Associated PressIn unusual push, funders band together to get out grants around election work ‘early’
‘We’re pledging to make commitments earlier and to move funds sooner.’
0
9min
Janelle Irwin TaylorWhitney Fox, Lindsay Cross condemn six-week abortion ban ahead of Wednesday implementation
‘State laws will mean nothing, hard fought state victories like Amendment 4 will mean nothing, if extremist politicians like (Anna Paulina) Luna get their way and impose a national abortion ban.’
0
9min
U.S. drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift
The election year announcement could help Biden, a Democrat, boost flagging support, particularly among younger voters.
0
8min
Jacob OglesDonald Trump called Florida ‘in play,’ says he’d rather be campaigning here
At least one Florida Democrat says on this, and only this, they agree with the presumptive GOP nominee.
1
4min
News & Trending
A.G. Gancarski
Anne GeggisLegislative, Influence & Policy
Teacher union report: Average Florida teacher salary slips to 2nd-lowest nationally
Despite billions invested, average teacher pay continues to slip in national rankings.
2
5min
Gov. DeSantis sounds off on federal red snapper failings
‘Bad data’ drives bad decisions, according to Gov. DeSantis.
3
2min
Gray RohrerGov. DeSantis: Free passes to state parks Memorial Day weekend
‘Part of the reason I think people have come to Florida is we have the best beaches, we have the best fishing, and we have the best state parks.’
1
3min
Gov. DeSantis deploys emergency crew to support another Governor who endorsed him for President
‘Florida stands with the people of Oklahoma as they navigate this tragic event.’
6
3min
Jesse SchecknerGov. DeSantis signs bill to restrict single-use vapes with carve-out for e-liquids
Heavy fines will start coming in March 2025.
3
6min
Senate candidate Randy Fine likens college students to KKK
The Brevard Republican is ready to begin ‘fixing the rot’ at universities.
33
3min
2024 – Presidential
Donald Trump called Florida ‘in play,’ says he’d rather be campaigning here
At least one Florida Democrat says on this, and only this, they agree with the presumptive GOP nominee.
1
4min
Gov. DeSantis snorts, laughs when asked if abortion means Florida is in play for Joe Biden
The Governor taunted the President’s campaign to ‘light up the airwaves. Do it; light it on fire.’
3
3min
Kamala Harris to talk abortion rights in Jacksonville as stricter law takes effect
The VP will speak on May 1 as Florida’s ban after the sixth week of pregnancy takes effect.
21
3min
Poll: Donald Trump up 3 points over Joe Biden among Miami-Dade voters
‘This survey shows how the county, a traditionally Democrat stronghold, has shifted significantly.’
1
5min
Donald Trump meeting with Ron DeSantis was ‘fine,’ ‘ended with a handshake’
‘They discussed the full range of policy issues and politics, too.’
23
3min
Have you heard the one about Trump? Joe Biden tries humor on the campaign trail
‘Nobody has ever beaten Trump by getting in the ring with him.’
14
12min
2024 – Initiatives
Gov. DeSantis says New York ‘reeks of marijuana,’ mocks medical cannabis for ‘back injuries’
‘Do you want to walk down the street here and smell it? Do you want to not be able to take your family out to dinner?’
2
4min
Coalition ramps up to create constitutional right to fish and hunt
‘Fishing and hunting are a way of life in Florida, and we need to protect it for future generations.’
3
3min
Florida Democrats hope abortion and marijuana questions draw young voters despite low enthusiasm
Young voters are more enthusiastic about initiatives than Joe Biden. Could they tip the scales his way?
2
11min
Christine Jordan SextonJared Moskowitz is seeing red but says constitutional amendments keep Florida ‘in play’
‘Make no mistake about it. Without those ballot initiatives I don’t think Florida is in play.’
8
4min
The end of public campaign finance? Voters will get to decide
At least 60% of voters will have to approve of this change in order for it to take effect.
7
2min
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.
15
4min
2024 – Down Ballot
Whitney Fox, Lindsay Cross condemn six-week abortion ban ahead of Wednesday implementation
‘State laws will mean nothing, hard fought state victories like Amendment 4 will mean nothing, if extremist politicians like (Anna Paulina) Luna get their way and impose a national abortion ban.’
0
9min
The only Democrat not to qualify in CD 13 is now backing Sabrina Bousbar
‘Sabrina Bousbar’s unwavering dedication to public service and unmatched experience make her exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress.’
0
5min
Matt Gaetz Primary challenger Aaron Dimmock tied to Kevin McCarthy
The last-minute GOP challenger uses the same treasurer as a Super PAC run by the ousted House Speaker.
