Former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham says the Legislature’s decision not to fund Florida Forever is a blatant violation of Amendment 1, the 2014 conservation amendment. As Jim Ash reports, Graham says the Legislature’s recent track record on complying with voter mandates has him thinking citizens’ initiatives need more teeth.
The deadline is approaching for Florida’s governor to sign off on a bill aimed at tracking the use of addictive prescription drugs. Kate Payne reports some medical professionals see the measure as key to fighting the opioid epidemic.
James Call, capital bureau chief for the Tallahassee Democrat, talks about how lingering animosities and unfinished business from the 2017 Florida Legislative Session could mean a contentious 2018 meeting of lawmakers.
Governor Rick Scott has signed a bill into law that’s meant to be an update to the Victims of Wrongful Incarceration Act. The aim is to help exonerees have an easier time receiving compensation for a wrongful conviction. It’s because over the past decade, few have been compensated due to a provision that blocks those with a prior felony record. Sascha Cordner reports.
There are still issues emanating from the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando just over a year ago. Some of the undocumented immigrant survivors of that tragedy are in legal limbo. They’re trying to get a visa under a special category: victims of crimes who assist law enforcement with investigations. Immigration Attorney Raquel Santiago is helping our one person from Honduras and another from Guatemala. She starts the conversation with Crystal Chavez from member station WMFE in Orlando by explaining this particular type of visa.
Last year was one of the deadliest for the Florida panther. Wildlife experts say there will likely not be as many fatalities this year, but Florida drivers should still take several precautions. Jocelyn (JAH-seh-lyn) Beever reports.