Rafael strengthens to Category 2 hurricane, Florida Keys under tropical storm warning

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2024

Rafael strengthens to Category 2 hurricane, Florida Keys under tropical storm warning

TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Rafael has strengthened into a Category 2 storm as it heads toward Cuba, where landfall is expected Wednesday before moving into the Gulf of Mexico.

As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, Rafael was located at 21.0N and 81.6W with maximum sustained winds of 100 miles an hour, moving northwest at 14 miles an hour.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Rafael will pass through western Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 2 storm.

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Rafael will make landfall in Cuba on Wednesday before moving into the Gulf of Mexico.

The NHC says the storm will also bring heavy rain to portions of the western Caribbean, including Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, through early Thursday.

Where will Rafael go once it reaches the Gulf?

Models have shifted west, indicating that Rafael will turn far away from Florida’s Gulf coast in the coming days.

A tropical storm warning is in effect, however, for the Florida Keys, where some storm impacts are expected Wednesday and early Thursday.

Models are divided on whether Rafael will head north toward the U.S. Gulf coast, or turn south toward Mexico.

As the storm moves through the Gulf, it’s expected to weaken because of cooler water temperatures and increased wind shear.

FOX 13 Meteorologist Jim Weber says it remains to be seen whether Rafael will make landfall in the U.S., or turn south toward Mexico.

“We may see some big adjustments to the forecast track as we go through the day,” Weber said.

Weber says the Tampa Bay area will see cloudy skies and scattered showers Wednesday and Thursday, with most of Florida’s storm impacts staying to the south.

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Florida cities rank among best coastal small towns in United States

Published

35 minutes ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Florida cities rank among best coastal small towns in United States

Stuart ranked No. 2 for best coastal small town in the United States.

Stuart ranked No. 2 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for best coastal small town.

The Treasure Coast city has been recognized as one of the best coastal small towns in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for several years. Stuart was ranked No. 2 in 2023, No. 1 in 2024 and No. 2 in 2025.

Stuart was praised for its access to the St. Lucie River; its parks, such as Flagler and Shepard; its museums, such as Stuart Heritage Museum and Road to Victory Military Museum and its restaurant-lined downtown.

Florida secured two spots on the top 10 list, with Stuart at No. 2 and Cedar Key at No. 10.

These rankings are determined by a panel of industry experts, invited weekly by USA Today 10BEST, who nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across different areas. 10BEST editors then vet the nominations before selecting a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for four weeks.

Best coastal small towns in the United States

These are the top 10 best coastal small towns in the United States, according to the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards:

1. Pismo Beach, California
2. Stuart, Florida
3. Morro Bay, California
4. Avalon, California
5. Castine, Maine
6. Cape May, New Jersey
7. Gulf Shores, Alabama
8. Beaufort, North Carolina
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
10. Cedar Key, Florida

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.

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Fantasy 5 results for April 7, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Fantasy 5 results for April 7, 2026

The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 7 drawing

05-15-22-33-37, Mega Ball: 02

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 7 drawing

Midday: 06-20-26-27-33

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 7 drawing

Morning: 09

Matinee: 15

Afternoon: 04

Evening: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 7 drawing

Midday: 2-8, FB: 9

Evening: 8-2, FB: 8

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 7 drawing

Midday: 5-2-2, FB: 9

Evening: 3-7-5, FB: 8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 7 drawing

Midday: 8-7-2-5, FB: 9

Evening: 6-6-2-6, FB: 8

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 7 drawing

Midday: 7-1-7-3-0, FB: 9

Evening: 6-3-2-2-7, FB: 8

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

Full name
City of residence
Game won
Date won
Amount won
Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.

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Didn’t get a ticket to Ulta Beauty World in FL? See other make-up conventions

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Didn’t get a ticket to Ulta Beauty World in FL? See other make-up conventions

Are you among the 3,000 who scored tickets to Ulta Beauty World or the 3 million who couldn’t nab any?

The nation’s largest specialty beauty retailer is hosting its second-ever convention at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 16.

Tickets went on sale Jan. 22 for just over $160 per ticket and sold out within minutes, according to reports. Ulta Beauty customers and beauty lovers took to social media to air out their frustration and disappointment, as officials promised to expand access for next year’s event.

For those who didn’t get tickets to Ulta Beauty World, there are still other makeup conventions and expos you can attend, some even in Florida.

Has Ulta dropped more tickets to Ulta Beauty World 2026 in Orlando, Florida?

As of April 7, Ulta has not released any additional tickets for Ulta Beauty World 2026 and has no plans to do so.

In a statement after the tickets sold out, Ulta said it would host giveaways for event tickets. In February, the company announced it was giving away 50 pairs of tickets.

As of March, the giveaway is closed, and all the winners have been notified.

See other beauty conventions in Florida

Premiere Orlando is set for May 30 through June 1, 2026, with over 760 education classes, 400 educators and influencers, and 500 exhibiting brands. Like Ulta Beauty World, it will be located at the Orange County Convention Center.

However, it is only open to members and students of the professional beauty industry. Verification of credentials is required for all attendees. Check here for tickets.

There will be a similar convention at the start of 2027, with Cosmoprof North America spending its third year in Miami. The trade show says it is the only event in the Americas that “brings together the entire beauty industry—from skin care and makeup to fragrance, hair, and nails, while also representing the entire beauty supply chain.”

Tickets are not open to the general public, as they connect businesses. For those interested, tickets go onsale in August 2026.

Not in Florida? See other makeup conventions in the US

The MakeUp Show is a convention open to anyone who works, studies or is interested in the beauty industry. It will be held in New York City from May 3 through May 4, with over 100 of the top beauty brands.

Tickets are still onsale, with prices starting at $54.

For those looking for an event similar to Ulta Beauty World, SEPHORiA is a multi-day expo for beauty lovers hosted by beauty retailer Sephora. It offers access to “breaking beauty news, master classes taught by beauty icons, talent meet-and-greets, and an on-site shop with exclusive merch and products only available for purchase at SEPHORiA.”

This year’s convention was held in March. Details for SEPHORiA 2027 have not yet been announced, as of April 2026.

Did you score a ticket to 2026 Ulta Beauty World in Orlando, Florida? What to know before you go

Before you head into the convention, you will need to pay for parking, which costs $20 at the Orange County Convention Center. You may leave items in your car and return to the convention throughout the day.

You’ll find your ticket located in your email. A government-issued ID will be required for access and must match the first and last name on the ticket confirmation.

On its website, it states that the only rolling bag permitted on the expo floor is the Ulta Beauty roller bag, available for sale at registration for $50. All other bags are acceptable, provided they do not have wheels.

Before you head out, you should receive a swag bag valued at more than $2,000.

Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.

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