6
5min
Alan Grayson said name recognition makes him the best candidate to take down Rick Scott
‘He’s a parody of an elected official and a parody of a human being, I think as soon as he’s done in public life, he will audition for the role of Skeletor.’
8
7min
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell Spanish language spot says Rick Scott hates ‘freedom’
‘He supports banning abortion and risking women’s health and lives.’
9
2min
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell dispatches mobile billboard attacking Rick Scott in Naples
The rolling campaign message calls a new law ‘Rick Scott’s Abortion Ban.’
23
4min
Culture Wars
Gov. DeSantis in lather over Title IX bathroom rule changes
‘This is bad policy, but it’s also not constitutional.’
2
4min
Fresh Take FloridaPolice make first arrests in Florida of pro-Palestinian protesters at two university campuses
‘IDF, KKK, UFPD, you’re all the same,’ protesters chanted as someone beat on a drum.
7
6min
Gov. DeSantis expects students from elite colleges will come to Florida to escape discrimination
‘I think you’re going to start to see a lot of people take us up on that offer.’
3
3min
Ashley Moody leads AGs in battle against Title IX gender identity, sexual orientation rule change
‘To ensure safety and fairness, Florida will aggressively fight Biden.’
11
4min
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.
61
3min
Staff ReportsJacksonville Bold for 4.24.24: Qualifying week is here
Qualifying week has arrived — as challengers emerge.
0
32min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Tallahassee
Drew Dixon
South Florida
Poll: Miami-Dade voters disapprove of county direction, $2.5B bond plan
Sixty percent of respondents said economic and affordability issues were their top concerns.
1
6min
Florida PBA backs ‘true law and order candidate’ Rolando Silva for Palm Beach State Attorney
‘He has earned the respect and trust of the law enforcement community and we are proud to endorse him for State Attorney.’
0
5min
Effort to recall Vince Lago as Coral Gables Mayor fails
Three Tallahassee-based groups bankrolled the recall effort.
0
9min
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund endorses David Richardson for Miami-Dade Tax Collector
‘His dedication to public service and his strong track record of fiscal responsibility make him the ideal candidate.’
0
6min
Katherine Fernandez Rundle re-elected unopposed to seventh term as Miami-Dade State Attorney
Next year will mark her 32nd consecutive year as Miami-Dade’s top prosecutor.
0
6min
Fourth Broward County Superintendent in 3 years takes the helm
1 School Board member questioned the new Superintendent’s legitimacy to lead this week.
3
9min
Federal
U.S. drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift
The election year announcement could help Biden, a Democrat, boost flagging support, particularly among younger voters.
0
8min
Have you heard the one about Trump? Joe Biden tries humor on the campaign trail
‘Nobody has ever beaten Trump by getting in the ring with him.’
14
12min
Marco Rubio says Americans don’t know Israel faces threats on northern front
Hezbollah’s depredations aren’t well-known in the US.
12
3min
Joe Biden administration indefinitely postpones rule that would have banned menthol-flavored cigarettes
The FDA has worked toward banning menthol across multiple administrations for more than a decade without ever finalizing a rule.
0
3min
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.
125
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.
4
4min
Foreign Affairs
Hamas reviews Israeli cease-fire proposal
It wasn’t immediately clear whether Israel’s new proposal was directly related to Friday’s visit by Egyptian mediators.
4
2min
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
Emails & Opinions
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.30.24
Here’s the day that was — and will be — in Florida politics.
Apolitical
UF survey: Consumer confidence increases in April, attributable to ‘robust labor market’ and positive economic growth
‘In particular, expectations about the U.S. economy over the next five years reached levels not seen since July 2021.’
Lauren Book concludes 1,500-mile ‘Walk in My Shoes’ trek for child safety awareness
‘Every mile we walked and every hurdle we crossed was to protect childhood.’
Tech
Gov. DeSantis approves 5-year prison sentences for tech-assisted stalkers
The new law increases the current punishment for apps and devices to track others without their permission thirtyfold.
Marco Rubio says China ‘on the clock’ after TikTok divestiture order
The Senator hailed ‘a huge step toward confronting Beijing’s malign influence.’
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Universities
Forbes names University of Florida to ‘New Ivies’ list
‘This new recognition underscores UF’s commitment to being both elite and practical.’
3
4min
Clear encampment or face suspension, Columbia University tells Israel-Hamas war protesters
About 275 people were arrested Saturday at various campuses.
3
11min
UF threatens student protesters with suspension, banishment from campus for 3 years
The scene at UF, home to the largest percentage of Jewish college students in America, was so far a peaceful contrast to demonstrations at some U.S. universities this week.
15
8min