FLORIDA NEWS
Decades after a Florida canal project was abandoned, advocates are trying to reunite 3 rivers
Read full article: Decades after a Florida canal project was abandoned, advocates are trying to reunite 3 riversEnvironmentalists want to permanently open a dam built for a canal that was supposed to cut through the middle of Florida from the Atlantic to the Gulf.
Defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp unveil packed 2026 home schedule
Read full article: Defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp unveil packed 2026 home scheduleThe defending champions open at home on March 27 at VyStar Ballpark, and with championship-themed giveaways, fireworks and one of the most entertaining promotional schedules in minor league baseball, the Jumbo Shrimp look ready to make another memorable run in 2026.
Property taxes, guns, education & more: Here’s what happened to 10 key issues in the 2026 Florida legislative session
Read full article: Property taxes, guns, education & more: Here’s what happened to 10 key issues in the 2026 Florida legislative sessionFlorida lawmakers put forward just under 2,000 bills and resolutions as they entered the 2026 legislative session. They returned home on Friday, having agreed to about 235 measures that await action from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Here is what became of 10 key issues.
Florida woman accused of firing gunshots at Rihanna's Los Angeles home has been charged with attempted murder
Read full article: Florida woman accused of firing gunshots at Rihanna's Los Angeles home has been charged with attempted murderFlorida woman accused of firing gunshots at Rihanna's Los Angeles home has been charged with attempted murder.
Florida facing ‘demographic cliff’ as deaths outpace births, researchers say
Read full article: Florida facing ‘demographic cliff’ as deaths outpace births, researchers sayFlorida’s population boom has defined the state for years, but new data suggests another trend is emerging: The state isn’t just growing — it’s aging.
‘Trying to stop this from happening again’: Florida man files lawsuit over open carry policy at Bradford County Fair
Read full article: ‘Trying to stop this from happening again’: Florida man files lawsuit over open carry policy at Bradford County FairA Florida man has filed a lawsuit against the Bradford County Fair Association and Bradford County, claiming they unlawfully banned the open carry of firearms at the county fair.
Donate, Declutter and Win During Goodwill’s ‘Clean Out Your Closet Week’
Read full article: Donate, Declutter and Win During Goodwill’s ‘Clean Out Your Closet Week’From March 15–21, National Clean Out Your Closet Week invites Northeast Florida residents to turn their spring cleaning into something meaningful.
Politics & Power: Florida’s mid-decade redistricting fight could reshape US House balance in 2026
Read full article: Politics & Power: Florida’s mid-decade redistricting fight could reshape US House balance in 2026Florida’s political map is back on the chopping block. Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes mid‑decade redistricting that could hand Republicans up to five new House seats and sideline Democrats for years. What’s at stake for 2026 — and for American democracy? Dr. Sam Wang from Princeton University, an expert on election law and gerrymandering, joins us to discuss on Politics & Power.
HOAs one step closer to becoming nonexistent after Florida House passes bill
Read full article: HOAs one step closer to becoming nonexistent after Florida House passes billAfter a state lawmaker brought up eliminating HOAs last year, a new Florida bill would allow residents to do exactly that, according to a report from our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
South Florida university probes racist group chat tied to a local GOP official
Read full article: South Florida university probes racist group chat tied to a local GOP officialFlorida International University has launched an investigation into a group chat linked to a local GOP official that included violent racist slurs, antisemitic comments and misogynistic language.
Longer yellow lights, digital ID protections included in Florida transportation bill
Read full article: Longer yellow lights, digital ID protections included in Florida transportation billFlorida lawmakers are advancing a wide-ranging transportation bill that could bring several changes for drivers across the state, including longer yellow lights at red-light camera intersections, privacy protections for digital driver’s licenses and new rules involving parking and vehicle noise.
How Florida’s fishing license change could impact tourists; Why charter captains see opportunity
Read full article: How Florida’s fishing license change could impact tourists; Why charter captains see opportunityA change to Florida’s fishing license system could affect out-of-state visitors hoping to fish during upcoming travel periods like spring break.
