Florida judge again uses DeSantis’s own case against him, says State cannot punish districts over mask mandates

Here is a link to many coronavirus resources Leon County Judge John Cooper again Wednesday used Governor Ron DeSantis’s own arguments to rule against him on mask mandates. Cooper set aside a stay to his original ruling, meaning the State can no longer punish school districts for implementing mask mandates. LISTEN: In the initial judgment,… Read more »

Judge uses DeSantis’s own defense to dismantle case for banning mask mandates in schools

Here is a link to many coronavirus resources The state of Florida cannot punish school districts for implementing mask mandates with medical opt-outs. That’s the ruling handed down Friday by a Leon County judge. Gov. Ron DeSantis’s evidence for banning mandates wound up losing the case for him. LISTEN: The ruling means schools can continue… Read more »

Hillsborough addition means Florida’s top three school districts now have mask mandates against Gov.’s wishes

Here is a link to many coronavirus resources The Hillsborough County School Board Wednesday voted to institute a 30-day mandatory mask policy. Board members voted 5-2 to institute the temporary mandate with an option for parents to opt-out, but only with a letter from a doctor. The rule goes into effect Thursday. LISTEN: Board members… Read more »

Pinellas parents rally for mandatory masks in schools as the delta variant continues to hospitalize children

Here is a link to many coronavirus resources Parents and doctors rallied outside Pinellas County School’s district office today (Monday) to plead for mask mandates in schools. The call comes after the Friday release of new rules for mitigating COVID-19 in school sent mixed signals to parents and educators alike. Listen: Seventh-grader Liam Oliver wants… Read more »

Mask mandates OK in Florida schools with opt-out system, despite threats from governor

Here is a link to many coronavirus resources The Florida Department of Health released new rules for COVID-19 mitigation in schools Friday. The rules say school districts can mandate mask-wearing if they offer an opt-out program. The rules were announced exactly one week after Gov. Ron DeSantis threatened to withhold money from districts mandating masks…. Read more »

Bipartisan bills address environment, education, robocalls and more

Florida lawmakers introduced more than 3,000 bills in the 2021 legislative sessions, with about 8 percent of them being signed into law. Among them were bills with robust support from both Republican and Democrats.  These include everything from making improvements to early education to protecting the environment and putting restrictions on telephone solicitations.  State Rep…. Read more »

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DeSantis signs trans girls sports ban on first day of LGBTQ Pride month, protests and legal challenges swiftly follow

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a controversial bill banning transgender girls from Florida school sports into law Tuesday, the first day of LGBTQ Pride Month. Protests and promises of legal challenges swiftly followed the signing. LISTEN: The section of SB 1028 banning trans girls from sports was added to the bill at the last possible moment… Read more »