Up to $6,000 hiring bonus available for new Florida correctional officers
Read full article: Up to $6,000 hiring bonus available for new Florida correctional officersThe FDC is providing a $5,000 hiring bonus at 15 correctional institutions, in addition to the $1,000 bonus already offered at 18 institutions.
Pumps to remove ’30 million gallons of water’ from flooded Lake County, DeSantis says
Read full article: Pumps to remove ’30 million gallons of water’ from flooded Lake County, DeSantis saysGov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday on social media that officials deployed water pumps “which will remove 30 million gallons of water” from flooded areas in Lake County.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis kicks off hunting sales tax holiday, adds shooting range discount
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis kicks off hunting sales tax holiday, adds shooting range discountFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis kicked off a new sales tax holiday on hunting, fishing and camping at a store in Plant City Monday. In addition, DeSantis announced that the state would be offering half-price passes on its public shooting ranges through the end of the year, in honor of America’s 250th birthday and the Second Amendment.
Florida governor defends conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Read full article: Florida governor defends conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’Family members of detainees and South Florida nonprofit advocates gathered at the gate of the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades on Tuesday morning to demand it be shut down, claiming the conditions inside are inhumane.
Florida Democratic Party files public records request for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Read full article: Florida Democratic Party files public records request for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’The Florida Democratic Party has filed a public records request with the Gov. DeSantis’ office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management for all documents related to the state contracts behind the internment camp known as “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Republican donors and Florida's hurricane know-how helped build 'Alligator Alcatraz' so quickly
Read full article: Republican donors and Florida's hurricane know-how helped build 'Alligator Alcatraz' so quicklyFlorida has converted an isolated airport in the Everglades into a massive immigration detention center called "Alligator Alcatraz."
President Trump and Gov. DeSantis hold roundtable after touring ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Read full article: President Trump and Gov. DeSantis hold roundtable after touring ‘Alligator Alcatraz’As a reporter for News 6, I was invited to get a look at Alligator Alcatraz, the makeshift immigration detention center in Florida.
‘It’s a great program:’ Homeowners urged to act as Florida mitigation funds to return this summer
Read full article: ‘It’s a great program:’ Homeowners urged to act as Florida mitigation funds to return this summerHomeowners in need of assistance to strengthen their homes against storms and lower their insurance premiums may be able to get help from the popular My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) program soon.
EpiPen training bill for schools passes Florida Senate, awaits House approval
Read full article: EpiPen training bill for schools passes Florida Senate, awaits House approvalA bill championed by an Orange County mother that would require EpiPen and anaphylaxis training in some school programs is a step closer to getting to Gov. DeSantis’ desk.
Former DeSantis spokesman arrested for allegedly exposing sex organs
Read full article: Former DeSantis spokesman arrested for allegedly exposing sex organsFred Piccolo, a former spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis who also served in other government communication roles statewide, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for exposure of sexual organs, Manatee County jail records show.
Orlando lawmaker’s tourism tax reform now part of Florida Senate tax package
Read full article: Orlando lawmaker’s tourism tax reform now part of Florida Senate tax packageOn Monday, Sen. Carlos Guillermo-Smith D-Orlando, revealed his tourism tax reform bill is now part of the state senate tax package.
Proposed amendment could create Florida version of DOGE. Here’s what to know
Read full article: Proposed amendment could create Florida version of DOGE. Here’s what to knowThe proposal would get rid of the Lieutenant Governor position and the Government Efficiency Task Force, instead replacing them with a COGE.
Cash infusion, tax relief sought to keep My Safe Florida Home program going
Read full article: Cash infusion, tax relief sought to keep My Safe Florida Home program goingBills filed for the annual Florida Legislative Session will look to create a funding source for a popular program to help Floridians pay to harden their homes against severe weather, while also offering tax relief to make those home projects more attractive.
Florida lawmakers to take another special session crack at immigration
Read full article: Florida lawmakers to take another special session crack at immigrationThe Florida Legislature is going back to Tallahassee starting Tuesday to make changes to recently-passed — and contentious — legislation to crack down on undocumented immigrants.
Rep. Debbie Mayfield rips DeSantis in candidacy dispute
Read full article: Rep. Debbie Mayfield rips DeSantis in candidacy disputeRepublican state Rep. Debbie Mayfield of Melbourne lashed out Wednesday against Gov. Ron DeSantis after his administration blocked her from qualifying to run in a special election to replace outgoing Sen. Randy Fine.
‘Step in the wrong direction:’ Students hold mock graduation in protest of Florida immigration bill
Read full article: ‘Step in the wrong direction:’ Students hold mock graduation in protest of Florida immigration billThe Republican-controlled Florida Legislature passed a bill Tuesday night aimed at curbing illegal immigration, sending the package to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has derided the proposal for days.
Day 2 developments: Florida Legislature’s special session on immigration
Read full article: Day 2 developments: Florida Legislature’s special session on immigrationThe Florida Legislature is currently in the midst of a special session focused on immigration, with Governor Ron DeSantis expressing dissatisfaction over the dismissal of his proposal.
Florida quickly adopts ‘Gulf of America’ name change
Read full article: Florida quickly adopts ‘Gulf of America’ name changeOne of the many executive orders that President Trump signed on Inauguration Day was aimed at changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” and Florida officials wasted no time in accepting the new moniker.
Florida legislative leaders call DeSantis special session on immigration ‘premature’
Read full article: Florida legislative leaders call DeSantis special session on immigration ‘premature’The Florida Senate president and House speaker rebuffed a call for a special session by Gov. DeSantis on immigration, hurricane recovery and more, calling it premature.
‘Reclaiming our democracy:’ Monique Worrell returns to Orange-Osceola state attorney’s office
Read full article: ‘Reclaiming our democracy:’ Monique Worrell returns to Orange-Osceola state attorney’s officeMonique Worrell says she will move forward with purpose and clarity after reclaiming her position as Orange-Osceola County state attorney.
WATCH LIVE: Monique Worrell takes oath of office to serve as Orange-Osceola state attorney
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Monique Worrell takes oath of office to serve as Orange-Osceola state attorneyAfter being suspended by Gov. DeSantis in 2023, former Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Monique Worrell will be reinstated after winning the seat again in November.
WATCH LIVE: New Orange County Supervisor of Elections takes office
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: New Orange County Supervisor of Elections takes officeOn his last day as Orange County’s Supervisor of Elections, Glen Gilzean is reflecting on his accomplishments and speaking about his feud with Orange County’s mayor and comptroller.
Orange County elections supervisor adds early voting ‘express sites’ in answer to long lines
Read full article: Orange County elections supervisor adds early voting ‘express sites’ in answer to long linesOrange County Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean held a news conference in Winter Park to announce “a substantial change” to early voting.
Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ Act
Read full article: Orlando the latest government to opt out of Florida ‘Live Local’ ActThe city of Orlando on Monday joined the growing number of county and city governments opting out of a state law that is supposed to bring more affordable housing to communities.
The deadline to register to vote in Florida is today. Here’s what you need to know
Read full article: The deadline to register to vote in Florida is today. Here’s what you need to knowThere’s a hurricane bearing down on much of Florida right now, so we know this is the last thing on your mind, but the deadline to register to vote is today.
DeSantis launches ‘Operation Blue Ridge’ to get Floridians out of North Carolina after Helene
Read full article: DeSantis launches ‘Operation Blue Ridge’ to get Floridians out of North Carolina after HeleneFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced state resources were being deployed north in “Operation Blue Ridge,” what’s meant in part to assist Floridians seeking rescue in western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Tennessee Valley following Hurricane Helene.
Florida medical marijuana patients get an unexpected email praising DeSantis
Read full article: Florida medical marijuana patients get an unexpected email praising DeSantisMedical marijuana patients and advocates are upset that the Florida Department of Health emailed its patient registry to praise Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing the state budget.
Orange County Elections Supervisor Glen Gilzean not running for reelection
Read full article: Orange County Elections Supervisor Glen Gilzean not running for reelectionGlen Gilzean, the Gov. DeSantis-appointed supervisor of elections in Orange County, will not run for the seat and will leave when the term is up.
Academics challenge Florida law restricting research exchanges from prohibited countries like China
Read full article: Academics challenge Florida law restricting research exchanges from prohibited countries like ChinaTwo graduate students from China whose studies were put on hold, and a professor who says he is unable to recruit research assistants, are suing Florida education officials.
1 dead, 3 hurt in 3 separate shootings in busy Florida beach city; suspects sought
Read full article: 1 dead, 3 hurt in 3 separate shootings in busy Florida beach city; suspects soughtOne person was killed and two others were injured on Sunday during an “active shooter situation” in Jacksonville Beach, according to a report from our sister station WJXT.
