Disney no longer saying 'boys and girls' in recorded park greetings in order to promote gender inclusion

Disney is taking out "ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls" from their recorded theme park greetings in the company's push to promote gender inclusion and create a more welcoming environment for guests who do not identify as male or female.

Florida Senate passes 15-week abortion limit, bill now heads to governor's desk

The Florida Senate passed a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, one of the most bitterly disputed issues of the 2022 legislative session.

Students across Tampa Bay walk out in protest of 'Don't Say Gay' bill

Hundreds of high school students from at least three high schools across Tampa Bay held walkouts to show their opposition to Florida’s so-called "Don’t Say Gay" bill that is poised to end up on the governor’s desk for a signature and to be made law.

Controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill passes Florida House

The Florida House version of the so-called "Don’t Say Gay" bill passed in a 69-47 party line vote Thursday.

Accessibility mats, free motorized beach wheelchairs make Clearwater Beach easier for all

Millions of tourists visit Pinellas County beaches each year, yet, for visitors and residents with disabilities, the sand can be treacherous terrain. The city of Clearwater is taking steps to increase accessibility.

Florida House bill amendment would allow schools to 'out' students to their parents

Florida’s so-called "Don’t Say Gay" bill includes a new proposed amendment that would force schools to out students about their sexual orientation to their parents, causing more concern from those in the LGBTQ community.

Sarasota neighborhoods 'Unite Against Hate' after anti-Semitic incident

Neighbors are rallying together after anti-Semitic fliers were littered in several Sarasota neighborhoods. They refused to stay silent. Instead, they passed out yard signs reading "United Against Hate." An action intended to cause hurt is being met with solidarity.

As more erased cemeteries are discovered, lawmakers move to preserve and honor history

Hillsborough County commissioners learned of 45 new unmarked graves and burial sites on county property Wednesday, just as the state legislature considered a bill that would find and save those sites across Florida. 

USF forensic researchers rediscover 45 lost cemeteries in Hillsborough County

USF forensic scientist Dr. Erin Kimmerle says she spent the last two years combing through historic records to track down the long-forgotten sites. The cemeteries became abandoned for a variety of reasons but once lost from official records and built over, they are extremely difficult to relocate.

Victims' advocates praise end to forced arbitration in workplace sexual harassment cases

Democrats and Republicans in Congress passed a bill Thursday that ends forced arbitration of sexual harassment and assault claims in the workplace, a major milestone for the Me Too movement.

Goodell: NFL won’t tolerate racism, vows changes amid Dolphins fallout

At his annual Super Bowl news conference, the NFL commissioner was grilled on two hot topics that have put the league under heavy scrutiny: racism and discrimination in hiring.

Controversial 'don't say gay' bill gets approval from Florida's Senate Education Committee

A controversial bill in the Florida Legislature, dubbed the "don't say gay" bill by critics, has passed its first hurdle in the Senate after the Republican-dominated education committee voted to approve the measure along party lines.

Challenge to Florida's controversial transgender athlete ban put on hold

A challenge to a controversial state law that bans transgender females from participating on girls’ and women’s sports teams has been put on hold while another Florida case plays out in a federal appeals court.