Douglas Soule
State Government ReporterTallahassee can feel far away — especially for anyone who’s driven on a congested Florida interstate. But for me, it’s home.
As WUSF’s state government reporter, I live in and report out of the capital city, so I can give you the firsthand flavor and facts from this news epicenter. I focus on Your Florida, a project connecting people with policies passed in Tallahassee.
I was already covering the Florida Capitol as a print journalist when I joined public radio, working for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida. As Florida’s first First Amendment reporter, I brought focus and clarity to complicated, contentious issues and held public officials accountable.
Before that, I worked as a state government reporter in my home state, West Virginia.
Outside of work, I love to read and write on top of a slew of other hobbies that are a testament to why I love living in Tallahassee: hiking, biking, kayaking, playing pickleball, and, of course, complaining about Florida traffic.
You can send me a message at douglassoule@wusf.org or follow me on X @DouglasSoule.
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It goes into effect on July 1. State law enforcement won't be able to solely use safety inspections to justify stopping and boarding boats. -
Local governments will be no longer be allowed to put fluoride in tap water starting July 1. The provision part of a wide-ranging “Florida Farm Bill,” which includes a number of provisions geared toward helping farmers. -
The House and Senate don't seem close on a budget deal. The House and Gov. Ron DeSantis don't seem close, period. -
Republican lawmakers say the new law is an attempt to prevent fraud. Those suing say it's damaging to democracy. -
Florida lawmakers voted to extend the regular session to June 6 in order to complete the budget and related items. But they will take at least a week off before returning to Tallahassee. -
The governor signed the bill hours after state lawmakers passed it on the final day of regular session. He did not alert the media ahead of time. -
The budget needs to be passed and then signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year. -
The measure came in response to a state plan last year that would have put such developments in some Florida parks. It now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk. -
The bill, heading to the governor after House passage, doesn't specifically reference fluoride, but it will require the mineral and some other health additives be removed from public drinking water. -
The Legislature will either stay in Tallahassee past the May 2 deadline or come back later to get the job done. A key issue: tax cuts.
