FP& L CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR RATE INCREASE

State regulators finished a marathon hearing last week over a proposal for increasing Florida Power & Light's base electric rates. The state Public Service Commission is scheduled in November to decide whether to approve increases of $945 million in 2026 and $766 million in 2027. FPL also would collect additional amounts in 2028 and 2029 for solar-energy and battery-storage projects.

INVEST 98L, NO THREAT TO FLORIDA

Invest 98L, a tropical wave in the eastern Caribbean, may develop into Tropical Storm Melissa in the next few days. Current forecasts indicate Florida is unlikely to be directly impacted by this system. The spaghetti models suggest it is improbable for the storm to reach areas west of Tallahassee, with the Florida Panhandle currently projected as the least affected region in the state.

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS BRACE FOR CONSTRUCTION

It could be a long six months for some downtown business owners as they brace for the Reimagine Palafox construction project to begin in early January. The project will provide the street with a $10 million facelift. Mayor Reeves says the sidewalks will remain open during the construction period. The city also plans to create a marketing campaign to keep shoppers going downtown.