FLORIDA NEWS
Document declutter: Should you file it or toss it?
Read full article: Document declutter: Should you file it or toss it?Ready for some spring cleaning? Is it time to donate unused clothes, toss some trash, and ditch broken appliances? But what about all those old documents you’ve been holding on to?
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.
UF study explores balance between urban park design, wildlife conservation for thriving ecosystems
Read full article: UF study explores balance between urban park design, wildlife conservation for thriving ecosystemsAcross the United States, more than 440 national parks and 7,400 urban parks offer a variety of recreational green spaces for people and pets.
UF study reveals boats may unknowingly transport invasive termites, increasing infestation risks
Read full article: UF study reveals boats may unknowingly transport invasive termites, increasing infestation risksWhen you think of termites, you probably don’t imagine them aboard yachts, cabin cruisers, sailboats or other watercrafts floating across oceans.
National Pet Day: Make your pets local stars Friday by sharing photos, videos on SnapJAX
Read full article: National Pet Day: Make your pets local stars Friday by sharing photos, videos on SnapJAXFriday, April 11, is National Pet Day, and there’s nothing we love more than an excuse to have you share photos of your beloved animal family members with us.
Students, school districts declare vocal opposition to state law changes that would affect AP, IB, other courses
Read full article: Students, school districts declare vocal opposition to state law changes that would affect AP, IB, other coursesAs the Florida Legislature considers two bills that could slash funding for popular acceleration programs in public schools, students, parents and school district leaders are sharing vocal opposition to the changes.
Jacksonville lawmaker pushes bill aiming to protect victims from deepfakes after former mayor’s daughter targeted
Read full article: Jacksonville lawmaker pushes bill aiming to protect victims from deepfakes after former mayor’s daughter targetedA bill moving through the Florida Capitol could have significant implications for victims of deepfakes, with its roots firmly planted in Jacksonville.
Duval County Public Schools could face $8M funding cut under proposed state law changes
Read full article: Duval County Public Schools could face $8M funding cut under proposed state law changesDuval County Public Schools could lose up to $8 million in funding if proposed changes to state laws pass, potentially cutting 50% of financial support for critical student programs like Advanced Placement and Career Education.
Florida House committee unanimously approves bill that would prevent development at state parks
Read full article: Florida House committee unanimously approves bill that would prevent development at state parksA 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.
Historic victory: University of Florida now only school to win 3 NCAA titles in both football, men’s basketball
Read full article: Historic victory: University of Florida now only school to win 3 NCAA titles in both football, men’s basketballThe University of Florida is the only school to have won three NCAA Division I titles in both men’s basketball (2006, 2007, 2025) and football (1996, 2006, 2008).
Florida wins its third NCAA basketball title and denies Houston its first, rallying for 65-63 victory
Read full article: Florida wins its third NCAA basketball title and denies Houston its first, rallying for 65-63 victoryFlorida wins its third NCAA basketball title and denies Houston its first, rallying for 65-63 victory.
Protesters demand changes to 2 bills designed to protect Florida state parks from development
Read full article: Protesters demand changes to 2 bills designed to protect Florida state parks from developmentTwo bills moving through the Florida Legislature aim to block development in nine state parks, including Anastasia State Park, but environmental advocates are concerned the bills lack specific protections. Protests are being held throughout April, urging lawmakers to amend the bills to ensure stronger safeguards against commercial development.
‘More than a simple name change’: Florida House passes two bills supporting ‘Gulf of America’ name change
Read full article: ‘More than a simple name change’: Florida House passes two bills supporting ‘Gulf of America’ name changeErasing the Gulf of Mexico from state laws and educational materials won Florida House approval Thursday. The Republican-controlled House passed two bills along party lines to carry out President Donald Trump’s directive to rename the gulf as the Gulf of America.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announces charges in MS-13 killing as the Trump administration highlights its gang crackdown
Read full article: Attorney General Pam Bondi announces charges in MS-13 killing as the Trump administration highlights its gang crackdownThree alleged MS-13 gang members have been federally charged in connection with a killing a decade ago in Florida, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday, seeking to highlight the Trump administration’s push to prosecute violent gangs.
Gov. DeSantis, Florida agency under fire over possible mishandling of $160 million Medicaid funds
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis, Florida agency under fire over possible mishandling of $160 million Medicaid fundsGov. Ron DeSantis and his administration faced criticism after a report from Tallahassee suggested the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) may have lost $160 million.
Bear in mind: Spring brings Florida’s black bears out of hibernation, so stay safe and secure!
Read full article: Bear in mind: Spring brings Florida’s black bears out of hibernation, so stay safe and secure!Florida’s wildlife is becoming more active since it’s springtime. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) reminds the public to watch out for bears.
