NORTH FLORIDA

Addison Bethea, a teen girl attacked by a shark Thursday afternoon off Keaton Beach in Taylor County, is alert after surgery, her family said Friday.

Judge John Cooper will decide whether or not to block the state's 15-week ban

Virus Outbreak Florida Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attends a media event regarding the 2022 Florida Python Challenge, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Miami. DeSantis said Thursday that his administration won't facilitate their distribution, though he said they'll be available to those who want them. The state of Florida’s impending dissolution of Walt Disney World’s (NYSE: DIS) Reedy Creek Improvement District has spiked trade activity among bond holders. Ron DeSantis signed a new immigration bill Friday in North Florida.

Video: DeSantis signs new immigration bill in Florida with focus on smuggling, human trafficking Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new immigration bill Friday in North Florida. Ron DeSantis signed a new immigration bill Friday in North Florida. READ: DeSantis reactivates Florida State Guard with a focus on disaster responseThe bill includes barring state and local government agencies from contracting with transportation companies that bring undocumented immigrants into the state. Photos: DeSantis signs new immigration bill in Florida with focus on smuggling, human traffickingExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 DeSantis signs new immigration bill in Florida with focus on smuggling, human trafficking“Think about the sheer numbers we are talking about,” DeSantis said.

Arguing that a 15-week limit on abortions signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is unconstitutional, abortion clinics from across the state launched a legal challenge Wednesday...

Ron DeSantis’ congressional redistricting plan, which dismantles a North Florida district likely to elect a Black candidate, will be used for this year’s primary and general elections, at least for now. As it stands now, DeSantis’ congressional plan would divide North Florida Blacks among four districts dominated by white voters, each sitting next to each other: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5. Smith decided to lift the automatic stay of his ruling striking down the DeSantis map. A separate federal legal attack on the DeSantis map is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. In the state case, DeSantis cites U.S. Supreme Court precedents disfavoring using race as a predominant factor in drawing political boundaries.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — A new congressional map drawn by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' staff that could diminish the state's Black representation in Washington was reinstated by an appeals court Friday, a week after a lower court judge said the map was unconstitutional. The 1st District Court of appeals ruled Judge Layne Smith erred when he ordered a replacement map be used for the 2022 election. The latest order means the governor's map is reinstated pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the map. They include Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, the League of Women Voters of Florida, Equal Ground Education Fund, and Florida Rising Together.

A state appeals court has reinstated a new congressional map drawn by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ staff that could diminish Florida’s Black representation in Washington, a week after a lower court judge said the map was unconstitutional.

Attorneys for Secretary of State Laurel Lee, a defendant in the lawsuit filed by voting-rights groups and other plaintiffs, filed a notice of taking the case to the Tallahassee-based 1st District Court of Appeal.

The decision comes after some voters sued the state, saying a map drawn by DeSantis's staff unfairly eliminates a congressional district held by a Black Democrat.

Finding a congressional redistricting map pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis likely unconstitutional, a circuit judge Wednesday granted a temporary injunction because of changes to a...

A 15-week abortion ban in Florida takes effect July 1 and the highest court in the nation has signaled support for overturning Roe v. Wade.

Voting-rights groups late Friday requested approval to revamp a federal lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Florida’s new congressional redistricting plan.

It's now more expensive to rent in Miami than in Los Angeles.

(Luke Smith)ORLANDO, Fla. — Bad news for people who don’t love snakes: There are 44 different slithery species that call Florida home. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said most Florida snakes are harmless and beneficial and remove extra rodent populations. FWC officials say it also ranks high on the list of venomous snakes in the world. Photos: See Florida’s 6 venomous snake speciesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 19 Pygmy rattlesnake The pygmy rattlesnake, which is also known as the ground rattler, is found in every county in Florida. READ: Family finds venomous snake in their Christmas treeCoral snakeFWC officials say the coral snake’s venom is the most potent of any snake in North America.

After Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law new congressional district lines that he pushed lawmakers to pass, the controversial plan immediately drew a...

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' flexed his power this week in Tallahassee as lawmakers okayed the governor's controversial redistricting plan and curbed Disney's special jurisdiction.

Bowing to Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature on Tuesday advanced two proposals aimed at punishing Walt Disney Co. for criticizing a controversial new law...

In response to New York City mayor Eric Adams’ criticism of a new Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis derided the entire state of New York.

DeSantis cited issues with Florida's 5th Congressional district, a predominantly Black district in north Florida.

