State News
Thursday, April 16, 2026 · Florida
Grant Seafood Festival Sparks Weekend Openings for Local Establishments
The Grant Seafood Festival this weekend is prompting local businesses to adjust hours, with some offering a special Saturday-only opening to accommodate increased visitor traffic.
Optimism Abounds Over Dunedin Gateway Project
Dunedin is preparing for the transformative Gateway Project, an initiative set to enhance city entrances, boost the local economy, and improve connectivity for residents and visitors.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Meet Judy McGrath at Hearthstone Gardens
Judy McGrath's creative vision and dedication are transforming Hearthstone Gardens into a continuously enchanting and welcoming space for all Columbia County residents.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Why the Ultra-Wealthy Are Flocking To This Florida City in 2026, According to Grant Cardone
Naples is seeing a significant influx of ultra-wealthy residents in 2026, driven by economic incentives and lifestyle benefits, a trend that could reshape the city's future.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Florida Leads Nation in ICE Spending: Local Fiscal and Community Impact
New data reveals Florida is the top state for ICE spending, impacting local communities like Grant-Valkaria with increased federal presence and economic shifts.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Food and Drinks at Silverspot Cinema - Downtown Miami
Silverspot Cinema in Downtown Miami continues to offer a full menu of food and drinks for moviegoers, enhancing the in-theater dining experience.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
New Port Richey Schools Reopen After Teen Shot Nearby
Three schools in New Port Richey returned to normal operations Wednesday after a lockdown sparked by a nearby teen shooting. A teenage girl was hospitalized in stable condition, with two suspects in custody in what police call an isolated incident. No threats to students or staff, officials stress.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Nearly 905K Florida Renters Priced Out as Affordability Crisis Deepens
A comprehensive University of Florida study reveals Florida has become the worst state for renters, with nearly 905,000 low-income households spending more than 40% of their income on rent. Despite adding over 240,000 multifamily units since 2019, the state's explosive population growth has outpaced affordable housing supply, leaving workers, seniors, and families struggling to find stable homes.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Miami-Dade Man Admits Locking GF in Trunk After Dispute
A 24-year-old South Florida man confessed to stuffing his girlfriend into her car's trunk during a heated argument, driving off with her inside before beating her as she tried to flee. Security video captured the assault, leading to his swift arrest by Miami-Dade deputies. Tillman faces kidnapping and battery charges amid a history of violence.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Disney Resurrects Iconic Sorcerer Hat at Orlando's Hollywood Studios
Nearly 15 years after removing its most recognizable symbol, Disney has installed a reimagined Sorcerer Hat at Hollywood Studios in Orlando as part of a sweeping transformation of Animation Courtyard into Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. The scaled-down blue hat, inspired by the 1940 animated classic "Fantasia," marks the return of a beloved landmark that defined the park's identity for more than a decade.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Even Orlando's Best Rents Can't Escape Florida's Housing Crisis
Orlando ranks as Florida's most affordable rental market, yet it still struggles nationally, with renters spending nearly 29% of their income on housing. The city's relative affordability offers little relief in a state where the typical renter pays 37% of earnings toward rent—the worst burden in America.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Tampa Police Probe Deadly Shooting in Live Oaks Square Home
A man was gunned down inside a Tampa home Wednesday, sparking a frantic police hunt for answers in the quiet Live Oaks Square neighborhood. Officers rushed to the scene amid gunfire reports, but the victim succumbed to his wounds at a hospital. Detectives urge witnesses to come forward as the investigation intensifies.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Abused Pitbull Puppy Shelly Rescued from Flagler Ditch Amid Probe
A tiny Pitbull puppy named Shelly lay dying in a muddy ditch at Flagler County's Shell Bluff Park, ravaged by infections and open wounds after days of pounding rain. Rescuers from the Saving Missing Animals Response Team raced her to urgent care, while the sheriff's office hunts the abuser who may have used her as bait in dogfighting. Her fight for survival has sparked a criminal probe and calls for public tips.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Miami Trio Busted in Bank Customer Robbery Spree
Miami-Dade police arrested three suspects accused of tailing bank customers from branches across South Florida, pistol-whipping victims and snatching purses in a brazen June crime wave. A 66-year-old woman was among those attacked near a Bank of America and Publix. The takedown came after a traffic stop uncovered key evidence linking them to six incidents.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
DeSantis Signs 6 Key Bills, Tops 34 New Florida Laws
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed six more bills into law, pushing the 2026 total past 34 amid a frenzy of over 100 awaiting his desk. From election security to sex offender restrictions and new specialty plates, these measures reshape daily life across the Sunshine State. With the legislative session winding down, hundreds more could follow.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
16-Year-Old Shot Near Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey; Two in Custody
A 16-year-old girl was hospitalized in stable condition Wednesday morning after a shooting near Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey, prompting police to place three schools on controlled campus status. Two suspects were taken into custody, with one facing outstanding warrants, as authorities determined the incident was isolated with no threat to the public.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Matarazzo Named SSC Men's Golfer of the Week
Florida Southern College's Adam Matarazzo has been named the Sunshine State Conference Men's Golfer of the Week for his strong performance at the Argonaut Invitational in Pensacola.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Flowers Foods Continues to Innovate, Adds Four New Products to Portfolio
Flowers Foods, a major baked goods producer with a significant presence in Florida, has announced the addition of four new products to its portfolio, promising fresh options for local grocery shoppers.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Flowers Foods Continues to Innovate, Adds Four New Products to Portfolio
Flowers Foods announced the addition of four new products to its portfolio, signaling continued innovation and expanded offerings for Florida consumers.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Luxury Limo Service Offers Stylish Travel to and from Miami Airport
A new luxury limousine service has launched, offering stylish and comfortable transportation to and from Miami International Airport for residents and visitors across South Florida.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Federal Jury Finds San Antonio Tax Preparer Guilty of Filing False Tax Returns
A federal jury in Florida has found a San Antonio tax preparer guilty of filing false tax returns, a verdict that could impact local residents and emphasizes the importance of financial honesty.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Attempting to Check Undeclared Firearm at Utah Airport
A Miami resident, Jiacheng Liu, was sentenced in Utah after attempting to check an undeclared firearm and ammunition at Provo Airport, serving as a reminder for Florida travelers about strict airline regulations.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Terpene Ratios vs. THC Percentage: What Matters More for Florida Consumers?
Florida residents and medical cannabis patients are increasingly debating whether terpene ratios or THC percentage are more crucial in determining the quality and effects of cannabis products.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
The Best Places To Celebrate Your Graduation In Miami
Miami-Dade County is bustling with options for graduates and their families to celebrate this significant milestone, from elegant dinners to lively cultural experiences.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Miami.com Domain Name Sale Sparks Local Interest
The sale of the Miami.com domain name has sparked local interest, with residents and businesses anticipating potential new digital developments for the city.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Local Bartenders Share Their Go-To Hangover Cures
Local bartenders across Florida share their favorite hangover remedies, from coconut water and Cuban sandwiches in Key West to spicy Bloody Marys in Orlando.
Thursday, April 16, 2026