South Florida Local News

Gregory Scruggs | (TNS) The Seattle Times

If you’re visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in its centennial year — as I was recently — or making a road trip that extends as far as Wyoming or Utah, it’s easy to consider breezing through southern Idaho en route to your destination.

Instead, take the scenic route through this corner of the Gem State, which offers some real diamonds in the rough. There are immaculate hot springs, delightfully odd museums, occasional good eats, hikes with uninterrupted summit views and a breathtaking canyon to explore.

Along the way, you’ll never be too far from the Snake River, which defines this part of Idaho as it winds a whopping 1,080 miles from its headwaters in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks until it merges with the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities. The Snake carves canyons through a swath of southern Idaho that offers big sky vistas of mountain peaks towering over plains and deserts.

Dotting the rural landscape of small towns and farmland, meanwhile, are some decidedly quirky roadside attractions befitting the region that served as the setting for 2004 cult comedy “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Pocatello: Eat, climb, soak Elmer’s is a classic greasy spoon diner in Pocatello, across the street from Idaho State University, and serves up a mean breakfast – like the “looking for the sun” omelet pictured here – that will hold any road tripper over until lunchtime and beyond. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Among southern Idaho’s small cities, I made a detour to Pocatello, curious to check out the college town home to Idaho State University which also claims to be the “U.S. Smile Capital.” I didn’t stick around long enough to vet the friendliness of the locals, but two attractions made me smile.

First was a hearty breakfast at Elmer’s, the midcentury greasy spoon diner of my dreams. The Pocatello location is one of only two in Idaho for this Oregon-based mini-chain (there are also locations in Tacoma and Vancouver, Wash.). The “looking for sun” omelet ($15) laden with cheese, salsa, avocado and sour cream started my day on a decidedly bright note.

Second was the plethora of hiking trails that rise right out of this college town nestled in the mountains. I found plenty of sun, and vistas across the Bannock Range, on the 8-mile round-trip, nearly 2,000 vertical feet climb to the summit of Scout Mountain.

Nothing beats a posthike hot springs soak, a combination Idaho offers in spades. Pocatello was also attractive because it’s just 35 miles from Lava Hot Springs, a small but bustling resort town centered on a clutch of hot mineral pools.

The hot springs facility, beautifully set against a rocky outcropping, was clean and uncrowded on my visit — a solid value at just $3-$12 per session depending on the day of the week and your age.

The waters range from 102 to 112 degrees and, a rare treat, have no sulfurous odor. Try the gravel-bottom pools for a gentle foot massage, or take a break from the mineral baths and stroll through the adjacent sunken garden. With summer hours until 11 p.m. nightly through Sept. 30, a soak under the stars comes highly recommended.

Peckish or thirsty? Lava Hot Springs welcomed Eruption Brewery & Bistro in October, a solid choice for a meal before a soak and a beer for after. (Alcohol consumption before entering a geothermal pool is not recommended.)

Small-town hotels The Harkness Hotel, located in a historic bank building built in 1906, is an unexpected boutique hotel in otherwise blink-and-you’ll-miss-it McCammon, Idaho. The town is conveniently located for visiting Lava Hot Springs, Pocatello and the nearby mountains. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

I’m a sucker for a touch of luxury in an unexpected setting, so I swooned at the prospect of staying at The Harkness Hotel, a bank built in 1906 and converted to a boutique hotel 10 years ago (rooms $134-$279 per night). It’s likely the only reason you’ll stop in McCammon, a speck of a town halfway between Pocatello and Lava Hot Springs.

While the rooms, each with a distinctive decorative style, looked dreamy in photos, I was less enamored upon arrival with the quality of the furniture and finishings in The Ebony. The spartan amenities — an airport lounge-style coffee machine in the lobby and a gift shop in the former bank vault — didn’t encourage me to linger. But in this sparsely populated part of the country, The Harkness is still a cut above a chain motel. On my next swing through the region, I hope to check in at The Drift Inn in Rupert.

Offbeat museums Pocatello wins the “most unexpected museum award” as the home of the baffling Museum of Clean, a massive brick building from 1916 turned into a multipurpose shrine to hygiene and children’s museum by the so-called “dean of clean” Don Aslett in 2011. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Antique mops, vintage washing machines and the world’s largest collection of vacuum cleaners are among the exhibition highlights at the Museum of Clean in Pocatello ($5-$10 admission).

Cleaning magnate Don Aslett collected thousands of artifacts in his career preaching the gospel of cleanliness, like these vintage vacuum cleaners on display at the Museum of Clean. The museum claims to have the world’s largest collection of vacuums — nearly 1,000, the oldest dating to 1869. (Gregory Scruggs / The Seattle Times)

The haphazardly curated museum is the bizarre brainchild of Don Aslett, who while a student at Idaho State University started a cleaning company in 1957 that he turned into a national brand. Along the way he authored dozens of books on housecleaning — all of which are on prominent display near a larger-than-life statue of a janitor nicknamed “Big Don.”

Evergreen State science and history buffs surely know of our state’s role in the Manhattan Project at the Hanford site in Eastern Washington. But did you know that southern Idaho is arguably the birthplace of atomic energy, the world’s first nuclear power plant to produce in-house electricity?

Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) was erected at the Idaho National Laboratory along a lonesome stretch of highway. The facility lasted for a decade before it was replaced by a more advanced reactor. Today it operates as a free museum that feels like an “Oppenheimer” film set, with tours led by national lab docents. Twenty more miles west on Highway 26 and you’ll end up in Arco, the world’s first city powered by nuclear energy.

Views and brews Quench your thirst on a southern Idaho road trip with a stop at Koto Brewing Co, which serves up tasty food and libations in downtown Twin Falls inside a historic property built by Japanese immigrant Tojiro Koto in 1920. (Gregory Scruggs/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Daredevil Evel Knievel tried and failed to jump the majestic Snake River Canyon in 1974 (stuntman Eddie Braun pulled it off in 2016). There’s a monument to Knievel’s legendary attempt at the foot of the Perrine Memorial Bridge, which crosses the canyon just outside of Twin Falls, another of southern Idaho’s bigger (albeit still quite small) cities — but well worth the detour off I-84.

The bridge is open to pedestrians on both sides and offers sweeping upriver and downriver views. The middle is a popular site for BASE jumpers to launch into the abyss 486 feet above the Snake River (tandem jumps $250). For a river-level view, hike the steep Pillar Falls Trail — just remember, never swim near the falls, where dangerous undercurrents lurk — or rent a kayak or paddleboard from AWOL Adventures and paddle as far as 8 miles upriver from Centennial Park to Shoshone Falls ($40-$45 for six-hour rental).

After ogling the canyon high and low, retreat to downtown Twin Falls for a well-earned refreshment at Koto Brewing Co. A roomy, inviting gathering space with a steady roster of live music and events, the brewery also serves up tasty food and drink. Order an Easy Rider Pilsner done up michelada-style ($6) and tuck into a koto steak sando with housemade miso vinaigrette ($17).

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If you go

Lava Hot Springs; 430 E. Main, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho; 208-776-5221; lavahotsprings.com; $3 for ages 2 and under, $7.50-$10 for ages 3-11, $8-$12 for ages 12-59, $7.50-$10 for ages 60-plus

The Harkness Hotel; 206 Center St., McCammon, Idaho; 208-254-4340; theharknesshotel.com; room with queen bed from $134

Elmer’s Restaurant; 851 S. Fifth Ave., Pocatello, Idaho; 208-232-9114; eatatelmers.com; breakfast items from $10-$20

Koto Brewing Co.; 156 Main Ave. N., Twin Falls, Idaho; 208-933-2570; koto.beer; 16-ounce beer $5.50-$7, appetizers $10-$18, burgers and sandwiches $13-$17

Museum of Clean; 711 S. Second Ave., Pocatello, Idaho; 208-236-6906; museumofclean.com; $5 for age 1, $8 for ages 2-15, $10 for ages 16-plus

Experimental Breeder Reactor-I Atomic Museum; Highway 20/26, 18 miles southeast of Arco, Idaho; 208-526-0050; inl.gov/ebr; free

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©2024 The Seattle Times. Visit seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins came away from Sunday’s 20-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars with injuries to each of their top two running backs.

Raheem Mostert has a chest injury and De’Von Achane sustained an ankle ailment, the Dolphins’ Monday injury report revealed.

The two will now have statuses to monitor ahead of Thursday night’s divisional game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.

While the team did not practice Monday, both Mostert and Achane were deemed they would’ve been non-participants if practice were held, in an estimation on the league-mandated Monday injury report ahead of a Thursday game.

Mostert, the veteran who started the season opener at tailback and received the first rushing attempt Sunday afternoon, only ended up with six carries for 9 yards against Jacksonville. He played 31 offensive snaps, or 44 percent of the plays on offense.

Achane, a second-year running back coming off a sensational rookie season, was more active in his 37 snaps, taking 10 carries for 24 yards and a 1-yard rushing touchdown and hauling in seven receptions for 76 yards.

The Dolphins’ leading rusher Sunday was actually reserve veteran Jeff Wilson Jr., who saw most of his work late as a power runner that went for 26 yards on five attempts.

Rookie running back Jaylen Wright was a healthy inactive for Sunday’s game, but he could be thrust into significant action against the Bills if one or both of Mostert and Achane can’t play against the Bills.

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Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, who missed Sunday’s opener, was also estimated as if he wouldn’t participate in a Monday practice on the injury report as he deals with an ailing quadriceps.

Jalen and Jaelan

With Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and edge defender Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) on snap count limitations Sunday, they actually surpassed the expected snaps played against the Jaguars.

Ramsey played 41 snaps (77 percent of defensive plays) and Phillips 34 (64 percent).

Coach Mike McDaniel said both he and the two defenders were encouraged by the way they were running on the field.

“The only way that happens is because you’re testing the waters and you feel very good about what’s occurring,” he said of the two each playing more than half the snaps on their side of the ball.

Both were listed as limited participants on Miami’s Monday injury report had the team practiced.

Also limited would have been right guard Liam Eichenberg, for a shoulder ailment.

Long’s injury

Linebacker David Long Jr. was checked out by trainers for a finger injury in Sunday’s game but appears to be fine.

“It’s straight. I’m cool,” Long said of how he felt Monday. “Just a little soreness, that’s all.”

Long sprinted to the locker room holding his hand after hurting it on a third-down stop in the second half Sunday, but he was right back on the field for the next series for the defense and didn’t miss a defensive snap.

On Monday’s injury report, he was estimated as a full participant if the Dolphins would’ve practiced.

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple squarely shifted its focus toward artificial intelligence with the unveiling of its hotly anticipated iPhone 16 along with a slew of new features coming with the next update to the device’s operating system. While the new phone lineup headlined Monday’s showcase, the tech giant also shared updates to its smartwatch and AirPod lineups.

Here are all the biggest announcements from Apple’s “Glowtime” event.

Apple Intelligence

Apple’s core artificial intelligence offerings are being packaged and billed as Apple Intelligence — first revealed at the company’s developers conference in June.

These features include the ability to search for images in your library by describing them, creating custom emojis, summarizing emails and prioritizing notifications. Apple Intelligence will also upgrade Apple’s virtual assistant Siri to get it to better understand requests and give it some awareness of on-screen actions taking place on the phone, hopefully making it more useful.

What sets Apple apart from what’s being offered by rivals Samsung and Google? It is trying to preserve its longtime commitment to privacy by tailoring its AI so that most of its functions are processed on the device itself instead of at remote data centers. When a task requires a connection to a data center, Apple promises it will be done in a tightly controlled way that ensures no personal data is stored remotely.

Most of Apple’s AI functions will roll out as part of a free software update to iOS 18, the operating system that will power the iPhone 16 rolling out from October through December. U.S. English will be the featured language at launch but an update enabling other languages will come out next year, according to Apple.

iPhone 16 and the camera button

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will offer slightly bigger displays and feature variants of the powerful A18 chip, which gives Apple the computing power its devices need to run AI functions on its devices.

The iPhone 16 “has been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up,” CEO Tim Cook said during Monday’s event.

On the other end of the spectrum, the biggest physical change to the iPhone 16 lineup comes in the form of a dedicated camera-control button. The button responds to clicks and gestures, allowing users to quickly snap pictures, preview a shot or start video recording.

The button also allows owners to use something called Visual Intelligence, which will tell the iPhone 16 to automatically search on things you take photos of.

The phones will start shipping Sept. 20. The iPhone 16 will retail for $799, with the Plus model going for $899. The iPhone 16 Pro will cost $999, while the Pro Max will sell for $1,199.

Apple Watch upgrades

The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger, and brighter, wide-angle OLED display that will allow users to better view the watch at an angle. But Apple focused much of its presentation on the device’s ability to detect signs of sleep apnea.

The new device is also being offered in a titanium finish for the first time, joining a longtime trend in the watch industry of offering a tougher, more lightweight, and perceived higher-quality, alternative to traditional materials.

The Series 10 watch starts at $399 and will be available on Sept. 20.

Airpods lean toward being a listening device

The new AirPods 4 series will come with an upgraded chip for better audio quality, and will feature more active noise cancellation.

If you frequently lose your ear buds, the new AirPods will also play a sound when you locate them through the Find My app.

In a medically focused update to the AirPods Pro 2, Apple said it will upgrade the devices so they can act as an over-the-counter hearing aid. A free software update will provide the upgrade and also include options to help protect hearing and the ability to administer a clinical-grade hearing test.

The AirPod 4 model costs $129, while the version with active noise cancelling will cost $179. They both ship on Sept. 20.

September

8-22 Die, Mommie, Die! by Charles Busch, a comic melodrama starring Kris Andersson (aka Dixie Longate) as ex-pop singer Angela Arden who is trapped in a hateful marriage. Dates and times vary. Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. $40-$55. islandcitystage.org.

8-28 Mounts Botanical Garden’s National Honey Month and Self-Care Awareness Month celebration, horticultural classes and events, such as watercolor painting and tai chi, Dogs’ Day in the Garden, Cacao Ceremony, honey tasting, intro to bonsai and the two-day Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale. Dates, times and costs vary. Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. mounts.org/events/month/2024-09.

8-29 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue, an adult-themed comedy (age 18 and up) produced by Murray & Peter Present and InnovationArts & Entertainment. Dates and times vary. Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 581 W. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. $30-$65. browardcenter.org.

8-30 Flavor South Florida, a monthlong promotion featuring prix fixe menus, ranging from $25 to $70, at participating restaurants in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Flavor South Florida is also working with resorts to offer staycation rates throughout the month. Find participating restaurants and resorts at flavorpb.com.

8-30 Dine Out Lauderdale, a showcase of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s diverse culinary offerings with curated, three-course dining options. Prix fixe menus offer dishes for $35 (lunch), $45, $55 or a luxe option for $75, along with discounts on desserts, brunches, happy hours and exclusive culinary experiences. Cooking classes, dinners and wine pairings also are available. Find participating restaurants at visitlauderdale.com.

8-30 Miami Spice, three-course meals are offered at top eateries in Miami and Miami Beach for $30/$35 for lunch/brunch and $45/$60 for dinner. Signature dining events, such as 17-course omakase and Michelin two-star French dining experiences, also are offered. Find participating restaurants at miamiandbeaches.com.

11 “Theodore Pratt: a Florida Writer’s Life,” talk and book signing with Florida Atlantic University literature professor Taylor Hagood about his new book on Boca Raton’s most successful author, Theodore Pratt, known as the “Literary Laureate of Florida.” Part of The Boca Raton Historical Society’s Town Hall Talks. 6 p.m. check-in/refreshments, 6:30 p.m. lecture at The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. $10 nonmembers, free for The Boca Raton Historical Society members. Register at bocahistory.org/town-hall-talks.

12 “Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Miles Davis – The Men and Their Art!” a Thursday Night Speaker presentation by artist Fran Mann Goodman on the paintings and artistic styles of three music icons. Goodman’s own exhibit, “Homage to Color,” is on display at the Downtown Boca Raton Public Library’s lobby gallery through Oct. 11. 6-7:30 p.m. at the library, 400 NW Second Ave., Boca Raton. Free. bocalibrary.org.

14 Plantation Seafood & Music Festival, an inaugural event with food vendors, bands, classic car show, crafts and petting zoo. A portion of ticket sales go to the city of Plantation’s Summer Scholarship Fund. Noon-9 p.m. at Pine Island Park, 320 S. Pine Island Road, Plantation. $15 (14 and up), $10 (ages 9-13) and free for children 8 and under. Veterans and active military receive $5 off admission at the gate. plantationseafoodfestival.com.

17 “The Constitution Today,” a panel discussion presented by Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. The New York Times Magazine staff writer Emily Bazelon and MSNBC show host Katie Phang will talk about the enduring relevance of the U.S. Constitution in the 21st century. 2 p.m. in the Osher Lifelong Learning Society’s Barry and Florence Friedberg Auditorium, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. $20. fauevents.com.

18-29 Sidekicked, Boca Stage’s in-depth character play by Kim Powers starring Irene Adjan as American television/theater actress and singer Vivian Vance (famous for her role as Lucille Ball’s sidekick Ethel Mertz in I Love Lucy). Dates and times vary. Cabaret Theatre at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St., Delray Beach. $59-$69. delraybeachplayhouse.com.

18 Soul in the City Jazz Experience: Spirit of Oya, performing jazz, soul and gospel music. Light bites, dinner, drinks and dessert available for purchase. Free popcorn. 7-9 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion, 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. $30-$45. eventbrite.com.

19 Third annual “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” an Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit presented by History Fort Lauderdale. Works from local artists-in-residence Leonardo Montoya (Colombia), Lifrancis Rojas (Venezuela), Isabel Perez Salazar (Venezuela) and Florencia Clement de Grandprey (Spain) will be on display from Sept. 19 to Oct. 15. Artist meet-and-greet reception and preview from 6-9 p.m. at the New River Inn, 231 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Free. Register at eventbrite.com.

