Roller Coaster Rescue at Universal Orlando: Passengers Safe after Thanksgiving Incident
ORLANDO, Fla. — In it was a dramatic Thanksgiving evening at Universal Orlando for 24 passengers aboard the popular Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster.
Florida Chick-Fil-A Makes Chickens Fly….Sort Of
A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Brandon/Valrico, Central Florida, has announced an exclusive drone delivery service, making it the first of its kind in the area.
Private Aerospace Firms Want Port Canaveral Expansion
Reprinted With Permission: Story by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida
Private aerospace leaders want Florida lawmakers to consider steps to streamline local regulations, expand a pool of workers such as machinists and welders and provide more dock space for the industry at Port Canaveral.
Florida’s Average Gas Price Hits 2023 Low Ahead of Thanksgiving Travel Surge
As Floridians gear up for Thanksgiving, they are greeted with a welcome relief at the gas pumps. The state is witnessing a significant drop in the average gas price, with prices now reaching a new low for the year 2023. As of Sunday, the average price per gallon stands at $3.04, marking a decrease of 15 cents from the previous week and the lowest since late December 2022. This figure is notably lower than the $3.41 per gallon drivers paid during last year’s Thanksgiving.
Florida’s Tourism Surge Signals Economic Boost Amidst Global Travel Revival
Florida tourism is experiencing a significant resurgence, hinting at a potentially record-breaking year. The state’s tourism marketing agency, Visit Florida, reported that around 35.066 million visitors traveled to Florida during the third quarter of 2023. This marks a 1.4 percent increase over the same period in 2022 and a 7.9 percent rise from 2019, the year before the pandemic. The new numbers set a record high for 3rd quarter tourism in the state.
Supreme Court Blocks Florida Law Limiting Drag Shows, Citing First Amendment Concerns
Washington, D.C. – In a decision handed down on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s injunction against a Florida law aimed at restricting drag shows, a move that is seen as a win for LGBTQ+ First Amendment advocates.
Heavy Rainfall, Flash Flood, and Wind Concerns Intensify in South Florida
Flood Watch Issued for Southeast Florida Coast as Heavy Rain Looms
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – Over seven million residents along Florida’s eastern coast, from Cape Canaveral to Miami, are bracing for potentially severe flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch effective from Wednesday to Thursday, encompassing major urban areas such as Melbourne, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
Tampa International Airport Anticipates Record Crowds For Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving travel period could top 80,000 passengers
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is bracing for a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel period, with daily passenger volumes anticipated to average around 80,000 during the 11-day holiday stretch from November 16 to November 26. This surge in traffic is expected to peak on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the subsequent Sunday, with estimates suggesting as many as 84,000 to 87,000 passengers on each of these days.
Tampa Teacher Turned Soldier: Jesse Davidson’s Journey to the Front Lines of Israel-Hamas Conflict
Since the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas, members of Florida’s Jewish community have responded in a multitude of different ways. Some fight the battle here at home, facing stepped up antisemitic activities, while others are taking an even more direct approach to fighting terror.
Florida House Bill Seeks to Protect Historical Monuments, Impose Penalties for Removal
Tallahassee, FL – A new bill introduced in the Florida House of Representatives for the 2024 session has sparked a heated debate over the protection and preservation of historical monuments in the state. House Bill 395, proposed by Representative Dean Black (R) of Jacksonville, aims to enforce stringent measures against the removal or alteration of historical monuments and memorials, including those commemorating Confederate figures.
Federal Judge Upholds Florida Law Barring Transgender Athletes from Women’s Sports Teams
Tallahassee, FL – In a decision last week, U.S. District Judge Roy Altman upheld a controversial Florida law prohibiting student transgender athletes who are biological males from participating in women’s and girls’ sports teams. This ruling came on Monday as part of a 39-page decision in response to a lawsuit challenging the 2021 law.
