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Tag: Phillip Stucky

  • DeSantis sends more troops to border; GOP primary heats up

    DeSantis sends more troops to border; GOP primary heats up

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    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has started to send additional troops to the Texas border, with the offer of a thousand more, and Republicans in South Carolina prepare for the state presidential primary. 


    DeSantis begins to send additional Florida troops to Texas border

    It’s been an eventful week for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Several bills are now on his desk, and despite broad support from the legislature, the governor’s recent comments have cast doubt whether he’ll actually sign them.

    While they wait for a signature or a veto, DeSantis is sending more troops and troopers to the southern border.

    As many as 50 Florida National Guard members will leave from Plant City Friday and dozens of state troopers from Pensacola are going with them.

    “This is part of a years-long effort for us to help do what the federal government has refused to do, which is to actually defend this country’s borders,” DeSantis said.

    In February, DeSantis said Florida will help Texas build barricades or lay down more border wire.

    “We wanna be a part of that,” he said. “We think this is an American issue — partially because we should have a secure country, and partially the effects of this border invasion go to all 50 states.”

    The governor is offering Texas up to 1,000 troops. The offer comes as border crossings in the U.S. near a record high. Border Patrol in December reported roughly 250,000 migrant encounters.

    But back in Florida, Democrats are calling the move a wasteful political stunt.

    This mission, they say, is all about DeSantis and his dream of running for the White House.

    “There’s so much to focus on here at home,” Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said. “We don’t need a governor who is continuing to focus on his own ambitions and just leaving Floridians behind.”

    Not only that, Florida Democrats say no state should send their troops down south. The border, they say, is federal business. 

    South Carolina GOP primary could reveal clear winner

    Saturday is the Republican Presidential Primary in South Carolina.

    And even though Nikki Haley is a former governor of the state, she is not expected to beat former President Donald Trump.

    Nevertheless, she is pledging to stay in the race for the foreseeable future.

    Hundreds of people lined up for hours in Rock Hill to hear Trump speak. Even as the former president faces a laundry list of legal troubles, his support remains strong going into the primary.

    “He’s been through a lot and he keeps going,” South Carolina resident Joe Kilpatrick said. “He’s a true patriot. Best president in my lifetime.” 

    “When he was president in 2020, he made everything better,” resident Katie Henson claimed. “And now, Biden, it’s going down the toilet.”

    Haley has been criss-crossing the state, arguing Trump and Biden are too old and that Trump is too chaotic to run the country, but Trump fans disagree.

    “I’ve always known the older, the wiser,” Latosha Parker said. “Age is nothing but a number. We need Nikki Haley to say what she’s going to bring,” 

    Something Haley does have is a pitch that is appealing to former Trump supporters who are exhausted by his unending legal troubles.

    In a call with reporters Friday, Haley’s campaign manager Betsy Ankney cited a Marquette Law School poll that found Haley would beat Biden by 16 percentage points but Trump would beat him by 2 points, within the margin of error. Ankney also rattled off the lengthy list of Republican election defeats since, she said, the “luster wore off” of Trump following his 2016 victory.

    “We know that the math is challenging,” Ankney said. “This has never just been about who can win a Republican primary. This battle is about who can win in November, defeat the Democrats and finally get our country back on track. And the reality is, no matter what all-caps rants Trump goes on on Twitter about the polls, he will not defeat Joe Biden in November, and he will drag the entire Republican ticket down with him.”

    Haley has shown no sign of being on the verge of bowing out. This week, her campaign announced its leadership teams in Super Tuesday primary states Michigan and Texas, and Ankney announced Friday a seven-figure TV and digital ad buy leading up to Super Tuesday, which is March 5.

    Haley and the super PAC supporting her had $15 million cash on hand at the end of January, according to Federal Election Commission.

    The former South Carolina governor has been attacking Trump on a number of fronts, including his court trials, his comments that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO countries that do not meet their financial obligations and his refusal to condemn Russia for the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

    The Trump campaign, meanwhile, has been trying to paint Haley as someone who is weak on immigration and relations with China, and who would raise taxes.

    Republican strategist Rina Shah said it’s important for Haley to avoid an ugly blowout Saturday.

    “The delta can’t be so vast,” Shah said. “Because if it is, then it’s almost like a repudiation of her candidacy.”

    Shah added that Haley has “had her eye on the long game for months now” after receiving an influx of support from big-money donors and Americans for Prosperity Action, the political network founded by the influential billionaire Koch Brothers.

    USF students volunteer in South Carolina primary

    Students at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg headed to South Carolina this week to volunteer ahead of the Republican presidential primary.

    The trip is part of a course called “The Road to the White House 2024.” The students applied to be in the class. Each student chose to intern with Republican candidates Donald Trump, Nikki Haley or with the South Carolina Democratic Party.

    “The Democrats had their election, but now what?” asked USF St. Pete professor Judithanne McLauchlan. “They’re going to be doing their delegate selections, so these students will get the behind the scenes look at all of that process.”

    The students left for South Carolina on Friday and will stay for 10 days.

    “I really have no idea what the campaign is going to look like,” said student Dante Rubino, who will intern with former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign.

    “I’m looking at getting on the inside track and furthering my career,” said student and veteran Steven Brown. Brown, who already works with veterans, said he plans to intern with Trump’s campaign.

    While they’re in South Carolina, each student will blog about their experience.

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    Ryan Chatelain

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  • Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

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    FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in. 


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.

    OCOEE

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    MAITLAND

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    EDGEWOOD

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?

    EATONVILLE

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

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    Gary Darling

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  • Florida social media restrictions passed; vape shops on bill

    Florida social media restrictions passed; vape shops on bill

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    Lawmakers in Tallahassee passed a revised version of the social media restriction bill. President Joe Biden reacts to the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision that frozen embryos are babies. 


    Social media restriction bill passes both chambers

    Both chambers in the Florida legislature passed a bill Thursday that would keep children under the age of 16 off popular platforms regardless of parental approval.

    The measure passed 108-7 in the House and 23-14 in the Senate.

    The measure will now go to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has expressed displeasure in the wording of the bill.

    In Orlando, DeSantis told reporters the proposal still needed work. The bill would ban minors younger than 16 from social media with no parental exception to the rule.

    “I’m a critic of social media, but I have to look at this from a parent’s perspective, so we’re working through this,” DeSantis said. “I don’t think it’s there yet. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get there in a way that I think answers a lot of the concerns that a lot of folks have.”

    That warning came just hours after House Bill 1 passed in the Senate.

    The bill targets any social media site that tracks user activity, allows children to upload material and interact with others, and uses addictive features designed to cause excessive or compulsive use. Supporters point to rising suicide rates among children, cyberbullying and predators using social media to prey on kids.

    “We’re talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm,” said the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Erin Grall.

    Other states have considered similar legislation, but most have not proposed a total ban. In Arkansas, a federal judge blocked enforcement of a law in August that required parental consent for minors to create new social media accounts.

    Supporters in Florida hope that if the bill becomes law, it would withstand legal challenges because it would ban social media formats based on addictive features such as notification alerts and auto-play videos, rather than the content on their sites.

    But opponents say it blatantly violates the First Amendment and that it should be left to parents, not the government, to monitor children’s social media use.

    “This isn’t 1850,” said Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo. “While parents show up at school board meetings to ban books, their kids are on their iPads looking at really bad stuff.”

    Some parents also have mixed feelings.

    Central Florida mother Angela Perry said she understands the rationale behind the bill, and noted that she and her husband didn’t let their daughter onto any major platforms until she turned 15. But Perry said she believes it should be up to every parent to make that decision based on the maturity of their children.

    “Whatever happened to parental rights?” Perry asked. “You are already selecting books my child can read at school. That is fine to a certain extent. But now you are also moving into their private life as well. It’s becoming intrusive.”

    The Florida bill would require social media companies to close any accounts it believes to be used by minors and to cancel accounts at the request of a minor or parents. Per the bill, any information pertaining to the account must also be deleted.

    Biden reacts to Alabama Supreme Court decision

    The Alabama Supreme Court’s recent decision that frozen embryos can be considered children is beginning to enter the fracas of the 2024 presidential campaign, becoming another flashpoint in the battle over reproductive health with the issue of abortion likely to remain a salient issue in November. 

    In an interview released Wednesday afternoon, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley responded to the ruling in an interview with NBC News, saying “Embryos, to me, are babies.”

    “When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me — that’s a life, and so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that,” she added later in the interview. 

    Haley herself used artificial insemination to have her son, which is a different procedure from IVF. 

    By nightfall, the former U.N. Ambassador sought to clarify that her comment about considering embryos babies was not an endorsement of the Alabama Supreme Court’s controversial ruling. 

    “I didn’t say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling,” Haley said in a CNN interview on Wednesday night. “The question that I was asked is: do I believe an embryo is a baby? I do think that if you look in the definition an embryo is considered an unborn baby.”

    The former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor went on to emphasize that the “goal” when it comes to frozen embryos should be to “always do what parents want.”

    “So any physician that is in control of those embryos, they owe it to those people to make sure they protect that embryo,” she added. 

    The former South Carolina governor’s comments came as Haley has sought to position herself as more realistic than her former GOP rivals when it comes to abortion, arguing for a “consensus” on the issue that can get enough support in Congress to actually pass. Haley, however, has said she would sign a national abortion ban as president. 

