Florida's Voter Turnout, and Abortion & Recreational Marijuana Amendments Fail
November 7, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Florida’s Voter Turnout Reaches Highest Level in Three Decades
Florida has witnessed its highest voter turnout in over three decades for the 2024 general election, with nearly 11 million ballots cast. According to the state Division of Elections, 10,986,175 votes were counted out of 13,949,168 registered voters, resulting in a 78.76% turnout rate - the highest since 1992. The breakdown of voting methods shows a diverse approach by Floridians:
5,363,013 Voted Early
2,579,590 Voted on Election Day
3,022,516 Voted Vote-by-Mail
Notably, Republicans dominated early voting with 2,552,609 votes, while Democrats led in mail-in voting with 1,255,137 ballots. Independent voters also made a significant impact, with 1,160,306 early votes and 655,607 mail-in ballots. This turnout surpasses recent presidential elections, with 77% voting in 2020 and 75% in 2016. The high participation rate reflects increased voter engagement across party lines. Florida’s voter turnout was about 2% higher of the 2020 general election, when 11,144,855 votes were cast for a 76.51% turnout of the 14,565,738 registered voters.
Nationally, over 85.9 million people have already cast their ballots in the election, according to data from the University of Florida Election Lab. This number includes more than 46.7 million people who voted early in person and 39.4 million who submitted mail-in ballots. With approximately 186.5 million registered voters, this puts the turnout rate at 46.1 percent. Interestingly, a trend emerged showing independent voters outnumbering Democrats, accounting for 34% of the total vote compared to Democrats' 32%, according to exit-poll data by Edison Research.
Abortion Rights Amendment Fails
Florida's Amendment 4, which aimed to protect abortion rights in the state constitution, failed to meet the 60% threshold required for adoption, receiving about 57.2% support with over 6.062 million votes. About 4.545 million votes were cast opposing the measure at 42.8%. This leaves Florida’s six-week abortion ban in place, significantly affecting abortion access across the South, where hard restrictions are prevalent. The amendment's defeat is a significant setback for abortion rights advocates, who raised over $108 million for the campaign. Governor Ron DeSantis strongly opposed the measure, mobilizing state resources and traveling across the state to rally opposition. His administration ran advertisements, created a website countering pro-amendment arguments, and even threatened TV stations airing pro-abortion ads. Despite the failure, supporters emphasized the majority of the state’s voters backing the abortion rights measure, even in conservative counties, as a mandate for change. Advocates view the strong support as a foundation for ongoing efforts to restore reproductive freedoms in Florida, calling on lawmakers to address the restrictive six-week abortion ban.
Recreational Marijuana Amendment Falls Short of Required Support
Florida’s proposed Amendment 3, which aimed to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults, has failed to reach the 60% support threshold required for constitutional amendments, securing around 56% of the vote, according to unofficial results. The amendment, backed by Smart & Safe Florida with substantial funding from the cannabis company Trulieve, would have permitted adults 21 and over to purchase marijuana for non-medical use. Despite gathering over 1 million petition signatures to secure its place on the ballot and backing from President-elect Donald Trump, the initiative faced strong opposition from Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration. In the weeks leading up to the election, DeSantis, along with First Lady Casey DeSantis, actively campaigned against it, leveraging state resources to highlight potential consequences of legalization such as public safety and quality of life. In a controversial move, the state also ran TV ads warning of increased accident rates in states with legalized marijuana. Smart & Safe Florida acknowledged the amendment’s failure but remains committed to advocating for decriminalization and expanded marijuana access. For now, Florida’s legal marijuana use remains limited to patients with a medical marijuana card, as permitted by the 2016 amendment.
GOP Retains Control of Florida Legislature
Florida Republicans have maintained their iron grip on the state legislature following Tuesday's election, securing supermajorities in both the House and Senate. This outcome ensures the GOP can continue to pursue its agenda with minimal opposition for the next two years.
