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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited Panama City in Bay County, then traveled to Franklin, Gulf and Walton counties to welcome new law enforcement officers by awarding them $5,000 hiring bonuses. Known as the Florida Law Enforcement Officer Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, more than 9,400 recruitment bonuses have been awarded to new police officers to date. The governor launched the bonus program in 2022 as a way to sway police officers in other states, which are crime-tolerant jurisdictions where prosecutors allow crime to run rampant and local politicians blame law enforcement. “Here in Florida, our law enforcement officers are supported and…

Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer announced that the state has filed a civil enforcement action against Roku, Inc. and its Florida subsidiary alleging violations of the Florida Digital Bill of Rights (FDBOR) and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). According to the complaint, Roku is accused of allowing the collection, sale, and re-identification of sensitive personal data, including viewing history, audio recordings, and other information, from children without proper notice or parental consent. The state alleges these actions violate Florida’s consumer protection and privacy laws by misrepresenting the effectiveness of Roku’s privacy controls and by failing to…

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – It was expected to come back, and it did. The state Legislature is once again facing a controversial bill that sparked intense debate during the last legislative session. House Bill 6003 aims to close what supporters call a fatal legal loophole in wrongful death lawsuits against hospitals. Session 2024-2025: This legislative session, state lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favor of a bill that would allow more families to file medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuits. However, after the Legislature adjourned, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill, arguing that it would drive up Florida’s health care costs and reduce…

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A joint operation between two different law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of approximately $15 million worth of cocaine. On October 5, the West Palm Beach Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office notified the Florida Highway Patrol of a semi-truck suspected of transporting drugs from the Mexico-Texas border to South Florida. FHP’s Criminal Apprehension Unit (CIU) then spotted the vehicle traveling southbound on the Florida Turnpike and conducted a traffic stop for inspection, according to a statement from the governor’s office. During a vehicle search, officers discovered a hidden trapdoor containing multiple duffel bags containing approximately…

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A new bill, if passed, would require parental consent for minors to receive treatment for certain sexually transmitted diseases. The bill, SB 166, sponsored by Republican Sen. Erin Goulart, would prohibit health care providers from providing maternal health or contraceptive information or services to minors without the permission of a parent or legal guardian. Polk County Sheriff charges detectives in child rape investigation This also includes situations in which a physician determines that an individual may be at risk of harm to their health if such services are not provided. The revised bill states that parent…

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Publix has announced a recall for one lot of ice cream that was distributed to various stores in six states, according to a release Wednesday. The supermarket chain announced that the recall applies to many Publix Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Creams (UPC 41415 03043). The ice cream reportedly contained an undeclared egg allergen. Nationally popular rice brand problem recalled: FDA The half-gallon ice cream container has a sell-by date of June 19, 2026 and may also come with a mismatched French vanilla ice cream container lid. People with egg allergies can become seriously ill if…

LIVE OAK, Fla. (WFLA) — Two people have been arrested following the death of a 2-year-old child Monday, according to the Suwanee County Sheriff’s Office. At 3:06 p.m., the sheriff’s office said its communications center received a report of an unresponsive child at a home in the 22900 block of 128th Pass in Live Oak. The caller reported that CPR was being performed. Deputies assisted by Suwannee County Fire and Rescue responded immediately and the child was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. During the investigation, detectives and investigators said they observed injuries to the child consistent…

Are you only thinking about money? Same goes for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. And they’ll raise that money for the “tailor-made cocktails” and “elevated nightlife experience” that Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop plans to offer when it opens here at iDrive. “There are obvious similarities between Nashville and Orlando,” opined Brittany Graham, marketing director for Live! At Point Orlando. “Both are vibrant, experience-oriented cities with a strong mix of locals, tourists and convention-goers.” And after Music City’s success seen with Dre and Snoop’s The Spot, Graham and the team at The City Beautiful are exploring a similar path…

Lawyers for the woman who granted a restraining order against Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) say she wants him removed from public office and hinted that she could face future criminal charges. Bobbi J. Frank represents Ms. Mills’ ex-girlfriend, Lindsey Langston, a Florida Republican state committee member who was crowned Miss United States in 2024. Langston’s request for an injunction to protect her from harassment from Mills was granted by a Florida judge on Tuesday. “We hope both parties will come together to remove Mr. Mills from office. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” Mr. Frank said Wednesday at…

After celebrating the 20th anniversary of Come Out with Pride last year, event organizers say Orlando’s massive celebration of LGBTQ+ culture will be even bigger this year and a chance for the community to come together. More than 200,000 people are expected to gather at Lake Eola Park on Saturday in a show of solidarity following a year of attacks against people in the LGBTQ+ community. Held one week after National Coming Out Day, Come Out with Pride Orlando will feature all the festivities, including drag performances, trance rallies, the signature “Most Colorful Parade,” a fireworks finale, and more. “Our…