Florida Politics

Headlines Influence

April 29, 2025

Legislature passes ‘Trooper’s Law’ after dog abandoned in Hurricane Milton

0 4min 0

Headlines Influence

April 29, 2025

Jacob Ogles

Deal brokered to bring liquor selling ability to World Equestrian Center

0 5min 0

Headlines Influence

April 29, 2025

Andrew Powell

Behavioral health services transparency bill ready for Governor

0 5min 0

Headlines Influence

April 29, 2025

Drew Dixon

Senate postpones bill to block development in state parks

3 4min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

April 29, 2025

Staff Reports

Last Call for 4.29.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 12min 0

Headlines Influence

April 29, 2025

Legislature repeals ‘clean hands’ rule to ease compensation for people wrongly imprisoned

0 6min 0

Headlines Influence

April 29, 2025

Jacob Ogles

Legislature unanimously OKs millions in claims for Marcus Button, PJ Janvier, others

0 9min 0

Headlines South Florida

April 29, 2025

Ryan Nicol

Research from FAMU, Tuskegee has good news for Glades air quality

0 8min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Legislature passes ‘Trooper’s Law’ after dog abandoned in Hurricane Milton

The images of the dog stranded went viral and pushed lawmakers to pass a new criminal law.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

Deal brokered to bring liquor selling ability to World Equestrian Center

The House signed off on a local bill Friday to benefit the Ocala venue.

0 5min

Headlines Influence

Andrew Powell

Behavioral health services transparency bill ready for Governor

‘We cannot manage what we do not measure, and this is a great opportunity for the state to understand where our dollars are going.’

0 5min

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Senate postpones bill to block development in state parks

The House already approved the bill. Will the Senate take action in time?

3 4min

Headlines Influence

Legislature repeals ‘clean hands’ rule to ease compensation for people wrongly imprisoned

‘This bill … all it does is open the door slightly for those folks.’

0 6min

Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

Legislature unanimously OKs millions in claims for Marcus Button, PJ Janvier, others

Sovereign immunity limits governments from paying out damages in negligence cases unless lawmakers step in.

0 9min

Headlines Influence

Senate kicks bill making gold, silver legal tender back to House with strike-all amendment

Will legislators land this plane?

1 4min

Headlines Influence

Legislature passes bill establishing Holocaust Remembrance Day

Lawmakers said they hope the day will combat growing antisemitism in Florida and around the world.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

House sends ‘Officer Jason Raynor Act’ back to Senate with minor language tweak

The last-minute change should eliminate any additional jury confusion, sponsor Jessica Baker said.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Legislature blocks local governments from interfering with Donald Trump Presidential Library

“‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie … and President Trump’s library should be located here in the state of Florida.”

1 5min

Headlines Influence

Legislature OK’s plan to require state agencies to review rules

The idea is to reduce burdensome bureaucracy.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Andrew Powell

House clears property rights bill to evict squatters

Squatters are unlawfully entering commercial buildings and using them for drug and human trafficking.

0 4min

Budget

Budget Headlines

House advances tax package as tourism leaders fear repercussions from hotel tax changes

The bill passes with a 78-29 vote on the House Floor after going through one committee stop this week.

0 9min

Budget Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Ben Albritton: Stalemate between House, Senate on tax cuts guarantees Session overtime

‘I’m just not comfortable with a proposal that I believe will likely lead to shortfalls.’

10 5min

Budget Headlines

Lawmakers are preparing for extra innings this Session, so what does that look like?

There are 2 options to avoid a shutdown.

1 8min

Budget Headlines

Counties and cities are wary of hotel tax changes as House advances tax package

House Budget Committee Chair Lawrence McClure told lawmakers that the Senate and House are moving forward in budget talks.

1 7min

Budget Headlines

Gov. DeSantis bashes House Everglades budget plan

‘Their agenda is not your agenda.’

5 5min

Budget Headlines

House proposes killing all tourist development councils in Florida

Similarly focused tourism promotion agencies can continue, under certain conditions.

9 6min

New Administration

Headlines New Administration

As Elon Musk gained power in Washington, his popularity has fallen, an AP poll finds

DOGE efforts by Musk have many starting to wonder if the Tesla entrepreneur knows what he is doing.

10 9min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump’s first 100 days: Steamrolling government, strong-arming allies and igniting trade wars

Norms have been sidetracked as Donald Trump seeks to leave his personal stamp on the United States in the early going of his second term as President.

6 51min

Headlines New Administration

Poll: Only about half of Republicans say Trump has focused on the right priorities

Many Americans do not agree with President Donald Trump’s aggressive efforts to quickly enact his agenda, a new poll finds, and even Republicans are not overwhelmingly convinced that his attention has been in the right place. Americans are nearly twice as likely to say Trump has been mostly focusing on the wrong priorities as to […]

9 3min

Headlines New Administration

Elon Musk to spend less time in Washington, more time running Tesla after profit plunges

The billionnaire said the ‘major work of establishing Department of Government Efficiency is done,’

6 8min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump considers pausing his auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash

Asian countries are still angling on how to deal with the threat of U.S. tariffs.

