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AI helps pick juries in Florida, sparking bias concerns - A jury of one's peers is a cornerstone of American jurisprudence. Now, there may be an invisible hand in that jury box as AI helps lawyers pick panels who will decide guilt or innocence or liability in a civil case. Picking a jury used to be considered as much art as science. Attorneys, prosecutors used voir dire — meaning “to speak the truth” — to choose citizens who would sit in judgment. It was a very analog process. Now Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT can assist attorneys. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
National Hurricane Center downgrades Amanda, watches Gulf system - The National Hurricane Center has had a quiet start to hurricane season, as wind shear and other factors tamp down the prospect of tropical system formation in the Atlantic for now. In the Pacific, the first named storm of the season, Tropical Storm Amanda, was downgraded to a depression. There is a system in the Gulf forecasters are watching for next week and into mid-June as no storms are expected to develop over the next two to seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
How much would Florida homeowners save under proposed tax cut?
If more than 60% of Florida voters approve of property tax reform, homeowners around Central Florida and across the state will see annual savings of $1,000-plus on their bills, according to an analysis by the Orlando Sentinel. But voters will have to juxtapose desires for money in their pockets against warnings from city leaders, county officials and analysts across the political spectrum who warn the tax-slashing measure could upend public services, the structure of local government and the state’s economy. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Big money is pouring into Florida health systems. What it means for patients - A flurry of big-money donations is strengthening South Florida’s health systems, a trend that will significantly benefit everyone who needs medical care in the years ahead. The million-dollar-plus donations by local billionaire philanthropists, who are aging and may need medical treatment themselves, are aimed at improving cancer care, funding research to prevent and treat diseases, fueling major hospital expansions, and adding specialized pediatric care. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
Florida’s strawberry industry braces for El Niño blues - Farmers in Florida's $500 million-a-year strawberry industry recently wrapped up a season, and already the next one is casting a shadow. Scientists are predicting a good chance of a pesky strawberry disease, all due to the predicted El Niño weather pattern. An El Niño is forecast for the upcoming hurricane season, which starts June 1, and that means strawberry growers should brace for more moisture. That, in turn, increases the chances of disease. [Source: AOL]
This Sarasota County city is seeing Florida’s steepest rent drop [Sarasota Herald-Tribune] - A recent report published by TradingPedia.com found that North Port, in southern Sarasota County, is seeing the steepest decline in rental prices in Florida and the second-steepest in the country during the first several months of 2026. The report found that rental costs in North Port are down by 11.44%.
Known for its annual Epiphany celebrations, this Tarpon Springs church needs help [Tampa Bay Times] -Leaders of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral have launched a $6 million capital campaign to restore the downtown Tarpon Springs landmark, where a leaky roof has caused water damage throughout the 83-year-old building. The campaign, “A Legacy of Faith, a Future of Hope,” kicked off May 3 and has already secured $3 million in gifts and pledges, committee officials said.
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