Jim Turner - News Service of Florida

The seven-day holiday will allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on numerous home-repair and construction items.

While an initial forecast for the season was for 51.7 million 90-pound boxes of oranges — the lowest output since the 1941-1942 season. The current estimate is for 44.75 million boxes — lowest since the 1939-1940 season.

Congressman Charlie Crist and the other Democratic gubernatorial candidates say their priority is to stop Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the “culture wars” he has championed.

Workers are shifting away from gigs at hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues for higher-paying jobs in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics.

In a letter Wednesday to Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, Brandes said “Floridians are suffering from skyrocketing rate increases” and that he might use a provision in state law to try to spur a special session.

The governor did not include property insurance issues as part of a special session that he called Tuesday, but said more legislative action is needed after lawmakers passed a property insurance bill in 2021.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation that said Sarasota swimmer Emma Weyant is “the rightful winner” in the 500-meter freestyle after finishing second to a transgender athlete.

The change in hours would help hunters better schedule their trips and potentially allow more people to participate.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson say many of the motorists who would benefit from the 25-cent-a-gallon discount wouldn’t be from Florida.

Passengers 12 and older must complete a health questionnaire before boarding, with separate protocols onboard for people who are unvaccinated.