After an ambitious effort to revamp Florida's mental-health treatment system died at the end of the last legislative session, state officials are readying a new round of proposals for 2016.

Gov. Rick Scott has proposed an increase of $19 million for mental-health and substance-abuse treatment services in his recommended budget for the next fiscal year, with the lion's share going to treat people with mental illnesses in the community instead of in a state-run institution.

While schools from the Sunshine State won’t be competing for the national football title, Florida will play a big role as college bowl season begins, hosting almost ten games while four teams from the state will play in the post-season. 

Pointing to rising death rates across the country, at the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., teamed up with an  Ohio Democrat in an effort to crack down on fentanyl abuse. 

“Hanukkah is a special time to celebrate the history of the Jewish people and their devout faith. Even during times of unrest in our world, Israel has remained a light for people everywhere as a nation of hope. We stand with the nation of Israel and continue to ask for peace this Hanukkah season, here and around the world. May this special holiday be a celebration of faith and community. To our Jewish friends, Ann and I wish you a very Happy Hanukkah. Chag Sameach.”
--Gov. Rick Scott

With the legislative committee weeks coming to a close, and the end of the year in sight, there were plenty of finales showing up in Tallahassee this week.

One phase of a nearly four-year-long legal battle over the state's congressional districts reached its conclusion. A race for the Senate presidency that at times threatened to tear the chamber apart was finally, definitively set aside. And the head of Gov. Rick Scott's economic development agency bowed out.

A new bill which would change the burden of proof in Stand Your Ground cases is headed to the Senate floor after a rocky start in the Florida House -- meaning the bill still may see the light of day come the 2016 regular legislative session.

Despite other contenders placing their bets there, former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., is putting his chips on New Hampshire, a state where his family has had mixed results over the years. 

Jesse Panuccio will step down as executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Gov. Rick Scott announced on Friday. 

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum has opened the door to running for Congress, potentially challenging U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., in the Democratic primary. 

A Florida Democrat teamed up with a North Carolina Republican demanding answers for why the federal government has shrunk red snapper season.