Saturday, October 11, 2025

Addressing The Plight Of Florida's Young Girls

In the heart of South Florida, a pressing concern has been unfolding, one that affects the very fabric of the state's future: the plight of its young girls. The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County has taken a proactive stance, hosting a workshop to dissect the growing crisis facing girls in Florida. Scheduled for Thursday, October 16, from 3-5 p. m. in West Palm Beach, this community event aims to bring together a panel of experts to discuss the findings of a comprehensive study, "The State of the Florida Girl." This study, which sheds light on the significant disparities impacting over 2 million girls statewide, paints a stark picture.

From academic struggles to emotional wellness, the report underscores the immense pressure Florida girls face and the profound toll it exacts on their ---s. At the forefront of this discussion will be Elle Harrigan, chief advancement officer for the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, who will deliver the keynote address.

The report's authors astutely observe that "unboxing her potential means allowing girls the space to not fit a mold." These words resonate deeply, highlighting the need for a supportive environment where girls can flourish without the constraints of societal expectations.

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A second community workshop to explore and discuss the growing crisis facing girls in Florida will be held Thursday, October 16, from 3-5 p.m.
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M Aggies: Key Matchup And Prediction

The Florida Gators are set to face off against the Texas A&M Aggies, with the Gators looking to build on their recent momentum after a significant home win over Texas last weekend. This victory may have temporarily alleviated concerns surrounding Billy Napier's job status, but the team's performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized as they take on the Aggies. Florida's defensive prowess was a key factor in their win over Texas, and it is an area where they may be able to exert control over the upcoming matchup.

The Gators' defensive performance was impressive, and it is likely that they will look to contain Texas A&M's ___se, which has been led by quarterback Marcel Reed. Reed has overseen a season marked by explosive plays for the Aggies, with a pass explosiveness number in the 78th percentile. However, the team's overall success rate has been average, and it appears that their ground game, led by Jaden Baugh, may be a key area of focus.

The Aggies' defense is strongest against the run, which could pose a challenge for the Gators. In light of these factors, a first-half under 23. 5 points seems like a reasonable prediction. For more information on this matchup, Covers.

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Florida⁘s big home win over Texas last weekend may have temporarily quieted the ongoing speculation around Billy Napier⁘s job status.
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Friday, October 10, 2025

Discovering Florida's Forgotten Coast: A Hidden Gem Of Tranquility And Natural Beauty

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According to South Florida Reporter:

Tucked away along the Gulf of Mexico, a stretch of coastline known as Florida's Forgotten Coast beckons those seeking a tranquil and authentic beach experience. This unassuming region, coined by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce in the 1990s, spans across Franklin, Gulf, Wakulla, and parts of Jefferson counties.

The Forgotten Coast, stretching from Mexico Beach to St. Marks, boasts an uncluttered shoreline, quaint towns, and unspoiled natural beauty. Unlike its more popular counterparts, this area --- largely undeveloped, offering a glimpse into Old Florida's charm. Visitors can indulge in seafood shacks, historic lighthouses, and family-run inns. For those craving serenity and nature, several stops are must-sees. Mexico Beach, known for its soft white sand and clear waters, feels like a classic small-town escape. Although heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018, it has steadily rebuilt while maintaining its quiet, family-friendly vibe. Cape San Blas, a narrow peninsula that juts into the Gulf, is beloved for its pet-friendly beaches and incredible sunsets.

Kayakers and paddleboarders will love exploring St. Joseph Bay's calm waters.

Florida is famous for world-renowned beaches like Clearwater, Miami, and Siesta Key — but if you're craving a quieter, more authentic experience, ...
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The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival: A Celebration Of Local Art And Culture

The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival has a rich history dating back to 1971, when it was first established by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce (Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, n. d.). The festival has since become an annual event, typically taking place in the fall, and has grown to become one of the most popular art festivals in the state of Florida. According to the Orlando Weekly, the 52nd Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is set to return, celebrating local arts and exclusively featuring Florida artists (Orlando Weekly, 2023). The festival transforms Central Park in Winter Park into an outdoor gallery, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and jewelry (Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, n. d.). The event is a juried fine art festival, with a selection process that ensures only the highest quality art is on display (Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, n. d.). This year's festival promises to be just as exciting, with a wide range of artistic styles and mediums on display.

Winter Park, a suburb of Orlando, has a long history of supporting the arts, with a strong focus on community development and cultural enrichment (City of Winter Park, n. d.).

