Damage to Florida crops could top $1 billion
Every farmer as far south as Lake Okeechobee who was actively growing crops was hurt by the record-setting cold snap, said Matt Smith, a commercial crop agent for Lake and Orange counties with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Smith said it may take months to understand the severity of the freeze. Farmers may see signs of fruit damage within two to four weeks – but wood damage may not be evident until April. And many farmers will be facing tough decisions soon. If the damage in a crop hits a certain level, it’ll be unsustainable to bring the rest of the crop to the market. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Column: Consumer protections for senior citizens are critical for Florida
For decades, Florida has been a famed destination for those seeking to enjoy their golden years. From an extraordinary quality of life to affordability and one of the most favorable tax environments in the nation, Florida’s appeal is unrivaled. But with threats emerging every day — from digital phishing scams to sophisticated fraud schemes — we must continue to protect seniors, as well as the many veterans and other vulnerable adults of all ages who call Florida home. [Source: Florida Politics]
In Tallahassee, a push to change what Floridians can say, write and read
State lawmakers this session are considering changing state laws that could affect what Floridians can say, write and read. Legislators are weighing giving the governor broad powers to brand groups as “terrorist organizations” and expel college students who support them. They’re proposing forbidding the state from referring to the “West Bank” and imposing more restrictions on school books. Several of the ideas have bipartisan support. But they’ve received pushback from free speech advocates and trade union representatives. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Miami Herald.
Florida delegation seeks USDA disaster declaration after freeze
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare an emergency following freezing temperatures that affected fruit and vegetable production in Florida. The Gainesville Republican led a bipartisan letter, co-signed by every member of Florida's congressional delegation, to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting a federal disaster declaration after extreme cold impacted crops across the state. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
Florida manatees: Young deaths rise, but new protections and science offer hope
It is unclear yet what impact the recent cold snap will have on Florida's manatee population. This past year brought mixed milestones for manatees: near-record deaths for young sea cows but also a bit more seagrass for grazing, some new scientific insights and other hints of hope for 2026. While they kept dying in droves, sea cows on the Space Coast — among their most important feeding spots — found more seagrass in the northern Indian River Lagoon. [Source: Florida Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› State's emergency fund set to expire Monday
Senate Republicans moved Wednesday to renew a multibillion-dollar emergency fund that has quietly become one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ most flexible spending tools, brushing aside Democrats’ attempts to tighten oversight amid revelations that hundreds of millions have gone toward immigration enforcement. In a 29-10 vote, mostly along party lines, the Senate approved legislation extending the state’s Emergency Preparedness and Response fund through 2027 — a move GOP leaders say is essential for disaster readiness but critics argue effectively renews a blank check for the governor.
› Aldi is Florida's second-biggest grocer. Could it overtake Publix?
Aldi is the nation's fastest-growing grocer and nowhere does it have more stores than in Florida where it now has 297 stores as of February 2026. The states with the next most are Illinois (218) and Ohio (175). Why is Aldi so focused on Florida? German discount grocer Aldi opened its first stores in Florida in 2008, but stepped up its efforts to increase its presence in Florida when it acquired the Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, which owned Winn-Dixie and Harvey Supermarkets, in March 2024.
› From private jets to tacos: Florida’s immigration spending surged last summer
The DeSantis administration dramatically escalated spending last summer on a years-old immigration emergency — with expenses ranging from private jet flights and restaurant tabs to custom badges, according to a state accounting of how his office is using an expiring emergency fund. That spending included more than $166,000 on restaurant bills and catering, $717,000 on travel — including a $203,000 private jet bill two days before Christmas — and at least $1.7 million on outside attorneys defending the state’s detention centers in court.
› Florida bill would reduce insurance requirements for Lyft, Uber
The rideshare company Lyft is asking Florida lawmakers to reduce the amount of insurance its drivers have to carry. SB 632, which passed a Senate committee Wednesday, would apply to the time from when a Lyft or Uber driver accepts a ride to the time a passenger is in the vehicle. Currently, the company has to have liability coverage of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury and property damage for all periods of a ride.
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› Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce focuses on future after December adjustment
The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce made structural changes in December, and while some administrative decisions remain, Board of Directors Chair John Roberts said the organization is now looking forward and continuing its work. “We have 1,300 members. We’re the largest business organization like that around—it ain’t even close,” Roberts said. “So I think we’ve not done a good job of telling that story.”
› Deal to run Miami Marine Stadium sails to city
A Miami Marine Stadium management deal is back before city officials, with a five-year contract proposed for Global Spectrum L.P. and a possible August referendum asking voters to approve a 40-year term, giving the city 93% of event profits and $10 million for restoration.
› JEA reviewing Benderson’s 1,000-acre North Jacksonville project
Benderson Development Co. LLC is laying the groundwork for development of its proposed 1,003-acre residential, retail and industrial development in North Jacksonville. Benderson, based in University Park, near Sarasota, asked city utility JEA to determine the service availability for the master development north of Pecan Park Road between Main Street to the east and Interstate 95 to the west. It filed the request Feb. 9.
› Brevard County approves final Indian River Lagoon plan; sales tax renewal next
Brevard County commissioners Tuesday, Feb. 10 approved the final yearly plan of the 10-year Save Our Indian River Lagoon program. Their vote comes as the county also considers a possible Nov. 3 voter referendum to renew the half-cent sales tax that funds the program. The commission voted 4-1 to approve the plan, with Commissioner Katie Delaney the sole no vote. The vote on whether to do another referendum will come later.