DeSantis's plan diminishes Black voting power and gives GOP 18 of the 28 seats to which Florida is entitled following the 2020 U.S. Census.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that he has formally vetoed the redistricting maps approved by the Florida legislature, prompting him to call for a special session to redraw the maps again.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) seeking to expand the number of Republican House districts, has proposed deleting the district of a Black member of Cngress.

Floridians have relied on the ballot-initiative process to legalize medical marijuana, increase the minimum wage and limit gambling .

Joro spiders, a large, parachuting, bright yellow spider from Japan, could soon spread across the eastern United States, according to a new study.

Florida Republicans have pushed a bill to ban abortion after 15 weeks with no exceptions for rape, incest or human trafficking.

House Republicans advanced a map for new congressional lines Friday that includes a disputed North Florida district closer to what the Senate proposed than what...

Republicans in Florida House approve ban on abortion after 15 weeks.

Gov. Ron DeSantis sought an advisory opinion on his proposal to revamp a sprawling North Florida congressional district.

The bill allows parents to sue school districts if their students are encouraged to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity.

Missing Child Alert issued for 9-year-old Florida boy last seen Friday, FDLE saysLIVE OAK, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a Missing Child Alert on Saturday night in North Florida. WATCH: Weather Alert Day: Freeze warnings issued as major cold front moves into Central FloridaFDLE said 9-year-old Jaxon Nickerson was last seen near the 7000 block of 160th Trail in Live Oak in Suwannee County. Jaxon is around 4 feet tall, weighs 65 pounds and has long hair that may be in a ponytail. A FL MISSING CHILD Alert for 9yo W/M Jaxon Nickerson, 4'0", 65lbs, blonde hair/ hazel eyes, last seen in Live Oak. #FLMissingChild pic.twitter.com/RVrEAEuwIE — FDLE (@fdlepio) January 30, 2022FDLE did not say why the alert was issued for Nickerson but mentioned he has been missing since Friday.

The name of the man who caught on fire and died on Jan. 12 after a van burst into flames outside Daytona Beach police headquarters has been released, officials said.

The governor’s office released a proposed congressional redistricting map on Sunday. In Central Florida, the proposed map shows significant changes in Rep. Michael Waltz’ district, Rep. Val Demings’ district and Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s district. READ: 2022 Girl Scout cookies hit the streetsCurrent plan:Florida Redistricting Current Florida Redistricting plan. (Florida Redistricting)New proposed plan:Florida Redistricting New Florida Redistricting plan (Florida Redistricting)The proposed map could be voted on as early as next week. READ: Coronavirus: Mark Milley, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, tests positive for COVID-19Click here to view an interactive version of the proposed map.

A U.S. Army veteran, who spent 10 years undercover in the Ku Klux Klan, said officials need to root out members of the domestic terrorism […]

Texas Southern Florida Basketball Texas Southern forward Joirdon Karl Nicholas (5) celebrates with forward Brison Gresham (44) and guard PJ Henry (3) after playing against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey) (Matt Stamey)GAINESVILLE, Fla. — (AP) — Previously winless Texas Southern stunned No. 20 Florida 69-54 on Monday night behind PJ Henry’s 16 points and Joirdon Karl Nicholas’ perfect shooting performance. Texas Southern became the first Southwestern Athletic Conference team to beat a ranked SEC program in The Associated Press poll era dating to 1936, ESPN Stats & Info said. The Tigers were coming off a 27-point loss at Louisiana Tech and catching a Florida team trying to rebound from its first loss. Texas Southern is led by former LSU coach Johnny Jones, who evened his record against White at 2-2.

Previously winless Texas Southern stunned No. 20 Florida 69-54 behind PJ Henry’s 16 points and a perfect shooting night by Joirdon Karl Nicholas.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Rain is moving through Central Florida this morning. The heaviest rain is sitting offshore, but a few lingering showers are sticking around for the next few days. A front sitting near North Florida will move through Central Florida late Friday. READ: Venmo, Zelle, others will report ‘goods and services’ payments of $600 or more to IRS for 2022 taxesLooking ahead, more scattered showers will move through on Saturday morning and into the afternoon. Sunrise at Kennedy Space Center (Kevin McGill)Visit our hurricane section: EYE ON THE TROPICSFollow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:©2021 Cox Media Group

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was not cowed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' continued threats against the county over vaccine mandates. DeSantis called out Orange...

