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SeaWorld Orlando giving free tickets to veterans, while Glow or Go escape room does the same for teachers
The free admission is meant as a thank you to veterans and educators.
Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics
There's fallout galore after Florida lawmakers pushed through a new congressional map just months before the election.
United Way launches fundraising for new mental health fund
United Way of Northeast Florida launched a campaign to raise $250,000 for its mental health programs by May 31.
Unified support is vital to Tallahassee’s small businesses
At the Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida A&M University, our mission is to ensure owners are not navigating this journey alone.
Massive fire destroys University of South Florida laboratory building: 'Total loss'
A massive fire broke out at the University of South Florida's Marine Science Laboratory in St. Petersburg, with no injuries reported, authorities said.
Massive fire engulfs science lab at University of South Florida St. Petersburg: 'Total devastation'
Fire Breaks Out at University of South Florida Marine Science Lab
A fire broke out Saturday evening at a University of South Florida marine science lab in St. Petersburg, prompting an evacuation.
Fire at building on USF St. Pete campus leads to evacuations, creates hazmat situation: police
Crews were battling a large fire at a building on the University of South Florida’s campus in St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon.
Fire at building on USF St. Petersburg campus sends large plume of smoke into air
Crews were battling a large fire at a building on the University of South Florida’s campus in St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon.
Rory Diamond calls for 'race-neutral' Jacksonville City Council map before next local election
The Beaches Republican has not ruled out a run for Mayor.
Eddie Speir’s answer is sitting right in front of him
CD 16 already has a clear front-runner. CD 14 does not.
Times Opinion: Corporations spend big in Florida politics
Before Florida's legislative session began in January, corporations, political committees and lobbyists showered the accounts of some of the state's most influential lawmakers with a fresh $14 million in a single day.
The politics of Trump's ballroom
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — President Trump was about a half-hour into his second speech of the day, musing about the danger he faced last week at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “Saturday night, it was good for one thing. People are loving my ballroom now,” Trump told a crowd last night. “That’s the only thing. They love my ballroom.” Ever since he was hustled off stage at the Washington Hilton last week, after an attempted shooter breached the dinner’s security perimeter and sent guests diving to the floor, the president has argued that the incident is proof for why his White House ballroom is needed. Only his planned $400 million, 90,000-square-foot project, Trump has reasoned, can keep a president truly safe at major events. It’s true that a bunch of GOP lawmakers have jumped on board with new legislation and words of support for Trump’s project. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Rand Paul and other prominent Republicans went on TV to talk about the need for a ballroom. But as we reported at The Washington Post this week, “people” aren’t really changing their minds on Trump’s ballroom. A new Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that most Americans still oppose the ballroom project: 56 percent against it versus 28 percent in favor. The numbers are the same as a poll from last year, the Post’s polling whiz Scott Clement found. Other new polls have found similar margins, too. “I’m just not a giant fan, especially of extravagance,” one independent voter told me. “I mean, in the era we’re in right now, given how much people are struggling, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to spend $400 million on a ballroom.” How we got here The Washington Post has followed Trump’s ballroom project very closely. (My colleague Jonathan Edwards may have written the most total words of any reporter about the project; I may be second.) The project exploded as a national issue after Trump tore down the White House’s East Wing after initially promising not to touch it.1 Historic preservationists sued, and about a month ago, a federal judge ordered a halt to ballroom construction.2 The only way the ballroom could proceed, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled, was if Congress explicitly authorized Trump’s plans. (An appeals court has stayed Leon’s order for now.) The judge’s ruling raised an obvious question: would Congress authorize the project? Keep in mind, “authorization” doesn’t mean that Congress needs to necessarily fund the planned $400 million project; they could just sign off on the private donations that Trump has solicited to pay for the ballroom.3 But GOP lawmakers really didn’t want to talk about the ballroom, we reported at The Post just a few weeks ago. One major reason was the ballroom’s bad polling — not a small detail with many of their own midterm elections looming. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident, and Trump’s advocacy, may have changed the political conversation around the ballroom. As this week’s polling shows, it doesn’t seem to have affected the fundamental questions surrounding the project. To put it another way, voters still say that cost-of-living concerns are top-of-mind heading into the midterms. Some Republican and independent voters have told me that they see the ballroom as a vanity project that will help Trump but do nothing for their own lives. It might not help Republicans that Trump has dismissed some of the cost-of-living concerns. He’s described “affordability” as a buzzword manufactured by Democrats whose policies helped cause inflation. “They’ve got one good line of bullshit,” Trump said in his first speech yesterday, delivered at a Florida retirement community known as The Villages. Thanks for reading Dan Diamond's newsletter! Subscribe for free to stay up-to-date on my work. Subscribe Speaking of Trump’s speeches… I’m down in Florida because it’s my “duty week” as a White House reporter — basically, I follow the president wherever he goes. (And then hand the baton off to one of my Washington Post colleagues next week.) As part of my duty week, I’ve spent a few days covering the White House’s reaction to Saturday’s attempted shooting, including officials’ review of the security protocols to protect the president. Trump was restrained in the wake of the incident, addressing the nation from the White House briefing room about the need for peaceful dialogue and trying to lower the temperature. But he’s clearly been itching to get back out of the White House, and I was curious to hear how his Florida speeches would go. And — to my ears — it was an unburdened Trump. Not the one we saw Saturday night in the White House briefing room, but the one we witnessed on the campaign trail in 2024. Loose, dropping profanities, mocking everyone, including members of his team. “We have a man here who knows more about Medicaid, Medicare, medical crap than any human being. Where’s Dr. Oz? Where the hell are you, stand up,” Trump said, referring to Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “It’s the most boring trip I’ve ever made. He’s telling me about Medicare, Medicaid. All I want to do is take care of you, I don’t care. I said, ‘You work out the details.’” I wrote up the speech, as Trump headed to West Palm Beach to deliver more remarks a few hours later. The White House didn’t like my story. Their rapid-response team called it the work of a “total loser”4 and “a miserable TDS-ridden moron.” You can be the judge of whether it’s a fair story or the product of someone afflicted with “TDS.” (The White House’s shorthand for “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”) I’ve pasted the story below with a gift link, meaning that you don’t need to be a Washington Post subscriber to read it. It might prompt you for an email address, though. Meanwhile, I’ll be down in Florida for the rest of the weekend, covering the president. It’s TBD whether those stories will be deemed TDS-afflicted, too. 1 Jonathan details the past six months of ballroom fallout, reactions and the implications for executive authority here. I also had a great time talking about Trump’s ballroom and other projects with Australia’s ABC News Daily on a podcast this week. 2 The judge allowed underground construction and national security-related work to continue. But that hasn’t been enough for Trump, who says the ballroom itself is essential for his protection. 3 The ballroom donors include companies like Palantir, Google and Amazon. For transparency, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post, where I work. No one has ever interfered with our team’s coverage of the ballroom or our mentions of Amazon or Bezos, and if that changed, I’d speak out. 4 To be fair, I’ve spent the morning working on stories and writing this Substack post rather than enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. So they may be onto something about who’s winning and who’s losing.
Cuban Americans have been big Trump backers. His Cuba policy may change that.
Florida’s Cuban American community is on a pressure campaign to make sure the Trump administration knows it’s regime change, or else.
Takeaways from Tallahassee
Florida’s roads and leadership move forward, even as maps change.
Trump jokes about security concerns, mic problems and Dr Oz during freewheeling Florida speech
Trump turned a microphone malfunction into a comic riff at The Villages in Florida, joking that he was screaming his "a-- off" over the bad mic.
Kelly Kirschner jumps into race for open CD 16 seat
The former Sarasota Mayor hopes to succeed Vern Buchanan and flip the district blue.
Redistricting shuffle: Darren Soto signals he's staying put in CD 9
He has also dismissed Ron DeSantis' proposed congressional map, which passed in the Legislature, 'illegal.'
Florida Yacht Charter Business Fights $1.5 Million Tax Bill
A Florida yachting venture that participated in high-stakes offshore fishing tournaments before unforeseen setbacks forced a pivot to luxury charters told the US Tax Court the IRS wrongly defined its business as a hobby and assessed more than $1.5 million in tax liabilities.
Trump gives Spirit Airlines 'final' proposal as beleaguered carrier prepares to shut down
Spirit Airlines received a final bailout proposal from the U.S. as President Donald Trump says the administration is "driving a tough deal" to aid the beleaguered carrier.
Yvette Benarroch says Angie Nixon's bullhorn protest left her with possible ear damage, files workers’ comp claim
'When we go on the floor like we shouldn't be afraid of getting hurt, especially by another member.'
Florida state college sports panel eyes agent rules, NIL trusts
University of South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins said regulations are needed for agents, including making financial arrangements with students transparent.
