Orange County Approves Outdoor Camping Ban & New Condo Safety Regulations Take Effect
January 9, 2025 — This Week's News from Central Florida
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Central Florida Times, a newsletter about what’s happening across the region — from politics, business, real estate, climate, and more. These are the most important stories you need to know. To never miss an update, subscribe here:
Here’s the latest from Central Florida…
Orange County Approves Outdoor Camping Ban, Focuses on Homeless Services
Orange County commissioners approved a new ordinance banning overnight public camping on county property, aligning with a 2024 Florida law. The measure passed 4-2 focuses on balancing enforcement with outreach. While violators could face a fine of up to $500 or 60 days in jail, officials emphasized connecting unhoused individuals to services like emergency housing and mental health support is the priority. Complaints about public camping will be addressed through calls to 3-1-1 or an online form. Critics, including Commissioners Kelly Semrad and Maribel Gomez Cordero, argued the law unfairly targets vulnerable populations and criminalizes homelessness, referring to it as “cruel and unusual punishment.” The controversial ordinance aims to reduce legal risks for the county under a new state law–House Bill 1365–which holds municipalities accountable for public camping complaints. Enforcement will prioritize warnings and assistance over arrests, applying only to county-owned land and excluding state and private property.
New Condo Safety Regulations Take Effect, Owners Face Steep Costs
Florida condominium owners are bracing for significant cost increases in 2025 as new regulations to improve building safety are now in effect statewide. Condo associations for buildings with three or more stories faced a December 31 deadline to file detailed structural inspection reports, highlighting maintenance needs and estimating repair costs. The legislation, passed in 2022 following the deadly Surfside condominium collapse, also mandates sufficient reserve funds for major repairs and requires reserve studies every decade. While intended to prevent disasters, the law has led to significant financial strain for owners, especially in older condos, where association fees to fund reserves and repair costs have skyrocketed. The effects are particularly felt on elderly condo owners and retirees living on fixed incomes. Real estate experts say the increased costs, compounded by Florida's soaring property insurance premiums, have cooled the condo market. Of Florida's 1.5 million condominium units, 900,000 are over 30 years old, and proponents argue the new rules will enhance transparency and resident safety. This will give buyers better insights into potential investments.
Related: Florida Condo Building Faces Sale Amid Repair Crisis
An 18-unit condo building in Fort Lauderdale is being sold after residents cannot afford the millions in necessary repairs that are now required under new Florida condo safety laws. The aging building, constructed in 1947, was deemed unsafe in September due to foundation issues, prompting a brief evacuation. The president of the condo association revealed that temporary fixes alone could cost between $4 million and $6 million, far beyond the residents' means. Faced with this daunting expense, owners collectively decided to sell the property. Experts predict the buyer will likely demolish the structure and replace it with a modern development. This situation highlights the growing challenges faced by smaller condo associations in Florida, which are struggling with maintenance costs and soaring insurance premiums. Local officials call for state and county assistance to provide affordable loans and regulate insurance costs.
Rays Reverse Course, Push for Tropicana Field Repairs by 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays are urging St. Petersburg officials to accelerate plans for Tropicana Field renovations to ensure readiness by 2026 Opening Day. In a letter to city leaders, Rays President Matt Silverman outlined “logistical and revenue challenges” if the stadium remains partially operational during the season. He emphasized the importance of starting reconstruction promptly and called for a "realistic completion schedule" in line with the city's contractual obligations. The Rays have proposed forming a working group involving city officials to ensure consistent communication and progress, with MLB appointing an independent adviser to oversee developments. This comes after city officials indicated in December that necessary repairs could be completed by 2026, following a City Council vote to allocate $1.7 million for architectural renderings. Previously, concerns over the timeline led the Council to reject $24 million for roof repairs. Missing from the Rays’ letter is mention of the planned $1.3 billion new stadium, raising questions about the team's long-term intentions in St. Petersburg. The team and developer Hines must meet certain benchmarks by March 31 to avoid automatically terminating the agreed-upon deal.
NASA Partners with UCF, UF, and Embry-Riddle to Advance Space Research
NASA has joined forces with the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to establish the Florida University Space Research Consortium. This collaboration, anchored by Kennedy Space Center (KSC), aims to expand research capabilities, foster innovation, and provide students with unique opportunities in space science. Supported by Space Florida, the consortium will facilitate joint projects between NASA and the universities, positioning Florida as a leader in the evolving space economy. UCF President Dr. Alexander Cartwright highlighted the critical role UCF plays, with nearly 29% of KSC’s workforce comprising its graduates. Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the partnership, hinting at aspirations to relocate NASA’s headquarters to Florida. The initiative marks Florida as the sole state with a university consortium directly affiliated with a NASA center, solidifying its position in the space industry.
