MR. NEWS Florida News Roundup

Florida News Roundup: Trending Stories Across the Sunshine State 

As we move further into 2025, Florida continues to be a hotbed of significant developments across healthcare, sports, real estate, and public policy. This comprehensive roundup brings together the most impactful stories currently shaping life in the Sunshine State, from legislative changes to sporting achievements and community initiatives.

Healthcare Transformation and Challenges
The healthcare landscape in Florida is undergoing substantial changes in 2025, with several developments poised to affect residents across the state. In the aftermath of the devastating 2024 hurricane season, Florida’s community health centers have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, providing essential services far beyond basic medical care. The back-to-back impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton tested these facilities, which proved indispensable during disaster response and recovery efforts.

Public health officials continue to raise concerns about cervical cancer, a disease that claims approximately 300 women’s lives in Florida annually despite being entirely preventable. The Florida Department of Health reports that more than 14,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed nationwide each year, underscoring the critical importance of preventative screenings.

Winter has brought a significant surge in common illnesses, with flu cases increasing by 75% over the past month. This spike has been accompanied by rising hospitalization rates, prompting medical professionals to urge preventative measures, particularly in light of lower vaccination rates across the state.

The healthcare infrastructure is evolving to meet growing demands. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System recently unveiled an expanded emergency department at its Venice facility, more than doubling its capacity for urgent care. The $90 million expansion increases the number of exam rooms from 28 to 61 and includes additional resuscitation suites for life-threatening conditions. Meanwhile, Orlando Health announced Joe Delatorre as president of its new 102-bed hospital in Wesley Chapel, scheduled to open in 2026 with capacity to expand to 300 beds.

In the mental health sector, Miami-based Hope Therapeutics plans to establish a network of ketamine therapy clinics, beginning with the acquisition of California-based Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute as its flagship location.

Sports: Gators Football Outlook and Basketball Tournament Run
The athletic programs at the University of Florida continue to generate excitement among sports enthusiasts. The Florida Gators football team has secured an average ranking of #14 in “Way Too Early” 2025 rankings across five prominent sports publications, reflecting both their strong finish to the 2024 season and the potential of their returning talent.

The team’s impressive turnaround in 2024, winning their final four games and finishing with an 8-5 record, has created optimism for the upcoming season. Star quarterback DJ Lagway, who finished second nationally in yards per attempt, is set for his first full season as starter. Key returners include All-America center Jake Slaughter, left tackle Austin Barber, and a promising backfield featuring Jadan Baugh and Ja’Kobi Jackson.

However, the Gators face a challenging schedule in 2025, with matchups against powerhouses including #1 Texas, #4 Georgia, #11 LSU, and #12 Tennessee, as well as #14 Miami, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.

In basketball news, the Florida Gators women’s team recently saw its SEC Tournament journey end in the quarterfinals against No. 9 LSU with a 101-87 defeat. This marks the second consecutive year the team’s postseason run has concluded at this stage. Despite the disappointment, the Gators achieved a significant milestone earlier in the tournament with a stunning upset over No. 19 Alabama, marking their first ranked win since 2022.

Head coach Kelly Rae Finley expressed hope for an invitation to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), stating, “My hope is that we get invited to the WBIT. I don’t know if it’ll happen – that’s the reality of the sport. That’s the reality of playing in the SEC. But if we get the opportunity to, that’s one that we would take gladly.”

Real Estate and Housing Market Developments
Florida’s real estate landscape is showing signs of significant change in early 2025. According to Realtor.com, the state has reached at least a nine-year high in property listings, with nearly 169,000 properties currently on the market – the highest since tracking began. Areas experiencing the most substantial increases in year-over-year listings include Tequesta, Greenacres, and Royal Palm Beach.

Market experts are monitoring what could potentially become a “big investor selloff” in 2025. Online discussions among real estate professionals suggest that while small-time investors may indeed sell properties, larger institutional investors might simultaneously increase their buying activity. The ongoing insurance crisis is exacerbating the situation, with many small real estate investors now operating “self-insured” rental properties due to prohibitive insurance costs.

