FPL Rate Hike Heads to Florida Supreme Court

After hearing oral arguments on Tuesday, three commissioners on the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously refused to reconsider its November decision to approve a $7 billion Florida Power & Light (FPL) rate hike that impacts nearly 12 million Floridians’ electric bills.

The approved settlement allows FPL to collect higher rates over the next four years. The dispute now moves to the Florida Supreme Court, where challengers are seeking to overturn the rate hike.

The Office of Public Counsel, along with energy justice groups, argued that the PSC overlooked certain facts and laws in the case and asked the commission to issue an amended order that accurately memorializes the commission’s decision-making process.

PSC Chair Gabriella Passidomo-Smith said the motion to reconsider failed. Opponents argue that the increased burden on Floridians is not in the public interest, while FPL maintains the plan supports reliability and growth.

State Funds Firefighter Safety

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who is also the state’s fire marshal, announced more than $500,000 in funding for firefighter safety initiatives on Tuesday, emphasizing the growing risks of cancer and mental health challenges in the profession.

Speaking at an event in Ocala, Ingoglia said he’s directing $500,000 toward a regional firefighter training facility in Newberry, and more than $11,000 in Ocala and High Springs for equipment to address increased cancer risk.

The funding will help departments purchase decontamination equipment and expand training infrastructure, part of a broader push to protect first responders. Ingoglia has awarded over $28 million to support firefighters across the state since he took office.

“That’s why, when I travel the state talking about property tax reform,” Ingoglia said, “I have made it clear that the first thing that the local governments must fund … they must fund fire and law enforcement first.”

Miami’s World Cup Fan Festival

This summer, Bayfront Park in Miami will transform into a second stadium for the FIFA Fan Festival from June 13 through July 5.

Miami officials announced on Tuesday that the 436,000-square-foot waterfront fan zone will provide free access to 30,000 fans to watch the soccer matches.

“It’s an opportunity for people who may not be able to pay to go see a game at the stadium, they’ll be able to feel as if they were part of the World Cup experience at a price that a family can afford—free!” said City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins.

An amphitheater seating 10,000 will host live performances, cultural showcases, and unique programming between games.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Tampa Bay Area: Municipal elections were held in Plant City, in Hillsborough County, and in several Polk County cities on Tuesday. The two Plant City commissioner races resulted in runoffs. (See Results)

➤ Statewide: Rip currents have left at least two people dead and have prompted over 70 rescues over the past week, with the danger remaining elevated for the next few days. (More)

➤ Brevard County: County Commissioner Katie Delaney, who championed pay increases for firefighters, has resigned effective May 2, as her family has accepted a “life-changing” opportunity that will take them out of state. (More)

➤ Palm Springs North: A fast-moving storm swept through the area early Tuesday evening, knocking down trees, damaging homes, and leaving some residents with days of cleanup. (More)

➤ Orange County: The school board voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a pilot program to convert Orange Center Elementary School from a STEM magnet school to a STEAM charter school for the next school year. (More)

➤ Manatee County: Copper thieves are targeting streetlights and stealing thousands of feet of wire, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The sheriff’s office expects arrests soon as the county installs cameras and explores prevention methods. (More)

➤ Pinellas County: According to the the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the county had the second-biggest drop in population nationwide, declining by almost 12,000 residents. (See Details)

Enjoy reading Flyover Florida? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Florida baseball beat Florida State 4-3 on Tuesday night in Tallahassee to complete a three-game sweep of the Seminoles. FSU outhit the Gators 9-7, but struck out 11 times and stranded nine runners. (More)

➤ The University of West Florida hired former Appalachian State assistant Tanner Smith as its next men’s basketball head coach. (More)

➤ Dolphins running back De’Von Achane was not present for the start of the team’s voluntary offseason program on Tuesday in what’s believed to be a contract-related absence. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NBA | MLB | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Take your game to the next level with FlightPath Golf Tees—engineered to reduce spin and help you drive longer, straighter shots with ease. Right now, score their limited-time buy 2 packs, get 1 free deal and upgrade your swing with tees designed for serious performance.

➤ Wayfair, an online retailer based in Boston, will open its first physical Florida location in Fort Lauderdale. The 94,000-square-foot, two-story store at the Galleria is planned for the end of next year. (More)

➤ A proposed data center in Fort Meade cleared the city’s planning and zoning commission on Tuesday, sending it to the full city commission for a final vote on April 14. Opposition from some residents is growing. (More)

➤ The cost of living in Florida has accelerated at nearly five times its previous pace over the last decade, driven largely by housing, insurance, and rent increases that are outstripping wages and forcing some residents to consider leaving the state, according to a new report from Florida TaxWatch. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ A U.S. “birthright” worth trillions — activated quietly. A small government task force just completed a 20-year mission. With almost no coverage, they confirmed a massive U.S. resource “claim”—estimated at $500 trillion. Under sovereign law, this isn’t just national wealth. It’s an American birthright. Meaning citizens can legally stake a “claim” But almost no one knows. I’ve laid out how to position yourself in a new, time-sensitive briefing. See how to “claim” your share—before the window closes.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Two middle-school students from Lee and Collier counties will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., the last week of May. (See Photos)

➤ Lakeland’s Central Florida Sharks, a youth recreation cheerleading program with four teams across multiple age divisions, had three teams compete at the Youth Cheer Globals competition, with each earning a bronze medal. (See Video)

➤ Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale is holding its 17th Annual International Orchid & Garden Festival on April 11-12, one of its largest fundraisers of the year. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Looking for extra financial help? BeneFinds is a free platform that connects you to personalized benefits, grants, and assistance programs tailored to your situation—covering everything from housing and insurance to debt relief and job opportunities, all in one easy-to-use place.  (LEARN MORE)

Have you ever won a spelling bee?

1. Yes
2. No

Wednesday’s Results:

Have you visited one of Florida’s 700 freshwater springs?

1. Yes: 61%
2. No: 39%

What year was Florida admitted to the U.S. as a state?

Show me the answer