    The Alabama Supreme Court – which is completely Republican-dominated – sparked attention around the country when it ruled that a state law giving parents the ability to sue over the death of a child “applies to all unborn children, regardless of their location.” That, according to the court, included embryos. 

    “Unborn children are ‘children,’” one justice wrote in the unanimous ruling. 

    Experts are now warning the decision could have major implications for in-vitro fertilization as Alabama’s largest hospital on Wednesday said it is halting the practice for now as it looks into the legal implications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 4 million births annually in the U.S., or 1-2%, are from IVF. The treatment can be a costly one, with the average cost of a single IVF cycle costing between $10,000-15,000, per Penn Medicine, and experts are concerned that the Alabama ruling could raise those costs further.  

    Democrats have sought to tie the Alabama high court’s ruling to the Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 to overturn the nearly 50-year-old decision in Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to an abortion.

    In a statement on Thursday, President Joe Biden made it clear that he thinks the two issues are connected: “Make no mistake: this is a direct result of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.”

    “Today, in 2024 in America, women are being turned away from emergency rooms and forced to travel hundreds of miles for health care, while doctors fear prosecution for providing an abortion,” Biden said. “And now, a court in Alabama put access to some fertility treatments at risk for families who are desperately trying to get pregnant. The disregard for women’s ability to make these decisions for themselves and their families is outrageous and unacceptable.”

    “I know that folks are worried about what they’re seeing happening to women all across America,” he added. “I am too. I hear about it everywhere I go. My message is: The Vice President and I are fighting for your rights. We’re fighting for the freedom of women, for families, and for doctors who care for these women. And we won’t stop until we restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state.”

    Since the decision in the summer of 2022, abortion rights advocates have seen major wins in states nationwide, including traditionally red ones like Kansas, Kentucky and Montana. 

    Democrats, who have credited their full-throated defense of abortion for helping the party have strong showings in the 2022 midterm and 2023 off-year elections, have shown no signs of easing up on highlighting the issue on the trail. 

    Biden held a major reelection rally with all four White House principals last month focused specifically on the topic and “restoring Roe.” 

    Biden’s reelection team also seized on Alabama’s ruling, calling it “MAGA” Republicans’ “latest attack on reproductive freedom” and seeking to put the blame directly on Biden’s potential 2024 opponent former President Donald Trump. 

    The campaign responded to reports that the University of Alabama at Birmingham health system, which includes the state’s largest hospital, was pausing IVF treatments as it figured out how to respond to the ruling.

    “What is happening in Alabama right now is only possible because Donald Trump’s Supreme Court justices overturned Roe v. Wade. Across the nation, MAGA Republicans are inserting themselves into the most personal decisions a family can make, from contraception to IVF,” Biden-Harris 2024 Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. 

    “If Donald Trump is elected, there is no question that he will impose his extreme anti-freedom agenda on the entire country,” she added. 

    Trump appointed three of the Supreme Court justices who were in the majority that overturned Roe. 

    Despite often boasting about his role in Roe’s end, for his part, publicly, Trump has not given details about what he would support if elected in terms of a national abortion ban. Instead, he has held that he would “sit down with both sides and negotiate a deal,” as Trump campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated in a statement last week. 

    However, a report from the New York Times sparked headlines last week after the outlet reported Trump privately supports a ban on abortion after 16 weeks of pregnancy. 

    When asked about the ruling on Thursday, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, a former GOP candidate for president-turned-Trump booster, declined to address it, saying instead: “I haven’t studied the issue so I’m going to let Nikki Haley continue to go back and forth on that issue.”

    While polling has shown abortion is extremely popular in the United States, there is less data surveying IVF specifically. The Pew Research Center found 61% of adults say health insurance should cover fertility treatments and 42% say someone they know or they themselves have received such treatments.

    Spectrum News’ Justin Tasolides contributed to this report

    Vape shop owners concerned over new proposal

    Florida Senate Bill 1006 and its counterpart House Bill 1007 are heading toward a floor vote. The bills would limit all vape shops to only carry FDA approved products.

    Florida State Sen. Keith Perry is a sponsor of SB 1006 and says the move is meant to protect children and consumers from unsafe products.

    “Florida now has the dubious distinction of being the number one state in the country for illegal and illicit vapes,” Perry said.

    Perry says illegal vape product sales are more than 360 million a year in Florida alone. The Bill would create a state registry and only FDA products will be eligible.

    Some vape shop owners oppose the legislation, including Nick Orlando. He owns four different stores, including Vapors Depot in Largo. Orlando is also President of Florida Smoke Free Association, and advocates for the vape industry at the state capital. He says the proposals will hurt shop owners.

    “Over 10,000 mom and pop businesses would shut down. Over 50,000 Floridians would lose their jobs and we would have a huge gap in our economy of $1.2 billion,” Orlando said.

    Orlando says the Food and Drug Administration is very tough when it comes to approving products.

    “What I mean is these people in our industry that have been around for years helping people get off combustible tobacco, who have filed these applications with our FDA, 99% of those companies have been denied market orders and cannot sell their product if this bill goes into effect,” Orlando said.

    He has been traveling to the state capital and trying to work with lawmakers to produce a compromise.

    SB 1006 now will head to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, then off to a floor vote. Its counterpart, HB 1007, is also heading toward a full vote.

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    Gary Darling

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  • Civil liability and abortions; ‘momnibus’ considered

    Civil liability and abortions; ‘momnibus’ considered

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    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined a list of five others as potential VP contenders for former President Donald Trump’s run for the White House. In Tallahassee, lawmakers advanced a bill that would provide for civil liabilities involving the death of a fetus. 


    DeSantis joins list of potential VP candidates for Trump

    The latest developments in the Republican presidential primary, and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ latest actions.

    About a month after he ended his presidential campaign, DeSantis traveled to South Carolina.

    Tuesday’s visit was official state business for the governor, but it also didn’t stop him from commenting on the race for president.

    “And there’s no question that South Carolina is going to be a big victory for Donald Trump because he appeals to core Republicans in a way that Nikki Haley just does not or is not trying to,” DeSantis said in South Carolina.

    Former President Donald Trump was also in South Carolina last night. He participated in a town hall event with Fox News.

    During this, Trump confirmed a list of names floated to be on his shortlist for vice president. The list includes three former GOP candidates, including DeSantis.

    Laura Ingraham asked Trump if the rumored names were true, and the former president said that the list was full of good people.

    “You would like to get someone who could help you from the voter’s standpoint. And honestly, all of those people are good. They are all good, all solid,” Trump said.

    A civil liabilities bill advances despite opposition

    Negligence can land someone in some serious legal trouble. But Florida doesn’t recognize negligence against an unborn child in civil court.

    House Bill 651 is trying to change that. Or at least, that’s what the bill sponsor is saying.

    What is House Bill 651? Is it an abortion bill? Or is this about the law and grieving families?

    That’s a question that divided Florida lawmakers Wednesday.

    “This bill is about giving parents the opportunity to seek recovery when a wrong has been committed that took away their child and that child has value,” Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulika said.

    Proponents say this bill makes grieving parents whole.

    After the wrongful death of an unborn child, the bill empowers parents to sue for damages. As of now, Florida is just one of six states without such protections.

    “If you commit a negligent act or a wrongful act, you should be liable. We are protecting the very most vulnerable and those that should be able to recover from those situations,” Rep. Will Robinson Jr. said.

    Indeed, it sounds good on the surface. But for Democrats, this bill is a concern.

    They say it’s too broad and too vague. Critics also say the bill is dangerous to abortion providers in Florida.

    “The most dangerous 60 days in the state of Florida is a legislative session for creating fear in the hearts and minds of the people in Florida. I’m so tired of it. If you really want to stop abortions, get a vasectomy,” Rep. Yvonna Hinson said.

    Under the bill, mothers are immune to any sort of prosecution. That comes as good news to critics.

    But it’s not enough for those who want Florida to rethink its laws on abortion, sex and much more.

    This bill passed Wednesday along party lines. It goes next to the House floor.

    “Momnibus” package seeks to bolster parents

    Studies have found that Black women in the U.S. are far more likely than white women to die during or soon after childbirth. Several members of Congress are seeking to pass more than a dozen bills to address this disparity. A package of bills in Congress is normally called an “Omnibus.” The maternal health legislation is being called the “momnibus.”

    Giving birth to a child is supposed to be one of the happiest moments in a parent’s life, but for some women, and especially Black women in America, it can be a different story.

    “It has actively gotten more dangerous in the United States for women to give birth in our country. And that should never be the case,” Rep. Lauren Underwood said.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1,205 women died from pregnancy-related complications in the United States in 2021, up from 861 in 2020. The problem is especially acute for Black women, who are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

    “There’s no genetic issue or there’s something about Black women where we can’t survive childbirth, absolutely not. This is about, you know, what’s going on with our health care system and the lack of providers,” Underwood said.

    Reps. Underwood and Alma Adams launched the Black Maternal Health Caucus four years ago to address the problem.

    “We have a lot of insensitivity toward women who look like me. I recall my daughter telling me that she was having, experiencing some difficulty. This was before she even wanted to give birth. And so they said, well go home and lie down on your side,” Adams said.

    Experts blame the racial disparity in maternal death rates on everything from bias in the health care system to a lack of equal access to quality care.

