WEATHER ALERT
Climate change could virtually disappear in Florida — at least according to state law
Read full article: Climate change could virtually disappear in Florida — at least according to state lawFlorida is on the verge of repealing what’s left of a 16-year-old law that puts climate change as a priority when making energy policy decisions.
Air Force One doubles as a campaign jet for Biden's reelection run. Who pays what?
Read full article: Air Force One doubles as a campaign jet for Biden's reelection run. Who pays what?When Joe Biden was running for president three years ago, he flew on a white private jet with his campaign logo painted on the side.
‘Demoralizing:’ Voters are fleeing the Florida Democratic Party. Can it be fixed?
Read full article: ‘Demoralizing:’ Voters are fleeing the Florida Democratic Party. Can it be fixed?The Florida Democratic Party is taking on new leadership and promising to make changes. But with a conservative super-majority in the Florida House and Senate and a governor aggressively reforming the state across the board, the question is can the party turn its fortunes around?
Florida Dems pick Fried to lead party after tough midterms
Read full article: Florida Dems pick Fried to lead party after tough midtermsFlorida Democrats have selected former state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried to lead their party after a disastrous midterm performance in the onetime presidential battleground state.
Election Day saw few major problems, despite new voting laws
Read full article: Election Day saw few major problems, despite new voting lawsHeading into this year’s midterms, voting rights groups were concerned that restrictions in Republican-leaning states triggered by false claims surrounding the 2020 election might jeopardize access to the ballot box for many voters.
Florida's Marco Rubio wins 3rd Senate term, defeats Demings
Read full article: Florida's Marco Rubio wins 3rd Senate term, defeats DemingsRepublican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has won a third term, defeating U.S. Rep. Val Demings and holding a key seat as the GOP tried to regain control of a closely divided Senate.
Dems, GOP make urgent final pitches as election season wraps
Read full article: Dems, GOP make urgent final pitches as election season wrapsCoast to coast, candidates and big-name backers made final appeals to voters Monday in the last hours of a fraught midterm election season, with Republicans excited about the prospect of winning back Congress.
DeSantis, Rubio, Crist campaign in Central Florida ahead of midterms
Read full article: DeSantis, Rubio, Crist campaign in Central Florida ahead of midtermsMidterm elections are scheduled for Nov. 8 in Florida, and candidates are coming out into Central Florida for last-minute campaign pushes to get voters to the polls.
Biden tears into GOP, labels DeSantis ‘Trump incarnate'
Read full article: Biden tears into GOP, labels DeSantis ‘Trump incarnate'President Joe Biden has lashed out at Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as “Donald Trump incarnate,” zeroing in on a potential 2024 GOP presidential contender as he campaigns for Democrats facing uphill fights in next week’s midterm election.
Tell us: Florida’s Democratic Party lost 331,000 voters. Where did they go?
Read full article: Tell us: Florida’s Democratic Party lost 331,000 voters. Where did they go?The Florida Division of Elections released its voter registration report for the November election, known as book closing, earlier this month.
Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down
Read full article: Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds downPresident Joe Biden is focusing on economic issues as he fine-tunes his closing argument in upstate New York for voters trying to cope with raging inflation and fears of a recession heading into the Nov. 8 election.
Dodge, deny or fib: DeSantis, others stay vague on 2024 plans
Read full article: Dodge, deny or fib: DeSantis, others stay vague on 2024 plansPresidential aspirants running for reelection while dreaming of the highest office in the land often face an uncomfortable question: Will they commit to serving a full term — should they win one — when their best moment to take a shot at the White House may come sooner than that.
Charlie Crist, Ron DeSantis face off in heated, raucous Florida governor debate
Read full article: Charlie Crist, Ron DeSantis face off in heated, raucous Florida governor debateDodged questions, heated attacks and a raucous crowd colored the only debate Monday between Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Rep. Charlie Crist in the gubernatorial election.
Fla. Gov. DeSantis refuses to commit to serving full term
Read full article: Fla. Gov. DeSantis refuses to commit to serving full termFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has refused to commit to serving a full four-year term if reelected when pressed by his Democratic rival, Charlie Crist, at their only gubernatorial debate.
