Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths

Florida officials said the state is seeing a sharp decline in overdose deaths, particularly those tied to fentanyl and opioids. State data showed total drug-related deaths statewide decreased by 19% compared with the same reporting period a year earlier.

During a news conference in Brevard County on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis said data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) showed fentanyl-caused deaths dropped 46% during the first half of 2025, while opioid-related deaths fell 42% overall.

DeSantis credited a full-spectrum approach to combating the opioid epidemic, pointing to tougher penalties for traffickers, expanded drug interdiction efforts, and increased access to treatment and recovery programs.

The FDLE said the decline continues a downward trend that began after overdose deaths peaked in 2021. Officials also highlighted the state’s SAFE program (State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication), which provides additional resources to law enforcement agencies targeting fentanyl trafficking.

Apopka Mayor Subpoenaed in Ponzi Case

Newly elected Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta is facing scrutiny after a bankruptcy attorney subpoenaed his financial records as part of the ongoing investigation into Christopher Delgado and the collapse of Orlando-based cryptocurrency firm Goliath Ventures.

Nesta previously represented Delgado in several real estate transactions and also received campaign donations from Delgado and the company before winning Apopka’s mayoral race last month.

Federal prosecutors allege Delgado operated a $328 million Ponzi scheme through Goliath Ventures. One Winter Park property connected to Delgado was sold through Nesta’s real estate firm, adding further attention to the mayor’s prior business dealings with the accused executive.

Delgado was arrested in February on federal wire fraud and money laundering charges and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Goliath Ventures filed for Chapter 11 protection in March in the Southern District of Florida.

Uthmeier Sues Jacksonville for $5M Over Gun Registry

Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit seeking a $5 million fine against the city of Jacksonville over gun-owner logbooks maintained at City Hall and the Yates Building between 2023 and 2025.

City security personnel recorded the names, birthdates, identification numbers, and firearm types of more than 100 people who legally carried firearms into the buildings, in violation of a 2004 state law that bans local governments from “knowingly and willfully” keeping a list, record, or registry of gun owners.

The controversy stems from procedures implemented shortly after Florida’s permitless concealed carry law took effect in 2023. Investigators from the State Attorney’s Office examined the logs and concluded there was no evidence of criminal intent.

Uthmeier rejected the conclusion that no laws were knowingly violated, arguing that ignorance of the law is not a defense under Florida statutes. His office alleges the logbooks were maintained with the knowledge or approval of city management.

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➤ Pasco County: Republican Sen. Ed Hooper (District 21) announced he will retire from the Florida Senate on Election Day, setting up a special election to replace him. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco will run in his place for the GOP. (More)

➤ Northeast Florida: The St. Johns River Water Management District declared a Phase III extreme water shortage. The upgraded shortage means further water restrictions are in place. (More)

➤ Miami: Residents filed a lawsuit against President Trump, Miami Dade College, and Gov. DeSantis over the land donated for the Trump presidential library, alleging the decision to donate an iconic stretch of downtown property is unconstitutional. (More)

➤ Coral Springs: Marly Metayer, the mother of the late vice mayor, Nancy Metayer, is seeking to fill her daughter’s former seat on the city commission. Nancy’s husband, Stephen Bowen, is charged with premeditated murder and tampering with evidence in the killing at the couple’s home on April 1. (More)

➤ West Palm Beach: At the annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, forecasters warned residents against complacency this year following last year’s threat-free season. (More)

➤ The Village of Wellington: The town is moving forward with a $3.4 million project to improve about 2 miles of Greenbriar Boulevard, adding bike lanes, widening shoulders, and enhancing pedestrian and equestrian crossings. (More)

➤ Flagler Beach: City Manager Dale Martin sent Fire Chief Stephen Cox a letter on May 11, notifying him of his termination related to a loss of confidence due to the resignations of several members of the Fire Department. (More)

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➤ The Miami Dolphins signed running back De’Von Achane to a four-year, $64 million contract extension, making him the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, former Texas A&M running back Le’Veon Moss retired from the NFL just days after signing with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. The would-be rookie was expected to compete for snaps behind Achane. (More)

➤ Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield will be one of four players featured on Season 3 of Netflix’s Quarterback series, joining Cam Ward, Jayden Daniels, and Joe Flacco. (More)

➤ The Jacksonville Waves, one of four teams in the upstart Upshot League, will tip off tonight at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, bringing high-level women’s basketball to the city. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: NHL | MLB | WNBA | NCAAB | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Love & Honey Fried Chicken, founded in Pennsylvania in 2017, signed a 20-unit development agreement across Southeast Florida and areas south of Orlando. (More)

➤ Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is investing $26.5 million to expand its Largo facility to accelerate the production of its commercial aviation radars and multi-domain security solutions for defense customers. (More)

➤ Spirit Airlines’ former employees sued the defunct carrier, alleging the company failed to give proper layoff notices, in addition to owing back pay and benefits. (More)

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➤ Port Orange’s six-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte will join the swimming staff at Missouri State this summer, where he will work with the men’s and women’s programs as an assistant to coach Dave Collins. (More)

➤ Identical twin sisters Kate and Emma Salerno graduated as valedictorians from Rollins College in Winter Park. (See Video)

➤ YouTuber Justin Leusner visited all 30 NBA arenas in 31 days, including the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami and the Kia Center in Orlando. (More)

➤ FIFA, based partly in Miami, announced that for the first time, the World Cup championship game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 will include a Super Bowl-style halftime concert, featuring performances by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. (More)

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Which is better from a drive-thru: chicken or burgers?

1. Chicken
2. Burgers
3. I like both
4. Neither

Thursday’s Results:

How often do you eat biscuits?

1. Occasionally: 45%
2. I don’t: 21%
3. Holidays: 14%
4. Once a week: 11%
5. Daily: 9%

What unexpected event took place during a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game at McKechnie Field in 2012 that resulted in a bobblehead commemorating the day?

Show me the answer