Florida

Visit Florida for the Sun, the Surf and… the Food?

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2023

Visit Florida for the Sun, the Surf and… the Food?

THE MEDIA has a fixation with what it calls Florida Man. Some selection headlines embody: “Florida Man Throws Gator By means of a Wendy’s Drive-Through Window” and “Florida Man Fills Automobile With Frozen Iguanas To Cook dinner, However They Thawed, Woke Up and Attacked Him.” You’d be forgiven for assuming that residents of the Sunshine State are extra involved about what would possibly eat them than what they may eat.

However that modified in June 2022, when the France-based Michelin Information launched its inaugural foray into Florida.

The response to the information was swift, with locals, together with my very own Floridian household and pals, in addition to guests asking, “Why now?” and “What’s Florida delicacies anyway?” It’d seem to be the state that gave us Gatorade, Hooters, Olive Backyard and Burger King isn’t precisely a gustatory heavyweight. However assume once more about Florida meals—about stone crab, steamed oysters, Key West Pinks (shrimp identified for his or her candy tender meat)—and Michelin’s reasoning will get clearer. Think about Cuban sandwiches, recent orange juice, guava pastelitos and, after all, Key lime pie—and the selection appears downright impressed.

HOW MICHELIN STARS ALIGN

One star: “Top quality cooking, price a cease.”
Two stars: “Glorious cooking, price a detour.”
Three stars: Eating places with “distinctive delicacies, price a particular journey.”

The esteemed purple information’s enlargement into Florida marks the fifth U.S. vacation spot that Michelin has acknowledged, after New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago and California. A few of its Sunshine State honorees align with the favored conception of a “Michelin-star restaurant.” (See “What Strikes Your Fancy Eating places,” beneath.) The information’s famously nameless inspectors issued stars to fifteen totally different Florida institutions in Orlando and Miami that met their standards, together with high quality substances, a “concord of flavors” in every dish, a chef who shows a mastery of culinary strategies, and a consistency from go to to go to (Eating places are “inspected” a number of instances a yr).

The morning line-up at Zak The Baker in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

The kosher bakery’s picture-perfect croissant and java.

The morning line-up at Zak The Baker in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood; the kosher bakery’s picture-perfect croissant and java.

Extra shocking—and fortunately so—to anybody uncertain in regards to the state’s culinary repute have been the 29 Florida eateries that obtained a Bib Gourmand, a distinction launched by Michelin in 1997 that’s given to locations providing distinctive high quality for worth. Flip previous the information’s pages on haute-cuisine picks and concentrate on the entries dedicated to informal American and ethnic eats: You’ll discover Zak The Baker, a kosher bakery in Wynwood; Chug’s Diner, a Cuban-American diner in Coconut Grove; Hometown BBQ in Allapattah; and Z-Asian in Orlando, to call 4 that obtained a Bib Gourmand, whose image is a picture of the Michelin Man licking his lips.

For the Bib Gourmand distinction, inspectors contemplate locations the place two programs and a glass of wine or dessert value $49 or much less earlier than tax and tip. The 29 eateries chosen in Florida embody pizzerias, sandwich spots, and curry, pho and ramen joints. These are actually beloved native locations that vacationers search out once they’re looking for an genuine dive into Florida’s numerous and scrumptious meals tradition.

“The Bib Gourmand class appears notably fitted to Florida and considers locations the place two programs and a glass of wine or dessert value lower than $49, earlier than tax and tip. ”

That’s what they’ll discover at Chug’s Diner, the “morning-noon-or-night eatery” of chef Michael Beltrán, whose nickname is Chug. Located on a busy road in Coconut Grove, one among Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, it has a brightly hued inside that serves as a cool backdrop for an creative menu of diner classics (burgers, patty melts and three-egg specials) complemented by subtle takes on Cuban classics reminiscent of pollo a la plancha (grilled hen cutlet) and boliche (stuffed beef roast). Mr. Beltrán’s “Abuela’s Plate,” a triple-threat meat combo of suckling pig, grilled hen and masita (sautéed pork) has the optionally available “eat extra” addition of fried fish, so typical of what a grandmother would possibly lovingly push on a hungry little one.

Order inside or outdoors at Chug’s Diner.

A tray of crackers and croquetas.

Order inside or outdoors at Chug’s Diner; a tray of crackers and croquetas.