Jimmy Patronis, Sen. Randy Fine win special election seats for Florida districts 1, 6
Read full article: Jimmy Patronis, Sen. Randy Fine win special election seats for Florida districts 1, 6Voters in parts of Northeast Florida have until 7 p.m. Tuesday to cast a ballot in a special election to replace Rep. Michael Waltz. Waltz resigned from Congress on Jan. 20 to join the Trump administration as national security advisor.
‘Citrus not going down on my watch’: Florida Senate President pushing to revitalize struggling citrus industry
Read full article: ‘Citrus not going down on my watch’: Florida Senate President pushing to revitalize struggling citrus industryAs the Florida House and Senate prepare to negotiate a new state budget, among the big issues they will face is a push by Senate President Ben Albritton, a citrus grower, to help the state’s struggling citrus industry.
Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore hold first press conference since returning to Earth
Read full article: Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore hold first press conference since returning to EarthNASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after being stuck in space for more than nine months.
Clay County Fair 2025: Officials, organizers highlight heightened safety, traffic and security measures ahead of April 3
Read full article: Clay County Fair 2025: Officials, organizers highlight heightened safety, traffic and security measures ahead of April 3Clay County officials and fair organizers are gearing up for the highly anticipated 2025 Clay County Fair.
Jared Bridegan’s widow honored with Back the Blue award for ‘Bexley Boxes’
Read full article: Jared Bridegan’s widow honored with Back the Blue award for ‘Bexley Boxes’For more than a year, the daughter and widow of Jared Bridegan, the man ambushed and murdered in Jacksonville Beach in February 2022, have been turning a tragic experience into a beautiful act of kindness aimed at helping children who are in the middle of crime scenes or investigations.
Florida lawmakers seek to roll back child labor laws, allowing teens as young as 14 to work overnight shifts
Read full article: Florida lawmakers seek to roll back child labor laws, allowing teens as young as 14 to work overnight shiftsLawmakers in Tallahassee are working to roll back major aspects of Florida’s child labor laws.
Florida House approves bill to lower rifle purchase age to 18
Read full article: Florida House approves bill to lower rifle purchase age to 18A bill that emerged after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland may see some changes. In 2018, the state increased the age limit to 21 for purchasing a rifle or long gun. However, the Florida House recently approved a bill to lower the age back to 18.
Jumbo Shrimp introduce $15 Power Alley seats ahead of Opening Day
Read full article: Jumbo Shrimp introduce $15 Power Alley seats ahead of Opening DayA Power Alley ticket is just $15 and includes an assigned stool seat at a drink rail just over the right field wall at VyStar Ballpark. Tickets provide access to the new Right Field Hall gathering area directly behind the seats.
Should AI be allowed to deny your insurance claim? Fleming Island senator says no
Read full article: Should AI be allowed to deny your insurance claim? Fleming Island senator says noA Florida Senate Committee is considering a bill filed by a local lawmaker that would keep insurance companies from relying on artificial intelligence to deny claims.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp launch kids club for fans 12 and under
Read full article: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp launch kids club for fans 12 and underYoung fans aged 12 and under can now join the most exclusive hangout in Crustacean Nation with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s newly unveiled Junior Jumbos Crustacean Kids Club.
Northeast Florida’s rising need for foster families: How one Jacksonville family is making a difference
Read full article: Northeast Florida’s rising need for foster families: How one Jacksonville family is making a differenceDuval County is now outpacing the entire state’s average for children in foster care, with a total count of 1,366 children in 2023.
DeSantis warns he has ‘tools’ including suspending local officials if they don’t cooperate with ICE
Read full article: DeSantis warns he has ‘tools’ including suspending local officials if they don’t cooperate with ICEFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis says his office has tools including suspending officials from office to compel local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in assisting in detentions and deportations.
New Florida law imposes penalties for those who leave pets in storms
Read full article: New Florida law imposes penalties for those who leave pets in stormsThose who leave their pets behind during natural disasters will now face the consequences of those actions. The Florida Senate passed SB 150, also coined “Trooper’s Law” on Wednesday.
Jacksonville’s comedy scene thrives as Mayport emerges as a hotspot
Read full article: Jacksonville’s comedy scene thrives as Mayport emerges as a hotspotWhether you’re an aspiring comedian or just looking for a good laugh, this coastal community is proving that the First Coast’s comedy scene is no joke.
Madison Hughes to open for Tracy Lawrence in Jacksonville on March 20
Read full article: Madison Hughes to open for Tracy Lawrence in Jacksonville on March 20From prime-time television performances of rock & roll classics to viral country covers, Hughes has built a reputation for her powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling.
