Sunday, April 12, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1981, the space shuttle Columbia launched on its maiden flight (STS-1) from Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The launch marked the beginning of the U.S. Space Shuttle Program, with astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen aboard.

Students at Florida International University held a watch party for the Artemis II splashdown on Friday, with one saying, “It’s an amazing day for me and everyone who loves physics and astronomy." Learn more in Et Cetera.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, CEO Cole Strehlow unpacked the context and latest developments behind Tucker Carlson and President Trump’s public feud. This isn’t a minor disagreement, but a high-stakes clash between two of the most powerful voices in conservative media and politics. Cole breaks down what happened, what’s been said, and how it all unraveled. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Orlando Considers New Skyscraper

Orlando City Council members are considering a proposal for a 37-story mixed-use skyscraper at the corner of East Washington Street and North Rosalind Avenue.

“It could potentially be the third largest tower in our downtown,” said Jason Burton, a planning official with the city of Orlando.

Architectural company Kobi Karp has produced renderings, which include 252 apartments and a luxury hotel with 221 rooms.

The developers must receive approval for a zoning change from the city in order to move forward with the high-rise tower project.

FSU, Tallahassee Complete Hospital Transfer

Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee completed the legal transfer of city-owned hospital assets on Friday, marking a historic milestone for FSU Health, the university’s academic health system.

"With the future of FSU Health now solidified, our community is poised to play a leading role in advancing medicine while elevating the care available to our residents," Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said.

The action allows Florida State and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to continue their work toward establishing an academic health center in Florida’s capital city.

The transfer follows approvals by the Tallahassee City Commission, the Florida State University Board of Trustees, and the Florida Board of Governors.

15 Best Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants

Tasting Table released a list of the 15 best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Florida, with Star Fish Company in Cortez taking the top spot for its "right-from-the-boat, fresh-cooked seafood."

Red Wing Restaurant in Groveland was called a find for the "adventurous eater," while Kathi's Krab Shack in Steinhatchee was praised for its "really old Florida" culture.

Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor is known for its "takes on the old fashioned," and Gater Cove in Homosassa is attached to a Rodeway Inn, where you can "sit outside at a tiki hut table near the hotel's pool."

Also honored were Yoder's Amish Restaurant in Sarasota, Southport Raw Bar in Fort Lauderdale, The Rooster in Naples, Florida Cracker Kitchen in Brooksville, Arco Iris Cafe in Tampa, S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill in Marathon, Buccan Sandwich Shop in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, Taqueria El Asador in Pensacola, Pudgee's Eatery & Market in Floral City, and Tom's Chicken Shack in Bartow.

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➤ Gadsden County: Commissioners approved over $25 million for construction projects including improvements on the county’s public safety complex, building a new Boys & Girls Club, expanding the Chattahoochee Library, and renovating the Havana Medical Center. Officials called it a "historic investment." (Details)

➤ Miami-Dade: The building manager at the Greynolds Park Club Condominium Association was arrested Thursday on allegations of receiving kickbacks from vendors. (More)

➤ Sarasota County: County commissioners moved to block several apartment complex developments last week, setting up a potential legal challenge to Florida’s Live Local Act, a 2023 state law that lets developers bypass zoning rules if they include some affordable housing. (Details)

➤ Jacksonville: The city's unemployment rate jumped to 5.2% in January, the highest since the pandemic, the Florida Department of Commerce reported last week. (More)

➤ Miramar Beach: Students from the University of Louisiana Lafayette were kicked out of a rental property last week after over 50 people crowded it and trashed it. (See Photo)

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➤ Terry Rozier, who was connected to an illegal sports gambling scandal, was released by the Miami Heat on Friday. The $26.6 million Rozier was supposed to earn this season was placed in escrow as his case plays out. (More)

➤ Florida baseball snapped No. 4 Georgia’s eight-game winning streak with a strong 8-2 win on Friday. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins have placed young standout Griffin Conine on the Injured List with a hamstring tear. Conine was batting .273 this season with a .951 OPS. (More)

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➤ An owl that was struck by a vehicle and stuck in its front grille was rescued in St. Johns County on April 5. (See Photos)

➤ SeaWorld Orlando's redesigned Expedition Odyssey, that takes visitors on a simulated journey through the arctic, will debut this spring. (Get a Sneak Peek)

➤ A watch party was held at Florida International University’s main campus in West Miami-Dade on Friday to witness the historic homecoming from space by the astronauts on the Artemis II. (See Video)

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