Reposted by Douglas SouleWUSF @wusf.org · 22/07/2026Can James Fishback stay in Florida's race for governor? A judge is weighing whether the Republican candidate meets the state's seven-year residency requirement after Lt. Gov. Jay Collins challenged his eligibility. Read more: www.wusf.org/politics-iss... 001
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 24/07/2026“You would think that… they would have the same courage a 7-year-old would.” A Florida school board deposed its own students in a book-banning lawsuit, including a 7-year-old. Now, those same board members are arguing they shouldn’t have to be deposed themselves. www.wusf.org/courts-law/2...wusf.orgThe Escambia school board deposed students. Now it says its own members shouldn't be deposedThe Escambia County School Board deposed student plaintiffs in a book ban lawsuit, including a 7-year-old who wanted access to a picture book. Now, board members are asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court... 010
Reposted by Douglas SouleWUSF @wusf.org · 14/07/2026Florida Democrats believe they can win more seats this election. GOP leaders push back on their enthusiasm. Read more: wusf.org/politics-iss... 042
Reposted by Douglas SouleWUSF @wusf.org · 16/07/2026A Florida school district that has already removed hundreds of books is questioning whether traditional high school libraries are needed. Read more: www.wusf.org/politics-iss... 123
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 16/07/2026After removing hundreds of books, a Florida school district now questions the purpose of high school libraries. An official says there's few checkouts yet an “endless supply of stuff that's totally inappropriate." Advocates worry about fiction's future. My latest: www.wusf.org/politics-iss...wusf.orgWhat comes after book bans? One school district questions traditional librariesAfter removing hundreds of books, Clay County is debating the purpose of high school libraries. School officials called it modernization. Critics see it as the next phase of the book debate targeting ... 000
Reposted by Douglas SouleDouglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 16/05/2026“They are here rigging maps to rig an election in support of Donald Trump.” I interviewed Nixon before her arrest. 0195
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 15/05/2026“I’ll wait on the governor.” The moment when Florida Rep. Angie Nixon, a Democrat, refused to leave Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office in a protest of the state’s new U.S. House map that creates more GOP-leaning districts. The press got booted out after, but the governor’s office says she’s been arrested. 218960
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 07/05/2026“The immigrant detention center in the Everglades, which Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, opened last July, may be too expensive to keep operating.” www.nytimes.com/2026/05/07/u...nytimes.comFederal and State Officials Discuss Closing Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ 122
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 29/04/2026It's done. The Florida Legislature has agreed to scrap its current congressional map, which already gives Republicans 20 of Florida’s 28 U.S. House seats. Instead, it's passed a map erasing four more Democratic-leaning seats, which has huge nationwide implications. 100
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 29/04/2026The Florida House has passed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed congressional map that would create four more Republican-leaning U.S. House districts. Now eyes turn to the Senate, which is voting on it today, too. 000
Reposted by Douglas SouleThe Downballot @the-downballot.com · 27/04/2026Notably, @douglassoule.bsky.social reports that DeSantis' new map was published by Fox News before he sent it to the legislature. x.com/DouglasSoule... 27724
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Some disappointment in this Tallahassee parking lot when a group realized this was an airplane and not, in fact, Artemis II. 000
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Found an excuse to go to Krispy Kreme: the Artemis II doughnut! 000
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 17/10/2025"And Tango Makes Three" costs less than $8 on Amazon. But it's costing a #Florida school board more than $300,000 to keep that children's picture book off school library shelves. www.wusf.org/politics-iss... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialwusf.orgDespite budgetary pressures, this Florida school board spends big bucks on banning booksThe Escambia County School Board has spent nearly $1 million on legal fees to keep certain books out of school libraries. 98040
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 01/08/2025Gov. Ron DeSantis says he’s looking “very seriously” at a new congressional map. The current one already heavily favors Republicans. Here's what to know.wusf.orgDeSantis 'very seriously' weighing new Florida congressional map in battle for GOP House controlGov. Ron DeSantis wants an unprecedented mid-decade Census to boost Florida's congressional representation. Even if that doesn't happen, he's looking at how to rework the U.S. House map anyway. 000
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 24/07/2025Chuck E. Cheese has been arrested in Tallahassee, Florida.tallahassee.comChuck E. Cheese employee in mouse costume arrested by TPD for credit card fraudTPD spokesperson Jerome Maples confirmed the legitimacy of the photos and said that TPD arrested a man on three felonies. 002
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 11/07/2025With the board overseeing Florida’s public universities set to vote Friday afternoon on whether to create a new accreditor, some say a massive shift is coming to higher education.wusf.orgFriday vote in Florida could be higher education ‘foundation rocker’With the board overseeing Florida’s public universities set to vote Friday afternoon on whether to create a new accreditor, some say a massive shift is coming to higher education. 000
