Latest news with #RobLong
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why Delray Vice Mayor Rob Long is getting in House race to succeed late Rep. Joe Casello
DELRAY BEACH — Rob Long, a local elected official and longtime political ally of the late state Rep. Joe Casello, entered the race July 23 to succeed him in the Florida House, setting up what could be an uncontested special election in one of the state's most reliably Democratic districts. Long, who serves as vice mayor in Delray Beach, pointed to his record on the Delray Beach City Commission as a foundation for his bid to represent the district in Tallahassee. He highlighted work on public safety contracts, infrastructure projects and efforts to shield redevelopment funding from legislative threats. "I've fought to protect our firefighters when political attacks threatened them, and I've worked to ensure our police officers have fair contracts that keep them here," Long said. "I've delivered major infrastructure projects, like a modern water treatment facility, and secured millions through environmental litigation." As a member of the Community Redevelopment Agency board, he said he pushed back against state-level efforts to weaken the agency, which he sees as essential to supporting affordable housing and local economic growth. ➤ Access The Palm Beach Post on the go with the app: Our app offers a personalized experience to your liking. Download our app to personalize your news alerts, swipe and scroll through stories faster, and bookmark them to save and read later. "I've also seen the importance of local governance on local issues, and I will fight back against efforts to preempt city policy and undermine home rule," Long said. When is the election to fill the Florida 90th House district seat? The race to represent Florida's 90th House district — which spans parts of Delray Beach and Boynton Beach — is all but certain to remain in Democratic hands. The district is the most solidly Democratic in Palm Beach County, and so far, Long is the only candidate to file for the seat. He enters the race with backing of every Democratic lawmaker in the county, along with endorsements from the Service Employees International Union, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and the county's Fraternal Order of Police. Long had already filed paperwork in February to run in 2026, when Casello would have reached his term limit. His official entry into the special election came just a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis scheduled the contests: a primary, if needed, on Sept. 30, and a general election on Dec. 9. Because of the timing, the district will go without representation during early committee meetings for the 2026 legislative session. But it would have a seated representative by the time the full session begins next year. "While starting after the committee weeks is not ideal, I will be in Tallahassee during that period to follow the process, meet with colleagues, and prepare legislation so I'm ready to work on day one," Long said. "I already have established relationships in the Capitol, including the full support of the Palm Beach County Legislative Democratic Delegation, and I'm confident I'll be able to represent District 90 effectively from the start." Long's candidacy also triggers Florida's resign-to-run law, which requires him to step down from his commission seat. His resignation will become effective Dec. 8, the day before the special election. Under the city charter, the commission is responsible for appointing a replacement to serve out the remainder of Long's term. If they cannot reach consensus after two regular meetings, a special election must be held to fill the seat. Rob Long's resume: An engineer, environmentalist and politician An engineer by training, Long said his professional background has shaped his approach to public service, combining technical problem-solving with a focus on practical outcomes. Before joining the commission, he served on the Palm Beach County Soil and Water Conservation District, and has since led efforts on infrastructure, environmental protection and public safety in Delray Beach. "I've spent significant time in Tallahassee, building relationships and learning the legislative process, so I can be effective from day one," he said. "My years on the commission have honed my ability to lead, build consensus and get things done, even on contentious issues." If elected, Long said his top priorities would include public safety, affordability and environmental protection — areas he said have shaped both his local record and his legislative outlook. He pointed to stalled contract negotiations and partisan tensions that have affected morale among first responders, saying he would fight for fair compensation and better resources for police and fire departments. On affordability, he cited rising housing costs and Florida's property insurance crisis as pressing concerns, and said he would support efforts to crack down on industry abuses while expanding access to affordable housing. Environmental issues would also be central to his agenda. In Delray Beach, he helped lead a class-action lawsuit over PFAS contamination — polyfluoroalkyl substances are considered "forever chemicals" — and oversaw planning for a new water treatment facility to replace the city's aging infrastructure. DELRAY NEWS: Magistrate sides with police union on pensions, but supports city on wages DELRAY NEWS: Studios and spas bringing wellness — and more foot traffic to downtown DELRAY NEWS: From fashion to fine art, a wave of new storefronts reshapes downtown "Clean water is a basic right," he said, "and I'll continue to champion policies that protect Florida's natural resources." Long was elected to the commission in 2023 after unseating incumbent Juli Casale. The two now serve alongside each other, following her return to the commission in a different seat earlier this year. As he looks ahead to the state House, Long said he hopes to honor Casello, who died July 18 after suffering a severe heart attack, by continuing his advocacy for first responders — including expanding heart health screenings and reintroducing legislation the two had worked on to reduce firefighters' exposure to toxic chemicals. Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@ and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray's Rob Long enters race for Florida House District 90 seat Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Yahoo
Wegmans and Amazon warehouse shootings in upstate NY: What we know now
