Florida

Florida Faces Another Potential Hurricane – Here’s What We Know

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2024

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Florida Faces Another Potential Hurricane – Here’s What We Know

Current tropical activity in the Atlantic basin as of Saturday October 5th, 2024.

NOAA

As much of the western Florida Peninsula, including the Tampa Bay area, recovers from massive storm surge damage associated with Hurricane Helene, the next hurricane threat for the United States is also focused on Florida. Here’s what we know right now about the next storm.

At the time of writing on Saturday morning, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean (Kirk and Leslie) and a system in the western Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Kirk is a powerful, major hurricane, but it nor Leslie will threaten the U.S. However, the system in the Gulf of Mexico is a different story. NHC’s morning discussion said, “Showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad area of low pressure located over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico are gradually becoming better organized.” The storm has a 70% chance of further development within the next two days, and a 90% chance within the next five days. My experience tells me that we could be looking at a tropical depression or named storm (Milton) later today or Sunday.

We use several models when evaluating these threats, but I will focus on the American GFS and European models, respectively. Both of them are in strong consensus that the storm could move towards the western Florida Peninsula with a potential landfall by the middle of the week. NHC warned, “By early next week, the system is forecast to move faster eastward or northeastward across the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico where additional strengthening is likely.”

At this point, I will not anchor to any single model solution outcomes. However, several outcomes show that the storm could intensify into a hurricane and potentially very strong one. Weather expert Michael Ventrice makes this point in the post above, but I caution you that is only one of the potential outcomes shown. His greater point is one that also worries me. When a storm like this gets into the likely climate-charged, abnormally warm Gulf of Mexico, I am always on high alert. If you are in Tampa Bay, Ft. Myers or anywhere along the Florida Peninsula or the Keys, I advise you to pay close attention to this storm. More immediately, the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico is likely to be affected.

There are several things that concern me about this potential storm. Irrespective of name (and it probably will get one), it is going to produce a significant amount of rainfall in Florida. Like Helene, it appears that rainfall could inundate Florida well ahead of the eventual tropical storm or hurricane. This is a recipe for flooding. Much of Florida is already recovering from Helene so this is the last thing they need. Also, both models suggest a landfall in a region spanning Tampa Bay to Fort Myers. There is still uncertainty, but the range of possibilities start to narrow since we are within the five-day window. With current track projections, even places like Orlando, Jacksonville, Savannah, Miami, and the Bahamas should be paying attention.

NOAA seasonal hurricane outlook posted in May 2024.

NOAA

Not surprisingly, the misinformation machine has been firing on all cylinders after Hurricane Helene. It is not unusual to have hurricanes in September or October. In fact, the peak of the Atlantic season is in September. The 2024 season was always projected to be quite active due to anomalously warm sea surface temperatures, La Nina and other factors. That’s it, that’s the explanation.

Atlantic hurricane and tropical storm activity by month.

NOAA

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Related Topics:Featured Florida florida peninsula gulf of mexico hurricane jacksonville Milton Next Hurricane Threat Tampa Tampa Bay united states

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Florida

Newly appointed Florida Panthers President of Business Operations excited organization’s future

Published

27 minutes ago

April 16, 2026

Press Room

Newly appointed Florida Panthers President of Business Operations excited organization’s future

SUNRISE, Fla. — The new Florida Panthers President of Business Operations, Mike White, is settling into his role with the organization.

“This is a winning culture. It’s not coming in where we have to fix certain things — it’s more about amplifying those experiences that have already been created,” White said.

Before the Florida Panthers’ final game of the season, White spoke with WPTV Anchor and Panthers 360 host Mike Trim.

WATCH:

Newly appointed Florida Panthers President of Business Operations excited organization’s future

White was named to his position on March 31.

Trim asked White about his top priorities in his new role.

“There are two lenses by which you look at things. One is the advocacy of the fan — the fan is at the center,” White said. “We want to create a really great experience and a really great product for the fan to enjoy. The second is in support of hockey and hockey operations.”

White said he’s been busy in his first two weeks on the job.

Most recently, White served as Chief Product Officer at Amazon’s autonomous vehicle company. He also worked for 11 years with the Walt Disney Company in several senior leadership roles.

The Florida Panthers beat the Detroit Red Wings 8-1 in their season finale.

WPTV

As the Florida Panthers chase a third Stanley Cup championship this season, WPTV is along for the ride!

We will be highlighting the team with our new show on South Florida’s 9 called “Panthers 360”.

Hosted by WPTV anchor Mike Trim, watch the show each Wednesday evening and also streaming at 7:30 p.m.

We will take an in-depth look at the season, break down film and connect with the players and special stories off the ice.

Every Monday at 12:15 p.m. on the WPTV YouTube page, Trim will be joined by different analysts to discuss the latest on the team. We want to hear your thoughts, so post your questions and comments while the live interview takes place!

South Florida’s 9 is your home for Panthers hockey all season long!

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Florida

Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Fantasy 5 results for April 15, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Press Room

Florida Lottery Powerball, Lotto, Fantasy 5 results for April 15, 2026

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 Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Winning Powerball numbers from April 15 drawing

13-21-27-43-45, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 15 drawing

08-11-41-44-53, Powerball: 03

Winning Florida Lotto numbers from April 15 drawing

05-27-36-43-45-46

Check Florida Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from April 15 drawing

13-14-25-46-49-51

Check Lotto Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 15 drawing

Midday: 01-05-20-26-36

Evening: 04-15-17-19-25

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 15 drawing

Morning: 03

Matinee: 07

Afternoon: 08

Evening: 03

Late Night: 08

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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

Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 15 drawing

Midday: 6-7, FB: 4

Evening: 2-4, FB: 9

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 15 drawing

Midday: 2-9-3, FB: 4

Evening: 0-8-8, FB: 9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 15 drawing

Midday: 5-7-5-8, FB: 4

Evening: 9-5-5-6, FB: 9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 15 drawing

Midday: 7-5-5-3-5, FB: 4

Evening: 8-3-0-0-1, FB: 9

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.
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.

