It’s been a long week. Here’s a short recap of some fun Florida news stories.
Where have we seen this before…
The long-awaited sequel to the Cuban Missile Crisis has pulled up the shores of Cuba this week, with Russian warships and submarines arriving to perform military exercises in the Caribbean. Apparently, this isn’t a huge deal, but it certainly feels like one. Especially given that Ukraine was given the green light to use U.S. weapons in its continuing war against its former parent country. Routine though this stop may be (Russian ships have been docking in Cuba since 2008), the U.S. has sent down its own nuclear-powered submarine to its Cuban military base, in what we can only hope is a gesture of goodwill and friendship.
Panthers one win away from Stanley Cup
The Florida Panthers are one win away from making franchise history by winning their first-ever Stanley Cup. After yesterday’s win against the Edmonton Oilers, the Panthers’ strengthened their lead to 3-0, leaving potential for a shutout if the Panthers win Saturday night in Edmonton, and honestly, Edmonton should be ashamed. If a Canadian team can’t pull out a win in the ice-based sport that its country is famous for, against a team based in a place where it snows so infrequently that there’s a Wikipedia page about it, then it’s time to go back to focusing on maple syrup.
Biblical flooding in South Florida
After a three-day downpour and up to 20 inches of rain in some areas, a sizable chunk of South Florida from Miami to Dania Beach has the new canal system it never wanted. The footage of these areas is harrowing, with cars abandoned and all but submerged from flash floods. And the timing is just impeccable, with Gov. DeSantis signing a state budget plan this week that slashes funding to stormwater projects by more than $200 million. Maybe we should try labeling the ocean as “woke,” as that is the tried-and-true instigator of change in Florida.
Let freedom ring
Gov. Ron DeSantis has launched the “Freedom Fund,” a political committee focused on fighting ballot measures in support of abortion access and recreational marijuana use. Because nothing says freedom like telling someone they can’t do something. Because nothing says freedom like our state’s chief executive coming out full force against measures that more than 60% of voters support. For added measure, the Freedom Fund will also get involved in local school board races, so expect plenty more book bans in the coming months.
