Florida News Archives

SS United States Bound for Florida: It’s a “Done Deal”

By Mark Stone FMN October 17, 2024Florida News, Florida Wildlife

Workers prepare the iconic SS United States for its final journey from Pennsylvania to Florida. Photo: SSUSC

Iconic Ocean Liner to Become World’s Largest Artificial Reef

In September, FMN reported on an ambitious plan to bring the SS United States to Florida as an artificial reef. At the time, the move seemed almost a certainty, and after one final legal challenge, it has become a reality. The SS United States, a symbol of maritime innovation and American excellence since its 1951 launch, is set to begin its final journey—not across the Atlantic, but toward an extraordinary new life beneath the waves. In a quiet ceremony on October 12, 2024, the SS United States Conservancy transferred ownership of the ship to Okaloosa County, Florida, marking the end of a long and contentious legal battle over the vessel’s future.

Port Shutdowns in Florida: What the Longshoremen Strike Means For Main Street

By Mark Stone FMN October 3, 2024Florida News

A cargo ship awaits unloading in PortMiami Photo: US Customs

At a time when America can least afford it, the International Longshoremen’s Association has gone on strike. Coming on the heels of high inflation, a major storm, and a potential Middle East War, the strike could have massive consequences on Main Street America.

In the Eye of the Storm: Lakeland-Based NOAA Team Gears Up For Hurricane Helene

By Eric Moore September 25, 2024Aviation, Florida News

NOAA Gulfstream IV sits on the ramp at Florida's Kennedy Space Center Photo: Eric Moore/FMN — NOAA Gulfstream IV “Gonzo” sits on the ramp at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Photo: Eric Moore/FMN

Lakeland, Florida – As Hurricane Helene barrels towards the Florida coast, a specialized team of hurricane chasers stationed in Lakeland, Florida, are taking to the skies. These experts, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), play a crucial role in tracking and studying hurricanes to provide real-time data that is crucial to both weather predictions and emergency responses.

Helene Approaches Florida with Potential to Become Major Storm

By Mark Stone FMN September 25, 2024Florida News, Space News

Infrared Satellite view of Helene as it passes over Cozumel, Mexico Wednesday morning. Photo: National Hurricane Center

Tropical Storm Helene, currently a powerful tropical system, is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane as it moves toward the Gulf Coast of Florida. As of 6AM EDT this morning, the storm was located near Cozumel, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.

Key West Honors Local Legend: Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway Signs Unveiled

By FMN Staff September 8, 2024Entertainment / Recreation, Florida Music, Florida News

Lucy Buffett (center), Mac McAnally (right) , and others give the "Fins Up!" sign made popular among Parrottheads by Buffett's hit song "Fins". Photo: Yahoo News — Lucy Buffett (center), former bandmate Mac McAnally (right) and others give the “Fins Up!” sign made popular among Parrotheads by Buffett’s hit song “Fins”. Photo: Yahoo News

Key West, FL — In a tribute to one of its most beloved residents, Key West celebrated the official unveiling of the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway signs on August 30, 2024, aka “Jimmy Buffett Day. These signs, which will be placed along the scenic stretches of U.S. Route 1 and the iconic Florida State Road A1A, commemorate the life and legacy of the music icon whose laid-back anthems, including “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” captured the essence of the island lifestyle and left an indelible mark on American culture.

Carnival Vista Passengers Get A Big Surprise…And It’s Not A Good One

By Mark Stone FMN September 5, 2024Cruise Ships, Florida News, Travel

The Carnival Vista Photo: Carnival Cruise Lines

So you’ve planned that long awaited cruise vacation down to the last detail. You’ve talked to travel agents, shopped around for your best deal, researched cruise lines and destinations on the internet, figured out your arrival dates, booked your flights, arranged your transfers to the port, and even finagled early boarding on your ship of choice. Now all you want to do is put on your favorite swim suit and pair of flip-flops, grab a drink, and kick back by the pool. Whew! We made it on board! Let the vacation begin!

Florida Traffic Congestion … It’s No Labor Day Picnic

By Jim Siegel FMN September 2, 2024Florida News

Traffic in the Miami Area Credit: The Capitolist

Big Labor Day plans? Leave early! Traffic congestion will be everywhere, and it’s high on most people’s list as a top stress generator. Does it seem to be getting worse where you are?

The SS United States Could Become Florida’s Newest Reef

By Mark Stone FMN September 2, 2024Entertainment / Recreation, Florida News, Florida Wildlife

The SS United States is to be evicted from her Philadelphia dock of 28 years. She has until September 2024 to find a new home, and it may well be Florida. Credit: Wikicommons

The SS United States, once the fastest and most luxurious ocean liner to ever sail the seas, now finds itself at the heart of a fierce battle between those who want to preserve its legacy and those who see it as a perfect candidate for a Florida artificial reef. As the clock ticks toward a September court-mandated deadline, the fate of this American maritime icon has never been more uncertain—or more passionately debated.

DeSantis Shelves Controversial State Park Development Plans Amid Backlash

By Mark Stone FMN August 28, 2024Florida News, Florida Wildlife

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: State of Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has put a hold on a proposal to introduce extensive developments, including golf courses, pickleball courts, and 350-room hotels, to state parks following widespread public and political opposition. The governor announced the decision at a press conference on Wednesday, marking his first public remarks since the proposals from his administration were leaked last week.

Florida State Park Public Meeting Plans Reshuffled After Scathing Public Outcry

By Charles Boyer FMN August 25, 2024Florida News, Politics

Girl on bicycle at Florida State Parks — Jonathon Dickinson State Park
Photo: Florida DEP

The plan to develop some of Florida’s state parks with new amenities such as golf courses and pickleball courts has not yet been cancelled, but after overwhelmingly negative feedback from the public and pushback from Florida’s two US Senators, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has rescheduled public meetings and created a web page for the public to offer their feedback.

DeSantis Administration Plans To Add Golf Courses and Other Amenities To Some Florida State Parks Facing Heavy Opposition

By Charles Boyer FMN August 23, 2024Florida News

Jonathon Dickinson State Park
Photo: Florida DEP

On Monday, the DeSantis administration announced the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which includes plans to add golf courses and other resort-type amenities to some Florida state parks. That plan was immediately met with opposition from the general public and from environmentalists alike.

Disney Argues Disney+ Subscription Means “No Lawsuits, Just Magic!” in Lawsuit Over Allergy Tragedy

By Mark Stone FMN August 16, 2024Entertainment / Recreation, Florida News, Travel

Photo of Disney Springs Shopping area — Photo: Disney Parks

ORLANDO, FL — Imagine subscribing to Disney+ to catch up on The Mandalorian, and suddenly finding out that you’re also signing away your right to sue Disney—even if something terrible happens at one of their parks. That’s exactly what Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is arguing in response to a lawsuit that claims their negligence led to a tragic death at Disney Springs.