Florida's Latest News

Nixon, Vindman seek Democratic nomination for Florida U.S. Senate seat

State Rep. Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman are seeking to advance past the Democratic primary and prepare for a November matchup for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat. The winner is expected to take on incumbent Ashley Moody, who is the favorite in the Republican primary.

Both are making a final push for votes ahead of Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Nixon was scheduled to hold a rally at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Miami on Monday before returning to Jacksonville, her hometown, late in the evening.

Nixon and her husband, Jarrett Morene, are expected to cast their votes at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Redemption Church in Jacksonville.

Her campaign is then expected to gather Tuesday night at The Social on the River, a special events venue in Jacksonville.

Byron Donalds, David Jolly are frontrunners in Florida gubernatorial primaries

As Florida voters prepare for Tuesday's primary election, polls show Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is the heavy favorite in the GOP race for governor.

Donalds has crisscrossed the state in the lead-up to the primary, holding rally after rally as he seeks the Republican nomination. Most polls show him with a double-digit lead in the GOP field.

That support could be credited to President Trump's endorsement, which Donalds has received in the race.

During a speech Thursday in North Florida, Donalds urged Republicans to unite behind him after the primary.

"We are one movement and we have responsibility as Floridians to do what we did for Rick Scott. To do what we did for Ron DeSantis. And that is to tell the Florida Democrats that they are not going to get a foothold of power in the great state of Florida," Donalds said.

Leon County turnout may trend 'above average' in Aug. 18 primary election

Turnout could land on the higher side in the primary election as voters in Leon County head to the polls to weigh in on potentially close City Commission races and other contests up and down the ballot.

Leon County Supervisor Mark Earley said numbers for early voting, which ended Sunday, Aug. 16, were running above those seen in the 2018 primary, a previous high water mark.

“We’ve got some very highly contested local races here that are driving a lot of interest,” Earley said. “So it looks like our turnout hopefully will be above average. I’m hoping over 35% — maybe near 40%. We’ll see.”

Turnout over the past decade for a Leon County primary ranged from a low of 31% in 2024 to a high of 37% in 2018, another election cycle marked by open seats for governor and mayor.

Florida Polytechnic Sets Enrollment Record Ahead of New Academic Year

Florida Polytechnic University reported record enrollment for the 2026-27 academic year, with 2,342 students enrolled as classes began Monday.

The total represents an increase of about 35% from 2024, when enrollment stood at more than 1,700 students. Florida Poly enrolled more than 1,900 students in 2025. About 1,035 students are new to the university this year, including roughly 740 first-time college students. The incoming group also includes graduate and transfer students, as well as Florida Poly’s first group of student-athletes.

The university, which specializes exclusively in STEM programs, has set a goal of reaching 3,000 students by 2030.

“Florida Poly’s strong growth demonstrates that students and families recognize the extraordinary opportunities available at this university,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president.