Flunking water quality standards means higher chances of noxious, toxic algae blooms along the coasts
Tag: florida
Posted inFlorida
The rise and fall of an AI-driven ‘local news outlet’ in South Florida
The search to find out who was behind the South Florida Standard shows how easy it is for the real people behind digital doppelgangers to remain in the shadows
![The photo illustration shows a U.S. map with dots where local agencies have an agreement with ICE, and a memo with a pull quote that reads: “If your agency receives FOIA requests, [S]unshine [L]aw requests, or other similar requests … you should immediately consult with the ICE FOIA office … or your local Field Office Director.”](https://i0.wp.com/floridatrib.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ICE-Police-TCBT-050626-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Posted inImmigration
A secret ICE directive is testing one of Florida’s strongest traditions: open government
A new directive from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, issued in secrecy, bars local law enforcement agencies across Florida from answering questions about their role in immigration enforcement, raising concerns about transparency and whether public records are being lawfully observed.
Posted inFlorida
New records show Florida officials burned more than $1.2 million per day on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Last August, the Florida Division of Emergency Management requested a $1.49 billion grant from the federal government, underscoring the staggering scale of spending of taxpayer dollars on federal immigration enforcement.
Posted inState Government
DeSantis spent $573 million on immigration. The feds may never pay Florida back
Months after federal officials publicly committed to awarding Florida more than half a billion dollars to cover immigration enforcement costs, attorneys for the federal government appear to be backtracking on the grant award.
Posted inElections
State announces no citizens’ initiatives qualified for 2026 ballot, following new law
In the wake of a new state law designed to rein in ballot initiatives, advocates fear Florida could become a blueprint for other states.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
‘Force is ugly, but’: JSO seldom punishes cops accused of abuse
Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers inconsistently report when they’ve injured civilians, thanks in part to a vague use-of-force policy.
Posted inFlorida
‘Cold-Blooded’ wins 2025 Online News Award, recognized for impact
The Tributary today was awarded one of journalism’s most prestigious awards. ‘Cold-Blooded’ won the Online News Association’s feature reporting award, honoring excellence in online journalism that shows depth, insight and new understanding. The series has already been cited in filings to the Florida Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court.
Posted inFlorida
As immigration arrests surge and oversight ebbs, 911 calls at Florida detention center double
Emergency call data at the Broward immigration detention center align with allegations by attorneys and advocates that the system is overwhelmed.
Posted inFlorida
Witnesses in Duval Death Row case say they were coached by detective to lie
The legal team representing Michael Bell submitted handwritten affidavits from both witnesses, each saying he was coached to give false testimony by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Detective William Bolena.