Florida
GOP bill would change ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ in more than 50 state statutes
‘Gulf of Mexico’ is now ‘Gulf of America’ for US Google Maps users
Google Maps changed the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ name once it was officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System.
Now that “Gulf of America” is the official name of the body of water to our west, a Florida state senator has filed a bill to update all “Gulf of Mexico” references in state law. There are a lot.
Two days after the former Gulf of Mexico was officially renamed the Gulf of America and President Donald Trump proclaimed Feb. 9 as Gulf of America Day, Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-St. Petersburg, filed the 70-page SB 608 Tuesday morning to rename “Gulf of Mexico” in over 50 Florida statutes, including boundary line definitions for 11 coastal counties, revenue regulations, coastal construction and excavation restrictions, erosion control, beach management, coastal building zones, taxes for coastal protection, tidal lands titles and land acquisitions, nature preserve boundaries, marine animal regulations and all other aspects of Florida law that need to mention the Gulf.
‘Gulf of America Day’ declared as President Trump flies to Super Bowl
“Even bigger than the Super Bowl.” President Trump signed a “Gulf of America Day” proclamation as he flew over the gulf.
Trump issued an executive order renaming the Gulf on his first day back in office, strongly urging the members of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to expedite it. It became official on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. Trump signed the proclamation observing “Gulf of America Day” while traveling to the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Air Force One.
The Federal Aviation Administration and Google Maps made the change by the next day. As of Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service stations in Florida were still using “Gulf of Mexico” in forecasts (although traditionally in most forecasts they just refer to the “Gulf”) and Apple Maps has not made the change.
But none of that changes Florida law, hence the bill.
If passed, when would Florida statutes recognize ‘Gulf of America’?
The change would go into effect July 1, 2025.
When does the Florida Legislative Session for 2025 begin?
The Florida Legislative Session runs 60 days, starting March 4, 2025.
Florida GOP embraces Gulf of America
When then-President-elect Trump mentioned the plan out of the blue in January during a press conference in which he also talked about annexing Canada, the Panama Canal and Greenland, Florida Republicans were quick to jump on the new name.
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, posted on social media, “Come visit our beautiful district and take a dip in the Gulf of AMERICA!” Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, simply posted video from the press conference and “THE GULF OF AMERICA #MakeTheAmericasGreatAgain.” Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Gainesville didn’t comment, but she reposted a post from Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson saying the name had a nice ring to it.
Within hours of Trump’s executive order, Gov. Ron DeSantis became the first person to use the new name in an official capacity, when he issued his own order about the freak winter storm that blanketed North Florida in record-breaking snow and ice.
Do other countries have to use the name ‘Gulf of America’?
Not if they don’t want to. The United States’ name change has no effect on what other countries or international bodies may call it, although many countries are likely to make the change to maintain polite diplomatic relations with the U.S. or to curry favor.
What is the Gulf of Mexico?
More than half of Florida’s coast borders the Gulf of Mexico, a partially landlocked body of water between the United States and Mexico that links ports in five Southern states and Mexico with the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean with two passages — called the Florida Straits — on either side of Cuba and the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba. The Gulf has an average depth of 5,300 feet.
The Gulf mainland shore runs more than 4,000 miles from the Florida Keys to Cabo Catoche on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas all share the coast, along with the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Vera Cruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.
Who named it the Gulf of Mexico?
While existing residents obviously knew about it, the first European to find the Gulf was Sebastián de Ocampo in 1508-1509, according to the Texas State Historical Association. It remained unnamed until the early 1540s, considered part of the “North Sea” (Atlantic Ocean). One map dated 1584 called it “Mare de Nort,” or “Sea of the North.”
Baptiste Boazio, the illustrator and map maker of Francis Drake’s Caribbean cruise of attacks in the 1580s, used “Gulf of Mexico” on his map “View of Entire Route of Sir Francis Drake’s West Indian Voyage.” A 1630 map called the body of water “Gulf of New Spain.”
The Spanish name evolved into Seno Mexicano. “Seno” means “gulf” or “bay.” It has also been called Golfo de Nueva España and Golfo de México on various maps and documents, and there are at least 32 different versions of the name in different languages and dialects, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Who owns the Gulf of Mexico?
