Featured image for “Bill to restore Ocklawaha River dies in Legislature”
The Rodman Dam on the Ocklawaha River near Palatka.
March 16, 2026

Bill to restore Ocklawaha River dies in Legislature

The Florida House approved the Ocklawaha River cleanup, but the bill did not advance in the Senate.…

By News Service of Florida

Featured image for “Rep. Randy Fine doubles down on anti-Muslim comments”
State Sen. Randy Fine of Melbourne has filed two bills related to immigration for the regular legislative session in March. He said he hopes they are taken up during the special session.
February 25, 2026

Rep. Randy Fine doubles down on anti-Muslim comments

As Fine continues to push the issue, Central Florida leaders are calling out religious hate.…

By Joe Mario Pedersen - Central Florida Public Media

Featured image for “Smoky wildfires close roads and schools in Putnam County”
Heavy smoke from wildfires envelops a police car near Interlachen on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. | Putnam County Sheriff's Office
February 4, 2026

Smoky wildfires close roads and schools in Putnam County

The county is under a state of emergency due to the threat of wildfires from abnormally dry conditions.…

By Dan Scanlan

Featured image for “Jacksonville lawmaker files bill to remove Rodman dam”
Rodman dam, formally known as the Kirkpatrick Dam, has stood for decades despite efforts by environmental groups, Florida governors and federal bureaucrats to get rid of it. | Florida Parks
January 6, 2026

Jacksonville lawmaker files bill to remove Rodman dam

State Rep. Wyman Duggan has filed legislation to tear down Rodman dam and restore the Ocklawaha River.…

By News Service of Florida

Featured image for “Palatka killer dies in state’s 17th execution of the year”
On a field across from Union Correctional Institution, markers show where opponents and supporters of the death penalty can protest on execution days. | Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, Fresh Take Florida
November 21, 2025

Palatka killer dies in state’s 17th execution of the year

Richard Barry Randolph was executed for raping and killing the manager of a convenience store during a robbery.…

By Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp - Fresh Take Florida

Featured image for “State CFO visits First Coast to reimburse police for ICE costs”
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia delivered reimbursements checks from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to sheriffs from Northeast Florida Wednesday afternoon. From left are Putnam County Sheriff H.D. "Gator" DeLoach, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, Ingoglia and Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith. | Noah Hertz, Jacksonville Today
October 21, 2025

State CFO visits First Coast to reimburse police for ICE costs

Local law enforcement received payments for the costs of helping ICE arrest illegal immigrants.…

By Noah Hertz

Putnam County

Putnam County