LGBTQ+ Politics: Equality Florida is reshaping its leadership ahead of the 2026 fight, with Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf returning as Senior Director of Communications Strategy and Joe Saunders named executive director of Equality Florida Action PAC. Community Journalism: OutSFL and OutFAU were named finalists in four categories for the 2026 Sunshine State Awards, spotlighting LGBTQ+ reporting and campus arts coverage. Accessibility & Culture: DEAFinitely Dope founder Matt Maxey is profiled for bringing Black American Sign Language and hip-hop performance to mainstream stages, including his work as an artist in residence at a New York school for the Deaf. Health & Care: After surviving septic shock, Florida Reiki practitioner Libby Turner-Hoffman launches “Energy Without Barriers,” offering distance Reiki and biofield sound services nationwide. Local Life & Food: Naples’ long-running Pelican Larry’s sports bar space has reopened as Adoré Bar & Cucina, an upscale Italian spot with a daily happy hour. Nature & Events: The 2026 Florida Python Challenge wrapped with 280 invasive pythons removed by 907 participants, including a 16-foot-5-inch longest catch. Sports & School: Lee County School Board District 4 race features incumbent Debbie Jordan and challengers Carl Baxter, Tony Beougher and Gisele “Gigi” Gentile. Weather Watch: CSU says El Niño is keeping Atlantic storm activity suppressed, with a well-below-average major hurricane landfall risk but a reminder that one storm can still change everything.