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February 28, 2026
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Tri-Rail Appoints Interim Leader and Begins Search for New Executive Director: Following the departure of Executive Director David Dech, the Tri-Rail governing board has named longtime railroad staff member Diane Hernandez del Calvo as interim leader. The decision comes as the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority initiates a formal search for a permanent replacement. Tri-Rail, which serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, carried over 4.5 million travelers last year. Dech is leaving to oversee a commuter rail service in the Midwest. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 28)
February 25, 2026
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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)
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Fort Lauderdale Expresses Concern Over Proposed Changes to Live Local Housing Bills: Fort Lauderdale officials are voicing concerns about recent legislative proposals aimed at expanding Florida’s affordable housing options. Critics argue that the new bills, if enacted, could negatively impact densely populated urban areas by allowing workforce housing on government-owned land and altering single-family neighborhoods to permit townhomes and duplexes. The Live Local Act has already faced opposition for enabling approvals without public hearings or commission votes. Lawmakers continue debating Senate Bill 1548 and related measures. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 25)
February 16, 2026
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Outgoing Tri-Rail Director Highlights Service Improvements and Funding Plans: David Dech, outgoing executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, reflects on Tri-Rail's progress since 2022. He notes that the commuter rail has undergone extensive upgrades, including cleaner stations, replacement of 850 windows, and improved air conditioning on trains. Dech also mentions efforts to secure funding aimed at expanding capacity and better serving commuters in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. The authority aims to further address maintenance and service reliability. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 16)
February 15, 2026
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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 14, 2026
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Legislation Allowing Broward Hospital Districts to Bypass Antitrust Rules Stalls: A proposal enabling Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System to form joint ventures without antitrust constraints was halted in the state Senate’s Community Affairs Committee on February 3, 2026. The bill’s postponement effectively ends its prospects for this legislative year. Advocates argued it would foster expanded health services and efficiency, but opponents voiced concerns over reduced oversight. The legislation now appears unlikely to pass during the current session. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 14)
February 2, 2026
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Florida Seeks to Boost Canadian Tourism Amid Decline Linked to U.S. Political Climate: Florida tourism officials are working to strengthen ties with Canada as the state experiences a decline in Canadian visitors, reportedly influenced by recent comments and actions from President Donald Trump. The leaders of Visit Florida and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association plan to meet with their counterparts in Canada to address the issue. The outreach comes as 2025 tourism data is being compiled. Florida continues to focus on maintaining its position as a top travel destination for international visitors. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Feb 2)
January 29, 2026
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Tri-Rail Board Plans February Meeting to Address Leadership Transition: Tri-Rail's governing board will meet in February to discuss appointing a new executive director following the resignation of David Dech. Dech, who has led the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority since 2022, will leave his post in March to become president of a commuter rail line in Indiana. Board members were reportedly informed of his interest in the new role earlier in January. The upcoming meeting will focus on next steps for leadership within the organization. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 29)
January 28, 2026
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Tri-Rail Executive Director David Dech Resigns, Will Lead Indiana Railway: David Dech, executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, has resigned from his position overseeing Tri-Rail, the region’s primary commuter rail system. Dech will become president and general manager of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District beginning March 16. His departure comes as Tri-Rail faces ongoing challenges related to funding after recent subsidy cuts. As of now, no successor has been named for his role with Tri-Rail. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 28)
January 27, 2026
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State Authorities Investigate Marijuana Referendum Petitions in Broward County: State election investigators, along with Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials and the Attorney General’s Office, have begun an inquiry into marijuana referendum petitions managed by the Broward Supervisor of Elections. Investigators arrived at the Fort Lauderdale elections headquarters and remained present as of Tuesday. The focus of the probe is on alleged issues with signature verification for petitions intended to add marijuana legalization to the statewide ballot. State officials have raised concerns based on recent audits of the process. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 27)
January 24, 2026
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Tri-Rail Board Approves Fare Hike by August Amid State Funding Efforts: Tri-Rail's governing board has approved a plan to increase fares by August in an effort to strengthen the commuter line's revenue. The exact fare adjustments have not yet been determined. Tri-Rail's current average fare remains low compared to other rail services due to longstanding discount programs and no increases since 2019. These changes come as the agency continues to seek renewed support from state lawmakers for operational funding. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 24)
January 22, 2026
