Florida Attorney General Threatens to Remove City Council Members & Lawmakers Push for Term Limits on Local Officials
March 20, 2025 - Top Stories from Central Florida
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Florida AG Threatens to Remove City Council Members Over Failure to Cooperate with ICE
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has warned three Fort Myers city council members that they could be removed from office for rejecting a proposal to involve local police in immigration enforcement. The controversy stems from a 3-3 deadlocked council vote on Monday, which prevented the city's police force from entering an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. This agreement allows police officers to be deputized in immigration enforcement, permitting them to question individuals about their legal status and detain those subject to deportation. Uthmeier, who took office just a month ago, said if the Fort Myers City Council does not reverse its decision blocking police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, they may be removed. Sweeping state immigration laws passed during a special legislative session in February require local entities to participate in federal immigration enforcement efforts. The legislation specifies that failure to comply could result in civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office by Governor Ron DeSantis. Monday’s council meeting in Fort Myers was emotional for some, with council member Diana Giraldo tearful as she voted against the agreement, saying, “I can’t stand behind this as an immigrant.” Critics argue the move could lead to racial profiling and criminalization of residents. Over 40 municipalities and all 67 sheriff's departments have joined 287(g) agreements, reflecting Florida’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement under recent laws.
Lawmakers Push for Term Limits for County, School Board Officials
A contentious proposal to impose eight-year term limits on county commissioners and school board members is advancing in the Florida Legislature, sparking debate over local control and political representation. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee voted 6-2 to approve a constitutional amendment (SJR 802) that would place the issue before voters in 2026. Proponents of the bill argue that the measure would prevent elected officials from becoming too entrenched and promote fresh perspectives. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) stated that voters overwhelmingly support term limits, saying "All we're asking is, let's put it on the ballot. This is overwhelmingly popular. This is what the voters want." However, some lawmakers and local officials oppose the proposal, arguing that it would strip away local control and limit the effectiveness of experienced officials. Sen. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) suggested that eight years might not be enough time for officials to gain the necessary institutional knowledge, saying "It takes time to come up to speed." Many local elected officials have condemned the measure as a threat to local autonomy, and rural municipalities expressed concerns that it would present even greater difficulty in recruiting candidates to run for office. The legislation would mirror Florida’s existing eight-year term limits for state lawmakers and Cabinet members; however, a separate bill by Sen. Ingoglia would revise current term limits for state senators and representatives to a cumulative term limit of sixteen total years. This means lawmakers could serve eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate, "regardless of whether such service was consecutive or nonconsecutive." That bill has cleared its first committee in the Senate but has not yet been heard in the House. If approved by the Legislature, both constitutional amendments would be placed on the 2026 ballot and require 60% voter approval to pass.
Rays' Stadium Search: Exploring Options in Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Rays are once again searching for a new home after they decided to withdraw from the $1.3 stadium deal with St. Petersburg, which encompassed a broader $6.5 billion redevelopment plan for the Tropicana Field site. With the deal collapsed, the nearly two-decade-long discussions about potential relocation options have reignited. About 13 distinct locations across St. Petersburg/Pinellas County and Tampa/Hillsborough County have been explored through the years. Since then, many sites are no longer feasible for housing a Major League Baseball team, but various locations in the region are being reconsidered. Here’s a look at the most promising sites:
St. Petersburg/Pinellas County
Tropicana Field Site: A new stadium on the 86-acre site that has served as the Rays' home since 1998 was the closest the team ever got in their two-decade quest for a new ballpark. Tropicana Field, damaged by Hurricane Milton, could return as a temporary or permanent option if team owner Stuart Sternberg sells. However, political will and public funding resistance complicate matters.
Toytown Landfill: Located along Interstate 275, a proposed $662 million sports complex failed in 2015 for the former landfill site; it’s now eyed for a youth sports facility.
Derby Lane: The 130-acre property on Gandy Boulevard is currently a poker room and Amazon parking site. A proposal in 2015 to redevelop the space into a new baseball stadium was eventually dismissed.
Tampa/Hillsborough County
Ybor City/Channel District: The Nuccio Parkway area near Ybor City has been touted as the best alternative location outside of St. Petersburg for MLB, due to its location, accessibility, and transit connectivity. A 14-acre, 30,842-seat stadium was conceptualized in 2017 at an estimated cost of $892 million. However, the plan collapsed and land costs have since soared. There are no apparent public funding sources in Tampa and Hillsborough County that could offset costs associated with a new stadium, including land acquisition.
