Florida’s 1st District Court of Appeal ordered a grand jury report on the Hope Florida Foundation’s handling of $10 million to be expunged, WUSF reports. The court said the settlement arrangement was legal because no civil case had been filed, and criticized the state attorney’s disclosure of the confidential report. The panel had not indicted anyone. The ruling addresses the report’s status and the settlement’s legality, but does not discuss Attorney General James Uthmeier’s role in the arrangement or later use of the funds.
The Florida Phoenix reports that Emory University’s VaxImpactMap estimates how falling vaccination rates could affect illness, hospitalizations, deaths and costs. For Florida, its model projects that a 10% drop in varicella coverage over five years could mean 24,900 additional chickenpox cases and two deaths; similar declines could also increase pneumococcal disease and Hib outcomes. The estimates come as Florida considers removing four vaccines from school and daycare requirements. The tool does not include hepatitis B.
Florida Politics reports that the 1st District Court of Appeal ordered the full expungement of a grand jury presentment tied to the Hope Florida Foundation controversy. The court found the report exceeded the grand jury’s authority and that its disclosure violated confidentiality rules, according to the account. The case involved money routed from a Medicaid settlement to political committees. The ruling concerns the report’s handling and publication; it does not establish that every allegation surrounding the transfer was proven or disproven.
Florida Politics reports that a national skilled-trades study ranked Florida first in demand pressure and 50th in worker supply among states and the District of Columbia. The report measures workforce trends and training pipelines, not current vacancies. It says more than one million Floridians work in the trades it covers, while apprenticeship and college trade-program completion rates were 38% and 53%. The findings point to a gap between employer demand and training outcomes, with transportation, childcare and lost earnings cited as barriers to completion.
Florida Politics reports that Democrat David Jolly’s campaign has released an ad featuring Kelly Mason, a Republican Collier County School Board member who sued Byron Donalds over a 2022 encounter; the lawsuit was later dropped. Mason’s ad-script allegations about intimidation and a dispute involving charter school management are claims, not findings established by the excerpt. Her appearance appears designed to appeal to voters who have supported Gov. Ron DeSantis, as Jolly and Donalds compete for Florida governor.
Attorney General James Uthmeier has sued router manufacturer TP-Link in Polk County, alleging it misled Florida buyers about security protections and its connections to China, Florida Politics reports. The lawsuit challenges claims about router and HomeShield protection, manufacturing arrangements and corporate separation from China. Uthmeier also alleges hackers linked to the Chinese state exploited the devices. He is seeking an injunction, consumer restitution and penalties; the excerpt provides no company response.
Florida Politics reports that gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly expressed sympathy after a Winter Haven school bus crash killed a high school student and another vehicle’s driver. According to the sheriff’s office, a car crossed into the bus’s lane, triggering additional collisions and a rollover. Several students were hospitalized. State Rep. Jon Albert encouraged affected residents to contact his district office for assistance.
Florida’s autism treatment task force has two meetings remaining before adopting recommendations for lawmakers, Florida Phoenix reports. Ideas discussed include licensing businesses that deliver applied behavior analysis, linking Medicaid payments to provider surveys, and expanding families’ treatment options. Centria Autism’s chief executive proposed payment penalties for failed surveys, while Florida’s health agency secretary expressed interest in business licensing. These remain proposals under discussion, with potential implications for provider oversight and children’s access to treatment.
Florida Politics reports that Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds proposed coordinating protection of coastal waterways and inland watersheds, alongside habitat restoration projects. He said his plan would avoid additional regulations and preserve fishing access. Donalds also proposed statewide restoration grants and wastewater investments, including connecting vulnerable properties to sewer systems. These are campaign proposals, with implementation still prospective.
Florida Politics reports that gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds announced a Coastal Corridor proposal in Pinellas County to coordinate protection of coastal waters and connected inland watersheds. Donalds said the plan would use habitat data to guide projects including oyster restoration, artificial reefs and seagrass planting. He pledged to preserve fishing and public access, avoid additional regulations and pursue conservation transactions only with willing sellers.
Florida Politics reports that the University of Florida is opening a Washington facility using property donated by Brian and Kathryn Ballard and valued at $4.25 million. The Ballard House will host student programs, professional development and faculty presentations for federal policymakers. Planned activities include policy discussions and civic education, with alumni participation intended to connect students with mentors.
WUSF reports landowners have filed 21 agricultural enclave applications covering more than 9,400 acres since July, following a state law expanding eligibility for the designation. The process allows qualifying farmland to become residential developments and limits local approval authority. One Brevard County project has been approved after an earlier rezoning rejection. St. Johns County commissioners oppose the law, citing growth and infrastructure concerns.
