FLORIDA
Florida brought in Old World climbing fern as an ornamental; the vine later smothered more than 100,000 acres and can carry ground fires into tree canopies
Once admired for its ornamental beauty, the old world climbing fern has now wreaked havoc on Florida's ecosystems. This invasive plant grows rampantly, enveloping trees and choking out native flora, while also altering fire dynamics. The heightened fire risk threatens tree vitality and wildlife habitats, complicating management efforts. Although options like herbicides and physical removal exist, these methods face challenges in less accessible areas.
In 2025, the 867-ton Spirit of Norfolk was sunk off Florida’s Okaloosa County coast; the former dinner cruise ship now rests 128 feet underwater
In June 2022, the Spirit of Norfolk, a dinner cruise vessel, suffered a devastating fire and was declared unusable. Following a period of storage, Okaloosa County acquired the ship with a unique plan: to intentionally sink it 128 feet below the surface, creating an artificial reef. This innovative project supports marine ecosystems in line with Florida's commitment to improving underwater habitats through repurposed ships.
'Like a missile coming down': Private jet explodes into a fireball as it crashes in busy Florida neighborhood; see photos from the scene
On Sunday afternoon, a Learjet 60 crashed in a Florida neighborhood, killing all nine passengers on board. The plane, which took off from Austin, Texas, was en route to the Bahamas at the time of the incident. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene while hundreds of residents were evacuated from nearby trailer homes. Thunderstorms and heavy rain were reported in the area at the time of the crash.
Shark spotted swimming through flooded Florida street after record rainfall. Watch video
In an unusual sight, a shark was spotted navigating through the inundated streets of Fort Pierce, Florida, following severe rainfall. Torrential downpours resulted in significant flooding, trapping vehicles and complicating emergency services' efforts amidst the chaos of stranded cars. The National Weather Service declared flash flood emergencies due to relentless rain, prompting road closures. Recovery initiatives are actively in progress to restore vital services and access for the impacted communities.
Florida planted Australian pine for shade, windbreaks, and storm protection; by 1993, the fast-growing tree had invaded more than 372,000 acres
Australian pines were brought to Florida in the 1800s as a means of protecting against storms and enhancing landscapes. By 1993, however, these trees had taken over more than 372,000 acres, leading to harmful impacts on local ecosystems through monocultures. A study following Hurricane Andrew revealed that merely 4% of these trees withstood the severe winds, exposing their shallow root problems.
2026 Florida election: Who is Ashley Moody? Republican and ex-attorney general defeats democratic socialist Angie Nixon to retain Senate seat
In a special election, Ashley Moody successfully defended her Senate seat against challenger Angie Nixon in Florida. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Moody's triumph underscores Florida's political dynamics, especially amid critiques regarding her past controversies. Nixon's campaign underscored issues of accountability and affordability, but Moody's win positions her to address voter concerns through the 2028 election.
Mr. President, I want you to hear from Florida that we are still red: State’s 1st Black Governor Byron Donalds after winning
Byron Donalds has made history by becoming the first Black Republican Governor in US history. He won the election against Democrat David Jolly with a narrow margin of 50.1% of the votes. Donalds, who previously served in the US House of Representatives, will take office on January 5, 2027. He has expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump for his support during the campaign.
Adam Robinson family nanny killed in Florida plane crash was a biomedical engineering graduate but couldn't find a suitable job in US. Who was Ana María Ramírez Cetina?
A tragic incident unfolded in Palm Beach County, Florida, when a private Learjet crashed, claiming the lives of nine souls. Among the victims were Texas tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson, his wife Helen, their children, and their devoted nanny, Ana María Ramírez Cetina. Ana had relocated to the US for better prospects and was responsible for the children.
Florida Learjet plane crash cut their love story short: They met at a hostel in Peru, fell in love and opened a hotel in Caribbean. Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr's story
Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr met at a hostel in Peru in 2019, fell in love and eventually built a life together on Honduras' island of Roatán, where they opened a boutique hotel in 2023. The couple, who shared a passion for travel and adventure, were among nine people killed in a Florida Learjet crash while travelling to the Bahamas. Their journey from a chance meeting to building a Caribbean hospitality business has been remembered by friends, family and hotel staff.