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Celebrate local arts this fall at the 52nd Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, the only juried fine art festival around exclusively featuring ...
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Thursday, October 9, 2025

Florida Bill Sparks Debate Over Naming Campus Roads After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

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In the realm of academia, a contentious bill has emerged, sparking debate and concern among educators and students alike. A Florida legislator, Rep. Kevin Steele, has proposed a bill that would penalize colleges and universities for not renaming a road on their campus after Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The bill, HB 113, is slated for consideration during the upcoming legislative session in January. If passed, it would require each of the state's 12 universities and 28 colleges to designate a road on their campus to be named in Kirk's honor. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Kirk's recent ordeal, where he was shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10. According to a report by Orlando Weekly, the proposed legislation has sparked concerns about academic freedom and the potential erosion of institutional autonomy.

The article highlights the complexities surrounding the bill, which has left many in the education sector wondering about the implications of such a mandate. As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, those in the academic community are watching closely, eager to understand the potential consequences of this proposal.

Will the bill pass, and if so, how will it impact the state's institutions of higher learning?

Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Dade City, filed the bill (HB 113) for consideration during the legislative session that will start in January.
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Travel, Indulgence, And Revival In Florida And The Caribbean

The allure of a well-crafted journey is matched only by the allure of a well-crafted meal. As Virginia Woolf so astutely observed, the pleasures of dining are inextricably linked to the pleasures of ___. In the latest iteration of "Explore Florida & The Caribbean," a publication born of the synergy between the South Florida Sun Sentinel and Orlando Sentinel, the finer points of travel and indulgence are brought to the fore.

A highlight of this edition is the rebirth of a venerable Fort Lauderdale resort, which debuted in 1957 as a humble fuel dock and has since undergone a billion-dollar metamorphosis. This storied landmark, set to shine at the forthcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, boasts a Pier Top lounge that continues to revolve 17 floors above the ground, completing a full rotation every 66 minutes, just as it did six decades ago.

The magazine also tackles a pressing concern: have ornate towel and linen sculptures on hotel and cruise ships become an affectation? Readers will find answers to this query and more, including a curated selection of 10 compelling reasons to explore Florida and the Caribbean this fall and winter.

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"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well," Virginia Woolf once said.
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Southwest Florida Girls Athlete Of The Week Poll Winners Announced

In the realm of Southwest Florida's high school athletics, a select group of exceptional young women stood out during the week of September 29 to October 4. Their remarkable achievements on the field, track, and pool earned them a spot in the coveted Girls Athlete Of The Week poll. The News-Press and the Naples Daily News, in conjunction with coach reports and school nominations, carefully curated a list of outstanding athletes.

These individuals were then put to a vote by the readers on news-press. com and naplesnews. com, allowing the community to decide who truly excelled. Among the notable performances was a fifth-place finish in the Byrne Division of the FLRunners. com Invitational, with a impressive time of 20:49. 63. Another athlete shone in the pool, capturing first place in both the 200 IM and 100 fly events, helping her team, the Cougars, edge out Aubrey Rogers by a single point, 92-91. The winner of this prestigious poll will be awarded a T-shirt courtesy of BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. For those interested in participating, voting concluded at 10 a.

m. on Thursday, with the winner announced on social media.

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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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Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Florida Gators Face Tough Test Against Texas A

The stage is set for a thrilling college football matchup as the Florida Gators prepare to face off against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, on October 11. This Week 7 showdown promises to be an electrifying encounter, with the Aggies currently favored by 7. 5 points over the Gators, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. In their previous outing, the Gators pulled off a stunning upset against Texas, marking a significant milestone in the Billy Napier era.

However, Napier's tenure --- secure, and the team's focus now shifts to a challenging away game against Texas A&M. The Aggies' home turf, Kyle Field, is notorious for its intimidating atmosphere, with a capacity crowd of 102,000 fans, known as the 12th Man, poised to make --- difficult for the visiting Gators. Despite the daunting task ahead, Bill Speros notes that the Gators' performance against Texas was near-flawless, and they may be able to repeat this feat, albeit not to the same extent.

Speros suggests that the Gators getting more than a touchdown could indicate a potential backdoor cover.

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The Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies play on Oct. 11 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, in a game on the college football Week 7 schedule .
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Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Uncertainty Surrounds Potential Storm's Trajectory

The Florida weather forecast cast a wary eye on Invest 95L, a system anticipated to strengthen into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next day or so, according to the National Hurricane Center. Residents from the Caribbean to Florida and the east coast of the United States were advised to closely monitor the tropics.

The AccuWeather forecasters emphasized the importance of vigilance, as the potential storm's trajectory remained uncertain. The National Hurricane Center utilized only the top-performing models to inform its forecasts, a crucial distinction in the realm of storm prediction. These models helped to create the forecast track, which illustrated the most likely path of the storm's center. However, it was essential to note that the center of the storm could travel outside the predicted cone up to 33% of the time.