Florida State Fairgrounds: Explored in 2016, the idea of developing the massive property along I-4 never materialized over concerns of area growth and a lack of nearby amenities. A ballpark on the property would also oust the popular annual state fair–an idea local leaders won’t be able to get behind.
Jefferson High School: A 62-acre urban site that houses a public high school in Tampa’s West Shore district is an appealing location, but when it was considered by the Rays in 2016, there was community backlash.
Westshore Plaza: A central location in Tampa Bay with convenient access to and from St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa via I-275, but it is scheduled for mixed-use redevelopment, replacing the mall with housing, shopping, and offices. The project has faced delays and developers may be open to potential negotiations for a major league baseball stadium.
As the Rays explore their options, both funding and public support will play crucial roles in determining where—and if—a new stadium will be built.
Florida Regulators Demand Detailed Prescription Data, Raising Privacy Concerns
Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation has requested unprecedented access to personal prescription data from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), sparking concerns over privacy and regulatory oversight. The demand, stemming from a 2023 law championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, requires PBMs to provide detailed information on every prescription filled in Florida during 2024, including patient names, birth dates, and prescribing doctors. State officials argue this data is crucial for understanding PBM practices and enhancing oversight of these industry middlemen, which Gov. Ron DeSantis has blamed for rising drug prices. Pharmacy benefit managers negotiate drug costs on behalf of insurers, but insiders believe they inflate prices through hidden fees and complex deals. Regulators are now investigating these companies’ practices and the latest action aims to protect consumers from escalating drug costs. However, industry groups and privacy advocates have pushed back, claiming the request violates patient confidentiality and exceeds the state's authority. The American Benefits Council, representing major corporations, has called the move an “impermissible violation” of Floridians’ privacy and urged Florida to withdraw the demand. Critics also worry about potential misuse of sensitive medical information, including possible data breaches.
Florida’s Iconic Citrus Industry Faces Extinction Amid Multiple Crises
Florida's citrus industry, once a cornerstone of the state's identity and economy, is facing an existential crisis. A perfect storm of challenges, including population growth, hurricanes, and the devastating citrus greening disease, has pushed many growers to the brink. Polk County, traditionally the heart of Florida's citrus production, exemplifies this struggle. As the fastest-growing county in the U.S. in 2023, it's experiencing rapid urbanization at the expense of orange groves. Many multi-generational citrus families are reluctantly selling their land to developers, unable to withstand the mounting pressures that include declining orange juice consumer demand. The industry's decline is staggering, with orange production plummeting 90% over two decades. Total citrus acreage has declined from 832,000 in 2000 to just 275,000 last year. Florida has also lost its crown as the nation's leading citrus producer to California, and processors like Tropicana are struggling to stay afloat. Hurricane Irma in 2017, Ian in 2022, Milton last year, a 2022 freeze, and other recent storms have worsened the decline, with trees needing about three years to recover. While some growers hold out hope for scientific breakthroughs, such as genetically modified trees resistant to citrus greening, others see the writing on the wall. Alico, Inc., a Fort Myers-based major citrus grower, announced in January that they would be exiting the industry, planning to sell about a quarter of its 53,000-plus acres to developers. “Growing citrus is no longer economically viable for us in Florida,” the company’s president and CEO said earlier this year after revealing production has dropped more than 70% over the last decade. The transformation of Florida's landscape from fragrant orange groves to suburban developments seems increasingly inevitable, leaving the $6.8 billion industry and 33,000 jobs at risk.
DeSantis’ Team Pressures Lobbyists to Snub Byron Donalds’ 2026 Gubernatorial Bid
Governor Ron DeSantis' political operation is reportedly urging state lobbyists to withhold support from Representative Byron Donalds in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race. Donalds, who has already raised $3.1 million, largely from Trump-aligned donors, announced his candidacy last month with President Donald Trump’s endorsement. The pressure campaign, described by seven anonymous sources to NBC News, aims to curb contributions from Tallahassee-based lobbyists to Donalds' campaign. This effort comes amid speculation that Casey DeSantis, the governor's wife, may enter the race, potentially setting up a fierce GOP primary. The timing is particularly sensitive, as Florida's legislative session is underway and lobbyists require the governor's cooperation on various bills. This has created tension among lobbyists trying to navigate their allegiances without incurring DeSantis' displeasure. Casey DeSantis has yet to confirm her candidacy, though her husband has praised her as a strong conservative leader who could advance their political legacy.
