GARY FINEOUT | The Seattle Times

In this Tuesday, July 17, 2018 file photo, Melissa Howard who is running for the District 73 State House seat being vacated by state Rep. Joe Gruters meets with voters during a “meet the candidates” event at Gold Coast Eagle Distriburing in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. Howard, a Republican candidate for the Florida Legislature who falsely claimed she had a college degree and posted a purported copy of her diploma online dropped out of her race. Florida’s penchant for the weird and strange is so prevalent it’s created a cottage industry of chroniclers and followers. But like a contagion, a string of bizarre incidents make it appear that this trend is spreading like a swamp fever to the politicians who represent the state’s nearly 21 million residents. (Phil Diederich/Sarasota Herald-Tribune via AP, File) FLSAR301 FLSAR301

August 17, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Is the ever-weird Florida man becoming Florida politician?

The swamp fever of Florida weirdness appears to be spreading now to the politicians who represent the state's nearly 21 million residents. Even for longtime... Updated 8:21 pm

Nation & World

August 14, 2018 at 4:47 am

Sen. Nelson: “Foolish” to deny Russia targeting Florida

MONTICELLO, Fla. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, under fire from Florida's Republican governor, isn't backing down from comments that Russian operatives have penetrated some...

Nation & World

August 13, 2018 at 1:10 pm

Reports of election site hacking rankle Florida officials

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Child's play or a signs of a serious security problem in one of the nation's swing states? That's the question confronting...

Nation & World

August 10, 2018 at 9:44 am

Florida Gov. wants proof from Sen. Nelson over hacking claim

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott, calling the allegations sensational, demanded on Friday that U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson provide proof to back up...

Nation & World

August 2, 2018 at 3:58 am

Judge decries ‘outright trickeration’ on Florida ballot

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi wants the state Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that a dog-racing amendment on this year's...

Nation & World

August 1, 2018 at 9:37 pm

Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidates go after Trump VIEW

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Democratic candidates for Florida governor fought over who would best stand up to President Donald Trump during a...

Nation & World

July 27, 2018 at 5:50 pm

Florida Gov. much richer than previously reported

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a multi-millionaire businessman who is likely the richest person to ever serve as the state's governor, is...

Nation & World

July 12, 2018 at 8:43 am

In Senate race, Florida governor in balancing act with Trump

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Asked this month whether President Donald Trump is doing a good job, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said he was happy with...

Nation & World

June 27, 2018 at 8:25 pm

Florida: ‘Controlled’ blaze blamed for 36 homes destroyed VIEW

EASTPOINT, Fla. (AP) — John Matthew Polous watched a "controlled-burn" fire for three days as it consumed foliage outside his tiny community on the Florida...

Nation & World

June 27, 2018 at 7:47 am

Justices give Florida narrow win in water fight with Georgia

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's governor is cheering and his Georgia counterpart is digging in for a fight after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Florida...