This cone represented the most probable path but did not depict the storm's full width or its potential impacts. For those seeking reliable and timely updates on the storm's progression, "The Indianapolis Star" provided valuable information, offering a detailed tracker and critical weather alerts. Their reporting served as a vital resource for those monitoring the situation.

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The system is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression or tropical storm in the next day or so, according to the National Hurricane Center.
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Jupiter's New Music Festival Debuts This October

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HarbourFest, Jupiter's highly anticipated music festival, is set to make its debut at the Riverwalk near Harbourside Place. According to a report from Vikings Wire, this two-day event will take place on October 18th and 19th, from 12 p. m. to 8 p. m. each day. The festival promises to bring together 5,000 people, showcasing a diverse range of local Florida bands.

Noel Martinez, chief executive officer of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, expressed his excitement about the event, stating that HarbourFest is designed to unite residents and visitors alike. The festival's unique blend of country, pop, rock, and even a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, has been coined "coastal country" by organizers.

The event will feature a talented lineup of musicians, including Andrew Morris Band, MixTape, Ben Allen, Caribbean Chillers, Samantha Russell Band, and Crossfire Creek. General admission tickets are available for $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, while VIP tickets, priced at $125, offer a one-day pass and access to a special VIP area.

As reported by Vikings Wire, attendees can expect to enjoy a fun-filled experience, with the option to explore local restaurants and shops near the ← →

JUPITER — HarbourFest , a two-day music festival featuring well-known Florida bands, is making its debut at the Riverwalk near Harbourside Place in ...
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Florida Panthers Celebrate 2025 Stanley Cup Championship With Ring Ceremony

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The Florida Panthers gathered in Fort Lauderdale on the eve of the new season for a private ceremony, where they were presented with their 2025 Stanley Cup championship rings. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of their triumphant journey, one that will be etched in the memories of the team and their fans for years to come.

As the team assembled, a sense of pride and accomplishment filled the air. The players, coaches, and staff were all smiles as they received their championship rings, a symbol of their hard work and dedication. The ceremony was a testament to the team's unity and resilience, qualities that undoubtedly played a significant role in their Stanley Cup win.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the private event was a special celebration of the Panthers' achievement. The team's victory was a remarkable one, and this ceremony served as a fitting tribute to their success. As the Panthers look to the new season, they do so with the knowledge that their championship win will forever be a part of their legacy.

The presentation of the championship rings was a poignant reminder of the team's accomplishment, and it served as a motivation for the players as they embark on the new season. With their sights set on defending their title, the Panthers are poised to make another strong run.

On the eve of Opening Night, the Florida Panthers came together for special celebration of their most recent Stanley Cup victory.
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Monday, October 6, 2025

Florida's Hurricane Preparedness Measures Spark Concerns Over Development And Taxpayer Burden

Article from USA TODAY:

Florida's hurricane tracking tradition is rivaled only by its zeal for development. As October arrives, residents along the Eastern Seaboard, particularly in Florida, brace for the hurricane season. The state's leaders, however, have implemented measures that may burden taxpayers nationwide. Last year's active hurricane season saw three storms - Debby, Helene, and Milton - make landfall in Florida, causing an estimated $500 billion in damage.

The state's legislature responded with Senate Bill 180, aimed at streamlining hurricane preparation, relief, and recovery efforts. The bill, however, has drawn criticism for forbidding local governments from changing planning, zoning, or building regulations that might hinder rebuilding in storm-damaged areas. This move has sparked concerns that Florida is encouraging more expensive development in hurricane-prone areas, ultimately shifting the financial burden to federal disaster relief efforts and taxpayers across the country.

The consequences of such policies are evident in viral footage of houses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina floating in storm-driven surf. The issue highlights the tension between economic development and storm resiliency planning in Florida. As the state continues to attract growth and investment, its leaders must balance the needs of developers with the imperative of protecting residents and minimizing the financial impact on taxpayers nationwide.

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It's October, a time of year when people around the country start consuming pumpkin spice-flavored everything and making Halloween plans.
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Disney World And Disneyland Offer Holiday Discounts For Theme Park Visitors And Hotel Guests

The winter holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" or the "Most Magical Place on Earth"? Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California are currently offering enticing discounts for theme park visitors and hotel guests. Disneyland in Anaheim is embracing the festive spirit by offering its lowest ticket prices of the year throughout November. The park is dressed up for the holidays, making it an ideal time to visit.

