Convenience Big Store: Morning report: Enviromental Grinch | Blue Origin debuts rocket simulator

Orlando Morning Report

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Enviromental Grinch | Blue Origin debuts rocket simulator | Seminole schools toy donations

Good morning. It's Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. The weather forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high of 80 and low of 62. Click here for more weather.

How not to be an environmental Grinch at Christmas

Support the manatees, dispose properly of your ugly holiday sweater — and keep that turkey grease out of the pipes.

Fly like millionaires: Blue Origin debuts rocket simulator at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Blue Origin debuts its New Shepard rocket simulator at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Seminole schools still need more than 1,000 toys as donations dwindle

About 2,000 Seminole County Public Schools students could use donated holiday gifts this year, but the district has collected only 400 toys so far and is hoping the community can help fill the gap by next week. "Our need has grown so much," said Misa Mills, the district's community involvement manager who oversees the toy collection effort. "We have wonderful donors," she said. "It's just not enough this year." School social workers recommend students for Seminole's "Giving Tree" program, referring families who are homeless or otherwise facing significant economic struggles. The district aims to provide three toys per child plus […]

Jury orders Florida to pay $15 million to Volusia girl tortured by parents

Law firm says award is among the largest in state history.

Florida lawmaker revives libel bill criticized in GOP presidential debate

A Panhandle Republican has introduced a scaled-back version of a bill that aims to make it easier for prominent people to sue for defamation, a proposal that died earlier this year in the Florida Legislature after receiving bipartisan criticism.

Woman charged with attempted arson of Martin Luther King Jr. birthplace in Atlanta

Atlanta police have arrested a woman who's accused of trying to burn down the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta. A police statement says officers arrested the 26-year-old woman after responding to a report of vandalism in process at the two-story home in the historic Auburn Avenue Historic District early Thursday evening. Police say a preliminary investigation shows the woman had poured gasoline on the property before people at the site stopped her. The woman, whose name wasn't immediately released, was arrested on charges of second-degree attempted arson and interference with government property. The historic site is now a museum operated by the National Park Service.

Florida 1 of only 5 states that executed anyone this year \| Commentary

Scott Maxwell: Only 5 states carried out executions in 2023. Florida had the biggest jump. The state now allows divided juries to order death.

Zieglers, begone. Florida doesn't need more hypocrisy \| Editorial

With their reputations in tatters, every day Christian Ziegler remains chair of the Republican Party of Florida and Bridget Ziegler remains a school board member is a gift to Democrats and a weight on Republicans.

Beede's Breakdown: How Magic cruised past Pistons to capture 32-point win

Powered by Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, the 32-point win is the Magic's largest all-time against Detroit, passing a 30-point win captured in 2012.

Rosters, captains named for Under Armour All-American game at Camping World Stadium

The No. 1 in player in the ESPN Class of 2024 rankings, defensive back and Georgia commit Ellis Robinson IV, will be participating in the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando.