Statewide News

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.Caring for his condition can be costly and time consuming—care that may now become less burdensome for Varesha Mauney of Palm Beach...
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.“What (state leaders) are tackling right now are some of the biggest...
Gov. DeSantis signed an amended version of the bill designed to protect minors from what some legislators call "addictive features" of some platforms.

Gov. DeSantis signed an amended version of the bill designed to protect minors from what some legislators call "addictive features" of some platforms.

DeSantis signs social media bill; legal fight looms

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
News Service of Florida — With the state preparing for a legal challenge from the tech industry, Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a high-profile bill aimed at keeping children off social-media platforms.“You better believe, I am going to fight like hell to uphold this in court,” Attorney General...
In a post-session news conference, DeSantis leaned heavily on 2023 as he called the work of the Legislature over the past two years “The most productive, consequential, in the history of the state of Florida.”

In a post-session news conference, DeSantis leaned heavily on 2023 as he called the work of the Legislature over the past two years “The most productive, consequential, in the history of the state of Florida.”

Legislative session post-game begins

Jim Turner
Friday, March 15, 2024
News Service of Florida — With the 2024 legislative session ending last week, it’s now time for veto requests.Among the veto pleas already made to Gov. Ron DeSantis: Don’t sign a bill (HB 49) that would loosen decades-old work restrictions for 16- and 17-year-old youths; protect businesses and...
Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner discussed the 2024 legislative session Friday. PHOTO/MIKE EXLINE, NSF

Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner discussed the 2024 legislative session Friday. PHOTO/MIKE EXLINE, NSF

Lawmakers pass $117.46 billion budget at end of legislative session

Jim Saunders
Thursday, March 14, 2024
News Service of Florida — After a flurry of last-minute votes on bills, Florida lawmakers Friday passed a $117 billion state budget and ended the 2024 legislative session on time.House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, gaveled the 60-day session...
House Speaker Paul Renner (left) and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo watch a traditional hanky-drop ceremony to end the 2024 legislative session. NEW SERVICE OF FLORIDA PHOTO/TOM URBAN

House Speaker Paul Renner (left) and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo watch a traditional hanky-drop ceremony to end the 2024 legislative session. NEW SERVICE OF FLORIDA PHOTO/TOM URBAN

Many bills passed during Legislative session — here's some that didn't

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
News Service of Florida — When Florida lawmakers went home after ending the 2024 legislative session Friday, they left behind hundreds of bills that did not pass.
The 2024 session came to a close on time, with lawmakers approving a $117.46 billion spending plan to finalize a session that the Senate president touted as targeting “kitchen-table issues” and the House speaker said “addressed the real needs of Floridians.”

The 2024 session came to a close on time, with lawmakers approving a $117.46 billion spending plan to finalize a session that the Senate president touted as targeting “kitchen-table issues” and the House speaker said “addressed the real needs of Floridians.”

SUNDAY SHOWCASE -- That's a wrap!

Ryan Dailey
Sunday, March 10, 2024
The 2024 session came to a close on time, with lawmakers approving a $117.46 billion spending plan to finalize a session that the Senate president touted as targeting “kitchen-table issues” and the House speaker said “addressed the real needs of Floridians.”During the last week of the 60-day...
The bill, in part, would prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts.

The bill, in part, would prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts.

Lawmakers pass social media crackdown

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
(News Service of Florida): TALLAHASSEE — With one lawmaker likening social media to a “dark alley,” the Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that seeks to keep children under 14 years old off social-media platforms.The House voted 109-4 to approve the bill (HB 3), which passed...
A key change in the revised version would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts.

A key change in the revised version would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts.

Senate passes revamped social media bill

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
News Service of Florida — Gearing up for an expected legal battle, the Florida Senate on Monday overwhelmingly passed a revamped plan aimed at keeping children off social media.The Senate voted 30-5 to approve the plan (HB 3), three days after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed an earlier version (HB 1).
The bill would provide tuition and fee waivers for students who have dropped out of high school and pursue diplomas and workforce credentials at state colleges. FILE PHOTO

The bill would provide tuition and fee waivers for students who have dropped out of high school and pursue diplomas and workforce credentials at state colleges. FILE PHOTO

College aid OK'd for high school dropouts

Ryan Dailey
Friday, March 1, 2024
News Service of Florida — The Florida Senate Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that would provide tuition and fee waivers for students who have dropped out of high school and pursue diplomas and workforce credentials at state colleges.The measure (SB 7032), which needs House approval before it...
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