Florida
Miami Hurricanes saving state of Florida football from total embarrassment | D’Angelo
WATCH: Miami’s Mario Cristobal recruits Palm Beach County schools via helicopter
Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal made a helicopter landing at Benjamin, Cardinal Newman and Somerset-Canyons on Friday during recruiting visits.
Emilee Smarr, Wochit
Remember when Curt Cignetti, coach of the 13th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, famously said “google me” when talking about his success?
Well, you might not want to google “state of college football in Florida.” All it will do is get you wondering what happened to all the success our college football programs have enjoyed.
The state’s been in somewhat of a funk in recent years, but this is close to rock bottom. So bad that perhaps Florida should claim Vanderbilt, a longtime college football laughing stock, as one of its own since the Commodores are building a campus in West Palm Beach.
Vanderbilt, right now, is a better program than any in the state not named Miami.
More: Listen Now! Miami is a big favorite over FSU, but anything can happen in a rivalry game
Speaking of the Hurricanes, the most disappointing, over-hyped program in the state the last two decades, now is the one saving us from sheer embarrassment.
Thank the football gods for the University of Miami.
While Miami is holding onto its top 10 ranking at 7-0, the other six FBS programs are a combined 15-27. Only Florida, whose coach, Billy Napier, is the most likely to be fired among state schools, is above .500 at 4-3. And that is about to turn real quick with the gauntlet of games upcoming for the Gators.
Cam Ward, Hurricanes dominating state
But none of the Sorry Six’s failures should undermine what quarterback Cam Ward and the Hurricanes have accomplished this year, despite a recent dip that should have everyone a bit concerned about their attempt to win a first ACC title.
Ward, a Heisman Trophy candidate, clearly has been the most significant transfer portal transaction in the country. The Hurricanes collective spent wisely in luring Ward, who cost UM boosters more an $1 million for one year of service in this pay-for-play world the NCAA has created.
But it’s been money well spent. Just ask coach Mario Cristobal, who can thank Ward (and ACC officials) for lifting the pressure from his shoulders after an underwhelming start at his alma mater. Before that season opener in Gainesville between Miami and Florida, fans were equally disenchanted with Napier and Cristobal.
Now, Miami leads the nation with 577.3 yards per game and is second with 48.3 points. Ward leads the country with 2,538 yards and 24 passing TDs, and is second in passing efficiency.
And he’s consistently been among the Heisman Trophy favorites. Right now, he should be the favorite.
But this is far from a slam dunk for the Hurricanes, certainly not after what we’ve seen the past three weeks. Miami is fortunate it does not have two losses, escaping close final-drive wins against two very mediocre opponents, Virginia Tech and Cal, and winning a shootout at Louisville last Saturday.
As for the Canes defense, it has been nothing short of a dumpster fire for three weeks.
And Miami’s weak schedule will not be viewed favorably by the playoff committee if it slips just once. Either Miami wins the conference or it will be traveling for a first-round game, if it has just one loss.
These last three weeks have dropped Miami behind Clemson in most projections to enter the 12-team playoff as the ACC champion.
But those are problems teams in the rest of the state would welcome.
FSU season a shocking failure
Take Florida State, for example.
If you’re seeking a program whose investment in a quarterback is at the other end of Miami striking gold with Ward, check out Florida State and DJ Uiagalelei. This is New York Jets and Aaron Rodgers-level bad.
The Miami-FSU rivalry resumes Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium with the Canes a 21-point favorite, a 35-point swing from a year ago.
The 1-6 Seminoles are in the middle of a shocking reversal from a 13-0 start, including an ACC title, a year ago to a season that likely will end with two wins.
And that might be disrespecting Charleston Southern to think it cannot beat FSU in Tallahassee.
Each team has a 42-point win in this series in recent years, Miami in 2020 and FSU in 2022.
That should be about right this year, but only if Miami takes a knee the entire fourth quarter.
FSU just scratches the surface of the disappointment in our state. While Florida (4-3) found some life with its win over Kentucky Saturday, that will not last. The Gators probably will need to win at FSU on the final weekend of the regular season to make a bowl.
And nothing outside of a few gigantic upsets will save Napier’s job.
But if you ask UCF (3-4), USF (3-4), FAU (2-5) and FIU (2-5), all would trade their record for Florida’s. Heck, with Napier’s buyout at about $27 million if he’s fired at the end of the season, some of those coaches gladly would trade places with the Gators coach, too.
All four of those programs were expected to take a step forward this season. All four now are wondering how they raise enough money to bring in fresh players.
Especially UCF’s Gus Malzahn, who is squandering all momentum the Knights had from entering the Big 12 last year as he spirals to possibly a second consecutive losing season.
But do not feel sorry for Malzahn. He already hit the lottery once being fired by Auburn following the 2020 season and collecting a $21.5 million buyout.
Some of these state coaches could only be so lucky.
Tom D’Angelo is a senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
Charmaine Hickey, of Lang Realty in Port St. Lucie, was named in KNOW Women’s “100 Women to KNOW in America” list.
A Treasure Coast woman was named in a “100 Women to know in America” list for 2026.
KNOW Women is a global media company dedicated to giving women leaders connections and visibility. The company released a list of “100 Women to know in America” for 2026 to highlight the most influential women in business and leadership.
Charmaine Hickey, who works for Lang Realty in Port St. Lucie, was on the list.
“Charmaine’s recognition on a national stage like this comes as no surprise,” said Scott Agran, president of Lang Realty in a news release. “Her leadership, integrity, and commitment to both her profession and her community exemplify what this award stands for. She represents the very best of our industry.”
Hickey holds many industry designations and is known for her expertise in complex real estate transactions, as well as her client-first approach defined by honesty, patience and attention to detail, according to the news release.
Her community involvement includes serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting initiatives focused on education, women, families and youth.
“I am truly honored to be recognized among such an inspiring group of women,” said Hickey in the news release. “This award reflects not just individual achievement, but the power of community, mentorship, and lifting others as we grow. I’m grateful to be part of a network of women who are building meaningful impact every day.”
To see the full list go to theknowwomen.com.
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
A Florida surgeon who is facing criminal charges after allegedly removing a patient’s liver instead of his spleen has said he is “forever traumatized” by that person’s death.
In a deposition from November that was recently obtained by NBC, 44-year-old Thomas Shaknovsky described the death of 70-year-old William Bryan as an “incredibly unfortunate event that I regret deeply”.
Bryan died after the botched surgery; and in April, a grand jury in Tallahassee indicted Shaknovsky on a charge of manslaughter.
“I’m forever traumatized by it and hurt by it,” Shaknovsky added, also saying that wrong-site surgeries can happen “during difficult circumstances”.
The deposition provided Shaknovksy’s first detailed account of the operation that killed Bryan and eventually garnered national news headlines.
According to Shaknovksy’s deposition, after removing Bryan’s liver, the surgeon instructed a nurse to label the organ as a “spleen” – and he also identified it as a spleen in Bryan’s postoperative notes. Shaknovsky later said he had been “mentally compromised” at the time of Bryan’s death, explaining that he was “devastated, demoralized, crying over his passing, felt that I failed him”.
A lawsuit filed by Bryan’s widow, Beverly Bryan, accuses Shaknovsky of medical malpractice. The suit alleges that he “wrongfully omitted any reference to Mr Bryan’s liver being removed in order to ‘cover up’ his gross negligence/recklessness and to hopefully avoid the embarrassment due to such derelict care”, as NBC reported.
In April, the Walton county sheriff’s office said in a statement that Shaknovsky’s actions inflicted on Bryan “catastrophic blood loss and the patient’s death on the operating table”.
Shaknovsky’s deposition testimony described the chaos in the operating room after Bryan began bleeding extensively, causing his heart to stop. Medical staff performed chest compressions, and Shaknovsky attempted to find where the bleeding was coming from.
“I couldn’t tell the difference because I was so upset,” he said, referring to the organ he mistakenly identified.
“It was like a overflown sink that’s clogged up, and I am looking for a fork at the bottom, trying to feel and find the bleed, and I was not able to do so,” Shaknovsky said. He added: “After 20 minutes of struggling – desperately trying – to save his life, that’s when the wrong-site event took place.
“It’s a devastating thing, which I will have to live with the rest of my life,” Shaknovsky said in the eight-hour deposition reviewed by NBC. “I think about it every single day.”
After the medical team was unable to resuscitate Bryan, Shaknovsky said he went to the hospital’s medical library. “I went there to cry because I was devastated,” he said. “I didn’t want the staff to see me like that.”
Despite a spleen typically being significantly smaller than a liver, Shaknovsky said he believed Bryan’s spleen was “double the size of what is normal” because of a mass on it. Beverly Bryan’s lawsuit, however, states that a medical examiner told her that her husband’s spleen was anatomically “nearly normal”, according to NBC.
Shaknovsky would face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if eventually convicted as charged.
Omelet, taco and chicken salad joints are in, while spaghetti gelato, pizza and (for now) wing places are out.
At least when it comes to recent openings and closings on the Southwest Florida foodie scene, that is.
Let’s begin this recap of events in Cape Coral, where a popular breakfast-and-lunch restaurant made its long-awaited debut.
This is where the omelets come in…
House of Omelets
The fourth location of this popular breakfast and lunch restaurant made its highly anticipated debut along Cape Coral Parkway on Monday, May 4.
“It’s amazing,” owner Toni Dedaj said. “I’m very happy. I like this area, the way Cape Coral is growing. And this building is beautiful.”
That building is the eye-catching Bimini Square off Cape Coral Parkway. House of Omelets, which anchors the first-floor northeast corner unit, has a classic European feel. With seating for 89 inside and 40 outside, it’s about half the size of Dedaj’s Pine Island Road location.
“We like it,” he said. “We still have the big menu, but we like the smaller seating area. Service is more personal.”
