FAMU President Dr. Marva Johnson, MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and FAMU Vice President John F. Davis (Photo courtesy of FACEBOOK).

Governor Ron DeSantis awarded Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Andre “The Hawk” Dawson the Governor’s Medal of Freedom in recognition of his distinguished baseball career, his contributions to Florida A&M University, and his lasting impact on the state of Florida.

The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor a Florida governor can bestow, and it recognized Dawson’s distinguished MLB career, his generous support of Florida A&M University’s baseball program, and his lasting impact on the state

“Today, I was proud to present the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Baseball Hall of Famer and great Floridian Andre Dawson,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “His distinguished career in Major League Baseball, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting impact on our state have earned him this award. ‘The Hawk’ has represented Florida in the best possible way for decades. His generous support of FAMU and its baseball program has helped generations of student-athletes succeed. The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is the highest honor I can bestow on any Floridian, and Andre Dawson truly deserves this recognition.”

Dawson said the honor was humbling and phenomenal.
“I can’t express how grateful and gratifying it is because it’s been a journey,” he said during his acceptance speech. “And I couldn’t have made this journey without certain individuals who made a huge impact in my life that were mentors of mine. But again, this is just very humbling for me because of the meaning of this particular award.”

Born and raised in Miami, Dawson was a standout athlete at Southwest Miami Senior High School.

After going unrecruited out of high school, he took out student loans to attend Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, where he walked on to the Rattlers’ baseball team.

His performance at FAMU attracted the attention of Major League Baseball scouts, and the Montreal Expos selected him in the 1975 MLB Draft.

Dawson made his major league debut in 1976 and earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1977.

Over the course of his 21-year career, Dawson established himself as one of baseball’s most complete players, combining power at the plate, speed on the basepaths, and outstanding defense in the outfield.

He played for the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Florida Marlins, earning eight All-Star selections, eight Gold Glove Awards, and four Silver Slugger Awards.

Dawson’s 1987 season with the Chicago Cubs stands among the most memorable individual performances in baseball history.

He hit 49 home runs and recorded 137 runs batted in, earning National League Most Valuable Player honors.

By the end of his career, Dawson had amassed 438 home runs, 2,774 hits, 1,591 runs batted in, and 314 stolen bases.

In 2010, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

His other honors include having his number retired by the Expos, induction into the Expos and Cubs Halls of Fame, and recognition in the Washington Nationals Ring of Honor.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Dawson has maintained a strong connection to Florida A&M University and its baseball program, supporting the institution that helped launch his professional career.

His commitment to advancing opportunities for student-athletes at Historically Black Colleges and Universities was recognized in 2018 when Major League Baseball’s HBCU baseball event was renamed the Andre Dawson Classic.

The event showcases HBCU baseball programs and provides student-athletes opportunities to compete and gain national exposure.

Dawson joins an esteemed group of past recipients, including Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden, golfer Barbara Nicklaus, musician Jimmy Buffett, Coach Lee Corso, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, and Everglades conservation champions Paul Tudor Jones, Nat Reed, George Barley, and Mary Barley, among others who have each been recognized for their lasting contributions to the state of Florida and beyond.

The post MLB Hall of Famer, Miami native Dawson receives Governor’s Medal of Freedom appeared first on South Florida Times.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

A New Mexico court ordered Meta to pay $25 million fine after a jury found Meta guilty of exposing user data, according to Reuters.

Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney said Meta will appeal the penalty.

He criticized the decision, saying the ruling imposes significant restrictions on businesses seeking to operate in the state.

The lawsuit was filed as part of the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the personal information of millions of Facebook users was made available to a political lobbying group without users’ consent.

Meta has repeatedly downplayed the impacts of that leak, with Meta executive Andrew Bosworth saying in 2020 that Cambridge Analytica was a “non-event” and that the lobbying group was essentially a collection of “snake oil salesmen” who had no real influence.

But even so, the case revealed significant gaps in Meta’s data security, which prompted the FTC to issue the company with a $5 billion fine for related breaches in 2019.

Meta Chief Legal Officer C.J. Mahoney said Meta will appeal the penalty.

He criticized the decision, saying the ruling imposes significant restrictions on businesses seeking to operate in the state.