The Michelin Information has its roots in street journeys, the sort a food-loving traveler would possibly plan at this time. Launched in 1900 by André and Édouard Michelin, two brothers who owned a tire firm, it was a humble (and free) pamphlet given to French motorists to assist them discover meals and lodging en route. “Journey and meals are inextricably sure,” mentioned meals historian Jessica B. Harris. “If you get someplace, the very first thing you wish to know is the place you’re going to eat.”

Among the many Bib Gourmand picks are breakfast and brunch scorching spots—as a result of who doesn’t wish to rating the perfect espresso and croissants whereas on trip? From Zak Stern, who earned his culinary cred at natural farms in Israel, France and Sweden, comes the kosher Zak The Baker, a semifinalist for “Excellent Bakery” within the 2023 James Beard Awards. It suits proper into the hip Miami neighborhood of Wynwood, identified for its murals, craft breweries and late-night bar scene. Locals line up for Americanos and picture-perfect croissants however double-chocolate babka, the whole lot bagels and the nova brioche with smoked salmon and arugula are well-liked too.

Thanks partly to Florida’s ever-changing inhabitants, the state’s meals has remodeled in recent times, absorbing culinary influences from Colombia, Cuba and Vietnam. “Orlando has a strong pedigree of Vietnamese eating places, and Z-Asian is among the greatest, though it is among the latest,” mentioned Faiyaz Kara, restaurant critic for the Orlando Weekly. Run by husband-and-wife crew Hien Pham and Huong Nguyen, the restaurant is thought for Ms. Nguyen’s flavorful made-from-scratch broths. These make her soups—whether or not the marinated duck marrow soup, pho with bone marrow or anchovy-based seafood bun mam—“a legit draw,” mentioned Mr. Kara.

“Hometown” within the title of the warehouse-like Hometown BBQ, in Miami’s Allapattah industrial neighborhood, provides a nod to Brooklyn (Pink Hook pitmaster Billy Durney is behind it), however its charred brisket slices, char siu child again ribs and Frito pie earned it a loyal native following and a Bib Gourmand.

Hometown BBQ in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood.

A share platter of meats and sides.

Hometown BBQ in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood; a share platter of meats and sides.

Nonetheless, for a lot of vacationers, Florida means seafood. Florida native and blogger Terry Ward, places it this manner: “Quintessential Florida meals is informal and boils all the way down to Gulf and Atlantic seafood—oysters, snapper, grouper, hogfish, stone crab, lobster and purple fish—as recent as the perfect catches you get from a neighbor who fishes or goes lobstering.” Her take a look at of culinary greatness? “A restaurant with an important grouper sandwich.”

Within the final decade, Michelin expanded globally at a speedy tempo and, in consequence, has been dogged with rumors about its selections. Native meals critics in a tourism-dominated financial system like Florida are cautious when outsiders weigh in, so skepticism stays excessive. “A majority of the starred Florida eating places are modern Eurocentric and Japanese locations that will really feel as a lot at dwelling in San Francisco as they might in Miami,“ mentioned Mr. Kara. The higher consideration has additionally put a crimp in getting a desk. “It’s positively tougher to get a reservation lately,” mentioned Miami meals blogger Cari Garcia from Fats Woman Hedonist.

Faiyaz Kara, restaurant critic for the Orlando Weekly known as Z-Asian in Orlando’s Mills 50 district “the most effective, though it is among the latest.

Z-Asian’s grilled jumbo squid.

Faiyaz Kara, restaurant critic for the Orlando Weekly known as Z-Asian (above left) in Orlando’s Mills 50 district “the most effective, though it is among the latest; Z-Asian’s grilled jumbo squid.

Nonetheless, guests from overseas or elsewhere within the U.S. depend on the information for reference. In line with a 2019 Ernst & Younger ballot, 84% of frequent vacationers belief the standard of eating places chosen by the Michelin Information. “For greater than 120 years, the Michelin Information has been an impartial publication produced by nameless Michelin inspectors,” mentioned Gwendal Poullennec, worldwide director of the Michelin Guides. “These former hospitality professionals, which embody native and worldwide inspectors, all have at the least 10 years of expertise in order that they have a exact and technical information of the sector. Their id, and the place and when they’re visiting a restaurant, are all stored secret. They pay their very own payments, simply as some other [customer].”

