Lawmakers Seek to Increase Highway Speed Limits & Florida Returns $878M to Federal Government
March 24, 2025 - Top Stories from Central Florida
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Lawmakers Consider Increasing Highway Speed Limits
A transportation bill advancing through the Florida Senate could soon allow drivers to legally travel faster on major roadways. The proposed legislation, SB 462, includes an amendment that would raise the maximum speed limits on limited access highways like I-4, I-75, and I-95 by 5 mph across the state, increasing from 70 to 75 mph. The bill also proposes raising speed limits on four-lane divided highways in rural areas from 65 to 70 mph. Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach), who introduced the amendment, argues the change would improve driving efficiency. However, the proposal faces potential opposition from law enforcement and safety advocates. A similar bill passed in 2014 but was vetoed by then-Governor Rick Scott due to safety concerns from law enforcement. Several studies have shown that increased roadway speeds increase motorist’s risk of severe injury or death. The legislation, which also removes the 40 mph minimum speed limit on all roads with at least four lanes and addresses other transportation issues like electric vehicle infrastructure, must clear two more committees before reaching a full Senate vote. Currently, the companion bill in the House lacks an amendment raising the speed limit. There are 18 states nationwide with a maximum speed limit of 75 mph or greater, often along rural highways.
Florida Returns $878M to Federal Government
Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the state is returning $878 million in federal funds to Washington following discussions with Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team. DeSantis claimed that Florida made previous attempts to return the money but was hindered by the Biden administration. "For years, Florida has been trying to return federal funds due to ideological strings attached by the Biden Administration,” DeSantis said on X. He claimed that the remitted funding is from unspecified federal grants that hindered the state’s ability to use the money in alignment with its priorities. With DOGE's assistance, the state finalized plans to wire the money back to the U.S. Treasury. The governor pledged to continue identifying surplus federal grants for a potential return. Musk praised the move, highlighting the significant taxpayer savings. DeSantis created Florida’s DOGE task force last month to reduce government waste, mirroring the controversial initiative Musk has been leading at the federal level.
Tampa’s 2027 Mayoral Race: Speculation Grows on Contenders
As Tampa's mayoral election approaches in 2027, speculation is mounting about potential candidates to succeed term-limited Mayor Jane Castor. The nonpartisan race is already attracting attention, with one official candidate already filed and several rumored contenders considering their options. The next mayor will face significant challenges, including affordable housing shortages and climate adaptation. Here’s who might run:
Bob Buckhorn: The former Tampa mayor, who served from 2011 to 2019, is widely expected to run again. Buckhorn oversaw major downtown developments like the Tampa Riverwalk expansion and the Channelside redevelopment. He says he’s listening to residents before making a decision.
Bill Carlson: A City Council member since 2019, Carlson has often clashed with Mayor Castor. He’s criticized her administration on issues related to drinking water, the South Howard drainage project, and has pushed for whistleblower protections. He urges a broader vision for Tampa’s future and plans to decide on a potential mayoral bid in the coming months.
Harry Cohen: The Hillsborough County commissioner and former council member previously ran for mayor in 2019. However, he says his current focus is on his 2026 reelection campaign, which takes place before the mayoral election.
Fentrice Driskell: The state House minority leader from Tampa is also rumored to be a possible candidate as she terms out in 2026.
Alan Henderson: At 24 years old, Henderson is the only candidate to officially file. His campaign focuses on affordable housing, public safety, and mental health.
Lynn Hurtak: A City Council member since 2022, Hurtak has emphasized progressive policies and says she is currently focused on her council duties.
Disney-Backed District Approves Funding for Orlando Rail Expansion
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has approved a $500,000 contribution to support a development and environmental study for the proposed Sunshine Corridor rail project. This corridor would provide a shared rail line for SunRail and Brightline, connecting key locations such as Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, and South International Drive, along with the theme parks. If the project is eventually approved, it would enable Brightline to expand service to Tampa along Interstate 4. The study’s total cost is $6 million, with funding already pledged by the Florida Department of Transportation ($2 million), Universal Orlando Resort ($2 million), and several local governments. The CFTOD, which manages over 25,000 acres in Orange and Osceola counties, including Walt Disney World Resort, voted in favor of the funding proposal at their March 28 meeting. The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission may decide to move forward with the study at its April meeting. Orange County has also joined as the latest local government to pledge funding for the Sunshine Corridor feasibility study, voting unanimously to approve $500,000 to examine the extension of SunRail services.
