Florida
Gov. Bob Graham remembered for helping shape Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Sentiments poured in from across Florida Wednesday after former Governor Bob Graham passed away.
Graham’s political career spanned 50 years, including his time as Florida’s governor for most of the 80s. He was at one time among the most popular politicians in Florida, known for his work days, where he took different jobs for a day.
“He was a great Floridian. We served this state with honor and integrity and really made a great contribution,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
Graham spent decades in elected office. He served in the state legislature before being elected governor in 1978. Rep. Allison Tant, (D) Tallahassee, started her public service career under Governor Graham as an intern in college.
“I learned from Governor Graham what smart, efficient government looks like and its impact on everyday people and what would happen to everyday people if smart efficient government was not there,” Rep. Tant said.
Graham’s legacy at the state capitol will be remembered as one that helped shape the state as it is today.
“He was heavily involved in issues like conservation. Things like Forever Florida, which sets aside huge tracts of land for long-term preservation because of Senator Graham. Everglades restoration, the work done in the keys,” Democratic strategist Steve Schale said.
“Education. He really led the way at a time before that was a huge focus for our state. We have policies in place today that came from his era,” Rep. Tant said.
Rep. Tant said his passing is a big loss for the state.
“A rare true statesman who saw our state as precious,” she said.
Graham is survived by his wife, four daughters, including former US Rep. Gwen Graham, and 10 grandchildren.
Governor DeSantis said he would order flags at half-staff for Governor Graham when funeral arrangements are announced.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2024 WCJB. All rights reserved.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.
What we know:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.
READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD
Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.
Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.
What we don’t know:
LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.
By the numbers:
As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.
READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week
The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Soccer Frenzy: Cities, Fans, and What to Know | Futbol HQ
Fan behind Anthony Edwards’ orange bracelet has beaten cancer
New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections
Pittsburgh International’s T. rex could soon disappear from view
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Where Iran’s ballistic missiles can reach — and how close they are to the US
Has India’s influence in Afghanistan grown under the Taliban?
Bill Clinton to testify before House committee investigating Epstein links
Read Judge Schiltz’s Order
Vulnerable House Dem lashes out at Trump’s ‘racist’ SOTU challenge: ‘That was uncomfortable’
-
World2 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts2 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Oklahoma1 week agoWildfires rage in Oklahoma as thousands urged to evacuate a small city
-
Louisiana5 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Denver, CO2 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Technology6 days agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology6 days agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making