With more than 20 million residents and 100 million annual visitors, Florida is often considered a bellwether for the United States. And while thousands of stories emerge from the Sunshine State’s newsrooms each day, only a lucky few rise to the top as Florida’s favorites.
So what news stories do Floridians really care about? And which media outlets are reporting on those stories?
To answer these questions, we recently launched a new series called, “What’s Trending in Florida News?”
Each week, our digital media gurus round up the most viral Florida news – curated by views, comments and shares – so you can see what other Floridians are talking about with their friends and family.
With that said … What was trending over the last week? Let’s take a look.
TRENDING ON FACEBOOK
1. The Challenger commander’s widow recalls that tragic morning, 30 years later.
2. Argh! Hundreds of “pirates” invade Tampa for Gasparilla.
3. A new bill could force Florida schools to display ‘In God we trust.’
4. A driver’s dashcam catches a wild shootout at a Florida intersection.
TRENDING ON TWITTER
1. Marky Mark jumps on the UCF bandwagon, congratulating the ‘co-national champion.’
Mark Wahlberg jumps on UCF bandwagon, congratulates ‘co-national champion’ https://t.co/r5mZ8FmV2G pic.twitter.com/jWTxq01ojJ
— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) January 24, 2018
2. An FBI sting nabbed Hallandale’s mayor on campaign finance and money laundering charges.
BREAKING: Hallandale Beach mayor charged with felony money laundering after FBI probe https://t.co/cCVVhiYMAh pic.twitter.com/UD84GL2vQn
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) January 25, 2018
3. Is Florida Republican Rick Wilson the loudest #NeverTrump voice?
“A handful of prominent GOP critics of the president have emerged but none as colorful as @TheRickWilson,” @learyreports writes. https://t.co/jYmBleWZZq
— Tampa Bay Times (@TB_Times) January 28, 2018
4. Minnie Mouse finally receives her own star on the Walk of Fame.
CONGRATS, MINNIE! Minnie Mouse has finally received her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 40 years after Mickey!
STORY: https://t.co/R3k1CvxIcx pic.twitter.com/fDJUL5wIQI
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) January 24, 2018
5. David Beckham was awarded a Miami MLS team, which will begin playing in 2020.
BREAKING: It Finally Happened: David Beckham awarded Miami MLS team, will begin play 2020. https://t.co/Yw0sl3mFf8 pic.twitter.com/QSLDVA2qc8
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) January 29, 2018