Monday, December 31, 2018

College Football Playoff timetable & fighting cancer

Start your day with a quick digest of today's top Central Florida headlines.

Orlando Sentinel

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December 31, 2018

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Orlando Morning Report

UCF president Dale Whittaker: College Football Playoff expansion coming in next two years | Commentary

UCF President Dale Whittaker says College Football Playoff expansion is coming in the next two years, Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi writes. The undefeated Knights were shut out of the playoff semifinals and are getting ready to play LSU in the Fiesta Bowl

Ocoee neighbors, friends support pizzeria owner as she battles cancer

For more than  two years, the community of Ocoee has rallied for a family-run pizzeria whose owner — Debra Nix, a mother of three — has been battling cervical cancer. Nix came home from the Mayo Clinic just before Christmas Eve after her supporters raised over $25,000 for a medical transport flight.

Panic at Florida Mall began with dispute over food court refund, arrest reports say

A man was arguing on Saturday with employees at the counter of an A&W restaurant at the food court inside Florida Mall. A woman stepped in and then chaos ensued, according to an arrest affidavit.

Government shutdown affects Kennedy Space Center tours, 1,200 workers and a historic mission

More than half the workers at Kennedy Space Center, tours at the Visitor Complex and the Ultima Thule mission are impacted by a government shutdown that is entering its second week.

Private Christian school in Kissimmee abruptly closes its middle school, upsetting parents

First United Methodist School in downtown Kissimmee abruptly shut down its middle school just before Christmas, upsetting parents who must find new schools for their children.

Evan Fournier's basket at buzzer lifts Magic past Pistons

Evan Fournier hit a floater at the buzzer, lifting the Orlando Magic to a victory against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at Amway Center.

Former Hurricanes defensive coordinator Manny Diaz returns to Miami — as its new head coach

Less than a month after taking the head coaching job at Temple, former Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has returned to Coral Gables — as the next head coach of the Miami Hurricanes.

How rare is UCF Knights' win streak? Veteran Orlando area coaches call it incredible

Orlando area coaches call UCF's back-to-back undefeated seasons incredible and remarkable. They help put the Knights' rare feat in perspective.

UCF coach Josh Heupel: McKenzie Milton will 'absolutely' play football again

UCF coach Josh Heupel says injured quarterback McKenzie Milton will play again after a catastrophic knee injury in late November against USF.

'Aquaman' stays strong with $51.5 million in second weekend

"Aquaman" easily retained its reign in North America for the second weekend in a row

Orlando Fringe Winter Mini-Fest boasts 22 shows

22 shows will fill the bill at Orlando Fringe's annual Winter Mini-Fest.

Don't drop the ball on celebrating New Year's Eve in Central Florida

A roundup of New Year's Eve celebrations throughout Central Florida.

Theme-parks preview 2019: A look beyond Disney's 'Star Wars' land

All eyes are on Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but other rides and attractions will debut at Universal, SeaWorld and Legoland in 2019.

Orlando Theater Best of 2018: Critic's Picks

2018 Orlando Theater Year in Review: Orlando Sentinel theater critic Matthew J. Palm salutes the year's top achievement in the theater arts with his annual Critic's Picks.

What's new in Florida cruises for 2019

Florida will once again welcome new ships, but also be the launching point for new island destinations in 2019.

10 milestones that will inspire travel in 2019

A new Jackie Robinson museum, a Wild West rodeo and exhibits commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing are among the highlights.