Police in Gates are investigating two separate fatal shootings that occurred at warehouse facilities within days of each other. While both incidents happened at large distribution centers, investigators say that the two shootings were not related. Man fatally shot at Wegmans warehouse A man in his 20s was shot and killed July 26 at the Wegmans distribution center located at 1500 Brooks Avenue, according to the Gates Police Department. The facility is just down the road from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. Officers were called to the scene around 4:15 p.m. and arrived to find a man who had been shot multiple times, said Gates Police Chief Rob Long. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim's identity was not released, pending family notification. The suspected shooter fled the scene before police arrived, Long said. No charges have been filed in connection with the homicide. Long said police are investigating to determine the circumstances of what led to the shooting, where at the facility the slaying occurred and how it unfolded, he said. Long also said that he did not know whether the shooter was a Wegmans employee. Wegmans released a statement over the weekend and confirmed that the shooting victim was a Wegmans employee. 'We are heartbroken by this tragic situation that resulted in the death of one of our employees. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim's family and loved ones," the statement said. "Our focus right now is taking care of our employees and supporting local law enforcement with their investigation.' The investigation remains ongoing. Separate fatal shooting at Amazon fulfillment center Gates police are also continuing to investigate a separate fatal shooting that occurred at an Amazon warehouse located at 2600 Manitou Road. Markis Ortiz-Harris, 24, of Rochester, was shot to death on July 24, around 5:45 p.m. while sitting inside his car in the facility's parking lot, according to Gates police. He was an Amazon employee. Ortiz-Harris was waiting for his shift to begin when the shooting took place. Police said the shooter approached the vehicle, the pair argued and the suspect fired multiple shots before fleeing. 'There is no indication at this time that the shooter was an employee of Amazon,' said Gates Police Capt. Matthew Pascarella. Investigators believe the incident was a targeted and isolated attack. No charges have been filed in connection with the shooting death. Police say incidents not related While both shootings occurred at high-profile workplaces in Gates within days of each other, police do not believe the two cases are connected. The shooting outside the Amazon facility marked Gates' first homicide of 2025. The Wegmans warehouse homicide marked town's second homicide of the year. "Unfortunately, just like any other community, violence can happen," Long said at a Saturday news conference. "Unfortunately this week we had two serious incidents happen in the Town of Gates. Very uncommon here." What's next? Gates Police will be holding a news conference at the department on Buffalo Road at 10 a.m. on July 28 to release additional details on the homicide at the Wegmans warehouse. Long said the agency plans to officially identify the slain man at that time. Anyone with information about either shooting is urged to call 911 or contact Gates police at (585) 247-2262. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wegmans and Amazon warehouse shootings in upstate NY: What we know now Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Project Beep, a confidential airspace firm, to lease land for $247M Merritt Island facility
Space Florida has authorized leasing 25 acres on northern Merritt Island for Project Beep, an undisclosed aerospace company that plans to build a future quarter-billion-dollar facility and create about 1,000 jobs just outside NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Little information has been publicly released about this confidential company. "It captures the increasing pace of activity around the world's busiest spaceport," Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said during the authority's May 28 board of directors meeting. "Obviously, we welcome this growth and are excited about the bright future for the space industry here in Florida." By unanimous vote, Space Florida authorized completion of negotiations for a 30-year Project Beep lease for the last two remaining parcels of the opening phase of Exploration Park, which is managed in partnership with NASA. "Project Beep intends to set up manufacturing, research and development, laboratory, warehousing and office facilities to support aerospace operation at Cape Canaveral Spaceport," said Howard Haug, Space Florida executive vice president, treasurer and chief investment officer. "The project estimates total investment of $247 million and expects creating approximately 1,000 jobs at industry-average wages." During a post-meeting press conference, Long said Project Beep officials are still looking at building structural designs, and Space Florida will work with the mystery company on that topic during the next several months. Statewide, Space Florida reported it is pursuing 204 business opportunities. The Space Coast leads the way with 51 potential deals, followed by Central Florida with 28 opportunities and the western Panhandle with 24. The Space Florida meeting kicked off 3½ hours after SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center into low-Earth orbit on another Starlink mission. The liftoff marked the 45th orbital rocket launch thus far this year from Florida's Space Coast. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Florida to lease land for Project Beep aerospace firm, 1,000 jobs
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Project Beep, a confidential airspace firm, to lease land for $247M Merritt Island facility
Space Florida has authorized leasing 25 acres on northern Merritt Island for Project Beep, an undisclosed aerospace company that plans to build a future quarter-billion-dollar facility and create about 1,000 jobs just outside NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Little information has been publicly released about this confidential company. "It captures the increasing pace of activity around the world's busiest spaceport," Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said during the authority's May 28 board of directors meeting. "Obviously, we welcome this growth and are excited about the bright future for the space industry here in Florida." By unanimous vote, Space Florida authorized completion of negotiations for a 30-year Project Beep lease for the last two remaining parcels of the opening phase of Exploration Park, which is managed in partnership with NASA. "Project Beep intends to set up manufacturing, research and development, laboratory, warehousing and office facilities to support aerospace operation at Cape Canaveral Spaceport," said Howard Haug, Space Florida executive vice president, treasurer and chief investment officer. "The project estimates total investment of $247 million and expects creating approximately 1,000 jobs at industry-average wages." During a post-meeting press conference, Long said Project Beep officials are still looking at building structural designs, and Space Florida will work with the mystery company on that topic during the next several months. Statewide, Space Florida reported it is pursuing 204 business opportunities. The Space Coast leads the way with 51 potential deals, followed by Central Florida with 28 opportunities and the western Panhandle with 24. The Space Florida meeting kicked off 3½ hours after SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center into low-Earth orbit on another Starlink mission. The liftoff marked the 45th orbital rocket launch thus far this year from Florida's Space Coast. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@ Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Florida to lease land for Project Beep aerospace firm, 1,000 jobs
