Florida Gators Face UConn Huskies In Highly Anticipated 2025 Jimmy V Classic

Florida Basketball Set to Face UConn Huskies in 2025 Jimmy V Classic A highly anticipated matchup is on the horizon for the University of Florida's basketball team as they prepare to face off against the UConn Huskies in the 2025 Jimmy V Classic, scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden on December 9. According to a report from CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, this will be the second time the two programs will clash in 2025, following the Gators' surprising upset victory over the two-time defending national champions in the NCAA Tournament.

This upcoming game marks Florida's first appearance in the Jimmy V Classic since the team's resurgence under head coach Todd Golden, who has led the Gators to the top of college basketball. Without the presence of guard Walter Clayton Jr., who declared for the NBA draft after leading the team to its first championship since 2007... the Gators will be looking to solidify their roster and establish their identity as one of the sport's premier programs.

The matchup against UConn will serve as a crucial early-season test for the Gators, "allowing them to assess their rotations," "build chemistry.".. and gauge their standing in the competitive college basketball landscape.

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Florida basketball is set to face the UConn Huskies in the 2025 Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 9, according to a report from CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein. The matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs in 2025 after the Gators knocked off the two-time defending national champions in the NCAA Tournament.
This will be Florida's first appearance in the Jimmy V Classic since rising to the top of college basketball under head coach Todd Golden . The matchup offers an early-season measuring stick for a reloaded Gators roster looking to defend its crown without guard Walter Clayton Jr. , who declared for the NBA draft after leading the Orange and Blue to its first championship since 2007.

Florida Senate Passes Bill To Protect State Parks From Development

Florida Senate Passes Bill to Safeguard State Parks from Development In a significant move to protect the natural beauty of Florida's state parks, the Florida Senate has passed Senate Bill 80, a measure aimed at preventing the development of these public lands. The bill, which was part of a broader effort to safeguard the state's environmental heritage, seeks to establish a transparent and inclusive process for changes to land use in parks, thereby ensuring that the public is informed and involved in decision-making. The bill's passage has been welcomed by environmental advocates, who argue that it represents a crucial step in preserving the integrity of Florida's state parks.

"This legislation is a great first step in really protecting our state parks," said Mary Keith... chair of the Tampa Audubon chapter's Conservation Committee. "There will still be work to do to assure funding and enforcement, but it will be another sign that the people of Florida really do want to keep their state parks as parks, for their native habitat and inhabitants, and that our legislature listened once again to their constituents." The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative, "which was announced in August," "had sparked widespread concern among Floridians.".. who were alarmed by plans to develop nine ← →

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Senate Bill 80, a Florida state legislature measure, aims to prevent development in state parks. This bill, passed by the Florida Senate, was designed to deter future initiatives similar to last summer's plans to expand recreation and lodging in state parks. Without such legislation, the public would have limited notice of changes to land use in parks, resulting in reduced public participation.

The bill was met with approval from Mary Keith, chair of the Tampa Audubon chapter's Conservation Committee, who praised the measure as a "great first step" in protecting Florida's state parks. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's "2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative," which included plans to add golf courses, luxury lodges, "and disc golf courses to state parks.".. was met with opposition from Floridians concerned about the impact on wildlife habitats.

The initiative was seen as a threat to the unique environments and ecosystems found in these parks... including the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in the Florida Panhandle.

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The Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 80 — one of two bills meant to prevent development in state parks. This bill deters initiatives similar to last summer, when Gov. Ron DeSantis' plans were leaked to expand recreation and lodging in state parks. Without legislation like SB 80 and HB 209, Florida residents would have short notices on changes to land use in parks, creating limited participation from the public.

ID Crisis Hits Those With No Birth Certificate, No Escape

The Impact of Real ID Enforcement on Individuals Without a Birth Certificate** The upcoming Real ID enforcement aims to standardize state-issued identification documents, making it more difficult for individuals without proof of citizenship or birth certificate to obtain a valid state ID. This policy change affects individuals who, like the South Florida woman mentioned, were never issued a birth certificate.

The lack of documentation can lead to bureaucratic limbo, leaving them unable to access essential services, travel, or engage in everyday activities that require a valid government-issued ID. To address this issue, the federal government and state governments are exploring alternative solutions... such as issuing alternative identification documents or providing temporary identification cards with additional documentation requirements.

