Florida SNAP Faces $984 Million Penalty

Florida’s food-stamp program logged a payment error rate above 12 percent in 2025, putting the state in line for a $984 million penalty.

The rate, drawn from a new USDA report, is nearly twice the 6 percent Congress considers acceptable.

Under new federal law H.R. 1, states with error rates above 6% must start covering 5%, 10%, or 15% of monthly SNAP benefit costs beginning in 2028.

Holly Bullard of the Florida Policy Institute warned the penalty could shrink or close the program, especially as the state projects a budget shortfall topping $6 billion by fiscal 2028-29.

Lawmakers set aside $4 million this year for an AI system meant to flag errors and lower the rate, part of $38 million budgeted for SNAP.

DeSantis Reports Record Grade-Level Scores

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that more than 60 percent of Florida students scored at or above grade level in both reading and math, a state record.

Announced at a Lakeland press conference, the figures come from the state’s progress-monitoring system, known as FAST, which replaced the Florida Standards Assessments.

Since 2023, the share of students reading at grade level rose from 49 to 61 percent, while math climbed from 53 to 62 percent, according to state data.

DeSantis credited high expectations and parental involvement, saying Florida “did not become the Education State by accident.”

The benchmarks come from Florida’s own progress-monitoring system, so the results aren’t directly comparable to national tests or other states’ scores.

Orlando to Remake Historic Church Street

Orlando will start tearing up downtown’s historic Church Street on July 7 to rebuild it as a curbless, pedestrian-friendly corridor.

The first phase removes curbs to create a shared street, replaces the brick pavers, and upgrades drainage, lighting and landscaping.

City officials and the Downtown Development Board say the makeover is meant to draw more residents, visitors, and businesses and keep the corridor active into the evening.

The work comes as several Church Street storefronts sit vacant, part of a broader push to revitalize a strip that once anchored downtown nightlife.

It’s the first of three phases the city expects to finish by 2028.

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➤ Bay County: A petition calling for the removal of Flock license plate cameras has gained support from more than 900 people, as some residents raise privacy concerns while law enforcement agencies say the technology is an investigative tool that does not track drivers. (More)

➤ Duval County: More than 24,000 homeowners who appear to potentially qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption have not filed for the tax-saving benefit. (Details)

➤ Hollywood: A Grupo Mexico freight train plowed into a car stuck on the tracks near Hollywood Boulevard and I-95 late Friday night. The family inside escaped without serious injuries. (See Video)

➤ Gainesville: About 3,000 registered nurses at UF Health Shands voted to ratify a new contract with hourly raises of $1 to $4, merit-based increases, and stronger grievance procedures. (More)

➤ Flagler County: Two sheriff’s deputies are now certified through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program to safely remove gators in developed areas. The sheriff’s office reminded residents that handling one yourself is a felony. (Read Story)

➤ Hamilton County: The Florida Department of Health extended a rabies alert for the Jennings area after an unvaccinated pet cat tested positive in May and a fox died suddenly in June. (See Details)

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➤ Colombia secured the top spot in Group K at the FIFA World Cup after playing Portugal to a 0-0 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Portugal finished as the group runner-up, and both teams advanced to the Round of 32. (More)

➤ Jenny Simpson, the Oviedo native and 2016 Olympic 1,500-meter bronze medalist, was released from a North Carolina hospital this week, nine days after suffering sudden cardiac arrest while pacing runners at a Raleigh event. (More)

➤ Miami enters the newest college football video game, EA Sports College Football 27, as Florida’s highest-rated team at 88 overall, ahead of Florida at 84 and Florida State at 82. (See Ratings)

➤ The tournament scales opened last night for the Bay Point Billfish Open at Point South Marina in Panama City Beach. Today’s awards ceremony is set for 10 a.m. (Tournament Info)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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A Healthier Future Starts With One Decision

Losing weight isn’t just about the number on the scale. It can mean more energy, greater confidence, and better long-term health.

DirectMeds makes it easy to explore whether a GLP-1 treatment plan is right for you through a convenient online process and ongoing medical support. This Independence Day, take the first step toward a healthier future and discover whether you qualify for treatment.

➤ A “giant, gag-inducing glob” was recently removed from a Maitland sewer pump, prompting the city to ask residents to only flush human waste and toilet paper. (See Glob)

➤ After spotting a new American flag in his driveway, Deltona resident Tim Chech used social media to track down the neighbor who had quietly replaced his faded one. The two later met ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. (Read Story)

➤ Day one of the Bay Point Billfish Open in Panama City drew no fish to the scales, though 123 were caught and released by competing teams. Weigh-ins for day two start at 4 p.m. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A cutting-edge cancer procedure promises less scarring and a quicker recovery. (Hear More)

➤ A scorching European heat wave prompted an unusual ban in Paris. (Listen Now)

➤  Your green bananas may have been healthier than you realized. (Podcast Available)

Have you ever had an alligator turn up near your house?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Define “near”

Yesterday’s Results:

How would you feel about a venue fee being added to your restaurant bill?

1. Absolutely not: 77%
2. I’m indifferent: 9%
3. It’s okay if they need it to be profitable: 8%
4. Other: 6%

What percentage of Biscayne National Park is underwater?

Show me the answer