TALLAHASSEE

A small, rural county just west of Florida’s capital is stunned by an unheard-of spike in deadly drug overdoses believed to be caused by fentanyl mixed with other illegal drugs.

A Florida man won $1 million while playing the 500X the Cash scratch-off game, the Florida Lottery announced.

A South Florida man won the $2 million top prize while playing the Bonus Cashword scratch-off game, the Florida Lottery announced.

Can Diaz bar Tallahassee from grabbing air and seaports? by at MiamiTodayNews.com.

A Florida dog who has been credited with helping her owner win a $2 million scratch-off game last month has delivered her litter of puppies, the Florida Lottery announced.

A Leon County judge has blocked Florida's new ban on most abortions after a ruling that abortion is protected by the Florida constitution's right to privacy.

As I reflect on what my identity is and will evolve to be, I’m grateful that I’ve carved out my own space in the South.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 898, designated as “Miya’s Law”, to strengthen residential tenant safety measures

Rapper Nehemiah “SpotemGottem” Harden was trying to get away from police officers while riding an orange jetski on Sunday in Miami, according to the Miami Police Department.

Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health care providers are challenging Florida’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy on Monday at a state court in Tallahassee.

Reproductive health providers have asked a state court in Florida to block a new law limiting abortion from taking effect on Friday, arguing that the state constitution guarantees a broad right to privacy including abortion.

Andrew Gillum, the former mayor of Tallahassee who came within about 34,000 votes of beating Ron DeSantis in the 2018 race for Florida governor, was indicted by federal authorities and arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, according to court documents.

Former candidate for Florida governor Andrew Gillum has surrendered to authorities for alleged campaign fraud.

Wildlife officials say Joshua Wells was playing with his unleashed dog near water at a popular park in Tallahassee on June 6 when the alligator snatched his dog.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Friday that will reimburse people who care for retired K-9s up to $1,500 for veterinary care for the dogs.

The Florida Lottery says it's the easiest way to become an instant millionaire and one Florida woman has done just that.

Three Florida police officers are charged with manslaughter in the death of a man who was subdued with a stun gun last fall.

Reproductive health providers have sued Florida over a new law banning abortions after 15 weeks.

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper fatally hit a pedestrian in Tallahassee late Saturday night.

Florida will require statewide recertification of condominiums over three stories tall under new legislation Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law.

The Florida Senate has approved a sweeping legislative package meant to combat rising property insurance rates and other problems in the state’s turbulent insurance market, creating a $2 billion reinsurance fund and writing new rules around coverage denials and attorney fees.

The murder-for-trial plot that resulted in the death of an FSU professor is in Day 3.

A state appeals court has reinstated a new congressional map drawn by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ staff that could diminish Florida’s Black representation in Washington, a week after a lower court judge said the map was unconstitutional.

A U.S. attorney says a Florida man has pleaded guilty to defrauding more than 30 women out of more than $1.3 million by pretending to be a doctor on online dating services.

The retrial of a woman involved in the 2014 murder-for-hire plot of FSU law professor Daniel Markel continues.

A judge’s ruling that a new congressional map drawn by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ staff is unconstitutional has been appealed by the state.

Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee is resigning her post as the state's top election official, Gov. Ron DeSantis' office said Thursday. In a resignation letter, Lee, a Republican, said she would step down Monday and thanked the governor, who appointed her in 2019. "I am grateful for your support throughout my tenure, and I am honored to have been part of your vision for our state," she wrote in her resignation letter to DeSantis.

Tobacco Free Florida Week is raising awareness of the connection between tobacco use and improving mental health.

By Staff WriterAnthony “Tony” Hill, labor leader and former Florida State senator and legislative aid to Congressman Al Lawson, announced his candidacy for the Florida Fourth Congressional District, the newly drawn seat covering half of Duval County plus all of Nassau and Clay counties. Former state senator Tony Hill will run for the newly drawn Northeast Florida congressional district, bringing a campaign-tested Democrat into the race for a seat covering half of Duval. But it does include Jacksonville where Tony Hill, a leader in the A. Phillip Randolph. This has to do with constituents in the Fourth District “Hill has been immersed for decades in politics. Portions of this article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Tony Hill jumps into race for Congress in redistricted seat

A synagogue in Tallahassee with plenty of ties to South Florida burns to the ground.

