Good Morning, Sunland
It's Tuesday! I have a quick question for you all. How far are you willing to drive for something to do? I myself have no problem hitting the road for an hour if it's something I truly want to do, and I'm starting to think that for some of the best things, sometimes that's a requirement. I'm curious to know what you all think!
💜 People Pass Shoutout: Thank you to everyone supporting the newsletter! If you want to help keep this going, support here.
In today's newsletter:
🛒 Florida's SNAP enrollment dropped 23% in the past year even as unemployment went up
🦠 Florida measles cases exceed 100 in 2026, vaccination rates falling
⏰ Florida pushes for permanent daylight saving time in Congress
🎓 Florida universities raising out-of-state tuition by 15%
📱 States restricting classroom screen time as phone bans take hold
Alright, let's jump right in!
Ja'Min Devon
Founder, Sunland News
🟠 Main Squeeze: Florida's SNAP enrollment dropped 23% in the past year even as unemployment went up
Florida had 2.28 million residents enrolled in SNAP as of June, down from 2.97 million a year ago. That is a 23% drop in people receiving federal food assistance, and the total dollars going out dropped even faster, falling 26% from $541 million to $399 million in a single year 🛒.
Interestingly enough, SNAP enrollment is supposed to go up when the economy gets worse, not down. More unemployment typically means more people needing food assistance. But Florida's unemployment rate climbed from 3.8% in June 2025 to 4.7% this June and enrollment dropped anyway.
What changed is federal legislation signed into law in July 2025 that slashed $187 billion from SNAP spending over a decade, tightened who qualifies and required states with high payment error rates to start covering a portion of food costs beginning next year. Florida's error rate is high enough that the state could be on the hook for up to $1 billion to keep benefits at current levels.
On top of that, Florida received a federal waiver earlier this year restricting what SNAP recipients can buy, removing sodas, energy drinks, candy and ultra-processed desserts like Twinkies and Little Debbie from eligible purchases. Benefit amounts did not change but what people can spend them on did.
The number that ties all of this together: requests for SNAP assistance jumped 15% from June 2025 to June 2026. More people are asking for help. Fewer are getting it 👀.
What's next: Florida's cost sharing obligations under the new federal law kick in next year 📅.
💧 The Last Drop: Measles, Daylight Saving Time, Out-of-State Tuition, Screen Time
🦠 Florida measles cases exceed 100 in 2026 – State ranks fourth nationally in outbreak cases. Kindergarten MMR vaccination rates have fallen below herd immunity threshold needed to prevent spread. Health officials urge vaccination as cases continue. Report
⏰ Florida pushes for permanent daylight saving time in Congress – Rep. Vern Buchanan reintroduced Sunshine Protection Act. Sen. Rick Scott has companion bill with 18 bipartisan cosponsors. Similar legislation stalled in 2018, 2022, and 2023. Details
Free Resource · Yates Funeral Home
Don't Leave Your Family Guessing
A free planning guide from a Fort Pierce institution. 85 years. Three locations. Every decision, already mapped out for you.
Download Free Guide🎓 Florida universities raising out-of-state tuition by 15% – All 12 state universities increasing fees for non-resident students effective fall 2026. UCF increase of $88 per credit hour brings annual cost from $24,076 to $26,732. Five universities raised fees by 10% last year as well, totaling 25% increase over two years since 2012. Money directed to faculty salaries and retention. Details
📱 States restricting classroom screen time as phone bans take hold – Four states passed laws limiting student screen time this year. Florida's 2025 legislation bans phones during elementary and middle school instruction statewide Report
How was today’s newsletter?
👋 Thanks for reading! If you found it useful, consider sharing it with a friend.
📱 Keep up with the Sunland News on Instagram. Send comments & suggestions to [email protected]
🙋♂️ Did someone forward you this? Subscribe Below!