    Adams and Underwood have created a package of 13 bills they call the “momnibus.” They collectively aim to address every aspect of maternal health.

    One of those bills would provide funding to community-based organizations like Mamatoto Village in Washington, D.C.

    “We found ourselves on this motherhood journey, pretty lonely and needing community meeting women who were navigating motherhood in similar ways. And so this space for us became a sanctuary and a refuge,” Mamatoto Village co-founder Aza Nedhari said.

    Mamatoto Village supports women during their pregnancies and into postpartum with a range of services from childbirth education to lactation consultations.

    “We have to address the root causes of what is leading to maternal death, whether that is housing, whether that is safety, education, economics, all of these things that intersect and culminate into the maternal health crisis that we are seeing today,” Nedhari said.

    Many of the “momnibus” bills have bipartisan support. But so far, only one has passed.

    “We’re looking for legislative vehicles that are moving right. Let’s get this attached to a federal funding package or another must pass bill. So we can get this signed into law this year,” Underwood said.

    For community organizations working with women every day, the “momnibus” is a measure that can’t wait.

    “We can’t compel congress anymore. We can no longer beg for our lives, or beg for our futures. But there has to be that same urgency and will and desire to make it right for Black women,” Nedhari said.

    Underwood and Adams are also encouraging people to contact their representatives in Congress to urge them to support the momnibus package.

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    Gary Darling

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  • Election law change; requiring communist history in schools

    Election law change; requiring communist history in schools

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    A bill that could change how elections are run in Florida advances in Tallahassee and lawmakers consider a requirement to teach the history of communism in schools. 


    A potential change to Florida elections

    A proposed committee bill in the State House could re-institute runoff elections.

    This would force candidates to run in what’s called a double primary system.

    Under that format, the first and second place candidates in the first primary would be placed on the ballot in the second primary election.

    Lawmakers consider mandatory communism education in schools

    State lawmakers are considering legislation that would require K-12 schools to teach what they consider the history of communism.

    The lessons would have to be both age appropriate and developmentally appropriate.

    The courses include:

    • The history of communism in the United States
    • Atrocities committed in foreign countries, the philosophy and lineages of communistic thoughts
    • What supporters view as the increasing threat of communism in the U.S
    • The events that led up to communist revolutions

    Each school would have to provide evidence these classes are being taught and the material would be recommended for a state “Communism Education Task Force”

    The Senate version of the bill is sponsored by Tampa State Sen. Jay Collins, and he spoke about it today in a committee meeting.

    “Thirty to 38% of our youth feel that communism or socialism could be better than what we have,” Collins said. “But stop and think about that. That’s pretty frightening … If we fail in this generation to teach our children about the horrors of socialism, communism, or anything else that strives to strip freedom and liberty from our persons and our people, we’re failing.”

    Today, the Appropriations Committee on Education advanced the Senate bill unanimously. 

    Haley announced she’s staying in the race against Trump

    Four days before she faces former President Donald Trump in a primary in her home state — a race that, per polling, she is expected to lose — Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley insisted she’s not on the verge of dropping out of the race.

    “I’m not going anywhere,” the former United Nations ambassador said during a speech Tuesday in Greenville, S.C.. “I’m campaigning every day until the last person votes.”

    Haley clarified her intentions during what her campaign called a “state of the race” speech. The scheduled address stirred some speculation that she might announce her exit from the race days ahead of the primary in the Palmetto State. 

    “Some of you, perhaps a few of you in the media, came here today to see if I’m dropping out of the race,” the former South Carolina governor said. “Well, I’m not. Far from it.”

    The rest of the speech largely included familiar talking points from Haley’s campaign events. She reiterated she’s running for president to address issues such as education, cost of living, crime and U.S.-Mexico border security.

    She attacked President Joe Biden on those issues as well as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Haley also criticized Trump for insulting military veterans, spending $50 million in campaign contributions on his legal fees, threatening donors who support Haley’s campaign and saying he would encourage Russia to attack NATO countries that did not meet their financial obligations to the alliance.

    According to FiveThirtyEight’s polling average, Trump is leading Haley in South Carolina, 63.6%-33.2%. 

    Trump soundly defeated Haley in Iowa and New Hampshire. They competed in separate contests in Nevada — Trump won the caucuses while voters in the state’s primary picked “none of these candidates” over Haley.

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    Ryan Chatelain

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  • Home insurance tax breaks; social media restriction reaction

    Home insurance tax breaks; social media restriction reaction

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    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joins Democrats in advocating for a home insurance tax breaks for consumers, and lawmakers advance a bill that would increase information for those with disabilities.


    Lawmakers tackle budget and proposed tax breaks

    This year’s legislative session has three weeks left. Lawmakers this week will dive into finalizing the state budget.

    The budget is the only thing that lawmakers are required to pass under the constitution.

    This year, the budget is anticipated to include roughly $115 billion in spending, plus a property insurance tax break. 

    The state can’t control insurance rates, but they can offer tax breaks.

    DeSantis wants to give a one-time, one-year property insurance tax break to consumers.

    “The state cannot control the different rates. A consumer has half a dozen options and then they compete for your business. That’s the only way you’re able to do it,” DeSantis said about insurance rates. 

    But in the House, they’re offering a similar break that would benefit companies instead.

    “You might wanna pause and think about it awhile about whether it will make sense. Unless you’re you’re just gonna say you’re gonna do that in perpetuity. Depending on how you structure it, it could be a lot of money,” House Speaker Paul Renner said.

    For Democrats, it’s a rare moment of solidarity. They, like DeSantis, want a consumer tax break. If passed, it would apply also to property insurance assessments. 

    All this comes as more than one million Floridians remain reliant upon state backed insurance plans.

    “We have to be very thoughtful as a legislature regarding the policy choices that we make when it comes to providing tax relief. If we can provide that sort of relief to large corporations, we certainly need to take into account the people,” House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said.

    Now lawmakers are optimistic that Florida avoided a market collapse. The problem is that they say consumer relief will take time. Meanwhile, at least six more home insurance companies entered Florida in the new year.

    That’s something leaders say is a very, very good sign.

    Bill to increase disability information advances

    Florida legislators are working on a bill that would require motor vehicle registrations to allow people to include information about specific disabilities or disorders.

    It’s called the Safeguarding American Families Everywhere (SAFE) Act, and advocates say one of the goals is to help first responders who may come in contact with that person.

    Holly Alexander, who has a disability with her spine, believes the bill would make details about her condition more accessible to people like her.

    “It would be nice to understand that somebody could be able to read or look up my profile and be able to see I am a person with a physical disability,” she said. “I am more frail than an average 30-year-old.”

    She would also not have to rely on a disability placard to relay information. The bill’s text says it would allow first responders to potentially get a heads up on who they are about to interact with and “will improve communication, reduce unnecessary adverse actions, and ensure that the person receives the specific response and care he or she requires.”

    Holly’s mother, Kandi, is a local volunteer advocate for special needs families and people with disabilities in Lake County.

    Kandi said the SAFE Act is a step in the right direction and hopes it’ll lead to first responders receiving more training on how to help people with disabilities.

    “It’s recognizing there’s more need for awareness, there’s more need for training, and fiscal budgeting,” she said.

    Holly is currently training a service dog, Zeus, to help her stand, and says making these distinctions about her condition more available to first responders could be the difference in life-or-death situations.

    “I lose stability with my legs so I can fall at any point in time,” she said. “Having that promptness availability to me could help me and potentially save my life.”

    Parent reacts to social media restriction bill

    The Florida Senate recently altered a bill to keep kids under 16 off of major social media platforms and it is now one step closer to the governor’s desk.

    Lawmakers included pornographic websites in the list of social media sites that minors would be barred from joining. All sites on the list will need users to verify that they are 18 or older.

    But the legality of the bill is still a primary concern for top lawmakers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    For parents, their primary concern is their kids and how they are using the devices.

    “I’m afraid she won’t know what’s real anymore and try to make herself something she’s not,” Jaime Marco said about her 8-year-old daughter.

    To comply with the legislation as currently written, the platforms would be required to perform age verification of their users.

    “I think the concept is great,” Marco said. “It’s just for Florida, though, and Florida is just one state out of 50. It crosses over lines. It should be a federal bill if we are going to do that.”

    While she supports the idea, she doesn’t know if the restrictions are the right way to address social media and its impact on kids.

    “I don’t think it’s the government’s role to decide that, but I do think it’s the government’s role and responsibility to protect its citizens,” Marco said.

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    Gary Darling

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  • Important election deadlines for Florida’s upcoming Presidential Primary

    Important election deadlines for Florida’s upcoming Presidential Primary

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    The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19.


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    In addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans, both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections that day.

    Tuesday, Feb. 20, is the last day to register to vote or change your party affiliation ahead of the Presidential Preference Primaries.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

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    Phillip Stucky

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  • Trump ordered to pay in fraud trial and Donalds seeks to rename press gallery

    Trump ordered to pay in fraud trial and Donalds seeks to rename press gallery

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    Former President Donald Trump was ordered to pay $355 million in a civil fraud trial in New York City, and Rep. Byron Donalds discusses a push to rename the House Press Gallery for Frederick Douglass. 


    Trump fined $355 million in civil fraud trial

    A New York judge imposed $364 million in penalties in a civil fraud trial against former President Donald Trump accusing him of a scheme to dupe banks and others with financial statements that inflated his wealth.