Floridians will save on items ranging from diapers and gasoline to auto racing tickets and energy efficient appliances under a $1 billion tax cut package signed into law by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Officials from the Florida Department of Public Health (FDPH) are recommending vulnerable populations to get vaccinated against meningitis, as three new cases of the potentially deadly disease have arisen among young adults aged 18-22 in Tallahassee, Florida. With 27 cases of meningitis in Florida in 2021 and 21 cases in 2022, according to the Florida Health Department, the spread of meningitis may not seem like a severe threat. As teens and young adults have an increased risk of meningitis, UM students weigh in on how they feel the university could prevent the infection from reaching campus. “In my public health and epidemiology classes, we were taught how severe the symptoms can be: fevers, cardiovascular issues, stiffness in the neck and really bad headaches,” said Ethan Kumar, a microbiology and public health major. While currently unknown, Redfern also noted that some of the meningitis cases have resulted in death.

Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson announced plans to retire Friday, which gives Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis the opportunity to have appointed four of the seven justices.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that would have ended solar power subsidies for residential costumers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that would have ended solar power subsidies for residential costumers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that lawmakers will return to the Capitol in late May for a special session to deal with the state’s rising property insurance rates.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday to create a police force dedicated to pursuing voter fraud and other election crimes, embracing a top priority of Republicans after former President Donald Trump's false claims that his reelection was stolen. The new law comes after the Republican governor made voting legislation a focus this year, pushing the Republican-controlled statehouse to create the policing unit as states reevaluate their own election systems in the wake of Trump's unfounded allegations. DeSantis, who is running for reelection and is widely considered to be a potential 2024 presidential candidate, has both praised the last election as smooth and suggested more rules were needed to deter fraud, underscoring Trump's lingering influence on Republican policymaking.

Last week marked the end of a special session of the Florida Legislature, an end like the state has never experienced.

A 30-year-old Miami woman is now a millionaire from a $5 scratch-off Florida lottery ticket she bought in Miami Beach.

Voting rights groups have sued Florida over a congressional map drawn by Gov. Ron DeSantis and passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature.

The Republican-controlled Florida Senate voted 24-15 along party lines Wednesday to approve a controversial congressional redistricting map.

Florida bans 54 math books to keep our schools mediocre by at MiamiTodayNews.com.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking the Legislature to repeal a law allowing Walt Disney World to operate a private government over its properties in the state.

Jorge Diaz-Johnston, the plaintiff in a historic same-sex marriage lawsuit and the brother of a former Miami mayor, was found dead in a landfill in January. Now his roommate has been charged with murder.

State lawmakers will head back to Tallahassee on Tuesday after their version of redistricting was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in an unprecedented move.

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a man who jumped overboard from a cruise ship early Saturday as it approached Florida. The Coast Guard responded with two cutters and an airplane to search for the 43-year-old man. The Mardi Gras and the cruise ship Elation also participated in the search, said Coast Guard spokesman David Micallef.

A grand jury has issued an indictment in the murder of prominent LGBTQ advocate Jorge Diaz-Johnston. A grand jury has issued an indictment in the murder of prominent LGBTQ advocate Jorge Diaz-Johnston.

Florida will soon ban abortions after 15 weeks.

The one question for Florida is how to divvy up districts for the 28 members of Congress.

Submitted by Nina LevineTALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Florida. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. Thus far, the number of cases identified in 2022 surpasses the 5-year average of meningococcal disease cases in Florida. Find meningococcal vaccines, including the MenACWY vaccine, by contacting a health care provider, county health department, or pharmacy. For more information about meningococcal disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the FDOH website.

