Government and politics

Gainesville’s kratom community weighs in on state legislation to raise the minimum age to 21

The Florida Legislature’s second recent endeavor in regulating kratom, an herbal extract that creates effects similar to stimulants and sedatives, won unanimous approval in the House of Representatives on Thursday and is on its way to the Senate. HB 179, named the “Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” will establish the …

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House bill proposes to drop gun-buying age to 18

Republican Florida House of Representatives Bobby Payne, Palatka, and Tyler Sirois, Merritt Island, are cosponsoring HB 1543, which proposes to reduce the minimum age at which a person may purchase, sell or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. The measure is headed to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee for discussion March 13.

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Students organize protests against Florida governor’s proposed changes to education diversity programs

College students across Florida are organizing a protest campaign against a new proposal backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that would remove degree programs that teach critical race theory and gender studies.  “Students are rallying to reject House Bill 999,” said Bryan Gonzalez, a fourth-year political science student at Florida State …

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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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