The TR Daily Briefs: Thursday, February 26, 2026

TALLAHASSEE REPORTS

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Weather: Today, a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Tonight, a 50 percent chance of showers after 1am, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph. Friday, showers and possibly a thunderstorm, high near 75. Friday night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low around 57. NWS

US stock markets close up (S&P 500 +0.8%, Dow +0.6%, Nasdaq +1.3%) led by gains in tech sector (More).

Local Sports Chiles falls to Gulf Breeze in first beach volleyball match. Details.

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Local & State News

Steve Stewart discusses LCS meeting addressing tax increases.

According to filings with Leon County and the City of Tallahassee, the number of single-family residential construction permits was down 52.5% in January 2026 when compared to January 2025. Details.

The Republican-controlled House approved a proposal to tighten voter eligibility rules despite Democratic objections that the changes could prevent seniors and students from voting.

A $608 million federal reimbursement expected to help Florida pay for the “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility may not cover construction costs — or come through at all — according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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National News

Cuba’s government says it killed four people in a Florida-registered speedboat in Cuban waters, wounded six others after passengers opened fire on their soldiers; US was gathering intelligence as of this writing to learn about the incident (More).

Dr. Casey Means, a strategist behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, urged tackling the root cause of chronic diseases yesterday during her confirmation hearing to become the nation’s next surgeon general.