    Trump himself was fined nearly $355 million and was barred from serving as an officer or director at a company in the state for three years.

    His adult sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., both officers with the company, were fined more than $4 million each and received a similar punishment for two years. Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg was also fined $1 million.

    Weisselberg and former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney were permanently barred from serving in the financial control function of any New York corporation.

    The ruling from Judge Arthur Engoron is the culmination of a years-long effort from New York Attorney General Letitia James, who sued Trump in 2022 over what she said was years of deceptive practices as he built the multinational collection of skyscrapers, golf courses and other properties that catapulted him to wealth, fame and eventually the White House.

    Engoron determined that Trump was involved in a lengthy scheme to mislead banks and others with financial statements that inflated his wealth.

    “In order to borrow more and at lower rates, defendants submitted blatantly false financial data to the accountants, resulting in fraudulent financial statements,” Engoron wrote in his ruling. “When confronted at trial with the statements, defendants’ fact and expert witnesses simply denied reality, and defendants failed to accept responsibility or to impose internal controls to prevent future recurrences.”

    The suit accused Trump and his co-defendants of routinely puffing up his financial statements to create an illusion his properties were more valuable than they really were. State lawyers said Trump exaggerated his wealth by as much as $3.6 billion one year.

    Donalds discusses push to rename House press gallery

    The legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass is already celebrated with a statue and a plaque on capitol hill.

    A Florida representative is proposing one more honor for Douglass: Highlighting a part of his extraordinary career that most Americans know little about.

    Douglass was one of the most well-known abolitionists in American history.

    Born enslaved in Maryland in 1818, he escaped to New York City 20 years later and became a leader in the effort to end slavery.

    “Frederick Douglass is somebody in American history and Black history, who’s been a critical contributor to the fabric of our country, and even moving our country from, you know, the, one of the great sins in humanity, slavery, and moving us through from slavery to where we are right now,” Rep. Byron Donalds said.

    Although Douglass is well known as a skilled orator, it’s not as widely known that he was also a journalist.

    While living in Rochester,N.Y., Douglass founded the North Star in 1847, which later became Frederick Douglass’ paper in 1851. Both publications advocated against slavery.

    Then, in 1870, five years after the end of slavery, Douglass worked in the nation’s Capitol as part owner and editor-in-chief of the New National Era, a Black newspaper. He was the first Black reporter to become a member of the congressional press galleries, where journalists watch lawmakers on the floor of the Senate and House.

    Donalds is seeking to honor that work by designating the area where Douglass worked as the “Frederick Douglass Press Gallery”.

    “Frederick Douglass, obviously being born a slave, working his way into freedom, earning his freedom, I think it’s really a demonstration of what’s possible in his country,”Donalds said. “Especially going forward, considering all he did, all he provided, all he contributed to America.”

    A statue of Douglass stands in the capitol visitor center’s emancipation hall. And in 2007, the committee of reporters that controls access to the galleries dedicated a plaque and portrait to the abolitionist.

    Donalds’ resolution to name the galleries after Douglass was introduced in November, and it now has about a dozen co-sponsors, including fellow Florida Republican Cory Mills.

    “I think overall, this is something that every member can vote for with pride, something that can become really a part of the fabric of the House of Representatives going forward,” Donalds said.

    The resolution was referred to the House Committee on House Administration. A vote has not yet been scheduled. 

    Parent reacts to social media restriction bill

    The Florida Senate recently altered a bill to keep kids under 16 off of major social media platforms and it is now one step closer to the governor’s desk.

    Lawmakers included pornographic websites in the list of social media sites that minors would be barred from joining. All sites on the list will need users to verify that they are 18 or older.

    But the legality of the bill is still a primary concern for top lawmakers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    For parents, their primary concern is their kids and how they are using the devices.

    “I’m afraid she won’t know what’s real anymore and try to make herself something she’s not,” Jaime Marco said about her 8-year-old daughter.

    To comply with the legislation as currently written, the platforms would be required to perform age verification of their users.

    “I think the concept is great,” Marco said. “It’s just for Florida, though, and Florida is just one state out of 50. It crosses over lines. It should be a federal bill if we are going to do that.”

    While she supports the idea, she doesn’t know if the restrictions are the right way to address social media and its impact on kids.

    “I don’t think it’s the government’s role to decide that, but I do think it’s the government’s role and responsibility to protect its citizens,” Marco said.

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    Gary Darling

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  • Florida social media bill advances, DeSantis on book bans

    Florida social media bill advances, DeSantis on book bans

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    Lawmakers in Tallahassee move forward with a proposal to remove minors from social media in the state while Gov. Ron DeSantis defends book removal policies. 


    Lawmakers advance social media proposal despite concerns from DeSantis

    State lawmakers are pushing forward with a bill to ban most minors from social media despite concerns about whether the proposal can withstand a court challenge.

    Republican state leaders, led by DeSantis, expressed concern about potential challenges to the proposal this week.

    “These things have huge legal hurdles, they’ve been held up in courts,” DeSantis said. “I don’t want to go down the road of doing something that is not gonna pass muster legally.”

    Senate President Kathleen Passidomo joined DeSantis in sharing her concerns.

    “I don’t know. I know that’s part of the discussion. I know there’s a lot of discussion, a lot of interest in that bill,” she said. “Either way, it has to go back to the house, so we’ll see how that goes.”

    Despite those concerns, Florida’s social media ban is now one step closer to the governor’s desk.

    Republicans in Tallahassee are muscling House Bill 1 closer and closer to the finish line. After a few tweaks, the bill is now up for a final Senate vote. The measure threatens to kick kids in Florida off social media unless they pass an age verification check from a third-party source.

    “These platforms are designed to employ features, including addictive algorithms and continuous scrolling, that are intentionally designed and used by the social media platforms in particular to hook kids and keep them on these platforms for an excessive amount of time,” Sen. Erin Grall said of the proposal.

    HB 1 would, in theory, bar kids 16 and younger from major social media platforms.

    Lawmakers agree that social media may pose risks, but not all agree that this is the best path forward.

    “A parent can choose to take a child to an R-rated movie if he or she so chooses, and censorship is not the role of government,” Sen. Geraldine Thompson said.

    Notably, HB 1 denies parents any option in giving permission to use the platforms — a provision that critics say violates the First Amendment.

    Meanwhile, even some supporters say they would prefer the bill allowed at least some parental control.

    “My concern is that the bill replaces the parent in that decision and replaces it with a far-reaching government edict,” Sen. Jay Trumbull said.

    DeSantis addresses book removal controversy during Orlando visit 

    DeSantis was in Orlando today to defend the state’s policy over controversial books in schools and a parent’s right to their own child’s education.

    The governor pushed back against the narrative that the state bans books. Instead, he claims the state gives parents the rights to object to classroom material they deem inappropriate.

    DeSantis is calling on lawmakers to tighten up the state’s book laws to prevent people who do not have a student enrolled in a school from calling for certain books to be banned. While state laws are designed to remove obscene material from the classroom, the governor also says some teachers are taking it a step too far and politicizing the issue by banning all books from classrooms.

    “I am proud to be able to direct the department of education to take appropriate action to deal with some of the bad actors who are intentionally depriving students of a rightful education by politicizing this process,” DeSantis said. “If you take a position as a teacher that no books are appropriate because the state is telling you this, first of all that is a lie, second of all you are depriving students of an ability to achieve what we are trying to do, which is to give them a good education.”

    There is a bill making its way through the legislature that looks to lessen the number of challenges people can make to books. The legislation would allow people to make five objections to books, and every complaint after that would result in a $100 fee.

    While many have objected to state policies concerning books and the process for their removal in schools, DeSantis has argued that there are no “book bans” in the state’s public schools. Instead, the governor insists his policies have empowered parents to decide which content their child will be exposed to and enforced Florida laws outlawing “pornography” and inappropriate content in schools. 

    “They say Florida doesn’t want books, they’re trying to censor books,” DeSantis said at a news event earlier this year. “Turned out that was a hoax.” 

    Under current rules, though, people can challenge whether a book is appropriate for Florida schools, and sometimes the book is immediately pulled from shelves until it can go through a review process. In some cases the book is allowed to stay on the shelf during the review process. 

    After the review, the book is either returned to the school library or permanently yanked off school shelves. 

    Lawmakers advance proposal to keep kids safer in water

    Drowning is a significant danger for kids in Florida year round, and the Florida Department of Children and Families says the state leads the nation in child drownings.

    Now, state lawmakers are looking to change that.

    Water safety advocates say the proposals being discussed in Tallahassee — like one to create a swim lesson voucher program, called Senate Bill 544 — are a step in the right direction, and they add education is key to fixing the problem.

    “Drowning is silent. Yore not hearing. You watch the movies where they scream but that not how it happens. It’s silent. A child fighting for his life is not yelling for his life,” Children’s Safety Village Executive Director Brent Moore said.

    Florida DCF data show nearly 100 kids drowned in 2023 — of those, 14 were in Central Florida. Water safety advocates are now calling state legislators to pass safety measures.

    “A lot of parents, like I said, don’t have the means to pay for one, let alone two or three children to get swim lessons,” he said.

    Several bills are being discussed in Tallahassee to address the issue.

