Politics
Florida Students Top 60% Grade-Level Mark as DeSantis Touts $1.56B Teacher Pay
More than 60% of Florida students now perform at or above grade level as the state invests $1.56 billion in teacher salary increases.
Politics
Politics
Relativity Space to Expand on Space Coast After DeSantis UK Trade Mission
Gov. DeSantis led a business delegation to the UK, securing aerospace investments, British Airways flights, and over $300 million in reported sales.
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DeSantis Designates CAIR, Antifa, Cartels as Terrorist Groups Under New Florida Law
Governor DeSantis announces Florida's first use of HB 1471 to designate CAIR, Antifa, the Muslim Brotherhood and more than 90 other groups as terrorist organizations.
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DeSantis Taps 40-Year Corrections Veteran Comerford as New FDC Secretary
Gov. DeSantis names Deputy Secretary Richard Comerford, a 40-year corrections veteran, to lead Florida's third-largest prison system.
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DeSantis Unveils Abraham Lincoln Statue in The Villages Ahead of July 4th
Governor DeSantis unveiled a permanent Abraham Lincoln statue in The Villages as part of Florida's America250FL celebration.
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DeSantis Signs $117.6B Florida Budget After $810M in Line-Item Vetoes
Gov. DeSantis signed Florida's $117.6 billion FY 2026-2027 budget in Tampa, vetoing nearly $810 million and marking four straight years of spending cuts.
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Florida Arrests Drug Trafficker Freed by Biden Autopen Commutation
Attorney General Uthmeier and FBI announce arrest of convicted felon James Howard Dobbs Jr., whose federal sentence was commuted by autopen.
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DeSantis Declares Alligator Alcatraz Mission Fulfilled as Demobilization Begins
Governor DeSantis and Border Czar Tom Homan announced demobilization of Alligator Alcatraz after nearly 30,000 deportations tied to Florida detention operations.
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DeSantis Signs Bills Capping Local Property Tax Hikes, Forcing Budget Cuts
Gov. DeSantis signed two bills in Bradenton restricting local property tax increases and requiring 10 percent budget reduction exercises.
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Florida AG Uthmeier Subpoenas CVS Over Alleged Patient Steering, Pharmacy Squeeze
Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a Civil Investigative Demand to CVS Health and Caremark over alleged anticompetitive practices harming Florida pharmacies.
Politics
Florida AG Uthmeier Bans Concentrated 7-OH Products as Schedule I Drugs
Attorney General James Uthmeier signed an emergency rule placing concentrated 7-OH compounds on Florida's Schedule I list, effective immediately.
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DeSantis Reappoints Seven to Two Florida College Boards of Trustees
Gov. DeSantis reappoints trustees to North Florida College and State College of Florida boards, including two veterans and a longtime clerk.
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DeSantis Signs Five Bills Targeting Gangs, Xylazine, Repeat Offenders
Governor DeSantis signed five public safety bills in Winter Haven targeting xylazine trafficking, gang activity, and repeat violent offenders.
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Florida Launches Anti-Trafficking Push Ahead of FIFA World Cup in Miami
Attorney General Uthmeier joins federal, state, and local law enforcement in South Florida to combat human trafficking ahead of FIFA World Cup matches in Miami.
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Florida AG Uthmeier Sues TikTok for Violating Child Safety Law HB 3
Attorney General James Uthmeier filed suit against TikTok, alleging the platform lets minors create accounts and deceives parents about harmful content.
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DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Former Rep. Bill Posey, Dead at 78
Gov. DeSantis directs flags lowered at three locations to honor former U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, who died May 9 at age 78.
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DeSantis Gives 100,000 State Workers Five-Day Weekend for July 4th
Gov. DeSantis closes state offices July 2 and July 6, giving nearly 100,000 employees a five-day holiday for America's 250th anniversary.
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DOJ Civil Rights Attorney, Sitting Lawmaker Among DeSantis College Board Picks
Gov. DeSantis names 12 appointees to two Southwest and Central Florida state college boards, including a DOJ attorney and a state representative.
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Six Charged in Broward County Drug Trafficking Ring, Face Up to 75 Years
Attorney General James Uthmeier charges six in a multi-county drug trafficking enterprise operating out of Broward County and South Florida.
