FLORIDA NEWS
Annual Python Challenge kicks off in Florida as state invites hunters to help eradicate invasive reptiles
Read full article: Annual Python Challenge kicks off in Florida as state invites hunters to help eradicate invasive reptilesThe 2025 Florida Python Challenge kicked off Friday, with competitors starting as early as 12:01 a.m. searching the Everglades to find and remove invasive Burmese pythons.
Judge partially blocks law that ‘imposes severe burden’ on Florida’s ballot-initiative process
Read full article: Judge partially blocks law that ‘imposes severe burden’ on Florida’s ballot-initiative processA federal judge has blocked a key part of a new law that imposed additional restrictions on the state’s ballot-initiative process, saying a ban on non-Florida residents and non-U.S. citizens collecting and delivering petitions “imposes a severe burden on political expression that the state has failed to justify.”
HealthScreen program aims to bridge health care gaps in North Central Florida’s rural communities
Read full article: HealthScreen program aims to bridge health care gaps in North Central Florida’s rural communitiesThe University of Florida’s new HealthScreen program will use mobile health vehicles to send community health workers and nurses throughout North Central Florida to conduct critical health screenings for heart issues, prediabetes and diabetes.
20+ years ago a man ambushed and raped 3 Jacksonville women. JSO says they just caught him in Central Florida
Read full article: 20+ years ago a man ambushed and raped 3 Jacksonville women. JSO says they just caught him in Central FloridaA recent Orange County arrest linked a man accused of being a serial rapist to several incidents in Jacksonville over 20 years ago, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
State is selecting vendors for construction of Camp Blanding’s ICE detention site, DeSantis says
Read full article: State is selecting vendors for construction of Camp Blanding’s ICE detention site, DeSantis saysConstruction is expected to begin soon on a new ICE detention center in Clay County. The site at Camp Blanding near the Clay County-Bradford County line is being developed to hold about 2,000 people awaiting immigration hearings or deportation, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
‘Operation Mongolian Beef’ results in dozens of arrests of biker gang accused in connection with Bike Week shooting
Read full article: ‘Operation Mongolian Beef’ results in dozens of arrests of biker gang accused in connection with Bike Week shootingThe operation involved the arrests of more than two dozen members of a motorcycle gang, according to our sister station WKMG.
Stock up any time: Florida ends sales tax on hurricane prep supplies
Read full article: Stock up any time: Florida ends sales tax on hurricane prep suppliesFloridians can now save on disaster supplies year-round. A new law removes sales tax on essential items like batteries, generators, and tarps — no more waiting for seasonal tax holidays.
Ribault High, University of Florida graduate Paris Richardson crowned Miss Florida 2025
Read full article: Ribault High, University of Florida graduate Paris Richardson crowned Miss Florida 2025Competing as Miss Gainesville, Ribault High School alum and recent University of Florida graduate Paris Richardson took home the title of Miss Florida on Saturday.
Florida toughens penalties for drivers speeding 50 mph or more over limit starting July 1
Read full article: Florida toughens penalties for drivers speeding 50 mph or more over limit starting July 1Florida’s new law increases penalties for drivers caught speeding more than 50 mph over the limit, including possible jail time and mandatory court appearances.
DeSantis says new commission will create model for higher education, upend ‘monopoly of woke accreditation cartels’
Read full article: DeSantis says new commission will create model for higher education, upend ‘monopoly of woke accreditation cartels’Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference in Boca Raton on Thursday.
‘Living on pins & needles’: Father grateful for Florida’s help returning family to US amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict
Read full article: ‘Living on pins & needles’: Father grateful for Florida’s help returning family to US amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflictWith the escalating conflict in Iran, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving quickly to get Floridians in Israel out of harm’s way and to safety.
Savannah Bananas baseball makes CW Network debut on Sunday, July 27
Read full article: Savannah Bananas baseball makes CW Network debut on Sunday, July 27The Savannah Bananas have earned worldwide fame with their one-of-a-kind brand of “Banana Ball” – the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball.
