ONE-ON-ONE: Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins on property tax relief, insurance reform, and immigration
Read full article: ONE-ON-ONE: Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins on property tax relief, insurance reform, and immigrationFlorida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins sat down for a wide-ranging interview to discuss his candidacy for governor, addressing the top issues where voters have expressed concern.
Finding freedom from the heat on July 4th will be a challenge in eastern US
Read full article: Finding freedom from the heat on July 4th will be a challenge in eastern USGaining freedom from the heat will be a challenge this Independence Day in the eastern U.S., and it's already starting ahead of the holiday weekend.
DeSantis plans to label these groups as terrorists under new Florida law
Read full article: DeSantis plans to label these groups as terrorists under new Florida lawOn Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his intention to label roughly 100 groups as “terrorist organizations” under a new state law.
New Florida law lets school districts build affordable housing
Read full article: New Florida law lets school districts build affordable housingA new update to Florida's Live Local Act allows school districts to build affordable housing on their properties, bypassing traditional zoning rules — and Orange County residents are pushing back after learning their single-family neighborhood could soon be home to a 100-unit apartment complex on a former school site.
Florida Gov. DeSantis says no another 3 bills. Here’s why
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis says no another 3 bills. Here’s whyOn Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another trio of new state bills. However, he also vetoed three others, issuing letters to explain why he did it.
Gov. DeSantis to speak in The Villages
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis to speak in The VillagesThe governor is expected to speak at 10 a.m. at Lucky Goat Coffee on Eastport Drive. While the topic of the discussion is unknown, he is expected to be joined by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Visit Florida President and CEO Bryan Griffin.
WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis to speak in The Villages
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Gov. DeSantis to speak in The VillagesThe governor is expected to speak at 10 a.m. at Lucky Goat Coffee on Eastport Drive. While the topic of the discussion is unknown, he is expected to be joined by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Visit Florida President and CEO Bryan Griffin.
DeSantis signs $117.6 billion Florida budget, vetoes millions in Central Florida projects
Read full article: DeSantis signs $117.6 billion Florida budget, vetoes millions in Central Florida projectsGov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, highlighting investments in education, transportation and law enforcement while vetoing more than $800 million in projects statewide, including several in Central Florida.
DeSantis signs Florida budget, slashes $800M with veto pen
Read full article: DeSantis signs Florida budget, slashes $800M with veto penGov. Ron DeSantis signed his eighth and final budget of his tenure Monday, vetoing more than $800 million from a $114.5 billion spending plan. The budget also includes $30 billion for schools, $4.5 billion for school vouchers, $665 million for Everglades restoration.
A new law could create a list of immigrants illegally living in Mississippi. Advocates are alarmed
Read full article: A new law could create a list of immigrants illegally living in Mississippi. Advocates are alarmedA new Mississippi law authorizes the state's top law enforcement agency to compile a list of immigrants illegally living in the state.
Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rules
Read full article: Florida governor vetoes e-bike safety bill, leaving cities, counties to set own rulesFlorida cities and counties can continue to operate under their own e-bike and e-scooter rules after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have created a uniform statewide system — leaving parents and advocates questioning what comes next.
Florida’s new data center law takes effect next week. Here’s what it changes
Read full article: Florida’s new data center law takes effect next week. Here’s what it changesLast month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill impacting data centers across the state, adding it to the list of nearly 200 laws approved so far this year.
Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor says
Read full article: Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center has closed, governor saysFlorida Gov_ Ron DeSantis has announced the closure of the temporary immigration center known as "Alligator Alcatraz."
Gov. DeSantis says ‘demobilization’ is underway at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis says ‘demobilization’ is underway at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention centerov. Ron DeSantis announced demobilization efforts are underway at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, the site of the South Florida Detention Center — widely known as "Alligator Alcatraz."
Gov. Ron DeSantis signs new Florida property tax law. Here’s what to know
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis signs new Florida property tax law. Here’s what to knowFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill into law that may have a major impact on local governments trying to raise property taxes.
‘It would do very well:’ DeSantis agrees Buc-ee’s should open new spot at this Florida junction
Read full article: ‘It would do very well:’ DeSantis agrees Buc-ee’s should open new spot at this Florida junctionThe cult-favorite convenience chain Buc-ee’s is set to open several new locations in the Sunshine State — but one location in particular may be a good fit for the company, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis could soon bring Charlie Kirk road to this Florida city
Read full article: DeSantis could soon bring Charlie Kirk road to this Florida cityThis week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received several new bills for approval, including one that would establish an official “Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue.”
