Saturday, September 20, 2025

Local Woman Gains Recognition For Heroic Act In Saving Her Puppy From Alligator

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Since Danie Wright is not a well-known person, here is a background document on her: Danie Wright, a 53-year-old resident of Land O' Lakes, Florida, made headlines recently for her heroic actions in saving her four-month-old puppy from an alligator's grasp. While details about her personal ___ and background are scarce, her bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger have earned her local and online recognition.

Wright's actions on that fateful day have demonstrated her strong bond with her pet and her willingness to put herself in harm's way to protect it. As a resident of a town approximately 20 miles north of Tampa, Wright likely has a deep appreciation for the natural surroundings and wildlife of her community. Her remarkable story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of being prepared and vigilant in areas where alligators and other wild animals are present.

As for her achievements, while there may not be a comprehensive list available, Wright's heroic actions in saving her puppy's ___ are certainly noteworthy. Her selfless act has likely inspired others in her community and beyond to be more mindful of their surroundings and to take steps to protect themselves and their pets from potential wildlife encounters.

LAND O' LAKES, FLORIDA — A Florida alligator attempted to make a four-month-old puppy its next meal over the weekend.
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Eric J. Wallace: Deputy Sports Editor Covering High School Football In Palm Beach County

Eric J. Wallace serves as the deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post, a position that has afforded him the opportunity to closely follow and report on high school football in Palm Beach County. While specific details about his early --- and education are not readily available, his professional endeavors suggest a deep-seated passion for sports journalism.

As a deputy sports editor, Wallace is likely responsible for overseeing the sports section of the publication, ensuring comprehensive coverage of local teams, including those in high school football. His contact information, ejwallace@gannett. com, facilitates direct communication with readers, underscoring his commitment to engaging with the community he serves.

Through his work, Wallace contributes to the vibrant sports media landscape in Palm Beach County, providing fans and enthusiasts with timely updates and insights into local high school football.

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A full slate of local Week 5 games got underway on Sept. 18 and 19 with little interference from inclement weather.
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Hozier To Close Out Sing Out Loud Festival At St. Augustine's Francis Field

As the ninth annual Sing Out Loud Festival approaches, Francis Field is set to host an impressive lineup of artists, including Hozier and Maren Morris. The festival, presented by the well-regarded St. Augustine Amphitheatre, promises to be an unforgettable experience. This iconic venue, affectionately known as "The Amp," boasts exceptional sightlines and acoustics, earning it a prestigious ranking of second in the United States and third in the world among outdoor sheds by Pollstar Magazine in 2019. Hozier, who recently headlined the Sea. Hear. Now Festival in Asbury Park, will close out the festival on Sunday. In a conversation with Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, he spoke with conviction, echoing the passion of his fellow Irishman, Bono. "It's essential to acknowledge the effort and struggle that has gone into achieving fundamental rights, and how easily they can be revoked," Hozier emphasized, highlighting the importance of safeguarding free speech, marriage equality, and voting rights.

Reflecting on the success of his hit song, Hozier remained characteristically humble, stating, "I couldn't believe how that song took off... But then again, I don't believe in a lot of things.

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The word was when The Smile played St. Augustine's Amphitheatre during June of 2023, iconic vocalist-guitarist Thom Yorke was impressed by the ...
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Fall Fairs And Festivals Celebrate Art, Culture

Fall officially begins on Sept. 22. Although it may be a while yet before the weather cools off, festival season is in full swing on the Space Coast. There are fairs and festivals - many of them outdoors - for every interest. Here's a sampling of upcoming events.

Details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events. The Experience Psychic Fair will be at the Azan Shriners Center, 1591 Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 and 21 starting at 11 a.m. Indulge your curiosity with psychics and healers and peruse the offerings of vendors featuring crystals, gemstones, tarot cards, lotions, essential oils and more.

Admission is $10, or free for kids ages 12 and younger. Visit experiencepsychicfairsouth.com or facebook.com/ExperiencePsychicFair .  Intracoastal Brewing Company , 652 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, hosts a pet-friendly day of fun from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. The event kicks off with Puptoberfest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a pup-friendly vendor market, raffles and a pup costume contest.

Then Oktoberfest goes from 3 to 10 p.m., with live music, a stein holding contest, special food options and more. Visit facebook.com/intracoastalbrewingcompany or intracoastalbrewingcompany.com . One of the largest charitable surfing contests in the world, the NKF Rich Salick Surf Fest will be at the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave., Cocoa Beach, on Saturday through Monday, Oct. 10 through 13. The amateur competition starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a free block party with music by Hot Pink at 6 p.m. The Pro-Am competition starts Sunday at 8 a.m., and continues with the finals on Monday at 8 a.m. Admission is free.