The complex dynamic between housing supply and population growth continues to create challenges. In the Tampa Bay area, for instance, a 15% population increase over the past decade has been met with only a 9% increase in hospital beds, with 90% of those new beds concentrated in just two counties – Hillsborough and Pasco. Despite population growth of 20% and 15% in Manatee and Sarasota counties respectively, both areas have actually experienced a decrease in hospital beds over the last decade.

New Laws Reshaping Florida
The start of 2025 brought ten new laws into effect in Florida, several of which have significant implications for residents. Perhaps the most discussed is the legislation aimed at protecting minors online. This law prohibits children under 14 from creating social media accounts, while 14 and 15-year-olds can only do so with parental consent. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that “social media harms children in a variety of ways” and that the law “gives parents a greater ability to protect their children.” The legislation also requires pornographic or sexually explicit websites to implement age verification systems to block minors from accessing unsuitable content.

Another important new law makes it a crime to harass Florida first responders while they’re working. It prohibits individuals from knowingly ignoring a first responder’s warning not to approach or remain within 25 feet if doing so would harass or interfere with their work. The law defines first responders as law enforcement officers, correctional probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical care providers.

Changes to voter registration rules now allow some applicants to register without party affiliation. The department will provide applicants with receipts and ensure that updates to their information are only made with written consent.

Building regulations have also been updated, with the Florida Building Commission revising the building code for replacement windows, doors, and garage doors. These changes include new rules for issuing permits and notices, as well as setting timeframes for approval.

Crime and Public Safety Developments
Law enforcement agencies across Florida continue to address sophisticated criminal activity. In Martin County, authorities recently arrested an illegal immigrant connected to a high-end residential burglary that occurred in 2023. Investigators collected DNA evidence from the crime scene and entered it into CODIS, the national law enforcement database. While there was initially no match, the suspect, Jean Stefano Merinovejar, was later arrested in Miami-Dade County on similar charges, triggering a DNA match.

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, before an arrest warrant could be served, Merinovejar was released from the Krome Detention Center due to lack of bed space. Though he was fitted with an ankle monitor, he cut it off and allegedly embarked on a two-year crime spree across the country before his eventual capture.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system and border security that continue to be politically charged topics in Florida.

Positive Community Initiatives
Amid the challenges, Florida communities are fostering numerous positive developments. Across the state, students are participating in Saturday Black history lessons through programs organized at community centers. These initiatives aim to fill educational gaps, with more than 400 Black church congregations pledging to teach lessons developed by Faith in Florida as part of its Black history toolkit. The curriculum covers topics including South Florida’s Caribbean roots, the state’s history of lynchings, the ongoing impact of segregation, and grassroots activists in the Civil Rights Movement.

Innovation is flourishing through young Floridians like Orlando Science School high schooler Tiffani Gay, who has invented a vibrating headset designed to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings. With an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide affected by visual impairments, Gay’s invention sends vibrational warnings to users about obstacles in their path. She plans to set the price at approximately $200, making it significantly more affordable than alternative solutions like guide dogs, which can cost upwards of $50,000.

The spirit of philanthropy also remains strong in Florida connections, as evidenced by actress Kristen Bell’s recent donation of $100,000 to help strangers pay off medical bills. Working with an online influencer, Bell covered half the costs of various medical fundraisers, including contributions to a third-grader and another individual both battling leukemia.

Tourism and Local Developments
Florida’s tourism industry continues to thrive, with West Palm Beach emerging as the top trending destination in the United States according to Trip Advisor. The city has also been featured in Travel & Leisure Magazine, with its combination of convenience, amenities, and culture cited as primary attractions. While not explicitly mentioned in the coverage, the proximity to Palm Beach and renewed interest in President Trump and Mar-a-Lago likely contribute to the area’s appeal.

Local infrastructure remains a focus for many communities. In Palm Beach Gardens, the City Council is addressing future transportation plans for Seminole Pratt Whitney Road amid disagreements with the County about expansion strategies to reduce traffic congestion. While the County seeks to extend the road to Avenir Drive, the City’s current framework calls for expansion without this connection.

Weather conditions continue to influence daily life across the state. In early March, South Florida experienced a Fire Weather Watch as dry conditions and high winds created conditions conducive to wildfires. The National Weather Service issued warnings for the Tri-County area, including Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, advising against outdoor burning.

