Politics
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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Trump Executive Order Tightens Import Rules, Treats Trade as 'Privilege'
President Trump signed an executive order empowering CBP with new tools to enforce customs rules and hold importers accountable.
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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 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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DeSantis Names Sheriff's Chief Deputy, Ex-Lawmaker Among 12 Board Picks
Gov. DeSantis appointed 12 people to three college boards and the PRIDE Enterprises board, including a Brevard sheriff's deputy and former state lawmaker.
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DeSantis Calls Special Session to Eliminate Homestead Property Taxes
Gov. DeSantis calls a special session the week of June 1 to consider a constitutional amendment exempting the first $250,000 of homestead value from taxation.
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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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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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DeSantis Elevates Prosecutors, Sheriff's Counsel in Nine Judicial Picks
Gov. DeSantis named nine judges across six Florida courts, drawing heavily from prosecutorial ranks and elevating three of his own prior appointees.
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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 Fentanyl Deaths Drop 46 Percent as S.A.F.E. Program Nets 3,000 Arrests
New state data shows fentanyl-caused deaths fell 46 percent in Florida during the first half of 2025 as the S.A.F.E. program produced nearly 3,000 arrests.
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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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Florida's Atlantic Red Snapper Season Jumps From 2 Days to 39 Under State Control
Governor DeSantis announces a 39-day Atlantic red snapper season and record 140-day Gulf season after federal approval of state management.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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13,000 Families Open College Savings Accounts Through Florida VPK Partnership
More than 13,000 families have opened Florida Prepaid college savings accounts through a new VPK enrollment partnership in its first four months.
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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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ICE Detains Cuban Illegal Alien With Removal Order From 1980 in Miami-Dade
ICE Miami took custody of Eledoro Valenzuela Rodriguez at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on pending drug and weapons charges.
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DeSantis Names Ex-Sheriff, State Rep Among 9 Board Appointments
Gov. DeSantis reappoints and appoints nine members to three Florida education boards, including a sitting state lawmaker and former sheriff.
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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.
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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.
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Edgewater considers ban on toilet-to-tap water as 2032 deadline looms
Edgewater leaders debate permanently banning treated wastewater for drinking water as Florida law requires cities to stop surface water discharge by 2032.
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Byron Donalds launches statewide tour Monday after raising $22.2 million
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds begins 'Defending The Florida Dream' tour in The Villages after record-breaking fundraising quarter.
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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.
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Sarasota County Schools cuts 180 teaching positions as $45 million diverted to vouchers
Sarasota County Schools plans to eliminate 180 instructional positions as nearly $45 million in public funding flows to private school vouchers instead of district coffers.
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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.
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Nathan prepares for Special Sessions after razor-thin Senate District 14 upset
Sen. Brian Nathan faces immediate test with multiple Special Sessions after defeating Republican Josie Tomkow by just over 400 votes in Hillsborough County.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Trump Presidential Library Design Unveiled for Miami Waterfront Site
Video animation shows towering Trump-branded library dominating Miami skyline next to Freedom Tower on $60 million donated land from Miami Dade College.
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Broward School Board discusses November tax referendum for teacher raises
Broward County School Board considers November ballot referendum to increase taxes for teacher pay raises amid staffing shortages and budget discussions.
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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.
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Florida's 60-Day Legislative Sessions Cost $4.85 Million in Overruns Since 2000
Florida lawmakers have required costly special sessions for two straight years, raising questions about whether the state has outgrown its part-time Legislature.
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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.
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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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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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Florida AG threatens NFL over Rooney Rule, demands suspension by May 1
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell threatening enforcement actions over diversity hiring requirements.
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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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TSA warns Florida airports may close as 480 agents quit during shutdown
TSA Deputy Administrator warns smaller airports may close temporarily as more than 480 agents quit and callout rates exceed 40% at multiple facilities during government shutdown.
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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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Miami Beach rebuilds rainbow crosswalk in park after state removal
Miami Beach commissioners unanimously approved rebuilding the iconic rainbow crosswalk in Lummus Park using original pavers after state crews removed it from Ocean Drive.
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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.
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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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Justice Department sues United Parks over disability discrimination at Florida theme parks
Federal lawsuit alleges United Parks & Resorts discriminates against disabled guests by banning wheeled walkers at SeaWorld Orlando and other Central Florida attractions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rubio testifies in Miami federal court in Venezuela lobbying trial
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified about his interactions with former congressman David Rivera, who faces charges for allegedly lobbying for Venezuela.
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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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Marco Rubio testifies in Miami court about Venezuela lobbying case
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified about his interactions with former Miami congressman David Rivera in federal court regarding Venezuela lobbying 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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Miami-Dade GOP Secretary Abel Carvajal Resigns After Racist Group Chat
Abel Carvajal resigned as Miami-Dade GOP secretary following discovery of WhatsApp group chat containing racist and antisemitic comments involving young Republicans.
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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 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.
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North Florida drought reaches 'exceptional' level for first time in 14 years
Parts of nine counties in North Florida hit worst drought level possible as rainfall totals fall 3.72 inches below normal for 2026.
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Volusia County doubles fines, enforces 8 p.m. curfew after 133 arrests
Law enforcement increases presence in Daytona Beach with doubled fines and youth curfew following weekend chaos that resulted in 133 arrests and four shootings.
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DeSantis Orders Flags Half-Staff for Winter Haven Soldier Killed in Kuwait
Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff in Tallahassee and Winter Haven to honor Maj. Cody Khork, killed in March 1 drone strike in Kuwait.
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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.
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Ingoglia distributes $14 million to Florida fire departments for cancer prevention
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia awarded $14 million to 13 fire departments across Gulf Coast and Central Florida for cancer decontamination and assistance programs.
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Clearwater group submits 8,000 petitions targeting Scientology land deals
Save the Garden submits 8,000 petitions to require voter approval for public right-of-way transfers in downtown Clearwater redevelopment area.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Polk Sheriff Grady Judd calls for pathway for law-abiding immigrants
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida's State Immigration Enforcement Council soften stance on undocumented immigrants without criminal records.
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Florida sheriffs split on immigration enforcement as AG Uthmeier backs law
Attorney General James Uthmeier defends aggressive immigration enforcement while Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and others seek federal clarity on deportation priorities.
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Sanford man faces 100 counts for AI-generated child porn possession
Blake McKinniss, 37, arrested on 100 counts including AI-generated child sexual abuse material possession in Seminole County investigation.
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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.
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Florida faces final freeze warnings as Arctic front brings 30s to Panhandle
Arctic cold front to bring near-freezing temperatures to North Florida and Panhandle Tuesday and Wednesday, with frost warnings issued by National Weather Service.
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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.