HB 543 - Uterine Fibroid Research and Education sponsored by Representative Anika T. Omphroy was signed into law by Governor DeSantis.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a COVID-19-linked bill requiring health care centers to allow in-person visitations, as the Republican announced he approved dozens of other measures passed during this year’s legislative session.

The judge says the state's Republican-led government was using subtle tactics to suppress Black voters. An appeal of the ruling is expected.

They said they would and they did. The first lawsuit is filed in federal court against the bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this week. Opponents call it "Don't Say Gay."

In a rare disagreement with the Republican-dominated Legislature, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the state's newly drawn congressional maps Tuesday, and lawmakers will hold a special session in April to redraw them. The veto puts more pressure on the Republican-dominated Legislature to approve a map and resolve any resulting lawsuits before the June 13 to 17 qualifying period for federal candidates. Florida is also creating a new 28th district because of population growth.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Tuesday that Moody will be leading 20 other states in taking legal action against the Biden administration over the federal mask mandate on public transportation.

The Florida Supreme Court will no longer allow an attorney who used to be based in Fort Lauderdale to practice law in Florida citing a pattern of misconduct.

A 23-year-old man was at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Friday accused of killing a man late last year outside of Tony’s Food Store in West Little River.

Barbara Sharief said Friday she’s running for Florida Senate, potentially setting up a colossal showdown in the Democratic primary.

Even though February is the shortest month of the year, it has been one of the busiest. As I shared with you in my previous newsletter, I and a few members of my Leadership Team travelled to Tallahassee to speak with our state legislators about the significant issues that are impacting our office and the community we serve. To view my address before the Florida Senate Appropriations committee, please click here. We are thankful that the Florida Legislature has initiated a process to address the desperate needs of Florida’s criminal justice system. Thank you once again for your continued support for the work that we do at the State Attorney’s office to keep our community a safer place to live, work and raise our families.

White House's Jen Psaki says President Joe Biden was speaking "from his heart" when he described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal. Biden called Putin a war criminal as the atrocities in Ukraine mount. (March 16)

Diapers will be tax free in the state of Florida, beginning on July 1.

Florida lawmakers on Monday passed a $112.1 billion state budget containing pay raises for state workers and a gas tax suspension, striking a bipartisan agreement that closed a session characterized by high-profile partisan battles.

Walt Disney Co. is suspending its political donations in Florida.

A bill named for a 19-year-old South Florida native and a college student in Orlando is on its way to the State Senate Friday for a full vote.

The Florida legislative divide continued on Wednesday in Tallahassee, as Democratic lawmakers challenged Republicans who have the votes to pass controversial laws that Gov. Ron DeSantis is likely to sign as he campaigns for reelection.

All Florida government agencies would be barred from doing business with transportation companies that bring immigrants to the state who are in the country illegally under a bill sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday. The bill is a priority for the Republican governor and an effort to to keep the federal government from sending people crossing the Mexican border illegally to Florida. DeSantis, who is running for reelection this year and is a potential 2024 presidential contender, has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.

Florida lawmakers won’t be able to pass a budget before their regularly scheduled 60-day session ends Friday.

Rosalind Osgood, whose decade on the Broward School Board made her one of the county’s highest profile elected officials, was waiting Tuesday evening to find out if she’ll be the newest member of the Florida Senate. In Palm Beach County, Democrat Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds was running far ahead of Republican Guarina Torres in a contest to fill a vacancy in the Florida House.

Florida senators passed the controversial Parental Rights in Education bill. The proposed law is better known by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo says the state will formally recommend against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said Monday that the state will formally recommend against COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children. Ladapo made the announcement at a roundtable event organized by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that featured a group of doctors who criticized coronavirus lockdowns and mandate policies. “The Florida Department of Health is going to be the first state to officially recommend against the COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children,” Ladapo said at the end of the roundtable discussion.

The bill has one final stop early this week before being sent to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, which is the State Senate floor.