The lawsuit was filed as part of the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the personal information of millions of Facebook users was made available to a political lobbying group without users’ consent.

Meta has repeatedly downplayed the impacts of that leak, with Meta executive Andrew Bosworth saying in 2020 that Cambridge Analytica was a “non-event” and that the lobbying group was essentially a collection of “snake oil salesmen” who had no real influence.

But even so, the case revealed significant gaps in Meta’s data security, which prompted the FTC to issue the company with a $5 billion fine for related breaches in 2019.

The post Meta ordered to pay $25 billion fine for privacy breaches appeared first on South Florida Times.

Photo courtesy of premisesinjuryadvocates.com

By David L. Snelling
South Florida Times

MIAMI – Florida leads the nation in children drownings despite prevention efforts to keep kids safe while enjoying the water.

The kid drowning rate in Florida has remained high in recent years, showing no decline as children are losing their lives in the water.

According to a study conducted by the University of South Florida, child drowning deaths in the state reached a record high of 140 in 2025.

That represents an increase from 104 in 2024.

So far this year, 82 kids from ages 2 to 11 have died by drowning in Florida.

In 2023, the Department of Children of Families reported 97 child drownings, 93 in 2022, 99 in 2021 and 69 kids drownings in 2020.

The drownings occurred at public and private swimming pools, backyard and frontyard swimming pools, lakes and the beaches.
“It’s like a magnet. Kids want to get to the water. If you have a backyard swimming pool behind your home, you should absolutely be fencing it off,” said Paul Demello, an advocate with Just Against Children Drowning.

Legislative efforts and drowning awareness campaigns have had no effect.

State lawmakers have approved multiple bills to address the crisis since 2021 including:

* SB 544 – providing free swim lesson vouchers for children under 4 in low‑income families.

* SB 274 – requiring written swim‑skill attestations for children in water‑based programs and flotation devices for at‑risk children.

* SB 610 – mandating safety features in residential pools and water safety education in hospitals and childbirth centers.

In addition, children safety advocates are encouraging parents to install fences around their backyard pools to keep kids safe

They also recommended teaching children to lie on their backs as early as six months old, and adults should learn CPR, calling it a crucial skill.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties continue to record one of the highest child drowning death rates in the U.S., according to CBS News.

As of the latest available reports, there have been 7 child drownings in Miami-Dade County so far in 2026, according to PR Newswire.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages 1–4 die from drowning more than from any other cause.

So far this year, three children have reportedly drowned in Broward County.

On June 19, 2026, a 4‑year‑old boy drowned in a pool in North Lauderdale, a four year-old girl drowned in a lake in Plantation on July 5 and a two year -old boy also drowned in a lake in Plantation on July 12.

Local experts note that the trend is worsening, with multiple cases occurring within short timeframes.

Broward County leaders and local officials have publicly addressed the drowning crisis, emphasizing that child drownings are preventable and require a multi‑layered safety approach.

At a swim safety conference in Fort Lauderdale following multiple child drownings in 2024, officials stressed that drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1–4.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Gollan said the community is “coming together as a united front to hopefully prevent that next tragedy” and urged parents to ensure adult supervision, install pool alarms or fences, and teach children how to swim.

Miami-Dade’s Zero Drownings program has reached about 4,000 children so far this year, offering free swim and water-safety lessons to pre-K and kindergarten students, with a goal of 20,000 children annually.

Sheryl Woods of the YMCA of South Florida emphasized that swim lessons are affordable and life‑saving, and that families should take time to educate children on water safety.

She said Florida offers free swimming lesson vouchers and families should take advantage of the opportunity to prevent drownings in the future.
“Absolutely unacceptable,” she said. “No child should drown. Drowning is preventable.”

Broward County U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz joined local safety advocates in calling drowning a “public health crisis” and said “swim lessons are our best tool in this fight.”

She urged stronger enforcement of Florida’s residential pool safety barrier laws and reminded that multiple layers of protection — barriers, supervision, swim lessons, life jackets, and CPR training.

The post Florida children drownings reach alarming rate despite prevention efforts appeared first on South Florida Times.

Photo courtesy of STOCK

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The City of Miami Gardens is hosting its annual Family Fall Festival for Halloween, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at State Senator Oscar Braynon Park at Rolling Oats, 1317 Northwest 183rd Street.