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A $54,000 reward is available for tips leading to the capture of a man accused of shooting and killing a North Florida deputy. Investigators are searching for Patrick McDowell, who is accused of killing Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers. READ: Blue Alert issued for man accused of killing deputy in North FloridaThe Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a Blue Alert for McDowell on Sunday. — Nassau County SO (@NCSO_FL) September 27, 2021READ: Blue Alert: What does it mean in Florida? Moyers was shot twice during a traffic stop Friday and died from his injuries Sunday, according to the Nassau County Sheriff.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (AP) — A North Florida sheriff’s deputy who was recently shot twice during a traffic stop is not going to survive his injuries, authorities announced Saturday. If you have any information on the location of this suspect, please call the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office at 904-225-5174. They previously found a gun that they believe was used to shoot a police dog during the search on Friday, The Florida Times-Union reported. The search for McDowell includes 300 investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies in the state, the newspaper said. Here’s what experts, data say is leading to labor shortagesPolice organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Sheriff’s Association are offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the McDowell’s arrest.

A North Florida sheriff's deputy who was recently shot twice during a traffic stop is not going to survive his injuries, authorities announced Saturday. Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said doctors at UF Health Jacksonville did their best to save Deputy Joshua Moyers, 29, but “there was just nothing they could do for Josh.” Leeper said the deputy's family decided that Moyers' organs should be donated, so medical personnel are keeping him alive until the hospital can find matches for the organs, news outlets reported.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced millions in funding for Florida military communities and bases Wednesday morning.

There’s no limit to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ cynicism when it comes to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. His sick, misleading messaging, too often flippantly delivered, matters.

Larry and Mindy are off the list. Nicholas is next.

Hurricane Larry spins in the Atlantic as another system will trek into the Gulf and, possibly, over Florida.

Officials in rural areas of North Florida where two prisons have been temporarily shuttered are pleading with state leaders to ensure that the closures aren’t...

The Florida Department of Corrections is temporarily closing several North Florida prisons due to flooding at one facilty and staffing shortages in the others.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all employees and vendors on Friday as the number of pediatric inpatients hospitalized in Florida with a confirmed case of the disease continued to lead all other states.

ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s going to be another hot day here in Central Florida. In additional to the heat, Meteorologist Brian Shields says our chances for rain will increase Monday. Spin to the northeast of us...moving onshore up there. Nothing organized, but it will enhance our chance of rain/storms later. pic.twitter.com/DoP5Rvjiu1 — Brian Shields, WFTV (@BrianWFTV) July 26, 2021Shields says the tropical disturbance that we’ve been tracking is moving onshore in North Florida and Georgia.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, along with a group of Republican lawmakers and state law-enforcement officers, are heading to Texas Saturday to discuss security along the Mexican border with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Warnings and watches expanded Monday to include parts of the Florida Panhandle as Tropical Storm Elsa prepared to pummel the state with wind, rain and...

With a system stalled our over North Florida, elevated rain chances will continue. Like Saturday, the best chance for rain will be during the first half of the day, with a drying trend starting Sunday evening. The highest rain and storm chances will reside north of Orlando, closer to the stalled front. All of Central Florida will be under the gun for periods of rain, however.

More than 50 state law-enforcement officers will depart Monday for Texas and Arizona to help with border control, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday during an...

Oosthuizen finished second in a major for the sixth time, losing to Jon Rahm by a shot after pulling his tee shot on Torrey Pines' 17th hole in the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday. Oosthuizen lost another playoff at the 2015 Open Championship when he missed a 12-foot birdie putt that would have forced sudden death against Zach Johnson. Oosthuizen lost by a shot to Jordan Spieth at the 2015 U.S. Open and by two to Justin Thomas at the 2017 PGA Championship. 18 to share the lead lead after three rounds. Oosthuizen instead fell one shot short of becoming the fourth South African to win the U.S. Open.

Louis Oosthuizen has repeatedly put himself in contention at majors with his syrupy swing and easygoing nature.

A plan to shutter up to four state prisons is alarming officials in Florida’s rural regions where correctional institutions subsidize jobs.

A plan to shutter up to four state prisons is alarming officials in Florida’s rural regions where correctional institutions have played an outsized role in...

ORLANDO, Fla. – A Mason-Dixon poll released Tuesday finds more than half of registered Florida voters support Ron DeSantis’ performance as the state’s governor, News 6 partner WJXT-TV reported. The poll shows that statewide, 53% of respondents approve of how DeSantis is handling his job, 42% disapprove and 5% were undecided. Of those polled, 51% of Florida voters said between Fried and DeSantis, they would vote for DeSantis. When it comes to Fried, 65% of Florida voters would vote for DeSantis, 32% would vote for Fried and 3% were undecided. Mason-Dixon polled a total of 625 registered Florida voters who were interviewed live by telephone statewide from Feb. 24 through Feb. 28.

