Convenience Big Store: So-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill expands | Arrests outside DeSantis' office

Orlando Morning Report

Thursday, May 4, 2023

So-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill expands | Arrests outside DeSantis' office | Maxwell on Disney board

Good morning. It's Thursday, May 4, 2023. Central Florida weather looks to be sunny with a high of 88 and low of 65. Click here for more weather. We launched a new-look website this week. Read our FAQ to read everything you need to know.

Florida OKs expansion of so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a measure that would expand last year's "Parental Rights in Education" law — known to critics as "Don't Say Gay." The bill, which is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, also seeks to restrict the way teachers and students can use their preferred pronouns in schools, […]

14 protesters arrested after blocking entrance to DeSantis' office

TALLAHASSEE — Several dozen protesters stormed the governor's office Wednesday, locked arms and blocked the entrance until they could get a face-to-face meeting with him on the 10th anniversary of their historic sit-in following the Seminole County shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. But after several hours of peaceful protest, singing and chanting, Gov. Ron […]

DeSantis appointee to Disney board denies saying tap water turns you gay. Um, what? \| Commentary

In so many ways, Florida is wonderfully weird. But when it comes to politics, we go way beyond weird — into just plain nuts.

Former Pulse nightclub property owners disagree on effort to donate land for future memorial

The property owners of the former Pulse nightclub site in Orlando are blaming one another over the reason for a failed real estate deal impacting the future of the planned memorial to commemorate the lives lost in the Pulse 2016 massacre. Through a spokesperson, Barbara Poma, a founder and former executive director of the onePULSE […]

SpaceX knocks out overnight launch while Axiom Space mission delayed

SpaceX lines up overnight Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral, delays human flight for Axiom 2 mission from KSC.

Lawmakers approve Disney World monorail inspections

TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers late Wednesday gave final approval to a bill giving the state the power to inspect the monorail at Disney World, the latest salvo in the feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the theme park giant. DeSantis vowed to end Disney's power to self-inspect its monorail system as part of his push […]

Olympic gold medalist found dead in Horizon West, deputies say

Tori Bowie, an Olympic champion sprinter was found dead Tuesday in a home in Horizon West, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Bookertown residents fear Seminole County plans could flood historic community

Residents of Bookertown are concerned that a Seminole County plan for new retention ponds will flood their historic community.

Lawmakers send to DeSantis bill targeting college diversity, equity, inclusion

TALLAHASSEE — As Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies target "woke" ideology, the Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that includes preventing colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The bill (SB 266), which now will go to DeSantis, touched off a fierce debate about Florida's […]

Florida lawmakers pass transgender bathroom bill

TALLAHASSEE — Nearing the end of a legislative session filled with debates about transgender issues, Florida lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at requiring people to use bathrooms that line up with their sex assigned at birth. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 26-12 to approve the bill (HB 1521), with the House following a short […]