Browse a roundup of building permits issued in the last week in Orlando.

Browse a roundup of building permits issued in the last week in Orlando.

Shan Rose was sworn in as Orlando's new District 5 city commissioner, taking over after allegations against the former commissioner, Regina Hill. Rose outlined priorities for her term.

The Orlando City Council approved installing speed cameras at local schools to enhance traffic safety and pedestrian protection, particularly in school zones.

An audit reveals Allied Universal failed to meet its staffing and training obligations for security at Orange County corrections facilities. Essential guard training gaps and inadequate staffing practices were highlighted as key concerns.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis cut $32 million from the state arts budget, impacting numerous cultural organizations and sparking debate over the funding and support for arts festivals like Orlando Fringe.

Osceola County partners with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a $3 million flood vulnerability study on the Shingle Creek and Kissimmee River basin, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.

Mayor Jerry L. Demings reports a record-breaking Tourist Development Tax collection for May 2024, signaling economic recovery and increased investment in Orange County's community venues and cultural sectors.

Suspended Commissioner Regina Hill is set to appear in court over fraud allegations; she has pled not guilty and trusts the judicial system for a fair trial.

A Florida judge, Wayne Culver, may receive a 60-day suspension and reprimand for courtroom misconduct, including using profanity and raising his voice. The Florida JQC recommended the penalties after reviewing incidents from early 2022.

The Orange County Sheriff seeks $13 million for deputy pay raises, citing a need to remain competitive and a risk to service levels without the increase.

Osceola County maintains its millage rate at 6.7 for FY 2025 budget aimed to sustain services amidst population growth, with a focus on infrastructure, public safety, and a 25.3% budget reduction from the previous year.

Orange County mourns the loss of Pat Williams, the influential founder of the Orlando Magic, remembered by Mayor Demings for his vision and contribution to sports and community development.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met with law enforcement and educators in Orlando, discussing Amendment 3, law enforcement recruitment incentives, and education funding, while criticizing federal policies on border security and Afghanistan.

Former Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill is under multiple federal investigations for allegations involving financial misconduct, including abuse of power of attorney and improper use of federal loans for personal gain.

Casselberry is holding town hall meetings to discuss eight proposed charter amendments before the August 20th vote. Meetings are scheduled for July 31, August 1, and August 3, at different times and locations to accommodate all residents.

Oviedo officials are considering water rate hikes and borrowing to fund a new water treatment plant and stormwater improvements, facing mixed resident reactions.

Orange County debates two key charter amendments focused on managing development and preserving rural areas, requiring increased oversight for urban expansion and land annexation.

Orange County is preparing for primary elections with early voting locations set up, including at the Renaissance Senior Center, to cater to voters' schedules before the official primary day.

City Government Offices will close and there will be no waste collection services on Labor Day, September 2. Regular services will resume on the next scheduled collection day.

Early voting begins in Central Florida for a key primary election, with Orange and Osceola counties starting August 5 and others to follow. Mail-in ballot applications are due by August 8.

Mayor Jerry L. Demings reports Orange County's TDT collections have increased, boosting local economy through tourism and contributing to a growing reserve fund for community improvements.

Orange County wins 15 NACo awards for innovative government programs, including a best-in-category for emergency management and initiatives in sustainable infrastructure and public health.

Orlando's City Council voted to require new nightclubs to be separated by at least 300 feet, aiming to balance nightlife with day-time growth and enhance safety. Current clubs are exempt unless they expand or reopen after closing.

Orange County commissioners are considering a plan to use $4.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to clear the medical debts of over 150,000 residents through a partnership with Medical Debt Resolution Inc.

An audit reveals financial irregularities within Visit Orlando, including misallocation of public funds, unreported expenditures, excess reserves, and billing oversights.

Oviedo city government offices will close on Labor Day, September 2, 2024, with normal operations resuming on September 3. Emergency services remain available.

Orange County Mayor Demings and Charter Communications announced a broadband expansion for over 1,300 properties, aiming to reduce the digital divide with federal funding.

Lake County Commissioners Parks and Shields appointed to FAC committees, influencing state-level policy in areas like the environment, urban development, and technology.

Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Chris Anderson faces a temporary injunction for alleged campaign law violations, accused of soliciting voters and campaigning on duty.

A judge lifted an injunction against Seminole County Elections Supervisor Chris Anderson, finding no evidence he violated campaign laws as alleged in a lawsuit.

A recount in Kissimmee, Florida's mayoral race confirms John Cortes will face Jackie Espinosa in a November runoff after Cortes' narrow lead of six votes over Olga Carino.

Farmland Reserve, Inc. seeks to annex over 52,000 acres of Deseret Ranch land into Orlando to facilitate long-term planning for growth and conservation.

Osceola County debates introducing a school chaplain program under new state guidelines, facing challenges from groups like The Satanic Temple over narrow religious definitions.

Osceola County prepares for the 12th annual State of the County address focusing on sustainability, with Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb emphasizing the commitment to sustainable growth.

Republican Seth Hyman withdraws from the Orange-Osceola state attorney race, endorsing independent Andrew Bain against Democrat Monique Worrell.

Sanford proposes a utility rate hike of 7.5% to maintain services amid inflation, which has sparked criticism from residents and business owners concerned about increased costs. The City Commission will vote on the proposal on October 14.

Osceola County approves updated mobility fees to address infrastructure needs amidst rapid growth, with public input influencing the new fee structure.

Orange County announces the launch of its first Financial Empowerment Center, aimed at offering free financial counseling, particularly to low and moderate-income residents, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the CFE Fund.

Florida election officials are investigating fraudulent signatures on Amendment 4 petitions related to abortion rights, raising concerns over electoral integrity.

Osceola County received an S&P rating upgrade from 'A+' to 'AA-' for its 2019 taxable tourist development tax revenue refunding bonds, reflecting its strong economy and fiscal management.

The Edgewater city council fired the city manager amidst flooding concerns and is proposing a building moratorium due to resident complaints about poor drainage and excessive development.

Orlando may annex over 52,000 acres, tripling the city's size. The commissioners favor the proposal, but critics cite rushed tactics and potential environmental and service provision issues.

Florida's new law criminalizing sleeping on public property raises concerns for the homeless, as Orlando sees increased arrests for minor violations among this population.

Judge Jeff Ashton faces formal charges by the JQC for alleged bias and inappropriate behavior in the courtroom. He has 20 days to respond to the charges.

Oviedo officials intensify efforts to win voter consent for a $20 million police headquarters upgrade, highlighting capacity issues due to population growth.

Early voting starts in Central Florida, with new sites for better access and advanced preparations for a smooth process. Over 13,000 mail ballots are already in, and accommodations for special needs voters are highlighted.

Orlando has deferred its annexation decision for the 52,000-acre Deseret Ranch amid debates and upcoming charter amendments that could impact such actions.

Osceola County has earned the GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 34th consecutive year for its transparent fiscal management.

Orange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean introduces express voting sites to cut early voting wait times, with the Valencia College Winter Park Campus as the first site.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings presents an interlocal agreement proposal with Orlando, addressing land annexations, Tourist Development Tax use, and a homeless shelter upgrade.

Kissimmee's Police Chief resigned amid concerns over officers' conduct. Major Robert Anzueto is the new Interim Chief, as the city addresses issues raised by the State Attorney's Office.

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis will speak at Lake Nona with officials Dr. Ladapo and Sheriff Ivey before Election Day, discussing local amendments.

LANGD received a second grant of $132,470.80 from PHMSA for improving pipeline safety and infrastructure as part of Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

David Rodriguez has been appointed as the new Economic Development Director for Kissimmee, focusing on downtown redevelopment and the enhancement of Vine Street to promote the city's economic growth.

Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS deployed new rescue units ahead of the completion of Stations 75 and 83 to meet the community's growing needs for emergency services.

Mayor Demings considers suing the Orange County Elections Supervisor over using surplus funds for scholarships to boost civic engagement and voter turnout.

Kissimmee's new mayor, Jackie Espinosa, focuses on restoring trust in police amidst misconduct scandals. A citizens review board is proposed, despite recent restrictions on its powers.

Oviedo government offices will close for Thanksgiving on November 28-29, resuming on December 2, while essential services like police and fire remain operational.

