Tag: Florida
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While concerns about road rage, boating incidents, and even gun violence persist across Florida, a new report finds that around 10 percent fewer residents experienced such incidents compared to previous years. SafeWise, a platform specializing in security product reviews, analyzed FBI crime data from municipalities across the state for its 11th annual “Safest Cities in…
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After years of setbacks, Florida’s citrus growers may finally be getting the help they’ve long awaited. A state Senate committee recently proposed allocating $200 million to the citrus industry in the upcoming fiscal year. Kyle Story, a fourth-generation grower, has witnessed storms batter his family’s groves over the decades. However, he said Hurricanes Milton and…
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Responding to widespread complaints about beachgoers being blocked by waterfront property owners, the Florida Senate on Thursday approved a bill to repeal a contentious 2018 law regulating “customary use” of beaches. The repeal effort gained momentum after heated disputes in Walton County, where residents and visitors have faced restrictions accessing dry-sand areas of the beach.…
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The Florida Senate is now set to consider a major condominium reform bill after the state House overwhelmingly passed its version on Wednesday. Prompted by the tragic 2021 Surfside condo collapse, the legislation aims to ease financial burdens on condo associations and homeowners while maintaining safety standards. Miami Republican Representative Vicki Lopez is leading the…
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Florida lawmakers are moving closer to passing new protections for the state’s natural parks with the State Park Preservation Act (SB 80). The legislative momentum follows a wave of protests across the state, where residents rallied against proposed developments within Florida’s treasured parks. Next up: the state Senate will vote on a bill aimed at…
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Two bills introduced in the Florida Legislature aim to increase the maximum speed limit on some interstates and turnpikes from 70 to 75 mph. Additionally, on four-lane divided highways in rural areas, the speed limit could rise from 65 to 70 mph. The proposed legislation, Florida House Bill 567 and Senate Bill 462, would allow…
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With alligator mating season underway, encounters are more common, but these reptiles often end up in the wrong place at the wrong time—thanks to human behavior. A study from the University of Florida and Center College in Kentucky reveals that alligators aren’t usually to blame for bites. In 96% of cases, human risk-taking or inattention…
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Alligators play a vital role in Florida’s ecosystems, but during nesting season, their behavior can become more aggressive—especially among females protecting their nests. Beginning in early April and continuing through June, alligator breeding season is in full swing. Female alligators are particularly territorial during this time and will guard their nests fiercely. “If you’re walking…
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Florida legislators are moving ahead with proposals designed to ease the financial burden on condominium owners, who are facing steep fee increases tied to post-Surfside safety regulations. “What I will fight for is to make sure that condo owners see a safe future in their homes at a cost they can afford,” said Sen. Jennifer…
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Florida’s long-running debate over its official state bird has resurfaced in the state legislature. New proposals in both the Senate and House are calling for a change: elevating the American flamingo as the official state bird, while naming the Florida scrub jay as the official state songbird. Florida’s current state bird, the northern mockingbird, has…
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The Florida Senate on Monday rolled out an expanded tax cut proposal that includes a one-time credit for annual vehicle registration fees and a three-year extension of the current freeze on local cell phone and cable TV taxes. The updated plan comes as the Senate prepares for negotiations with the House, which has put forward…
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Panama City Beach appears to be following in the footsteps of Miami Beach, signaling a clear shift away from its long-standing identity as a spring break hotspot. In a public Facebook message to both residents and visitors, Police Chief J.R. Talamantez said the city can no longer manage the influx of disruptive crowds that typically…
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Floridians affected by the 2024 hurricane season have received an automatic tax deadline extension. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) postponed the April 15 deadline to May 1, 2025, offering some relief to residents dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. While the rest of the nation must submit their taxes by Tuesday,…
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After a brief appearance this past winter, La Niña has officially ended, according to meteorologists. The Climate Prediction Center at NOAA confirmed the shift, citing warming waters in the eastern Pacific and the weakening of cooler temperatures in the central Pacific as signs that La Niña has dissipated. With neither La Niña nor El Niño…
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Florida motorists are seeing some relief at the pump, as gas prices statewide have dipped to $3.11 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This marks the lowest daily average in two weeks. AAA officials noted that while prices rose slightly early last week, climbing by 2 cents, they have since plunged by…
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Governor Ron DeSantis joined Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue in Kissimmee Monday morning to spotlight key infrastructure advancements under the state’s Moving Florida Forward initiative. The program, designed to fast-track construction on critical transportation corridors, has already accelerated over 20 major interstate and roadway projects across Florida. “We have at least 20 major…
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While April 15 is the traditional tax filing deadline, some Tampa Bay Area taxpayers impacted by recent storms have more time to submit their returns. The IRS has extended the tax deadline to May 1 for individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This extension applies automatically to those whose official address is in a…
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As Pinellas County residents continue to rebuild after hurricanes Helene and Milton, a troubling issue in Collier County is a stark warning: widespread permit fraud could leave property owners facing costly and complex consequences. In Collier County, officials revealed that at least 400 single-family homes and commercial buildings were issued certificates of occupancy using fraudulent…
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A new Florida proposal titled “Make America’s Dogs Safe Again” is drawing attention—and controversy—for its tough stance on dog breeding practices in the state. The measures, HB 1481 and SB 1830 are under deliberation in the legislature. Filed by Rep. Meg Weinberger, the bill aims to crack down on unethical operations like puppy mills and…
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A proposed bill aiming to restrict anchoring and mooring near Florida seaports is sparking concern among recreational boaters, who say it could compromise their safety and limit access to popular coastal destinations. “This isn’t a workable solution,” April Smith, a longtime boater from Palmetto, told Bay News 9. “It won’t help anyone.” The legislation—Senate Bill…
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A comprehensive proposal aimed at improving hurricane readiness and recovery is making progress in the Florida House, just one day after the Senate passed its own version of the legislation. On Thursday, the House Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee approved the bill (HB 1535), which outlines responsibilities for local governments in areas such as…
