State

The newly design Florida driver license features iconic pieces of the state’s history, such as Castillo de San Marcos, Space Shuttle Discovery, an orange, an alligator and a manatee. provided photo

The newly design Florida driver license features iconic pieces of the state’s history, such as Castillo de San Marcos, Space Shuttle Discovery, an orange, an alligator and a manatee. provided photo

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Florida launches new license design

News Staff
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Starting today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will begin issuing a newly designed Florida driver license and identification card featuring elements of Florida’s history.Florida residents are not required to replace their existing driver license or...
Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped in Fernandina Beach in May to announce an extended red snapper season.

Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped in Fernandina Beach in May to announce an extended red snapper season.

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Fall snapper season Oct. 9 - Oct. 22

News Staff
Friday, September 25, 2026
The federal government has approved Florida’s request to expand the 2026 Fall Atlantic red snapper season.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the approval will allow the agency to test management of recreational and for-hire operations for red snapper in both state and...

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FDOT, DeSantis aim to de-Flock Florida

Amy Mulligan
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
The Florida Department of Transportation has revoked existing permits for license plate reader cameras installed by local law enforcement agencies within the right-of-way of state roadways, including interstates such as I-95 and I-10.The directive, issued Monday, gives agencies 30 days to remove...
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Florida International University on Wednesday. Provided photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a Florida International University on Wednesday. Provided photo

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DeSantis calls for license-plate reader overhaul

Amy Mulligan
Friday, August 28, 2026
Amid growing controversy in Florida and other states, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called for an overhaul of how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate readers.“I’m all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable,” DeSantis said during an...

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Residents reminded to prep for storms as NWS keeps eye on systems

Amy Mulligan
Friday, July 17, 2026
An area of low pressure is expected to form this weekend over the northeastern Gulf and then move slowly northeast early next week.Kirsten Chaney, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville said the NWS is monitoring an area of low pressure in the Gulf.

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NCSD earns ‘A’ grade, drops to No. 2 in state

Nick Blank
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Nassau County School District is the second-best district in the state, earning another overall ‘A’ grade while placing high in most subjects. The District received 13 A’s and one ‘B’ grade, which was West Nassau High, according to the Florida Department of Education.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the expanded Atlantic Red Snapper Season on Monday at Amelia Island Marina. Photo by Nick Blank/News-Leader

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More freedom to fish

Nick Blank
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Anglers can enjoy a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season from now on, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday at the Amelia Island Marina. Flanked by boats, county officials and boaters, he said the state will see a significant expansion from the two-day federal season allowed in 2025.