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Florida

Can Cape Canaveral rocket launch be seen in Fort Myers, Naples? Yes. See list

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

Can Cape Canaveral rocket launch be seen in Fort Myers, Naples? Yes. See list

Can a rocket launch from NASA or Cape Canaveral be seen in Fort Myers, 245 miles away? Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and ULA Atlas V have liftoffs in April 2026.

Can a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral be seen in Lee County skies?

If conditions are just right, yes.

Most recently, when NASA’s massive Space Launch Systems rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center for the agency’s historic moon-orbiting mission, liftoff was visible across Florida, including Fort Myers.

Though Southwest Florida is known more for its pristine shelling over SpaceX rocket launches, people far beyond the launch pad can sometimes see this phenomenon.

In the next week or so, there may be two opportunities to spot a rocket launch in the Lee County and Collier County area.

Keep reading for more information.

NASA Artemis II rocket launch seen in Fort Myers, Florida

The world tuned in for the NASA Artemis II rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral on April 1, 2026, sending astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day journey around the moon. The launch could be seen as far west as Fort Myers and south from Jupiter, Florida.

The Artemis II crew made history with their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026, and set a record the same day for the farthest any human has been from Earth. After the Artemis II astronauts left the moon in the rearview mirror, the crew splashed down April 10, 2026, off the coast of San Diego, California.

When is the next big rocket launch visible in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples, Florida?

Blue Origin’s giant New Glenn rocket is standing tall on the Cape Canaveral launch pad once again in preparation for the new rocket’s third flight. New Glenn will launch AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellite to low-Earth orbit.

While it has been teased that a launch is upcoming, Blue Origin has yet to release an official launch date. According to a Federal Aviation Administration advisory and the Space Coast Office of Tourism, liftoff is set for now no earlier than 6:45 a.m. Friday, April 17, from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.

Jeff Bezos’ space tech company, Blue Origin, has New Glenn, one large rocket

Visible from Brevard County beaches, New Glenn may not look big on the launch pad but it is actually one of the largest rockets in history. At 321 feet tall,New Glenn is just a foot shorterthan NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) moon rocket, which recently launched the Artemis II mission.

Going back in history, the only other rocket that would tower over New Glenn would have been the 363-foot-tall Saturn V rocket which sent Apollo astronauts to the moon.

However, the largest rocket of all time is SpaceX’s 403-foot-tall Starship, which may launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A in the coming year, pending the completion of the upcoming test flight out of Texas.

For context, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 stands only 230-feet-tall.

What other Cape Canaveral rocket launch may be visible in Southwest Florida?

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with five solid rocket boosters will launch another batch of 29 Amazon Leo broadband satellites on Monday, April 27, with the launch window and launch trajectory to be announced, according to FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network newspaper.

Liftoff will be from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage of that mission will start 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.

Photos of Florida rocket launch, SpaceX Falcon 9 and Starship seen in Lee County, Collier County sky

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover and trajectory, a rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast could be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach, as far south as West Palm Beach and as far west as Fort Myers.

When there’s a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, there’s an opportunity for unique photos – the rocket lights up the dark sky, and the contrail after makes for a great image.

Andrew West, an award-winning visuals journalist with the News-Press and Naples Daily News, both USA TODAY Network newspapers, captured photos of a United Launch Alliance rocket leaving a streak in the Southwest Florida sky after liftoff from across the state.

► Stunning rocket launch photos! NASA SpaceX Crew-12 journeys from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the space station

From NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to Fort Myers, Florida, it’s about 245 miles. Most rocket launches that have a late-night or early morning liftoff time are better viewing options for Southwest Florida.

Debris from SpaceX Starship rocket launch in Texas visible in Collier County, Florida, sky

SpaceX Starship debris falls to Earth after rocket ‘disassembly’

SpaceX said it lost contact with its Starship rocket, which Elon Musk’s company said “experienced a rapid unscheduled disassembly.”

SpaceX’s Starship rocket explodes over Caribbean skies

Witnesses spotted debris from a SpaceX Starship after the spacecraft exploded midair following a test flight from south Texas.

In 2025, two Starship rocket launches from the Boca Chica area of Texas, renamed officially to Starbase, were visible in certain parts of Florida.

On March 6, 2025, during a Starship rocket launch test flight from Starbase, flight operators lost contact with the 165-foot upper portion of the vehicle, which exploded less than 10 minutes into the flight, creating debris visible from Florida to the Caribbean. Locally, pieces of the uncrewed Starship rocket were seen streaking across the sky from West Palm Beach to Naples.

Starbase, headquarters for SpaceX in South Texas, is more than 1,500 miles away from Naples, Florida.

Watch some rocket launches with NASA on Prime Video

Watch NASA+ content with Amazon Prime Video

NASA content, including some rocket launches and information about the Artemis II moon-circling mission, is available to watch through NASA+ on desktop, both from its official site and YouTube. The platform is also available to download as a mobile app on smartphones.

All NASA+ content is also available to those who have Prime Video downloaded on any of their devices – whether it be a smartphone or smart TV.

The content, which does not require a Prime subscription to view, is one of Prime Video’s FAST channels (free ad-supported television). Viewers can find it under Prime’s Live TV section at the top of the screen when they open the app.

Jennifer Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the free Florida TODAY newsletter.

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