Florida judge rules that gay couples can marry

Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia overturned Florida’s 2008 constitutional gay-marriage ban on Thursday, and ordered that two Key West bartenders and other gay couples seeking to wed be allowed to marry. The ruling was stayed until Tuesday, July 22, at which point same-sex couples in Monroe County can begin obtaining marriage licenses. “The court is aware that the majority of voters oppose same-sex marriage, but it is our country’s proud history to protect the rights of the individual, the rights of the unpopular and rights of the powerless, even at the cost of offending the majority,” Garcia wrote. More at the Miami Herald.

Charlie Crist picks running mate

Charlie Crist on Thursday tapped Annette Taddeo-Goldstein, the head of Miami-Dade's Democratic Party, to become his running mate for governor. Taddeo-Goldstein adds a needed South Florida Hispanic face to Crist's ticket. His selection of Taddeo-Goldstein comes at a an unusual time as gubernatorial candidates typically pick running mates after contested party primaries. More at the Tampa Bay Times.

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Unemployment aid applications drop to 302,000

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week, a steady decline that suggests a strengthening job market. Weekly applications for unemployment aid dipped 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 302,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. More at the AP.

Sports' draw giving Sarasota tourism new life

In May, Sarasota County collected more than $1 million in tourism taxes — a first for the month — at a time when tourism typically slows at the end of the winter and spring seasons. More at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Florida Legislature asks judge to delay new map

A Florida judge was told Thursday that there is no practical way to redraw the state's congressional districts before this year's elections. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis held a hearing Thursday to consider what steps to take since ruling that the current congressional is unconstitutional. More at the AP.