In the House, Republicans were on track to hold at least 83 out of 120 seats, comfortably exceeding the two-thirds threshold required for a supermajority. In fact, as of Wednesday morning, unofficial results showed the GOP expanding their majority by one or two districts. The Senate GOP appeared poised to retain all 28 of their seats, maintaining their supermajority by a two-seat margin. With the election behind them, incoming legislative leaders expressed enthusiasm for their plans. Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton highlighted priorities including water quality, agriculture, and food insecurity. Incoming House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) has previously expressed his commitment to pursuing bipartisan solutions on top issues facing Floridians like rising property insurance costs and addressing the waitlist on state services for those with developmental challenges. Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, while acknowledging differences on social issues, pledged to work with Republican leadership on shared regional concerns. The Election Day results cement Republican dominance in the Florida Legislature, allowing them to continue advancing their policy agenda with little effective resistance from the Democratic minority.
At the federal level, Florida’s congressional balance remains unchanged, with Republicans holding 20 of the state’s 28 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
State Democrats Fall Short of Breaking GOP Supermajority in Legislature
Florida Democrats targeted eight districts as part of their strategy to break Republican’s 83-seat supermajority in the state House of Representatives, including five in Central Florida and three in South Florida. The party needed to flip at least five seats to end the GOP's two-thirds majority, which currently allows Republicans to pass legislation without Democratic support. They fell short of the five-seat gain needed as it appeared Democrats might flip one seat while losing two others. House District 65, representing parts of Tampa, is one of the eight targeted seats. Democrat and LGBTQ activist Ashley Brundage challenged incumbent Republican Karen Gonzalez Pittman in a district where Republicans have a nearly 10,000 voter registration edge. Brundage is aiming to be the first transgender elected official in state history. Democrats honed in on registration and get-out-the-vote efforts in Hillsborough County’s House District 65 as they hoped for turnout similar to 2020 when Biden won the area by four points. They relied on independent voters and increased participation due to high-profile ballot measures on abortion and marijuana. However, incumbent Gonzalez Pittman soundly defeated Brundage on Tuesday night in a 57% to 43% margin. Republicans maintained a fundraising advantage statewide, but Democrats caught up in four of the eight House districts targeted. This excludes District 65, where Pittman out-raised Brundage by a 3-to-1 margin. Democratic leaders overestimated the presidential race and down-ballot effects that they hoped could boost their chances statewide.
Rick Scott Secures Second Senate Term in Florida Victory
Republican Sen. Rick Scott has won reelection to the U.S. Senate, defeating Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in a race that reinforces Florida's shift from swing state to Republican stronghold. Scott secured over 54% of the vote to Mucarsel-Powell’s 47%, maintaining his undefeated electoral record since entering politics in 2010 and winning the race by his largest margin yet. The victory came despite a spirited challenge from Mucarsel-Powell, who mounted an aggressive campaign and even outpaced Scott in fundraising from donations. The former Democratic congresswoman challenged the previous Florida governor on policies such as Social Security, Medicare, and women’s reproductive rights, while criticizing Scott's refusal to debate. Meanwhile, Scott dismissed his opponent as a “silly socialist” and linked her to progressive figures in Congress. The race proved less competitive than Scott's previous narrow victories, including his 2018 Senate win that was decided by just 10,000 votes. This wider margin reflects Republicans' growing advantage in Florida, where they now outnumber Democrats by about a million voters. The win maintains complete Republican control of Florida's statewide offices. Scott's victory positions him for a potential bid to replace retiring Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican leader. Despite Democrats' hopes that ballot initiatives on abortion rights and marijuana legalization would boost turnout, Mucarsel-Powell, the first Latina Democratic Senate nominee in Florida, was unable to overcome the state's continuing rightward shift.
Anna Paulina Luna Wins Second Term in Congress
Republicans secured victories in four out of five Tampa Bay congressional races, with GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna successfully defending her seat in Congressional District 13. Luna defeated Democratic challenger Whitney Fox by nearly 10 percentage points, despite the race being considered a key pickup opportunity for Democrats and polls showing a much closer race. The contest drew national attention, with Fox receiving support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's "Red to Blue" program–one of just 33 candidates nationwide. Luna outraised her opponent by about $1 million, but Fox consistently beat Luna in donations throughout each fundraising period this year, nearly matching the incumbent's cash on hand by October. Luna, a first-term Congresswoman, emphasized border security as her top priority for her second term. The district, which covers much of Pinellas County, was redrawn in 2022 to favor Republicans.
