Alligator Alcatraz. Guns. Social media. Legal battles about those and myriad other Florida issues remain unresolved heading into 2026.
Jim Saunders
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Activists fight Mosaic’s ‘moot’ argument over radioactive byproduct in Polk County roads
In its challenge, the Center for Biological Diversity cited concerns about radon emissions and potential air and groundwater pollution.
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Mosaic: Lawsuit is moot because the company has already put radioactive byproduct into other Polk County roads
Mosaic attorneys added, ‘This action (lawsuit) is now moot because construction of the phosphogypsum portions of the pilot road project is complete. The court should accordingly dismiss the (Center for Biological Diversity) petition for review.’
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Federal court will hear appeal over 2023 Florida drag show law
Two rulings blocked the law on First Amendment grounds.
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Union representing Florida college professors challenges syllabi requirements
The Department of Education proposed a rule that included the changes to the State Board of Education, which approved it Nov. 13.
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Divided federal court says Florida can now enforce 2024 social media law
The law prevents children under age 14 from opening accounts on certain platforms.
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Judicial panel gives go-ahead to part of lawsuit over allegedly gerrymandered Florida districts
Friday’s ruling came three months after a separate three-judge panel upheld a 2022 Senate redistricting plan, rejecting arguments that a Tampa Bay-area district was racially gerrymandered.
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US Supreme Court declines to take up Tampa Christian school’s appeal over pregame prayer
The decision effectively was a victory for the Florida High School Athletic Association.
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Florida wildlife officials say they did not violate First Amendment rights in firing over Charlie Kirk post
Biologist Brittney Brown worked for the FWC studying shorebirds and seabirds in the area of Tyndall Air Force Base in the Panhandle.
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Florida environmental group seeks injunction to stop 2025 bear hunt
As many as 172 black bears could be killed during the hunt, which is scheduled from Dec. 6 to Dec. 28.
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Gainesville teacher fights state over ‘dictator’ certificate allegation
Watts’ attorneys disputed the state’s allegations, which also included that the teacher’s ‘conduct embarrassed and disparaged’ the student.
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FWC biologist sues after she was fired a over Charlie Kirk post
The lawsuit said Brown was fired after reposting on her Instagram account a post from an account called ‘@whalefact.’
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Tampa General Hospital joins organ transplant rule challenge
The challenges come after years of debate and disputes about approving transplant programs.
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St. Pete Beach bar wins First Amendment music fight
It’s another victory for local businesses and artists fighting city restrictions on live music.
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EPA, Mosaic ask court to reject lawsuit challenging use of radioactive byproduct in Polk County
The issue of using phosphogypsum in road-building has long been controversial.
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Miami Beach has challenged FDOT’s street art ban
The Miami Beach petition at the Division of Administrative Hearings said the state targeted what are described as “terrazzo pavers” at Ocean Drive and 12th Street in the city.
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Florida plans to resume bringing immigrants to Everglades facility
TALLAHASSEE — Florida plans to resume taking in immigrants at a controversial detention center in the Everglades if an appeals court pauses a judge’s order that required winding down operations at the facility, a new court filing says.
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DeSantis administration seeks to put ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ injunction on hold
The state’s attorneys argued that the National Environmental Policy Act does not apply to the facility.
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Citizens Insurance says it could be ‘irreparably harmed’ if it’s not allowed to use a controversial claims-dispute process
Attorneys for Citizens on Friday filed a 63-page motion at the 2nd District Court of Appeal.
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Federal judges reject argument that Tampa Bay’s Senate District 16 was racially gerrymandered
Plaintiffs contended that the lines have reduced the influence of Black voters in Pinellas County’s neighboring Senate District 18.