Saturday, July 4, 2026

Happy Independence Day! On this day in 1997, NASA's Mars Pathfinder touched down on the Martian surface, becoming the first U.S. spacecraft to land on Mars in more than two decades.

As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday this weekend, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday so The Flyover Florida staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return on Tuesday. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Are you the one setting off fireworks, or the one lying awake wishing they'd stop? Somewhere on your street tonight, someone's going till midnight while the dog shakes under the bed and half the block wonders if they're the only ones who've had enough. Fireworks are the sound of the Fourth, the whole country looking up at once. But they're also sparking wildfire fears, veterans bracing at every crack, and thousands of ER visits a year. So are they worth it? Tune in to today's Flyover Podcast as Amy shares both sides of the story. Which side are you on? Tune in here!

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CAIR Sues State over Terror Label

The Council on American-Islamic Relations sued Florida in federal court Wednesday, hours after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the state would designate the Muslim civil rights group a domestic terrorist organization.

DeSantis's announcement came as a new law, House Bill 1471, took effect, letting Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass recommend domestic terrorist designations for Cabinet approval. He also recommended labeling antifa and the Muslim Brotherhood as domestic terrorist groups.

CAIR's suit, filed in Tallahassee with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center as co-counsel, argues the designation process denies groups due process. SPLC attorney Scott McCoy said DeSantis is "seeking to unilaterally silence a leading American civil rights nonprofit."

DeSantis disagreed, saying, "We've got to draw a very strong line in the sand here."

Wakulla Opens 1976 Time Capsule

Hundreds of Wakulla County residents gathered Thursday to open a time capsule buried in 1976 and bury a new one for 2076.

Held at the Wakulla County Courthouse in Crawfordville, the event marked America's 250th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the original capsule, which held magazines, maps, and a poster of Fonzie. Former Sheriff David Harvey, who placed an item in the 1976 capsule, said many who attended that ceremony have since died.

"A lot of memories there. Really, really interesting," Harvey said. Twelve local nonprofits and the Wakulla High School Class of 2026 placed items—including Polaroid photos, letters, and a two-dollar bill—inside the new capsule.

The recovered 1976 items, including a coffee tin and newspaper clippings, will be displayed at the Wakulla County Historical Society. Organizers said the new capsule is set to be reopened in 2076.

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➤ North Miami Beach: Mayor Michael Joseph was held in contempt of Congress after ignoring subpoenas in a House Ethics Committee probe tied to a fellow lawmaker's campaign finances. (More)

➤ Fort Lauderdale: A small crane collapsed Thursday at a YMCA construction site near Holiday Park, with two more cranes called in for the tricky recovery, a fire official said. (More)

➤ Orlando: A portable phone charger burst into flames inside a boat on Disney World's It's a Small World ride Wednesday, prompting a brief evacuation of Magic Kingdom guests. (See Video)

➤ Ocala: The Lodge, a downtown bar inside a building dating to 1886, closed after the city posted an unsafe structure notice over a possible snapped support beam. Owner Johnny Sanchez called it a "simple fix" and said repairs are underway. (More)

➤ Palm Bay: Officials are considering buying a 135-acre abandoned golf course in Bayside Lakes for trails, a park, and stormwater projects instead of allowing new home construction. (Details)

➤ Pensacola: A man accused of stealing Smokey Bear signs from across the state and trying to sell them online was indicted by a federal grand jury on Monday and could face up to 10 years in prison. Smokey Bear personally assisted with the original arrest in 2025. (See Photo)

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What do you think of the Magic Kingdom ride It's a Small World?

Yesterday's Results:

Would you be comfortable receiving prescription medications by drone?

Yes: 29%
Maybe: 25%
Probably not: 23%
Definitely not: 23%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ As America turns 250, its most beloved holiday tradition is facing growing pushback from cities, neighbors, and fire officials alike. (Hear More)

➤ Federal regulators want to pay hospitals less for routine imaging, escalating a long-running payment fight. (Listen Now)

➤ You could see radiation-detecting aircraft and drone-takeover technology overhead this weekend, as security for the nation's 250th birthday hits the highest level. (Podcast Available)