Government

For nearly 40 years, high school students in Collier County have been given the opportunity to learn about their county’s government through a program called Know Your County Government. They get a first-hand look at the work being done behind the scenes in their community.

Senate Bill 90 passed in the Florida Senate and was signed by Governor DeSantis last May. Its provisions amend the state election laws to, according to the Senate website, “improve election security, transparency, and administration.” Here’s what you should know about the bill before the state elections this fall.

The 2020 U.S. Census data shows that Fort Myers has not only grown in population, but that its composition has changed drastically too, with a significant bump in diversity.

The City of Fort Myers will begin hosting redistricting public meetings starting December 2, 2021. Find out how to participate in the process to update the City's Ward boundaries based on the the 2020 Census results.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to move forward with Map Alternative 5 as the selected map for the 2021 redistricting process. One commissioner openly expressed his disappointment in the decision, and advocates wanting to reunite Dunbar and Fort Myers say a lawsuit may be incoming.

The second Lee County redistricting public hearing was open to discuss the proposed maps that could redraw district lines within the county. During the public comment portion, residents and concerned groups called for more inclusion throughout the decision-making process.

While saying the case “falls squarely in the middle of a constitutional no man’s land,” a federal judge has upheld a 2018 Florida law that prevents people under age 21 from buying guns.

They include a requirement for out-of-state online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians, and surveys to assess the “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity” at state colleges and universities.

DeSantis said it is "abundantly clear" that the state needs to do a better job of teaching civics.

DeSantis critized the Biden adminstration, saying “they have revoked policies designed to secure our border and keep Americans safe.” State Democrats call it a political stunt.