Florida Politics

Headlines South Florida

December 11, 2024

Monroe GOP re-elects Rhonda Rebman Lopez as Chair, backs her party leadership slate

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Headlines Influence

December 11, 2024

Gov. DeSantis joins GOP Governors vowing support for Donald Trump immigration policies

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Emails & Opinions Headlines

December 11, 2024

Staff Reports

Last Call for 12.11.24 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

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Headlines Tampa Bay

December 11, 2024

Cole Pepper

Tampa Bay Rays spring training tickets now on sale

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APolitical Headlines

December 11, 2024

Drew Dixon

Law enforcement breaks up illegal gambling operations in Volusia and Brevard counties

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Emails & Opinions Headlines

December 11, 2024

Guest Author

Colten Wright, Matt Posner: A legacy worth protecting — continuity in funding for the Panhandle’s water future

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APolitical Headlines

December 11, 2024

Drew Dixon

NFIB finds small businesses feeling upbeat about the economy

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Headlines Influence

December 11, 2024

Ryan Nicol

Appeals court upholds Rick Wilson win over Michael Flynn in defamation case

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Transition

Headlines Transition

National poll finds Pam Bondi, Ron DeSantis with negative approval ratings amid possible moves

The Governor is better known than the former Top Cop.

4 3min

Headlines Transition

Americans approve of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

Kamala Harris voters are the exception, unsurprisingly.

4 3min

Headlines Transition

Donald Trump names Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece

The one-time fiancée to Donald Trump Jr. was one of several diplomatic appointments announced.

3 3min

Headlines Transition

Donald Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan

The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement.

3 5min

Headlines Transition

Bettors continue to fade Ron DeSantis’ Defense Secretary chances

Investors see the Governor remaining in his current role.

10 3min

Headlines Transition

In promising to shake up Washington, Donald Trump is in a class of his own

‘It’s got a gladiator feel.’

5 13min

Headlines Transition

Pete Hegseth urged to purge ‘woke’ officers

‘The nominee has been pretty clear that has no place in the military.’

21 5min

Headlines Transition

As Ron DeSantis slated for football game with Donald Trump, bettors fade his Sec Def chances

Drama continues about DeSantis’ next move as the money moves away from him.

23 4min

Headlines Transition

Donald Trump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border Protection

Trump’s team is coming into shape ahead of promised mass deportations.

12 10min

Headlines Transition

Melania Trump says heading to the White House for the second term is much different than the first

‘I think the energy is different.’

12 3min

Headlines Transition

Donald Trump affirms commitment to Pete Hegseth, but Ron DeSantis still leads Sec Def betting market

The Governor is seen as a potential backup plan for the Pentagon, but Trump is standing by the current nominee.

5 3min

Headlines Transition

Odds on favorite: Ron DeSantis riding high in Sec Def betting market

Will Trump change course in the nomination fight?

13 4min

Specials

Headlines Specials

Jacob Ogles

Panhandle lawmakers want Nathan Boyles in the Florida House

Republicans are quickly rallying around the former Okaloosa County Commissioner’s HD 3 run.

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Headlines Specials

Rick Scott hails Lara Trump’s RNC stint, says she’d be ‘fantastic’ in Senate

Marco Rubio is leaving Florida for the State Department, leaving an opening on Capitol Hill.

8 3min

Headlines Specials

Lara Trump steps down as RNC co-chair, addresses speculation about Florida Senate seat

‘I certainly want to get all of the information possible if that is something that’s real for me.’

3 7min

Headlines Specials

Nine candidates qualify for race to replace Mike Waltz in CD 6

A state senator, a former presidential candidate, and a previous candidate for Congress are in the mix.

3 4min

Headlines Specials

Former presidential candidate qualifies for CD 6 race to replace Mike Waltz

Randall Terry, known for his anti-abortion activism, got 5,831 votes statewide in the Presidential Election.

1 4min

Headlines Specials

Jacob Ogles

Field set in Special Election to replace Matt Gaetz, including 10 Republicans

A total of 16 candidates, including 10 Republicans, qualified for the race.

2 13min

Headlines Specials

Jacob Ogles

Aaron Dimmock, months after challenging Matt Gaetz in Primary, jumps into Special Election to replace him

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy vetted and recruited Dimmock earlier this year.

1 5min

Headlines Specials

Democrat Ges Selmont enters CD 6 race

He ran for Congress in 2018 and is trying again in a different district’s Special Election.

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Headlines Specials

Jacob Ogles

11 candidates have qualified so far for the Special Election to succeed Matt Gaetz

Candidates have until noon on Friday to complete the process.

1 10min

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Gov. DeSantis joins GOP Governors vowing support for Donald Trump immigration policies

Chief executives are committed to the President-elect’s tougher approach.

2 3min

Headlines Influence

Ryan Nicol

Appeals court upholds Rick Wilson win over Michael Flynn in defamation case

Flynn wanted $50M. Instead, he’s forced to pay Wilson’s legal fees.

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Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Ron DeSantis details tourism spending in Florida surpassed $131B in 2023, a new state record

Spending by visitors to the Sunshine State accounts for nearly 10% of all jobs in Florida.

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Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

Jimmy Patronis launches study on gold and silver as Florida tender

The push comes as the Cabinet member runs for Congress.

1 3min

Headlines Influence

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Linda Chaney takes second go at establishing dental therapy amid statewide dental shortage

Sen. Jay Collins has also again filed companion legislation, but both bills flopped last year.

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Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Hurricane Milton takes toll on Florida’s upcoming citrus harvest

Original forecasts have been revised after Hurricane Milton rattled the industry.

1 3min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Jacob Ogles

House Democrats will target Anna Paulina Luna and recruit against 4 other Florida Republicans in 2026

With the right candidates, House Majority PAC sees potential to unseat Carlos Giménez, Laurel Lee, Cory Mills and María Elvira Salazar.

1 6min

Federal Headlines

FBI Director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s term in January

He said he’s stepping down ‘after weeks of careful thought.’

3 3min

Federal Headlines

Police analyze fingerprint on cellphone as UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect remains jailed

Authorities said that writings found in the suspect’s possession hinted at a hatred of corporate greed.

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Federal Headlines

Poll: Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter

‘At the end of the day, all you have is your word.’

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Federal Headlines

Carlos Giménez elected Vice Chair of Republican Governance Group

He said the group’s members ‘delivered the House Majority’ in November.

1 3min

Federal Headlines

Brian Mast to chair Foreign Affairs Committee

Fellow Florida Republican lawmakers celebrated his selection.

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Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

Shad Khan yacht drama rocks Jacksonville government

10 7min

The first Thanksgiving was on Florida’s First Coast

JEA warns those preparing Thanksgiving meals to dispose of refuse properly

Jacksonville’s plan to address homeless encampments still a work in progress

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Drew Dixon

‘Seller’s market’ drawing to a close on First Coast? Slump in sales continued into November

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North Florida key manufacturing indicators increase in November, showing rebound from October

Florida’s first athletic training heart screening program aims to protect hearts across Duval County public high schools

Key manufacturing indicators show October slowdown in First Coast

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Gabrielle Russon

Lawyer Marcus Hyatt says he is running in HD 38 to replace term-limited David Smith

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After backlash, Andrew Bain says he will help Monique Worrell during transition

How Valencia College got caught in the middle of an Orange County fight

After having funds frozen, Glen Gilzean wrote 224 checks and spent $4.3M, Phil Diamond says

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

Janelle Irwin Taylor

St. Pete City Council approves Rays stadium bonds, deal is not dead

3 7min

Florida Botanical Gardens to host annual Holiday Lights in the Gardens

Kathleen Peters seeks clarity on Rays’ St. Pete intentions

St. Pete City Council delays Rays stadium bond vote, reverses course on Trop roof repairs

SW Florida

Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Homosassa

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Sarasota GOP leaders remember local party Executive Director Kelly Erwin

Federal agents raid Alfie Oakes’ properties in Collier County

Barbara Ford-Coates served 40 years, even as Sarasota shifted right. Here’s how Mike Moran beat her.

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Cole Pepper

Tampa Bay Rays spring training tickets now on sale

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Michele Rayner rolls out more endorsements as she seeks to secure Dem stronghold in SD 16

Growing number of Democrats call for Susan Valdés to resign, run again in Special Election

USF research funding reaches $738M, a new record

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Ryan Nicol

Former Okaloosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles enters race to replace Joel Rudman

2 4min

Gov. DeSantis awards $20M to 17 rural projects. ‘Project Boomer’ in Wakulla County is the biggest winner

Environmentalists are headed to court over proposed oil well in vulnerable Florida watershed

GrayRobinson expands to Pensacola, opens 16th office

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

Gabrielle Russon

Dana Young announces retirement from VISIT FLORIDA

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Florida’s state employees can celebrate Thanksgiving early with paid time off Wednesday

Gov. DeSantis reappoints former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. to Florida A&M University Board

This student-led PAC’s voter-mobilization effort in SD 3 is reporting some eye-catching numbers

Communities

Mike Wright

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

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Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

Are Alachua Commissioners about to pay for a house of cardboard?