Jackie Espinosa was sworn in as Kissimmee Mayor, aiming to rebuild trust between the police and community amid recent controversies and misconduct cases within the police force.

CareerSource Central Florida returned a contested $1.9 million grant to Orange County after it was criticized for misuse of funds meant for election-related purposes.

Osceola County Commissioners Peggy Choudhry, Brandon Arrington, and Ricky Booth were sworn in with Chair Cheryl Grieb highlighting the female majority on the board.

The Florida Supreme Court suspended Seminole County Judge Wayne Culver for 60 days for behavior comparable to a "playground bully" during court proceedings.

Osceola County approves a partnership with South Korean firm ELSPES to establish a $470 million manufacturing facility and global HQ in NeoCity, promising at least 600 high-paying jobs by 2028.

Orange County is adding new early voting sites in collaboration with Valencia College, aiming to increase voter turnout, amidst financial controversies involving the Supervisor of Elections.

Orange County officials halt funding to the Supervisor of Elections office over concerns of financial transparency and alleged misallocation of funds.

Orange County Elections Supervisor Glen Gilzean sued the county after officials voted to withhold funds from his office, challenging the legality of their decision.

State Attorney Andrew Bain is delaying the transition with Monique Worrell due to doubts about the legality of her resuming the role after her suspension.

The Orange County School Board will discuss replacing school resource officers with guardians at some schools to cut costs, despite concerns about the guardians' limited authority.

The Orange County elections office's financial management is under scrutiny after Comptroller Phil Diamond found one-day spending of 22% of the annual budget by Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean.

Donald Trump nominated attorney Daniel J. Newlin as the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia, highlighting Newlin's law enforcement background and legal success.

Anna V. Eskamani has declared her candidacy for Orlando mayor, aiming to succeed Mayor Buddy Dyer. She highlights addressing homelessness, public safety, and affordability as key issues.

The Orange County Supervisor of Elections is under scrutiny for reportedly overspending, with allegations of fiscal impropriety detailed in a comptroller's report.

Oviedo utility bills may increase as the City Council reviews new utility rates on January 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Details of the changes are available on the city's website.

Orange County celebrated its bicentennial, reflecting on its history and looking ahead to address housing, tourism, and infrastructure challenges, as stated by Mayor Jerry Demings.

Monique Worrell is to be reinstated as the Orange-Osceola State Attorney, amidst political controversy and following a grand jury investigation. Her reelection is seen as a challenge to Gov. DeSantis' decision to oust her.

Maitland City Council approved designs for a new library in Quinn Strong Park, set to replace the historic 1907 building and the Maitland Senior Center. Voters backed the tax-funded $20 million project, which aims to preserve community services.

Jessica M. Rodriguez is appointed manager at the Orange County Medical Clinic, focusing on healthcare access for the underserved and enhancing community outreach.

Gov. DeSantis appoints Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Sen. Rubio's seat, contingent on his Secretary of State confirmation, amid her high-profile state prosecution role in a 2024 case.

Students in Florida protested against a bill that could repeal in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, as lawmakers advanced the TRUMP Act, which the governor criticized as weak.

Commissioner Anthony Sabatini is advocating for farmland preservation in Lake County, FL, utilizing a $50 million environmental bond. Planning for land protection is underway amid concerns over rapid development.

Orange County's economy benefits from a spike in Tourist Development Tax revenue, with potential legislative changes to the allocation of these funds on the horizon.

Kissimmee seeks a new Police Chief as Interim Chief Anzueto led reforms and improvements after a Grand Jury Presentment on use of force. Two candidates are in the running.

Osceola County has ceremonially renamed its Chair and Vice Chair to Mayor and Vice Mayor for clarity in international and intergovernmental relations.

Charles 'Chuck' Broadway is the new police chief of Kissimmee, following the resignation of Betty Holland linked to a police misconduct scandal. He aims to restore trust in the department.

Florida lawmakers propose renaming the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America," facing both support and criticism for the ideological and symbolic implications.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Florida's law raising the gun purchase age from 18 to 21, with historical regulation as justification, amid legal and political debates.

The Florida Senate passed "Trooper's Law" unanimously, criminalizing the act of leaving dogs tied up outside during extreme weather warnings, inspired by a dog named Trooper abandoned during Hurricane Milton.

K-9 Junny of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office passed away after a cancer battle and will be honored for his service including locating missing children and seniors.

Florida Governor DeSantis advocates for $1,000 property tax cuts, amidst varied tax relief proposals and concerns over their long-term sustainability.

Charles "Chuck" Broadway was sworn in as Kissimmee's first African-American police chief with a vision for professionalism, accountability, and community trust.

Florida's State Attorney Monique Worrell requires arrests or notices before prosecution, sparking debate over case handling and justice delays.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Andrew Bain as an Orange County judge after expansion of the judiciary added new roles, following Bain's loss to Monique Worrell for state attorney.

Chris Kirk has been confirmed as the permanent police chief of New Smyrna Beach, after the resignation of the former chief. His salary details are undisclosed.

The Florida Senate advances a $1.83 billion tax cut plan, potentially easing fiscal burdens for residents, with proposals including permanent sales tax elimination on certain clothing and a vehicle registration credit.

The "Pam Rock Act" to enforce tougher measures on dangerous dog ownership in Florida awaits Governor DeSantis's signature, following unanimous legislative support.

Florida's attempt to repeal the "Free Kill" law has stalled following the rejection of a controversial amendment to cap wrongful death non-economic damages at $1 million.

Florida's AG seeks to enforce a blocked immigration law; Governor DeSantis supports AG's defiance of a federal court order. Legal challenges continue over state versus federal jurisdiction on immigration.

A federal appeals court upheld the block on Florida's law against drag shows, suggesting it's likely unconstitutional due to its vague language that could impede on First Amendment rights.

Orlando businesses are concerned about rising downtown violence, impacting their operations and prompting discussions on nightlife and alcohol sales policies for safety.

Gov. DeSantis spoke at a homeschool convention in Florida, praising homeschooling and parental choice in education, while criticizing higher education for focusing on "intellectual fads" like race and gender over traditional academic subjects.

Lake County announces a workshop series to discuss growth management, including preservation, quality of life, and the impact on infrastructure, seeking community engagement.

John Graczyk has been named the new Police Chief of Clermont, with strong support from the city and a history of rising through the ranks since joining the department in 2005.

Orlando suspends its Minority and Women Business Enterprise program for a review to ensure compliance with federal law, causing uncertainty among local businesses.

Regina Hill announced her candidacy for re-election in Orlando's District 5 despite legal challenges. Interim successor Shan Rose, who claims crime has dropped since his appointment, seeks to maintain his position, emphasizing trust and integrity.

Christopher A. Blackmon was appointed interim Sheriff of Osceola County after former Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on charges related to an illegal gambling operation.

Mayor Jerry Demings discusses Orange County's initiatives on transportation, housing, sports development, and budget efficiency in his State of the County address.

Orange County Public Schools anticipate enrollment decline and subsequent funding cuts, impacting the district's finances and prompting calls for advocacy in public education funding.

Seminole County is considering raising property taxes for the first time in nearly 30 years to sustain services, alongside other revenue boosts like local gas and utility taxes.

Judge Williams held Florida AG Uthmeier in civil contempt for misrepresenting the scope of a restraining order on a state immigration law's enforcement.

An investigation reveals Kissimmee Police misconduct, leading to firings, demotions, and suspensions; reforms are underway, including potential civilian oversight.

Orange County voters participate in a special primary election for Florida's House and Senate seats, facing low turnout with only 5.62% voting early or by mail. Multiple candidates campaign for the vacant positions.

Kissimmee officials are set to discuss changes to alcohol sales, including the last call time and new after-midnight permits, amid safety and revenue concerns.

Former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy announced her candidacy for Orange County mayor for the 2026 election, focusing on smart growth, affordable housing, and economic diversity.

Osceola County's proposed FY2026 budget maintains General Fund millage rate at 6.7 for the 15th year, backing infrastructure and safety amidst growth.

A judge reinstated Groveland Councilwoman Judith Fike after suspension over controversial social media posts, sparking local debate on ethics and free speech.

