Launches, science, astronauts: What 2025 will bring for space exploration from Florida
A record breaking launch cadence from Cape Canaveral. SpaceX catching a Starship Super Heavy booster in Texas. The first spacewalk by a private company. A mission to Europa. The troubled Starliner crewed flight that had to return without its astronauts. And Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket making progress. 2024 was an eventful year in space exploration. However, the upcoming year has many ground-breaking missions already on tap. More from Florida Today.
Amtrak derails decades of deals to serve Miami International Airport
Amtrak, now eight years late pulling its first train into a station built to its specifications at Miami International Airport, has finally set a firm arrival date: never. In a short letter, the National Railroad Passenger Corp. stunned transportation officials who had been negotiating final details of Amtrak’s station lease by saying that running its Miami trains as far as the airport would cost too much. More from Miami Today.
FPL wants to raise electric rates to help cover growing Florida customer base
Pointing to issues such as growth and a need to continue expanding its system, Florida Power & Light on Monday said it will propose a four-year plan to raise base electric rates. FPL will seek increases of about $1.55 billion that would take effect in 2026 and $930 million that would take effect in 2027, according to a letter filed with the Florida Public Service Commission. More from Click Orlando.
See where commercial construction activity is in Orlando
Orlando’s commercial construction continues despite headwinds, as the City Beautiful processed thousands of building permits in 2024. According to city records, Orlando has seen over 12,000 commercial construction permits from December 2023 to December 2024, with hot spots in downtown, Lake Nona and I-Drive. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Pasco residents say Connected City has yet to deliver on promises
When the idea was hatched by the state Legislature in 2015 — and two years later was adopted as a comprehensive plan amendment — Connected City promised large lagoons, high-speed internet and a new way of developing communities. But some lament that other touted amenities have gone undelivered, such as farmers markets, district parks and extended green space. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Travel Trends
Florida island lands on Forbes' list of top 12 travel destinations in the world for 2025
Forbes Travel Guide’s "Top 12 Destinations for 2025" highlights locales from around the world. The list includes destinations spanning South Asia, North Africa, and Australia. Several United States vacation spots are featured as well, including a small, relatively obscure island in Florida.
» More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Recreation
FWC opens red grouper and lane snapper season Jan. 1, offers help to anglers
Anglers who favor catching red grouper or lane snapper in Florida waters will have their chance beginning Wednesday. Those owning private recreational vessels will be able to cast lines beginning Jan. 1 in Gulf state or federal waters.
» Read more from Florida Politics.