Florida Times

Candidates Shift Toward General Election Messaging After Democratic Primary Changes in Florida

Florida gubernatorial candidates are increasingly focusing on general election messaging following recent shifts in the Democratic primary field. The evolving race is setting up a more competitive statewide contest heading into November.

Florida Beach Conditions Remain Open Despite Weekend Rain Chances and Rising Humidity

Beach and boating conditions across South Florida remain open with no active advisories, even as forecasters warn of increased rain chances and higher humidity. Officials recommend residents stay updated on daily weather changes.

Northeast Florida Storm Patterns Expected to Intensify With Afternoon Heat-Driven Activity

Meteorologists expect scattered thunderstorms to develop inland around 2 p.m. across Northeast Florida as daytime heating increases atmospheric instability. Morning conditions may remain clear before storm activity shifts later in the day.

Monroe County Expands Focus on Affordable Housing Support in Federal Legislative Agenda

Monroe County’s 2026 priorities include continued support for affordable housing programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Officials say rising housing costs across the Florida Keys remain a key policy challenge.

Jacksonville Restaurant Closures Reflect Shifting Business Conditions in Riverside District

Two long-standing restaurants in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood have announced permanent closures, prompting local discussion about changing commercial conditions in the area. The developments add to broader concerns over shifting...

Federal Funding Secured for Key West International Airport Infrastructure Upgrades

Key West International Airport is set to receive federal funding for infrastructure hardening and transportation improvements following advocacy by Florida officials. The investment aims to strengthen airport operations in the face of ex...

Monroe County Seeks Continued Federal Support for Everglades Restoration and Coastal Resilience

Monroe County officials are urging sustained federal investment in Everglades restoration and coastal resilience projects, citing their importance to Florida Bay’s ecological health and long-term regional protection. The funding push is ...

David Jolly Selects Gwen Graham as Running Mate in Florida Democratic Gubernatorial Bid

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has chosen former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham as his running mate, consolidating support within the party ahead of the general election. The move signals an early attempt to unify Democr...

Mass Candidate Field Emerges in U.S. House Race After Byron Donalds Enters Governor’s Contest

A wide field of candidates has entered the race for Byron Donalds’ former U.S. House seat following his decision to run for Florida governor. The contest is expected to become one of the most competitive congressional races in the state.

Legal Challenge Targets Florida Property Tax Ballot Language Ahead of Vote

A court challenge has been filed over the wording of proposed property tax cut ballot measures, with opponents arguing the language may mislead voters. The case adds legal uncertainty to one of Florida’s closely watched fiscal policy deb...

Florida Infrastructure Funding Outlook Strengthens Under Proposed Federal Transportation Legislation

Proposed federal measures, including the BUILD America 250 Act, could provide up to $14 billion in surface transportation funding for Florida’s highway network. The support comes as the state manages long-term infrastructure demands acro...

Breeze Airways Expands International Growth Strategy at Tampa International Airport

Beyond its new Nassau route, Breeze Airways says it plans to serve five international destinations from Tampa by the end of 2026, including locations in Central America and the Caribbean. The expansion reflects growing competition among ...

Monroe County Pushes Federal Funding for Water Quality, Housing and Coastal Protection in Florida Keys

Monroe County’s federal priorities include expanded support for water quality programs, affordable housing initiatives and coastal resilience funding. Officials say these measures are central to protecting both the environment and the lo...

Hillsborough County Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Expo as Officials Push Emergency Shelter Sign-Ups

Hillsborough County held a disaster preparedness expo on June 13, bringing together 40 agencies to guide residents on evacuation planning, safety measures and recovery resources. Officials also urged people with medical or functional nee...

Monroe County Sets 2026 Federal Agenda Focused on Hurricane Resilience and Everglades Restoration

Monroe County commissioners have approved a federal legislative agenda prioritizing disaster recovery reform, flood insurance affordability and Everglades restoration funding. The plan also calls for more than $5 million in infrastructur...

Breeze Airways Launches First International Flights From Tampa to Nassau With Wider Expansion Planned

Breeze Airways has launched its first nonstop international service from Tampa International Airport to Nassau in the Bahamas, marking the return of the route after two decades. The airline also plans to expand its international network ...

South Florida and Northeast Florida Brace for Heat, Storms and Unstable Weekend Weather

Meteorologists are warning of heat index values reaching up to 107 degrees in Northeast Florida, while South Florida faces rising humidity and the return of scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Officials say conditions remain suitable for ...

Byron Donalds Leads Fundraising Race as Florida Governor Contest Intensifies

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has raised $14 million over the past two months, significantly outpacing both Republican and Democratic rivals in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. The fundraising lead is reshaping...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Complete Organized Team Activities With Focus on Defense

Head coach Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers wrapped up organized team activities after concentrating on integrating new defensive players ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

Tampa Advances Rome Yards Redevelopment Project With Major Construction Milestone

City officials announced progress at the Rome Yards development, a large-scale project intended to transform West Tampa’s waterfront with housing, commercial space, and public green areas.

Walt Disney World Removed More Than 400 Alligators Over the Past Decade

Florida wildlife officials say 414 alligators have been removed from Walt Disney World property during the last ten years as part of expanded wildlife management efforts following a fatal 2016 attack.

Florida Conservation Program Targets Recovery of Roseate Spoonbill Populations

Wildlife agencies and conservation groups have launched a broad habitat protection initiative aimed at strengthening populations of the roseate spoonbill, a distinctive coastal bird once pushed close to extinction.

