The National Hurricane Center announced a redesigned tropical cyclone forecast cone for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, incorporating inland watches and warnings to help communities better assess risks from tropical storms and hurricanes. The updated operational cone graphic will, for the first time, display both coastal and inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings…
Officials at The Avon Park Main Street have announced they’ve kicked off a community fundraising campaign to bring a vibrant new mural to downtown, celebrating the city’s citrus heritage amid challenges facing the industry. The organization has unveiled the official rendering of the “Orange You Glad You Stopped Here” mural, designed to be fun, playful…
A bipartisan push to replace Florida’s nearly century-old state bird with the vibrant American flamingo stalled for the second straight year in the Legislature, as companion legislation in the Senate failed to advance beyond an initial committee. The House passed HB 11 on Feb. 11, 2026, by a resounding 112-1 vote, designating the American flamingo…
Florida’s economy, which climbed to $1.85 trillion in the third quarter of 2025 and led the nation in growth, and will continue expanding through 2035 but at a markedly slower pace than in recent years. That, according to Florida TaxWatch’s latest long-term forecast released last week. The Q4 2025 economic outlook, produced in partnership with…
The Florida Department of Education has established a dedicated complaint process for parents, students and others to report alleged violations of religious expression rights in public schools, including suppression of voluntary prayer, following updated federal guidance issued last month. In a letter dated March 17, 2026, and distributed to parents, Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas…
Miami officials say crowds along Ocean Drive remained strikingly thin over the second peak weekend of spring break 2026, as Miami Beach’s multi-year enforcement strategy of heavy police presence, street barricades, and steep parking fees continued to deter large gatherings of college students and partygoers. As the weekend kicked off this past Saturday, visitors strolling…
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd forcefully rebutted media reports claiming he and other Florida sheriffs are opposing mass deportation efforts, holding up printed signs during a Tuesday news conference to directly challenge headlines alleging a “rebellion” against policies advanced by President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Judd, who chairs the State Immigration Enforcement Council,…
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has revised controversial Tampa Police Department policies on immigration enforcement following a threat of removal from office by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. In a letter sent Monday to the attorney general’s office, Castor confirmed the department updated its guidelines, removing language that had drawn scrutiny. The revised policy takes effect…
Sebring is known as the longest running endurance sports car race in North America. But that record spans beyond cars and drivers – to sponsors. Officials at Sebring International Raceway say the ExxonMobil’s Mobil 1 brand has extended its title sponsorship of the Twelve Hours of Sebring, continuing a partnership that now spans 32 consecutive…
Sebring International Raceway has announced plans host their 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027, launching a year-long celebration with the unveiling of a commemorative logo. The logo incorporates two parallel blue racing stripes on a white background—evoking the iconic livery of early 1950s American race cars—positioned behind…