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Florida AG Uthmeier Targets 'Teen Takeover' Organizers With RICO Charges
Attorney General James Uthmeier directs statewide prosecution office to pursue conspiracy and RICO charges against organizers of violent teen takeover events.
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Florida Seizes 479 Illegal Gambling Machines in Lee, Collier County Sweep
Attorney General Uthmeier announces 479 machine seizures, 11 arrests and $294,150 in illicit proceeds from Southwest Florida illegal gaming operation.
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DeSantis Names 12 to Four State College Boards in Single-Day Reshuffle
Governor DeSantis appointed or reappointed 12 trustees to four Florida state college boards, drawing heavily from legal and business sectors.
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Messi Named to MLS All-Star First XI as Nashville SC Leads Selections
Inter Miami's Leo Messi is among 11 players voted to the MLS All-Star First XI, with Nashville SC placing three on the roster.
Politics
DeSantis Launches Emergency Management Workforce Program as Hurricane Season Opens
Governor DeSantis unveiled CORE, a first-of-its-kind emergency management workforce initiative, at an Orlando symposium as the 2026 hurricane season begins.
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Florida AG Reports 1,600 Trafficking Arrests, $53M in Fines Since 2025
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced 1,600 arrests and $53.3 million in fines in a statewide human trafficking crackdown ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Politics
Florida Files First State-Led Lawsuit Against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman
Attorney General James Uthmeier sues OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging deceptive practices and harm to Floridians including children.
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Three Charged in Smash-and-Grab Ring Hitting Hardware Stores in 13 Florida Counties
Attorney General Uthmeier announces racketeering charges against three men accused of orchestrating more than 30 hardware store burglaries across Florida.
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Broward Cocaine Trafficker Convicted for Running Family Drug Operation
Teddy McCall Jr. faces at least 13 years after jury convicted him on all counts in family-run cocaine trafficking ring in South Florida.
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DeSantis Taps State Rep. Persons-Mulicka as Lee County Elections Chief
Gov. DeSantis appointed state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a Fort Myers attorney, as Lee County Supervisor of Elections.
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Florida AG Announces Indictment of Raúl Castro in 1996 Shootdown Deaths
Attorney General James Uthmeier announces indictment of Raúl Castro for the 1996 murders of four Brothers to the Rescue volunteers over international waters.
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DeSantis Taps Three Prosecutors Among Four New Florida Judges
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed four judges to courts in Madison, The Villages, Wildwood and Panama City, three of them career prosecutors.
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Cudjoe Key Man Faces 100 Years in Prison on 18 Child Exploitation Charges
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Jacob Rookey, 21, of Cudjoe Key on 18 counts involving child and animal sexual abuse materials.
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DeSantis Extends Armed Guardian Program to Florida Colleges Under HB 757
Governor DeSantis signs HB 757, expanding the armed Guardian Program to Florida's public colleges and universities and creating new felony charges.
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Florida AG Announces Two Child Predator Arrests Spanning Louisiana, Pasco County
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced arrests of a Louisiana man and a New Port Richey man on child exploitation charges.
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Lutz Family Ran $7.6M Stolen Goods Ring Targeting Home Depot, AG Says
Attorney General James Uthmeier announces 14 arrests in a multi-county retail theft enterprise based in Lutz that moved $7.6 million in stolen goods.
Politics
DeSantis Signs Two Bills Creating New Felonies for Animal Cruelty in Florida
Gov. DeSantis signed HB 559 and SB 1004 in Palm Beach, creating new felony offenses for animal cruelty and strengthening pet sale consumer protections.
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DeSantis Taps Ex-Federal Prosecutor, 2023 Teacher of the Year in 9 Appointments
Gov. DeSantis named nine appointees to three boards, including a former federal human trafficking prosecutor and Florida's 2023 Teacher of the Year.
Politics
Orlando Man Arrested in Hawaii for $1M Fake Development Fraud Scheme
Steven Harry Minard, 57, of Orlando was arrested in Honolulu for allegedly defrauding an investor of $1 million through a fictitious project called Orlando World Live.
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St. Cloud Man Faces 80 Felony Counts After 100,000 Abuse Files Found
Adam Wahlgren, 52, of St. Cloud was arrested in Arkansas on 80 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material after fleeing Florida.