Daytona Beach officer’s family pushes for change after shooter’s manslaughter verdict
Read full article: Daytona Beach officer’s family pushes for change after shooter’s manslaughter verdictFlorida’s Jason Raynor Act — named for a Daytona Beach police officer killed in the line of duty — is now law, requiring a life sentence without the possibility of parole for anyone convicted of manslaughter in the death of a law enforcement officer.
‘What a farce:’ DeSantis blasts Florida Republican Party over debate controversy
Read full article: ‘What a farce:’ DeSantis blasts Florida Republican Party over debate controversyGov. Ron DeSantis has criticized the Republican Party of Florida after the group reportedly announced it would not be holding a gubernatorial debate at its “Sunshine State Showdown” event this month.
All detainees from immigration facility 'Alligator Alcatraz' have been transferred, DHS says
Read full article: All detainees from immigration facility 'Alligator Alcatraz' have been transferred, DHS saysDetainees at an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” have been transferred to other facilities, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said, citing concerns related to the hurricane season.
DeSantis signs Jason Raynor Act, mandating life in prison for killing a Florida law enforcement officer
Read full article: DeSantis signs Jason Raynor Act, mandating life in prison for killing a Florida law enforcement officerGov. Ron DeSantis signed the Jason Raynor Act into law Tuesday in Winter Haven, sending a direct message to anyone who attacks a police officer in Florida: the consequences are now permanent.
Eatonville council weighs transparency push as data center raises resident concerns
Read full article: Eatonville council weighs transparency push as data center raises resident concernsEatonville leaders will consider a “call to action” aimed at increasing transparency and community input as a data center project draws questions from residents.
Flesh-eating parasite drives state of emergency in Florida
Read full article: Flesh-eating parasite drives state of emergency in FloridaGov. DeSantis has extended a state of emergency after the screwworm was detected in the U.S. last week. Meanwhile, Florida's agricultural leader has imposed emergency rules to ward off the threat.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Tracking changes to the property tax plan, governor’s race and redistricting
Read full article: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Tracking changes to the property tax plan, governor’s race and redistrictingWhat was taken out of the homestead exemption proposal, the likely matchup for Florida Governor after a major candidate drops out, plus the latest effort to stall new redistricting maps.
Florida immigration arrests have quietly surged, with state and local agencies at the forefront
Read full article: Florida immigration arrests have quietly surged, with state and local agencies at the forefrontTrump’s immigration crackdown has met with fierce resistance in Democratic-led sanctuary cities, where police are forbidden from assisting and many locals view the masked federal agents as an invading force.
Florida Supreme Court refuses to intervene in congressional redistricting lawsuit
Read full article: Florida Supreme Court refuses to intervene in congressional redistricting lawsuitThe Florida Supreme Court will not step into a lawsuit challenging the state’s newly drawn congressional districts, the court said Wednesday.
Florida court allows use of new US House districts drawn by Republicans for midterm elections
Read full article: Florida court allows use of new US House districts drawn by Republicans for midterm electionsThe Florida Supreme Court has allowed the use of a new U.S. House map drawn by Republicans in the midterm elections.
David Jolly picks Gwen Graham as running mate in Florida governor’s race
Read full article: David Jolly picks Gwen Graham as running mate in Florida governor’s raceJolly, 52, and Graham, 63, previously served together in the U.S. Congress. Graham represented Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, while Jolly represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014 to 2017 as a Republican. He became a registered Democrat in April 2025.
Florida Gov. DeSantis, cabinet green light $90M for immigration enforcement
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis, cabinet green light $90M for immigration enforcementGov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet on Tuesday approved $90 million in grants for local law enforcement agencies for items related to enforcement of illegal immigration.
A fish fight off Florida tests Trump’s drive to deregulate America’s seas
Read full article: A fish fight off Florida tests Trump’s drive to deregulate America’s seasA federal judge in Washington has blocked a plan to loosen rules for fishing red snapper in the Atlantic, halting what was expected to be the longest recreational snapper season in years.
‘Hoping that sound minds prevail:’ Seminole tax collector, property appraiser keeping close eye on special session
Read full article: ‘Hoping that sound minds prevail:’ Seminole tax collector, property appraiser keeping close eye on special sessionThe Seminole County Property Appraiser estimates that the governor’s property tax proposal would result in a reduction of $409 million in tax revenue for the county.
Florida budget considers AI for SNAP eligibility
Read full article: Florida budget considers AI for SNAP eligibilityA provision tucked into the state budget would direct the Department of Children and Families to competitively procure a vendor capable of using machine learning to analyze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, eligibility determinations.
