Florida Politics

Emails & Opinions Headlines

May 12, 2025

Staff Reports

Diagnosis for 5.12.25: Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy

20min 0

Headlines South Florida

May 12, 2025

Joe Martinez faces June sentencing after Judge says no to new trial

7min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

May 12, 2025

Staff Reports

Last Call for 5.12.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

14min 0

Headlines South Florida

May 12, 2025

Miami-Dade advances proposal to study Airbnb trash output, possible ‘pay-as-you-throw’ model

6min 0

Headlines Influence

May 12, 2025

Drew Dixon

Florida citrus harvest forecast improves as season nears its close

4min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

May 12, 2025

Guest Author

Mary Mayhew: Federal proposals are a devastating blow to health care in Florida

5min 0

Headlines NE Florida

May 12, 2025

Drew Dixon

UNF study: First Coast manufacturing scene rattled by trade tariff turmoil

5min 0

Federal Headlines

May 12, 2025

Defamation case against Randy Fine dismissed

4min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Florida citrus harvest forecast improves as season nears its close

Florida’s citrus growers are encouraged by legislative action designed to help the industry.

4min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

Personnel note: JR Kennelly named President of OnPoint Data Strategy

‘He brings great instincts, deep relationships, and a tenacious attitude for results.’

2min

Headlines Influence

Ron DeSantis says ‘dust still settling’ but LG, CFO picks to happen ‘relatively soon’

The Governor won’t be rushed, and the budget is still in suspense.

4 3min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

Personnel note: EDGE Communications adds Elias Romanos, Nathanael Mayette

‘I am proud to welcome Elias and Nathanael to our team.’

1 4min

Budget Headlines Influence

House budget chief: Senate went back on its word

‘It’s not a kerfuffle, it’s a re-trade.’

8 9min

Headlines Influence

American Tort Reform Association warns Gov. DeSantis against repealing ‘free kill’

‘We expect legislation like this in New York, not in Florida.’

7 7min

Headlines Influence

Andrew Powell

Employee protection bills left out of consideration this Session

The measures aimed to protect employees from retaliation from their employers for reporting ethics violations.

8 4min

Headlines Influence

‘Sustainable for the long term’: Ben Albritton defends Senate’s commitment to ‘meaningful tax relief’

‘An across-the-board sales tax cut of one quarter of one penny is not meaningful, felt, or seen by families and seniors.’

6 7min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

Personnel note: Capital City Consulting adds Jose Espinoza to Miami team

Jose Espinoza is joining Capital City Consulting’s Miami office. A seasoned government professional, Espinoza most recently served as chief policy advisor to Miami-Dade County Commissioner and immediate past Chairman of the County Commission Oliver Gilbert III, where he led the Commissioner’s legislative strategy and public policy initiatives. “Jose was an invaluable member of my team […]

1 3min

Headlines Influence

Andrew Powell

Multiple affordable housing measures shelved this Session

The measures aimed to allow property owners more autonomy, as well as expand tax credits for affordable housing.

5 4min

Headlines Influence

Andy Beshear, Cory Booker to headline Florida Democrats’ Leadership Blue Gala

‘Their visit to Florida is more proof of the party’s commitment to the future of our state and the importance of the South.’

9 6min

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Small-business group backs 3 GOP legislative candidates in June Special Elections

‘These three candidates will be reliable small business advocates in Tallahassee.’

2 4min

Budget

Budget Headlines

Know your role: Gov. DeSantis shoots down Florida GOP’s kumbaya budget pow-wow

‘You don’t need a summit.’

11 4min

Budget Headlines Influence

House budget chief: Senate went back on its word

‘It’s not a kerfuffle, it’s a re-trade.’

8 9min

Budget Headlines

Peace in our time? Florida GOP offers to broker resolution to budget mess

‘Bringing everyone to the table will help us focus on our shared priorities.’

14 4min

Budget Headlines

‘Deal has blown up’: Daniel Perez confirms breakdown in budget negotiations

Barbs are flying, and there’s still no consensus.

3 6min

Budget Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Florida GOP wants local governments to stick to rollback rates for property taxes

‘Anything above the rollback rate under Florida law is a tax increase.’

6 5min

Budget Headlines

Legislature approves $1.7M payment to Broward man wrongly imprisoned for 34 years

‘We owe you at least this.’

1 11min

New Administration

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.

10 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

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

Are more changes imminent?

3 6min

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.

12 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 […]

12 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

Immigration Enforcement

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Gabrielle Russon

‘Where’s the cavalry?’: Ron DeSantis slams other red states for failing to fight illegal immigration

‘We’re leading; I think others really need to do more,’ DeSantis said at a Tampa press conference.

