TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate is poised Wednesday to approve plans for three toll-road projects that environmental groups decry as inviting sprawling development into rural parts of the state. With little discussion, the Senate on Tuesday set up for a vote the proposal (SB 7068), which is a priority of President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton. The…

SARASOTA (WWSB) – The Florida Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would shield from disclosure photos and recordings that depict the killing of victims of mass violence. This action comes a little more than a year after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in In Parkland FL. Senators voted 40 to zero…

TALLAHASSEE After heated back-and-forth with committee Democrats, Sen. Joe Gruters’ controversial anti-sanctuary city bill cleared its second of three hurdles Tuesday. After the vote, advocates for the immigrant communities erupted into shouts of “shame on you,” and many were escorted out of the committee room by security. Dozens of advocates left the room and formed…

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers are taking another run at eliminating an unused pool of sales-tax dollars intended for building and improving professional sports facilities. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, with little comment Monday, backed the latest proposal (SB 414) by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, to repeal a controversial 2014 program that — despite never…

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Senate leaders said this week they are open to the possibility of borrowing money to pay for infrastructure needs, including education projects. Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, raised the issue Wednesday at a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting after senators reviewed a revised long-range financial report that showed hurricane recovery costs and slowing economic…