Multi-billion-dollar transportation overhaul aims to ease congestion in fast-growing Central Florida
Central Florida is set to receive billions of dollars in new highway construction. The planned work includes new express lanes, widened highways and updated interchanges. Major construction projects from the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida's Turnpike Enterprise coincide with the Central Florida Expressway Authority's $4.2 billion, five-year work plan. More from the Orlando Business Journal.
Manatee County residents beg for repeal of Florida planning restriction law
State lawmakers representing Manatee County heard harsh criticism on Monday regarding a law that critics maintain blocks local governments from regulating development now and for years to come. Senate Bill 180 received nearly unanimous approval from the state Legislature this spring and was signed into law this summer by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Pinellas County, was intended to help people rebuild properties damaged by major storms. But its language was altered substantially by several provisions that has led to two lawsuits being filed to block it in state court. More from the Florida Phoenix.
More public records exemptions filed for 2026 session
The runup to the next legislative session brings with it, as it always does, a new round of proposed exceptions to Florida's open government laws, generally regarded as among the best in the nation. Specifically, lawmakers have filed bills for the 2026 session to shield more information from public view, adding to the over 1,000 exemptions to the public records statute. The session begins Jan. 13. More from the Ocala StarBanner.
Sarasota's New College says it will be first school to sign Trump's education compact
As the Trump Administration has clashed with the country's higher education institutions, Sarasota's New College of Florida has eagerly stepped into the breach and adhered to the president’s agenda. The college announced it will be the first to sign the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, a series of policies institutions would follow for better funding preferences. More from the Herald-Tribune.
Kava popularity grows in Florida as alcohol alternative
Under the muted lights of Mai Kai Kava Bar in Gainesville, coconut cups line the countertop. A few customers pull up tall stools to the bar, unpacking their laptops as they order off the menu. Mai Kai co-owner Erin Hart shuffles behind the counter as the music from speakers echo throughout the bar. There are no bottles of alcohol around. Mai Kai is a kava bar, and the patrons are ready for their fill as soon as the doors open. As more Americans contemplate leaving alcohol behind, kava has become an alternative to drinking by offering similar effects without the consequences. More from WUSF.
| Florida Trend Mention |
|
Innovations
Tampa startup makes water out of thin air, as it looks to change the way the world gets water
A Tampa-based company is reimagining the world’s water supply, by pulling water straight from the atmosphere.
Genesis Systems, a local startup co-founded by Dr. David Stuckenberg, has developed technology, they say, that literally makes water out of thin air. The company said it’s already helping communities and hospitals during disasters and beyond.
» More from FOX13.
Ecosystems
Flamingos making home in Florida again after 100 years; ecologist explains why
Hurricane Idalia blew a flamboyance, or flock, of 300-400 flamingos that was likely migrating between the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba off course in August 2023 and unceremoniously deposited the birds across a wide swath of the eastern United States, from Florida’s Gulf Coast all the way up to Wisconsin and east to Pennsylvania.
I’m an estuarine scientist. That means I study ecosystems where fresh water flows into the ocean. I’ve spent 35 years with Audubon Florida studying the ecology of American flamingos and other wading birds in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park. So naturally, I was thrilled and intrigued by the sudden arrival of these flamingos.
» Read more from Your Sun.