Free Republic

State officials said construction on the new facility could begin as soon as this week.Florida’s first migrant detention and deportation facility — dubbed Alligator Alcatraz — has officially opened deep in the Everglades, drawing applause from Republicans and sharp condemnation from Democrats and environmental advocates. The facility opened last Tuesday with a presidential visit and shortly after began receiving detainees. The temporary facility, with a capacity of up to 3,000 detainees, was fast-tracked into existence just weeks after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier pitched the idea. He insisted that detainees will be treated fairly and processed swiftly. “We'll make sure...

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- A military bus carrying 30 Florida National Guard members overturned Tuesday afternoon on State Road 21 near Goldhead Branch State Park north of Keystone Heights. According to Florida National Guard Lt. Col. Ron Tittle, two buses were following each other transporting soldiers for a training exercise when one bus rear-ended another at 2:22 p.m. The front bus turned over on its side. Rescuers said 19 soldiers were injured, and two of those sustained serious injuries, one of whom was flown by helicopter to Shands Gainesville. Rescuers said the others were taken to a Starke hospital, Shands...