News from around the state of Florida
Featured image for “Florida Supreme Court sets hearing on marijuana initiative”
October 4, 2023

Florida Supreme Court sets hearing on marijuana initiative

The proposed constitutional amendment would allow recreational use of marijuana by people ages 21 and older.…

Featured image for “Canadian wildfires send dangerous smoke to Florida”
October 3, 2023

Canadian wildfires send dangerous smoke to Florida

A smoky haze can be seen over much of Florida, including the First Coast. Air quality in some areas has reached…

Featured image for “Multiple ethics violations await DeSantis’ signature”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has over 40 ethics violations to sign off on, according to a report from the Florida Commission on Ethics. The oldest case dates back over seven years. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
September 29, 2023

Multiple ethics violations await DeSantis’ signature

As Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigns for president, more than 40 ethics violations have not yet been finalized, according to the…

Featured image for “Sports betting in Florida still paused despite court ruling”
September 29, 2023

Sports betting in Florida still paused despite court ruling

As legal challenges grind through state and federal courts, gamblers in Florida shouldn’t plan on placing sports bets from their…

Featured image for “Hurricane Ian, 1 year later: A story of resiliency and hope”
September 29, 2023

Hurricane Ian, 1 year later: A story of resiliency and hope

Floridians are still picking up what was lost a year ago during Hurricane Ian, the third-costliest natural disaster to hit…

Featured image for “Florida sports betting faces a new challenge”
September 27, 2023

Florida sports betting faces a new challenge

Two parimutuel companies are challenging a multibillion-dollar gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe.…

Featured image for “How meteorologists are trying to explain weather risks better”
September 26, 2023

How meteorologists are trying to explain weather risks better

Many people didn’t heed evacuation warnings during Hurricane Ian. How can meteorologists help them understand?…

Featured image for “New COVID vaccines are free, but check with your insurance”
September 26, 2023

New COVID vaccines are free, but check with your insurance

A small percentage of people have received a bill due to a billing mishap. Those affected can contact the company…

Featured image for “Federal trial underway on Florida’s congressional map”
September 26, 2023

Federal trial underway on Florida’s congressional map

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

Featured image for “Need a generator before a hurricane? Try this app”
September 25, 2023

Need a generator before a hurricane? Try this app

“Local Relief” is a localized social media platform bringing communities together during a weather emergency.…

Featured image for “Voucher delays frustrate families and schools”
September 25, 2023

Voucher delays frustrate families and schools

Some Florida students still have not received their private school vouchers, and it’s putting their schools in dire straits.…

Featured image for “This was the hottest August ever in Florida”
September 25, 2023

This was the hottest August ever in Florida

The heat is expected to persist through October, and 2023 is likely to be the hottest year globally since tracking…

Featured image for “Over 100K new students got Florida school vouchers”
September 15, 2023

Over 100K new students got Florida school vouchers

A total of 242,929 students have enrolled in 2,098 private schools using vouchers through the state’s expanded programs.…

Featured image for “Florida bucks feds on COVID-19 boosters”
Gov. Ron DeSantis listens to Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo during an appearance Sept. 7, 2023, in Jacksonville. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
September 14, 2023

Florida bucks feds on COVID-19 boosters

In a continued clash with federal health officials, Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recommends against the new booster for anyone younger…

Featured image for “Private schools take up fight against Black history standards”
September 14, 2023

Private schools take up fight against Black history standards

Florida’s private schools are not bound by the same controversial standards as public schools. Many are preserving lessons rich in…

Featured image for “Florida’s education policies chase away college faculty”
Students walk by Century Tower on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. | Sam Thomas, Fresh Take Florida
September 13, 2023

Florida’s education policies chase away college faculty

Nearly half of the 642 Florida faculty surveyed said they plan to seek employment in another state within the next…

Featured image for “Judge refuses to block Florida’s transgender treatment law”
September 13, 2023

Judge refuses to block Florida’s transgender treatment law

Adult plaintiffs did not show they would suffer irreparable harm, said U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.…

Featured image for “Abortion rights issue moves closer to 2024 ballot”
September 8, 2023

Abortion rights issue moves closer to 2024 ballot

Floridians Protecting Freedom says it has collected enough signatures to get a review by the Florida Supreme Court.…

Featured image for “Online support group helps Floridians with storm anxiety”
Storm-related distress might look like changes in eating and sleeping, along with an increased reliance on drugs and alcohol.
September 7, 2023

Online support group helps Floridians with storm anxiety

Peer Support Space gives people a safe place to vent, share their feelings and get solutions to their storm-related anxiety.…

Featured image for “Moms for Liberty co-founder appointed to ethics panel”
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich speaks June 30, 2023, at the group's meeting in Philadelphia. | Matt Rourke, AP
September 6, 2023

Moms for Liberty co-founder appointed to ethics panel

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday appointed Tina Descovich to the Florida Commission on Ethics, which reviews conduct by public officers…

Featured image for “Survey finds food inflation is turning into a health crisis”
September 6, 2023

Survey finds food inflation is turning into a health crisis

Some people are reducing how much they eat, while others are opting for cheaper alternatives like junk foods or highly…

Featured image for “Hurricane Idalia’s aftermath: Over 250,000 without power”
A storm-damaged gas station is reflected in a puddle after Hurricane Idalia crossed the state on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Perry. | Sean Rayford, Getty Images
August 31, 2023

Hurricane Idalia’s aftermath: Over 250,000 without power

Despite widespread damage, only a handful of deaths have been linked to the hurricane, a sizable contrast to Hurricane Ian.…

Featured image for “Heat warning stickers are going up on Florida gas pumps”
August 15, 2023

Heat warning stickers are going up on Florida gas pumps

Motorists fueling up across Florida will soon see stickers on gas pumps warning against leaving children and pets in vehicles.…

Featured image for “Florida prisons grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat”
Record heat has made conditions tougher inside Florida's prisons.
August 2, 2023

Florida prisons grapple with ‘oppressive’ heat

Sen. Jennifer Bradley of Fleming Island says conditions are brutal inside prisons without air conditioning.…