19 Frayabel and the Latin Band, performing the rhythms of salsa and merengue during the Sunset Sounds music series celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Bring your own foldable chair or rent one for $5. Food and drinks available for purchase. 5-8 p.m. at Boca Raton Museum of Art Courtyard, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Free. bocamuseum.org.

21 Annual Outrun Hunger 5K, a Feeding South Florida race to raise funds and awareness during Hunger Action Month. An awards ceremony and a raffle will take place after the ceremony. Join as an individual or a team and conduct online fundraising before race day. 6:30 a.m. check-in and 7:30 a.m. 5K start at Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. $25-$250. feedingsouthflorida.org/5kpbc.

21 Annual St. Jude Walk/Run, presented by VoLo Foundation, to raise awareness of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission to help cure childhood cancer. Walkers, volunteers and spectators can participate in-person or virtually. 7 a.m. registration, 7:30 a.m. Kid Dash and 8 a.m. walk at downtown waterfront, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. Fundraising encouraged. stjude.org/walkpalmbeach.

26 Surfing Delray! presented by the Delray Beach Historical Society’s Heritage Lecture Series. Delray Beach Historical Society archive coordinator and Surfing Hall of Famer Tom Warnke will trace the roots of local surfing culture since 1919. 6:30 p.m. at Historic St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. $10, free for DBHS members. Registration required at delraybeachhistory.org/events.

26 Charity Poker Tournament, second annual fundraising event for the Fuller Center, which provides affordable childcare programs. Games will include Texas Hold’em, blackjack and roulette along with food, drinks and entertainment. 6-10 p.m. at The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 W. Plaza Real, Boca Raton. $150 spectators, $250 players. fullercenterfl.org/event/charity-poker-tournament.

CourtesySinger-songwriter Steven Page, a founding member of the Barenaked Ladies, wlll headline the Ghost Light Society’s 15th Anniversary Soirée presented by UKG on Sept. 28 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale.

28 The 15th Anniversary Ghost Light Society Soirée, an evening of food, drinks, dancing and a performance by Steven Page (formerly of Barenaked Ladies). Hosted by the Broward Center’s young professionals’ group, all proceeds from the event support educational programs for more than 100,000 Broward County students. Limited to 250 attendees. Age 21 and up. 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. performance at Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. $300. browardcenter.org.

28 An Evening with Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist Kenny G, discussion on his book Life in the Key of G hosted by the Books & Books Literary Foundation and Miami Book Fair. Each ticket admits up to two guests, and includes one copy of the book and entry into the photo/signing line. 7 p.m. at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus Auditorium, 300 NE Second Ave., Building 1, Room 1261, Miami. $28.99. eventbrite.com.

October

3 Clematis By Night: DeLeon Oktoberfest Band, performing Bavarian heritage music and contemporary Oktoberfest tunes. 6-9 p.m. at the Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. wpb.org/events.

3 Boca Raton Night Market, returning for the season with an evening of food and drinks, art, live music and community. Takes place the first Thursday of each month through May. 6-9 p.m. at Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Free. myboca.us/2324/Night-Market.

5 West Palm Beach GreenMarket, opening day of the 30th season with more than 130 vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, coffees and teas, flowers and plants, homemade specialty items and desserts. Takes place every Saturday through April 19 (except March 22). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Great Lawn, 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Free. wpb.org/events.

Save the Date

Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, coming up Nov. 28 along AIA

Nov. 28 13th Annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, a 5k run/walk for charity along Fort Lauderdale’s scenic A1A. Novice and elite participants welcome, as are Thanksgiving-themed costumes. The race, sponsored in part by City & Shore magazine, starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. from Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Registration and information, runsignup.com/FortLauderdaleTurkeyTrot

Mark GauertMen of Style returns to the Galleria Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 5.

Dec. 5 Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s BBX Capital Men of Style, presented by the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel. The event, sponsored by City & Shore magazine and in its 18th year, will showcase and raise funds for 12 participating local nonprofits that help improve the quality of life for those they serve, as well as the community at large. 6-9 p.m. at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at Galleriamall-fl.com. For more information, call 954-564-1036.

Mark Gauert also contributed to this list.

Editor’s note: Please confirm events prior to attending. 

Today is Monday, Sept. 9, the 253rd day of 2024. There are 113 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 9, 1957, Althea Gibson became the first Black tennis player to win the U.S. National Championships, which is now known as the U.S. Open.

Also on this date:

In 1776, the second Continental Congress formally adopted the name “United States of America,” replacing the “United Colonies of North America.”

In 1850, California was admitted as the 31st U.S. state.

In 1919, about 1,100 members of Boston’s 1,500-member police force went on strike. The strike was broken by Massachusetts Gov. Calvin Coolidge with replacement officers.

In 1948, the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared.

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction, a measure primarily concerned with protecting voting rights. It also established a Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, taking 42 staff members hostage and demanding improvements to inmate treatment and living conditions.

In 2022, King Charles III gave his first speech to Britain as its new monarch, vowing to carry on the “lifelong service” of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who died a day earlier.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 79.
• Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann is 75.
• Actor Angela Cartwright is 72.
• Musician-producer Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) is 72.
• Actor Hugh Grant is 64.
• Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 61.
• Actor Constance Marie is 59.
• Actor Adam Sandler is 58.
• Actor Julia Sawalha (suh-WAHL’-hah) is 56.
• Model Rachel Hunter is 55.
• Actor Eric Stonestreet is 53.
• Actor Henry Thomas is 53.
• Actor Goran Visnjic (VEEZ’-nihch) is 52.
• Pop-jazz singer Michael Bublé (boo-BLAY’) is 49.
• Actor Michelle Williams is 44.
• Actor Zoe Kazan is 41.
• Soccer player Luka Modrić is 39.
• Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 33.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is demanding that elected Florida Republicans join him in opposition to the proposed amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. And he wants some of their campaign money to help fund the effort to defeat Amendment 4.

DeSantis laid down the political law for Republicans on Saturday night in Broward County: His party’s elected officials must publicly oppose the proposed referendum on the November election ballot. Some haven’t, which DeSantis depicted as a sign of weakness.

“It’s important that all of our political leaders, you know, stand up and be counted. Right now. You know, there’s some people that just, it’s like the political winds. Like if the winds are against you, you run and hide. That’s not leadership, that is not what’s going to make this state great,” DeSantis said. “You’ve got to stand up even when it’s not easy, even when you’re taking the arrows, stand up and do what’s right.”

Speaking to hundreds of activists, donors and elected officials at a Republican Party of Florida fundraising dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, he offered a litany of criticisms of the abortion-rights amendment and another proposed amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults.

His opposition to the amendments isn’t new, but it was intense. Half of his 25-minute keynote address to the party’s Victory Dinner was devoted to the two amendments.

The governor described the marijuana legalization proposal, Amendment 3, as “creating a corporate marijuana cartel.” He labeled the abortion-rights proposal, Amendment 4, the “abortion till birth amendment.” Both are so bad, he said, that even supporters of abortion rights and legalized marijuana should vote “no.”

Calling out Republicans

One element of the speech stood out: his criticism of fellow Republicans.

DeSantis praised Republican elected officials, by name, who are standing with him in opposition to Amendment 4 on abortion rights and contributing financially to the effort aimed at defeating it.

The Republican governor was also sharply critical of Republicans who aren’t publicly opposing the amendment.

“Every one of our elected representatives needs to say where they stand on this. And obviously it would be a ‘no.’ All these people that have run [for office] have all run saying they’re pro-life, right? And so now you have an amendment that is the most extreme in the other direction you can go, and some are not saying anything or not offering to help us to defeat this,” DeSantis said.

At one point, he divided 22 Republican U.S. senators and U.S. representatives into three categories.

Of the 22, he named 10 and praised who he said are publicly opposed to Amendment 4 and have supported the opposition financially. That group included U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez from Miami-Dade County.

DeSantis listed six more who he said are publicly opposing Amendment 4 but haven’t contributed financially, a tier that includes U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Miami-Dade County.

Finally he called out the other six — though he didn’t say their names from the stage at the Republican event — for not declaring public opposition to the abortion-rights amendment. That category would include U.S. Rep Brian Mast, whose district includes northern Palm Beach County, and U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio.

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The governor said it is “untenable to just sit here and let George Soros run amendments in our state and not be willing to stand up and say no. Not on our watch. that’s the least you can do as Republicans.”

He also charged that Soros, a wealthy liberal financier, was bankrolling the Amendment 4 effort, something that amendment supporters said Sunday isn’t true. Republicans frequently use Soros as a shorthand to rile up Republican audiences.

Political capital

DeSantis has a lot riding on the outcome of the abortion rights and marijuana referendums.

He’s widely expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 following his unsuccessful candidacy for president this year. If he can’t prevail in his home state on something he’s so clearly staked so much political capital on — defeating the amendments — that could tarnish his image as a master of politics and policy in Florida.

Half the speech was was a recitation of his accomplishments in Florida since he became governor. “On issue after issue, Florida has not only led the way we have delivered over and over again,” he said.

Besides the Soros warning, DeSantis said that if the amendments pass, the stage would be set for ominous, far-reaching changes in Florida.