The event features games, candy, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment.

In addition, kids will enjoy carnival rides and an all-new expanded haunted trail.

Kids can wear scary costumes or dress up like their favorite superheroes for a chance to win some exciting prizes in a costume contest.

The event is free and open to the public.

No face coverings are allowed and minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants and parents must register at CMGFallfestival26.evenbrite.com.

For more information, please contact: Derrick Baker at dbaker@miamigardens-fl.gov.

The post Miami Gardens to host Family Fall Festival Oct. 31 appeared first on South Florida Times.

North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme (Photo courtesy of FACEBOOK)

MIAMI – A Miami-Dade Circuit judge ruled that North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme should be disqualified from the November 3, 2026, election for allegedly violating a state election qualifying fee requirement.

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez ruled that Desulme, a Haitian American, violated a state election law by issuing two cashier’s checks from TD bank to cover the fees instead of using money from his campaign account, giving his lone opponent George Morgan a victory in court and on the ballot.

Desulme’s attorney, Ben Kuchne, said an appeal is underway to reverse the judge’s decision which was handed down on the first day of early voting.

According to the Miami Herald, Morgan filed the lawsuit to remove Desulme from the ballot after he discovered the alleged violation.

Desulme wrote two cashier’s checks- in the amounts of $898.80 and $4,494- from his bank account.

Florida election law requires qualifying fees to be paid from a campaign account, and checks should be endorsed by the campaign Treasurer.

Kunhne said his client paid the fees with his campaign funds.

The post North Miami Mayor Desulme ineligible to run for qualifying fee violation, judge says appeared first on South Florida Times.

Florida gubernatorial candidates Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Democrat and former congressman David Jolly (Photo courtesy megicula.info)

By David L. Snelling
South Florida Times

MIAMI – In less than a month, Florida voters will choose the next governor to replace GOP leader Ron DeSantis who is term-limited this year and endorsed the party’s nominee.

The stakes are high for the November 3 midterm elections, as Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Democratic rival David Jolly, a former Congressman, are vying for the governor’s mansion.

The latest polls have mixed results as both candidates are hitting the campaign trail hard in the final stretch before voters decide their fate.

According to a poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, Donalds holds a 7-point lead over Democrat David Jolly in the race for Florida governor.

The survey conducted Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, among 625 likely voters, found Donalds at 48 percent, Jolly at 41 percent, another candidate at 1 percent, and 10 percent as undecided.

The margin of error is ±4 percentage points.

Men favor Donalds at 55 percent to 33 percent, while women back Jolly 49 percent to 41 percent.

White voters support Donalds with 59 percent to Jolly’s 30 percent; Black voters support Jolly 76 percent to 10 percent; and Hispanic voters narrowly prefer Donalds at 48 percent to 43 percent.

By party, Donalds takes 87 percent of Republicans and Jolly takes 85 percent of Democrats.

Independents favor Jolly 47 percent to 28 percent, with 24 percent undecided.

Regionally, Donalds leads in North Florida (60 percent-33 percent), Central Florida (55 percent-33 percent), and Southwest Florida (57 percent-33 percent).

Jolly leads in Tampa Bay (48-42 percent) and Southeast Florida (52 percent-36 percent).

Younger voters (18-34 and 35-49) lean narrowly toward Jolly, while older voters (50-64 and 65+) favor Donalds more decisively.

According to a Change Research Poll, both candidates are tied at 47 percent.

Donalds, who was also endorsed by President Donald Trump, is seeking to become the first Black governor of Florida while Jolly wants to be the first Democrat governor elected in over 32 years.

Jolly is focusing on changing the political landscape in Florida, criticizing DeSantis and other GOP leaders for failing to address significant issues gripping Florida including affordable homes, property insurance, high food and gas prices and adequate healthcare.

“People have felt the pent-up democracy that’s about to get exercised,” Jolly said during one of his political rallies, flanked by his running mate Gwen Graham. “For too long, Floridians have been told if we just stay divided and hate each other longer, somehow our lives will get better. This election, voters are saying “not anymore.” Florida’s ready for change.”

AI and data centers are among the issues at the forefront of the race.

Despite a boon to the economy, some Floridians including environmental groups oppose such facilities due to potential impact including higher utility bills and noise and water pollution.

