Florida Politics

Headlines Tampa Bay

August 15, 2025

14 Tampa City Council candidates qualify for District 5 Special Election

0 8min 0

Headlines South Florida

August 15, 2025

Coral Gables Mayor, local radio station ‘amicably’ settle defamation lawsuit

0 8min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

August 15, 2025

Guest Author

Armando Ibarra: In negotiations, U.S. should demand Russia’s exit from the Americas

0 6min 0

Education Headlines

August 15, 2025

St. Thomas University renames law school, will launch new Benjamin L. Crump Institute

0 5min 0

2026 Headlines

August 15, 2025

Jacob Ogles

Joe Gruters taunts Jerry Demings about potential run for Governor

0 3min 0

Headlines South Florida

August 15, 2025

Plantation Mayor proposes city’s first property tax cut in 7 years

0 4min 0

Headlines Tampa Bay

August 15, 2025

Adam Anderson’s Sunshine Genetics Act finds a friend in USF

0 7min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

August 15, 2025

Staff Reports

Delegation for 8.15.25: Spaced out — sturgeon — local hero — baby bump — LEO love

0 34min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Ana Maria Rodriguez again seeks $20M for son of ex-DCF foster parent who overdosed on mom’s drugs

During his recovery from a methadone overdose, the boy spent a month in the hospital, half of it in a drug-induced coma on a ventilator.

0 12min

Headlines Influence

Leaders tout new state program to connect farmers, food banks and hungry Floridians

Senate President Ben Albritton called the program a ‘hand up, not a handout.’

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Veteran law enforcement leader Matt Walsh to helm Department of Juvenile Justice

‘Florida’s juvenile justice system is in great hands with Matt Walsh.’

0 6min

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

James Uthmeier invokes executive action to ban 7-OH in Florida

The 7-OH industry attacked the move by the Attorney General, saying it’s not supported by research.

0 5min

Headlines Influence

Rosanne Dunkelberger

Extend federal tax credits and keep working Floridians insured, conservatives say

And Medicaid and nonprofits won’t pick up the slack.

1 6min

Headlines Influence

Cha-ching! Gov. DeSantis hands out $5K bonuses to new law enforcement recruits

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the recruitment bonuses are helping the Sheriff’s Office beef up its ranks.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

‘Miracle in the Sunshine’: Next-level economy needs next-level talent, capital retention

‘If we just change the paradigm from 2% to 10% … we would never look back.’

1 5min

Headlines Influence

Live Local gap: New watchdog report says updated law still overlooks Florida’s ‘missing middle’

‘These are our teachers, firefighters, police, and other professionals who cannot afford to live near where they work.’

1 9min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

From sun and sand to code and capital: Top 10 economy hinges on embrace of tech

‘Florida’s way further along than I thought, but wow, Florida has a long way to go.’

8min

Headlines Influence

Jay Collins, ‘the Chuck Norris of Florida politics,’ sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

‘I am truly honored to be appointed by the Governor — not just any Governor, Florida’s Governor, America’s Governor, the GOAT.’

2 6min

Headlines Influence

Peter Schorsch

Golden Bear’s son bows out, Joshua Kellam tags in ahead of high-stakes vote

The Commission will decide this week whether to greenlight the first bear hunt since the 2015 free-for-all.

3 4min

Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

Early retirement? Ben Albritton says current round of delegation meetings ‘likely my last’

But his Senate term doesn’t run out until 2028.

1 5min

New Administration

Headlines New Administration

Leaving a top Donald Trump administration post? There may be an ambassadorship waiting.

Mike Waltz, Billy Long and Tammy Bruce all left jobs amid criticism but landed elsewhere in the administration.

1 12min

Headlines New Administration

It’s a year of rapid change, except when it comes to Donald Trump’s approval numbers, AP-NORC polling finds

While Trump’s poll numbers are under water, many Americans say they’re willing to give the President some leeway to improve things.

1 12min

Headlines New Administration

In Jeffrey Epstein furor, Donald Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

‘I don’t want to talk about that.’

1 12min

Headlines New Administration

Request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint, ex-prosecutors say

It may take weeks or even months for judges to rule on the release of additional files related to Epstein.

4 11min

Headlines New Administration

Jacob Ogles

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.

7min

Headlines New Administration

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

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

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

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

Republicans urge Donald Trump, Elon Musk to end their feud

‘I really like both of them.’

4 6min

Headlines New Administration

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

Jacob Ogles

Brian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff

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

4min

Immigration Enforcement

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Gov. DeSantis remains ready to handle international deportation flights

Will Air DeSantis take flight again?

