Northwest Florida counties digging out and starting to rebuild after Hurricane Michael will be asked to reevaluate their priority lists for BP oil-spill money.

A circuit judge has given a boost to more than 30 local governments challenging a 2011 state law that threatens stiff penalties for city or county officials who approve gun restrictions.

With nearly 1 million votes already cast by mail for the Nov. 6 general election, early voting got underway Monday in almost half of the state’s counties, including three recently ravaged by Hurricane Michael.

Democrat Nikki Fried, a medical-marijuana lobbyist, had to defend her desire to move the state’s oversight of medical marijuana into the agency she wants to run.

Visit Florida is moving forward with a $9 million marketing plan to combat media reports and negative public perceptions about how much of the state remains in ruins from Hurricane Michael.

Political efforts are increasing to support the quick rebuilding of hurricane-damaged Tyndall Air Force Base and to keep the federal government from abandoning the economic engine in Northwest Florida.

Environmental groups expressed indignation this week after the Everglades Trust endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis.

Roads are out. Some schools are rubble. Housing needs are growing.

Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux, who serves as president of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections, wants the state to consider changes for the general election --- from emailed vote-by-mail ballots to combining precincts --- to help people directly affected by Hurricane Michael.

Northwest Florida’s Tyndall Air Force Base, where pilots train to fly the F-22 stealth fighter, won’t be abandoned because of major damage it sustained in Hurricane Michael, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson vowed Monday.