Roger Young Executive Director

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marks 10th annual Gopher Tortoise Day

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission celebrated Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10. Residents were encouraged to support conservation efforts year-round while learning about protecting this threatened species.

Mark Glass Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner

FDLE arrests Cape Coral man for possession of child sexual abuse materials

A Cape Coral man has been arrested by state authorities on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says its ongoing investigation led to dozens of counts after digital evidence was seized…

Thomas J. Leek, Senator for Florida

Florida State Senate announces bill on liability limits for advanced driving systems

The Florida State Senate filed SB 1616 to set liability limits for advanced driving system manufacturers and developers.

William W. Large, President of Florida Justice Reform Institute

Florida Justice Reform Institute highlights impact of tort reforms on insurance costs

The Florida Justice Reform Institute announced that recent tort reforms are lowering insurance costs across Florida.

Mark Glass Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner

Florida agencies inspect over 3,300 commercial vehicles in Operation Highway Shield

Florida law enforcement agencies conducted a four-day statewide operation targeting commercial vehicle safety violations. Over 3,300 vehicles were inspected resulting in arrests on criminal charges as well as detentions for immigration law violations.

Lovett Williams distinguished wildlife biologist and researcher

Permit spawning season closure inside the Special Permit Zone starts April 1

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that permit fishing will be closed inside the Special Permit Zone starting April 1. The seasonal closure covers waters around southern Florida until August 1. The measure supports ongoing conservation efforts backed…

Mike Orlando, FWC Bear Management Program Coordinator

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges BearWise practices as bears become active in spring

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges Floridians to adopt BearWise habits as black bear activity increases in spring. Officials recommend securing food sources around homes to avoid attracting wildlife. The agency highlights ongoing research efforts supported by external…

Katherine Miller County Judge at Volusia County

Seventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission announces county court judicial applicants

The Seventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has announced twelve applicants for two county court vacancies following recent changes in Volusia and Putnam counties. Public interviews are scheduled for April 7 in Daytona Beach with opportunities for community input before final…

Lance Neff Judge at First District Court of Appeal

Second Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission sets application deadline for court vacancy

A vacancy has opened on Florida’s Second Circuit Court after Judge Lance Neff’s elevation. The Judicial Nominating Commission is accepting applications until April 20 and plans interviews in May.

Rodney Barreto, Chairman

FWC reminds waterway users to rent from permitted liveries and follow safety requirements

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges safe boating this season by renting only from permitted liveries under new regulations effective in 2024. Officials highlight mandatory pre-rental instruction designed for public safety. The agency also emphasizes ongoing efforts in…

Mark Glass Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner

State and federal agencies to announce results of Operation Highway Shield in Orlando

State and federal agency leaders will present findings from Operation Highway Shield in Orlando. The initiative targeted commercial vehicle safety violations across Florida. Media are invited to attend the April 9 press conference.

Roger Young Executive Director

FWC upgrading navigation markers in Suwannee River to improve boater safety

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is updating navigation markers along parts of the Suwannee River for improved boater safety. Construction will continue into summer 2026 with support from recent surveys. The project highlights FWC’s ongoing commitment to resource…

Christee Michelle Yoder former Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Fruitland Park

Former Fruitland Park employee arrested for fraudulent sales tax exemption claim

A former director with the City of Fruitland Park has been arrested following allegations she misused a city tax exemption certificate to avoid paying sales taxes on personal purchases. Authorities report over $24,000 in items were bought using this method…

Mark Glass Commissioner Florida Department of Law Enforcement

FDLE announces arrest of 17 sexual offenders and predators in Columbia County operation

Seventeen sexual offenders and predators have been arrested in a multi-agency operation led by FDLE in Columbia County. The effort targeted compliance with state registration laws among known registrants. Cases will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the…

Mark Glass Commissioner Florida Department of Law Enforcement

FDLE arrests Port Richey man for possession of child sexual abuse materials

A Port Richey man has been arrested by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse materials. Authorities say the arrest follows an investigation that began in October last year. The case is…

Roger Young Executive Director

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds public of bat maternity season rules

Florida’s annual bat maternity season begins April 16. New rules restrict removal of bats from buildings until August 15 without permits. The state urges residents not only follow regulations but also help conserve local bat populations.

Alex Kelly | Secretary

FloridaCommerce announces funding for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program

FloridaCommerce announced new funding opportunities under the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program. Municipalities have until May 5, 2026, to apply for grants supporting revitalization efforts. A webinar will provide guidance on April 8.

Alex Kelly | Secretary

FloridaCommerce announces funding available for Community Planning and Technical Assistance grants

FloridaCommerce has opened applications for Community Planning and Technical Assistance grants aimed at supporting local planning efforts across Florida. Eligible applicants include rural areas, municipalities, counties, and regional councils. More than $9 million has been awarded since 2019.

Amy Keith Executive Director Common Cause Florida

Emerson College poll shows most Floridians oppose mid-decade redistricting

A recent Emerson College poll finds most Floridians still oppose mid-decade redistricting. Common Cause Florida says this reflects continued public resistance seen in previous surveys.

Joshua E. Doyle Executive Director

Winners announced for 2025-2026 Florida Bar high school moot court competition

The Florida Bar has announced winners for its annual high school moot court competition held in Tallahassee. Students argued a fictitious appellate case before real judges. Top honors went to teams from American Heritage schools.

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