Production numbers for Florida’s orange crop continue to decline as the citrus industry’s storm-battered season nears an end.The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday issued a forecast that said Florida growers this season are on pace to fill 15.65 million boxes of oranges, which would be the lowest total since the 1934-1935 season. The new forecast also was down from an April projection of 16.1 million boxes.

Nearing the end of a legislative session filled with debates about transgender issues, Florida lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at requiring people to use bathrooms that line up with their sex assigned at birth.The Republican-controlled Senate voted 26-12 to approve the bill (HB 1521), with the House following a short time later by passing it in a 80-36 vote. The measure is ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it

Extended summary: With Florida making it easier for juries to impose the death sentence, two formerly condemned inmates who are still behind bars are warning that the change gives too much power over life and death to elected prosecutors. Their concerns are at odds with some families of murder victims. The two killers were sentenced to life in prison after juries couldn’t unanimously agree to condemn them. Gov. Ron DeSantis last month signed into law a bill permitting the death penalty even in cases where only eight of 12 jurors approve. The state previously required all 12 jurors to agree. The law took effect immediately.

As Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies target “woke” ideology, the Florida House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that includes preventing colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.The bill (SB 266), which now will go to DeSantis, touched off a fierce debate about Florida’s higher-education system and campus speech.

A group of young people from Southwest Florida and around the state were in Tallahassee this week, testifying against abortion bans and book bans.

A recent case that originated in Southwest Florida was a big win for privacy rights.

The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition has been nominated this year for a Nobel Peace Prize.