Are you a ‘gang member?’ This new Florida bill changes what it means
Read full article: Are you a ‘gang member?’ This new Florida bill changes what it meansA new Florida bill just passed its final committee today, and it aims to bring a new meaning to what constitutes a “gang member,” according to a report from our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
‘It isn’t fair’: Jacksonville HIV advocate warns of crisis as thousands lose medication access, but relief may be coming
Read full article: ‘It isn’t fair’: Jacksonville HIV advocate warns of crisis as thousands lose medication access, but relief may be comingFlorida’s emergency cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program could leave more than 16,000 people without consistent access to HIV medication or insurance coverage , including at least 500 in Jacksonville.
‘Failed experiment:’ Florida committee unanimously OKs plan to scrap HOAs
Read full article: ‘Failed experiment:’ Florida committee unanimously OKs plan to scrap HOAsAfter a state lawmaker brought up eliminating HOAs last year, a new Florida bill would allow residents to do exactly that, according to a report from our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
Why the YMCA backs proposed legislation to widen swim voucher ages, create new water rules for rental properties
Read full article: Why the YMCA backs proposed legislation to widen swim voucher ages, create new water rules for rental propertiesThe Florida Department of Health lists drowning as the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4, and state lawmakers in Tallahassee are considering two bills aimed at reducing those deaths.
Bodycam takes direct hit as Volusia deputy is shot twice during battery investigation, sheriff says
Read full article: Bodycam takes direct hit as Volusia deputy is shot twice during battery investigation, sheriff saysA deputy is conscious and alert after being shot twice on Monday evening, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Former police officer convicted of raping 11-year-old girl in 1987 to be executed
Read full article: Former police officer convicted of raping 11-year-old girl in 1987 to be executedJames Aren Duckett, a former police officer convicted of the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in 1987, will be executed by lethal injection later this month after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed his death warrant Friday.
Is this Florida’s hardest-working city? New report says yes
Read full article: Is this Florida’s hardest-working city? New report says yesA new report by WalletHub on Tuesday details the hardest-working cities in America. And one city in particular took the top spot for Florida, according to a report by our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
More than 60 people charged for speeding in St. Johns County since Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law went into effect
Read full article: More than 60 people charged for speeding in St. Johns County since Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law went into effectRecords show 63 charging affidavits have been submitted in St. Johns County for excessive speeding since the “Super Speeder” law took effect in Florida last year.
‘You’re going to have something on the ballot’: Gov. DeSantis pushes Florida property tax cuts as key affordability fix
Read full article: ‘You’re going to have something on the ballot’: Gov. DeSantis pushes Florida property tax cuts as key affordability fixDuring a news conference Wednesday in St. Augustine, News4JAX was able to ask Gov. Ron DeSantis about how he plans to improve affordability for Floridians.
‘Damaging’ winter freeze leaves Florida’s citrus growers with over $3 billion in losses
Read full article: ‘Damaging’ winter freeze leaves Florida’s citrus growers with over $3 billion in lossesWith farmers caught shorthanded and with crops not ready for harvesting, a pair of winter storms at the beginning and end of January potentially inflicted more than $3.17 billion in losses to the state’s agricultural industry.
Florida e-bike injuries rising: Local attorney says he’s seeing cases daily as lawmakers push new safety bill
Read full article: Florida e-bike injuries rising: Local attorney says he’s seeing cases daily as lawmakers push new safety billLegislation moving through the Florida Capitol would create new guardrails for electric bike riders, a move that comes as Wolfson Children’s Hospital reported 19 cases in January alone involving children injured while riding e-bikes.
What to know about the Florida bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport for Trump
Read full article: What to know about the Florida bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport for TrumpFlorida lawmakers approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump.
Looking for a job? Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announce 2 preseason job fairs for 2026 season
Read full article: Looking for a job? Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp announce 2 preseason job fairs for 2026 seasonIf you’re looking for a fun, flexible job in a high-energy environment this spring, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are hiring.
Florida led the nation in shark bites in 2025, new report shows. Here’s why researchers say it tops the list
Read full article: Florida led the nation in shark bites in 2025, new report shows. Here’s why researchers say it tops the listFlorida once again leads the nation in shark bites, according to newly released data that comes just as beach season ramps up.
Florida House votes to name Palm Beach Airport after Donald Trump
Read full article: Florida House votes to name Palm Beach Airport after Donald TrumpFlorida lawmakers on Tuesday moved closer to placing President Donald Trump’s name on the Palm Beach International Airport despite turbulence over state funding, trademarking rights and his personal conduct.
