City & State Florida

Policy

Florida joins feds in deploying to Hawaii to assist in wildfire response

Agencies with offices and personnel on the island also are scrambling to accommodate staff and provide continuity of services.

By Eric Katz
August 22, 2023

Policy

Florida tax projections get $2.77 billion bump, forecasters say

A panel of experts is expecting more stability in most economic areas as Florida moves beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Jim Turner
August 21, 2023

Policy

How higher interest rates are slowing down some South Florida businesses

Interest rates have risen to a two-decade high in the fight against inflation. They are having their intended effect with some South Florida companies.

By Tom Hudson
August 21, 2023

Policy

Analysis: What the police raid of a Kansas newspaper says about government and the press

The raid raised concerns about the eroding relationship between government officials and the reporters who cover them. Gov. Ron DeSantis, for example, has made a combative relationship with the press part of his public persona.

By Daniel C. Vock
August 21, 2023

Policy

Florida law – derided as 'Don't say gay' by critics – survives latest legal challenge

The 2022 measure, which drew national attention, prevents instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools.

By Jim Saunders
August 18, 2023

Policy

The new 'blob': How sargassum seaweed assaults Florida mangroves

Meet the scientists testing what Florida’s most important plant can withstand.

By CD Davidson-Hiers
August 17, 2023

Policy

Florida tourism numbers dip in second quarter

Dana Young, president and CEO of the Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency, pointed to increased competition from other states and countries.

By News Service of Florida
August 17, 2023

Policy

'Dysfunctional and unprofessional': Tensions flare during Florida Atlantic University meeting

The fractious meeting exposed a rift between board members over how some trustees have responded to the controversial pause of the presidential search process.

By Ryan Dailey
August 16, 2023

Policy

Regulate AI? Here’s what states like Florida need to know

A new report by the National Conference of State Legislatures provides a primer for lawmakers on how they might approach oversight of artificial intelligence.

By Kery Murakami
August 15, 2023

Policy

State expands lawsuit on FDA records

The issue stems from a Florida proposal to import less expensive prescription drugs from Canada.

By News Service of Florida
August 15, 2023

Policy

Students will have ’safe places’ at school, says Miami-Dade ed chief

'I never want any of my teachers to feel they were by themselves in a classroom just because they close the door,' Jose Dotres said.

By Alexa Herrera
August 14, 2023

Policy

Ruling eyed in guns, pot case

An appeal in a Florida case will be heard Oct. 5 by a panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

By Jim Saunders
August 14, 2023

Policy

Hurricane season forecast bumped up

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration upgraded its forecast for the season.

By News Service of Florida
August 11, 2023

Policy

Florida Gov. DeSantis suspends second elected prosecutor in 12 months

The Republican governor and presidential candidate again acted to strip an elected Democratic prosecutor from office.

By News Service of Florida
August 10, 2023

Policy

Report: Nearly half of households in Broward living paycheck-to-paycheck. Blame COVID-19

The rise in ALICE households — "asset limited, income constrained, employed" — climbed to more than 346,000 households in 2021.

By Gerard Albert III
August 10, 2023

Policy

Housing-first interventions, not policing, key to ending homelessness

New data shows that government assistance during the pandemic dramatically reduced homelessness. So why are cities and states increasingly turning to criminalization to address the issue?

By Molly Bolan
August 10, 2023

Policy

Democracy on hold: Gov. Ron DeSantis' six most noteworthy suspensions of Florida elected officials

Florida law gives the governor some latitude in suspending other elected officials from office, besides just criminal charges being filed against them.

By Tristan Wood
August 9, 2023

Policy

Gas station foes say new law won’t stop Wakulla Springs fight

The site of a proposed gas station, along with underground tanks, is over an area called Chip’s Hole Cave. Critics raised the potential of leaks affecting Wakulla Springs, part of Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.

By Jim Turner
August 9, 2023

Policy

Report reveals 'sudden surge' in cyberattacks targeting government agencies

Cyberattacks impacting government agencies and the public sector spiked by 40% in recent months, according to a new report.

By Chris Riotta
August 9, 2023

Policy

Expanded parental rights law remains contentious as new Florida school year starts

Proponents of the new law say gender identity and sexual orientation should never be discussed in schools, no matter the grade.

By Arianna Otero
August 9, 2023