State Government

Republican Representative Daniel Perez of Miami was designated as the next Florida House speaker for the 2024-2026 legislative term.

Kimbery Brown-Blunt visits the Forum to announce an important Legislative Education Forum to discuss empowering communities through education, justice and civic engagement. Panelist will include elected Democratic State Senator Darryl Rouson, Representative Fentrice Driskell, Hillsborough...

Polk County man killed Polk County deputies shot and killed a man last night on Westside Ridge Blvd in the city of Auburndale. After 55-year-old Angelo Theodore Curcione threatened officers and deputies with a knife,...

Listen: State legislators that represent Hillsborough County and beyond met Tuesday to hear from the public about a wide range of issues prior to the start of the next legislative session. The meeting took place...

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a federal judge to toss out a constitutional challenge to a new law overhauling Gainesville's municipal utility.

Hurricane Ian’s impact A new report shows the disproportionate impact Hurricane Ian had on Florida’s rural agricultural areas.   Idalia insurance claims Estimated insured losses from Hurricane Idalia topped $156 million Sunday based on 17,472...

Congressional redistricting A state judge struck down North Florida’s congressional districts Saturday, rebuffing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempts to defy anti-gerrymandering protections. DeSantis had put the state’s Fair Districts Amendment up against the U.S. Constitution, openly...

Distinguished historian Gary Mormino had been invited to give a talk at a workshop for Florida teachers this summer about the African American experience during World War II. But a week before the talk, the...

Gulf Coast hurricane watch Hurricane and storm surge watches are in effect for our area as the center of the track of Idalia places it west of Tampa Bay as a Category 3 major hurricane...

LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe A new study shows that policies Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law banning gender-affirming care for minors and making it harder for transgender adults to get medical care are driving...

A Florida House Republican proposed a constitutional amendment that would impose eight-year term limits on county commissioners.

Veteran housing The Manatee County Commission is delaying moving forward with a project for veteran housing. Earlier this month, they heard the proposal to use county-owned property for affordable housing.   Prescribed burning Two prescribed...