Florida Politics

Headlines Influence

Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis announces landmark deal on Everglades restoration, praising Donald Trump

It’s the second press conference this week where DeSantis has focused on Everglades restoration.

2 4min

Headlines Tampa Bay

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Susan Valdés faces party swap backlash at Tampa Tiger Bay

‘I have not changed, my principles have not changed.’

1 12min

Headlines Orlando

Gabrielle Russon

Jim Gray outraises Tom Keen in Q2 in Orlando’s District 1 race

Gray and Keen previously ran against each other for the City Council in 2017.

0 5min

APolitical Headlines

Ryan Nicol

Joe Casello suffers serious heart attack

Casello also suffered a mild stroke last year.

0 8min

News & Trending

Headlines Influence

July 18, 2025

Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis announces landmark deal on Everglades restoration, praising Donald Trump

2 4min 0

Headlines Tampa Bay

July 18, 2025

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Susan Valdés faces party swap backlash at Tampa Tiger Bay

1 12min 0

Headlines Orlando

July 18, 2025

Gabrielle Russon

Jim Gray outraises Tom Keen in Q2 in Orlando’s District 1 race

0 5min 0

APolitical Headlines

July 18, 2025

Joe Casello suffers serious heart attack

0 8min 0

Headlines Orlando

July 18, 2025

Gabrielle Russon

Embattled Regina Hill is outraised by opponent Shan Rose in Orlando’s District 5 race

3 4min 0

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

July 18, 2025

‘The job is getting done’: Gov. DeSantis shrugs off Alligator Alcatraz criticism

3 4min 0

Headlines South Florida

July 18, 2025

Federal court rejects Joe Carollo appeal, raising questions about potential removal from office

0 5min 0

Headlines Tampa Bay

July 18, 2025

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Gov. DeSantis appoints Richard Martin to 13th Judicial Circuit bench

0 2min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis announces landmark deal on Everglades restoration, praising Donald Trump

It’s the second press conference this week where DeSantis has focused on Everglades restoration.

2 4min

Headlines Influence

Florida Supreme Court upholds Gov. DeSantis’ controversial congressional map

A majority agreed that there was no reason to preserve a Black voter-controlled district in North Florida.

4 10min

Headlines Influence

Gabrielle Russon

After being accused of COVID loan fraud, Carolina Amesty’s lawyer says she didn’t hurt the government

The defense lawyer for the former lawmaker argued that the charges against Amesty are ‘baseless and the case should be dismissed.’

1 5min

Headlines Influence

Ron DeSantis rips pols who ‘prattle’ about the ‘most complicated home insurance market’ in the country

‘Ask them what they’re going to do.’

5 3min

Headlines Influence

Florida Chamber of Commerce cheers property insurance reforms bringing more insurers to state

More than a dozen new property insurance companies have entered the Florida market since reforms began in 2023.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Rubin Turnbull adds White House veteran to D.C. team

The hire marks another step in the firm’s strategic expansion into Washington.

0 3min

Headlines Influence

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Caroline Frasier joins Capital City Consulting

‘Caroline is a consummate professional and has distinguished herself while serving as a senior staffer in the Florida Senate.’

0 3min

Headlines Influence

Ashley Moody wants to enact Florida approach to retail theft on national level

Moody says her approaches as Florida’s top prosecutor worked in reducing organized retail theft.

4 3min

Headlines Influence

Gabrielle Russon

Florida Chamber releases ‘How They Voted’ report, honors 13 lawmakers with Distinguished Advocate Award

‘When the business community unites with the Florida Chamber, like it did again this year, it’s amazing what we are able to accomplish.’

7min

Headlines Influence

Tara Reid-Cherry launches The Trianon Group

‘We don’t chase credit — we chase results.’

3min

Headlines Influence

Associated Press

DOGE sprouts in red states, as governors embrace the cost-cutter brand and make it their own

It’s not just Ron DeSantis.

2 8min

Headlines Influence

Gov. DeSantis chooses Layla Collins for Board of Education

Is the Governor tipping his hand regarding an even more high-profile appointment?

2min

New Administration

Headlines New Administration

Will new IRS Commissioner Billy Long rescind Joe Biden-era economic substance doctrine?

Fiscal watchdogs and business groups say without the change, small businesses could still face abusive audits.

