Latest News
Get the full Jacksonville experience:
Weather, sports, and more local content
February 25, 2026
-
Florida House Approves 'Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance' and Miami-Dade Road Renaming: The Florida House has passed legislation to name a Miami-Dade County road and establish October 14 as 'Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance,' honoring the late conservative activist. The vote proceeded along party lines after a heated debate, with supporters highlighting Kirk’s promotion of civic engagement and critics raising concerns about his controversial views. The day is intended to recognize Kirk’s advocacy for free speech. The bill reflects ongoing divisions over commemorating public figures. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 25)
-
Proposed Bill Could Restrict Acceptable Voter IDs in Florida Polling Places: Legislation under consideration in the Florida House would revise the types of identification voters can present at polling locations, potentially creating new barriers for college students and seniors. The measure is included within broader changes to election law proposed by Republican lawmakers who say they seek improvements to election processes. Critics, including Democrats and voting-rights advocates, argue such changes could lower turnout among groups less likely to support the majority party. The bill would eliminate several forms of ID currently accepted at the polls. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 25)
February 23, 2026
-
South Florida Tops U.S. in All-Cash Home Purchases, Redfin Study Finds: A recent study by Redfin highlights South Florida as having the highest proportion of all-cash home purchases in the country. In December 2025, the West Palm Beach region led with nearly half of sales conducted without financing, while Miami and Fort Lauderdale also reported significant cash-only sales. Although the national average for all-cash transactions has declined, Florida's favorable economic climate continues to draw well-financed buyers and investors. Six of the top ten U.S. cities for cash sales are in Florida. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 23)
February 15, 2026
-
Palm Beach County Voting System May Face Ban from Florida Legislature: Palm Beach County's ExpressVote ballot marking system, credited with improving early voting efficiency and accuracy during the 2024 elections, may soon be barred due to proposed legislative action by Florida Republicans. The system was used by the majority of the county's early voters and helped reduce wait times. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about its security, prompting potential restrictions for upcoming elections. This could result in longer lines and increased reliance on traditional paper ballots. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 15)
February 4, 2026
-
Debate Grows Over Potential Name Change for Fort Lauderdale Airport: South Florida legislators are voicing apprehension as a state bill could give lawmakers the authority to rename major airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The proposed legislation, initially tied to renaming Palm Beach International Airport, has prompted county officials to stress their preference to retain existing airport names. Some senators suggest that local governments should be consulted before any such decisions move forward. The bill recently advanced through a key Senate committee. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 4)
January 29, 2026
-
Democrats Gain Slightly Improved Odds in Florida Senate Race After Vindman Enters: An updated analysis from Sabato’s Crystal Ball has shifted the outlook for Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate election from 'safe Republican' to 'likely Republican' following Alexander Vindman’s entry as a candidate. Though the odds for Democrats have improved slightly, Republicans remain favored to retain the seat. The report cites Vindman's background and fundraising potential as factors for the change. Despite the shift, Republicans are still projected to keep control of the U.S. Senate. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 29)
January 27, 2026
-
Alexander Vindman Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate Seat in Florida: Alexander Vindman, a retired Army lieutenant colonel known for his testimony in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump, has announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate from Florida as a Democrat. Vindman, who is now a Broward resident, is seeking to unseat Republican Senator Ashley Moody. His announcement highlighted issues such as immigration, rising living costs, and health care in Florida. Vindman aims to address concerns about affordability and representation for state residents. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 27)
January 20, 2026
-
Fort Lauderdale Ranked Among Top U.S. Cities for New Arrivals, U-Haul Survey Finds: Fort Lauderdale has been identified as one of the top destinations for people relocating to Florida, according to a recent U-Haul survey of one-way residential moves in the United States. The report places Fort Lauderdale at number seven nationally, while Florida remains the second-highest growth state overall, following Texas. The survey highlights continued population growth in Florida, with eight cities in the state appearing in the top ten. This reflects an ongoing trend of residents choosing Florida for its economic and lifestyle opportunities. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 20)
January 8, 2026
-
Santa Monica Pier's Historic Building to House Route 66-Inspired Roadhouse: A portion of the 108-year-old Billiard & Bowling Building on the Santa Monica Pier will be renovated into The California Roadhouse, a new dining and entertainment venue inspired by Route 66. Santa Monica restaurateur Sean Ahaus, co-owner of Vito Restaurant, is spearheading the project, which aims to capture the spirit of classic California road trips. The opening is planned for March 2026, aligning with the Route 66 centennial celebrations in April. The venue will offer American fare, live entertainment, and ocean views. (Source: Santa Monica Mirror on Jan 8)
January 4, 2026
-
Charter Schools Run by Wife of Rep. Donalds Face Lawsuit Over Construction Deals: A lawsuit alleges that charter schools managed by the wife of Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in Florida, awarded tens of millions in construction contracts to a Jacksonville-based firm. The complaint claims that the contractor also established investment vehicles supporting her side ventures. These arrangements reportedly involved taxpayer-funded institutions and have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. The outcome of the lawsuit could impact oversight practices for charter school operations. (Source: Florida Bulldog on Jan 4)
December 7, 2025
-
Buffalo Bills Secure Dramatic Comeback Win Against Cincinnati Bengals: The Buffalo Bills overcame a ten-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 39-34 at Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen was pivotal, scoring the longest quarterback rushing touchdown in franchise history and later sealing the win with an 18-yard scramble. Key defensive plays, including a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown by Christian Benford and a crucial turnover, enabled the Bills to take control. The victory marked one of the team's most memorable finishes in recent seasons. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Dec 7)
November 18, 2025
-
Florida House Advances Bill to Lower Minimum Age for Rifle Purchases: The Florida House is moving forward with legislation that would reduce the minimum age for purchasing rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18. The proposal, approved by a House committee along party lines, seeks to reverse a law enacted after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Although the House has previously supported similar measures, the Senate has not taken up the issue, and no companion bill has yet been filed for the upcoming legislative session. The legislation's prospects in the Senate remain uncertain. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 18)
November 1, 2025
-
Sunshine Cinema Exhibit Highlights Florida’s Film History in West Palm Beach: A new movie memorabilia exhibit, 'Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film,' will debut at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum on November 14. The showcase explores Florida’s long cinematic heritage, particularly in Palm Beach, through a collection of 25 artifacts such as Tom Hanks’ Apollo 13 spacesuit and Al Pacino's shirt from Scarface. Organized by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, the exhibit features items spanning from early silent films to contemporary classics. This event underscores Florida's ongoing appeal to the movie industry. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 1)
October 16, 2025
-
Fort Lauderdale Approves 24-Story Amalfi Condo Tower on Barrier Island: Fort Lauderdale's planning board has approved the Amalfi, a 24-story luxury condominium tower planned for 2317 N. Ocean Blvd. on the city's barrier island. The project, which faced some resident opposition over its height, will feature 39 units and is expected to begin construction in late 2026, set (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 16)