Florida's Latest News

Four Florida universities collaborate to boost space manufacturing

Four Florida universities announced a collaborative partnership this month to establish the Center for Science, Technology, and Advanced Research in Space (C-STARS), aimed at advancing space manufacturing and supporting the state’s space economy.

Including Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), the University of Florida (UF), Florida A&M University (FAMU), and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, C-STARS will focus on developing medicines, electronics, and bioenergy systems in space. The center will also lead workforce development programs to train specialists in space technologies, sciences, and exploration.

Supported by an $80,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation, C-STARS will address the demand for in-space manufacturing technology driven by private-sector investment and competition. The center aims to bring together academic researchers and industry partners to explore and enhance space manufacturing technologies.

A lawsuit against the city of Tampa stirs ‘chaos’ in real estate circles

A deep-pocketed developer wanted to build a hotel in one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, drawing staunch opposition from residents who said the project would harm the quality of life in their gated community.

The Tampa City Council voted against the $40 million project twice in 2022. The developer sued the city, a routine response when someone thinks a land-use decision was made incorrectly.

This week, the dispute took a surprising turn, with possible ramifications reaching far beyond the pristine lawns and gates of Harbour Island.

A Hillsborough County circuit judge issued a sweeping ruling that challenges the council’s authority to make those kinds of decisions at all. The ruling has lawyers across the city scratching their heads, stirring uncertainty about how real estate projects will proceed and raising questions that could alter how municipalities statewide handle zoning issues.

Miami-Dade public schools could soon have AI, metal detection tools to keep students safe

Miami-Dade County Public Schools could soon have artificial intelligence security systems at all its schools to better protect students.

The move comes after board members discussed staff, principal and district police recommendations to spend millions on artificial intelligence and metal detection tools.

However, the price tag and potential impact fired up students gathered outside district headquarters.

"I believe that we will win," a group of students, former students and peers with PowerU Center for Social Change chanted.

They held a pep rally with music and ice cream while pumping themselves up to score an emotional win with the grown-ups making decisions inside a board workshop Wednesday evening.

"Basically, our safety and how we feel comfortable in our schools (is at stake)," Isabella Jean-Baptiste, a student said.

Some Florida hospitals on the brink of blood shortage after cyberattack

A hack targeting one of the top blood suppliers in the state has put Florida hospitals on the brink of a critical blood shortage.

Florida hospitals have had to cancel optional surgical procedures to help maintain their future blood supply after a cyberattack on OneBlood, the not-for-profit blood center serving more than 250 Florida hospitals.

“We have implemented manual processes and procedures to remain operational,” OneBlood Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Susan Forbes said in a prepared statement.

“Manual processes take significantly longer to perform and impacts inventory availability. In an effort to further manage the blood supply we have asked the more than 250 hospitals we serve to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and to remain in that status for the time being.”

Florida Hospital Association President and CEO Mary Mayhew said OneBlood supplies product to between 80% and 90% of the hospitals in the state, and that the facilities started feeling the effects of the attack Monday.