0 3min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Gov. DeSantis says Florida is opening new ‘Deportation Depot’ in Baker County

‘Our teams can get in here, get it operational quickly, officially and without delay.’

1 5min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Some Florida officers are continuing to charge people under halted immigration law

The charges came months after a federal judge in Miami halted enforcement of the statute.

5min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

James Uthmeier slams ‘sham’ lawsuit thwarting Alligator Alcatraz construction

Cable news viewers got the AG’s take Friday.

8 3min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Judge to consider the fate of an agreement on protecting immigrant children in U.S. custody

Advocates for the children say the government is holding children beyond set time limits.

4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Florida updated agreement on handling detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, but a month after it opened

The update was made public Thursday.

4min

2026

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Joe Gruters taunts Jerry Demings about potential run for Governor

The incoming RNC Chair said the Orlando Democrat ‘would be a dream for Florida Republicans.’

0 3min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

James Uthmeier’s Office arrests marijuana amendment petition gatherer for submitting dead woman’s signature

The Attorney General last year led the campaign against a similar recreational pot measure.

0 5min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Indivisible plans rallies around Florida to halt redistricting effort

‘Rigging the lines is undemocratic and voters should choose their representatives.’

4 5min

2026 Headlines

‘An essential ally’: Joe Gruters endorses ‘patriot’ Yoni Anijar for HD 100 in Broward County

‘He will fight alongside us to secure our border, stand up to the woke mob, and put Floridians first.’

0 5min

2026 Headlines

Drew Dixon

Ashley Moody builds strong re-election support with endorsement from Florida contractors

Moody also has millions of dollars to support her re-election in 2026.

0 6min

2026 Headlines

Ron DeSantis says White House should ‘award’ Florida another congressional seat

The question remains: Which state would give up representation?

2 3min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Brad Stewart launches Foundry Public Affairs alongside other staff with ties to Brian Mast

Libby Derrick will be the new firm’s Vice President, with Nate Lance and Kimberly Makrai rounding out the team.

0 5min

Federal Headlines

Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio at 6% each in Texas GOP presidential poll

They are nearly 40 points behind JD Vance.

0 4min

Federal Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Anna Paulina Luna says KGB documents will help Congress find truth about JFK assassination

She told podcaster Joe Rogan that the CIA destroyed files in 1963 that Russia plans to provide to Congress now.

1 7min

Federal Headlines

Peter Schorsch

Byron Donalds, Aaron Bean join Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus

If Americans won’t quit, the caucus wants to make sure they have access to less harmful alternatives.

0 6min

Federal Headlines

Greg Steube refiles pot rescheduling bill as Donald Trump teases a move

‘This is a common-sense change.’

0 5min

Federal Headlines

Wall Street drifts around its records following a worldwide rally

Hope for lower interest rates are helping to drown out criticism that the U.S. stock market has grown too expensive.

0 7min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

Melissa Nelson exonerates cop in violent Jacksonville traffic stop

1 4min

Jacksonville City Council seeks ethics opinion after General Counsel hires in-law’s firm

Trouble for Donna Deegan? Jacksonville voters tell pollster they want a GOP Mayor in 2027

Alvin Brown continues fight for NTSB reinstatement

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Drew Dixon

Ashley Moody honors Putnam County deputy for saving 1-year-old’s life

0 3min 0

11 days after deciding, Gov. DeSantis announces appointment of Kristine Van Vorst to 8th Circuit bench

North Florida manufacturers show signs of major contraction in July

First Coast home sales slide again in July

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Universal says Epic Universe’s economic impact is … well, epic

0 4min 0

Monique Worrell asks court what records can be released from grand jury case

Orlando Regional Realtor Association boots board member as accusations fly

Whoops! The Democratic loser’s name gets printed on HD 40 sample ballots

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

Triple dipping? Vince Nowicki accused of trying to be his own aide, serve as Treasure Island City Manager

5 7min

St. Pete DOGE audit enters second day with Blaise Ingoglia ‘hell-bent’ on tax relief

Protesters rally as St. Pete gets DOGE’d, but Gov. DeSantis is unmoved

The race to replace Gina Driscoll is on, and Rick Kriseman is already weighing in

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Jacob Ogles

Sarasota Republicans call for Tom Edwards’ resignation, but he brushes that off as a distraction

3 8min 0

Tim Enos resigns from Sarasota Co. School Board

Manhattan Construction to host hurricane prep workshop for construction industry

Critics warn against change in Sarasota Co. School Board anti-discrimination policy

