A bill proposed today in the Florida Legislature would allow the killing of bears in self-defense. House Bill 87, proposed by Representative Jason Shoaf, faces an uphill battle as it passes through the legislature. Under the bill, people can kill bears without authorization or permits if the person feels threatened. …
Read More »Redistricting fight teed up in federal court
TALLAHASSEE — As the state appeals a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that a congressional redistricting plan violated the Florida Constitution, another battle about the plan is poised to play out in federal court. A three-judge panel of federal judges is scheduled next week to start hearing arguments in a …
Read More »The Point, Sept. 6, 2023: FEMA offers aid after Idalia
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • Florida Storms: State offers help to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Idalia. “Following Idalia’s impacts, the Florida Division of Emergency Management wants to ensure Florida residents have all the information necessary to recover.” …
Read More »State university system officials want more funds for IT and cybersecurity
State university system officials are discussing plans to bolster information technology staff and are aiming to beef up schools’ cybersecurity. The system currently has about 25 percent of IT positions vacant, top officials of the state Board of Governors said during a meeting Friday. While discussing upcoming funding requests to …
Read More »Death of Ocala woman motivates gun law reformation conversation at community vigil
Two months after the death of Ajike “AJ” Owens, cries for gun reform legislation and justice still ring throughout the Gainesville community. Dozens of residents gathered for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday at the GNV Bridge Community Center to commemorate the life of Owens, a Black mother of four who …
Read More »Disney lawsuit judge removes himself from case but not for reasons cited by DeSantis
ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal judge overseeing the First Amendment lawsuit that Walt Disney Parks filed against Gov. Ron DeSantis and others is disqualifying himself, but not because of bias claims made by the Florida governor. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said in a court filing Thursday that it was …
Read More »Elections bill draws First Amendment challenges
TALLAHASSEE — After Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a major elections bill Wednesday, legal battles immediately began about new restrictions on voter-registration groups. Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Florida, the NAACP and Hispanic Federation filed three federal lawsuits arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment rights and …
Read More »The Point, May 12, 2023: Florida’s governor signs dozens of bills into law
Legislation related to COVID-19, amusement parks and Disney World has been signed into law.
Read More »The Point, May 10, 2023: Wrapping up the 2023 Florida legislative session
Here's a look back at how over a dozen prominent pieces of legislation settled.
Read More »The Point, May 9, 2023: Police in Gainesville have backed off of criminal penalties for underage drinking
The policy change began in 2018.
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