Fresh Take Florida

The governor said the state’s laws pale in comparison to those of other conservative states. He pointed to problems with “red flag laws” and legislation increasing the minimum age for firearm purchases from 18 to 21.

Maranda Malnory, 29, was less than one month away from her second birthday when James Ford killed her parents in rural Charlotte County. Ford was executed by the state this month.

The statewide total of 60,755 abortions in 2024 was down 28% from 84,052 in 2023, a trend sought by supporters of the law. The state's three largest counties each reported declines of more than 20%.

A new investigation of a law that allows Florida law enforcement to ticket drivers for loud music found that Black drivers received almost 37% of the tickets, despite making up about 16% of the state's driving-eligible population.

By state law, books in school libraries must be certified by a media specialist. They must also comply with the Parental Rights in Education Act.

Experts are worried the number of cases reported to help lines and law enforcement don't reflect the reality of elder violence.

Prosecutors say Brian Brainard Wedgeworth, 46, is known by at least 13 aliases and has remained in federal custody. They believe that he scammed at least 21 women across eight states and amassed over $750,000 through years of schemes.

The outcome of a landmark civil rights lawsuit being waged over Florida’s new law banning transgender girls from girls’ sports teams in schools may depend on the verdict in a related legal battle, a judge has ruled.

Roy A. Stephens had hoped for a new trial based on a letter found in his wife’s cell after his Florida trial that he said was confession that she was responsible.

Fuchs said he will remain president until a new president is appointed — likely in early 2023. He plans to return to conducting research and teaching electrical and computer engineering at the university.

Paul Graves Williams remains in custody at a treatment center until he's deemed competent to stand trial. Said his sister-in-law: “If he wasn’t crazy when he went in, he may be crazy now.”

They spent more than seven months — including filing a federal lawsuit that is still pending — trying to get permission for an in-person ceremony.