St. Petersburg Plans to Move Forward on Gas Plant District Redevelopment Without The Rays
After announcing last week that they will no longer pursue plans for a new stadium in St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays are largely out of the redevelopment picture for downtown’s Historic Gas Plant District. However, what exactly the future looks like for the 86-acre site is uncertain. The Rays had partnered with developer Hines to transform the Tropicana Field parcel into a lively district featuring housing, retail, offices, a new African American museum, and green space. It was a $6.5 billion redevelopment plan that had been in the works for two years and aimed at revitalizing the area and attracting significant investment. Despite the setback of no stadium, local developers remain optimistic, noting St. Petersburg will remain a vibrant community with a highly urbanized downtown and ideal walkability. Ellison Development Group, which is developing the nearby mixed-use project, The Central, will proceed as planned as will several other nearby developments that were not dependent on a new ballpark. The St. Petersburg market remains attractive for buyers and investors, in fact, the empty property represents wide open potential for developers to dream up their own plans. Mayor Ken Welch has affirmed that redevelopment of the Gas Plant District will move forward in phases, though the timeline is unclear and new proposals will likely need to be sought by the city. Blake Investment Partners put forward a bid of $260 million to purchase the Gas Plant District land from the city. They would plan to manage the overall development, dividing the property into smaller parts and letting different companies build on them individually.
New Howard Frankland Bridge to Open on March 25
After over four years of construction, the new southbound Howard Frankland Bridge is set to open to traffic on Tuesday, March 25. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced that a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Monday, March 24, at 10 AM, before traffic shifts overnight, allowing drivers to use the new bridge starting Tuesday morning. The $865 million project will introduce a modern eight-lane structure, including four general-use lanes and four express lanes. Additionally, a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle pathway has been added. Northbound traffic will be redirected to the former southbound bridge while southbound motorists will experience the new bridge. The project aims to alleviate congestion at one of Tampa Bay’s busiest crossings and address the structural deterioration of the original northbound bridge, constructed in 1959 and approaching the end of its service life.
Affordable Housing Proposal Sparks Environmental Concerns in Seminole County
A proposed 300-unit apartment complex in Seminole County's environmentally-sensitive Wekiva Protection Area has ignited a heated debate between affordable housing advocates and environmentalists. The 12-acre project, located off State Road 46 and Orange Boulevard, is being developed under the Live Local Act, a 2023 law designed to fast-track affordable housing developments by circumventing traditional zoning hurdles. While supporters say the law helps address the region’s housing crisis, opponents argue this ecologically fragile habitat is not the right location for such a high-density development. The property, zoned for commercial use, borders a highway but lies in a vulnerable wildlife corridor feeding the Floridan Aquifer. Environmental groups also warn that the project could set a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door to more development in the protected zone. The plan includes five four-story buildings, with 40% of units affordable through 2055. Developer Middleburg Development LLC has not addressed the backlash, but opponents are considering legal action to halt the project. As the development was submitted under the Live Local Act, it can proceed without public hearings and input as well as bypassing the Seminole County’s Commission’s approval on zoning and land-use changes.
Universal Orlando's Epic Universe: A First Look Inside The Five New Worlds
Universal Orlando has unveiled a look into its most ambitious theme park yet, Epic Universe, on May 22, 2025. The park promises an unparalleled level of immersion across five distinct "portals," each offering unique adventures and experiences. With over 50 unique and cutting-edge experiences, Epic Universe aims to transport guests into realms beyond their wildest dreams.
Here's a glimpse into the five immersive worlds of Epic Universe:
Celestial Park: Serving as the entry point for all guests, this world will be the gateway to the other five realms. Celestial Park welcomes visitors with tranquil gardens, a water play area, a grand carousel, and the dual-launch Stardust Racers roller coaster, reaching speeds of 62 mph. This central hub sets the tone for the epic adventures that await.
Dark Universe: Step into the eerie village of Darkmoor, where classic monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein roam. The centerpiece, Frankenstein Manor, houses the park's most chilling attraction, "Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment," which promises terrifying encounters.
