Florida

Local Groups Raise First Amendment Concerns over County's Social Media Policies

Local animal-welfare advocates raised concerns at commission meetings, contacted the agency, spoke on its public Facebook pages and sought assistance after their critical on-line comments about an animal-control facility allegedly became hidden. A national free speech organization then formally requested policy revisions and restoration of blocked users.

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Public Testimony/Written Comments Other6

Tampa Bay 28 • Lakeland, FL • Sep 14, 2026

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Community Advocacy Group Protests Development, Highlights Tree Canopy Concerns

Residents demonstrated outside a construction site where seven mature live oaks are slated for removal. They asked the developer to redesign the project and drew attention to the continuing loss of Tampa’s tree canopy.

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Coalition Building/Community Organizing Peaceful Protest/Demonstration

Tampa Bay 28 • Tampa, FL • Sep 13, 2026

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE

How High School Students and Young Adults Helped Flip an Incumbent School Board

High-school students and young adults attended board meetings, organized with peers, canvassed neighborhoods and contacted voters. Some participated even though they were too young to vote themselves.

Education Coalition Building/Community Organizing Public Testimony/Written Comments Public Meeting/Town Hall Participation

Suncoast Searchlight • Sarasota, FL • Sep 4, 2026

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE

National Coalition of 100 Black Women to Launch 2026 Non-partisan Voter Engagement Campaign

The Greater Gainesville chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women plans to reach eligible voters across three Florida counties with non-partisan registration assistance, accurate election information, community outreach, partnerships, and a “teach one, bring one” model. They seek to help people overcome information gaps and participate directly in decisions affecting their communities.

Democracy & Elections/Voting Nonpartisan Voter Education/Engagement/Support

Mainstreet Daily News • Gainesville, FL • Jul 10, 2026

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE

U.S. Appeals Court Rules Parts of "Stop WOKE Act" Violate First Amendment in Case Brought by Professor, Students

A professor, student, and student organization pursued a First Amendment court challenge part of Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" that limits what faculty at public universities may discuss in the classroom, including systemic racism and sexism. The 11th Circuit U.S. Appeals Court affirmed a lower court ruling that the law violates the First Amendment rights of Florida university faculty and students.

Education Litigation/Court Challenge

Courthouse News Service • FL • Jul 9, 2026

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE