Statewide News

The Florida measure failed to clear the required 60% voter approval threshold to pass constitutional amendments in Florida.

The Florida measure failed to clear the required 60% voter approval threshold to pass constitutional amendments in Florida.

Recreational pot, abortion rights amendments fall short

Dara Kam
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
By Jim Saunders and Dara KamNews Service of FloridaA ballot proposal that would have enshrined abortion rights in the Florida Constitution failed Tuesday, giving a major political victory to Gov. Ron DeSantis — and dealing a huge blow to abortion-rights supporters.
Amendment 2 would — as worded on the ballot — "Preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.” PHOTO/EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE

Amendment 2 would — as worded on the ballot — "Preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.” PHOTO/EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE

Voters to weigh hunting, fishing rights in Amendment 2

Jim Turner
Friday, November 1, 2024
Florida voters next week will decide whether to put hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution, as opponents have struggled to get their message out.The Legislature put the proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment 2, on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The fight, statewide, has been loud and strong regarding Amendment 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot, which would prevent the state from constructing laws that would ban abortions.

The fight, statewide, has been loud and strong regarding Amendment 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot, which would prevent the state from constructing laws that would ban abortions.

Amendment 4 spurs fierce political fight

Dara Kam
Friday, November 1, 2024
News Service of Florida — A political battle over abortion rights is giving Floridians the opportunity to vote on one of the nation’s most divisive issues, spurring unprecedented opposition by Gov.
Some of the state's most hotly-contested House of Representatives races are in Osceola County.

Some of the state's most hotly-contested House of Representatives races are in Osceola County.

Democrats target state House majority

Jim Turner
Thursday, October 31, 2024
News Service of Florida — After fielding candidates in all 120 House races, Florida Democrats have narrowed their focus in an effort to cut into Republicans’ supermajority in the chamber.
State Republican leaders aren't sure if amendments outside the hot-button issues of enshrining abortion rights and legalizing marijuana will pass because they, "Don't think anyone's put any money behind trying to pass them."

State Republican leaders aren't sure if amendments outside the hot-button issues of enshrining abortion rights and legalizing marijuana will pass because they, "Don't think anyone's put any money behind trying to pass them."

Campaign finance, tax amendments draw little attention

Jim Turner
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Amid fierce political battles about proposed constitutional amendments on abortion rights and recreational marijuana, two ballot measures about public financing of campaigns and property taxes are flying “under the radar.”The measures on the Nov.
CAPITOL COLUMN: The Legislature approved asking voters to pass what will appear on the ballot as Amendment 1, which proposes to make school board races partisan.

CAPITOL COLUMN: The Legislature approved asking voters to pass what will appear on the ballot as Amendment 1, which proposes to make school board races partisan.

CAPITOL COLUMN -- Education doesn’t need party labels

Bill Cotterell
Friday, October 25, 2024
Can you name any public office that used to be nonpartisan and has been improved by having political parties compete for it?Yeah, neither can I.
An aerial view shows destruction at the Spanish Lakes country club in Fort Pierce, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024. (Photo by JOHN FALCHETTO/AFP via Getty Images)

An aerial view shows destruction at the Spanish Lakes country club in Fort Pierce, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024. (Photo by JOHN FALCHETTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Billion-dollar baddies: Florida insured losses mounting for Helene, Milton

Jim Turner
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
News Service of Florida — About $2.126 billion in estimated insured losses had been reported as of Wednesday from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9 in Sarasota County and caused widespread damage in the state.
It's "Still too soon to tell” how a trio of hurricanes could affect the state’s jobless figures, the state's Department of Commerce said Friday. FILE PHOTO

It's "Still too soon to tell” how a trio of hurricanes could affect the state’s jobless figures, the state's Department of Commerce said Friday. FILE PHOTO

Florida jobless rate holds steady

Jim Turner
Friday, October 18, 2024
News Service of Florida — Florida’s unemployment rate held for a sixth consecutive month, but a key state economist said Friday “it’s still too soon to tell” how a trio of hurricanes could affect the state’s jobless figures.
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Appeals court to weigh Florida gun age law

Jim Saunders
Saturday, October 12, 2024
News Service of Florida: A federal appeals court will hear arguments in the National Rifle Association’s constitutional challenge to a Florida law that prevents people under age 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns.The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled an Oct.
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