Controversial Land Swap Proposal Threatens North Florida State Forest
A contentious land swap proposal in North Florida has sparked debate between conservationists and state water managers. The Suwannee River Water Management District is considering a deal that would trade nearly 700 acres of the Twin Rivers State Forest's Ellaville Tract to Lee Peanut Farms LLC in exchange for 550 acres along the Withlacoochee River. Wildlife advocates argue the forest land harbors crucial habitats for endangered species, including a thriving gopher tortoise population. They warn the trade would undermine ongoing conservation efforts. Biologists said evidence points to a unique, thriving ecosystem on the land that would be destroyed if the land was cultivated for a peanut farm. District officials contend the farmland offers greater environmental value due to its river access and Stuart Spring, which discharges over 650,000 gallons daily. They also cite Hurricane Idalia's damage to the state forest tract as a factor. The proposal echoes a similar land swap attempt for the Ellaville Tract that was rejected in 2012 due to conservation concerns, which included urging from federal wildlife officials not to proceed with the deal. In the latest proposal, the district’s land committee advanced the swap on March 11, with a final board vote pending.
Disney CEO Bob Iger Confronts Park Overcrowding, Affordability Concerns
During The Walt Disney Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger addressed concerns about increasing attendance at Disney's domestic theme parks and the effect of rising prices on guests–two often cited critiques against the company. Iger confirmed that demand remains strong, recalling a recent visit to Walt Disney World in March where he observed large crowds across the property, including high demand at areas like Pandora – The World of Avatar, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Toy Story Land, and Disney Springs, which remain popular among guests. Despite rising prices, Iger emphasized the strong, enduring value of Disney parks compared to entertainment alternatives like concerts and sporting events. He also highlighted ongoing expansions that aim to improve capacity and guest experience, stating, “We have more being designed, developed, and built today than at any other point in the 70 years since we've been in the theme park business." Acknowledging affordability concerns, Iger noted Disney's efforts to help budget-conscious visitors, offering “several options for families looking to spend less.” He pointed to Disneyland's lowest-priced ticket that remains at pre-pandemic rates and has tripled the number of days it’s available since returning as CEO. “Our parks remain the most popular offering in the industry,” Iger said, reinforcing Disney’s commitment to guest satisfaction and growth.
Tech Billionaire Invests $450M in Exclusive Florida Town
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is transforming the small exclusive island town of Manalapan, Florida, into a luxury haven for the ultra-wealthy. Ellison, worth $187 billion according to Forbes, has invested a staggering $450 million in the town, purchasing a $173 million estate and the iconic Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for $277 million–the centerpiece of his transformative vision. The tech titan's strategic acquisitions are reshaping Manalapan's landscape, attracting high-profile buyers, and driving property values to unprecedented heights. The $173 million transaction for the 16-acre property with both beachfront and lakefront access set a Florida record in 2022. In August 2024, he acquired the town’s largest structure, the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. The 400-resident island town, located just 20 minutes from President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, is quickly becoming a magnet for billionaires seeking privacy and luxury. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt are just a few billionaires who have collectively spent hundreds of millions in South Florida real estate, driving up prices and transforming exclusive enclaves. Manalapan Mayor John Deese welcomed Ellison’s investment, stating, “We feel very fortunate that Mr. Ellison…chose Manalapan,” noting the boost to the area’s real estate market.
