‘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.
Florida man executed for the killing of his brother's teenage stepdaughter nearly 50 years ago
Read full article: Florida man executed for the killing of his brother's teenage stepdaughter nearly 50 years agoA Florida man convicted of killing his brother’s 13-year-old stepdaughter nearly 50 years ago has been put to death.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Florida redistricting fight raises big constitutional questions
Read full article: POLITICALLY MOTIVATED: Florida redistricting fight raises big constitutional questionsWith Florida’s new redrawn congressional map passed, two major questions are driving the conversation: why should voters care — and is what’s happening even legal?
Supreme Court ruling on race-based redistricting prompts quick action in some states
Read full article: Supreme Court ruling on race-based redistricting prompts quick action in some statesSeveral states already are taking steps to respond to a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana.
Supreme Court ruling will reshape American politics. The only question is when
Read full article: Supreme Court ruling will reshape American politics. The only question is whenThe U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority has handed Republicans their biggest victory yet in the battle to control the House of Representatives and statehouses across the country.
Florida Legislature OKs new redistricting map ahead of November election
Read full article: Florida Legislature OKs new redistricting map ahead of November electionThe Florida House and Senate passed a bill to redraw congressional district lines on Wednesday, with potentially big implications for the November election.
Florida House again rejects DeSantis’ AI, vaccine measures
Read full article: Florida House again rejects DeSantis’ AI, vaccine measuresTwo key priorities of Gov. Ron DeSantis that failed to advance in the regular legislative session were discarded as the House opened a special session on Tuesday. House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, said the House remains “fairly clear on our position” against the proposals to expand vaccine exemptions for public K-12 students and to protect consumers’ interactions with artificial intelligence.
Florida lawmakers take up DeSantis’ Congressional map in redistricting special session
Read full article: Florida lawmakers take up DeSantis’ Congressional map in redistricting special sessionFlorida lawmakers are back at work in Tallahassee to pass a map favored by Gov. Ron DeSantis to redraw Florida’s Congressional districts. The session was also supposed to address DeSantis’ AI Bill of Rights and an expansion on vaccine exemptions, but House Speaker Daniel Perez said no bills were filed on those issues.
Florida redistricting and a rocky special session put Ron DeSantis back in the Republican spotlight
Read full article: Florida redistricting and a rocky special session put Ron DeSantis back in the Republican spotlightRon DeSantis is back in the national spotlight as he pushes for a new congressional map in Florida.
DeSantis unveils his Congressional redistricting map for Florida ahead of special session
Read full article: DeSantis unveils his Congressional redistricting map for Florida ahead of special sessionGov. Ron DeSantis’ office submitted a new congressional map to the Legislature on Monday that would drastically alter several U.S. House districts in Central and South Florida. The new map, if approved by lawmakers in a special session that starts Tuesday, could flip a handful of districts from Democrats to Republicans, helping the GOP retain control of the U.S. House in November.
Virginia Supreme Court considers whether to block voter-approved US House map favoring Democrats
Read full article: Virginia Supreme Court considers whether to block voter-approved US House map favoring DemocratsVirginia's Supreme Court is considering whether a voter-approved redistricting amendment complied with the state's constitutional requirements.
Florida lawmakers set May special session to settle state budget
Read full article: Florida lawmakers set May special session to settle state budgetMore than one month after ending the regular session without passing a budget, legislative leaders said Thursday they have a deal on top-line spending levels and plans for a May special session to pass the bill that funds the Florida government.
Florida offers $100 to families simultaneously enrolling in VPK, Florida Prepaid program
Read full article: Florida offers $100 to families simultaneously enrolling in VPK, Florida Prepaid programThe governor is expected to speak at 10 a.m. at Tohopekaliga High School and will be joined by Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis OKs 7 more laws. Here’s what each one does
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis OKs 7 more laws. Here’s what each one doesOn Wednesday, DeSantis said that "White males" have been the No. 1 "disfavored group" of DEI initiatives after he signed a ban on local governments from implementing such policies.
