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Original report by Tina Meketa of the University of South Florida. TAMPA — The University of South Florida continues to strengthen its position as one of the nation’s leading research institutions, moving up in newly released national rankings and outpacing many of its peers in research growth, according to federal data. According to a study by the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD), USF reported research spending of $522 million in fiscal year 2024, ranking it 47th out of 422 public universities in the U.S., up two spots from the previous year. Among all public and private…
The home feels calm and reliable until something unexpected happens. Minor leaks, hairline cracks, or skipping routine inspections can gradually develop into costly problems. Many homeowners don’t take action until the damage can no longer be ignored, at which point repairs often require more time, money, and effort than planned. In reality, most serious family problems do not occur all at once. They develop over time, and signs usually appear long before things get worse. Good maintenance habits can help you spot these signs early. Protect your valuable assets and reduce worries about sudden repairs. When your home is in…
With more than 20% of new businesses failing within a year and inflation making starting a business even more difficult, personal finance firm WalletHub has released a report on the best and worst states to start a business in 2026. WalletHub compared 50 U.S. states across 25 key indicators of startup success. Data sets range from ease of financing to labor costs to office space affordability. Florida is the best state to start a business. Here’s how WalletHub ranks Florida No. 1. 5th – Increase in average number of small businesses 17th – Labor costs 13th – Human Capital Availability…
The annual New Smyrna Beach arts tradition celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, attracting more than 250 artists from across the country. Image: The arts festival is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees during the three-day event starting Friday afternoon. Visitors can browse pottery, fiber art, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, and more. The event will take over surrounding streets, including several blocks of Riverside Park and Canal Street. The festival, hosted by the Atlantic Center for the Arts, generates more than $4 million in economic impact. Festival patrons view photos during the last Image Arts Festival in New Smyrna…
The assist gave Tkachuk his first points after missing the first 47 games of the season. Head coach Paul Maurice said of the goal, “It was an unbelievable shot.” “These two have been playing together for a while and have done some good things.” The score was tied at 1-1 in the third period, and Cole Perfetti scored on a backhander at the 5:24 mark, making it 4-on-4. Thursday’s tilt, the only goal of the period, sent overtime. Chances were exchanged in extra time, but neither team could break through and the game went to a shootout. After making 17…
The story of how Mexican sculptor Jacobo Alonso came to exhibit in Maitland began when he was a young man working on computer systems at Volkswagen. He had about 15 suits and found himself surrounded by colleagues who were married with children and were saving for their children’s college tuition. Something went wrong. “Men go through a midlife crisis at 40, but I went through it at 26,” Alonso said. “I thought I shouldn’t be here.” Since his early midlife crisis, Alonso has found a career as an artist, and his work is currently on display in a new exhibition…
Below is the official statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services regarding Nassau County’s recent budget audit. Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that Nassau County is overspending by more than $53 million. The county has increased its budget by more than 96% over the past five years, but its population has only grown by 18%. Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia is calling on Nassau County officials to provide residents with the tax breaks they deserve. “Taxpayers across Florida are tired of their local elected officials wasting their hard-earned money on government bloat,” said Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. As…
Cheers to a glass of science at the 5th Annual Science on Tap Beer Festival on Saturday (January 24th) from 1pm to 4pm at Lock Haven Park. The Orlando Science Center’s family-friendly fundraiser welcomes the community to enjoy an afternoon of local beers from more than 30 breweries around Central Florida. All breweries are keen to show off their beers while supporting the center’s mission to encourage learning. Guests will sip and sample while trying out interactive demos, playing lawn games with friends, and sharing plates from area food trucks scattered throughout the event. What is there in beer other…
A new report from auto research firm Edmunds says car owners defaulting on their auto loans is “more common than ever and more costly.” “Underwater trade-in values are at an all-time high,” Edmunds said. The latest findings reveal just how bad things are for people whose car loans are in negative territory. According to Edmunds data, 29.3% of people who traded in a car to buy a new car had negative equity (meaning they owed more than the car was worth) in the final quarter of 2025, the highest percentage since 2021. The average amount owed on underwater trade-ins hit…
Six new artists will be added to the lineup for the Garden Rocks Concert Series, the musical aspect of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which begins at the theme park in early March. Among the newcomers are Katrina, of Information Society (“What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy)”) and former Katrina and the Waves fame. Other performers debuting at the fest include FireHouse; “American Idol” winner I Am Tongi. Josiah Queen is a Christian singer from Florida. And the music of ABBA that starts the series. Also returning among the 20 acts are popular artists such as Rick Springfield,…