DUI enforcement may become even stricter in Florida. Senate Bill 138, filed on January 3, adds more provisions to DUI stops. Some of these include prohibiting a person from using or driving a vehicle under the influence of any substance and adding a second-degree misdemeanor offense for those who decline […]
News
City not ready to bury power lines
Tallahassee’s recent weather events have led to increased talks of burying the city’s power lines. However, with the cost of getting it done and government funding limited, is Tallahassee really prepared to take that step? From tornadoes to unexpected snowfall, the Big Bend is no stranger to intense weather events. […]
The implications of new social media laws
In March, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 3, the social media verification law. This law went into effect in Florida on Jan. 1 with the intention of prohibiting children aged 13 and under from creating a social media account. However, this law allows teens aged 14 and 15 to […]
Unlicensed drivers facing stiffer penalties
Florida’s HB 1589, which took effect on July 1, 2024, introduces stricter penalties for individuals caught driving without a valid driver’s license in Florida. The bill significantly increases consequences for violators, particularly repeat offenders, in an effort to enhance road safety and enforce compliance with licensing requirements. Under previous […]
Recreational marijuana likely returning to 2026 ballot
While Amendment 3 may not have passed, the vision for legalized recreational marijuana in Florida is not dead. In fact, recreational marijuana could return on ballots as soon as 2026, but not without changes. Earlier this month, the Smart & Safe Florida committee which originally backed Amendment 3, filed a […]
Pride at stake: Proposed flag ban and the battle for identity
Florida’s proposed ban on political flags has generated intense debate, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community. Senate Bill 100, introduced by Republican state Senator Randy Fine, seeks to prohibit the display of political flags on public buildings, including universities. If passed, the bill would not only affect the visibility of LGBTQ+ […]
Will HB 63 be enough for women in Florida?
As Florida grapples with contentious debates over reproductive rights, a new piece of legislation, HB 63, stands at the intersection of pregnancy support and political ideology. The bill proposes enhanced oversight and accountability for the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN), requiring unannounced Department of Health visits and stricter financial audits. […]
Trump’s WHO withdrawal: A strategic move or a global setback?
In a controversial decision that has reignited global debate, the Trump administration announced the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). The decision raises concerns about America’s ability to combat international health crises and maintain diplomatic alliances. The WHO, a United Nations agency founded in 1948, plays a […]
DeSantis champions Florida as a blueprint for national education policy
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has highlighted the state’s education policies as a potential standard for a national model. During a recent press conference at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, he made a point to highlight that Florida’s school choice framework could be achieved without relying on the federal Department of […]
House bill aims to reduce food deserts
While inflation continues to be an issue across the country, some parts of Tallahassee face an even bigger threat —food insecurity. House Bill 89 introduces a new initiative that will facilitate development permits to increase the availability of food options. It’s a crisis that doesn’t make headlines every day but […]