Statewide News

A Christian-based lobbyist hopes the issue of shifting gender-related issues to cities and counties will be considered during this year’s legislative session, which will start March 4.

A Christian-based lobbyist hopes the issue of shifting gender-related issues to cities and counties will be considered during this year’s legislative session, which will start March 4.

Pronoun debate could shift to cities, counties

Jim Saunders
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Two years after Republican lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a controversial measure restricting the use of personal pronouns in schools, legislative debate about the gender-related issue could shift to cities and counties.
Some legislative leaders have called his decision to hold a special session on immigration enforcement and other issues “premature.”

Some legislative leaders have called his decision to hold a special session on immigration enforcement and other issues “premature.”

DeSantis defends special session, Says ‘action’ needed

Jim Turner
Thursday, January 16, 2025
News Service of Florida — Saying “a sense of urgency” exists, Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed back Wednesday against legislative leaders who called his decision to hold a special session on immigration enforcement and other issues “premature.
Alt Text for Image

Alt Text for Image

DeSantis calling special Legislative session

Jim Turner
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
News Service of Florida — Saying the issue can’t wait for the regular legislative session in March, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he’s calling lawmakers into a special session this month to mesh Florida’s immigration policies with a crackdown planned by President-elect Donald Trump.
Numerous big Florida legal issues are pending in state and federal courts as 2024 ends. Here are 10 legal issues to watch in 2025.

Numerous big Florida legal issues are pending in state and federal courts as 2024 ends. Here are 10 legal issues to watch in 2025.

10 big legal issues to watch in 2025

Jim Saunders
Friday, January 3, 2025
Numerous big Florida legal issues are pending in state and federal courts as 2024 ends.
Buddy MacKay's political career in Florida culminated in 24 days serving as governor after Lawton Chiles passed away in office.

Buddy MacKay's political career in Florida culminated in 24 days serving as governor after Lawton Chiles passed away in office.

Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay dies at 91

Dara Kam
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Former Florida Gov. Kenneth “Buddy” MacKay, 91, died peacefully during an afternoon nap at his home in Ocala surrounded by his wife and sons on New Year’s Eve, a family spokesman said Thursday.MacKay’s decades-long public-service career included stints as a state legislator, U.S.
At issue is the availability of library books, which the state argues are 'government speech' where the First Amendment doesn't apply.

At issue is the availability of library books, which the state argues are 'government speech' where the First Amendment doesn't apply.

Publishers, authors say library books Not ‘government speech’

Jim Saunders
Sunday, December 29, 2024
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Major publishing companies and authors have argued that a federal judge should deny Florida’s request to dismiss a lawsuit over the removal of school library books, saying a controversial state law violates First Amendment rights.
Gaetz, long a controversial Florida political figure, resigned from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump announced he had selected Gaetz to serve as U.S. attorney general. Several days later, Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general. FILE PHOTO

Gaetz, long a controversial Florida political figure, resigned from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump announced he had selected Gaetz to serve as U.S. attorney general. Several days later, Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general. FILE PHOTO

Report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz details sex, drug allegations

Jim Saunders
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
News Service of Florida: The U.S. House Committee on Ethics released a report Monday alleging that former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz “regularly” paid women for sex, used illegal drugs and violated state laws.
In a more-celebratory mood than four years ago, Florida’s 30 Republican electors Tuesday cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump.

In a more-celebratory mood than four years ago, Florida’s 30 Republican electors Tuesday cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump.

GOP electors tout Trump victory

News Service Of Florida
Thursday, December 19, 2024
By Jim Turner and Tom UrbanNews-Service of FloridaIn a more-celebratory mood than four years ago, Florida’s 30 Republican electors Tuesday cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump.
Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, wants lawmakers to continue working on housing issues. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA COLIN HACKLEY

Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, wants lawmakers to continue working on housing issues. PHOTO/NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA COLIN HACKLEY

Former Senate President Passidomo keeps eye on housing

By Jim Turner
Monday, December 16, 2024
By Dara Kam and Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida: Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo handed over the reins of the Senate to Wauchula Republican Ben Albritton after the November elections.
Former State Rep. Carolina Amesty

Former State Rep. Carolina Amesty

Criminal charges against Rep. Amesty dropped

News Service Of Florida
Monday, December 9, 2024
Prosecutors have dropped criminal charges against former state Rep. Carolina Amesty, a Windermere Republican whose District 45 also includes Celebration, Champions Gate and the far northwestern portion of Osceola County.
Subscribe to