Constitutional Amendment Bill Signed

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday that imposes tougher penalties for those who improperly collect signatures for constitutional amendments. 

The bill “does not address imaginary, hypothetical fraud, but known fraud,” said Republican state Sen. Jennifer Bradley.

The measure was strongly opposed by Democrats, with state Sen. Carlos Smith calling the bill “the final kill shot against direct democracy.”

The bill was proposed after petitions circulated to add amendments protecting abortion rights and legalizing marijuana to the constitution, though neither gained the required 60 percent majority of voters to pass. 

Naples Men Arrested for Murder-For-Hire

The FBI arrested three Naples men for plotting a murder-for-hire in exchange for $30,000. They were hired by the brother of the intended victim.

Jesus Pujol Hernandez, 41, Miguel Marquez Romero, 29, and Paulo Sabon Montero, 54, face charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison.

The men were arrested in a grocery store parking lot in Naples on April 17.

Siesta Key Ranked Best Beach in U.S.

Siesta Beach in Sarasota County was the only beach in the United States to make The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2025.

Ranked by The World’s Best, Inc., the Sarasota beach was ranked the 42nd best beach in the world and the 12th best beach in North America.

The announcement said it “stands out for its rare, powdery white sand made up of 99% pure quartz from the Appalachian Mountains, which stays cool to the touch even under the hot Florida sun.”

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➤ Statewide: Researchers found “risky human behavior” led to 96 percent of alligator attacks. (More)

➤ Fort Pierce: Residents complain about smells and flies as Miami-Dade County garbage arrives by train. The county’s incinerator is out of commission after a fire. (More)

➤ Jacksonville: The Museum of Science & History is shutting down for at least three years while a new museum building is constructed. (More)

➤ Gainesville: The North Central Florida YMCA has announced it will transition into an independent community center after years of financial struggles. (More)

➤ Polk County: Scammers are making fake Venmo accounts that resemble those of real area animal rescues to trick residents into sending them money. (More)

➤ The Florida Panthers will begin their second-round playoff matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs tomorrow at 8 p.m. (More)

➤ Miami Marlins star pitcher Eury Perez is on track to complete his rehab from Tommy John surgery this June. (More)

➤ Izayia Williams, the No. 1-ranked linebacker in the country, has flipped his commitment decision from Florida to Ole Miss. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | LPGA | PGA | Kentucky Derby

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➤ Attention dog lovers! Canova Beach in Brevard County has been crowned Florida’s Best Dog Beach by HomeToGo, a vacation rental company. (More)

➤ Some Formula 1 fans were left stranded Friday after their cars were towed, even though they had paid $60 to park near Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (See Video)

➤ The mockingbird will remain Florida’s state bird, after bills to change the state bird to the pink flamingo or allow school children to vote on a new bird failed to pass. (More)

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Do you watch cartoons?

1. Yes
2. Only with the kids
3. Not on purpose

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you rather have Monday or Friday off from work?

1. Friday: 75%
2. Monday: 22%
3. I’m off every day: 3%

Where in Florida can you find the Turnbull Ruins?

Show me the answer