DeSantis calls a Florida special session on property taxes, set for Monday
Read full article: DeSantis calls a Florida special session on property taxes, set for MondayLawmakers will stay in Tallahassee a little longer after Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special session to pass a property tax amendment for the November ballot. The session is expected to start on Monday.
Amid mounting pressure, Orange County commissioner submits resignation letter — effective Dec. 7
Read full article: Amid mounting pressure, Orange County commissioner submits resignation letter — effective Dec. 7Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who is running for Orange County Mayor, submitted her resignation letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday, but she told News 6 she plans to stay in her current position through the end of the year.
Florida court keeps new districts in place ahead of midterms
Read full article: Florida court keeps new districts in place ahead of midtermsFlorida’s newly drawn congressional districts will remain intact, a Tallahassee judge ruled Tuesday. Judge Joshua Hawkes of the Leon Circuit Court rejected the push from two voting rights organizations and a group of voters to strike down the map drawn up by an aide for Gov. Ron DeSantis and passed by the GOP-led Legislature.
Supreme Court rejects Florida's bid to sue Western states over truck licenses for immigrants
Read full article: Supreme Court rejects Florida's bid to sue Western states over truck licenses for immigrantsThe Supreme Court has rejected Florida’s long shot attempt to sue California and Washington over the issuance of commercial driver licenses to truckers who don’t speak English and are not authorized to be in the United States.
Gov. Ron DeSantis approves even more Florida laws. Here’s the full list
Read full article: Gov. Ron DeSantis approves even more Florida laws. Here’s the full listOn Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another nine bills into law, adding to the list of close to 100 new laws approved so far this year.
Man convicted of killing a woman and her 4-year-old daughter is executed in Florida
Read full article: Man convicted of killing a woman and her 4-year-old daughter is executed in FloridaA man convicted of fatally stabbing of his cousin’s girlfriend and the couple's 4-year-old daughter has been executed in Florida.
Florida CFO again takes aim at Orange County for ‘excessive, wasteful spending’
Read full article: Florida CFO again takes aim at Orange County for ‘excessive, wasteful spending’In an appearance in Orange County Wednesday, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia criticized the county government's spending, calling it "excessive" and "wasteful."
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Tuesday’s primaries send a loud message to Florida Republicans
Read full article: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Tuesday’s primaries send a loud message to Florida RepublicansWhile Florida voters weren’t casting ballots Tuesday night, the results from primary elections across several states are still reverberating through Tallahassee. On this week’s episode of Politically Motivated, the focus turned to what analysts are calling the continued “Trump Effect” — the growing influence of President Donald Trump’s endorsements and how loyalty to the president is increasingly shaping Republican politics nationwide.
Florida Gov. DeSantis says ‘we’ll never fix the mess’ without these 2 amendments
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis says ‘we’ll never fix the mess’ without these 2 amendmentsOn Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took to social media to once again broach a pair of issues that he argues can potentially fix issues in the U.S. Congress.
DeSantis pushes property tax relief for Florida homeowners at Melbourne roundtable
Read full article: DeSantis pushes property tax relief for Florida homeowners at Melbourne roundtableSpeaking at the Space Coast Association of Realtors, DeSantis said a ballot measure focused on homestead exemptions for Florida residents is the next major item on his agenda — but only after the state budget is resolved.
REPORT: Here’s what to know about Buc-ee’s new ‘Pay-at-the-Pump’ rule
Read full article: REPORT: Here’s what to know about Buc-ee’s new ‘Pay-at-the-Pump’ rulePopular convenience store chain Buc-ee’s has reportedly rolled out a new ‘pay-at-the-pump’ policy, which may leave some fans less than satisfied.
Florida Rep. Angie Nixon arrested after sit-in outside DeSantis’ office
Read full article: Florida Rep. Angie Nixon arrested after sit-in outside DeSantis’ officeRep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, was arrested Friday evening by Capitol Police after about five hours of staging a sit-in outside Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office, according to News 6 partner WJXT.
Florida judge considers legal challenge to new congressional map
Read full article: Florida judge considers legal challenge to new congressional mapA Leon Circuit Court judge heard arguments Friday in a case challenging the new congressional districts passed by lawmakers last month, but made no immediate ruling, as plaintiffs argued the map violated the state's Fair Districts amendment.
Alligator Alcatraz could shut down as state awaits federal reimbursement
Read full article: Alligator Alcatraz could shut down as state awaits federal reimbursementThe immigration detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in South Florida could shut down as soon as next month, according to reports from multiple media outlets.