Jolly said Republicans are trying to ram AI and data centers down the throats of Floridians who don’t want them.

He said he plans to slow down the effort.

“As Floridians rightfully worry about the impact of AI and data centers, Byron Donalds is telling them they’re wrong,” Jolly said. “My opponent takes millions from the developers who want to build data centers in your backyard. You have my word: Florida’s not for sale. As governor, I’ll sign a moratorium on day one.”

During an October 12, 2026 town hall meeting at FAMU in Tallahassee, Jolly outlined his political platform with the focus also on immigration enforcement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and education investment.

Jolly said he plans to end the requirement for local law enforcement to assist ICE in arresting and detaining illegal immigrants which he calls racial profiling and unconstitutional.

He also said he plans to reinstate DEI, which Trump and GOP governors scaled back the framework to promote diversity and people underrepresented in colleges and workplaces.

According to a survey, Trump’s move to do away with most DEI requirements has created hardship among Blacks and other minorities in the job markets and college education as well as government positions.

On higher education investment, Jolly criticized the state for withholding $2 billion in funding due to FAMU and said the HBCU should be a priority, with a reshaped Board of Governors and a push toward flagship status.

Students pressed Jolly about his shift from Republican to Independent to Democrat.

He said the problem is not his past party membership but “people who know better today who remain in the Republican Party.”

He described changes on “issues like reproductive rights and gun policy as part of personal growth over time.”

During his recent 22- county campaign swing, Donalds brought his political platform to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens, where he was invited to speak to the congregation.

But it was contentious from the start.

According to social media, a woman stormed out of the church after the pastor endorsed Donalds and after the gubernatorial candidate referred to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

Pastor Arthur Jackson III told the congregation that he had invited candidates from both parties, but only Donalds had agreed to appear.

Nevertheless, Donalds’ focus is on affordability, healthcare reform, economic growth, education, law and order, infrastructure, environmental protection, and government transparency, with a strong emphasis on Florida-specific solutions and targeted tax relief for seniors and working families.

“From lowering costs to keeping our communities safe, I’m focused on what matters to you and your family,” he said. “Let’s keep working. The Florida Dream is worth fighting for.”

For housing and affordability, Donalds emphasizes lowering costs for working families and seniors, including streamlining local and state permitting to increase affordable housing supply.

He supports tax relief for seniors and working families and has proposed expanding the homestead exemption (to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028) while exploring full property tax elimination or targeted relief.

For healthcare, Donalds is advocating fr transparency in healthcare costs and reducing red tape so doctors can focus on patients.

For the economy and business, Donalds said he promotes reducing bureaucratic delays for business formation, opposing costly regulations, and fostering a business-friendly environment.

“It’s time to defend the Florida dream and build on the progress we’ve made,” he said.

Unlike Jolly, Donalds backs Florida’s mandate for local law enforcement to comply with ICE’s program and also supports border security, ending “taxpayer handouts” to illegal immigration.”

Donalds’ visit was part of a broader effort to reach Black voters whether they are Republicans, Democrats or Independents.

Donalds said his campaign is more appealing to Blacks since he’s trying to make history as the first African American governor of Florida.

“I think there’s a lot of Black voters who are looking at my campaign because they’re just trying to figure out who’s going to be the best person to lead Florida into the future,” Donalds told CBS.

He added that Black voters are “starting to not be as monolithically tied to the Democrat Party.”

Despite Trump’s low approval rating as Americans are reeling from high gas and oil prices and food costs, Donalds said Republicans are poised to run away with the midterm elections.

Donalds leads Jolly in fundraising, amassing a $90 million war chest, while his Democratic opponent has over $2.8 million in the bank, according to campaign finance reports.

The post Jolly, Donalds make last-minute pitches for Florida gubernatorial race appeared first on South Florida Times.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

By Knowridge

Metformin is widely used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, and research suggests it may also offer benefits beyond that main job. Its long history of use has also revealed side effects that range from digestive discomfort to less common but important complications.

Understanding both sides matters because diabetes affects much more than a blood test result.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and organs, while people with diabetes also face an increased risk of heart problems.

Metformin has been prescribed for decades, so its effects are supported by both clinical trials and experience in routine care.

