By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston announced Monday he will step down March 31, giving Gov. Ron DeSantis another opportunity to place his imprint on the state’s highest court. In a two-paragraph letter to DeSantis, Polston, 67, did not detail reasons for his resignation after […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate has started fast-tracking a proposal that would bar the sale of agricultural land and property within 20 miles of military bases to interests tied to the Chinese government or other nations on a list of “countries of concern.” The bill (SB 264), […]
By The News Service of Florida A proposal that would make all Florida students eligible to receive taxpayer-backed school vouchers is headed to the full House, after getting some changes Friday. The Republican-controlled House Education Quality Subcommittee approved the proposal (HB 1) in a near party-line vote. The bill would massively expand eligibility for vouchers, […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Moving quickly on priorities of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Florida senators Wednesday passed measures aimed at spurring more affordable housing for workers and boosting a trail network and wildlife corridor. Senators unanimously approved what has been dubbed the “Live Local Act” (SB 102), which includes […]
By Jim Saunders & Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Drawing a national spotlight as he prepares for a potential White House bid, Gov. Ron DeSantis opened the annual legislative session Tuesday by touting the state’s accomplishments and vowing to “swing for the fences so that we can ensure Florida remains number […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Tallahassee TALLAHASSEE — Florida House and Senate members last week filed proposals that would increase state regulation of many municipal electric utilities. The proposals would ramp up the Florida Public Service Commission’s regulation of municipal utilities that serve electric customers outside of city boundaries. While the commission has […]
By The News Service of Florida First-time unemployment claims in Florida continued a downward trend, with fewer claims recorded last week than during any non-holiday shortened week since Hurricane Ian hit the state in September. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday released a report that estimated 5,034 claims were filed in Florida during the […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual 60-day legislative session. Here are 10 big issues to watch: — AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, has made a priority of trying to find ways to make housing more affordable for workers. The Senate could […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Nikki Fried, the last Democrat to hold a statewide office in Florida, was selected Saturday to chair the Florida Democratic Party as it looks to recover from its latest disastrous election cycle. Fried emerged the winner in a four-way contest at the Sheraton Orlando North […]
The News Service of Florida A House panel Wednesday approved a proposal that could lead to people and organizations getting hit with the tab for legal fees if they unsuccessfully challenge changes to comprehensive growth-management plans. The House Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee approved the bill (HB 359) despite opposition from environmental […]