Could FEMA hurricane rules wipe out Florida’s mobile homes?
While mobile homes have provided an affordable option for generations of retirees chasing the snowbird dream, they are more vulnerable to storm damage. In the face of worsening hurricanes, some fear strict FEMA guidelines could make this lifestyle a thing of the past. Keven McAndrew, Pinellas County’s director of building development and review, said mobile homes remain an important part of the local housing stock. Though the county is taking measures to help mobile home owners, he said, some of these properties just aren’t safe from this growing threat. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida grabs top spot for highest tax refunds in the country as new cuts kick in
Tax Day arrived with a surprising silver lining for Florida residents this year. According to recent federal data, the Sunshine State has officially claimed the top spot for the largest average federal tax refunds in the United States. The average Florida filer is currently bringing home a refund of $4,433, a figure that leads the nation and marks a significant shift in the local economic landscape. [Source: Tampa Free Press]
Warning issued over AI utility scams in Florida
Florida Power & Light is warning its customers about a new artificial intelligence-based phone scam. These new scams are becoming harder to recognize due to the sophisticated use of AI technology. The utility company is urging customers to be vigilant to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent calls. The AI-based scams are designed to mimic human conversation, making them more convincing than traditional phone scams. [Source: WFTV]
Interactive county map shows highest 2026 Florida hurricane potential
Monroe County has the highest probability of a named storm in 2026, with a 39% chance. Colorado State University forecasts a slightly below-normal 2026 hurricane season with 13 named storms and six hurricanes. Several Florida counties, including Miami-Dade, Brevard, and Palm Beach, are among the top 20 most storm-prone counties in the nation. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Florida joins growing national push to stop the spread of sewage sludge
North Florida has had enough. The region’s flat, rural cattle pastures, longtime dumping grounds of South Florida’s sewage sludge, will close their gates to feces-filled trucks by 2028. That’s owing to a provision of Florida’s Farm Bill, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March. Sewage sludge is what’s treated from millions of toilet flushes. New state law bans municipalities from spreading the less-treated types on farm fields. Legislation to tighten regulations on the most-treated sludge, too, awaits the governor’s signature. [Source: WUFT]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› State approves $3 Million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime prevention
City officials announced that the state has approved a $3 million appropriation to support programs in Northwest Jacksonville aimed at boosting small businesses, expanding vocational and workforce training, addressing food insecurity and preventing youth crime. Officials said the funding is intended to bring critical resources to District 10 and help address economic disparities, workforce gaps and youth violence through a collaborative, community-driven approach.
› Waymo robotaxis now fully available in Miami, with highway service
Miami-Dade County residents officially have a new ride-hailing option – and it doesn't include a driver. After testing its fleet of autonomous vehicles in the area, Waymo is now making its driverless robotaxi service available to anyone in Miami. It will also begin to introduce travel service on major highways such I-95, the Dolphin Expressway and the Palmetto Expressway.
› Robert Irvine did something unusual at the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival
Robert Irvine did something unusual in Tampa last week: he stayed. For a chef who travels roughly 345 days a year on the road between cities, military bases, and television shoots, four days in one place is a commitment. The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, held April 7–11, was enough to hold him there. “You look at Miami, New York, Aspen. Tampa Bay is right up there with them,” Irvine said during the event.
› Central Florida defense firms ramp up production as Iran war, overseas conflicts drive demand
Ongoing overseas conflicts are driving economic impact in Central Florida, where a strong defense industry positions the region at the forefront. Defense spending across East Central Florida — including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties — reached $17.6 billion in 2024, supporting 310,588 jobs and generating $28.1 billion in gross regional product, or 11.1% of the total, according to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
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› PortMiami has grant to add more rail tracks in cargo spurt
PortMiami is still pursuing an expansion of its on-dock rail, according to Director Hydi Webb. The Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) freight rail system provides for the Port of Miami, Port Everglades and the Port of Palm Beach, connecting to the national railway system in Jacksonville. After years of inactivity following Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the railway was rebuilt in November 2013 with a $50 million project.
› Siesta Beach in Sarasota tops U.S. again, and another local spot shines
Sarasota County's most famous tourist attraction is back in the national spotlight. Siesta Beach was ranked the No. 1 beach in the country by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Beaches rankings, released April 6, while Anna Maria Island ranked No. 3. The Siesta Beach distinction comes on the heels of being ranked No. 13 in Southern Living’s South’s Best 2026 Beach Getaways and Sarasota’s No. 11 ranking in Southern Living’s Best Cities in the South ranking for 2026.
› Shad Khan named to Forbes' Top 50 Self-Made Americans list
Forbes this month released its latest ranking spotlighting the 250 Greatest Self-Made Americans honoring individuals who have demonstrated "grit, hustle and resilience" and measuring what it calls the "distance traveled," separating those "who started with nothing from those with a big head start." The ranking offers a closer look at the country’s most driven success stories, including Jacksonville billionaire Shad Khan.
› Senior homelessness surges in Central Florida as rising costs push retirees into crisis
We are seeing a startling trend in our own backyard: seniors are now the largest group experiencing homelessness in Central Florida. It’s a trend being seen across the country according to HUD. Chris Ham, the CCEO of the Rescue Outreach Mission in Sanford, said the number of seniors they’re serving is only growing. He said older adults simply cannot keep up with rising costs.