Tristan Wood

1 week ago | wusf.org | Tristan Wood

The Florida legislature’s standoff over the budget and proposed tax reductions has gone further off the rails. Lawmakers were expected to return to Tallahassee for more negotiations next week, But leaders in the House announced Friday they won’t be moving forward after Senate leaders expressed reservation about passing the House’s tax proposal. It's been about a week since Florida’s regular legislative session was supposed to conclude.

1 week ago | cfpublic.org | Tristan Wood

Public water fluoridation is done for in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he will sign a bill banning local governments from putting Fluoride in their water supply. The practice of fluoridating public water has been in place since 1945. It helps promote dental health. Some recent preliminary studies suggest that extreme levels of Floride exposure, a greater amount than what is approved for use in U.S. water supplies, can have negative developmental effects young children.

1 week ago | health.wusf.usf.edu | Tristan Wood

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, the city of Tallahassee and Florida State University are in preliminary discussions exploring the future of the hospital. The land, building and assets are owned by the city. FSU has expressed interest in buying it. The hospital has pushed back on the idea.

2 weeks ago | wusf.org | Tristan Wood

The Florida House wants to take the lead on plans to reduce and reform property taxes in the state. House Speaker Daniel Perez announced Tuesday he is launching a House select committee to draft ballot initiatives over the summer to go on the 2026 ballot. While addressing his chamber, Perez acknowledged Governor Ron DeSantis had been calling for abolishing property taxes, but the speaker said the governor’s calls have come with few specifics. “Naturally, many of us had the same questions.

3 weeks ago | wusf.org | Tristan Wood

Florida’s legislative session is now expected to run longer than planned due to stalled budget negotiations. That standoff has led to fiery exchanges between the House and Senate leaders. On the floor Thursday, Senate President Ben Albritton said he expects budget negotiations won’t be concluded by the end of session next week. Passing a balanced budget is the one thing Florida lawmakers are required to do each year.