Confederate holidays targeted
A proposal is back in the Florida Senate that would end legal holidays marking the birthdays of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, along with Confederate Memorial Day.
Judge refuses to dismiss COVID-19 case against Publix
As Florida lawmakers move quickly to try to shield businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, a Miami-Dade County circuit judge has refused to dismiss a case against Publix Super Markets that stems from the COVID-19 death of a deli worker.
Local money requests pile up amid budget warnings
Two major local funding requests, including a proposal to help a community devastated by Hurricane Michael, were filed last week, as legislative leaders reminded lawmakers that the upcoming state budget will be tight.
Court refers ‘Grim Reaper’ case to Florida Bar
An appeals court wants The Florida Bar to consider taking action against a Panhandle attorney who pursued a high-profile case seeking to force Gov. Ron DeSantis to close beaches because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate looking for salary information
Hundreds of organizations that receive state dollars are being asked to provide information about the salaries of their top executives to the Florida Senate in the next two weeks.
Florida Senate staff members compiled an eight-page list of organizations that would supply salary information. Collectively, those organizations received more than $191 million in recurring funding in this year’s state budget.
Why not Key West?
COVID-19 safety protocols require people offering public comments during Senate committee meetings to appear on camera from the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, a few blocks west of the Capitol.
Why not the Marina Civic Center in Panama City, Michael & Libby Johnson Center for Civic Engagement in Daytona Beach or the Monroe County Public Library in Key West?
Democrats want lawmakers to have more say on federal aid
House Democrats want assurances from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office that the Legislature will be involved if another round of coronavirus-related federal aid is approved by Congress.
Property insurance changes backed in Senate
Amid problems in Florida’s property-insurance market, a Senate committee Tuesday backed a controversial proposal that could lead to many policyholders picking up more of the tab for roof damage and limit attorney fees in insurance disputes.
Cruise industry recovery likely to be long haul
“Significant” passenger cruise operations might not return to Florida waters for another year or longer as fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues, according to a port-industry lobbying group.
DeSantis, legislative leaders take aim at tech firms
Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to set penalties and allow the state and members of the public to file lawsuits against five tech giants he says are imposing arbitrary, monopolistic rules mostly focused on the discourse of Republicans.