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Colombian National Voted in Duval County Elections Using Stolen U.S. Identity
A 55-year-old Colombian citizen in Jacksonville pleaded guilty to stealing a U.S. citizen's identity to obtain a passport, driver license and vote in multiple elections.
Politics
Florida AG Uthmeier Subpoenas SPLC Over Alleged Deceptive Fundraising
Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a civil investigation into the SPLC, alleging deceptive charitable fundraising practices in Florida.
Politics
Ex-Congressman Rivera Convicted of Secretly Lobbying for Venezuela's Maduro Regime
A federal jury in Miami convicted former U.S. Rep. David Rivera and lobbyist Esther Nuhfer of secretly lobbying for Venezuela under a $50 million contract.
Politics
Illegal Alien Fentanyl Trafficker Gets 30 Years After Florida Jury Conviction
Cesar Caldera-Garcia, 40, convicted of trafficking fentanyl into Florida for a Mexico-based drug organization, sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Politics
Starke Man Faces 30 Years After 31 Cyber Tips Lead to CSAM Arrest
Attorney General James Uthmeier charged Gary Adams, 59, of Starke with five counts of possessing child sexual abuse material after 31 cyber tips.
Politics
UCF Student Faces 280 Years on 20 Child Exploitation Charges
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced 20 charges against UCF student Joshua Smith for possession and transmission of child sexual abuse material.
Politics
Tallahassee Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Trump, Powell, Swalwell
Diego Villavicencio, 36, of Tallahassee pleaded guilty to threatening President Trump, Fed Chair Powell and Rep. Swalwell over several months.
Politics
DeSantis Names 12 Judges Including Former State Attorney Andrew Bain
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed 12 judges across six Florida circuits, elevating former State Attorney Andrew Bain and multiple county judges to circuit courts.
Politics
DeSantis Unveils Ninth Founding Father Statue in Chipley's Washington County
Governor DeSantis unveiled a George Washington statue in Chipley and launched a mobile history museum tour visiting all 67 Florida counties.
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Florida Youth Camp Counselor Arrested on 15 Counts of Child Exploitation
Coty Streit, 31, of Bell faces 15 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material and is held on $1.7 million bond in Gilchrist County.
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DeSantis Signs Bills Banning Local DEI Programs, Carbon Taxes in Florida
Gov. DeSantis signed SB 1134 and HB 1217 in Jacksonville, eliminating local DEI programs and blocking carbon taxes statewide.
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DeSantis signs HB 1471 allowing Florida to designate domestic terrorist groups
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471 in Tampa, giving Florida authority to designate domestic terrorist organizations and expel students involved with such groups.
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DeSantis signs law allowing Florida to designate domestic terrorist groups
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471 allowing state officials to designate domestic terrorist organizations and expel students who promote them.
Politics
DeSantis signs law allowing Florida to designate domestic terrorist groups
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation giving Florida officials power to label groups as domestic terrorist organizations and expel supporting university students.
Politics
Miami billionaires pay $1,000 per minute for floating helicopter pads
ILandMiami charges $4,000-$4,500 per landing on mobile helipads as wealthy residents including Zuckerberg and Bezos seek traffic solutions in South Florida.
Politics
Florida GOP Candidate James Fishback Tells Black Voter 'You Should Be Lynched'
Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback sparked outrage after telling a Black voter questioning him about misconduct allegations that he should be lynched.
Politics
Sebastian Bach and Billy Strings Lead Florida Concerts This Week
Fifteen concerts across twelve Florida cities feature metal, rock, hip-hop and R&B artists.
Politics
Fertility Center of Orlando closes after embryo mix-up lawsuits
The Longwood clinic faces two lawsuits including one alleging it implanted another couple's embryo, resulting in parents giving birth to a non-biological child.
Politics
Billy Strings and Sebastian Bach Lead Florida Concert Week
Fifteen concerts across ten Florida cities feature rock, metal, classical and Latin performances this week.
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Florida Legislature passes bill limiting DeSantis emergency fund spending
Senate Bill 7040 requires legislative approval for continued emergency spending after extensions, targeting DeSantis' use of funds for immigration enforcement.
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DeSantis Signs Florida SAVE Act Requiring Citizenship Proof for Voter Registration
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB-991 requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in Florida, immediately facing federal lawsuit challenges from voting rights groups.