US Midterm Elections 2026: Indian-American Pia Dandiya defeats Marine veteran to win Florida congressional seat
Pia Dandiya has secured a seat in the US House of Representatives, representing Florida's 22nd congressional district after defeating Casey Askar with 51.9 percent of the vote. Known for her dedication to education and community service, Dandiya, who comes from Indian immigrant roots, has previously served as a high school principal, focusing on empowering underprivileged students.
US Midterm Elections 2026: Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz wins reelection to US House in Florida's 20th District
Wasserman Schultz's move to a new congressional district paid off as she won a 12th term in office. The first Jewish woman elected to Congress from Florida, she previously served in the state's House and Senate before entering federal politics.
Florida floods force polling changes in 7 counties: Where to vote today and how to find your new location
Florida voting results: Heavy flooding and rain have disrupted Election Day voting in Florida, forcing polling locations to change across seven counties. The Florida Department of State has published an updated list of relocated polling places on its Emergency and Disaster Election Resources page. Voters can also contact their local county Supervisor of Elections office for confirmation.
US midterm elections 2026: Why has Florida's FL-25 become one of the most expensive House races? Here's what you need to know
US midterm elections 2026: According to reports, the Florida's FL-25 Congressional District recorded approximately $19.03 million in political advertising spending between October 12 and October 25. This was the highest advertising expenditure among the US House races tracked during that period. Outside political groups accounted for approximately $15.30 million of the spending.
‘I’ve got turbulence’: 20-year-old co-pilot of Learjet Nathalia Filgueiras’s final text to boyfriend moments before fatal crash in Florida
A heartbreaking plane crash in Florida has resulted in the loss of nine lives, including co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras. Just before the incident, Filgueiras alerted her boyfriend to turbulence and icy conditions. Among the victims were tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson and his family, all en route to the Bahamas. The Learjet, which originated in Austin, Texas, encountered issues nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes into the flight.
Adam Robinson, who was among 9 dead in Florida plane crash, was heading to Bahamas for his birthday celebration with his family before tragedy struck; all about the tech entrepreneur
A tragic plane crash in Florida claimed the lives of nine people, including entrepreneur Adam Robinson and his family, who were heading to the Bahamas for a birthday celebration. The Learjet 60 took off from Austin, Texas, before the mishap near Mar-a-Lago. While nearby residents were displaced, there was only one reported injury on the ground.
Nancy Guthrie Case Update: Did investigators find a lead in Nancy Guthrie's missing person case by visiting a Florida lab?
Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has captivated investigators for nine months, and fresh updates point towards potential DNA evidence being analyzed in Florida. Retired FBI agent Steve Moore suggests that this may lead to identifying potential suspects. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie has passionately called for the public's assistance in her mother's case, as authorities carry on their inquiry without naming any leads.
Florida Learjet 60 crash: Did a thunderstorm and severe weather put N722BD at risk before all 9 died? Here's what NTSB is investigating
Learjet airplane crash: A Learjet 60 crashed in Florida’s Palm Beach County on November 1, killing all nine people aboard. Before the crash, the crew reported icing, turbulence and precipitation at cruising altitude. Investigators are examining the jet’s sudden descent and whether severe weather played a role.
Florida Plane Crash Learjet 60: What we know about N722BD, victims, Palm Beach County crash video, ATC audio and latest investigation
Florida plane crash Learjet 60: Nine people died when a Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, while travelling from Texas to the Bahamas. The crew reported icing and turbulence before the aircraft entered a rapid descent. Investigators are examining the final communications and flight data as they work to determine what caused the crash.
Florida Learjet 60 crash: What investigators will look for in the jet's final flight data
Investigators are examining the causes of the Learjet 60 crash that occurred in Florida on November 1. The private jet was flying from Austin, Texas, to North Eleuthera, Bahamas, when it faced emergencies. Reports mentioned that the crew encountered icing, turbulence, and precipitation before declaring an emergency. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration's assistance.
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