Florida's Latest News

Court wants more arguments before ruling to keep or toss TMH-FSU case

A Leon County judge declined to immediately rule on a motion to dismiss the Tallahassee NAACP's lawsuit challenging the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare's hospital to Florida State University, instead ordering supplemental briefs on three key legal questions that could determine whether the case survives. 

Circuit Judge Lee Marsh, after an hour-long hearing July 21 with attorneys representing the city, FSU and the plaintiffs, gave the parties 30 days to submit additional legal analysis before he decides whether the lawsuit may proceed. 

Specifically, Marsh said he wants more information on whether the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP, which attorneys for FSU and the city contend is not registered as a legal entity with the state, has standing to sue. They argued the branch cannot maintain the action in its own name. 

The judge also requested arguments on the distinction in state law (Chapter 155.40) between an "interested person" and an "interested party," a statutory question that goes directly to who may seek judicial review of the transaction. 

Tampa tests a European-style answer to TSA shutdown chaos

Tampa International Airport is moving most of its TSA screening operations to a private contractor under TSA’s new Gold+ program.

Checkpoints will continue operating under TSA rules, with federal oversight remaining in place. The screening workforce and technology would shift to a private vendor, with the change targeted for May 31, 2027.

For Tampa, the argument is resilience. A privately operated checkpoint is less vulnerable to federal shutdowns and the staffing pressures that follow when TSA officers work without immediate pay. The airport also wants greater flexibility to upgrade checkpoint infrastructure and technology without waiting on Washington.

For current TSA officers, the change means a new employment reality. They may continue working at the same airport, but not necessarily with the same federal status, benefits or civil service protections. A contractor position could preserve the checkpoint role while changing the employee’s relationship with the federal government.

'Google wants to release 32 million invasive mosquitoes in Florida. Here's why

Google put in a proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency to release 32 million mosquitoes in Florida over the course of two years. But it may not be as bad as it sounds.

The goal is to reduce the population numbers of Culex quinquefasciatus, or the Southern house mosquito, an invasive species of mosquito originally native to the tropical islands south of Florida and the primary transmitter of West Nile virus.

The plan involves releasing 16 million sterile male Southern house mosquitoes annually for two years in limited testing sites throughout both Florida and California. The males are infected with a naturally occurring virus called Wolbachia. The virus causes the wild females who mate with the infected males to lay sterile eggs that will not hatch, interrupting the population's ability to reproduce.

Florida residents raised concerns over social media about the impact and reliability of Google's proposal.

"That's how Florida got lovebugs," said user Gail Holt Maier.

‘Jones has the heart’: Democratic Hispanic Caucus, Teddy Bridgewater back Shevrin Jones in CD 24 race

Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones is adding celebrity backing and more organizational support to his congressional campaign, with new endorsements from the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida and NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

The Democratic Hispanic Caucus announced its “carefully made” endorsement of Jones this week, recognizing Jones’ record supporting and engagement with Latino communities.

“The Hispanic community is not a monolith. We are as diverse as the over 20 countries we represent. Each with our own histories, cultures, and priorities. What unites us is a desire for leaders who see us, who will fight to improve the economy, healthcare, education, immigration reform, and our right to fully participate in our democracy,” said Maca Iglesias, the organization’s State President.

“For all these reasons, Shevrin Jones has earned our trust as such a leader. We look forward to standing behind him throughout this election cycle and doing all we can to help support his victory and get him through the finish line.”