Florida's Latest News

Why Delray Vice Mayor Rob Long is getting in House race to succeed late Rep. Joe Casello

Rob Long, a local elected official and longtime political ally of the late state Rep. Joe Casello, entered the race July 23 to succeed him in the Florida House, setting up what could be an uncontested special election in one of the state's most reliably Democratic districts.

Long, who serves as vice mayor in Delray Beach, pointed to his record on the Delray Beach City Commission as a foundation for his bid to represent the district in Tallahassee. He highlighted work on public safety contracts, infrastructure projects and efforts to shield redevelopment funding from legislative threats.

"I've fought to protect our firefighters when political attacks threatened them, and I’ve worked to ensure our police officers have fair contracts that keep them here," Long said. "I've delivered major infrastructure projects, like a modern water treatment facility, and secured millions through environmental litigation."

As a member of the Community Redevelopment Agency board, he said he pushed back against state-level efforts to weaken the agency, which he sees as essential to supporting affordable housing and local economic growth.

Proposed federal budget would reduce funds for St. Petersburg lead-reduction program

Federal funding for the Healthy Homes and Lead Reduction programs is at risk.

The cuts would affect the St. Petersburg initiative aimed at reducing lead and other health hazards in homes.

At the beginning of the year, the city partnered with the national Healthy Homes Community Coalition to launch a lead-reduction program, made possible with a $2.5 million federal grant.

The current funds for the first phase of St. Petersburg's efforts are not at risk, but funding for the next steps might not be possible if the federal program loses its money.

President Donald Trump recommended that the national initiative lose all its funding. The House proposed a $50 million cut, and the Senate suggested knocking the funding down $300 million.

In 2025, the federal program received $345 million.

St. Petersburg received $2.5 million of that in a grant from the national program to develop the workforce and infrastructure to launch lead reduction projects in homes.

Applications reopen for My Safe Florida Home program, with $280M in funding

Florida homeowners can once again apply for the My Safe Florida Home program, a key initiative that helps residents strengthen their homes against hurricane damage.

The reopening comes as experts warn of increased tropical activity through August and September, fueled by record-warm Atlantic waters and favorable storm conditions. The message to Floridians is clear: Now is the time to act.

Backed by $280 million in new funding, My Safe Florida Home offers free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants for storm-hardening upgrades like impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs and storm-rated doors.

“The program gives homeowners the opportunity to prepare and act before the storm, not after, by strengthening their homes, reducing insurance costs, and protecting what matters most,” said Tim Weisheyer, 2025 President of Florida Realtors.

Since the program’s 2023 launch, thousands have benefited.

Jason Shoaf’s Second Chance Act is already saving lives

In celebration of Florida’s new law – The Second Chance Act – and the life that inspired this legislation, Rep. Jason Shoaf teamed up with Who We Play For to host a free electrocardiogram (EKG) screening in Port St. Joe last month.

Results from the event prove just how important this new law is to the lives of Florida’s student athletes.

The Second Chance Act (House Bill 1135) was inspired by Chance Gainer, a Port St. Joe High School athlete who died of sudden cardiac arrest during a rival football game. HB 1135, sponsored by Shoaf and Sen. Corey Simon, requires all high school students who participate in sports to complete an EKG and medical evaluation.

“The Second Chance Act is more than just a law; it’s a promise to parents that we will do everything possible to prevent tragedies like this from happening to their child,” said Shoaf.

Port St. Joe student athlete Iva Rae, a cousin to Chance Gainer, joined friends and fellow teammates on July 10 at the free EKG screening hosted by Shoaf and Who We Play For.  Shortly after, her mother was notified by the team that Iva Rae’s test results showed signs of a cardiac abnormality.