Governor DeSantis honored five finalists at Florida's Teacher of the Year event, announcing a $1.36 billion investment in teacher salaries and emphasizing civics education initiatives.

Seminole County commissioners vote to tentatively raise property taxes for the first time in over a decade to fund essential services and address budget shortfalls.

Winter Park officials passed an ordinance restricting protests near its library and events center, with dissent over its necessity and impact on the right to assemble.

Winter Garden is considering stricter rules on solicitation, addressing increased resident complaints and concerns for the homeless community's needs.

The Groveland City Council is debating changes to the city charter that could allow for the suspension or removal of members following a controversial incident involving Councilwoman Judith Fike's social media posts.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is auditing Orange County's budget through the Department of Government Efficiency, focusing on spending since 2019 and targeting perceived fiscal excesses.

Orange County is conducting a forensic examination of Visit Orlando following an audit that revealed mismanagement of funds, including spending on non-tourism-related items.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings resists Florida AG James Uthmeier's push to sign an updated ICE contract, citing concerns over community safety and resource allocation.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings signed an ICE agreement under state pressure for county officers to transport detainees, as reported by CF Public and WESH. Governor DeSantis warned of consequences for non-compliance with state law.

Florida's DOGE is auditing Orange County's administrative practices and financial records, a process similar to ones in Manatee County and others, scrutinizing areas like procurement and DEI initiatives.

The DeSantis administration is striving to enforce a law barring minors from drag shows, except for Hamburger Mary's, amidst ongoing legal disputes in Florida.

The Orange County Commission approved an ICE addendum requiring local officers to transport detainees, despite public outcry and potential legal action.

A judge denied Orlando bar owners' request for relief from covering security costs imposed by a city ordinance, which they challenged as unfair and unconstitutional.

State Attorney Monique Worrell is introducing policies to separate administrative and criminal investigations in response to what she calls baseless allegations and politicized probes after her reelection.

Orange County's Supervisor of Elections admitted to a printing error on over 88,000 sample ballots, listing the incorrect Democratic candidate for House District 40. Corrective measures are underway.

The Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight is auditing Orlando's finances, focusing on contracts, spending, and a 55% increase in property tax collections. Officials claim fiscal responsibility and await the audit's outcome.

State Attorney Monique Worrell files a Petition for Declaratory Judgment to maintain grand jury secrecy and prevent political misuse of investigations.

Leesburg is set to increase building permit fees from October 1st to cover the Building Department's operational costs, with residential permits starting at $150 and commercial at $250.

Florida Governor DeSantis filed a lawsuit alleging that McGraw-Hill and Savvas Learning overcharged school districts for textbooks, with potential penalties between $37.5M and $60.5M.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer spoke about the city's achievements, housing crisis, public safety, and future projects during a State of the City address celebrating Orlando's 150th birthday.

The Edgewater City Council voted 3-2 to maintain development moratoriums, potentially conflicting with state law, despite warnings of legal repercussions and advice to repeal from the city attorney.

Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell has announced plans to tackle a case backlog of 5,797 cases and to improve low staff retention rates through a five-year initiative and funding increases.

Orlando is to get a new U.S. passport office by 2027, offering expedited services for urgent travel documents, with appointments required and additional fees for faster processing.

Leesburg city commission is set to decide if the Shuffleboard Club's property will be donated to a nonprofit aiding homeless youth, amid concerns from club members and a request for a public referendum by an attorney.

The Orange County Fleet Management Division ranked #14 in the 2025 Leading Fleets Award, marking their third recognition since 2020 for excellence in government fleet operations.

Lake County Commissioners consider a 5-cent local gas tax hike, with a 3-2 vote to advertise the increase, aiming to address a $700 million road project deficit amidst population growth and infrastructure needs.

Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej defended the organization's financial practices, despite an Orange County audit that suggested misclassification of $20 million in tourism funds. Matej insists the funds are properly accounted for.

Orange County has joined a lawsuit challenging Florida's Senate Bill 180, which restricts local governments' power to establish building regulations. The county is also in talks with the state to align its Vision 2050 plan with the bill.

