Florida's Latest News

October 20th, 2026 

Here's your roundup of the important stories shaping Florida this week. Stay informed — and share with someone to keep them updated!

Gov. DeSantis says FEMA processing federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaias recovery in Florida Panhandle

At a news conference in Pensacola on Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida has completed about 1,900 response missions as recovery continues from Hurricane Isaias.

The state submitted a request for a federal disaster declaration last week. DeSantis said he spoke with the FEMA director Sunday, and the request is being processed.

“We anticipate that will happen relatively soon,” he said.

DeSantis is scheduled to hold a second news conference at 3 p.m. in Destin, which took the brunt of the storm when it roared ashore Oct. 10.

Rick Scott, James Uthmeier headline Florida Chamber’s 2026 Future of Florida Forum

The Florida Chamber Foundation is assembling a cross-section of Florida’s political, business and education establishment for its annual Future of Florida Forum next week.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky are among the featured speakers scheduled for the two-day event, set for Oct. 27-28 at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek.

“Florida has made tremendous progress, but securing our future requires us to keep focused and united on what’s next,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson.

The 2026 Future of Florida Forum and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting will examine Florida’s progress toward the 39 goals included in the Chamber’s Florida 2030 Blueprint. 

Local Sheriffs back Laurel Lee for re-election, praise ‘commitment to public safety’

Four local Sheriffs are adding their support to Laurel Lee’s re-election campaign as she faces a tough election cycle that has put Republicans across the nation on defense even in some deep-red areas.

Sheriffs David Vincent of Citrus County, Al Nienhuis of Hernando County, Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County and Chris Nocco of Pasco County are backing Lee for re-election to Florida’s 15th Congressional District, all praising her record supporting public safety.

“Congresswoman Lee understands the challenges facing law enforcement and has made public safety a priority throughout her public service,” Chronister said. “From her work as a prosecutor and judge to her service in Congress, she has consistently stood with the men and women who work every day to keep us safe. Laurel knows what it takes to safeguard our communities, and I’m proud to support her reelection.”

Duke Energy Florida opens solar site in Jefferson County

Sen. Clay Yarborough and Reps. Jessica Baker, Dean Black and Kiyan Michael are backing House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan in the Jacksonville mayoral race.

The early endorsements show further evidence of establishment consolidation behind Duggan in a crowded field of 12 challengers, including five Republicans, to incumbent Donna Deegan, a Democrat running for her second term.

Yarborough said Duggan “has been invaluable to Duval County throughout his entire tenure in the Florida House.”

“Together, we’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our communities and passed major legislation that improves life for families and seniors. Tax relief, property insurance reform, utility‑rate protections against data centers: Wyman played a key role in all of it,” the Senator said.