Allegations of abuse, neglect prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal Control
Read full article: Allegations of abuse, neglect prompt request for state to investigate Union County Animal ControlMore than 50 people from 12 different animal advocacy organizations and shelters in Florida have signed a 197-page complaint, requesting the state launch a criminal investigation into the Union County Animal Control office.
DeSantis: Florida ranked No. 1 in workforce education, goal reached 5 years ahead of schedule
Read full article: DeSantis: Florida ranked No. 1 in workforce education, goal reached 5 years ahead of scheduleFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted on Tuesday the state’s achievements in workforce education.
‘We’ll send you packing:’ Florida AG takes aim at yet another nurse after controversial video
Read full article: ‘We’ll send you packing:’ Florida AG takes aim at yet another nurse after controversial videoFor the third time in recent weeks, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is putting a nurse in his crosshairs over a controversial video was posted online.
Rhode Island man accused in sextortion case involving Green Cove Springs girl booked into Clay County jail, records show
Read full article: Rhode Island man accused in sextortion case involving Green Cove Springs girl booked into Clay County jail, records showA man in Rhode Island accused of soliciting sexual abuse images from a Green Cove Springs girl has been booked into Clay County jail to be prosecuted, jail records show.
Florida lawmakers advance legislation to reduce telemarketer scams targeting seniors
Read full article: Florida lawmakers advance legislation to reduce telemarketer scams targeting seniorsA panel of Florida state senators advanced legislation Wednesday that would make it harder for fraudulent telemarketers to mask their true identities, a move aimed at reducing scams targeting senior citizens.
Ocala woman, 4-year-old daughter killed, estranged husband dies by suicide during Georgia traffic stop: police
Read full article: Ocala woman, 4-year-old daughter killed, estranged husband dies by suicide during Georgia traffic stop: policeA tragic incident that began with the murder of a 34-year-old Ocala woman and her 4-year-old daughter ended Tuesday night when the woman’s estranged husband took his own life during a traffic stop in Kingsland, Georgia, according to multiple law enforcement agencies.
Metal detectors will be added to all Duval County middle schools by end of April, chief says
Read full article: Metal detectors will be added to all Duval County middle schools by end of April, chief saysDuval County Public Schools is in the process of installing metal detectors at Springfield, Mandarin, Oceanway and Ribault middle schools this week.
Man convicted of killing a traveling salesman in Gainesville has become the 1st person executed in Florida this year
Read full article: Man convicted of killing a traveling salesman in Gainesville has become the 1st person executed in Florida this yearMan convicted of killing a traveling salesman has become the first person executed in Florida this year.
All of Florida is at risk thanks to 2 invasive termite species that have now formed a hybrid, experts say
Read full article: All of Florida is at risk thanks to 2 invasive termite species that have now formed a hybrid, experts sayA new study from the University of Florida has revealed that two invasive species of termites in Florida have begun to spread farther than experts previously predicted.
2 children among 4 dead in Marion County home. Sheriff’s office suspects carbon-monoxide poisoning as cause
Read full article: 2 children among 4 dead in Marion County home. Sheriff’s office suspects carbon-monoxide poisoning as causeMarion County detectives investigating four “suspicious” deaths outside of Ocala believe they may have been caused by carbon-monoxide poisoning, according to a report from our sister station WKMG in Orlando.
‘Parents have to wake up!’: Charges in sextortion case involving abuse of Green Cove Springs girl, Florida AG says
Read full article: ‘Parents have to wake up!’: Charges in sextortion case involving abuse of Green Cove Springs girl, Florida AG saysA man in Rhode Island who solicited sexual abuse images from a Green Cove Springs girl is facing charges in the sextortion case and will be extradited to Florida to be prosecuted, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday.
Florida driver’s license tests now offered only in English. State transportation officials cite safety for sudden change
Read full article: Florida driver’s license tests now offered only in English. State transportation officials cite safety for sudden changeStarting Friday, all driver’s license knowledge and skills examinations will be administered exclusively in English across the state of Florida.
Lawsuit challenges DeSantis’ authority to call special session for redistricting
Read full article: Lawsuit challenges DeSantis’ authority to call special session for redistrictingA lawsuit claims Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lacks the authority to call a special session to redraw congressional maps mid-decade.
