Sarasota Public Hospital District

All four candidates who ran on a "medical freedom" slate lost to their Republican opponents, who include two incumbent board members. They'll now face four Democrats in November.

Eight Republicans are competing in a closed primary on Aug. 20. Six attended a League of Women Voters forum, which drew more than 100 attendees.

The board opted not to endorse Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo's assertions and voted on a different motion that reaffirms a commitment "not to invade" patients' relationships with their doctors.

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s lawsuit contends five hospital districts, by pursuing separate claims against pharmaceutical industry companies, are jeopardizing settlements her office has reached.

The lawsuit centers on settlements the attorney general's office reached with companies that manufacture, distribute or sell opioids — and similar lawsuits that the hospital systems and school board have filed.

An appeals court Friday ruled that part of a 2003 state law directing Sarasota County to reimburse private hospitals for indigent care is…