Community News
Sunday, June 14, 2026 · Putnam County
Groveland Finishes Water Meter Tower Installation Early
Groveland completed installation of 17 water meter towers in early June, ahead of schedule. The towers will enable faster leak detection and more accurate billing once system testing begins.
Groveland Finishes Water Meter Tower Network Ahead of Schedule
Groveland completed installation of 17 water meter towers ahead of schedule, part of a larger infrastructure upgrade that will provide customers real-time access to water usage data by 2027.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
St. Petersburg Opens $42 Million Fund for Affordable Housing Developers
St. Petersburg opened applications for $42 million in federal grants for developers building or renovating affordable rental housing, with applications due today.
Sunday, June 14, 2026
North Miami Gets $1.1M Federal Grant for Water Plant Upgrades
North Miami secured $1.1 million in federal funding to modernize its water treatment plant, upgrades that will improve efficiency and strengthen infrastructure against extreme weather.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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].
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 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.
Sunday, June 14, 2026