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Holocaust Education Exhibit Featuring Cattle Car Replica Visits Broward County: A traveling exhibit focused on Holocaust remembrance is making stops in Broward County, bringing a replica World War II cattle car to South Florida communities. Presented by Hate Ends Now of Boca Raton, the display will be open in Coconut Creek and Coral Springs this month. Attendees can step into the replica and listen to firsthand accounts from Holocaust survivors. The exhibit aims to provide an immersive educational experience that connects history to the present day. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 22)
January 16, 2026
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New State Directive Could Affect Florida Marijuana Ballot Initiative in 2026: A recent order from Florida’s Division of Elections, overseen by a Ron DeSantis appointee, could make it harder to gather valid signatures for a proposed recreational marijuana referendum set for the 2026 state ballot. The new signature verification instructions, sent to all 67 county elections supervisors, represent a significant shift from previous processes and have drawn criticism from some supervisors who argue the requirements lack clear legal precedent. The directive’s potential impact on the referendum effort remains a major concern. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 16)
January 13, 2026
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Tri-Rail Achieves Record Ridership Amid Efforts to Restore State Funding: Tri-Rail, South Florida's commuter rail service, recently reported record ridership for 2025 as it seeks to secure restoration of state funding previously cut by the Florida Department of Transportation. The rail line is currently relying on reserve funds and county subsidies to support its $150 million budget. Without additional state funding, Tri-Rail's operational reserves are projected to last only through July 2027. Local counties have indicated they cannot cover the financial gap left by the cuts. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 13)
January 8, 2026
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Retired Plantation Police Officer Joseph Alu Jr. Passes Away at 69: Joseph Alu Jr., a longtime law enforcement figure in South Florida, died at age 69 on December 24, 2025. Alu gained national attention for his heroic actions during a 1995 hostage situation in Plantation, where he was severely injured in a home explosion while attempting to rescue two teenagers. He later served with the Miccosukee Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office until his retirement in 2024 due to illness. Alu's commitment to public safety was widely recognized both locally and beyond. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 8)
January 7, 2026
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Proposed Bill Would Enable Broward Hospital Districts to Form Partnerships: A new bill introduced by Sen. Joe Gruters aims to allow Broward County’s two hospital districts, Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, to more easily form joint ventures and business partnerships. The legislation, SB 1122, would enable these public health entities to collaborate on a range of projects without facing federal antitrust challenges. A related bill was also filed in the Florida House. This proposal could lead to expanded cooperation between the two districts. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Jan 7)
December 22, 2025
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Florida Lawmakers Propose Limits on Governor's Delays for Special Elections: State legislators are working on a bill to require Florida governors to schedule special elections within specific timeframes after legislative or congressional seats become vacant. The proposed changes follow concerns about Governor Ron DeSantis using discretionary timing—often acting quickly in Republican-leaning districts and more slowly in Democratic ones. Sponsors argue that the bill would create greater fairness and predictability in filling legislative vacancies. The measure does not impact gubernatorial appointment powers for non-legislative positions. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 22)
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Florida to Implement New Regulations for Pet Insurance Starting January 2026: With the rising cost of veterinary care, many Floridians have turned to pet insurance, only to encounter confusion and denied claims due to unclear policy terms. Starting January 1, a new state law will require clearer disclosures and standardized guidelines for pet insurance policies in Florida. The legislation is designed to better inform consumers and create a more transparent, regulated marketplace. These changes aim to help pet owners make better decisions when insuring their animals. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Dec 22)
November 23, 2025
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Analysis Finds Limited Reduction in Florida Homeowners Insurance Costs: A recent investigation examined whether recent trends in Florida's insurance market have led to lower premiums for homeowners. The Sun Sentinel enlisted four homeowners from southern and central Florida and secured quotes from four agents representing multiple insurers. Out of 13 private insurers, only two companies offered reduced rates to select participants. Many policies quoted contained significant limits on water and roof damage coverage, highlighting continued challenges in the market. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 23)
November 22, 2025
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Proposed Broward Property Tax Changes May Benefit Homeowners, Strain Budgets: An in-depth review of proposed changes to Florida's property tax system highlights significant potential savings for individual homeowners in Broward County, with some standing to save thousands of dollars annually. However, these tax cuts could lead to a loss of over $1.4 billion in local government revenue in the first year alone. Without clear plans to compensate for these reductions, public services across the county may face substantial challenges. Statewide projections estimate the total revenue shortfall could exceed $14 billion annually. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 22)
November 18, 2025
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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 15, 2025
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Broward Man Freed After 26 Years Following Review of 1999 Robbery Conviction: Tavares Hutchinson, who spent over 26 years in prison after a 1999 robbery conviction in Broward County, was released from the Broward Main Jail following new investigations into his case. The Conviction Review Unit and the Innocence Project of Florida uncovered evidence that questioned the integrity of his original conviction. Despite repeated unsuccessful appeals, their re-examination led to an agreement resulting in his release. Hutchinson had consistently maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 15)