A swing state no more? GOP confidence grows in Florida
Read full article: A swing state no more? GOP confidence grows in FloridaDemocrats are increasingly concerned that Florida may be slipping away this fall — and perhaps beyond — as emboldened Republicans seize on divisive cultural issues and demographic shifts in crucial contests for governor and the U.S. Senate.
Results 2022: Meet the candidates for Florida governor
Read full article: Results 2022: Meet the candidates for Florida governorFlorida’s governor is up for reelection and the race is has been a brutal one between the Republican and Democratic candidates. However, they are not the only ones in this race.
DeSantis eases voting rules in counties devastated by Ian
Read full article: DeSantis eases voting rules in counties devastated by IanFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order expanding voting access for the midterm elections in three counties where Hurricane Ian destroyed polling places and displaced thousands of people.
Cha-ching! Biden embraces his election-year fundraising role
Read full article: Cha-ching! Biden embraces his election-year fundraising rolePresident Joe Biden is picking up the pace of his high-dollar fundraisers for Democratic candidates and party committees in the closing weeks before Election Day in November.
DeSantis drops provocations -- for now -- in response to Ian
Read full article: DeSantis drops provocations -- for now -- in response to IanFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has whipsawed his way through the national conversation this month, first by putting migrants on planes or buses to Democratic strongholds and then shifting to a more traditional role of crisis manager as one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the U.S. barreled into his state.
Debating over debates: Campaign tradition faces skepticism
Read full article: Debating over debates: Campaign tradition faces skepticismWith the fall campaign rapidly approaching, the time-honored tradition of debates as a forum for voters to evaluate candidates may be the latest casualty of the nation’s polarized political climate.
DeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutor
Read full article: DeSantis seeks dismissal of suit by suspended prosecutorFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a federal judge to throw out a free speech lawsuit filed by a Democratic prosecutor he suspended from office over statements about not pursuing criminal charges in abortion, transgender rights and certain low-level cases.
Crist vs. DeSantis: What you need to know about the Florida governor’s race
Read full article: Crist vs. DeSantis: What you need to know about the Florida governor’s raceAsk the pundits, the analysts, the forecasters out in Las Vegas and they’ll tell you the same thing — this election is Gov. DeSantis’ to lose.
Charlie Crist makes it official, announces Karla Hernandez as running mate
Read full article: Charlie Crist makes it official, announces Karla Hernandez as running mateCharlie Crist, the Democrat running against Gov. Ron DeSantis, announced on Saturday that he has chosen Karla Hernandez as his pick for running mate and Lieutenant Governor.
Crist picks Miami teachers union leader as running mate
Read full article: Crist picks Miami teachers union leader as running mateDemocrat Charlie Crist has tapped Miami-Dade County teachers union president Karla Hernandez-Mats as his running mate as he challenges Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida.
Sources: Crist picks teachers union leader as running mate
Read full article: Sources: Crist picks teachers union leader as running mateTwo people close to his campaign say Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Charlie Crist is expected to announce that he has chosen the Miami-Dade County teachers union president as his running mate.
WATCH LIVE: Rep. Charlie Crist makes first campaign stop as Democratic nominee for governor
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Rep. Charlie Crist makes first campaign stop as Democratic nominee for governorOn Aug. 23 Democrats will decide who will take on incumbent governor Ron DeSantis in the November general election.
Florida Democrats choose Rep. Crist to challenge DeSantis
Read full article: Florida Democrats choose Rep. Crist to challenge DeSantisU.S. Rep. Charlie Crist has won the Democratic nomination for governor in Florida, putting him in position to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis this fall in a campaign that the Republican incumbent is eyeing as the first step toward a potential White House run.
Central Florida election officials remind voters to check their polling location
Read full article: Central Florida election officials remind voters to check their polling locationAhead of the primary election Tuesday, election leaders are reminding people who plan to vote in person on election day that it must be at their assigned polling location.
Florida prosecutor sues DeSantis for removal over abortion
Read full article: Florida prosecutor sues DeSantis for removal over abortionAn elected Florida prosecutor who was removed from office by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis because of his positions on abortion and transgender rights is suing to get his job back.
