DeSantis Signs Law Protecting State Parks from Commercial Development & NOAA Releases 2025 Hurricane Forecast
May 26, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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Here’s the latest from Central Florida…
DeSantis Signs Law Protecting State Parks from Commercial Development
Gov. Ron DeSantis has officially signed House Bill 209, the “State Park Preservation Act,” into law, ending a yearlong debate over proposed commercial expansion in Florida’s beloved state parks. The bill bans the construction of golf courses, hotels, and other large-scale amenities in the state’s 175 parks, reinforcing public sentiment to keep these lands preserved and minimally altered. The legislation passed unanimously through both chambers of the Florida Legislature and was spearheaded by Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) and Rep. John Snyder (R-Stuart), along with co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle, underscoring widespread bipartisan backing. The new law directly responds to last summer’s controversial proposal by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which sought to add golf courses, resort-style lodges, and other recreational facilities to several parks. The plan sparked widespread public backlash and was ultimately shelved. While the DeSantis administration had once supported the idea, the governor ultimately distanced himself from the proposals and conceded they were “half-baked.” The new law emphasizes conservation and low-impact activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. It also mandates public input in park planning, requiring hearings for changes and digital access to updated land management documents. The measure ensures future updates to state public land prioritize natural preservation over development.
NOAA Releases 2025 Hurricane Forecast, Predicts Up to 19 Named Storms
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025, warning that Florida and the Gulf Coast should prepare for potentially active storm activity. NOAA predicts 13 to 19 named storms, with 6 to 10 becoming hurricanes and 3 to 5 intensifying into major hurricanes—Category 3 or higher. The agency assigns a 60% chance of an above-average season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. Forecasters cite neutral climate conditions and warmer-than-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures as key factors fueling the elevated risk. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham emphasized, “Everything is in place for an above-average season.” NOAA’s outlook aligns with other early forecasts, such as those from Colorado State University, which also anticipates heightened tropical activity. The 2025 season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30.
Universal’s Epic Universe Opens, Redefining the Theme Park Experience
After more than a decade of planning and construction, Universal Orlando Resort has officially opened the gates to Epic Universe, its most ambitious project yet and the first major new Florida theme park to open in 25 years (following Disney’s 1998 opening of Animal Kingdom). The park, which welcomed its first guests this week, introduces five richly immersive worlds—Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe—each accessed through elaborate portals that transport visitors into uniquely themed environments of beloved films and games, blending advanced technology with detailed storytelling. Opening day festivities began early, with eager fans lining up before sunrise to be among the first to experience the park’s innovative attractions. The celebration included special character appearances, fireworks, and a dazzling fountain show, capping off with remarks from famed film director Steven Spielberg, who served as a creative consultant, and praised the development teams’ dedication to bringing these worlds to life.
Celestial Park, the heart of Epic Universe, lies at the center, featuring a lush cosmic gardens, interactive fountains, and two standout rides: the high-speed, dual-launch Stardust Racers coaster and the spinning Constellation Carousel. From here, visitors can access the four other distinct realms through themed portals.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: Vibrant scenery and attractions like Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer’s Rally, and the hands-on playground of Viking Training Camp bring guests into the Viking Age of the DreamWorks' animated hit. Guests can meet dragons, join live shows, or take part in a water battle on the Fyre Drill ride. Dining includes Mead Hall, which offers Scandinavian fare.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: Expanding Universal's popular wizarding universe, this land combines elements of the Fantastic Beasts films with the original Harry Potter series, allowing guests to journey from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry of Magic. The marquee attraction, "Battle at the Ministry," features lifelike animatronics and returning heroes. Parisian-inspired shops and eateries add to the magical ambience.
Super Nintendo World: Gamers will flock to the classic Nintendo franchise, already a fan favorite in Japan and Hollywood, which brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life. It features attractions such as Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Madness, as well as a family-friendly Yoshi’s Adventure. Guests can meet iconic characters, explore the Toadstool Café, and collect coins using a Power-Up Band.
