News
TAMPA, Fla. - The uncontrolled release of millions of gallons of polluted wastewater at Piney Point into Tampa Bay is raising concerns about a massive wave of harmful algal blooms. As officials relax concerns about a complete breach at the old phosphate plant, inviting evacuees back to their homes this week, environmental groups warn neighboring communities are far from being out of the danger zone.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - New restrictions to voting by mail in Florida could endanger the vote of anyone who chooses to use that option, according to voting-rights advocates. Even though Gov. Ron DeSantis touted Florida's November elections as a model for the nation, he's backing changes by way of House Bill 7041 and Senate Bill 90.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Republicans in Congress and more than 20 state legislatures, including Florida, seek to ban trans athletes from competing in sports. The bills moving through Florida's Legislature appear to be on fast-track, with talk from insiders that the Senate version by Sen. Kelli Stargel - R-Lakeland - might skip one of its three committee stops.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A controversial anti-rioting bill championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving quickly toward passage in the House, but is likely to stall in the Senate.Triggered by the mostly peaceful protests after the police killing of George Floyd, sponsor Rep. Danny Burgess - R-Zephyrhills - said House Bill 1 would protect against agitators who destroy properties during public disorder.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - While Florida's electrical grid is more resilient than Texas' deregulated model, energy experts warn state lawmakers are still attempting to strip all power and control from local governments.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Black elected officials are speaking out about what they see as Gov. Ron DeSantis's pattern of prioritizing COVID-19 vaccines for people in affluent, mostly white neighborhoods. State Rep. Omari Hardy - D-West Palm Beach - said white individuals are being vaccinated much sooner and faster all over the state, with Black individuals left lagging.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Health advocacy groups say Florida's recommendations on COVID vaccine priority should include people in prison as well as staff members.Gov. Ron DeSantis broke away from Centers for Disease Control recommendations when he ordered people 65 and older to be next in line for COVID vaccinations, instead of those 75 and older.
TAMPA, Fla. -- Going back to school as an adult has many challenges, but Leap Tampa Bay is helping local students complete their degree with free personalized coaching. The new initiative at Leap Tampa Bay mirrors what used to be a statewide program called Complete Florida Plus. Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the more than $29 million budget for the virtual program designed to help the state's almost 3 million adult college students.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The slowdown of mail service across the country is causing a ripple effect that is placing a strain on small businesses that depend on timely delivery.
While some cite political pressures for the slow down, the wide-ranging impact of the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the U.S. Postal Service, now reporting a $2.2 billion loss in the three months that ended in June.
