Florida Politics

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

April 28, 2026

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Dan Webster to retire from Congress, plans to devote ‘precious time’ to family

0 6min 0

Headlines Influence

April 28, 2026

Senate postpones consideration of ‘medical freedom’ bill after House refuses to hear it

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Federal Headlines

April 28, 2026

Ashley Moody says congressional redistricting effort uniquely ‘justified’

1 2min 0

Headlines Influence

April 28, 2026

Emily Gregory, Hilary Holley, Samantha Scott sworn into House seats during Special Session

0 6min 0

Headlines Influence

April 28, 2026

Daniel Perez says House won’t deliberate on AI regulations or vaccine requirements, drawing Ron DeSantis’ fury

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Education Headlines

April 28, 2026

Jesse Mendoza

Sarasota’s ‘King of the Wire’ Nik Wallenda to headline New College commencement

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2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

April 28, 2026

Staff Reports

Five former members of Congress line up behind Keith Gross in CD 2 race

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Headlines South Florida

April 28, 2026

House holds moment of silence to honor Nancy Metayer Bowen

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2026

2026 Headlines

Farmers back Wilton Simpson’s ‘strong leadership’ as Ag Commissioner seeks second term

‘He’s a farmer who understands what’s at stake.’

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Wilton Simpson seeks second term as Agriculture Commissioner, launches with more than $33M on hand

Very little stands in his way as he seeks 4 more years.

0 6min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Byron Donalds to appear with Gordon Smith in Bradford County

The stop is part of the gubernatorial candidate’s ‘Defending The Florida Dream’ tour.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Poll: Byron Donalds leads current GOP primary by 30+ points, despite many Republicans being open to other options

Other declared candidates aren’t catching on as of yet.

6 2min

2026 Headlines

‘Despicable lies’: Layla Collins spars with conservative influencer Jenna Ellis

Family ties are the latest line of attack in the increasingly heated race to succeed Ron DeSantis

0 6min

2026 Headlines

Byron Donalds’s spiritual side on display during Southeastern University commencement speech

‘This is what happens in the journey of life when you put God at the center.’

1 5min

2026 Headlines

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Byron Donalds introduces Insurer Scorecard to lower premiums, give consumers info

‘Consumers deserve to know what insurance costs and how well it performs before they buy.’

4min

2026 Headlines

Another poll shows David Jolly, Jerry Demings holding their own versus Byron Donalds in potential gubernatorial match-ups

Can Democrats score an upset?

5min

2026 Headlines

Poll: Ashley Moody 49%, Alex Vindman 42%

The former AG appears to be well-positioned no matter who her opponent is.

4min

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Senate postpones consideration of ‘medical freedom’ bill after House refuses to hear it

The path is rocky for pushback against inoculation, easier access to ivermectin.

0 4min

Headlines Influence

Emily Gregory, Hilary Holley, Samantha Scott sworn into House seats during Special Session

Their recent Special Elections yielded one Democratic gain amid otherwise steady GOP results.

0 6min

Headlines Influence

Daniel Perez says House won’t deliberate on AI regulations or vaccine requirements, drawing Ron DeSantis’ fury

‘Typical political shenanigans,’ Ron DeSantis complained on X.

0 7min

Headlines Influence

Ron DeSantis claims Florida’s congressional redistricting has no connection to what’s happening in other states

‘It’s the right thing to do for Florida.’

1 6min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

Florida voters not sold on ‘medical freedom’

‘It’s telling when a clear majority of self-identified MAHA supporters say that eliminating all vaccine requirements is a bridge too far.’

1 4min

Headlines Influence

Gov. DeSantis still doesn’t have language, votes for ‘revolutionary’ property tax repeal plan

The plan has been teased all year, but the Governor’s Office doesn’t know how it wants to ‘structure’ it.

1 4min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

‘Blatantly illegal’: Kathy Castor blasts proposed new congressional lines while vowing to run for re-election

The Tampa Democrat won’t say just yet where she plans to run, but said if lawmakers are smart, they won’t pass Ron DeSantis’ map.

1 6min

Headlines Influence

Jesse Mendoza

James Uthmeier broadens OpenAI investigation as ChatGPT use surfaces in USF murders

He criticized the platform for creating child sex abuse material, and ‘advising kids on how to hurt themselves and commit suicide, and carry out heinous crimes.’

0 5min

Headlines Influence

Jesse Mendoza

Ron DeSantis congressional map draws sharply divided reactions ahead of Special Session

Lawmakers are expected to take up the proposal during a Special Session beginning Tuesday.

2 13min

2026 — Down Ballot

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Janelle Irwin Taylor

Dan Webster to retire from Congress, plans to devote ‘precious time’ to family

‘To have been part of the development and passage of some most significant legislation in our time is something I will forever treasure.’

0 6min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Staff Reports

Five former members of Congress line up behind Keith Gross in CD 2 race

Former members of Congress rally behind Gross campaign in Florida.