0 7min

Headlines New Administration

Associated Press

State Department fires 1,300 employees as part of mass reorganization

Marco Rubio said some cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacated because of buyouts.

2 9min

Headlines New Administration

Associated Press

Donald Trump comes to Pam Bondi’s defense amid uproar over Jeffrey Epstein files

‘I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this.’

7min

Headlines New Administration

Associated Press

Donald Trump sets 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, new import taxes on 12 other nations

Some tariffs appear to be an attempt to box China in from trading to the U.S> through partner nations.

2 13min

Headlines New Administration

Associated Press

Donald Trump judicial nominee denies advising Justice Dept. lawyers to ignore court orders

Testifying during a separate hearing Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the whistleblower’s timing ‘suspect.’

1 10min

Headlines New Administration

Associated Press

Republicans urge Donald Trump, Elon Musk to end their feud

‘I really like both of them.’

4 6min

Headlines New Administration

Jesse Scheckner

Former SCOFLA justices accuse Pam Bondi of ethical misconduct in Florida Bar complaint

The Department of Justice called them less intelligent or original ‘than sheep.’

6 6min

Headlines New Administration

Brian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff

He isn’t the only new NASA leader with strong ties to Florida.

4min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump taps Bernie Navarro as the next Ambassador to Peru

The Benworth Capital founder is a long-time friend and ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

4min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump issues edict against ‘useless’ water conservation standards

The President rolls back a 20th century law in his fight against the ‘green’ agenda.

15 2min

Headlines New Administration

Horse sense: Donald Trump talks Kentucky Derby and the ‘Golden Age’

POTUS weighs in on Saturday’s premiere sporting event.

4 3min

Headlines New Administration

Associated Press

Mike Waltz ouster adds to tumult in Trump’s national security team but consolidates power in fewer hands

Are more changes imminent?

3 6min

Immigration Enforcement

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

‘The job is getting done’: Gov. DeSantis shrugs off Alligator Alcatraz criticism

Media continues to pose questions, but the state’s chief executive remains focused on the mission.

3 4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Ron DeSantis says ‘illegals’ can skip Alligator Alcatraz by leaving country on the spot

‘You don’t hear a lot about that.’

3 3min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

ACLU leads Alligator Alcatraz lawsuit alleging civil rights violations

Plaintiffs say they have been brutalized, lawyers say they can’t meet with clients.

2 4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Gov. DeSantis won’t open Camp Blanding migrant facility until Alligator Alcatraz fills up

Having too much space is a concern.

2 5min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Poll: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ scores with Republicans, riles independents and Dems

The prison compound is underwater across demographic lines, however.

4 2min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

James Uthmeier describes Democratic lawmakers criticizing ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as ‘weird’

The Attorney General says some Democratic lawmakers are more concerned about ‘illegal aliens’ than they are about Americans.

5 5min

2026

2026 Headlines

Mike Haridopolos raises another $507K for re-election effort in CD 8

The freshman Congressman closed July with more than $591K in cash on hand.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Lucia Báez-Geller launches challenge against Fabián Basabe in HD 106

The former Miami-Dade School Board member ran for Congress in South Florida last year.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Jimmy Patronis closes quarter with $360K in cash on hand to defend CD 1 seat

It remains to be seen who might challenge him next year.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Ron DeSantis, Byron Donalds did not speak at Alligator Alcatraz as dynamic remains frosty

‘Things have been better than they are now.’

1 3min

2026 Headlines

Rick Scott gets best numbers ever in new poll

Ashley Moody and Ron DeSantis are also above water.

3 4min

2026 Headlines

Thanks to $1M loan, Jim Schwartzel posts a $1.2M quarter in race to succeed Byron Donalds

But he has also raised the most in outside donations.

0 3min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Associated Press

House gives final approval to Donald Trump’s $9B cut to public broadcasting and foreign aid

‘Let’s not make a habit of this.’

2 11min

Federal Headlines

Making a splash: Ashley Moody, Rick Scott introduce flood insurance tax relief bill

Byron Donalds is pushing the bill in the House.

0 4min

Federal Headlines

Randy Fine lauds ‘transparent’ disclosure of Donald Trump cardiovascular problem

‘This is not a health condition that should be cause for alarm.’

