Florida TODAY: Florida Man, Publix BOGO rules, school books

The phrase “Florida Man” has become shorthand for the state’s most bizarre headlines.

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Reporter Lianna Norman interviewed journalist and author Craig Pittman, who’s been chronicling the Sunshine State’s oddities for decades.

Pittman says Florida’s reputation is rooted in real quirks, from mermaids on the government payroll – a claim no other state can make – to professional python hunters.

Here’s a quick glimpse of Florida TODAY, our statewide newsletter:

Publix math: In some other states, you can buy just one BOGO item and get it for half price. Not Florida, though. We need to buy two unnecessarily large boxes of cupcakes.

The kids have thoughts: If there’s an inspiring young person in your life, USA TODAY wants to hear from them. Students in grades 5-12 can win up to $1,000 to outline their vision for America.

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By the book: Florida schools pulled nearly 600 books from shelves last year, but most of those removals came from just two counties.

That’s not all. Want the full statewide newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to Florida TODAY

NOTE: If you are a digital or print subscriber to a USA TODAY Network-Florida site, follow this link to subscribe via your local site.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida TODAY: Florida Man, Publix BOGO rules, school books

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Reporting by Randi Atwood, USA TODAY Network-Florida / Tallahassee Democrat

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 6:06 AM.