State News

The Florida Department of Corrections is looking into changing the rules for prison visitations. But, prison officials are getting pushback from different families and friends of inmates currently behind bars.

The Education Estimating Conference takes a detailed look at factors that will influence enrollment, for better or worse, in Florida’s public schools. At its most recent meeting, the committee found the state’s scholarship programs will have the biggest impact.

Florida’s 98,000 incarcerated citizens had a voice today at the Florida Department of Corrections public hearing. Prisoner support groups gathered for three hours to implore the department to reconsider a proposed visitation policy change.

The Florida Education Association, a statewide teachers union, has revived its practice of issuing legislative report cards. It scores lawmakers on their votes regarding the organization’s key issues, and for the period of 2017-18, the union failed the majority of Republicans.

Mosquitoes can be carriers for diseases the Florida Department of Health would rather not see this summer. 

The Lionfish Challenge is underway, and it’s one of several efforts to rid Florida of the invasive species that has no natural predators and negatively impacts wildlife.

Gov. Rick Scott is touting a 47-year low in the state’s crime rate after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released its annual statistics. Scott said he is ‘disappointed’ in the legislature over cuts to the Department of Corrections.

One in five people over the age of 65 will fall victim to financial exploitation in Florida. 

America’s longest-running folk music festival takes place this coming weekend, Friday through Sunday May 25-27.

While Hurricane Season is two weeks ago, Florida is already starting to see tropical depressions and bands of heavy rain across the state. And, looking back at the 2017 season, officials want to make sure not only are stakeholders prepared this year, but Florida’s citizens as well.

As races for statewide office heat up, two candidates have found common ground on criminal justice reform. Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Chris King was joined this week by fellow Dem and attorney general candidate Sean Shaw in kicking off a tour to roll out King’s platform.

The number of boating accidents in Florida has been on the rise since 2016.

Florida TaxWatch announced the winners today for the Prudential Productivity Award. Going the extra mile for taxpayers, the Guardian Ad Litem Program and the Florida State Park System GIS Team won the top cash prizes.  

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris King has entered the television ad market. King went after Florida’s politicians whose committees accept millions from the sugar industry.

Orlando Police Lieutenant Scott Smith is this year’s Officer of the Year. Smith is being recognized for his bravery following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016.

Two months after it passed the state legislature, Florida’s latest gun reform law is still under scrutiny from gun control and pro-gun advocates alike.

During this National Teacher Appreciation week, Florida’s Democratic gubernatorial candidates in the wide-open primary tried to score points with educators. Meanwhile, the GOP race was solidified at two candidates who are just beginning to hone their criticisms of each other.

After teasing a big announcement for this week, Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran revealed Wednesday he won’t be joining the race for Governor. Corcoran is instead throwing his support behind Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam.