Florida Times

Finland Deploys Commercial-Scale Thermal Batteries Using Crushed Rock to Store Renewable Grid Energy

A 100-megawatt-hour thermal storage system in Pornainen has eliminated the municipal heating network's reliance on oil, as engineers test bidirectional power conversion.

Valued at $109 Million: F-35B Fighter Jet Crashes in Southern California

Miami Condo Owners Push for Tougher Enforcement Against Illegal Short-Term Rentals

Residents in Miami's Brickell neighborhood are urging city officials to strengthen enforcement against unauthorized Airbnb rentals, citing concerns over zoning compliance and building security.

Veteran Teacher Pay Raises Secured Across Tampa Bay School Districts

School districts in the Tampa Bay area finalized funding before a key July deadline to increase salaries for experienced teachers.

State Wildlife Agency Faces Privacy Criticism Over Activist Data Searches

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is under scrutiny after records showed agency staff searched the personal information of a prominent environmental activist more than 30 times.

Tri-Rail Appoints New Executive Director

South Florida's regional rail authority has selected a new executive director to oversee operations and future expansion of the commuter rail system linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

Tampa City Council Set to Vote on Rays Stadium Agreement

Tampa city lawmakers are preparing to consider a major public-private stadium proposal designed to keep the Tampa Bay Rays in the region.

Miami-Dade Plans Major Recycling Overhaul as Landfills Near Capacity

County officials are proposing sweeping changes to waste management aimed at doubling recycling rates and reducing pressure on South Florida's increasingly full landfills.

Florida Insurance Officials Seek Reinsurance Investment in London

Governor Ron DeSantis and Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky met with insurance executives in London to promote Florida's improving property insurance market and attract additional reinsurance capital.

University of Miami Health System Reaches New Agreement With UnitedHealthcare

A new contract between the University of Miami Health System and UnitedHealthcare will prevent coverage disruptions for Medicare Advantage members and thousands of commercially insured patients across South Florida.

Judge Clears Fishback to Remain on Florida Governor Ballot

A Florida judge ruled that gubernatorial candidate Fishback meets the legal qualifications to remain on the ballot, resolving a challenge to the candidate's eligibility.

Florida Supreme Court Permanently Revokes Attorney's Law License

The Florida Supreme Court ruled that an attorney who previously avoided criminal conviction through an insanity plea cannot regain her license to practice law in the state.

OnlyFans Model Reaches Plea Deal in Fatal Miami Stabbing Case

A social media creator accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend in a luxury Miami apartment has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, avoiding a murder trial.

Record Heat Gives Way to Flood Threat Across South Florida

After Miami set a 40-year daily temperature record, the National Weather Service warned that heavy weekend thunderstorms could bring excessive rainfall and flooding to Miami-Dade and Broward counties, potentially disrupting early August ...

SpaceX Launches Classified U.S. Reconnaissance Satellite From Cape Canaveral

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station before safely landing its reusable first-stage booster.

Federal Lawmakers Urge Against Deporting Haitians Protected Under TPS

Members of Congress who recently visited Haiti say deporting thousands of Haitians living in Florida under Temporary Protected Status would be dangerous, citing worsening gang violence and ongoing political instability in the country.

Florida Attorney General Challenges Catholic Schools Over Vaccine Exemptions

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is threatening to withhold public funding from Catholic schools that refuse to recognize religious exemptions for routine childhood vaccinations, escalating a dispute over state education funding a...

Florida Arts Grants Support Community Cultural Programmes

Regional arts organisations have received state funding for community theatre, youth music education and public heritage exhibitions scheduled for the autumn season.

State Universities Accelerate Campus Maintenance Before Autumn Semester

Florida's public universities are completing building repairs, laboratory improvements and residence hall renovations ahead of the new academic year.

Visit Florida Launches Campaign to Extend Summer Tourism

Visit Florida has begun a marketing campaign across neighbouring southeastern states to encourage weekend travel and support tourism through the end of August.

Florida Updates Recreational Saltwater Fishing Limits

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has revised bag and size limits for selected saltwater species to support sustainable fisheries management.

Central Florida Expressway Authority Advances Toll Modernisation Plans

The Central Florida Expressway Authority is studying upgrades to electronic tolling systems to improve traffic flow on major routes serving Orlando and surrounding communities.

Florida Supreme Court Revises Court Scheduling Guidelines

The Florida Supreme Court has issued updated administrative orders governing case management and trial scheduling across the state's judicial circuits.

Florida Updates Digital Literacy Standards for Schools

The State Board of Education has issued revised guidelines requiring public schools to strengthen instruction in digital citizenship, online safety and technology skills.

Florida Expands Online Motor Vehicle Services

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has introduced additional online services allowing motorists to complete more title transfers and licence plate renewals digitally.

Tampa International Airport Upgrades Baggage Handling System

Tampa International Airport has installed new automated baggage sorting technology to reduce misplaced luggage and improve operational efficiency.

South Florida Adjusts Water Management Ahead of Seasonal Rains

The South Florida Water Management District has modified canal operations to improve stormwater storage while protecting regional water supplies during the rainy season.

Florida Insurance Regulator Reviews Property Insurers' Finances

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is examining quarterly financial filings from property insurers to assess capital strength and market stability.

Port Everglades Maintains Strong Cruise Passenger Traffic

Port Everglades reported steady cruise passenger volumes as major cruise operators continued full Caribbean sailing schedules through the late summer season.

Space Coast Rocket Launches Boost Tourism

Tourism officials in Brevard County reported increased visitor numbers and hotel bookings as frequent launches from Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center continue to attract spectators.

Florida Awards Grants for Coastal Resilience Projects

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has provided funding for shoreline protection, mangrove restoration and flood mitigation projects in coastal communities.

Jacksonville Port Expands Rail and Container Operations

The Jacksonville Port Authority has completed operational improvements to speed cargo transfers between container terminals and freight rail networks, strengthening logistics across northeast Florida.

Orlando Reports Strong Advance Bookings for Autumn Convention Season

Hotels and convention venues in Orlando have recorded robust advance reservations for major corporate events and trade shows scheduled later this year.

Miami International Airport Expands Capacity for Latin American Flights

Miami International Airport has completed terminal upgrades to accommodate growing passenger traffic on routes linking Florida with Central and South America.

Major Florida Healthcare Systems Expand Rural Telehealth Services

Healthcare providers are investing in advanced telehealth platforms to connect patients in rural communities with specialists at major hospitals, improving access to medical care across the state.

Florida Builders Roll Out House Bill 803 Permit Reforms

Developers, contractors and local planning authorities have begun implementing permit exemptions and fee reductions introduced under House Bill 803 to streamline construction approvals.

Florida Real Estate Sector Adapts to New Property Tax and Zoning Rules

Real estate professionals are assessing recently enacted legislation affecting property tax assessments, municipal zoning authority and commercial development standards across the state.

South Florida Developers Implement Live Local Act 4.0 Housing Changes

Property developers and local housing agencies are incorporating new planning rules under Live Local Act 4.0, including expanded eligibility provisions, protections for building heights and measures covering religious-owned land.

Florida Public Service Commission Reviews Utility Grid Hardening Plans

State regulators are evaluating proposals from major electric utilities to strengthen power networks through underground lines, more resilient substations and automated restoration systems ahead of severe weather.