A Leon County Circuit judge believes time remains to determine the validity of the Legislatures redrawn congressional districts before politicians have to qualify for the fall campaigns.

With just over 75 days until the start of qualifying, Judge Terry Lewis showed eagerness Friday to move forward a challenge to the maps following guidelines similar to those used in a nearly two-month state Supreme Court review of the state House and Senate maps.

Lewis said he would like to begin a trial the week of April 16.

A gun group is suing the city of Leesburg over a local law that requires municipal approval to discharge a firearm.

Florida Carry says the statute violates state law, which prohibits local jurisdictions from implementing gun restrictions. The 2011 Legislature doubled down on that 25-year-old law by spelling out penalties against local officials, including removal from office.

Since 2007, Florida's 67 counties have trimmed more than $3 billion from local budgets. Like state government, Florida's local communities have been committed to keeping taxes low and doing more with less.

Alan Grayson's collision with a Lynx bus in downtown Orlando last weekend was the latest in a string of road follies by the former Democratic congressman who now is seeking a return to office.

According to court and law-enforcement documents obtained by Sunshine State News, Grayson racked up nine traffic citations in Florida and Virginia since 1995.

The offenses -- which ranged from speeding to littering to "improper backing" -- resulted in fines and, in one case, enrollment at traffic school.

An assortment of bills approved by the Legislature, including a requirement for state employees to be randomly drug tested, a $2.4 million claims bill for a slainpolice informant and removing a requirement that bicyclists must keep one hand on the handlebars while riding, landed on Gov. Rick Scotts desk Friday.

Scott has until March 31 to sign or veto the bills.

CS3 HB 107 Special Districts

While he has yet to win a primary and his only caucus win was in the Virgin Islands -- where Mitt Romney got more delegates -- U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas continues his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, focusing on the Illinois primary on Tuesday as he looks to continue his campaign all the way to the Republicans' convention in Tampa in August.

While Democrat incumbent President Barack Obama is an overwhelming favorite to carry his home state in November, Illinois will have a large role in Tampa -- and 69 delegates to boot.

Septic tank legislation, state permitting changes and millions of dollars for Everglades restoration and land-buying capped off a relatively under-the-radar session for environmental issues.

Despite being overshadowed by insurance, redistricting and higher education issues, among others, environmental groups say they had a better session than last, with both legislative leaders and Gov. Rick Scott being more open to their input.

Rick Scott is all about accountability and efficiency in government. Unfortunately, the Medicaid bill on his desk is about neither.

The original "Hollywood blacklist" dates back to 1947, when 10 members of the Communist Party, present or former, invoked the Fifth Amendment before the House Committee on Un-American Activities.