Faith and Community Events
The faith community in Florida remains active with numerous events and initiatives. 4KIDS recently hosted inspirational Galentine’s Luncheons, while various Christian colleges plan to meet with prospective students at college fairs in September. The Salvation Army of Broward County has joined the No Address Movement to address homelessness, and Holy Cross Health will be administering free immunizations to children.

As Florida navigates these diverse challenges and opportunities, the resilience and innovation of its communities continue to shape the state’s identity. From healthcare transformations to athletic achievements, technological innovations to policy reforms, the Sunshine State remains a dynamic center of activity across all sectors of society.

Florida News That Impacts You 
Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you throughout the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

Healthcare Transformation and Challenges
The healthcare landscape in Florida is undergoing substantial changes in 2025, with several developments poised to affect residents across the state. In the aftermath of the devastating 2024 hurricane season, Florida’s community health centers have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, providing essential services far beyond basic medical care. The back-to-back impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton tested these facilities, which proved indispensable during disaster response and recovery efforts.

Public health officials continue to raise concerns about cervical cancer, a disease that claims approximately 300 women’s lives in Florida annually despite being entirely preventable. The Florida Department of Health reports that more than 14,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed nationwide each year, underscoring the critical importance of preventative screenings.

Winter has brought a significant surge in common illnesses, with flu cases increasing by 75% over the past month. This spike has been accompanied by rising hospitalization rates, prompting medical professionals to urge preventative measures, particularly in light of lower vaccination rates across the state.

The healthcare infrastructure is evolving to meet growing demands. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System recently unveiled an expanded emergency department at its Venice facility, more than doubling its capacity for urgent care. The $90 million expansion increases the number of exam rooms from 28 to 61 and includes additional resuscitation suites for life-threatening conditions. Meanwhile, Orlando Health announced Joe Delatorre as president of its new 102-bed hospital in Wesley Chapel, scheduled to open in 2026 with capacity to expand to 300 beds.

In the mental health sector, Miami-based Hope Therapeutics plans to establish a network of ketamine therapy clinics, beginning with the acquisition of California-based Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute as its flagship location.

Sports: Gators Football Outlook and Basketball Tournament Run
The athletic programs at the University of Florida continue to generate excitement among sports enthusiasts. The Florida Gators football team has secured an average ranking of #14 in “Way Too Early” 2025 rankings across five prominent sports publications, reflecting both their strong finish to the 2024 season and the potential of their returning talent.

The team’s impressive turnaround in 2024, winning their final four games and finishing with an 8-5 record, has created optimism for the upcoming season. Star quarterback DJ Lagway, who finished second nationally in yards per attempt, is set for his first full season as starter. Key returners include All-America center Jake Slaughter, left tackle Austin Barber, and a promising backfield featuring Jadan Baugh and Ja’Kobi Jackson.

However, the Gators face a challenging schedule in 2025, with matchups against powerhouses including #1 Texas, #4 Georgia, #11 LSU, and #12 Tennessee, as well as #14 Miami, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.

In basketball news, the Florida Gators women’s team recently saw its SEC Tournament journey end in the quarterfinals against No. 9 LSU with a 101-87 defeat. This marks the second consecutive year the team’s postseason run has concluded at this stage. Despite the disappointment, the Gators achieved a significant milestone earlier in the tournament with a stunning upset over No. 19 Alabama, marking their first ranked win since 2022.

Head coach Kelly Rae Finley expressed hope for an invitation to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), stating, “My hope is that we get invited to the WBIT. I don’t know if it’ll happen – that’s the reality of the sport. That’s the reality of playing in the SEC. But if we get the opportunity to, that’s one that we would take gladly.”

Real Estate and Housing Market Developments
Florida’s real estate landscape is showing signs of significant change in early 2025. According to Realtor.com, the state has reached at least a nine-year high in property listings, with nearly 169,000 properties currently on the market – the highest since tracking began. Areas experiencing the most substantial increases in year-over-year listings include Tequesta, Greenacres, and Royal Palm Beach.

