The Latest Breaking News from Fla

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Justin Verlander can’t remember whether he’s on time or not. It’s been so long since he’s experienced anything that could be considered typical or usual in spring training that he’s struggling to figure out the timing of his progression toward the season.

JUPITER, Fla. — Whatever chance his irritation with umpire C. B. Bucknor had of cooling over the winter ended before Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol returned to the dugout for the first game of spring training.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Eric Franzblau started by asking the school for permission. It was denied, he said.

NORTH PORT, Fla. — On the final pitch of the Braves’ Grapefruit League opener versus the Red Sox, the Braves fell victim to the new pitch timer.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Former agriculture secretary Nikki Fried will be in charge of the state party as Florida Democrats attempt to pull themselves out of their worst political position in years.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is prepping his club for the inclusion of the pitch clock this upcoming season. With the Bronx Bombers slated to get their first in-game look at the pitch clock when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Fla., on Saturday, the club has had Triple-A…

TAMPA, Fla. — Kyle Trask will get his shot to be the Bucs’ starting quarterback. He has waited without complaint or complacency for two seasons and has earned the opportunity.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — It’s the constant refrain of escapees from Elmira and East Rutherford: South Florida has no seasons. Not so. Saturday is opening day for Grapefruit League spring-training baseball for five Major League teams in three South Florida ballparks — for fans, it’s Christmas every day.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Inside a tavern area at Tropicana Field, there is laughter and conversation. A Suncoast Tiger Bay meeting with Rays president Brian Auld has just wrapped up early Thursday evening, and members are now mingling with politicians and team executives.