Lopez Wins Hillsborough State Attorney Race, Defeating Ousted Predecessor
Suzy Lopez has secured victory in the closely watched Hillsborough County state attorney race, defeating her predecessor Andrew Warren with 52% of the vote to Warren's 47%. The election result affirms Governor Ron DeSantis' controversial 2022 decision to suspend Warren and appoint then-Judge Lopez as his replacement. Lopez, Hillsborough County's first female state attorney, celebrated her win at a gathering in Ybor City, emphasizing her support for law enforcement and community safety. Her campaign, backed by local law enforcement leaders and bolstered by significant Republican funding, focused on a traditional approach to prosecution and a firm stance on crime. Warren, who was seeking to regain the position he twice won–first in 2016 and again in 2020, conceded the race but continued to criticize the circumstances surrounding his suspension. He maintained that his progressive policies had made Hillsborough County safer and expressed hope that Lopez would serve independently. Gov. DeSantis suspended the Democratic state attorney for his alleged neglect of duty after he pledged not to enforce state laws on abortion or gender-affirming care for transgender minors. His failure to prosecute certain low-level, non-violent crimes was also cited by Gov. DeSantis. The election outcome effectively ends Warren's legal battle to reclaim his position and solidifies the shift in Hillsborough County's prosecutorial approach. The race attracted national attention due to its implications for DeSantis' executive authority and criminal justice reform.
Monique Worrell Reclaims Position as Orange-Osceola State Attorney
Monique Worrell, former Orlando area state attorney suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, has reclaimed her position in a decisive electoral victory. Worrell secured 57% of the vote in the 9th Judicial Circuit, defeating Andrew Bain, the DeSantis appointee who replaced her. The election outcome marks a significant rebuke to DeSantis's controversial decision to remove Worrell, which he justified by alleging she was too lenient on some criminals and her policies discouraged prosecutors from seeking mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes. Worrell's legal challenge to her suspension was unsuccessful, but voters have now effectively overturned the governor's action. Florida Democrats hailed Worrell's win as a triumph for democracy, signaling a possible voter endorsement of her reform-oriented approach to prosecution in Orange and Osceola counties.
Orlando’s Maxwell Frost Returns to Washington as Congress’ Youngest Lawmaker
Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost won reelection in Florida’s 10th Congressional District on Tuesday, securing 61.8% of the vote against Republican Willie Montague’s 38.2%. Frost, who made history in 2022 as the first Gen Z member of Congress, expressed gratitude on X, saying he was "honored" to continue serving. During his first term, Frost prioritized gun violence prevention, contributing to the creation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and securing funding for affordable housing in Central Florida communities like Eatonville and Bithlo. Additionally, he worked on establishing a passport office in Orlando. In his second term, Frost aims to work on legislation addressing reducing fees for renters, supporting seniors during emergencies, and measures to alleviate the housing crisis. Known for his outspoken stance on LGBTQ+ rights, he has criticized Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s policies.
Congresswoman Laurel Lee Defeats Opponent by 12 Points
In Florida's 15th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Rep. Laurel Lee secured re-election, defeating Democratic challenger and Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp with 56% of the vote. This marks Lee's second term representing parts of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk Counties. Despite early challenges, including criticism from former President Trump for endorsing Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential bid, the incumbent easily overcame a primary election challenge and maintained a strong lead in the general election. The district, which has a five-point Republican voter registration advantage, saw Lee outperform previous GOP margins. The former Florida Secretary of State, Lee has been critical of the Biden administration's immigration policies and supports the Supreme Court's decision on Roe v. Wade, while favoring some exceptions to abortion restrictions.
