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Tag: Orlando

  • Florida hires Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as head coach with six-year, $44.7M deal

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    UPDATE: An introductory news conference is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. today.

    Watch live coverage on Spectrum News 13

    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida hired Tulane’s Jon Sumrall as its next coach Sunday, settling for its second choice after Lane Kiffin reportedly picked LSU over the Gators.

    Sumrall finalized a six-year, $44.7 million contract that comes with incentives, according to a person familiar with the search. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial details were not released. The deal averages $7.45 million annually.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tulane’s Jon Sumrall finalized a six-year, incentive-laden contract worth nearly $7.5 million annually with the Florida Gators as their new head coach
    • Sumrall will remain with the 22nd-ranked Green Wave for next week’s American Conference title game and through the College Football Playoff if Tulane makes the 12-team field

    • Sumrall had been considered a possibility at Auburn, Arkansas and Ole Miss. Florida made a late push when Lane Kiffin’s interest in the Gators waned

    • The Gators (4-8) ended a dismal season with one of their best performances, a 40-21 victory against rival Florida State in the Swamp in which running back Jadan Baugh ran for a career-high 266 yards and two touchdowns and DJ Lagway threw for three scores


    The 43-year-old Sumrall will remain with the 22nd-ranked Green Wave for next week’s American Conference title game and through the College Football Playoff if Tulane makes the 12-team field.

    The Gators also are on the verge of signing general manager Dave Caldwell, who won a Super Bowl during his five seasons with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. He also spent eight years (2013-20) with the Jacksonville Jaguars and built a roster that made the AFC title game.

    Caldwell is expected to help manage Florida’s salary cap and evaluate college talent as demands on coaches have expanded with the burgeoning transfer portal and name, image and likeness payments.

    Sumrall played linebacker at Kentucky (2002-04) and returned to his alma mater for a three-year stint before becoming Troy’s head coach in 2022. He won consecutive Sun Belt championships in two seasons with the Trojans and then enjoyed similar success at Tulane.

    Sumrall is 19-7 in two years in New Orleans and led the Green Wave to the American championship game both seasons. So he has made four league title games in four years as a head coach. The Gators are hoping he’s Urban Meyer 2.0 and not Billy Napier 2.0.

    “Not many coaches win big at two different non-Power programs, and even fewer do it as quickly as Jon has done it,” Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “He joins rare company — coaches like Urban Meyer, Brian Kelly and Willie Fritz — who’ve delivered immediate success at multiple stops. Jon’s track record of rapid turnarounds speaks directly to his leadership and the culture he establishes.”

    Sumrall had been considered a possibility at Auburn, Arkansas and Ole Miss. Florida made a late push when Kiffin’s interest in the Gators waned. Florida fans are likely to view him as a consolation prize, another gamble from a Group of Five conference.

    Sumrall replaces Napier, who was fired in mid-October and went 22-23 over four seasons in Gainesville. Napier was nicknamed “Sun Belt Billy” because he often looked in over his head in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference.

    Going back to Louisiana for another G5 coach? And a defensive guy to boot? That’s a bold move for Stricklin, who is sure to draw the ire of the Florida faithful for failing to land Kiffin.

    He was roundly booed at a championship celebration to honor men’s basketball coach Todd Golden and his title-winning team in April. Now, the fan base is calling for his job.

    A website titled FireScottStricklin.com documents Stricklin’s shortcomings, and some fans organized a rally Sunday outside Florida Field to promote Stricklin’s “immediate removal.”

    But Stricklin seemingly has the support of the Board of Trustees, which gave him a three-year contract extension in June and allowed him to conduct a coaching search that included roughly 10 interviews without interference.

    There were rumors and reports about boosters getting involved and straining relationships with Kiffin and his camp. But Stricklin made it clear he was the only one making the hire. Kiffin reportedly chose LSU after a public tug-of-war involving all three schools.

    Kiffin’s family members took scouting trips to Gainesville and Baton Rouge, and he met with administrators and fundraisers on several occasions. The trip to Gainesville was underwhelming, according to people familiar with the search, and high school football in the area left plenty to be desired.

    Florida even turned to Heisman Trophy winners Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel during its pursuit of Kiffin, who eventually slowed communication with UF officials to the point where the Gators decided they had to move on in a crowded market.

    Now, Sumrall will be counted on to lead a downtrodden program back to prominence in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference.

    Tulane’s numbers are far from gaudy: The Green Wave rank 39th in the country in total offense and 64th in total defense. Sumrall is expected to hire outside coordinators and an NFL-style general manager to help him rebuild in Gainesville.

    The Gators (4-8) clearly have talent and ended a dismal season with one of their best performances, a 40-21 victory against rival Florida State in the Swamp in which running back Jadan Baugh ran for a career-high 266 yards and two touchdowns and DJ Lagway threw for three scores.

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    Associated Press

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  • Pinellas County teacher fighting for his life after lightning strike in Peru

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A Pinellas County teacher is in critical condition after being struck by lightning while vacationing with family and friends in Peru.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Pinellas County teacher is in critical condition after being struck by lightning while vacationing with family and friends in Peru

    • James Fernandez was biking down a mountain last Wednesday with his close friend, Yuri, when both were hit by a lightning strike

    • Yuri was killed instantly. Fernandez survived but suffered catastrophic injuries

    James Fernandez was biking down a mountain last Wednesday with his close friend, Yuri, when both were hit by a lightning strike. Yuri was killed instantly. Fernandez survived but suffered catastrophic injuries.

    Fernandez had traveled to Peru with his wife, Alexis, their 5-month-old child and close friends for a holiday trip.

    Rick Alvarez, Fernandez’s father-in-law, says the family is reeling.

    “He is fighting for his life,” Alvarez said. “He has a severe spinal injury. They had to do emergency surgery to stabilize the C3–C4 area. At the moment, he’s just fighting.”

    Alvarez says Fernandez didn’t take a direct hit, but was close enough to the strike to be severely injured. The electrical arc from the lightning may have thrown him from his bike.

    Alexis is at his bedside in Peru.

    “She’ll call me and start crying — it’s just tough,” Alvarez said. “I can truly say their marriage was Camelot. Two people that met and love each other.”

    He describes Fernandez as an adventurous outdoorsman and a devoted father.

    Yuri, the friend who died, was like family.

    “He’s the type of guy you want to hug,” Alvarez said. “A big guy, a super guy. It’s a tragic loss.”

    For now, the family can only hope and pray. Doctors in Peru have not yet cleared Fernandez for medical transport back to Florida.

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    Jeff Van Sant

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  • ‘The standard here is championships. That’s why I came,’ new Florida coach says

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — New University of Florida football coach Jon Sumrall made one thing clear at his introductory news conference — he is at Florida to win and to win championships.

    “The standard here is championships. That’s why I came,” Sumrall said. “I’m built for this job. I was made for this job. Winners win. I’m a winner. We’re going to win.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gators introduced Jon Sumrall of Tulane as their new football coach Monday

    • He will come to Gainesville full time after the Green Wave complete the 2025 college football postseason

    • Sumrall finalized a six-year, $44.7 million contract that comes with incentives, according to AP

    • “The standard here is championships. That’s why I came,” Sumrall said.

    Sumrall went on to explain how the team will reach those lofty goals and pointed out that he plans for the Gators to play differently than where he has coached in the past.

    “We’re going to play with an edge, a blue-collar mindset and a chip on our shoulder,” Sumrall said.”We will be tough. We will have grit. We will not be outworked. We will play with physicality.”

    The team will be built on player strengths.

    “When I think of the Gators, I think of aggressive. I think of explosive,” Sumrall said. I think about mixing tempos, using it to your advantage and dictating the game to the opponent.”

    In a nod to the offenses of former Gators championship-winning coaches Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, who both attended the news conference, Sumrall said, “I think about stretching the field and threatening every blade of grass.”

    The offensive line, he said, must play with a nasty demeanor.

    Sumrall, who is coming to Florida from Tulane, won’t completely make the transition until after the college football postseason is complete. He will coach the Green Wave against North Texas in the American Conference Championship Game on Friday, and maybe after that, if Tulane is selected for the College Football Playoff.

    But he made it clear he already has begun working to build the 2026 Gators football program.

    Roster building starts with the current team, he said, and he needs the players at Florida now to stay. He said he is making it his first recruiting effort with them and held video conferences with many of those players Sunday night.

    With early signing day coming up Wednesday, Sumrall said he also has spoken with some players who already have verbally committed to the Gators and admires the high character of that class.

    Speaking about both groups, Sumrall asked them to give him an opportunity.

    “I will fight to keep all of them,” he said. “…I can’t wait to coach you. I would love to coach you.”

    He said he expects to recruit many players from within the state.

    “I believe the lifeblood of your program is recruiting good high school players, and in Florida, elite, high school football players,” Sumrall said.

    But as a national program, he acknowledged that they will look throughout the country to get the most elite players.

    Sumrall said he also will use the transfer portal, but mostly as a way to supplement the roster or fill holes on the team.

    He said he and his staff are “going to run a player-driven program. My job here is to serve and develop the players….Those players are going to get everything I got to help them become their best.”

    Florida Athletic Director Scott Strickland said he wanted a winner, and that’s Sumrall. He has the fifth-highest win-percentage among active Football Bowl Series coaches, and is 42-11 in four seasons as coach at Troy and Tulane. He reached the conference championship game each of those four years.

    Sumrall finalized a six-year, $44.7 million contract that comes with incentives, according to a person familiar with the search. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial details were not released. The deal averages $7.45 million annually.

    Sumrall thanked the University of Florida community for the opportunity as well as Spurrier, Meyer and some current players who turned out for their support.

    “It’s great to be a Florida Gator. I am honored and humbled to be the head coach at the University of Florida,” Sumrall said.

    The Gators haven’t had a top-five offense in the Southeastern Conference since 2020-21. 

    To find the last time they had a top 10 offense in the nation, you have to go back to 2009.

    Sumrall will look to change that.

    He wasn’t the first choice of many Gators, who had hoped to hire Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. But Kiffin selected LSU over Florida.

    At the opening of the news conference, Sumrall said he and Kiffin had discussed their job searches.

    “Lane Kiffin and I have both been going through the same thing. And we talked a lot, and we both were in agreement that I was the right man for this job,” Sumrall said.

    He also said his entire family is all in on their support for Florida.

    “We had options. My wife and I sat down, and we chose Florida,” Sumrall said. “Florida had to choose us first, but we chose it back.”

    Sumrall replaces Billy Napier, who was fired Oct. 19, after a 3-4 start to this season and a 22-23 record overall with the Gators. Napier was hired from Louisiana, where he went 40-12 over four seasons. Billy Gonzales took over as interim coach at Florida to finish out the Gators’ season.

    During Napier’s last season in particular, he took a lot of public criticism. Sumrall said that the support of the community and fan base is vital to building a championship program.

    “We can only maximize our potential with your full support. It takes all of us working together to win championships,” Sumrall said. “I love, love, love, your passion and your enthusiasm. …That’s part of what attracted me here.”

    Strickland also signed General Manager Dave Caldwell, who won a Super Bowl during his five seasons with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. He also spent eight years (2013-20) with the Jacksonville Jaguars and built a roster that made the AFC title game.

    Caldwell is expected to help manage Florida’s salary cap and evaluate college talent as demands on coaches have expanded with the burgeoning transfer portal and name, image and likeness payments.

    Sumrall said is constantly recruiting, but “My No. 1 job is to coach the team. While future Gators matter to me, current players matter more.”

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Brandon Green, Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Small Business Saturday brings crowds and community spirit

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    Central Florida shoppers kicked off Small Business Saturday with the sights, sounds and smells of the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.It’s where local vendors say the day offers a critical boost heading into the holiday season.The annual shopping event encourages residents to spend their dollars locally.It is something business owners say directly supports the families and entrepreneurs who give Orlando’s neighborhoods their character.”It’s all about the local community,” said Chris Rivera, who owns Thirsty Husky Coffee with her husband, Eddie.Vendors at the market said shoppers can find items that stand out from big-box shelves.”We all have wonderful, unique items to offer the public that they can’t find in the supermarket or anywhere,” said Anna Marie Mele, owner of Pesto Diva.Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored nationally by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, has become one of the busiest shopping days of the season for independent retailers. The SBA says more than 36 million small businesses operate nationwide.Rivera said customers should know their purchases matter.”The money that you are spending on local businesses is going back to the community, really,” she said.For many vendors, the day’s foot traffic can help set the tone and the revenue for the rest of the holidays.”We are all here for you, rain or shine, and we are happy to be able to offer you our services and our products,” Mele said.Just a few blocks away, Park Avenue was buzzing as shoppers browsed boutiques and cafés that are part of the city’s long-standing small business ecosystem.”This is the best street to shop and it has a lot of little boutiques,” said shopper Karen Miles-Miller. “If we want them to survive, we have to support them. It’s pure economics.”Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer encouraged residents to keep that mindset going beyond the weekend.”Let’s make an effort to frequent our city’s small businesses during the entire holiday season,” Dyer said in a statement. “By shopping and eating small, we support entrepreneurs and their employees who play a big role in making Orlando more vibrant.”Dyer highlighted several events in the city’s 12 Main Street Districts, including:Ship, Shop & Score — Curry Ford WestWe Sell — Small Business Saturday — Thornton Park DistrictShop Small Sip and Stroll — Audubon Park Garden DistrictResidents can follow @orlandomainstreets and @dwntwn_orlando on Instagram for updated deals and promotions heading into Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.For shoppers looking to participate nationally, the SBA offers a Small Business Saturday directory and marketing materials for business owners.Whether at a farmers’ market stand or a longtime storefront, small business owners say the support they receive this weekend means everything and for the community they help shape.

    WINTER PARK, Fla. —

    Central Florida shoppers kicked off Small Business Saturday with the sights, sounds and smells of the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.

    It’s where local vendors say the day offers a critical boost heading into the holiday season.

    The annual shopping event encourages residents to spend their dollars locally.

    It is something business owners say directly supports the families and entrepreneurs who give Orlando’s neighborhoods their character.

    “It’s all about the local community,” said Chris Rivera, who owns Thirsty Husky Coffee with her husband, Eddie.

    Vendors at the market said shoppers can find items that stand out from big-box shelves.

    “We all have wonderful, unique items to offer the public that they can’t find in the supermarket or anywhere,” said Anna Marie Mele, owner of Pesto Diva.

    Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored nationally by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, has become one of the busiest shopping days of the season for independent retailers. The SBA says more than 36 million small businesses operate nationwide.

    Rivera said customers should know their purchases matter.

    “The money that you are spending on local businesses is going back to the community, really,” she said.

    For many vendors, the day’s foot traffic can help set the tone and the revenue for the rest of the holidays.

    “We are all here for you, rain or shine, and we are happy to be able to offer you our services and our products,” Mele said.

    Just a few blocks away, Park Avenue was buzzing as shoppers browsed boutiques and cafés that are part of the city’s long-standing small business ecosystem.

    “This is the best street to shop and it has a lot of little boutiques,” said shopper Karen Miles-Miller. “If we want them to survive, we have to support them. It’s pure economics.”

    Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer encouraged residents to keep that mindset going beyond the weekend.

    “Let’s make an effort to frequent our city’s small businesses during the entire holiday season,” Dyer said in a statement. “By shopping and eating small, we support entrepreneurs and their employees who play a big role in making Orlando more vibrant.”

    Dyer highlighted several events in the city’s 12 Main Street Districts, including:

    Residents can follow @orlandomainstreets and @dwntwn_orlando on Instagram for updated deals and promotions heading into Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

    For shoppers looking to participate nationally, the SBA offers a Small Business Saturday directory and marketing materials for business owners.

    Whether at a farmers’ market stand or a longtime storefront, small business owners say the support they receive this weekend means everything and for the community they help shape.

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  • Young brothers support one another through each others’ health scares

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Nolan Revels passes time in his football-themed hospital room playing football video games.

    The 10-year-old’s older brother, Reed, is also a sports fan, practicing his throw with a target toss game in the room.

    “They’re their own team, really. It’s very cool to watch,” said their mother, Megan Revels.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nolan Revels, 10, has a rare genetic mutation for bone marrow cancer

    • His brother, Reed, was first diagnosed with the cancer and went through chemotherapy and had a bone marrow transplant

    • Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital performed a preemptive bone marrow transplant on Nolan before he developed leukemia, which was a first for the hospital

    • The brothers are helping each other navigate their health battles 


    The brothers are on a team that’s been building an unbreakable bond through more than medical issues. First, Reed was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone marrow cancer.

    “When he got diagnosed, he went through chemotherapy and ended up having a bone marrow transplant,” said Megan. “Last March, when we did the genetic testing, we were trying to find a donor for Reed, we found out that Nolan, our youngest son, also carries the gene.”

    That’s why Nolan is in the hospital.

    “I got my cells in me and so far, they haven’t reacted yet,” said Nolan about his recent bone marrow transplant.

    Dr. Natalie Booth has cared for both Reed and Nolan.

    “Unfortunately, Nolan was also positive for the same gene. So, Nolan has not yet developed leukemia, which is our hope. We don’t want him to develop leukemia, which is the nidus for doing transplant and a preemptive setting to prevent Nolan from developing leukemia,” said Dr. Booth, who specializes in Pediatric Hematology Oncology.

    A rare case, Dr. Booth said this was the first time Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital performed a preemptive bone marrow transplant before a patient developed leukemia.

    “But for both boys to undergo this transplants within the same year is rare in of itself,” said Dr. Booth.

    The boys have been leaning on each other over the last year.

    “I’ve already been through this, and I’ve done about everything that you can do in the hospital. So, if he ever needs help with anything, if he has any questions, I’m just always here,” said Reed, who is now in remission and supporting his little brother.

    “He makes me feel really good,” said Nolan.

    Something else making him feel good: a surprise.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 was there when the nonprofit organization, Casting for the Kids, surprised the family with four tickets to a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game next year.

    “It means everything to me, because our daughter went through this when she was two years old, and we know what just a little bit of joy comes when a family gets a surprise like this so anything we can do to help lighten the heavy weight of childhood cancer,” said Executive Director Ben Shroyer.

    A family that could use some of that weight lifted during the holidays.

    “I think I am most grateful for them because they are so strong,” said Megan. “They were already very close before this, but the bond is kind of like unbreakable. And with Reed’s experience, it certainly helps navigate Nolan through this very difficult process.”

    An unbreakable bond between young brothers tackling their health scares together.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Jadan Baugh runs wild in Florida’s 40-21 victory against rival FSU

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — If Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is Florida’s next head coach, he should make keeping Jadan Baugh a priority.

    Baugh ran for a career-high 266 yards and two touchdowns — the second-most rushing yards in school history — and Florida denied rival Florida State a chance to become bowl eligible with a 40-21 victory Saturday in the Swamp.

    “I always try to go out and play my hardest because you never know who’s watching,” Baugh said. “Your first impression is your last impression.”

    This one will linger. The sophomore carried 38 times, punishing the Seminoles all night, and finished with the program’s most yards on the ground since Emmitt Smith tallied 316 against New Mexico in 1989. His last touch was a 12-yard TD scamper on a fourth-and-3 play with less than a minute remaining in which he broke two tackles.

    Baugh said interim coach Billy Gonzales told him to slide and not score. His response: “Don’t do me like that.” No one complained after he put an exclamation point on a dominant performance.

    “Jadan Baugh ran like somebody was trying to kill him all night,” center Jake Slaughter said.

    DJ Lagway added three touchdown passes for the Gators (4-8), who ended a four-game losing streak, won for the first time since firing coach Billy Napier in mid-October, and provided a final glimpse of what many thought they could be this season.

    Florida State (5-7) played its first game since announcing coach Mike Norvell would return next season. But the Seminoles lost for the seventh time in nine games and failed to extend their season. They also lost to Florida for the fifth time in the last seven meetings.

    Baugh had a lot to do with the latest one. He became the first Florida player since 2004 to top 200 yards rushing against the ’Noles.

    “We came into (the game) saying that’s a guy you have to stop. For him to have that kind of production is a complete failure,” Norvell said.

    Equally impressive, Baugh became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015. Baugh became the 10th player in school history to top the single-season milestone, joining a list that includes Smith, Fred Taylor and Errict Rhett. Baugh is the first underclassman since Smith in 1987 to accomplish the feat.

    Lagway, Baugh and others put on a show in the team’s season finale — an audition of sorts for Florida’s next coach. After missing out on Lane Kiffin, the Gators have targeted Sumrall as Napier’s replacement and could make it official as early as Sunday.

    Sumrall would remain with the Green Wave for next week’s American Conference title game and through the College Football Playoff, if Tulane gets a berth.

    Florida State trailed from the second possession and never posed a threat. Thomas Castellanos threw for 240 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. He also led the team with 77 yards rushing and a score and a lost fumble.

    The takeaway

    Florida State: The Seminoles are 7-18 since winning the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2023 and getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff selection committee. Norvell has vowed to make changes heading into 2026, but FSU is essentially in the same position Florida was at the end of last season — with a coach on the hot seat and facing long odds.

    Florida: Lagway, Baugh and a defense that finished with seven sacks could be building blocks for the next regime.

    Up next

    Florida State: Norvell has to find a quarterback and determine what quick fixes he can make to make the Seminoles more consistently competitive in 2026.

    Florida: The Gators expect to have their next head coach soon. And even though it appears to be another guy from the Group of Five, they have to hope for better results than Napier’s failed tenure.

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    Associated Press

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  • Desmond Bane, Magic overcome Cade Cunningham to drop Pistons

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    (Photo credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images)

    Desmond Bane poured in 37 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic edged the Detroit Pistons 112-109 on Friday to advance to the knockout round of the NBA Cup.

    Orlando finished 4-0 in the East Group B of the event and won for the fifth time in their last six games. The Pistons lost for the second time in a row following their 13-game winning streak.

    Franz Wagner had 21 points and seven rebounds while Anthony Black tossed in 16 points off the bench. Jalen Suggs added 14 points with four steals.

    Cade Cunningham carried the Pistons with 39 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists but also committed eight of Detroit’s 24 turnovers. Tobias Harris had 18 points while Jalen Duren supplied 16 points with 12 rebounds.

    Bane carried the Magic back from an early 13-point deficit, scoring 21 first-half points as Orlando took a 59-58 lead into intermission. Black had 12 points at the break.

    The game remained tight throughout the third quarter. The Magic finished the quarter on a 15-7 run to carry an 89-84 lead into the fourth.

    Bane reached the 30-point mark when Cunningham was called for a technical in the final minute of the quarter. Cunningham reached the 30-point mark on two free throws with 1.1 seconds remaining in the quarter.

    Black opened the fourth with a midrange jumper and Bane made a layup to stretch Orlando’s lead to nine points. Bane soon made two free throws to push the lead to 10.

    Down 100-90, the Pistons reeled off 10 straight points, capped by a Cunningham 3-pointer with 4:10 to play. A Cunningham basket with 2:48 left gave Detroit a 106-105 lead but Bane’s three-point play with 2:11 left put Orlando back on top.

    Clinging to a 110-109 lead, Orlando grabbed three offensive rebounds that forced Javonte Green to foul Suggs with 6.3 seconds left. Suggs made both free throws.

    Cunningham was fouled with 4.7 seconds left but missed the first free throw and then intentionally missed the second. The Pistons got the rebound but Duncan Robinson’s last-ditch 3-point try was blocked by Black.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Stetson Mansion reopens as Florida’s ‘Christmas Mansion’ for 2025 holiday season

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    DELAND, Fla. — The historic Stetson Mansion — once the winter retreat of hat magnate John B. Stetson and among the first homes in the world wired by Thomas Edison — has once again opened its doors as the spectacular “Christmas Mansion.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The historic Stetson Mansion in DeLand has transformed into the lavishly decorated “Christmas Mansion”

    • Owners Kayla and Frank Jennings say the estate draws nearly 20,000 visitors each holiday season

    • The Gilded Age home showcases original Tiffany-stained glass, intricate woodwork and early Edison-installed electrical features

    • Ten holiday-themed rooms highlight the history and legacy of John B. Stetson

    Owner Kayla Jennings begins decorating as early as June, describing the transformation as “bigger and grander than I could have ever expected. Thank goodness that Christmas is my favorite holiday.”

    Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet, the estate becomes a dazzling holiday showcase, featuring elaborate décor across ten themed rooms.

    Co-owner and husband, Frank Jennings, helps prepare the massive Gilded Age estate, noting, “We usually get around 20,000 people to tour the mansion for that time period.”

    Visitors are welcomed inside by Kayla — “Hello. Welcome to the Stetson Mansion. Come on in,” — where they discover Florida’s first luxury estate, built in 1886 and once home to John and Elizabeth Stetson.

    “This was John and Elizabeth Stetson’s winter home. They were our first snowbirds,” she adds.

    Inside, guests can admire an array of architectural styles and original craftsmanship, including stained-glass windows gifted by famed artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

    “We have the original stained-glass windows. They were gifts from Mr. Louis Comfort Tiffany. We have over 10,000 panes of glass,” Kayla explains.

    The home was also groundbreaking for its time, featuring steam heat, running water and electricity installed by Thomas Edison himself.

    “We are the first home to have steam, heat, electricity and running water in the state of Florida,” Frank says.

    The master suite has been transformed this year to showcase special memorabilia commemorating the legacy of the Stetson brand.

    “So, the master suite this year has a lot of his memorabilia. It has a lot of history that we’re going to bring to the tour,” Kayla says.

    The mansion also once hosted some of the world’s most prominent figures, including the Mellons, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and even the King and Queen of England.

