Valerie Crowder
Valerie Crowder is a freelance reporter based in Panama City. Before moving to Florida, she covered politics and education for Public Radio East in New Bern, North Carolina. While at PRE, she was also a fill-in host during All Things Considered. She got her start in public radio at WAER-FM in Syracuse, New York, where she was a part-time reporter, assistant producer and host. She has a bachelor's degree in newspaper online journalism and political science from Syracuse University.
Featured image for “Voter registration groups scale back after new restrictions”
Tallahassee resident Julian Boise puts a completed voter registration form in his mailbox after volunteers with the Big Bend Voting Rights Project visited his home on the city's South Side on August, 19, 2023. | Valerie Crowder
April 30, 2024

Voter registration groups scale back after new restrictions

A state law that took effect last July increased fines for voter registration groups, and some elections offices say they’ve…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Protesters call on DeSantis to veto vaping regulations”
Protesters speak out against a bill that would ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in Florida at a demonstration on West Brevard Street outside the governor's mansion on Thursday, March 7, 2024. | Valerie Crowder, WFSU News
March 11, 2024

Protesters call on DeSantis to veto vaping regulations

Opponents say a bill prohibiting the sale of flavored e-cigarettes would be damaging for businesses.…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Florida’s social media ban for kids called unconstitutional ”
Lawmakers did not identify which social media companies are affected by a ban for young children.
March 6, 2024

Florida’s social media ban for kids called unconstitutional 

Florida’s proposed social media regulations for children would require anyone who sets up an account to prove they’re old enough…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Florida may ban heat protections for workers”
Members of WeCount, an organization of outdoor workers demanding workplace protections against extreme heat, chant before a news conference July 18, 2023, at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center in Miami. | Wilfredo Lee, AP
March 1, 2024

Florida may ban heat protections for workers

Pending legislation would block local governments from guaranteeing outdoor workers access to shade, clean water, rest breaks and even heat…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Florida kids speak out against social media restrictions”
February 19, 2024

Florida kids speak out against social media restrictions

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok would likely become off-limits under a proposed ban on social media accounts for anyone under 16.…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Appellate court considers North Florida redistricting”
November 1, 2023

Appellate court considers North Florida redistricting

The court is expected to rule by Nov. 22 the elimination of a Black-majority district stretching from Jacksonville to Gadsden…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Trial ends early on North Florida’s congressional lines”
October 4, 2023

Trial ends early on North Florida’s congressional lines

A federal three-judge panel is set to issue a decision on the constitutionality of North Florida’s congressional districts by early…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Federal trial underway on Florida’s congressional map”
Monday is the deadline to register to vote.
September 26, 2023

Federal trial underway on Florida’s congressional map

Several civil rights groups argue that the map intentionally discriminated against Black voters.…

By Valerie Crowder

Featured image for “Hearing set this week on North Florida redistricting”
August 21, 2023

Hearing set this week on North Florida redistricting

A judge will decide whether state lawmakers must reinstate Congressional District 5, a Black majority district that included Jacksonville.…

By Valerie Crowder