Rep. Plasencia Wins Narrow Race Against Newcomer Nate Douglas
In a high-stakes race for Florida House District 37, incumbent Republican Susan Plasencia narrowly defeated a heavily funded challenge from Democrat Nate Douglas. With just 465 votes, or 0.62% of the total count, separating the two candidates, the Orlando Republican secured nearly 50.31% of votes, avoiding a recount by staying outside the 0.5% margin threshold. Plasencia, who won the seat in a surprise 2022 victory against Carlos Guillermo Smith–the state’s most progressive lawmaker at the time–faced pressure as Democrats aimed to regain control of the University of Central Florida-centered district. House District 37 has become a key target for state Democrats hoping to break the Republican supermajority in the Florida House. Douglas, 23, outpaced Plasencia in fundraising by more than $100,000, positioning himself as a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, accessible education, and greater transparency, while criticizing Plasencia's record on these issues. The Republican incumbent defended her first term by emphasizing her focus on pragmatic issues affecting constituents’ daily lives, including property insurance reform, tax cuts, and securing $42.5 million for local infrastructure and services. Plasencia labeled Douglas a “radical,” with a progressive agenda that was rejected by voters two years ago. Douglas raised over $273,000 compared to Plasencia's $160,000.
Congressman Darren Soto Secures Victory, Returns to D.C. to Represent Central Florida
Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, Florida’s first Puerto Rican congressman, won reelection to the 9th Congressional District seat on Tuesday, securing a fifth term with 55.05% of the vote. Soto defeated Republican challenger Thomas Chalifoux, a former Osceola County School Board member backed by the National Republican Congressional Committee. Soto was able to overcome his well-financed opponent who self-funded his campaign with over $2.5 million. The district, which stretches from eastern Orlando to Kissimmee, remains a Democratic stronghold with a significant Hispanic population. The Democratic incumbent emphasized his party’s achievements in pandemic recovery and economic stability, contrasting with Chalifoux's criticism of inflation and crime under his leadership. He also touted achievements like securing a $188 million Water Infrastructure Finance loan for the Toho Water Authority and supporting SunRail expansion. Soto, who first won his seat in 2016, raised nearly $1.9 million this cycle, outspending Chalifoux, who reported $1.5 million in spending.
State Rep. Lindsay Cross Reelected to St. Petersburg’s House District 60
Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross has won re-election to Florida House District 60, defeating Republican challenger Ed Montanari with 54% of the vote in a race that tested the district's political leanings. Despite Republican hopes that the district was trending purple, Cross maintained her seat in the St. Petersburg-based district where Democrats hold a 3,000 voter registration advantage. Montanari, an outgoing St. Pete City Council member known for bipartisan cooperation, had been considered a strong challenger for the GOP. Cross, an environmental scientist, campaigned on her record of bringing dollars to the district despite serving in the minority party. Acknowledging the closely divided district, she largely avoided partisan issues aside from reproductive rights, instead focusing on a platform of environmental protection, clean water, affordable housing, and lowering insurance premiums.
Florida Bars Federal Election Monitors from Polling Sites
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) planned to dispatch election monitors to four Florida counties on Election Day, but state officials advised that these federal observers would not be permitted inside polling locations. Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd informed the DOJ in a memo that state law does not explicitly allow federal monitors within voting sites. The DOJ's initiative, part of a broader effort covering 86 areas across 27 states, aimed to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws in Broward, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Osceola counties. However, elections officials in Orange and Osceola counties confirmed that DOJ observers would remain outside polling places. This stance reflects a recent trend among Republican-led states to restrict federal oversight at polling sites. Florida's position, established before the 2022 midterms, argues that federal presence could undermine election confidence without clear evidence of need or federal preemption. Instead, the state planned to deploy its own Election Day monitors to these counties to ensure compliance with voting regulations. The DOJ has a longstanding practice of monitoring elections to enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, but recent actions by GOP-led states to limit federal authorities’ ability to directly oversee the voting process highlights the ongoing tensions on election oversight responsibilities.
Florida Insurers Deny 50,000+ Hurricane Claims
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida homeowners are grappling with a wave of property insurance claim denials. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR), over 50,000 residential claims have been closed without payment across both storms and continue to mount. For Hurricane Helene, of the 57,415 residential claims filed, 19,068 were denied, while Hurricane Milton saw 27,834 denials out of 202,989 claims. In both cases, denials outnumbered approved claims. The data compiled by FLOIR as of October 25, shows the denial rate for claims following Helene at over 33%, while Milton-related claims saw a similar trend with 17% of the 212,974 residential property claims filed after Milton closed without payment. FLOIR reports that 4.7% of Milton’s denied claims were for non-covered flood damage, which would require a separate flood insurance policy. This is compared to 21.3% for Hurricane Helene. Additional reasons for these denials include damage below the deductible, coverage gaps, pre-existing damage, failure to properly document damage, or insurers’ inability to reach policyholders. FLOIR’s data also reveals significant costs: Hurricane Helene’s insured losses are projected at over $1.43 billion, while Milton’s damages are estimated at more than $2.98 billion. As the back-to-back hurricanes have worsened the already fragile Florida homeowners' insurance market, property owners are bracing for even higher insurance premiums, which remain the costliest in the nation. This could force some homeowners to drop their insurance coverage altogether, leaving them financially exposed in the event of future storms.
