Nov 22 Families of those killed in Florida high school massacre settle lawsuit against federal government By Terry Spencer, Associated Press The families announced Monday they have settled their lawsuit against the federal government over the FBI's failure to stop the gunman even though it had received information he intended to attack. Continue reading
Nov 22 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. Continue reading
Nov 03 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. Continue reading
Oct 12 Watch 4:43 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… Continue watching
Oct 12 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. Continue reading
Sep 22 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. Continue reading
Sep 09 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. Continue reading
Sep 08 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. Continue reading
Sep 06 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. Continue reading
Sep 03 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. Continue reading