6 3min

Federal Headlines

Ashley Moody, Mario Díaz-Balart push measure to declare Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization

The measure has the backing of several Jewish support organizations.

2 4min

Federal Headlines

‘One of my top priorities’: Ashley Moody praises anti-fentanyl measure signed by Donald Trump

Moody says her efforts in Florida as Attorney General dropped fentanyl death rates by 11%.

1 5min

Federal Headlines

‘Not there yet’: Byron Donalds bearish on firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell

He says Congress is the real problem.

0 3min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

Shut out: Democrat Jimmy Peluso now has no Jacksonville City Council committee assignments

4 5min

‘Our time is now’: Donna Deegan rolls out Jacksonville’s first $2B budget

Northeast Florida Builders hail workforce education appropriation

Jacksonville celebrates state funding for ‘key projects’

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

First Coast housing market continues shift in favor of buyers in June

5min 0

Anastasia State Park gets new accessible playground funded by donations

North Florida Land Trust eradicates submerged fencing in waters of Smith Lake Preserve

Sam Garrison continues to deliver for Clay County

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Gabrielle Russon

Jim Gray outraises Tom Keen in Q2 in Orlando’s District 1 race

0 5min 0

Embattled Regina Hill is outraised by opponent Shan Rose in Orlando’s District 5 race

Roger Chapin takes big fundraising lead in Orlando’s open District 3 City Council race

Mark your calendars: Magic Dining, the best Orlando meal deal, returns next month

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Russian national accused of filing fraudulent voter registration applications in Pinellas expected to plead guilty

3 3min

Indian Rocks Beach appoints Shumaker lawyer — not Anthony Sabatini — as City Attorney

Lewis, Longman & Walker adds Julia Lomonico in St. Pete office

Rene Flowers selected as President-elect for Florida Association of Counties

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Gabrielle Russon

State leaders call Everglades restoration a top priority as they celebrate milestone

2 4min 0

Heidi Brandt raises $40K in 45 days for Bridget Ziegler’s School Board seat

Matriarch of wealthy real estate family sues ex-employee for defamation over ‘toxic’ land claims

Fiona McFarland secures $39M in state budget for local projects

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Susan Valdés faces party swap backlash at Tampa Tiger Bay

1 12min 0

Gov. DeSantis appoints Richard Martin to 13th Judicial Circuit bench

Small Business Administration offering loans to help Gulf Coast tornado victims

Gov. DeSantis appoints Clay Hollis, Michael Garcia to Hillsborough Community College board

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Panama City man faces 2 indictments related to methamphetamine trafficking

1 3min

James Uthmeier’s office charges man accused of human trafficking with victim tampering

Thanks to Gov. DeSantis, legislators and advocates, a river still runs through it

Gov. DeSantis kills the drill, signing HB 1143 to protect Apalachicola River basin

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

Leon County turns the tide with big wins in 2025 Session

4min 0

Ron DeSantis shows off Thomas Jefferson statue to get ready for America’s 250th celebration

First Tee–Tallahassee celebrates $300,000 in state budget to expand youth development programs

Budget conference: No funding for FSU Election Law Center

Communities

Communities Headlines

League of Cities recognizes 4 local governments for exceptional civic programs

5min 0

Jena Antonucci: Preserving Florida — an agricultural triumph

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

South Florida

Headlines South Florida

Federal court rejects Joe Carollo appeal, raising questions about potential removal from office

How will the Governor’s Office respond?

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

Ron Book victorious in ethics dispute over alleged gift violation

Book has successfully cleared his name after the Palm Beach Ethics Commission investigated an alleged gift to a local official.

0 4min

Headlines South Florida

Ruth’s List Florida backs ‘proven leader’ Laura Dominguez in Miami Beach re-election bid

‘It’s never been more important to elect pro-choice women who will fight for safety, equity, and opportunity for all.’

4min

Headlines South Florida

Jesse Scheckner

Peggy Gossett-Seidman touts $19.18M delivered for Palm Beach County projects

‘Every dollar reflects a priority we fought for.’

5min

Headlines South Florida

Prizes and glory await hunters, as Florida Python Challenge kicks off

The invasive slitherers will meet their match through July 20.

