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Taser deaths prompt company to create ‘less lethal’ device
Some Central Florida law enforcement agencies are using BolaWrap. Since 2002, more than 900 people have died soon after police used a taser on them. Dozens of those deaths happened in Florida. Now, a company — Wrap Technologies — is pushing for a less lethal option to subdue someone....
Private donors direct $200,000 to Polk arts groups hit by DeSantis' veto of state grants
Arts and cultural organizations in Florida are still reeling from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto last month of all funding for grants in the state budget. In response, local philanthropists have emerged to donate a combined $200,000 to seven organizations in Polk County. The anonymous donors directed the money through the GiveWell Community Foundation, said Daryl Ward, executive director of the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance. ...
Florida's 2024 primary election is less than a month out. What to know for Escambia County
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Florida Primary Election has passed. Now it's time to look forward to the election on Aug. 20. Florida is one of 10 states with closed primaries. That means voters can only vote for candidates who represent their registered party; Republicans must vote for Republicans, Democrats for Democrats, and non-party-affiliated voters must wait to cast their vote in the general election in November. ...
Lawsuit seeks to stop county's purchase of Israeli bonds, saying it violates state law
A Palm Beach County couple with family ties to war-ravaged Gaza has filed a lawsuit in circuit court to stop County Clerk and Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo from investing in Israel bonds. The lawsuit claims that Florida law bars the investments because they were made for social, ideological, and political reasons. Gov. Ron DeSantis...
Another book ban battle emerges in Florida, with high stakes for the First Amendment
Another legal battle has begun over Florida's book bans, with significant stakes, as the sued school district is launching a controversial defense that could shake First Amendment law nationwide. This case emerges in Florida's northeasternmost county, Nassau, wedged between Jacksonville and Georgia. ...
Florida’s only public historically Black university names interim president
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s only public historically Black university has chosen an interim leader, after the school’s president announced this month that he intends to resign. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<. As the next executive of Florida A&M University, Interim President Timothy Beard will be...
Vote for the Emerald Coast's top high school football rivalry. Our No. 1 may surprise you.
Just five days separate us from the official start of the 2024 Florida high school football season. The schedules have been posted, trash talking is flowing on X, the transfers are settling into their new digs and soon we'll be inundated with new team mottos and season goals. But while the names change, the rivalries stay the same. So let's discuss the best gridiron rivalries on the Emerald Coast. This is just one man's opinion, by the...
1 in 2 Florida households struggles to make ends meet, minorities find it even tougher
Nearly half of Florida households are employed but struggling to make ends meet, according to a report by United Way that highlights the financial pressures on Floridians. Based on data from the U.S. Census and Federal Reserve, researchers found that, of the 8.8 million households in the state, 4 million were either in poverty or unable to afford basic living costs in 2022, with many not qualifying for public assistance.
From ‘Mitten’ to Sunshine State
Robert D’Amore does not live in Michigan, but he has been a customer of Lake Michigan Credit Union for eight years. He chose the financial institution because there is a convenient branch near his home in Naples. He stayed because of the customer service. “It’s a little bit of...
Wildlands Conservation launches new Gopher Tortoise license plate
Tampa-based nonprofit, Wildlands Conservation (Website), has just launched a new license plate to help raise funds to protect gopher tortoises. The gopher tortoise is a threatened species in the state of Florida, due to the loss of its upland habitat – which happens to be very easy to build on. They are seen as keystone species that are vital to the health of their ecosystems, and their burrows provide shelter for an estimated 350 other species.
Office of Criminal Conflict honored with Governor’s Sterling Award
Under the leadership of Ita M. Neymotin, the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Second Region, has received the 2024 Governor’s Sterling Award in the Team Showcase Competition. The Sterling Council, a public/private not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor, annually honors high-performing organizations with the Governor’s Sterling Award to recognize public and private agencies […] The post Office of Criminal Conflict honored with Governor’s Sterling Award first appeared on Fort Myers Florida Weekly.
A scaly challenge like none other
Novice and professional snake hunters will soon muster their resolve and trek intrepidly, or perhaps with trepidation, into the wilds of Florida to seek a slithery predator that eats everything in its path. The 2024 Florida Python Challenge will be held for 10 days starting Aug. 9 and continue through Aug. 18. Registration is open now through the first day […] The post A scaly challenge like none other first appeared on Fort Myers Florida Weekly.
Art as an Economic Engine
More than ever, it seems, community arts across Florida’s diverse demographic and geographic landscape are thriving. That might not be news except for this single salient fact: State funds providing support to nonprofit arts organizations that enrich their towns and counties both culturally and economically were cut from the state’s final budget this year, for the first time since 1969. […] The post Art as an Economic Engine first appeared on Fort Myers Florida Weekly.
NOW! Public Demands Action: Petition Seeks Charges Against Florida Couple for Leaving Dog in Hot Car
WFCN – Just south of Daytona Beach, a Florida couple went for a beach day—a perfectly normal summertime activity, I suppose. Strange as it may seem, a couple walked off and entertained themselves, leaving their dog in a scorching car parked in the heat. Lucky for the couple,...
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