Politics
ZZ Top and Billy Strings Lead Diverse Florida Concert Lineup This Week
Fifteen concerts across twelve Florida cities feature rock legends, classical virtuosos, and emerging alternative acts.
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Jacksonville Council prepares vote on $40M Eastside grants committee
Mayor Donna Deegan nominated four members to oversee Community Benefits Agreement funding tied to Jaguars stadium project, facing some opposition.
Politics
Florida Democrats Win Two Special Elections Despite GOP Voter Registration Edge
Democrats Emily Gregory and Brian Nathan scored upset victories in Republican-leaning districts, focusing on affordability issues like insurance and healthcare costs.
Politics
DeSantis Signs Election Integrity Bill at The Villages Expanding Citizenship Verification
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 991 at The Villages, requiring citizenship verification for voter registration and strengthening election security measures statewide.
Politics
Tampa saves $296,193 on energy despite 9.3% usage cut as TECO bills rise 86%
Tampa saved only $296,193 despite using 9.3% less energy as TECO residential bills increased 86% since December 2020, forcing families to choose between utilities and necessities.
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DeSantis signs bill renaming Palm Beach International Airport after Trump
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 919 renaming Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport after legislative approval.
Politics
Florida Silver Haired Legislature pushes Medicare pain medication reform
Florida seniors advocate for Medicare changes to reduce opioid steering and improve access to non-addictive pain medications through federal legislation.
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DeSantis signs bill renaming Palm Beach airport after Trump
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation renaming Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, requiring federal approval.
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Emily Gregory flips Trump's Palm Beach district in 51.2% special election win
Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Republican Jon Maples 51.2% to 48.8% in Florida House District 87, which includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach.
Politics
Navy veteran Edward Pope launches GOP campaign for Buchanan's House seat
Florida Highway Patrol trooper turned business executive Edward Pope officially launched his Republican campaign for Florida's 16th Congressional District.
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6,500 protesters gather in Fort Myers for No Kings III rally against Trump
Thousands across Southwest Florida joined nationwide No Kings III demonstrations Saturday, with Fort Myers drawing 6,500 protesters opposing Trump administration policies.
Politics
Democrat Emily Gregory defeats Trump-endorsed candidate in Mar-a-Lago district
Emily Gregory's upset victory in Florida House District 87 marks latest Democratic gain in traditionally Republican stronghold covering Trump's Palm Beach estate.
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Democrats flip two Florida legislative seats in special elections
Emily Gregory and Brian Nathan won Republican-held seats in Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties, with analysts citing voter reaction to economic pressures.
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Florida lawmakers pass unanimous funding to restore HIV-AIDS medication access
Florida passes gap funding measure to help 16,000 residents keep HIV-AIDS medication access after $120 million shortfall threatened program cuts.
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Temporary Protected Status for Haitians extended through July 1, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services extends Temporary Protected Status for Haitians through July 2026, affecting thousands in South Florida's largest Haitian American community.
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DeSantis envisions Cuba regime change bringing tourism boom to Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis said a pro-Western government in Cuba would benefit Florida through returning exiles and new tourism opportunities during West Palm Beach event.
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Florida Attorney General Uthmeier challenges NFL Rooney Rule as discriminatory
Attorney General James Uthmeier warns NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that the Rooney Rule requiring minority coach interviews violates Florida employment laws.
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Democrats flip Palm Beach, Hillsborough seats in Florida special elections
Emily Gregory defeats Republican Jon Maples in House District 87, which includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago home, while Brian Nathan flips Tampa-area Senate seat.
Politics
Federal lawsuit accuses United Parks of disability discrimination at Florida theme parks
Justice Department sues United Parks & Resorts for allegedly banning rollators at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and other Florida parks.
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Democrats flip two GOP seats in Florida special elections including Trump district
Florida Democrats won unexpected victories in Palm Beach and Hillsborough counties, flipping Republican-held legislative seats in districts previously considered safe for the GOP.
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Democrat Emily Gregory defeats Trump-backed candidate in Florida House race
Emily Gregory won Florida House District 87 special election, defeating Trump-endorsed Republican John Maples by just over 2 percentage points in district including Mar-a-Lago.
Politics
Democrat Emily Gregory flips Trump's Mar-a-Lago district in Florida House race
Emily Gregory defeats Trump-endorsed Republican Jon Maples in Palm Beach special election, marking 29th Democratic flip since Trump took office.
Politics
Democrat Emily Gregory flips deep-red Palm Beach House district including Mar-a-Lago
Emily Gregory defeats Republican Jon Maples in special election for Florida House District 87, which includes President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach County.
Politics
Democrat Emily Gregory flips Trump's House District 87 in Palm Beach upset
Emily Gregory won 51.15% of the vote to defeat Republican Jon Maples in House District 87, marking the first Democratic victory there this century.
Politics
DeSantis signs $31 million bill restoring HIV drug assistance for 11,000 Floridians
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation providing $31 million in stopgap funding to restore AIDS Drug Assistance Program cuts through June 30.
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DeSantis signs farm bill creating criminal penalties for contractors who don't pay subs
New Florida law makes it a crime for licensed contractors to fail paying subcontractors within 45 days, with penalties up to third-degree felony charges.
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Emily Gregory faces Jon Maples in Palm Beach special election for Trump's district
Democrat Emily Gregory challenges Republican Jon Maples for Florida House District 87 seat that includes Mar-a-Lago in Tuesday's special election.
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DeSantis polls at 5% in New Hampshire as Rubio gains ground at 27%
Gov. Ron DeSantis ties with Nikki Haley at 5% support in New Hampshire Primary poll while Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaches 27% behind Vice President JD Vance's 46%.
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Florida lawmakers fail to pass $70 million Ocklawaha River restoration bill
A $70 million project to restore the Ocklawaha River by opening the Kirkpatrick Dam failed to pass the Florida Legislature before session ended last week.
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Trump considers deploying ICE agents to airports amid TSA shortages at FLL
President Trump weighs using ICE agents at security checkpoints as government shutdown causes delays at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
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Florida property tax elimination bill still possible in May special session
Florida lawmakers could still pass property tax elimination bill by May deadline for November ballot after regular session ended without action.
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Florida public records reform bill dies in Senate after 111-0 House approval
CS/HB 437 contained enforceable deadlines and financial penalties for officials who ignore public records requests, but died on adjournment in the Senate.
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DeSantis rejects gas tax suspension as Florida prices near $4 per gallon
Gov. Ron DeSantis says there's no simple fix for rising gas prices despite Democratic calls to suspend the state's 23.5-cent per gallon tax.
Politics
DeSantis signs coastal protection bills banning Terra Ceia dredging
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 302 and HB 1417 to strengthen coastal protections and streamline environmental regulations in Manatee County.
Politics
Miami Beach considers legal action over state water park bill
Miami Beach commissioners discuss challenging House Bill 399 that would allow Fontainebleau water park without public input, featuring 11 slides including 120-foot tower.
Politics
Miami Beach considers legal action over state waterpark bill
Miami Beach commissioners discuss challenging House Bill 399 that would allow Fontainebleau waterpark without public input, citing stripped local control.
Politics
Robin Peguero raises $750,000 from 6,000 donors in Miami congressional race
Former federal prosecutor Robin Peguero announces major fundraising milestone in Democratic primary race against Rep. María Elvira Salazar in Florida's 27th Congressional District.
Politics
DeSantis appoints AHCA lawyer Andrew Sheeran to Second Circuit bench
Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Andrew Sheeran, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration's general counsel since 2023, to fill vacancy on Second Judicial Circuit.
Politics
166 Florida bills await DeSantis signature to become first 2026 laws
The Florida Legislature passed 166 bills in the latest session, all awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature to potentially become the first new state laws of 2026.
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Florida lawmakers end session without budget, plan April special session
Florida's 2026 legislative session ended without passing a budget, prompting House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton to schedule a special session.
Politics
Louisiana auto insurers cut rates 11% after tort reform laws take effect
Allstate units reduce Louisiana auto insurance rates by up to 11% following sweeping tort reform legislation signed in May 2025, affecting over 58,000 policies.
Politics
Former Florida Congressman David Rivera's Federal Trial Begins in Miami
Former Rep. David Rivera faces trial for allegedly lobbying for sanctioned Venezuelan tycoon without registering as foreign agent, receiving $5.5 million.
Politics
Trump reveals Rep. Neal Dunn's terminal heart condition in public remarks
President Trump disclosed Florida Rep. Neal Dunn's private health battle and terminal heart diagnosis during Monday meeting with House Speaker Johnson.