DeSantis Criticizes Congressional Republicans for Inaction on Trump’s Agenda
Governor Ron DeSantis launched a scathing critique of congressional Republicans during a recent roundtable at New College of Florida. The Republican governor questioned the GOP's efforts to support President Donald Trump's agenda, asking pointedly, "What have they done?" DeSantis, who recently signed stringent immigration laws in Florida, accused Congress of engaging in "political theater," saying, “So much of the modern Congress is just performative… It’s not substantive.” He emphasized the need for term limits to encourage “better behavior” in Washington and criticized lawmakers for squandering the momentum of Trump's first 100 days in office. The governor's remarks come as he navigates a complex political landscape, balancing his own potential 2028 presidential aspirations or launching first lady Casey DeSantis' own political ambitions. Since the November 2024 election, DeSantis has heavily focused his efforts on realigning with Trump and capitalizing upon his popularity among GOP voters. DeSantis recently signed sweeping hard-line immigration laws, which include measures to assist the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies such as new state crimes for illegal entry and mandated law enforcement cooperation with ICE. White House border czar Tom Homan echoed DeSantis' sentiments, suggesting that some Republican senators should be voted out for failing to support the president's initiatives.
MAGA Ally Florida Rep. Luna Joins Rep. Ocasio-Cortez to Cap Credit Card Interest Rates
In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, two members of Congress from opposing ends of the political spectrum are joining forces to tackle the issue of skyrocketing credit card interest rates. Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have introduced legislation that would cap credit card interest rates at 10%, a move that could provide relief to millions of Americans struggling with mounting debt. Luna, a firebrand conservative from the MAGA wing, and AOC, a leading progressive figure on the far left, highlight growing concerns over consumer debt across the political spectrum. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), another unorthodox partnership between two lawmakers of contrasting political ideologies, proposed a similar measure last month, which would impose a 10% interest rate ceiling for five years. With average APRs reaching 21.5% by the end of 2024, up from 14.7% in 2020, the issue has gained urgency amid rising interest rates and increasing delinquencies. Rates have nearly doubled over the past decade, allowing credit card companies to reap significant profits. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need to protect working families from "endless cycles of debt," while Luna criticized credit card companies for "abusing working-class Americans with absurd interest rates." Both representatives view the cap as a necessary step to address predatory lending practices. Critics argue that such a cap could limit credit access for those with weaker credit scores. However, proponents believe it could encourage more responsible lending practices and protect vulnerable consumers from excessive debt burdens. President Donald Trump has publicly backed a “temporary cap” on credit card interest rates, suggesting a figure of “around 10%” during his 2024 presidential campaign. According to New York Federal Reserve data, U.S. consumers have a combined credit card debt of $1.21 trillion as of December 2024. About 7.18% of this debt is significantly overdue.
Ybor City’s ‘Transformative’ Gasworx Development Takes Shape
The 50-acre redevelopment project on an industrial site in Ybor City is weeks away from breaking ground on its main parcels, promising a “transformative mixed-use” project in Tampa’s oldest neighborhood. The plan by Tampa real estate investor Darryl Shaw and Washington, D.C.- based real estate developer Kettler will deliver 5,000 homes, including 325 units designated as affordable, 500,000 square feet of office space, and 140,000 square feet of retail space on a former industrial site that was home to a Peoples Gas storage facility. The vision is to create a pedestrian-friendly community with all the conveniences of a contemporary urban area, reshaping Ybor City’s reputation away from one of nightlife and revelry. In February, a $182 million construction loan was secured to finance the first phase of the project–one of the largest funding deals in years. Construction on the defining components of the development, three parcels referred to as “E blocks,” is weeks away from commencing, with completion targeted in late 2026 and early 2027. This will include a five-story, 140-unit building with 18,000 square feet of retail space, and the development’s focal point, a 28,000-square-foot warehouse repurposed into a marketplace with various restaurants and shops. The building will be attached to Grow Financial Federal Credit Union’s 100,000-square-foot future headquarters. The last E block will feature a 10-story mixed-use residential building with 376 units and 29,000 square feet of retail space. The neighborhood's first apartment building, La Unión Residence & Social Hall, opened in November, offering 317 residential units, and is now 46% occupied. Leasing for retail space within the building has begun. Construction of a seven-story building with 390 residential units, additional retail space, and plenty of parking is advancing and scheduled to open in January 2026. New sidewalks, trails, and a TECO streetcar stop, will connect these residents to Gasworx’s retail shops, restaurants, marketplace, and Gasworx Park, a three-quarter acre greenspace. Shaw, the investor behind the project, is the co-founder of Tampa-based BluePearl Pet Hospital and has spent around $70 million since 2014 purchasing the land.
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