7 9min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump is ‘fully fit’ to serve as commander in chief, his doctor says after recent physical

Donald Trump’s cholesterol levels have gone down and he’s lost weight.

14 3min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump sits cageside at Miami UFC event in his latest appearance at a sports event

Several members of Donald Trump’s cabinet appeared at the Miami fights with him, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

9 6min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump proclaims self ‘in good shape’ after physical

Results are pending.

11 3min

Headlines New Administration

Florida to prosecute would-be Donald Trump assassin

The shooter could be sentenced to 60 years in a state prison if convicted and given maximum penalties.

7 3min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on China as global markets plunge

Despite tanking stock market trends, Donald Trump says he won’t back down on applying trade tariffs.

16 15min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump roars down multiple paths of retribution as he vowed. Some targets yield while others fight

Prominent law firms to universities are being seen as capitulating to the President’s will.

20 21min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump leans on SCOTUS as judges block his agenda

As losses mount in lower federal courts, President Donald Trump has returned to a tactic that he employed at the Supreme Court with remarkable success in his first term. Three times in the past week, and six since Trump took office a little more than two months ago, the Justice Department has asked the conservative-majority high court to step […]

9 9min

Immigration Enforcement

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Billboards rise, ads run bashing Marco Rubio, Miami-Dade lawmakers on immigration, defunding

‘If you’re a constituent or resident of their district, you will see these outside and online.’

9 14min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Wife of U.S. Coast Guard member arrested over expired visa after security check for military housing

Wife was detained by ICE after background check showed a U.S. visa expired.

13 5min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

House passes bill to expand E-Verify during emotional debate on immigration

But a Senate bill is stalled.

2 5min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Maxwell Frost arrives in El Salvador to demand release, return of deported Maryland man

The trip is not being financed by taxpayer dollars, Frost’s Office said.

20 7min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Staff Reports

Report: James Uthmeier orders pause to immigration arrests after judge’s ruling

Is the law constitutional?

4 2min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Fresh Take Florida

UF international student detained by immigration agents now back in Colombia

‘At this moment, Felipe is in a process of physical and emotional recovery.’

6 7min

2026

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Florida Watch names Natasha Sutherland as new Executive Director

She succeeds Josh Weierbach, who led the organization for 5 years.

0 8min

2026 Headlines

Drew Wilson

Top congressional Republicans line up behind Byron Donalds’ bid for Florida Governor

‘With Byron Donalds as Governor, Florida’s best days are still ahead.’

9 5min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Travaris McCurdy seeks a return to House in HD 40 Special Election

The Orlando Democrat said he’s ready for another campaign.

0 6min

2026 Headlines Orlando

Jacob Ogles

RaShon Young becomes first candidate to file for HD 40 Special Election

The legislative aide hopes to succeed his boss, Senate candidate LaVon Bracy Davis.

1 5min

2026 Headlines

David Jolly’s very good (and unexpected) day

The political Gods of partisan frustration delivered a big win for the former Congressman.

11 8min

2026 Headlines Influence

Andrew Powell

Florida House passes mental health and substance abuse bill

The legislation aims to improve and update processes to make mental health services more effective and more accessible.

3 3min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Byron Donalds says tax hikes for the rich are not going to happen

‘The vast, vast, vast majority of Republicans are not going to support that.’

26 3min

Federal Headlines

3 House Republicans from Florida with Cuban roots carefully navigate Donald Trump’s immigration policies

Will this matter in 2026?

10 7min

Federal Headlines

As immigrant arrests surge, complaints of abuse mount at America’s oldest detention center in Miami

Since the start of Donald Trump’s term, Krome Detention Center saw its prisoner population swell to nearly three times its capacity.

8 21min

Federal Headlines

‘Leader in the clubhouse’: Byron Donalds sees JD Vance as 2028 favorite

‘It’s going to be tough for anybody that wants to take him on.’

6 3min

Federal Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Vern Buchanan leads trade mission to Europe, stresses value on international trade to Florida

‘The central focus of our discussions was the importance of fostering a fair and balanced trade relationship.’

1 8min

Federal Headlines

Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th century wartime law

The administration is expected to return to the Supreme Court quickly in an effort to persuade the justices to lift their temporary order.

