Community News
Friday, May 29, 2026 · Putnam County
Pinellas Park Vehicle Fire: What We Know So Far
A vehicle fire in Pinellas Park drew an escalated response Tuesday night, with dispatch records showing four units sent and no additional official details yet released.
Dunedin Medical Emergency: What We Know So Far
A large emergency response was reported in Dunedin, but officials have not yet released details on the patient, cause or outcome.
Friday, May 29, 2026
Two Arrested for DUI, Speeding During Memorial Day Weekend in Flagler County
Flagler County deputies arrested two drivers over Memorial Day weekend: a Daytona Beach woman for DUI after an I-95 crash, and a St. Augustine man for driving 105 mph.
Friday, May 29, 2026
DeSantis Signs Bill Letting St. Johns County Keep More Court Fees
Gov. DeSantis signed legislation allowing St. Johns County to keep more of its court-related revenues, bringing an estimated $79,098 in additional funding to the Clerk's Office next fiscal year.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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].
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 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.
Friday, May 29, 2026