Stories by Florida News Service
Stories by Florida News Service
State appeals ‘Alcatraz’ environmental ruling
August 22, 2025
Tallahassee – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration quickly appealed a federal judge’s ruling Thursday, Aug. 21, that sided with environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe and required winding down operations at a controversial immigrant-detention facility in the Everglades.
Tourism up, but Canadian numbers drop
August 20, 2025
Tallahassee – U.S. travelers continue to bolster Florida’s tourism industry, while the state hopes to make up for a decline in Canadian visitors by drawing people from other countries.
U.S. Supreme Court clears way for execution
August 19, 2025
Tallahassee – The U.S. Supreme Court rejected last-ditch appeals filed by attorneys for convicted killer Kayle Bates, setting the stage for him to be executed Tuesday evening at Florida State Prison.
State to use prison as detention center
August 15, 2025
Tallahassee – Amid legal wrangling over a controversial immigrant-detention center in the Everglades, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday said the state plans to use a shuttered prison in North Florida to boost detention of people targeted for deportation.
Controversial bear hunt gets go-ahead
August 13, 2025
Havana – Despite pleas from animal-rights advocates, Florida wildlife officials on Wednesday approved holding a 23-day bear hunt in December that could lead to 187 bears being killed.
FPL rate case put on hold
August 11, 2025
Tallahassee – State regulators Aug. 11 paused a closely watched case about increasing Florida Power & Light’s base electric rates after the utility and numerous parties announced Friday they had reached a “settlement in principle.”
Florida House to look at redistricting
August 7, 2025
Tallahassee – Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez said August 7 he is setting up a select committee to look into redrawing congressional districts, as Republicans seek to keep control of Congress in 2026.
Builders, septic industry target manatees ruling
August 6, 2025
Tallahassee – Saying the case has “significant implications for home construction and the economy,” home builders and the septic-system industry this week backed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in its appeal of a federal judge’s decision that required additional steps to protect manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon.
State renews bid to enforce drag show law
August 5, 2025
Tallahassee – Pointing to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has renewed a request that would allow at least temporary enforcement of a law aimed at preventing children from going to drag shows.
Injuries, deaths spur senate bills
August 4, 2025
Tallahassee – Florida senators on August 1 filed 14 bills that seek tens of millions of dollars for injuries or deaths tied to alleged negligence by government agencies, including a proposal that seeks $28 million for a child who was stabbed repeatedly by her mother.