News from around the state of Florida
Featured image for “Proposed law would force drivers out of the left lane”
Traffic flows toward Downtown Jacksonville just after rush hour.
October 24, 2023

Proposed law would force drivers out of the left lane

The bill would make it illegal to use the left lane unless attempting to pass other motorists.…

Featured image for “Bathroom rules now apply to private schools in Florida”
October 19, 2023

Bathroom rules now apply to private schools in Florida

Students and faculty at private colleges and universities will only be allowed to use facilities that align with the sex…

Featured image for “Preserving a wildlife corridor in the shadow of Magic Kingdom”
October 18, 2023

Preserving a wildlife corridor in the shadow of Magic Kingdom

The world’s most-visited theme park has become one of the most important links in a corridor for wildlife spanning the…

Featured image for “Racism rises again a century later in Rosewood”
Kenneth Nunn, left, and Benjamin L. Crump mourn for the victims of the Rosewood massacre during a wreath-laying ceremony, at Rosewood on Jan. 8, 2023. | Xinyue Li, Fresh Take Florida
October 18, 2023

Racism rises again a century later in Rosewood

David Allen Emanuel Sr. was convicted of hate crimes for menacing people who plan to memorialize the horrific racial violence…

Featured image for “State defends redistricting in North Florida”
October 6, 2023

State defends redistricting in North Florida

Secretary of State Cord Byrd wants an appellate court to overturn a ruling that the plan violated the rights of…

Featured image for “Appeals court urged to block Florida’s Chinese property law”
October 6, 2023

Appeals court urged to block Florida’s Chinese property law

Opponents say the law targets people based on national origin, which would violate the Fair Housing Act.…

Featured image for “Citizens customers must decide on switch to private insurance”
October 5, 2023

Citizens customers must decide on switch to private insurance

More than 300,000 customers have until Oct. 10 to decide on an offer to change insurers.…

Featured image for “Florida claims Juul improperly marketed to children”
October 5, 2023

Florida claims Juul improperly marketed to children

Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to prevent Juul Labs from marketing e-cigarettes to children.…

Featured image for “Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office defends anti-riot law”
Protesters block the Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville in the summer of 2020. | Sky Lebron, WJCT News 89.9
October 4, 2023

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office defends anti-riot law

The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by civil rights groups, including the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville.…

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…

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”
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.…

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…