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This week, the KPMG Florida team will proudly host its first annual day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 10th. Community leaders and government partners will come together to support literacy for K-12 students across the state by donating books through the KPMG booth at the Florida State Capitol. “Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning, and we are proud to do our part, one book at a time,” said Anthony Monaco, KPMG Florida Partner. We have a large team and a great training center based in Florida, and we are honored to give back, even in a small way,…
Mardi Gras season is back at Universal Orlando. The event continues to emphasize the New Orleans-style festive atmosphere, including a bead-carrying parade, concerts, and international cuisine. New additions to the event, officially named Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavor of Carnival, are influencing its atmosphere, including new menu items, floats and the introduction of reptilian royalty. Prince Gator, a gold and green, large beaded and crowned character, is now available to interact with visitors. He’s stationed near the park’s Pantages Theater (home of the Horror Makeup Show) in the basement of a curved structure Universal calls Hollywood Wave. Universal Orlando show…
New data shows people looking to buy a car may be delaying their purchase. Analysts say the current market is “volatile and risky” due to several factors. Auto loan foreclosures have soared to the highest level since the Great Recession of 2008-2009, with about 3 million expected to be foreclosed on in 2026. Rising interest rates continue to plague the market with potential buyers. “Consumers remain concerned about costs and are concerned about overpaying, overfinancing, or being locked into unsustainable financing if economic conditions tighten,” Forbes.com reported. Other consumer concerns may be a little more deep-rooted. Ray Shefska, co-founder of…
Art and aerospace will meet again at the upcoming Spark STEM Fest at the Orlando Science Center. Covering both areas is former astronaut and space watercolorist Nicole Stott. “You think you’re an astronaut, you think you’re an engineer, you think you’re a scientist,” Stott says. “Yet, most of the people I’ve met in my life are actually doing something artistic or creative, and we want to share that.” Spark STEM Fest celebrates technology and innovation through hands-on experiences, live science shows, and interactions with engineers, researchers, and other experts. This event will be held at the Science Center on Saturday,…
February’s Family Support Awareness Month reminds us that strong families are built with support and education. At Thompson Child & Family Focus, our mission has always been to serve children and families through healing, education, worship, and play. We believe that most families don’t need to be fixed. they need to be supported. When caregivers have the right tools and resources, children are safer and families can stay together. Every day we realize the power of family support. A group of four siblings recently came into our care. Witnessing ongoing domestic violence and living in chaos, their actions reflected pure…
A farm bill moving through Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature would impose new restrictions on free speech. Section 47 is found in Senate Bill 209 and House Bill 433. It’s a provision that critics say would impede free speech to criticize or provide opposing analysis on certain agricultural issues that could harm Florida’s drinking water system. “Big Sugar’s muzzle clause threatens free speech, public accountability, and our ability to speak openly about practices that impact Florida’s water quality,” said Chris Whitman of Captains for Clean Water (CFCW). At one of the hearings, a group affiliated with CFCW included small business owners, members…
A new study from the law firm Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys found that more than 4.35 million emergency department visits were related to sports and recreation. Exercise and exercise equipment cause more emergency department visits than any other sport or recreational activity, with approximately 565,000 injuries occurring annually. Cycling followed closely with 454,008 injuries, and basketball accounted for 385,777 attendees, making it the most injury-prone organized team sport. Soccer and wheeled recreational equipment such as skateboards, scooters, and hoverboards also contributed significantly to the incidence of ER, reinforcing the risks associated with both contact sports and balance-based activities. Men accounted…
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new identity verification process designed to strengthen federal screening standards while allowing passengers on certain airlines to continue traveling even if they arrive at an airport security checkpoint without compliant identification. The new system, known as confirmID, was recently detailed in a report by AirlineGeeks and officially announced with a national rollout listed in a TSA release. The program allows travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, or other approved credentials to attempt to pass through a security checkpoint by completing an alternative identity verification process. TSA officials say…
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer announced the arrest of a 29-year-old Rhode Island man on suspicion of sexually exploiting minors and coercing them to produce child sexual abuse material through online platforms such as Snapchat and Roblox. Authorities identified the suspect as Justin Adkins, who was taken into custody in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 3, 2026, following a multi-agency investigation led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Green Cove Springs Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office. He is being held without bail and is expected to be extradited to…
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) announced it is endorsing Republican candidate James Usmayer in the race for Florida attorney general, citing his record of consumer protection, public safety and support for the state’s business environment. In a statement released Tuesday, AIF President and CEO Brewster Beavis said the organization believes Usmayer has demonstrated a commitment to championing free enterprise while ensuring that Florida remains a safe place for businesses and workers. “AIF is proud to endorse James Usmeyer for Florida Attorney General,” Beavis said. “During his tenure, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting consumers, championing…