florida

Florida judge clears four Black men falsely accused of 1949 rape of white woman

By Terry Spencer, Associated Press

At the request of the local prosecutor, a judge on Monday dismissed the charges and convictions against the Groveland Four: Ernest Thomas, Samuel Shepherd, Charles Greenlee and Walter Irvin.

First black mayor elected in once-segregated St. Petersburg

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

Thirty years ago, Ken Welch's father sought to become the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida. Welch wore his dad's campaign button Tuesday when he claimed a resounding victory for the top office in the once-segregated city.

News Wrap: White House rebukes Texas Gov. Abbott over vaccine mandate ban

In our news wrap Tuesday, the White House rebuked Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott over banning COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Meanwhile, the state of Florida fined Leon County $3.5 million for requiring its employees to get vaccinated. In Britain, a report by…

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Florida fines key county $3.5 million for mandating vaccines

By Anthony Izaguirre, Mike Schneider, Associated Press

The Florida Department of Health issued the $3.5 million fine Tuesday for Leon County, saying the municipality violated Florida’s “vaccine passport” law.

Florida makes quarantine optional for exposed students

By Mike Schneider, Associated Press

Florida's new surgeon general has signed new protocols allowing parents to decide whether their children should quarantine or stay in school if they are asymptomatic after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Florida’s GOP-backed ‘anti-riot’ law blocked by judge

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

The decision Thursday by U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee found the recently enacted law “vague and overbroad” and amounted to an assault on First Amendment rights of free speech and assembly as well as due process protections.

Judge says Florida can’t enforce ban on school mask mandates

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

A Florida judge has ruled the state cannot enforce its ban on mask mandates in public schools to guard against the coronavirus while an appeals court sorts out whether the ban is ultimately legal.

Ex-Marine held without bond in shooting of Florida family

By Terry Spencer, Freida Frisaro, Associated Press

A combat sharpshooter accused of fatally shooting a mother, her 3-month-old baby and two others in a random attack in Florida was ordered jailed without bond Monday during his first court appearance.

Florida school mask debate headed for appeals court battle

By Curt Anderson, Associated Press

The battle over mask requirements in Florida schools is headed for a new legal phase following an appeal by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of a judge's ruling that a blanket ban on mask mandates exceeds the state's authority.

Judge blocks Florida governor’s order banning mask mandates

By Terry Spencer, Curt Anderson, Associated Press

Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper on Friday agreed with a group of parents who claimed in a lawsuit that Gov. Ron DeSantis' ban on the mandates is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced.