U-W-F To Host First Amendment Lecture In March

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- The University of West Florida will host its annual Seligman First Amendment Lecture on Tuesday, March 3rd at the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola. Dr. Jay Cost will present "To Preserve the Freedom of the Human Mind," examining the connection between intellectual freedom and American democracy. Cost is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "James Madison: America's First Politician." The event coincides with America250, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A reception begins at 5:30 p-m followed by the lecture at 6. The event is free and open to the public.

Atmore Man Sentenced To Life For Pace Murder

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- An Atmore man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a man in Pace in 20-23. A jury convicted Ja'Cobey Quartise James of second-degree murder with a firearm. Prosecutors say James and two others followed Joseph Liebe from the Molino Tom Thumb, believing he had cash on him. When Liebe pulled over on Wallace Lake Road, James fired 10 shots at his vehicle. Charges against the two co-defendants were dropped.

Florida Senate Committee Passes Charlie Kirk Day Designation Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida Senate committee has advanced legislation that would designate October 14 of each year as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance.

Senate Bill 194, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Martin, cleared another legislative hurdle this week and is now progressing through the Senate’s committee process. The bill would create a new statute formally recognizing Kirk’s contributions to free speech, civic engagement and youth leadership, and would authorize the governor to issue an annual proclamation marking the day.

Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in September 2025. Supporters of the bill say the designation would honor his impact on civic education and individual liberty.

A companion bill in the Florida House, House Bill 125, proposes the same yearly designation and is under review in the Government Operations Subcommittee.

The measure has drawn both praise and criticism in legislative debates, with some lawmakers emphasizing the importance of recognizing civic engagement, while others raise broader questions about the criteria for official state remembrance days.