| 
 |
Friday, June 26, 2026 |
|
Good Morning! On this day in 1740, Fort Mose in St. Augustine was stormed during the War of Jenkins’ Ear. Founded by the Spanish as a refuge for those fleeing enslavement in British colonies, it was the first free black settlement in North America. In Florida, strange weather is practically a way of life. Today's Around Florida section features dramatic video of lightning striking a tree near a house. Have a wild weather story of your own? Hit reply and share it with us! In moments like these, it's easy to feel helpless watching tragedy unfold from afar. But together, we can make a real difference. Today, we're partnering with Convoy of Hope to support families devastated by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. If you're able, please consider joining us in providing urgently needed relief to those who have lost so much.
Daytona Beach 🌤️ 91°/76° | Fort Myers ⛈️ 92°/75° | Jacksonville ☀️ 92°/74° | Key West 🌤️ 88°/82° | Miami ⛈️ 89°/79° | Ocala 🌤️ 94°/72° | Orlando 🌤️ 93°/75° | Pensacola ☀️ 92°/74° | Port St. Lucie 🌤️ 90°/76° | Tallahassee ☀️ 94°/72° | Tampa 🌤️ 92°/76°
|
|
|
 |
 Florida Executes Its Oldest Inmate
Florida executed Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, on Thursday for the 1992 stabbing death of his wife, Karen, at their Orange County home. He died at 6:10 p.m., the oldest inmate put to death in the state since 1976 and the ninth this year. Court records show he threatened to kill Karen weeks earlier, then beat and stabbed her as her teenage son tried to intervene. His lawyers argued his age and liver disease made the injection cruel and unusual. The Florida Supreme Court rejected his appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied a final appeal hours before the execution. |
Alligator Alcatraz Closes
Florida is closing Alligator Alcatraz, the Everglades immigration detention center built in days last summer, Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Thursday.
He said the site was always meant to be temporary and that about 21,000 people were deported through it, calling the mission proof that the state is safer. President Trump, who toured the facility, joined DeSantis in casting it as central to deportation efforts.
The state had already emptied the tents in June, citing hurricane-season risk in the Everglades. Immigration advocates said the camp was never safe or humane, and detainees reported trouble reaching lawyers.
|
Jacksonville Man Charged in Drone PlotA Jacksonville man is among 12 people charged in what prosecutors call the largest drone-smuggling operation ever aimed at federal prisons. The indictment alleges six drones dropped contraband, including drugs, phones, and saw blades meant as weapons and escape tools, into 10 prisons across eight states at least 38 times since September 2023. Prosecutors say the ring ran from a former Macon, Georgia, day care center nicknamed "The Lab." A federal drone-detection system helped crack the case. James Phillips, 51, a former inmate, allegedly used a smuggled phone to time drops and faces up to five years. The 12 defendants are in federal custody pending initial appearances. |
|
Flying together with our sponsor 
Rush critical aid to survivors in Venezuela
You've seen the reports. The devastating death toll and massive destruction after earthquakes in Venezuela. More than 180 people are dead, 1,500 are injured, and numbers are sure to rise. You can be part of the urgent response.
Convoy of Hope is on the ground in the disaster zone, providing emergency food, clean water, and critical supplies to those who need them most. More support is needed.
We'll be matching the first $4,000 donated. Please help now!
Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 collapsed buildings and trapped people in the rubble. Families with missing loved ones cling to hope as rescue teams work around the clock. Urgent needs include food, water, and other essentials.
Since 1994, Convoy of Hope has served more than 350 million people affected by disasters, hunger, and crises. They are ranked by Forbes among America’s Top Charities. You can give with confidence.
The Flyover will match every dollar of the first $4,000 donated. Your compassionate gift will bring hope and help to families who have lost everything.