Democrats win in Virginia but it won't be the final say in a national redistricting competition
Read full article: Democrats win in Virginia but it won't be the final say in a national redistricting competitionDemocrats are celebrating an election win in Virginia that could put them slightly ahead in the national redistricting competition that President Donald Trump triggered in an attempt to preserve his party’s House majority in this year’s midterms.
Man who set neighbor on fire after she found him burglarizing her home is executed in Florida
Read full article: Man who set neighbor on fire after she found him burglarizing her home is executed in FloridaA Florida man who set his neighbor on fire when she came upon him burglarizing her home has been executed.
High prices? Here’s why Florida Gov. DeSantis says gas tax cuts are a no-go
Read full article: High prices? Here’s why Florida Gov. DeSantis says gas tax cuts are a no-goAnyone who’s stopped by a gas station over the past month has likely noticed skyrocketing prices at the pump. But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he has no plans to suspend the gas tax.
Lawyer says guards beat and pepper-sprayed detainees at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'
Read full article: Lawyer says guards beat and pepper-sprayed detainees at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'A lawyer says guards severely beat and pepper-sprayed detainees at a state-run immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades.
DeSantis considers delay in Florida special session on redistricting US House seats
Read full article: DeSantis considers delay in Florida special session on redistricting US House seatsGov. Ron DeSantis could push back the special session on congressional redistricting, he said Tuesday. DeSantis originally called the session to produce new maps for the U.S. House in an unusual mid-decade redistricting in January and it’s scheduled to start Monday.
Hampshire College, which counts filmmaker Ken Burns among its alumni, is closing later this year
Read full article: Hampshire College, which counts filmmaker Ken Burns among its alumni, is closing later this yearHampshire College, which includes documentary filmmaker Ken Burns among its alumni, announced it is closing later this year.
A redistricting battle among states has reshaped the US House map ahead of the midterm election
Read full article: A redistricting battle among states has reshaped the US House map ahead of the midterm electionA redistricting battle among states has reshaped voting districts for the U.S. House ahead of the November midterm elections.
Gov. Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland's congressional map to boost Democrats
Read full article: Gov. Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland's congressional map to boost DemocratsA proposal for a new Maryland congressional map has officially died with the conclusion of the state's legislative session.
Here’s why Florida Gov. DeSantis says seniors alone can’t have property tax cuts
Read full article: Here’s why Florida Gov. DeSantis says seniors alone can’t have property tax cutsDeSantis has been a vocal supporter for property tax reform. But this week, he put his foot down on providing relief to seniors alone.
‘We need to do that:’ DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to ban cousin marriage
Read full article: ‘We need to do that:’ DeSantis calls on Florida lawmakers to ban cousin marriageDuring a bill signing on Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called on state lawmakers to ban cousins from getting married in Florida.
Rays are victorious in return to Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton tore off the roof in 2024
Read full article: Rays are victorious in return to Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton tore off the roof in 2024With cowbells ringing in the stands, Bryan Baker was fired up after striking out Pete Crow-Armstrong to give the Tampa Bay Rays a triumphant return to Tropicana Field.
Florida death warrant for convicted killer James Duckett set to expire
Read full article: Florida death warrant for convicted killer James Duckett set to expireGov. Ron DeSantis’ office said “stay tuned” when asked if a new death warrant would be signed for a former police officer from Lake County who had been scheduled to be executed on March 31.
DeSantis signs Florida law to label groups as terrorists and expel student supporters
Read full article: DeSantis signs Florida law to label groups as terrorists and expel student supportersGov. Ron DeSantis has signed a law allowing Florida leaders to label groups as domestic or foreign terrorist organizations.
James Duckett was to be executed Tuesday. Here’s why it likely won’t happen in April
Read full article: James Duckett was to be executed Tuesday. Here’s why it likely won’t happen in AprilJames Duckett, the former police officer convicted of raping and murdering 11-year-old Teresa McAbee, was slated to be executed March 31 until the Florida Supreme Court granted him a stay.
Gov. DeSantis signs election bill targeting voter registration, stock disclosures
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis signs election bill targeting voter registration, stock disclosuresThe bill requires verification of U.S. citizenship during voter registration, mandates paper ballots for all elections and requires congressional candidates to disclose stock trading activity while in office.