State News
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · Columbia County
Fall Orientation Week Set for Pensacola Students
Pensacola's colleges and universities are preparing for Fall Orientation Week in mid-August, welcoming new students with campus tours, academic advising, and community integration.
Spring Footwear Trends Step into Sarasota
Sarasota shoe stores are highlighting spring footwear trends, focusing on comfort, versatile styles, and a palette of earthy tones and pastels for the season.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
When is the Best Time to Clean Your Lake Mary Windows?
Lake Mary residents often wonder about the best time to clean their windows, with local conditions playing a key role in achieving streak-free results.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Jacksonville Residents Explore Rich Senufo Culture
Jacksonville residents can explore the rich cultural heritage of the Senufo people, known for their intricate wood carvings and vibrant textiles, through local resources.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Senufo People: A Cultural Note for Jacksonville Residents
Jacksonville residents can learn about the Senufo people, an ethnic group from West Africa known for their rich artistic traditions and agrarian societies.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Rays Ride Winning Momentum in Emotional Tropicana Return
After 561 days away, the Tampa Bay Rays celebrated a triumphant homecoming at a repaired Tropicana Field, drawing a sellout crowd of 25,114 for a 6-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on April 6.[1] Fans rattled cowbells as reliever Bryan Baker sealed the win with a strikeout, signaling renewed hope for St. Petersburg's baseball faithful.[1] The packed stands boost the local economy amid the team's strong start to the 2026 MLB season.[1]
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Orlando's Real Estate Surge: Tourism and Tech Drive Florida's Top Growth Market
Orlando has emerged as America's fastest-growing real estate market, ranking No. 1 nationally in job growth, population expansion, and GDP growth among the country's 30 most populous regions. A robust tourism industry anchored by Disney and Universal, combined with a booming tech and healthcare sector, is reshaping the region's housing landscape and attracting major development projects.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Miami Heat's Playoff Push Derailed by Injury Crisis
The Miami Heat's postseason hopes took a devastating turn when star center Bam Adebayo exited their Play-In Tournament game against Charlotte with a lower back injury, compounding an already depleted roster. Entering the critical matchup as the No. 10 seed with a 43-39 regular season record, Miami faced mounting absences that ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Panthers Even Cup Final at 1-1 with Epic Double-OT Thriller in Edmonton
Brad Marchand's backhand breakaway at 8:05 of the second overtime propelled the Florida Panthers to a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. The Sunrise-based squad roared back from a late deficit, thanks to Corey Perry's dramatic tie at 19:42 of the third. Now, the series shifts to Amerant Bank Arena in Dawn, Florida, for Game 3 on Monday.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tampa Police Hunt Missing USF Doctoral Students Zamil Limon, Nahida Bristy
Two University of South Florida doctoral students vanished in Tampa on April 16, sparking a frantic search by police amid fears for their safety. Zamil Limon and Nahida S. Bristy, both 27, were last seen near the USF Tampa campus, with no trace since a family friend raised the alarm.[1][2]
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Florida's Credit Score Gap Costs Residents Thousands in Debt
Florida's average credit score trails the national average at 680, fueling higher interest rates and ballooning credit card debt amid the state's booming economy. With households devoting the highest percentage of income to cards—around 7%—residents face steeper costs for homes, cars and insurance. FOX 35 Orlando's Money Monday spotlights how boosting scores can unlock savings in the Sunshine State.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Braves Minor Leaguer Arrested in Deadly I-75 Hit-and-Run Near Bradenton
An 18-year-old Atlanta Braves minor league catcher from Cocoa faces vehicular homicide charges after a fatal hit-and-run on I-75 in Manatee County that killed a 34-year-old truck driver and father of four. The Braves organization identified and turned him in to Florida Highway Patrol after spotting his damaged Ford Mustang. Jonathan Matos Morales remains held on $200,000 bond in Manatee County Jail.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Lake Mary Coach Becomes Guardian to Orphaned Wrestler
A Lake Mary High School wrestling coach stepped up as legal guardian for student-athlete Maryellen Wingate after she lost both parents to cancer. The heartfelt act provides stability for the teen on and off the mat in Central Florida. Wingate's story highlights compassion amid tragedy.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
South Florida Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Ahead of Ethics Sanctions
South Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned Thursday from the 119th Congress, dodging imminent House Ethics Committee sanctions over campaign finance violations. The move follows findings that she broke 25 House rules, amid a federal criminal case alleging she stole $5 million in COVID relief funds. This marks the third such resignation in just over a week from a House lawmaker.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Baseball Drops Series Opener at Jax State
FIU's baseball team lost 4-2 to Jacksonville State in the Conference USA series opener on Friday evening.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
No. 2 Women’s Tennis Sweeps Host No. 10 Middle Tennessee to Advance to CUSA Semifinals
FIU's No. 2 women's tennis team swept No. 10 Middle Tennessee 4-0 in the CUSA Championships quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026