Dark Universe: Resurrecting iconic monsters in the gothic land of Darkmoor Village, where Frankenstein, Dracula, and other creatures roam. The brave can delve into spine-tingling rides like Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf, complemented by themed dining at Das Stakehaus or The Burning Blade Tavern. The Monster Makeup Experience offers live theatrical transformations.
Universal’s leadership emphasized that Epic Universe represents a new era for theme park entertainment, with a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology to deliver next-generation immersion that pairs with feature-length storytelling. Epic Universe is designed as a “weeklong vacation” getaway, rivaling Walt Disney World’s multi-park, multi-day destination model. Supporting this expansion, Universal has also added three new hotels—Helios Grand, Stella Nova, and Terra Luna—bringing its total to 11, and edging closer to Disney World’s 20 resorts. The $7 billion expansion is expected to draw up to 8 million visitors in 2026, bringing in more than $1.3 billion in revenue.
Currently, Epic Universe access is primarily available through multi-day park tickets, with specific pricing tiers depending on the number of days and park-hopping preferences. A three-day, three-park hopper ticket package (including one day at Epic Universe) starts at $352 for adults. Single-day Epic Universe tickets will be available in the future.
Epic Universe’s Impact on Central Florida’s Tourism Landscape
Since its May 22 opening, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is already reshaping Central Florida’s economic and tourism landscape. As the region’s first new major theme park in over 25 years, Epic Universe has doubled Universal’s footprint, added 2,000 new hotel rooms, and is projected to attract between six and eight million guests in its inaugural year. This influx is expected to generate $2 billion for Florida in the first year and create more than 17,000 new jobs, according to an economic analysis. The report by the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting further details that Universal Orlando generated $44 billion in economic impact between 2019 and 2023. Additionally, the findings highlight that the direct financial commitment by Universal’s parent company, Comcast, to Epic Universe has spurred an estimated $11 billion in economic activity across the country, encompassing spending on construction, park operations, and the creation of new jobs. About 65,000 jobs were created just to construct the park, requiring teams of engineers, software developers, architects, artists, and other specialty workers. The park’s debut is already benefiting local businesses, with retailers and restaurants anticipating a surge in visitors and spending. The development is also spurring new infrastructure, hotels, and housing projects around the park, further boosting the region’s economy. To prepare for the wave of visitors, state officials fast-tracked road expansions on I-4, signaling awareness of the expected surge in traffic. Epic Universe’s arrival intensifies competition among Central Florida’s theme parks, prompting rivals like Disney and SeaWorld to invest in new attractions and expansions. This heightened rivalry is expected to drive more innovation and sustained visitor growth for Central Florida. However, analysts predict Epic Universe will be mutually beneficial across all the region’s theme parks, attracting more tourists who will likely extend their vacations to experience other local attractions and parks during their stays.
DeSantis Repeals School Start Time Mandate
Florida school districts will no longer be required to delay start times for middle and high schools, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent approval of SB 296. The new law reverses a 2023 mandate that required middle schools to begin no earlier than 8:00 AM and high schools after 8:30 AM by the 2026 school year. Districts cited major challenges in meeting the requirement, including transportation logistics and staffing shortages, especially in rural communities. Under the new law, districts can now submit a report to the state explaining why they cannot implement the later start times, granting them flexibility to maintain their current schedules. The bill passed both legislative chambers unanimously earlier in the legislative session. The average high school in Florida currently starts at 7:45 AM, and nearly half begin even earlier. DeSantis also approved several other education bills, including updates to school security (SB 1470), changes to homeschool athletic eligibility (SB 248), family notification policies for teacher arrests (SB 1374), expanded definitions for hazardous walking routes (HB 85), revised social worker certification standards (HB 809), and revised grading for dropout retrieval programs (SB 1402). Education funding for the coming year remains undecided.
