On Election Day, more than 57 percent of Floridians voted in favor of a state constitutional amendment that would have protected access to abortion. But the proposal still failed and a law that bans most abortions after six weeks remains in place. Regan McCarthy has this story about why amendments in Florida need a higher threshold… 60 percent approval…to pass.
One of President-elect Donald Trump’s many cabinet picks from Florida is former State Attorney General Pam Bondi. Tristan Wood reports although she was Trump’s second choice for U.S. Attorney General, Bondi has been his long-time ally.
Months after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration introduced controversial plans to bring resort-style lodges, and sport courts to state parks, a Stuart lawmaker has filed a measure to make such proposed changes off-limits. State Sen. Gayle Harrell has filed a bill that would strike golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts and ball fields from recreational uses at state parks. The Stuart Republican’s proposal, dubbed the “State Park Preservation Act,” also would limit camping cabins to a maximum of six occupants.] Governor Ron DeSantis says he’s pulling the plug on a state Department of Environmental Protection plan to build golf courses, hotels and other amenities in Florida’s much-loved state parks. As Margie Menzel reports, the bipartisan outrage that greeted the plan could become legislation to prevent another such episode – and to move the parks forward.
With Florida’s senior population being a prime target for both domestic and international scam artists, a legal advocate from California is urging law students to focus their careers on protecting consumers – especially older ones – from fraud.
Starting this month, Florida kids 13 and younger can no longer have a profile on certain social media sites. This includes Snapchat, Quora (kwoh-ruh), and Discord. A new law seeks to prevent children under 16 from opening social media accounts — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. While the law went into effect January 1st, the state has agreed to hold off on implementing it for some platforms as a lawsuit moves forward. Adrian Andrews spoke with legal and tech experts to understand how Florida can enforce the law and the chances of it holding up in court.
Customers of Florida’s largest power company will see a small bump in their monthly bills in the New Year because of the 2024 hurricane season. In December (2024), the Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approved a $1.2 billion interim recovery package for Florida Power & Light. It’s aimed at covering power restoration costs for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The money will also help replenish a storm reserve fund. Florida’s utility leaders say they are responding to a trend of stronger and more unpredictable hurricanes. And all of that preparation comes at a cost. State regulators heard their presentations before the busy hurricane season started, as Gina Jordan reports in this story from May.