Regional

Abortion rights amendment defeated

TALLAHASSEE — A ballot proposal that would have enshrined abortion rights in the Florida Constitution failed Tuesday, giving a major political victory to Gov. Ron DeSantis — and dealing a huge blow to abortion-rights supporters.

Recreational pot proposal falls short

TALLAHASSEE — A $150 million-plus effort to allow recreational use of marijuana in Florida fizzled out Tuesday, falling short of the needed 60 percent voter approval and delivering a major victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trulieve, the state’s largest medical-marijuana operator, pumped nearly $144.

Migliaccio named new UF ag dean

The University of Florida has selected Kati Migliaccio, the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering chair, as the new College of Agricultural and Life Sciences dean. Migliaccio will assume her new role Jan. 1.

‘Cat Fund’ could face $4.6B storm tab

TALLAHASSEE — A state program that provides critical backup coverage for property insurers could pay out an estimated $4.6 billion because of claims from hurricanes Milton and Helene.

Amendment 3 backers, DeSantis square off

TALLAHASSEE — Florida next week could join two dozen states that allow recreational use of marijuana, after a nine-figure campaign bankrolled by the state’s largest medical-marijuana operator amid intense opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

SCSO: Retrieving bike not an emergency

DOWLING PARK — Calling 911 for help getting his bicycle out of the woods landed a Suwannee County man in jail early Wednesday morning. According to a Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy responded to the area of 225th Road and 88th Street in western Suwannee County around 1:25 a.m.

Lee captures another world title

LIVE OAK — After Hurricane Helene ripped the roof off his house in western Suwannee County, the last thing Jared Lee was thinking about was another world championship.

FPL seeks approval to collect storm costs

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Power & Light customers likely will face increased monthly bills in 2025 after the utility Tuesday requested approval to collect nearly $1.2 billion to cover costs of restoring power after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton and to replenish a storm reserve fund.

Amendment 4 sparks fierce political fight

TALLAHASSEE — A political battle over abortion rights is giving Floridians the opportunity to vote on one of the nation’s most divisive issues, spurring unprecedented opposition by Gov.

Voters weigh hunting, fishing rights in Florida

TALLAHASSEE — Florida voters next week will decide whether to put hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution, as opponents have struggled to get their message out. The Legislature put the proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment 2, on the Nov. 5 ballot.