These efforts aim to minimize the impact on individuals who are unable to obtain a traditional birth certificate, "while maintaining the integrity of the ID verification process." However, "the implementation of these measures may be complex and time-consuming.".. and their effectiveness in resolving the issue for individuals like the South Florida woman ___ to be seen.

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As Real ID enforcement takes effect, another South Florida woman said she is stuck in bureaucratic limbo, unable to obtain a valid state identification card because she was never issued a birth certificate.

New York City's Affluent Exodus Fuels South Florida's Housing Boom

A recent report by the Citizens Budget Commission has unveiled a fascinating narrative on the mass exodus of affluent individuals from New York City to South Florida, specifically Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, over the past five years. The study reveals that approximately 30,000 New Yorkers with a combined annual income of $9. 2 billion relocated to the Sunshine State between 2017 and 2022, prior to a noticeable slowdown in migration.

This influx of high-net-worth individuals contributed to a surge in home prices in South Florida, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when New York City's population began to dwindle. The city's population declined by nearly half a million residents between April 2020 and July 2022, with most of those who left opting to remain in the Northeast.

However, "those who fled the region predominantly migrated to Florida.".. bringing in a wave of capital and fueling an escalation in home prices. According to data from the Realtor. com economic research team... median home list prices per square foot skyrocketed 28% in Miami-Dade County and a staggering 45% in Palm Beach County between 2020 and 2021.

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Some 30,000 New Yorkers with combined annual incomes of $9.2 billion moved to Florida 's Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County in the five years through 2022, prior to a recent slowdown in migration , a new report reveals. The report released this week by the Citizens Budget Commission , a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog, sheds new light on the wave of wealthy migration that fueled an explosion in home prices in South Florida at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summer Fun For All Ages In Central Florida's Thriving Communities

Published by Sun Sentinel:

Local Events Abound: Summer Fun for All Ages The Central Florida region is experiencing a surge in exciting events that cater to diverse interests and age groups. Several summer festivals and activities are taking place, offering something for everyone. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Summer Art Craft Fair at Historic Cocoa Village, where more than 200 fine artists and crafters will display their handmade pieces.

The event will feature food trucks, --- music, and beer and wine, making it an ideal spot to relax and indulge in local flavors. Admission is free, and the event will run from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. on Saturday and 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. on Sunday. Thrill-seekers can head to Cocoa Beach for the Thunder on Cocoa Beach event, which boasts offshore powerboat races, the Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, parties, concerts... and vendors.

The event will take place from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with ticket prices varying. For fans of fantasy and adventure, "Universal Studios is set to unveil its new theme park," "Epic Universe." The park will feature five immersive worlds, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic... SUPER NINT ← →

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The events listed cater to a wide range of interests, from art and food to outdoor activities and entertainment. Many of the events are free or low-cost, making them accessible to a broad audience. The events are primarily centered in the cities of Cocoa, Orlando, and Lake Placid, with some taking place at local parks and gardens.

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10-11 Summer Art ⁘ Craft Fair, more than 200 fine artists and crafters displaying their handmade pieces. Food trucks, live music and beer and wine. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Historic Cocoa Village, 434 Delannoy Ave., Cocoa. Free admission. visitcocoavillage.com/events/art-craft-fairs . 15-18 Thunder on Cocoa Beach, offshore powerboat races, Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, parties, concerts and vendors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days with start/finish line at Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Ticket prices vary. thunderoncocoabeach.com .

Florida Lawmakers Face Midnight Crunch As Session Extension Looms Near

Lawmakers in Florida are facing a critical juncture, as they prepare to reconvene on May 12 after agreeing to extend the legislative session until June 6. According to sources, including WLRN, the Senate and House have yet to come to a consensus on a budget, forcing lawmakers to work into the late hours of Friday night to finalize their plans.

The prolonged negotiations have resulted in a flurry of bills, some of which will have a significant impact on Floridians. WLRN notes that the Legislature has made progress in passing a number of bills, despite the challenges. The bills, which have been subject to numerous amendments, will be sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for signature or veto.