Some proposed benefits are still being investigated, making it important to separate its established use in diabetes from other possibilities.

Metformin reduces the amount of sugar released by the liver and helps the body respond more effectively to insulin.

Insulin is the hormone that allows sugar to move from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy.

One important trial, published in The Lancet in 1998, studied intensive blood sugar control in overweight people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

The metformin group had a 39% lower relative risk of heart attack than the group receiving the conventional treatment policy, which mainly involved diet.

That figure describes a comparison between specific groups in a particular trial.

It does not mean that every person taking metformin gains the same protection, or that the drug reduces every form of heart disease by 39%.

Research on other diabetes medicines is also examining kidney and lung protection beyond lowering blood sugar; those results should not be assumed to apply to metformin.

Metformin can also have a favorable effect on weight compared with some diabetes treatments that cause weight gain. Some people lose a modest amount, but the response varies and blood sugar management remains its principal purpose.

Researchers have investigated possible effects on inflammation, the body’s response to injury or infection.

Such work may help explain some of metformin’s wider actions, but it does not establish the medicine as a general treatment for inflammation or cancer.

The most familiar side effects involve the digestive system, including nausea, diarrhea and stomach discomfort. These may ease with time, although some people continue to find them troublesome.

Long-term use can reduce vitamin B12 levels by affecting absorption.

A shortage of this vitamin can contribute to tiredness, nerve problems and anemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry oxygen as effectively as it should.

A very rare complication is lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in the body.

Serious kidney problems can increase the risk because the medicine may not be cleared properly.

Metformin alone does not usually cause low blood sugar, although the risk can change when it is combined with other diabetes medicines.

Its wider benefits are worth studying, but they do not remove the need to consider kidney function, other treatments and the side effects associated with continued use.

The post Big Risks and Benefits of Diabetes Drug Metformin appeared first on South Florida Times.

U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon and journalist, political commentator and television host Joy Reid at The Sanctuary Church in Fort Lauderdale (Photo courtesy of FACEBOOK).

By David L. Snelling
South Florida Times

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Democrats’ chances of flipping seats during the midterm elections are improving due to President Donald Trump’s low approval rating over the war with Iran, high gas, oil and food prices, a struggling economy and immigration.

According to journalist, political commentator and television host Joy Reid, U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon, who is challenging incumbent Ashley Moody in Florida, might pull off another upset victory similar to the Democratic primary when she was the underdog and outspent 16-1 in campaign contributions.

She raised $975,000 to Alex Vindman’s $16.3 million.

Vindman is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel best known for his 2019 testimony in the Trump–Ukraine impeachment inquiry, where he served as Director of European Affairs on the National Security Council.

Reid, a former national correspondent for MSNBC and is best known for hosting the political commentary program The Reid Out from 2020 to 2025, was in Fort Lauderdale this week to interview Nixon, 42, on stage during a political rally at The Sanctuary Church.

During an exclusive interview with the South Florida Times, Reid said she conducted the interview in Broward County for voters who might not be familiar with Nixon and her political platform ahead of the November 3 election.

“We’re doing it here for people to get to know her in South Florida,” Reid said. “Interviewing her in front of a crowd to interest voters is a good thing.”

Some Democrats were pessimistic over Nixon’s chances since she’s a socialist which could impact Hispanic voters, using a bullhorn to denounce the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature’s redistricting vote and staging a sit-in at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office and subsequent arrest.

But Reid said Nixon, a former state representative from Jacksonville, is a bright political star similar to Barack Obama’s rise in the U.S. Senate before he became U.S. President.

“I have seen and observed a number of campaigns including in Florida, and no candidate can generate energy and excitement more than Angie Nixon,” Reid said. “Like Barack Obama, she he has a compelling life story, and she brings that same energy. Her background makes her a unique candidate, and no one is better suited for the seat than Angie Nixon.”

Reid entered the circle of Nixon’s supporters during the rally and learned they are overprotective of the candidate, especially after the attacks from Republicans, accusing her of advocating to abolish the police, defund the military and empty prisons.

But Reid indicated Moody is no saint.

Reid said Moody, who was Florida’s attorney general at the time, helped steal $10 million of taxpayers’ money by steering it into Hope for Florida which was used to finance political campaigns in 2024.

