House Passes Sweeping Voter Eligibility Changes

House Passes Sweeping Voter Eligibility Changes

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida A proposal to tighten voter eligibility rules was approved by the Republican-controlled House on Wednesday over the objections of Democrats who contend seniors and students will be among those blocked from casting a ballot. The House voted 83-31 on the bill (HB 991), which contains wide-ranging changes […]

FSU Board of Trustees Approves Contract Extension for President Richard McCullough

FSU Board of Trustees Approves Contract Extension for President Richard McCullough

By Amy Farnum-Patronis, FSU News Florida State University’s Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve a three-year contract extension for President Richard McCullough, who became president in 2021, reaffirming the board’s confidence in his visionary leadership.   “Our board could not have a better partner in moving Florida State University forward than President McCullough,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins. “His vision and determination have […]

Florida GOP Voters Value DeSantis Endorsement Over Trump’s

Florida GOP Voters Value DeSantis Endorsement Over Trump’s

By Mitch Perry, The Florida Phoenix A new public opinion survey of likely Republican voters in Florida shows once again that Byron Donalds continues to benefit from the endorsement he received from Donald Trump in the race for governor this November. The poll from the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida […]

Expanded Capitol Patrols Gets House Panel OK

Expanded Capitol Patrols Gets House Panel OK

By The News Service of Florida A bill that would expand the Capitol Complex has passed another hurdle in the House. The measure (HB 975) would make the Florida Department of Management Services collaborate with Capitol Police and local law enforcement to provide enhanced security measures surrounding the capitol. The bill passed the Justice Budget Subcommittee […]

State Responds to Schools of Hope Outcry, Tightens Rules

State Responds to Schools of Hope Outcry, Tightens Rules

By Jay Waagmeester, The Florida Phoenix State education officials amended the rules governing Schools of Hope, a program that was expanded at the end of the last legislative session and caused a stir in public schools around the state ever since.  The Florida Board of Education passed a rule Friday that would, among other things, […]

Domestic Travel Drives Record Tourism

Domestic Travel Drives Record Tourism

By The News Service of Florida Florida attracted a record 143.3 million visitors last year, up 0.2 percent from 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announced Friday. The preliminary estimate is bolstered by domestic tourism, which accounted for 91.5 percent of the travelers. The 131 million domestic visitors was up 0.3 percent from 2024. Overseas travel […]

Lincoln, Washington Portraits in Schools Gets Senate Backing

Lincoln, Washington Portraits in Schools Gets Senate Backing

By The News Service of Florida The Senate voted 36-2 on Thursday in support of a proposal that directs county school districts to place portraits of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in every public school. The measure (SB 420) requires the Department of Education to select the depictions of the presidents and distribute them […]

House Backs Referendum to Cut Most Homestead Property Taxes

House Backs Referendum to Cut Most Homestead Property Taxes

By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida A proposal asking voters in November to eliminate most homestead property taxes cleared the House Thursday, while the Senate has yet to advance a similar measure. The Republican-controlled House voted 80-30 along party lines on a proposal (HJR 203) to put a measure on the 2026 general […]