Hurricane Isaias has made landfall near Destin and Pensacola with sustained winds of 120 miles per hour, prompting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to declare emergencies in 40 counties. Authorities are responding to dangerous storm surges and the threat of severe damage along the Gulf Coast.
Florida Homeowners Face Disputed Insurance Payouts Following Severe Gulf Storms
Florida homeowners are reporting substantial gaps between insured property values and payments received after major storm damage. Some policyholders have received less than $3,000 on policies exceeding $700,000, raising concerns about coverage restrictions and the financial burden of rebuilding.
Florida Universities Bar Undocumented Students Under New State Enrollment Policy
Florida's Board of Governors has approved a policy preventing undocumented students from enrolling in the state's public colleges and universities. Civil rights organisations have criticised the decision, which restricts higher education opportunities for affected immigrant students.
Florida Cabinet Designates More Than 90 Organisations as Terrorist Entities
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet have voted to designate more than 90 organisations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, as terrorist entities. The decision has raised significant questions about the legal consequences of the classifications and their impact on advocacy groups.
Florida Authorities Announce 20 Voter Fraud Cases Ahead of Midterm Elections
Florida law enforcement officials and the attorney general have announced charges against 20 people accused of election-related offences. The cases come just weeks before the midterm elections as authorities increase scrutiny of alleged voting irregularities.
Florida Governor DeSantis Halts Execution of Miami Inmate Amid Cognitive Health Concerns
Governor Ron DeSantis has withdrawn a death warrant hours before the scheduled execution of a Miami death row prisoner. The decision followed concerns about the inmate's dementia and mental health, prompting renewed attention to medical issues in capital punishment cases.
Former Florida Deputy Acquitted in Fatal Shooting of Airman Roger Fortson
A jury has acquitted a former Florida sheriff's deputy of manslaughter with a firearm in the fatal shooting of US Air Force airman Roger Fortson. The verdict concludes a closely watched criminal trial that raised questions about police use of force during emergency calls.
Florida Attorney General Sues Pfizer Over COVID-19 Vaccine Claims
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a civil lawsuit accusing Pfizer and its chief executive of misleading consumers about the safety and effectiveness of the company's coronavirus vaccine. Pfizer has rejected the allegations as without merit.
Florida Appeals Court Removes Grand Jury Report Critical of Hope Florida Foundation
A Florida appeals court has ordered the removal of a Leon County grand jury report alleging that $10 million in legal settlement funds was improperly diverted to the Hope Florida Foundation, associated with Governor Ron DeSantis' wife. The ruling represents a legal victory for the governor's administration.
Florida Governor's Race Intensifies as Byron Donalds and David Jolly Expand Campaigns
Republican candidate Byron Donalds has launched a new advertising campaign highlighting endorsements from Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. Democratic rival David Jolly is seeking support among moderate and minority voters in South Florida despite a fundraising disadvantage.
Miami-Dade School Voucher Spending Projected to Exceed Half of State Per-Pupil Funding
Financial projections indicate that Florida's school voucher programmes will absorb more than half of state-allocated per-pupil education funding in Miami-Dade County this year. The figures have intensified debate over the financial impact of school choice policies on traditional public schools.
Miami-Dade Mayor Proposes $1.2 Billion Budget for Sheriff's Office
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has proposed a $1.2 billion allocation for the county's Sheriff's Office, led by Rosie Cordero-Stutz. The proposed budget would represent the agency's largest funding package and support local law enforcement operations.
Avianca Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Miami After Turbulence Injures Eight Passengers
An Avianca flight bound for New York was diverted to Miami International Airport after encountering severe turbulence that injured at least eight passengers. The incident highlights the potential dangers of sudden in-flight weather conditions.
FDA Announces Recall of 122,000 Cases of Gatorade Over Undeclared Food Dyes
US food regulators say PepsiCo has voluntarily recalled 122,000 cases of Gatorade manufactured in Florida after discovering undeclared Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6 colouring agents. The recall addresses labelling concerns and potential risks for consumers sensitive to the dyes.
Tampa Bay Health Officials Warn of Rising Dengue Cases After Heavy Rainfall
Health authorities in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are reporting increased dengue fever transmission following unusually heavy seasonal rains. Residents are being urged to eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding and the risk of further infections.
South Florida Mayors Challenge State Order to Disable Licence Plate Cameras
The mayors of Miami Beach, Aventura and Sunny Isles have asked Florida officials to reverse a directive requiring police to disable automated licence plate readers. Local leaders argue the restrictions could undermine crime prevention and law enforcement investigations.
Florida Power & Light and Dominion Merger Talks Face Scrutiny Over Election Scandal
Reported merger discussions between Florida Power & Light and Dominion Energy are facing regulatory and investor uncertainty amid continuing investigations into political funding associated with so-called ghost candidates. The controversy could complicate negotiations between the utilities.
SpaceX Proposes Up to 76 Annual Starship Launches From Cape Canaveral
SpaceX has submitted a proposal to conduct as many as 76 Starship launches annually from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The expansion could significantly increase launch activity and related infrastructure demands on Florida's Space Coast.
Seminole Tribe Sues DraftKings Over Sports Betting Rights in Florida
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has filed a lawsuit against DraftKings in Broward County, seeking to stop sports betting activities it alleges violate the tribe's exclusive operating rights. The case adds to disputes over control of Florida's sports wagering market.
Florida Tourism Declines for Second Consecutive Quarter as Canadian Arrivals Drop
Visit Florida reports that statewide tourism fell 0.7% in the second quarter, including a 13.9% decline in visitors from Canada. The figures raise concerns for the state's hospitality sector as inflation and weaker international travel demand weigh on visitor numbers.
Ken Griffin Donates Additional $25 Million to South Florida Hospital Expansion
Citadel founder Ken Griffin has committed another $25 million to a South Florida hospital initiative supporting medical research and infrastructure improvements. The donation adds to his philanthropic investments in the Miami region.
Trump Proposes Presidential Retreat at Private Palm Beach Golf Property
President Donald Trump has proposed converting one of his South Florida golf properties into an official presidential retreat. He says the site could provide secure facilities for meetings with foreign leaders and visiting dignitaries.
Miami's Dolphin Expressway Faces Weekend Closure for Major Construction
Transportation officials are warning motorists about significant delays as part of State Road 836, also known as the Dolphin Expressway, closes for major construction over the weekend. The shutdown is expected to affect commuter traffic and freight movement across Miami-Dade County.
Florida Raises Police Crash Reporting Threshold From $500 to $2,000
A new Florida law has increased the property damage threshold requiring a police crash report from $500 to $2,000.