    “We had the Mellons, the Vanderbilts, the Carnegies, and the King and Queen of England several times here as well,” Kayla recalls.

    With its elaborately decorated grounds, historic charm and thousands of twinkling lights, the Jennings say the mansion delivers holiday spirit for all ages.

    “It’s suitable for all ages. And it’s an amazing sight to see,” Frank says.

    The Christmas Stetson Mansion is open from Nov. 1 through Jan. 18. Admission is $29.50 for adults and $19.00 for visitors 17 and younger.

    For reservations and more, visit the Stetson Mansion.

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    Randy Rauch

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  • Irving is eager to play after a tough time with an injury

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    By  ROB MAADDI

    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Not playing football may have been tougher mentally on Bucky Irving than dealing with his physical injuries.

    The dynamic running back is nearing a return to Tampa Bay’s lineup this week and spoke about his struggles for the first time on Wednesday. He was a full participant in practice after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries.

    “It’s tough, man, (especially) your first time being hurt,” Irving said. “When I step out onto that field — like I always say — I don’t take this game for granted. I love what I do every day. I love my teammates. When I go out there, I show them that each and every time I get the ball, I’m trying to make plays and make things happen for this organization and this team to help them in any type of fashion to win football games. When God takes something away from you, He’s telling you to get closer to Him and lean on Him.”

    Irving, a fourth-round pick last year, ran for 1,122 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a rookie while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He had 237 yards rushing and 19 catches for 193 yards and two scores in the first four games this season before going down.

    While Rachaad White and Sean Tucker filled in nicely during Irving’s absence, the Bucs missed his playmaking abilities. He missed being out there on the field even more.

    “It’s always tough not being able to be out there and go to war with your guys, but being able to go through that, learn from that and being able to move on, I’m happy to be back with my guys,” Irving said.

    Irving has overcome more adversity than most. He lost his dad when he was 2, his grandmother when he was in high school and a half brother when he was a freshman in college. Both his father and half brother were victims of gun violence.

    The 23-year-old leaned on his faith and team resources to help him deal with the emotional strain of being on the sideline.

    “This whole organization. I can’t name everybody from this person to this person, but the people who were with me every step of the way know who they are,” Irving said. “I want to give big praise and a shout out to them for helping me throughout this process. They’ve been around and they’ve seen it before, so just being able to trust them, trust their plan and help me get back and be around my teammates. I love being around my teammates.”

    Irving should provide a spark to the offense when the Buccaneers (6-5) host the Arizona Cardinals (3-8) on Sunday. Baker Mayfield is dealing with a shoulder injury and star wide receiver Mike Evans is out.

    “Anytime you can get a starter back, especially a player of Bucky’s caliber and the way he prepares and the way he loves the game and how he is around his teammates, that should always elevate you,” offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said.

    ___

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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    Associated Press

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  • Father and son recount ordeal they faced after boat capsized

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    CLEARWATER, Fla. — On Thanksgiving Day, a Polk County father and son said they were thankful to be alive after a 20-hour ordeal that left them stranded in the gulf. It happened after their boat capsized Monday. 

    “You’re thinking, ‘Is this it?’” said Cris Harding, Sr. “And to have your son on the boat with you is the worst feeling in the world.”

    What You Need To Know

    •  Cris Harding, Sr. and Jr. were two of the men rescued by the Coast Guard from a capsized boat this week

    •  Eighteen-year-old Cris Jr. was released from the hospital Wednesday, one day after his father. They say the two other family members on the boat, Clarence Woods, 90, and Dennis Woods, 70, were still hospitalized but expected to be okay.

    •  The Hardings said enduring wind, waves, and the cold overnight was the hardest part of the ordeal, with both questioning if they would survive

    • Father and son praised the Coast Guard and said they were grateful they all made it back to land


    Eighteen-year-old Cris Harding, Jr. was released from the hospital Wednesday. He and his father said they were doing well and that two other family members on the boat, great uncle Clarence Woods, 90, and father-in-law and grandfather Dennis Woods, 70, were still hospitalized but expected to be okay.

    Cris Sr. said Monday started out as the perfect day, not unlike many of his family’s past fishing trips.

    “We got out there, started catching some big fish,” he said. “I caught a shark. I landed the shark, and literally not even ten, 15 minutes after, the boat flipped.

    The Hardings said by the time they noticed the boat was taking on water, it was too late. They tried using a pump, but the boat ended up capsizing. The four men climbed on top of the overturned boat, surrounded by water, with no land in sight.

    “I was never put in a position like that before, so it didn’t really feel real because I’d never been in a life-threatening situation like that where I was alive but had no way to actually know that I was gonna live,” said Cris Jr.

     


     

    But father and son said they weren’t thinking about that at first. In fact, they told Spectrum News that after they all climbed on top of the boat, Cris Jr. joked about it happening on a big day for his grandfather, Dennis Woods.

    “I think my son said something about, ‘And it’s your birthday,’ and he said, ‘I didn’t get no birthday cake or nobody sing me happy birthday.’ So, we all just started singing him happy birthday on the boat,” said Cris Sr.

    They said the hard part came after dark.

    “It was pretty brutal,” said Cris Jr. “I mean, right before the sun started setting, the water was really calm, and then night came. It just got really rough.”

    “It was freezing, and the waves were just knocking us all over. We kept slipping and falling and trying to hold on,” said Cris Sr. 

     


    They said it was a huge relief to see that a Coast Guard plane spotted them the next morning.

     

    “It was like, ‘Thank you, God.’ Happy to know you’re going home to see your loved ones again, and you know your son and your father-in-law and everybody’s gonna be okay,” said Cris Sr.

    “I felt unbelievable relief,” said Cris Jr. “I was really happy. I kind of enjoyed it for a second, being out on the boat. It was refreshing to realize that I was going to be home, safe, with my family.”

    The men were hospitalized, with Cris Sr. telling Spectrum News he and his son suffered from injuries and hypothermia. He said an experience like theirs puts things into perspective.

    “You tend to forget about the little things until something like that happens. You appreciate everything – especially land,” he said.

    The Coast Guard ended up finding the men 26 miles offshore from Clearwater. They credit their faith with helping them make it through, saying they talked about their favorite Bible verses. Cris Jr. said as he searched the sky for a plane or helicopter searching for them, he saw something else that gave him hope.

    “I saw a perfect cloud, shaped like an angel. It was amazing. I don’t know if that was God trying to tell me that I’m going to be fine, we’re all gonna make it through,” he said.

