Douglas Soule
@douglassoule.bsky.social
Florida’s First Amendment reporter. Writing for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida.
Reposted by Douglas Soule
"And Tango Makes Three" costs less than $8 on Amazon.
But it's costing a #Florida school board more than $300,000 to keep that children's picture book off school library shelves. www.wusf.org/politics-iss... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
But it's costing a #Florida school board more than $300,000 to keep that children's picture book off school library shelves. www.wusf.org/politics-iss... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Despite budgetary pressures, this Florida school board spends big bucks on banning books
The Escambia County School Board has spent nearly $1 million on legal fees to keep certain books out of school libraries.
www.wusf.org
October 17, 2025 at 12:20 AM
"And Tango Makes Three" costs less than $8 on Amazon.
But it's costing a #Florida school board more than $300,000 to keep that children's picture book off school library shelves. www.wusf.org/politics-iss... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
But it's costing a #Florida school board more than $300,000 to keep that children's picture book off school library shelves. www.wusf.org/politics-iss... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Gov. Ron DeSantis says he’s looking “very seriously” at a new congressional map. The current one already heavily favors Republicans.
Here's what to know.
Here's what to know.
DeSantis 'very seriously' weighing new Florida congressional map in battle for GOP House control
Gov. Ron DeSantis wants an unprecedented mid-decade Census to boost Florida's congressional representation. Even if that doesn't happen, he's looking at how to rework the U.S. House map anyway.
www.wusf.org
August 1, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Gov. Ron DeSantis says he’s looking “very seriously” at a new congressional map. The current one already heavily favors Republicans.
Here's what to know.
Here's what to know.
Chuck E. Cheese has been arrested in Tallahassee, Florida.
Chuck E. Cheese employee in mouse costume arrested by TPD for credit card fraud
TPD spokesperson Jerome Maples confirmed the legitimacy of the photos and said that TPD arrested a man on three felonies.
www.tallahassee.com
July 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Chuck E. Cheese has been arrested in Tallahassee, Florida.
With the board overseeing Florida’s public universities set to vote Friday afternoon on whether to create a new accreditor, some say a massive shift is coming to higher education.
Friday vote in Florida could be higher education ‘foundation rocker’
With the board overseeing Florida’s public universities set to vote Friday afternoon on whether to create a new accreditor, some say a massive shift is coming to higher education.
www.wusf.org
July 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
With the board overseeing Florida’s public universities set to vote Friday afternoon on whether to create a new accreditor, some say a massive shift is coming to higher education.
I’m back on Bluesky!
July 11, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I’m back on Bluesky!
Reposted by Douglas Soule
Good overview of First Amendment (religion, speech, press, assembly, petition) issues popping up in this presidential term, and what various 1A groups are saying about them. by @douglassoule.bsky.social
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www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
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www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
First Amendment in Trump's second term: 'We're going to be busy,' free speech group says
Trump’s actions and rhetoric have served as a lightning rod of constitutional controversy, drawing concern from First Amendment advocates.
www.tallahassee.com
February 10, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Good overview of First Amendment (religion, speech, press, assembly, petition) issues popping up in this presidential term, and what various 1A groups are saying about them. by @douglassoule.bsky.social
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www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
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www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Douglas Soule
#Florida school district meets with blowback for banning LGBTQ+ book www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
'Anti-trans bias': Florida school district met with blowback for banning LGBTQ+ book
Escambia, Florida's westernmost county, has been a hot spot for book banning.
www.palmbeachpost.com
January 11, 2025 at 1:04 AM
#Florida school district meets with blowback for banning LGBTQ+ book www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Reposted by Douglas Soule
Some porn sites now blocked, but others ignore new #Florida law on age verification www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Porn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block access
Pornhub, the most popular adult entertainment website in the world, is one of those barring access to those within Sunshine State lines.
www.tallahassee.com
January 7, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Some porn sites now blocked, but others ignore new #Florida law on age verification www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Florida Attorney Ashley Moody's office says it's already investigating porn websites for not complying with the age verification law that took effect Jan. 1.
Porn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block access
Pornhub, the most popular adult entertainment website in the world, is one of those barring access to those within Sunshine State lines.
www.tallahassee.com
January 3, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Florida Attorney Ashley Moody's office says it's already investigating porn websites for not complying with the age verification law that took effect Jan. 1.
