Florida's Latest News

Fentrice Driskell tapped for task force on abandoned Black cemeteries

House Speaker Chris Sprowls has appointed Rep. Fentrice Driskell to a task force to study forgotten and abandoned Black cemeteries, a panel she helped create this year.

Driskell and Sen. Janet Cruz, both Tampa Democrats, first filed legislation to establish the Task Force on Abandoned African-American Cemeteries in 2019, after a Tampa Bay Times investigation led to archaeologists finding hundreds of caskets at the site of a former African-American cemetery. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed this year's version of the measure (HB 37) into law last month after it received unanimous support in the Legislature.

“Representative Fentrice Driskell’s tenacity in uncovering the history of Florida’s African-American cemeteries will serve her well on this task force,” Sprowls said in a statement. “Through her work, I am confident the task force will provide overdue respect and honor for those buried across the state.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis announces $29M in grants for rural communities

Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference with DEO Secretary Dane Eagle.

The governor was in Green Cove Springs on Monday morning to hold a press conference. The governor spoke along with Eagle and Enterprise Florida Inc. President and CEO Jamal Sowell.

DeSantis announced $29 million in grants would be given to 42 small and rural communities throughout Florida in a block grant program.

Hundreds rally in South Florida in support of Cuban people

Hundreds of Cub Hundreds of Cubans in Palm Beach County rallied in solidarity with the Cuban people Sunday after a protest broke out in their home country.

Many gathered at the intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard and Military Trail Sunday to show solidarity.

Local Cubans tell WPTV they are frustrated with the obstacles in place to send aid to their family and friends who are suffering and dying on the island nation.

Yuniel Leyva was among the first people to gather in West Palm Beach to protest against the Cuban government, after hearing of the demonstrations in his home country.

Florida Breaks Annual Manatee Death Record In First 6 Months

More manatees have died already this year than in any other year in Florida’s recorded history, primarily from starvation due to the loss of seagrass beds.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that 841 manatee deaths were recorded through July 2.

That breaks the previous record of 830 that died in 2013 because of an outbreak of toxic red tide.

More than half the deaths have died in the Indian River Lagoon and its surrounding areas in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.