State News

Experts say Floridians fed up with the war on drugs are driving broad support for medical marijuana in the state.  A third consecutive Quinnipiac University poll finds more than 80 percent of Floridians support physician-directed use of the drug.

The Florida Bar Family Law Section plans to throw its support behind a same-sex couple trying to get divorced. In a case called Shaw v. Shaw, the family lawyers plan to file a brief arguing gay couples are being denied equal access to the courts.  

In March, a Hillsborough County couple filed a divorce agreement, but their judge said the Florida Constitution does not recognize their Massachusetts marriage and therefore a divorce could not be granted.

This week voting rights groups presented their case for redrawing Florida’s unconstitutional electoral map immediately rather than waiting until after this year’s election.  But officials charged with conducting elections are doubtful the plan could work.  

Florida has taken in more than 3,000 unaccompanied children who crossed the U.S. border since the beginning of this year. The recent surge in unaccompanied minors has raised concerns from the Florida Department of Health.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has a reputation for not answering direct questions from news reporters. Political experts say all office holders try to control their messages—but sometimes an unwillingness to address issues can overshadow what they’re trying to say.

A common theme runs through much of the recent news coverage of Scott.