Covering All Things Florida
FMN congratulates our own Richard Gallagher on his award-winning shot of the Starship Heavy booster return at Boca Chica, Tx on October 13th. Competing against a slate of world class photographers who submitted over 800 entries, Gallagher’s work placed second in Aviation Week’s annual photo contest in the “Photo Illustration” category.
On December 4th, word began leaking out that President-elect Trump may be considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a cabinet post. While the move is far from certain as of this writing, what would happen if he did appoint DeSantis? That would leave some big shoes to fill in the Governor’s office.
In an announcement that has sparked widespread interest in both political and aerospace circles, former President Donald Trump has nominated billionaire entrepreneur and SpaceX partner Jared Isaacman as the next NASA Administrator. The announcement was made during a press conference today at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Trump praised Isaacman’s leadership in private space exploration and innovation.
Fox News host Sean Hannity has purchased a $23.5 million waterfront estate in Manalapan, Florida, marking another move in his major relocation from New York to the Sunshine State.
Florida is well known to locals and visitors alike for its crystal clear springs. With water that remains in the low to mid 70’s year round, Florida’s springs are a cool respite from Florida’s sweltering summers and a sanctuary for marine life seeking warmer waters in the winter. Any way you slice it, Florida’s beautiful springs are a must see. But there is one spring that stands out from all the rest…..
When Americans think of Thanksgiving, the image of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal in Plymouth in 1621 often comes to mind. However, history tells a richer, less-known tale of a thanksgiving that took place decades earlier in St. Augustine, Florida.
In a major investigative development concerning Florida’s maritime heritage, authorities have arrested Eric Schmitt of Booty Salvage, a family company renowned for its treasure-hunting endeavors. According to a news release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Schmitt faces charges related to the theft and illegal sale of gold coins. All of the coins were recovered from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet shipwrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast.
On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History concluded its annual “Battle for Veterans” WWII reenactment event, offering attendees an immersive experience into World War II history. The three-day event, running from November 8 to 10, featured authentic battle reenactments, living history displays, and a showcase of military vehicles, drawing history enthusiasts and families alike.
Stuart, FL — Local surfer and fishing charter operator Cole Taschman, 28, is recovering at home after a frightening encounter with a shark while surfing at Martin County’s Bathtub Beach in Stuart. This is the second time Taschman has survived a shark bite at the same beach, his first occurring over a decade ago in 2013.
Get ready, Tampa Bay, because on November 9, the Red Bull Flugtag is taking off at the Tampa Convention Center, bringing with it a spectacle of wild, human-powered flying contraptions and a whole lot of creativity. If you’ve ever wanted to see someone’s dream of flight take off—albeit briefly—then make sure to head down to the water’s edge for a day of outrageous fun, bold leaps, and some unforgettable plunges.
In September, FMN reported on an ambitious plan to bring the SS United States to Florida as an artificial reef. At the time, the move seemed almost a certainty, and after one final legal challenge, it has become a reality. The SS United States, a symbol of maritime innovation and American excellence since its 1951 launch, is set to begin its final journey—not across the Atlantic, but toward an extraordinary new life beneath the waves. In a quiet ceremony on October 12, 2024, the SS United States Conservancy transferred ownership of the ship to Okaloosa County, Florida, marking the end of a long and contentious legal battle over the vessel’s future.
At a time when America can least afford it, the International Longshoremen’s Association has gone on strike. Coming on the heels of high inflation, a major storm, and a potential Middle East War, the strike could have massive consequences on Main Street America.
