Florida's Latest News

Florida Chamber endorses Josie Tomkow for SD 14

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is endorsing Rep. Josie Tomkow in the Special Election for Senate District 14.

The endorsement adds the state’s largest business advocacy organization to Tomkow’s growing list of supporters as she campaigns to move from the House to the Senate.

Tomkow, a seventh-generation Floridian and third-generation cattle rancher, has earned a lifetime A-rating on the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card. She currently serves as Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee in the House, a role that has kept her at the center of major policy debates involving social services and regulatory oversight.

“The Florida Chamber of Commerce endorses Josie Tomkow as Senate District 14’s next state Senator because of her proven record of defending free enterprise in Florida during her time in the Florida House.” Florida Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson said.

“We are confident she will continue to be a leader in ensuring Florida’s local businesses continue to thrive as a member of the Florida Senate and we look forward to working alongside her to further Florida’s momentum.”

There will be impacts': School Board to debate cuts at retreat

Amidst a backdrop of declining student enrollment and a continuing budget crisis, the Leon County School Board will convene for its annual retreat Jan. 26 to grapple with how the district can respond to the grim financial picture and address underused schools.

District leaders are expected to outline next steps and recommendations that could be implemented as early as the spring, setting the tone for budget cuts ahead of the 2026–27 school year.

Even though there won't be any public vote at the retreat, district leaders say there will be some big decisions discussed, like position and program cuts, which will shape future policy and spending decisions.

The public is invited to attend the meeting which will not be livestreamed.

Here's a breakdown of the agenda:

What can Florida do to address housing affordability?

A Florida State University director says the state's housing market is becoming "increasingly unaffordable," citing supply as the issue.

This comes as experts, lawmakers and local officials try to come up with solutions. For example, the idea of homeowners building "granny flats" — also known as accessory dwelling units — in their backyard. Also, the push to reduce or eliminate most property taxes.

The St. Pete Catalyst has also previously reported how St. Petersburg is the first Florida city to adopt new legislation known as "Yes in God's backyard." This helps city officials and area faith leaders to expedite and bolster affordable housing opportunities by using vacant land owned by religious institutions.

On "The Florida Roundup," Sam Staley, director of the DeVoe Moore Center at FSU's College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, talked about how building housing is more complex than it seems, and that he doesn't believe many governments have stepped up to address issues.

Winter storm Fern spreads as Florida sends reinforcements north

Florida cities are sending crews to help with power outages as Winter Storm Fern continues to spread across over two dozen states.

The Florida Municipal Electric Association, the state's mutual aid coordinator, has been in communication throughout the week with a nationwide network of public utilities and the American Power Association, working to offer assistance.

According to a FMEA press release, more than 185 workers from 15 Florida public power utilities headed to Georgia and South Carolina to assist crews with power restoration efforts.

"More than 200 million people in 35 states are projected to be in the path of Winter Storm Fern, which will begin depositing heavy snow and damaging ice on a swath of more than 2,000 miles of land beginning Friday through Monday," FMEA executive director Amy Zubaly said in a statement.

"This potentially historic winter storm is expected to cause mass disruption, including widespread and possible long-lasting power outages, particularly from anticipated ice accumulations in parts of the South," she added.