Visit nkfsurf.com . The Brevard Discovery Garden, 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, hosts the Autumn in Bloom festival on Oct. 11. There will be plant vendors selling fall vegetables and herbs, iris varieties, food trucks, tool sharpening, a mobile plant clinic, games, workshops and more. Admission is free. Visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu or facebook.com/BrevardDiscoveryGarden . You might also find this intersting: See here

Friday, September 19, 2025

Free And Enjoyable Activities On The Space Coast

As the seasons transition, the Space Coast offers a variety of free and enjoyable activities for residents and visitors to partake in. On Friday, September 19th, music enthusiasts can gather at Wickham Park in Melbourne for a complimentary concert featuring Switch, accompanied by Anna. The event, scheduled from 6 to 9 p.

m., will also host food trucks, providing an opportunity to savor local flavors. Located at 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, attendees can access more information through brevardfl. gov or facebook. com → BrevardParks. For aspiring writers, the Space Coast Writers Guild meeting presents a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and hone their craft.

Held at the Eau Gallie Public Library, 1521 Pineapple Ave., on the third Saturday of each month from noon to 2 p. m., the group fosters growth and development among writers of diverse genres. Further details can be found at scwg. org. Nature lovers can explore Samsons Island, a 52-acre passive nature reserve situated in the Banana River. Accessible only by water, the island features docks on its south, east, and north sides, open to public use.

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Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
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Southwest Florida Girls Athlete Of The Week Poll Recognition Program

The Southwest Florida Girls Athlete of the Week poll is an annual recognition program that honors exceptional high school female athletes in Southwest Florida. The program, jointly conducted by The News-Press and the Naples Daily News, aims to identify and celebrate outstanding achievements by young female athletes in the region.

The selection process for the award involves a multi-step approach. Coaches from various high schools submit reports highlighting the achievements of their athletes to designated email addresses. Schools nominate their standout athletes via email. A list of exceptional athletes is compiled based on these submissions, and a poll is created on the websites of The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. The public is then invited to vote for their preferred athlete, with the winner receiving a T-shirt from BSN Sports and a tote bag from USA Today High School Sports Awards. The recognition program has been instrumental in promoting and celebrating the accomplishments of young female athletes in Southwest Florida. By providing a platform for these athletes to gain visibility, the program not only acknowledges their hard work and dedication but also inspires others to pursue excellence in their respective sports.

The awards have become a coveted recognition for high school female athletes, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their teams and schools.

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Each week during the school year, The News-Press and the Naples Daily News select high school girls athletes who stood out the week before based on ...
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Thursday, September 18, 2025

Vernon Maxwell's Records Reinstated: A Wrong Righted In Florida Basketball History

Vernon Maxwell's name had been etched in the annals of Florida basketball history, only to be subsequently erased - a decision that had stood for 35 years. The talented guard, who once dazzled crowds with his scoring prowess, had his records stripped away like a thief in the night. But, in a move that righted a historical wrong, the University of Florida has reinstated Maxwell's program records, restoring him to his rightful place as the school's all-time scoring leader.

During his four seasons donning the orange and blue from 1985 to 1989, Maxwell racked up an impressive 2,450 points, averaging 18. 8 points per game. His impressive stats weren't just a testament to his individual skill, but also his crucial role in propelling the Gators to their first NCAA tournament appearance. Maxwell's achievements on the court were undeniable, yet his involvement with an agent during the 1987 and 1988 seasons led to a harsh NCAA ruling, rendering him ineligible for those tournaments and subsequently stripping him of his individual stats.

The decision to reinstate Maxwell's records came under the watchful eye of current athletic director Scott Stricklin, who opted to correct the injustices of the past.

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Florida basketball has reinstated Vernon Maxwell's program records, once again making him the program's all-time scoring leader.
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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

A Community's Resilience Amidst Rebuilding And Renewal

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Three years after the devastating Hurricane Ian ravaged the coastline, Fort Myers Beach is undergoing a transformative rebirth. The storm, one of the costliest weather disasters in recorded history, left an indelible mark on the community, but the resilient town is emerging from the rubble with a renewed sense of purpose.

As reported by USA TODAY, the town is not only rebuilding but also reimagining itself, driven by a deep-seated conviction in its future. The landscape of Fort Myers Beach is still marred by the scars of the hurricane, with vast expanses of grassy lots where seaside structures once stood. However, amidst the challenges, the town is working tirelessly to reclaim its century-old identity as Southwest Florida's family playground.

According to local resident Liszak, the conflict between old and new is not a new phenomenon, as the island has been evolving since the Calusa Indians first inhabited it. "It's been happening since the Calusa Indians were here – changing as it always has," Liszak noted. "Every new generation comes in, another goes out – and Ian just kind of shoved that right up in all of our faces: In 18 hours, it changed everything.

