Judge Blocks Florida’s Social Media Ban for Minors & New Anti-Squatter Laws Protect Commercial Properties, Hotels
June 5, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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Here’s the latest from Central Florida…
Federal Judge Blocks Florida’s Social Media Ban for Minors
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Florida from enforcing a sweeping new law restricting social media use among children, calling the measure “likely unconstitutional.” U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued the preliminary injunction Tuesday, halting provisions that would bar children under 14 from creating accounts and require parental consent for teens aged 14 and 15. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, was among the nation’s strictest. In his ruling, Walker acknowledged legitimate concerns about social media’s impact on youth but emphasized that the law infringes on minors’ First Amendment rights to access and engage in speech. The challenge was brought by tech trade groups including NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which argue the law oversteps constitutional protections. However, the judge allowed one part of the law to stand—enabling parents to request account deletions for children under 16. Florida officials plan to appeal the decision to protect children from the perceived harms of social media..
Florida Expands Anti-Squatter Laws to Commercial Properties, Hotels
Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed two new bills aimed at helping Florida property and business owners more swiftly remove squatters from commercial spaces and lodging establishments. The legislation expands on last year’s residential anti-squatting law by extending enforcement powers to hotels and commercial properties. Announcing the new measures, DeSantis said current legal remedies for removing unauthorized occupants in commercial spaces are often “lengthy and time-consuming,” creating opportunities for abuse. Senate Bill 322 allows commercial property owners to request immediate law enforcement intervention to remove nonpaying occupants—provided they’ve already been asked to leave. Those evicted can still pursue legal recourse for “wrongful removal” through civil lawsuits. A second bill, Senate Bill 606, clarifies that hotel and lodging operators may remove nonpaying guests as trespassers for overstaying their welcome or failing to pay. It also distinguishes between short-term guests and legal tenants, allowing law enforcement to act more quickly in squatter situations. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association celebrated the legislation’s signing, stating that it protects hoteliers from "costly legal delays" and ensures occupancy is reserved for paying guests. Both measures are set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Additionally, a provision requiring disclosure of automatic tips or service fees to restaurant customers will take effect in 2026.
Florida Seeks to Halt Manatee Protection Ruling in Appeals Court
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has asked a federal appeals court to swiftly suspend a district judge's ruling aimed at protecting manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon. The FDEP filed a motion last week requesting a stay of an injunction issued by a U.S. District Court on May 19, which includes a temporary ban on new septic tanks in the lagoon area. The state argues that the injunction, parts of which are set to begin as early as June 17, should be paused pending an appeal of the court’s broader April 11 ruling. That ruling found FDEP in violation of the Endangered Species Act, siding with environmental group Bear Warriors United, which contended wastewater discharges contributed to seagrass loss—a primary food source for manatees—and contributed to mass deaths of the threatened species. FDEP's motion for a stay raises concerns about the impact of the septic tank moratorium on impeding development and asserts that Bear Warriors United lacks legal standing. The District Court’s order also mandates biomedical assessments and supplemental feeding programs for manatees, with the septic tank moratorium specifically slated to start July 17.
Florida Board Rejects UF President Pick Amid Conservative Backlash
In a historic and contentious decision, Florida’s Board of Governors voted 10-6 late Tuesday to reject Santa Ono’s appointment as the next president of the University of Florida. The unprecedented move followed hours of pointed questioning over Ono’s past support of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and his leadership during campus protests as former president of the University of Michigan. The University of Florida’s Board of Trustees had unanimously approved Ono as the school's 14th president on May 27. A respected academic and molecular immunologist, Ono was selected as UF’s sole finalist and had stepped down from his role in Michigan to accept the Florida position. His rejection stunned UF leaders, with audible gasps heard as the vote was announced. While supporters praised Ono’s academic credentials and alignment with Florida’s recent higher education reforms, critics, including several board members and conservative activists, labeled him too progressive. This included a highly publicized denouncement last week from Donald Trump Jr., who urged the 17-member, largely DeSantis-appointed, board to reject the pick, citing his past advocacy for left-leaning policies. Though Ono expressed support for Florida’s anti-DEI policies during the meeting, stating he had “evolved” on the issue, board members questioned the sincerity of his shift. The decision now sends UF back to restart the search process, likely delaying new leadership for up to a year. Some UF faculty called the vote a setback that could harm the university’s national standing and future recruitment of top talent. Others are concerned that the rejection could establish a precedent in the university leadership selection process, prioritizing political ideologies and agendas over candidate qualifications, experience, and suitability, while also suggesting greater involvement by politicians.
DeSantis Deputy Chief of Staff Selected as Education Commissioner
The Florida Board of Education has unanimously appointed Anastasios Kamoutsas, deputy chief of staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, as the state's next education commissioner. This selection is poised to further influence K-12 and higher education policy, reinforcing the governor's conservative agenda. Kamoutsas's appointment is contingent on the interim president of the University of West Florida, Manny Diaz, being named permanent president. Kamoutsas, who previously served as general counsel and chief of staff at the state's Education Department, stated his top priorities will be "student safety and achievement," parental empowerment, and supporting teachers. Governor DeSantis and former Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran praised Kamoutsas for “fighting back against radical ideologies" during his prior role with the department and shaping efforts to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools across the state.