New poll shows Nikki Fried leading Charlie Crist, Val Demings ahead of Marco Rubio
Read full article: New poll shows Nikki Fried leading Charlie Crist, Val Demings ahead of Marco RubioWhen asked what they think is the most important problem facing Florida today, 43% of respondents said the cost of living was the most pressing issue.
Nazis show up outside Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa
Read full article: Nazis show up outside Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in TampaA Holocaust center in Florida and others condemned the presence of protesters holding Nazi flags and posters with antisemitic imagery outside a convention of young conservative activists that drew as speakers President Donald Trump, Florida Gov, Ron DeSantis and several Republican U.S. senators.
Florida primary will be a scramble to fill US House seats
Read full article: Florida primary will be a scramble to fill US House seatsWith about two months before Florida’s primary, the most exciting event to watch outside the Democratic nomination for governor is the mad scramble to fill congressional seats.
Annette Taddeo drops Democratic bid for governor to run for Congress
Read full article: Annette Taddeo drops Democratic bid for governor to run for CongressTaddeo will instead challenge Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Republican who represents the 27th U.S. House district in Florida, which encompasses part of Miami.
Sarah Palin on serving in Congress: ‘It would be all about Alaska’
Read full article: Sarah Palin on serving in Congress: ‘It would be all about Alaska’Sarah Palin says she’s serious about her campaign for the U.S. House, telling The Associated Press that her unique place in American politics would put her in a stronger position representing Alaska in Washington.
Manufacturer recalls batch of ‘Great Value’ brand buttermilk pancake, waffle mix
Read full article: Manufacturer recalls batch of ‘Great Value’ brand buttermilk pancake, waffle mixA single lot of Great Value Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix was recalled Saturday by Continental Mills due to a potential for foreign material contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Crash, car fire temporarily shuts down I-4 eastbound in Seminole County
Read full article: Crash, car fire temporarily shuts down I-4 eastbound in Seminole CountyA crash and ensuing car fire on I-4 in Seminole County Sunday afternoon temporarily forced the closure of all eastbound lanes at MM 101BC (State Road 46 / State Road 417), according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
US Rep. Charlie Crist talks run for Florida governor on ‘The Weekly’
Read full article: US Rep. Charlie Crist talks run for Florida governor on ‘The Weekly’U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, who served as Florida’s Republican governor from 2007-11, has emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary based on recent polls and campaign dollars raised.
Central Florida activist leaders nominated for posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom
Read full article: Central Florida activist leaders nominated for posthumous Presidential Medal of FreedomHarry T. Moore and his wife Harriet, were activists at the forefront of the civil rights movement who helped more than 116,000 African Americans register to vote in Central Florida.
In unusual move, Florida Gov. DeSantis submits redistricting map
Read full article: In unusual move, Florida Gov. DeSantis submits redistricting mapFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has submitted a proposal to reshape the state’s congressional map and carve up districts held by Black Democrats, as the Republican takes the unusual step of inserting himself into the redistricting process.
DeSantis refers to Florida as free state, speaks against COVID mandates in State of the State speech
Read full article: DeSantis refers to Florida as free state, speaks against COVID mandates in State of the State speechFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis made clear in his State of the State speech that he likes teachers, first responders and freedom and he doesn’t like Dr. Anthony Fauci, critical race theory, abortion, illegal immigration and Burmese pythons.
DeSantis: Freedom is good, COVID mandates, lockdowns are bad
Read full article: DeSantis: Freedom is good, COVID mandates, lockdowns are badFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis made clear in his State of the State speech that he likes teachers, first responders and freedom and he doesn’t like Dr. Anthony Fauci, critical race theory, abortion, illegal immigration and Burmese pythons.
Redistricting drafts put new congressional district in Central Florida
Read full article: Redistricting drafts put new congressional district in Central FloridaSenate staff members released four proposed congressional maps and four proposed Senate maps that will go before redistricting subcommittees next week.