9 8min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

Jacksonville says city has cut homeless population by 49%

2 3min

On Tax Day, Randy White launches run for Duval County Tax Collector

Donna Deegan, potential challengers raise big bucks ahead of 2027 Jacksonville Mayor’s race

New clinic opens in Jacksonville treating first responders and veterans with brain conditions

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Oh snap! Gov. DeSantis announces record-breaking length for Gulf red snapper fishing season

2 5min 0

UNF survey: Key First Coast manufacturing indicators show ‘softening’ in economic picture

Ponce Inlet wins appeals case after two fire employees were fired for misconduct

David Sullivan appointed to Palm Coast City Council to fill seat vacated in February

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Jacob Ogles

Grants Manager, public transit enthusiast Mira Tanna to file for Orlando City Council

0 5min 0

RaShon Young becomes first candidate to file for HD 40 Special Election

Field set for Special Election to fill Geraldine Thompson’s Senate seat

Alan Grayson joins race to run for the late Geraldine Thompson’s seat

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

Tourist development tax proposal could jeopardize ‘invaluable resource’ for Pinellas

0 8min

Pinellas extends ‘substantial damage’ compliance deadline for hurricane-damaged properties

St. Pete City Council OKs $22.5M for Tropicana Field roof repairs

House proposed budget funds education, water projects, road improvements in Pinellas

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Drew Dixon

Collier County foster care leader honored among top nonprofit ‘heroes’ in the state

0 3min 0

Lee Co. single-member district bill wins over House members

Fort Myers reverses course, will cooperate with ICE

James Uthmeier calls Fort Myers ‘sanctuary city,’ warns City Council risks removal

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Donald Trump selects Jane Castor for new FEMA review council

1 4min 0

Jane Castor beams over resiliency after — and ahead of — hurricane season in State of the City address

Topics to watch in Tampa Mayor Jane Castor’s 2025 State of the City address

Former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says he’s running again in 2027

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Jacob Ogles

Legislature repeals 2018 law that restricted public access to Walton County beaches

0 3min

Triumph Gulf Coast Board approves about $45M in grant requests for Panhandle region

Jimmy Patronis makes appointment to key Gulf Coast Board before he heads to Congress

Panhandle NPR affiliate WUWF gets new Executive Director

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

Peter Schorsch

Marva Johnson may be unlikely, but she is the President FAMU needs and deserves

8 5min 0

Florida State, still grieving from shooting tragedy, to re-open Student Union Monday

As FSU mourns, lawmakers advance hate prevention plan

Florida State classes resume Monday after fatal shooting, but in-person attendance isn’t mandatory

Communities

Communities Emails & Opinions Headlines

Guest Author

Jena Antonucci: Preserving Florida — an agricultural triumph

1 6min 0

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

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

South Florida

Headlines South Florida

Ryan Nicol

Research from FAMU, Tuskegee has good news for Glades air quality

‘We are committed to placing the community first.’

0 8min

Headlines South Florida

Berthier Group, Miranda Advocacy+ help deliver big victories in Coral Gables election

Voter turnout for Coral Gables’ General Election this year was the highest of any in the city at least this century.

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

Ryan Nicol

S&P Global Ratings boosts Broward Health bond rating to ‘A+’

‘This achievement highlights our commitment to operational excellence and positions us to invest in innovative health care solutions.’

0 3min

Headlines South Florida

Peter Schorsch

Failed hospital ‘merger’ deserves referendum, not legislative loophole

Clearly, the people of Broward County did not want this proposal.

4 6min

Headlines South Florida

Chamber of Commerce backs Christina Lambert for West Palm Beach Mayor

At least 3 other organizations and the official she hopes to succeed also support her.

0 4min

Headlines South Florida

Ryan Nicol

Gov. DeSantis appoints Adam Cervera to Broward County School Board

He will replace Brenda Fam, who just resigned effective May 1.

0 4min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis finally responds to Tucker Carlson’s ‘bizarre’ attacks

Carlson has said DeSantis is the ‘marionette’ of his donors

3 7min

Culture Wars Headlines

‘That guy needs to get on his medication’: Ron DeSantis heckled in Destin

The demonstrator was ‘peddling bogus narratives.’

11 6min

Culture Wars

Federal lawsuit against Florida fake meat law still alive for now

States’ rights to ban plant-based simulations of animal products were not disputed in the ruling.

0 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Florida Phoenix

DCF call center wait time nears an hour for Spanish speakers, report finds

Inefficiency figured in a federal class action by beneficiaries.

4 4min

Culture Wars Headlines

House passes bill targeting ‘clearly pornographic’ books on school shelves

Republicans argued schools are still displaying inappropriate books.

4 5min

Culture Wars Headlines

Bye bye blue? Poll says majority of Dems say they could move out of Florida by end of decade

Trump supporters, Republicans are much less likely to relocate.

13 2min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs

Mark Carney warns Canadians in Liberal Party victory speech, Donald Trump ‘is trying to break us’

Conservatives hoped to win a majority. Instead, their leader awaits news on his own House of Commons seat.

2 10min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

With China and U.S. at intense economic odds, nations forced to choose sides

World leaders feel need to choose between trade partners, and the choice isn’t easy.

2 13min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Iran, US hold talks over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program

Specific details are scarce for now.

1 2min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

JD Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration, gets chocolate eggs for kids

U.S., Vice President wished the Pope a full recovery from recent illness.

8 7min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Marco Rubio says foreign students must prove themselves worthy of visas

National interest dictates keeping anti-American students out of universities.

12 4min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Ashley Moody celebrates Chinese travel advisory, worries they could all be spies anyway

‘They are enlisting students to come over here and be espionage agents.’

7 3min

Emails & Opinions