The U.S., Mexico and Cuba share the body of water and each one controls a certain amount of the coastal waters of the Gulf.
For many years, nations had rights to and control over the water extending an average of three nautical miles from their shores and everything beyond that was considered international waters. In the 20th century, some nations asked to extend that limit to add access to mineral resources, protect fish stocks and other uses.
In 1945, President Harry S. Truman extended U.S. control of natural resources in its waters to its continental shelf and other nations did the same, with some claiming hundreds of miles of sea for themselves.
The United Nations held several conferences on the matter but it wasn’t until the third UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which ran from 1973 to 1982, that they established a consensus: territorial waters would extend to 12 nautical miles from a nation’s shores, with provisions for navigation, deep sea mining, protection of the environment, scientific research and more.
Currently, the U.S. federal government manages the seas and the submerged parts of the Outer Continental Shelf and has jurisdiction over economic and resource management up to 200 miles from the coast in the exclusive economic zone, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Within the EEZ, the U.S. has sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources, and jurisdiction as provided for in international law.
Mexico also has jurisdiction up to 200 miles from its coast. In 1978, the U.S. and Mexico signed a treaty defining the continental shelf boundaries, and another in 2000 allowing for agreements beyond the 200-mile limit for development of any possible oil, or natural gas reservoirs.
In 2007, Mexico asked to extend its continental shelf up to 350 nautical miles in certain areas, which would overlap some of the U.S.’s jurisdiction. The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf accepted Mexico’s arguments in 2009 but Mexico and the U.S. would need another agreement to formalize each country’s claims.
(This story was updated with new information.)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Behind a pair of four-run innings, the No. 5 national seed Arkansas Razorbacks recorded their third-consecutive run-rule victory by defeating South Florida, 10-2 (6 inn.) in the 2026 Fayetteville Regional Final to clinch their fifth Super Regional appearance in program history on Sunday afternoon at Bogle Park.
With the win, Arkansas will host a Super Regional next weekend at Bogle Park against Duke (42-15). The Razorbacks previously hosted Super Regionals in 2021, 2022, and 2025. It marked the first time in program history that Arkansas went undefeated in NCAA Regional play with all wins coming by run-rule.
South Florida got out to an early 1-0 lead courtesy of Jamia Nelson hitting into a 6-4-3 double play with no outs in the top of the second inning. The Razorbacks responded with four runs in the bottom of the second courtesy of an RBI double from Atalyia Rijo and a three-run home run from Kennedy Miller. South Florida cut the Hogs’ lead to 4-2 courtesy of a leadoff solo home run from Alexa Galligani in the top of the fourth inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Arkansas extended its advantage to six, plating runs courtesy of an Ella McDowell double, an RBI groundout from Tianna Bell, a Dakota Kennedy single, and Karlie Davison doubling down the line in right field. Dakota Kennedy then clinched the run-rule and the Hog’ Super Regional Berth in the sixth inning with a two-run double into the left-center field gap that made it the final, 10-2.
Arkansas smashed an NCAA Tournament program record six doubles while recording 11 hits in the win. In addition to Kennedy Miller’s three-run blast, Brinli Bain paced the Hogs offensively with a 3-3 day that featured her 18th double of the season, a run scored, and a walk. Karlie Davison continued her postseason tear at the plate with a 2-3 day that featured a pair of doubles, an RBI, and a run scored. Dakota Kennedy also recorded a pair of hits in a 2-3 effort with a double and three RBI.
Saylor Timmerman was dominant in relief, fanning four while retiring all nine batters faced to improve to 10-2 on the season. Timmerman relieved Payton Burnham, who allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in her three innings pitched.
Carley Ernst (5-5) took the loss for South Florida (44-17) after yielding four runs on four hits and a walk in 1.2 innings of work.
The Razorbacks are now 45-11 on the season with a program-record 24 run-rule victories and a 27-3 home record at Bogle Park. The Razorbacks’ 45 wins are the third-most in program history, trailing only the 1999 (46) and 2022 (48) teams.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Payton Burnham made her 17th start of the season for Arkansas, while South Florida went with sophomore right-hander Carley Ernst.
