News from the South - Florida News Feed
Corrections bill passed along party lines advances to House
by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
April 2, 2025
Legislation authorizing the Department of Corrections to find alternative means of imposing the death sentence and limiting inmates’ ability to sue over conditions has cleared its second and final committee hearing Wednesday and is headed for the House floor.
The bill by Pinellas County Republican Berny Jacques (HB 903) addresses a variety of issues involving inmates in Florida’s corrections system, including what happens if acquisition of the drugs needed to put inmates to death becomes “impossible or impractical.” (Some manufacturers have stopped supplying these drugs for executions.)
The state would use by any method not considered unconstitutional.
The bill would require inmates to exhaust all internal administrative remedies before they could sue over conditions. They’d have to show they’d suffered a physical injury or sexual act to bring claims alleging mental or emotional injuries.
Additionally, the bill extends the period for which a court may authorize an inmate to be involuntarily treated from 90 days to six months.
And it exempts from criminal prosecution a prison or jail employee who installs a tracking device on an inmate. The Phoenix reported last year that inmates in at least one correctional institution were required to wear electronic bracelets to monitor their movements.
During a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, the measure drew criticism from Broward County Democratic Rep. Mike Gottlieb, who objected to language requiring adjudication of indigent inmates’ claims for damages over a negligent or wrongful act or omission to be completed in just one year.
Gottlieb questioned what would happen if the administrative process took longer than a year. “How does that person not lose their ability to sue under this statute?” he asked.
Jacques responded that it was “highly unlikely” the process would take as long as a year. The committee rejected Gottlieb’s subsequent amendment that would have “tolled” or suspended that one-year time limit.
Gottlieb later said he had to vote no on the measure, saying he couldn’t support provisions like placing liens on prisoners who initiate challenges to prison disciplinary reports and the different methods of execution provision.
Orange County Democratic Rep. Johanna López also objected to the execution language.
Jacques replied that the provision would simply allow the state to continue to carry out other constitutionally allowed forms of execution if for whatever reason lethal injection could not be applied.
The measure passed 16-5, along party lines. A companion bill (SB 1604) sponsored by Lee County Republican Jonathan Martin has two more committees to move through before reaching the floor.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
The post Corrections bill passed along party lines advances to House appeared first on floridaphoenix.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
2 of 6 charged in shooting death of 7-year-old Breon Allen expected to plead not guilty on Thursday
SUMMARY: In Jacksonville, two of the six individuals charged in the shooting death of 7-year-old Breon Allen Jr. are expected to plead not guilty in court. Keith Johnson, 21, and Dannel Larkins, 20, are among those charged alongside four others, including two 17-year-olds. Sheriff T.K. Waters described the shooting as a gang-related, planned act of violence linked to a feud between rival gangs, including ATK and 6 block. The shooting also injured Breon’s cousin, Lafayette Mango Jr., 21. Authorities are working to ensure the suspects are held accountable for their actions.
The post 2 of 6 charged in shooting death of 7-year-old Breon Allen expected to plead not guilty on Thursday appeared first on www.news4jax.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Journalists in Haiti defy bullets and censorship to cover unprecedented violence
SUMMARY: Journalist Jean-Jacques Asperges and his family have been displaced by gang violence in Haiti, now living in overcrowded shelters. Gang control over 85% of Port-au-Prince has led to increased attacks on journalists, exemplified by a deadly Christmas Eve incident where two journalists were killed. Armed groups have threatened reporters, contributing to a climate of fear, while public trust in media has eroded. Despite warnings from organizations to avoid covering armed groups, many journalists continue their work, often at great personal risk. Haiti ranks as the most dangerous country for journalist murders to go unpunished, exacerbating the ongoing crisis in press freedom.
The post Journalists in Haiti defy bullets and censorship to cover unprecedented violence appeared first on www.clickorlando.com
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Miami businesses prepare to absorb costs amid new tariffs
SUMMARY: Miami businesses are preparing for cost increases due to new tariffs announced by President Trump, which include a baseline 10% tax on imports. Local business owners, such as Aisa Daga from Holyland Flowers and Herby Lopez from Toyota of Hollywood, are bracing themselves for price hikes on goods and vehicles. Daga aims to ensure her customers don’t feel the financial impact of rising costs. Meanwhile, Lopez’s dealership plans to absorb some of the tariff costs and anticipates increased demand for used cars if new car prices rise. Both are optimistic about navigating these challenges while supporting Trump’s trade strategy.

A Miami business owner and a Toyota dealership manager are preparing for price hikes due to new tariffs from President Trump. Both plan to absorb some costs to keep prices stable for customers.
-
Mississippi Today1 day ago
Pharmacy benefit manager reform likely dead
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed7 days ago
Severe storms will impact Alabama this weekend. Damaging winds, hail, and a tornado threat are al…
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed6 days ago
University of Alabama student detained by ICE moved to Louisiana
-
News from the South - Oklahoma News Feed4 days ago
Tornado watch, severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Oklahoma
-
News from the South - Virginia News Feed6 days ago
Youngkin removes Ellis, appoints Cuccinelli to UVa board | Virginia
-
News from the South - Kentucky News Feed7 days ago
A little early morning putting at the PGA Tour Superstore
-
News from the South - Georgia News Feed5 days ago
Georgia road project forcing homeowners out | FOX 5 News
-
News from the South - North Carolina News Feed7 days ago
Artificial intelligence experiment begins in North Carolina treasurer’s office | North Carolina