NAACP urges Black student athletes to reconsider Florida public universities amid DEI crack down
Read full article: NAACP urges Black student athletes to reconsider Florida public universities amid DEI crack downThe NAACP said it sent a letter to “current and prospective members of the NCAA” on Monday asking Black student athletes to reconsider attending a Florida public university or college.
Fewer tax holidays, new money for prisons: Florida budget talks begin
Read full article: Fewer tax holidays, new money for prisons: Florida budget talks beginWith spending plans topping $115 billion, the House and Senate continued moving closer Wednesday to negotiations on a final budget for next year.
Gov. DeSantis touts law enforcement bonuses in speech at Florida Sheriff’s Association Conference
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis touts law enforcement bonuses in speech at Florida Sheriff’s Association ConferenceDuring a speech in Miramar Beach on Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis handed out the 4,000th bonus check to a deputy from the Bay County Sheriff’s Department at the Florida Sheriff’s Association Conference.
Back home in Florida after White House bid ends, DeSantis is still focused on Washington’s problems
Read full article: Back home in Florida after White House bid ends, DeSantis is still focused on Washington’s problemsRepublican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he wants lawmakers to change Washington this year.
DeSantis shifts his campaign away from New Hampshire days before the state's primary, AP sources say
Read full article: DeSantis shifts his campaign away from New Hampshire days before the state's primary, AP sources sayRon DeSantis has decided to shift his presidential campaign away from New Hampshire just six days before the state’s first-in-the-nation Republican primary while his leading super PAC executes another round of layoffs.
Disney hopes prosecutor's free speech case against DeSantis helps its own lawsuit against governor
Read full article: Disney hopes prosecutor's free speech case against DeSantis helps its own lawsuit against governorDisney is hoping a recent decision bolstering a Florida prosecutor’s First Amendment case against Gov. Ron DeSantis helps its own free speech lawsuit against the governor.
Florida Republicans oust state party chairman facing rape allegations in critical election year
Read full article: Florida Republicans oust state party chairman facing rape allegations in critical election yearThe Republican Party of Florida has ousted Chairman Christian Ziegler and has replaced him with a new leader as police investigate a rape accusation against him.
DeSantis in Iowa criticizes House Republicans for not making impact or keeping promises
Read full article: DeSantis in Iowa criticizes House Republicans for not making impact or keeping promisesRepublican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is criticizing House Republicans on the campaign trail, lamenting to a crowd in southwestern Iowa that he has “not noticed much of a difference” since they edged into the majority after the 2022 midterm elections.
These 4 new laws go into effect in Florida on Jan. 1. Here’s what to know
Read full article: These 4 new laws go into effect in Florida on Jan. 1. Here’s what to knowThe Florida Legislature starts the 2024 legislative session on Jan. 9. Nine days before, the last new laws of 2023 will go into effect.
Your Florida Daily: 1st death penalty sought in child rape case, former Jags financial manager pleads guilty to fraud
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: 1st death penalty sought in child rape case, former Jags financial manager pleads guilty to fraudFor the first time in Florida, a state attorney is seeking the death penalty for a man accused of raping a child.
Year-round school? Brevard County to discuss pilot program proposal
Read full article: Year-round school? Brevard County to discuss pilot program proposalBrevard County’s school board members will discuss a proposed pilot program Tuesday that could lead to year-round classes for some schools in the county.
Your Florida Daily: Flight from Orlando diverted after bomb rumor, experimental manatee feeding program to end
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Flight from Orlando diverted after bomb rumor, experimental manatee feeding program to endA midair scare forced a flight from Orlando to divert to Jacksonville after an argument on board.
Your Florida Daily: Ziegler plans to remain Florida GOP chief amid rape probe, undefeated FSU left out of playoffs
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Ziegler plans to remain Florida GOP chief amid rape probe, undefeated FSU left out of playoffsChristian Ziegler is accused of forcing his way into a woman's apartment and raping her two months ago.
Your Florida Daily: Former WWE star sentenced for DUI, ‘Jawlene’ the jawless alligator may soon make public debut
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Former WWE star sentenced for DUI, ‘Jawlene’ the jawless alligator may soon make public debutA former WWE star has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison for causing a deadly crash while driving drunk in Volusia County.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs legislation to sanction Iran, protect Jewish institutions
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs legislation to sanction Iran, protect Jewish institutionsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that puts sanctions on Iran and protects Jewish institutions.
