DeSantis signs controversial bear bill
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DeSantis signs controversial bear bill

Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 20 signed a controversial measure that will bolster self-defense arguments for people who kill bears on their property. The bill about bears (HB 87) provides a sort of stand-your-ground defense for people who shoot bears to defend themselves or property. But with bear hunting long a controversial issue in Florida,…

State eyes increased calls on wildlife
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State eyes increased calls on wildlife

Bears and coyotes and raccoons, oh my! As Florida’s population expands, state wildlife officials have seen a more than 33 percent increase in calls for assistance related to wild animals during the past five years, according to a presentation that could go before the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this week. While no proposed changes…

DeSantis security costs jump
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DeSantis security costs jump

TALLAHASSEE — As Gov. Ron DeSantis geared up his presidential campaign, taxpayer costs to transport and protect the governor and his family surged during the past fiscal year, according to a new state report. Florida spent more than $9.876 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year on protecting and transporting the DeSantis family and visiting officials,…