Florida's Latest News

Joe Gruters says Midterm convention offers Republicans a chance to beat history

Political conventions play a huge role in political outreach in presidential years. Now, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters hopes an event in Dallas reshapes the political climate in 2026.

The 2026 Republican National Convention, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will gather party leaders in Dallas. Kicking off 55 days before the Nov. 3 General Election, Gruters hopes it will rev up the base and present a sharp contrast between President Donald Trump’s agenda and that of “extreme leftism” among Democrats.

“It’s going to give us the chance to tell the President’s mission, all the great accomplishments that we’ve had over the first two years, and everything we want to do,” Gruters said, “and we want to let people know that the American dream is alive and well, and that this President and this administration is fighting for them.”

This marks the first time the party attempted such a televised gathering without a presidential candidate to nominate and showcase.

Ashley Moody launches campaign to land Space Academy on Space Coast

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody is on a mission to make sure President Donald Trump’s administration knows Florida should be the launchpad for the new Space Academy.

The White House announced late last month that Trump wants to establish the academy “to prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants and warfighters … (for) advancing American interests in space.” Moody has been stumping in recent days to make sure the newly announced U.S. Space Academy is located in the Sunshine State.

Moody held a news conference to spotlight the area surrounding Cape Canaveral as the forerunner in the space industry for nearly 70 years. She was joined by officials from Space Florida, the state’s aerospace development bureau, and the Space Coast Economic Development Commission.

“We are America’s space state. Florida helped launch our nation into the space age, and now we are ready to lead the way into the next era of American space leadership."

Rick Scott Endorses Alvarez For State House

U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) endorsed Republican Florida State Representative Danny Alvarez Sr. in his reelection campaign for Florida House District 69, which covers much of Hillsborough County near Tampa, Wednesday.

In an X post announcing the endorsement, Sen. Scott wrote Rep. Alvarez "is a fighter for Florida families and the conservative values that keep our state strong. He’s proven he’ll stand up, speak out, and get results. I’m proud to endorse Danny and look forward to continuing to work alongside him."

Rep. Alvarez, an attorney with a military background, was behind the Florida Farm Bill, or House Bill 433, during the 2026 regular legislative session for the second year.

The bill sought to expand state authority over several agricultural and land-use issues, along with blocking local governments from restricting gas- and diesel-powered equipment. The bill also aimed to cut red tape around agritourism and bolster food supply programs with investment.

USF breaks ground on Fletcher District — and shares its official name

The University of South Florida on Tuesday broke ground on the Fletcher District development and announced its official name: Uptown Landing USF.

On the construction site, university leaders spoke about the project’s potential to an audience of local officials and businesspeople.

Trustees approved the project last year. The first phase will convert the university’s 27-acre old Claw golf course into 150 multifamily housing units, 700 beds of student housing, between four and six restaurants, shops, a hotel with a conference center and an academic building called the Translational Research Institute.

The research center can host about 100 researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health and 1,000 other scholars, said USF board chairperson Mike Griffin.

The university is planning to open the first phase by fall 2028.