Community News
Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Lake Alfred
Hurricane Beryl intensified to Category 4 in 2024 Atlantic season
Hurricane Beryl became the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, intensifying to Category 4 strength by July 1 with winds around 150 mph.
Florida laws taking effect July 1 reshape schools and safety policies
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed more than 70 measures taking effect July 1 that will reshape Florida schools, neighborhoods and waterways.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
FPL mobilizes 14,500 workers to restore power after Milton
Florida Power & Light mobilized 14,500 workers and mutual aid from 37 states ahead of Hurricane Milton, warning customers to prepare for extended outages as the storm crosses the state.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Palm Beach County orders evacuations as Hurricane Milton approaches
Palm Beach County ordered evacuations in Zone A as Hurricane Milton approached Florida, though the county expects tropical storm conditions rather than direct impact.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Winter Haven man arrested for DUI, driving 100 mph on revoked license
Winter Haven man Joseph Olivera, 49, arrested for driving 100 mph on a revoked license with 13 active suspensions.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Boy Scout Plants Distance Markers on Lake Conine Trail
Boy Scout Max Zellers installed distance markers along the 0.9-mile trail at Lake Conine Nature Park in April, helping runners track their pace as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
3rd Street NW Closes May 26 for Project Work
Winter Haven closes 3rd Street NW starting May 26. The city has posted detour routes and parking information for affected facilities.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Winter Haven Issues Boil Water Notice After Main Break
Winter Haven issued a boil water notice for about 50 homes on Avenue P NW and Avenue R NW following a water main break May 26. The notice remains in effect pending water safety testing.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Saturday, May 16, 2026