Some cooks and restaurant homeowners have been stunned by being chosen by Michelin and mentioned they didn’t search out recognition prematurely. Z-Asian chef Ms. Nguyen mentioned the Bib Gourmand her restaurant obtained caught her unaware. “My pals have been calling all day to congratulate us, however we had no concept we have been even being thought-about,” she mentioned. “Most of the recipes we use have been handed all the way down to me from my grandparents so it’s nice they not solely keep alive, however are appreciated by a global group like Michelin. Now possibly my children will eat extra of my cooking!”

Open early for espresso and bagels, Zak The Baker is a colourful beacon for the breakfast crowd in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Mr. Stern, earned his culinary cred at natural farms in Israel, France and Sweden; his kosher bakery is a semifinalist for “Excellent Bakery” within the 2023 James Beard Awards.

Challah popping out of the oven at Miami’s kosher bakery, Zak The Baker. Different choices such because the double-chocolate babka, the whole lot bagels and the nova brioche with smoked salmon and arugula are well-liked too.

Chef Michael Beltrán brings the Miami Cuban-American expertise to life, he mentioned, “with meals that speaks our language,” on the brightly-hued Chug’s Diner within the metropolis’s Coconut Grove neighborhood.

Chug’s Diner is a “morning-noon-or-night eatery” with an creative menu of diner classics (burgers, patty melts and three-egg specials) complemented by subtle takes on Cuban classics reminiscent of pollo a la plancha (grilled hen cutlet) and boliche (stuffed beef roast). Proven right here: the yummy ‘Solid Iron Pancake.’

Thanks partly to Florida’s ever-changing inhabitants, the state’s meals has remodeled in recent times, absorbing culinary influences from Colombia, Cuba and Vietnam. Huong Nguyen and Hien Pham of Z-Asian in Orlando’s Mills 50 district, obtained a Bib Gourmand distinction. Their artistic use of recent native substances enhances Vietnamese dishes.

“Most of the recipes we use have been handed all the way down to me from my grandparents,” mentioned Ms. Nguyen, “so it’s nice they not solely keep alive, however are appreciated by a global group like Michelin.” Proven right here: Chef Nguyen’s pho beef soup at Z-Asian.

What Strikes Your Fancy Locations

There’s no dearth of luxurious spots for followers of white-tablecloth eating

STAR BRIGHT The Ritz Carlton Orlando’s Knife & Spoon is thought for its recent seafood and locally-sourced substances

Picture:

Grande Lakes Orlando

A NUMBER of Florida picks match neatly into the form of restaurant vacationers anticipate from a Michelin Information: subtle, formal locations with glorious service and conventional delicacies. Usually, a celeb chef presides over the kitchen, with a menu crafted from domestically sourced or unique substances.

There was little shock that Ritz Carlton Orlando’s Knife & Spoon, led by chef John Tesar, nabbed a star for dishes like Key Largo Spiny Lobster with fennel-pollen breadcrumbs and native snapper ceviche with sorghum and Florida citrus.

One other star choose: the Surf Membership on the 4 Seasons in Surfside, helmed by Michelin veteran Thomas Keller who did a menu of iconic Florida fare like Hass avocado Louie and Gulf prawn cocktail.

The 4 Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World, the place Malyna Si is the highest chef, obtained a Michelin star. Capa is touted as a steakhouse, however Ms. Si’s menu options pasture-raised eggs from Lé Koopé, candy Zellwood corn and microgreens from Sugar Prime Farms in Clermont.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Miami’s Design District obtained the state’s solely two-star ranking. It’s arguably the Frenchest restaurant in Florida, with veal sweetbreads in citrus confit with bay-leaf oil and a dessert known as Le Chocolat Sensation, a pastry topped with “crémeux émietté de biscuit Oréo.” Whether or not French or Floridian, the celebrated spot provides elevated cooking utilizing imported and native substances.

A shocking star recipient that didn’t neatly match the mould was Hiden, an 8-person Japanese omakase restaurant. Its $300-per-person menu, with its barrel-aged sake, truffled chawamushi, and foie gras cubes with Hokkaido scallops, reveals a need for haute eating in Florida from Latin American, European and stateside vacationers able to spend.

There have been no three-stars for this primary version, however that’s common for an inaugural information.

What State Is Subsequent?