Florida attorney general seeks to keep abortion access amendment off 2024 ballot
Read full article: Florida attorney general seeks to keep abortion access amendment off 2024 ballotFlorida’s Republican attorney general is asking the state Supreme Court to keep a proposed abortion rights amendment off the ballot.
Your Florida Daily: Sex offender accused of luring boys with cash, police search for ‘Booty Patrol’ impersonating cops
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: Sex offender accused of luring boys with cash, police search for ‘Booty Patrol’ impersonating copsPolice are asking for more victims to come forward after they say a man lured a 12-year-old boy into his car.
DeSantis fires back on prosecutor Monique Worrell suspension
Read full article: DeSantis fires back on prosecutor Monique Worrell suspensionGov. Ron DeSantis late Tuesday urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject a challenge to his suspension of Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell, saying the case “presents a political question.”
‘You almost think you’re dreaming:’ Central Florida couple returns home from Israel on DeSantis emergency flight
Read full article: ‘You almost think you’re dreaming:’ Central Florida couple returns home from Israel on DeSantis emergency flightA Central Florida couple is sharing their story after returning home from Israel on one of the emergency flights ordered by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
‘One of the most complicated things we’ve ever done:’ Florida welcomes back nearly 300 Floridians from Israel
Read full article: ‘One of the most complicated things we’ve ever done:’ Florida welcomes back nearly 300 Floridians from IsraelOver the weekend, Florida’s governor welcomed back nearly 300 Floridians who were stuck in Israel.
Florida transportation officials to announce Moving Florida Forward projects in Volusia County
Read full article: Florida transportation officials to announce Moving Florida Forward projects in Volusia CountyOfficials with the Florida Department of Transportation will announce details on Tuesday morning for upcoming projects in Volusia County as part of the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative.
2 Texas residents arrested after neo-Nazi banners hung over I-4 in Orlando
Read full article: 2 Texas residents arrested after neo-Nazi banners hung over I-4 in OrlandoAnother two suspects have been arrested after antisemitic banners were hung out over Interstate 4 in Orlando earlier this year, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Central Florida tourism board promises alternative to Disney perks for workers
Read full article: Central Florida tourism board promises alternative to Disney perks for workersThe Gov. DeSantis-appointed board overseeing Walt Disney World’s property says it is working to find an alternative to benefits for workers and retirees that includes Disney passes and discounts.
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich appointed to Florida Commission on Ethics
Read full article: Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich appointed to Florida Commission on EthicsGov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday morning the appointment of Moms for Liberty co-founder and former Brevard County school board member Tina Descovich to Florida's Commission on Ethics.
DeSantis’ redistricting map in Florida is unconstitutional and must be redrawn, judge says
Read full article: DeSantis’ redistricting map in Florida is unconstitutional and must be redrawn, judge saysA judge says that a Florida redistricting plan pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis violates the state constitution.
DeSantis requests federal disaster declaration for 25 Florida counties after Idalia
Read full article: DeSantis requests federal disaster declaration for 25 Florida counties after IdaliaFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday said the state has requested a federal disaster declaration for 25 counties that were under a hurricane warning while Idalia pressed into the Big Bend as a major storm the day prior.
Florida Board of Education approves college bathroom rule
Read full article: Florida Board of Education approves college bathroom ruleFlorida public colleges will be required to update policies on restrooms and changing rooms to have separate facilities “based on biological sex at birth,” under a rule approved Wednesday by the State Board of Education.
Florida has ‘moved on’ amid Disney fight, DeSantis says
Read full article: Florida has ‘moved on’ amid Disney fight, DeSantis saysGov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts should drop a federal lawsuit that claims retaliation by the state and accept changes to a special district that long benefited the theme-park giant.
Court refuses to dismiss lawsuit against Disney by DeSantis-appointed board
Read full article: Court refuses to dismiss lawsuit against Disney by DeSantis-appointed boardA Florida court refused Friday to dismiss a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company brought by the board appointed to oversee Walt Disney World property.
Lake Buena Vista, Bay Lake keep property tax in place to keep off-duty deputies
Read full article: Lake Buena Vista, Bay Lake keep property tax in place to keep off-duty deputiesLeaders from Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake met Thursday to discuss property tax changes affecting off-duty law enforcement services.
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District eyes lower tax rate for Disney, property owners
Read full article: Central Florida Tourism Oversight District eyes lower tax rate for Disney, property ownersAs a feud continues between Gov. Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Co., property owners in a special district that includes Walt Disney World could see a reduction in their property-tax rate.
