TUESDAY, September 8, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1565, Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed at what would become St. Augustine, marking the founding of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S.

Today's issue of Flyover Florida is a shortened holiday edition to allow Flyover Florida staff to enjoy Monday's Labor Day holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return tomorrow.

For the first time in American history, a major political party is holding a full national convention in a midterm year. Two nights, one Dallas arena, and around 20,000 people expected through the doors, but the biggest surprise isn't who's speaking; it's whether the major TV networks will even show up to cover it. On The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counts down the 10 things you need to know about this week's unprecedented convention, including a viral website stunt that has both parties talking. Tune in here!

Later today, you’ll get an email from our partner Fisher Investments with its latest outlook on what could keep the bull market running.

When it comes to peptides, there are more options than ever, and figuring out what actually makes sense for you can feel like guesswork. Today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, takes a different approach: start with your DNA and use your genetics to help narrow down the options.

Florida Marks 25 Years Since 9/11

Communities across Florida are preparing to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on Friday, with flag displays, memorial stair climbs, and remembrance ceremonies planned statewide.

In Altamonte Springs, a neighborhood lined Academy Oaks Place with 2,977 flags, one for each person killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard the four hijacked planes. On Marco Island, the Fire Rescue Foundation will unveil a 6-foot memorial replicating the Twin Towers in illuminated stainless steel at Fire Station 50, followed by a Blue Mass at a nearby church.

In Southwest Florida, Sanibel organizers planted 2,977 flags for a "Field of Heroes" tribute alongside a "Waves of Remembrance" gathering set for Friday morning. A memorial stair climb honoring first responders is scheduled at the Hilton Marco Island resort on Sept. 13, one of many flag displays, Masses, and vigils planned around the state.

The United States will observe the anniversary on Friday, Sept. 11, 25 years after nearly 3,000 people were killed in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.

Manatee Deaths Rise on the Wakulla River

At least four manatees have been found dead in the Wakulla River since June, with local boaters and wildlife officials urging caution on the water.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed two of the deaths as watercraft strikes and retrieved another carcass for a necropsy in mid-August. Robert Baker, a third-generation owner of a riverside outfitter who says he has seen all four firsthand, ties the toll to heavier boat traffic: "There's definitely a correlation with the increased traffic on the river."

Statewide, the FWC has recorded 434 manatee deaths so far in 2026, with 78 tied to watercraft and most causes still undetermined. Manatees remain a threatened species, and the FWC asks boaters to obey slow-speed zones and to report injured or dead animals to its Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

Baker said he is working with local officials to expand the river's slow-speed no-wake zone in hopes of preventing more strikes.

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➤ Panhandle: Harrison Avenue in downtown Panama City is one of four finalists for the 2026 Great Places in Florida People's Choice Awards, and local business owners are welcoming the recognition. (More)

➤ Central Florida: Stetson University's Hand Art Center is presenting "No One Here But Us," a folk and outsider art exhibition curated by incarcerated students in the university's Community Education Project. (More)

➤ North Florida: The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is relocating its headquarters from the downtown Police Memorial Building to the Florida Blue building on Riverside Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood. (More)

➤ Statewide: Attorney General James Uthmeier says his office will seek the death penalty for Keisha Monique Epps and Tamra Marshon Stewart, who are accused of confining four children to a tractor-trailer cab for years and subjecting them to sexual abuse and neglect. (More)

➤ Panama City Beach: Crowds surged back to the sand over Labor Day weekend after thinning in recent weeks, giving Bay County one last summer send-off. Local artist Timothy Gagnon set up to paint the umbrellas and beachgoers as the beach turned toward its fall lineup, including October's Pirates of the High Seas Festival. (More)

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It's the first day back after a long weekend. What's your move?

Yesterday's Results:

How are you spending Labor Day?

Relaxing at home: 74%
Gathering with family: 12%
Traveling: 5%
Working: 5%
Pretending Tuesday isn’t coming: 4%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes.

➤ Republicans are holding the first-ever midterm national convention this week, but major networks may skip it. (Listen Now)

➤ OpenAI's own chief scientist is sounding the alarm on advanced AI, warning no one is prepared for what comes next. (Hear Why)

➤ How long do you think the average American takes in the shower, and is it too long? (Hear Details)

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