“If we have a state where one entrenched interest can spend $100 million and amend the Constitution to benefit themselves and their pockets, you’re gonna see more and more people do that,” he said, referring to heavy spending by proponents of the marijuana amendment.

“If Soros can come in and run these amendments and have success, you are gonna see more left wing groups decide to do that. So you end up after three or four election cycles, you end up being California through the back door. Does anybody think that’s good for the state of Florida?”

California is also frequently used as a negative example by Florida Republicans.

Further complicating his efforts are that some leading Republicans — including former President Donald Trump — support the marijuana amendment and have said they’d vote for it.

Polling shows both amendments enjoy the support of majorities of Floridians, including many Republicans. But passage requires 60% of the vote, a difficult threshold to reach, and polls show both are hovering around that threshold.

A survey released Friday by Emerson College Polling/The Hill found the abortion rights amendment was supported by 55% of the state’s voters, with 26% opposed and 20% unsure. Emerson said 30% of surveyed Republicans support the referendum.

The proposal to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults has support of 64% of Florida voters and opposition from 27%, with 9% unsure. The poll found 51% of Republicans support the marijuana referendum.

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Republican Party of Florida’s 2024 Victory Dinner, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Pedro Portal/Miami Herald) Abortion

DeSantis said the abortion rights amendment was “intentionally deceptive and misleading.”

“Here’s what’s going on: This is an amendment that will effectively green light abortion all the way to the moment of birth. They do it indirectly, they use loopholes, and that’s obviously very bad,” he said.

DeSantis also outlined several other consequences: that it “may” require taxpayer funding of abortions, would eliminate parental consent for minors to get abortions, and allow any “healthcare provider” to OK an abortion.

“They didn’t use the word physician…. This is any healthcare provider. Well, that could be a chiropractor, that could be a clerk at Planned Parenthood. You are opening Pandora’s box. You’re gonna create a really grisly industry of people that are not trained medically,” DeSantis said.

And, DeSantis warned, if the amendment passes, Florida “will become the No. 1 abortion tourist destination in the United States of America. Is that what we want to be known for in the State of Florida? No.”

Emma Collum, founder of the Reproductive Freedom Coalition of Broward, which collected petition signatures to help get the referendum on the ballot and is now working to win passage, said DeSantis comments amount to “fear mongering and scare tactics” and “flagrant lies” in service of a campaign that “continues to play politics with the women of Florida’s lives.”

“There is not abortion up until birth. There never has been. This is not a platform that anyone has discussed or will be discussed, and the flagrant disregard for women’s health and safety in order to make ludicrous assertions … is disgusting and dishonest,” Collum said Sunday.

Collum said the abortion rights amendment isn’t some kind of plot from Soros or other outside forces. “There is no secret, dark money. It is simply women and allies who want to keep women’s healthcare safe.”

Keisha Mulfort, senior communications strategist of the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida, which supports Amendment 4, said several other DeSantis claims are not true.

She said the assertion that unqualified people would be making health care decisions with women is among the “ridiculous and false claims [that] are only meant to scare voters. We know who performs abortions.”

It’s absurd to think that chiropractors or Planned Parenthood clerks would take the place of physicians, Mulfort said. “You wouldn’t go to a dentist for heart surgery. You would not go to an orthopedist to get your tonsils taken out.”

“It is not true. It actually is really ridiculous,” Mulfort said.

Mulfort also said the amendment does not change parental rights already in the Florida Constitution. To her, the opponents of the abortion rights amendment are the ones standing in the way of parental involvement, because they would prohibit virtually all abortions even when a parent agrees it’s the best course of action.

Mulfort also said there is nothing in the amendment that would require the government to pay for abortions.

Marijuana

DeSantis said it was misleading to depict Amendment 3 as leading to “the legalization of recreational marijuana.” Rather, he said, it is aimed at creating a “corporate weed cartel.”

“This is not about weed as much as it’s about corporate greed,” DeSantis said, adding that one company is trying to “hijack the state of Florida.”

“This amendment is being funded by one weed company, Trulieve. They have put $75 [million], $80 million and counting into getting this on the ballot and to getting it passed and they’re trying to get a 60% threshold,” he said.

“Are they doing that because they care about your rights and your health or are they doing that because they’re gonna be able to profit off of it? Of course,” DeSantis said. “And so they wrote it so that they get basically a benefit from a monopoly and they create a corporate weed cartel…. So you have a right to possess and smoke it, but only if you buy it from them.”

Steve Vancore, a spokesman for Trulieve, said Sunday that DeSantis’ claims aren’t true.

“To be clear, the amendment itself, and I know he’s read it, does not give us exclusive access. In fact, quite the opposite,” Vancore said.

He said there are currently 25 active marijuana licenses in Florida and the governor’s office has the authority to issue 22 more, which is “hardly a monopoly.”

Vancore said DeSantis has “been the one creating impediments to the market, and now he’s the one complaining about the lack of competition in the market. It makes no sense. And it’s flat out untrue.”

DeSantis also said the amendment would immunize the company from civil liability. “So if they sell you reefer and you have seizures, you can’t sue ‘em for that,” he said. Vancore said there’s nothing in the amendment that addresses limits on liability. “It’s untrue,” he said. “There’s nothing the amendment does that immunizes anybody for anything.”

DeSantis said implementation of legalized marijuana under the amendment would be more lax, and worse for Florida, than other states, saying New York City, Denver and San Francisco are models of the disaster that would befall Florida.

“If it passes, you will have rampant public use all across the state of Florida,” he said. “You think that that’s good for tourism? Is that good for families, is that good for all those things?”

“I really don’t care what people are doing in the privacy of their own home, but I do not want to see it near schools, on our beaches, in restaurants or any of these other things,” DeSantis added.

Vancore said it’s “not true” that there would be no restrictions on where people could smoke marijuana. “The Legislature has the authority to implement time, place and manner restrictions,” and the amendment doesn’t change that, he said.

DeSantis attempted to sway people who favor legalizing recreational marijuana to vote no.

“And oh, by the way, this amendment allows [the company] to grow and sell it. But if you want to grow it in your backyard, they don’t let you do that. So what is this about? Is this really about freedom? No, it’s about them,” he said. “If you’re against marijuana generally, obviously you vote no. But even if you’re somebody that’s a little more nuanced or even if you like it, this is a bad amendment.”

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.

Here are the top stories for Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Get the weather forecast for today here.

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Our schools have metal detectors. Some teachers carry guns. Our kids have lockdown drills.

Can you imagine what a seven- or eight-year old child must be thinking? Am I going to die? The trauma cannot be measured. Fear is the unknown. Why can’t we have common-sense gun laws and stronger red flag laws?

The Georgia shooter was on the authorities’ radar.  The Uvalde, Texas shooter was on their radar. Sadly, it was too late. This should not have to be a fact of life. Never!

We don’t need more security in our schools, we need politicians to step up and do what’s right. The answer is right in front of us, and yet we don’t see it. This is not who we should be. We need common-sense gun laws and strong red flag laws.

Pat Eland, Delray Beach

Just keep quiet, JD

There’s an old adage that vice presidential nominee JD Vance should bear in mind: Better to remain silent and let people think you’re stupid than to speak up and forever remove all doubt.

In recent days, Vance made two utterly ridiculous comments related to the Georgia school shooting. His claim that school shootings are “a fact of life” shows how clueless he is. Mass casualty shootings do not have to be a fact of life. Such tragedies are rare in most civilized countries, so why are they so common here?

Along with that lame response was Vance’s claim that Kamala Harris would take away law-abiding American citizens’ guns. This is a scare tactic, perpetrated by the NRA and the MAGA Kool-Aid crowd. I challenge anyone to point to one credible call from Harris to take away guns.

People want responsible gun laws. I’ve never heard a reasonable argument against background checks or simple rules governing gun show sales. I have a number of friends who are avid hunters; not one has used an assault weapon to go hunting. Assault weapons should be for law enforcement and the military only.

Neanderthal thinking clouds rational thought. All we get from these people are “thoughts and prayers,” as more teachers and children are gunned down. If we, as a supposedly civilized country, want to stop this horrific wholesale slaughter, we need to elect politicians with the guts to impose sensible gun laws. No more thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Mark N. Levine, Coconut Creek

RFK’s possible fate

Imagine the fun Donald Trump had getting a Kennedy to endorse him. But it’s nothing compared to the total joy Trump dreams of the day he will tell Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: “You’re fired!” soon after Kennedy starts his promised job in a possible Trump administration.

Trump had a revolving door in the Oval Office. He will relish being able to overpower a Kennedy to prove his superiority. How sad and awful for RFK Jr. to make such irresponsible, embarrassing decisions affecting us all. Doesn’t he know Trump for the liar he’s proven to be over and over again?

Elin Shusterman, Boynton Beach

Who’s gullible enough?

Does anyone out there truly believe that our autocratic, book-banning, egomaniacal governor, who has his thumb on everyone and everything in Tallahassee, was not fully aware of the deplorable “half-baked” plan to make our state parks more “user-friendly” by adding golf courses and hotels? If so, I have a bridge in New York I would like to sell you.

Ray Koterba, Miramar

Submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the form below. Letters should be less than 150 words and must be signed. Please include your email address, city of residence and daytime phone for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. 

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Q: Ira, when the Dolphins win, do you think it buys the Heat time? – David.

A: There are dual sides to the out-of-sight, out-of-mind equation. Yes, at a time the Heat are looking to regain their footing after an uneven season, there is something to be said about being able to work largely in the shadows. But there also is the danger of becoming something the Heat rarely have been during the Pat Riley era, and that is irrelevant. With the Dolphins projected for success, with the Hurricanes having made their opening football statement, and with the Panthers returning to celebrate a Stanley Cup championship, this is a legitimate crossroads for the Heat. While last season showed the challenges an uneven start can present, this season presents the challenge of simply being tuned out. That’s not to say that such an outcome is projected. That simply is to say that the pressure already was on, and success elsewhere in this sporting market only will enhance that pressure. The Heat talk about embracing challenges. There certainly could be one at hand, even for a team with playoff prospects.

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Q: This is Bam Adebayo’s team along with Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. this year. – Kevin.

A: Wait, did Jimmy Butler go somewhere? Did Tyler Herro? Did Terry Rozier? The masterplan, at least at the moment, is for those three, along with Bam Adebayo to handle the majority of heavy lifting. An off season by any of those four and this could prove to be a house of cards, with all due respect to the growth curves of Nikola Jovic and Jaim Jaquez Jr.

Q: Ira, saw that the Cavaliers brought back Tristan Thompson. The Udonis Haslem role is real. – Eddie.

A: And what is interesting is so many of the teams that bring back such veteran players who are projected for minimal or no minutes actually are speaking in those terms, of a Udonis Haslem role. So, yes, it is a thing. But on a 15-man roster, there also is only room for one. For the Heat this coming season, it will be the role Kevin Love will play, while also still trying to show he still can play. Others who seemingly hold similar roles this season are Patty Mills, DeAndre Jordan and Markieff Morris.

We have experienced first-hand one of the ugliest sides of the housing crisis in Broward County. My name is Anna Henry, and I was homeless for 90 days and nights — even though I was employed. I am Annastacia Robinson, and I know first-hand how challenging it is to find an affordable apartment in Broward.

Anna Henry is a member of Florida Rising. (courtesy, Anna Henry)

Our experiences have made us believe that housing in the communities we call home is a human right, not a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Beyond the unreasonably high rent many big landlords charge to line their pockets, many are creating new rules that give them any excuse to evict us. Then, when we end up in eviction court, only 3% of renters are represented by a lawyer, compared to 81% of landlords on average.

Meanwhile, in Tallahassee, due to the lobbying efforts of these same corporate landlords, the right-wing supermajority has prevented local governments from passing deeply popular, common sense policies like rent stabilization or a tenants’ bill of rights. Lawmakers have even enacted so-called “anti-squatter” laws that chip away at evicion protections without the usual requirements of notification and judicial review. Further, they have criminalized homelessness with a ban on public sleeping, forcing cities and counties to pick up the tab lest they be sued for not complying with the state law.

Annastacia Robinson is a Broward County organizer for Florida Rising. (courtesy, Annastacia Robinson)

We need Broward County to tackle housing as a life-or-death issue, with the same urgency as health care, clean air and water. The county must stand in the gap created by landlords and lawmakers in Tallahassee. This is why we are excited that our county has put $500,000 toward one-time legal assistance services for tenants in its current draft budget. This victory is a direct result of our advocacy as members and organizers at Florida Rising, the state’s largest nonpartisan political organization. If commissioners approve this item for the final budget, some tenants may avoid unnecessary eviction because they will have a fair shot in court.

But don’t get us wrong: half a million dollars helps, but it is far from what we need.

A recent study assessed that $2.7 million is needed in the first year of this program to fully address the needs of nearly 500 families fighting eviction and homelessness. Study after study has shown “evictions increase the probability of applying to a homeless shelter by 14 percentage points, [compared to] 3.4 percent among not-evicted households.” And let’s be clear: Homelessness leads to hopelessness, which leads to mental health issues and more. It is a vicious cycle, nobody should ever go through it, and ultimately, our whole community suffers.

To make a real impact, commissioners have to fully fund this program that would prevent homelessness for renters.

We urge commissioners to cut the red tape and award the funding directly to Coast to Coast Legal Aid, our partners in the fight to help renters keep and enjoy a decent roof over their heads and bring hope to thousands of families like ours.

Anna Henry is a member of Florida Rising and lives in Broward. She has raised four children while working three jobs and going to school. Annastacia Robinson is a Broward County organizer for Florida Rising focused on affordable housing.

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins fans are at the point where they get nervous about their ability to watch games that aren’t played on Sunday afternoons, such as Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.

You become jittery about which app or streaming service you might have to purchase to watch a single game.

Well, don’t worry.

You can watch the game at 8:15 p.m. Thursday locally on regular TV — WFOR (Ch. 4/CBS) — if you live in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

If you live in Palm Beach County, however, you’ll need to stream the game on Amazon Prime Video. According to their website, that could cost $14.99 a month after a 30-day free trial.

Either way, you won’t want to miss this pivotal AFC East battle.

The Dolphins and Bills both had to rally for Week 1 wins.

An 80-yard touchdown from star receiver Tyreek Hill sparked a comeback and the Dolphins stormed back for a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen had three of his four touchdowns in the second half as Buffalo overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the Arizona Cardinals, 34-28.

The Bills (1-0) have defeated the Dolphins (1-0) in 13 of their past 15 meetings.

Buffalo holds a 4-1 edge against Miami in the two-year Mike McDaniel-Tua Tagovailoa era. Bills quarterback Josh Allen is 11-2 against the Dolphins.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, the night time kickoff means they won’t be able to take full advantage of the September heat and humidity edge they normally get at this time of year.

The last time the Dolphins beat Buffalo (21-19 in 2022), it was noon kickoff in September and the Bills wilted in the heat and humidity.

In this Dolphins Deep Dive video, the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Dave Hyde and Chris Perkins break down Miami’s come-from-behind victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars and discuss coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill’s drama-filled day.

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His celebrating inside the stadium was tempered by his laying in handcuffs a few hours earlier outside it.

His speed in Sunday’s game-changing touchdown was juxtaposed with his being stopped for speeding by police on his drive to that game.

His answers about the Miami Dolphins’ 20-17 win against Jacksonville took a backseat to his question about being detained by police in the oddest season opener of them all:

“What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?” he said.

What if he wasn’t famous? What if he wasn’t rich? What if teammates didn’t come to help support him as he lay on the ground in handcuffs — and, in the case of Calais Campbell, a former NFL Man of the Year, get handcuffed, too?

This isn’t to take sides. Hill has too much of a past regularly littered with everything from immature actions to violent decisions to blindly say he did nothing on the way from turning a speeding stop into his being handcuffed on a sidewalk a couple of hours before kickoff.

The optics are awful both ways. Miami-Dade police put the officer in question on administrative duties. It also is, “reviewing body camera footage,” it said in a statement, meaning visual proof of something is coming. That will settle a lot of questions.

Is this a black man being unfairly treated by police? Is this an arrest going too far like with white golfer Scottie Scheffler, who was stopped this summer driving into the PGA Championship golf course in Louisville, Kentucky?

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Or was this the latest in a pattern of Hill and legal issues? Allegedly injuring a woman in backyard football. Allegedly hitting a man at a boat dock. This list goes on.

There was just one side talking Sunday, too. Hill’s first words about what happened with police was to say, “I’ve been trying to figure that out, too. Right now I’m trying to put it all together.”

Why was he put in handcuffs?

“I have no idea, for real,’’ he said. “No idea. No idea, man. It’s crazy. No idea. I wasn’t disrespectful, because my mom didn’t raise me that way. Didn’t cuss. Didn’t do none of that. So like I said, I’m still trying to figure that out.”

Campbell’s words matter. He’s as respected as any NFL player and said the police’s actions with Hill were, “a bit extreme and definitely unnecessary.” Campbell got out of his car to “just try to deescalate the situation and I think the officer just – I don’t know why he felt the need to put me in handcuffs.”

The only part of Sunday that wasn’t a surprise was Hill being at the center of the Dolphins’ celebration. One play after safety Jevon Holland caused a Jacksonville fumble on what looked like a sure touchdown and would-be 24-7 lead late in the third quarter.

The next play, Hill was sprinting down the field with an 80-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins had renewed energy that carried the day.

Hill celebrated as only he could. He put his hands behind his back as if handcuffed. He turned to the crowd and bellowed some words. He’d go on to have a seven-catch, 130-yard day, but that play changed everything.

“I think from then on, we found something,’’ Tagovailoa said of the offense.

The Dolphins addressed some questions Sunday that have dogged them in recent years. They weren’t frontrunners. They toughed out a win. They overcame a 14-point deficit that coach Mike McDaniel said his previous two Dolphins teams wouldn’t.

But the question of the day came from the man in the spotlight: “What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?”

How would he answer that?

“It’s hard,’’ he said. “I’m still trying to figure that out. It’s all across the world. You see it. I don’t want to bring race into it, but sometimes it gets kind of iffy when you do. What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? Lord knows what that guy or guys would have done.

