Florida's Latest News

Byron Donalds Address Affordability, AI Data Centers in New Campaign Ads

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) shared two new campaign ads highlighting his policies to fix the state's affordability crisis and his stance on AI data centers through posts on social media this week.

"My mom worked two jobs in Brooklyn, and we still lived paycheck to paycheck. Florida is where I built something from nothing, raised a family, and lived the Florida dream," Donalds said. "But today rising costs risk everything. That's why I'll cut property taxes, reduce insurance rates, and make life more affordable."

Affordability remains a major concern for Floridians, according to an Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) poll.

In another ad, Rep. Donalds promised to fight against expensive AI (Artificial Intelligence) data centers at the hands of Florida taxpayers. AI data centers have been hot-button topic in Florida and in the gubernatorial race, as well as across the country.

Testing shows a decrease in the amount of 'forever chemicals' in Tampa's water treatment facility

The City of Tampa announced that recent testing at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility found the Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) system removed about 30 percent of PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

To improve water quality, the Tampa Water Department around 10 months ago began using the SIX system, a treatment technology designed to remove organic carbon and PFAS from drinking water.

The process works by mixing source water with resin chloride beads that attract and bind to the chemicals. Once the contaminants attach to the beads, they are separated from the water and cleaned with a saltwater solution, allowing the beads to be reused in a continuous treatment cycle.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment. They are commonly found in products such as waterproof fabrics, cleaning products and other commercial products

DeSantis OKs $137 million for Manatee in Florida budget. See what made the cut

Of the $140 million in state appropriations recommended for Manatee County and its municipalities, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed only two projects totaling $3 million.

This means that Manatee County Government will receive all $12.4 million it requested, which will help fund key infrastructure projects and community services. However, DeSantis vetoed $2 million for Palmetto’s water meter backflow upgrades and $891,184 for the East Manatee Fire Rescue Station 9’s crosswalk beacon.

The appropriations are part of the $117.6 billion budget that DeSantis signed on Monday. Before signing the budget into law, DeSantis vetoed about $810 million in appropriations.

“This budget protects taxpayers’ interests, cuts spending for the fourth year in a row, and makes meaningful investments to build on Florida’s successes in education, public safety, environmental conservation, infrastructure, cancer research and more,” DeSantis said in a press release.

Insider will lead Florida education during search for next commissioner

Florida has a new top official to oversee implementation of its education policies and programs.

Senior chancellor Paul Burns will replace Anastasios Kamoutsas, who begins his new job as president of Polk State College next week.

The State Board of Education unanimously appointed Burns, who has worked in the department since 2018, to serve on a temporary basis while it looks for a permanent commissioner. Chairperson Ryan Petty said that search is ongoing.

Florida law empowers the State Board to select the education commissioner, though in recent years the board has deferred to the wishes of the governor.

“We need to appoint someone to ensure the ongoing operations of this state,” Petty said of the interim action. Burns “has led on nearly every initiative of this administration,” Petty added, saying he has full confidence that Burns will “keep the mission of the department in focus and keep students first.”