Reposted by Douglas SouleScott A. Leadingham @scottleadingham.bsky.social · 10/02/2025Good overview of First Amendment (religion, speech, press, assembly, petition) issues popping up in this presidential term, and what various 1A groups are saying about them. by @douglassoule.bsky.social ⬇️ www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...tallahassee.comFirst Amendment in Trump's second term: 'We're going to be busy,' free speech group saysTrump’s actions and rhetoric have served as a lightning rod of constitutional controversy, drawing concern from First Amendment advocates. 012
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 11/01/2025#Florida school district meets with blowback for banning LGBTQ+ book www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialpalmbeachpost.com'Anti-trans bias': Florida school district met with blowback for banning LGBTQ+ bookEscambia, Florida's westernmost county, has been a hot spot for book banning. 1126
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 07/01/2025Some porn sites now blocked, but others ignore new #Florida law on age verification www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialtallahassee.comPorn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block accessPornhub, the most popular adult entertainment website in the world, is one of those barring access to those within Sunshine State lines. 021
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 03/01/2025Florida Attorney Ashley Moody's office says it's already investigating porn websites for not complying with the age verification law that took effect Jan. 1.tallahassee.comPorn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block accessPornhub, the most popular adult entertainment website in the world, is one of those barring access to those within Sunshine State lines. 001
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 03/01/2025A Florida law requiring age verification to visit porn platforms online took effect on New Year's Day, but a number of websites are either just blocking access in the state or not complying at all.tallahassee.comPorn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block accessPornhub, the most popular adult entertainment website in the world, is one of those barring access to those within Sunshine State lines. 010
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 17/12/2024Citing tax dollars spent, judge urges #Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuit www.tallahassee.com/story/news/l... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialtallahassee.comCiting tax dollars spent, judge urges Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuitThe Escambia County School Board, meanwhile, has refused to budge. 164
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 17/12/2024A Florida law requires pornographic websites to have age verification by New Year's Day, but a new federal lawsuit is trying to get that struck down.tallahassee.comLawsuit filed against Florida law requiring age verification to access porn in 2025A Florida law requires pornographic websites to have age verification by New Year's Day but a new federal lawsuit is trying to get that struck down. 010
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 17/12/2024A federal judge is recommending that a Florida school board enter into a settlement with those suing it for book banning, citing how it's spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to cover legal fees.tallahassee.comCiting tax dollars spent, judge urges Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuitThe Escambia County School Board, meanwhile, has refused to budge. 000
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 17/12/2024Donations have poured into a GoFundMe account for a Lakeland woman, Briana Boston, who has drawn international attention for her arrest last week after she allegedly uttered the phase “delay, deny, depose” on a phone call with an insurance representative.theledger.comLakeland woman accused of threatening insurance company receives donations, words of supportBriana Boston, accused of making a threat during a phone call with her insurance company, has received an outpouring of kind words and money for her defense. 010
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 14/12/2024First Amendment or threat? #Florida woman's arrest after CEO shooting sparks online uproar www.theledger.com/story/news/l... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialtheledger.comFirst Amendment or threat? Florida woman's arrest after CEO shooting sparks online uproarShe said "healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil," police wrote in a Tuesday arrest affidavit. 3125
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 13/12/2024The arrest of a Lakeland, Florida, woman accused of threatening her health insurance provider following denied claims has sparked a national debate about when First Amendment-protected speech veers into illegal threats.tallahassee.com'You people are next': Social media reacts to Florida woman's alleged insurance threatShe said "healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil," police wrote in a Tuesday arrest affidavit. 100
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 12/12/2024A Lakeland, Florida, woman whose medical insurance claims were denied has been arrested after allegedly telling her insurance company, “Delay, Deny, Depose. You people are next."wfla.comLakeland woman threatens insurance company, says ‘Delay, Deny, Depose’: policeA Lakeland woman was charged Tuesday after police said she ended a call to an insurance company with the words, “Delay, Deny, Depose.” 253
