What will Florida lawmakers do next on insurance?
Florida’s new legislative leaders were sworn in last month, and addressing the insurance crisis seems to be at the top of their minds. There is a growing sentiment in Tallahassee that more action is needed on this top constituent issue. After years of legal reforms making it harder to sue insurance companies, rates have stabilized but haven’t gone down. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.
These Tallahassee businesses, organizations marked milestone anniversaries in 2024
2024 was a year of major milestones. Tallahassee celebrated the big 200 with its yearlong recognitions and celebrations for its bicentennial and many local businesses had reason to celebrate, too. Milestones signal a triumph over the challenges so many face to keep the doors open. More from the Tallahassee Democrat.
End of year rocket launch: SpaceX doubleheader launch from Florida
SpaceX is hoping to get in two more rocket launches before the year comes to a close − which will bring the record year in Florida to 93 launches. Federal Aviation Administration warnings show two possible launches in the coming days: Another attempt at the Astranis mission and the SpaceX Starlink 12-6 mission. More from Florida Today.
2025 is going to be a huge year for Tampa Bay restaurants
Finally, some good news. Though the past year was a slow one for restaurant openings, things are looking up. Many eateries slated to open in 2024 hit a long list of setbacks, ranging from permitting delays to construction lags, and a good number of spots didn’t make it to the finish line. But that means we’re in for a particularly busy 2025. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Disney’s Reedy Creek district blurred lines but broke no laws, Florida probe concludes
Florida officials quietly ended a probe into Walt Disney World’s former Reedy Creek Improvement District, concluding that no laws were broken, according to a newly released memo. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement closed its case “due to a lack of a criminal predicate,” the state’s Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel wrote in a June 21 letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
Transportation
Will Tampa’s streetcar remain free to riders?
The fate of the TECO Line Streetcar fare-free service once again hangs in the balance, transit authority staff say. Facing a critical budget shortfall and the end of yearslong grant funding, transit officials are exploring possible cuts to service and the reinstatement of fares. That’s unless Mayor Jane Castor has anything to say about it.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida History
Miami used to look like that at New Year’s?
The Big Orange lives as a moving neon sign on the side of a downtown Miami hotel. But New Year’s Eve used to be all about King Orange at a nighttime parade. It was called the King Orange Jamboree and the Orange Bowl Parade through the years, and it marched up and down Biscayne Boulevard as spectators lined the streets.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.