“I was just making sure that I was doing what my uncle always told me to do whenever you’re in a situation like that: just listen, put your hands on the steering wheel and just listen. You’ve got to be careful.”

Dolphins Deep Dive: Dave Hyde, Chris Perkins break down Miami’s come-from-behind win over Jaguars and talk Tyreek Hill | VIDEO

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders won’t be strutting around South Florida, sticking his chest out, telling everybody how clutch he’s been the past few years.

But he’d be justified if he opted for that type of behavior.

Sanders, who has kicked the Dolphins into the playoffs each of the past two years, hit a 52-yard field goal as time expired Sunday to deliver the Dolphins’ 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener at Hard Rock Stadium.

Earlier in the game Sanders uncharacteristically hooked a 42-yard field goal attempt wide left. Way, way, way wide left.

“It was just good to get one back after the miss,” Sanders, in his typical humble fashion, said of the game winner.

Here’s the thing, though.

Sanders’ game-winner was just one of a few outstanding special teams plays by the Dolphins on Sunday.

“We don’t win that game without them,” coach Mike McDaniel said of his special teams.

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I’m a guy who likes to follow special teams.

I like talking to the special teams guys.

I like watching them in practice.

I like watching them in games.

So it made me happy to see Sanders, punter Jake Bailey, long snapper Blake Ferguson, safety Elijah Campbell and a host of others turn in strong performances.

While we’re at it, let’s also give credit to special teams coordinator Danny Crossman.

He had his guys playing at a high level in the opener.

Take Campbell as an example.

Campbell forced a fumble on a kickoff return right after wide receiver Tyreek Hill scored on that 80-yard touchdown reception that cut Dolphins’ deficit to 17-14.

The Dolphins didn’t recover the fumble, but the play kept crucial momentum going and seemed to contribute to the Jaguars’ second-half struggles.

On its ensuing possession, Jacksonville went for it on fourth-and-1 from its own 32-yard line. Running back Travis Etienne was stopped for a 2-yard loss. 

“The strip,” Campbell said of his play on the kickoff, “it was just a ball player making plays, man.”

Dolphins Deep Dive: Dave Hyde, Chris Perkins break down Miami’s come-from-behind win over Jaguars and talk Tyreek Hill | VIDEO

In reality, it was special teams making yet another big play.

It seemed as though everybody did something good.

Punter Jake Bailey was magical.

He had four punts for an average of 49.5 yards. He successfully flipped the field each time he put his foot on the ball.

His first punt went to the Jaguars’ 4-yard line.

His second punt traveled 57 yards to the Jags’ 12-yard line.

His third punt was a 51-yarder.

And his final punt nailed the Jags at their own 3-yard line.

His final act of the game?

Hugging Sanders.

“Anytime I’ve got a kicker that makes a game-winner, I’m giving him a hug,” Bailey said.

Long snapper Blake Ferguson, who was also flawless, sprinted downfield after Sanders’ kick sailed through the uprights and grabbed the ball.

He wasn’t sure of the ball’s exact location after the game.

“I got back in the locker room and Jason didn’t have it,” Ferguson said, “so I don’t know.”

Sanders, of course, made the game-winning 50-yard field goal with 18 seconds remaining in 2002 to deliver the Dolphins an 11-6 victory over the New York Jets that ended a five-game losing streak and secured their playoff berth.

Last season, it was Sanders who kicked five field goals, including the game-winning 29-yarder as time expired, to deliver a 22-20 victory that secured a playoff berth.

On a Dolphins team that’s headlined by big offensive plays, don’t sleep on special teams and its big plays.

Those big plays were essential to the victory on Sunday.

And considering it was Sanders who won the game, you could maintain special teams won the game for the Dolphins.

“I don’t want to say special teams won the game,” Campbell said. “It was an all around team win.”

But special teams played a huge role in the victory.

• Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders walks off the field with the ball after kicjking the winning filed goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins hall of fame super fan Roger Avila prays with fans prior to the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders is congratulated by owner Stephen Ross after winning the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill runs for a touchdown agains the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Three Jacksonville Jaguars, take down Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert as he makes a flirts down in the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips celebrates a sack of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand celebrates a Saco of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Smoke rises from tailgate parties at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens before the Miami Dolphins season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill takes the field prior to the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Hill was briefly detained by police prior to the game. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins fans react as the team works out prior to the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by police prior to the game. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill catches a pass past the defense of , Jacksonville Jaguars Tyson Campbell. Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the Jaguars first possession game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• A pass is just out of reach for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins, he’d coach Mike McDaniel call for a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leaves the field after the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle runs for yards after a catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell and Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders watch the winning kick against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Braxton Berrios (can’t catch a ball as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Darnell Savage defends Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa scrambles form the defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Jacksonville Jaguars players react as a touchdown is fumbled and recovered by Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland celebrates after kicking a would-be touchdown ball loose in the end zone against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill eludes Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand celebrates a Saco of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips celebrates a sack of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the fourth quarter, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins fans react as the team works out prior to the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by police prior to the game. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Smoke rises from tailgate parties at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens before the Miami Dolphins season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins hall of fame super fan Roger Avila prays with fans prior to the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders is congratulated by owner Stephen Ross after winning the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill runs for a touchdown agains the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

• Three Jacksonville Jaguars, take down Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert as he makes a flirts down in the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Show Caption1 of 32

Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders walks off the field with the ball after kicjking the winning filed goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Today is Sunday, Sept. 8, the 252nd day of 2024. There are 114 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Sept. 8, 1974, one month after taking office, President Gerald R. Ford granted a “full, free, and absolute pardon” to former President Richard Nixon for any crimes committed during Nixon’s presidency.

Also on this date:

In 1504, Michelangelo’s towering marble statue of David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.

In 1565, a Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Florida.

In 1664, the Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York.

In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was struck by a hurricane that killed an estimated 8,000 people; it remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long, D-La., was fatally shot in the Louisiana State Capitol building.

In 1941, the 900-day Siege of Leningrad by German forces began during World War II.

In 1951, a peace treaty with Japan was signed by 49 nations in San Francisco.

In 1964, public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia, reopened after being closed for five years by officials attempting to prevent court-ordered racial desegregation.

In 1986, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” began the first of 25 seasons in national syndication.

In 2016, California and federal regulators fined Wells Fargo a combined $185 million, alleging the bank’s employees illegally opened millions of unauthorized accounts for their customers in order to meet aggressive sales goals.

In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, who spent more than seven decades on the British throne, died at age 96; her 73-year-old son became King Charles III.

Today’s Birthdays:

• Former Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., is 86.
• Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 83.
• Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is 74.
• Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges is 70.
• Author Terry Tempest Williams is 69.
• Basketball Hall of Famer Maurice Cheeks is 68.
• Actor Heather Thomas is 67.
• Singer Aimee Mann is 64.
• Actor Thomas Kretschmann is 62.
• Alternative country singer Neko (NEE’-koh) Case is 54.
• TV personality Brooke Burke is 53.
• Actor Martin Freeman is 53.
• Actor David Arquette is 53.
• TV-radio personality Kennedy is 52.
• Actor Larenz Tate is 49.
• Singer-songwriter Pink is 45.
• Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas is 43.
• Rapper Wiz Khalifa is 37.
• MLB pitcher Gerrit Cole is 34.
• Actor Gaten Matarazzo (TV: “Stranger Things”) is 22.

Florida Republicans are supremely confident about victory in November — and wary of the perils of overconfidence.

Party activists, candidates and elected officials who gathered Saturday in Hollywood for a major Republican Party of Florida fundraiser predicted widespread wins.

“If anybody thinks we’re going to lose, if anybody thinks in any way that Donald Trump is going to lose Florida, they’re crazy,” said U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. “The turnout in Florida all across the state for Republicans is incredible. We’re going to have a great year.”

Scott, especially, hopes that’s the case. He’s up for reelection this year, and some public opinion polls have shown a close race.

(An Emerson College/The Hill poll on Friday showed Scott with 46% to 45% for his Democratic challenger, former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.)

Attempting to keep party activists and donors motivated in the final stretch of the campaign season, speaker after speaker brought up a powerful motivator: the specter of Vice President Kamala Harris winning the presidency.

There was at least as much, if not more, condemnation of Harris as there was praise for the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

“We have the most radical ticket on the Democrat side in my lifetime,” Scott declared. “She’s a complete socialist.”

State Attorney General Ashley Moody said “everyone’s heads are spinning” at the Harris candidacy.

“I have never seen a candidate running on such thin air, smoke and fumes,” she said. “There is no substance. No substance at all.”

Moody said Harris will offer a “word salad,” will “cackle,” and “will be who you want her to be, she will say what you want her to say” to win — and become different and dangerous if she is inaugurated president.

The Trump campaign dispatched Kimberly Guilfoyle as its surrogate to the event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

Guilfoyle is a former Fox News personality, longtime fiancee of Donald Trump Jr., and host of a show on the right-wing video platform Rumble.

Guilfoyle warned about “America-last madness” and “extreme left-wing rule” from the Democrats.

