State News – Capital Outlook

DeSantis says White House speculation ‘nonsense’

September 17, 2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis (center) during a 2018 campaign event.NSF file photo Jim Saunders and Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida As he faces a re-election campaign next year, Gov. Ron DeSantis tried to dispel speculation that he is preparing to run for the White House in 2024. During an appearance last

Affordable housing ballot initiative halted

September 17, 2021

Realtors have backed off of an effort to get an affordable housing question on the ballot.Florida Realtors photo By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Realtors are halting an effort to pass a constitutional amendment to ensure funding for affordable housing, saying they will work with legislative leaders to create a

Leaders up on state finances, down on new programs

September 10, 2021

Sen. Audrey Gibson By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida Florida’s financial outlook is in “great shape,” barring a direct hit from a hurricane or another pandemic, officials said. And even with an anticipated influx of tax dollars, don’t expect budget leaders to support proposals for new or expanded programs as

Conviction upheld in death of woman, baby

September 10, 2021

Markquise Wallace NSF Staff report An appeals court upheld the conviction of a man in a hit-and-run crash in Pensacola that killed a woman and a baby in 2018. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal rejected most of the arguments raised by attorneys for Markquise Wallace,

FSU wants judge to toss lawsuit over shutdown

September 10, 2021

FSU wants a class-action suit filed by a law student over not having in-person classes to be dismissed. By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Florida State University is asking a federal judge to toss out a potential class-action lawsuit seeking refunds for students who were forced to learn remotely in

Abortion decision quickly fuels Florida debate

September 10, 2021

Florida lawmakers are debating whether the state should change abortion laws.iStock photo By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida While Gov. Ron DeSantis said people shouldn’t “read too much into” the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to block a Texas law that bans almost all abortions, Republican legislative leaders indicated they will

Budget chairman urges efforts to keep ports competitive

September 3, 2021

House Appropriations Chairman Jay Trumbull urged port officials to lobby their local representatives for more money.Photo courtesy Florida House of Representatives By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida PANAMA CITY BEACH — With seaport leaders still waiting for the arrival of $250 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus money, the powerful head

Replacing state surgeon general may be difficult

September 3, 2021

State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees is stepping down this month.NSF file photo By Christine SextonNews Service of Florda Florida needs a new state surgeon general. The question could quickly become: Will it be easy to find someone? Scott Rivkees announced he will leave his post as surgeon general and secretary

Tourism leaders keep eye on rebounding visitor numbers

September 3, 2021

Dana Young By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida Tourism leaders are focusing on the resurgence this year in the number of people visiting Florida, as the state continues grappling with a spike in COVID-19 cases. In a brief conference call last Monday, industry leaders praised Visit Florida’s marketing efforts during

State tax revenues get $2.6 billion boost

September 1, 2021

Florida’s economy during the past quarter has been described as being “kind of hyper-charged.” By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida Florida lawmakers will have an additional $2.6 billion to play with in general-revenue taxes, along with nearly $6 billion in unspent federal coronavirus stimulus money, as they begin to piece