Monique Worrell Returns as Orange-Osceola State Attorney
After being suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis 17 months ago, Monique Worrell has officially returned as Orange-Osceola state attorney after a decisive reelection that marks a symbolic comeback. Speaking on the courthouse steps after being sworn in on Tuesday, Worrell vowed to rebuild trust and champion justice that prioritizes prevention, rehabilitation, and opportunity. Her return follows months of controversy, including accusations from DeSantis of incompetence and neglect of duty and criticisms from local law enforcement for failure to prosecute certain crimes. Worrell, however, focused on moving forward, promising to review policies enacted by interim state attorney Andrew Bain and reinstating initiatives like the Violent Crimes Task Force. Meanwhile, a grand jury investigation in Polk County is believed to be related to Worrell’s previous tenure as Orange-Osceola State Attorney looms over her new term. The details of the investigation and potential charges remain sealed. A decision in the case is not expected until February.
Tampa Electric, Duke Energy Seek Major Bill Increases for Hurricane Recovery
Tampa Electric and Duke Energy customers may see steep increases in their electric bills as the utility companies request surcharges to recover costs from the 2024 hurricane season. Both companies filed proposals with the Public Service Commissions on December 27, asking for approval to charge customers more over a one-year period beginning in March. Tampa Electric seeks $464 million to cover damages from hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton, and 2023’s Idalia. If approved, customers could pay over $30 more per month starting in March. Meanwhile, Duke Energy requested $1.1 billion, which would add about $31 to monthly bills. The companies cite significant storm recovery costs, particularly from Hurricane Milton, which caused widespread outages and damage to infrastructure. Tampa Electric pledged $1 million to assist struggling customers in paying their bills, while Duke emphasized ongoing grid improvements to minimize future costly impacts. Regulators will review the requests at a February 4 hearing.
Child Care Crisis Costs Florida Businesses Billions
Florida businesses are losing an estimated $4.5 billion annually due to inadequate access to affordable child care, according to the Florida Chamber Foundation. High daycare costs and stagnant wages force nearly 30% of parents to reduce work hours or quit entirely, according to a 2023 study conducted. This results in a loss of approximately $1 billion annually in potential tax revenue. The ripple effects extend beyond families as employers experience declines in productivity when workers cannot fill job vacancies because they can no longer afford to work. Low- and middle-income families bear the brunt, with daycare expenses consuming up to 15% or more of household incomes. State programs like School Readiness provide assistance but are limited to families earning below 150% of the federal poverty line, leaving many struggling households without support. Efforts like Miami-Dade County’s Families Forward program offer subsidies for middle-income families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line, but face long waitlists. Advocates stress expanded access and investment in child care as essential to Florida’s economic health.
Disney World Offers Free Dining with Vacation Packages
Walt Disney World is bringing back its popular Free Dining Plan offer for summer 2025, alongside a new 30% savings opportunity. From January 2 to February 10, 2025, guests can book a package that includes a complimentary dining plan with a minimum 3-night stay and purchase of Park Hopper tickets. The free dining offer covers select dates from May 27 to June 26 and July 7 to August 6, 2025. Guests who book eligible stays at Value and Moderate Resorts receive the Quick Service Plan, while Deluxe and Villa Resort guests enjoy the Standard Dining Plan. In addition to free dining, Disney is introducing a separate offer for up to 30% savings on select resort rooms. This deal provides flexibility for guests who may prefer discounted accommodations over dining plans. These promotions aim to attract visitors during typically slower periods, offering substantial value for families planning their Disney vacations.
Walt Disney World Unveils Exclusive Ticket Deal for Florida Residents
Beginning January 7, Walt Disney World reintroduced the Discover Disney Ticket deal to Florida residents. Locals can purchase discounted multi-day passes to the theme parks valid from January 13 through May 23, with no requirement for consecutive day visits. The offer includes two options: a four-day ticket for $240 ($60 per day) or a three-day ticket for $225 ($75 per day). As an added perk, guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will receive complimentary water park admission on their check-in day.