‘Boater Freedom Act’ Becomes Law, Expanding Rights for Florida Boaters
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Boater Freedom Act" (Senate Bill 1388) last week, touting the new law as a significant advancement for personal freedom on Florida's waterways. During a press conference in Panama City, the governor referred to Florida as "the boating and fishing capital of the world," and stated the legislation aims to remove "undue government interference" for boaters statewide. Effective July 1, 2025, the measure prohibits local governments from banning gas-powered boats and, notably, restricts law enforcement from conducting random safety checks on vessels without probable cause. This addresses previous concerns from boaters who felt that the random stops, which allowed authorities to board vessels without observed violations, infringed upon their privacy—a practice critics compared to warrantless searches on land. The "Boater Freedom Act" also introduces a voluntary safety inspection decal program through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This five-year decal, issued at registration, will allow compliant boaters to easily signal to officers that their vessel meets safety standards. The law also preserves statewide regulations that protect manatee habitats, manage wake zones, and preserve seagrass beds.
State Demands Hundreds of Books Be Removed from Hillsborough Schools
More than 600 books have been pulled from Hillsborough County classrooms and libraries after Florida state officials demanded their removal, citing explicit content. Attorney General James Uthmeier called the titles “patently pornographic” in a letter to the Hillsborough County School Board, pressuring them to act immediately. His letter followed a similar one from Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, who criticized the district for keeping the materials available. The latest purge includes acclaimed titles such as Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Toni Morrison’s Beloved, and Ari Folman’s Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation. District Superintendent Van Ayres confirmed that all titles mentioned by state officials, plus additional ones, have been withdrawn and that every book on the state’s 2022-24 lists is now under review—even if no local objections were raised. Hillsborough school officials have confirmed that nearly 390,000 titles have been removed from its collection of over two million since 2022. The district is now considering stricter guidelines for selecting and removing library materials.
Federal Judge Weighs Blocking Florida’s New Ballot Initiative Law
A federal judge is considering whether to halt parts of a new state law that voting rights advocates argue severely hampers the state’s constitutional amendment process via citizen-led ballot initiatives. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 2, shortens the petition submission window from 30 to 10 days and imposes steep penalties for delays. It also makes it a felony for petition gatherers to alter or retain personal information from completed forms. Groups including Florida Decides Healthcare and Smart & Safe Florida are challenging the law in federal court, saying it threatens political speech and hinders public participation. Attorneys said the tighter deadline, combined with harsh penalties, has created “fear and uncertainty” that has discouraged workers from collecting signatures, creating what one called an “insurmountable barrier” to reaching the 2026 ballot. Smart & Safe Florida reported a drastic drop in both signature collection and petition workers since the law took effect. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who has previously criticized legislative overreach, questioned whether the law’s justifications hold up under scrutiny. Supporters say the law is needed to prevent fraud and ensure election integrity, but opponents contend it is designed to chill the grassroots citizen initiative process. A ruling on the requested preliminary injunction is expected soon.
Central Florida Food Banks Struggle Amid Reduced Federal Support, Rising Need
Food banks and nonprofits across Central Florida are bracing for significant challenges as federal funding cuts and proposed policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration threaten to reduce access to nutritious food for low-income families. In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) slashed over $1 billion by ending two programs that helped schools and food banks purchase food from local producers, resulting in the loss of millions of meals nationwide. With inflation driving up food and distribution costs, nonprofits are warning of a perfect storm—increased demand and shrinking support. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the region’s largest food supplier, saw a loss of nearly 1 million meals shortly after USDA halted funding. If the cuts become permanent, they anticipate an $11 million shortfall and a reduction of up to 5.8 million meals over the next year. Feeding Tampa Bay, which supplies about 100 million meals annually across 10 counties, expects to lose nearly 20 million meals due to these cuts and fears further reductions could jeopardize its ability to provide healthy options to those in need. Federal programs account for roughly 20% of the organization’s meals. Nonprofits like United Against Poverty Orlando are also struggling to keep shelves stocked, sometimes having to purchase food at higher costs due to dwindling donations and federal support. The ripple effect extends to local farmers, who lose a key market for their produce when food banks can no longer buy in bulk. The situation is compounded by proposed legislation in Congress that would cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $286 billion over the next decade and impose stricter work requirements, potentially causing millions—including families with children—to lose benefits. Local leaders warn that such changes could drive more people to seek help from already strained food banks, while organizations like Metropolitan Ministries are also grappling with the loss of AmeriCorps volunteers due to federal budget cuts. As demand grows and resources shrink, food security advocates worry about the long-term impact on vulnerable communities.
Port Canaveral Launches $500 Million Expansion
Port Canaveral has unveiled a transformative $500 million capital improvement plan, aiming to modernize and expand operations across its cruise terminals, cargo facilities, and public areas. The five-year plan, named “Port Canaveral Advantage,” represents a major step in preparing the port for future growth while supporting its current demands. Cruise Terminal 5 will undergo a 65% expansion, led by BEA Architects, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels without halting operations during its 16-month construction. Simultaneously, a feasibility study for expanding Cruise Terminal 10 is underway, which could lead to upgrades allowing it to accommodate ships 1,200 feet in length and carrying up to 5,600 passengers. Beginning in May 2025, Terminal 1 will undergo exterior enhancements to include new canopies, walkways, lighting, and gangway improvements. Beyond cruise operations, planned renovations include new cargo berth space, a third mobile harbor crane, and dredging projects to support bigger ships. Public areas like Jetty Park and The Cove, the port’s entertainment district, will see upgrades, including new cabins, dog parks, and recreational amenities, reinforcing Port Canaveral’s role as both an economic engine and a regional destination.
World’s Largest Cruise Ship Undergoes Sea Trials Ahead of Port Canaveral Debut
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, soon to be the world’s largest cruise ship, has embarked on its crucial sea trials off the coast of Finland. The 248,663-gross-ton vessel, set to debut at Port Canaveral on August 31, is undergoing an 11-day series of tests to evaluate its navigation, engineering, and safety systems. Over 2,000 specialists are on board to ensure the ship meets all operational standards before its official handover and transatlantic journey to Florida. Star of the Seas is the second in the line’s Icon-class, surpassing the current record-holder, Icon of the Seas. At full capacity, it will accommodate nearly 8,000 guests and 2,350 crew. Notable features include the expansive AquaDome, AquaTheater, an ice-skating rink, and a main theater hosting a “Back to the Future” musical. Construction on the Star of the Seas commenced in late 2023, with a reported cost of $1.96 billion. Following its launch, the ship will offer alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, further enhancing Port Canaveral's role as a prominent cruise hub alongside Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas.
Florida Bans Pride Month and Awareness Lighting on State Bridges
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has quietly restricted decorative lighting on state-managed bridges, limiting displays to nine federal holidays and defaulting all other lighting to red, white, and blue. All other lighting proposals must receive FDOT approval. The change, which took effect February 1, ends years of community-driven lighting initiatives, including Pride Month-themed rainbow lightning and awareness colors for causes like sickle cell disease and gun safety. Last year, local efforts to display themed lighting were overridden by FDOT, which declared a “Freedom Summer” and enforced patriotic colors from Memorial Day through July 4. The department now requires all bridge lighting to either commemorate national holidays or be pre-approved by the state.
St. Pete’s Waldorf Astoria First to Accept Cryptocurrency for Condo Sales
Property Markets Group (PMG) has become the first U.S. developer to formally accept cryptocurrency for real estate purchases, starting with the Waldorf Astoria Residences in St. Petersburg. The Miami-based company recently unveiled its crypto payment structure, calling it a major step in real estate innovation and one that will attract global buyers and investors to U.S. real estate markets. Through a partnership with payment processor Shift4, buyers begin by signing a crypto addendum, then using a custom payment link to complete the transaction, they can use digital assets to place deposits on pre-construction condos. Shift4 supports wallet payments and integrates with platforms like Coinbase and will convert the crypto into U.S. dollars for escrow, ensuring compliance and shielding PMG from the currency’s price fluctuations. PMG plans to expand the option across its Florida projects.
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