“Americans today walk out their door in the morning with less money in their pocket, with less safety on their streets, less sanity in their schools and with less confidence that the country that we all love and hold dear to our hearts can reach its full potential,” she said. “Why? Because of Kamala Harris.”

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Guilfoyle asserted that the vice president’s “radicalism is all too real. Pay attention to it. And her obsessive, reckless pursuit of power at all costs would take this nation down the path it may never recover from…. But the good news is that Donald Trump, and the Republican Party, has a plan to get this country back on track.”

She later came back to more criticism of the Democratic nominee. “Kamala Harris wants Americans to feel like the enemy in their own country.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis, delivering the keynote address, said Florida during his time in office has “led the way” on issue after issue. “We have delivered over and over again.”

He touted more funding for schools, infrastructure and Everglades restoration. And he highlighted some of the culture war social issues that have been a hallmark of his administration.

“We believe schools should educate, not indoctrinate, our kids. It was wrong to try to jam gender ideology into elementary school classrooms. It’s wrong to distort history and try to make Founding Fathers villains,” he said.

And he proudly pointed to the tough response at Florida state universities to pro-Palestinian protests, which he called pro-Hamas. “We’re not going to let the inmates run the asylum. We’re going to have order in the court.”

“We said that Florida is where woke goes to die and I can report to you that the woke ideology is dead in the state of Florida,” he said.

DeSantis also repeated his strong opposition to two referendums on the November ballot that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults and enshrine abortion rights in the Florida Constitution.

Both would be “really bad for the state of Florida.”

Evan Power, chair of the state Republican Party said in an interview that party activists are “excited and fired up.”

Still, he said during his speech that the party faithful should not assume the results will go their way without work. “We take nothing for granted. We must run like we’re 10 points behind. There is no room for complacency in the Republican Party of Florida.”

One big advantage for Republicans, cited by DeSantis and several others on Saturday: the party’s 1 million advantage over the Democrats in registered voters. When DeSantis was elected governor and Scott was first elected to the Senate in 2018, Democrats had more registered voters than Republicans.

DeSantis said the elections can’t be taken for granted, “but with numbers like that, that’s a big layup for Republican candidates.”

State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis attributed much of the change to people moving to Florida

“Never did I think Florida would be a solid red state,” Patronis siad. “The ones we’re getting are the ones we want. They’re fleeing the deep blue states. They’re fleeing the high-tax hellholes they’re coming from.”

Money is another Republican advantage. Power said the state Republican Party has outraised the Democrats 7:1.

Saturday night’s event may end up bringing in $1 million, he said. Making the night more profitable: the Hard Rock donated the event venue. Power thanked the Seminole Tribe of Florida more than once for its support, and Patronis thanked its leaders.

The donated venue wasn’t the only reason for holding the event in Broward, the most Democratic county in Florida. The state Republican Party, Power said, has lots of donors in the region.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.

GAINESVILLE — Billy Napier could breathe a little easier following a rough week that culminated with a much-needed and morale-boosting 45-7 win against Samford on Saturday night in the Swamp.

Napier’s prospects still appear bleak at UF, which led just 14-0 at halftime against a 38.5-point underdog on the Gators’ home field. But Florida’s future is bright with true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway

The nation’s top quarterback recruit in 2024 replaced injured veteran Graham Mertz (concussion) during last week’s 41-17 season-opening no-show against resurgent Miami. This week Lagway took charge from the jump and set a UF true freshman record with 456 passing yards, the ninth-most ever at a school with three Heisman-winning signal-callers.

“It was different,” Lagway said. “I was really nervous. I’ve never been put in a situation like this before, but it was a blessing. I learned a lot.”

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway surveys the field during the Gators win against Samford Sept. 7 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

A statue might not be in his future. Lagway did, however, make a case for a much larger role, if not a starting one, when the Gators host Texas A&M (1-1) on Saturday to open SEC play.

“We have a good young quarterback,” Napier said. “And we have a incredible veteran quarterback as well.”

With a reported crowd of 89,295 looking on, UF (1-1) took care of business against Samford (0-2) behind the 19-year-old from Willis, Texas, to snap a six-game skid dating to an Oct. 28 loss to top-ranked Georgia.

Much more formidable opponents await following a one-week reprieve. But in Lagway, Gators may have found someone to help them navigate the nation’s toughest schedule.

A week after Florida did not complete a pass of even 20 yards, Lagway completed six throws longer than 35 yards.

“He brings a different element to our team,” Napier said.

Lagway’s personal favorite was a 36-yarder for his first career touchdown to true freshman speedster Tank Hawkins to give UF a 21-0 edge less than two minutes into the second half.

“That’s one of my best friends here,” Lagway said. “So it was a real moment to get our first touchdown together. That was pretty cool.”

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway warms up before the Gators’ 45-7 win against the Samford Bulldogs Sept. 7 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

After Samford cut the lead to 21-7, the Gators answered with a 41-yard strike from Lagway to sophomore Aidan Mizell of Orlando. Lagway moved to his right and jumped near the line of scrimmage as he threw a strike to a streaking Mizell blanketed by a Bulldogs defender.

Lagway set the tone with his second completion of the night, a 77-yard strike to Elijhah Badger. The Arizona State transfer caught the ball along the sideline after it traveled 50 yards in the air and then juked his way to the Samford 3 to set up a touchdown by Montrell Johnson Jr. for a 7-0 lead.

UF’s freshman QB finished 18 of 25 and three touchdowns as UF racked up 632 yards against the Bulldogs, who received $525,000 for their efforts. Badger’s 123 yards came on just three catches while Tre Wilson’s 141 yards on six grabs were a career high, highlighted by an 85-yard score following a Lagway shovel pass.

Lagway started 7 of 7 for 202 yards until an incompletion with 26 seconds to go in the first half. Two minutes earlier, Lagway absorbed a helmet-to-helmet hit from Samford linebacker Malik Gather. Lagway reached for his facemask as he tumbled to the ground. He soon gathered himself, returned and following halftime continued to put on a show.

A week after allowing 529 yards to Miami, UF’s defense held Samford to 205 yards.

Florida receiver Elijhah Badger hauls in a pass from DJ Lagway for a 77-yard gain for the Gators Sept. 7 against Samford in the Swamp. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

The performance was far from complete. The Gators turned the ball over on downs and fumbled at the goal line during two of their first three drives. Meanwhile, the defense committed two personal fouls on the Bulldogs’ scoring drive.

Napier will take it.

The Miami loss supercharged hot-seat chatter and feelings that the end is near just 27 games into his tenure in Gainesville. Napier’s off-the-cuff remark dismissing criticism from some guy “living in a basement in rural Central Florida” went over like a lead balloon.

But against Samford, a freshman quarterback rose to the occasion to give Gator Nation a reason to smile.

“It was awesome in there; we gave them a little bit more to cheer about,” Napier said. “That’s a good step in the right direction. We all understand the level of competition — better teams and better opponents are coming.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

In what is quickly becoming a familiar theme for UCF, the Knights relied on a dominant ground game and a stingy defense to manhandle visiting Sam Houston State 45-14 on Saturday night.

UCF (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) entered the game with the top rushing offense in the nation and looked the part against the Bearkats, running for 384 yards and 6 touchdowns.

“I’m really proud of our team,” said coach Gus Malzahn. “It was a convincing win against a quality opponent. It was a good measuring stick of where our guys are.”

RJ Harvey finished with a game-high 126 yards — his fourth straight 100-yard performance — and 4 rushing touchdowns. It was the first time the preseason Doak Walker Award candidate scored four rushing touchdowns in a game, and it tied a school record held by several players, including Isaiah Bowser against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 11, 2021.

Eight of UCF’s 17 rushing attempts in the first quarter went for 10 yards or longer.

“We go at each other at every practice,” Harvey said. “We’re pushing each other hard every day. I’m so grateful for them because they push me and make me a better running back.”

The game started at 7:02 after a 30-minute lightning delay that cleared FBC Mortgage Stadium before warmups. Both teams took to the field at 6:10 to allow for a 50-minute warmup period after showers drenched the field.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson rebounded from a slow start last week against New Hampshire by completing seven of his first eight pass attempts, finishing 12 of 15 for 169 yards. The 6-4, 250-pound fifth-year senior also accounted for 50 rushing yards.

Receiver Kobe Hudson led all receivers with 104 yards on 5 catches, highlighted by a 53-yard catch in the second half. It was Hudson’s first 100-yard receiving game since totaling 138 yards against Kansas State on Sept. 23, 2023.

Sam Houston (1-1, 0-0 CUSA) relied on some trickery to get on the scoreboard when receiver Noah Smith took a pitch from quarterback Hunter Watson before lofting a perfect pass to a wide-open Simeon Evans, who raced 64 yards for a touchdown.

It was Smith’s third touchdown pass of his career and the first touchdown the Knights have allowed this season.

UCF amassed more than 500 yards of offense for the second consecutive game while holding Sam Houston to under 300 yards.

After registering two turnovers last week against New Hampshire, UCF’s defense forced two more against the Bearkats as safety Sheldon Arnold and cornerback Mac McWilliams intercepted passes by Watson.