West Orange County voters will elect new representatives for Florida's Senate District 15 and House District 40 in a special election, following the death of Sen. Geraldine Thompson.

Voters in Orange County, FL are electing new state legislators for Senate District 15 and House District 40, with early voting turnout at 5.62% before Election Day.

Paul Renner, ex-Florida House Speaker, announced his gubernatorial run, highlighting his alignment with Ron DeSantis and readiness to face opponents, including Byron Donalds.

Regina Hill, facing criminal charges, has qualified to run for re-election for her suspended Orlando City Commissioner seat while proclaiming her innocence despite legal uncertainties.

Seminole County commissioners voted to raise property taxes for the first time in 16 years despite public opposition, increasing the millage rate to boost revenue by $39 million.

Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia alleges $200 million in wasteful spending by Orange County and calls for reduced tax rates, while Mayor Jerry Demings defends the county's fiscal practices.

Seminole County has approved a property tax increase, the first in 16 years, to address a $35 million shortfall, with residents facing higher tax bills to maintain services.

The Lake County Commission approved roadside markers for Charlie Kirk after a contentious meeting, despite opposition from those preferring memorials for local heroes.

Florida AG James Uthmeier criticized State Attorney Monique Worrell for her handling of criminal cases during a news conference, leading to a heated exchange.

Kissimmee now requires a special permit for establishments to sell alcohol until 2 a.m., with the ordinance aimed at balancing nightlife and public safety.

Orlando and Orange County leaders defend their spending against Florida officials' accusations, emphasizing investments in community services and fiscal responsibility.

Orange County experienced a record tourist tax collection in August due to increased tourism, helped by Universal’s Epic Universe theme park and a calm hurricane season.

Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia accuses Seminole County of wasteful spending, aligns with Gov. DeSantis's property tax reform amid the county's tax increase.

Residents in Orange County and 1000 Friends of Florida challenge Florida's SB 180 law, arguing it undermines local control over development and violates constitutional rights.

Orange County commissioners approved a new redistricting map, increasing commission seats to eight, reshaping districts, and setting the stage for elections in 2026.

Florida Sen. Ashley Moody co-sponsors the "Eliminate Shutdowns Act" to prevent future federal government shutdowns through automatic funding extensions.

Early voting for Orlando's council seats in Districts 1, 3, and 5 begins, with options for weekday, weekend, and Election Day voting reported by WFTV and ClickOrlando.

Orange County erased over $515 million in medical debt for 302,000 people through a partnership with a nonprofit, using $4.5 million from the American Rescue Plan.

State Attorney Monique Worrell calls for Florida juvenile justice reform while discussing prosecution dilemmas, probation issues, and a case not pursued due to legal constraints. She also expresses concerns over staff retention and underfunding.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially filed to run for Florida Governor as a Democrat, with former Republican congressman David Jolly among his primary contenders.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is running for Florida governor, focusing on accountability, affordability, and public safety, with aspirations to be the state's first African American governor.

Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia identified $1.5 billion in alleged wasteful spending by Florida municipalities, with Orlando noted for low excess spending. Critics question the audit's methodology and caution against oversimplification of budget issues.

Former Commissioner Regina Hill sues rival Shan Rose and Orlando's Canvassing Board over alleged election fraud, involving vote buying and illegal handling of absentee ballots.

Eatonville's town council is voting on limiting Mayor Gardner's powers after her unilateral decision to sell Hungerford School property caused controversy. There's a push for transparency and shared decision-making.

Daytona Beach city auditor's report on fiscal practices reveals questionable spending and a lack of oversight. The city suspended credit card use and formed a committee to address the issues.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposes an 'AI Bill of Rights' to regulate AI usage, focusing on child safety, privacy, the ban of government AI subsidies, and controls on deepfakes and foreign involvement in AI development.

Brandon Arrington has been elected chair of the Osceola County Commission for a sixth term, tasked with managing challenges such as traffic, development, and growth.

Orlando's District 3 city commission seat heads to a runoff election between Roger Chapin and Mira Tanna, after a tight initial race where Chapin leads by 14 votes.

