Florida's Latest News

Application period opens for lawmakers’ offseason project requests

Not every lawmaker got the projects they wanted through the budget process and past Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen. But beginning Monday, lawmakers this summer will be able to leverage federal dollars to fund local needs that sprung up late in the budget cycle.

Within the budget DeSantis approved earlier this month, the Legislature approved a Local Support Grants Program, effectively extending the appropriations project request period into the summer months. In a memo to House members on Monday, Speaker Chris Sprowls briefed members on how they can seek funding for the initiatives of local governments, education entities and privately operated programs in their districts.

“Because of our early Session, I know that there are many worthy issues in your districts and mine that might not have been considered due to the timing of Session,” Sprowls wrote in the memo. “This program will enable us to recognize and consider grants to entities that are so important in the communities we represent.”

Grades posted: Florida Chamber releases 2022 Legislative Report Card

The Florida Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2022 Florida Chamber Legislative Report Card on Friday, showcasing grades earned by all 160 lawmakers in the state House and Senate based on their votes during the 2022 Legislative Session and Special Session.

“Working together as a unified business community is how we will keep Florida’s economy growing and competitive,” said Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson. “As Florida continues to pace the nation’s economic recovery out of the pandemic, Florida’s business climate must remain a priority if we are going to continue on the path to grow private sector jobs, diversify our economy, and create additional economic opportunities for all Floridians.”

The Florida Chamber said its 2022 Legislative Report Card “is an annual opportunity to recognize members of the Florida Legislature who placed making Florida more competitive through non-partisan, private-sector job creation above special interests and attempts to protect the status quo.“ The Report Card also informs the public on which lawmakers voted in favor of private-sector job creation and a stronger, more diversified economy.

Corey Simon, former FSU star, launches bid for SD 3

After months of speculation, Florida State football legend Corey Simon officially launched his campaign for Florida Senate District 3.

Simon, a former All-American defensive tackle and graduate of Florida State University (FSU), announced on Monday that he would run on the Republican ticket and challenge incumbent Democratic State Senator Loranne Ausley in SD 3.

“Tallahassee has given my family and I the opportunity to succeed and thrive both on the field and off. North Florida is our home, and I want to do everything I can to give back to the community that has given so much to us,” Simon said in a statement.

“I am proud to announce my campaign for State Senate, because our community needs a voice that can deliver access to world class educational opportunities, safer neighborhoods and less government regulations on our small business owners.”

A stifling heat wave will settle over most of Florida this week

A record setting heat wave is developing over the Southeast, including over the state of Florida. Several days of temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and heat indices near 110 degrees are expected this week. A Heat Advisory is already in effect over the westernmost counties of the Florida Panhandle.

Last week, a strong area of high pressure developed over the Desert Southwest and Northwestern Mexico. This atmospheric feature which serves to increase surface temperatures, has slowly migrated eastward and, as of Monday morning, is sliding east of the Mississippi River. As the week continues, forecast models are in agreement that the mid-level high (or “ridge”) should retain a strong influence over temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

The Panhandle and northern and central parts of the peninsula are expected to be most substantially impacted by the heat wave, as these regions will be closest to the center of mid-level high pressure. In these locations, afternoon highs are expected to soar to the mid-90s by Wednesday and the upper 90s by the end of the workweek. Humidity levels are expected to remain elevated, and this will contribute to even higher heat indices, likely near 110 degrees. It is probable that Local National Weather Service offices will issue heat advisories over the northern half of the peninsula and the entire Panhandle each day through the end of the week.