NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)October 24, 2026Hillsborough County
Florida media outlet covers 2026 midterm polling, Hurricane Isaias recovery, ICE spending, social media ban ruling, utility commission, and Tuskegee Airmen recognition
Photo: WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)
A weekly news roundup covers ongoing Florida 2026 midterm polling for undecided voters, Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts following six reported deaths, and a federal review criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement spending. Additional coverage includes an appeals court ruling allowing Florida's ban on social media for children under 14, an examination of the Florida Public Service Commission, and the official recognition of the Tampa Bay chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
Residents receive updates on storm recovery resources in the panhandle, the legal status of youth social media restrictions, federal spending criticisms, and local organizational milestones.
Key Facts
- Florida's 2026 midterm elections feature vote-by-mail ballots being returned and statewide early voting beginning next week, with a significant number of undecided voters.
- Hurricane Isaias made landfall last week near Destin as a category 2 storm, causing widespread damage in the panhandle.
- Governor Ron DeSantis stated that six people have died due to Hurricane Isaias.
- A federal accountability review found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is wasting tens of millions of dollars expanding detention and operations rapidly.
- The federal report highlighted Florida's defunct detention center, 'Alligator Alcatraz,' noting it operated without ample authorization from federal immigration officials.
- An appeals court ruled that the state can enforce its ban on social media accounts for children under 14 years old.
- The Florida Public Service Commission reviews and approves utility requests to raise rates or recoup costs.
- The Tampa Bay chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen was officially recognized as the fourth chapter added in Florida.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Governor who stated six people died due to the storm”locationFlorida“State where the events occurred”otherIsaias“Hurricane that made landfall near Destin”locationTampa Bay“Location of the newly recognized Tuskegee Airmen chapter”OrganizationTuskegee Airmen“Organization with a newly recognized chapter in Tampa Bay”OrganizationImmigration and Customs Enforcement“Federal agency subject to a federal accountability review”OrganizationWUWF“Partner station in Pensacola”PersonSandra Averhart“Reporter from partner station WUWF in Pensacola”OrganizationFlorida Public Service Commission“Commission that approves utility rate increases”locationDestin“Location near where Hurricane Isaias made landfall”OrganizationWUSF“Media station running a three-part series on energy costs”locationPensacola“Location of partner station WUWF”