November 12, 2025
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Business Leaders Advocate for Renaming Broward County to Lauderdale County: A coalition of top executives in Broward County is supporting a proposal to change the county's name to Lauderdale County, aiming to enhance its economic appeal. They argue that the current name hinders efforts to attract major businesses and additional tourism compared to nearby Miami and Palm Beach. This initiative, notably backed by the Broward Workshop and state officials, has recently gained public attention and will soon be considered in upcoming government votes. The effort reflects a strategic push for regional rebranding. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 12)
November 10, 2025
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Broward Legislator Promotes 'No Sharia Act,' Emphasizing Assimilation for Immigrants: State Rep. Hillary Cassel of Broward County is advocating for the 'No Sharia Act,' which seeks to prevent the enforcement of foreign laws, including sharia law, in Florida. In a recent podcast, Cassel stated her view that immigrants to the United States should assimilate into American society and consider relocating elsewhere if they do not wish to do so. She expressed anticipation for legislative discussions on the bill. The proposal has ignited conversation about assimilation and legal standards in Florida. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 10)
November 8, 2025
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Broward Officials Express Concerns Over Proposed Reductions in Property Taxes: Elected officials across Broward County are voicing concerns about state-level proposals to significantly cut property taxes in Florida. Area leaders warn that such reductions could jeopardize funding for essential local services such as road maintenance, libraries, parks, and public safety operations. Even comprehensive budget cuts are unlikely to offset the anticipated revenue losses, according to local representatives. The debate remains a prominent topic at recent legislative and municipal meetings. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 8)
November 7, 2025
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Broward Hospital Systems Renew Effort for Legislative Approval of Collaboration: Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System are again seeking legislative approval from the Florida Legislature to collaborate more closely, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient care. The proposal would allow these two public hospital systems, which manage a total of 11 hospitals in Broward County, to work together under state supervision without violating antitrust regulations. This renewed effort follows previous legislation that stalled after facing opposition from major private healthcare providers. The plan's proponents argue that state oversight would help balance collaboration and competition. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Nov 2)
October 30, 2025
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Broward County Considers Name Change to 'Lauderdale County' for 2026 Ballot: Broward County residents may vote in the 2026 election on a potential name change to 'Lauderdale County.' The initiative is being promoted by both a Republican state legislator and a Democratic county commissioner, who argue that a new name could help the area develop a stronger brand and attract more business. The proponents believe the change would position the county more favorably between neighboring regions. Discussions continue as community leaders weigh the proposal’s potential impact. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 30)
October 29, 2025
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Florida Proposes Ending Longstanding Childhood Vaccine Requirements Amid Doctor Concerns: Florida officials have announced plans to eliminate all school-age vaccination mandates, ending nearly 50 years of required childhood immunizations for illnesses such as measles and polio. Governor Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo are leading this initiative, arguing against government-mandated vaccinations. Critics, including many healthcare professionals, have expressed concerns about public health risks but are reportedly hesitant to speak out. The decision has sparked debate over the potential return of preventable diseases. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 29)
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Tri-Rail Board Votes to End Ride-Partner Program and Considers Flat Fares: The Tri-Rail board has decided to discontinue its ride-partner program with services such as Uber, Lyft, and other taxis, citing financial challenges. This change, along with a potential switch from zoned fares to a flat fare system, is expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, pending completion of a staff study. The move follows warnings that Tri-Rail could face a funding shortfall by 2027 after a reduction in state subsidies. Tri-Rail serves 19 stations in South Florida, connecting West Palm Beach with Miami. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 25)
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114,650 voters in Palm Beach County may go without representation in 2026…: President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and the other 114,648 registered voters in a state House district in Palm Beach County may go unrepresented during the 2026 Florida legislative session. That possibility was raised this week by former state Rep. Mike Caruso. He resigned from the District 87 seat on Aug. 18 when Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him clerk of the circuit court and comptroller of Palm Beach County. Legislative vacancies are filled through a special election, which is why the nearby House District 90 had a Republican primary Tuesday to choose a candidate to run to fill a different vacancy. It’s up to DeSantis to set special election dates, and the governor hasn’t done so. “I’m not sure if there’s going to be a special election,” Caruso said Tuesday, adding that he doesn’t want to see his former district go unrepresented. “It is important that the seat does get filled because we’ve got so many issues in the county. We want District 87 represented in the Florida House.” Caruso made his comments at a meeting of his former colleagues, the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, in response to a question from state Sen. Tina Polsky. Caruso said he had “tried to reach out to the governor’s office to see what he’s planning and have not gotten any feedback on that.” The governor’s communications office did not respond to a request for comment about whether he’d call a special election in District 87. DeSantis sometimes acts quickly to call special elections, and sometimes waits months. On July 21, Blaise Ingoglia