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The federal government announced last week that Florida has been awarded more than $209 million in fiscal year 2026 from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen rural health care. The Florida Hospital Association (FHA), which advocated for the funding, praised the federal government’s major investment in Florida and praised its impact on communities across the Sunshine State. “Florida’s rural hospitals are the lifelines of their communities, providing access to care for families living in rural areas,” said FHA President and CEO Mary C. Mayhew. “This critical funding will not only maintain these essential lifelines, but strengthen them. By…
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy surveys every state in the country and analyzes the top five industries that are popular for small businesses. Most small businesses in Florida are sole proprietors or freelancers, and the latest information from the SBA reveals the top five most popular small businesses in Florida. Topping the list of the most popular sectors for small businesses in Florida was the professional, scientific, and technical services industry, with 441,622 companies participating. This category includes industries such as law, IT, consulting, architecture, and marketing. The second largest sector is the transportation and warehousing…
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – That’s exactly what lies ahead for the Florida Panthers. It takes a lot of time while moving. After Monday’s practice at the Baptist Health Iceplex, the Panthers will pack up and take to the air, playing 10 of their remaining 13 games on the road in January. A six-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs begins on Tuesday. “It’s a lot of fun going on the road with the guys,” forward Carter Verge said. The Panthers, who are 22-16-3 and one point out of the second wild-card spot, have an 8-7-0 record on the road, with…
Florida is experiencing a significant decline in home values nationwide. The state experienced strong growth of nearly 47% over five years, but is now undergoing a sharp correction as prices retreat from their peak in August 2024. Zillow, an online real estate marketplace in the US, examined housing data from 2020 to 2025 to determine which states saw the biggest changes in property values over the past one and five years. According to Zillow’s Home Value Index metric, which estimates typical home values in an area by averaging monthly Zestimate values, the average home value in Florida in August 2024…
According to government figures, a record 143 million people will visit the state in 2024, including many to Florida’s national parks such as the Everglades. But this year, for a limited time, state and U.S. residents will be able to visit these national parks for free. The Department of the Interior (DOI) lists the Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas as Florida’s three major national parks, but also includes other National Park Service sites such as preserves and monuments. Free admission dates listed on the DOI are: President’s Day (February 16, 2026) Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) Flag Day/President Trump’s Birthday…
You’re probably thinking that Taylor Swift is everywhere these days, so it wouldn’t be a shock if she showed up at Walt Disney World. In this case, three of her tour outfits can be seen at Walt Disney Presents, a walk-through attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The trio are mounted on mannequins behind glass in a single display case, and Disney says each was worn during Swift’s famous Elas tour. Visitors can see a black and gold serpentine bodysuit (designed by Roberto Cavalli) that was part of her “Reputation” set, as well as a Vivienne Westwood dress with…
According to NHL statistics, Ekblad has accounted for 127 goals in his career (47 goals, 80 goals), which is the third most in franchise history behind Aleksander Barkov (262 goals) and Jonathan Huberdeau (200 goals). “It was a great screen from Leino (Sam Reinhart),” Ekblad said of the goal. “I think it was because of the screen, but the internet was pretty open.” The third period was a close one, with both teams combining for just 11 shots (6-5 FLA). Daniil Tarasov made a great save on Nathan MacKinnon to deny the Avalanche’s last chance and scored, giving the Panthers…
The gambling market is already reacting to the news of the US arrest and detention of dictator Nicolas Maduro. Oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag do not predict the US will use military force against Venezuela before April, with the figure representing only a 20% chance of an invasion, as President Donald Trump has said the US will “govern” Venezuela in the short term. How about Venezuela becoming the 51st state? There’s a large camp that thinks that could happen given the country’s oil supply, but the 7/2 odds below give it only a 22% chance. With Maduro in custody, many have speculated…
For some fans, this year’s Winter Classic was a full-circle moment. Neal, who has been a Panthers fan for the past 18 years, said, “To see the Panthers gain national recognition after being in the Stanley Cup Final for three years and facing the New York Rangers, who I was there to win the Stanley Cup in 1994, and to be here now, 31 years later, celebrating the Panthers’ success against the Rangers only adds to the joy.” The Panthers have ignited the local market and catapulted themselves to the center of the hockey world over the past four seasons,…
As we begin a new year, I’m asking myself the same questions as many others. “Where have the last 12 months been?” As we reflect on the past year and set our sights on 2026, I’m continuing the Central Florida Explorer’s annual tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions and focusing on my intentions for the coming months. For example, I want to limit my phone time, incorporate movement into my day, and visit more state parks. Before we look to next year, let’s take a look at how well we accomplished our 2025 goals. Looking back at 2025 The last…