Author: Michael Phillips
-
Florida Supreme Court Rejects Uthmeier Plan to Loosen Bar Rules for Government Lawyers
The Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected a proposal allowing out-of-state lawyers to work in the executive branch without passing the Florida Bar exam. The ruling emphasizes maintaining attorney licensure standards despite staffing challenges. The Florida Bar opposed the plan, asserting that it undermined public protection and expertise in state law.
-
Florida’s Year of Turmoil: The Five Biggest Scandals and Stories of 2025
In 2025, Florida faced significant scandals impacting both parties, primarily linked to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. Key issues included the Hope Florida Foundation scandal, misuse of public funds for political advocacy, and controversies surrounding Rep. Cory Mills. These events highlighted internal GOP conflicts and raised concerns about ethics and governance in the state.
-
Florida Man Sentenced to 3 Years After Police Chase Uncovers Illegal Machine Gun Conversion Device
A routine traffic stop in Tallahassee turned into a federal firearms case after police found an illegally modified handgun capable of automatic fire. A convicted felon from Homestead has now been sentenced to three years in federal prison, highlighting growing concerns over the spread of dangerous machine gun conversion devices on Florida streets.
-
Lakeland Murder-Suicide Highlights Deadly Mix of Alcohol, Domestic Violence, and Crisis Failures
A Christmas-week tragedy in Lakeland left a mother dead, a teenage girl critically wounded, and three children without their parents after an alcohol-fueled domestic dispute escalated into a murder-suicide. Authorities say the case highlights how unreported abuse, substance use, and moments of crisis can turn fatal with devastating consequences for families.
-
Unsealed Court Filings Reveal Family Court Turmoil After Anna Kepner’s Death at Sea
Newly unsealed family court records reveal the private turmoil that followed the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a cruise ship, highlighting how custody disputes, media pressure, and an active FBI homicide investigation collided—raising serious questions about due process, child protection, and the limits of family courts when tragedy strikes.
-
A Father Steps Forward: Georgia Custody Case Exposes Gaps in Unmarried Parents’ Rights
A Georgia family court ruling granted Adrian Harden full custody of his son Chance after the death of the boy’s mother, revealing gaps in state law that hinder parental rights for unmarried fathers. Advocates are calling for “Chance’s Law” to reform these outdated legal barriers and prevent unnecessary government intervention in such cases.
-
Florida Lawmakers Revisit Grandparent Visitation — A Narrow Proposal Raises Big Questions About Family, Courts, and Child Welfare
As Florida approaches the 2026 legislative session, SB 674 seeks to expand grandparents’ rights to petition for visitation under specific tragic circumstances while prioritizing parental rights. The bill aims to ensure children’s emotional stability amidst loss but raises concerns about subjective interpretations in family court. Public attention to this legislation is critical.
-
Florida Family Courts Under Scrutiny: When Custody Failures Turn Deadly
Florida’s family courts are facing renewed scrutiny after a series of deadly custody-related domestic violence cases in Broward County. An investigative report highlights how warning signs were missed, enforcement failed, and reforms like Greyson’s Law remain uneven—raising urgent questions about how courts can better protect children and parents while preserving due process and fairness.
-
Accountability Without Conspiracy: What Fulton County’s Unsigned Tabulator Tapes Really Mean
A viral claim suggests Georgia acknowledged hundreds of thousands of illegal votes in Fulton County during the 2020 election. However, while 134 tabulator tapes lacked signatures, audits confirmed the votes were valid. The Georgia State Election Board referred the issue for potential sanctions but did not decertify the election. Election integrity requires enhancing administrative procedures.
-
Mississippi Supreme Court Elections Ordered by Federal Judge, Raising Questions About Race, Representation, and Judicial Independence
A federal court has ordered special nonpartisan elections for the Mississippi Supreme Court, declaring the state’s judicial districts violate the Voting Rights Act. This follows claims that the current system dilutes Black voting power. The ruling ignites debate on voting rights and federal intervention in state judicial elections, emphasizing the tension between race-conscious remedies and…
Florida Bay News 