Florida Times

Tampa Convention Center Draws Large Crowds for Annual Pop Culture Event

Thousands of attendees have gathered in downtown Tampa for a major weekend comic convention, prompting additional traffic management around parking facilities and event venues.

Florida Funds Mixed-Income Housing Projects in Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation has approved bond financing for workforce apartment developments in several high-cost metropolitan markets as the state seeks to ease persistent affordability pressures.

Florida’s Space Coast Suppliers Increase Production as Satellite Demand Grows

Aerospace manufacturers in Brevard County are expanding output as commercial launch companies and satellite operators increase deployments, supporting continued growth in high-skilled regional employment.

South Florida Universities Expand Quantum Research With New Federal Grants

Universities across Miami-Dade and Broward counties have secured federal funding to expand quantum information science research, develop secure communications technology and train specialized engineers.

Tampa Bay Approves Major Water Infrastructure Upgrades

Regional utility authorities across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties have approved investments in nanofiltration facilities and pipeline reinforcement to protect long-term water supplies from saltwater intrusion and severe weather.

Jacksonville Port Reports Record Container Volumes After Channel Deepening

Cargo throughput at Blount Island has reached record levels following completion of the federal shipping-channel deepening project, allowing larger post-Panamax vessels to call without tidal restrictions.

Florida Emergency Management Appoints New Leaders Ahead of Hurricane Season Peak

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has named experienced logistics and regional response officials to senior roles as the state strengthens inter-agency readiness and rapid resource deployment.

Florida Urges Residents to Prepare as Atlantic Hurricane Season Reaches September Peak

State emergency officials are advising Floridians to review evacuation zones, maintain seven-day disaster kits and keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half full as the Atlantic basin enters its most active period.

Florida State Football Opener to Feature Drone Show and LED Wristbands

Florida State University plans a synchronised drone display and PixMob LED wristband experience for fans attending the team’s season-opening football game.

Tampa Bay Boat Show Set for September at Florida State Fairgrounds

The annual Tampa Bay boat show is preparing to return to the Florida State Fairgrounds with displays of marine vessels and equipment for regional buyers and enthusiasts.

Florida State University Units Win TaxWatch Productivity Awards

Two Florida State University teams received 2026 Florida TaxWatch Productivity Awards for initiatives involving simulation training and vendor contracts that delivered multimillion-dollar taxpayer savings.

South Florida Starts September With Persistent Rain and Thunderstorms

Meteorological agencies reported continuing wet weather across Miami-Dade and Broward counties as frequent showers and storms marked the beginning of the month.

Florida Tourism Operators Report Steady Autumn Booking Demand

Hotels and tourism businesses in Orlando and coastal destinations are reporting solid domestic and international bookings heading into the shoulder season.

IKEA Plans New Store Format Expansion in Florida

IKEA announced plans to introduce a new retail concept in Florida as the furniture group expands its presence in the state.

Memorial Healthcare System Names Shane Strum Permanent CEO

The Broward County healthcare network appointed Shane Strum as its permanent chief executive to oversee regional medical operations.

Conservation Collier Buys 19 Properties for $1.17 Million

Collier County’s land preservation programme acquired 19 properties to expand protected natural areas used for habitat conservation, hiking and birdwatching.

Florida Launches Preparedness Month During Peak Hurricane Season

The Division of Emergency Management urged residents to check evacuation zones, replenish emergency supplies and secure their homes as the period of greatest historical tropical storm risk approaches.

Florida Property Insurance Market Shows Signs of Stabilisation

Analysts report improved insurance availability and steadier underwriting conditions for homeowners as private carriers gradually return following recent legislative changes.

Pinellas County Moves to Restrict Standalone Data Centers

County commissioners instructed staff to draft rules that would prevent standalone data centres from being built in unincorporated parts of Pinellas County.

Florida Space Coast Expands Infrastructure as Commercial Launch Demand Surges

Space industry and state logistics officials are addressing capacity constraints at Florida launch facilities as commercial rocket activity continues to rise.

Florida Awards $23 Million to Defence and Space Industry Projects

Governor Ron DeSantis announced $23 million in grants through the Florida Job Growth Fund and Spaceport Improvement Program to support military workforce training and aerospace development.

Florida Moves Ahead With Scheduled Death Row Executions

State corrections officials are preparing for upcoming executions after the governor signed new capital punishment warrants.

Miami-Dade Schools Pause Review of 27 Possible Closures

Miami-Dade County’s new school superintendent temporarily halted a process that had placed 27 schools under consideration for closure.

Trump Endorses Casey Askar in Florida Congressional Race

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican candidate Casey Askar in the newly drawn 22nd congressional district covering parts of Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry and surrounding areas.

Florida Property Tax Amendment Could Cut Household Bills but Strain Hospital Funding

Fiscal analysts said the proposed tax measure could generate substantial savings for homeowners while reducing revenue available to hospital districts, particularly in rural and South Florida communities.

Florida Clears Revised Ballot Language for Property Tax Amendment 3

Lawmakers and judges approved corrected explanatory language for a proposed constitutional property tax measure after earlier wording was struck down as misleading.

Florida Political Dispute Deepens Over $67 Million Medicaid Settlement and Hope Florida Funds

State officials and political figures are clashing over the handling of a $67 million Medicaid settlement and the transfer of related funds to a charity initiative associated with the First Lady.

Florida Democrats Seek Impeachment Inquiry Into Attorney General James Uthmeier

House Democrats called for formal impeachment proceedings after the release of a grand jury report examining a Centene legal settlement and funding connected to the Hope Florida charity.

Voting Rights Groups Sue to Block Florida SAVE Act Citizenship Requirements

Civil rights organisations filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s voter verification law, arguing that its citizenship requirements raise constitutional concerns.

Florida Police Agencies Begin Disabling License Plate Reader Networks

Sheriffs and police departments in jurisdictions including Jacksonville, Brevard and Volusia have started disconnecting automated plate-tracking systems in response to the statewide directive.

DeSantis Defends Florida License Plate Reader Ban on Privacy Grounds

Governor Ron DeSantis said the state’s move against automated license plate readers was intended to prevent private companies from building detailed records of people’s movements.