Community News
Monday, May 25, 2026 · Putnam County
Saint Cloud Completes Cleanup of Former 10th Street Power Plant
Saint Cloud completed environmental remediation of its former 10th Street power plant site in April after a partnership with Orlando Utilities Commission. The city will monitor groundwater for several months before deciding on future use.
BREAKING: Gas Leak Confirmed on Riverside Ridge Road in Tarpon Springs; Total of 8 Units Responding
A gas leak has been confirmed on Riverside Ridge Road in Tarpon Springs, with a total of 8 emergency units responding.
Monday, May 25, 2026
St. Petersburg Seeks Residents for City Boards and Committees
St. Petersburg is recruiting residents for three city boards, including the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments, and the Development Review Commission.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Sarasota County Mails 200,000 Election Notices for August Primary and November General Election
Sarasota County voters received election notices with deadlines for the Aug. 18 primary (registration deadline July 20) and Nov. 3 general election (registration deadline Oct. 5). Voters can cast ballots by mail, early in-person voting or on election day.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Palatka Begins St. Johns Avenue Streetscape Work
Palatka starts the St. Johns Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project, adding new sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and street furniture across 11 blocks.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Palatka Opens Summer Internship Program for High School and College Students
Palatka hiring high school and college students for paid summer internships across city departments. Apply by contacting [email protected].
Monday, May 25, 2026
Hawthorne Firefighters Can Prevent Back and Knee Injuries With Proper Training
Hawthorne firefighters can prevent most lower back and knee injuries through proper core training and lifting mechanics, since 65% of musculoskeletal injuries occur at the station, not on the fireground.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Fire Officers Balance Tactics and Management in New Role
Promoted firefighters transition from individual contributors to supervisors, managing crew performance and tactical decisions under NFPA 1021 standards.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Putnam County Zoning Board Meets June 17
The Putnam County Zoning Board of Adjustment meets June 17 at 3 p.m. EDT. The public can watch the meeting online via the BOCC YouTube channel.
Monday, May 25, 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.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Palatka Delivers Lead and Copper Test Kits to Residents
Palatka residents are receiving water sampling kits to test for lead and copper under EPA regulations. City staff will collect samples daily from residents' doorsteps.
Monday, May 25, 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.
Monday, May 25, 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.
Monday, May 25, 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.
Monday, May 25, 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.
Monday, May 25, 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.
Monday, May 25, 2026