Florida Times

South Florida Celebrates Growth in International Tourism and Transportation Investment

New airport, cruise and transit projects are expanding regional capacity as Florida prepares for continued growth in visitors and major global events.

Florida Real Estate Investment Activity Expands With New Housing and Commercial Developments

Developers and investors continue pursuing projects across the state as population growth, tourism demand and business relocation support continued real estate activity.

Florida Municipalities Report Strong Tourism Gains From 250th Independence Celebrations

Cities across Florida reported large crowds and increased hospitality revenue during nationwide Semiquincentennial Fourth of July events, providing a mid-summer boost for the tourism sector.

Southwest Airlines Cuts 43 Direct Florida Flight Routes in Major Network Restructuring

Southwest Airlines has removed dozens of nonstop routes connecting Florida with Midwest and Northeast destinations, requiring some travelers to use connecting flights during the busy summer travel period.

Colorado State Meteorologists Lower 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast

Researchers at Colorado State University have reduced their hurricane outlook for 2026, citing El Niño conditions and forecasting 11 named storms during a below-average Atlantic season.

Florida Universities Must Expel Students Supporting Designated Terrorist Organizations Under New Rules

The Florida College System is now required to remove students found promoting or supporting organizations classified as terrorist groups under state law, prompting debate over campus speech protections.

Florida Budget Adds Hundreds of Millions for Affordable Housing and Homebuyer Assistance

The new state budget allocates more than $230 million for local housing programs and provides $50 million for the Hometown Heroes initiative to help essential workers purchase homes.

Florida Activates $49 Billion Healthcare Budget to Expand Medical Workforce and Rural Care

The state’s new healthcare budget directs record funding toward nursing education, medical training and rural hospital infrastructure as Florida works to support a growing population.

South Florida Children’s Hospital Completes Remote Living Donor Kidney Transplant

Doctors at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood performed the facility’s first remote living donor kidney transplant, coordinating the transport of a donated organ nearly 2,000 miles from Colorado for an 18-year-old patient.

Hallandale Beach Police Investigate Death of Toddler Left Inside Hot Vehicle

Authorities in Broward County are investigating the death of a two-year-old child who suffered fatal heat exposure after being left inside a parked vehicle, renewing summer safety warnings for families.

Ocala Advances Downtown Rezoning Plan to Attract New Retail and Hospitality Investment

The Ocala City Council is moving ahead with commercial rezoning measures and new downtown event zones aimed at encouraging business development and revitalizing the Central Florida city center.

Miami-Dade Unveils Transportation Plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup Visitors

Local transit officials have released a regional mobility strategy designed to move an estimated 600,000 international soccer fans through South Florida using shuttle services, expanded rail options and dedicated transit hubs.

Florida Hospitals Begin Using New Alzheimer’s Treatment Designed to Target Brain Plaques

South Florida medical centers have started administering Kisunla, a newly approved Alzheimer’s treatment intended to clear amyloid plaques and slow disease progression in patients with early-stage conditions.

Palm Beach International Airport Set for Renaming as President Donald J. Trump International Airport

Palm Beach International Airport will officially adopt the new name President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9 under a newly enacted state law, with the change drawing mixed reactions from travelers.

Florida Property Insurance Market Shows Early Signs of Stabilization After Years of Volatility

State regulators say insurance reforms have attracted 17 new private insurers and helped Citizens Property Insurance Corporation reduce premiums for the first time in 11 years.

Miami Office Market Becomes Most Expensive in the United States as Corporate Demand Rises

A national real estate analysis found Miami has overtaken traditional U.S. business centers with average office rents approaching $60 per square foot, supported by continued demand from wealthy corporate tenants.

Port Canaveral Records Heavy Summer Cruise Traffic as Major Operators Expand Holiday Sailings

Port Canaveral reported record passenger activity during the Independence Day holiday period as Disney Cruise Line, Carnival and Royal Caribbean operated full-capacity ships from the Central Florida port.

SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral as Starship Preparations Accelerate

SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station while continuing construction work for a planned Starship launch facility on Florida’s coast.

Florida Launches New Law Making Residential Squatting a Felony Offense

A new Florida property rights law gives law enforcement expanded authority to remove squatters and makes fraudulent lease documents used to occupy homes a felony crime.

Brightline Train Collision Kills Fort Lauderdale Cyclist and Raises Rail Safety Concerns

A cyclist was killed after being struck by a Brightline high-speed train in downtown Fort Lauderdale, renewing calls for stronger pedestrian safety measures along Florida’s expanding rail corridors.

Miami-Dade Prepares Crackdown on Unauthorized Liveaboard Boats in Local Waters

Miami-Dade County officials are planning coordinated enforcement against hundreds of unauthorized liveaboard vessels, citing environmental risks and navigation concerns in area waterways.

South Florida Faces Dangerous Heatwave as Saharan Dust Pushes Heat Index Above 110 Degrees

The National Weather Service has issued severe heat warnings for Miami-Dade and Broward counties as Saharan dust reduces rainfall and drives dangerously high heat index levels across the region.

Miami Heat Complete Blockbuster Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo in NBA Shakeup

The Miami Heat have acquired former Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks through a major multi-team trade, reshaping the Eastern Conference and creating significant excitement across South Florida.