In the top of the first inning, Tianna Bell made an impressive play at first base on a hard-hit line drive from the Bulls’ Olivia Elliot. Burnham then issued consecutive flyouts to Reagan Johnson in center field to complete the 1-2-3 frame.
Brinli Bain doubled off the wall in center field with one out in the bottom of the first inning. South Florida second baseman Kathy Garcia-Soto then turned an unassisted double play to end the inning.
South Florida loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the second inning, courtesy of a walk and a pair of singles. The Bulls took the early 1-0 lead courtesy of Jamaia Nelson hitting into a double play. Burnham then induced a flyout to left field to end the inning with a runner stranded on third.
Karlie Davison continued her postseason tear at the plate with a double into the right-center field gap. A batter later, Atalyia Rijo tied the game with a double into the right-center field gap that plated Davison. Kailey Wyckoff drew a walk before Kennedy Miller gave Arkansas a 4-1 lead with a three-run home run to center field. Arkansas loaded the bases following Miller’s blast with a walk from Johnson, a single from Bain, and a walk from McDowell, but USF escaped with a flyout.
Rijo was the lone batter to reach base for either team in the third inning. Johnson made an impressive leaping grab on the warning track for the second out in the top half of the inning.
In the top of the fourth inning, South Florida cut the Hogs’ lead to 4-2 courtesy of a solo home run from Alexa Galligani. Following the home run, Saylor Timmerman entered the circle in place of Burnham and retired her first three batters faced courtesy of a diving stop by Ella McDowell at third and consecutive strikeouts.
Arkansas responded with four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Johnson singled through the right side with one out, then stole second base. Bain followed with a walk, and Ella McDowell drove in Johnson with an RBI double to give Arkansas a 5-2 lead. The Hogs would add two more runs courtesy of an RBI groundout from Tianna Bell and an RBI single from Dakota Kennedy. Davison added the fourth and final run of the stanza with an RBI double down the right-field line.
Both teams were retired in order in the fifth inning as Timmerman picked up her third strikeout of the contest.
Timmerman registered another 1-2-3 frame during the top of the sixth courtesy of a groundout, strikeout, and groundout. In the bottom of the sixth, Bain collected her third hit of the contest with a single through the right side to lead off the bottom of the sixth before being pinch-run for by Kasey Wood, who would advance to second on a walk by Ella McDowell. Dakota Kennedy ended the run-rule triumph with a double into the left-center field gap that allowed both Wood and McDowell to score, making it the final 10-2.
NOTABLES
- With the win, Arkansas earned its fifth trip to a Super Regional in program history. Arkansas previously made appearances in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2025 while hosting its three previous Super Regionals.
- The Hogs’ 24th run-rule victory of the season broke the single-season program record of 23 initially set in 2025.
- Arkansas is 308-9 when scoring eight or more runs all-time, including a 173-1 mark during the Courtney Deifel era (2016-present). The Razorbacks are on a 121-game winning streak when scoring 8+ runs. The last loss the Razorbacks had when accomplishing the feat was a 12-11 loss to Oklahoma State on Feb. 11, 2021, during the season opener at the Best on the Bayou Classic in Monroe, La.
- Arkansas is now 27-28 all-time in NCAA Tournament play, including an 20-16 mark under head coach Courtney Deifel. The Razorbacks have now won six consecutive regional round games dating back to 2025.
- Brinli Bain registered her 18th double of the season, which is tied for the second-most by a Razorback in program history alongside Jessica Bachkora (2010).
- The Razorbacks 45 wins are the third-most in program history, trailing only a 46-win season in 1999 and the 2022 squad’s 48 wins. Arkansas has now eclipsed last season’s win total.
- The Hogs’ six doubles in the win were the most during an NCAA Tournament game and tied for the second-most in any game in program history, trailing only a pair of seven-double performances against Lamar on March 4, 2017, and Missouri State on April 28, 2010.
Up Next
The Razorbacks will face the Duke Blue Devils in Super Regionals. Duke beat Arizona twice on Sunday by the scores of 8-6 and 9-4. Game times will be announced in the coming days.
For schedule updates and other news, go to ArkansasRazorbacks.com, or follow @RazorbackSB on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Florida
A Newly Built Oceanfront Compound in the Florida Keys With Its Own Sandy Beach Lists for $40 Million
A newly completed waterfront compound in the Florida Keys hit the market last week for $40 million.
It’s the second-most-expensive listing in all of the Keys, topped by a property just down the road that’s asking $42 million.
The roughly 7-acre spread on Plantation Key was previously home to the five-house compound of the late naturalist Herbert Zim, the founder and editor in chief of the Golden Guides nature book series.
For many decades, it was both Zim’s family estate and where he produced his Golden Guides, according to the current owner, Todd Maino. He bought the property, which encompasses six parcels, from Zim’s estate, he said. Mansion Global couldn’t determine what Maino paid.
Over the course of about four years, Maino, a commercial and residential developer, transformed the property into a new compound that was completed last year. There’s a new 8,200-square-foot main house with five bedrooms and a renovated three-bedroom guest house. Maino said he left some cosmetic details unfinished to allow the next owner to personalize the home.
“They can make it their own instead of buying somebody else’s vision,” he said.
Off the main house, there’s a 120-foot pool with a hot tub, and beyond that, a sandy beach extends along the property’s 480 feet of water frontage. There’s a dock within a grandfathered-in boat basin that’s larger and deeper than what would be allowed today.
“The drag is over 6 feet, so you can have a pretty large boat there,” listing agent Angel Nicolas of the Nicolas Group at Serhant said. He and his colleague Courtney Conley listed the property a week ago.
The property is full of Florida wildlife, from osprey and sandpiper nests to peacocks that wander around.
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“I actually had a manatee have a baby in the boat basin,” Maino said. “It’s ecologically balanced with nature. It’s not concrete jungle—it’s not Miami.”
Because much of the property is open land and not covered in protected trees, there’s opportunity to further develop the estate, whether that be adding another house or amenities like a tennis court or a helipad.
The main house and guest house, which stand on their own waterfront parcels, are also available for sale separately. The lot with the guest house is priced at $15 million, while the main-house lot is asking $27 million, Nicolas said.
Country music superstar Morgan Wallen is one of the hottest acts on the planet right now and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
His 2026 “Still The Problem” tour has been rolling through the United States and packing seats at every stop, and that wasn’t any different when Wallen made it to the Sunshine State.
His first of two shows in Gainesville, Florida, saw the country sensation playing to a sold-out crowd at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium where the Gators play, and speaking of the Rowdy Reptiles, Wallen had to pick someone for his patented walkout to appeal to the droves of students decked out in orange and blue.
Morgan Wallen performs the song “’98 Braves” at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 19, 2023. (Getty Images)
Enter Tim Tebow, the two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy winner. As far as picks go, Wallen knocked this one out of the park.
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When in Rome — or Gainesville, rather — right?
Judging by the crowd pop, I’d say Tebow was about as popular a pick as anyone Wallen could have gone with.
The man has a statue outside the very stadium where the concert was held, for crying out loud, so it’s safe to say Mr. Whiskey Glasses did his homework when choosing his walking buddy.
Tim Tebow appears on the SEC Nation set before the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Georgia Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Nov. 8, 2025. (IMAGN)
While he nailed it with the Tebow selection, Wallen wasn’t ready to fully ingratiate himself with the Florida faithful.
During their walkout, Tebow performed multiple Gator Chomps to fire the crowd up even more, but when he implored Wallen to join him, the multi-platinum singer respectfully turned him down.
That shouldn’t surprise anyone who is familiar with Wallen, who is an East Tennessee native and noted Volunteers supporter.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night two of his One Night At A Time tour at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 22, 2024. (John Shearer/Getty Images)
Any guy who writes a song called “Tennessee Fan” probably won’t be caught dead doing the Gator Chomp, so I can’t say I blame him.
It will be interesting to see who Wallen taps as his walking mate on night two of his stay in Gainesville.
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Rumor has it that Steve Spurrier could be the favorite, which would be hilarious given Spurrier’s history of tormenting the Vols.
Regardless, it’s nice to see a Vol and a Gator being so chummy with each other. A rare sight indeed.
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