Michelin has its parameters for selecting which state deserves the subsequent inaugural information, however that doesn’t imply these 4 meals professionals have been shy about sharing educated guesses

Maine

“There are the lobster shacks, but in addition wonderful cooks like off-the-grid genius Erin French on the Misplaced Kitchen in Freedom; Melissa Kelly at Primo in Rockland; and

Sara Jenkins,

who was behind Porchetta in New York Metropolis and opened Nina June in Rockport. Everybody talks about Noma and foraging, however the simplicity of what these cooks do can be steeped in originality and a homage to Maine’s culinary origins.”

—Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, restaurateur and creator of ‘Your Desk Is Prepared’ (St. Martins, 2022)

Texas

“The state, or at the least, Houston deserves a information. It’s the fourth-largest U.S. metropolis by inhabitants and that inhabitants is extremely numerous, lending the eating alternatives a form of taste largesse that’s fairly particular. The standard extends from $20 meals to $200-plus meals as nicely. Amrina is one large purpose Michelin ought to ship inspectors. Chef Jassi Bindra presents trendy Indian delicacies. Trong Nguyen’s Viet-Cajun Crawfish and Noodles has already been acknowledged with a nod from the James Beard Basis.”

—Evan Kleiman, host of the radio present and podcast ‘Good Meals’ on NPR member station KCRW

Virginia

“I confess I’m partial however Virginia will be known as the birthplace of American delicacies, with its mixture of influences between Native People and English settlers in 1607, and Africans with the arrival of slaves in 1619. Think about its numerous choices, from blue crabs and oysters, nation ham, peanuts and the heirloom Hayman candy potato. Overview worthy IMHO: Hank’s Oyster Bar in Alexandria; Zoës Steak & Seafood in Virginia Seaside; the Shack in Staunton; Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill in Middleburg; and L’Opossum in Richmond.”

—Patrick Evans-Hylton, chef, author and creator of Virginia Eats + Drinks omnimedia

Georgia

“It and Louisiana come to thoughts, as states with a powerful culinary ethos. If you consider American meals, there’s New Orleans and southern Louisiana with its boudin, cracklins and jambalayas; Georgia has the sophistication of Atlanta and Gullah Geechee delicacies. In Macon, previous Southern spots like [H&H Soul Food] that the Allman Brothers liked have come to life.”

—Jessica B. Harris, meals historian and creator of ‘Excessive On The Hog,’ which impressed the Netflix collection

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

What’s your favourite Florida delicacies? Be part of the dialog beneath.

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for Dec. 27, 2024

Published

6 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for Dec. 27, 2024

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 Friday, Dec. 27, 2024

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

03-07-37-49-55, Mega Ball: 06, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Jackpot Triple Play numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

08-18-21-23-34-39

Check Jackpot Triple Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

10-11-21-28-51, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 09-16-17-21-27

Evening: 04-07-11-31-35

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Morning: 15

Matinee: 11

Afternoon: 12

Evening: 07

Late Night: 11

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 8-9, FB: 6

Evening: 8-0, FB: 7

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 2-3-9, FB: 6

Evening: 4-7-0, FB: 7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 3-8-3-8, FB: 6

Evening: 5-5-0-3, FB: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 0-8-9-4-2, FB: 6

Evening: 6-4-1-2-5, FB: 7

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.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
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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When to watch the sky in 2025: Florida Space Coast rocket launch schedule

Published

18 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

When to watch the sky in 2025: Florida Space Coast rocket launch schedule

article

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida is gearing up for a busy 2025 in space exploration, with a packed schedule of rocket launches planned. From high-profile NASA missions to ambitious commercial projects, the launches are poised to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology.

Here is a list of the scheduled and projected missions for 2025:

January

Thuraya 4-NGS:

Thuraya 4-NGS is a communication satellite built by Airbus Defense and Space for the UAE-based Yahsat. The satellite will incorporate a 12-meter L-band antenna and a payload with on-board processing. This processing will provide advanced routing flexibility of up to 3200 channels with dynamic power allocation over many spot beams.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Scheduled: January 2, 2025 | 12 a.m. – 12:53 a.m.

SpainSat NG I:

SpainSat NG I is the first of two ‘new-generation’ satellites built by Airbus. These satellites were created to secure communications with the Spanish government, their allies and other international organizations.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Scheduled: January 27, 2025 | 11 p.m.

Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Mission 1 & Hakuto-R M2 “Resilience”:

Blue Ghost is a commercial lunar lander by Firefly Aerospace for NASA’s CLPS program. It can carry up to 155 kg of payload to the Moon and will land in the Crisium Basin’s Mare Crisium. The mission is designed to last 14 days before the lander succumbs to the lunar night.

Resilience is the second mission of the Hakuto-R lunar lander, developed by the Japanese company ispace. The lander will carry a small rover designed to study the Moon’s surface. As part of a 2020 NASA contract, the rover will also collect lunar soil (regolith) and transfer its ownership to NASA directly on the Moon.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: January 2025

Starlink Group 12-3:

A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: January 2025

February

Nova-C IM-2:

This will be the second mission for the Nova-C lunar lander, which was developed and built by Intuitive Machines. This mission will carry a NASA payload called PRIME-1, known as the “Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1”. PRIME-1 is anticipated to be the first demonstration of in-situ resource utilization on the Moon. In-situ resource utilization is the practice of using materials found on other planets or moons to create consumables for human or autonomous activities.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Scheduled: February 27, 2025 | Time TBD

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is seen as it is raised into a vertical position on the launch pad (Photo by Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images). (Getty Images)

Bandwagon 3:

A dedicated rideshare mission delivering dozens of microsatellites and nanosatellites to a mid-inclination orbit, serving both commercial and government customers.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: February 2025

Transporter 13:

A dedicated rideshare mission transporting dozens of microsatellites and nanosatellites to a sun-synchronous orbit, supporting both commercial and government customers.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: February 2025

March

Crew-10:

SpaceX Crew-10 is the tenth crewed operational flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Commander: Anne McClain (American)
Pilot: Nichole Ayers (American)
Mission Specialist: Kirill Peskov (Russian)
Mission Specialist: Takuya Onishi (Japanese)

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Scheduled: March 25, 2025 | Time TBD

Blue Moon Pathfinder:

First flight of Blue Origin’s Blue Moon MK1 lunar lander which focuses on robotic exploration.

Rocket: Blue Origin New Glenn

Projected: March 2025

A Blue Origin New Shepard rocket launches from Launch Site One in West Texas north of Van Horn on March 31, 2022. The NS-20 mission carries Blue Origin’s New Shepard Chief Architect Gary Lai, Marty Allen, Sharon Hagle, Marc Hagle, Jim Kitchen, and Dr

Project Kuiper (Atlas V #2):

Project Kuiper is a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband internet access, this constellation will be managed by Kuiper Systems LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon. This constellation is planned to be composed of 3,276 satellites. The satellites are projected to be placed in 98 orbital planes in three orbital layers, one at 590 km, 610 km and 630 km altitude.

Rocket: United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551

Projected: March 2025

Fram2:

Fram2, the first astronaut mission to polar orbit, will launch from Florida aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft, named after the Norwegian polar research ship Fram. The mission will reach a 90° circular orbit at an altitude of 425–450 km, marking the first human spaceflight over Earth’s polar regions from low-Earth orbit. Equipped with a cupola for Earth observation, the 3-to-5-day mission will study atmospheric phenomena like STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement) and conduct research on the effects of spaceflight on the human body, including capturing the first x-ray images in space and examining behavioral health. The crew includes Chun Wang as mission commander, Jannicke Mikkelsen as vehicle commander, Eric Philips as pilot, and Rabea Rogge as mission specialist.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: March 2025

ViaSat-3 EMEA:

The ViaSat-3 series consists of three advanced Ka-band satellites designed to deliver exceptional service speed and flexibility. Each satellite is capable of providing over 1 Terabit per second of network capacity, with the ability to dynamically allocate bandwidth to areas with the highest customer demand.

Rocket: United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551

Projected: March 2025

Dragon CRS-2 SpX-32:

The 32nd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, operated by SpaceX under NASA’s second Commercial Resupply Services contract, will use the Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft. It will deliver supplies and critical materials to support ongoing science and research aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: March 2025

April

Axiom Space Mission 4:

This mission is a Crew Dragon flight for Axiom Space. The mission will carry a professional commander and three astronauts to the International Space Station. The crew will stay aboard the space station for at least eight days.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: April 2025

May

Bandwagon 4:

This mission is a dedicated rideshare flight to a mid-inclination orbit with dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: May 2025

Dream Chaser CRS 2 Flight 1:

First flight of the Dream Chaser Spaceplane to the ISS.

