Corey Simon

Their bills would put rules in place for oil companies that drill for oil and gas near vulnerable bodies of water.

The legislation would no longer require high school students to pass Algebra 1 and the Grade 10 English Language Arts Assessments to earn a high school diploma.

Sen. Simon says the Legislature is on a tight budget.

Incumbent Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, handily defeated Democratic challenger Daryl Parks in what was considered the only competitive state Senate race.

Democrats see Simon’s seat as potentially flippable.

Parks is running for Florida’s District 3, and trying to defeat incumbent Senator Corey Simon

The latest ad from the Simon camp has Parks accusing the Republican incumbent of lying. The ad claims Parks has profited off of antisemitism and other strong accusations.

Parks beat Gadsden County Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith.

Opponents of the bill said the state and communities should focus on securing garbage so bears will not be attracted to homes

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has issued a notice of intent to approve an application by Clearwater Land & Minerals LLC to drill for oil in the area.