Redistricting maps get past first step

Florida Senate votes 31-4 in favor of new congressional maps.

A proposed senate district map from Sen. Ray Rodrigues shows how Columbia and Suwannee Counties could be drawn. (COURTESY)
A proposed senate district map from Sen. Ray Rodrigues shows how Columbia and Suwannee Counties could be drawn. (COURTESY)

TALLAHASSEE --- The Florida Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved maps in the once-a-decade redistricting process, despite concerns from Democrats that a surge in Hispanic population doesn’t appe…