Rocket: United Launch Alliance Vulcan VC4L

Projected: May 2025

June

EscaPADE:

Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch vehicle will make its maiden flight, carrying the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (EscaPADE) mission. This dual-spacecraft mission will study ion and sputtered escape from Mars, aiming to understand the processes shaping Mars’ hybrid magnetosphere, how it directs ion flows, the transport of energy and momentum from the solar wind, and the flow of energy and matter into and out of Mars’ atmosphere.

Rocket: Blue Origin New Glenn

Projected: June 2025

Winter Park couple launches with Blue Origin

Blue Origin launched its ninth space tourism flight on Friday. A Winter Park couple was onboard that flight for their second trip to space.

WorldView Legion 5 & 6:

WorldView Legion is a constellation of Earth observation satellites built and operated by Maxar. Constellation is planned to consist of 6 satellites in both polar and mid-inclination orbits, providing 30 cm-class resolution.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: June 2025

O3b mPower 9-11:

Last three of a constellation of eleven high-throughput communications satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) built by Boeing and operated by SES.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: June 2025

Project Kuiper (Falcon 9 #1):

First of three launches apart of the contract for Amazon’s Kuiper low Earth orbit satellite internet constellation.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: June 2025

Transporter 14:

A dedicated rideshare mission to a sun-synchronous orbit with dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites that will be used by commercial and government customers.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: June 2025

Cygnus CRS-2 NG-22:

This mission falls under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. It will be the 22nd flight of the Northrop Grumman unscrewed resupply spacecraft Cygnus and the 21st flight to the International Space Station.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: June 2025

July

Crew-11:

SpaceX Crew-11 will be the eleventh crewed operational flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station. The mission is apart of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: July 2025

MTG-S1:

Second of EUMETSAT’s third generation of weather satellite.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: July 2025

September

IMAP & other NASA payloads:

IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) is a NASA mission to study interactions between solar wind and local interstellar medium. Carrying a suite of 10 scientific instruments, IMAP is able to investigate how particles are accelerated, their composition and can help to advance space weather forecasting models. The launch will also include several payloads from NASA.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: September 2025

KOMPSAT-7A:

KOMPSAT-7 and 7A are advanced follow-up satellites to KOMPSAT-3A, designed to provide high-resolution satellite imagery to meet the governmental and institutional needs of South Korea.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: September 2025

SpainSat NG II:

Second of two new-generation satellites built by Airbus to provide secure communications to the Spanish government, its allies, and various international organizations.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: September 2025

SpaceX uses giant arms to grab Falcon Heavy on landing

NASA and SpaceX launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft towards Jupiter on Monday, the largest spacecraft ever built for a planetary mission. A day earlier in Texas, SpaceX celebrated an engineering win — using giant metal arms to literally grab one of its Falcon Heavy Boosters mid-air after returning to Earth after a test flight.

October

Transporter 15:

Dedicated rideshare flight to a sun-synchronous orbit with dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: October 2025

TSIS-2:

The Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor 2 (TSIS-2) is a NASA satellite that measures the Sun’s energy reaching Earth. It has two key instruments: the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM), which measures the Sun’s overall brightness, and the Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM), which measures energy across different wavelengths covering 96% of the solar spectrum. These instruments are similar to those used in the TSIS-1 mission on the International Space Station.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Projected: October 2025

Dragon CRS-2 SpX-33:

The 33rd commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, operated by SpaceX, is part of NASA’s second Commercial Resupply Services contract. The Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft will deliver supplies and payloads, including essential materials to support science and research conducted on the station.

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

Scheduled: October 30, 2025

November

Griffin Mission One:

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Florida condo owners look at higher costs as new regulations take effect in the new year

Published

1 day ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Florida condo owners look at higher costs as new regulations take effect in the new year

MIAMI (AP) — Florida condominium owners are looking at higher costs from condo associations in the new year, a consequence of a safety law passed by state lawmakers in 2022.

It requires associations to have sufficient reserves to cover major repairs and to conduct a survey of reserves every decade. Because of the law, older condos — found largely in South Florida, according to state records — are facing hefty increases to association payments to fund the reserves and repair costs.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law in response to the partial collapse of Champlain Towers South, which killed 98 people in Surfside in June 2021. New regulations require condo associations for buildings with three or more stories to file an inspection report focused on structure, maintenance and expected costs for repairs or renovations by Dec. 31.

