Florida's Latest News

Guns, COVID-19 and the internet; House panel OK’s ‘freedom of speech’ bill

Over objections from some members that the bill could protect internet grifters and “neuter” Florida’s health care regulatory boards, a House panel on Monday voted 12-5 to pass a bill that protects doctors’ “freedom of speech” on the internet.

The legislation is aimed at preventing a crackdown on doctors accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19, a trend that has been occurring across the country and drawing scrutiny from regulators who say such actions are unethical.

Before passing HB 687, members of the House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee beat back a pair of amendments offered by Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, including an amendment to delete from current law the “gag clause” that prevents physicians from discussing guns with their patients.

While a federal appeals court in Atlanta struck down the so-called “Docs v. Glocks” law, the language remains in two sections of state statutes. Smith’s proposed amendment struck the language, which cannot be enforced.

Bill would require Florida schools to teach the history of Emancipation Day, Juneteenth

A bill that would require Florida high schoolers to learn about African American history has passed its first committee in the Senate. 

The bill would not only require high school students be taught about May 20th, the day slaves were freed in Florida, but it would also require students learn about Juneteenth. 

Ocoee Senator Randolph Bracy, who introduced the bill, says it’s a necessary step toward ensuring all American history is taught in schools throughout the state. 

Bracy says a Florida Department of Education ban on critical race theory and a separate bill that would make it hard to teach history that causes students, “discomfort” could jeopardize what he’s set out to accomplish. 

“I think it’s ridiculous. I think that we’re talking about historical events that actually happen. And I think when you silence history and what has happened, I think you’re more doomed to repeat that history.”

Love in The Process: Allison Liby-Schoonover & Chris Schoonover— All-American, all Seminole, all the time

It takes a special kind of person to work in the pressure cooker that is Session. Is it possible for two of these special people to find each other, fall in love, and tackle The Process together?

Not just possible, but highly likely.

For Valentine’s Day, we’re here to share the story of six couples who have found success —under the rotunda, in their love and family lives.

When Florida State University undergrad Allison Liby set her sights on student body president Chris Schoonover in 2005, he didn’t stand a chance. Not that he really wanted to.

Chris is a partner and lobbyist with Capital City Consulting, focusing his efforts on education, health care and gaming. Credit firm owner Nick Iarossi with convincing Chris to run for student body president and mentoring him into The Process; his original plan was to become a doctor.

Florida gator hunts could expand to 24 hours this hunting season

Alligator hunting could become a 24/7 endeavor under a proposal going before Florida wildlife commissioners.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on March 2 will consider a staff proposal that would expand, at most locations, the daily hours for the next alligator hunting season to 24 from the current 17 — 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.

George Warthen, the commission’s director of hunting and game management, said in a memo that proposed rule changes would “provide greater flexibility and opportunity for participants in the statewide alligator harvest program.”

The hours have gradually expanded since the harvest began in 1988, when people holding alligator trapping licenses and harvest permits were allowed to hunt from a half-hour before sunset to a half-hour after sunrise.