Statewide News

Florida’s near-historic low unemployment rate remained at 2.8 percent in October, as the state’s labor force continued to grow. FILE PHOTO

Florida’s near-historic low unemployment rate remained at 2.8 percent in October, as the state’s labor force continued to grow. FILE PHOTO

Florida jobless rate stays at 2.8 percent

Jim Turner
Friday, November 24, 2023
Florida’s near-historic low unemployment rate remained at 2.8 percent in October, as the state’s labor force continued to grow. But, economists think Florida might be due for an uptick in the jobless rate — which might not necessarily be a bad thing.
Simpson said the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is a way for farmers and ranchers to continue operating amid the pressures of rising land values and a rapidly growing population. PHOTO/FLA. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Simpson said the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is a way for farmers and ranchers to continue operating amid the pressures of rising land values and a rapidly growing population. PHOTO/FLA. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE

Ag commish Simpson seeks $300M for conservation program

Jim Turner
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Ag commish Simpson seeks $300M for conservation program Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is seeking $300 million for a program designed to keep swaths of rural land from commercial and residential development, triple the amount vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis this year.
Frequent users of local toll roads, including the Turnpike (pictured) and Central Florida Expressway Authority roads like Poinciana Parkway and State Road 417, have gotten high-use discounts in 2023. Tallahassee Republicans have talked of extending the break in 2024. FILE PHOTO

Frequent users of local toll roads, including the Turnpike (pictured) and Central Florida Expressway Authority roads like Poinciana Parkway and State Road 417, have gotten high-use discounts in 2023. Tallahassee Republicans have talked of extending the break in 2024. FILE PHOTO

Could toll breaks continue in 2024?

Jim Turner
Monday, November 13, 2023
News Service of Florida -- As Governor Ron DeSantis prepares proposals for the 2024 legislative session, continuing to give financial breaks to frequent users of toll roads could be on the table. Lt. Gov.
On a recent episode of the News Service of Florida’s “A Deeper Dive with Dara Kam” podcast, guest host Jim Rosica, editor-in-chief of City & State Florida, and NSF state writer Jim Turner held a “way-too-early” discussion of those who could be a part of that ’26 gubernatorial race.

On a recent episode of the News Service of Florida’s “A Deeper Dive with Dara Kam” podcast, guest host Jim Rosica, editor-in-chief of City & State Florida, and NSF state writer Jim Turner held a “way-too-early” discussion of those who could be a part of that ’26 gubernatorial race.

A way-too-early look at the ’26 Governor’s election

Ken Jackson
Saturday, November 11, 2023
So, who’s going to win the election? Not the one next year — let’s have a little fun at looking at the next next one: the 2026 to follow Ron DeSantis as Florida’s governor.
The Seminole Indian Tribe quietly got its sports betting app back this week, allowing a limited group of gamblers to again place wagers anywhere in Florida. FILE PHOTO

The Seminole Indian Tribe quietly got its sports betting app back this week, allowing a limited group of gamblers to again place wagers anywhere in Florida. FILE PHOTO

Seminole Tribe launches ‘limited’ online sports betting

Dara Kam
Saturday, November 11, 2023
After scoring a major legal victory, the Seminole Tribe of Florida Tuesday quietly relaunched a sports betting app allowing a limited group of gamblers to place wagers anywhere in Florida.
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.
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