Author: News Service of Florida
Lawmakers look for way to curb vaping
By Dara Kam TALLAHASSEE — As state lawmakers ponder how — and if — to respond to teens’ skyrocketing use of electronic cigarettes, one university…
Flags fly at half-mast to honor former local lawmaker
Flags will be flown at half-staff today in honor of former state lawmaker John Broxson, who died last week. Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday directed…
Statewide grand jury slams ‘systemic’ school safety issues
By Ana Ceballos TALLAHASSEE — A statewide grand jury has issued a report painting a dire picture of how Florida school districts are implementing security…
Old Capitol goes blue for NAS Pensacola
Florida’s Old Capitol is going blue to support the Pensacola community after the fatal shooting last week at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Gov. Ron DeSantis…
NRA, Local Governments square off on gun law
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The National Rifle Association and local-government groups are trying to help sway an appeals court…
Proposed budget plan could mean $14.1 million for Escambia teachers
Gov. Ron DeSantis wants Florida lawmakers to approve a $602 million plan that would set a minimum salary of $47,500 for public-school teachers. A budget…
Weekly Roundup: What is the meaning?
By Dara Kam Recap and analysis of the week in state government TALLAHASSEE — Floridians a year ago overwhelmingly approved a change to the state…
Questions remain after felons’ rights ruling
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee has sent a memo to county elections supervisors with…
DeSantis Teacher Pay Plan faces questions
By Jim Saunders TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday continued his full-throated support of a plan to increase minimum teacher salaries in Florida to…
Former U.S. attorney for our area to head First Amendment group
Former U.S. Attorney Pamela Marsh will become president of the First Amendment Foundation on Dec. 1, the open-government advocacy group announced Friday. Marsh, who served…
Charter school blasted for ‘gross financial mismanagement’
TALLAHASSEE — In a 95-page ruling, an administrative law judge Friday backed a decision by the Manatee County School Board to terminate a contract with…
Corcoran pushes changes in state college system
TALLAHASSEE — Florida education czar Richard Corcoran bristles at being called a disrupter. He prefers the gentler label of “transformer,” a brand Corcoran burnished during…
Next Florida House Speakers ready to tackle spending, climate change
TALLAHASSEE — Moments after he was formally elected Tuesday to serve as Florida’s next House speaker, Palm Harbor Republican Chris Sprowls waded into issues such…
‘It’s No Joke’ combats rise in school threats
The number of Florida children charged with making school-related threats has steadily increased during the past three years, the state Department of Juvenile Justice said…
Background checks seen as possible answer to mass shootings
TALLAHASSEE — After three hours of testimony from experts on Monday, the Republican head of a Florida Senate panel looking into mass violence and white…
Weekly Roundup: So long, justices, we hardly knew ye
TALLAHASSEE — Less than two weeks after Hurricane Dorian wrecked the Bahamas, a potential tropical cyclone is looming over the island chain. Weather experts on…