The report is just a small sector of the large-scale issue in Florida’s condo and property insurance crisis. A May report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation noted that the average homeowner’s insurance premium is approximately $3,600, about $1,000 more than the national average, according to the National Association of Realtors.

In Hallandale Beach, condo owner Kelli Roiter sympathizes with people having trouble paying the higher fees, but she said she supports rules requiring associations to maintain reserves for repairs if it means her oceanfront building — built in 1971 — gets the repairs it needs.

She said her building, a few miles from Champlain Towers South, is showing some of the same problems that were visible before that building collapsed.

“I’m concerned that this building will collapse,” Roiter said. “There are nights I wake up hearing a creak, and I jump. And then I remind myself that, no, no, no, we’re safe. But am I safe?”

Rick Madan, president of the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association, which represents 22 condo associations, said the law is bringing condo owners strife by forcing buildings to take full coverage and bringing forth a blanket solution that doesn’t holistically address the crisis.

Madan said the law puts newer condos in the same category of needing reserve funds, inspection reports and recertifications as much older buildings at the expense of the condo owners.

That’s especially tough for people who retired in South Florida on fixed incomes, Madan added.

“You’re making us do all these reserve studies. You’re making us fund our reserves more, so we have to come up with more money,” Madan said of the Florida Legislature. “On top of that, you’re not giving us any flexibility on the insurance side where the insurance companies are basically making so much profit because they write a policy for $100 million, which they know they’ll never have to pay a claim on.”

Democratic State Sen. Jason Pizzo, who represented Surfside at the time of the collapse, said he agrees with Madan’s point about property insurance.

Pizzo and state Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Republican, held a condo summit in early December where he warned of transparency among associations about the required projects for repair costs to prevent structural damage.

Pizzo told The Associated Press it is important for associations to have that transparency with condo owners to ensure that the rising payments are truly related to repairs and not to amenity costs, and that it is done within a reasonable timeframe for residents’ safety.

He said it’s understandable to worry about anticipatory costs but that is why objective inspections of older buildings are necessary.

Nearly 90% of the 1.6 million condos in Florida are more than 30 years old, and Pizzo said it is concerning that they haven’t had critical inspections.

“They’re going to get a milestone inspection, and they may find some immediate repair or replacement requirements as a result of it,” Pizzo said. “That’s not really by operation of law. That’s by operation of common sense.”

Luis Konski, a Miami attorney who deals with construction and commercial liability cases, said previous condo regulations kept fees low by failing to save money for future repairs, and then owners were hit with special assessments when repairs finally needed to be done. Konski said this encouraged many associations to ignore necessary but expensive maintenance, which is what likely led to the Surfside building collapse.

He said he’s not sure whether the state has committed enough staff to actually make sure associations are following the new rules. Pizzo echoed similar concerns, saying the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation might require legislative changes so it can start reviewing structural integrity and inspection reports while continuing to regulate all parts of business in Florida, including licensing and enforcing rules.

Konski said that if associations can continue to delay maintenance with inaccurate surveys and minimal oversight, it’s only a matter of time before another disaster.

“It’s a question of do you save money or do you save lives?” Konski said. “You can’t do both.”

Real estate agent Rebeca Castellon, who owns a condo in Coral Gables, said she agrees with the idea of requiring condo associations to maintain reserves for future repairs but acknowledges that the timing is bad when the increased fees are combined with higher insurance costs and recent inflation.

“I think part of the challenge is that right now there is tsunami of things that are really making it very challenging for condo owners,” Castellon said.

The condo market has cooled with the uncertainty created by additional fees and regulations, but Castellon said condos are still the most affordable form of home ownership and the new regulations will just give buyers more information going forward.

“I would not be surprised if in the future buyers are going to demand to see the structural inspection that the towers are going through right now and take that into consideration, as far as whether or not that’s the right property for them to move forward and put an offer,” Castellon said.

Real estate agent Gatien Salaun, who owns a waterfront condo in Miami Beach, said what appears to be a recent reduction in average sale prices is largely just buyers negotiating with sellers to eat some of the costs.

“They are simply asking for price reductions that are commensurate with that exact amount that they will have to pay over the next 20 years, 30 years in assessments,” Salaun said. “And the sellers are somewhat stuck in terms of negotiating with the buyer or just paying for the cost themselves.”

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