Miami Named Host City for 2026 Group of Twenty Summit by U.S. Government

The White House has selected Miami to host the 2026 Group of Twenty summit, bringing world leaders, diplomats and security operations to South Florida for one of the year’s major international economic gatherings.

Florida Governor Designates Several Political and Advocacy Groups as Terrorist Organizations Under New State Law

Governor Ron DeSantis has used new executive powers granted by the Florida legislature to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Muslim Brotherhood and Antifa as terrorist organizations, prompting immediate legal challe...

Florida Launch Activity Continues as Space Coast Sustains Global Aerospace Leadership

Florida’s Space Coast maintains a steady launch schedule, with ongoing missions supporting the region’s position as a key hub in the international aerospace and satellite industry.

Florida Travel Marketing Efforts Show Strong Influence on Visitor Demand Trends

New Visit Florida data indicates marketing campaigns are effectively shaping traveler perceptions, contributing to sustained demand and reinforcing the state’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

Florida Faces Elevated Fire Risk Concerns as National Preparedness Levels Rise

Fire activity remains a national concern, with emergency teams monitoring multiple large incidents across the United States as Florida continues to track seasonal risks alongside broader preparedness alerts.

Florida Safety Agencies Expand Coordination After Weekend of Weather and Holiday Incidents

Fire and rescue agencies across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties are increasing coordination following a weekend of lightning strikes, public events and emergency calls tied to severe weather and holiday activity.

Florida Red Hot & Boom! Draws Large Crowds Despite Extreme Heat Conditions

Thousands attended the Red Hot & Boom! Independence Day weekend celebration despite intense heat, reflecting continued strong participation in large-scale community events across the state.

Florida Tourism Sees Long-Term Impact From FIFA World Cup 2026 Events in Miami

State and local officials are assessing the legacy of FIFA World Cup matches in Miami, which highlighted Florida’s global tourism profile and infrastructure capacity during a major international sporting event.

Florida Transportation Law Change Set to Alter Car Buying Experience at Dealerships

A new state transportation law is expected to change the car-buying process for Floridians, with industry analysts noting shifts in dealership practices and increased scrutiny of regulatory influences.

Florida Sees Growing Heat-Related Disruptions as Saharan Dust Affects Air Quality and Storm Patterns

Meteorologists are tracking Saharan dust moving into the region, expected to reduce rain chances midweek while increasing heat stress and contributing to worsening air quality and elevated temperatures.

Florida Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Pulse Nightclub Tragedy With Memorial Groundbreaking

Osceola County marked the tenth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting by breaking ground on a permanent memorial honoring the 49 victims, with ceremonies held across Central Florida to commemorate the tragedy.

Florida Redistricting Fuels Competitive Congressional Races Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Florida’s 2026 midterm election cycle is intensifying as redistricting reshapes key districts, including the 7th, 19th and 20th, prompting a wave of former representatives to seek non-consecutive terms in highly competitive races.

Florida Property Insurance Consolidation Continues With Hilb Group Acquisition

The Hilb Group has acquired a Florida-based commercial property and casualty agency, reflecting continued consolidation in the insurance sector and expanding its footprint across the southeastern United States.

Florida Space Coast Maintains High Launch Activity as Aerospace Sector Expands

The Space Coast continues to see sustained launch operations, with companies including United Launch Alliance conducting missions from the region, supporting Florida’s ongoing role in global aerospace and satellite deployment.

Florida Tourism Maintains Strong Growth Following Record Travel Demand Across State

Visit Florida reports continued year-over-year growth in tourism, with domestic and international travel demand remaining resilient even amid broader economic uncertainty, reinforcing the state’s position as a leading global travel desti...

Florida Insurance Market Shows Stabilization as New Insurers Enter Statewide Property Sector

Florida’s commercial property and casualty insurance market is showing signs of stabilization, with 17 new insurers entering the state and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation reducing its policy count to its lowest level in years, ac...

Florida Lightning Strike in Fort Myers Beach Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

Officials in Fort Myers Beach report that a lightning strike resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, underscoring the heightened danger of outdoor activity during Florida’s peak summer thunderstorm season.

Florida Heatwave Forecast Intensifies With Heat Index Expected to Reach 115 Degrees

Weather models suggest conditions could worsen later in the week, with “feels like” temperatures forecast to climb as high as 115 degrees despite brief relief from scattered storms. Officials are urging residents to take precautions as e...

Florida Weather-Related Incidents Mount as Lightning Injures Deputy and Lifeguard in Separate Cases

A Seminole County deputy was hospitalized after being struck by lightning on Sunday, while a Volusia County lifeguard was also injured in a separate lightning strike during the busy holiday weekend, highlighting the ongoing risk of sever...

Florida Faces Extreme Heat, Storm Risks and Dangerous Weather Conditions to Open the Workweek

South Florida is entering a week of oppressive heat and unstable weather, with “feels like” temperatures expected to reach up to 108 degrees as scattered morning showers and afternoon thunderstorms continue across the state. Forecasters ...

Florida Limits Liability on Former Phosphate Mining Lands to Encourage Redevelopment

Florida lawmakers have introduced liability limits for owners of former phosphate mining sites, a policy intended to support redevelopment of these lands for residential and commercial use.