$389M to Protect Florida’s Water Resources

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced more than $389 million in grants to improve water quality and quantity across the state. The funding includes $189 million in water quality improvement grants and $55 million in alternative water dupply grants.

The Department of Environmental Protection received 348 project submissions requesting more than $2.2 billion in funding in response to this year’s water quality improvement grant cycle. Thirty-one high-priority projects were selected to receive funding.

Selected projects will provide funds to update wastewater facilities, convert water septic systems to sewer, and prevent runoff into the Indian River Lagoon.

“Florida’s waterways are a vital part of our environment, economy, and way of life, and protecting these resources continues to be a top priority,” DeSantis said.

Bill to Ease Child Labor Restrictions Advances

Florida lawmakers are considering legislation to remove all work limits for 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill would also allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work without restrictions if they have graduated high school or are home-schooled or virtually schooled.

The bill removes regulations that bar teenagers from working jobs before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school days, working more than eight hours on school days, and working more than 30 hours a week while in school.

Supporters argue it’s a parental rights issue and provides opportunities for teens, while critics fear exploitation and a return to child labor abuses.

The Legislature last year passed a law that maintained a 30-hour work week limit for 16- and 17-year-olds when school is in session, but it allowed parents, guardians, or school superintendents to waive the 30-hour limit.

Art Student Solves Cold Case

Noah Shadowens, a Ringling College of Art and Design student, helped police solve a case by identifying a victim while in a workshop with a forensic artist.

The Sarasota-based college offers a one-week workshop where students employ their art skills to help law enforcement officers from across the country solve cold cases.

Shadowens’ facial reconstruction of a John Doe bust, along with detective work from the Fort Myers Police Department, helped confirm a man’s identity.

“It’s like a superpower they haven’t realized they have yet,” Joe Mullins, a forensic imaging specialist, said of the students. “The whole purpose of the class is to clear the shelves of Medical Examiner’s offices across the U.S. and identify these nameless victims.”

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➤ Statewide: A proposal to increase maximum speeds on Florida highways from 70 mph to 75 mph is moving forward in both legislative chambers, with the House adding it Tuesday to a wide-ranging transportation bill. (More)

➤ Tallahassee: At the Florida Holocaust Memorial unveiling, Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to David Schaecter, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor who moved to Miami in 1957. (See Photos)

➤ Jupiter: On Tuesday, Republican Phyllis Choy won her first Town Council term in a runoff election against Democrat Teri Grooms in the District 1 seat now held by Andy Fore. (More)

➤ Lake Worth Beach: On Tuesday, no-party candidate Anthony Segrich won the District 4 runoff election for the city commission seat, defeating Democratic opponent Greg Richter. (More)

➤ Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University will launch the Center for Learning Differences in the fall, an initiative to provide resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. (More)

➤ Jacksonville University’s Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. Classes are expected to begin at the new medical school in July 2026. (See Photos) 

➤ The Miami Heat dominated the Golden State Warriors 112-86 in former Heat forward Jimmy Butler’s first game with the Warriors since being traded. Heat star Bam Adebayo dunked on Butler in the first quarter. (Watch Video)

➤ Alex Lodise hit a walk-off grand slam to give No. 4 Florida State baseball an 8-4 victory over Florida on Tuesday night. In addition to the win, the blast completed Lodise’s cycle bid, meaning he had a single, double, triple, and homer in the same game. (Watch Video)

➤ The Miami Marlins will open their 2025 MLB season today against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Tampa Bay Rays are one of two teams that will not play on MLB’s opening day. (More)

➤ College sports are important in Florida, and the future of name, image, and likeness policies are important to college sports. Sign up for NIL Wire to stay informed.

Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | NIT | WNIT | NCAABB | NCAASB | Soccer 

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➤ Wells Fargo was ordered by a jury to pay $826 million to the children of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the beneficiaries of a trust they say was mismanaged to yield anemic returns for more than a decade. (More)

➤ Florida orange juice production has plummeted 92% over the last 20 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Demand for orange juice hit an all-time low last year, and this year is projected to be no better. (More)

➤ Manatee County leaders approved nearly $2 million in funding to hire a wetland and upland restoration services contractor to clear canals across the county. (More)

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➤ Two Florida Congressmen, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R), filed a bipartisan bill that would make FEMA a Cabinet-level agency reporting directly to the president instead of to the Department of Homeland Security. (More)

➤ LEGOLAND Florida announced its first indoor roller coaster, scheduled to open at the Orlando theme park in 2026, as part of a $90 million investment to transform the guest experience. (More)

➤ Universal Epic Universe, set to open May 22 in Orlando, invited team members to preview the new theme park. (See Photos)

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Do you think FEMA should be dismantled, reorganized, or moved under the President’s Cabinet?

1. Dismantled
2. Reorganized
3. Move under the president
4. Leave as is

Wednesday’s Results:

Do you think artwork, like a waterfall, enhances your experience at the airport?

1. Yes: 42%
2. No: 58%

Where in Florida is The Singing Tower carillon?

Show me the answer