Palm Bay's council approved Ordinance 2026-13, barring any new medical-marijuana dispensaries while letting current outlets stay open. The decision follows a state framework and mirrors moves around Central Florida.

HHS has assigned Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos to carry out many surgeon general duties temporarily while the administration seeks a Senate‑confirmed nominee.

Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia said FAFO auditors found roughly $300M in 'wasteful' Orange County spending; Mayor Jerry Demings called the claim misleading.

The Orange County School Board voted 5‑3 to send a one‑mill renewal to the November ballot while rejecting language that would guarantee teacher raises.

David Jolly added national strategist Joe Trippi and two Florida advisers as his campaign widens its operation; polls show him ahead but fundraising lags. The new hires aim to turn momentum into a primary win on Aug. 18.

Lake Wales officials are weighing roughly $10 million to renovate a police annex and build a new fire station as emergency calls rise. The work would be financed in part by potential debt issuance.

Local Democrats warn Florida's resign‑to‑run and vacancy rules could let the governor — not voters — pick a replacement for District 3 unless resignations happen before late‑May.

UF's search advisory committee unanimously named Stuart R. Bell, the former University of Alabama president, as the sole finalist; trustees and the state Board of Governors must now confirm the pick.

Longwood commissioners will consider a plan that would more than double some water and wastewater charges over three years and add a CPI‑linked adjustment.

St. Cloud applied for about $171,000 in an FDLE grant to add Axon live-translation to patrol body cameras, pitching the tool as a way to shorten interpreter waits. City leaders say the feature could be used on traffic stops and emergency calls.

A federal judge struck false testimony and ordered fees after finding an FWC supervisor had exaggerated complaints used to justify firing a biologist over a social‑media repost.

Polk State’s search committee recommended Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the sole finalist to be the college’s next president. Trustees will consider the pick June 3 and Kamoutsas will visit campus that day.

Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz has filed to run for mayor in 2027, pitching a neighborhood-focused platform on housing, safety and transit. The entry expands a field already featuring state Rep. Anna Eskamani.