Florida Times

Polk State College Selects Senior Florida Education Official as President

One of Florida’s top education leaders has been chosen to lead Polk State College, a move that signals a new phase for the institution and closer alignment with statewide education priorities.

Florida Legislature Advances Proposal to Raise Homestead Tax Exemption to $250,000

Florida lawmakers are moving quickly during a special session to approve Governor Ron DeSantis’s proposal to increase the homestead property tax exemption to $250,000, a measure that could deliver substantial savings for homeowners while...

Miami Marlins Complete Series Sweep Behind Strong Max Meyer Performance

The Marlins secured a sweep of the Washington Nationals, with pitcher Max Meyer delivering a standout performance that provided a boost to the club's 2026 campaign.

Florida Researchers Develop New Technology to Protect Coastal Bridges

Engineering teams at Florida International University have introduced advanced monitoring methods designed to improve the durability and safety of coastal bridges exposed to corrosion and severe weather.

Animal Welfare Debate Intensifies Over South Florida Sloth Attraction

Protesters gathered outside Margate City Hall to oppose a business offering close encounters with sloths, reigniting discussion about animal welfare standards in Florida tourism.

Opa-Locka Parks Director Arrested After Child Left in Municipal Van Overnight

A senior city official faces child neglect charges after a five-year-old was reportedly discovered inside a city vehicle following a summer camp trip.

Investigation Expands Into South Florida Psychiatrist Following Misconduct Allegations

State health authorities and law enforcement are examining claims from multiple women who allege inappropriate conduct during medical examinations by a prominent psychiatrist.

Orange County Mayor to Focus on Housing and Growth in Final State of the County Address

Mayor Jerry Demings is expected to outline plans for affordable housing, public safety, and transportation as Central Florida continues to manage rapid population growth.

Suspect Arrested After Attempting to Sell Stolen Radioactive Equipment Online

Authorities say a Florida man was taken into custody after allegedly stealing radioactive industrial equipment and attempting to sell it through Facebook Marketplace.

Florida Education Leader Selected to Head Polk State College

One of the state's top education officials is leaving her current role to become president of Polk State College, marking a notable leadership transition in Florida's higher education sector.

Immigration Arrests Rise Sharply Across Miami-Dade Police Departments

Several municipal police agencies are reporting record levels of immigration-related detentions as Florida's expanded enforcement measures take effect.

Accelerated Immigration Hearings Strain South Florida Legal Aid Networks

Faster court schedules in Miami are increasing pressure on asylum seekers and legal service organizations that are struggling to provide representation within compressed timelines.

Brickell Condominium Project Sells Rapidly as Miami Luxury Demand Holds Strong

Developer North Development has paid off a $70 million construction loan early after selling more than 120 units at the Domus Brickell Park project, underscoring continued demand in Miami's property market.

Health Officials Warn of Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases in Miami-Dade

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid exposing open wounds to coastal waters after several serious infections linked to Vibrio vulnificus were reported in South Florida.

Florida Expands Public Access to Naloxone in Fight Against Opioid Overdoses

Health officials are installing round-the-clock Narcan access cabinets outside government buildings in several communities to provide faster emergency responses to overdose incidents.

Federal Lawmakers Seek Justice Department Review of Former Miami Beach Mayor

A congressional committee has requested a federal investigation into a former Miami Beach mayor over previously undisclosed ties and potential involvement related to the Jeffrey Epstein trafficking scandal.

New Golden Glades Ramp Opens to Ease Congestion in Miami-Dade

Florida transportation officials have opened a key flyover connection at the Golden Glades interchange, aiming to reduce traffic delays at one of the state's busiest highway junctions.

West Marine Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

The Fort Lauderdale-based boating retailer has sought bankruptcy protection amid weaker consumer spending and ongoing supply chain pressures affecting the recreational marine sector.

Florida Auto Insurance Rates Set to Fall as Market Conditions Improve

State insurance regulators say Florida's five largest auto insurers are indicating average premium reductions of roughly 8 percent over the coming year as market stabilization efforts continue.

SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral

A Falcon 9 rocket successfully deployed 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit and completed a drone ship landing, marking another milestone in SpaceX's rapid launch schedule.

Florida Supreme Court Upholds Gas Rate Increase for Florida City Gas Customers

In a split decision, the state's highest court upheld a regulatory ruling allowing Florida City Gas to raise rates for more than 120,000 customers to offset inflation and infrastructure expenses.

Miami-Dade Mayor Removes Port Leadership Amid Fuel Depot Controversy

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has dismissed a senior deputy and the director of PortMiami following public opposition and administrative turmoil surrounding a proposed cruise ship fuel storage facility.

South Florida Faces Flash Flood Threat as Heavy Rain Sweeps Through Region

Emergency officials have issued flood advisories across Miami-Dade and Broward counties as a slow-moving weather system brings intense rainfall and increases the risk of disruptive urban flooding.

Florida Insurance Reforms Drive Sharp Decline in Litigation and Premium Costs

A new industry report shows homeowners insurance lawsuits have fallen by nearly half over the past 18 months, helping attract insurers back to the market and contributing to average premium reductions of 14 percent.

US Orders Orlando Coal Plant to Remain Online Amid Grid Reliability Concerns

The federal government has directed the Stanton Energy Center in Central Florida to delay its planned retirement and continue operating through the summer as rising electricity demand and data center growth strain power supplies.

Florida Cities and Counties Warn Property Tax Plan Could Cut Billions From Local Budgets

Local officials across Florida say the proposed property tax amendment could reduce annual revenues by more than $8 billion, putting pressure on funding for emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and law enforcement.

Florida Property Tax Cut Amendment Heads to November Ballot After Legislative Approval

Florida lawmakers have advanced a constitutional amendment backed by Governor Ron DeSantis that would raise the homestead exemption to as much as $250,000 by 2028, setting up a statewide vote with major implications for homeowners and lo...