Florida's Latest News

Mike Haridopolos, Ashley Moody Introduce Bill to Update Space-Related Infrastructure

Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) have teamed up to introduce a bicameral bill updating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) infrastructure to maintain spacefaring dominance.

As the commercial space industry advances rapidly, NASA is lagging behind, even as demand continues to grow. Thus, Rep. Haridopolos and Sen. Moody's Space Ready 2.0 Act authorizes NASA to partner with public and private entities to work on improving shared infrastructure such as roads, utilities, pipelines, and other shared facilities.

Additionally, the bill requires clear cost-sharing agreements, estimates, and timelines to be reported annually to Congress, and it curtails taxpayer-funded largesse by emphasizing voluntary participation and requiring that unused private contributions be refunded or redirected to eligible projects.

The program sunsets on December 31st, 2031.

FSU center lands $88M U.S. Navy contract for research on ship systems

Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems has been awarded an $88 million contract by the U.S. Navy – the largest federal contract in FSU history – to support the development of power and energy systems for future naval ships.

Through the multi-million-dollar agreement with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), FSU researchers at the center will work on the initiative over the next five years. 

“This major award reflects the Navy’s confidence in FSU’s expertise and underscores the important role our university plays in advancing power systems research with real-world impact,” FSU President Richard McCullough said in a prepared statement.

Founded by the university in 2000, the Center for Advanced Power Systems – also known as CAPS – is a research center focused on advancing the field of power systems technology.

'These Guys Are in Single Digits': Byron Donalds Points to Polling Lead for not Debating Opponents

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) responded to his reluctancy to debate his Republican opponents ahead of the primary by referring to his large lead in the polls during an interview with Fox News Digital this week.

"I've been consistent. These guys are in single digits. They stay in single digits. Poll came out today. They're down 40 points," Donalds said.

"You know, it's not my pollster. It's actually the pollster that has done a lot of work for Governor DeSantis. So, they should spend their time going to see the people of Florida because they're not getting much support at all."

The poll Rep. Donalds was likely referring to shows the gubernatorial hopeful with a nearly 40-point edge over Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, and more than 40 points ahead of businessman James Fishback and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner for the nomination.

In reversal, Clearwater poised to approve contract with Duke Energy

Clearwater on Thursday gave initial approval to a new service agreement with Duke Energy to provide electricity citywide for the next three decades, a course reversal after the city began exploring the idea of dropping the utility two years ago.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council adopted the new contract, which requires a second vote before it’s official. Looming over the discussion was the property tax referendum Florida voters will take up in November and the potential financial strain its passage could place on the city’s budget.

“Our responsibility is not to make the boldest decision in this process,” Council member Mike Mannino said. “Our responsibility is to make the wisest one.”

The city also negotiated a memorandum of agreement with Duke, in which the utility made several financial commitments.