Super Nintendo World: Enter through a giant green pipe to explore this colorful video game realm. Interact with iconic characters, collect coins with Power-Up Bands to unlock digital rewards, and immerse yourself in the world of Nintendo's most famous lands.
Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: This world blends elements from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, starting from a Parisian Muggle park to the hidden 1920s Place Cachée, before venturing into the British Ministry of Magic. Guests can witness Dolores Umbridge’s trial on the "Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry" ride, and enjoy themed dining and shopping.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Inspired by the beloved franchise, this Viking-themed world features a sprawling lagoon, towering 40-foot Viking statues, three rides, and a village perched above the sea. Visitors can enjoy themed restaurants and shops, and even adopt their own dragon.
Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from $139 to $199 for one day at the park. Epic Universe is poised to redefine the theme park experience and transform Universal Orlando Resort into a week-long vacation destination. It will become Universal’s fourth park and most innovative, joining Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park.
Sarasota Sees Largest Ever Drop in Crime Rate
Sarasota experienced its largest crime rate reduction in history in 2024, with a 21.8% decrease following a 16.2% drop the previous year. Police Chief Rex Troche credited the decline to community policing, data-driven initiatives, and enhanced officer accountability through body cameras for success. “The days of old of how policing was done is over now,” Troche stated, emphasizing de-escalation tactics and mental health training. Despite the overall decline, Sarasota saw seven homicides in 2024, which Troche described as isolated incidents. He noted that all cases resulted in arrests, calling this resolution "unheard of." The department reported a drop in use-of-force incidents from nearly 200 in 2023 to 126 in 2024, even as arrests rose to 2,770 — a 33% increase. Looking forward, the department aims to reduce youth gun violence and explore innovative policing tools, such as deploying drones for community response.
Beloved Nebraska Mini Mart in Seminole Heights Announces Closure
The popular Nebraska Mini Mart in Seminole Heights, known for its juicy handhelds, crispy fries, and delectable milkshakes, is closing after over six years in business. The Proper House Group, which operates Nebraska Mini Mart, cited evolving business needs as the reason for the closure. They thanked the community for their support and hinted at the possibility of the concept returning in some form in the future. The restaurant’s final day will be March 30. However, the location at 4815 N. Nebraska Avenue won't remain vacant for long. Another Tampa-based restaurant chain, King of the Coop, announced plans to take over the space, offering Nashville-style hot chicken. King of the Coop owner Joe Dodd expressed excitement about returning to Seminole Heights, where the concept first launched in 2019. The new location will offer its signature hot chicken dishes along with expanded menu options and brunch service. An opening date has not yet been announced.
Tampa to Reopen Parks & Recreation Facilities After Hurricanes Cause $8M+ in Damage
The City of Tampa is making progress in repairing its Parks and Recreation facilities damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. Officials estimate the total damage at $8.4 million, with an additional $10-12 million in losses for trees, equipment, and supplies. Tony Mulkey, Parks and Recreation Director, announced that most repairs are expected to be completed within 90 days. The DeSoto Community Center recently reopened, with the Kwane Doster Community Center to follow by month’s end, Forest Hills Community Center in April, and Joe Abrahams Fitness Center, Roy Jenkins Pool, and the Marjorie Park Dockmaster by May’s end. Plans for the severely damaged Ballast Point Pier remain under evaluation and is excluded from the total sum of damage costs, which could add $10-12 million for replacement. Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the city's commitment to not just repairing but strengthening infrastructure against future storms. The timely repairs are crucial for the city's summer camp programs, which serve approximately 2,000 children annually. Total losses during the 2024 hurricane season marked the costliest damage in city history.
Publix Unveils Eight Limited-Edition Spring Ice Cream Flavors
Publix has rolled out its spring 2025 lineup of limited-edition ice cream flavors, inspired by classic desserts. The eight flavors, available in half-gallon sizes, will remain in stores until supplies run out. The collection includes fan favorites like Bananas Foster, Strawberry Shortcake, Peanut Butter Pie, The S’more the Merrier, New Orleans Caramel Praline, and the award-winning Cinnamon Streusel Praline, which earned "Most Innovative Flavor" in 2007. Other options include Black Swamp Raspberry Cheesecake and Irish Crème Salted Caramel, recognized for innovation in past industry competitions. Lakeland-based Publix releases specialty flavors three times a year, with summer and holiday batches to follow later in 2025.
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