There have already been several protests, with more likely ahead as members of Florida's LGBTQ community feel targeted and ostracized.

Representative Daryl Campbell honors fallen Floridians & their families through his co-sponsorship of HB 577 & HB 701

Forgotten, neglected and abandoned Black cemeteries have begun to receive attention. Across the United States, many unmarked African American graveyards have been rediscovered — often hidden under more recently built parking lots, schools and housing complexes. Now, a pair of bills in the Florida Legislature aims to prohibit or limit development on abandoned grave sites.

Measures that aim to help tenants struggling with soaring rent hikes have gone unheard in the Florida Legislature.

The Dade County Medical Association (DCMA) delegation met with elected officials during the 2022 Legislative Session in Tallahassee, visiting with the purpose of promoting several healthcare initiatives that were prioritized by the DCMA Board of Directors in support of their physician members and their patients. The delegation included DCMA President, Jose David Suarez, M.D. ; DCMA President-Elect, Rafael Fernandez, M.D. Past-President who were sponsored as Doctor of the Day at the Florida Senate and the House of Representatives during the DCMA Delegation visit. About the DCMAThe DCMA is the organization of choice for physicians who advocate for patients and for the quality and sustainability of the practice of medicine.

Hurricanes golf finished seventh at the FSU Match Up this weekend in Tallahassee, Florida, after a disappointing eighth-place finish last week at the Moon Golf Invitational. Her third-round total was 69 (-3) as she finished tied for 12th with a 54-hole total of 222 (+6), yielding her second top-20 result of the season. Fourth-year junior Anna Backman and third-year sophomore Franziska Frydlova finished tied for 26th, with a 54-hole total of 226. Backman led the Canes last weekend at the Moon Golf Invitational and was at the top of Miami’s leaderboard after day one, tied for fifth place. In a tie for 38th was third-year sophomore Daniella Barrett with a final score of 231, and in 48th was Nataliya Guseva with a 233.

Florida’s bill contains exceptions if the abortion is necessary to save a mother’s life, prevent serious injury to the mother or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality.

Mosaic and FAMU sign Memorandum of Understanding to collaborateTALLAHASSEE, FL —The Mosaic Company announced a $100,000 donation to the Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Business and Industry (SBI) Tuesday in Tallahassee. The purpose of the contribution is to help provide FAMU students with enhanced experiences with global companies and highlight future leadership opportunities in the corporate world, especially in the agriculture and mining industries. “Our students will be the true beneficiaries of this support from Joc O’Rourke and the Mosaic team,” Robinson said. “We are excited about strengthening this partnership.”Following the signing of the agreement, the Mosaic team will be involved in a number of programs interacting with SBI students. “Our focus at FAMU’s School of Business and Industry is to prepare students to thrive in a competitive, global marketplace.

The Florida Supreme Court told Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday it will not answer his question on whether a Black congressman's district is unconstitutional. DeSantis has interjected himself into the once-a-decade process of drawing new congressional maps, something highly unusual for a governor to do. The House and Senate have considered maps that largely left Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Lawson's district intact, but DeSantis is pushing a map that would make his district lean Republican.

The Owls will begin their season in Tallahassee from Feb. 26-27 for the FSU Beach Bash.

A decision by the Florida secretary of state, an appointee of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, apparently will prevent newly elected Democratic state Rep. Daryl Campbell from taking office before March 8. The annual Florida legislative session ends on March 11.

A decision by the Florida secretary of state, an appointee of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, apparently will prevent newly elected Democratic state Rep. Daryl Campbell from taking office before March 8. The annual Florida legislative session ends on March 11.

Black Chambers across Florida to gather at inaugural Black Chamber Day at the CapitolTALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Association of Black Chambers of Commerce will host its first Black Chamber Day at the Capitol. The following chambers will be participating in the Black Chamber Day at the Capitol:African-American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida 2. Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce 9. Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce 10. Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Treasure Coast Black Chamber of CommerceTogether, we will help to develop and sustain vibrant and diverse communities in the state.

