Milestones to watch for in 2026 from Florida's space industry
A new era of lunar exploration and space innovation is poised to unfold along Florida’s Space Coast as NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin prepare for history-making launches in 2026. While 2025 saw a record number of launches —including crewed exploration, science missions, and even an historic first booster landing by Blue Origin’s New Glenn — 2026 will showcase Cape Canaveral's fast evolving future. The landscape and skyline of Cape Canaveral is rapidly transforming. [Source: Florida Today]
Florida gas prices close 2025 at lowest levels since COVID pandemic, AAA says
Florida motorists head toward 2026 with end-of–year gas prices the lowest since during the COVID-19 pandemic. The AAA auto club said the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas Monday in Florida was $2.74, down 12 cents from a week earlier and 29 cents from a month earlier. The average price at this time last year was $3.07 a gallon, according to AAA. Going into the holiday period, AAA attributed lower prices to a strong supply that offset increased demand and low crude oil prices. [Source: WUSF]
Column: Florida’s water utilities must prepare for climate change. Here’s how
The signs of a changing climate are no longer subtle, they’re here, and they’re reshaping life in Florida. For utilities, these changes aren’t abstract, they’re operational challenges that demand immediate action. How we prepare today will determine whether we can reliably deliver water, power and essential services to a growing population in the decades ahead. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Here are five Florida laws going into effect on New Year's Day
From an animal abuser database to condo affordability accountability, the new year brings new laws to the Sunshines State. While most bills passed during the 2025 legislative session are already active, here are five notable bills Floridians should know take effect on Jan. 1. [Source: WUWF]
Practice law without taking Florida Bar exam? State Supreme Court says no
The Florida Supreme Court on Monday unanimously rejected a proposal by Attorney General James Uthmeier that would have allowed certain state government lawyers to practice in Florida for up to three years without taking the Florida Bar exam. In a petition filed at the Supreme Court, Uthmeier argued the proposed change could help draw lawyers who are licensed in other states. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Canadian travel plummets in Pinellas, local stakeholders remain ‘bullish’
Pinellas County, widely known as a refuge for northern travelers seeking sandy beaches and warmer climates during the winter, has experienced a steep decline in Canadian tourism. Local data from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) mirrors a national trend: Canadians spent 17% less in the area this year. The number of overnight stays decreased by 17.6%. While the county’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and Canada is, by far, the largest source of local international visitors, stakeholders remain optimistic.
› Orange Bowl offers broad slate of community events
While the Orange Bowl is best known for its marquee New Year’s Day football matchup, the tournament encompasses a broader slate of sports, community and charitable events that stretch beyond Jan. 1 and bring athletes, families and visitors to South Florida throughout the season. In the weeks leading up to the College Football Playoff game, the Orange Bowl traditionally hosts a series of ancillary events designed to engage fans and the local community.
› Fort Myers weighs police impact fee on new development
Fort Myers officials want more information before deciding whether to add an impact fee for police services. City Council members reviewed the results of a police impact fee study by Stantec Consulting during their final workshop of 2025. The study found the city could collect an estimated $9.35 million over 10 years if it adopts the fee. Impact fees are one-time assessments on new construction, typically paid by builders and often passed along to buyers.
› North Florida health care market sees wave of private equity and venture-backed startups in 2025
North Florida’s health care footprint is changing as fast as its balance sheets. An array of private equity- and venture-backed startups muscled into the local ecosystem during 2025, a space already flush with longtime health care organizations. It’s one facet of a well-financed boom where major systems raced to break ground on new towers, renovate aging campuses and expand speciality services, all while investors hunt for scalable models in advanced care.
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› An artificial reef is going in off the Brevard coast using dozens of OUC's donated concrete poles
The Orlando Utilities Commission is donating dozens of concrete utility pole sections to help build a new artificial reef off the Brevard County coast, a project aimed at reducing landfill waste while supporting marine life. The utility is providing about 160 concrete pole sections — weighing a combined 500 tons — to the 2025 Brevard County Artificial Reef Project. The poles will be placed roughly 15 miles offshore in about 80, to 85 feet of water.
› Lee Health's CEO prepares for leadership transition phase
Many in the Southwest Florida health care community were surprised when Lee Health President and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci announced in mid-December that he would not renew his employment contract when it concludes at the end of September 2026. Antonucci, who has served as CEO of Fort Myers-based Lee Health since 2017, has led the region’s largest health care system through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes Irma and Ian.
› Florida DEP to host January meeting on Blue Origin wastewater permit
After significant opposition emerged, Brevard County residents will get the chance to chime in on Blue Origin's industrial wastewater permit renewal at its huge Rocket Park manufacturing complex on northern Merritt Island. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a public meeting on Blue Origin's permit from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Brevard County UF/IFAS Extension Building.
› University of Florida to be new host for major plant breeding accelerator program
The University of Florida is the new home for an important partner in the effort to provide nutritious food for the nation and to keep farms competitive – a USDA-Agricultural Research Service-funded program called Breeding Insight (BI). The initiative supports public breeding efforts via more than 61 programs at the USDA as well as university-based programs across the country.