UCF finds the right balance with helmet communication

The Knights have four interceptions through two games and didn’t have that many until Game 4 against Kansas State last season.

Defensive end Nyjalk Kelly secured the team’s first sack of the season when he brought down Watson in the second quarter.

“It felt good getting a sack after being injured last year and only playing in five games,” said Kelly, who finished with 6 tackles,  “getting back out there with my teammates and the coaches believing in me.”

UCF improved to 2-0 to open a season for the second consecutive year, with the Knights winning five straight regular-season non-conference games.

UCF opens its Big 12 slate with a road trip to Fort Worth to face TCU on Saturday (7:30 p.m., FOX). The Knights were 1-4 on the road in their first season in the conference.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

MIAMI GARDENS — The No. 12 Hurricanes, riding high off the momentum from a Week 1 win over rival Florida, made a point not to overlook Florida A&M in their home opener.

Miami succeeded in that, getting out to a quick, multi-touchdown lead and never looking back. The Hurricanes (2-0) rolled to a 56-9 win over the Rattlers (2-1) at Hard Rock Stadium in their home opener on Saturday.

“The only thing that matters to us is if you get a win,” quarterback Cam Ward said. “If you get a win, then by all means, you had a good day. That’s the biggest thing.”

The Hurricanes did not need much time to get going. Linebacker Wesley Bissainthe tipped a third-down pass to himself and caught it as he kept himself in bounds, notching his first career interception. Two plays later, Ward connected with tight end Elijah Arroyo on a 17-yard touchdown pass.

Ward continued his hot start on Miami’s second drive, leading the Hurricanes 99 yards down the field and capping the drive with a 50-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Xavier Restrepo. Tight end Riley Williams scored a two-point conversion with a trick play.

“Cam’s a special player,” Restrepo said. “We all have built a really good relationship with Cam since the day he’s come in here, and we’re still building.”

Miami continued rolling into the second quarter, as Ward orchestrated another scoring drive. He completed it with a 9-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman running back Chris Johnson Jr. for a 9-yard score.

Florida A&M had some positive drives in the first half but could not convert them into touchdowns, settling for a pair of first-half field goals.

The Hurricanes picked up right where they left off in the second half, driving down the field for a seven-play, 75-yard series that ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by Mark Fletcher Jr. — his third score of the season. Miami kept it on the ground for their next drive, with running back Damien Martinez scoring his first touchdown at UM with a 33-yard score early in the third quarter.

Ward added another touchdown to his ledger late in the third quarter, scrambling from the 8-yard line and leaping over the goal line for his first rushing touchdown as a Hurricane.

Miami subbed in its second-string players late in the third quarter, and Jordan Lyle got his first career touchdown to close out the scoring in the Hurricanes’ home opener.

“We handled our business,” Cristobal said, “and lots of areas to get better at.”

Five takeaways 1. Cam Ward continues his hot start

The Hurricanes’ new quarterback, coming off an excellent game against Florida, continued his strong start to his season. Ward, who played the first half and most of the third quarter, finished the game with 20 completions on 26 attempts for 304 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also ran for a score.

Ward became the first Miami quarterback to throw for 600 or more yards in his first two games of a season since Jacory Harris accomplished that feat in 2009, according to AP.

“You can see what he brings to the table,” Cristobal said. “What’s he not done is kind of more the question now.”

2. Run game dominant in limited action

The Hurricanes let Ward sling the ball around the field often, limiting the running backs’ chances to rack up yards.

Miami’s two primary running backs, Martinez and Fletcher, had 15 combined carries for 132 yards. Both scored touchdowns. Their limited carries was not because they were ineffective: They averaged 8.8 yards per attempt.

“It’s never a pre-set determination,” Cristobal said about the balance between the running and passing games. “Our coordinators, they put together good game plans, and when those guys get on a roll, you let them go.”

Lyle, Ajay Allen, Chris Johnson Jr. and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey also got carries, and Miami’s running backs ended the game with 199 rushing yards.

3. Restrepo continues shining

Restrepo, an All-ACC selection last year, continued his strong partnership with Ward. The veteran wide receiver had four catches for 104 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown reception.

Restrepo’s performance was his eighth career 100-yard game and his fifth straight game with 99 receiving yards or more, dating back to last season.

Restrepo also notched a career accomplishment, moving into 10th place on the Hurricanes’ all-time receiving yards leaderboard. He passed Andre Johnson and Allen Hurns on UM’s all-time list.

“It means a lot,” Restrepo said, “but honestly the only thing that matters right now is that we went 1-0 this week. And again, I’m just super excited to take the field with my guys every single week.”

4. Tyler Baron leads pass rush

Tyler Baron, playing his second game with the Hurricanes after transferring from Tennessee, was a dominant force on Miami’s defensive line.

The veteran defensive end notched three sacks in the Hurricanes’ win on Saturday, giving him four for the season. He had 3.5 tackles for loss, as well.

“He’s built like an Avatar,” Cristobal said. “He’s just explosive and one of the most natural feels for the game of anyone I’ve seen. He understands leverage, angles. He’s really smart, He’s locked in. He’s in tune with what’s going on. He’s always trying to figure out how to get better. He works hard. He’s tough. He checks all the boxes, and now he’s full-throttle.”

5. Young players get their snaps

Miami rotated many of their new and young players into Saturday’s game, and they made an impact.

Markel Bell, a junior college arrival, started at left tackle for Jalen Rivers. Freshman five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott got his first career sack, and fellow five-star freshman Armondo Blount got his first career snaps.

St. Thomas Aquinas High alum Jordan Lyle scored his first career touchdown after making his college debut last week, and kicker Abram Murray made his debut with the extra point. Murray also kicked his first career field goal.

Freshmen linebackers Bobby Pruitt and Adarius Hayes both made their first career interceptions.

Freshman safety Zaquan Patterson and freshman defensive lineman Cole McConathy also made their first appearances on Miami’s defense. Wide receivers JoJo Trader and Ny Carr and offensive linemen Frankie Tinilau and Nino Francavilla made their UM debuts, as well. Carr and Trader each made their first career catches.

“There’s nothing like repetition,” Cristobal said. “Nothing. There’s nothing that you can do in practice, there’s nothing you can do in a meeting room or a walk-through that can ever replace the value of that. The value of those reps are tremendous.”

MIAMI (AP) — Otto López was a triple shy of the cycle, Connor Norby homered and drove in three runs, and the Miami Marlins snapped NL East-leading Philadelphia’s six-game winning streak with a 9-5 victory over the Phillies on Saturday.

Jonah Bride also homered, while Xavier Edwards and Nick Fortes had two hits each for the Marlins, who had 14 hits a day after losing 16-2 to the Phillies.

“(Friday) was not great. Today was a lot better,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “To face one of the better pitchers in the league and one of the better teams in the league was impressive especially with all the moving parts in the clubhouse, meeting new guys.”

The Marlins were busy Saturday, adding four new players to the roster. Infielder Javier Sanoja made his major league debut with a pinch hit appearance in the seventh. The 22-year-old Sanoja hit a grounder to shortstop Trea Turner, who threw errantly attempting to cut down a runner at the plate that led to two runs. Sanoja was credited with a fielder’s choice RBI.

“I wanted to go out there and be aggressive,” Sanoja said through a translator. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get my first hit but I was able to get the RBI.”

John McMillon (2-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief for the win.

Phillies starter Aaron Nola (12-7) was lifted after he allowed five runs and nine hits over 4 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out five. It was his shortest start since allowing eight runs and 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings against Boston on June 13.

“I think just command of the baseball. He just missed the glove a lot — a lot more than he normally does — and he paid for it,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.

Miami worked long counts against Nola throughout his start. He finished with 101 pitches.

“He’s an amazing pitcher and today the plan was let him pitch,” López said. “His command is amazing so we wanted to stretch out the pitches.”

Bride homered to lead off the fifth and put Miami ahead 5-3 and Jesús Sánchez added an RBI single in the sixth.

The Marlins padded their lead with a three-run seventh against former starter Taijuan Walker. López hit a solo homer over the center field wall before Griffin Conine and Fortes scored on Turner’s throwing error.

Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber hit a tying sacrifice fly in the third inning for his 93rd RBI of the season.

Norby hit a two-run homer in the first to put Miami ahead 2-1.

Marlins starter Darren McCaughan allowed three runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out four.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Phillies: Thomson said catcher J.T. Realmuto has some swelling but will remain with the club as he recovers from a left knee contusion sustained Friday. The Phillies selected the contract of catcher Aramis Garcia from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and designated RHP Nick Nelson for assignment.

Marlins: Placed RHP Max Meyer (right shoulder bursitis) and RHP Calvin Faucher (right shoulder impingement) on the 15-day injured list and OF Derek Hill (right shoulder impingement) on the 10-day injured list. … LHP Andrew Nardi (left elbow muscle) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

UP NEXT

RHP Seth Johnson will make his major league debut when he starts the series finale for the Phillies on Sunday. The Marlins have not announced a starter but Schumaker said RHP Edward Cabrera could get the nod when he cleared all tests after he withdrew from his scheduled start Friday because of migraine-like symptoms.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

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