Florida’s Infrastructure Report Card

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2025 report card for America’s infrastructure, the Sunshine State received a “C” grade overall from the 2021 assessment.

The report card, published every four years, graded Florida’s infrastructure in categories, including: aviation (C+), bridges (B), coastal areas (C-), dams (D-), drinking water (C), energy (C+), levees (D+), ports (B), schools (D+), roads (C+), solid waste (B+), stormwater (C-), transit (C), and wastewater (C).

In the state’s lowest-scoring category, 98 of Florida’s 1,000 dams have a High Hazard Potential, meaning that if one were to fail, loss of life or economic damage would be expected.

According to the report, additional planning is needed in Florida “to bring all sectors to a state of good repair.”

Hurricane Preparedness Takes Center Stage

The Senate unanimously approved a sweeping hurricane preparedness and recovery package designed to accelerate rebuilding after storms, tighten coordination among emergency agencies, and expand transparency in disaster spending.

The bill, which heads next to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval, provides homeowners with a streamlined rebuilding permit process and clarifies repair guidelines to help them avoid property tax increases.

DeSantis proclaimed the first week of May as Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week in coordination with the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Preparedness Week, urging Floridians to make plans.

Before the start of the hurricane season on June 1, the National Hurricane Center announced updates to its products and services for the upcoming season. The most notable change is color-coded guidance on the inland cone graphic.

Lawmakers Extend Session; Several Bills Finalized

The legislative session has been extended from May 12 to June 6 to pass the state budget. The House and Senate agreed to a budget framework with $2.8 billion in total tax relief, including a permanent reduction in state sales tax.

Other tax initiatives were delayed, with Florida voters likely to vote next year on giving farmers a land tax break. Lawmakers punted on immediate property tax relief, saying local governments can reduce rates instead, in what the GOP is calling the Rollback Now campaign.

A measure that creates a traffic violation for creating a wake in flooded streets cleared the Legislature and heads next to the governor for his signature. Another bill, providing mental health treatment to Florida inmates, is also ready for signing.

Several bills failed to get approval during this session, including a push to have underutilized public schools reach full capacity. Lawmakers agreed on an education bill that included several provisions, such as a ban on student cellphone use.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: Wednesday is the deadline to present a Real ID to board domestic flights. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Pinellas) has asked the Department of Homeland Security to pause enforcement. (See Details) 

➤ Tallahassee: On Friday night, the Florida Senate passed “Lucy’s Law”—a bill named after a 17-year-old South Florida student who died in a boating accident—aiming to enhance boater safety. It now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’s signature. (More)

➤ Copeland: A man was found dead in a wooded area off State Road 29 in Collier County after a reported bear encounter. (More)

➤ Okaloosa County: Deputies are investigating a plane that crashed into a fence Sunday when the pilot attempted to land the aircraft in an open field. No injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Hillsborough County: After six years and a court battle that left $569 million in limbo, residents are receiving refunds from the transportation sales tax that the state Supreme Court struck down. (More)

➤ Daytona Beach: The ramp for the “World’s Most Famous Beach” has reopened. The $2.3 million project is expected to boost customer traffic for area businesses. (More)

➤ UCF emerged as the only Florida-based team to make it to Super Regionals in the NCAA DI men’s tennis tournament, defeating the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators in their first two matchups. (More)

➤ Florida State softball captured the No. 1 seed in the ACC tournament after logging a 44-8 regular season record. (More)

➤ The red-hot Florida Gators won their fourth straight SEC baseball series this weekend after taking down South Carolina. They’ll face off against South Florida tonight before a series against Texas this weekend. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers lost 5-4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs in their second-round NHL Stanley Cup playoff series opener last night. The teams will face off again tomorrow night in Toronto. (More)

Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect Yourself on the Road. Accidents happen. But with a high-quality dash cam, you’ll always have the footage to back you up. With crystal clear video, easy set up and it works great day and night.  It’s also helpful for insurance claims. Whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious, having a dash camera on your side can make all the difference.  Get Your Dash Cam Today

➤ NASA announced that after the Artemis III mission returns Americans to the moon, the rocket and capsule will be retired due to the proposed budget cuts by the Trump administration. (More)

➤ Forever 21 retail stores permanently closed on May 1, including all 23 Florida locations. (More)

➤ The University of Florida has named University of Michigan President Santa Ono the lone finalist to lead the state’s flagship school. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience superior comfort with the Klaudena Seat Cushion! Designed to relieve pressure, improve posture, and support your lower back, it’s perfect for long hours at your desk, in the car, or at home. Sit comfortably and say goodbye to aches—grab your Klaudena Seat Cushion today!

Flying together with our sponsor

Discover powerful natural solutions from Dr. Fred Pescatore and Logical Health Alternatives! Backed by expert research, this site offers cutting-edge insights on supplements, nutrition, and wellness strategies to help you take control of your health.

Unlock tips to boost energy, improve heart health, and feel your best — explore Logical Health Alternatives today!

➤ Toilet seats are being hung on poles off the coast of Plantation Key in Islamorada, creating a channel called Toilet Seat Cut. (See Why)

➤ The Miami Dolphins will wear “Rivalries” jerseys for one home game against a division rival each season as part of a new NFL uniform initiative involving all AFC East teams. (More)

➤ A ride review of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which opens May 22 at Universal Epic Universe, reports that the “eerie nature of the manor and the imminent adventure is a feeling that can’t be translated through words.” (Read Review)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift at Just the Gismos! Discover exclusive deals on unique, thoughtful presents Mom will love — from cozy essentials to innovative gadgets. Show your appreciation with something special this year. Shop now and grab these limited-time Mother’s Day savings before they’re gone! (Shop Now)

Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando after Epic Universe opens this month?

1. Yes, can’t wait!
2. Considering it
3. Eventually
4. Not interested

Monday’s Results:

How do you drink your iced tea?

1. Unsweet: 32%
2. Sweet: 26%
3. Not a tea drinker: 21%
4. Either way: 20%

Which Florida Island got its name after a developer claimed to have discovered a treasure chest full of Spanish doubloons?

Show me the answer