State News

More than 150,000 people are without power in the Florida panhandle after Hurricane Michael. Officials say recovery efforts are expected to extend well into November.

Democratic Senator Bill Nelson says fears that Panama City’s Tyndall Air Force base might shut down are “unfounded” after Hurricane Michael brought destruction to its hangars.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis has released his plan for Florida’s economy. The former congressman bills himself as an enemy of taxes, as state Democrats attack him for his economic record in Washington.

Fundraising began this week for a state-sanctioned scholarship program that helps victims of bullying and other mistreatment at school.

The Hope Scholarship program for K – 12 students is part of a sweeping education law passed by the Florida Legislature last March and signed by Governor Rick Scott.

When the legislative session opened in January, House Speaker Richard Corcoran gave an impassioned speech about education.

A group of activists opposing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation is sounding off. The group visited the Tallahassee office of Republican Senator Marco Rubio Tuesday.

As Election Day gets closer, key races for positions like Florida’s Senate, Governor and Agriculture Commissioner are closely watched. Yet the race for the state’s Chief Financial Officer appears to be flying under the radar.

A new law will take effect Monday, seeking to make sure Florida animal shelters return pets to their owners following a storm. It also seeks to crack down on animal abusers.

Voters will decide whether to place victims’ rights in the Florida Constitution this November.

Advocates say it’s necessary to give victims a voice in the criminal justice process. But opponents argue these rights already exist under Florida law. 

A record-setting nearly 30,000 lionfish were removed from Florida waters during the 2018 Lionfish Challenge. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced the winners of its annual challenge Thursday. The fish came from waters off eight Florida counties including Bay and Franklin.

Democrat Andrew Gillum has a nine point lead in the race for Florida’s governorship, according to a new Quinnipiac poll.

Florida’s foster kid population is growing at an alarming rate. That’s part of what will be discussed during an upcoming webinar.

A new law goes into effect October 1st which will create stricter penalties for stealing beehives, that’s good news for Florida farmers experiencing decreased profits and honey bee die-offs.

Governor Rick Scott says Florida is putting an additional $2.2 million  toward combating red tide. The funding will go to Mote Marine Laboratory to develop new technology.