Florida
DeSantis signs Florida state parks bill born from outcry over golf course plans
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill to restrict Florida from building sports facilities and large lodges on state parks is now a law.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 209 Thursday, which the state legislature passed unanimously.
The uproar came last year after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued a news release about the “Great Outdoors Initiative” and later used social media posts to briefly outline plans for nine parks.
Perhaps the biggest target of opponents was a proposal to add three golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, which is in Harrell’s district. Other parts of the initiative that drew heavy criticism included proposals to construct lodges with up to 350 rooms at Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Walton County.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration paused the proposal after the uproar, but State Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, and Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, filed bills to block the possibility of such development in the future.
“I think we were all dismayed last summer when suddenly out of nowhere these plans were revealed to pave over our state parks with pickleball courts and golf courses and hotels and lodges,” Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, said at one committee meeting. “You (Harrell) are right when you say that is not the purpose of our state parks.”
Instead, state officials will be required to focus on “conservation-based recreational uses” in state parks and preserves, such as camping, cycling, hiking, birding, fishing, or nature study.
The law allows for the construction of cabins with maximum capacities of six people at state parks, rather than hotels and lodges.
It also requires state officials to provide a report to the governor and the legislature regarding parks with amenities or areas that need upgrades or repairs, along with detailed spending at the parks and plans to address any specific needs.
That report is due by Dec. 1.
The new law itself takes effect July 1.
Information from News Service of Florida was used in this report.
Florida
Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Cash4Life results for Oct. 25, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots. Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Winning Powerball numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
02-12-22-39-67, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
03-24-46-58-61, Powerball: 07
Winning Florida Lotto numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
05-09-22-30-32-50
Check Florida Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
11-18-21-46-50-53
Check Lotto Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
05-06-12-19-60, Cash Ball: 03
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 06-08-15-19-21
Evening: 18-27-28-30-35
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Morning: 12
Matinee: 09
Afternoon: 11
Evening: 12
Late Night: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 2 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 1-8, FB: 5
Evening: 6-0, FB: 8
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 3-7-5, FB: 5
Evening: 0-7-5, FB: 8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 6-5-1-1, FB: 5
Evening: 3-8-4-6, FB: 8
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from Oct. 25 drawing
Midday: 6-4-1-3-5, FB: 5
Evening: 6-5-0-1-8, FB: 8
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
- Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
- Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.
You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.
Florida law requires public disclosure of winners
If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:
- Full name
- City of residence
- Game won
- Date won
- Amount won
- Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.
When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
- Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Florida
Leanne Wong Wins Silver in World Championships All-Around – Florida Gators
Wong, sitting fourth before the final rotation, delivered a clutch Cheng vault that earned the highest vault score of the day (14.466) and launched her into the lead—until Melnikova’s closing floor routine edged her out for gold.
➡️ Vault
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 14.466 pic.twitter.com/MIgCB6EG69
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
The one-two all-around finish was a repeat of the 2021 World Championships, when Melnikova and Wong also went one-two.
“Of course it’s disappointing to see your name go to second place, but overall I’m happy with the competition,” Wong said, according to the FIG. “I just take it a competition at a time, and I was happy to make it to the Worlds and to be winning a medal.”
U.S. teammate Dulcy Caylor took 13th in the final standings.
Another Gator looks for World Championships hardware tomorrow. Rising sophomore Skye Blakely earned a place in the uneven bars final after posting a score of 14.166 to qualify seventh. That final will take place Friday, Oct. 24 at 3 a.m. ET.
Coverage of the World Championships event finals streams live on Peacock.
