FLORIDA NEWS
Florida students can now count marching band toward PE graduation requirements
Read full article: Florida students can now count marching band toward PE graduation requirementsFlorida high school students have a new path to meeting graduation requirements, thanks to a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis taking effect July 1.
8-year-old boy caught riding solo on Sea-Doo: Here’s what Florida law says about personal watercraft
Read full article: 8-year-old boy caught riding solo on Sea-Doo: Here’s what Florida law says about personal watercraftSarasota police stopped an 8-year-old boy operating a personal watercraft off the coast of Lido Key over the weekend, a move that will send the boy’s father to court.
3 alligator attacks reported in Central Florida in a week
Read full article: 3 alligator attacks reported in Central Florida in a weekA day on the water ended in tragedy after an alligator attack in Seminole County—one of two gator attacks reported in Central Florida this weekend, according to a report from our sister station in Orlando, WKMG.
Execution date set for Florida man who killed ex-girlfriend’s parents 40 years ago
Read full article: Execution date set for Florida man who killed ex-girlfriend’s parents 40 years agoGov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a death warrant for a man who killed his former girlfriend’s parents four decades ago.
Gov. DeSantis touts education, infrastructure spending in $117.6B Florida budget
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis touts education, infrastructure spending in $117.6B Florida budgetGov. Ron DeSantis signed a nearly $118 billion Florida budget on Monday during a news conference in Tampa at Hillsborough College.
Gov. DeSantis vetoes laws on naturopathic medicine & workforce education for inmates
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis vetoes laws on naturopathic medicine & workforce education for inmatesGov. Ron DeSantis hasn’t used his veto power much following the latest legislative session, but he nixed two more bills on Friday.
DeSantis vetoes new e-bike rules, citing concerns over ‘enhanced surveillance by local governments’
Read full article: DeSantis vetoes new e-bike rules, citing concerns over ‘enhanced surveillance by local governments’Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed three bills late Thursday, including highly anticipated new rules for riding electric bicycles (SB 382).
‘They look like mini dinosaurs’: Giant invasive lizards move into Florida neighborhood
Read full article: ‘They look like mini dinosaurs’: Giant invasive lizards move into Florida neighborhoodThe City of Cape Canaveral recently shared a message saying Brevard County is asking for help spotting Argentine black and white tegus, an invasive species that state wildlife officials say can threaten native wildlife.
Florida Board of Governors to consider blocking undocumented student enrollment at high-demand universities
Read full article: Florida Board of Governors to consider blocking undocumented student enrollment at high-demand universitiesThe Florida Board of Governors is scheduled to meet Thursday afternoon, with two significant regulatory changes on the agenda affecting the state’s public university system — one dealing with how baccalaureate degrees are awarded and another reshaping who can enroll in Florida’s most competitive universities.
Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' is closing after nearly a year of holding thousands of immigrant detainees, governor says
Read full article: Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' is closing after nearly a year of holding thousands of immigrant detainees, governor saysFlorida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' is closing after nearly a year of holding thousands of immigrant detainees, governor says.
New law cracks down on habitual traffic offenders on Florida roadways
Read full article: New law cracks down on habitual traffic offenders on Florida roadwaysFlorida House Bill 35, known as “Isaiah’s Law,” is set to take effect July 1. The measure passed the Florida Legislature during the 2026 session.
Chick-fil-A is no longer Florida’s top fast food chain. Here’s who took No. 1
Read full article: Chick-fil-A is no longer Florida’s top fast food chain. Here’s who took No. 1Chick-fil-A has been dethroned as the most satisfying fast food chain in the country, according to American Customer Satisfaction Index’s latest ranking.
Florida AG launches investigation into CVS Health over pharmacy competition concerns
Read full article: Florida AG launches investigation into CVS Health over pharmacy competition concernsFlorida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a Civil Investigative Demand to CVS Health Corporation, the owner of the Caremark pharmacy benefit manager and hundreds of CVS retail pharmacies across the state.
It’ssss back! 🐍 Florida Python Challenge returns in July
Read full article: It’ssss back! 🐍 Florida Python Challenge returns in JulyIf you’re new to Florida, you might wonder why the Sunshine State has a special period every year promoting python hunting, complete with prizes totaling $25,000. Well, Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and have a big negative impact on our native wildlife.