Orlando’s $750M Plan to Transform Downtown
The $750 million Downtown Action Plan aims to reshape Orlando’s core with two-way streets, expanded parks, and enhanced shade, Mayor Buddy Dyer revealed in his State of Downtown speech last week. The ambitious project outlines goals including new parks at Lake Lucerne and on S. Orange Ave., alongside converting Orange, Rosalind, and Magnolia avenues to two-way streets. The plan is expected to take 8-10 years to fully implement, with the two-way street conversions being prioritized within the next four years. Added investments will focus on increasing walkability, bike trails, and doubling downtown’s shade tree canopy to 4,000 trees to cool pedestrian areas, noting that enhancing the appeal of streets for visitors and locals is central to the plan. The Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency will fund the project through tax revenue on rising downtown property values within its boundaries. The CRA's current annual budget is around $37 million. Orlando city commissioners expressed mixed reactions, with some eager for progress and others frustrated over the plan's similarity to previous proposals and its perceived lack of action. Additional criticisms included the cost and the focus on the southern portion of downtown while excluding improvements for areas north of Colonial Drive. Officials say the $750 million plan will enhance overall livability in the urban core.
Widely-Supported State Prison Phone Call Program Cut by DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis has terminated a lauded prison phone call program that rewarded good behavior and cost taxpayers nothing. The initiative, which provided free 15-minute monthly calls to inmates with clean disciplinary records, was funded entirely by $1 million from commissary and phone fees paid primarily by incarcerated individuals. Despite bipartisan support and the Legislature's intention to double the program's funding, DeSantis vetoed it without explanation. The program aimed to reduce recidivism by maintaining inmates' connections with their support systems, a strategy backed by research showing improved public safety outcomes. Prison reform advocates argue that the decision is short-sighted, as maintaining outside connections is crucial for reducing repeat offenses. The program's cancellation particularly impacts families struggling to stay in touch with incarcerated loved ones, as many Florida prisons are located in isolated areas. Adding to the controversy, Florida has joined 13 other Republican-led states in a lawsuit to block a new Federal Communications Commission rule that would lower prison call fees nationwide starting next year. Critics warn that opposing such initiatives undermines rehabilitation efforts and could lead to increased recidivism rates, which are already high in Florida's prison system.
Immigration Laws Force Construction Labor Shortage that Slows Hurricane Recovery
Florida continues to face a construction labor shortage as immigrant workers, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, have stopped showing up to job sites. The exodus is attributed to Senate Bill 1718 (2023), a law enacted by the GOP supermajority last year that critics say is anti-immigrant. The legislation requires employers to use E-Verify to check employees’ immigration status, imposes $1,000 daily fines for noncompliance, increases criminal penalties on undocumented workers who falsify information to obtain employment, and subject employers to sanctions for violations, including loss of licenses and probation imposed by the Department of Economic Opportunity. Furthermore, the law invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants and criminalizes those who knowingly transport illegal individuals, including family members, into the state of Florida. These measures, combined with ramped-up immigration enforcement, have prompted many laborers to leave the state or flee industries dependent on migrants altogether. The atmosphere of fear created by the legislation has created a void of a much-needed workforce following Hurricanes Helene and Milton when demand for construction or groundskeeping-related jobs is up. Undocumented workers have often flocked to Florida following hurricanes to help remove debris and rebuild damaged structures, taking jobs in roofing, masonry, drywall installation, painting, tree trimming, and lawn care. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, scores of undocumented immigrants traveled to Southwest Florida looking for work in the loosely regulated disaster restoration industries where they spent months. Nearly one year later, following Hurricane Idalia, nonprofit organizations who advocate for disaster response workers–many of which are undocumented–said thousands refused to travel to Florida, citing the risks of the new immigration law. The legislation raises concerns about broader negative effects on the state’s economy, which is largely driven by construction–even more important than the tourism-fueled leisure and entertainment sectors. Undocumented immigrants serve an outsized role in the construction workforce, where about 30% of laborers are non-U.S. born, supporting Florida’s booming housing market and driving in-state economic growth.