Rethinking Asphalt Shingle Roofs in Florida
Florida’s extreme weather conditions have sparked debate over the future of asphalt shingle roofs in the state, which is the most popular roofing material nationwide. During the recent Florida Chamber Insurance Summit, Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky questioned their viability, noting that shingles marketed with a 30-year lifespan rarely endure Florida’s intense heat, humidity, and hurricane-force winds. Critics argue asphalt shingles are more vulnerable than metal or tile roofs, which offer superior wind resistance and longevity of 50 years or more. However, industry advocates highlight advancements in asphalt technology, emphasizing that properly installed systems under modern building codes can perform well during storms while remaining a more affordable option for many homeowners. Yaworsky hinted at upcoming changes to roofing regulations, potentially favoring durable materials like metal or concrete tiles. These shifts may include adjustments to insurance premium discounts or building code updates that would make asphalt shingles less appealing or infeasible. The proposal comes amid Florida's ongoing insurance crisis, with dozens of home insurance providers exiting the state in the last few years. More resilient roofing materials that withstand Florida's climate and uncompromising weather conditions could lower homeowners' insurance premiums. With affordability and resilience both at stake, Florida’s roofing future will likely balance the need for stronger, hardwearing roof surface materials with the practical concerns of cost and accessibility for homeowners.
Orlando Doctor Fined $10K Over Abortion Law Violation
The Florida Board of Medicine has fined Orlando obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Candace Sue Cooley $10,000 and issued a reprimand for failing to comply with the state’s 24-hour abortion waiting period law in 2022. The case stemmed from 193 abortions performed at the Center of Orlando for Women clinic during two weeks in April to May 2022, immediately after the law took effect. Dr. Cooley challenged the Department of Health’s complaint, arguing the violations were unintentional due to unclear guidance on the law’s implementation. An administrative law judge determined that the clinic made reasonable efforts to confirm the law’s effective date but lacked timely information from the state agencies. While the Department of Health sought license revocation, the board imposed a lighter penalty, agreeing no patients suffered harm. Despite the Department of Health's call for license revocation, the board opted for a less severe penalty, aligning with an Administrative Law Judge's recommendation. The judge noted that the violations were unintentional, citing the clinic's efforts to determine the law's effective date and the lack of clear communication from state agencies. The board's decision acknowledges the complexities surrounding the law's implementation, which followed a long-running lawsuit.
Tampa Launches First Free Bus Service
Tampa's Route 1 bus, connecting downtown to the University of South Florida (USF), officially goes fare-free this week in a groundbreaking pilot program to boost ridership and improve transit accessibility. This initiative marks the city’s first fare-free bus service, following the success of the TECO Line Streetcar, which saw ridership quadruple after eliminating fares in 2018. Route 1 serves over 3,000 daily riders and provides access to key destinations like ZooTampa and Hillsborough High School. Over 32,000 residents and 56,000 jobs lie within a quarter-mile of the route, with 18% of those residents lacking personal vehicles. Funded with $1.6 million approved by Tampa City Council, the one-year pilot program also enhances service frequency, with buses running every 15 minutes during weekday peak hours. Transit advocates view Route 1 as a step toward a more connected and accessible city. The initiative will also gauge interest in expanding rapid bus services in the region.
Former Florida Governor Buddy MacKay Dies at 91
Buddy MacKay, the last Democrat to serve as Florida's governor, passed away on December 31, 2024, at 91, near his hometown of Ocala. MacKay is most remembered for serving as Florida’s 42nd governor for 23 days following the unexpected death of Governor Lawton Chiles in December 1998. Despite losing the gubernatorial election to Jeb Bush earlier that year, MacKay's brief tenure was part of a long career dedicated to public service. The native Floridian was a U.S. Air Force veteran and former legislator who served in the Florida House, Senate, and three terms in the U.S. Congress. In 1988, MacKay ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate before being selected to serve as then-U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles’ running mate on the Democratic gubernatorial ticket that won the 1990 election and reelection in 1994. As lieutenant governor, MacKay was regarded as one of the most consequential leaders to serve in the role, overseeing Hurricane Andrew recovery efforts in 1992 and appointed to address a financial crisis in Miami that left the city with a significant budget shortfall and municipal bonds rated ‘junk’ status. He also led a problem-plagued Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services following a grand jury investigation and co-chaired the Commission on Education, Reform and Accountability. During his brief stint as governor, his primary responsibility was overseeing the administration’s transition to Governor Jeb Bush. MacKay ended his political career as a special envoy to Latin America under President Bill Clinton.
Pinellas County Tourism Campaign Targets Canadians Amid Hurricane Recovery
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, Pinellas County’s tourism agency, is focusing its marketing efforts on Canadian travelers, who make up 50% of the county’s international visitors, as it promotes the region’s recovering beaches following a series of hurricanes. Canada is Pinellas County’s largest international market for tourism and the latest promotion efforts seek to capitalize on this relationship. Officials are focusing marketing activities away from traditional U.S. markets to campaigns throughout Canada, including a large advertising spend in Toronto that features the St. Pete Pier at sunset with the tagline, “Still Shining.” The campaign addresses lingering hurricane perceptions while highlighting the area’s resilience and recovery, including reopened beach destinations. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater estimates that 80% of beachside destinations are now open. Rising travel costs and a weak Canadian dollar pose challenges to attracting the foreign tourists, but officials remain optimistic about Canadians’ desire to escape the frigid winter climate.
Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez Added to List Designating Him “Untrustworthy”
Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez has been added to the Brady Identification System, an official list managed by a prosecuting agency containing the names of law enforcement officers who have a demonstrated history of misconduct or are deemed uncredible. The designation was made by outgoing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain, stemming from Lopez's response to his accidental posting of a photo of 13-year-old Madeline Soto’s body on social media. Madeline Soto went missing from her Kissimmee home in February 2024 and her body was found days later. The case received significant attention after her mother's boyfriend was arrested and charged with her murder. In announcing the action, Bain cited Lopez's conflicting statements regarding the sensitive photo of Soto he posted on social media, including his initial public denial that the image was of Soto, despite later admitting it and pleading no contest to a public records violation. Now-former State Attorney Bain criticized the Osceola Sheriff’s Office’s internal review process and their failure to conduct a thorough investigation, suggesting it was designed to shield Lopez from sworn testimony. The rare action could impact the sitting sheriff’s ability to testify in criminal proceedings with his credibility tarnished, particularly in the high-profile case against Soto’s accused murderer. The newly sworn State Attorney, Monique Worrell, can reverse the decision of her predecessor and remove Lopez’s name from the Brady list.
Tampa, Orlando Tumble in 2025 Hottest Housing Markets List
A new report from Zillow reveals a significant shift in the nation's hottest housing markets. Tampa plummeted 19 spots to rank 29th, while Orlando dropped 14 places. The report analyzed factors like home sales speed and forecasted home value growth in the 50 most populous US cities. While the national housing supply reached a four-year high, East Coast cities are expected to dominate the hottest markets in 2025, leaving Tampa and Orlando to cool off as buyer preferences and market conditions shift.
Anna Eskamani Raises $200K for 2027 Orlando Mayoral Campaign
Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) has announced raising $200,000 in the first month of her campaign for Orlando mayor, setting a strong foundation for the 2027 election. The progressive leader, term-limited in the Republican-led Florida House by 2026, highlighted her campaign's grassroots support, with over 80% of contributions under $100. Eskamani emphasized her focus on affordable housing, public transportation, and sustainability, emphasizing her desire “to build a city that works for everyone.” Major endorsements include U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Orlando), State Senator Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando), State Attorney Monique Worrell, and local unions like IBEW Local 606 and Transport Workers Union Local 570. As current Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has signaled he won’t run again, Eskamani’s early fundraising and endorsements position her as a prominent contender. An Orlando native with a track record of advocacy, she aims to bring transformative leadership to a city balancing rapid growth with complex challenges.
Universal Orlando Unveils Mardi Gras Concert Lineup
Universal Orlando Resort is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to Florida with its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration, running daily from February 1 to March 30. This lively event transforms the theme park into a vibrant, family-friendly version of the iconic New Orleans party. Guests can enjoy colorful parades, international cuisine, authentic New Orleans bands, costumed performers, and exclusive event merchandise. Music lovers will be thrilled with a lineup of headliner concerts at the Music Plaza Stage, starting at 8:30 PM and included with park admission. The star-studded lineup for the 2025 Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval celebration features performances by Joe Jonas, T-Pain, Kool & The Gang, Juanes, All Time Low, and more. Blockout dates may apply for annual passholders. Here are the headliners during the two-month celebration:
February 1: T-Pain
February 8: Joe Jonas
February 15: Kool & The Gang
February 16: Juanes
February 22: Scotty McCreery
March 1: Foster the People
March 8: Illenium
March 15: All Time Low
March 16: Lawrence
March 21: Coco Jones
March 22: DJ Pauly D
March 29: TLC
Downtown Orlando’s Broken Strings Brewery Announces Closure
After over 10 years as a downtown Orlando staple, Broken Strings Brewery has officially closed its doors. The closure, announced via a heartfelt Facebook post, cited rising business costs, declining interest in craft beer, and shifts in the downtown landscape that have left the area feeling like a "ghost town." A recent GoFundMe campaign briefly extended the brewery’s operations by helping with repairs and bills, but owner Charles Frizzell shared that staying open into the new year was no longer feasible. To bid farewell, Broken Strings will host one final celebration on Saturday, January 18, featuring free beer “until the kegs are empty.” Broken Strings joins a growing list of downtown businesses that have closed in recent years.
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