Statewide News

Step Up for Students, an organization that administers vouchers for the state, will continue to accept applications through the beginning of the school year.

Step Up for Students, an organization that administers vouchers for the state, will continue to accept applications through the beginning of the school year.

Vouchers for home education set to increase

Ryan Dailey
Monday, June 3, 2024
News Service of Florida -- A state voucher program that began in the 2023-2024 school year is on pace to double in size — at least — as applications roll in from families who educate children at home and are seeking funds to make a range of purchases.
Lawmakers have touted the proposed 2024-2025 budget as being a reduction from the $119.1 billion budget plan for the current year, which ends June 30, but that doesn’t take into account money included in separate bills.

Lawmakers have touted the proposed 2024-2025 budget as being a reduction from the $119.1 billion budget plan for the current year, which ends June 30, but that doesn’t take into account money included in separate bills.

State spending draws scrutiny of TaxWatch

Jim Turner
Sunday, May 19, 2024
News Service of Florida -- Florida TaxWatch has raised concerns about 450 items in the state’s proposed budget for next fiscal year and called for additional scrutiny into 1,600 local projects backed by lawmakers.The budget, passed by the Legislature in March and awaiting action by Gov.
Democrats say a Florida ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy could galvanize their voters in Florida this year. FILE PHOTO

Democrats say a Florida ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy could galvanize their voters in Florida this year. FILE PHOTO

Kamala Harris visit puts spotlight on politics of abortion

Dara Kam
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
News Service of Florida -- As a Florida law took effect Wednesday preventing abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Jacksonville -- another sign of the political importance of abortion issues in the 2024 elections.
E-sports and online gaming could be coming to the Florida High School Athletics Association after discussion at an FHSAA board meeting. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

E-sports and online gaming could be coming to the Florida High School Athletics Association after discussion at an FHSAA board meeting. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Florida High School Athletics mulls adding E-sports

Ryan Dailey
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
News Service of Florida — The Florida High School Athletic Association could potentially sanction competitive video gaming, or e-sports, as an official sport, amid growing interest from member schools.
DeSantis said that some people who filed mass objections to books made a “mockery” of the process.

DeSantis said that some people who filed mass objections to books made a “mockery” of the process.

DeSantis signs school book review and charter school changes into law

Ryan Dailey
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
News Service of Florida — After more than 1,200 objections were filed to school-library books and other materials last school year, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will limit challenges by some people.
Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham passed away Tuesday at age 87.

Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham passed away Tuesday at age 87.

Former Florida Governor, Senator Bob Graham dies at 87

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Bob Graham, a two-term Florida governor who went on to serve in the U.S. Senate and was known for his work days across the state, died Tuesday at age 87, his family announced.
John Passidomo, the husband of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, died Wednesday after falling and suffering massive head trauma and other injuries, according to a memo distributed by the Florida Senate. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

John Passidomo, the husband of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, died Wednesday after falling and suffering massive head trauma and other injuries, according to a memo distributed by the Florida Senate. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Florida Senate President Passidomo's husband dies after Wednesday fall

Dara Kam
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
News Service of Florida: John Passidomo, the husband of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, died Wednesday after falling and suffering massive head trauma and other injuries, according to a memo distributed by the Florida Senate.
Two decisions by the Florida Supreme Court Monday cleared the way for a pair of constitutional amendments to appear on the November election ballot — setting the stage for some fierce political fights over the coming months.

Two decisions by the Florida Supreme Court Monday cleared the way for a pair of constitutional amendments to appear on the November election ballot — setting the stage for some fierce political fights over the coming months.

Fla. Supreme Court OK's ballot initiatives on abortion, legalized marijuana

Dara Kam
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Two decisions by the Florida Supreme Court Monday cleared the way for a pair of constitutional amendments to appear on the November election ballot — setting the stage for some fierce political fights over the coming months.
Dr. Michael Sturgeon examines a dog at Animal Veterinary Clinic in Gainesville. PHOTO/ VALENTINA SARMIENTO/UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Dr. Michael Sturgeon examines a dog at Animal Veterinary Clinic in Gainesville. PHOTO/ VALENTINA SARMIENTO/UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Who’s a good boy? Bill passes allowing virtual vet visits

Jimena Romero
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Fresh Take Business -- Milo, a 3-year-old goldendoodle, was recently diagnosed with Addison’s disease—he lacks the steroid production to calm down when stressed.
The bills were a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who dubbed them the “Live Healthy” initiative in trying to meet health-care needs of a rapidly growing population.

The bills were a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who dubbed them the “Live Healthy” initiative in trying to meet health-care needs of a rapidly growing population.

DeSantis signs major health care package

Jim Saunders
Thursday, March 28, 2024
News Service of Florida — Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a package of bills that supporters say will help improve access to health care, boost the number of doctors in Florida and address issues such as mental-health treatment.
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