Orange County Public Schools considers closing seven schools due to enrollment decline and a $41 million deficit. The district's student body dropped by 8,300 over three years, leading to potential consolidation to maintain educational quality.

Immigration detainee numbers surge at Orange County Jail, sparking concerns about costs and alleged targeting based on language or ethnicity among community leaders and local authorities.

Eatonville leaders are divided over the sale of the historic Hungerford property, with some accusing the mayor of excluding the council from the decision-making process.

Florida has launched a statewide animal cruelty database as part of Dexter's Law, providing information on individuals convicted of animal abuse to assist in the safe adoption and rehoming of pets.

The Orange County School Board will vote on the sale of the historic Hungerford property, which could lead to its redevelopment and benefit Eatonville's economy.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins joins the 2026 governor's race, bringing his military and political experience. He is among many Republicans vying for the role, with Democrats like Jerry Demings also campaigning.

Orange County commissioners voted 4-3 against a proposed toll road through Split Oak Forest, following public demonstrations for the land's preservation.

Osceola County implemented the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol to speed up alarm response times, potentially saving telecommunicators 33 to 133 hours monthly.

Orlando's Mayor Dyer explains the city can't stop a potential ICE facility due to federal supremacy, despite residents' concerns and local opposition.

A federal judge has halted the termination of TPS for Haitians, a relief for many in Central Florida's Haitian community, amidst political debate and advocacy for extension.

A Florida lawmaker’s HB 1279 would force flagship campuses to limit out‑of‑state freshmen to about 5%, tie funding to compliance and trigger a big budget fight. Universities warn the change could cost tens of millions.

New data show ICE arrests in Florida nearly tripled, and Palm Beach County officials and businesses say deputized enforcement is reshaping schoolrooms, kitchens and neighborhoods.

Orange County will debate whether to block a possible ICE processing site in Orlando after federal site visits and rising public concern. County attorneys will brief commissioners Tuesday.

A Tallahassee federal trial is testing HB 1205’s new petition rules and whether they effectively block citizen‑led ballot initiatives across Florida.

State officials handed out $1.7M to Volusia and Flagler law enforcement to reimburse 287(g) immigration‑enforcement costs; Flagler received the largest share.

Early 2026 polling shows Byron Donalds leading the GOP primary to succeed Ron DeSantis, with Trump's endorsement amplifying his edge.

A Board of Governors letter to the LCME has widened Florida’s accreditation fight, raising real risks for medical schools, federal aid and residency pipelines.

A Florida Senate committee added a $4M appropriation to compensate descendants of the Groveland Four; the bill now heads to the Senate floor but still needs House approval.

Sen. Ashley Moody has filed the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act to raise prison terms and fines for health-care fraud. The bill cites recent fraud probes as its spur.

Rep. Greg Steube asked the DOJ to investigate states that don’t offer religious exemptions to vaccine mandates, naming New York, California, Maine and Connecticut.

FAU faculty warn that a proposed statewide pause on new H‑1B hires would stall faculty searches and research; the Board of Governors will vote Feb. 23.

A Florida bill advanced Wednesday would require background checks for insurer officials, tighten model and rate rules, and create a statewide mitigation database for discounts. Sponsors say it builds on 2022 reforms to stabilize the market.

Florida’s 2024 SNAP error rate topped 15%, and a troubled MyACCESS portal has advocates warning that tightened paperwork could cost the state nearly $1 billion. Lawmakers are racing to act.

Lovetta Quinn‑Henry, PhD, is Apopka’s 16th police chief and the first woman to lead the department, prioritizing data‑driven policing and neighborhood outreach.

City leaders want state and federal grants to seed an emergency fund for repairs after residents reported launch‑related damage on the Space Coast.

Deputy City Attorney Kalanit Oded will serve temporarily after Olga Sanchez de Fuentes was removed; the commission has outlined tougher requirements and a formal search.

A pair of bills in Tallahassee would end Florida’s yellow registration decals and switch renewals to electronic verification — a move billed as a money‑save but greeted with warnings about policing and reminders.

FOX 35 Orlando streamed President Trump’s remarks from Orlando Wednesday night, with local outlets posting the feed for Central Florida viewers.