Governor appoints Deborah Cunningham, Adam Lee to county court judgeships

South Florida

Headlines South Florida

Monroe GOP re-elects Rhonda Rebman Lopez as Chair, backs her party leadership slate

She said the party will continue to increase its numbers, turn out voters and ‘ensure Republican victories in 2026 and beyond.’

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Headlines South Florida

Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC

The main prosecutor in the case said the brothers, who did business in Miami and New York City, ‘were not acting alone.’

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Headlines South Florida

Kevin Cooper wins Miami-Dade GOP gavel

He defeated Sunny Isles Beach Commissioner Jerry Joseph for the job.

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Headlines South Florida

Miami-Dade GOP to elect new Chair as Alex Rizo forgoes re-election

‘I know the time that needs to be dedicated to being Chair. And I know I can’t give it the full attention right now that it’s going to deserve.’

1 4min

Headlines South Florida

Drew Dixon

South Florida home sales decline in November in all 3 counties

Broward County saw the worst home sale drop in November, and condo sales were even more abysmal.

1 3min

Headlines South Florida

Broward prosecutor seeks to clear records of people charged with buying police-made crack in 1980s

‘It is never too late to do the right thing.’

2 2min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

Alex Jones keeps Infowars for now after judge rejects The Onion’s winning auction bid

The judge said he would not approve the sale, citing concerns about transparency in the auction.

1 10min

Culture Wars Headlines

Joseph Ladapo likens ‘insane’ water fluoridation to COVID vaccines

The Surgeon General spoke out against the practice last month, and continues to develop his argument.

5 4min

Culture Wars Headlines

Drew Dixon

Girl Scouts report shows young women in Florida still face substantial obstacles

While girls in Florida have seen some positive trends, many still face life challenges unique to young women.

0 5min

Culture Wars Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Matt Gaetz to launch OAN show in coveted prime-time slot

The former Congressman will compete with Sean Hannity and Rachel Maddow for 9 p.m. viewers.

1 5min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis lauds ‘just and correct’ Daniel Penny verdict

The Governor was ‘skeptical’ that justice would be done.

10 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Veteran Daniel Penny acquitted in NYC subway chokehold case over Jordan Neely’s death

The case amplified many American fault lines, among them race, politics, crime, urban life, mental illness and homelessness.

7 11min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Joe Biden is rushing aid to Ukraine. Both sides are digging in. And everyone is bracing for Donald Trump

A lot is expected to change come January.

2 14min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Rick Scott sounds sewage garlic alarm again. Will the Joe Biden White House listen?

The Senator is pressing multiple agencies to take action, as he has since 2023.

5 4min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Jubilation and gunfire as Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad family’s half-century rule

Syrian Assad regime falls after rebellion that lasted more than a decade.

3 13min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Donald Trump talks with world leaders, advances foreign policy agenda

The President-elect is hitting the ground running.

8 4min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Donald Trump in Paris for Notre Dame reopening

First Lady Jill Biden also is in attendance.

5 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Rick Scott questions aid to Africa while Americans await federal help

The President announced a big financial commitment Tuesday in Angola.

10 3min

Emails & Opinions

Emails & Opinions Headlines

Last Call for 12.11.24 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

A digest of the day’s politics and policy while the bartender refreshes your drink.

Colten Wright, Matt Posner: A legacy worth protecting — continuity in funding for the Panhandle’s water future

Jacksonville Bold for 12.11.24: Tackling trafficking

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 12.11.24

Last Call for 12.10.24 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Apolitical

APolitical Headlines

Holiday cheer: Gov. DeSantis gifts Florida workers 3 extra days off

The Governor matched what he gave state employees last year.

APolitical Headlines

Bowl season will be busy for fans in Florida

Eight bowl games will include teams from Florida or will be played in the Sunshine State, or both.

APolitical Headlines

Goodwill hunting for the holidays? The nonprofit is a big boon to the economy

APolitical Headlines

Wesley Chapel tops list of top 10 places to move in Florida

‘Polarization’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year

Tech

Headlines Tech

South Florida, Tampa Bay nonprofits join blue tech accelerator program with $14M federal earmark

Their joint goal is to fast-track ‘BlueTech’ innovation with an emphasis on sustainable development and economic growth.

Headlines Tech

From outsider to the Oval Office, bitcoin surges as a new administration embraces crypto

Donald Trump has called for making the United States ‘the crypto capital of the planet.’

Headlines Tech

Waymo unveils plan to bring its robotaxi service to Miami

Headlines Tech

American Edge Project warns U.S. could be slipping in global leadership for AI development

The outlook is uncertain for AI regulations as the U.S. government pivots to full Republican control

Universities