DeSantis wants to push Disney lawsuit to after 2024 election
Read full article: DeSantis wants to push Disney lawsuit to after 2024 electionGov. DeSantis would prefer to see the federal lawsuit the Walt Disney Company filed against him dismissed, but if it has to go forward, his attorneys are pushing for a trial date in 2025 — a year after the presidential election he hopes to be a nominee in.
From vouchers to guns, new Florida laws take effect
Read full article: From vouchers to guns, new Florida laws take effectMore school vouchers. Expanded restrictions on teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. Limits on using TikTok. Carrying guns without concealed-weapons licenses. A larger Florida State Guard.
DeSantis quiet on Trump indictment as he faces conservatives in Trump country
Read full article: DeSantis quiet on Trump indictment as he faces conservatives in Trump countryFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis condemned Walt Disney World and the U.S. Justice Department — not his chief Republican rival, Donald Trump — as he courted Nevada Republicans deep in the heart of Trump country.
‘Operation Lone Star:’ Florida law enforcement makes nearly 200 arrests along southern U.S. border
Read full article: ‘Operation Lone Star:’ Florida law enforcement makes nearly 200 arrests along southern U.S. borderFlorida teams helped the Texas Department of Public Safety make more than 190 arrests along the southern border amid a “mass migration crisis” along the U.S.’s southern border.
Man arrested on DUI charges after crashing semitruck full of frozen food on Florida road, FHP says
Read full article: Man arrested on DUI charges after crashing semitruck full of frozen food on Florida road, FHP saysA man was arrested on DUI charges Saturday after crashing a semitruck full of frozen food on Interstate 75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Year-round school coming to Florida as Gov. Ron DeSantis signs pilot program into law
Read full article: Year-round school coming to Florida as Gov. Ron DeSantis signs pilot program into lawGov. DeSantis sign into HB 891 into law, establishing a four-year pilot program for year-round schooling in Florida.
Florida lawmakers pave way for road projects
Read full article: Florida lawmakers pave way for road projectsAs Florida lawmakers put the finishing touches on this year’s legislative session, they approved a request from Gov. Ron DeSantis to help speed 20 highway projects across the state under the banner of “Moving Florida Forward.”
Disney updates lawsuit against DeSantis to add new events
Read full article: Disney updates lawsuit against DeSantis to add new eventsDisney has amended its free speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis to add recent developments in the tit-for-tat fight between the entertainment giant and the Florida governor.
Florida senate gives approval for Disney monorail inspections
Read full article: Florida senate gives approval for Disney monorail inspectionsThe Florida Senate on Tuesday backed a measure that would lead to state oversight of Walt Disney World’s monorail system, as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fight with the entertainment giant continues to expand.
DeSantis’ tourism board to learn about Disney lawsuit at special meeting
Read full article: DeSantis’ tourism board to learn about Disney lawsuit at special meetingOn Monday morning, the board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will meet to discuss one thing — Disney’s lawsuit against them.
DeSantis proposes Digital Bill of Rights to protect Floridians from Big Tech companies
Read full article: DeSantis proposes Digital Bill of Rights to protect Floridians from Big Tech companiesGov. Ron DeSantis announced a “Digital Bill of Rights” proposal Wednesday to protect Floridians from Big Tech companies.
Florida House passes bill to rename, remake Disney’s Reedy Creek
Read full article: Florida House passes bill to rename, remake Disney’s Reedy CreekFlorida House Lawmakers in Tallahassee passed a bill Thursday that will change the governing body that runs Walt Disney World property in the latest chapter of the fight between Florida Gov. DeSantis and Walt Disney World.
Florida Senate passes bill clarifying election crimes prosecution
Read full article: Florida Senate passes bill clarifying election crimes prosecutionFlorida’s statewide prosecutor would have jurisdiction to prosecute more crimes related to elections and voting, under a bill passed by the Florida Senate Wednesday.
Orange County man accused of voter fraud latest to ask for case dismissal
Read full article: Orange County man accused of voter fraud latest to ask for case dismissalAn Orange County man who was one of 20 arrested in a high-profile voter fraud sweep by Gov. DeSantis last year is calling for his case to be dismissed.
Florida weighs mandating menstrual cycle details for female athletes
Read full article: Florida weighs mandating menstrual cycle details for female athletesCLAIM: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is requiring all female student-athletes in the state to provide detailed information about their periods in order to compete in organized sports.