Statewide News

The state’s leading pediatric medical association, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said they’re not on board with the edict from the White House.

The state’s leading pediatric medical association, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said they’re not on board with the edict from the White House.

Florida pediatricians rebuke Trump vaccine order

By Ana Goñi-Lessan —Pediatricians in Florida are pushing back on President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.
A judge ruled the current summary uses statements that are a “political rhetoric, not neutral, not explanation" and omits how the measure could change the nature of the “home rule” provisions of the state constitution. (File Photo)

A judge ruled the current summary uses statements that are a “political rhetoric, not neutral, not explanation" and omits how the measure could change the nature of the “home rule” provisions of the state constitution. (File Photo)

Tallahassee judge orders rewrite of poperty tax ballot measure

News Service of Florida — The title and summary of a property tax cut proposal to be placed on the November ballot contain political rhetoric and are misleading, and must be redrafted, a Leon Circuit Court judge ruled late Monday.
Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said treatment of childhood disorders should be "guided by a thorough understanding of each child’s unique circumstances and needs." (File Photo)

Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said treatment of childhood disorders should be "guided by a thorough understanding of each child’s unique circumstances and needs." (File Photo)

New Florida rules advise against drugs for depression, anxiety for kids

By Ana Goñi-Lessan News Service of FloridaFlorida’s newest guidelines warn against prescribing psychotropic medications for children, echoing the Make America Healthy Again movement’s push to impose changes on childhood health care.
The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the state’s new education commissioner on Wednesday. (Photo/DOE)

The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the state’s new education commissioner on Wednesday. (Photo/DOE)

Henry Mack named Florida Education Commissioner

By Ana Goñi-LessanNews Service of FloridaThe Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the state’s new education commissioner on Wednesday.Mack, a former senior chancellor at the Department of Education and most recently the U.S.
Retailers are marketing to parents for the Back to School Tax Holiday.

Retailers are marketing to parents for the Back to School Tax Holiday.

REMINDER — Back-To-School 'Tax Holiday’ begins Monday

News Service of Florida — Unlike in prior years, Best Buy has set up in advance a webpage linking back-to-school deals tied to Florida’s month-long sales tax “holiday” that begins Monday.“Cancel the deal hunt.
Madison County sustained damage in Hurricane Helene in 2024, but Florida was not affected by storms in the 2025 season. (Photo/Mike Exline, News Service of Florida).

Madison County sustained damage in Hurricane Helene in 2024, but Florida was not affected by storms in the 2025 season. (Photo/Mike Exline, News Service of Florida).

Hurricane season now envisioned ‘Well Below Normal’

News Service of Florida — Storm forecasters have further downgraded predictions a little more than a month into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which has so far produced a single named tropical system.
Paula Stark lost her appeal to be on the House District 47 ballot when a judge ruled her ballot was properly rejected for the lack of a financial disclosure form.

Paula Stark lost her appeal to be on the House District 47 ballot when a judge ruled her ballot was properly rejected for the lack of a financial disclosure form.

Leon County Judge rejects Paula Stark's appeal to get on state House ballot

This story is part of the News Collaborative of Central Florida, an initiative of independent local news outlets working towards a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he will vote for ballot item "Amendment 3" regarding homestead property taxes, but “what the Legislature did wasn't my proposal.”(Photo/Joe Raedle, Getty Images via News Service of Florida)

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he will vote for ballot item "Amendment 3" regarding homestead property taxes, but “what the Legislature did wasn't my proposal.”(Photo/Joe Raedle, Getty Images via News Service of Florida)

DeSantis: Property Tax on ballot ‘Wasn’t my proposal’

News Service of Florida — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to put some distance between himself and a property tax measure he pushed for that is going before voters in November.