Florida's Latest News

USF presidential finalist Limayem speaks about experience, politics ahead of confirmation

As the sole contender to become the next president of the University of South Florida, Moez Limayem spoke to the school community on all three campuses.

Limayem, currently the University of North Florida president, has deep ties to Tampa.

Before taking the helm at UNF in 2022, he served as the USF Muma College of Business dean for a decade. In that role, he raised more than $126 million in private donations for the college, including a $25 million gift from Pam and Les Muma in 2014.

At the time, it was the largest gift in the university's history.

Speaking to a Tampa audience Monday morning, Limayem said if confirmed, he would "spend a significant amount of time forging these partnerships" with businesses and organizations, especially as state and federal funding declines.

Florida cops back up Blaise Ingoglia as he seeks a full term as CFO

The state’s largest police union says it has Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s back as he seeks a full term.

The Florida Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is endorsing the Spring Hill Republican.

“Blaise Ingoglia has proven time and again that he stands with the men and women who wear the badge,” said Shawn Dunlap, President of the union.

“The Florida FOP is proud to stand behind Blaise for his integrity and dedication to prioritizing public safety and ensuring our first responders are protected and respected.”

The support is consistent. The Florida FOP also praised Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to appoint Ingoglia to the post in July.

South Florida Jewish groups celebrate release of Israeli hostages

Jewish organizations across South Florida are praising the release this Monday of 20 Israeli hostages previously held captive by the terrorist group Hamas.

Their release comes after the Trump Administration announced a 20-point peace plan to bring resolution to the protracted and deadly conflict between Hamas and Israel.

"While it was mostly tears of joy, there were also tears of sadness for all the reunions that will never happen," said Greater Miami Jewish Foundation's President and CEO Scott Kaufman.

Brian Siegal, the director for American Jewish Committee Miami and Broward, said this does not necessarily mark the end of the Israel-Hamas War. Siegal also advocates for the disarmament of Hamas.

"We're hopeful that we're headed in the right direction, but you know we’re emphasizing that there's still a lot of work to be done," he said.

Kyandra Darling continues to dominate HD 62 fundraising

Kyandra Darling is dominating fundraising in what is so far from a three-way race to replace state Rep. Michele Rayner in House District 62, as Rayner vacates the seat to run for Senate.

Darling raised more than $15,000 in the third quarter of 2025, bringing her total funds raised to nearly $69,000. With more than $43,000 in expenditures, Darling maintains just over $25,000 in her campaign account.

Still, her cash on hand eclipses former state Rep. Wengay Newton, who has about $11,000 on hand, and Rayner’s legislative aide, Upton Fisher, who has raised just $3,350 to date and spent it all.

Darling’s fundraising activity is primarily grassroots, with just three contributions at the maximum $1,000 level. Her average contribution totals just $122. The three top donors come from the group Moms Fed Up, a political committee based in Washington, D.C.; the Trusted Leadership Political Committee, which contributes primarily to Democrats; and Bill Edwards, a prominent St. Pete business leader who typically backs Republicans.