And speaking of that menu (the same you’ll find at all House of Omelets locations), it is indeed huge, with about 30 signature omelets alone. Add in all the egg dishes (House Slam is a best seller), favorites (like corned beef hash and chicken & waffles), off the griddle dishes (multiple pancake, French toast and waffle options), Benedicts and crepes, and we’re already up to huge without even getting to the lunch items.
Those include appetizers, salads, signature sandwiches (from lobster grilled cheese to Philly steak), burgers & melts, and pitas & wraps. Free parking can be found in the parking garage, shared with neighboring Bimini Basin Seafood.
“It’s easy in and out,” Dedaj said. “Very easy. Come visit us.” Find it at 440 Cape Coral Parkway; (239) 360-8083; there are two locations in Cape Coral and one each in Fort Myers and Naples. Go to houseofomelets.com or follow on Instagram.
Chicken Salad Chick
More than 100 customers were waiting outside when this chicken salad-loving, fast-casual restaurant opened its new Cape Coral location on April 29. Located in the Shops at Del Sol (near Swig!), Chicken Salad Chick has 13 different types of chicken salad, including traditional, fruity & nutty, savory and spicy flavors. Get it in one or two scoops, in a sandwich, in a melt (Bacon cheddar or chicken) or in a BLT. A turkey club is also available. It’s all scratch-made, just like the sides which include broccoli, grape and pasta salads, fresh fruit, mac ‘n cheese and soup. A few desserts (white chocolate layer cake and signature cookies) are also on the menu. Get it all by dining in, driving through, taking out, or by delivery. It’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Go to chickensaladchick.com or follow on Facebook for more.
Point Ybel Brewing
We recently checked out this brewery’s new downtown Fort Myers location off First Street in the Fortiner Building, and we love it. It’s all the good things from the original San Carlos Boulevard location plunked down in a lighter, brighter space (and it’s next to another Chocolattes location!!!). With 17 taps, you’ll find all the same award-winning beers Point Ybel is known for — including Sanibel Light, Snook Bite IPA, Sanibel Red and (our favorite) The Full Breakfast stout. Even though it’s only been open since April 11, it’s already right at home with a full slate of events — from live music and yoga to trivia and music bingo.
“This is a new chapter for us,” owner and brewer Jordan Weisberg said. “We’re excited for it. We want to build the same community downtown that we have (in south Fort Myers).”
It’s off to a great start. Drop by 2451 First St., Fort Myers; (239) 603-6565; pointybelbrew.com and on Facebook
Turco Taco
With three locations in Naples, this fast-casual taco joint has finally come to downtown Fort Myers. It opened April 24 at 2451 First Street. In a former office space, it’s across from Fort Myers Regional Library, on the northwest corner of First and Bay streets. Turco Taco is known for its fresh and bold gourmet Mexican-Turkish fusion tacos, gourmet quesadillas and organic salads. We can’t wait to check it out. (239) 344-7732; theturcotaco.com or on Facebook
Capriotti’s
We’ve already reported that this popular Delaware-founded chain opened a Cape Coral location on April 28 in the Shops at Del Mar off Pine Island Road. But can we just say that The Bobbie — billed as the original Thanksgiving sandwich — lives up to the hype? The slow-roasted turkey (cooked overnight and hand-pulled in the morning), house-made stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo combination won us over on the first bite. Order it hot or cold, in 4, 8, 10 or 18-inch sizes. And if you’re not feeling Thanksgiving-y, Capriotti’s has plenty of other options, including cheesesteaks, tuna, classic Italian, BLT, meatball, Capastrami, Wagyu beef sandwiches and more. Find it all at 327 SW 10th Place, unit 202, Cape Coral; (239) 471-0469; capriottis.com or follow on Facebook.
Closings
The Fat Apple: The sign is down and the doors of this pizza joint in North Fort Myers are locked. After nine years, this staple in the Publix-anchored Eagle Landing plaza off Bayshore Road has permanently closed. It steadily built a loyal following after Guy Beekman, who owned the legendary Birdie’s Pizza in Fort Myers for 20 years, opened it in July 2017.
Spaghy Gelato: This small Cape Coral shop in Chelsea Place off Del Prado Boulevard has closed. “Cape Coral … thank you,” an April 28 post on its Facebook page read. “Because of your support, your love, your energy … we’re taking the next step. We are officially relocating to the East Coast.” It was known for its viral spaghetti gelato — handcrafted gelato shaped into spaghetti form and topped with a variety of toppings. “Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and for believing in something a little different,” the post concluded.
Wingnuts: After spending the last 15 years at 231 Del Prado Blvd. in Cape Coral, this popular chicken wing restaurant is closing. For now, anyway. “Our time at this location has come to an end,” an April 30 post on the Pub & Grub’s Facebook page read. “Our last day will be May 16th. HOWEVER, we will be moving to a new location soon.” It’s currently in Moderna Plaza, north of Cape Coral Hospital and south of Hancock Bridge Parkway (where the recently closed Misto Bar & Grill was). “Although it will take us time to relocate the restaurant, we will keep you posted, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY,” the post continued. “… We look forward to seeing you in the very near future. Our thanks again for all your support.” Follow along on Facebook for updates.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
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