Jan 13, 2021
State pushes back on Panhandle toll suspension
The Florida Department of Transportation is urging a judge to reject bondholders’ arguments that it did not have the authority to suspend tolls on a controversial Panhandle bridge since a September hurricane.
Jan 13, 2021
Lobbyists shift away from capitol amid COVID-19
As lawmakers gathered this week in Tallahassee, the scene in the Capitol was a stark departure from the typically convivial initial round of committee meetings in advance of the legislative session.
Jan 12, 2021
Vaccine announcement spurs hospital questions
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday his decision to steer highly sought-after COVID-19 vaccines to people 65 and older has been vindicated by a Trump administration announcement that it will do the same. But the Trump administration’s decision to use supplies it has held in reserve to vaccinate more people has some Florida hospitals worried. “There’s […]
Jan 12, 2021
DeSantis vows to ‘act very quickly’ if disorderly protests erupt
Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Tuesday that law enforcement “reinforcements” will be on hand if anyone plans to participate in armed protests at the state Capitol.
Jan 12, 2021
Vacation rental proposal re-emerges
A Senate Republican on Monday filed a proposal that could refuel a debate about regulation of vacation rental properties.
Jan 12, 2021
By the numbers: COVID deaths by county
Florida on Monday topped 23,000 reported deaths of residents because of COVID-19. Here are the 20 counties with the most resident deaths:
— Miami-Dade: 4,441
— Palm Beach: 1,972
Jan 9, 2021
Scott urges Trump to attend inaugural
Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott on Friday asked President Donald Trump to attend the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to demonstrate “the peaceful transfer of power to our people and to the world.”
Jan 9, 2021
Florida graduation rates climb
Graduation rates for Florida high school students ticked up this year, with 90% of students graduating, according to a state Department of Education report released this week.
Jan 8, 2021
Florida men charged in capitol riot
Three men identified as Floridians are among 13 individuals arrested for federal crimes involving the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday that Matthew Council of Riverview, Michael Curzio of Summerfield and Douglas Sweet were charged as part of an on-going investigation into the destruction of the building.
Jan 8, 2021
Week’s top stories in Florida
A renewed vigor was given this week to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call to crack down on violent protests, as the world watched an unhinged mob of supporters of President Donald Trump storm and occupy the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to subvert the counting of states’ electoral votes.