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 12/12/2024Florida is spending millions on a “statewide, centralized, easily accessible” system for the public to review and object to school instructional materials and books. DeSantis’ administration says it’s a transparency tool. But it has raised concerns about censorship.tallahassee.comFlorida to spend up to $15 million on school material review technology for DeSantis lawsTransparency or censorship? Florida is spending millions on a new tool for the public to review and object to school instructional materials and books. 000
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 10/12/2024At a Moms for Liberty event, Jessie Thompson — the new Volusia County School Board chair in Florida — made a disparaging remark about a local high school's students and admitted to feeding false data to the board to get agenda items passed.news-journalonline.comDeltona mayor calls for Volusia School Board chair's removal after disparaging remarksThe new chair spoke about falsifying information to get agenda items passed and made derogatory remarks about students and fellow board members. 020
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 08/12/2024"Nothing's going to stop me": #Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by "The Daily Show" www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialnews-journalonline.com'Nothing's going to stop me': Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by 'The Daily Show'"In the last two years, I've challenged more than one book every calendar day," said Bruce Friedman, a conservative activist who says he's filed more than 900 objections. 1107
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 06/12/2024Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" interviewed the "No. 1 book banner" in Florida, the state that has more books pulled from public schools than any other in the nation. "Nothing's going to stop me," he said. www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...tallahassee.com'Nothing's going to stop me': Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by 'The Daily Show'"In the last two years, I've challenged more than one book every calendar day," said Bruce Friedman, a conservative activist who says he's filed more than 900 objections. 073
Reposted by Douglas SouleCraig Pittman @craigtimes.bsky.social · 03/12/2024Want to read "Wicked" after seeing the movie? You can't in some #Florida schools -- it's been banned www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.socialtallahassee.comToo 'Wicked'? Novel that spawned movie is often removed from Florida school shelvesThe “Wicked” movie is popular, but the "Wicked" book has been pulled in some Florida school districts. 26429
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 03/12/2024"Wicked” is popular. It had the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical ever and continues to defy gravity in the box office. But the book version has been removed from multiple school districts in Florida. I explored where and why: www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...tallahassee.comToo 'Wicked'? Novel that spawned movie is often removed from Florida school shelvesThe “Wicked” movie is popular, but the "Wicked" book has been pulled in some Florida school districts. 010
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 28/11/2024Today I’m not thankful for the NYT Spelling Bee. Why’d they make it so hard?! 010
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 26/11/2024A Florida school district wouldn't let a “Playboy” or a book about bomb-making sit in its libraries. That's why the Escambia County School Board says it should be able to remove an award-winning children’s picture book about a same-sex penguin pair. www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...tallahassee.comWas a Florida school district's ban of a penguin book against the First Amendment?The case in question has high-stakes constitutional consequences. 012
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 22/11/2024A Florida school district's defense of its ban on a children's book about a same-sex penguin pair: If a "school library included a Playboy magazine or a book depicting how to make a homemade bomb, a reasonable observer likewise would hold the Board accountable for such an oversight in judgment." 210
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 19/11/2024In yet another case, Florida's government is arguing that book removals in public schools are "government speech," meaning they are unrestricted by the First Amendment. It's a controversial legal argument, which free speech advocates have called "authoritarian.” www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...tallahassee.comFlorida again argues books ban are 'government speech,' not prohibited by First Amendment"The selection of public-school-library books is government speech and therefore not subject to the First Amendment," it said in a Friday filing. 000
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 15/11/2024Answering questions about its list of book removals in Florida, which undercounts them but still includes classics like "The Handmaid's Tale" + "Slaughterhouse-Five," the state Department of Education said, “Sexually explicit materials do not belong in schools." www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...tallahassee.comIt's famous and among the most-removed books in Florida school districts. What is it?A large number of books fall in the category in Florida of unchallenged but still removed by districts. 032
Douglas Soule @douglassoule.bsky.social · 15/11/2024Happening now: A federal lawsuit hearing in Pensacola about Escambia County Public Schools' book removals. It's pulled a load of books from its shelves pending reviews. But books like "The Handmaid's Tale" have awaited a review for more than two years. www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... 020