House plan on police standards moves forward
April 15, 2021
A bipartisan proposal to add hiring standards and bolster “use of force” training for police and correctional officers began moving forward Thursday in the House.
‘Bed Tax’ change backed in house
April 15, 2021
The Florida House on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow counties to spend so-called “bed” tax money on efforts to combat flooding, despite concerns from the tourism industry that the change wou…
Senate ready to pass controversial protest bill
April 15, 2021
The Florida Senate is poised to deliver one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ top legislative priorities, after spending hours Wednesday considering a controversial proposal that would create a new crime of “mob…
Unemployment system changes go to full house
April 14, 2021
A bill is ready to go to the Florida House that would require upgrading the state’s online unemployment system, which largely crashed last spring amid a crush of claims caused by the COVID-19 pandemi…
‘Grim Reaper’ lawyer seeks to scuttle disciplinary case
April 14, 2021
A Northwest Florida attorney who drew national headlines by dressing as the Grim Reaper to criticize Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic is asking a judge to dismiss court proceed…
House set to pass transgender athletic bill
April 14, 2021
The Florida House is poised to pass a measure that would bar transgender females from participating in girls’ and women’s high-school and college sports, amid fierce opposition from Democrats and war…
‘Free seat’ program moves forward in Senate
April 14, 2021
A Senate proposal that would provide free online courses at state universities to people who have been out of college for five years is moving again after it was tabled last week. The measure (SB 167…
Florida to pause use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
April 13, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis, who was recently vaccinated with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, said Tuesday that Florida would halt the vaccine’s use following a recommendation from feder…
DeSantis assails YouTube over COVID-19 video
April 12, 2021
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday railed against YouTube and Google for removing a video of a COVID-19 discussion he had with scientists who oppose government lockdowns, school closures and mask wearing, c…
Court says Northwest Florida prisoner can seek punitive damages
April 12, 2021
In a case that has drawn interest from a wide range of civil-liberties groups, a federal appeals court ruled Friday that a state inmate can seek punitive damages in a lawsuit that alleged threats by…