Florida's Latest News

Solar power expansion in state heats up as utilities seek energy alternatives

A drive deep into the woods along an unpaved road in southern Palm Bay, suddenly and surprisingly leads to row upon row of solar panels. There are more than 284,000 panels in all, sitting on 486 acres owned by Florida Power & Light Co., the nation's largest electric utility.

A little farther down the road from the Palm Bay Solar Energy Center, FPL has a second one called the Ibis Solar Energy Center, which launched at the end of January. And, nearby, land has been reserved for a third one, the Fox Trail Solar Energy Center, which will open in early 2025.

These three solar centers — built on land that once supported citrus groves, and cattle and sod farms — are symbolic of the future of energy in Florida, where utilities seek a shift to renewable energy, and away from energy sources that have more volatile price swings.

"Because of our growing solar investments, FPL has had to purchase less fuel, which means less cost that is passed on to customers," said FPL spokesman Marshall Hastings. FPL has 78 solar centers generating a total of about 5,700 megawatts of power in operation in 31 of Florida's 67 counties, including 16 locations that opened in 2023 and 12 that opened this January. That's enough energy to power more than 1.1 million homes.

Clashes between DeSantis, lawmakers over policies as end of session nears

As Florida lawmakers reach the tail end of the annual legislative session, Republican legislative leaders are increasingly backing proposals that Gov. Ron DeSantis has expressed skepticism about, signaling a possible shift in the state’s political dynamics following the Republican governor’s failed presidential bid.

The clearest example of the changing relationships between DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature came into view on Thursday when House Speaker Paul Renner — a close ally of the governor — pushed to send the governor a bill that bans social media access for most minors just hours after DeSantis said there were “legitimate issues” with the proposal.

The move puts DeSantis in a politically precarious position, as he will need to act on the bill — a leadership priority — before the end of the legislative session, when myriad budget and policy issues remain under negotiation. On Friday, DeSantis said he would be reviewing the measure and making a decision on it “very quickly.”

The friction over the issues was noticed by at least one Republican lawmaker, who predicted the governor’s influence over the Legislature would wane after his failed run for president.

David Smith seeks millions for Holocaust Museum, other Central Florida needs

As the Session winds down, Rep. David Smith will be fighting for several Central Florida funding projects. The biggest ask from the Winter Springs Republican this year would be $5 million for a new Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity.

An endeavor of the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, the facility will be located in Downtown Orlando. A funding request from Talli Dippold, Holocaust Memorial CEO, states that construction should begin in 2024.

“This 44,500 square foot facility that will be more accessible to Floridians and tourists will use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to build a more respectful and empathetic society, free of all forms of prejudice and bigotry,” the request reads. “The Museum will be designed around the stories of survivors to engage, teach and empower.” Smith noted a lot of private support backing up the vision.  As he seeks state dollars, he stressed, “Those funds are being matched by a local private donor.” Beyond the museum, Smith said he’s gathered input from in and around his district to try to best serve Seminole County and Central Florida. “Local community leaders and residents have asked me to help in these areas of concern,” he said.

After Hurricane Ian, Adam Botana seeks funds for Southwest Florida to rebuild

'Last year, they were just digging out. Now, they’re rebuilding.' It’s been almost a year and a half since Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida. While the state has budgeted hundreds of millions to help the region, Rep. Adam Botana said his top budget priorities this year relate to damage from the storm.

The Bonita Spring Republican this year wants $2.1 million to rebuild a fire station in Sanibel, $5.5 million for a new bridge on Periwinkle Way, $8 million for a new Fort Myers Beach Town Hall and millions more for the local municipalities.

“They’re still going through it,” Botana said. “Last year, they were just digging out. Now, they’re rebuilding.” The historic storm created lasting damage to Lee County’s coastal communities, but it also impacted property values. Botana wants more than $17 million to supplement lost revenues in Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel.

And when Botana isn’t looking at recovery from the last storm, his budget requests often consider the next one. Sustainability, he said, drove many of his appropriations priorities heading into this election cycle. He wants $950,000 for hardening a Fort Myers YMCA, $3.5 million to improve drainage on Sanibel and $10 million to ensure Lee County’s traffic signals can survive a major hurricane.