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Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez has endorsed Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in his campaign for governor. Velazquez, a former NYPD detective, said Collins’ support for law enforcement, veterans, and first responders influenced her decision. Collins said public safety remains a top priority as he campaigns to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis.
Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez endorses Jay Collins for governor
Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez has endorsed Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins in the race for governor, citing his support for public safety and first responders. more
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While it’s not something voters will decide this year, Floridians might want to know where their candidates for statewide office stand on legal recreational marijuana.
Most major Florida gubernatorial candidates say state should never legalize recreational marijuana
Recreational marijuana may not be on Florida’s ballot this year, but it is emerging as a defining issue in the 2026 governor’s race. Republican candidates for governor have largely united against legalization, while Democrat David Jolly says Florida leaders should enact policies backed by a majority of voters. more
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Measles begins with a blotchy red rash that typically appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Summer’s coming, and data show measles cases are rising
As summer travel season begins, measles cases continue climbing in Florida and across the United States amid declining vaccination rates and renewed public debate over vaccine policies. Florida has reported 150 suspected and confirmed cases so far this year, with Collier County accounting for the majority of infections tied to an outbreak at Ave Maria University. Florida Department of Health … more
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Measles outbreak shapes Florida’s vaccine debate as lawmakers clash in special session
Florida’s growing measles outbreak is reshaping a high-stakes political fight over vaccine policy in Tallahassee. Lawmakers are resisting efforts to expand exemptions even as cases rise and public health concerns mount. more
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OCPS warns of “critical decisions” ahead as budget pressures and declining enrollment converge
Orange County Public Schools leaders say the district is approaching a critical point as declining enrollment, rising costs, and uncertainty from the state budget collide. The warning comes as Florida ranks last in the nation for teacher pay, intensifying concerns about staffing and long-term stability. more
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As lawmakers prepare for a special session on Florida's budget starting May 12, teachers remain among the lowest-paid in the nation. Florida ranks 50th out of 50 states in average teacher salary, according to the National Education Association.
Florida ranks last in teacher pay for third straight year, report finds
Florida ranks 50th in the nation for average teacher pay for the third consecutive year, according to a new report. Educators say low salaries are contributing to staffing shortages and disrupting student learning. more
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American Rivers named Florida’s most famous river, the Suwannee, to its list of the top 10 most endangered rivers in the U.S. The cover image of the report shows the Suwannee River and a pipe dumping waste from a chicken-processing plant.
Way down upon this Florida river, pollution and water withdrawals spell double trouble
The Suwannee River has been listed among the nation’s most endangered rivers, highlighting mounting environmental concerns. Pollution, excessive water withdrawals, and proposed wastewater projects are raising alarms among scientists and local leaders. more
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F-23 took over as the reigning female in the nest when the original female, Harriet, disappeared in 2023. But then, in February, tragedy struck again.
Outrage grows after the death of a Florida eagle raises questions about wildlife investigation
The death of a well-known eagle featured on a Southwest Florida livestream has sparked outrage among viewers and wildlife advocates. Critics say state officials failed to properly investigate the cause of death or handle the remains appropriately. more
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Florida citrus forecast ticks up in April, but long-term decline continues
Florida’s citrus outlook improved slightly in the latest USDA forecast, with orange production increasing by 2% since January. Gains across several citrus categories come as the industry continues to battle freezes, hurricanes, and long-term decline. more
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The Titusville living shoreline project is an example of what the newly passed SB 302 will help promote, rather than armored shorelines.
In a rare environmental win, Florida lawmakers get coastal resiliency right with SB 302
Florida lawmakers passed Senate Bill 302, a coastal resiliency measure aimed at promoting natural shoreline restoration, in a legislative session otherwise marked by environmental rollbacks. The bill’s success followed years of effort, shifting priorities, and a late amendment tied to a controversial cruise port proposal. more
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Florida lawmaker aims for ballot measure ending all property taxes in 2028
Florida lawmakers have yet to advance a property tax relief proposal to the ballot, despite months of pledges to voters. Some Republicans are now pushing for more aggressive measures, including a long-term effort to eliminate property taxes entirely. more
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Orlando Health physician Jarod Fox announces challenge to Rep. Doug Bankson in Florida House District 39
Dr. Jarod Fox, an Orlando Health infectious disease specialist, has launched a campaign for Florida House District 39. He will challenge incumbent Rep. Doug Bankson in a race Democrats view as increasingly competitive. more
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The entrance to Florida State University on West Call St. and Stadium Drive in Tallahassee.