Technician says Florida thrill ride operator ignored his safety concerns before teen's fatal fall
Read full article: Technician says Florida thrill ride operator ignored his safety concerns before teen's fatal fallA maintenance technician says he raised safety issues with the operators of a central Florida amusement ride before a 14-year-old boy fell to his death.
Florida senator’s bill to prevent local DEI efforts moves forward despite scrutiny
Read full article: Florida senator’s bill to prevent local DEI efforts moves forward despite scrutinyFlorida Rep. Sen. Clay Yarborough introduced a bill to the Senate Community Affairs Committee that would prevent any Diversity, Equity and Inclusion action within local government.
Astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore return to Earth after nine months in space with SpaceX splashdown
Read full article: Astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore return to Earth after nine months in space with SpaceX splashdownStuck astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore return to Earth after nine months in space with a SpaceX splashdown.
How you can help Florida’s sea turtles have nesting success this year
Read full article: How you can help Florida’s sea turtles have nesting success this yearBecause Florida's shorelines provide important nesting habitats for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, beachgoers can have a significant impact on the success of this year’s nesting season.
Stuck astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally on their way back to Earth
Read full article: Stuck astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally on their way back to EarthNASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after being stuck in space for more than nine months.
Florida Senate committee approves proposal to set term limits for county commissioners, school board members
Read full article: Florida Senate committee approves proposal to set term limits for county commissioners, school board membersThe Senate Ethics and Elections Committee on Monday voted 6-2 to approve a proposal (SJR 802) that would put in the Florida Constitution eight-year term limits for county commissioners and school board members. The Legislature in 2023 approved eight-year term limits for school board members, but those limits are not in the Constitution.
‘Making it official:’ Florida is one step closer to enshrining ‘Gulf of America’ in law
Read full article: ‘Making it official:’ Florida is one step closer to enshrining ‘Gulf of America’ in lawFlorida lawmakers are one step closer to making “Gulf of America” an official moniker under state statutes, our sister station WKMG reported.
Parents, what do you think? Proposed bill could ban cellphones in Florida schools during entire school day
Read full article: Parents, what do you think? Proposed bill could ban cellphones in Florida schools during entire school dayA bill introduced in the Florida Legislature could make a big change to Florida's policy for cellphones in schools. It would keep students from using their cellphones at ALL on school property (no matter what time) and during school activities, even if they’re off grounds.
A fresh twist on an American classic. Korean Corn Dogs from K-Bop are all the rage
Read full article: A fresh twist on an American classic. Korean Corn Dogs from K-Bop are all the rageK-Bop Korean Kitchen is a Korean restaurant located in Jacksonville, FL, offering a wide range of authentic Korean dishes made in-house with traditional ingredients. The restaurant began as a successful food truck and expanded to a dine-in location, reflecting its growing popularity. K-Bop provides a variety of services including dine-in, delivery, and catering, making it accessible to a broad audience. Visitors can enjoy a diverse menu featuring kimchi soup, bulgogi, mandu (dumplings), and bibimbap, among other options. The restaurant's commitment to using authentic ingredients and its welcoming atmosphere make it an inviting spot for those seeking genuine Korean cuisine in the Jacksonville area. The owner and founder , Erik Pranata, joined us on the show to introduce us to "Korean Corn Dogs." Visit K-Bop and discover their two locations and food truck at KBOPJAX.COM, Instagram: KBopJax & Facebook: K-Bop Korean Kitchen.
Florida lawmakers propose constitutional amendment to set county commission term limits, cement school board limits
Read full article: Florida lawmakers propose constitutional amendment to set county commission term limits, cement school board limitsHouse and Senate Republicans are proposing a constitutional amendment about eight-year term limits for county commissioners and school board members.
‘Makes this process better and stronger’: Local lawmaker weighs in as bills to tighten ballot-initiative process advance
Read full article: ‘Makes this process better and stronger’: Local lawmaker weighs in as bills to tighten ballot-initiative process advanceAfter fierce — and expensive — political battles last year about abortion rights and recreational marijuana, Florida lawmakers Thursday began moving forward with a proposal that would place additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process.
This Florida highway may be the best place in the state to see alligators
Read full article: This Florida highway may be the best place in the state to see alligatorsWhile the Florida Panther is considered the state’s official animal, the alligator can easily be seen as the unofficial pick. With over 1 million alligators estimated to live in Florida, the animal is a huge draw for many, with an entire theme park being created to showcase their scaly features. However, one highway in Florida is considered to be among the best places to spot alligators: a stretch of Interstate 75 dubbed “Alligator Alley.”