Inter Miami CF First Team Players Join Mental Health Experts for the Third Annual Conversations with Cafecito Presented by Café Bustelo at Florida International University
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness month in May, Inter Miami CF First Team players, Alexander Shaw and David Ruiz joined mental health professionals for the team’s third annual Conversations with Cafecito panel presented by Café Bustelo at Florida International University (FIU). Moderated by Dr. Kristin A.Nichols, Director of the Professional
PEST PARTY: Dozen Central Florida eateries shut down after health inspections
Last week, 12 more eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
Florida Republicans slice and dice congressional districts: How a new map could cost Democrats seats
The redrawn congressional district lines that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will soon sign into law are intended to help Republicans pick up as many as four U.S. House seats in November — a scenario that would cost some Democrats their seats
Florida college sports panel eyes agent rules, NIL trusts
The panel is also considering recommending more oversight of agents working for collegiate athletes, limiting transfers between schools and exempting schools from federal antitrust laws to shield them from lawsuits on compensation.
Brevard County high school seniors sign to play college sports
Many Brevard County high school senior athletes are committing to play their chosen sport in college. See the list.
Want to help NASA with space science? Here's how to volunteer
Not everyone can be an astronaut, but you can still be an important part of NASA"s space exploration
Brevard on a budget: Free, fun things to do this weekend, May 1-7
Brevard on a budget: Free, fun things to do in Brevard this weekend include Free Comic Book Day, concerts and art walk.
Salt shaker test: The Stetson poll is the real deal — but read the fine print
The real story is in the independent numbers — a large undecided bloc that neither party has locked up.
Personnel note: Dan Boyle joins Mercury Public Affairs
'Dan brings a unique combination of strategic instinct and real-world experience at the highest levels of government.'
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics
Your first scoop on the Sunshine State
Florida legislature approves new congressional map intended to boost Republicans in midterms
The vote came just two days after Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his proposal and the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court rolled back a key provision of the Voting Rights Act.
Who was invited to dinner with King Charles: Justices, business leaders and Palm Beach friends
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted a white-tie dinner at the White House with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Nearly 130 guests enjoyed Dover sole meunière and a beehive-shaped chocolate dessert on Tuesday night. The guest list included business leaders, tech CEOs and friends from Palm Beach, Florida. The six conservative justices on the Supreme Court also attended, despite Trump’s recent criticism over tariffs. Fox News stars and other conservative media figures were present, along with three of Trump’s children, his father-in-law, sports figures and lawmakers, including House and Senate leaders.
Jacksonville reviewing ‘home occupations’ legislation, covering businesses operated from homes
Jacksonville’s Planning Department is seeking approval to update the city’s zoning code rules for home occupations in Section 656 so they match Florida Statute 559.955.
Florida legislature approves new congressional map intended to boost Republicans in midterms
The Florida Legislature approved a new congressional map intended to maximize Republicans’ advantage in the state as part of the national redistricting battle that President Donald Trump launched ahead of this year’s midterms.
Former Florida governor Charlie Crist is running for St. Petersburg mayor
Former Florida governor and U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist is running for mayor of his hometown of St. Petersburg
House approves Ron DeSantis-proposed congressional map
The lower chamber deferred to the Governor's Office on creation of the cartography.
The Supreme Court just issued the redistricting ruling DeSantis was waiting for
The Supreme Court dropped the decision Wednesday, just as Florida lawmakers were debating a new voting map.
Certain Floridians die more often of cancer and disease. Will AI make it worse?
More Hispanics in Florida went without healthcare in 2023 and 2024 at higher rates than the Black and white populations.
Scene Calendar: Harn exhibit on Florida, 'Million Dollar Quarter' at Hipp
Other local entertainment includes live music in the city of Alachua and at Heartwood Soundstage, and art at Santa Fe College and the GFAA.
DeSantis' Florida redistricting map advances — but draws GOP no votes, legal scrutiny
Florida is seen as the last possible place before the November midterms for Republicans to gain seats in mid-decade redistricting, a process kickstarted last year by President Donald Trump and the White House.
Spring practice ends without answers as Alabama, Florida, Tennessee QB races intensify
How this SEC trio is analyzing each of the QB1 candidates following the spring
FSU student entrepreneurs pitch business ideas at Student Innovators’ Shark Tank competition
Student entrepreneurs from across Florida State University gathered at the Innovation Hub last week to pitch business ventures in the Student Innovators’
Florida Delays Children's Health Insurance Expansion as Uninsured Rate Rises
By Daniel Chang and KFF Health News HealthDay ReportersTUESDAY, April 28, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Like many parents, Tatiana Lafortune wants her children to get a good education, eat nutritious food and see a doctor when they’re not feeling well. Public schools and her church’s pantry help Lafortune ...
Florida Poly researcher searches for root cause of Florida algae crisis
A research team is developing a biochar-based product meant to remove nutrients from water to restore ecological balance.
Chamber report: Florida’s businesses need more mathletes
The Florida Chamber said the highest demand jobs all require math skills.