Florida Housing Inventory Reaches Record High, Central Florida Listings Surge
Florida’s housing market is seeing an unprecedented swell in inventory, with new home listings reaching record levels statewide. Central Florida is at the forefront of this trend, as six ZIP codes in the Orlando metro area recorded a 50% or higher increase in new home listings during the first quarter of 2025. An analysis by The Business Journals, using data from Intercontinental Exchange, identified these top ZIP codes, which span from urban Orlando to the east coast, as having the sharpest percentage growth. Though each saw significant year-over-year increases, total listings remained below 200 per ZIP code in the first quarter of 2024:
This surge coincides with population growth in these neighborhoods, which have been among the fastest-growing in the region and the state overall. More than 12,000 homes are currently listed on the market in Central Florida, which is about six to seven months of inventory, according to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
Florida National Guard to Exit State Prisons as Staffing Improves
Florida’s National Guard will withdraw from state prisons by the end of June, ending a two-year deployment ordered by Gov. Ron DeSantis to address a major staffing crisis. DeSantis first authorized the move in 2022, when the Florida Department of Corrections faced more than 5,000 officer vacancies and mounting overtime costs. Roughly 400 Guard members were assigned to support the state’s most understaffed facilities, primarily in North Florida and the Panhandle. Since then, increased pay and hiring incentives have reduced vacancies to about 1,000, prompting officials to scale back the Guard’s role. Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon told lawmakers the system is in a stronger position, but cautioned it remains fragile with inexperienced officers and a prison population that is growing. Over half of the current correctional officers have under two years of experience. While officials say they’re ready for the transition, some advocates argue that reducing the inmate population, particularly among the elderly and nonviolent, would ease long-term strain on staff.
Trump Budget Cuts Threaten Ongoing Construction at Kennedy Space Center
Construction is ongoing at Kennedy Space Center on the massive Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2), a structure intended to support future Artemis moon missions. The tower, which has already cost over $1 billion and will stand nearly 400 feet when finished, is being built to accommodate the larger SLS Block 1B rocket for Artemis IV and beyond. However, the project’s future is now in doubt due to President Trump’s proposed 2026 NASA budget, which would end the SLS program after Artemis III and shift focus to commercial launch providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin. The budget slashes $6 billion from NASA's overall spending and halts development of ML-2, and phases out the Exploration Ground Systems team. If these budget changes are approved by Congress, ML-2 could become obsolete before it’s ever used for a launch, echoing the fate of its predecessor, which sat idle for years after the Constellation program was canceled. NASA’s Office of the Inspector General previously flagged ML-2's ballooning cost and delays. In ending the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket after the Artemis III mission, currently scheduled for summer 2027, administration officials say this shift will prioritize sustainable exploration through private sector partnerships for crew and cargo transport.
High-Speed Ferry Service in Tampa Bay Moves Closer to Reality
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) Board has approved the transfer of a $4.86 million federal grant to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), paving the way for a more efficient and frequent passenger ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The funding, awarded through a competitive federal grant program and pending final approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will be used to purchase two high-speed vessels to enhance the Cross Bay Ferry system. The funds—previously at risk of expiring—will stay in the region, supporting a service expected to reduce operating costs by nearly two-thirds and lessen road congestion. PSTA plans to own the vessels, improving service reliability and lowering long-term operating expenses. The aim is to double the frequency of sailings, with departures every one to two hours from both cities, and potentially reintroduce Monday through Wednesday service. Officials are also considering reducing the previous $12 one-way fare. Service is expected to resume by fall 2026 under a new operator contract.
Orange County Pledges $5 Million for Pulse Memorial
Orange County commissioners have unanimously approved a $5 million contribution to support the City of Orlando’s plan to build a permanent memorial at the site of the former Pulse nightclub. The funding marks a major milestone in the years-long effort to honor the 49 lives lost and 53 others injured during the June 12, 2016, mass shooting. “It’s time… to remember the victims of Pulse in an appropriate and lasting way,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who served as sheriff during the tragedy. He urged the community to focus on moving forward and ensuring the victims are not forgotten. The memorial effort, now led by the city since late 2023, emerged from the collapse of the private onePulse Foundation, which faced scrutiny over financial mismanagement. Orlando has already committed more than half of the $12 million needed to complete the project, with construction expected to begin next summer and finish by 2027.
Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Faces Backlash Over Mass Book Removals
Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Van Ayres is under intense scrutiny after unilaterally removing 600 library books, a move critics say bypassed the district’s established review process. During a tense school board meeting this week, Ayres faced criticism from residents and board members for acting without broader input, even as the decision could cost the district up to $500,000 in review expenses. Ayres said the removals were a precautionary response to letters from Education Commissioner Manny Diaz and Attorney General James Uthmeier questioning book content and calling for the removal of select titles. Ayres pulled all books on a statewide removal list "to err on the side of caution," even those not formally challenged in Hillsborough County. During this week’s heated board meeting, residents were split, with some criticizing the presence of certain books accessible to children, while others, including parents and former students, condemned the district for bypassing its established review process. Several school board members expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication regarding Ayres's decision.
Waymo Brings Self-Driving Car Testing to Orlando
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Google’s parent Alphabet, will begin testing its self-driving cars on the streets of Orlando as part of its 2025 national expansion plans. The initiative is designed to refine the company’s artificial intelligence systems in a variety of urban environments. Initially, the vehicles will be manually driven by human operators as they collect data and adjust to local traffic conditions. Waymo currently operates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix, and is preparing to launch in Miami and Atlanta this summer. Before officially operating in Orlando, the company plans to conduct extensive testing to ensure Waymo’s artificial intelligence systems can learn and adapt to the city’s unique metropolitan conditions. This includes conducting thousands of miles of manual driving to evaluate whether the autonomous vehicles can integrate safely with local traffic patterns. Data collected by government agencies and industry analysts generally indicate that Waymo vehicles are involved in fewer crashes and are less often at fault compared to human-driven cars, though, like any emerging technology, challenges have arisen.
Disney Unveils Details About New Cars Land as Part of Magic Kingdom’s Largest Expansion
Walt Disney World has announced “Piston Peak National Park” as the name for its upcoming Cars-themed land set to debut in Magic Kingdom as part of the park’s largest expansion to date. Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars franchise and the majestic landscapes of the American Rockies, the land will break ground this summer within Frontierland. To accommodate construction, Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close beginning July 7. Disney describes Piston Peak as an “awe-inspiring wilderness” filled with snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, geysers, and tree-lined trails. The architecture will follow “parkitecture” design principles to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The area will include locations inspired by the Cars films, such as a visitor lodge and Ranger HQ, and will host two new attractions: an off-road rally race with unique, character-driven vehicles and an unannounced family-friendly ride. This expansion, initially revealed at D23 2024, signifies a major departure from previous Cars-themed areas with its emphasis on wild terrain. Piston Peak National Park is one component of broader development plans for Magic Kingdom, which is also set to include the first-ever Disney Villains-themed land.
Orlando Magic Unveils New Brand Identity to Honor Franchise History
The Orlando Magic unveiled a long-anticipated rebrand this week at the Kia Center, debuting a refreshed logo, three new uniforms, and an updated court design. The revamped look aims to usher in a new era while paying homage to the team's storied past. The centerpiece of the rebrand is a modernized logo that reintroduces the iconic star, now cascading with a trail and replacing the "A" in "Orlando" and "Magic." The color scheme retains the traditional Magic blue, black, and silver. The three new uniforms—Association (white), Icon (blue), and Statement (black)—feature a return to classic pinstripes, mirroring fan-favorite jerseys from the team's history. Stars are prominently featured on the shorts of the Association and Icon editions, while the Jordan brand Statement uniform draws inspiration from original warmup jackets. Magic CEO Alex Martins said the rebrand, four years in the making, stemmed from extensive market research and fan feedback. “It’s the identity that fans connect with,” he noted. The team hopes this refreshed brand will symbolize their continued pursuit of success, building on their recent playoff appearances.
Orange County Approves New Homeless Shelter Following Controversy
The Orange County Board of Commissioners has approved a plan for Kaleo Ministries to build a 240-bed homeless shelter on six acres of residential land in east Orange County. The decision marks the first approval of a homeless facility in the region since Florida's new homelessness law took effect in January, banning camping in public places. The church previously operated a makeshift, unpermitted facility on the site that was shut down due to numerous code violations and safety concerns. Commissioners imposed 24 stringent conditions on Kaleo Ministries that they must now meet before opening, including paying remaining fines, providing 24-hour security, and constructing a 25-foot landscaped buffer. The need for shelter beds in Central Florida is critical, as the homeless population continues to outpace available resources. Despite concerns from nearby residents about potential increases in crime, commissioners voted 6-1 in favor of the rezoning, citing the need to engage in private partnerships to address the homelessness crisis.
Epcot Opens New Adult-Exclusive GEO-82 Lounge
Epcot debuted GEO-82 on Wednesday, a sleek, new adults-only lounge within World Celebration offering a unique, beverage-forward experience. Named in homage to Spaceship Earth's opening year, the lounge's futuristic, elegant design is an immersive tribute to the iconic geodesic sphere, with subtle nods to space throughout its decor. By day, GEO-82 provides vibrant views of World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase Lagoon. By night, the "GEO-82 Fireworks Experience" promises an exclusive viewing of the "Luminous" nightly spectacular, accompanied by curated wines, crafted cocktails, and savory-sweet bites. The immersive lighting, space-inspired decor, and discreet entryway of GEO-82 establish a sophisticated ambiance that represents a bold new direction for upscale, adults-only experiences at Walt Disney World.
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