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Florida homeowners looking to protect their properties from future flooding have until 7 p.m. tonight (Friday) to apply for Elevate Florida, a state-run program that offers significant financial assistance for raising homes above the floodplain. The initiative, overseen by the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), is funded with $400 million in federal money. It…
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at a condo community center in Miami earlier this week, engaging with local residents and discussing key issues facing the state. The event, held at a newly renovated facility in the heart of the city, drew a diverse crowd eager to hear from the governor. During his speech, DeSantis highlighted…
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Two new bills under consideration in the Florida Legislature could streamline the process of establishing charter schools across the state, potentially increasing their presence in local communities. The proposed legislation, introduced in both the House and Senate, seeks to reduce regulatory hurdles and provide more flexibility for charter school operators. The bills would allow charter…
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Florida’s natural springs, a cornerstone of the state’s environmental and recreational landscape, are experiencing significant strain due to a combination of pollution, excessive groundwater extraction, and the impacts of recent hurricanes. These iconic water bodies, known for their crystal-clear waters and ecological importance, are showing signs of decline, according to experts and local advocates. John…
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A proposed expansion of Florida’s hands-free driving laws is moving forward in the state Senate, with a vote scheduled for today, but the bill has hit a roadblock in the House. The legislation aims to build on Florida’s existing texting-while-driving ban by prohibiting all handheld phone use while operating a vehicle. The push for stricter…
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The City of Treasure Island has decided against extending the presence of state-provided recovery staff, opting instead to rely on its own resources as it continues to rebuild from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The decision, made during a recent city commission meeting, marks a shift in the city’s approach to managing…
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Insurance approved $15K for a new roof, but the company charged more than double and is now suing her for the difference Last year, over 1,800 Polk County homeowners received foreclosure notices. Sarah Taylor, a 73-year-old cancer survivor who has never missed a mortgage payment, never imagined she’d be among them. But now, Taylor is…
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With just weeks remaining in Florida’s legislative session, Governor Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez are at odds over how to deliver tax relief to Floridians. The debate centers on two competing proposals: DeSantis’ push for property tax reductions and Perez’s plan to slash the state’s sales tax rate. DeSantis has repeatedly called for…
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Florida’s insurance industry investigation continued this week with a second legislative hearing, as lawmakers push for accountability following explosive revelations about insurers shifting funds while claiming insolvency. Despite the conclusion of a second hearing, many legislators believe the investigation is far from over. At the heart of their concerns is a report that wasn’t shared…
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A formidable great white shark has once again made its presence known along Florida’s coastline. OCEARCH, a global shark-tracking organization, recorded an 11-foot, 761-pound sub-adult great white shark, aptly named “Dold,” pinging off the Gulf Coast on Monday. Just weeks prior, Dold was spotted off Vero Beach, showcasing its impressive journey across the Sunshine State.…
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Florida has once again solidified its position as a global travel powerhouse, breaking its own tourism records for the sixth consecutive time. In 2024, the state achieved a remarkable 15.5% share of domestic vacation destinations, marking a significant one-point increase from the previous year. Governor Ron DeSantis attributed this success to policies that emphasize freedom,…
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The iconic SS United States, a nearly 1,000-foot (305-meter) vessel renowned for its trans-Atlantic speed record in 1952, is undergoing extensive preparation to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Its final destination will be off Florida’s Gulf Coast, though the exact location has sparked fierce debate among local diving businesses and even a lawsuit. At…
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The Colorado State University (CSU) research team has released its initial forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting above-average activity. While the season is expected to be more active than usual, researchers note it likely won’t match the intensity of 2024. “The 2025 season is currently showing similarities to past years like 1996, 1999,…
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A new study from the University of South Florida suggests that outdated traffic signals may be a major factor behind long wait times at intersections across Florida. Jeff Brandes, former state senator and president of the nonprofit Florida Policy Project, is leading efforts to modernize traffic management and improve daily commutes for Floridians. “We’ve all…
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A bipartisan group of Florida legislators is moving forward with a proposal to slash the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25%, a change that would impact billions of dollars in annual revenue. Gov. Ron DeSantis, however, contends that lawmakers should prioritize property tax relief instead. Defying the governor’s stance, the Florida House Ways and…
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A Florida-based insurance company will pay over $30 million to the state’s hurricane fund after accusations of submitting multiple ineligible claims for reimbursement, the attorney general’s office announced. Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed on Tuesday that Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) will return the funds to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF). The…
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Nearly six months after Hurricane Milton tore through the Tampa Bay area, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has officially classified it as one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record. According to the NHC’s final storm report released Monday, Milton’s central pressure dropped as low as 895 mb, while its winds peaked at 178…
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a plan on Monday to provide homeowners with rebate checks averaging $1,000 per homesteaded property to offset property tax costs. The proposed rebates, set to be distributed in December, would cover state-mandated school property taxes for over 5.1 million homesteaded properties throughout Florida. According to the governor’s office, this initiative…
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Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward a plan for substantial property tax relief for Florida homestead owners, potentially setting the stage for even more significant changes. During a news conference this morning in Orlando, DeSantis referenced a Florida House proposal offering $5 billion annually in sales tax reductions. However, he urged lawmakers to redirect that…
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More than $100 million in state grants remain unclaimed by applicants of the My Safe Florida Home program. Homeowners are urged to act quickly to secure up to $10,000 for home-hardening projects. According to a memo released last week by Senate President Ben Albritton, these funds were originally allocated to homeowners who completed inspections and…
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