Month: February 2025

DeSantis avoids taking stand on Trump move to end temporary protections for Venezuelans in U.S.

What does DeSantis think about Trump ending temporary protections for Venezuelans in U.S.? Governor gives long, vague response — and no answer. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published: February 5, 2025 at 6:48 PM EST ... Read More

Shocker: Fort Lauderdale just now learning it needs voter approval to charge EMS tax

A controversial plan to charge property owners across Fort Lauderdale a costly EMS tax is dead — for now anyway. Fort Lauderdale commissioners were all set to vote Tuesday night on a plan that would establish an Emergency Medical Services taxing district citywide. But hours before the 6 p.m. meeting began, city staff alerted the commission they would not be voting on the plan that night. Here’s why: The city needs voter approval to collect an EMS tax, based on a legal opinion from the... Read More

Lawmakers propose horse racing change for two remaining Florida tracks

TALLAHASSEE — A Florida House panel Wednesday supported eliminating a requirement that the state’s two remaining thoroughbred horse tracks —  Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs — hold races to be able to offer other types of gambling. The proposal (HB 105), approved by the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, drew fierce criticism from opponents who argued that it would lead to an end of racing and devastate the state’s horse-breeding industry. In... Read More

Pam Bondi is sworn in as attorney general as the Justice Department braces for major shakeup

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — Pam Bondi was sworn in Wednesday as attorney general, taking charge of the Justice Department as it braces for upheaval with President Donald Trump aiming to exert his will over an agency that has long provoked his ire. The ceremony took place in the Oval Office and it was the first time that the Republican president had participated in a second-term swearing-in of a Cabinet member. It was further evidence of Trump’s intense... Read More

Trial for Broward man accused of killing girlfriend, dumping body in canal ends in hung jury

Jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict Wednesday in the murder trial for a Pompano Beach man accused of killing his girlfriend and dumping her car in a canal with her body inside. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published: February 5, 2025 at 1:23 PM EST ... Read More

After a nationwide search, Fort Lauderdale finds new leader to run City Hall

Rickelle Williams, an assistant city manager in Miami Beach, beat out more than 90 applicants hoping to be chosen as city manager of one of South Florida’s top tourist destinations. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published: February 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM EST ... Read More

Questionnaire: Joshua David Rydell, candidate for Coconut Creek City Commission District E

Name: Joshua D. Rydell Campaign website: ourcoconutcreek.com Date, place of birth: June, 1981 Buffalo, NY Coconut Creek is hiring outside counsel in an effort to prevent the state from widening Florida’s Turnpike through residents’ back yards. Do you support this step and why or why not?I strongly support this measure of hiring outside counsel to protect Coconut Creek residents from the Florida Department of Transportation’s planned turnpike widening. The Florida Turnpike expansion has... Read More

NRA says Louisiana court ruling bolsters challenge to Florida law restricting under-21 gun sales

TALLAHASSEE — Nearly seven years after the law passed in response to the mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the National Rifle Association contends that a new court ruling bolsters its constitutional challenge to a Florida measure that bars people under age 21 from buying rifles and shotguns. The NRA on Monday filed a document at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that cited a ruling last week by another federal appeals court in a Louisiana case. That... Read More

New birth center unveiled at Memorial Regional Hospital

Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood has unveiled its new $68 million birthing center with private rooms, modern technology, partner lounges and a staff of specialists for every birth complication imaginable. The Family Birthplace in Memorial opens as the state’s birth rate wanes, mirroring a national decline that hit a record low in 2023. However, doctors at Memorial see the trends in their health system, revealing that high-risk deliveries are rising. Mothers are older, rates of... Read More