Emergency officials have confirmed two storm-related deaths in Escambia County, including one from carbon monoxide poisoning, following Hurricane Isaias. National Guard personnel have conducted floodwater rescues, while cleanup crews are working across severely damaged coastal communities, including Destin and Panama City Beach.
Pensacola and Destin Airports Remain Closed Following Hurricane Isaias
Airports serving Pensacola and Destin remain closed for structural repairs after Hurricane Isaias damaged buildings and flooded infrastructure across Florida's Panhandle. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport has resumed operations, but significant disruption to regional air travel continues.
DeSantis Announces Reopening of Major Panhandle Roads and Bridges After Hurricane
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has confirmed that Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 98 and state-owned coastal bridges have reopened following safety inspections after Hurricane Isaias. Utility crews continue working to restore electricity to hundreds of thousands of residents affected by the storm.
Florida Warns Hurricane Victims Against Unlicensed Contractors and Repair Scams
Florida emergency management and legal authorities are warning homeowners recovering from Hurricane Isaias to avoid unlicensed contractors offering roof repairs and debris removal. Officials are particularly concerned about operators demanding large upfront payments, leaving storm victims vulnerable to fraud during rebuilding efforts.
Florida Governor Halts Execution Following Reported Lethal Injection Failure
Governor Ron DeSantis has withdrawn the death warrant for William Lee Thompson following reports of a failed lethal injection involving inmate Christa Pike. The decision has renewed scrutiny of execution procedures and the legal and ethical questions surrounding capital punishment in Florida.
Whistleblowers Allege Abuse and Dangerous Overcrowding at Orlando Immigration Detention Center
Whistleblowers have reported alleged mistreatment, prolonged shackling and severe overcrowding at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Central Florida. The allegations are increasing pressure on federal immigration authorities to address detention conditions and provide greater oversight.
Three Men Charged in Miami Over Deadly Migrant Smuggling Voyage Near Puerto Rico
Federal prosecutors in Miami have charged three men in connection with a fatal migrant smuggling operation that ended when a boat capsized off Puerto Rico. Investigators allege that one suspect attacked Haitian and Dominican passengers with a machete before the vessel sank, adding serious violence allegations to the criminal case.
Venezuelan Businessman Alvaro Pulido Taken Into Federal Custody in Miami
Alvaro Pulido, a longtime business associate of Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab, has been taken into US federal custody in Miami to face bribery and money laundering charges. The allegations concern financial dealings linked to the government of Nicolás Maduro, bringing another prominent figure in the case before American authorities.
Florida Intensifies Lawsuit Against Pfizer Over COVID-19 Vaccine Marketing Claims
Florida's attorney general is pursuing further legal action against Pfizer, alleging that the pharmaceutical company engaged in misleading marketing concerning the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccines. The case raises questions about pharmaceutical advertising and consumer protection, although the state's allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
United States Becomes Leading Fuel Supplier to Cuba's Private Businesses
US energy companies and Miami-based exporters have reportedly become the largest suppliers of fuel and heavy machinery to Cuba's growing private business sector. The trade is expanding economic links across the Florida Straits despite longstanding US restrictions on commerce with the island.
Spirit Airlines Faces Privacy Questions Over Reported Passenger Data Deal With Google
Florida-based Spirit Airlines is facing scrutiny following reports that it is considering selling passenger information and booking data to Google. Consumer privacy advocates have raised concerns about how airline customer information could be commercialized, although no completed agreement has been announced.
Florida Accounts for 26% of New US Retail Property Supply in First Half of 2026
Florida represented 26% of new retail real estate supply across the United States during the first six months of 2026, according to industry data. Population growth, substantial tourism activity and the elimination of the state's commercial lease tax have supported continued investment in shopping and commercial developments.
Florida Property Tax Amendment Raises Uncertainty for Real Estate Developers Ahead of November Vote
Real estate lenders and developers are assessing the potential impact of Florida's proposed HJR 1-F property tax amendment ahead of the November ballot. Industry participants warn that rejection of the measure could affect property tax assessments, local tax rates and financing costs for future projects.
Manatee County Imposes One-Year Moratorium on New Data Center Development
Commissioners in Florida's Manatee County have suspended permits and development approvals for new data centers for one year. The pause will allow local officials to examine electricity demand, environmental impacts and infrastructure requirements before deciding whether additional facilities should be permitted.
Pinellas County Sheriff Defends License Plate Surveillance Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has defended the use of automated license plate readers supplied by Flock Safety during a contentious discussion with county commissioners. Critics raised concerns about privacy and possible misuse, while Gualtieri argued that the technology remains important for criminal investigations.
St. Petersburg Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Housing, Storm Protection and Redevelopment
Incumbent Mayor Ken Welch and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist have debated key issues in the St. Petersburg mayoral race, including housing affordability, hurricane resilience and redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District. The contest is drawing attention to the city's growth and long-term development priorities.
Google Offers 500 Free Technology Certifications to Miami-Dade Residents
Google has announced a workforce development initiative providing 500 free professional certifications to Miami-Dade residents. The courses will focus on data analytics, cybersecurity and information technology support, helping participants develop skills for employment in South Florida's expanding technology sector.
Downtown St. Petersburg High-Rise Project Secures $125 Million Construction Loan
Real estate investment firm PTM Partners has secured a three-year, $125 million construction loan for the Edge Collective development in downtown St. Petersburg. The planned 330-unit luxury residential tower reflects continued investment in the Tampa Bay area's urban housing market.
Tampa Police Investigate Patrol Car Collision That Injured Officers and Suspect
Tampa police have opened an internal investigation after a responding officer accidentally struck two fellow officers and a fleeing suspect with a patrol vehicle. The incident has prompted scrutiny of police response procedures and vehicle safety during active enforcement operations.
Jury Convicts Man in Fatal Robbery of Tampa Construction Supervisor
A Hillsborough County jury has convicted a man in connection with the killing of a construction supervisor during a robbery at a Tampa residential building site. Prosecutors said the victim was targeted for company payroll funds, bringing the criminal case to a significant judicial conclusion.
BMW Overturns on Miami's Palmetto Expressway Following High-Speed Police Pursuit
A BMW overturned on Miami's Palmetto Expressway after a high-speed pursuit involving Florida Highway Patrol troopers. Authorities closed several lanes while emergency crews responded to the crash, disrupting traffic on one of South Florida's busiest highways.
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