Judge to decide fate of Florida’s political landscape

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – A trial to resolve the squabbling over Florida’s 27 congressional districts is over.

A three-day trial wrapped up Monday. It’s now up to Circuit Judge Terry Lewis to recommend to the state Supreme Court how to redraw the boundaries.

The high court threw out the state’s current map in July. But the House and Senate deadlocked in August over how to redraw the districts.

The House and Senate presented rival maps to Lewis. The groups that sued the Legislature three years ago also presented alternative proposals.

Attorneys for both sides argued that their proposals comply with previous court rulings and standards approved by voters in 2010.

Lewis said he plans to rule sometime in October but has suggested he may recommend a “combination” of several proposals.

Lewis also raised questions about proposed changes to the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown.