Combined WGCU/News Service of Florida dispatches

A young manatee rolls on its back as it enjoys the morning at Manatee Park in Lee County.

Manatee deaths at 407 so far in 2025; Lee County ranks second

A new report from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission shows that 407 manatees have died this year in Florida as of last week. Brevard County on the east coast and Lee County on the west have been the hot spots so far this year for manatee deaths, according to FWC figures.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday vetoed legislation that would repeal a 35-year-old Florida law that bars adult children and their parents from recovering non-economic damages in wrongful death cases tied to medical negligence. The veto came after he announced the move during press briefing in Fort Myers.

Government & Politics

DeSantis vetoes malpractice bill, says lack of cap on damages doomed measure

Combined WGCU/News Service of Florida dispatches

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday vetoed a bill aimed at clearing the way for some people to pursue medical-malpractice lawsuits over the deaths of family members. DeSantis, who earlier had indicated he would veto the bill (HB 6017), said during an appearance at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers that the proposal could “open flood gates” for litigation.

FILE - Florida first lady Casey DeSantis speaks as her husband Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis looks on during a campaign event in 2023. Erik Dellenback, the executive director of the Hope Florida program, First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program and an affiliated foundation, is poised to step down from the job.

Government & Politics

Hope Florida Foundation chief Erik Dellenback leaving position

Combined WGCU/News Service of Florida dispatches

Amid ongoing scrutiny of First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare-assistance program and an affiliated foundation, the executive director of the Hope Florida program is poised to step down from the job.Erik Dellenback, who also serves as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “liaison for faith and community,” is leaving to pursue a post as CEO of Florida Family Voice, a Christian nonprofit affiliated with national groups such as the Family Policy Alliance, Focus on the Family and the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Environment

Environmental groups seek to keep scrub jay protections

Combined WGCU/News Service of Florida dispatches

Four conservation groups are seeking to help block an effort to remove federal Endangered Species Act protections for the Florida scrub jay, the Earthjustice legal organization announced Tuesday. The Florida Wildlife Federation, American Bird Conservancy, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida filed a request to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the protections.

Consumer affairs

FPL to file for new rate plan, would raise residential rates 2.5% through 2029; $2 billion in total

Combined WGCU/News Service of Florida dispatches

Residential rates would be raised about 2.5 percent through 2029 under a new rate plan Florida Power & Light said today that it plans to formally file. The new rates would be set once the utility's current base rate agreement concludes at the end of 2025.

Government & Politics

'Unborn Child' bill advances in House; Lee Now criticizes scope

Combined WGCU/News Service of Florida dispatches

Lee County's National Organization for Woman chapter is raising concerns over a piece of legislation sponsored by a Fort Myers Republican state representative.A House committee on Wednesday approved controversial HB 651 that would allow parents to file civil lawsuits seeking damages for the wrongful death of an “unborn child,” with critics of the bill saying it is too broad and could shrink the number of doctors who deliver babies in Florida.It now moves to the full House for approval.