    Senate Bill 544 calls for each county to have at least one swim lesson vendor.

    Other bills would do things like require parents to inform camps and school if their child cannot swim, or require homeowners to build barriers near pools.

    “With something like swimming, you have to be trained.,” Moore said. “You need to be taught my somebody who is certified.”

    Even if legislation isn’t passed, Moore said there are steps everyone can take on their own, like promoting supervision and education at pools, learning CPR, installing a fence and alarms near the pool.

    “Get your child skilled, that’s the biggest thing,” Moore said. “Get your child into swim lessons.”

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    Christian Peña

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  • A bill to make condos more hurricane-proof, and an RNC leadership rift grows

    A bill to make condos more hurricane-proof, and an RNC leadership rift grows

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    Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle prepare to increase access to hurricane preparedness funds and former President Donald Trump throws support behind one candidate for RNC chair. 


    Lawmakers plan to increase hurricane preparedeness

    Property insurance is a top concern for both Republicans and Democrats in Tallahassee. 

    While this session isn’t promising any big changes, there is at least one measure that would offer consumers some relief. 

    Condominium owners could be in luck if House Bill 1029 is passed. The proposal would expand the My Safe Florida Home Program. Previously, the program applied only to Florida homeowners. But under the bill, condo bosses might cash in too.

    Lawmakers have one big goal, to drive down rising home insurance premiums across the state.

    If passed, the state will expand matching grants to condo owners trying to harden their homes ahead of harsher tropical weather.

    “We were listening to the concerns of a lot of the 55 and older people who are on limited fixed incomes in older buildings. And the question came, why can’t they access this grant program? Because they’re homeowners, to Rep. Mooney’s point, like anybody else,” Rep. Christine Hunschofsky said. 

    The proposal would shift the current grant program to allow condo owners to have access to funds to prepare for hurricanes. 

    “The fact that they can now tap into what everybody else been tapping in to. They’re more resilient. They’re hardened. It should overall help the insurance rates in the state. Overall, great bill,” Rep. Jim Mooney said.

    The pitch comes as leaders triage a property insurance crisis. Rates in Florida are among the highest. What’s worse is another hurricane season in on the horizon.

    “A lot of condominiums have been placed on the coastal line. They’re the first line when a hurricane hits. Many of them are not hardened and so they’ve had a difficult time getting insurance, especially wind only,” Rep. Vicki Lopez said.

    Meanwhile, leaders are negotiating a property insurance dispute. In the budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis wants a one-year tax break on property insurance. But the House is offering that to commercial companies instead.

    In a statement, spokesperson for Speaker Paul Renner Andres Malave said, “At this stage in session, there are always differences between our initial proposal and what the senate and the governor each put forward, respectively.”

    The My Safe Florida Home Program isn’t new, but it’s gotten some renewed interest in recent years.

    This time around, lawmakers could inject the program with roughly $225 million.

    Trump throws weight behind potential new RNC Chair

    Former President Donald Trump is looking to shake-up the Republican National Committee.

    Trump endorsed North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley to succeed Ronna McDaniel as the RNC chair.

    And he wants his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to serve as co-chair.

    Lara Trump also happens to be from North Carolina.

    Whatley has served as the chair of the North Carolina Republican Party since 2019. He is also the general counsel for the RNC. He led the state party as Republicans retook supermajorities in the state House and Senate. 

    He is also a close ally of Trump, who won North Carolina in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Whatley has been criticized for repeating the former president’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

    Whatley ran for co-chair of the RNC last year, but that effort failed despite an endorsement from Trump, according to the AP. South Carolina’s Drew McKissick won the seat for co-chair.

    Rep. Brian Mast discusses Israel trip

    Over the winter recess, Florida Republican Congressman Brian Mast flew overseas to help about 40 new amputees in Israel with their recovery process. 

    He was invited by “The Next Step,” a project of the Israel Medical Fund.

    “They were looking for somebody to come in, speak to all of these new amputees, some of them from the military, and in military treatment centers, some of them civilians that were just in their home on the morning of Oct. 7, some of them that were at the concert,” Mast said. 

    Mast once volunteered for the Israel Defense Force in 2014. On his most recent visit to Israel, he visited a rehab ward for wounded IDF soldiers and border police officers with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

    He said the first advice he gives typically isn’t to the amputees themselves, but to their families.

    “I tell them, you gotta be a jerk, you gotta be a pain in their tush, as they say … because if you handle them with little soft gloves and don’t push them to sweat, and have blood, sweat, and tears during physical therapy, they’re never going to get strong enough to be to the point that they have the best possible mobility that they can to go forward in life for whatever the rest of their life is,” he said. 

    While they may be tough words, they came from someone who knows what it’s like to wear prosthetics himself. Mast lost both legs and a finger to a roadside bomb in 2010 while serving in the Army as a bomb technician in Afghanistan. 

    “I lost two limbs, serving my country, serving my brothers to my left and right in combat,” he said. “And because of that, I have no regrets.”

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    Gary Darling

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  • Lawmakers react to Trump’s NATO remarks

    Lawmakers react to Trump’s NATO remarks

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    Lawmakers across the state and country reacted to former President Donald Trump’s remarks on NATO and a proposal to limit THC content advances in Tallahassee.


    Florida lawmakers react to Trump’s NATO remarks

    Trump raised eyebrows during a rally in South Carolina on Saturday, when he recalled how as president he told an unidentified NATO member that he would “encourage” Russia to do as it wishes in cases of NATO allies who are “delinquent.”

    “You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?’” Trump recounted saying. “‘No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.’”

    Trump’s comments sparked applause and cheers from the crowd in Conway, South Carolina.

    In a statement released by his reelection campaign, Biden hailed the efforts his administration has taken to bolster the treaty organization in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

    “Under my administration, the United States of America has stood shoulder to shoulder with our allies to build a NATO alliance that is bigger and stronger than ever and stands in defense of democracy against Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian aggression,” the Democratic president said. “America’s leadership on the world stage and support for our allies is critical to keeping the American people safe here at home.”

    “If my opponent, Donald Trump, is able to regain power, he is making it clear as day that he will abandon our NATO allies if Russia attacks and allow Russia to ‘do whatever the hell they want’ with them,” Biden continued. “Serving as Commander-in-Chief is the ultimate responsibility and one that should weigh heavily on the individuals that hold this office.”

    “Donald Trump’s admission that he intends to give Putin a green light for more war and violence, to continue his brutal assault against a free Ukraine, and to expand his aggression to the people of Poland and the Baltic States are appalling and dangerous. Sadly, they are also predictable coming from a man who is promising to rule as a dictator like the ones he praises on day one if he returns to the oval office.”

    “What Donald Trump is doing is giving a green light to Russia,” Sen. Chris Murphy said.

    As president, Trump questioned the need for NATO, which was founded under the principle that an attack on any member country is considered an attack against all members. He pushed for member countries to commit more money to military spending.

    “I think that people should take everything he says seriously but not literally. That’s simply the president telling NATO countries they need to step up and pay their part. It’s that simple. I think everybody is overreacting,” Sen. Roger Marchall said.

    Despite Republicans shooting down a new foreign aid package tied with border security last week, senators are moving forward this week with new aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, this time without border security included.

    The response on social media to the former president’s comments ran the gamut on “X,” the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Holding your allies accountable for not investing in their own defense for decades is the responsible thing to do. Instead, the Biden admin keeps demanding American tax payers dig deeper into their pockets!” Rep. Michael Waltz said.

    Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded as well. “Trump sells out our NATO allies to Putin. This should be front-page news of every paper in the country. These are the stakes of 2024,” she said.

    THC limiting bill advances

    Step foot in enough gas stations and it won’t be long before you see Delta 8 or Delta 10 products. They’re part of a variety of THC products. And this year, they are getting the attention of lawmakers.

    Hemp restrictions are moving forward in the Florida House. HB 1613 would regulate Florida’s THC market if passed as currently written. The bill cracks down on popular THC products like Delta 8 and Delta 10.

    “Are we criminalizing the possession of non compliant hemp? No, this bill is not designed to criminalize behavior. This bill is designed to be a consumer protection tool,” Rep. Tommy Gregory said about the proposal.

    Further, the bill targets hemp marketing. It bans packaging that might attract children.

    Supporters and critics, meanwhile, agree that hemp products are like the wild west.

    “They come in gummies. You can buy them at convenience stores. You can buy them in vape shops. They come in vape pens. They come in smoakble flower. They come in a variety of different containers,” Hemp industry advocate Jeff Sharkey said.

    The measure cleared its second committee stop on Monday. It has one more committee stop, and then it’s ready for a final vote in the House.

    State could create rules for EV charging stations

    A proposed bill would put the state in control of creating rules for electric vehicle charging stations in Florida and prevent local cities from enacting their own laws.

    “It would cause our ordinance to be not in compliance,” Largo Mayor Woody Brown said. “We’d have to undo that.”

    House Bill 1071, sponsored by Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Hillsborough, and Senate Bill 1084, sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, would have the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulate EV charging stations, which already oversees gas station pumps. The state lawmakers said they want to see one set of rules for Florida, instead of a patchwork in different counties that could stifle the EV market.

    Largo is one of 12 cities in Florida that already has established rules governing the minimum number of EV charging stations needed for new developments. The local ordinance passed in March 2022 and calls for one station for parking lots with 10-25 spaces, two stations for 26-50 spaces, four stations for 51-75 and 6 stations for 76-100 spaces.