A seal was spotted resting along some North Florida beaches over the last few days. A seal has been spotted resting along some North Florida beaches over the last few days, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Southeast tweeted Tuesday. Biologists are monitoring the harbor seal pup, which comes in for a rest every now and then, News 6 partner News4Jax reported. If you spot the seal, give it 50 yards of space and report the sighting to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343). Biologists are currently monitoring a seal spotted resting along some North Florida beaches over the past few days.

At approximately 10 a.m. Feb. 3, all National Weather Service offices serving Florida will issue a practice tornado warning. AdThe practice tornado warning will be canceled at 10:30 a.m. If severe weather threatens Florida Wednesday, the test will be moved to Feb. 5. School districts, private schools, pre-schools and daycare centers are urged to participate in Wednesday’s drill by enacting their severe weather plan. As a family, come up with a safe meeting place to go to in the event a tornado warning is issued.

ORLANDO, Fla. – High pressure which has produced a warm week, will give way to a slowly approaching cold front. This feature will cross into North Florida Saturday, keeping Central Florida warm, with a slight chance of a passing shower through the weekend. Highs will run above normal, in the lower 80s with lows in the mid-60s. (WKMG)A few strong storms will be possible on Monday ahead of a strong cold front tracking through the area. With three days left of the official hurricane season, we continue to watch two areas in the middle of the Atlantic with a slight chance for tropical development.

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Authorities say a Miami skydiver died in North Florida when his parachute didn’t deploy correctly during a jump. The Bradford County Sheriff's Office said Friday that a team of skydivers were practicing a jump when the accident happened on Friday. The group of seven men, all originally from Cuba, were practicing for a weekend event that honors the families of fallen police officers. News4Jax reported that one of the team members — Nick Perdomo — identified his deceased teammate as 51-year-old Yuset Hernandez. “And the very last jump that they were doing, one of the skydiver’s chutes didn’t deploy fully,” Smith said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – All eyes are on Tropical Storm Eta. In Central Florida, we are seeing rain and strong wind gusts. There is a tropical storm warning in effect for Volusia and Brevard counties. Rain chances will be up to 80% on Monday and 50% on Tuesday and Wednesday in Central Florida. Rain chances will stay at around 50% on Thursday, with tropical storm conditions possible for Central Florida Thursday night into Friday.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Republican Neal Dunn has been declared the winner of the U.S. House District 2 race. Incumbent Neal Dunn currently holds the seat for U.S. House District 2 and was facing write-in candidate Kim O’Connor on the November ballot. [2020 VOTER GUIDE: Everything you need to know ahead of the presidential election]Here’s what you need to know about the candidates:Neal Dunn (R)Congressman Dunn first assumed office in 2017. At the beginning of the 116th Congress, Dunn was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the House Committee on Agriculture, and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She first graduated from the University of South Florida with a philosophy degree then got her law degree at the University of Florida.

The remainder are voters registered with third parties.With Republicans overtaking Democrats in rural DeSoto County between the primaries and the general-election book closing, the GOP is the major party in 48 of the state’s 67 counties.Meanwhile, Democrats lead in seven of the most populated counties, topped by Miami-Dade, which has 1.56 million total voters. Broward County has the next-largest amount at 1.266 million voters, and Palm Beach County is at 1.02 million.Lafayette County in rural North Florida has the fewest registered voters, with 4,568, followed by Liberty County, which is west of Tallahassee, at 4,601. Lafayette has a Republican majority while Liberty County has more people registered as Democrats. Both counties voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2016.Nearly 2.1 million voters have already cast ballots by mail for the Nov. 3 elections. With the updated book-closing numbers, that means about 14.5 percent of the state’s registered voters have cast ballots.Democrats had returned 49.9 percent of the vote-by-mail ballots as of Thursday morning, to 29.8 percent by Republicans.Early-voting sites open in 52 counties on Monday.

click to enlarge AdobeU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Timothy Shea warned Tuesday that the eventual lifting of coronavirus restrictions could bring a flood of methamphetamine and other narcotics from Mexico into the United States. Shea met in Tallahassee with federal, state and local law-enforcement officials from North Florida and Attorney General Ashley Moody. In part, they held a closed-door meeting about future efforts to confront Mexican transnational criminal organizations that have established networks in areas such as Panama City and Franklin County.U.S. “Virtually all of the methamphetamine and much of the fentanyl in this country comes from Mexico,” Shea said. “These drugs are manufactured on an industrial scale in Mexico using precursor chemicals from China and then smuggled across the border and distributed to every state in the country.”

