In updated 2025 predictions, Florida leads U.S. for hurricanes, tropical storms
Colorado State University forecasters have issued their fourth prediction for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and the news is the same: a slightly above-normal season, with 16 names storms and eight hurricanes. However, forecasters noted there is a "lower-than-normal confidence" with the Aug. 6 outlook because of "mixed signals."More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the News Service of Florida.
FDA considering changing regulations on what constitutes ‘orange juice’
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a proposed rule to change what qualifies as “orange juice” in response to industry requests. The proposal still needs to be finalized, but the FDA wants to modernize regulations that would better reflect the modern orange crop. The proposal centers on the sugar content in orange juice, or what is known as “Brix levels.” Modern citrus does not produce as much sugar as citrus in years past. The FDA wants the measure of sugar content used to identify orange juice to go from 10.5% sugar to 10% “to better align with today’s orange crop,” according t Florida Citrus Mutual. [Source: Florida Politics]
Builders, septic industry target manatees ruling
Saying the case has “significant implications for home construction and the economy,” home builders and the septic-system industry this week backed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in its appeal of a federal judge’s decision that required additional steps to protect manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon. As of July 25, Florida totaled 484 manatee deaths this year, with the largest number, 96, in Brevard County, according to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida gets USDA approval to ban SNAP purchases of junk food
Florida has received federal approval to prohibit SNAP recipients from using their benefits to buy junk foods such as soda and candy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture signed off on the request Monday, allowing the state to move forward with the policy starting Jan. 1. The waiver was submitted by the state Department of Children and Families in late May amid a broader effort led by the Trump administration to reshape the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and reduce rates of chronic disease. [Source: WUSF]
New NASA head wants moon nuclear reactor, with likely launch from Florida
The new head of NASA wants to get nuclear power on the moon before China does, which could mean another Florida launch with radioactive material. One of the first directives for acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy, who is also the Secretary of Transportation, includes a call to speed efforts to put a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface, providing reliable power for exploration and experimentation. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Charities facing cuts ask Miami-Dade mayor: Save the safety net, don’t ‘unravel it’
Charities take one of the largest hits in Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s spending plan for 2026, which wipes out about $40 million in grant money for nonprofits, including arts groups, social-services organizations and food pantries. That includes about $465,000 that was included this year for Kristi House, a nonprofit that manages child-abuse cases.
› Lake County trucking company to cut hundreds of jobs, cease operations
A logistics company in Lake County will cut 330 jobs and close its doors. Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corp. said it would cut 330 jobs as it permanently closes, according to a July 29 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter. Leadership for the logistics and trucking company at 8340 American Way in Groveland said to multiple media outlets it was shutting down as it faced a challenging economy and the cost of fighting multiple personal injury lawsuits over the years.
› Many in St. Pete couldn’t flush toilets during hurricanes. Will this ‘AquaFence’ help?
Facing what could be another above-average hurricane season, the city of St. Petersburg has now encircled the low-lying wastewater facility with a flood barrier meant to keep rising water away. Butting against Tampa Bay, the “AquaFence” stands 9-feet tall — the largest size the manufacturer of the barrier makes — and wraps 500 feet around the vulnerable sewage facility.
› Record investment made from the Naples Winter Wine Festival
It was another banner year for the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Live and online auctions held at the twenty-fifth annual festival raised more than $34 million dollars, beating out the previous year’s record total. The founding organization of the wine festival, the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), supports local nonprofit organizations that focus on underprivileged and at-risk children living in Collier County. Since inception, the festival has raised more than $336 million.
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› Here's how much FPL's historic rate hike will cost Florida residents
Next week, the Florida Public Service Commission is set to hear a request from Florida Power and Light for a gargantuan $8.9 billion rate hike – the biggest in U.S. history – spread out from 2026 to 2029. That number could rise north of $10 billion if FPL is also granted authority to pass on the costs of bringing its new solar and battery projects online in 2028-29 to customers.
› Novelist Randy Wayne White sues Doc Ford’s restaurant ownership group over contract
Novelist Randy Wayne White, creator of the Doc Ford literary character, is suing HM Restaurant Group, claiming the company failed to properly compensate him under an agreement to use the name for its restaurant chain. HM Restaurant Group denies the allegations and says it has fulfilled its obligations. The first Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille opened in 2003.
› Miami Dade College leads global accessibility conversation at Ability Innovations Workshop
To seek innovative solutions to this disparity, Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus became a hub for inclusive innovation during the Ability Innovations Workshop last week. The global event focused on how emerging technologies including AI, extended reality (XR), and smart mobility tools are expanding access and opportunity for people of all abilities.
› Twin towers coming to downtown Fort Lauderdale will be among tallest in town
A stunning set of twin towers slated for downtown Fort Lauderdale will rise nearly 54 stories, adding architectural drama to the city’s growing skyline. Ombelle, a $600 million development set to open in 2028, is expected to break ground by the end of the year. The project, led by New York developer Dependable Equities, will rise at 300 NE Third Ave. in Flagler Village, a trendy arts and entertainment district known for its tall apartment towers and vibrant street life.