    “We’ve already got an ordinance in place that was well thought out,” Brown said. “We decided that really we need to have charging at home for people and when they live in apartments…they should have that opportunity.”

    The mayor said a new EV charging station was recently installed at Largo City Hall. Brown said he wouldn’t have a problem with the state setting a minimum standard, but the law should not prevent cities from going further.

    “It’s basically a preemption that says cities can’t do something which is kind of a theme coming out of Tallahassee recently,” he said.  “I don’t mind the state minimum for cities like ours but it shouldn’t preempt for use from encouraging electrical vehicle charging stations in our new buildings.”

    The Florida building code currently requires two EV charging stations for new parking lots with at least 25 spaces.

    The EV charging station language in the proposed legislation is a small part of a much larger bill which includes banning the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat. The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on Thursday about the proposed ordinance.

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  • Florida lawmakers react to Biden report

    Florida lawmakers react to Biden report

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    Lawmakers around the state reacted to the Justice Department’s report on President Joe Biden’s classified documents case and a new bill could change how Floridians get their driver’s licenses.


    Florida lawmakers react to Biden report

    Democrats were on the offensive in the aftermath of the Justice Department’s report about President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents after his vice presidency, taking particular umbrage with special counsel Robert Hur’s comments about his memory and mental acuity.

    Republicans, on the other hand, seized upon the opportunity to declare the Democratic president unfit for office as he seeks another term in the White House.

    They also used the opportunity to try and paint a picture of a double standard between Biden’s case, which Hur declared was not warranting of criminal charges, and that of former President Donald Trump, who faces 40 felony charges for alleged mishandling of classified documents — though there are key differences in the two cases, namely in that the Republican also faces charges for allegedly trying to hamper the government’s efforts to retrieve them.

    The report puts the president’s age into the spotlight, a concern among voters per recent polling, as he makes his case for reelection this fall in a likely rematch against Trump — who despite being only three years Biden’s junior and committing gaffes of his own, does not appear to have the same level of scrutiny from voters on that issue.

    Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report found that Biden willfully retained classified documents following his tenure as Vice President… but said Biden will not face criminal charges.

    Florida’s members of Congress are reacting to the special counsel’s report. Republicans are firing sharp criticism over the findings the report made about the president’s memory.

    Several Florida Republicans are now seizing on comments the report made about the President’s age and mental acuity.

    “Biden can’t withstand the intellectual rigor of a trial because he’s an ‘elderly man with a poor memory’ but he’s OK to be the commander-in-chief with the world on fire?” Rep. Mike Waltz said.

    Biden delivered remarks Thursday night after the report’s release drawing distinctions between how he cooperated with investigators versus the classified document case brought against Trump, his lead GOP rival for the White House.

    He also fired back against the findings made in the special counsel report about his memory.

    “I know there’s some attention paid to some language in the report about my recollection of events. There’s even a reference that I don’t remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that? Frankly? When I was asked the question, I thought to myself it wasn’t any of their damn business,” Biden said.

    But, later in his remarks, the President raised more eyebrows when he referred to the president of Egypt as the president of Mexico.

    Sen. Rick Scott suggested the President should be removed from office, posting, “In defending his mental sharpness, Biden just mixed up the presidents of Mexico and Egypt. This train wreck of a press conference confirms the need for the 25th Amendment.”

    Florida’s Democrats have been largely quiet over the matter.

    But, on X, Rep. Jared Moskowitz posted a meme pondering how “MAGA Republicans” are reconciling talking points that Biden is “old” with false claims that he is a “mastermind” who stole the 2020 presidential election.

    Biden, who’s 81, is the oldest President in American history. Trump is 77.

    Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is trailing Trump, is 52. She’s called for Biden to take a mental acuity test.

    What’s next for the primaries

    Former President Donald Trump got nearly all the votes during the Nevada caucus last night with 99% of voters supporting him.

    His chief rival, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, chose not to compete. She took part in the state’s primary instead.

    So the only Republican on the ballot other than Trump was Ryan Binkley.

    The former president has now won all three Republican state contests so far.

    Nevada, Iowa and New Hampshire. The candidates are now turning their attention to South Carolina.

    But there are plenty of other events coming up as well.

    February 27 is the Michigan presidential primary for both parties. Michigan is once again expected to be a key swing state in the general election.

    Super Tuesday is coming up on March 5. More than a dozen states will hold contests that day.

    Bill would require biological sex on IDs

    A new piece of legislation, House Bill 1639, seeks to legally define the words of gender and sex in the state and for state IDs like to reflect a person’s sex at birth.

    “It removes it from that subjective issue that is going on socially to something concrete medically,” said Rep. Douglas Bankson, the bill’s sponsor. “If someone were to be incapacitated or unable to communicate, it’s important for first responders for when seconds matter to know the underlining characteristics of their physiology.”

    As the bill makes its way through committee meetings, the director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released a memo saying Floridians can no longer change or update their gender on Florida driver licenses. The memo says that gender change is not supported by current statutory authority and says in part, “The term gender does not refer to a persons internal sense or his or hers gender role or identification — but has historically and commonly been understood as a synonym for sex.”

    The memo and the bill are seen by some within the LGBTQ+ community as discriminatory. Ashley T. Brundage, a local advocate for the transgender community, says these steps are nothing more than an attack on the LGBTQ+ community.

    “Its not just a driver’s license — it’s correctly identifying someone’s actual identity,” Brundage said. “I mean, it is power to be able to know that you have a document that brings validity to your existence in this world.”

    Brundage says these measures are simply a tool to create fear in the LGBTQ+ community.

    “It just seems like another layer that we’re trying to scare people to not live in Florida and that’s the hard part for me,” Brundage said. “Living in Florida is what I’ve always known and I know it be a great place — it’s all about trying to get a marginalized identity groups to be scared to live in Florida and have them move somewhere else.” 

    Despite these measures, Brundage says that you can still get your name changed and that it’s important to reach out to organizations that can help like the Southern Legal Council and changemyname.org.

    Equality Florida put out a statement saying in part: “This cruel policy threatens transgender Floridians with civil and criminal penalties and blocks them from obtaining the critical government-issued identification necessary to continue their daily lives.”

    The bill has more one more committee stop before it makes it to the House floor.

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  • Trump’s lawyers argue at the Supreme Court, and Florida considers a dog registry

    Trump’s lawyers argue at the Supreme Court, and Florida considers a dog registry

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    The Supreme Court appeared poised to allow former President Donald Trump on the ballot in Colorado, and a debate rages in Tallahassee on a monument protection proposal. 


    Supreme Court hears arguments in Trump ballot question

    It was a historic day at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

    Justices heard arguments on whether former President Donald Trump can be disqualified from appearing on ballots this year due to his alleged involvement in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

    Trump was not present.

    The Supreme Court is reviewing a ruling by Colorado’s highest court that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on that state’s ballot under a Constitutional Amendment that bars insurrectionists from federal office.

    But during oral arguments Thursday, the high court’s liberal and conservative justices appeared unwilling to accept the Colorado decision.

    Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative, worried that allowing one state to knock a presidential candidate from the ballot could trigger a series of tit-for-tat decisions by other states.

    “I would expect that a goodly number of states will say wherever the Democratic candidate is, you’re off the ballot and others for the Republican candidate, you’re off the ballot, it will come down to just a handful of states that are going to decide the presidential election. That’s a pretty daunting consequence,” Roberts said.

    Justice Elena Kagan, one of the court’s liberals, said if the Colorado ruling stands, one state could decide for the rest of the country who is permitted to run.

    “Like what’s the state doing, deciding who gets to who other citizens get to vote for president?” Kagan said.

    The back and forth reflected a debate about whether individual states or congress should decide whether the 14th Amendment applies to presidential candidates.

    The justices indicated they believe such a determination only could be made by Congress.

    In knocking Trump from the ballot, Colorado’s top court cited his conduct before and during the riot by his supporters on January 6, 2021.

    But only a small part of Thursday’s hearing dealt with whether Trump should be considered an insurrectionist.

    Only Colorado and Maine have removed Trump from the ballot, although some other states appear to be waiting are waiting for the high court to rule.

    Debate rages on monument protection bill in committee hearing

    The Senate Community Affairs Committee in Tallahassee considered Senate Bill 1122, The Protection of Historical Monuments and Memorials.

    The debate, especially with public comment, was very heated, and went for an hour and 40 minutes, just on the one bill. We’re going beyond the soundbite tonight to give viewers a broader sense of the discussion between lawmakers and members of the public.

    The bill has one more scheduled committee stop, in fiscal policy, before it moves to the full Senate for a vote. The companion house bill, HB 395, has two more scheduled committee stops before heading to the house floor.

    A bill to keep track of dangerous dogs moves forward

    New restrictions and requirements could be coming for some dog owners in Florida.

    Proposed legislation in Tallahassee would create a registry for dangerous dogs where people can check on animals living in their neighborhood.

    The State Senate Agriculture Committee voted in favor of the bill last week.

    State Sen. Jay Collins discussed the potential registry, which is being named “The Pam Rock bill” in honor of a woman who was killed by five dogs in Putnam County.

    Rock’s brother, Tom, says it would give owners tougher penalties to prevent violent attacks.

