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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1926, the Olympia Theater in Miami opened its doors as a grand silent-movie palace. Designed by famed architect John Eberson, the theater became one of South Florida's most beloved entertainment venues.

The spring Space Coast State Fair in Viera opens Saturday and runs through March 1. Argentinian Strongman Alfonso Cubillos will perform "amazing feats of strength," reminiscent of old-time circus events. Do you have good memories of going to the circus or boardwalk? Click reply to share with our crew.

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As a Christian, you shouldn't be getting most of your news from social media. It's designed to trigger your emotions, not inform your faith. That's why we read The Pour Over. It's one of the sources we trust to deliver the facts, while uniquely keeping our hearts grounded in Christ.

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Bill Allowing HOA Dissolution Advances

Some lawmakers are attempting to overhaul how Florida handles legal matters involving homeowners associations (HOAs). If passed, one bill would allow unit owners to vote to dissolve their boards.

The House's Budget Committee voted unanimously to advance HB 657, which its sponsor, Miami Republican Rep. Juan Carlos Porras, called the "culmination of years of frustration and concerns from over half of Floridians" living in HOAs.

The bill proposes three main changes to Florida's HOA laws: a state-funded court process to address condo and HOA disputes, a process for HOA dissolution, and a requirement that bylaws automatically change in accordance with changes in state law.

A similar Senate bill (SB 1498) by Fleming Island GOP Sen. Jennifer Bradley advanced through three committees with unanimous support.

51 Arrested in Drug Trafficking Stings

The Polk County Sheriff's Office task force arrested 51 suspects and seized significant quantities of narcotics during two multi-agency efforts, dubbed Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatline.

The investigations focused on a drug trafficking organization active in Polk, Hillsborough, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, and Pasco counties, seizing 78 pounds of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and approximately $20,000.

Detectives used resources from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant, along with wiretaps and undercover surveillance, to penetrate the organization.

Attorney General James Uthmeier described the distribution network, saying, "This was a highly organized, fentanyl-pushing enterprise operating in Central Florida that had ties all the way to California."

Brightline Debuts Freedom Express Train

On Monday, Brightline unveiled a commemorative Freedom Express train with 10 cars wrapped in designs marking key moments in American history. You can see the 10 moments here.

The inaugural Presidents Day event honored local heroes and first responders with a ride from Orlando to Miami. The train will be in regular service daily between South Florida and Orlando through July.

The designs were created in partnership with America250, the nonpartisan organization established by Congress to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Brightline will partner with other organizations in 2026 to mark the anniversary, including HistoryMiami, which will offer guests the opportunity to see original founding documents from the National Archives.

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➤ Tallahassee: As Gov. Ron DeSantis serves his last year in office, advisors are encouraging him to consider becoming Florida State University's next president. (More)

➤ Naples: On Monday, Mayor Teresa Heitmann pleaded no contest to a DUI charge and will serve 12 months of probation. Heitmann was arrested in the summer of 2024 after deputies reported she was driving with more than twice the legal limit for blood alcohol. (More)

➤ Monroe County: Former President James Monroe was honored with a statue in the Florida Keys as part of the state's ongoing effort to commemorate the Founding Fathers in the counties bearing their names. (More)

➤ Clearwater: A human resources company is suing the city after more than 300 graves were found beneath its office property, saying it was told the former St. Matthew's Baptist Church Cemetery had been cleared. (More)

➤ Southeast Florida: Rap music icon and activist Luther Campbell announced he is running for the U.S. Congress to represent Florida's 20th District, challenging incumbent Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in the Democratic primary. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: Commissioner Jacqueline "Jack" Porter was attacked by a woman claiming she stole her cat. Brenda Hicks was arrested after assaulting Porter and allegedly scratching her face. (More)

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➤ EverBank Stadium auctioned off Jaguars-branded signs, beverage dispensers, and other industrial stadium memorabilia as it continues renovating Jacksonville's home field. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins traded pitcher Josh Simpson to the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. (More)

➤ Florida basketball's Xaivian Lee was named SEC Player of the Week after dominant performances against Georgia and Kentucky. (More)

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➤ NASA will attempt a second wet dress rehearsal of its Artemis II moon rocket on Thursday, after detecting a liquid hydrogen leak during its first test. The earliest launch date is now March 6. (More)

➤ Florida has emerged as a medical tourism destination, accounting for $6 billion in spending. People travel to the Sunshine State for medical procedures and then recover in the Florida sun. (More)

➤ Jacksonville-based tobacco company Swisher has struck a deal with nonprofit Lift Jax to reserve 60 jobs for people living within two miles of its factory. Swisher plans a $135 million expansion of its campus, which is expected to create about 200 jobs. (More)

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➤ The 40th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), which runs from Feb. 20-28, features 11 movies made in Florida, including Mr. Goalie, about Hall of Fame goaltender Glenn Hall. (More)

➤ A Tampa Bay area veteran is using the personal trauma she suffered and her resulting downward spiral to help other vets at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines. (More)

➤ A Painting with Puppies event was held on Valentine's Day at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment to benefit the Escambia County animal shelter. (See Photos)

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Have you ever ridden a Brightline train?

Tuesday's Results:

Have you ever been to Canada?

Yes: 57%
No: 26%
I lived there: 17%

What famous Fort Myers resident had royal palms planted in the city, helping the town become the "City of Palms"?

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