0 5min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

With no Special Election in sight for vacant HD 113 seat, candidates add $267K in Q1

Candidates are drawing from distinct donor pools — Democrats from party networks, while parts of the Republican field lean heavily on real estate and lobbying circles.

0 23min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

‘Blatantly illegal’: Kathy Castor blasts proposed new congressional lines while vowing to run for re-election

The Tampa Democrat won’t say just yet where she plans to run, but said if lawmakers are smart, they won’t pass Ron DeSantis’ map.

1 6min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Jacob Ogles

How would Ron DeSantis’ congressional map perform based on prior election cycles?

Based on statewide performance, Democrats could win between 4 and 9 seats under the Governor’s congressional map.

1 7min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis ignores Fair Districts amendment in congressional map, argues it’s already unconstitutional

Between a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling and a decision last year by the Florida Supreme Court, his counsel argues any prohibitions on racial or partisanship considerations are dead.

2 4min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis releases proposed congressional map for Florida, could cut 4 Democratic seats

Democrats hold 8 seats on the current map.

4 6min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Jacob Ogles

As Ron DeSantis prepares a map, Democratic critics prepare for court

The forces behind the Fair Districts amendment see partisan intent.

0 9min

2026 — Down Ballot Headlines

Jacob Ogles

NRCC slams Darren Soto for claiming credit on local spending he voted against

The Democrat said he supported a bipartisan budget with the spending, and opposed Senate language later added to the bill.

0 4min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Ashley Moody says congressional redistricting effort uniquely ‘justified’

The Legislature appears likely to agree this week.

1 2min

Federal Influence

Drew Wilson

Becker’s D.C. lobbying team celebrates 15 years

‘We are excited about Becker’s growth in 2025 and success in 2026 and beyond.’

0 2min

Federal Headlines

DC gala shooting suspect aired grievances against Donald Trump in writings to family

Cole Tomas Allen called himself a ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ in writings.

0 11min

Federal Headlines

Accused gunman at correspondents’ dinner was likely targeting Donald Trump and top officials, Todd Blanche says

‘It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the President.’

0 6min

Federal Headlines

Accused WH correspondents’ dinner attacker is tutor and computer programmer from California

Social media posts that appear to match the California man arrested Saturday in the shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner show he is a highly educated tutor and amateur video game developer. A May 2025 profile photo of Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, appears to match the appearance of the man in a photo of […]

0 4min

Federal Headlines

Gunman in White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting believed to be ‘lone wolf’

President Donald Trump was whisked from the event and unharmed as he discussed the episode late Saturday.

0 15min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

Democrat Marquita Valencia launches challenge to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan

1 10min

Florida GOP files election complaint against Donna Deegan launch ad

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan files for re-election. Which Republican ultimately becomes a serious challenger?

Navy vets Jimmy Peluso, Matt McCullough pace field in Jax City Council fundraising

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Drew Dixon

UF and other historians mounting St. Augustine History Festival

3min 0

St. Johns County to add new park following 33-acre land deal

Gov. DeSantis orders flags at half-staff in honor of former Holly Hill Mayor Roy Johnson

NEFAR: March home sales increase across First Coast region

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Sanford zoo takes on 13 sloths rescued from Sloth World

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‘The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11’ documentary to compete at Orlando film and music festival

Ron DeSantis promotes repeat appointee Andrew Bain to Circuit bench in slate of 12 judicial picks

‘True legend’ Charlie Gray dies, leaving behind Orlando legacy and GrayRobinson firm

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

Jesse Mendoza

Charlie Crist officially in for ‘people first’ St. Pete mayoral campaign

1 8min

Maria Scruggs qualifies for St. Pete mayoral election by petition

Questions linger over St. Pete’s city-led $165M municipal marina overhaul plan

St. Pete’s $600M resiliency bond gains ground, but Council worries about voter buy-in

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Jesse Mendoza

Lisa Gonzalez Moore launches re-election bid for Bradenton City Council

0 3min 0

Sydney Gruters rips Sarasota County Democratic Party social media message following shooting near Donald Trump

How toxic is Bridget Ziegler? Polling has an answer, and so does common sense

Judge tosses Bradenton Times defamation suit against Manatee REC over Charlie Kirk texts

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Jesse Mendoza

PSTA unveils Tampa Bay Ferry plan calling for 2 vessels, daily service and downtown Tampa dock

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Human remains found near Howard Frankland Bridge in Pinellas County

Roommate charged with two counts of murder in death, disappearance of two USF students

Tampa Bay Rays pressure Hillsborough on stadium funding timeline

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Drew Dixon

Cynthia West running for District 5 seat on Okaloosa County School Board

0 4min

Gov. DeSantis appoints Matt Terry to assume control of Gulf County Clerk’s Office

Governor appoints former Suwannee County Commissioner to return to the board

Panhandle residents rally to save a rare coastal dune lake

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

To honor Bobby Bowden, Gov. DeSantis signs measure renaming Tallahassee airport

4min 0

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare gala to feature major recording artist Teddy Swims

Justice Department charges Tallahassee man with threatening to kill Donald Trump, Jerome Powell

Suits for Session returns to the Capitol on Wednesday

Communities

Communities Headlines

Drew Dixon

Florida landmarks being lighted purple in honor of ‘Marsy’s Law’ during Crime Victim’s Rights Week

4min 0

Census data show population increases in Orlando, reductions in Pinellas, Miami-Dade

Southern Living names top small towns, Florida snags 5 spots

‘Systemic failures’: Report links patient deaths in Florida to missed monitoring in state hospitals

South Florida

Headlines South Florida

House holds moment of silence to honor Nancy Metayer Bowen

‘Her legacy will never be forgotten.’