2min

Headlines South Florida

Andy Thomson ‘humbled’ after raising $117K for Boca Raton Mayor’s race

‘This campaign is about bringing people together.’

3min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

Associated Press

Searching for pennies: With the cut in federal funding public broadcasters are looking to cope

‘This is important for families, to have access to content that they don’t have to pay for.’

1 12min

Culture Wars Headlines

James Uthmeier targets U.S. Masters Swimming over rules governing trans competitors

The Attorney General says he hopes the nonprofit swimming organization voluntarily complies, but will litigate if necessary.

3 5min

Culture Wars Headlines

Gabrielle Russon

Ron DeSantis celebrates Florida’s No. 1 rating in protecting religious liberty

‘Every citizen and business in Florida can know they have the most religious freedom protections than any other state in the nation.’

4 4min

Culture Wars Headlines

Preview of 2028? Gavin Newsom knocks ‘anti-Black’ laws pushed by Ron DeSantis

The battle keeps going and going.

5 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis vows to defend Floridians against ‘communist’ Zohran Mamdani

Could the mayoral candidate be farther left than a Squad member?

8 2min

Culture Wars Headlines

People convicted of pot crimes can now lose medical marijuana cards

Charges for weed and other Schedule 1 drugs also will result in suspension of the pot privilege.

7min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Associated Press

30% tariffs on EU, Mexico announced for August start

Will POTUS follow through?

5 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Associated Press

U.S. sanctions Cuban officials

Washington responds to protest suppression from 2021.

1 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Associated Press

Marco Rubio says U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks

‘We’re going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.’

1 12min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Rick Scott supports Donald Trump decision to wax Brazil with tariffs

The tax will be reciprocated.

2 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Ashley Moody, Rick Scott urge Secretary of State to press for release of Americans held in Venezuela

Scott and Moody want the Trump administration to declare elements of the Venezuelan government as ‘terrorist’ organizations.

4min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

U.S. hospital ship Comfort delivers medical assistance to Panama during five day stay

The Comfort’s crew also provided medical education and help provide other humanitarian assistance in the Central American country.

3min

Emails & Opinions

Emails & Opinions Headlines

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.18.25

Who’s up, down, in and out — your morning tip sheet on Florida politics.

Last Call for 7.17.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Kenneth R. Weinstein: Donald Trump’s opportunity to deliver another historic Japan trade agreement

Last Call for 7.16.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Darren Grubb: Protecting Medicare Advantage is critical for Florida’s seniors

Apolitical

APolitical Headlines

Bob Iger opens the New York Stock Exchange in honor of Disneyland’s 70th birthday

The original Disney theme park is celebrating its big milestone through the Summer of 2026.

APolitical Headlines

Florida first-time unemployment claims climb 14.4% for week ending July 12

The national figure also increased, but at a smaller rate of 8.1%.

APolitical Headlines

Gators have high expectations this season — including a Heisman front-runner

APolitical Headlines

Better wear a helmet: Analysis finds Bay County most dangerous in Florida for bicyclists

CNBC rankings: Florida jumps 2 spots to No. 3 in best states for business analysis

Tech

Headlines Tech

FloridaCommerce says $970M in grants are available to expand broadband into rural areas

Broadband providers partnering with businesses and other organizations have until Aug. 4 to apply.

Headlines Tech

James Uthmeier levels subpoena in cryptocurrency fraud investigation into Robinhood

Florida’s top prosecutor is seeking a diverse range of documents from the trading firm.

Headlines Tech

Google to add global subsea fiber cable system landing in Palm Coast

Headlines Tech

Study: Florida poorly positioned to win the AI race

Wilton Simpson warns Floridians not to ‘take the bait’ in subscription-oriented phishing scams

Education

Education Headlines

Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis vows to fight for more teacher raises as he celebrates Florida’s top teachers

DeSantis also highlighted the state’s announcement earlier this month that 71% of all graded schools were rated ‘A’ or ‘B,’ up from 64% the previous year.

1 4min

Education Headlines

More than 40K students didn’t use their school choice scholarships, and that means choice is working

Supply is not meeting demand, and that can be fixed.

0 8min

Education Headlines

Ron DeSantis appoints former Osceola School Board member to FSU Board of Trustees

Tim Weisheyer has a long history of educational and govnermental activity in Central Florida.

3min

#FlaPol

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