First signs of hurricane danger? Forecasters flag a brewing weather system.
A brewing weather feature known as a "gyre" near Central America has caught the attention of some hurricane forecasters who say the system could spawn the first storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. AccuWeather forecasters sounded the early warning on May 6, but so far meteorologists from the National Hurricane Center have not issued any advisories about the potential system. More from USA Today, the Naples Daily News, and AccuWeather.
South Florida housing market could see drop in prices, with nearly 52,000 homes listed for sale
The number of homes listed for sale in South Florida has risen to its highest point in nearly a decade — which ultimately could lead to some lower prices, real estate experts say. There were nearly 52,000 active listings across South Florida’s tricounty region in April — more than quadruple the number from 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when listings had fallen to 12,825, according to Reventure, a real estate analytics tool. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Favorite weekend retreat of Florida residents among 'Most Endangered Historic Places'
Cedar Key, a popular fishing village and weekend retreat just over an hour's drive southwest of Gainesville, is among the locations listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2025 list of "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places." The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has published a list of endangered historic places annually since 1988, is a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. More from the Gainesville Sun.
Fort Myers orchestra to shutter, reasons for demise in dispute
The Southwest Florida Symphony in Fort Myers, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in Florida, is closing down after operating for nearly 65 years. The symphony, according to a statement from its board, will continue operations through the end of the fiscal year June 30. The reasons behind the shuttering of the symphony, founded in 1961 as a community orchestra consisting of 24 volunteer musicians, when it was called the Fort Myers Symphony, are in dispute. More from the Business Observer.
Orange, Osceola boards rebuff Split Oak Forest defenders’ last-ditch pleas
Defenders of Split Oak Forest tried but failed Tuesday to persuade Orange County government to take legal action to halt construction of a toll road through the public land’s southern wedge. Forest advocates insist Orange County has grounds to oppose the highway, even though it sits solely in the Osceola County portion of the preserve. County lawyers say they don’t. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
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Transportation
Brightline launches new fixed-rate pass program for frequent riders
Brightline, South Florida’s higher speed railroad, on Tuesday announced its long-awaited new round of bundled travel passes for customers after halting an earlier program last year. The Miami-based company said its new Brightline Passes, which will give passengers a choice of 10-, 20-, and 40-ride options at fixed prices, are now on sale and are hooked up with the railroad’s nascent Brightline Rewards program, where passengers can earn points for future travel.
» More from South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Discovery of kangaroo in Florida gets even weirder when no owner comes forward
A kangaroo was found bouncing on the streets of St. Cloud, Florida, but far stranger is the fact an owner still hasn’t been identified, state officials say. Kangaroos are considered “Class II Wildlife” in Florida, “which means that permits are required for ownership,” the FWC says.
» Read more from the Mimi Heraldand WOFL.