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lunar Data Center Achieves First Success En Route To The Moon
Lonestar's Freedom Data Center Payload successfully meets all of its technical and commercial milestones in CisLunar Space ahead of Historic Moon Landing ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lonestar Data Holdings has reached a historic milestone with the successful commercial test and operation of its data center en route to the Moon marking a pivotal step in establishing the first-ever commercial lunar data center as a new layer of critical resilient data center infrastructure serving the world. Since launching on the 26th February, Lonestar's Freedom data center payload has traveled over 300,000 kilometers and has now entered Lunar Orbit traveling to the Moon on Intuitive Machines' Athena Lunar Lander. En route to the Moon in CisLunar space , Lonestar's data center payload successfully completed a series of critical commercial operational tests, proving the viability, functionality, communication, and resilience of its data center technology in space. Notable achievements include: Successful test of data storage and Disaster Recovery for its Government and Enterprise customers. Here Lonestar executed file uploads, downloads, data encryption, decryption, authentication, and in-space data manipulation for its customers. Lonestar's payload successfully executed edge processing tasks in space, including data handling for Valkyrie AI, the Exploration Institute, and other key customers. Lonestar's payload successfully demonstrated its in-space endurance with all of its power, temperature, CPU memory, and telemetry readings remaining stable, demonstrating the survivability of Lonestar's technology in the harsh environment of space at both upper and lower operational limits. Lonestar's first commercial lunar data center is designed to provide secure, resilient, and independent storage for mission-critical data beyond Earth. It has now successfully demonstrated this for its key customers. Next Up: Preparing for Lunar Surface Operations With its data center successfully proven for in-space functionality, Lonestar is preparing for the next phase of its mission: lunar surface operations. When Athena lands as planned no earlier than March 6, Lonestar's technology will undergo additional tests on the Moon's surface, further validating its ability to store and process data in one of the most extreme environments known to humanity. A Historic Step for Data Storage in Space "Harnessing space as a resource for business, innovation, and long-term sustainability is key to driving the growth of the new space economy. At Space Florida, we are committed to advancing infrastructure and fostering partnerships that ensure Florida remains the premier hub for interplanetary commerce," said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida. "Congratulations to our partners at Lonestar on another successful test mission to the Moon." "This is our Kitty Hawk moment. This is where the future begins for this new resilient layer of critical global infrastructure serving us all down here on Earth. This is an extraordinary moment for Lonestar and for the future of secure global data storage," said Chris Stott, CEO of Lonestar Data Holdings. "By proving that our technology can operate in space, we are one step closer to establishing the Lunar L1 Lagrange Point and the Moon as the ultimate off-Earth storage and data resiliency solutions. We are thrilled with the results so far and eagerly anticipate the next phase of this groundbreaking mission." Leveraging Earth's largest satellite, the Moon, and the space around it to ensure secure data storage with, data sovereignty, security, resiliency and redundancy will become increasingly vital. Lonestar is committed to pioneering lunar-based edge computing and storage solutions, ensuring that critical digital assets can be preserved independent of Earth-based infrastructure. With its successful milestones en route to the Moon, Lonestar is now poised to make history as the first company to operate a commercial data center on the lunar surface. About Lonestar Data Holdings Lonestar Data Holdings is a pioneering data center company utilizing space technology to provide a critical layer of resilient secure and compliant data center infrastructure to support a layer of secure, off-Earth data storage and computing solutions. By leveraging Cislunar orbits and the Moon's stable environment, Lonestar is developing a new paradigm for data sovereignty, security, and resilience for governments, corporations, and future space missions. Lonestar's mission is Resiliency as a Service (RaaS) for premium global secure data storage. To do this Lonestar is backing up terrestrial data centers and their premium customers via an independent space-based data storage and communications network . Lonestar has been founded by a proven team of experts from the Cloud and Space verticals to pioneer a future for data at the edge for all of us. Our mission is to apply abundance thinking and exponential technologies to the endless possibilities of lunar data storage for humanity and in so doing to the exploration of the Moon and beyond. Lonestar offers Global Backup, Global Refresh, and Global Restore. Lonestar's vision is fueled by remarkable investors led by Scout Ventures, 2 Future Holdings, Seldor Capital, the Veteran Fund. Irongate Global Capital, Atypical Ventures, Kittyhawk Ventures, and Backswing February 2024, Lonestar successfully tested its first data center from the Moon and in Cislunar space. Stay tuned for our next steps and giant leaps. Lonestar is committed to a carbon negative future. For more information about Lonestar Data Holdings Inc. and the Freedom Payload mission, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lonestar Data Holdings Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