A Florida law requiring age verification to visit porn platforms online took effect on New Year's Day, but a number of websites are either just blocking access in the state or not complying at all.
Porn in Florida: As age verification takes effect, some sites ignore it, some block access
Pornhub, the most popular adult entertainment website in the world, is one of those barring access to those within Sunshine State lines.
www.tallahassee.com
January 3, 2025 at 3:23 PM
A Florida law requiring age verification to visit porn platforms online took effect on New Year's Day, but a number of websites are either just blocking access in the state or not complying at all.
Reposted by Douglas Soule
Citing tax dollars spent, judge urges #Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuit www.tallahassee.com/story/news/l... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Citing tax dollars spent, judge urges Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuit
The Escambia County School Board, meanwhile, has refused to budge.
www.tallahassee.com
December 17, 2024 at 4:26 PM
Citing tax dollars spent, judge urges #Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuit www.tallahassee.com/story/news/l... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
A Florida law requires pornographic websites to have age verification by New Year's Day, but a new federal lawsuit is trying to get that struck down.
Lawsuit filed against Florida law requiring age verification to access porn in 2025
A Florida law requires pornographic websites to have age verification by New Year's Day but a new federal lawsuit is trying to get that struck down.
www.tallahassee.com
December 17, 2024 at 6:20 PM
A Florida law requires pornographic websites to have age verification by New Year's Day, but a new federal lawsuit is trying to get that struck down.
A federal judge is recommending that a Florida school board enter into a settlement with those suing it for book banning, citing how it's spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to cover legal fees.
Citing tax dollars spent, judge urges Florida school district to settle book ban lawsuit
The Escambia County School Board, meanwhile, has refused to budge.
www.tallahassee.com
December 17, 2024 at 2:34 PM
A federal judge is recommending that a Florida school board enter into a settlement with those suing it for book banning, citing how it's spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to cover legal fees.
Donations have poured into a GoFundMe account for a Lakeland woman, Briana Boston, who has drawn international attention for her arrest last week after she allegedly uttered the phase “delay, deny, depose” on a phone call with an insurance representative.
Lakeland woman accused of threatening insurance company receives donations, words of support
Briana Boston, accused of making a threat during a phone call with her insurance company, has received an outpouring of kind words and money for her defense.
www.theledger.com
December 17, 2024 at 1:47 AM
Donations have poured into a GoFundMe account for a Lakeland woman, Briana Boston, who has drawn international attention for her arrest last week after she allegedly uttered the phase “delay, deny, depose” on a phone call with an insurance representative.
Reposted by Douglas Soule
First Amendment or threat? #Florida woman's arrest after CEO shooting sparks online uproar www.theledger.com/story/news/l... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
First Amendment or threat? Florida woman's arrest after CEO shooting sparks online uproar
She said "healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil," police wrote in a Tuesday arrest affidavit.
www.theledger.com
December 14, 2024 at 4:37 PM
First Amendment or threat? #Florida woman's arrest after CEO shooting sparks online uproar www.theledger.com/story/news/l... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
The arrest of a Lakeland, Florida, woman accused of threatening her health insurance provider following denied claims has sparked a national debate about when First Amendment-protected speech veers into illegal threats.
'You people are next': Social media reacts to Florida woman's alleged insurance threat
She said "healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil," police wrote in a Tuesday arrest affidavit.
www.tallahassee.com
December 13, 2024 at 11:11 PM
The arrest of a Lakeland, Florida, woman accused of threatening her health insurance provider following denied claims has sparked a national debate about when First Amendment-protected speech veers into illegal threats.
A Lakeland, Florida, woman whose medical insurance claims were denied has been arrested after allegedly telling her insurance company, “Delay, Deny, Depose. You people are next."
Lakeland woman threatens insurance company, says ‘Delay, Deny, Depose’: police
A Lakeland woman was charged Tuesday after police said she ended a call to an insurance company with the words, “Delay, Deny, Depose.”
www.wfla.com
December 12, 2024 at 7:34 PM
A Lakeland, Florida, woman whose medical insurance claims were denied has been arrested after allegedly telling her insurance company, “Delay, Deny, Depose. You people are next."
Florida is spending millions on a “statewide, centralized, easily accessible” system for the public to review and object to school instructional materials and books.
DeSantis’ administration says it’s a transparency tool.
But it has raised concerns about censorship.
DeSantis’ administration says it’s a transparency tool.
But it has raised concerns about censorship.