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Florida’s 2nd Congressional District is the largest congressional district in Florida by land area and includes a lot of the counties in the Panhandle, as well as Marion County. Incumbent Neal Dunn currently holds the seat for U.S. House District 2 and is facing write-in candidate Kim O’Connor on the November ballot. At the beginning of the 116th Congress, Dunn was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the House Committee on Agriculture, and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She first graduated from the University of South Florida with a philosophy degree then got her law degree at the University of Florida. Her political experience includes her time as Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor, District 2 and Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor, District 3.

Isaias continues to have Florida in its sights after it battered Puerto Rico with high winds and heavy rains Thursday. Will it barely graze the East Coast, or could it reroute and head straight up the middle of the state? We’re keeping an eye out on all the coasts for what this storm could mean for Florida -- and the rest of the U.S. Here are some live webcams you can watch as the storm heads north. South FloridaWatch live below: Fort Meyers BeachWatch live below: Dania Beach Pier and beachWatch live: Sunny Isles webcamWatch live: Palm BeachWatch live: Naples PierCentral FloridaWatch live below: NaplesWatch live below: Cocoa Beach PierWatch live: Flagler BeachWatch live below: Deerfield BeachWatch live: Daytona BeachWatch live below: St. PetersburgNorth FloridaWatch live below: Fort Walton BeachWatch live: Jacksonville BeachWatch live below: St. Augustine BeachWatch live: Ponte Vedra Beach

Ron DeSantis push to crack down on illegal immigration is slowly expanding the footprint of federal immigration authorities in parts of Floridas criminal justice system. And a North Florida prison is poised to deputize corrections workers to perform some functions of immigration officers. The statute requires local governments to "use their best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law." But participation in federal immigration programs is not required under the law, according to Amien Kacou, an immigration attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. The local deportation officer referred the probation officer to the designated immigration officer that would have the most current information in that particular case, she added.

Ron DeSantis push to crack down on illegal immigration is slowly expanding the footprint of federal immigration authorities in parts of Floridas criminal justice system. And a North Florida prison is poised to deputize corrections workers to perform some functions of immigration officers. The statute requires local governments to "use their best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration law." The local deportation officer referred the probation officer to the designated immigration officer that would have the most current information in that particular case, she added. Probation officers are meant to help people stay out of trouble, instead of trying to get rid of them, he said.

After Presidential Primary Day, heres a look at the numbers in Florida. This year, 68.3% voted by mail or at early voting sites. Some of that was because of coronavirus fears, but a lot of it was a continuing trend toward early voting in Florida. His Volusia County numbers were below his statewide margins, but he did win 58% of the vote to Sanders 22%. Early voting for Bloomberg appears to have cut into his margin here.

Still, as Florida Health Secretary and state Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said Sunday, "The best way to avoid getting COVID-19 is to avoid crowds." The U.S. has more than 3,200 reported cases and 62 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center. North Florida sees rise in casesThe number of cases in North Florida is growing, too. State health officials dont list ages for three Duval cases. As the number of diagnosed cases grows, so does the number of cases that are still under investigation.

Tom Hellman, acting president of SCORE Volusia/Flagler Chapter and North Florida regional director, sheds some light on how trade agreements and tariffs affect the economy. This weeks On the Spot guest, Tom Hellman, acting president of SCORE Volusia/Flagler Chapter and North Florida regional director, sheds some light on how trade agreements and tariffs affect the economy. How do tariffs and trade agreements impact the U.S. economy? Trade agreements generally lower trade barriers which promotes economic growth, efficiency, technological progress and what matters most in our economy, consumer welfare. Well-designed trade agreements support the free flow of goods and services without any trade barriers such as tariffs, licenses, or import quotas.

A Federal Bureau of Prisons employee from Marianna is the latest alleged co-conspirator to be charged in connection with a large-scale illegal North Florida dog-fighting ring involving 100 pit bull-type canines. The federal grand jury in Tallahassee handed down a superseding indictment this week, adding DeCarlisle Chapman, 46, to the governments list of suspected co-conspirators. Hadley and Safford were named in a previous indictment made public June 4, along with six other co-conspirators. In the course of training the dogs, one of the co-conspirators left a dog alone in a pool and it drowned. According to the indictment, Hadley was contacted in January by the cooperating source about buying a dog for an acquaintance who wanted to train it to fight.