Among the notable provisions is a package of tax cuts, totaling $2. 5 billion... which includes $1. 6 billion in sales tax reductions. This package is expected to have a substantial impact on Floridians. The Legislature's decision to extend the session also paves the way for the consideration of other key issues, "including a package aimed at providing aid and development opportunities for rural counties," "a priority for Senate President Ben Albritton." Although the bill did not pass during the session... the Legislature's resolution to extend the session also includes a provision ← →

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Case in point: lawmakers are going to have to come back to get the job done. They haven't yet agreed on a budget. The Senate and House ultimately agreed to extend session until June 6, with lawmakers told to plan to come back the week of May 12.

High School Football Regionals Heat Up In Florida's Competitive Season

The Sunshine State's high school football regionals are in full swing, with 16 teams vying for a spot in the coveted "Road to Tampa". Steinbrenner, the undefeated Hawks, are looking to continue their dominance as they take on their longtime rival, Alonso, in the Class 4A, Region 2 final. This highly anticipated matchup has been a longstanding rivalry, with the Ravens having emerged victorious in their previous three encounters.

The stage is set for an electrifying contest, with Steinbrenner's 20-19 victory over Lennard in the previous round setting the tone for the evening's events. The night's schedule is packed with thrilling matchups, with several teams looking to make a statement in the lead-up to next week's state championships. Spruce Creek, the Blue Darters, will host Apopka in a battle between two undefeated teams.

Meanwhile... Fort Pierce Central and Wellington will clash in a matchup between two teams that have yet to face each other this season. Western, "last year's Class 2A champion," "Miami Palmetto.".. is looking to make a triumphant return to the "Road to Tampa" as they take on their opponents.

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Introduction to the High School Football Regionals** The high school football regionals are underway, with 16 teams competing for a spot in the state championship games. The Sunshine State is abuzz with excitement as top-ranked teams clash in highly anticipated matchups. Steinbrenner, the Class 4A, Region 2 final winner, will face off against Alonso, whom they have yet to beat this season.

This evening's games will determine the teams that will advance to the state championships, "which will take place next week at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' AdventHealth Training Center." The regionals are a culmination of a long season of hard work and dedication from the teams and their coaches. The games will be intense and closely watched... with many teams vying for a shot at the top. The quarterbacks and other key players will be put to the test as they face off against their toughest opponents yet. The outcome of the games will not only determine which teams will move on to the state championships... but also which players will emerge as the top performers in the state.

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One of those was when Steinbrenner took down No. 1 Lennard in a 20-19 victory in a Class 4A, Region 2 final. With the victory, Steinbrenner sets up a highly anticipated matchup against Alonso, whom the Warriors have yet to beat this season in three previous attempts. This evening, 16 region final games will take place across the Sunshine State and we give you our quick take on each contest as the 'Road to Tampa' concludes tonight as states take place next week at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' AdventHealth Training Center.

Thousands Protest In Miami For Fair Wages And Union Rights

Tens of thousands of workers and union supporters from Miami-Dade and Broward converged on downtown Miami to demonstrate in support of their demands. The protesters, a diverse group of individuals from various professions, were vocal about their struggles to make ends meet. "I have a family, I have a partner and I need to pay my mortgage," said Jose Barbato, a banquet server at Hyatt Regency Miami, whose 19-year tenure at the hotel has taken a toll on his ---. He recounted the physically demanding nature of his shifts, which have left him feeling exploited and undervalued.

Wendi Walsh, the secretary treasurer for UNITE HERE Local 355 and general vice president for the international union, emphasized the need for workers to band together to protect each other's rights and fight for fair compensation. "As we all know... workers today in this country have to stand up and fight for themselves and it's really up to us to ensure that workers can make a wage that they can --- on," she said.

According to the union, a typical Hyatt hotel room attendant earns approximately $16. 75 per hour, "a wage that many struggle to sustain." Some workers have reported having to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet... highlighting the need for a fair ← →

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Hundreds of workers and union supporters from Miami-Dade and Broward trotted into downtown Miami to support the rally. "I have a family, I have a partner and I need to pay my mortgage," said Jose Barbato, a banquet server at Hyatt Regency Miami. He said he's worked at the hotel for 19 years doing long, physically demanding shifts.