NewsNight

NewsNight examines the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Great Outdoors Initiative, including proposals for development projects in some state parks such as adding pickleball courts and hotels.

As Democrats gather to nominate Kamala Harris for president, campaigners in Florida say abortion will be a key issue in the election. NewsNight looks in-depth at the fight over Amendment 4 and what it might mean for the prospects of both parties amid a tightening race heading into November.

Florida Democrats hope the Harris-Walz ticket will boost their chances in November as new numbers show Republicans with a record voter registration advantage in the Sunshine State. Plus, Central Florida's Venezuelan community voices concerns over President Maduro's crackdown on dissent.

NewsNight takes a detailed look at efforts to develop a permanent memorial on the site of the former Pulse nightclub, with the facilitator and a member of the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee. Plus, Florida voters are set to decide whether school board elections should become partisan.

Orlando City Commissioners will hold another public hearing in August on an ordinance aimed at improving nighttime security in downtown areas amid concerns over crime. Plus, Florida proposes new rules to implement legislation restricting children from accessing social media.

Hemp farmers and retailers in Florida are welcoming a decision by Governor DeSantis to veto a bill that would have banned certain hemp products such as delta-8 and imposed restrictions on others. NewsNight looks at the impact of the move and what it might mean for November's ballot initiative on recreational marijuana.

Following the recent approval of a toll road extension through the Split Oak Forest, NewsNight looks at what it means for the Florida Wildlife Corridor and conservation of our state's protected lands. Plus, the panel discusses severe flooding in South Florida following recent heavy rains.

Governor DeSantis says the state will allocate $1.25 billion dollars in the next Florida budget to pay for teacher salary increases. It'll be the latest in a series of compensation hikes for teachers since DeSantis took office. But tensions remain with unions who say the state continues to suffer shortages and ranks near the bottom in the nation for overall teacher pay.