TALLAHASSEE — A full federal appeals court said Friday it will take up a legal battle over a 2018 Florida law that bars sales of rifles and other long guns to people under 21. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a March decision by a three-judge panel that …
Read More »One night, two lives changed forever: Case against shooter of neighborhood burglar ends in plea deal
A man who saw a teenager burglarizing a neighbor’s vehicle in the middle of the night and shot him in the back as he walked away in the dark has agreed to a plea deal that could send him to prison for up to 15 years. “Send somebody,” the man …
Read More »Florida has 20 circuit courts. Could some of them be consolidated?
TALLAHASSEE — After Florida lawmakers in 2022 reorganized the state’s appeals courts, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, is pushing to consolidate circuit courts. A committee appointed by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muniz will hold its first meeting Friday to begin looking at consolidation in the 20-circuit system. …
Read More »Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed multiple times at Florida federal prison: AP sources
WASHINGTON (AP) — Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexually abusing female gymnasts including Olympic medalists, was stabbed multiple times during an altercation with another inmate at a federal prison in Florida. Two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press the attack happened Sunday at …
Read More »Alachua County realtor, veteran enters treatment court after threatening city commission officials
A Gainesville man will enter a diversionary veterans treatment court after threatening Gainesville city commissioners via email and Facebook posts. Terry Martin-Back was accepted into the diversionary program after an evaluation process. A judge in Alachua County found him an eligible veteran with a “qualified diagnosis” to enter the program. …
Read More »Ex-Florida QB Jalen Kitna agrees to plea deal that drops 5 felony child porn charges
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Ex-Florida quarterback Jalen Kitna, the son of retired NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, accepted a plea deal Wednesday that dismissed five felony child pornography charges stemming from his arrest last November. Kitna instead pleaded guilty to two counts of disorderly conduct, second-degree misdemeanors. Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge …
Read More »Police respond to a hoax call of an active shooter at Library West
The University of Florida Police Department, alongside the Gainesville Police Department, responded to a hoax call on Wednesday morning. The call into the Combined Communications Center at 8:45 a.m. was from a man who claimed that he was headed to Library West armed with a rifle and was “prepared to …
Read More »Police chief, sheriff clarify permitless carry limits
With Florida’s new permitless carry law in effect, police chiefs and sheriffs want to remind gun owners there are still limits to where you can have a gun. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said in a Facebook post that concealed firearms are still not allowed in any law enforcement stations …
Read More »Deputy acquitted of all charges for failing to act during deadly Parkland school shooting
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Florida sheriff’s deputy was acquitted Thursday of felony child neglect and other charges for failing to act during the 2018 Parkland school massacre, concluding the first trial in U.S. history of a law enforcement officer for conduct during an on-campus shooting. Former Broward County Deputy Scot …
Read More »Son of Mojo’s owner in Ocala arrested on charges of sexual battery on a minor
The adult son of a prominent restaurant owner in Ocala was arrested Tuesday on charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious behavior on a minor. A warrant was issued with a $35,000 bail, which had not been posted as of Wednesday afternoon. According to an arrest report, Ronald “Ronnie” …
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