Florida's Latest News

‘Unfinished business’: Ron DeSantis in no rush to endorse successor or to declare post-gubernatorial plans

Gov. Ron DeSantis says he’s got things to do before he can endorse a candidate in the gubernatorial race, and that he’s so focused on finishing strong he hasn’t given thought to what comes next.

“Well, I’ve got to deal with this property tax. I’ve got to deal with the budget, and I’ve always told people, you know, I typically don’t do the political stuff prior to me getting all the ducks in a row that I need to make sure that the state is going well. So we’ll see how that all shakes out over the next couple weeks,” he said on Fox News‘ “Sunday Morning Futures.”

The Special Session that could allow voters to decide whether they want property tax relief for homesteaders starts Monday, meaning one obstacle will be removed shortly. But DeSantis has until the end of June to sign a budget, suggesting that for candidates like former House Speaker Paul Renner or Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who covet that endorsement against front-runner Byron Donalds, time is running short.

Polls show his endorsement could be more meaningful than that of the President, as DeSantis is more popular in recent surveys.

Florida hurricane forecast brings cautious hope for insurance market

A below-average forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season that begins Monday was welcome news to more than just storm-weary Floridians.

Why it matters: Hope for a quiet season, plus legislative reforms and no storm hits last year, have home insurance experts cautiously optimistic about the stability of the market, the News Service of Florida reported.

But that won't reverse the last several years of skyrocketing premiums, the report says, and one hit could topple the last few years of progress.

State of play: Florida has welcomed 20 new property and casualty insurers into the state, most recently this month with Texas-based Builder Reciprocal Insurance Exchange, Lake Mary-based Frontline Insurance Reciprocal Exchange and Arizona-based Wingsail Insurance Co.

More competition "is the best way to ensure that Floridians can access the best coverage at the best price," Florida chief financial officer Blaise Ingoglia said in a news release announcing the new carriers.

Experts had warned at the peak that a major hurricane could wipe out its claims-paying funds and trigger a "hurricane tax" on all insured homes, cars and boats.

Godby High first in nation to use AI, drones, 3D mapping for school safety

A Tallahassee high school is set to become the first in the nation to deploy a new security system that uses AI gun detection, 3D mapping, and drones to help identify and respond to threats in real time.

Amos P. Godby High School will implement the RADAR (Real-time Alert, Detection and Response) system this year and plans to demonstrate the technology during a two-day school safety summit this summer.

“Amos P. Godby High School’s deployment of RADAR marks a historic step forward in school safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and cofounder of ZeroEyes. “This integrated and innovative approach further demonstrates how utilizing a multilayered technology solution can protect students and staff more effectively, setting a new standard for safety nationwide.”

On June 17 and 18, Campus Guardian Angel, ZeroEyes, Ark Strategic, and Leon County Schools will be hosting a summit at the school with demonstrations and discussion sessions surrounding the technologies, including insight from school leaders on the district’s successful deployment.

Pinellas beach renourishment will again be funded by the Army Corps after a decade-long standoff

Sand Key, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach will get fresh sand again in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after ending a decade-long stalemate Friday.

The federal agency has been financially assisting Pinellas County to renourish its beaches since 1966, historically covering two-thirds of the cost.

The initiative is important: protecting coastal infrastructure from storms and rising seas, preserving wildlife habitats for sea turtles and birds, and supporting local tourism economies.

But in 2015, the Army Corps started asking beachside private property owners to permanently allow public access in areas replenished with new sand.

When the homeowners refused to sign easements, the agency stopped helping to pay after 2018. Unfortunately, the relationship stalled just before major hurricanes pounded the shorelines.