13.800 gets Leanne Wong’s AA pursuit underway 🇺🇸
Live Scores: https://t.co/5yEgB1qUxF#ARTWorlds2025 #Gymnastics pic.twitter.com/GlSrMkHwng
— FIG (@gymnastics) October 23, 2025
➡️ Balance Beam
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 13.500Watch live on Peacock! pic.twitter.com/erHhBjfUay
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
➡️ Floor Exercise
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 13.200Watch live on Peacock! pic.twitter.com/hZFhKsLu5j
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
World Championships All-Around Final Scores
| World Championships All-Around Top 15 | |||
| Place | Name | Nation | Total |
| 1 | Angelina MELNIKOVA | AIN | 55.066 |
| 2 | Leanne WONG | USA | 54.966 |
| 3 | Qingying ZHANG | CHN | 54.633 |
| 4 | Kaylia NEMOUR | ALG | 54.564 |
| 5 | Asia D’AMATO | ITA | 53.532 |
| 6 | Rina KISHI | JPN | 53.232 |
| 7 | Aiko SUGIHARA | JPN | 53.132 |
| 8 | Abigail MARTIN | GBR | 52.998 |
| 9 | Naomi VISSER | NED | 52.299 |
| 10 | Ruby EVANS | GBR | 52.066 |
| 11 | Liudmila ROSHCHINA | AIM | 51.999 |
| 12 | Breanna SCOTT | AUS | 51.798 |
| 13 | Dulcy CAYLOR | USA | 51.532 |
| 14 | Alba PETISCO | ESP | 51.399 |
| 15 | Kaia TANSKANEN | FIN | 51.266 |
2025 FIG World Championships Schedule – Women
Senior women’s competition schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 24 | 3 a.m. ET | Vault & Uneven Bars Final | Peacock
- Saturday, Oct. 25 | 3 a.m. ET | Balance Beam & Floor Exercise Final | Peacock
Tape-Delay
- Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. ET | Women’s All-Around Final | NBC
Florida
Will SNAP benefits be sent to Florida recipients in November? What to know about shutdown
Government shutdown impacts SNAP benefits
State health officials say food assistance could be cut off for millions if the government doesn’t reopen in the next few days.
Fox – 4 News
Nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on food stamps to provide or supplement their food budget may see their benefits for November delayed if the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a memo to state administrators of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, earlier this month, alerting them that funding is running out and they won’t receive disbursements for November if the shutdown persists. SNAP provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food.
That will affect the 42 million Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits, including 2.8 million in Florida, the state Department of Children and Families confirmed. The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored,” an alert on Florida’s SNAP website says. “You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.”
SNAP benefits for October will continue and DCF is still processing initial applications and renewals, DCF spokeswoman Anna Archambault confirmed in an email. Newly approved recipients may receive notification about November eligibility, but will not get benefits yet.
Here’s what to know.
What is SNAP, the former food stamp program?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes to help them buy nutritious food.
It grew out of the nearly century-old national food stamp program and was renamed in the 2008 farm bill. SNAP is part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Why aren’t SNAP benefits going out in November?
The federal program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Florida, SNAP is managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS).
The federal government shutdown is affecting large areas of the federal government, including the Agriculture department. SNAP benefits were already obligated for October but further funding may be delayed.
How does SNAP work?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), a physical, reloadable card like a debit card that can be used at participating retailers to buy approved items or to withdraw cash at specified locations.
Monthly benefits appear on the card’s balance. Sales tax cannot be charged on items you buy with an EBT card.
Can I still use the balance on my EBT card?
Yes, you still can use your existing SNAP benefits, which roll over every month if not used. You can check your EBT card’s balance at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 888-356-3281.
Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits in Florida?
SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and the size of your household. Eligibility rules are set at the federal level but individual states may change them. In Florida:
- You must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen and be able to prove your identity. You must have a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
- Individuals aged 16 – 59 must meet General Work Requirements for SNAP unless exempt, such as being unable to work, caring for young children or incapacitated persons, or being a student. Additionally, adults aged 18 – 59, unless exempt, must work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T).
- Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some household expenses such as shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, earned income deduction may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget.
- Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
- Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,500 ($3,750 if the household contains an elderly or disabled member.
Requirements for SNAP benefits became more restrictive since the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 expanded the 80-hour-a-month work requirement for SNAP by increasing the age limit on able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54. The Florida Department of Children and Families expanded its own definition to include adults up through 59 years old and increased the mandatory employment and training program (SNAP E&T) from 80 hours every month to 120.
What can I buy with SNAP benefits in Florida?
Households can use food assistance benefits to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food for their household to eat.
Households cannot use food assistance benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.
Who is ineligible for Florida SNAP benefits?
Reasons for SNAP ineligibility include:
- Conviction of drug trafficking
- Fleeing a felony warrant
- Breaking SNAP Program rules
- Noncitizens without a qualified status
- Students attending an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances
Contributing: Gray Rohrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
-
New York3 days agoVideo: How Mamdani Has Evolved in the Mayoral Race
-
World6 days agoIsrael continues deadly Gaza truce breaches as US seeks to strengthen deal
-
News5 days agoVideo: Federal Agents Detain Man During New York City Raid
-
News5 days agoBooks about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
-
Technology6 days agoAI girlfriend apps leak millions of private chats
-
Politics6 days agoTrump admin on pace to shatter deportation record by end of first year: ‘Just the beginning’
-
News6 days agoTrump news at a glance: president can send national guard to Portland, for now
-
Business6 days agoUnionized baristas want Olympics to drop Starbucks as its ‘official coffee partner’