Three years after historic Hurricane Ian reshaped the coastline and the community, Fort Myers Beach is not just rebuilding ― it's reimagining ...
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Festivals And Events On Florida's Space Coast

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Review by USA TODAY:

Background Document: Festivals and Events on the Space Coast The Space Coast of Florida is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with a stunning amont of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. These events showcase the region's rich diversity, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From music and food festivals to charity events and family-friendly activities, the Space Coast has become a hub for community engagement and celebration.

One of the notable events in the region is the Experience Psychic Fair, which features a gathering of psychics, healers, and vendors offering a range of unique items. This event provides an opportunity for individuals to explore their spiritual side and connect with like-minded people. Another popular event is the NKF Rich Salick Surf Fest, one of the largest charitable surfing contests in the world.

This event not only showcases the region's passion for surfing but also supports a worthy cause, making it a standout in the community. The Intracoastal Brewing Company's Puptoberfest and Oktoberfest celebrations are also highly anticipated events, offering a fun-filled day for pet owners and beer enthusiasts alike. The Brevard Discovery Garden's Autumn in Bloom festival is another event that attracts visitors from across the region, featuring plant vendors, food trucks, and various activities for all ages.

Fall officially begins on Sept. 22. Although it may be a while yet before the weather cools off, festival season is in full swing on the Space ...
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Fake Taylor Swift Event Turns Into Fyre Festival-esque Debacle

A most peculiar and perturbing predicament has befallen the unsuspecting patrons of the Lake Mary Pub and Tiki Bar in Orlando, Florida. The establishment had touted a Taylor Swift-themed extravaganza, dubbed 'Taylor Weekend 2025,' which promised an unforgettable weekend of music, merriment, and a special appearance by one of the pop sensation's backup dancers, Kam Saunders. The event's promotional materials, disseminated via Facebook, painted a tantalizing picture of a weekend-long celebration, replete with a special lunch, performance, and even a meet-and-greet with Saunders. However, a crucial detail was discreetly buried in the fine print: the event was, in fact, an unofficial gathering.

Regrettably, it appears that certain individuals, masquerading as representatives of Taylor Swift's team, had assumed responsibility for promoting the event, duping fans into purchasing tickets. The ruse was eventually exposed when Saunders himself took to his Instagram stories to set the record straight, stating unequivocally that he was "not associated with this event, nor have I ever been." As news of the deception spread, comparisons to the infamous Fyre Festival began to circulate, with many drawing parallels between the two debacles.

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A Taylor Swift-themed event organized by a Florida bar is going viral and drawing comparisons to Fyre Festival after scammers reportedly posed as ...
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Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Florida Senator Proposes Bill To Ease Housing Strain With Accessory Dwelling Units

In the midst of a housing boom, Florida finds itself grappling with an unprecedented surge in demand for affordable accommodations. As millions of new residents make their way to the Sunshine State, the pressure on the housing market intensifies. In response, State Senator Don Gaetz has introduced a bill, SB 48, aimed at alleviating this strain.

The proposed legislation would permit homeowners to rent out smaller sections of their properties, such as attics, sheds, and garages, thereby increasing the availability of affordable housing options. Currently, state law defines accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, as self-contained spaces with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas, separate from the primary residence on the property.

However, Gaetz's bill takes a different approach, mandating that local governments allow these ADUs. Proponents argue that this move would significantly boost the supply of affordable housing in the state. According to Gaetz, ADUs offer a trifecta of benefits: they are less expensive to build, rent, and often situated in urban areas where workers need to reside in close proximity to their jobs.

By embracing this innovative approach, Florida may be able to mitigate the housing shortage and provide much-needed relief to its residents. Information for this article was obtained from WKMG.

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The issue has been especially prevalent in recent years, with millions of new residents flocking to the Sunshine State massively increasing the ...
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Local High School Golfers Receive Prestigious Weekly Honors

In the realm of high school sports, standout athletes often emerge, their prowess on the field or court garnering attention and accolades. Recently, two such athletes have been recognized for their impressive performances in golf. Evyn Cannon, a student at Venice High School, has demonstrated remarkable skill on the golf course.

According to Yahoo Sports, Cannon's achievements have earned him a spot as a nominee for the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week. Specifically, he shot a 35 to help his team, Venice, secure a win in a tri-match against North Port and Pine View. He continued to excel, shooting a 36 to aid Venice in claiming victory at the Founders Cup tournament.

Wilda Kuang, a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High School, has also made a name for herself in the golfing world. Her impressive performance in a dual match against Out-of-Door Academy, where she shot an even-par 36, has not gone unnoticed. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Kuang's achievement has led to her nomination for the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week. The selection of nominees for this prestigious award is facilitated by scores and statistics submitted by coaches from Sarasota and Manatee counties.