Expected closure of Everglades detention center is no accident given timing, environmentalists say
Read full article: Expected closure of Everglades detention center is no accident given timing, environmentalists sayEnvironmental groups say the expected closure of a detention center in the Florida Everglades is linked to their lawsuit.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Gas tax savings debunked, progress on Florida budget and new details on property tax relief
Read full article: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Gas tax savings debunked, progress on Florida budget and new details on property tax reliefGimmick or gamechanger? The debate over suspending the state and federal gas tax, the real issues dividing the Florida legislature as they work on a budget and new details on Governor Desantis' elusive plan to eliminate property taxes.
Florida expands Atlantic red snapper season to 39 days
Read full article: Florida expands Atlantic red snapper season to 39 daysAccording to DeSantis, NOAA approved Florida’s request earlier this month through an exempted fishing permit pilot program, giving the state more authority over Atlantic recreational red snapper management.
“Deeply Disturbing”: Democrats probe ICE over alleged detention ‘loophole’ abuses
Read full article: “Deeply Disturbing”: Democrats probe ICE over alleged detention ‘loophole’ abusesDemocratic members of Congress from across the country gathered in Orlando on Monday to announce an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly referred to as ICE.
Orlando’s election leaders scrambling to inform voters on new congressional map amid lawsuits
Read full article: Orlando’s election leaders scrambling to inform voters on new congressional map amid lawsuitsLast month, local elections officials were sounding the alarm that new congressional maps would cost counties money and staff time. Those concerns are now coming true. On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a controversial new congressional map into law that gives Republicans an advantage in nearly all the state’s seats.
Gov. DeSantis signs 6 more Florida laws. Here’s the full lineup
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs 6 more Florida laws. Here’s the full lineupThis week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed another batch of new bills, adding to the dozens of other state laws that have already been approved this year.
DeSantis says 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center always was meant to be temporary
Read full article: DeSantis says 'Alligator Alcatraz' immigration detention center always was meant to be temporaryFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” always was meant to be temporary.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Congressional map lawsuits, Spirit shutdown turbulence, and a looming budget
Read full article: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Congressional map lawsuits, Spirit shutdown turbulence, and a looming budgetThis week’s episode of Politically Motivated breaks down the growing legal battle against Gov. Ron DeSantis and his newly approved congressional maps, which critics argue tilt heavily in favor of Republicans.
3 lawsuits now filed to block new Florida congressional map after redistricting
Read full article: 3 lawsuits now filed to block new Florida congressional map after redistrictingFlorida is now facing three lawsuits over its congressional redistricting map, with all of them claiming the new map violates Florida's Fair Districts Amendment.
Republicans have gained an edge in a US House redistricting battle. What states are taking action?
Read full article: Republicans have gained an edge in a US House redistricting battle. What states are taking action?Republicans have gained an advantage in a national congressional redistricting battle among states ahead of the midterm elections.
Lawsuit filed to block new Florida congressional map after redistricting
Read full article: Lawsuit filed to block new Florida congressional map after redistrictingFlorida’s new congressional map is now official. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on X.com that he signed the redistricting bill lawmakers passed last week with a simple post showing the map, with the words “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered.” A few hours later, the first lawsuit was announced.
Redistricting battle intensifies in states after US Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights Act
Read full article: Redistricting battle intensifies in states after US Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights ActA Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana has amplified an already intense national redistricting battle.
Florida Republicans slice and dice congressional districts: How a new map could cost Democrats seats
Read full article: Florida Republicans slice and dice congressional districts: How a new map could cost Democrats seatsThe redrawn congressional district lines that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will soon sign into law are intended to help Republicans pick up as many as four U.S. House seats in November — a scenario that would cost some Democrats their seats.
Florida governor accelerates I-95 interchange upgrade in Ormond Beach
Read full article: Florida governor accelerates I-95 interchange upgrade in Ormond BeachFlorida’s governor visited Volusia County on Thursday to announce a major upgrade to a long-awaited interchange project — and revealed construction will begin years ahead of schedule.
WATCH LIVE: Florida executes James Hitchcock for 1976 murder of a 13-year-old in Orange County
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Florida executes James Hitchcock for 1976 murder of a 13-year-old in Orange CountyJames Ernest Hitchcock, 70, was executed by way of three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. Hitchcock was initially sentenced to death in 1977 after being convicted of first-degree murder in the July 31, 1976, killing of Cynthia Driggers.