CYCLOSPOROSIS IN FLORIDA
A gastrointestinal infection is circulating in Florida, and approximately 60 cases have already been reported, primarily in June 2026. It is caused by a parasite that leads to severe diarrhea following the ingestion of water or food contaminated with feces. Previous outbreaks in the United States were primarily linked to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Miami-Dade County is the hardest hit with nine cases, followed closely by Broward County with five cases.
Cyclosporiasis is not fatal, but its symptoms can be very unpleasant, including dehydration. After exposure, symptoms appear between seven and 14 days, making the infection not very contagious. Cases increase in the summer, between May and September. Increased vigilance is recommended regarding water quality and the washing of fruits and vegetables. No primary source of the outbreak in Florida has been identified at this time.
CONTRACT EXTENSION BETWEEN POMPANO BEACH
AND THE BROWARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Contrary to its previously stated intention to establish an independent municipal police department, the city of Pompano Beach has just signed a three-year contract extension with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO). The two parties have reached a financial agreement that, according to Mayor Rex Hardin, ensures the continuity of police services at a “known” cost.
In fact, the increase in the cost of BSO services is now capped at a maximum of 5% per year. Last year, the BSO had proposed a rise of no less than 16% to the Pompano Beach commission, which had then announced its intention to terminate its contract with Sheriff Gregory Tony. Sheriff Tony, known for his strong personality, has softened his stance to ensure the partnership continues—for at least three years, for now. Pompano Beach already has its own fire station.
A study by independent consultants recently concluded that a municipal police department would have cost $247 million and led to higher property taxes for residents. Their report did not conclude that Pompano Beach would see long-term savings, unlike the report prepared for Deerfield Beach, which projected savings of between $250 million and $900 million over 20 years—the reason Deerfield Beach terminated its contract with the BSO in January.
JETBLUE EXPANDING FLIGHTS FROM FLL
JetBlue’s management announced eight new nonstop destinations—with six more to come—in early July, departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL). Daily flights to Baltimore, Charlotte, Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, Houston, Chicago, and Ponce, Puerto Rico are now in service. In the coming months, service will expand to Indianapolis, San Diego, Columbus (Ohio), Cali (Colombia), Barranquilla (Colombia), and Caracas (Venezuela).
This winter, JetBlue will operate no fewer than 150 daily flights to and from FLL. Since December 2025, JetBlue has increased its daily flights by 75%. This investment is a welcome development for Broward County following the bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines. County Mayor Mark Bogen stated: “We are delighted with JetBlue’s continued investment in FLL and the potential economic impact of the airline’s even greater expansion of operations by the winter season.”
Frontier Airlines has also increased its flight frequencies from FLL.
ANONYMOUS DONOR TO SAVE FLORIDA’S ROCKY PINE FORESTS
$925,000: That is the amount an anonymous donor contributed to a coalition of environmental organizations to preserve the rocky pine forests of South Florida.
Recent rule changes by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were threatening this fragile ecosystem—also found in the Caribbean—which is home to numerous endangered animal and plant species.
Only 2% of Florida’s original pine forests remain, located in coastal areas that are highly attractive to real estate developers. Florida’s pine forests are home to the Miami tiger beetle, two species of butterflies, and numerous plants found nowhere else.
AI DATA CENTER: PALM BEACH COUNTY SAYS
NO TO THE TANGO PROJECT
After more than 12 hours of debate and the presence of hundreds of protesters, Palm Beach County commissioners ultimately rejected the expansion of a proposed mega AI data center located 30 kilometers from Mar-a-Lago. The center was to be located in Arden, not far from Lion Country Safari and Wellington.
More than eighty people had registered to speak before the commission prior to the vote. They highlighted nuisances such as noise, vibrations, water consumption, and environmental impacts, as well as the lack of perspective on the long-term effects. The fight is not over, as the center’s developer has already received preliminary permits for an earlier version of the data center and appears determined to move forward with it, despite public opposition.
Caught between fascination and mistrust, AI is at the heart of all these controversies. In Miami Beach, on the campus of the former Papillon Montessori School, the AI-focused Alpha School (K–8) will open its doors in August: funded primarily by billionaire Joe Liemandt of Austin, Texas, it has set itself the mission of reinventing education through AI. There are no longer teachers, but rather “guides.” With two hours a day of “traditional” education, the rest of the school day consists of workshops. Annual tuition is $65,000 per child, making it the most expensive school in Miami Beach.
PARKING WILL REMAIN FREE ALONG THE BEACH
Palm Beach County has scrapped its plan to introduce paid parking at twelve waterfront parks. After the plan was announced, Commissioner Maria Marino said she received 2,000 protest emails. However, non-resident Floridians will be required to pay a $4 fee.
A card system for Palm Beach County residents is expected to be implemented. This applies to parking lots at the parks from Coral Cove (north) to Tequesta; DuBois, Carlin, Ocean Cay, and Jupiter Beach in Jupiter; as well as the parks at Juno Beach and Loggerhead in Juno Beach. Parking along A1A is expected to remain free for everyone.
A MARINA IN PLACE OF THE SEAQUARIUM
325 docks—90 of which will be able to accommodate yachts over 24 meters—and a 500-slip boat garage: Miami-Dade County has filed a permit application for a massive luxury marina on Virginia Key. To accommodate large, deep-draft vessels, the seabed must be dredged. The plan also includes a fuel depot and a stone pier four American football fields long.
The land where the Seaquarium once stood belongs to the county, and a long-term lease agreement is being negotiated with developer David Martin. If the marina were to be built, 95% of the profits would go to him. The rest of Martin’s project includes a “fishing village,” an aquarium, and an educational center.
The project is alarming environmentalists: the impact of such a project would be very harmful to water quality, the seabed, and aquatic life.