Guests who book hotel stays for three nights or more can receive 20% off their rate until December 19. Meanwhile, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has introduced a new hotel and park ticket combo offer, valid from January 4 to July 25, 2026. By booking a four-night or longer hotel stay through the Walt Disney Travel Company, guests can save up to $250 when purchasing a four-day or more theme park ticket.

Aulani, Disney's Hawaiian resort, is also joining in on the savings, offering discounts for travelers looking to start 2026 with a tropical getaway. For those interested in taking advantage of these deals, ABC News provides valuable information to help plan the perfect Disney vacation.

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What better time to plan a trip to the ⁘Happiest Place on Earth⁘ and the ⁘Most Magical Place on Earth⁘ than during the already enchanting winter and...
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Florida Gators Stun No. 9 Texas Longhorns 29-21 In Week 6 Upset

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In a stunning upset, the Florida Gators toppled the No. 9 Texas Longhorns, 29-21, in Week 6, as reported by Gators Wire. This monumental victory marks the second consecutive season that the Gators have leveraged their bye week magic to secure a ranked win. Florida's head coach, Billy Napier, was likely breathing a sigh of relief after this hard-fought win, which undoubtedly cools the heat on his seat.

The Gators' quarterback, DJ Lagway, delivered an impressive performance, showcasing his skills like never before this season. The Florida defense continued to assert its dominance, stifling the Texas ___se throughout the game. Jadan Baugh played a crucial role, helping the Gators rush for over 100 yards in the first half.

Although the team's ground game slowed down after halftime, they maintained firm control of the game from start to finish. This significant win propels the Gators to a 2-3 record on the year. Their next challenge lies in an away game against Texas A&M, followed by a match-up with Mississippi State, which promises to be a winnable contest.

However, the game took an unexpected turn when Napier's questionable time management decisions allowed Texas to mount a ← →

Florida's bye week magic seems to be in play for a second straight season after the Gators upset the No. 9 Texas Longhorns, 29-21, in Week 6.
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Sunday, October 5, 2025

A Hidden Gem In Florida's Panhandle

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Featured in Ever After in the Woods:

Tucked away in Florida's Panhandle, near the small town of Chipley, lies Falling Waters State Park, a hidden gem that defies the state's typical flatlands and beaches. This 171-acre park is home to Florida's tallest waterfall, a 73-foot cascade that plunges dramatically into a mysterious limestone sinkhole. The waterfall's existence is a surprise, given Florida's generally flat terrain.

Visitors hear the gentle rushing sound before seeing it, and the sight is breathtaking. The waterfall appears suddenly at the end of a short boardwalk, cascading down into a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole. The water's destination --- a mystery, as it disappears into the 100-foot deep sinkhole and enters an underground network that --- largely unmapped.

The flow of water varies, with the falls slowing to a trickle during drier months. However, after rainfall, the waterfall transforms into a roaring column of water, making it a must-visit during those times. The park's terrain is reminiscent of the Appalachians, with steep hills and ravines. The elevated boardwalks wind through this landscape, offering stunning views.

One of the most scenic sections follows Falling Water Branch, where the boardwalk clings to hillsides as it descends toward the waterfall ← →

Tucked away in Florida's Panhandle near the small town of Chipley lies a place that feels almost impossible in the Sunshine State.
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A Hauntingly Beautiful Secret Beach In Florida

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Author comments from _____:

In the unassuming reaches of Big Talbot Island State Park, just outside Jacksonville, lies a beach so hauntingly beautiful it has earned the moniker of "secret beach." Boneyard Beach, a 3-mile stretch of shoreline along the Nassau Sound, is a place where nature's forces have sculpted a landscape of eerie elegance.

Here, enormous driftwood trees, their forms bleached and smoothed by the relentless passage of time, lie scattered along the shore, evoking the image of a ghostly elephant boneyard. The trees, mainly --- oak and cedar, have endured the unforgiving elements, their transformation from --- giants to skeletal sentinels a testament to the patient power of water, sun, and sand.

As the shoreline has retreated over the centuries, the fallen trees have remained, their root systems still anchored in the earth, playing a crucial role in protecting the surrounding woods and uplands from the ravages of hurricanes and erosion. This unique landscape, reminiscent of Driftwood Beach on Georgia's Jekyll Island or Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island in South Carolina, has become a magnet for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Yet, despite its allure, visitors are cautioned to tread carefully.

Florida's beaches are legendary. You have those with pristine sugar-white sand and bright blue waters, and others are known for rugged, wild nature.
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Festival Of Trees Underway In Fort Myers' River District

The 19th Annual Festival of Trees ...