Jul 06 WATCH: Florida officials give update on Surfside building collapse, search and rescue By Adriana Gomez Licon, Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press Bands of heavy rain were expected in Surfside as Elsa strengthened on Tuesday, possibly becoming a hurricane again before making landfall somewhere between Tampa Bay and Florida's Big Bend and crossing northern Florida. Continue reading
May 06 DeSantis signs GOP-drafted voting bill, legal fight begins By Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping elections bill into law Thursday that he and other Republicans said would place guardrails against fraud, even as they acknowledged there were no serious signs of voting irregularities last November. Continue reading
Apr 19 DeSantis signs Florida's anti-riot bill, cites Chauvin trial By Brendan Farrington, Associated Press Florida now has stricter laws to punish people who take part in violent protests. Republican Gov. Ron Desantis cited events around the country as he signed the so-called anti-riot bill on Monday. Continue reading
Apr 08 Florida sues federal government to allow cruises to sail By Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says the no-sail order is outdated and hurts the state as the industry generates billions for the economy. Continue reading
Apr 04 Florida works to avoid 'catastrophic' pond collapse By Chris O'Meara, Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Sunday that crews are working to prevent the collapse of a large wastewater pond in the Tampa Bay area while evacuating the area to avoid a “catastrophic flood.”… Continue reading
Apr 02 Florida governor issues order banning businesses from requiring 'vaccine passports' By Associated Press Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order Friday banning businesses from requiring customers to show proof they've been vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to get service. Continue reading
Sep 25 Florida governor lifts all restaurant restrictions, bans mask fines as COVID-19 spreads By Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press The Republican governor's order unleashed fresh debate in the politically divided state, where pandemic responses have become intertwined with the upcoming presidential election. Continue reading
Aug 03 WATCH: Florida gov. says he's encouraged by virus trends By Associated Press Florida reported 73 additional deaths from the virus on Monday as the number of new cases increased by almost 4,800 people, health officials reported. Continue reading
Jul 21 WATCH: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds COVID-19 roundtable By Associated Press The state's skyrocketing coronavirus death rate is now higher than any other state, edging out Texas, which has about 25 percent more people. Continue reading
Jul 20 WATCH: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives coronavirus update By Candice Norwood and Bobby Caina Calvan, Associated Press As other governors move to mandate masks and face coverings for people in public spaces, DeSantis said he has no such plans and will leave the issue for local leaders to decide. Continue reading