Florida's Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Faces $4.6B Storm Bill
The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, known as the "Cat Fund," is bracing for an estimated $4.6 billion payout due to claims from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, according to state officials. This critical state-backed program, designed to provide low-cost reinsurance for property insurers, expects to cover these costs using its current cash reserves of $7.12 billion, along with $3.25 billion in pre-event bond funding if necessary. Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, which oversees the tax-exempt trust fund, confirmed that the Cat Fund can meet this obligation with its current available cash. The majority of the estimated losses, approximately $4.5 billion, stem from Hurricane Milton, while Hurricane Helene accounts for $100 million of the estimate. The Cat Fund has a maximum potential liability of $17 billion under state law, but if needed, could issue bonds, with additional charges passed to all Florida policyholders.
Tampa Introduces Affordable Housing Initiative
The City of Tampa unveiled policy reforms to boost affordable housing through accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly known as mother-in-law suites. The updated regulations simplify the process for homeowners to construct ADUs, allowing legal non-conforming structures such as detached garages to be converted into ADUs, provided they meet Florida Building Code requirements. ADUs were first approved by the Tampa City Council in July 2024. The policy also allows property owners to reside in either the ADU or the primary house and expands occupancy limits to two unrelated individuals. Additionally, the city has broadened the geographic areas where ADUs are permitted, potentially increasing the number of properties eligible for these units. The policy changes are part of an effort by Tampa to address the ongoing housing crisis and give greater flexibility to property owners to alleviate the region’s shortage of dwellings.
Internet Groups Sue Florida Over Social Media Law
Two internet industry groups, the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, have filed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s new law restricting minors under 16 from using certain social media platforms. The law, set to take effect January 1, aims to prevent younger users from creating social media accounts, citing concerns about addictive features and potential risks to mental health and safety. The industry groups, representing major platforms like Google and Meta, argue the law violates First Amendment rights, claiming that parents, not the state, should determine their children’s access to social media. They emphasize that tools already exist for parents to monitor and limit their children’s online activities. While supporters, including Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, contend the law addresses addictive platform features rather than content, the lawsuit counters that it unfairly targets some platforms, excluding others like Disney+ and Hulu, which employ similar “addictive” features. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has vowed to defend the law, which includes fines up to $50,000 for violations. The industry groups are seeking an injunction to prevent the law from taking effect.
Voters in Pinellas, Hillsborough Approve Increased Property Taxes to Boost Teacher Pay
Pinellas and Hillsborough County voters decided Tuesday to renew and increase a longstanding property tax supporting local public schools. The proposed tax hike was approved by strikingly similar margins—67.8% in Pinellas and 66.6% in Hillsborough. Voters’ decision to raise the millage from a half-cent to one-cent, would mean property owners in both Tampa Bay area counties would pay $1 per $1,000 of their home’s assessed value, doubling funding for teacher bonuses, support staff pay, and educational programs. In Pinellas, it will boost teacher supplements from $6,000 to $11,000 and increase funds for art, technology, and small group reading programs. The tax, initially passed in 2004, currently contributes $12.5 million annually but is estimated to increase to nearly $18.7 million under the new rate that takes effect on May 14. In neighboring Hillsborough County, school district leaders say that the additional millage will generate $177 million a year, increasing teacher pay to a $6,000 pay bump and $3,000 for support staff. The approved tax referendum will help Hillsborough County schools compete with neighboring districts in teacher pay, which currently boasts the lowest educator compensation in Tampa Bay. Starting teacher pay in Hillsborough sits around $47,500, whereas Pasco, Pinellas, and Manatee counties have used their respective millages to increase educator’s beginning salaries by as much as $57,000 per year.
Tampa Bay Real Estate Market Faces Uncertainty After Hurricanes
Tampa Bay's real estate market faces new challenges after back-to-back hurricanes. The region, already experiencing a slowdown in home sales, may see further dips as residents grapple with the aftermath of the storm and buyers react. Median home prices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater decreased slightly from last year, though prices remain up by 65% over five years, reaching an average of over $400,000. High insurance costs and recent storm damages could deter out-of-state buyers, real estate experts say. The local inventory shortage has worsened, as many homes became unlivable or damaged, creating an unbalanced supply of homes well below normal market benchmarks. This scarcity could affect market dynamics, potentially driving up prices for undamaged properties. Some sellers are delaying listings, worried that the need for flood insurance and hurricane memories will impact home values, in addition to concerns about finding new homes to relocate. Storm-damaged properties, some sold "as is," are appearing at reduced prices, marketing the value of the land. For example, many flood-damaged homes in the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Petersburg have been re-listed at a six-figure discount post-hurricane. Some investors are making cash offers, playing on homeowners’ fear and their desire to get out of the market quickly. Meanwhile, demand for newer, elevated homes is increasing as buyers seek storm-resistant options and are willing to pay more to have that sense of security. Despite short-term disruptions, historical patterns, such as data in Lee County following Hurricane Ian in 2022, suggest the market may rebound relatively quickly as rebuilding efforts can increase prices in affected areas.
Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall Up for Sale, Potential $500M Redevelopment
Fashion Square Mall, a fixture in Orlando since 1973, is now on the market, offering potential buyers a chance to transform the struggling property into a $500 million mixed-use development. The 625,000-square-foot, two-story enclosed mall, located between downtown Orlando and Baldwin Park, has faced declining occupancy and multiple redevelopment attempts in recent years. Edge Realty Partners, the Dallas-based firm listing the property, highlights several investment benefits, including the mall’s prime location, high local household incomes, proximity to Orlando Executive Airport, and the city’s 74 million annual visitors. The mall's history includes ownership changes, tenant losses, and unrealized redevelopment plans. Following the pandemic, previous revitalization plans emerged, including a hotel addition, outdoor plaza, and new retail spaces, which never materialized. The asking price for Fashion Square Mall is undisclosed.
Encouraging Tourism to Areas Impacted by Hurricanes
Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, tourism officials along Florida’s Gulf Coast are encouraging visitors to support the recovery of local businesses by returning to the area. While some beaches remain closed and clean-up is ongoing, the Visit St. Pete-Clearwater tourism agency reports that 80% of hotels and businesses are now open. “Visitors can support by dining, shopping, and attending fundraisers here,” the agency said in a release. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater has also launched the “Still Shinning” marketing campaign to boost efforts in letting potential visitors know that the area is resilient and open for business. One of the Tampa Bay area’s most visited destinations, Clearwater Beach, has reopened, and city officials have recently resumed normal operations, including lifeguard and other beach services. In response to the storms, the state’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, is rolling out a $5.7 million multi-phase campaign to boost travel to both storm-affected and unaffected areas. The first phase will promote areas less affected by the storms, such as Pensacola, Panama City Beach, and the Florida Keys, while the second phase will spend $3 million to highlight resilient, recovered regions like Naples and Fort Myers. The third phase will focus on direct marketing for heavily impacted counties, including the cities of St. Petersburg and Sarasota.
St. Pete Approves $6 Million to Waterproof Tropicana Field
St. Petersburg City Council has approved $6 million in waterproofing efforts to prevent further damage to Tropicana Field, which suffered external and internal damage from Hurricane Milton. The funds will be used to install temporary drainage and waterproof key areas like the stadium’s electrical and concession systems, buying time until a final decision is made on the stadium’s fate. The City of St. Petersburg, responsible for repairs at the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, has filed an insurance claim and hired a firm to evaluate the building’s structural, architectural, and engineering status. Decisions on where the Rays will play in the 2025 season are expected to follow official assessments of the damage, including projected costs and repair timeline. The city can halt these multi-million mitigation measures if it’s determined the stadium is beyond repair. The urgency stems from insurance policy requirements to prevent further damage, a critical step in securing coverage and submitting a claim. While city administrators say there’s no indication of significant structural issues so far, based on a meeting held last week, damages to Tropicana Field are estimated to cost over $47 million, exceeding the stadium’s $25 million insurance policy with a $22 million deductible. The city plans to file an application with FEMA to reimburse repair costs beyond the deductible and insurance payment, though no guarantees are in place. Cautious council members agreed the protective measures for the facility were a safer financial decision despite reservations about investing in a structure slated for demolition within three years.