Florida to spend up to $15 million on school material review technology for DeSantis laws
Transparency or censorship? Florida is spending millions on a new tool for the public to review and object to school instructional materials and books.
www.tallahassee.com
December 12, 2024 at 4:05 PM
Florida is spending millions on a “statewide, centralized, easily accessible” system for the public to review and object to school instructional materials and books.
DeSantis’ administration says it’s a transparency tool.
But it has raised concerns about censorship.
DeSantis’ administration says it’s a transparency tool.
But it has raised concerns about censorship.
At a Moms for Liberty event, Jessie Thompson — the new Volusia County School Board chair in Florida — made a disparaging remark about a local high school's students and admitted to feeding false data to the board to get agenda items passed.
Deltona mayor calls for Volusia School Board chair's removal after disparaging remarks
The new chair spoke about falsifying information to get agenda items passed and made derogatory remarks about students and fellow board members.
www.news-journalonline.com
December 10, 2024 at 11:43 PM
At a Moms for Liberty event, Jessie Thompson — the new Volusia County School Board chair in Florida — made a disparaging remark about a local high school's students and admitted to feeding false data to the board to get agenda items passed.
Reposted by Douglas Soule
"Nothing's going to stop me": #Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by "The Daily Show" www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
'Nothing's going to stop me': Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by 'The Daily Show'
"In the last two years, I've challenged more than one book every calendar day," said Bruce Friedman, a conservative activist who says he's filed more than 900 objections.
www.news-journalonline.com
December 8, 2024 at 8:22 PM
"Nothing's going to stop me": #Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by "The Daily Show" www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" interviewed the "No. 1 book banner" in Florida, the state that has more books pulled from public schools than any other in the nation.
"Nothing's going to stop me," he said.
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
"Nothing's going to stop me," he said.
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
'Nothing's going to stop me': Florida's No. 1 book banner interviewed by 'The Daily Show'
"In the last two years, I've challenged more than one book every calendar day," said Bruce Friedman, a conservative activist who says he's filed more than 900 objections.
www.tallahassee.com
December 6, 2024 at 10:31 PM
Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" interviewed the "No. 1 book banner" in Florida, the state that has more books pulled from public schools than any other in the nation.
"Nothing's going to stop me," he said.
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
"Nothing's going to stop me," he said.
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Douglas Soule
Want to read "Wicked" after seeing the movie? You can't in some #Florida schools -- it's been banned www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
Too 'Wicked'? Novel that spawned movie is often removed from Florida school shelves
The “Wicked” movie is popular, but the "Wicked" book has been pulled in some Florida school districts.
www.tallahassee.com
December 3, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Want to read "Wicked" after seeing the movie? You can't in some #Florida schools -- it's been banned www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p... via @douglassoule.bsky.social
"Wicked” is popular. It had the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical ever and continues to defy gravity in the box office.
But the book version has been removed from multiple school districts in Florida.
I explored where and why:
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
But the book version has been removed from multiple school districts in Florida.
I explored where and why:
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
Too 'Wicked'? Novel that spawned movie is often removed from Florida school shelves
The “Wicked” movie is popular, but the "Wicked" book has been pulled in some Florida school districts.
www.tallahassee.com
December 3, 2024 at 4:15 PM
"Wicked” is popular. It had the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical ever and continues to defy gravity in the box office.
But the book version has been removed from multiple school districts in Florida.
I explored where and why:
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
But the book version has been removed from multiple school districts in Florida.
I explored where and why:
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
Today I’m not thankful for the NYT Spelling Bee.
Why’d they make it so hard?!
Why’d they make it so hard?!
November 28, 2024 at 4:34 PM
Today I’m not thankful for the NYT Spelling Bee.
Why’d they make it so hard?!
Why’d they make it so hard?!
A Florida school district wouldn't let a “Playboy” or a book about bomb-making sit in its libraries. That's why the Escambia County School Board says it should be able to remove an award-winning children’s picture book about a same-sex penguin pair.
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
Was a Florida school district's ban of a penguin book against the First Amendment?
The case in question has high-stakes constitutional consequences.
www.tallahassee.com
November 26, 2024 at 7:56 PM
A Florida school district wouldn't let a “Playboy” or a book about bomb-making sit in its libraries. That's why the Escambia County School Board says it should be able to remove an award-winning children’s picture book about a same-sex penguin pair.
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...
www.tallahassee.com/story/news/p...