Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1951, evangelist Billy Graham held one of the biggest revivals of that year in Orlando. More than 11,000 people packed the stands at Tinker Field to worship and hear his message.

Year-end lists are a fun way to summarize the year that was. Here's an index of browsable entertainment lists, including movies, podcasts, and books.

In today's Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown takes a closer look at a handful of pivotal Senate races that could shape control of the chamber in 2026, breaking down the candidates and key dynamics to watch. Watch the episode here.

Today's sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is urging readers to take a hard look at whether their retirement savings are truly prepared for rising healthcare costs, market volatility, and an uncertain economic future.

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.

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Faces Charges

On Monday, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Miami on a 15-count indictment alleging she stole federal disaster funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The arraignment has been postponed until January.

The charges stem from an alleged scheme in which Cherfilus-McCormick and several co-defendants, including her brother, stole about $5 million in FEMA disaster relief funds meant to help with COVID-19 vaccination efforts and then laundered the proceeds.

Federal prosecutors say that the funds were diverted to support her 2021 congressional campaign and for other personal uses.

If convicted on all counts, she faces the possibility of more than 50 years in federal prison and fines exceeding $2 million. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied the allegations and plans to contest the charges.

2026 Travel Predictions

Airbnb predicts that traveler behavior will shift in the year ahead, with a strong emphasis on authentic, experience-driven trips. Gen Z is leading the way, favoring short, high-energy international getaways.

A major trend for 2026 is a renewed focus on nature and outdoor exploration. Interest in stays near U.S. national parks has surged, fueled in part by social media movements encouraging people to "touch grass" and disconnect from screens.

The report found that 65% of the most-searched dates and cities align with major global events—from the Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup to festivals—showing that travelers are increasingly planning trips around cultural, sporting, and music events.

The predictions underscore growth in solo travel and culinary tourism. Solo adventurers are exploring new destinations that offer restorative and meaningful experiences.

Florida Football's Make-or-Break Week

Three Florida football teams enter this week with high stakes. In the NFL, the Buccaneers and Jaguars both play Week 18 games that could decide their division titles, while the Miami Hurricanes face Ohio State tomorrow night in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) can clinch the NFC South title this Saturday by beating the 8-8 Carolina Panthers in a winner-take-all matchup that will send one team to the playoffs. The Bucs, on a four-game skid, will host a playoff game if they can break that pattern.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) are riding a seven-game winning streak into their matchup with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Already guaranteed a wildcard spot in the playoffs, a Jaguars win this week will clinch the division. A loss opens the door for Houston (11-5) to take it.

Finally, in college football, the Miami Hurricanes face the No. 2-seed Ohio State Buckeyes tomorrow night in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. After a 10-3 upset victory over Texas A&M, the 'Canes enter the game as substantial underdogs.

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Americans Greatly Underestimate Their Retirement Needs

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➤ Palm Beach: On Monday, President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago. The leaders are working to advance the Gaza ceasefire, which has mostly held since October, and the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan to end Hamas' rule. (More)

➤ Statewide: The recreational fishing of shallow water grouper will close in Atlantic state waters beginning Jan. 1, as part of annual marine fisheries management measures to protect spawning fish populations. (More)

➤ Statewide: The state's first bear hunt in a decade ended on Sunday. The Florida Wildlife Commission will gather and publish data on the number of bears killed. (More)

➤ Orlando: A total of 12 swans have been found dead at Lake Eola Park, raising concerns about a possible avian flu outbreak. (More)

➤ Pinellas County: Indian Rocks Beach has offered free parking at beach access points for years, but is considering a paid system with a proposed rate of $4.50 an hour, potentially generating over $1 million annually. (More)

➤ Tampa: The city council voted against a proposed ordinance centered around bikes that would have lowered speed limits and banned wheelies. The council plans to revisit the issue in 2026. (More)

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➤ Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk returned to practice with the team this week for the first time since undergoing torn adductor surgery in August. (More)

➤ The Miami Marlins signed reliever Pete Fairbanks to a 1-year, $13 million deal this week. Fairbanks played for the Tampa Bay Rays last season, where he logged a 2.83 ERA through 61 appearances. (More)

➤ FSU basketball will open ACC conference play against UNC tonight. (More)

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➤ Economic forecasts for 2026 say Central Florida's overall economy and job growth should see steady, if not dramatic, growth. (More)

➤ Largo-based Wendover Art Group completed an $11.5 million addition to its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility. The company manufactures decorative items often found in hotels. (More)

➤ A proposed redevelopment plan for an area near the Boca Raton Brightline station gained a zoning board's unanimous approval. The project, One Boca, comprises over 900 residences, retail spaces, offices, and a hotel spanning 7.8 acres of land. (More)

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➤ Relax and ease muscle tension at home or on the go with the Cloud Wave massage pillow, a wireless, portable device that delivers soothing heat and kneading massage wherever you need it, helping relieve stiffness and stress without bulky equipment—perfect for daily comfort and recovery. (LEARN MORE)

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Retirement Uncertainty? This New Plan Could Change Everything.

Inflation is rising, recession is looming, and the stock market bubble looks ready to burst. While dollar-denominated assets like stocks and bonds could plummet, physical gold owners could soon be celebrating.

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➤ Navy veteran Oscar Morris, founder of Free Canes for Veterans in Eustis, makes custom-made canes for veterans all over the country. Each cane has a penny from the year its recipient entered the service. (See Video)

➤ Muffler Men, giant fiberglass statues found throughout the U.S., have inspired websites and maps that highlight Florida spots, including one outside of Big Mechanic in Dade City. (See Photos)

➤ A population of invasive panther chameleons was discovered in Orange County and is being researched for its impact on the area. (See Video)

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➤ Scientists discovered that men with early prostate infection have this ONE thing in common...The tests done on 2,398 men revealed that the urine of those with early prostate problems had the same color...98% of the experts believe that this can put your life at risk. Watch this video presenting a simple 3-minute ritual that will quickly fix any prostate problems.