State News – Page 7 – Capital Outlook

Judge rules against police, fire unions

October 16, 2023

Judge Robert Cohen By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida An administrative law judge rejected a challenge by police and firefighter unions to the way the state is carrying out a new law that placed additional restrictions on unions representing government employees. Judge Robert Cohen issued a 33-page order dismissing the

Abandoned, damaged boats spur concern

October 16, 2023

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials plan to ask the Legislature for millions to fund a derelict-vessel removal program.Sail Magazine photo By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida Wildlife officials want to speed up the process of removing abandoned and storm-damaged boats from state waters, while complimenting residents for efforts

Lawmaker backs holding bear hunt

October 16, 2023

Sheriff A.J. Smith By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida A North Florida lawmaker is calling for the state to hold a bear hunt after a county sheriff raised the issue as a way to help manage the area’s bear population. Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, supported a hunt last

FAU interim president gets backing

October 16, 2023

Stacy Volnick By Ryan DaileyNews Service of Florida As Florida Atlantic University waits for its stalled presidential search to resume amid a state investigation into “anomalies” in the process, support is growing for Interim President Stacy Volnick to be offered the job on a permanent basis. The FAU Faculty Senate

Idalia agriculture losses pile up

October 16, 2023

After making landfall in Taylor County at category 3 strength, Hurricane Idalia caused more than $400 in damage.NSF photo by Mike Exline By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida In the second preliminary report on agricultural damage from Hurricane Idalia, state officials estimated the Aug. 30 storm caused up to $447

U.S. Supreme Court to hear Florida tech law

October 16, 2023

Chris Marchese By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida The U.S. Supreme Court said it will take up a First Amendment fight about a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on major social-media companies. The Supreme Court said last Friday it will hear cases involving the Florida law and a similar

Lawmakers, ex-justices back suspended prosecutor

September 29, 2023

Monique Worrell By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Current and former Democratic lawmakers and former Florida Supreme Court justices have signed onto legal briefs backing suspended Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell’s bid to get her job back. Two friend-of-the-court briefs, filed last Monday, urge the state Supreme Court to find

Court won’t rehear elections law fight

September 29, 2023

Using drop boxes is among several parts of an election law that an appeal court let stand.Photo submitted By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida In a victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican legislators, a full federal appeals court declined to take up a challenge to a 2021 Florida elections

Jefferson clerk suspended after arrest

September 29, 2023

Kirk Reams NSF Staff Report Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Jefferson County Clerk of Courts Kirk Reams, who was arrested on felony charges involving improper use of county money. Reams, 46, and two other men were accused of defrauding Jefferson County out of more than $800,000, according

State skeptical of new COVID booster

September 29, 2023

Joseph Ladapo By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Continuing a long-running clash with federal health officials, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration recommended that people under age 65 not receive newly approved COVID-19 booster shots. State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo issued guidance that was dramatically different from a recommendation last Tuesday by