Florida

Did you know? There is a bear \

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2025

Press Room

$Did you know? There is a bear \$

A possible fatal black bear attack on a man and dog was reported near Big Cypress Wildlife Management.
Florida’s “Taking of Bears” bill (HB 87) allows killing bears without penalty under certain self-defense circumstances.
The law requires notification of FWC within 24 hours of killing a bear, but possessing or selling bear parts is prohibited.

There was some startling news today (May 5) as wildlife officials reported a black bear attack may have resulted in the death of a man and a dog just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management.

This comes a little more than one year after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what is known as the “Taking of Bears” bill, or officially in the books as House Bill (HB) 87.

What to know: The Self-Defense Act of 2024

The act provides an exemption from penalties for killing bears without permits or authorization under certain circumstances.

It passed 88-29 in the Florida House on Feb. 15 while the Senate’s version SB 632 passed 24-12 in the Florida Senate days later.

When was the bill signed? Friday, June 21, 2024.

When did the bill go into effect? July 1, 2024.

The bill’s analysis says it would exempt people from any administrative, civil or criminal penalties for killing a bear if:

The person is believed that it was necessary to avoid imminent death or serious bodily injury to their self, another person or a pet.
The person did not lure the bear with food or attractants for an illegal purpose, including, but not limited to, training dogs to hunt bears.
The person didn’t intentionally or recklessly put their self or pet in a situation where they would need to use lethal force.

Anyone who takes a bear must notify FWC within 24 hours, who will dispose of the body.

No one may possess, sell or dispose of the bear or its parts.

What do critics, supporters of Florida’s bear bill say?

Since the bill was first proposed, it drew in heavy criticism from wildlife activists, residents and even other lawmakers.

Defenders of Wildlife, a nonprofit conservation organization, voiced their concern from the start. After it was signed by DeSantis, officials for the organizations stated that the bill’s language could leave room for bears to be killed without them posing any actual threat.

However, some shared their support for the bill. In an interview with Politico, hunting advocate Lane Stephens said the bill would allow residents to feel assured they could protect themselves in their homes, especially in rural North Florida.

What do you do if you see a Florida black bear? What should you not do?

The FWC says if you encounter a bear at close range, they suggest you “remain standing upright, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice.”

“Never approach or surprise a bear. If you see a bear from a distance, enjoy the experience, but do not move toward the bear. If you are close, do not make any sudden or abrupt movements. Back way slowly and be sure the bear has an obvious escape route.”

As for what not to do, the FWC advises you:

Do not make any sudden or abrupt movements
Do not run, this can trigger a chase instinct and bears can sprint up to 35 mph
Do not play dead, black bears eat dead things
Do not climb a tree, they can climb faster than you, too
Do not approach or surprise a bear, especially if one might be injured

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Florida

‘All over’: Florida mental health counselor finds 50 bats inside her office

Published

6 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

‘All over’: Florida mental health counselor finds 50 bats inside her office

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)— A Florida mental health counselor walked into a surprising number of bats inside her office last week.

“We had about 50 bats. In the toilet, in the sink. All over,” Shaltala Boss, a licensed mental health counselor, said.

Boss has since moved her office due to maternity season, when it is illegal to exclude or remove bats from April 16 to August 14, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Credit: Shantala Boss

“Any form of eviction during this time period will result in baby bats being trapped along with adult bats that may not have emerged. Trapped bats will attempt to escape and may end up in the living space of buildings,” FWC said.

Video provided by Boss showed a bat lying on the ground.

“You definitely didn’t want to come to counseling that day,” Boss said.

Boss has since moved to another location and said it is bat-free.

“Most bats will avoid humans at all costs and use natural roosting structures for shelter during the day. However, bats sometimes find their way into our homes and structures, which can present a health hazard,” FWC said.

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Florida

Byron Donalds’ chances of winning Florida governor’s seat, new poll shows

Published

16 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

Byron Donalds’ chances of winning Florida governor’s seat, new poll shows

Republican Congressman Byron Donalds is trailing Democratic candidate David Jolly in the race to become Florida’s next governor, according to a new poll from Change Research, a Democratic-aligned polling firm.

The survey could be an encouraging sign for Florida Democrats, who have not won a statewide election since 2018 and have struggled as the state shifted steadily toward Republicans in recent election cycles.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026, won a second term by nearly 20 percentage points in 2022, while Republicans have expanded their voter registration advantage and maintained control of every statewide elected office.

What To Know

The Change Research survey found Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched parties and entered the race as a Democrat, leading Donalds in a hypothetical general-election matchup.

Jolly has centered his campaign on affordability issues surrounding insurance costs, housing and healthcare, while Donalds has campaigned as a conservative successor who will attempt to enact Trump’s agenda and fight illegal immigration.

According to the poll, Jolly leads Donalds 47 percent to 42 percent and has a slightly larger margin among likely voters with 49 percent compared to 43 percent.

The poll surveyed 1,273 registered voters of which 1,015 said they will likely vote in the 2026 midterm election. The survey’s margin of error is 2.8 percent.

Also in the poll, Jolly garners 94 percent support from Democrats compared to Donalds’ 77 percent among Republicans.

What Other Polls Show

Another recent Change Research poll shows Jolly leading Donalds 46 percent to 42 percent. The poll was taken from May 13 to May 16 among 2,070 registered voters, of whom 1,593 say they will likely vote in the midterm election. The poll has a margin of error of 2.3 percent.

In a survey at the end of March by Emerson College Polling, Donalds landed 44 percent of the vote compared to Jolly’s 39 percent. The poll shows that 17 percent are undecided. It was taken from March 29 to March 31 among 1,125 likely voters and has a margin of error of 2.8 percent.

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Florida

‘You’ll get capped:’ New viral challenge could get teens shot in Florida, sheriff warns

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

Press Room

‘You’ll get capped:’ New viral challenge could get teens shot in Florida, sheriff warns

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A recent viral trend — dubbed the “Door Kick Challenge” — has been causing issues as of late in Central Florida.

The challenge involves teens covering their faces, kicking or pounding stranger’s front door when it’s dark outside, and sprinting off into the night.

[WATCH: FCSO releases footage of ‘Door Kick Challenge’ in action]

But on Wednesday, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly warned there could be deadly consequences.

According to the sheriff’s office, these pranks may come across as an attempted home invasion for some, and with Florida being a “Stand Your Ground” state, neighbors have the right to treat it as such.

[ Central Florida deputy consoles 12-year-old accused in door-kicking incident]

“Parents, keep an eye on your children. We know they want to have fun, but they are taking huge risks when they mask up and kick strangers’ doors,” Staly said. “Be the sheriff of your own home, talk to your kids, know their friends, and make sure they know the risks associated with doing what the internet tells them to do.”

But in a release, the sheriff’s office delivered the message in a “language” that teens may better understand:

“This door kick ‘challenge’ is not the side quest you think it is.
It’s trendslop, pure brain rot straight off the FYP. You think you’re the alpha chad of the cul-de-sac? Nah bruh, you’re one hoodie masked-up sprint away from priors. The kind of rap that gets you cancelled before you ever stack any clout. Zero drip in our jail’s barbershop-looking mugshots.
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Okay, real talk. Florida is a Stand Your Ground state. A NPC wakes up to two randos kicking their door at 1 a.m. wearing sheisties — they don’t see a flex, they get the ick, and think your side quest is a home invasion. And no cap, you’ll get capped.
Taking an L on TikTok? Recoverable. Taking a round to the chest? There’s no respawn.
So skip this one, chief. Find clout elsewhere.”
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office