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Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday declared a state of emergency in 29 Florida counties as Tropical Storm Nate seems headed for the state. Scott issued Executive Order 17-262 declaring a state of emergency in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, […]

Associated PressOctober 5, 2017

Louisiana is helping Florida process its thousands of unemployment claims related to Hurricane Irma. The Louisiana Workforce Commission, the state’s labor department, said Thursday that it reached out to Florida to offer assistance. Louisiana had to cope with an influx of disaster unemployment claims after Louisiana’s flooding last year and after hurricanes in previous years. […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2017

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says it’s suing a Pasco County zoo “to shutdown (its) fundraising efforts.” The complaint is against Dade City’s Wild Things and three of its corporate officers, according to a press release sent Thursday. The suit is based on the department’s investigation “involving illicit fundraising and financial issues.” The […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2017

The city of Tallahassee’s utility system has “made significant progress” on electric transmission line upgrades as Tropical Storm Nate heads toward the Panhandle, the city said Thursday. “At this time, daytime lane closures are no longer anticipated,” a press release said. “Crews will work overnight to complete the upgrades, which will enhance electric reliability.” Yesterday, the […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2017

As Tropical Storm Nate approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is urging Gulf Coast and Big Bend residents to prepare now for the possibility of severe weather, he said in a news release. “Floridians should take a proactive approach and stock up on necessary supplies now, days ahead of the […]

Mitch PerryOctober 5, 2017

In the wake of Sunday night’s massacre in Las Vegas where nearly 60 people died, Florida Republicans are indicating they will support a gun-control measure. South Florida Rep. Carlos Curbelo said he will introduce a measure to prohibit bump stocks, a device that modifies rifles to allow them to fire faster. Several of the 23 guns used […]

Mitch PerryOctober 5, 2017

Following the worst mass shooting in U.S. history earlier this week in Las Vegas, two Florida lawmakers announced legislation designed to temporarily prevent access to firearms for individuals at a high risk of harming themselves or others. The bill (HB 231), filed Thursday by Jacksonville Sen. Audrey Gibson and Lantana Rep. Lori Berman – both Democrats – […]

Drew WilsonOctober 5, 2017

Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell picked up an endorsement Wednesday for his campaign for agriculture commissioner from former colleague and current U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz. Gaetz said was backing Caldwell “because he is a consistent conservative.” The first term congressman represents likely the most conservative U.S. House district in Florida and his endorsement looks to drum up […]

Staff ReportsOctober 5, 2017

The state’s Department of Economic Opportunity announced it will co-host a series of business roundtables “to highlight programs available to assist individuals, communities and businesses that have been affected by Hurricane Irma.” The first event is today, 1-2 p.m., in Daytona Beach, at Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, 126 E. Orange Ave. Later today, another will be held 4:30-5:30 p.m. […]

Mitch PerryOctober 4, 2017

While some Republicans are criticizing Democrats for “exploiting” the Las Vegas shooting, Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum says he worries it might only embolden state Republicans to come up with their own pro-gun legislation when they convene in January. “Without a doubt, somebody is going to propose a bill that says we got […]

Headlines
Kathleen King and Joe Gruters. Image via Max Goodman.

Rick Scott declares state of emergency for Nate

Louisiana helping Florida process Irma unemployment claims

State Agriculture department sues Dade City zoo

Tallahassee hardening electric system before Nate

Jimmy Patronis: Get ready for impending storm

Vern Buchanan indicates preliminary support for restricting ‘bump stocks’

Democratic lawmakers file bill restricting guns for ‘at-risk’ individuals

Matt Caldwell snags endorsement from Matt Gaetz

DEO, partners hold hurricane recovery roundtables

Andrew Gillum: GOP will go ‘overboard’ on guns