Florida's Latest News

DeSantis charters flights through Tampa for stranded Americans in Israel

Gov. Ron DeSantis chartered four jets to bring around 1,500 Jewish Americans on a Birthright Israel trip home through Tampa International Airport as the country’s conflict with Iran intensifies.

The American participants fled from Israel to Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, via cruise ship. There, they were to board flights bound for Tampa, according to a statement from Birthright Israel, which funds trips to the country, largely for young Jewish adults.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management wrote on Facebook Sunday that it is “actively coordinating efforts to assist Americans seeking evacuation from the hostile situation in Israel.”

Birthright Israel said it will pay for all its participants’ transportation costs.

Two local nonprofits are helping rescue stranded Americans.

Sierra Dean, a spokesperson for the governor, urged other Americans stranded in Israel to fill out an emergency evacuation form from Grey Bull Rescue, a Tampa nonprofit that helps rescue citizens in conflict zones.

State Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, wrote on X Sunday that he was “en route to Israel to assist the State of Florida and Grey Bull Rescue with evacuation efforts.”

Possible sale of MLB’s Rays could mean new stadium deal in Tampa Bay

Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays could be sold to a Jacksonville developer, according to a statement by the team.

A deal could keep the team in the Tampa Bay area and possibly reignite discussion over a new stadium for the team, whose ballpark deal expires in 2028.

“The Tampa Bay Rays announced that the team has recently commenced exclusive discussions with a group led by Patrick Zalupski, Bill Cosgrove, Ken Babby and prominent Tampa Bay investors concerning a possible sale of the team,” the team said in a statement released to media. “Neither the Rays nor the group will have further comment during the discussions.”

Media reports say the sale would be for $1.7 billion, a nice return on investment for Rays’ owner Stuart Sternberg, who bought the team for $200 million in 2004.

Any deal, for which a letter of intent has already been signed, will need to be finalized and then approved by a majority vote of Major League owners.

Pentagon Approves Military Personnel to Florida, Other States to Help ICE

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had approved sending up to 700 military personnel from the Department of Defense (DOD) to Florida, Louisiana, and Texas to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"These service members, drawn from all components and operating in a Title 10 duty status, will provide logistical support, and conduct administrative and clerical functions associated with the processing of illegal aliens at ICE detention facilities," spokesman Sean Parnell said. "They will not directly participate in law enforcement activities."

Parnell also emphasized that the Pentagon would continue assisting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, in assisting with federal immigration enforcement.

"This support provides critical resources to support ICE's mission, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions," Parnell said. "The Department remains committed to securing 100% operational control of the border."

Jeanette Nuñez confirmed as FIU President, vows to prioritize students, elevate school ranking

Former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, a two-time graduate of Florida International University (FIU), has been officially confirmed as FIU’s seventh President.

The Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve her appointment, following unanimous support from the university’s Board of Trustees earlier this month.

The panel’s Chair, Brian Lamb, said Nuñez brings “a wealth of experience, a deep connection to South Florida, and a bold vision for the future” to the job.

“Through her leadership, FIU will be elevated to new heights and strengthen its impact across the globe,” he said, according to FIU News.

Nuñez, 52, becomes the first woman and the first FIU alumna to lead the university. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FIU and previously taught as an adjunct professor in the school’s Department of Public Policy and Administration.