Statewide News

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola, Jr. reached a gambling deal in 2021. NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE PHOTO

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola, Jr. reached a gambling deal in 2021. NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE PHOTO

Seminole Tribe to begin sports betting at casinos in December

Dara Kam
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
News Service of Florida   TALLAHASSEE — Seminole Tribe leaders Wednesday announced a plan to roll out sports betting at their casinos in December — a first step in what could be a major expansion of gambling in Florida triggered by a go-ahead from the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a case that has drawn attention from media organizations and open-government advocates, state lawyers late Monday urged an appeals court to uphold a ruling that said “executive privilege” shields Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration from releasing records.

In a case that has drawn attention from media organizations and open-government advocates, state lawyers late Monday urged an appeals court to uphold a ruling that said “executive privilege” shields Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration from releasing records.

DeSantis pushes back in ‘Executive Privilege’ fight

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
News Service of Florida — In a case that has drawn attention from media organizations and open-government advocates, state lawyers late Monday urged an appeals court to uphold a ruling that said “executive privilege” shields Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration from releasing records.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' office said earlier Friday a special session would be held to increase sanctions against Iran, as Republican leaders seek to show support for Israel during the war with Hamas.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' office said earlier Friday a special session would be held to increase sanctions against Iran, as Republican leaders seek to show support for Israel during the war with Hamas.

DeSantis to call special session on Iran sanctions

Jim Saunders
Friday, October 20, 2023
Florida lawmakers will hold a special session in November on a series of issues, including bolstering state sanctions against Iran and providing additional assistance to people after Hurricane Idalia.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday at least temporarily halted an appealscourt ruling that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting throughout the state. PHOTO/MOHEGAN SUN

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday at least temporarily halted an appealscourt ruling that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting throughout the state. PHOTO/MOHEGAN SUN

State sports betting plan put on hold

Jim Saunders
Friday, October 20, 2023
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday at least temporarily halted an appeals-court ruling that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting throughout the state. Chief Justice John Roberts issued an order imposing a stay after the U.S.
While the governor’s office promised more assistance to people in Israel, state Democrats questioned the so-far undisclosed amount of state spending on actions that at least partly match federal efforts.

While the governor’s office promised more assistance to people in Israel, state Democrats questioned the so-far undisclosed amount of state spending on actions that at least partly match federal efforts.

Florida vows more help for people in Israel

Jim Turner
Thursday, October 19, 2023
News Service of Florida With the state paying for the flights, a Tampa-based non-profit organization brought a group of Americans home from Israel Sunday as part of an executive order issued last week by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday at least temporarily halted an appeals-court ruling that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting throughout the state. FILE PHOTO/MOHEGAN SUN

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday at least temporarily halted an appeals-court ruling that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting throughout the state. FILE PHOTO/MOHEGAN SUN

State news — sports betting plan put on hold

Jim Saunders
Friday, October 13, 2023
News Service of Florida -- The US Supreme Court on Thursday at least temporarily halted an appeals-court ruling that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting throughout the state. Chief Justice John Roberts issued an order imposing a stay after the U.S.
Appearing at a South Florida synagogue, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will ask lawmakers during the 2024 legislative session to further block Iranian business ties in Florida. PHOTO/FLORIDA'S VOICE

Appearing at a South Florida synagogue, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will ask lawmakers during the 2024 legislative session to further block Iranian business ties in Florida. PHOTO/FLORIDA'S VOICE

DeSantis calls for sanctions against Iran in Israeli attacks

Jim Turner
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for increased state sanctions against Iran for aiding Hamas in the deadly surprise attack in Israel over the weekend.
Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the state unconstitutionally retaliated against Disney.

Attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the state unconstitutionally retaliated against Disney.

State, special Disney district ask judge to toss case

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
News Service of Florida — Attorneys for Ron DeSantis and a revamped Central Florida special district asked a federal judge Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit alleging the state unconstitutionally retaliated against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts because of the company’s opposition to a controversial...
Among the bills signed into law that go into effect Sunday is one allows for sentencing the death penalty for people who commit sexual batteries on children under age 12.

Among the bills signed into law that go into effect Sunday is one allows for sentencing the death penalty for people who commit sexual batteries on children under age 12.

New law allowing death penalty for child rapists to take effect Sunday

Jim Turner
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
News Service of Florida A new law that could lead to imposing the death penalty on people who rape children under age 12 will take effect Sunday, along with other laws passed during the 2023 legislative session.
Prior to being removed from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis, State Attorney Monique Worrell engaged in a war of words with Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez over the prosecution of drug cases and the evidence presented in them. FILE PHOTO

Prior to being removed from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis, State Attorney Monique Worrell engaged in a war of words with Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez over the prosecution of drug cases and the evidence presented in them. FILE PHOTO

Lawmakers, ex-justices back suspended State Attorney Worrell

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
News Service of Florida Current and former Democratic lawmakers and former Florida Supreme Court justices have signed onto legal briefs backing suspended Ninth Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell’s bid to get her job back.
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