Florida's Latest News

Florida senators clear Palm Beach airport Trump rename for takeoff

President Donald Trump already has a street named after him in Palm Beach — and the airport could be next.

State senators took the first step toward renaming “Palm Beach International Airport” as “Donald J. Trump International Airport” on Tuesday by unanimously advancing legislation to carry out the change in the Committee on Transportation. Although Palm Beach County officials have raised some potential logistical hang-ups with the idea, the proposal is gaining traction in Tallahassee and will be heard next by a state House committee Wednesday.

A bill analysis for the proposal notes that renaming Palm Beach International appears to have a “negative impact on local government expenditures.”

Still, a lobbyist representing Palm Beach County, who is also a Trump fundraiser, backed the legislation Tuesday during its introductory hearing. Nick Iarossi, a high-profile lobbyist with BGR Group, pointed to the president’s influence on south Florida through ventures like Trump International Golf Club and Mar-a-Lago as justification for the change. Last year, state lawmakers passed legislation naming a roadway in honor of Trump near Palm Beach International.

“He's had a major impact, not just from our state, but here in Palm Beach County,” said Iarossi, who also founded Capital City Consulting in Tallahassee. “And it's an honor to push forward this legislation to rename the airport after him.”

AIF offers strong endorsement of Byron Donalds for Governor

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is adding the “Voice of Florida Business” to his pile of supporters in the Republican Primary for Governor.

The Associated Industries of Florida announced Tuesday that it is backing the Southwest Florida Congressman, citing his record as an ally to Florida businesses and a foil to the “red tape” that stands in their way.

“Since his time as a member of the Florida House and now as a Congressman, Byron has been a champion for policies that foster the growth of Florida’s pro-jobs environment, removing red tape, empowering businesses to thrive, and creating good jobs for families,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis.

“We have no doubt Byron is the man for the job and will be a strong partner in advancing policies that support economic growth and long-term prosperity across our state.”

Donalds, who also hold an endorsement from President Donald Trump, said he was “honored” to land the business lobby’s endorsement in the Primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

There's a new state park open in Florida. 6 things to know

There's a new state park in Florida: Shoal River Headwaters State Park.

The new park in Florida's Panhandle joins 175 other state parks in the Sunshine State, offering a wide variety of experiences for residents and tourists.

Florida State Parks announced the new addition Jan. 23 during a celebration in Defuniak Springs, saying "the park features rolling sandy hills, mesic flatwoods and floodplain forests along tributaries of the Shoal River."

"Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.

Shoal River Headwaters State Park is located west of DeFuniak Springs in Florida's Panhandle.

Senate advances bill extending tax breaks to space contractors

A bill approved by a Senate panel could give private contractors working on space projects tax breaks on the property they are leasing.

The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security on Monday unanimously backed the bill (SB 1512) extending exemptions for those nongovernmental contractors.

“This legislation will actually help grow and strengthen Florida’s aerospace industry,” said Zephyrhills Republican Sen. Danny Burgess, the bill’s sponsor. “It’s a major part of Florida’s economy.”

Burgess added the measure is an extension of existing law that applies to other contractors, such as those in the semi-conductor industry.

“Real property and tangible personal property being used by a nongovernmental lessee within this state pursuant to a project authorized by the Space Florida Board of Directors is deemed to perform an essential governmental purpose and is exempt” from those taxes, the bill states.