FSU launches revamped FloridaOpenGov website with interactive school data tools
Florida State University’s DeVoe L. Moore Institute has relaunched its FloridaOpenGov website, offering interactive tools to explore school performance data across the state. The platform allows users to compare districts using metrics such as grades, graduation rates, demographics, and spending. more
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Transportation costs rising in Florida
Florida drivers are paying significantly more at the pump as gas prices spike amid global tensions. AAA says continued volatility is likely as supply concerns persist. more
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The number of measles cases in Florida climbed to 140 as of March 14, with seven additional cases disclosed to the Florida Department of Health in the last reporting week.
Florida measles cases rise to 140 as health officials report another seven cases
Florida is seeing a continued rise in measles cases, with the latest infections concentrated in Collier County teens and a young child in Broward County. Health officials say most cases involve unvaccinated individuals, reinforcing the importance of the MMR vaccine. more
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State warns of fake court notices targeting Florida drivers in new scam
Florida officials are warning residents about a scam involving counterfeit court notices that claim drivers owe fines for traffic or toll violations. The messages often include threats and fake payment links designed to steal personal and financial information. more
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A colorful alphabet chart decorates the top of a classroom chalkboard.
Successful K-12 proposals address teacher shortages, safety, unions
Florida legislators have approved a series of education bills aimed at addressing teacher shortages, strengthening school safety, and changing how public employee unions operate. The measures now head to the governor’s desk for final approval. more
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Florida Power & Light is the nation’s largest producer of solar and wind energy, with solar farms like this one, called Price Creek near Lake City, scattered across the state. But the Legislature has voted to block local governments from pursuing alternative energy sources, opting instead to use fossil fuels.
Commentary: Florida bill targets clean energy goals as gas prices surge
A newly passed Florida bill restricting local “net-zero” climate goals is drawing sharp criticism as gas prices climb. The commentary argues the legislation moves the state backward on energy policy while increasing reliance on costly fossil fuels. more
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The bill increases financial transparency by requiring local governments to post downloadable budgets for public viewing. All local government employees' salaries and travel expenses will be searchable.
Florida bill would require local governments to post budgets, salaries online
A bill awaiting the governor’s signature would require Florida’s local governments to make budgets, salaries, and expenses publicly accessible online. Supporters say it enhances transparency, while critics question whether the same standards should apply to state officials. more
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Proposed new Medicaid, SNAP work requirements dead for now
Proposed work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients in Florida will not take effect after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement during the 2026 legislative session. The stalled legislation leaves current benefit rules in place, at least temporarily. more
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Education priorities either dropped or were added to the last-second mega-bill
Florida lawmakers approved a wide-ranging education bill on the final day of the 2026 legislative session, combining provisions from multiple proposals into a single 66-page package. The measure expands the criteria for declaring an educational emergency, a move that could allow districts greater flexibility in teacher assignments and compensation. more
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The Florida Capitol.
Medicaid work requirements didn’t work in other states. Florida considers trying it anyway
Florida lawmakers are considering a proposal that would add work reporting requirements to the state’s Medicaid program. Advocates and researchers warn the measure could increase bureaucracy, cost taxpayers millions, and push vulnerable residents off health coverage. more
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Conservation groups urge Florida Legislature to invest in state parks and address $759 million maintenance backlog
A coalition of 32 conservation organizations, community groups, and outdoor recreation advocates is urging Florida lawmakers to significantly increase funding for the state park system. more
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Florida Legislature discusses, but shoots down, Medicaid expansion
The Florida Senate voted down an amendment that would have tied new Medicaid work requirements to expanding the program to low-income adults under the Affordable Care Act. Supporters argued the expansion could provide health coverage to roughly 1 million Floridians, while opponents said it would increase the state’s reliance on federal funding. more
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A swimmer glides through clear water in Blue Hole in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Some legislators think the state owns too much park land and should instead give millions of preservation dollars to farmers and ranchers, even though the public won’t get access.
Florida legislators decide Florida Forever means ‘Florida Never’
Florida lawmakers are proposing major changes to the state’s land conservation funding, eliminating traditional funding for the Florida Forever program while directing more money toward agricultural conservation easements. Environmental advocates argue the shift would reduce public land preservation and limit public access to Florida’s natural spaces. more
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