State

Hurricane Idalia caused damage to businesses in Taylor County, including a gas station. Mike Exline/File

Storm season ends, but recovery takes time

News Staff

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

For a second consecutive hurricane season, Florida took a direct hit from a major storm. But while the 2023 season will end next week, restoration efforts from Hurricane Idalia will continue for years in rural North Florida, particularly for people in the agriculture industry.

Testing, recess changes eyed in school deregulation

News Staff

Thursday, November 16, 2023

A slate of bills aimed at reducing regulations on public schools began moving forward Wednesday, as a key Florida Senate panel signed off on changes such as eliminating testing requirements for earning high-school diplomas.

Medicaid enrollment continues to drop

News Staff

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Enrollment in Florida’s Medicaid program has dropped by more than 670,000 people after the end of a federal public-health emergency, as a potential class-action lawsuit continues about the state’s handling of the issue.

Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, is sponsoring a bill that could expand eligibility for veterans' long-term care facilities. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers eye allowing spouses in veterans homes

News Staff

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

A Florida Senate panel on Tuesday backed a proposal that would allow veterans' spouses to qualify to live in state-run long-term care facilities for veterans. The measure (SB 174) also would allow parents of military members who died in service to be eligible.

Submitted photo

FPL customers to see lower storm costs

News Staff

Friday, November 10, 2023

After Florida Power & Light said the tab for restoring electricity after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole was lower than expected, state regulators Thursday approved a proposal that will reduce the amount of storm costs passed along to customers.

Submitted photo

'Margaritaville' license plate proposed

News Staff

Friday, November 10, 2023

Jimmy Buffett fans would be able to help a charity the late singer founded by paying for a specialty license plate, under a proposal filed Thursday for the 2024 legislative session. Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St.

Florida State Capitol. File photo

Voucher bills set for special session

News Staff

Thursday, November 2, 2023

With a special legislative session poised to start Monday, the Florida House and Senate on Thursday released proposals that could lead to more students receiving school vouchers through a program aimed at helping children with disabilities.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola, Jr. reached a gambling deal in 2021. File photo

Tribe to begin sports betting at casinos

News Staff

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Seminole Tribe leaders on Wednesday announced a plan to roll out sports betting at their casinos in December — a first step in what could be a major expansion of gambling in Florida triggered by a go-ahead from the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Lawmakers eye voucher demand

News Staff

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Florida lawmakers are gearing up to provide additional funding to a part of the state's school-voucher program that serves students with special needs, as some proponents of the scholarships say demand has outpaced supply. The state Legislature is gathering for a special session starting Nov.

The state has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court in a dispute about a new law aimed at preventing children from attending drag shows.. File photo

Drag show fight goes to Supreme Court

News Staff

Friday, October 27, 2023

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court in a fight about a ruling that blocked statewide a new law aimed at preventing children from attending drag shows. The state’s attorneys want the Supreme Court to approve a partial stay of a preliminary injunction that U.S.