‘It would do very well:’ DeSantis agrees Buc-ee’s should open new spot at this Florida junction
Read full article: ‘It would do very well:’ DeSantis agrees Buc-ee’s should open new spot at this Florida junctionThe cult-favorite convenience chain Buc-ee’s is set to open several new locations in the Sunshine State — but one location in particular may be a good fit for the company, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Florida man who says he saw anti-Christ before I-75 crash tries to steal medical helicopter: reports
Read full article: Florida man who says he saw anti-Christ before I-75 crash tries to steal medical helicopter: reportsA 28-year-old Florida man told troopers he thought he saw the anti-Christ before losing control and crashing his pick-up truck early Friday morning on I-75 in Hernando County, according to multiple news reports. Then the man tried to steal a medical helicopter that was called to the scene, investigators said.
These areas will soon be off-limits to sex offenders under new Florida law
Read full article: These areas will soon be off-limits to sex offenders under new Florida lawA new Florida law filed back in October is set to take effect next month, adding further restrictions on where sexual offenders may live in the state, according to WKMG in Orlando.
All detainees from immigration facility ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ have been transferred for hurricane season, DHS says
Read full article: All detainees from immigration facility ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ have been transferred for hurricane season, DHS saysDetainees at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” have been transferred to other facilities, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said, citing concerns related to the hurricane season.
Florida lawsuit says property tax cut ballot language misleads voters
Read full article: Florida lawsuit says property tax cut ballot language misleads votersTwo former local elected officials and a nonprofit group filed suit Thursday in Leon County Circuit Court against the property tax cut amendment placed on the November ballot by lawmakers, alleging it is misleading.
Gov. DeSantis signs 11th death warrant for man who strangled teen in Broward County
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs 11th death warrant for man who strangled teen in Broward CountyGov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant Wednesday for Dennis Michael Sochor, who was convicted of strangling an 18-year-old woman he met at a New Year’s celebration in a Broward County bar 44 years ago.
University of Florida board selects Dr. Stuart Bell to become the next president
Read full article: University of Florida board selects Dr. Stuart Bell to become the next presidentThe University of Florida’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday to select Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the university’s next president.
Gov. DeSantis signs 17 new laws. 3 bring changes to Nassau County, Duval schools & Cecil Airport. Here’s the full list
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs 17 new laws. 3 bring changes to Nassau County, Duval schools & Cecil Airport. Here’s the full listGov. DeSantis signed 17 bills into law on Tuesday, with some having local impacts in Duval and Nassau counties.
Property tax changes now up to Florida voters: Here’s what your ballot will say
Read full article: Property tax changes now up to Florida voters: Here’s what your ballot will sayA sweeping tax cut for homestead property owners pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis now waits for voters to act in November. But what exactly will be on your ballot?
‘This is not New York:’ Florida HOA relents after pressure mounts over new policy, AG says
Read full article: ‘This is not New York:’ Florida HOA relents after pressure mounts over new policy, AG saysAfter putting pressure on a Florida HOA to change a new rule, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Wednesday night that the group had finally relente
Ford issues do-not-drive advisory for certain Bronco Sport, Maverick vehicles
Read full article: Ford issues do-not-drive advisory for certain Bronco Sport, Maverick vehiclesFord Motor Company is urging owners of certain 2021–2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles to stop driving immediately due to a potential suspension concern.
Driver arrested in deadly Daytona Beach Shores toll booth crash
Read full article: Driver arrested in deadly Daytona Beach Shores toll booth crashAn Ormond Beach woman accused of driving a pickup truck through a Daytona Beach Shores toll booth and killing the attendant inside is now in custody, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.
‘Tallahassee has crept in’: Property tax plan heads to voters as local leaders warn of impact on police and fire funding
Read full article: ‘Tallahassee has crept in’: Property tax plan heads to voters as local leaders warn of impact on police and fire fundingA sweeping Florida property tax overhaul now headed to the November ballot is drawing growing concern from local leaders who warn it could reshape how cities and counties fund essential services like police, fire rescue and emergency response.
Florida property tax overhaul heads to November ballot; homeowners hopeful, local leaders warn of budget impact
Read full article: Florida property tax overhaul heads to November ballot; homeowners hopeful, local leaders warn of budget impactFlorida voters will decide in November on a property tax overhaul increasing homestead exemptions and limiting assessment hikes. Homeowners welcome relief, while local leaders warn of major revenue losses and service impacts.
