About 41 bills failed to pass the 2023 Florida legislative session and local marginalized communities are now facing the consequences.
From city-level government positions to partisan political advocacy organizations to non-partisanship coalitions, there are limitless ways for UF students to dive into political activism and support their local community following the 2023 legislative session.
The panel highlighted laws restricting discussions of LGBTQ themes in K-12 classrooms, transgender healthcare, transgender individuals’ ability to use the restroom aligning with their gender identity, minors’ attendance at drag performances and the defunding of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Han Yi, who immigrated to the U.S. from China, feels betrayed by the state she’s called home for roughly 10 years due to a bill restricting Chinese citizens from purchasing real estate in Florida. Yi, the vice principal of the HuaGen Chinese School in Gainesville, is one among the many frustrated Asian American and Pacific Islander locals speaking out against three bills signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis aimed at limiting the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on the state.
DeSantis signed the permitless carry bill into law April 3, which will eliminate the required application and training to carry a concealed firearm. The new law and a recent school shooting at a Nashville private school has prompted mixed views from Florida residents on gun legislation.
Wielding large signs and vibrant hand flags representing different countries, dozens of students and residents alike chanted in unison at the intersection of 13th Street and West University Avenue.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Monday a permitless carry bill, which will get rid of the required application and training to carry a concealed firearm. This was a week after a mass shooting occurred at a Nashville private school. These two events, and many more, prompted the demand for gun violence protests across the state.
Over the years, Florida Republicans have introduced bills targeting the ways public employee unions operate. Most of the previous bills haven’t been able to cross the threshold into becoming laws. But some union leaders fear that might change this legislative session.
Draped in rainbow flags, the historic, small town of Micanopy thronged to the polls on election day — on the ballot: a review of the community’s stance on LGBTQ inclusivity.
The Florida House of Representatives District 22 seat is likely to remain red as two Gainesville Republicans announced their candidacies and aren’t yet facing Democratic opposition.
Florida is on track to become the 26th state to allow citizens to carry concealed firearms without a permit after one of Alachua County’s House representatives filed the bill.
The Gainesville group traveled by bus — some attendees were affiliated with Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida and some came from UF Generation Action, one of over 350 Planned Parenthood college chapters.
Rep. Kat Cammack co-sponsored the ‘Born Alive’ abortion bill, a piece of legislation that has sparked controversy among lawmakers and activists alike.
The Alligator analyzed general trends and takeaways from the midterm election and compiled the biggest storylines in the aftermath of Nov. 8.
Every election, the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections’ Office opens a canvassing board viewing area where residents can watch live poll updates and listen in as county officials confirm ballots.
A list of amendments on the Florida ballot failed Election Day. All Alachua County referendums passed.
A runoff election held Tuesday between Sean Brewer and Aubroncee Martin determined who’ll fill the vacancy in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. As of Tuesday night, Brewer leads the race with more than two-thirds of the votes.
Republican Keith Perry defeated Democrat Rodney Long winning the District 9 Florida Senate seat with 65.6% of the vote, as of 10 p.m.
Candidates Mary Alford, Marihelen Wheeler and Ken Cornell won the District 1, District 2 and DIstrict 4 County Commission races, respectively.
Chuck Clemons will enter his fourth term as a Florida representative after defeating Democratic opponent Brandon Peters with 56.7% of the vote as of 9:23 p.m. Tuesday.
Solutions by The State News