Market experts are monitoring what could potentially become a “big investor selloff” in 2025. Online discussions among real estate professionals suggest that while small-time investors may indeed sell properties, larger institutional investors might simultaneously increase their buying activity. The ongoing insurance crisis is exacerbating the situation, with many small real estate investors now operating “self-insured” rental properties due to prohibitive insurance costs.

The complex dynamic between housing supply and population growth continues to create challenges. In the Tampa Bay area, for instance, a 15% population increase over the past decade has been met with only a 9% increase in hospital beds, with 90% of those new beds concentrated in just two counties – Hillsborough and Pasco. Despite population growth of 20% and 15% in Manatee and Sarasota counties respectively, both areas have actually experienced a decrease in hospital beds over the last decade.

New Laws Reshaping Florida
The start of 2025 brought ten new laws into effect in Florida, several of which have significant implications for residents. Perhaps the most discussed is the legislation aimed at protecting minors online. This law prohibits children under 14 from creating social media accounts, while 14 and 15-year-olds can only do so with parental consent. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that “social media harms children in a variety of ways” and that the law “gives parents a greater ability to protect their children.” The legislation also requires pornographic or sexually explicit websites to implement age verification systems to block minors from accessing unsuitable content.

Another important new law makes it a crime to harass Florida first responders while they’re working. It prohibits individuals from knowingly ignoring a first responder’s warning not to approach or remain within 25 feet if doing so would harass or interfere with their work. The law defines first responders as law enforcement officers, correctional probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical care providers.

Changes to voter registration rules now allow some applicants to register without party affiliation. The department will provide applicants with receipts and ensure that updates to their information are only made with written consent.

Building regulations have also been updated, with the Florida Building Commission revising the building code for replacement windows, doors, and garage doors. These changes include new rules for issuing permits and notices, as well as setting timeframes for approval.

Crime and Public Safety Developments
Law enforcement agencies across Florida continue to address sophisticated criminal activity. In Martin County, authorities recently arrested an illegal immigrant connected to a high-end residential burglary that occurred in 2023. Investigators collected DNA evidence from the crime scene and entered it into CODIS, the national law enforcement database. While there was initially no match, the suspect, Jean Stefano Merinovejar, was later arrested in Miami-Dade County on similar charges, triggering a DNA match.

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, before an arrest warrant could be served, Merinovejar was released from the Krome Detention Center due to lack of bed space. Though he was fitted with an ankle monitor, he cut it off and allegedly embarked on a two-year crime spree across the country before his eventual capture.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system and border security that continue to be politically charged topics in Florida.

Positive Community Initiatives
Amid the challenges, Florida communities are fostering numerous positive developments. Across the state, students are participating in Saturday Black history lessons through programs organized at community centers. These initiatives aim to fill educational gaps, with more than 400 Black church congregations pledging to teach lessons developed by Faith in Florida as part of its Black history toolkit. The curriculum covers topics including South Florida’s Caribbean roots, the state’s history of lynchings, the ongoing impact of segregation, and grassroots activists in the Civil Rights Movement.

Innovation is flourishing through young Floridians like Orlando Science School high schooler Tiffani Gay, who has invented a vibrating headset designed to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings. With an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide affected by visual impairments, Gay’s invention sends vibrational warnings to users about obstacles in their path. She plans to set the price at approximately $200, making it significantly more affordable than alternative solutions like guide dogs, which can cost upwards of $50,000.

The spirit of philanthropy also remains strong in Florida connections, as evidenced by actress Kristen Bell’s recent donation of $100,000 to help strangers pay off medical bills. Working with an online influencer, Bell covered half the costs of various medical fundraisers, including contributions to a third-grader and another individual both battling leukemia.

Conclusion
As Florida navigates these diverse challenges and opportunities in early 2025, the resilience and innovation of its communities continue to shape the state’s identity. From healthcare transformations to athletic achievements, technological innovations to policy reforms, the Sunshine State remains a dynamic center of activity across all sectors of society. While Floridians face pressing issues including insurance crises and housing market fluctuations, there are also numerous positive developments that underscore the state’s continued appeal and vibrancy. As we move further into 2025, these trends will likely continue to evolve, shaping the lives of residents across this diverse and ever-changing state.