FLORIDA NEWS

Gov. Ron DeSantis enshrines ‘Gulf of America’ in Florida law. Here’s what that means
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis enshrines ‘Gulf of America’ in Florida law. Here’s what that meansFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis finally added “Gulf of America” to the state’s lexicon on Monday after signing two new bills into law.

Judge backs more Florida manatee protections
Read full article: Judge backs more Florida manatee protectionsPointing to ongoing threats to manatees, a U.S. district judge Friday said the state has violated the federal Endangered Species Act in its regulation of wastewater discharges into the Indian River Lagoon.

Own a tree? This Florida bill could hold you responsible if it falls — here’s how it works
Read full article: Own a tree? This Florida bill could hold you responsible if it falls — here’s how it worksWith the Florida Legislature finally in the swing of things, one proposed bill could have a big impact on households with a tree in their yard.

This is the best stretch of highway in Florida, study shows. Do you agree?
Read full article: This is the best stretch of highway in Florida, study shows. Do you agree?It's no surprise that drivers can get frustrated with heavy traffic jams on the highway. But it turns out that some stretches may not be that bad.

Florida lawmakers want to get rid of sales tax for these 2 ‘essential items’
Read full article: Florida lawmakers want to get rid of sales tax for these 2 ‘essential items’This week, Florida state lawmakers are set to discuss a proposed bill that would get rid of sales taxes for some items that Florida residents use every day.

Florida lawmakers seek records as it investigates state agency funding
Read full article: Florida lawmakers seek records as it investigates state agency fundingAmid an escalating feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled House, the chamber’s budget chairman on Friday sent letters to six state agencies seeking a broad array of documents as part of a probe into government spending.

Florida universities to deputize campus police for immigration enforcement
Read full article: Florida universities to deputize campus police for immigration enforcementThe police departments of at least three public universities in Florida are seeking agreements with the federal government to carry out immigration enforcement on campus.

These are the 3 best ‘small towns’ in Florida. Here’s why they made the cut
Read full article: These are the 3 best ‘small towns’ in Florida. Here’s why they made the cutUSA Today has released its ranking of the best "small towns" in the southern U.S., highlighting some niche locales that many tourists might not know about.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs first 4 bills of the season. Here’s what they do
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs first 4 bills of the season. Here’s what they doAs part of this year’s regular Legislative session, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has finally signed four new bills into law.

Altamonte Springs celebrates opening of new affordable housing development
Read full article: Altamonte Springs celebrates opening of new affordable housing developmentLocated near the Altamonte Springs SunRail station, Banyan Eastown Apartments includes one- and two-bedroom units in energy-efficient, three-story buildings with elevators. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, computer lab, and meeting rooms.

Florida firefighter arrested on DUI charge was going over 100 mph in residential area, deputies say
Read full article: Florida firefighter arrested on DUI charge was going over 100 mph in residential area, deputies sayAn off-duty Florida firefighter is arrested on suspicion of DUI while traveling 100 mph.

Can Florida teachers be fired over ‘preferred’ names? Here’s what the law says
Read full article: Can Florida teachers be fired over ‘preferred’ names? Here’s what the law saysA Brevard County teacher lost her job after calling a student by a "preferred" name, according to district officials. But what do state rules have to say about the issue?

Central Florida lagging in solutions for its homeless population
Read full article: Central Florida lagging in solutions for its homeless populationLast week’s release of the annual point-in-time count made the challenge abundantly clear: Central Florida still doesn’t have enough ways to house its vast numbers of homeless residents. And a new law banning public camping is making harder to know who needs help.

Florida House advances budget bill reducing bonuses for AP course enrollment
Read full article: Florida House advances budget bill reducing bonuses for AP course enrollmentA state budget bill approved by the Florida House on Wednesday could lead to a significant reduction in how much funding school districts receive for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, prompting criticism from Democrats who argue the change could diminish college readiness in public schools.

There’s a big mystery at this prehistoric Florida spring. Just be sure to plug your nose
Read full article: There’s a big mystery at this prehistoric Florida spring. Just be sure to plug your noseTucked away in southwest Florida, visitors can find an ancient warm spring — the only one of its kind in the state.

Bill to add more transparency to Florida state park development heads for House vote
Read full article: Bill to add more transparency to Florida state park development heads for House voteA bill aimed at preventing a return of efforts to build golf courses, pickleball courts and resorts in state parks is ready to go to the full Florida House.

These are the most affordable Central Florida cities. Can you guess No. 1?
Read full article: These are the most affordable Central Florida cities. Can you guess No. 1?It’s no surprise that housing costs are an issue for many Central Florida residents — but some areas are more far more affordable than others.

‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central Florida
Read full article: ‘A lasting scar:’ International child sex ring leads to 7 arrests in Central FloridaA child pornography investigation spanning multiple countries has led to several arrests in Central Florida, according to state officials on Monday.

Florida ‘Save The Bees’ license plate nears deadline, still needs vouchers
Read full article: Florida ‘Save The Bees’ license plate nears deadline, still needs vouchersTime is running out to "Save The Bees" as a specialty, honey-colored license plate bearing the flowery message nears a June deadline with only about a third of the pre-sale vouchers it needs to become reality.

Man arrested in The Villages among 9 MS-13 gang members charged with murder, Bondi says
Read full article: Man arrested in The Villages among 9 MS-13 gang members charged with murder, Bondi saysFederal authorities and the Broward Sheriff’s Office have announced the arrests of nine MS-13 gang members, one of whom was hanging drywall in The Villages when he was found, according to News 6 partner Local 10 News.

2 found dead in landing gear compartment of JetBlue plane at Florida airport identified as teens
Read full article: 2 found dead in landing gear compartment of JetBlue plane at Florida airport identified as teensThe two victims who were found dead inside the wheel well of a JetBlue plane in January at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport have been identified.

Florida House passes crackdown on citizen attempts to get issues on the ballot
Read full article: Florida House passes crackdown on citizen attempts to get issues on the ballotBuilding on a years-long effort to make it harder to change the state Constitution, the Florida House on Thursday approved a controversial measure that would impose new requirements on the ballot initiative process and increase penalties for wrongdoing.

Florida mother arrested after 5-year-old son ingests meth, later dies, police say
Read full article: Florida mother arrested after 5-year-old son ingests meth, later dies, police sayA Florida mother faces manslaughter charges after her 5-year-old son died after swallowing methamphetamine, according to an arrest report.