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

14 Tampa City Council candidates qualify for District 5 Special Election

0 8min 0

Adam Anderson’s Sunshine Genetics Act finds a friend in USF

First responders show up for Luis Viera in HD 67 race

Union worker first Democrat to jump into SD 14 Special Election

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Staff Reports

Stakeholders applaud new forest land acquisition in Bay County

2min

James Uthmeier charges Escambia County woman with exploiting elderly man

Panama City man faces 2 indictments related to methamphetamine trafficking

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

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

Gallop Franklin to host second ‘State of Health’ roundtable with Big Bend leaders in Tallahassee

1 5min 0

Banner accusing Donald Trump, Pam Bondi of ‘protecting predators’ flies over Tallahassee

Leon County turns the tide with big wins in 2025 Session

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

Communities

Communities Headlines

Drew Dixon

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

Coral Gables Mayor, local radio station ‘amicably’ settle defamation lawsuit

The settlement ends nearly 2 years of legal wrangling over inaccurate, on-air claim about an ethics investigation.

0 8min

Headlines South Florida

Plantation Mayor proposes city’s first property tax cut in 7 years

The proposed 5.7 millage rate would be Plantation’s lowest in more than a decade.

0 4min

Headlines South Florida

SAVE Action PAC launches 2025 field program to boost LGBTQ-inclusive candidates in Miami Beach

‘Local elections decide whether our cities move forward or turn back.’

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

Erica Whitfield adds 22 endorsements, key strategy team to Palm Beach County Commission campaign

‘We are building a campaign that is reflective of our community’s strength and diversity.’

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

Guest Author

Brian A. Sidman: North Miami deserves development that serves its people

North Miami deserves smart, responsible growth that puts people first and fills crucial gaps.

0 6min

Headlines South Florida

Ryan Nicol

South Florida farmers again beat benchmark, cut this year’s phosphorus levels 62% from baseline

‘We’re very proud of the work that we’ve done.’

0 4min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

FWC approves first black bear hunt in a decade amid fierce opposition

A lawsuit filed by Bear Warriors United could delay or derail the season, which is set to run Dec. 6-28 if the state prevails in court.

0 6min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis rips quality, price of toys for his kids

Frustration continues for the Governor when it comes to what he can buy his kids in big box stores.

2 6min

Culture Wars Headlines

After illness outbreak, Wilton Simpson urges Floridians to stick with pasteurized milk

‘There have been no reported illnesses from pasteurized milk products in Florida.’

1 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Drew Dixon

James Uthmeier files suit against adult content companies over law requiring age verification

Uthmeier said he tried to contact some companies in April and they ignored his outreach before he filed suit.

3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis set a Florida record for executions. It’s driving a national increase

The Governor is signing off on more death warrants than earlier in his term.

1 6min

Culture Wars Headlines

Poll: How Americans’ views of racial discrimination have shifted since 2021, according to AP-NORC polling

The poll indicates that less than half of Americans think DEI has a benefit for the people it’s intended to help.

1 10min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Donald Trump warns of ‘severe consequences’ if Vladimir Putin does not agree to stop war after summit

Trump has said he wants to see whether Putin is serious about ending the war, now in its fourth year.

2 10min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

What to know about the Vladimir Putin-Donald Trump summit in Alaska

It will be the first visit by a Russian leader to Alaska.

10min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Byron Donalds backs Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

‘He wants people to stop dying.’

8 2min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

U.S. at plastics treaty talks is rare international participation under Donald Trump. What’s the goal?

‘This is an historic opportunity to set a global approach for reducing plastic pollution.’

9min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Donald Trump, Pam Bondi double reward to $50 million for arrest of Nicolás Maduro on drug charges

Bondi: ‘Maduro will not escape justice and he will be held accountable for his despicable crimes.’

4min

Federal Foreign Affairs

U.S. is auctioning a seized $325M Russian superyacht with 8 state rooms, a helipad, gym, spa

Litigation over the true ownership of the yacht is ongoing.

1 5min

Emails & Opinions

Emails & Opinions Headlines

Apolitical

APolitical Headlines

Tech

Headlines Tech

Education

Education Headlines

St. Thomas University renames law school, will launch new Benjamin L. Crump Institute

Crump’s office confirmed that his sentiments about the change match the university’s.

0 5min

Education Headlines

Staff Reports

Florida Poly celebrates record Fulbright participation

‘I’ve become someone who pops “What if?” questions like balloons, just to see what’s inside.’

0 4min

Education Headlines