Central Florida Public Media

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Brevard teachers union says 350 members could lose jobs amid districtwide staffing cuts. The district says it’s reducing its workforce by 7%.

https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2026-02-02/brevard-teachers-union-says-350-members-could-lose-jobs-amid-districtwide-staffing-cuts

Florida says recreational pot, other citizen initiatives fail to qualify for ballot Smart & Safe Florida, the campaign pushing the marijuana amendment, says the pronouncement is “premature” and “final and complete” signature count by counties hasn’t been reported yet.

Florida says recreational pot, other citizen initiatives fail to qualify for ballot.

Here's the story: https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-02-02/florida-says-2026-ballot-citizen-led-amendments-failed-including-recreational-marijuana

U.S. Rep. Cory Mills hosted a town hall meeting Thursday night at the Oviedo City Center. Hundreds of constituents arrived, many expressing anger with the congressman over the policies he supports and his recent scandals.

Full story https://bit.ly/49YXvsd

Alondra Rivas-Jimenez, 20, and Bailey Newcomb, 21, met in the spring of 2024 while interning at an advertising agency and built a friendship. The two sat down to talk politics for the first time in their friendship.

Hear this conversation: https://bit.ly/4a0U96z

Even colder air mass to arrive in Florida this weekend; will it snow? Florida's cold snap continues as the next cold front brings very cold air, likely the coldest in over a decade for many.

https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-01-29/even-colder-air-mass-to-arrive-in-florida-this-weekend-will-it-snow

This week, more than 200 volunteers are helping advocates collect data to quantify homelessness in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/housing-homelessness/2026-01-27/yearly-homelessness-census-central-florida

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Parents raise concerns as Orange County Public School weighs 7 school closures.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2026-01-23/parents-raise-concerns-as-orange-county-public-school-weighs-7-school-closures

Brevard County, Palm Bay invite the public to a lagoon workshop Monday night. Unless it’s renewed, a half-cent sales tax funding Brevard County’s lagoon restoration program will expire after this year.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3YxOwaT

VIDEO: Trump to hold a press conference on operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Speaking on Fox and Friends Saturday morning, President Trump said U.S. forces sustained some injuries during the operation to remove Venezuelan President Maduro, but no fatalities.

Trump to hold an 11 a.m. ET press conference on operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

https://www.cfpublic.org/2026-01-03/trump-to-hold-a-press-conference-on-operation-to-remove-venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduro

Many have shed pounds with help from #GLP-1 drugs like #Wegovy and #Zepbound, but often experience unpleasant side effects. So scientists are seeking drugs without the nausea.

Read more: https://www.cfpublic.org/2025-11-21/brain-scientists-are-seeking-weight-loss-drugs-without-the-nausea

Engage in the Community: Growth, Development & Belonging A community conversation on how rapid growth shapes our sense of home, identity, and belonging in Central Florida.

Growth shapes our neighborhoods. Belonging shapes our lives.
On December 11, we are bringing the community together.

More Event Info & RSVP HERE: https://bit.ly/48kIyzA


#engage #community #growth #centralflorida #florida

Three school districts, including one in Central Florida, will be a part of a new statewide effort to use drones to improve safety in K-12 schools.

Florida is the first state to deploy the technology and has committed $557,000 to the program.

Full story: https://bit.ly/4r75VnB

With the government having returned to operations, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, will have its services back on, as well. When funds do return, however, some Florida residents will no longer qualify.
Here's what you need to know.

Full story: https://bit.ly/4oN5s8E

As of Thursday, DCF had not released an update as to when SNAP benefits would return. However, new working requirements will prevent some from getting them.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2025-11-14/as-snap-returns-new-work-rules-apply

The St. Johns River Water Management District is the first of three water management districts to approve the regional water supply plan.

Read more: https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2025-11-13/plan-prevent-water-shortage-central-florida-gets-key-approval

Veterans learn roofing and carpentry at the free nine-week training at the Home Builders Institute in Orlando.

Here's the full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2025-11-12/central-florida-veterans-train-up-to-repair-rebuild-homes-post-hurricanes

Central Florida veterans train to repair, rebuild homes after hurricanes at a free nine-week training at the Home Builders Institute in Orlando.

Here's the full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/education/2025-11-12/central-florida-veterans-train-up-to-repair-rebuild-homes-post-hurricanes

An increase in solar activity, known as the northern lights is delaying the launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket carrying a pair of NASA's spacecraft heading to mars.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/space/2025-11-11/take-two-for-mars-bound-mission-launched-by-blue-origin

Recovery efforts are underway in Lake County, where a heavy rainstorm recently flooded several key roads and many homes.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/environment/2025-11-11/lake-county-works-to-recover-from-flood-damage

#floridaminute #lakecounty #florida #flooding

Higher pay and better benefits are in store for Orlando firefighters, following city commissioners’ approval Monday of a new labor contract. Starting wage up from about $59,000, to just over $64,000 a year.

Full story: https://bit.ly/47PuvR1

At 101, Villages resident and WWII veteran Irving Locker has become a songwriter Just before Irving Locker's birthday, his song "If Freedom Was Free" was released by Big Machine Label Group and CreatiVets.

At 101, Villages resident and WWII veteran Irving Locker has become a songwriter

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/2025-11-11/villages-resident-wwii-veteran-irving-locker-songwriter

✍️️: Glenn Gamboa (AP)
📰: Central Florida Public Media

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings officially launched his gubernatorial campaign on Thursday at the Rosen Centre in Orlando.

Demings, a Democrat, has served Orange County for more than four decades.

Full story here: https://bit.ly/43OnJtG

You can bring your dog to the beach in Daytona Beach starting Dec. 1, 2025.

The dog beach is on 1.7 miles of shoreline between the Williams Avenue and Seabreeze Boulevard approaches.

Here's the story: https://bit.ly/3XbcNCH

Tuesday was election day for several Central Florida municipalities. Here are unofficial election results from supervisors of elections in Orange, Lake, Volusia and Brevard counties. Read more> https://bit.ly/4qKtZN0

Growing evidence shows that if you align your daily habits with your circadian rhythms — including when you sleep, eat, and exercise — you can help fend off chronic disease and optimize good health.

Full story: https://bit.ly/4nUrxB7

The Florida Division of Emergency Management working with Jamaican officials has evacuated dozens of Floridians stranded in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2025-11-01/desantis-28-stranded-floridians-are-back-home-after-being-rescued-from-jamaica

The open enrollment window to sign up for healthcare through the ACA marketplace begins Saturday. In Florida, healthcare advocates are bracing for coverage costs to skyrocket.

Full story: https://www.cfpublic.org/health/2025-10-31/more-1-million-floridians-could-priced-out-health-insurance