Bill to give every business in Florida veto power is overkill by at MiamiTodayNews.com.

A bill pushed by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that would prohibit public schools and private businesses from making white people feel “discomfort” when they teach students or train employees about discrimination in the nation's past received its first approval Tuesday. The Senate Education Committee approved the bill that takes aim at critical race theory — though it doesn't mention it explicitly — on party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has submitted a proposal to reshape the state's congressional map and carve up districts held by Black Democrats, as the Republican takes the unusual step of inserting himself into the redistricting process. The proposed congressional map, submitted Sunday on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, signaled the governor's priorities as the state moves to redraw political maps in the coming months. DeSantis, who is running for reelection and is considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate, has largely shaped the legislative agenda in the Republican-controlled statehouse this year.

"I never thought in February, early March that [COVID-19] would lead to locking down the country," DeSantis said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives the State of the State address from Tallahassee.

An important discussion is getting mired in jargon — and a refusal to see what's already in front of us.

Parts of the Florida Panhandle got a dusting of snow early Monday after temperatures dropped dramatically from the previous day when the thermometer was at typical beach weather.

Christmas omicron threat and the Grinches of Tallahassee by at MiamiTodayNews.com.

Within the halls of the Capitol, Rep. Anthony Sabatini is a pariah among his GOP colleagues. His office is in a basement, his bills rarely given a hearing. But among the base of the Republican Party, the Howey-in-the-Hills resident is a fan favorite, invited to speak at local GOP events.

“Through Capital Regional Medical Center and HCA Healthcare’s Tallahassee-based North Florida Division, the health system has a long history of collaboration with FAMU,” said Chuck Hall, Group President of HCA Healthcare. Additionally, the funding will support the building and operations of the School of Allied Health Sciences Simulation Lab that will be named the HCA Florida Healthcare Simulation Lab. “We are excited to announce this partnership with FAMU to further our commitment to advancing diversity in healthcare,” said Sherri Neal, chief diversity officer of HCA Healthcare. We thank HCA Healthcare for its leadership and vision.”HCA Healthcare has a history of strategically partnering with organizations to develop future healthcare leaders. In addition, HCA Healthcare committed $1 million to Tennessee State University in 2015 to fund internship opportunities and support the growth of the Health Information Management program.

SportsPulse: Dan Wolken breaks down the latest College Football Playoff rankings and the path for the six true contenders to make the final four.

At trial, the government presented evidence that Burnette engaged in a multi-year scheme with Maddox and his associate, Paige Carter-Smith, to commit extortion, fraud, and bribery. During the scheme, Burnette and Maddox extorted bribe payments from FBI undercover agents (UCs) who were posing as real estate developers and entrepreneurs. Burnette instructed the UCs that to obtain preferential treatment, they must pay bribes to Maddox through Governance Services. In 2017, FBI agents approached Burnette, identified themselves as FBI agents, and asked Burnette about his involvement in the bribe payments to Maddox. During the interview, Burnette repeatedly lied about his knowledge of the UCs’ payments to and involvement with Maddox.

By Imani ThomasTALLAHASSEE, FL —Apart of Famu’s Homecoming epic return the community in Frenchtown welcomed R&B superstar Anthony Hamilton. Anthony Hamilton is best known for his song Charlean, point of it All and countless others hit songs. The Executive Director Laurise Thomas of Frenchtown Rising Knew this show was going to be a hit. “Athony Hamilton was a person for the young and the old it’s to celebrate the FAMU homecoming,” said Thomas. Anthony Hamilton was excited to do this concert since this was a sponsored concert for a community.

By Imani ThomasTALLAHASSEE, FL—–The special session that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called is a week away. The special session was called to deal with mask policies, vaccine requirements and other COVID-related issues in Florida. Vaccines and mask mandates are the forefront on the agenda in the coming special session. Senator Geraldine Thompson Democrati believe this special session is a waste of time. Special session begins on November 15,2021.