Politics & Power: Rising tariffs, gas prices squeeze small business margins across the South
Florida State University business analyst Wayne Hochwarter joins News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton on this week's episode of Politics & Power to discuss whether tariffs should be adjusted to shield small importers; what short‑term relief (tax credits, grants, fuel support) would help Main Street; and how state budgets should adapt to tourism and construction slowdowns.
Politics & Power: Rising tariffs, gas prices squeeze small business margins across the South
Florida State University business analyst Wayne Hochwarter joins News4JAX anchor Bruce Hamilton on this week's episode of Politics & Power to discuss whether tariffs should be adjusted to shield small importers; what short‑term relief (tax credits, grants, fuel support) would help Main Street; and how state budgets should adapt to tourism and construction slowdowns.
He Died in a Florida Jail. The Company in Charge Should Have Sent Him to the Hospital, Experts Say.
Most of the state’s jails have stopped contracting with Armor Health companies, which have been sued repeatedly for subpar care. Only one jail, where Brian Tracey died, still uses a company affiliated with Armor.
So far, Florida has failed to end vaccine mandates. Now there's a last-ditch effort
Florida Republicans have pushed hard to drop some vaccine requirements for children. But after many months, their efforts stalled out. Could this week's special legislative session get the job done?
A Special Session in Florida — split signals, different speeds
New data analysis and polling reveal a mixed mandate.
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics
Morning Ledger: Tracking Florida’s political moves
Disney's political fight with Ron DeSantis cost company years of theme park expansion, court records reveal
Disney's political statement on Florida's Parental Rights in Education Act led to costly lawsuits, legal battles, and years of theme park delays.
Florida lands Peyton Miller, No. 1 center in 2027 recruiting class
The Florida Gators continued their momentum on the high school recruiting trail with a commitment from Peyton Miller, ESPN's No. 1 center in the Class of 2027.
Ron DeSantis congressional map draws sharply divided reactions ahead of Special Session
Lawmakers are expected to take up the proposal during a Special Session beginning Tuesday.
Ron DeSantis releases new congressional map creating four more GOP-leaning seats in Florida
Some Republicans are concerned it could put GOP incumbents in danger by spreading out conservative votes, and margins in many new seats will likely get tighter.
DeSantis floats Florida map that could give GOP up to four more House seats
The redistricting plan proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, if approved, would let Republicans regain their lead in the national gerrymandering arms race.
Informal educators get a powerful new way to speak their mind and boost their skills
Few elements of our culture are as firmly established in the 21st century western zeitgeist as the fact that teachers are underappreciated and poorly paid. That goes double for informal educators — those who work outside the confines of diploma or degree-granting institutions. In the realm of scienc
Gov. DeSantis releases proposed congressional map for Florida, could cut 4 Democratic seats
Democrats hold 8 seats on the current map.
DeSantis proposes new US House map for Florida aiming to flip four seats for Republicans
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a new map for US House districts that appears to show Republicans gaining an advantage in four seats now held by Democrats.
DOH-Orange Issues Blue Green Algae Health Alert for NW Recreation Complex Pond (E Shore) - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Orlando, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in NW Recreation Complex Pond (E Shore). The alert is in response to water samples taken on April 22, 2026.
Ron DeSantis unveils new Florida congressional map that would give the GOP an extra four seats
Gov. Ron DeSantis reveals a new Florida congressional map that would add four Republican seats, sparking a clash with Democratic leader Jeffries.
Central Florida mental health expert shares tips to help navigate testing season stress
Licensed mental health counselor and owner of Enriched Life Counseling & Consulting, Treshonda Baucom, joins WESH 2 to discuss how students, parents and educators can overcome standardized testing stressors
DeSantis, Florida GOP plowing ahead with new congressional maps despite risks
Remaking Florida’s congressional map is dicey for Republicans, who face strict redistricting rules and risk making safe GOP seats competitive.
A new Tampa startup accelerator program to launch this fall
A new statewide startup accelerator program backed by Florida's most influential business leaders is taking shape with Tampa Bay tapped to anchor a health care track.
Florida Delays Children’s Health Insurance Expansion as Uninsured Rate Rises
Florida’s KidCare expansion has been stuck in legal limbo since February 2024. Since then, the number of uninsured children in Florida has risen to 400,000 — one of the highest state tallies.
‘House of Cards:’ Mental health crisis in Florida’s criminal justice system
A lack of space in state-run mental health facilities and growing waitlists point to a system balancing legal standards, medical opinions, and limited resources—often under intense pressure.
New poll shows Florida voters support state vaccine policies in schools
Pollster says the majority Floridians favoring vaccines in schools is not changing.
