Florida’s congressional delegation saw a host of fresh faces join it in 2017 adding some new elements to how the Sunshine State is represented on Capitol Hill while veteran congressional representatives continued their efforts on a range of issues.
In a year of shock and awe -- even counting bad-tempered Irma -- men behaving badly easily topped Florida news in 2017, and most certainly they dominate the state losers list, too. Here's a list of Sunshine State News' top winners and losers:
Since its inception in 2006, Twitter has swept the world with its breaking, to-the-minute news coverage, changing the face of worldwide politics. Florida has been no exception, and politicos have embraced the social media platform with open arms, using Twitter to respond, interact with and even create headlines.
(This is the fourth in a series of stories previewing issues for the 2018 legislative session.)
For Florida residents, attending a state university or college is a bargain.
This academic year, in-state students at Florida's 12 universities will pay an average of $6,091 in tuition and fees for 30 credit hours, which is nearly 40 percent below the national average of $9,970 for four-year public schools, according to the College Board.
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., looks set to run for governor and he has some big name supporters ready to back him.
2017 was, if nothing else, an eventful year in Florida, with presidential visits, a busy hurricane season and political changeups galore.
(This is the third in a series of stories previewing issues for the 2018 legislative session)
When state lawmakers met during the 2017 legislative session, one of the biggest issues was a bill backed by Senate President Joe Negron to revamp how water flows in parts of South Florida.
Lawmakers aren't considering such a major piece of environmental legislation as they prepare for the 2018 session.
Popular homesharing website Airbnb helped Floridians earn lots of extra cash -- $450 million worth -- by offering up their homes for tourists and travelers in 2017.
Some got new jobs and some resigned in shame, but 2017 was the year of the mass exodus among Florida lawmakers. Three of the state’s 40 senators resigned in shame while another eight House members either called it quits, got new gigs or passed away.
(This is the second part of a series of stories previewing issues for the 2018 legislative session.)
Battles over health-care spending and regulation of Florida's vast health-care industry are likely to command a great deal of time and attention when the Florida Legislature convenes in January for its annual session.
Lawmakers are again expected to engage in a tug-of-war about what type of regulations should be in place for health-care facilities, but a main focus will be on Florida's strained safety-net health program at a time of tight state finances.