    Cris Sr. said he’s not sure what went wrong with the boat but is grateful that it didn’t sink after capsizing. He said that’s something that could’ve led to a different outcome for his family. 

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • Orlando half-marathon welcomes inspiring athletes with disabilities

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    The 49th annual OUC Orlando Half Marathon is set to take place on Dec. 6 at Lake Eola, welcoming more than 5,000 participants to its inclusive event. Chris Nikic, a Special Olympics Florida athlete who made history in 2020 as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, is preparing to run the hometown half-marathon for the first time.”To blow past everyone,” Nikic said. “I have been doing half-marathons, which is pretty cool, and the crowd.” He is also proud to be a leader in recruiting athletes to participate, saying, “I am the top leader in recruiting athletes to come out and participate.”Chris’s father, Nik Nikic, shared insights into his son’s training regimen, noting, “Noah and his friends are helping him train by running at a faster pace for him. And teaching him what it feels like to run at, say, an eight-minute pace versus a 10- or 12-minute pace.” Nik also praised the event, saying, “OUC is wonderful, especially with track shack being part of it,” and emphasized the importance of the marathon, stating, “I think this is a great opportunity. For us to be an example for the rest of the world, and Central Florida and Orlando is a hub for all these things anyway.”Another inspiring participant is Caleb Prewitt, who, along with his mother Karen, will be traveling from Jacksonville to run the OUC half-marathon and the 5K. Caleb has completed 127 races, and they enjoy running together while raising community awareness and promoting inclusion. Karen expressed their passion for the sport, saying, “Do we love running? Yes. We love running — we love racing — we do triathlons as well, so we are kind of crazy.”She highlighted the importance of inclusion, stating, “For him to be included – for people to see him out running – to see what people with Down syndrome and other disabilities can do.”Caleb shared his favorite aspect of running.”So, running with mom,” Caleb said. “We usually run together. I think it’s just the community — we are part of a number of running groups. We just have a lot of fun with it.”Chris and Caleb are among the many remarkable runners to cheer for during the OUC weekend in downtown Orlando.

    ORLANDO, Fla. —

    The 49th annual OUC Orlando Half Marathon is set to take place on Dec. 6 at Lake Eola, welcoming more than 5,000 participants to its inclusive event.

    Chris Nikic, a Special Olympics Florida athlete who made history in 2020 as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, is preparing to run the hometown half-marathon for the first time.

    “To blow past everyone,” Nikic said. “I have been doing half-marathons, which is pretty cool, and the crowd.”

    He is also proud to be a leader in recruiting athletes to participate, saying, “I am the top leader in recruiting athletes to come out and participate.”

    Chris’s father, Nik Nikic, shared insights into his son’s training regimen, noting, “Noah and his friends are helping him train by running at a faster pace for him. And teaching him what it feels like to run at, say, an eight-minute pace versus a 10- or 12-minute pace.”

    Nik also praised the event, saying, “OUC is wonderful, especially with track shack being part of it,” and emphasized the importance of the marathon, stating, “I think this is a great opportunity. For us to be an example for the rest of the world, and Central Florida and Orlando is a hub for all these things anyway.”

    Another inspiring participant is Caleb Prewitt, who, along with his mother Karen, will be traveling from Jacksonville to run the OUC half-marathon and the 5K.

    Caleb has completed 127 races, and they enjoy running together while raising community awareness and promoting inclusion.

    Karen expressed their passion for the sport, saying, “Do we love running? Yes. We love running — we love racing — we do triathlons as well, so we are kind of crazy.”

    She highlighted the importance of inclusion, stating, “For him to be included – for people to see him out running – to see what people with Down syndrome and other disabilities can do.”

    Caleb shared his favorite aspect of running.

    “So, running with mom,” Caleb said. “We usually run together. I think it’s just the community — we are part of a number of running groups. We just have a lot of fun with it.”

    Chris and Caleb are among the many remarkable runners to cheer for during the OUC weekend in downtown Orlando.

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  • Burn bans issued for multiple Polk County communities

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A burn ban has been issued for multiple communities in Polk County.

    On Tuesday, Polk officials issued burn bans for Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland and Winter Haven.

    The burn ban prohibits:

    • Campfires 
    • Bonfires
    • Unpermitted controlled burns
    • Burning of yard and household trash
    • Burning of organic debris
    • Igniting of fireworks
    • Noncommercial burning of materials, other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, which is not contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

    The burn ban is determined using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). The KBDI is a continuous reference scale, ranging from 0 to 800. It assesses the moisture content from no moisture deficiency (0) to maximum drought conditions (800) of the soil. This helps predict the potential for wildfires.

    Utilizing the KBDI, the process of a burn ban begins once more than 50% of the county reaches over 500 on the index. Polk County’s current daily reading is 53% over the 500 benchmark with a countywide average of 507.

    ”After examining the latest KBDI data, we are issuing a burn ban. This ban is a preventative measure to make sure we can keep the community and our members as safe as possible,” said Fire Chief Shawn Smith. “This is an unusual time of the year for a burn ban, but due to the abnormal lack of rainfall this summer and fall, it is necessary. PCFR asks for your help in keeping Polk County safe by not burning until the end of the ban.”

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Vasilevskiy stops 32 shots, Lightning beat Flames 5-1 for 5th straight victory.

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    By  ERIK ERLENDSSON

    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 32 shots, Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov each had a goal and assist and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Calgary Flames 5-1 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

    Zemgus Girgensons, Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Declan Carlile also scored and Jake Guentzel had two assists to help the Lightning match their longest streak of the season. They have won 13 of the past 16 games.

    Vasilevskiy made 18 saves in the third period. He won his fifth consecutive start, allowing one-or-fewer goals in each of those starts.

    Joel Farabee scored for Calgary. Devin Cooley stopped 17 shots in relief of Dustin Wolf, who was pulled at the 5:52 mark of the first period after allowing three goals on four shots. The Flames had won three in a row.

    Tampa Bay scored twice in the first 1:26 and four times in the first 10:01, the third-fastest four goals to start a game in franchise history.

    Hagel started things off 39 seconds in off the rush, beating Wolf with a wrist shot from the left circle. D’Astous fired a slap shot from the center point at 1:26.

    Girgensons made it 3-0 at 5:52 when his attempted pass to the net deflected off the stick of Calgary’s Kevin Bahl and chased Wolf. It was the 200th NHL point for Girgensons. He’s the third player from Latvia to reach the mark, joining Sandis Ozolish and Sergei Zholtok.

    Carlile completed the first-period scoring for Tampa Bay with a quick shot from the left circle that beat Cooley at 10:01.