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Each week The Herald-Tribune staff will select nominees for the Herald-Tribune Boys Athlete of the Week poll sponsored by Central Florida Behavioral...
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Perspectives On The Miami-Florida Showdown Amidst Rivalry Week

As the fervor of Rivalry Week envelops the college football landscape, various perspectives emerge, dissecting the intricacies of marquee matchups. The impending clash between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators has sparked intense debate, with numerous sites and shows offering their insights. Notably, John Michaels, a veteran radio personality, provided a comprehensive recap of the Miami-USF encounter, while also offering a preview of the highly anticipated Miami-Florida showdown on WQAM. This analysis is supplemented by information sourced from Yahoo Sports.

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I hope you are loving the Rivalry Week content here at State of the U. While we're looking at Canes-Gators from a lot of angles, so are other sites ...
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Monday, September 15, 2025

Florida Springs National Park Proposal Sparks Debate

In the heart of Florida, a contentious debate is unfolding. Rep. Randy Fine's proposed bill, the Path to Florida Springs National Park Act, aims to designate Ocala National Forest and surrounding springs as a national park. This 2,800 square mile area, spanning south of Jacksonville, north of Orlando, and east of Gainesville, would encompass Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs Forest Conservation Area, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, among other preservation areas.

The bill's proponent, Rep. Fine, draws a parallel between Florida's natural springs and Yellowstone National Park, citing the state's unique claim to the largest concentration of natural springs in the world. He argues that these springs deserve national recognition. However, not everyone is convinced. Locals, economists, and conservationists are weighing in with mixed feedback.

Megan Lawson, an economist at Headwaters Economics, suggests that national park designation could indeed boost tourism, as travelers often strive to visit every national park on their lists. Nevertheless, she cautions that surrounding communities will need to adapt to increased visitation, anticipating visitor numbers and finding ways to fund necessary upgrades, such as road improvements and water treatment facilities.

According to WUFT | News and public media for north central Florida, the proposed national park would ← →

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A push in Congress to designate Ocala National Forest and the surrounding springs is drawing mixed feedback from locals, economists and ...
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Florida Woman Fights Alligator Bare-Handed To Save Her Puppy

In a bizarre incident that has left many in awe, a Florida resident found herself in a desperate battle for her puppy's ---. Danie Wright, a longtime Land O' Lakes resident, was on a stroll with her four-month-old puppy, Dax, near a mossy creek behind her home when a 5-foot alligator emerged from the stagnant water.

According to Yahoo Entertainment, the reptile lunged at the pair, clamping down on Dax. Wright described the terrifying encounter to local CBS affiliate, WTSP, recounting how she heard a squeal and was pulled by the alligator as it dragged Dax into the water. Without hesitation, Wright engaged in a bare-handed brawl with the predator, punching it repeatedly, including in the eye, until it released her puppy.

However, the alligator's teeth left bite wounds on Wright's arm, requiring medical attention. Miraculously, Dax escaped the ordeal unscathed, seemingly oblivious to the danger he had faced. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was promptly notified, and wildlife officers arrived at the scene to trap and remove the alligator from the property.

A spokesperson confirmed that the animal measured around five feet in length, considered young but still ← →

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Danie Wright, a longtime Land O' Lakes resident, went toe-to-toe with a 5-foot alligator last week after the reptile lunged from a mossy creek and ...
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Sunday, September 14, 2025

Proposal For Florida Springs National Park Sparks Debate Among Conservation Advocates

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Florida Congressman Randy Fine's proposal to establish the country's 64th national park, comprising a network of springs across North and Central Florida, has sparked debate among conservation advocates. Fine's Path to Florida Springs National Park Act would initiate a federal study to explore the feasibility of creating a national park from the 2,800 miles of land encompassing various springs.

The proposed national park would span across areas south of Jacksonville, north of Orlando, and east of Gainesville, including the Ocala National Forest, Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, and Rock Springs Run park. Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, drew parallels between Florida's springs and Yellowstone, emphasizing the need for sustainable development to preserve the state's natural resources.

However, some leading conservation advocates express skepticism about the effectiveness of a national park designation in addressing the pressing issues threatening Florida's springs. With over 1,000 springs, the largest concentration of freshwater springs globally, the state faces significant challenges from development, agricultural pollution, and climate change.

The health of these springs is crucial, as they are directly linked to 90% of the state's drinking water. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the springs advocates argue that a national park designation could lead to increased visitation and traffic, potentially exacerbating the problems facing ← →

A Florida congressman's proposal to stitch together a patchwork of springs in North and Central Florida into the country's 64th national park won't ...
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The Cool Hand Behind The Panthers' Ice

In the scorching heat of South Florida, a unique profession thrives, one that requires precision, patience, and a passion for ice. Graham...