Florida's Latest News

Florida Realtors sign Japan partnership as Orlando–Tokyo flights near launch

During the Southeast U.S.–Japan Association meeting in Tokyo, Florida Realtors signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan-America Real Estate Coalition Office (JARECO), representing a vast network of real estate organizations across Japan.

The agreement establishes a framework for sharing market data, professional training, and research, coinciding with ZIPAIR, a Japan Airlines subsidiary, preparing to launch the first nonstop passenger flights between Orlando and Tokyo in early 2026.

This creates a direct link for tourism and investment.

“Florida’s global real estate connections continue to grow, and this new partnership with JARECO opens even more doors for collaboration, learning, and investment between Florida and Japan,” said Florida Realtors President Tim Weisheyer.

Weisheyer, who is also the immediate past chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, called the flights “a game-changer” for strengthening business ties.

Charter school operators seek to share more than 100 campuses in Broward, Palm Beach

South Florida schools are generating a lot of interest from charter schools that want to share space.

The Broward School District received 127 requests on Tuesday from four charter school providers expressing their intent to open “Schools of Hope” starting in the 2027-28 school year on 90 campuses in the county.

The Palm Beach County school district received 69 requests seeking to share space on 46 of its campuses.

Schools of hope initially were created as alternatives to failing district-run schools, but the law was greatly expanded this year. The focus has now shifted to allowing charter schools to operate rent-free on campuses that have extra space due to declining enrollment.

Two providers making requests in Broward and Palm Beach County, Mater Academy and Somerset, are both owned by the giant charter company Academica. They provided an identical list of 20 campuses to share in Broward and 14 in Palm Beach County.

Another provider, BridgePrep Academy, made requests to operate on 81 schools in Broward and 41 schools in Palm Beach County.

Mike Suarez secures new support as Democrats look to reclaim HD 64 

Democrat Mike Suarez is widening his support in the race for Florida House District 64 as more prominent Tampa Bay leaders line up behind his campaign.

The Suarez campaign announced new endorsements Wednesday from state Rep. Dianne Hart, former state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, former Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren and former state Rep. Adam Hattersley.

The seat is expected to draw attention this cycle as incumbent Rep. Susan Valdés is term-limited, creating a competitive open race in a district that leans Democratic.

Valdés shocked Democrats in December when she announced she was switching political parties, saying she was being ignored by the party. However, the move came less than a week after Valdés lost a bid to chair the Hillsborough County Democratic Party.

While they have not yet, Republicans will no doubt put up their own candidate to replace her and hold onto the newly gained seat, while Democrats will be hungry to reclaim it. One other Democrat is running, Luis Salazar.

Kevin Steele eyes early January launch for Florida CFO campaign kickoff in Tampa

Rep. Kevin Steele is preparing to enter the race for Florida CFO with a campaign kickoff targeted for Jan. 7 or 8 in Tampa, according to a text invitation shared with supporters.

The message urges backers to “gather as many friends and family as you can” for the launch, which is to feature U.S. Sen. Rick Scott as a special guest.

Steele’s team is finalizing a venue, with two options under consideration — Armature Works and the historic Columbia Restaurant — and more details expected soon.

Steele, a Republican from Dade City who has served in the House since 2022, is poised to enter a GOP Primary that already includes incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed last year after former CFO Jimmy Patronis ran successfully for a congressional seat.

Ingoglia, a former state Senator, party Chair and longtime political figure, launched his re-election bid in September and is already campaigning as the sitting officeholder.