News from around the state of Florida
Featured image for “Part of schoolbook law ruled unconstitutional”
Books are stacked in a school library. | SKT Studio, stock.adobe.com
9 hours ago

Part of schoolbook law ruled unconstitutional

A federal judge ruled against part of a law that led to removal of books for “sexual” content.…

Featured image for “For incarcerated students, online school is a disaster”
A photo and letter from Xavier Nicoll is posted on the kitchen of his grandparents Bill and Julie on April 24, 2025, in Naples. Xavier has been incarcerated longer than his original sentence due to behavioral issues during virtual school. | Marta Lavandier, AP
13 hours ago

For incarcerated students, online school is a disaster

Despite evidence that online learning failed many students in the pandemic, Florida relies on it for juvenile detention.…

Featured image for “As Erin strengthens, when do we expect a turn northward?”
13 hours ago

As Erin strengthens, when do we expect a turn northward?

The stronger Erin gets, the more likely the storm will turn north late Sunday or early Monday.…

Featured image for “Controversial bear hunt gets go-ahead for December”
1 day ago

Controversial bear hunt gets go-ahead for December

Wildlife officials approved rules for a hunt that could lead to 187 bears being killed.…

Featured image for “Tropical Storm Erin could become a major hurricane”
Tropical Storm Erin as of 11 a.m. Monday
August 11, 2025

Tropical Storm Erin could become a major hurricane

Erin is forecast to become the first hurricane of the season by the end of the week, likely staying north…

Featured image for “More Floridians falling ill from consuming raw milk”
In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non‑human consumption as pet or animal food. |
August 7, 2025

More Floridians falling ill from consuming raw milk

Health experts blame misinformation. Some people think raw milk protects them from asthma and allergies.…

Featured image for “Florida prepares to build Camp Blanding ICE center”
A sign marks the entrance to Camp Blanding Joint Training Center on July 15, 2025. | David Fischer, AP file
August 6, 2025

Florida prepares to build Camp Blanding ICE center

The administration has awarded at least one contract for the state’s second immigration detention center.…

Featured image for “Florida’s record executions lead nationwide increase”
Abraham Bonowitz of the national advocacy group Death Penalty Action speaks at an event outside the state Capitol in Tallahassee on March 19, 2025, to advocate against the execution of Edward James scheduled for March 20, 2025. | Kate Payne, AP
August 5, 2025

Florida’s record executions lead nationwide increase

Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida has executed nine people in 2025, more than any other state.…

Featured image for “Judge orders release of Alligator Alcatraz agreements”
A protester stands outside the migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Facility on July 12, 2025, in Ochopee. | Alexandra Rodriguez, AP
August 5, 2025

Judge orders release of Alligator Alcatraz agreements

State and federal officials must provide written agreements showing who has legal custody of detainees at the facility.…

Featured image for “Tropical Storm Dexter forms; forecasters watch 2 other areas”
August 4, 2025

Tropical Storm Dexter forms; forecasters watch 2 other areas

Tropical Storm Dexter is moving away from the U.S. and won’t affect Florida.…

Featured image for “It’s August: Here’s where tropical storms typically form”
Areas for tropical storm formation in August.
August 1, 2025

It’s August: Here’s where tropical storms typically form

Tropical activity tends to ramp up in August with more tropical waves emerging from Africa.…

Featured image for “Monthly rent in Florida increased $500 in 3 years”
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July 31, 2025

Monthly rent in Florida increased $500 in 3 years

Median rent soared from $1,238 a month to $1,719, according to a study by the University of Florida.…

Featured image for “Hurricane supplies will be tax free starting Friday”
Hurricane kit supply list
July 31, 2025

Hurricane supplies will be tax free starting Friday

The Florida Legislature permanently exempted certain supplies from sales tax, effective Aug. 1.…

Featured image for “Even manufactured homes are becoming unaffordable”
Melissa Preen stands by boxes filled with her belongings as she prepares to move back to Cleveland. She says she can no longer afford to live in Country Villa Estates in Riverview, due to rising lot rent and other fees. | Octavio Jones, WUSF
July 30, 2025

Even manufactured homes are becoming unaffordable

Floridians who live in manufactured homes are often older people on fixed incomes. Now lot rents are pricing them out.…

Featured image for “Who runs Alligator Alcatraz? A judge wants to know”
President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and others, tour "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, on July 1, 2025, in Ochopee. | Evan Vucci, AP
July 29, 2025

Who runs Alligator Alcatraz? A judge wants to know

U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz said there is confusion about the legal authority the detention center is operating under.…

Featured image for “Good or bad, back-to-school tax holiday is about to begin”
A display of scented markers and crayons is shown in a Walmart. | Gene J. Puskar, AP
July 28, 2025

Good or bad, back-to-school tax holiday is about to begin

Retailers praise the sales tax holiday, but critics deride it as gimmick with little benefit.…

Featured image for “Florida gears up for 3-week bear hunt in December”
July 25, 2025

Florida gears up for 3-week bear hunt in December

State wildlife officials will consider rules for the hunt next month, including a limit of 187 bears killed.…

Featured image for “Teen drivers will face new requirements next month”
Before teens can get their driver's permit and buckle their seat belts, they'll need to complete a new six-hour course. The updated requirements start Aug. 1. | State Farm, Creative Commons
July 24, 2025

Teen drivers will face new requirements next month

Starting Aug. 1, teenagers must complete a six-hour driving course before earning their learner’s permit.…

Featured image for “Florida signs $245M in contracts for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’”
Work progresses on a new migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades on July 4, 2025. | Rebecca Blackwell, AP
July 23, 2025

Florida signs $245M in contracts for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Officials have estimated the facility will cost $450 million a year, fronted by Florida taxpayers.…

Featured image for “Florida DOGE launches audits in Broward and Gainesville”
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July 22, 2025

Florida DOGE launches audits in Broward and Gainesville

The task force wants access to buildings and data systems as well as information on DEI and green initiatives.…

Featured image for “Florida has a new CFO. What does he do?”
Florida's chief financial officer, Blaise Ingoglia, speaks during his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, July 21, 2025.
July 22, 2025

Florida has a new CFO. What does he do?

CFO Blaise Ingoglia oversees the state’s finances, insurance regulation and even fire safety enforcement.…

Featured image for “Supreme Court upholds North Florida redistricting”
This redistricting plan pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis eliminated the old Congressional District 5, a Black-majority district that stretched from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee.
July 18, 2025

Supreme Court upholds North Florida redistricting

Justices said the plan, which broke up a majority Black congressional district, did not violate the Constitution.…

Featured image for “Emails show state blindsided local officials on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’”
Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump visited and toured the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility in July.
July 18, 2025

Emails show state blindsided local officials on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

County officials were trying to chase down a rumor about the facility while state officials began construction.…

Featured image for “‘Flesh-eating’ bacterium kills 1 in St. Johns County”
Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, also known as the "flesh-eating" bacteria, is found in warm, brackish seawater and undercooked seafood. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
July 15, 2025

‘Flesh-eating’ bacterium kills 1 in St. Johns County

Statewide, four people have died of the bacterium, which is found in warm, brackish seawater and undercooked seafood.…