News Service of Florida, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa - Page 79 of 148

High gas prices in Florida won’t stop Memorial Day weekend traffic, says AAA

As of Thursday, Florida drivers were paying an average of $4.58 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, an all-time high.

by News Service of Florida May 27, 2022March 30, 2025

In special session, Florida lawmakers skip changes specifically addressing Citizens Insurance’s growth and premiums

With more than 850,000 policies, the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has become an 800-pound gorilla in Florida’s troubled insurance market.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida May 26, 2022August 3, 2023

Florida legislature sends bill on school shooting drills to Gov. Ron DeSantis

Under the bill, rules on drills for ‘active assailant and hostage situations, would be crafted by the state board of education.

by News Service of Florida May 26, 2022August 3, 2023

Critics of new Florida election laws point to ‘this country’s history of using law enforcement to threaten and intimidate people from voting’

A congressional panel probing changes to elections laws across the country held a hearing Wednesday in Tallahassee.

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida May 26, 2022August 3, 2023

In wake of Texas shooting, Florida Democrats want Republicans to tackle gun measures during special session

Following the Parkland shootings, Florida lawmakers quickly enacted a gun-control proposal that raised the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase rifles and other long guns.

by Jim Turner, Tom Urban and News Service of Florida May 25, 2022August 3, 2023

‘$2 billion tax giveaway’: Tampa Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa criticizes proposed property insurance changes

Bill sponsor says Florida’s property insurance chances likely won’t lead to immediate rate cuts for homeowners

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida May 25, 2022August 3, 2023

In latest comments, Florida’s new election boss refused to say whether Biden won the election

In May, DeSantis appointed Cord Byrd, who was at the forefront of some of the most controversial legislation supported by the governor.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida May 25, 2022January 12, 2025

Tampa’s Fentrice Driskell will become first Black woman to lead Florida’s House Democrats

Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D-Plantation, said Driskell “made history” Tuesday.

by Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida May 24, 2022August 3, 2023

Legislators want to stabilize Florida’s property insurance crisis, but it may not be enough

“We are being tone deaf, I believe, to what is really going on out in our communities.”

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida May 24, 2022August 3, 2023

Over 2,000 patients with COVID-19 are in Florida hospitals

The increases have come as variants of the coronavirus have developed and spread.

by News Service of Florida May 24, 2022August 3, 2023

State of Florida disputes ‘racist motivations’ ruling in so-called ‘sanctuary cities’ law

Lawmakers passed the measure in May 2019 along nearly straight party lines, before Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida May 23, 2022August 3, 2023

Fraudulent roof-damage claims eyed for Florida’s property insurance crisis special session

Insurers blame questionable, if not fraudulent, roof-damage claims for driving up costs.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida May 23, 2022September 16, 2024

Florida’s COVID-19 hospitalizations jumped 24% this week

The data showed that 1,941 inpatients had COVID-19, up from 1,560 a week earlier and 1,303 two weeks earlier.

by News Service of Florida May 20, 2022August 3, 2023

NRA seeks to overturn Florida law prohibiting rifle sales to adults under 21

Federal law already barred sales of handguns to people under 21.

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida May 20, 2022August 3, 2023

Florida was undercounted in the 2020 census, and likely lost a congressional seat

Florida had an estimated 3.48 percent undercount, the fourth-highest rate in the country.

by News Service of Florida May 20, 2022August 3, 2023

Former Florida congresswoman Corrine Brown pleads guilty to tax charge

Other charges against Brown were dropped in the deal.

by News Service of Florida May 19, 2022August 3, 2023

Florida House Democrats poised to select Tampa’s Fentrice Driskell as new leader

Driskell is the third House Democrat, after Alexander and Rep. Ben Diamond, D-St. Petersburg, to be considered as a successor to Jenne.

by Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida May 19, 2022August 3, 2023

Florida wants social-studies text books to not include ‘Critical race theory, social justice, or culturally responsive teaching’

The state’s process for adopting social-studies materials is slated to continue through April 2023.

by Ryan Dailey and News Service of Florida May 19, 2022August 30, 2024

Florida is looking for people to help dispose of bear carcasses, and other bear-related duties

Applicants are expected to have flexible work schedules and vehicles that can tow small trailers.

by News Service of Florida May 18, 2022October 7, 2023