protests

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

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved a bill he says will curb violence and property damage during protests. It’s a response to last summer’s protests following the death of George Floyd and calls to defund the police.

DeSantis and other Republicans say the bill cracks down on violent protests, but Democrats and civil-rights groups argue it will infringe on First Amendment rights.

A single Republican, Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg, crossed party lines and joining Democrats in voting against the bill.

On April 15, 1971, a group of Black students marched to Tigert Hall with six demands in hand. Then-UF President Stephen C. O'Connell threatened to suspend them all unless they vacated the premises immediately, and the students ended up in jail.

With critics warning that the bill would chill free speech and have a disparately negative impact on Black people, a key Senate committee Friday approved a controversial measure that Republicans argue is needed to crack down on violent protests.

Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, said he worries the measure cracks down on dissent — a tenant of American democracy — and does so in a way that would hurt Black and minority voices.

An anti-rioting bill will be voted on by the Florida House Friday, but opponents spoke out against it in Tampa Thursday.

Democratic Rep. Mike Gottlieb questions whether the bill would further burden local governments which often foot the bill for people in jails.

The governor touted Florida's growing economy and the reopening of classrooms during his State of the State address.

Among them: Where concealed weapons will be permitted, and a new class of laws involving rioting.

COVID-19 will be top of mind as the Florida Legislature begins its 2021 session. These will be the main topics they'll address.