resigned from the Florida Senate because DeSantis named him as the state’s new chief financial officer. On July 22, DeSantis set the dates for special primary and general elections to fill he vacancy. Usually he waits longer to call special elections in Democratic districts than in Republican areas. House District 87, in the central part of the county along the Atlantic coast, includes Mar-a-Lago, the Trumps’ home in Palm Beach. About 40% of its active registered voters are Republican, 28% Democratic, 27% no party affiliation/independent and 4% in minor parties. It is home to 114,650 active registered voters, more than any other state House district in the county, Supervisor of Elections Office records show. Practically speaking, Caruso said, even though he’d like to see the seat filled, it might not make sense at this point to spend the money for a special election. He said he’s spoken with Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link, and the legal requirements for an election timetable mean a special general election probably couldn’t be held until after the 2026 legislative session. The session is scheduled to run from Jan. 13 through March 13. The 60-day session sometimes runs longer than scheduled; in 2025 it ran over by 45 days. And Republicans have a commanding majority over Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives, so the vacancy is unlikely to affect the outcome on major issues. Not having a representative means there wouldn’t be someone in the House advocating for funding projects in the district. Related Articles Republicans divided after Maria Zack wins state representative primary in Palm Beach County DeSantis appoints state Rep. Mike Caruso as Palm Beach County court clerk and comptroller They cut the tax rate but my property tax bill is going up. What gives? Push is on to cut Florida property taxes. Who’s helped and who’s hurt? Dozens of Broward Democratic leaders endorse David Jolly for governor Caruso, a Republican, wasn’t eligible to run for reelection next year because of term limits. He has said he’ll be a candidate for clerk and comptroller. The previous clerk and comptroller, Democrat Joe Abruzzo, resigned to become county administrator. At one point, Caruso had a different, very personal interest in his successor. His wife, Tracy, had filed paperwork to run to succeed him. In mid-September, she said she was dropping her bid. “When Mike was first elected, I chose to live in Tallahassee with him — a choice many spouses don’t make,” she said in a written statement. “People often asked why I stayed there. The simple answer is that we are married, and I want to live where my husband lives. Seven years later, that feeling hasn’t changed. Mike has always encouraged me to pursue my own goals and would make anything work, but with Mike’s new role here in Palm Beach County, I know that being home is best for both of us.” Two other Republicans, Jon Maples and Gretchen Miller Feng, have filed as 2026 candidates for the seat. Democrats Emily Watson Gregory and Laura Ann Levites have also filed paperwork as 2026 candidates. Political writer Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 2)
October 28, 2025
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Florida Hospitals Clash Over Proposed Organ Transplant Program Rules: Several major Florida hospitals are at odds over a new state proposal that would change the approval process for organ transplant programs. Nemours Children’s Hospital, along with Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County and AdventHealth Orlando, have backed the rule introduced by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. In contrast, Tampa General Hospital, UF Health Shands in Gainesville, and Jackson Memorial in Miami have challenged the proposal, citing concerns regarding quality-of-care safeguards. A consolidated hearing on the issue is scheduled for December 17. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 28)
October 15, 2025
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Fort Lauderdale Continues Legal Effort to Preserve Pride-Themed Crosswalks: Fort Lauderdale remains engaged in a legal dispute to maintain its pride-themed street art and rainbow crosswalks, despite a statewide initiative to remove such installations. The city stands out as other Florida municipalities have complied with state directives, citing concerns over driver safety. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 15)
October 11, 2025
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Most Broward Restaurants Serve Imported Shrimp Labeled as Local, Study Finds: A recent investigation by a fisheries consulting firm found that the majority of 44 Broward County restaurants tested this summer served imported, farm-raised shrimp while advertising it as locally caught. Only five establishments were found to serve genuine domestic or wild-caught shrimp, raising a (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 11)
October 9, 2025
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Democratic Senators Propose Measures to Address High Insurance Costs in Florida: Florida's Democratic state senators have introduced a set of legislative proposals aimed at lowering property insurance costs for residents. The measures include increased oversight of insurance company owners, an emergency fund to assist low-income homeowners, and a multi-state risk pool. The bills (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 9)
October 7, 2025
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Lawsuit Filed to Prompt Special Election for Palm Beach County House Seat: A candidate for the vacant state House District 87 seat in Palm Beach County has filed a lawsuit seeking to compel Governor Ron DeSantis to schedule a special election. The seat has remained unfilled for over seven weeks, raising concerns about local representation as the legislative session nears. (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Oct 7)
September 27, 2025
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Florida Lawmakers Consider Major Changes to Property Tax System: State legislators are evaluating proposals to significantly alter or potentially eliminate property taxes, which fund essential local services such as police and fire departments. The discussions, held in Tallahassee, focus on balancing the needs of property owners with the financial requirements of (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 27)
September 18, 2025
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Two Additional Home Insurers Approved to Offer Policies in Florida: Florida regulators have authorized two more companies, Stand Insurance Exchange and Praxis Reciprocal Exchange, to provide home insurance in the state. These approvals are part of ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and expand private market options. Both insurers (Source: Broward Sun-Sentinel on Sep 18)