Florida children to receive over $1B in school lunch relief
Read full article: Florida children to receive over $1B in school lunch reliefAfter weeks of controversy that became a political issue between Gov. Ron DeSantis and one of his potential rivals in the 2022 gubernatorial election, Florida children are set to receive over $1 billion in federal relief funding.
Florida virus cases soar, hospitals near last summer's peak
Read full article: Florida virus cases soar, hospitals near last summer's peakHospital admissions of coronavirus patients continue to soar in Florida with at least two areas in the state surpassing previous peaks reached during last summer’s surge.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis parts with Donald Trump in response to Surfside tragedy
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis parts with Donald Trump in response to Surfside tragedyThe tragedy in Surfside, Florida, is exposing voters to a different side of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis as he prepares for a reelection bid next year that could propel him into a presidential campaign.
Florida middle school students suspended after schoolyard clash over Pride flags
Read full article: Florida middle school students suspended after schoolyard clash over Pride flagsA schoolyard clash over rainbow Pride flags got some students suspended and others expelled from their Florida middle school.
DeSantis swipes at Fried as Democratic field in 2022 gubernatorial race grows
Read full article: DeSantis swipes at Fried as Democratic field in 2022 gubernatorial race growsGov. Ron DeSantis took swipes on Wednesday at the latest Democrat to announce their run for the governor's office ahead of the 2022 gubernatorial race.
As pandemic wanes, Florida Gov. DeSantis seizes national stage
Read full article: As pandemic wanes, Florida Gov. DeSantis seizes national stageAs he heads into his 2022 reelection campaign, Florida's Ron DeSantis has emerged from the political uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic as arguably the country’s most prominent Republican governor.
Gov. Ron DeSantis hints at political future during speech at Pennsylvania event
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis hints at political future during speech at Pennsylvania eventThe governor told a cheering crowd that he was only beginning to fight, which some are interpreting as a possible hint for a 2024 presidential run.
US Rep. Charlie Crist announces another bid for Florida governor
Read full article: US Rep. Charlie Crist announces another bid for Florida governorCharlie Crist, the state’s former Republican governor turned Democratic congressman, is expected to announce that he’s making another run for governor as a Democrat.
Democratic Sen. Bracy hints at run for Florida governor
Read full article: Democratic Sen. Bracy hints at run for Florida governorTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Sen. Randolph Bracy released a campaign-style video Tuesday strongly hinting that he’ll consider seeking the Democratic nomination to face Republican Gov. In the video, Bracy discusses problems facing the state because of the coronavirus pandemic, says the state needs to change course and needs a governor who will work with both parties to help Florida through the crisis. We need to leave behind the small fights at the Capitol and figure out how to work together to move Florida in the right direction. But in a phone interview, Bracy said the video posted on his website isn't an announcement that he's getting in the race. Bracy, 43, of Orlando, was elected to the House in 2012, where he served before being elected to the Senate in 2016.
The Latest: Ontario wants vaccine shot in adults by June 20
Read full article: The Latest: Ontario wants vaccine shot in adults by June 20Eric Holcomb received his COVID-19 vaccine shot Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the opening of the state’s first mass vaccination clinic. Holcomb wore a face mask in the front passenger seat of an SUV while getting the shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at the drive-through clinic. Ad___TORONTO — Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent COVID-19, approving the Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose. Canada has pre-purchased 10 million Johnson & Johnson doses, with options to buy another 28 million. The U.S. approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine last month.
Florida governor faces growing claims of vaccine favoritism
Read full article: Florida governor faces growing claims of vaccine favoritismBruce Rauner, last week gave the Florida governor's campaign committee $250,000. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried joined Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist in calling for federal officials to probe the DeSantis administration’s vaccine distribution programs. AdDuring a Thursday news conference, DeSantis expressed no misgivings about the early vaccinations at the exclusive Key Largo community. In recent weeks, other reports have surfaced of wealthy retirement communities getting exclusive access to vaccine doses through pop-up vaccine sites. Bruce Rauner to the Florida governor's campaign committee.