Jumbo Shrimp welcome Nashville Sounds with Pride Night, bobblehead giveaway and family fun weekend
Read full article: Jumbo Shrimp welcome Nashville Sounds with Pride Night, bobblehead giveaway and family fun weekendThe five-game series features a packed lineup of themed nights, giveaways, Pride celebrations, a bobblehead giveaway and opportunities for fans to bring their dogs to the ballpark.
Jacksonville man who killed his girlfriend’s 5-month-old baby in 1996 executed 30 years later
Read full article: Jacksonville man who killed his girlfriend’s 5-month-old baby in 1996 executed 30 years laterA Jacksonville man who confessed to killing his girlfriend’s 5-month-old daughter and throwing her body in a pond three decades ago is set to be executed Tuesday evening.
Jacksonville-area leaders voice concerns as Florida Legislature passes property tax cut proposal
Read full article: Jacksonville-area leaders voice concerns as Florida Legislature passes property tax cut proposalFrom Democratic Mayor Donna Deegan to Republican controlled Clay County, leaders across the Jacksonville area are voicing concerns about local budget reductions that could result from a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
From festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglect
Read full article: From festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglectImmigrant detainees across at least 33 states allege in court documents that the government is failing to provide them with adequate medical care.
Florida lawmakers tweak Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax cut proposal ahead of floor votes
Read full article: Florida lawmakers tweak Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax cut proposal ahead of floor votesAfter hours of debate, a major property tax cut plan devised by Gov. Ron DeSantis was changed by lawmakers Monday ahead of scheduled floor votes Tuesday.
30 years later, 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw’s killer has been executed. We look back at the chilling Jacksonville case
Read full article: 30 years later, 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw’s killer has been executed. We look back at the chilling Jacksonville caseOn June 2, 2026, Andrew Lukehart is set to be executed, more than 30 years after 5-month-old Gabrielle Hanshaw drew her last breath while in his care.
Florida lawmakers approve $114.5B budget after special session to get it done
Read full article: Florida lawmakers approve $114.5B budget after special session to get it doneHouse and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late Sunday night, the last step in an extended process that required a special session to complete for the second year in a row.
DeSantis signs 10th death warrant for husband who fatally stabbed wife in Orange County 34 years ago
Read full article: DeSantis signs 10th death warrant for husband who fatally stabbed wife in Orange County 34 years agoGov. Ron DeSantis signed his tenth death warrant of 2026 on Tuesday, this time for Dusty Ray Spencer, who has spent more than three decades on Death Row for murdering his wife in Orange County.
DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to pass property tax amendment for November ballot in special session
Read full article: DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to pass property tax amendment for November ballot in special sessionAfter over a year of crusading for property tax cuts, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he’s calling a special session of the Florida Legislature, which will begin on Monday, to deal with the issue. This is the third special session for Florida lawmakers this year.
No gas tax cut, but Florida lawmakers line up breaks on guns and outdoor goods
Read full article: No gas tax cut, but Florida lawmakers line up breaks on guns and outdoor goodsThere won’t be a suspension of the gas tax this year in Florida, after a provision pushed by Democrats failed to make it into the tax cut bill negotiated by legislative leaders and approved late Sunday.
Want to grow papaya trees in your backyard? UF offers step-by-step guide to growing success
Read full article: Want to grow papaya trees in your backyard? UF offers step-by-step guide to growing successWell-suited to Central and South Florida conditions, papaya is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to grow fruit. With the right care, papaya trees thrive in Florida backyards, producing sweet fruit and flowers.
Lovebugs are back! Why the pesky pests appear in short bursts & what you can do about it
Read full article: Lovebugs are back! Why the pesky pests appear in short bursts & what you can do about itUF/IFAS experts say lovebugs are a common Florida nuisance, but they do not bite, sting, or spread disease despite persistent public myths.
Gov. DeSantis signs new law aimed at stopping athletic recruiting, school hopping at Florida high schools
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs new law aimed at stopping athletic recruiting, school hopping at Florida high schoolsA new Florida law aimed at tightening student-athlete transfer rules is drawing praise from some high school coaches and athletic leaders who say the changes could help restore fairness and stability in high school sports.
