Jim Turner, News Service of Florida, Author at Orlando Weekly

Florida nurse could be fined for wishing pregnant Karoline Leavitt a “fourth-degree tear” on TikTok

“As a labor and delivery nurse, it gives me great joy to wish Karoline Leavitt a fourth-degree tear,” Lawler said in her public video.

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida September 13, 2026September 13, 2026

An administrative law judge recommended the Florida Department of Health reprimand and fine a nurse who posted a TikTok disparaging former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. In January 2026, Lexie Lawler, a labor and delivery nurse employed at the time by Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, recorded a personal TikTok video in which […]

Florida House Democrats call for impeachment of Attorney General James Uthmeier

by Gray Rohrer, News Service of Florida and Jim Turner, News Service of Florida September 3, 2026September 3, 2026

This year’s Florida bear hunt will allow hunters to kill more bears

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is offering up to 215 permits, that’s more than the 172 permits made available for last year’s hunt.

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida August 31, 2026August 31, 2026

Florida tourism continues to drop amid concerns over inflation and Trump’s Canada tariffs

The drop may reflect an aversion from some Canadians toward Trump’s repeated labeling of the country as the “51st state” and aggressive trade policy.

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida August 24, 2026August 24, 2026

DeSantis says Central Florida will start testing flying cars by the end of the year

The governor referenced “Back to the Future” and “The Jetsons” several times while making the announcement

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida August 13, 2026August 13, 2026

Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday starts Monday. Here’s what you can save on

For this year, lawmakers moved the discount dates to July 20 through Aug. 20.

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida July 19, 2026July 19, 2026

Florida hurricane season now envisioned ‘well below normal’

Storm forecasters have further downgraded predictions a little more than a month into the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida July 9, 2026July 9, 2026

News

DeSantis is poised to leave office considerably wealthier than he started

He entered the statewide office in 2019 with a net worth of $283,605.

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida July 6, 2026July 6, 2026

‘Wasn’t my proposal’: DeSantis distances himself from property tax cut effort he pushed for

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida June 30, 2026June 30, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County still under burn ban as Florida OKs Fourth of July fireworks, urges caution

Floridians are being advised to be “responsible” when lighting devices that fly and explode

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida June 24, 2026June 24, 2026

DeSantis signs law enforcement bills, warns of state crackdown on ‘teen takeovers’

“We do not recognize any teen takeover. If you try that, you are doing that at your peril,” DeSantis said

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida June 16, 2026June 16, 2026

Florida police to beef up human trafficking enforcement at World Cup

AG James Uthmeier said his office is working with federal agencies in “surging more resources down here than we otherwise would.”

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida June 4, 2026June 4, 2026

DeSantis says his plan would cut property taxes for 92% of homestead homes

Many Florida homeowners would see their property tax bills eliminated or severely cut under a plan released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

Florida skips gas tax cut, but lines up breaks on outdoor goods and guns

Savings for campers, gun owners and professional tennis fans

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida May 28, 2026May 28, 2026

Property insurance experts are cautiously optimistic ahead of Florida hurricane season

A “below-normal” year for storms could further a positive trend for Florida’s insurance market, industry experts contend

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

News

Florida tourism dropped in first quarter of 2026

Florida’s figures remain bolstered by people traveling from other states, which accounted nearly 36.54 million first quarter visitors

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

Florida may ban July 4th fireworks due to fire risk amid drought

“You could put the entire state on fire in one evening”

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

DeSantis signs AI data center regulations into law

Florida utility customers won’t bear additional costs brought by new large scale data centers that power AI, under the bill

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida May 10, 2026May 10, 2026

Big Tobacco, Sig Sauer and more fund AG James Uthmeier’s campaign

He’s currently leading the race for Florida Attorney General

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida April 14, 2026April 14, 2026

DeSantis approves UFC-themed Florida license plate

The measure includes new plates for some South Florida high schools and the Ultimate Fighting Championship

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida April 13, 2026April 13, 2026