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Representative Gus Bilirakis Secures $1.63 Million Federal Appropriation for USF Security Lab

Representative Gus Bilirakis Secures $1.63 Million Federal Appropriation for USF Security Lab

Representative Gus Bilirakis, a Republican from Florida, has secured a $1.63 million federal appropriation to support the University of South Florida's (USF) new Security Analysis and Innovation Lab (SAIL). This lab, housed within USF's College of Arts and Sciences, is designed to assist national security partners by developing tools that help weigh possible outcomes before critical actions are taken. SAIL integrates human-behavior research, artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and advanced simulation technology to analyze complex decision-making scenarios. The lab operates in collaboration with U.S. Central Command and is powered by the INSIGHT Core, a team of senior analysts recruited directly from CENTCOM’s human dynamics program. Mark Abdollahian serves as the director of SAIL, aiming to translate interdisciplinary research into actionable insights for decision-makers. This funding underscores a continued effort to bolster national security research capabilities within academic institutions.

Florida Chimp Sanctuary Uses Drone for Food Delivery Amid Severe Flooding

Florida Chimp Sanctuary Uses Drone for Food Delivery Amid Severe Flooding

Save the Chimps, a sanctuary near Fort Pierce, Florida, resorted to using a drone to deliver food to one of its 200 apes, Kaleb, after severe rainstorms caused widespread flooding on its 150-acre property. The heavy rainfall from Sunday through Tuesday submerged internal roads, making it impossible to deliver the daily 3,000 pounds of chimp food via golf carts. While most chimps were secure in care houses on high ground, Kaleb, a 38-year-old chimp, was in an outdoor area cut off by water. The sanctuary utilized a pre-purchased delivery drone to bring food and blankets to Kaleb until he moved to a more accessible location. Despite the challenges, the organization confirmed that all chimps received their food on time, and water levels began to recede significantly by Saturday.

Dad of 20-year-old co-pilot in Florida Learjet crash says her final radio calls showed 'she's tough'

Dad of 20-year-old co-pilot in Florida Learjet crash says her final radio calls showed 'she's tough'

The father of the co-pilot who died along with eight others when her Learjet crashed in Florida feels immense pride when he listens to his daughter’s heartbreaking final radio transmissions to try to figure out why it plunged from the sky

'Important evidence': NTSB finds engine piece in Florida Learjet crash

'Important evidence': NTSB finds engine piece in Florida Learjet crash

Federal investigators recovered part of an engine as excavation continued at the Florida Learjet crash site, where nine people died.

GTA VI releases soon. New marketing you may see in Miami-Dade

GTA VI releases soon. New marketing you may see in Miami-Dade

GTA VI, scheduled for a November release, is set in the imaginary Vice City, which is heavily inspired by Miami.

South Florida under flood statement. When will high tides peak?

South Florida under flood statement. When will high tides peak?

A coastal flood statement is in effect in South Florida through this evening, with high tides expected to peak in the coming days.

Miami-Dade district could close 5 more schools. Here's the list

Miami-Dade district could close 5 more schools. Here's the list

Miami-Dade County has resumed a process that could potentially close several schools, according to a social media post by the superintendent.

Gov. DeSantis Expands Florida Flood Emergency to Additional Counties

Gov. DeSantis Expands Florida Flood Emergency to Additional Counties

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state's flooding state of emergency to include seven additional counties: Glades, Hendry, Lake, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Seminole, and Volusia. This expansion follows an initial declaration for several other Florida counties due to heavy rainfall that has caused widespread flooding, making roads impassable, displacing residents, and disrupting schools and other services. The amended executive order, announced on Wednesday, aims to strengthen Florida's capacity to deploy emergency resources, support local response efforts, and assist affected communities in their recovery. This move allows the state to coordinate emergency assistance and mobilize necessary resources as local officials continue to address the ongoing flooding crisis.

U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage to Florida Flood Victims Following Historic Rains

U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage to Florida Flood Victims Following Historic Rains

U-Haul Co. of Eastern Florida is providing 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container use to residents affected by historic flooding in central and eastern Florida. Heavy rains, which began on November 1, 2026, have resulted in up to 20 inches of rainfall in some areas, leading to widespread road closures and over 60 water rescues in Brevard County alone. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 14 counties. Many homes and businesses have sustained water damage, making access to dry and secure storage solutions critical for affected communities. The offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is subject to availability at participating U-Haul locations. Delivery of U-Box containers is available for a modest fee.

Resilience Planning Boosts Disaster Preparedness

Resilience Planning Boosts Disaster Preparedness

Utilities and city governments are enhancing disaster preparedness through resilience planning to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. Jacksonville, Florida, and New Bern, North Carolina, are leading efforts to reinforce infrastructure and educate communities. Jacksonville's JEA utility has trimmed 1,300 miles of trees, replaced 3,300 utility poles, and upgraded electrical cabinets to prevent disruptions during floods. New Bern has implemented flood-management devices and secured $6 million for stormwater improvements. Both cities emphasize public outreach, hazard mitigation, and collaboration with state and national stakeholders to ensure readiness for hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters.

Indian River and St. Lucie Counties Close Schools Due to Widespread Flooding

Indian River and St. Lucie Counties Close Schools Due to Widespread Flooding

Schools in Indian River and St. Lucie counties, Florida, will remain closed on Thursday, November 5, due to extensive flooding and impassable roads. Both school districts announced the closures on Wednesday, citing unsafe travel conditions across the Treasure Coast. In Indian River County, numerous major roads are still closed, making it difficult to ensure student safety, and all district facilities and extracurricular activities are canceled. St. Lucie Public Schools also reported flooded bus stops and standing water as reasons for extending their closures. The St. Lucie district expects to reopen on Friday, November 6, if conditions improve, while Indian River County has not yet announced a reopening date. Essential employees in St. Lucie County are required to report to work under the district's Emergency Operations Plan. Families in both counties are advised to monitor official channels for further updates regarding school operations.