Fresh Take Florida

Fresh Take Florida is a news service producing top-caliber investigative and political content. Hard-hitting coverage generally focuses on Florida’s state government, including the Legislature, or other issues of statewide, regional or national interest. Stories are also distributed to Florida’s largest news organizations and more broadly under distribution agreements with The Associated Press, CNN, the Florida Public Radio Network, Gatehouse/Gannett, Tribune Media Company, McClatchy Co. and TEGNA. Click here to donate to support Fresh Take Florida’s reporters.

Florida Senate passes bill that would undermine most of state’s teacher unions

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Nancy Velardi has negotiated with Pinellas County Schools, one of the largest school districts across Florida, for 18 years, securing affordable health insurance for teachers and their families and working to increase salaries.  But in her last term as president of the Pinellas County Teacher Association, the …

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Effort to protect abandoned African American cemeteries stalled last year; things are different now

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. – An effort in Florida’s Legislature to repair and preserve abandoned and historic cemeteries throughout the state – including lost Black burial grounds – is making strides among lawmakers this year after similar measures stalled in 2022. The legislation over abandoned and historic cemeteries would enact recommendations …

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Land of the fee? Costly permits now required to film some YouTube, TikTok videos in national parks

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Social media mavens may need to think twice before pulling out their iPhones, GoPros or other video equipment when they’re recording in breathtaking national parks like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon or the Everglades. The National Park Service is now requiring permits that could cost hundreds of dollars …

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‘Ain’t seen nothing yet’: DeSantis touts making Florida attractive destination, largely tempers firebrand style

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In his first State of the State speech since his re-election, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday touted his policies as making Florida an attractive destination with a booming economy.  Widely expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination, the governor appeared to temper his firebrand style for …

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