protests

A three-judge panel with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the constitutionality of a 2021 state law that enhanced penalties and created new crimes in protests that turn violent.

The proposed rule could be used “to censor viewpoints in support of LGBTQ+ youth and families,” Kara Gross, legislative director for the ACLU of Florida, said in a statement condemning the plan.

Protesters criticized the group's support of new state laws to limit instruction on racism and gender identity in schools. They also spoke out about Florida's 15-week abortion ban.

About 500 people marched Friday afternoon around Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg.

It's punishable by 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.

It comes amid rising cases of harassment among elected leaders, including one in which a group used foul language and coughed in the face of a Broward County school board member.

They range from Florida's law cracking down on protests to whether sports betting will be allowed in the state.

Key West locals who voted for limits on the cruise industry gathered with signs saying "stop the silt" and "no big ships" as the Norwegian Dawn pulled in.

Local and state officials are saying they stand in solidarity with Cuban protesters facing an economic crisis and shortages of food and medicine.

Some Haitian Americans in the greater Tampa Bay region are concerned about Haiti’s political turmoil and the safety of their loved ones.

The proposal is a compromise between the Legislative Black Caucus and Republicans, and comes after high-profile deaths of Black Americans by law enforcement.

Some activists hope that the verdict will lead to a change in police behavior.