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Saturday, June 27, 2026
The state of Florida carried out the execution of Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, making him the oldest person ever executed by the state. Spencer had been convicted for the 1992 killing of his wife. Protesters gathered outside Raiford State Prison ahead of the execution.
Sources: The Independent Florida Alligator
A federal judge in Tallahassee has scheduled a trial to determine whether Florida’s social media law — which would fine platforms $100,000 for removing a statewide political candidate and require disclosure of content moderation practices — can take effect. The law has been blocked since 2021 on First Amendment grounds, and though the U.S. Supreme Court previously sent the case back for review, Florida cannot enforce the law while the trial proceeds. A tech industry trade association argues the law still violates the First Amendment and expects to prevail.
Sources: WCJB TV20
A political analyst from the Florida Policy Institute warns that millions of Floridians could lose food assistance if the federal government applies a potential $984 million penalty against the state’s SNAP program. A USDA report found Florida’s 2025 SNAP payment error rate exceeded 12 percent, nearly double the 6 percent threshold set by Congress. The analyst also noted that a projected state revenue deficit surpassing $6 billion by fiscal year 2028-29 could leave Florida without sufficient funds to sustain the program.
Sources: WCJB TV20
An inmate at Florida State Prison in Raiford attacked two corrections officers Friday using a makeshift contraband weapon, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. Both officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Bradford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist state corrections staff, and an investigation is underway.
Sources: WCJB TV20
A campaign called ‘Vote No on 3’ has organized to fight a proposed Florida property tax overhaul, according to a Gainesville Sun report. The effort signals a growing political battle over the state-level ballot measure that would reshape how property taxes are structured in Florida.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
Growing interest in artificial intelligence data centers across Florida has prompted worries about the strain such facilities could place on water and electricity resources. Several counties and cities have responded by pausing or imposing moratoriums on new data center development as communities weigh the costs and benefits.
Sources: The Gainesville Sun
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