The U.S. has never elected a Black Republican governor. Can Florida?
While Republicans have supported a number of Black nominees for governor across the country, no Black Republican in American history has been able to accomplish what Byron Donalds is attempting.
ENVIRONMENT
Unleashed by Florida lawmakers, landowners move to convert farms into subdivisions
State Rep. Adam Botana pf Bonita Springs told The Trib he sponsored the law because ‘sometimes certain municipalities and counties get a little big for their britches, and they need to be either restricted or cut back.’
Watchdogs warn Amendment 3 may cut funding for flood control and drinking water
The measure would cut funding for Florida’s five water management districts, which are responsible for stopping floods, securing the drinking water supply, preventing toxic algae blooms and overseeing millions of acres of public land. About 30% of the districts’ budgets, on average, come from property taxes.
Florida sets new course for controversial herbicide program behind closed doors
Florida’s herbicide spraying has sparked public backlash and promises to reform the way the state manages invasive aquatic plants. But state officials are starting to form that strategy in secret.
Criminal Justice
DeSantis exercises ‘unprecedented’ power to label groups ‘domestic terrorists’
Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet voted to advance the terrorist designations Tuesday, approving the proposal in just over 30 seconds and with no discussion.
‘Profoundly sick’ Florida Death Row prisoner pleads for medical care
More than 100 doctors who have reviewed William Lee Thompson’s case are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to reverse his death warrant
Florida has left mentally-ill defendants in jail for months past legal limits, lawsuit says
At least three people died, and the psychiatric conditions of others deteriorated, while waiting for transfer to state hospitals
EDUCATION
Public school districts will still face financial pressure if Amendment 3 passes
School districts will experience an indirect financial squeeze because programs like summer camps are often funded by agencies that would be affected if voters approve the amendment.
At UNF, sole finalist for presidency rekindles fight over secrecy law
At issue is a 2022 state law that shielded most of the presidential interview process from public view, a law some former supporters now regret
Florida’s public school enrollment falls while vouchers soar
Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange and Miami-Dade County Public Schools have bled students in recent years, according to a collection of enrollment data.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Recently released from prison, Aaron Zahn could be entitled to damages from JEA, arbitrator rules
The arbitrator, Leslie W. Langbein of Miami Lakes, issued a 36-page decision that does not once mention Zahn’s convictions, which followed a years-long federal grand jury investigation.
Ex-JEA CEO Aaron Zahn released from prison 20 months after reporting for 4-year sentence
Aaron Zahn was found guilty of charges connected to his contentious push to sell Northeast Florida’s public utility to enrich himself and his top executives.
Is Jacksonville prepared for the $200 million shortfall if Amendment 3 passes? Short answer, no.
So far, the Finance Committee has cut $30 million, most of which likely won’t amount to actual savings and falls millions short of next year’s potential revenue shortfall.
STATE GOVERNMENT
How Hope Florida quietly hollowed out Florida’s safety net
Trio of powerful DeSantis appointments will face voters for the first time
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were held in cages the size of a phone booth
This state agency owes millions in immigration bills. Lawmakers just cut a check
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