Florida Homeowners Association Withdraws Firearms Restriction After Legal Pressure

A residential community association has rescinded a policy limiting firearm possession in common areas after the Florida Attorney General threatened legal action over potential constitutional violations.

Florida Schools Prepare to Restore Mandatory Cursive Writing Instruction

School districts across the state are updating curricula ahead of the new academic year to comply with legislation requiring cursive handwriting instruction in elementary classrooms.

Brevard County Authorities Investigate Suspected Animal Cruelty After Dogs Found Dead

Law enforcement and animal welfare officials have launched an investigation after three deceased dogs were discovered inside a trailer, following a separate fatal animal attack in the county last month.

Five-Year-Old Twin Sisters Drown at Kissimmee Vacation Rental Property

Authorities in Osceola County are investigating the deaths of twin sisters who drowned in a residential swimming pool, renewing discussion about safety requirements at short-term rental homes.

Tampa Police Reclassify Fatal Hit-and-Run Case as Homicide Investigation

Investigators have elevated a deadly traffic collision on West Waters Avenue to a homicide case after reviewing new evidence and continuing efforts to identify the driver who fled the scene.

State Attorney Declines Charges Against Orlando Police Officer in Fatal Crash Case

Prosecutors have decided not to pursue criminal charges against an Orlando police officer involved in a collision that killed a 92-year-old driver after concluding a lengthy investigation.

Orlando Community Marks Tenth Anniversary of Pulse Nightclub Mass Shooting

Thousands of residents, survivors, and relatives of victims gathered in Orlando to commemorate the 49 people killed in the 2016 Pulse nightclub attack through memorial events and healing ceremonies.

Marion County Sting Operation Leads to 58 Arrests in Child Exploitation Investigation

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, working with state and federal partners, arrested 58 people during a large undercover operation targeting child exploitation and human trafficking offenses.

SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral

A Falcon 9 rocket successfully deployed 29 Starlink satellites from Florida’s Space Coast, extending the company’s broadband network while maintaining a rapid launch schedule.

National Weather Service Warns of Extreme Heat and Daily Thunderstorms Across Central Florida

Forecasters say a persistent summer weather pattern is bringing heat index values above 100 degrees Fahrenheit along with frequent afternoon storms that could trigger localized flooding.

Florida Health Officials Warn of Rising Vibrio Vulnificus Infections in Coastal Areas

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed eight cases of the potentially deadly bacterial infection this year and is advising residents and visitors with open wounds to avoid exposure to warm coastal waters.

Florida Agriculture Department Bans Animal Imports From Two States Over Screwworm Threat

State agriculture officials have temporarily prohibited shelter and rescue animal imports from Texas and New Mexico as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the destructive New World screwworm parasite.

FloridaCommerce Opens $27 Million Rural Infrastructure Funding Program

The state’s economic development agency has made $27 million available through its Rural Infrastructure Fund to support utility improvements, commercial development projects, and tourism-related infrastructure.

Amazon Plans New Central Florida Distribution Center to Expand Logistics Network

Amazon has announced plans for a new distribution facility in Central Florida aimed at improving delivery efficiency, supporting inventory management, and creating hundreds of logistics jobs.

Florida Housing Market Returns Toward Pre-Pandemic Conditions as Inventory Grows

New housing data shows active listings have risen nearly 10% from a year earlier while homes remain on the market longer, giving buyers greater leverage after years of tight supply.

Florida Property Insurance Market Shows Signs of Stability Ahead of Hurricane Season

Industry data indicates Florida’s insurance market has become more stable following recent legislative changes, with litigation declining and average costs for homeowners and renters falling.

Former Officials Sue to Remove Florida Property Tax Amendment From Ballot

A group of former local elected officials has filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed property tax reduction amendment from appearing on the November ballot, arguing that its wording could mislead voters.

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs 25 More Bills Into Law Covering Health and Education

Governor Ron DeSantis approved another 25 measures, bringing this year’s total to more than 160 laws and advancing initiatives including healthcare programs and licensing reforms.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Withdraws From Florida Governor’s Race

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings ended his campaign for governor, citing personal health concerns and reshaping the Democratic primary contest ahead of the statewide election.

Florida Elections Field Set After Candidate Qualifying Closes for Midterm Races

The close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period has finalized a crowded midterm election ballot, including two dozen gubernatorial candidates and competitive legislative primaries that will shape political control in Tallahassee.

Florida and Federal Agencies Expand Immigration Enforcement Operations Across the State

Recent enforcement data shows Florida state troopers and county sheriff’s deputies have sharply increased arrests and detentions of undocumented immigrants, using state-level authorities to intensify immigration enforcement alongside fed...

Airbnb Offers World Cup Tickets to Boost Miami Summer Bookings

The accommodation platform launched a promotion providing complimentary football tickets to guests booking stays in Miami as it seeks to counter softer seasonal demand.

Florida Attorney General Announces Crackdown on Violent Beach Gatherings

State law enforcement agencies will increase enforcement and pursue tougher penalties following a serious shooting incident linked to large youth gatherings at Clearwater Beach.

University of Florida Unveils Major Renovation Plan for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

The project will modernize the iconic football venue with expanded concourses, upgraded premium seating and new technology designed to improve the fan experience.

Florida Panthers Expand Arena Sustainability Program During Stanley Cup Final Run

The NHL franchise introduced enhanced recycling and waste-reduction systems at Amerant Bank Arena as part of broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of major sporting events.

Miami-Dade Begins Search for New School Superintendent

The district released a list of more than 20 candidates seeking to lead the nation’s third-largest public school system following recent leadership changes.