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

DeSantis’s map redraw targets Jared Moskowitz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz

The plan would carve up Broward County, shifting coastal and inland voters into dramatically reconfigured districts.

0 7min

Headlines South Florida

Plant nursery workers to march Friday in Coral Gables over wages, working conditions

Workers say the conditions behind the nation’s houseplants remain largely hidden despite the industry’s multibillion-dollar footprint.

0 6min

APolitical South Florida

Cole Pepper

World Cup ticket pricing and demand not matching up yet

Dynamic pricing approach leaving many fans without access to games.

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

State opens probe after Broward School Board Chair acknowledges misuse of public funds

The incident has sparked parallel investigations at both the state and District levels, with possible employee discipline pending.

1 8min

Headlines South Florida

Broward Dems file Q1 financial report nearly 2 weeks past due

The party’s Treasurer blamed the delay on a change in accounting services.

3min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

He challenged the Bible in Florida schools. Now he’s challenging his own ‘Trump Bible’

Activist Chaz Stevens also hopes to raise awareness about AI-driven reviews that could soon accelerate book removals without context.

0 12min

Culture Wars Headlines

The untold story of Ron DeSantis vs. Disney

Here are the revelations in the Disney-DeSantis battle from recently obtained court records.

4 38min

Culture Wars Headlines

Jesse Mendoza

State DEI ban sets up collision with St. Pete equity agenda, forces Tampa to rethink key roles

The law suggests that both St. Petersburg and Tampa will soon be making significant changes to adapt.

1 9min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis still a skeptic on medical marijuana despite federal reclassification

It’s not ‘necessarily a good thing.’

3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Gov. DeSantis signs off on kill shot for local DEI

Local governments will have some decisions to make.

2 6min

Culture Wars Headlines

‘Hanging curveball’: Gov. DeSantis demands end to cousin marriage

‘That feeds in to some of the stealth jihad that we see.’

3min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Drew Wilson

Poll finds majority support for banning Chinese medical devices

Voters say they would be more likely to vote for candidates who support a ban.

3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Long-sought suspect extradited in Panama’s deadliest terror attack, U.S. Ambassador announces

The case gained new momentum after intelligence sharing between the United States, Israel and Panama reopened investigative leads decades later.

6min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Donald Trump says U.S. negotiators will go to Pakistan on Monday for more talks with Iran

Strait of Hormuz remains bottlenecked as both sides try to advance in fragile peace talks.

10min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

‘One-way street’: Rick Scott wonders if U.S. belongs in NATO

‘What’s the value?’

4 2min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Drew Dixon

Byron Donalds: Regime change is imminent in Cuba

Amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, Donalds claims the fall of the Communist dicatorship will come as the economy worsens.

4min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

U.S. and Iran end ceasefire talks without agreement and blame each other

The future of an Iranian nuclear program remains a sticking point in negotiations.

7min

Emails & Opinions

Emails & Opinions Headlines

A Special Session in Florida — split signals, different speeds

New data analysis and polling reveal a mixed mandate.

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.28.26

Gayle Harrell: A measured approach to vaccine policy in Florida

Last Call for 4.27.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.27.26

Apolitical

APolitical Headlines

UF survey shows consumer sentiment rattled by economic turmoil in April

Rising gas prices and a climbing unemployment rate are causing economic uncertainty among Floridians.

APolitical Headlines

New unemployment filings in Florida dip in latest data report

The dip in first-time jobless filings comes as Florida’s unemployment rate is climbing.

APolitical Headlines

Florida gas prices drop to $3.94 per gallon as market pressures persist

APolitical Headlines

Florida Council of 100 launching new initiatives to increase healthcare and infrastructure firms

Record spending on Mother’s Day projected for this year’s holiday

Tech

Headlines Tech

Warning of ‘digital Epsteins,’ conservative group backs protections in AI bill of rights

‘We are watching,’ the Alliance for a Better Future says in a new ad.

Headlines Tech

Tech group says lawmakers should not pass AI bill of rights

‘A patchwork of state-level requirements creates uncertainty for developers.’

Headlines Tech

Space consortium holds skull session at Cape Canaveral to boost aerospace industry

Headlines Tech

Legislature gets ready to debate AI bill of rights — again

‘Not on my watch’: Paul Renner pushes for guardrails against AI, including moratorium on data centers

Education