Joseph Ladapo says mask wearers ‘just like to hide their faces’
The state’s leading doctor has a provocative theory about people still wearing masks.
28
3min
Francheska Sabatini challenges Ron DeSantis-appointed Judge Chad Monty
Husband Anthony Sabatini, meanwhile, qualified to run for Congress.
4
3min
Meg Weinberger scores endorsement from Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association
It’s the second major police organization in Florida to back her campaign.
1
4min
Shlomo Danzinger rescinds endorsement of Miami-Dade Mayor after launching bid to unseat her
‘Recent events and actions have left me profoundly disappointed in your leadership.’
9
7min
News & Trending
April 25, 2024
A.G. Gancarski
A.G. Gancarski
Joseph Ladapo says mask wearers ‘just like to hide their faces’
28
3min
0
April 25, 2024
Jacob Ogles
Jacob Ogles
Francheska Sabatini challenges Ron DeSantis-appointed Judge Chad Monty
4
3min
0
Janelle Irwin Taylor
April 25, 2024
Jesse Scheckner
Jesse Scheckner
Gov. DeSantis elevates Charles Helm to 5th Judicial Circuit bench
3
3min
0
Gray Rohrer
Drew DixonLegislative, Influence & Policy
Gov. DeSantis elevates Charles Helm to 5th Judicial Circuit bench
DeSantis first appointed Helm to a bench in 2021.
3
3min
Jimmy Patronis, other officials urge patience as property insurance rates continue to rise
‘We tell them we’ve done these reforms, we start to get into the weeds — they don’t want to hear that because their premiums are still increasing.’
6
5min
Florida PhoenixThe environmental education of Bob Graham offers lessons for Florida today
‘He did more for the Florida environment than any Governor before or since.’
2
21min
Jimmy Patronis urges Congress to act after Judge quashes environmental permitting law
‘Now, construction projects across the state have come to a grinding halt and placed many of our business owners and their employees in financial straits.’
8
4min
‘A significant step forward’: Destinations Florida urges Gov. DeSantis to sign vacation rental bill
The group says the bill ‘offers an opportunity to level the playing field and promote further growth and prosperity for our state.’
2
11min
Ahead of hurricane season, Gov. DeSantis signs legislation to boost home hardening program
‘I anticipate this program being incredibly successful.’
5
4min
2024 – Presidential
Kamala Harris to talk abortion rights in Jacksonville
The VP will speak on May 1 as Florida’s ban after the sixth week of pregnancy takes effect.
4
3min
Poll: Donald Trump up 2% among likely voters as Joe Biden lags in supporter enthusiasm
Ten percent of 2020 Biden voters said they’re either switching to team Trump or voting for another candidate this year.
15
5min
Hate both Donald Trump and Joe Biden? New poll says you’ll likely vote Democratic
Trump is ahead overall, but voters are wary of his legal dramas.
6
3min
Peter SchorschAnti-Donald Trump Lincoln Project takes home 2 awards for, you guessed it, anti-Trump ads
One ad campaign actively sought to get under the former President’s skin.
16
6min
Muslim group blasts Joe Biden for Tampa campaign stop
The President has been attacked from the left and from the right as he navigates a rocky middle ground amid Israel’s ongoing war.
9
6min
Joe Biden in Tampa blames Donald Trump for ripping away women’s abortion rights
He visited Florida a week before a strict abortion plan goes into effect in the Sunshine State.
32
7min
2024 – Initiatives
Nikki Fried says Florida GOP bears ‘blood on its hand’ as abortion ban goes into effect
Evan Power said Democrats want to use the ‘ability kill babies’ for political gain.
12
4min
Group backing recreational pot amendment touts support from veterans coalition
‘Many of our brave veterans across the country and here in Florida have been strong advocates for the freedom to access a legal, regulated cannabis market.’
5
3min
FAU poll: Just 47% support recreational pot measure, with 18% undecided
The referendum needs 60% support to pass.
18
3min
Ron DeSantis slams marijuana amendment again, warns of ‘toking up’ near schools
‘That is not good for families, that is not good for the elderly.’
20
4min
Ron DeSantis urges reporters to ask Donald Trump where he stands on Florida abortion rights initiative
The Governor once hammered Trump on reproductive rights. Now both abortion and the former President are on the November ballot.
8
6min
Gabrielle RussonLike Florida, Arizona voters could decide abortion rights in November
‘This is an issue that people are eager to see on the ballot,’ said an Arizona abortion rights advocate.
3
4min
2024 – Down Ballot
Liz Dahan qualifies for CD 13 race as Democratic field comes into focus
The Democratic Primary will likely be competitive, but it’s uphill after that for the winner.
2
6min
Michael Johnson qualifies to challenge Cory Mills in CD 7
2 Democrats have also qualified for a Primary in the district.
0
4min
Tom Leek goes on air with first radio ad in SD 7
The Senate candidate and sitting Representative touts law enforcement support.
0
4min
Jackie Toledo won’t challenge Laurel Lee to CD 15 rematch
She at one point said she’d answer Donald Trump’s call for a Primary challenge.
1
4min
Greg Folley hits airwaves with first TV ad in HD 81
The Marco Island Republican attacks Joe Biden and touts his own background working for Ronald Reagan.