Majority of Florida voters approve of Ron DeSantis’ performance as governor, poll shows
Read full article: Majority of Florida voters approve of Ron DeSantis’ performance as governor, poll showsORLANDO, Fla. – A Mason-Dixon poll released Tuesday finds more than half of registered Florida voters support Ron DeSantis’ performance as the state’s governor, News 6 partner WJXT-TV reported. The poll shows that statewide, 53% of respondents approve of how DeSantis is handling his job, 42% disapprove and 5% were undecided. Of those polled, 51% of Florida voters said between Fried and DeSantis, they would vote for DeSantis. When it comes to Fried, 65% of Florida voters would vote for DeSantis, 32% would vote for Fried and 3% were undecided. Mason-Dixon polled a total of 625 registered Florida voters who were interviewed live by telephone statewide from Feb. 24 through Feb. 28.
With another Florida loss, Democrats begin second guessing
Read full article: With another Florida loss, Democrats begin second guessingAs election postmortems go, the one that began in Florida Wednesday was especially wrenching for Democrats. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Perhaps only in Florida is a loss by fewer than 4 percentage points considered a public drubbing. Democrats zeroed in on two clear explanations: Biden didn't connect with the state's Latino voters, performing particularly poorly with Cuban voters in South Florida. Some Democrats also give Republicans credit for registering thousands of new voters and narrowing the voter registration advantage Democrats have long had. For Taddeo, the Democratic state senator, it means going back to basics.
UPDATES: Trump wins Florida; Floridians approve minimum wage increase
Read full article: UPDATES: Trump wins Florida; Floridians approve minimum wage increaseLIVE LOOK | Long line forms at Volusia County voting location LIVE LOOK | Long line forms for voting at McInnis Elementary in Volusia County. In Marion County, voters are also set to surpass 2016 total turnout with 72% by 3 p.m. In fact, President Trump made several campaign stops here within the last couple of weeks. pic.twitter.com/qb22CE2U4e — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) November 3, 202010:08 a.m.More people have voted in Orange County, Florida, this year than in 2016. Florida residents will also get to vote on six state constitutional amendments, including an increase on minimum wage.
UPDATES: President Trump, Joe Biden fight for Florida
Read full article: UPDATES: President Trump, Joe Biden fight for FloridaThe Latest: Gimenez wins House seat over Mucarsel-PowellRepublican Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has won a Florida seat in the U.S. House, defeating a single-term Democrat. The 41-year-old Democrat easily defeated Republican H. Wayne Clark in the heavily Democratic county. _____8:17 p.m.Republican Kat Cammack has won Florida’s U.S. House seat held by her former boss, retiring Florida Republican Rep. Ted Yoho. _____7:22 p.m.Republican state Rep. Byron Donalds has been elected to the U.S. House seat now held by Florida Republican Francis Rooney. “I feel he’s just more level-headed.”______7 a.m.Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden have campaigned heavily in Florida, each hoping to win the prized battleground state’s 29 electoral votes.
Trump wins Florida; voters raise minimum wage to $15
Read full article: Trump wins Florida; voters raise minimum wage to $15— District 3: Republican Kat Cammack has won Florida’s U.S. House seat held by her former boss, retiring Florida Republican Rep. Ted Yoho. He defeated Democrat Donna Deegan, a former television news anchor who has worked to raise money for breast cancer research and to help patients. — District 15: Republican Scott Franklin has won Florida Rep. Ross Spano’s seat in the U.S. House. Deutch was first elected in 2010 and represents a firmly Democratic district that includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. A supermajority of Florida voters approved the amendment to the Florida Constitution that will raise Florida’s minimum wage from the current $8.56 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026.
Florida governor names new director for states employment agency
Read full article: Florida governor names new director for states employment agencyTALLAHASSEE, Fla. State Rep. Dane Eagle was appointed as executive director of the state's employment agency on Wednesday, a little more than two weeks after barely losing a Republican primary for Congress in a heavily GOP district. The agency was widely criticized for long delays in paying out unemployment benefits after the economy tanked during the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of people waited weeks and sometimes months for benefits from the glitch-ridden unemployment system after suddenly losing work amid the outbreak. But Crist dropped out of the Republican primary, ran as an independent and lost to Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Lawson remained as director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, but management of the unemployment system was given to Department of Management Services Secretary Jonathan Satter.