4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Byron Donalds says feds can’t hire enough Judges to give deportees due process

The Naples Republican blames Joe Biden for creating the mess and the current constitutional dispute.

15 5min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Donald Trump administration says it will pay immigrants in the U.S. illegally $1K to leave

The Trump administration has often portrayed self-deportation as a way for migrants to preserve their ability to return to the U.S. someday.

7 7min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Ron DeSantis pillories ‘bizarre’ Democratic ‘pilgrimage’ to El Salvador

They never met with ‘angel Moms.’

8 4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Gov. DeSantis says removal from U.S. is not a ‘punishment’

‘It is just the consequence of being here illegally.’

17 4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

‘Off to the races’: Gov. DeSantis wants National Guard members to serve as immigration Judges

After proposing that Florida fly illegal immigrants to other countries, the Governor wants National Guard members to judge their cases.

17 5min

2026

2026 Headlines

Drew Dixon

Stephanie Vazquez announces run for Pasco County Commission Seat 2

Stephanie Vazquez is a Democrat challenging incumbent Republican Pasco Commissioner Seth Weightman.

2 4min

2026 Headlines

‘On the road’: Chris Murphy, Maxwell Frost, Nikki Fried rally Dems in Greg Steube’s district

Democrats are taking their arguments “on the road” in deep-red parts of Florida, with a group of them in Sarasota Saturday. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Rep. Maxwell Frost of Orlando spoke to supporters in the district of Rep. Greg Steube, who was re-elected in November with 64% of the vote, and who has nearly $1.7 million on […]

17 3min

2026 Headlines

Jason Pizzo says he’s running for Governor, plans to spend $25M on his campaign

He previously said he wouldn’t run as an independent.

14 5min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Mike Pedersen makes leap — literally — into growing CD 19 field

‘I’m not done giving back.’

2 4min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Poll shows Jason Pizzo could act as spoiler, hurt Danielle Levine Cava’s chances in 2026 Governor’s race

Democrats are facing yet another roadblock to regain relevancy in the state.

5 4min

2026 Headlines

‘I’m not waiting for anybody’: Byron Donalds shrugs off Casey DeSantis threat

‘We’ll see what happens with anybody else.’

2 6min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Defamation case against Randy Fine dismissed

The Congressman’s comments last year spawned a complaint, but proving the allegations was a different matter.

4min

Federal Headlines

2028 GOP presidential poll shows Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott all in single digits

It’s still early, but is it too late for 3 of Florida’s finest?

9 2min

Federal Headlines

U.S. makes ‘substantial progress’ in China tariff talks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says

Chinese delegation still noncommittal to any progress in negotiations.

13 9min

Federal Headlines

Before they name a 2028 nominee, Democrats will have to decide which state will weigh in first

Apparent confusion over which states will vote first in 2028 Democratic Primary presents challenges for party.

14 13min

Federal Headlines

‘Beacon of freedom’ dims as U.S. initiatives that promote democracy abroad wither under Donald Trump

Voice of America radio broadcasts to foreign nations in different languages are being dismantled.

18 15min

Federal Headlines

Carlos Giménez files ‘Women’s and Family Protection Act’ to bolster homeless shelter funding, services

‘We have an obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us.’

2 7min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

‘Completely unacceptable’: Ron DeSantis wants ‘consequences’ for ‘unlawful’ Jax gun registry

22 6min

Is Jacksonville’s outside counsel hire legal? Donna Deegan’s staff says so

Evan Power condemns Donna Deegan, Jacksonville gun registry

Crossfire continues in Jacksonville gun registry war, with 2 most recent Mayors in a standoff

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Drew Dixon

UNF study: First Coast manufacturing scene rattled by trade tariff turmoil

5min 0

NEFAR: Home sales on First Coast slip in April as housing inventory grows

Scuttled: JTA says St. Johns River Ferry won’t return for about two months

Jacksonville Beach latest city to ban tobacco use on beaches

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Gabrielle Russon

Sponsorships, hotels and new rides: Lots in store at SeaWorld, Busch Gardens

2 6min 0

Aaron Lewis leaves Orlando City Council race, endorses Mira Tanna

Disney World throws a party for the ages for Make-A-Wish kids

Mermaids take over Orlando’s Sea Life Aquarium: The story behind the fins

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

St. Pete, Ken Welch score 3 legislative wins, with a little help from friends

2 8min

‘I love Hispanics!’: Berny Jacques recreates Donald Trump’s viral taco bowl pic on Cinco de Mayo

Sand Key condo tower evacuating residents due to ‘support beam splitting’

The opposite of NIMBY: ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ push for affordable housing clears Legislature, and it started in St. Pete

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Drew Dixon

Portion of Palmetto roadway to be renamed after fallen Army Specialist killed in South Korea