The Hope Florida scandal centers on the misappropriation of $10 million of a $67 million from a Medicaid settlement that Florida officials diverted through the Hope Florida Foundation into political committees tied to DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, primarily to fight the 2024 recreational marijuana Amendment 3.

Moody’s office approved the $10 million to divert the money to Hope for Florida.

“She stole from the poor people from Florida,” Reid said.

Reid said immigration is the focus of the race following President Trump’s mass illegal immigration deportation operation that has sent nearly 1 million people back to their homelands and countries they never had any ties to.

As a result, Reid said deportation has threatened the workforce for the hospitality and agriculture industries.

She also said Trump turned his back on Hispanics who voted for him in 2024 by stripping them of their deportation protection, cutting her healthcare benefits and creating education funding barriers.

“That is part of the reason Democrats have an opportunity in November,” Reid said. “The combination of the economy and administration policies that impact the workforce in Florida for Black and Brown people, Cubans and other Hispanics could be key factors in November. The policies are bad for Republicans right now.”

According to Wikipedia, Nixon is a member of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Nixon and her brother were raised in the Moncrief neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, by a single mother, who worked two jobs to support the family.

She attended Stanton College Preparatory School and graduated from the University of Florida in 2007 with a degree in political science.

In 2008, the year after graduating from college, Nixon ran unsuccessfully for the Jacksonville City Council.

She went on to work as an aide to Mia Jones when Jones was the representative from the 14th district.

In the 2020 elections, Nixon defeated incumbent Kimberly Daniels, who was seeking re-election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 14, covering part of Duval County, in the Democratic Party primary election.

In June 2026, Nixon joined the DSA and reporters questioned her affiliation.

“I don’t fully align with anybody’s full platform 100 percent, not even the Democratic Party,” she said. “The reason I joined the organization was because they believe we should have access to quality healthcare. They believe that we should have quality access to quality housing and fully funded public schools.”

Nixon opposed the Iran war and criticized its costs.

“We are jeopardizing the lives of American service members and Iranian civilians,” she said.

Nixon said in August 2026 that she would have voted to cut $3.3 billion in aid to Israel.

“We cannot continue to send money to countries that are violating international law, that are violating human rights,” she said.

On Nixon joining the DSA, Reid said to her, Nixon is an “aggressive Democrat.”

“Just because you are partisan, you don’t always do what Democrats want,” Reid said. “She believes people deserve better healthcare, keeping tax money in Florida and not spending it on foreign wars.”

Current polling shows Moody leading Nixon by margins ranging from 6 to 11 points in most surveys, though one St. Pete Polls survey found the race tied at 45–45.

Nixon leads in fundraising with $7.5 millon to Moody’s $5.8 million but the attorney general still leads in total cycle totals and cash on hand.

As the election approaches, Reid said federal and state policies have left Floridians reeling.

She said some Floridians are seeking an exodus over the declining economy, high food prices and school districts losing thousands and thousands of students.

“People want to get out of Florida but can’t sell their homes because of the inflation rate,” she said. “Florida’s inflation is higher than New York.”

The post Reid says Nixon, Democrats gaining ground for midterm elections appeared first on South Florida Times.

Photo courtesy of chattooga1180.com

MIAMI- Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, Issues Scam Alert Regarding Fraudulent Traffic Citation Text Messages

The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office is warning residents about fraudulent text messages circulating throughout the community that falsely claim to be from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) regarding unpaid traffic citations.

The messages instruct recipients to click on a link or make a payment to resolve an alleged violation. These messages are scams and are not affiliated with the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Residents are urged to not click on any links contained in these messages. Instead, delete the message immediately and report it as spam.

The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles do not send text messages requesting payment or asking residents to click on links for traffic violations.

“Our office is committed to protecting Miami-Dade residents from fraud and keeping the community informed,” said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “If you receive one of these messages, do not engage with it. Always verify any official communication through trusted government sources.”

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and protect their personal information.

If there is ever uncertainty regarding a message claiming to be from a government agency, individuals should contact the appropriate agency directly through its official website or phone number.

For more information, residents can visit the official Miami-Dade County Tax Collector website at mdctaxcollector.gov

The post Miami-Dade tax collector warns residents about fraud traffic citation texts appeared first on South Florida Times.