The untold story of Ron DeSantis vs. Disney
Here are the revelations in the Disney-DeSantis battle from recently obtained court records.
Record spending on Mother's Day projected for this year's holiday
Some 75% of consumers say they'll buy mom flowers or greeting cards for May 10.
Sydney Gruters rips Sarasota County Democratic Party social media message following shooting near Donald Trump
“This was not a joke, and it should not be treated like one.”
Florida Catholics wrestle with faith, politics amid pope-Trump feud
The tension between the nation’s two most prominent leaders reveals “just how deeply religion has been politicized in the American political context,” one expert says.
Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics
More movement in Tallahassee, and is a Rays stadium deal falling apart?
Video: Skyrocketing Health Insurance Forces Americans to Scramble for Care
Older people who are medically high risk, but too young for Medicare are facing unaffordable health insurance premiums after federal health care credits lapsed earlier this year. Now that the grace period has expired, some Americans are struggling to get the care they need.
In-state WR target commits to SEC program over FSU
The Florida State Seminoles missed out on in-state wide receiver Anthony Jennings, who has committed to the Florida Gators.
Poll: Three out of four Florida voters say they would vote for homestead property tax relief
Republicans and Democrats are on board, while NPA voters simply don't know enough about the plan.
Poll: Florida voters like Ron DeSantis more than Donald Trump. Independents make the difference.
The man in Tallahassee has 54% backing among NPA voters, while the man in the White House is at 33% with the same group.
Byron Donalds shows spiritual side in Southeastern University commencement speech
'This is what happens in the journey of life when you put God at the center.'
Florida hospital leaders advocate for healthcare accessibility and affordability in Washington
Floridians deserve timely, accessible care, and hospitals are continually working to deliver it.
Best of Central Florida Community’s Choice Awards business spotlight: CPS Investment Advisors
Nominations for the Best of Central Florida Community's Choice Awards are rolling in! Don't miss your chance to recognize your favorite businesses.
Why a plan to fix health insurance for thousands of children has stalled
In 2023, Florida lawmakers unanimously approved expanding KidCare to extend health insurance to more than 40,000 children. But the expanded coverage has stalled.
Florida Dem filed for reelection days before resignation as House Ethics Committee ramped up pressure
Former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is still registered to run for reelection despite resigning amid federal charges and ethics committee findings.
Big Machine Records Names Allison Jones EVP of A&R
Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor has named Allison Jones EVP of A&R. She has helped sign Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green and more.
Some Northwest Florida businesses ready to file for tariff refunds as online portal opens
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- $166 billion in federal refunds is now up for grabs. The billions of dollars were all collected from President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff
Florida manufacturing firms have benefited the most from SBA loans
Here's how the Small Business Administration has played a role in local manufacturing.
Ashley Moody, Alex Vindman will both face Primary battles to get on November ballot
Angie Nixon will face off with Vindman for the Democratic nomination while four other Republicans joined a GOP Primary with Moody.
Ron DeSantis taunts Hakeem Jeffries while delaying sending Legislature a redistricting map
Democrats plan to target GOP incumbents in November.
Florida named second highest state for business bankruptcies
A new study by The Kaplan Group found that commercial bankruptcies are rising faster in Florida than in every state but Texas.
'Medical freedom' on Special Session agenda. But it comes with political risk
The House didn't hear it during the Regular Session, and polls said that might have been the right move.
No. 2 on the list of Tampa Bay's Most Powerful Politicians: Jim Boyd
'His leadership as Senate President will be tremendously important for our area.'
No. 4 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Ed Hooper
'With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the process, Ed Hooper quietly drives results where it matters most.'
No. 6 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Danny Burgess
Burgess has continued to expand his role within the Legislature by consistently delivering results.
Honorable mentions on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Josie Tomkow, Wilton Simpson and Jay Collins
All 3 face voters at the ballot box this year, but only 2 have uncertain political futures.
Scientists warn about golden oyster mushrooms sold in Florida markets
The golden oyster mushroom may be a culinary hit, but it’s becoming an ecological problem. Scientists warn it’s spreading quickly through U.S. forests, where it outcompetes native fungi and reduces biodiversity. In just a decade, it has appeared in more than 25 states, largely due to human cultivation and transport. Its silent expansion is now raising concerns about long-term impacts on forest ecosystems.
Jeep Beach parade 2026 wraps up annual 10-day Florida tradition
Jeep Beach attracts over 250,000 attendees and more than 40,000 Jeep vehicles to Daytona Beach, Florida each year.
No. 7 on the list of Tampa Bay's Most Powerful Politicians: Kathy Castor
'Tampa Bay is lucky to call her our own.'