|
|
 |
➤ Statewide: A massive plume of Saharan dust is drifting toward Florida, bringing hazy skies, colorful sunsets, and slightly lower rain chances over the next several days. (More)
➤ Statewide: Florida launched a new Spectrum Alert system to help quickly locate missing children with autism spectrum disorder, expanding the state's emergency alert network with specialized notifications for high-risk cases. (More) ➤ Titusville: Police Chief John Lau was fired Wednesday after refusing a drug test following a rollover crash Tuesday night in an unmarked Titusville police SUV. (More)
➤ Hobe Sound: Police arrested a 24-year-old man after he allegedly crashed into a local water treatment plant Wednesday night, fled the scene saying, "I messed up," and disrupted water service to hundreds. (More) ➤ Martin County: A powerful lightning strike caught on camera prompted officials to remind residents that a single bolt can ignite fires, damage property, and endanger lives. (See Lightning Strike) ➤ Naples: Peppercorn, the abandoned Florida panther cub nursed back to health at Naples Zoo after rescuers found her at just 8 weeks old, weighing less than 3 pounds, will soon help educate the public about panther conservation. (See Peppercorn)
Enjoy reading Flyover Florida? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️ |
|
 |
➤ The Tampa Bay Lightning, who traded their first-rounder, won't pick until No. 58 on Saturday. The Florida Panthers won't pick in tonight's first round at all, having dealt both their first-round selections to Ottawa in the Brady Tkachuk deal. (More) ➤ Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $48 million and $25 million guaranteed. (More) ➤ Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and the team still aren't “anywhere close” on an extension, according to a recent report, setting the stage for his potential free agency next summer. Mayfield has said his deadline is the start of training camp, which opens July 30. (More) ➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf Flying together with our sponsor ➤ Foot, knee, and back discomfort can make every step feel harder than it should. Akusoli Insoles are designed to provide all-day cushioning and targeted support, helping distribute pressure more evenly while you walk. Lightweight and easy to fit into most shoes, they offer a simple way to add comfort and support to your daily routine. (LEARN MORE) |
|
 |
➤ Elon Musk purchased Jacksonville-based APR Energy, a power-generation company serving data centers, utilities, and industrial operations, according to a May Federal Trade Commission filing. (More) ➤ Miami-based Stratos Ventures launched with more than $50 million to invest in Israeli defense technology startups while helping them expand into the U.S. market through South Florida. (More)
➤ Sporting JAX released a preliminary site plan for a 150-acre mixed-use development centered on a proposed 15,000-seat soccer stadium as nearby residents raised concerns about its impact on the surrounding neighborhood. (More) Flying together with our sponsor ➤ Are you taking one of these 9 "memory erasing" prescriptions? You may think your memory loss is just a sign of getting older, but one of these 9 drugs could actually be damaging your brain... If you're over the age of 60, your brain could be at risk. (More) |
|
Flying together with our sponsor Double Your Impact. Earthquake Recovery. Earthquake survivors in Venezuela need your help. Two powerful earthquakes have devastated communities across the country. Buildings have collapsed, families have been displaced, and lives have been upended. More than 180 people are dead, and 1,500 are injured, with numbers sure to rise. Convoy of Hope is on the ground now, supplying food, clean water, and essential relief. Please support these efforts with your gift today! The Flyover will match the first $4,000 donated for double impact. This means your quick response can help twice as many families recover. Please give now and bring hope where it’s needed most. |
|
 |
➤ More than 1,000 veteran athletes age 55 and older will compete in the National Veterans Golden Age Games in downtown Tampa from June 27 to July 2, with events free and open to the public. (More) ➤ Kennedy Space Center will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a monthlong “Celebrate USA” series in July featuring themed weekends highlighting the Space Shuttle, Apollo, Artemis, and aviation. (More) ➤ Apollo, a Marion County family’s dog missing since April, was found more than 1,000 miles away on Long Island after a microchip scan reunited him with his owners. (More) Flying together with our sponsor ➤ Why are so many people throwing out their fungus creams for this nail pen? Target stubborn nail fungus with precision light therapy designed to reach where creams can’t. A simple, mess-free solution you can use anytime, anywhere. Learn More |
|
 |
The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories: ➤ The world's first trillionaire held the title for less than two weeks. What knocked him back down to mere billionaire? (Press Play) ➤ A federal judge just blocked a major piece of the President's mail-in voting overhaul, and it comes down to one constitutional question. (Hear the Ruling) ➤ It nearly went extinct, until one Missouri farmer admitted she'd been quietly growing it all along. Meet summer's most star-studded fruit. (Take a Bite)   
|
|
 |
Is your pet microchipped?
- Yes
- No
- Planning to do it
- I don't have a pet
Yesterday's Results: What is your biggest driving frustration?
- Traffic congestion: 42%
- Aggressive drivers: 38%
- Other: 9%
- Road construction: 8%
- Lack of public transit: 3%
|
|
 |
What is the most valuable shipwreck ever discovered off the Florida coast?
Show me the answer |
|
|