Josh Weil announces 2026 Senate run to challenge Ashley Moody in Florida
Read full article: Josh Weil announces 2026 Senate run to challenge Ashley Moody in FloridaDemocrat Josh Weil, who raised millions of dollars for an unsuccessful U.S. House campaign in Florida, said Wednesday that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026.
Scent-sational discovery: UF Health study reveals how our brains decide we like or loathe a smell
Read full article: Scent-sational discovery: UF Health study reveals how our brains decide we like or loathe a smellYou wouldn’t microwave fish around your worst enemy. But what makes our brains decide a smell is stinky?
Warning signs of speech disorder in children and why early intervention matters
Read full article: Warning signs of speech disorder in children and why early intervention mattersFor parents of young children, realizing their little one has a speech issue might not always be obvious, and it's something that can end up leading to reading and writing problems later on, if it's not corrected.
A South Florida man posed as a flight attendant and scored over 120 free flights. Now, he faces prison time
Read full article: A South Florida man posed as a flight attendant and scored over 120 free flights. Now, he faces prison timeOne South Florida man could pay his price behind bars for posing as a flight attendant and booking over 120 free flights.
Asian needle ants prompt warnings about potentially deadly stings as they invade backyards across the South
Read full article: Asian needle ants prompt warnings about potentially deadly stings as they invade backyards across the SouthThe Brachyponera chinensis, or Asian needle ant, is only 3/16 of an inch long, but its bite can cause anaphylactic shock, which can be deadly.
Federal appeals court upholds block on Florida immigration law
Read full article: Federal appeals court upholds block on Florida immigration lawA federal appeals court Friday kept on hold a new Florida law targeting undocumented immigrants who enter the state, rejecting arguments by Attorney General James Uthmeier that enforcement should at least temporarily be allowed.
UF’s board of trustees says presidential pick was ‘uniquely qualified’ after state university board’s rejection
Read full article: UF’s board of trustees says presidential pick was ‘uniquely qualified’ after state university board’s rejectionUniversity of Florida’s Chair of the Board of Trustees (BOT) spoke out in a written statement about the Florida Board of Governors’ decision not to confirm Dr. Santa Ono as the next president.
Gov. DeSantis signs 3 bills supporting Florida’s nearly 1.5 million veterans
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs 3 bills supporting Florida’s nearly 1.5 million veteransGov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Friday at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte.
Florida Justice, Betraying the Badge: Next encore presentation of the series airs June 15
Read full article: Florida Justice, Betraying the Badge: Next encore presentation of the series airs June 15The first installment of Florida Justice looks at how investigators uncovered police corruption in Jacksonville 27 years ago.
Gov. DeSantis signs bill enhancing health, safety protections for Florida firefighters
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs bill enhancing health, safety protections for Florida firefightersFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis will speak at the 81st Annual Convention of the Florida Professional Firefighters in Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday.
Jacksonville among top cities with most home sale cancellations, according to report; 5 Florida cities in Top 10
Read full article: Jacksonville among top cities with most home sale cancellations, according to report; 5 Florida cities in Top 10A lot of people looking to buy a house are getting cold feet or opting for a better opportunity after a contract becomes pending.
‘I’ve grown’: Former Republican lawmaker David Jolly announces run for Florida governor as Democrat
Read full article: ‘I’ve grown’: Former Republican lawmaker David Jolly announces run for Florida governor as DemocratAfter months of speculation, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly of Florida has confirmed the rumors and announced he will run for governor in 2026. The Republican turned Democrat said he believes he is the change Florida’s government needs.
Lawmakers appear to back off plan to cut funds for advanced placement programs in Florida public schools
Read full article: Lawmakers appear to back off plan to cut funds for advanced placement programs in Florida public schoolsMonths after lawmakers proposed slashing bonuses for acceleration programs in half, full funding to pay for advanced placement programs in Florida public schools is expected to stay in place in the final version of the budget.
UNF Poll: Housing costs surge past crime, with 25% of surveyed Duval voters saying it’s Jacksonville’s biggest issue
Read full article: UNF Poll: Housing costs surge past crime, with 25% of surveyed Duval voters saying it’s Jacksonville’s biggest issueA quarter of those surveyed for a recent University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) poll said the most important problem facing Jacksonville is housing costs.
Legendary Florida political leader, former FSU President John Thrasher dies at 81
Read full article: Legendary Florida political leader, former FSU President John Thrasher dies at 81Former Florida State University President John Thrasher, who served in both chambers of the state legislature and was a prominent political figure in Florida, has died. He was 81.
Ever heard of chrononutrition? Here’s the science behind how your meal timing can affect your health
Read full article: Ever heard of chrononutrition? Here’s the science behind how your meal timing can affect your healthAmericans have long heard about the health benefits of adhering to diets rich in fresh produce and whole grains and low in red meat and processed sugars. But they may not be aware of how meal timing can affect their health.
Discover a high-powered future at Tulsa’s Electrical Linemen Showcase on May 30
Read full article: Discover a high-powered future at Tulsa’s Electrical Linemen Showcase on May 30If you’re seeking a hands-on, high-impact career with nationwide demand, mark your calendar for the Electrical Lineworker Showcase at Tulsa Welding School – Jacksonville campus on Friday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hikers stumble across bear relaxing on well-used Florida trail
Read full article: Hikers stumble across bear relaxing on well-used Florida trailExperts say bear mating season typically starts in May and ends in July, so that’s the time when they’re out and about, meaning people need to be on alert right now when their anywhere near a wooded area.
Florida faces above-average hurricane threat as sales tax holiday remains uncertain
Read full article: Florida faces above-average hurricane threat as sales tax holiday remains uncertainThis annual initiative remains in question as the state is still three weeks behind in finalizing its budget, putting it in limbo.
Recreational harvest of snook for Florida’s East Coast will close June 1
Read full article: Recreational harvest of snook for Florida’s East Coast will close June 1The recreational harvest of snook in the Northeast management region, including all state and inland waters as well as adjacent federal waters, will close on June 1, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a reminder sent Wednesday.
AAPI Month: Highlighting hospitality industry leader Olivia Hoblit
Read full article: AAPI Month: Highlighting hospitality industry leader Olivia HoblitOlivia Hoblit, a former chair of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Board of Directors, came to the U.S. with her family from the Philippines when she was 15.
ArchWell Health to hold grand opening for senior-focused primary care center in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood
Read full article: ArchWell Health to hold grand opening for senior-focused primary care center in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhoodThe Jimmy Buffett-inspired, island-themed celebration will include tours of the facility, opportunities to meet with staff and physicians, and informational sessions about ArchWell Health’s services and community offerings.
A 302-pound loggerhead sea turtle hit by a boat gets an oversize CT scan, with a surprise
Read full article: A 302-pound loggerhead sea turtle hit by a boat gets an oversize CT scan, with a surpriseA massive loggerhead sea turtle hit by a boat off Florida’s Atlantic coast arrived at a turtle hospital needing medical care, but at 302 pounds, Pennywise was too large to fit their equipment.
Gov. DeSantis touts Florida’s education system at homeschool convention in Kissimmee
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis touts Florida’s education system at homeschool convention in KissimmeeFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis will speak in Kissimmee on Friday at the Florida Parent Educators Association’s Annual Homeschool Convention.
State park protections, increased penalties in drug deaths & sexual cyberharassment among 17 bills signed by DeSantis
Read full article: State park protections, increased penalties in drug deaths & sexual cyberharassment among 17 bills signed by DeSantisSome of the highlighted bills among the 17 he signed on Thursday include preserving state parks and cracking down on fentanyl distribution to minors.
Despite pushback from animal rights advocates, Florida officials moving forward with planned bear hunt in December
Read full article: Despite pushback from animal rights advocates, Florida officials moving forward with planned bear hunt in DecemberAmid support from hunters and warnings of a “slaughter” from animal-rights advocates, state wildlife officials Wednesday moved forward with Florida’s first black bear hunt in a decade.