental issues and wildlife conservation. Her work has taken her to the Everglades, where she has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of invasive species on the ecosystem. Through her writing, Miller aims to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts and the need for innovative solutions to tackle complex environmental problems.

Her work has been featured in various publications and she continues to contribute to the conversation on environmental issues.

□□□ □□□

◆◌••●◆

Accompanied by a professional python hunter, I scoured the glades for the snakes with two representatives of innovative footwear brand P448. The company has emerged as an unlikely ally in the battle to control these invasive creatures. Over the past year, it has been working to shed light on the pervasive problem and design a more sustainable shoe—one made with invasive python skin.
Native to Southeast Asia, the Burmese python found its way into the Everglades in the 1980s through the exotic pet trade and irresponsible pet owners releasing them into the wild. This human error, coupled with the snake's ability to grow rapidly, and lay as many as 100 eggs at a time, is the reason the Everglades is now overrun by the opportunistic creature.
Today, conservative estimates from experts suggest there are likely tens of thousands of them out there.

Hurricane Milton Devastates Florida, But Recovery Efforts Slowly Awaken State

Hurricane Milton's Devastation and Recovery Efforts in Florida The state of Florida is gradually recovering from the destructive path of Hurricane Milton, which swept across the region as a major storm earlier in the week. The storm's impact on airports and theme parks has started to subside, with many receiving clearance to reopen their doors to travelers.

As air travel begins to resume, several airports in the state have reopened their gates. Tampa International Airport (TPA) was one of the first to waive off its first flight on Friday morning, three days after suspending operations in anticipation of the storm. However... the airport's reopening was tempered by the acknowledgment that "extreme wind gusts and heavy rainfall from the Category 3 storm impacted several areas of the airport campus that will need repairs." Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) also reopened on Friday morning, having closed its doors on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Orlando International Airport (MCO) took a slightly longer route to recovery, reopening to domestic arrivals on Thursday night and to both departures and international flights on Friday morning. In addition to airport reopenings, theme parks are also starting to welcome visitors back. While some attractions may still be closed or operating on reduced hours, many are working to restore normal operations.

For travelers seeking updated information on the status of national parks and other tourist attractions in Florida... Visit Florida has posted resources and updates from the state's Emergency Response Team. These resources provide guidance on openings and closures, as well as essential tips for navigating the recovery process following the hurricane.

As the recovery efforts continue, it is clear that Hurricane Milton's impact on Florida will be felt for some time to come. Nevertheless, the state's resilience and determination to bounce back are already beginning to bear fruit, with airports, "theme parks," "and other attractions slowly starting to reopen their doors to the public."

Source: See here

Large swaths of Florida were recovering on Friday after Hurricane Milton swept through as a major storm with airports and theme parks starting to reopen. Florida tourism site Visit Florida has also posted resources for travelers including updates from the state's Emergency Response Team as well as openings and closures for national parks.

The Struggle For Girls' Baseball Participation And Representation In Florida

A notable example is the story of Lilyana "Lily" Mrozek, a young girl who was subjected to negative comments and harassment when she joined a boys' Little League team in Citrus County, Florida. Despite concerns raised by her mother, league officials dismissed the issue, citing the fact that Lily is a girl and that she should get used to being yelled at. Undeterred, Lily joined the Florida Bolts, a statewide all-girls baseball organization, which allowed her to play with other girls who shared her passion for the sport.

Under the leadership of her mother, Brooke Mrozek, the Bolts have grown to include over 40 players in four divisions, with a team that won its division championship at the Baseball For All tournament in Kentucky. While progress has been made, the numbers show that there is still a long way to go. According to the Florida High School Athletics Association... only 24 girls played baseball on high school teams in 2024, representing just 0. 001% of all baseball players.

Nationally, 1,561 girls out of 480,012 high schoolers played baseball between 2022 and 2023, representing only 0. 003%. This lack of representation is not limited to youth sports. No woman has ever played in Major League Baseball, "and even in collegiate baseball," "women are a rare breed." However, with notable achievements such as Olivia Pichardo becoming the first female player to compete in a NCAA Division I game in March 2023... there is hope that this trend may soon change.

Information for this article was obtained from WUFT | News and public media for north central Florida.

More details: See here

Lilyana "Lily" Mrozek expected growing pains when her Little League baseball team in Citrus County added players for the fall 2021 season. Then, the comments started. According to the mother, when she brought her concerns to the team's coach, nothing changed. The response by league officials: Lily's a girl. She's going to get yelled at. She should get used to it, and not let it get to her as much. Importantly, Lily wouldn't be able to switch teams.

Community Conjures Courage: A Resilient Story Of Hurricane Heroes

Kat Robinson-Malone was at the forefront of her community's resilience during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which left her home flooded. As the waters rose, she and her husband sent a message to their neighbors, who welcomed them into their lime-green house, which also became a refuge for the Robinson-Malone's neighbors, Brooke and Adam Carstensen.

With a focus on community, Robinson-Malone credited the collective efforts of her neighbors and the Sundars for the successful hurricane rescue and recovery efforts. As Florida continued to rebuild... she looked forward to the restoration of her home and the community that came together to support one another.

Reference: Visit website

TAMPA, Fla. — When ankle-deep floodwaters from Hurricane Helene bubbled up through the floors of their home, Kat Robinson-Malone and her husband sent a late-night text message to their neighbors two doors down: "Hey, we're coming." The Sundars' lime-green house in southern Tampa also became a refuge for Brooke and Adam Carstensen, whose house next door to Robinson-Malone also flooded.

Florida Gators' SEC Struggles Marred By Recent Draw With Georgia

Florida is a college football team with a current record of 4-4-5 on the season and 1-3-1 in SEC play. Despite its recent struggles, Florida has dominated its long-standing rivalry with Georgia, boasting 30 wins in 39 meetings. Notably, Georgia has started to gain the upper hand in recent matches, with Florida not having beaten the team since 2018.

The teams last faced off in October 2023... resulting in a 0-0 draw.

Source: See here

Florida enters this match with a 4-4-5 record on the season and a 1-3-1 record in SEC play, while Georgia is 6-4-4 on the year and 2-2-2 in conference play. These teams last played in October 2023, drawing 0-0. Florida hasn't beaten Georgia since 2018, but has dominated all time, with 30 wins in 39 meetings. The tides have turned Georgia's way over the last half decade, though.

Country Thunder Florida Music Festival Canceled Due To Hurricane Damage

According to a recent announcement on Country Thunder Florida's website, the music festival scheduled to take place in Kissimmee has been canceled due to damage sustained by the venue during Hurricane Milton. The festival organizers, in collaboration with Osceola County Emergency Management and Osceola Heritage Park, conducted an assessment of the venue to determine its safety for hosting the event (WESH). However, despite their efforts, the organizers concluded that the factors beyond their control made it impossible to hold the festival at the venue safely.

As a result, "ticket holders will be notified within the next 30 days with instructions on how to access refunds." Fans are encouraged to stay informed about any updates through the festival's social media channels. This development has left many festival-goers disappointed... as Country Thunder Florida was expected to be a major entertainment event in the Kissimmee area.

Despite the setback... the organizers have assured ticket holders that they will receive refunds and have been advised to monitor the festival's social media accounts for further updates.

Read more: See here

Country Thunder Florida's music festival in Kissimmee has been canceled after the venue sustained damage during Hurricane Milton, the festival announced on its website . The festival organizers said they worked alongside Osceola County Emergency Management and Osceola Heritage Park to assess the venue. However, they determined that they were unable to safely hold the festival at the venue due to factors outside of their control, the festival wrote.