Recent polls show most Floridians in favor of an immigration overhaul bill now pending in Congress. The effort is partly spearheaded by Florida’s own U-S Senator Marco Rubio, who may also have the backing of Governor Rick Scott. But Lynn Hatter reports, the road to immigration reform is a rocky one in Florida.
For the second time since the Civil War, Florida voters have elected a black Republican to the statehouse. Jessica Palombo reports, the Republican Party is hoping Mike Hill’s victory in his Panhandle district will help improve the party’s image statewide.
You may have noticed that Florida is marking a significant event in its history all this year. In 1513, Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon stepped ashore on the land that would one day be known as the "Sunshine State". But as Ryan Benk tells us, some of the descendents of the people who were already living in the place he "discovered" don’t think the event is worthy of much celebration.
The name "Florida" actually comes from the Spanish word for "flowers". That’s why the state’s wildflower fans are still shaking their heads in puzzlement after Governor Scott singled out their specialty license tag for vetoing.
How would Florida be different if it were run by girls? Well, a group of about 300 high school seniors put that question to the test this week as part of a yearly program called girls state. Regan McCarthy reports one thing’s for sure, there would be a whole lot more cheering.