    Farabee scored short-handed for Calgary 1:04 into the third.

    Up next

    Flames: At Florida on Friday

    Lightning: At Detroit on Friday

    ___

    AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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    Associated Press

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  • Menu at Walt Disney World Swan hotel features Mina’s truffle treat

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    ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s only resort with a pair of restaurants featuring two celebrity chefs — Todd English and Michael Mina — is the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan hotels.

    Mina’s Bourbon Steak is brand new, replacing Shula’s Steakhouse at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel.

    “I’m a big believer in you throw a party!” Mina said during the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. “You throw a party every night, and that’s what your restaurant is. And that’s why I love steakhouses.”

    Bourbon Steak’s senior sous chef, Johnathan Hall, demonstrated the unforgettable truffle treat and his homemade pasta process.

    “It’s about the love you put to the food to make someone’s day special, right?” Hall said.

    Hungry? Let’s cook!

    An adaptation of Michael Mina’s recipe:

    Black Truffle Agnolotti with Stracciatella (adaptation)

    Ingredients for the pasta dough (store-bought or homemade):

    • 1 pound fresh pasta dough (egg dough works best)

    Ingredients for the filling:

    • 1 cup stracciatella cheese (or torn fresh burrata)
    • 2 tablespoons finely chopped black truffle (fresh is best)
    • Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Ingredients for the sauce and finish:

    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon high-quality black truffle oil
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for finishing
    • Freshly shaved black truffle (optional, for garnish)
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions

    Prepare the filling:

    1. In a small bowl, gently mix the stracciatella (or burrata) cheese with the finely chopped black truffle, salt and pepper. Do not overmix.
    2. Place the mixture in a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off, and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Roll the pasta:

    1. Divide the pasta dough into manageable portions.
    2. Using a pasta machine, roll the dough into long, thin sheets (about 1 millimeter thick, or to your machine’s thinnest setting, per general agnolotti methods).
    3. Keep the unused dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

    Fill and form the agnolotti:

     

    1. Lay a pasta sheet on a lightly floured surface.
    2. Pipe a line of filling along one edge of the sheet, leaving a small border.
    3. Gently fold the dough over the filling to create a log shape, pressing out any air pockets around the filling.
    4. Using your fingers, pinch the dough at 1-inch intervals to create the individual pillow shapes.
    5. Use a knife or a fluted pastry wheel to cut along the pinched lines and the edges to separate the agnolotti.
    6. Place the finished agnolotti on a parchment-lined, lightly floured tray, ensuring they do not touch.

    Cook the agnolotti:

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    2. Carefully drop the agnolotti into the water, and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes (fresh pasta cooks quickly).

    Make the truffle butter sauce:

    1. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    2. Cook until the butter is foaming and starts to turn golden brown (brown butter/beurre noisette).
    3. Remove from heat, and stir in the truffle oil.

    Combine and serve:

    1. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked agnolotti directly into the skillet with the brown truffle butter, allowing some starchy pasta water to cling to them.
    2. Toss gently to coat, adding the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
    3. Plate the agnolotti, and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh black truffle shavings, if using.
    4. Serve immediately.

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    Allison Walker

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  • What’s open on Thanksgiving ahead of Black Friday?

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    WASHINGTON (AP) — With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season this week, Americans will again gather for Turkey Day meals before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists.

    Most big U.S. retailers are closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, many will open early the following day, Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday gift-buying season and the biggest shopping day of the year.

    Here’s what is open and closed this Thanksgiving, along with a travel forecast from the experts at AAA auto club.

    Government Buildings

    Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed.

    Banks and the stock market

    U.S. stock markets and banks are closed Thursday; however, markets reopen on Friday for a shortened trading day, wrapping up at 1 p.m. Eastern.

    Package Delivery

    Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on Thanksgiving, although some critical services will be offered at certain locations.

    Retailers

    Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving but most stores will open at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday.

    Target will be closed on Thanksgiving, but most stores will open at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday.

    Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving, but most stores will have extended hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Black Friday.

    Kohl’s will be closed on Thanksgiving, but many stores will be open as early as 5 a.m. on Black Friday. Check your local location for hours.

    Costco will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will reopen on Black Friday. Check your local store’s website for hours.

    CVS will close early on Thanksgiving. You can call your local store or check store and pharmacy hours on the CVS Pharmacy website.

    Walgreens will close most of its stores on Thanksgiving, though some 24-hour locations will be open. Check your local store for more information.

    Grocery Stores

    Most national grocery store chains are open on Thanksgiving for those last-minute turkey day needs, although many close early. Check your local store for details.

    Travel

    With most schools closed Thursday and Friday, the long Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest holiday travel period of the year, according to AAA.

    AAA projects that 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Thanksgiving holiday period between Tuesday, Nov. 25 and Monday, Dec. 1. That’s 1.6 million more travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, which would be a new record.

    AAA estimates that at least 73 million people will travel by car, amounting to nearly 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelers. About 1.3 million more people will be on the road this year compared to last year, AAA predicts.

    Drivers are currently paying around $3 for a gallon of regular gasoline, according to AAA. Last year, the national average was $3.06 on Thanksgiving Day.

    According to AAA, 6 million U.S. travelers are expected to take domestic flights over the 7-day holiday period, a 2% increase over 2024. That figure could end up lower if flights are canceled or delayed.

    Travel by other modes is expected to increase by 8.5% to nearly 2.5 million people. Other forms of travel include bus, train, and cruise ships.

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    Associated Press

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  • James Fishback talks run for governor; Florida can kick kids off social media

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    Investor James Fishback sits down with Spectrum News to discuss his run for governor, and a federal appeals court allows Florida to enforce its social media law.


    James Fishback has been a vocal advocate for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and an opponent to Rep. Byron Donalds, who is also running for the governor’s seat.

    He wants to eliminate property taxes, stop foreign investment companies from buying up property in Florida, and stop American companies from hiring foreign employees through the H-1B visa program.

    Now, he sits down with Spectrum News’ Holly Gregory to talk about his campaign plan and his governing goals. Watch the interview above ⬆️

    Florida will start enforcing its social media law

    Children under 14 years old will be blocked from creating accounts on some social media platforms in Florida.

    Fourteen- and 15-year-olds will need parental consent to create those accounts.

    That’s the result of a federal appeals court ruling. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit put on hold a lower court’s injunction, which would have prevented the enforcement of HB-3.

    “Rather than blocking children from accessing social media altogether, HB-3 simply prevents them from creating accounts on platforms that employ addictive features,” Judge Elizabeth Branch wrote in her decision.

    The ruling allows the state to enforce the law, for now, while further legal proceedings play out.

    Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to the ruling.

    “HB-3 is now the law of the state and will be enforced. We’re putting all big tech companies on notice: endanger our kids, and find out what happens!” he wrote.

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    Ybeth Bruzual, Holly Gregory, Jason Delgado, Spectrum News Staff

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  • Amtrak expects record Thanksgiving ridership as travelers seek alternatives

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge.

    Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving. Tampa Union Station saw more than 150,000 departures, making it one of Florida’s busiest Amtrak stations.

    With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Amtrak is projecting record-breaking ridership and revenue for the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period, and Tampa Union Station is playing a major role in that surge

    • Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers traveled by rail over Thanksgiving

    • With early bookings showing double-digit growth, Amtrak expects this year to surpass those numbers


    Why travelers are choosing the rails

    Many riders boarding trains in Tampa this week said they were looking for a change — and relief from the holiday travel stress that comes with flying or long drives.

    Price was a major factor for rider Bruce Hilsheimer.

    “The Greyhound stops more places and costs twice as much — it’s a no-brainer for me,” he said.

    For others, safety and comfort drove the decision.

    Linda Colon said she’s avoiding the airport this year.

    “There are so many concerns people are dealing with right now, and they really don’t feel like getting on an airplane,” she said.

    Some passengers chose the train for more productive travel time.

    Dana Diaz said train travel allows her to keep working throughout her trip.

    “I have to work, and sitting on the train allows me to get my work done,” she said.

    And for some, rail travel brings back a sense of nostalgia and calm.

    “I saw (trains) a lot in the movies… it’s very romantic,” said rider Susan Roscoe.

    Passengers traveling through Tampa Union Station this week were headed everywhere from Chicago to shorter regional trips to Lakeland, West Palm Beach and Miami.


    More riders seeking alternatives amid travel uncertainty

    Bob O’Malley, senior vice president at the Orlando Economic Partnership, says congestion at airports — and concerns during the recent government shutdown — pushed more people toward rail.

    “Some people will always fly or drive, but people are looking for other ways,” O’Malley said.

    He added that expanding options like SunRail and Brightline could open more rail alternatives across the state.

    Book early, Amtrak warns

    With demand climbing quickly, Amtrak is encouraging riders to book tickets early to secure their travel times.

    Colon said the ease of boarding is a major plus.

    “I took an Uber here — I didn’t have to arrive two hours before departure,” she said.

    And for many travelers, the slower pace of train travel is part of the appeal.

    “It’s convenient. It’s slower than flying, but sometimes that’s relaxing,” Roscoe said.

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    Fadia Patterson

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  • Number of launches from Space Coast expected to soar in coming years

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    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — While the number of Space Coast launches in 2025 already has surpassed the old record, space industry leaders say they expect that number to triple in the coming years.

    What You Need To Know

    • The number of launches from the Space Coast are expected to continue to increase

    • 45th Space Launch Delta Commander Col. Brian Chatman says 100-120 launches are planned for 2026

    • There could be 300 missions a year in the next 10-15 years, industry leaders say

    • The Department of the Air Force has allocated $800 million to Brevard County to reshape the current infrastructure to support more future launches

    In fact, there could be more as soon as next year.

    “100 to 120 is what we are planning for right now for calendar year 2026,” said 45th Space Launch Delta Commander Col. Brian Chatman, who assumed command in June.

    The U.S. Department of the Air Force has allocated $800 million to the Space Coast to restructure the spaceport of the future and reshape the current infrastructure to support launch capabilities to the 2035 and 2040 time frame.

    There could be 300 missions a year in the next 10-15 years, with about a half-dozen smaller companies joining the large operations already in Brevard County, industry leaders say.

    On Nov. 20, a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying Starlink satellites blasted off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A — marking the 100th launch from the Space Coast this year.

    Just six launches before that, the 94th liftoff broke the old record.

    In early November, three commercial space companies launched off four different pads in less than 36 hours — SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin.

    Six more launches still are planned from the Space Coast by the end of the year — five by SpaceX and one by ULA.

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    Greg Pallone

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  • OCAS adoptable dog Nite Train is waiting to meet you

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    Most people walk right past Nite Train (A582844). All they see is a scarred, quiet, scary-looking dog. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sure, Nite Train is big, strong, 3 years old and 70 pounds of muscle, but he is shy, sweet, playful with other dogs, and genuinely wants a connection with people. 

    It’s clear that he was possibly abused and mistreated in his lifetime, as he bears the deep scars on his face of a life spent in the streets. Nite Train flinches at first, afraid of hands coming close to him. But once he feels safe, he will seek out affection quietly, gently nudging his muscular head into our hands. To be touched. To be loved. He may look intimidating, but Nite Train is a sweetheart, a quiet boy waiting and hoping for his day to come. Let’s get him a home.

    Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day except Wednesday, when it’s open 2-6 p.m. For more information, please call 407-836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com.

    Orlando’s daily dose of what matters. Subscribe to The Daily Weekly.

    Featuring Fatties, Future Bartenderz, TV Dinner, Caustic Bats, Platonic Valentine and Jordan Schneider

    Owners Vu Nguyen and Mai Huynh are hanging up their aprons

    Bartenders both local and from lands afar travelled to the restaurant to show off their ’tending and drinking skills.

    This article appears in Nov. 26–Dec. 2, 2025.



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    Orange County Animal Services
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  • Florida redistricting committee to meet in 2 weeks

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    FLORIDA — Florida is one of several states looking at potentially redrawing its congressional districts for partisan advantage ahead of next year’s elections.

    The Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting has 11 members — 8 Republicans and 3 Democrats.

    The committee will meet next month on Dec. 4 and 10 after Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on social media to “stay tuned” on the matter.

    Florida’s congressional district boundaries already favor the GOP, with 20 Florida Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives and only 8 Florida Democrats.

    “The question I think that may be in front of DeSantis or anybody who’s thinking about doing this is the sort of friction that this creates. Is this political friction? Is this really worth it? How many more seats are we going to get?” Florida Atlantic University professor Craig Burnett asked.

    While the redistricting committee has withheld any proposed maps, Democrats have vowed to “push back hard” against GOP efforts to do so.

    “We need to stop the cheating and just keep the map we already had from redistricting. Florida doesn’t do mid-decade redistricting. And, make the case to the voters rather than cheating to try to screw up the map,” U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Florida, said.

    Florida still has time to implement a new congressional map.

    The state will not hold primary elections until the middle of next August. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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