WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
The controversial legislation increases criminal penalties for rioters after the protests sparked by George Floyd's death last summer.
Read More »DeSantis Signs HB 1 Protest Bill As Controversy Continues
Florida For Two Years Considered Adding More Toll Roads, And Now Much Of That Idea Is Likely Dead
The 2019 law called for building a toll road from Collier County to Polk County; extending Florida’s Turnpike to connect with the Suncoast Parkway; and extending the Suncoast Parkway from Citrus County to Jefferson County.
Read More »Policing Changes Stalled As Florida Legislative Session Winds Down
As the Florida legislative session is slated to end April 30, many measures to reform policing proposed in February have yet to be heard in committees.
Read More »Florida Senate Scales Back Prison Closure Plan
Lawmakers will iron out differences between the two chambers’ budget plans before wrapping up the 2021 legislative session on April 30.
Read More »Recovering From COVID-19, New Florida Spending Plan Includes Estimated $2 Billion Increase In Tax Revenue
As they piece together a new spending plan, state lawmakers can anticipate $2 billion more in tax revenue than previously forecast, months after facing the prospects of a major budget shortfall.
Read More »Rural Leaders Worry About ‘Devastating’ Prison Closures
A plan to shut down up to four Florida state prisons is drawing concern from officials in rural areas, where some rely on correctional facilities for jobs.
Read More »Spending Plans Point To ‘Lean Year’ In Florida Higher Education
House and Senate budget leaders are eyeing cuts to higher education spending, but early recommendations would go about it in different ways.
Read More »Senate Ditches Controversial Toll Road Plan
The Florida Senate on Thursday approved a proposal to scale back a controversial toll-road plan that was a priority of a former Senate president.
Read More »Florida Reaches 2.5 Million People Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Florida reached 2.5 million people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday. Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward Counties topped the list.
Read More »Florida Governor And Cabinet Drop Waiting Period For People Hoping To Regain Civil Rights After Prison
The revamped clemency rules also establish an expedited process for felons who have paid all of the legal financial obligations related to their crimes.
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