A D.C. judge cleared the way for a rare Endangered Species Committee meeting that could exempt Gulf oil and gas from ESA protections. Conservationists warn the move risks the Rice’s whale.

Willy Ritch, who led Maine’s anti‑public‑utility campaign in 2023, appears on a Pinellas group’s site backing Duke Energy — raising questions about outside influence in a local utility fight.

Dozens of TECO customers told City Council Thursday that repeated rate increases and a storm surcharge are making electricity unaffordable for many households.

Federal prosecutors sued United Parks & Resorts, alleging its ban on wheeled walkers with seats at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens violates the ADA.

The Justice Department has settled Michael Flynn’s wrongful‑prosecution suit, a court filing in Tampa says. The filing says Flynn will receive settlement funds but gives no dollar amount.

Pasco County wants to renew a one‑mill property tax that funds salary supplements for teachers and staff. The school board has asked the county to put the question on the November ballot.

Western Hillsborough voters decide a special Senate race today between Josie Tomkow and Brian Nathan; polls close at 7 p.m. local time.

Florida's state university system formed a task force to set NIL and revenue‑sharing rules as trustees approved temporary auxiliary funding to steady athletic budgets. The panel will shape how campuses handle direct payments and compliance in the months ahead.

Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters in Tallahassee "we'll see" when asked about another presidential bid, reopening debate over his national ambitions and Florida politics.

Tampa Police are seeking roughly $2 million to replace service pistols and buy a Boston Dynamics Spot robot — a request that has prompted questions about cost and oversight.

The Supreme Court will decide whether a 1988 video‑privacy law covers pixel‑based sharing of viewing history with Facebook — a ruling that could reshape online ads and lawsuits.

Florida will bar SNAP purchases of soda, energy drinks, candy and shelf‑stable desserts beginning April 20, 2026; retailers must update registers and the state will report on results.

A White House executive order reported Thursday aims to reserve the Army‑Navy game's December TV window, directing the FCC and Commerce to coordinate with the CFP and NCAA.