Tampa Bay Remains Safe from Red Tide as Algae Blooms Occur Offshore
As Southwest Florida contends with fish kills linked to red tide, Tampa Bay remains largely unaffected for now. The harmful algae, Karenia brevis, produces toxins that can kill marine life and cause respiratory irritation in humans, and recent tests detected red tide blooms offshore of Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, including high concentrations found near Sarasota’s Nokomis Beach. Yet, scientists note that Tampa Bay’s salt levels and currents currently hinder red tide’s inland spread. Recent analysis shows that a bloom appeared near Tampa Bay after Hurricane Helene moved south of Sarasota. Current wind and ocean patterns suggest the bay area is not immediately at risk, according to USF and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. This is good news for the Tampa Bay area after scientists and environmentalists grew concerned about possible algal blooms following Hurricane Milton, which cut through an area with over 100 industrial facilities containing hazardous waste and toxic chemicals. This includes the largest U.S. phosphate fertilizer producer, The Mosaic Company, reporting that stormwater from its Riverview site, which stores toxic phosphogypsum waste, likely discharged into Tampa Bay after its water collection system was overwhelmed following Milton. Furthermore, millions of gallons of untreated sewage spilled onto streets and found its way into local waterbodies around Tampa Bay when flooding caused outages at wastewater treatment plants resulting in overflows. However, as the bay area appears clear, experts caution that red tide conditions can change rapidly and continued monitoring is recommended to ensure red tide doesn’t drift closer to the bay area.
SeaWorld Orlando Introduces Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition
SeaWorld Orlando launches Coasters After Dark, a limited-capacity, after-hours event that transforms the park into a holiday wonderland featuring seven roller coasters surrounded by festive Christmas lighting. Running on select nights starting Nov. 8, guests can enjoy coasters like Ice Breaker, Journey to Atlantis, Kraken, Mako, and the new Penguin Trek as they are lit up in holiday decor. Select food and beverage locations will remain open, including a special hot chocolate hut. Tickets, priced at $49.99, include early entry one hour before the event begins. Dates include Nov. 8, 9, 15, 22, and Dec. 6 and 13, with varying hours from 8 PM to midnight.
St. Petersburg’s Waldorf Astoria Residences May Become City’s Tallest Building
A 49-story luxury condominium and office tower, the Waldorf Astoria Residences, has moved one step closer to becoming St. Petersburg's tallest building. The Community Redevelopment Agency recently voted to advance the $225 million project through the approval process, which will require City Council action. Proposed by Miami-based Property Markets Group and local partners, the tower would feature 164 condos, office space, retail areas, and 754 parking spaces. The design includes a two-story amenity deck with an infinity pool wrapping around the building's perimeter. If approved, the 525-foot structure would surpass the upcoming 46-story Residences at 400 Central, making it St. Petersburg's tallest and first five-star branded condominium. The project involves demolishing the existing City Center garage on 2nd Ave S. Some residents from the neighboring Saltaire condominium expressed concerns about the project's proximity and potential safety issues, citing the recent crane collapse during Hurricane Milton. Developers assured they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure site safety.
St. Petersburg’s Pete’s Bagels Opens Retro Coworking Space
The owner of St. Petersburg’s popular Pete’s Bagels is launching a unique coworking space called Monday Morning Club in Gulfport, inspired by a classic diner atmosphere. Located at 1401 49th St. S, the space offers 10 vintage booths sourced from a former pizza shop in Land O’ Lakes, along with a communal worktable. For $50 a month, members receive daily coffee from Look Alive Coffee and bagels from Pete’s every Friday, plus access to a fridge and a comfortable work environment. Owner Steven Peterman said the project began from a passion to provide a space that makes people feel like they belong to a community. Monday Morning Club will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Memberships and more details are available at petesbagels.com/mmc.
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