3min 0

Lawmakers abandon plan for New College to take over USF’s Sarasota campus and The Ringling museum

Legislature votes to put single-member Commission districts on Lee Co. ballot

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

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Brad Thiessen officially named VP of Academic Affairs at Florida Poly

3min 0

New laser music show puts MOSI in its Swiftie era

Mother and son earning degrees together among 7,700 USF grads in coming days

Florida poly celebrates largest commencement yet

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Jacob Ogles

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

1 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

Staff Reports

From the archives: How pink became Sine Die tradition in Tallahassee

1 5min 0

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

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

As FSU mourns, lawmakers advance hate prevention plan

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

Joe Martinez faces June sentencing after Judge says no to new trial

The Judge said he was surprised by the verdict but rejected the request by Martinez’s lawyers.

7min

Headlines South Florida

Miami-Dade advances proposal to study Airbnb trash output, possible ‘pay-as-you-throw’ model

‘As we start getting more sophisticated on the trash side, what are our options?’

6min

Headlines South Florida

Broward Judge faces charges for sharing deepfake recording, unread e-book during campaign

‘Your campaign theme was to restore the public’s trust, but your behavior did the opposite.’

8min

South Florida

Miami museum opens a new exhibit that examines a century of swimwear and its connection to Florida

The garments has changed a lot over the decades.

7 3min

Headlines South Florida

Miami Young Republicans back ‘problem-solver’ Jose Regalado for Miami City Commission

‘He’s not just a public servant.’

1 4min

Headlines South Florida

Billboard bashing Donald Trump as a ‘wannabe dictator’ rises by Miami International Airport

It’s one of several large signs that have been put up in recent weeks to energize South Floridians against Trump and his allies.

4 8min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

Byron Donalds sees generational shift toward conservatism among Black voters

‘I think that move is going to continue.’

3 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Civil rights lawsuit filed in Okaloosa deputy’s killing of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson

‘We believe Roger’s death was a result of a pattern and practice here in Okaloosa County.’

5 8min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis hails ‘good order and discipline’ of ban on transgender members of the military

If he were President, the Governor would have banned trans troops.

13 4min

Culture Wars Headlines

Gov. DeSantis commits to sign bans on water fluoridation, ‘chemtrails’

The Governor serves up a red meat double stack for the base.

4 5min

Culture Wars Headlines

Lawsuit planned over Florida deputy’s shooting of airman killed in his own home

Shooting victim Roger Fortson opened his door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down.

3 6min

Culture Wars Headlines

Former Proud Boys leader says he met with Donald Trump in Florida

Before the Capitol attack, the Proud Boys were best known for street fights with anti-fascist activists.

8 4min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

US and China take a step back from sky-high tariffs, agree to pause for 90 days

A 90-day pause sent market shares soaring,

3 8min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

India accuses Pakistan of violating ceasefire

Trump celebrated the deal. Then it fell apart.

10 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

India and Pakistan agree to a ceasefire in talks mediated by Marco Rubio, JD Vance

Negotiations work. For now.

11 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Florida political leaders praise selection of first American Pope, Leo XIV

Cardinals named Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new leader of the church.

5 11min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Donald Trump agrees to cut tariffs on U.K. autos, steel and aluminum in a planned trade deal with Britain

As Donald Trump cut tariffs for the U.K., he advised there won’t be no similar deals for other countries.

5 13min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

After meeting Rudy Giuliani in Miami, Serbia’s President cuts U.S. visit short

He wanted to meet Trump. Maybe next time.

2 2min

Emails & Opinions

Emails & Opinions Headlines

Diagnosis for 5.12.25: Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy

It’s time again to check the pulse — of Florida’s health care policy and politics.

Last Call for 5.12.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Mary Mayhew: Federal proposals are a devastating blow to health care in Florida

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 5.12.25

Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics — Week of 5.4.25

Apolitical

APolitical Headlines

Florida gas prices dip below $3 per gallon

Rising oil prices could portend a jump at the pump soon.

APolitical Headlines

AAA urges Florida drivers to stay safe as severe storms loom

‘Rain doesn’t just reduce visibility, it changes road conditions completely.’

APolitical Headlines

Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, overcame a taboo against a U.S. pontiff

APolitical Headlines

Labor Department: Florida’s new unemployment claims increase to start May

‘A whole new world’: Disney is opening a new theme park in Abu Dhabi

Tech

Headlines Tech

Pope Leo XIV targets AI as challenge for humanity

Pope Leo XIV laid out the vision of his papacy Saturday, identifying artificial intelligence as one of the most critical matters facing humanity. In his first formal audience, Leo made clear he will follow in the modernizing reforms of Pope Francis to make the Catholic Church inclusive, attentive to the faithful and a church that […]

Headlines Tech

Education