A Local Leader On Guard Against Preemption in a State That’s a Hotbed For It
“These legislators are doing things without even speaking to, or thinking about, local governments,” says the city commissioner.
An Invasive Species Hunt: Inside the 'Python Bowl'
The 10-day competition sent 750 snake hunters into the Florida Everglades, with the goal of removing as many Burmese pythons as possible.
FBI to Alert States About Local Election System Hacks
The FBI changed its policy to allow agents to inform both state and local election officials when election systems are breached.
Florida Lawmakers Want to Prohibit Jail Sentences for Missed Jury Duty
The legislation they introduced is inspired by the case of a college student who overslept on the day he was supposed to sit on a jury and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.
Local Governments Offer Tips on Deep Frying a Thanksgiving Turkey Without Burning the House Down
Every year, people run into problems frying turkeys. Fire departments and other local officials have suggestions on how to prevent serious mishaps.
Amid Crackdowns on Homeless People Living Outside, Group Appeals Food Sharing Case
Food Not Bombs is appealing the latest ruling in a case that challenged restrictions on sharing food with the homeless in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Arrests of 6-Year-Olds Show the Perils of Putting Police in Elementary Schools
COMMENTARY | About one-third of America's elementary schools have a school police officer on hand. Do these officers make schools safer, or are they turning primary schools into mini police precincts?
The Slow Process of Post-Hurricane Housing Recovery
In communities hit by recent storms, government leaders have undertaken initiatives to try to speed up federal temporary housing help for residents.
The Toxic Algae That's Taking Over The Country's Waters
Blue-green algae blooms have been reported in dozens of states and municipalities, shutting beaches and putting people and animals at risk.
The Hidden Challenges in Police Use of Facial Recognition Technology
The Orlando Police Department ended its pilot program involving facial recognition technology this month, saying the agency was unable to devote the necessary resources to the program.
How College Towns Could Benefit More From Throngs of Student Volunteers
In college towns, student volunteers may make up a disproportionate percentage of the total volunteers.
Becoming the Lionfish King
The state of Florida encourages divers to remove an invasive species of fish from its waters in an annual challenge, naming the winner the Lionfish King (or Queen).
Florida Is The Latest Republican-Led State To Adopt Clean Needle Exchanges
Needle exchanges have been legal in many other states for decades, but Southern, Republican-led states like Florida have only recently started to adopt this public health intervention.
Panama City, Florida Hosts ‘Charrette Week’ to Engage Residents in City Redesign
Eight months after Hurricane Michael destroyed a significant portion of the area, the city manager of Panama City says leaders are looking to residents for ideas on what to prioritize as they rebuild.
How Rural Areas Like Florida’s Panhandle Can Become More Hurricane-Ready
COMMENTARY | Better preparation can help make communities more resilient in the face of major disasters.
Florida Moves to Allow Teachers to Carry Guns
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Baltimore mayor resigns … New election machines in North Dakota … Marijuana lounges become legal in Las Vegas.
Mueller Findings Raise Election Hacking Fears in States
Major breaches into state and local election systems worry election officials.
Feds Have More Information About Russian Hacking They Could Tell Florida, U.S. Senator Confirms
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Reorganization at the National Governors Association ... States consider bills that limit vaccine exemptions … Fire department looks into ‘bike medics’ as new emergency response option.
Many Officers Hired by New Police Departments After Misconduct Probes
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Developments in local and federal investigations into officials across the country … A bill banning sanctuary cities passes the Florida House … Federal judge says it is legal to sell fireworks on tribal land.
Abandoning a Dog During a Hurricane Would Become Illegal Under State Proposal
A Florida bill proposes possible jail time or fines for leaving a dog tethered outside in a storm.
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