My Safe Florida Home grants remain active, but eligibility, condo pilot glitches and funding limits mean not everyone will see a $10,000 check. Here’s what homeowners should know and do next.

State Attorney Monique Worrell challenges changes to a federal grant by the Florida AG, affecting crime victim services funding in the Orange-Osceola area, fearing reduced support for domestic violence victims.

A sweeping AI 'Bill of Rights' moved through a Florida Senate committee Wednesday, adding parental opt‑outs and tighter rules for chatbots and school AI tools.

An Orlando fact‑check debunks 39 common Florida voting myths and flags a large number of inactive registrations. Here’s a local guide to what actually matters on ballots, ballot photos and restored voting rights.

The Florida House voted to send a 2026 ballot question that could eliminate most non‑school property taxes on homesteads, setting up a fight over billions in local funding.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee advanced bills to let booster money top up high-school coach pay, setting a statewide floor tied to hours worked and raising equity questions.

Orlando moved after‑midnight policing fees to monthly advance payments on Feb. 1, a change operators say could saddle bars with crippling front‑loaded costs.

A coalition of seven Florida private schools says Step Up For Students failed to deliver millions in scholarship dollars, straining small and special‑needs programs and spawning a Duval County lawsuit.

Preliminary VISIT FLORIDA estimates show 143.3 million visitors in 2025, driven by domestic travel and a record fourth quarter. The tally could reshape spring travel across Orlando, Miami and the Gulf Coast.

New bills in Tallahassee would send bail refunds back to defendants, critics say, starving nonprofit bail funds and increasing pretrial jail time and taxpayer costs.

Florida's public counsel says FPL customers are already paying into a multiyear settlement and that his office is appealing the commission's approval.

A sweeping Florida education bill would require HD fetal‑development videos in grades 6–12, let parents opt out and fold math, attendance and curriculum rules into one package.

A Republican candidate captured in a viral video using a racial slur is challenging Rep. Bruce Antone in Orlando’s District 41 as county officials review the clip. The race now pits a disability‑rights narrative against a moment of public outrage.

A Florida recalculation of student counts will trim about $17M from OCPS’s 2025–26 state aid, compounding budget and staffing pressures after big enrollment losses.

SB 1756 cleared a Senate committee in Tallahassee, creating a conscience exemption for school vaccines and authorizing behind‑the‑counter ivermectin while narrowing emergency vaccine powers.

Senators advanced "Meg’s Law," a bill to limit where flavored nitrous‑oxide canisters can be sold and to impose felony penalties on retailers who sell them. The measure now heads to final floor votes in both chambers.

Lawmakers removed a contested "food libel" clause from HB 433 after activists warned it would chill speech and expose critics to big legal bills.

Commissioners will vote Thursday on a three‑year, $55,000‑per‑year contract to add Aurelian AI’s "Ava" to Winter Garden’s 911 non‑emergency lines. Vendors and early pilots say it frees dispatchers; advocates want clear oversight and data rules.

Palm Bay’s council met Friday to consider a $55,000 settlement that would resolve a federal lawsuit by censured Councilman Chandler Langevin. The vote follows months of controversy over his social‑media posts.

A Florida House panel advanced HB 277, a bipartisan bill that would expand electronic monitoring and increase penalties for repeat domestic‑violence offenders. The measure now heads to the House calendar.

Sen. Jason Brodeur says he backs a late amendment critics say would let landowners bypass Seminole’s voter‑approved rural boundary and seek compensation.

A judicial watchdog panel recommended a 30-day suspension and $10,000 fine for Broward County Judge Lauren Peffer after she shared an apparent AI-generated recording and cited an unread tell‑all during her 2024 campaign.

A CROWN Act bill that would bar school discipline for natural hairstyles failed to advance in a Florida committee, advocates said. Sponsors and students vowed to keep pushing.

Apopka’s March 10 ballot pits Mayor Bryan Nelson against Christine Moore and Nick Nesta, and voters will also weigh an eight‑question charter referendum. The outcome could reshape City Hall.

UF pulled a Spring 2026 WARP syllabus after course materials offered "access riders" to queer, trans and BIPOC students — administrators said the language was removed to comply with a state anti‑DEI rule.