Photo courtesy of Miami-Dade County

MIAMI – Ocean Aviation, backed by Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, broke ground on a new private aviation campus at Miami Executive Airport (TMB). The development represents a $67 million capital commitment, which will establish a state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate up to 400,000 square feet of hangar space across communal and private configurations, a premium terminal, and a fuel farm.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in the growth of Miami Executive Airport and South Miami-Dade,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “With this $67 million investment, 40 acres of previously undeveloped airport land will become a state-of-the-art aviation campus that brings even more travelers and businesses to our community. Ocean Aviation’s expansion is also expected to create roughly 2,900 construction jobs and 250 permanent positions for our local workforce. I’m proud to welcome Ocean Aviation to Miami Executive Airport and commend its bold commitment to our county.”

Ocean Aviation was established in 2024 with the execution of a 40-year, 40-acre ground lease at Miami Executive Airport, positioning the company to develop one of the most significant new fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities in the southeastern United States. Ocean Aviation has since expanded its South Florida footprint with the September 2026 acquisition of National Jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a Fort Lauderdale FBO with more than 60 years of history. National Jets will continue to operate under its established name, and together, TMB and FLL form a dual-airport network serving the Miami–Fort Lauderdale metro.

“Ocean Aviation is an incredible vision becoming reality today,” said Romain Grosjean, Executive Chairman, Ocean Aviation. “Through my career in Formula 1 and Indycar, I’ve had the chance to work with some of the most brilliant people, and what I’ve learned is that every detail matters, even the smallest ones.  This is our philosophy and why we want to set new standards for private aviation through exceptional service, thoughtful design, and operational excellence. Breaking ground at Miami Executive Airport is a defining milestone for our company — it allows us to create a flagship aviation campus built around the needs of aircraft owners, operators, and flight departments, and to set a new standard for the FBO experience in South Florida.”

The development serves the growing base of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, corporate flight departments, and international private aviation operators across the Miami metro, one of the most supply-constrained and fastest-growing private aviation markets in the United States.

“Today’s groundbreaking reflects our continued conviction in the South Florida market and our commitment to building a world-class FBO platform,” said David Chene, Managing Partner, Kennedy Lewis Investment Management. “Durable demand across the region, a 40-year ground lease here at Miami Executive, and the airport’s growing role as a general aviation port of entry make this a cornerstone asset for the Ocean Aviation platform. With a team on the ground in Miami and a platform that now includes National Jets in Fort Lauderdale, we’re proud to partner with Miami-Dade County in building infrastructure that will drive jobs and economic growth across South Florida for decades to come.”

The new development will include a fuel farm, a state-of-the-art FBO, communal and private aircraft hangars, and the relocation of the Wings Over Miami Air Museum. The project also includes a 32,000-square-foot common-use taxi lane and common-use ramp serving U.S. Customs and Border Protection, creating infrastructure designed to support more efficient aircraft movements and international general aviation operations.

At the center of the development will be Ocean Aviation’s new FBO, envisioned as a modern gateway for private, corporate, and general aviation customers using Miami Executive Airport. The facility will be complemented by communal and private hangar space, providing additional aircraft storage and operational capacity. Together, these improvements represent a substantial modernization of both the airside and landside environment at the airport.

A significant community component of the development will be the relocation of the Wings Over Miami Air Museum to a new home at Miami Executive Airport. The museum preserves and displays historic aircraft and aviation artifacts while supporting aviation education and maintaining an important connection to South Florida’s aviation history.

The project will be delivered through a design-build model led by Lemartec, with Schenkel Shultz serving as the design partner. The integrated delivery approach brings together aviation planning, design and construction expertise to develop a cohesive facility capable of supporting the specialized operational requirements of a modern FBO and aviation development.

“It is a privilege for Lemartec and the MasTec General Building Group to continue supporting Miami-Dade County and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department while helping bring Ocean Aviation’s vision to life, said Manny Garcia-Tuñón, Group President, Lemartec. “After delivering critical public infrastructure projects across the county, we are proud to partner on this transformative private investment. Ocean Aviation is setting a new standard for private aviation through innovation, service, and operational excellence, and we are honored to help build a facility that will shape the future of aviation in Miami.”

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