0
4min
Plaintiffs ask court to reconsider whether Gov. DeSantis had racist motives drawing Florida’s congressional map
Attorneys challenging the map called for new lines to be drawn — for the 2026 elections.
3
5min
Culture Wars
Joseph Ladapo says mask wearers ‘just like to hide their faces’
The state’s leading doctor has a provocative theory about people still wearing masks.
28
3min
Staff ReportsJacksonville Bold for 4.24.24: Qualifying week is here
Qualifying week has arrived — as challengers emerge.
0
32min
Ron DeSantis says Hamas sympathizers ‘rule the roost’ at universities
‘When you’re targeting people like that, that’s not free speech.’
13
3min
Gov. DeSantis castigates Katie Hobbs for veto of Arizona squatter measure
‘What kind of a message does that send?’
10
3min
Associated PressNew federal rule bars transgender school bathroom bans, but it likely isn’t the final word
In recent years, transgender people have gained visibility and acceptance in the U.S. — and some conservative officials have pushed back.
2
11min
Rick Scott threatens federal defunding of Columbia University
The school has an endowment worth upwards of $13B, but can’t ensure security for Jewish students.
5
5min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Tallahassee
South Florida
Meg Weinberger scores endorsement from Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association
It’s the second major police organization in Florida to back her campaign.
1
4min
Shlomo Danzinger rescinds endorsement of Miami-Dade Mayor after launching bid to unseat her
‘Recent events and actions have left me profoundly disappointed in your leadership.’
9
7min
‘A proven leader’: 4 more elected leaders endorse James Reyes for Miami-Dade Sheriff
‘Chief Reyes has the experience and dedication it takes to lead our community forward on Day One.’
0
5min
Billy Corben drops out of race for Miami-Dade Dems Chair, citing ‘bad faith and hypocrisy’
‘Perhaps I’ll revisit running for a full term in December. But for now, sadly, I am withdrawing my name from contention.’
2
8min
FDLE seeks Broward Sheriff’s suspension over license application lies
‘The offense of falsifying information on a driver license application is an act involving moral turpitude.’
0
4min
Ryan NicolPolice union endorses Adam Frankel for Palm Beach County Public Defender
Frankel is vying to succeed longtime Public Defender Carey Haughwout.
0
3min
Federal
Gov. DeSantis says Florida ‘will not comply’ with Title IX guidance regarding gender identity
The federal government will get pushback from the Sunshine State regarding expansion of protections for students.
7
3min
Alan Grayson qualifies for U.S. Senate, adding to Democratic Primary field
But it’s still unclear how aggressive a campaign he will run this year.
2
4min
Rick Scott, Byron Donalds pursue tax breaks for flood insurance
‘We need to make sure hardworking folks have access to affordable coverage.’
1
4min
Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights
Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3
6min
Floridians receive commutation, clemency from Joe Biden
Both were convicted of drug offenses years ago.
1
2min
Democrats rip ‘roadblock’ Rick Scott for pushing back against foreign aid package
Will Tuesday’s vote matter in November? That remains to be seen.
11
5min
Foreign Affairs
Marco Rubio rips Joe Biden for caving to ‘antisemitic mobs’ with IDF battalion sanctions
Is the President ‘appeasing’ the Left?
4
3min
Ukrainian and Western leaders laud U.S. aid package while the Kremlin warns of ‘further ruin’
The package that President Joe Biden has pledged to sign immediately heads to the Senate for a Tuesday vote.
22
11min
What’s inside the $95B House package focused on aiding Ukraine and Israel
Will this package cost the Speaker his job?
2
8min
House’s Ukraine, Israel aid package gains Joe Biden’s support, Mike Johnson fights to keep job
The aid packages will likely need Democratic votes to pass. Will retaining Johnson need the same?
5
12min
Jared Moskowitz, Tom Kean Jr. introduce bipartisan bill condemning Iran attack on Israel
‘What the world witnessed this weekend was a declaration of war.’
1
6min
Iran’s attack on Israel spurs response from Florida politicians
‘We’re looking at the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973.’
37
10min
Emails & Opinions
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.25.24
Make a great day even better with Sunburn, your morning rundown of Florida politics.
Apolitical
Gov. DeSantis orders flags to fly at half-staff to honor Bill Gunter
Gunter, a former Congressman, state Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner, recently passed away at the age of 89.
Bob Graham to lie in state at Old Capitol Friday, private funeral thereafter
The political giant will be honored in Tallahassee, with a memorial service for him next month in his hometown.
Tech
Marco Rubio says China ‘on the clock’ after TikTok divestiture order
The Senator hailed ‘a huge step toward confronting Beijing’s malign influence.’
Could Kennedy Space Center host 300 rocket launches a year?
Between private spaceflight, NASA and Space Force, there’s activity on the horizon.
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Universities
Fresh Take FloridaLeading Dem slams offering $500 for college students to participate in politically focused state survey
The prior version of the survey had low turnout.
3
8min
Cole PepperUSF announces construction management team for football stadium project
The selections: Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon.
1
4min
Peter SchorschNew College pitches marine mammal grad program to BOG
If approved, the pieces are in place for a Fall 2024 launch.
4
4min