    “This is sad. What’s worse is it’s preventable. So you can be on the good guy team and help us stop them. Hear the cries of the Florida victims and help us pass this legislation now,” Rock said.

    “Believe me when I tell you, it’s not something I’d ever want to do to take away someone’s dog rights or to grow government. It is one of those areas that I am diametrically opposed to. That being said, you’ve listened to the stories. It’s real,” Collins said. He sponsored the bill.

    The committee unanimously approved the bill. It would exclude police dogs and hunting dogs from the registry if passed.

    However, a dog expert we spoke to says he’d like to see an emphasis put on training and rehabilitation.

    Chris Meverden has been training dogs for years.

    “I’ve been doing this for 13 years, and this has been my dream is to have a facility like this,” Meverden said. He owns North Tampa Dog Training.

    In the last year, he moved his operation to nearly eight acres of land in New Port Richey, growing the real estate of his business and his home.

    “It just makes it great for, you know, the dogs as far as having all this, you know, resources for them to, you know, for training and stuff like that,” Meverden said.

    Doing what’s best for the betterment of the dogs he works with is always his primary goal.

    “Having a good relationship with their owners and the fact that the dog has a better quality of life, being able to experience the world, you know, instead of just being locked in the backyard or, you know, you know, in a crate or, you know, a kennel,” he said.

    He said it’s very rare to have a dog that can’t be rehabilitated from dangerous behavior like biting.

    So when Meverden sees state legislation like House Bill 873 and Senate Bill 1156 that would create a statewide registry for dogs deemed “dangerous,” he says it won’t get rid of the root issue.

    “I don’t think that the problem of dog bites, fatalities and stuff like that is going to be solved by legislatures in Tallahassee,” he said.

    According to the Senate bill, if a dog is declared dangerous, owners have to put them in a proper enclosure, get liability insurance, put permanent identification like a tattoo or microchip in the dog, and notify animal control if the dog is loose, sold, or moving to a new address.

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  • Florida Supreme Court considers abortion amendment

    Florida Supreme Court considers abortion amendment

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    The Florida Supreme Court holds a hearing on a proposed abortion amendment to the state Constitution, and the economy is set to be a key issue in the 2024 presidential election.


    Florida Supreme Court considers abortion amendment

    Will an abortion rights amendment make it on the November ballot in Florida? That was the subject of arguments today in Florida’s Supreme Court.

    Floridians Protecting Freedom says it has the required signatures to place amendment 4 on the ballot.

    But Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody is arguing the language is too vague.

    The judges also are weighing a challenge to a 15-week abortion ban. And that ruling will also decide the fate of the six-week ban that was passed the following year.

    Abortion rights supporters and opponents gathered outside the Capitol today. State lawmakers on both sides of the debate spoke after the court hearing.

    “Look at all the people who are standing here behind me. There are folks who feel strongly on either side. But over a million Floridians signed these ballot petitions. This is the voice and the will of the people of Florida to protect a woman’s right to choose. And it would be wrong for the court to override that. Especially given that the language and the summary are so clear,” State Rep. Fentrice Driskell said.

    “The earth is the Lord’s. It does not belong to these baby killers. We’re here because we’re humans. Welcome to planet Earth, where we love people, from the womb to the tomb. And as lawmakers, we are doing everything possible to defend life,” State Rep. Webster Barnaby said about the proposal.

    Chair of the Florida Democratic Party Nikki Fried discussed whether she was worried about the proposal getting denied by the court.

    “Their job was again to examine it through the lens of a single subject and make sure it’s not confusing to the electorate. Every other argument or going into other parts of our constitution is not relevant. It is very simple, the people of the state are asking for an opportunity to vote on this issue, and the people deserve that chance,” Fried said.

    The court must rule by April 1.

    If the Supreme Court approves the wording in the amendment, it would appear on the November ballot where voters would have the final say.

    According to Florida law, it would need at least 60% approval to pass.

    Floridians struggle to afford food as economy takes center stage in 2024

    As we move closer to the 2024 election, it’s important to understand issues important to voters up and down the I-4 corridor, an area that could be key to who wins in November in Florida and the nation.

    The economy, and concerns about inflation, remain a top concern among voters.

    A recent government report shows inflation is slowing down, and a University of Michigan survey shows consumer sentiment jumped up in the last two months by 29%, the most it has since 1991.

    But some in Central Florida continue to struggle to with costs of living, including covering the cost of food, which could have an impact on how people vote.

    By the time this truck rolled in, there were already about 100 cars lined up waiting

    Some drivers lined up just after midnight to be first in line for the first-come first serve food drive.

    Amey Wilkins is in the fourth line of cars from the front, and she’s ready to wait as long as she needs to.

    “It’s cold when you come in the morning time, but later on it gets warm,” Wilkins said.

    She says with higher grocery prices she can no longer afford the food she needs.

    “I try to add up in my head how much it costs for the groceries, and whatever is there and I don’t think I can take it, I have to put it back,” she said.

    Wilkins isn’t alone. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida says searches for food assistance have doubled in the last year. So the cost of living is on the minds of many Central Floridians heading into the 2024 election.

    “It’s the economy, the economy’s got to get better, because the prices are going up. It’s hard when you have a fixed income,” Wilkins said.

    About two years ago she began coming to this twice-monthly food drive at Patmos Chapel in Apopka.

    Church volunteers load up trunks full of several boxes of fresh produce and frozen meat, enough food for a couple of weeks.

    Arnel Smalley says demand picked up during the pandemic, and has only grown since.

    “When God said when they were hungry we gave them food, when they were thirsty we gave them something to drink, that’s what we’re trying to do here. If people are hungry, people are thirsty, we want to make sure we’re giving them ample opportunity to come through the line,” Smalley said.

    He says the church went from serving about 200 families to 600 families. Most drivers here aren’t picking up food for just themselves. Wilkins shares her food with several other families.

    “Even when I’m ready to deliver food I’m like, Amey you’ve got to this, get up let’s go, they need this just as much as you need it,” Wilkins said.

    Wilkins says because of health problems, she could no longer work as a caretaker in a hospital. But she never lost her urge to help others.

    “I care about people. I try to help whoever needs help. Friends who eat meat, whatever meat I have, I give it to them, and whatever food I don’t use, I give it to them. So, it’s a helping hand, just like I’m getting a helping hand,” she said.

    She stocked up with food to last for about two weeks. But with the fluctuating cost of gas, it’s still a struggle. She can’t do this forever. She says prices need to come down.

    “So many times when I fill my car up with gas, $50 worth of gas, and I have to take my runs to take food to other people, I’m like, God you’ve got to send me a blessing,” she said.

    The organizers of that food drive report they used to allow people to pick up food for five or six families, but they’re having to limit that now to food for two to three families, so they make sure there’s enough food to go around.

    Stories like Wilkins’ throughout Central Florida could have an impact on the presidential election. Despite some strong economic numbers, it’s really the public and the voters’ perception of the economy.

    Biden’s approval is at an all-time low.

    But a University of Michigan poll shows consumer sentiment is improving. That could be a sign that voters are having more faith in President Joe Biden to handle the economy, which could bode well for him in November.

    Harris prepares for abortion to be key issue in election

    Democrats have plotted a full-court press on the issue in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health in June of 2022, which overturned the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion. Since the ruling, the abortion rights movement has seen major victories when the issue has been on the ballot, including in traditionally red states like Kansas and Ohio, and Democrats credited their stance on abortion with stronger-than-expected results in the 2022 midterms, which saw Democrats expand their margin in the U.S. Senate and only narrowly lose the House of Representatives.

    “When we’ve seen it on the ballot … since this case came down over a year ago, from Kansas to California, Ohio to Virginia, red states, blue states, the American people voted in favor of freedom,” Harris said in Thursday’s interview. “I think that a lot of people who are now coming to realize the harm that has actually resulted from this ruling, do feel a level of compassion and don’t believe it’s right that people are suffering the way they are.”

    “The highest court in our land took a constitutional right that had been recognized from the people of America, from the women of America, which is the ability and the freedom that a woman should have have to make decisions about her own body,” the vice president said. 

    The interview comes as Harris — who has been the Biden administration’s point person on the issue since the Dobbs decision — has been criss-crossing the country on a tour aimed at promoting abortion rights, a key issue for Democrats ahead of November’s election. Harris’ “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour kicked off in the battleground state of Wisconsin last month and brought her to San Jose, Calif., earlier this week as the administration — and the president and vice president’s reelection campaign — seek to keep the issue of abortion at the forefront of Americans’ minds before they head to the ballot box.

    “So many women have been suffering, and many, most, silently suffering,” Harris said Thursday. “I’ve met women who’ve had miscarriages in toilets. There are women who have been denied emergency medical care during a miscarriage because the the people who worked at the hospital were so afraid that they might be sent to jail. And do you know why? Because around our country laws are being proposed and passed that include providing prison time for doctors or nurses that give emergency or even give any kind of reproductive health care.”

    “It is a big issue that is happening every day,” Harris said.  

    Abortion was also the topic of Biden and Harris’ first joint campaign event of the year, a rally in northern Virginia one day after the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade last month.

    “Former President Trump hand-picked three Supreme Court justices because he intended for them to overturn Roe,” Harris said at the event in Manassas, Va., last month. “He intended for them to take your freedoms. He is the architect of this healthcare crisis. And he is not done.”

    The choice to focus their first 2024 rally on abortion rights signaled the president’s reelection campaign is counting on the issue remaining salient in 2024 as Biden faces low approval ratings, struggles to convince voters the economy is doing well under his leadership — despite several recent indicators of Americans’ growing satisfaction with financial conditions — and navigates multiple global crises, including escalating conflicts with Iran-backed militant groups in the Middle East and tensions at the U.S.-Mexico border.

    While Democrats have employed this full-court press on abortion, any measure to restore the provisions of Roe v. Wade face an uphill battle, thanks in part to the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster threshold. (It’s a similar reason why former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, one of the top contenders for the Republican presidential nomination, said last year it was “not honest” for her then-rivals to promise a national abortion ban, telling CBS’ “Face the Nation” that “Nothing’s gonna happen if we don’t get 60 votes in the Senate.”)

    Harris acknowledged that Democrats need to have a stronger majority in both chambers of Congress to codify abortion protections.

    “What the Supreme Court took away, Congress can put back in place,” Harris said. “But we do need a majority in Congress who will agree that … the government shouldn’t be telling her what to do.”

    “We’ve got to trust women to know what’s in their own best interest and to consult who they deem right to help them navigate a very difficult decision,” she said. “But the government shouldn’t be telling them what to do. It’s 2024. We’ve got laws on the books that don’t let women make decisions about their own bodies, so we need to have a majority in Congress who just agree with that point.”

    Harris’ tour continues next week in Savannah, Ga., another crucial battleground state that Biden narrowly won over Trump in 2020. 

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  • Biden urges lawmakers to pass border bill

    Biden urges lawmakers to pass border bill

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    President Joe Biden is urging lawmakers to pass a sweeping bipartisan border policy proposal that Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, oppose. Meanwhile, some Republicans in Tallahassee are looking for ways to ensure control over marijuana potency in the state.


    Biden urges lawmakers to pass border deal as Democrats slam DeSantis for State Guard deployment

    President Joe Biden is urging Congress to pass the bipartisan border proposal that appears all but dead.

    A deal struck by members of the Senate this weekend has quickly fallen apart amid opposition from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump.

    If passed into law, it would provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and give the president money and tools to help secure the border and speed up asylum claims.

    “With the new policies in this bill and the additional 4,300 asylum officers, who spend hours, I might add, with each immigrant to consider their claims whether they qualify. We’ll be able to reduce that process to six months, not five to seven years,” Biden said about the proposal.

    The bill was deemed dead on arrival by House Republican Leadership.

    The southern border came up in a Senate committee meeting Monday in Tallahassee during confirmation questioning of Mark Thieme, who Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed to lead the Florida State Guard.

    Central Florida Sen. Victor Torres laid out his concerns over sending the Florida Guard to Texas to assist with border enforcement.

    “Being deployed from this state, what we do we’re covered, and I want our men and women who are deployed to make sure that they are — the legality of the circumstance of being sent to another state — that they are protected,” Torres said. “I don’t want them to go over to another state and be caught in something that could be dangerous for them, or involved in some kind of shooting.”

    Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried posted on X, saying:

    “Republicans are an existential threat to our national security. They care more about using the fear of migrants coming into our country to help trump than actually solving the problem. It’s like a 2 yo who has been screaming for his pacifier & once he gets it he still screams because he just wants to scream.”

    On Jan. 31, DeSantis called on the Florida National Guard plus the Florida State Guard to, “Stop the invasion.”

    “Let’s all band together as states,” he said. “Let’s say that our borders matter. Let’s say that we’re going to support Texas in making sure we can stop what is happening to our country.”

    The governor is offering up to 1,000 members of the National Guard to support Operation Lone Star. He is mobilizing the Florida State Guard, too, making this the organization’s first deployment in state history.

    DeSantis said the forces will build barriers, throw down wire and establish barricades along the southern border.

    “The federal government is no longer protecting the states,” State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia said. “Not the state of Texas, but all the states. The states have a right to protect their citizens.”

    Lawmakers tackle marijuana potency ahead of amendment vote

    A new proposal can be seen as Florida’s first effort to get ahead of the potential legalization of recreational marijuana in the state.

    It’s no secret that some Republicans are opposed to legalized recreational marijuana in Florida, but others say while they can’t necessarily stop it, they can try to contain it.

    Before a vote is cast in November on a potential amendment, some Republicans are trying to a put caps on marijuana potency with Senate Bill 7050.

    State Sen. Gayle Harrell was worried about the possibility of marijuana soon hitting Florida markets.

    “There is no doubt that this high-potency cannabis has a real risk of psychosis for many, many people, especially young people,” Harrell said.

    Voters in November will probably decide the fate of recreational marijuana, as the amendment on the ballot, if approved, would let Floridians to freely posses and smoke marijuana.

    But under Tuesday’s Republican bill, lawmakers could limit just how strong that marijuana is.

    “The problem is, it feels like a preemptive strike to regulate a future ballot initiative,” said Will Clark of the Libertarian Party of Florida. “Is that really what we want to do? Gov. DeSantis says this is the free state of Florida.”

    There is, however, bipartisan concern. Some lawmakers are calling these caps arbitrary. Others, meanwhile, feel it may promote a black market.

    “With a cap, now maybe we push a consumer to push to go in a different direction to find something higher on a market that is not safe or legal,” State Sen. Tracie Davis said.

    This effort comes as the Florida Supreme Court considers whether recreational marijuana will appear on the November ballot. Attorney General Ashley Moody is trying to kill the amendment, saying it’s confusing to voters.

    Immigration backlog grows in Florida

    Florida ranks No. 1 in the backlog of immigration cases, according to federal data collected by Syracuse University. 

    The data show the U.S. court backlog of cases involving immigrants and asylum seekers is more than 3 million — 481,000 of which are in Florida.

    Tampa immigration attorney Milton Toro Marquez has worked with immigrants for the past seven years and handles more than 100 clients, with a case list growing fast — especially over the last couple of years.

    “It’s something that’s very stressful, and at the same time very rewarding,” Marquez said.

    Marquez believes the immigration system is broken and that cases can take years to get resolved because of backlogs.

    He said each case is unique, and that each has a story of escaping a rough life.

    “People are sexually violated on their way here, people are robbed, people are beaten on their way here,” Marquez said.

    However, Marquez said despite the growing caseload, the work is important since most of his clients fear returning to their home country.

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    Gary Darling

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  • Border Security considered in Washington

    Border Security considered in Washington

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    Lawmakers in Florida reacted to a border security proposal in Washington that also provides funding for Ukraine and Israel. Meanwhile, legislators in Tallahassee considered how to alter a social media restrictions proposal.  


    Florida lawmakers react to border security bill

    The Senate eyes a test vote for Wednesday on the long-awaited budget security bill.

    Senate negotiators released the legislation yesterday. It was put together by a bipartisan group of lawmakers to try to curb the flow of migrants while also passing funding for the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

    But House Republicans already say this bill is going nowhere. The bill would give President Joe Biden more power to restrict migrant crossings during surges, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to restrict border crossings if migrant encounters reach more than 4,000 in a one week span.

    The bill also changes the asylum system by raising the standard for who can apply and also speeds up the process.

    The bill would also mean billions of dollars in funding for both foreign aid and border security.

    The current proposal would allocate $60 billion in aid for the war-torn country of Ukraine, and $14 billion for aid to Israel.

    “We have a huge issue in this country on our southern border. You can’t be a country if you can’t maintain control of your own territory. And really, this has been going on for many, many years, but it’s never been this bad,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said about the proposal. “They have now unveiled a piece of legislation, and I think people are seeing what a farce it is. To say that you only shut the border down once 5,000 people a day come in illegally, which is about 2 million a year. That’s basically legalizing illegal immigration. And there are so many other things wrong with it, but I just think it’s taking a step back. This shows me the contempt these people in D.C. have for American taxpayers,”

    Both of Florida’s Republican Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have come out against the legislation.

    Rubio called the legislation “an easy no.” He argued that Biden doesn’t need new laws to stop the migrant crisis.

    Scott criticized the bill for allowing some migrants to receive work permits more easily.

    Nationally, there’s division among Republicans in the Senate on this even as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is supporting it.

    There’s been more unity among Democrats supporting the proposal, but not all are on board.

    New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez says the bill would make it harder for asylum seekers to have their claims heard. He also said that Senate leaders haven’t provided enough time to review the 400 page package.

    Social media restrictions up for debate in the Florida Senate

    Florida lawmakers are working out how a proposed social media bill should be written to ensure that it can pass.

    A Senate subcommittee considered House Bill 1 Monday. If passed, the bill would require social media companies to verify how old people using their platforms are, and bans people under the age of 16 from using them.

    Florida House Speaker Paul Renner discussed the bill, and where the defining line is between allowing parents to regulate their children, and where the government steps in.

    “The vast majority of things, we want the parents to make those decisions,” he said. “It’s time to act. We can’t allow to lose our kids, or to have kids engage in self harm or spend their childhood in depression.”

    He also discussed proposed changes to the legislation so that it can be stronger and stand up to court challenges.

    “They have to meet certain criteria,” he said. “They are really not interested in pulling away from what would be a lucrative business.”

    Last week Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wants a pathway for the bill to withstand any legal challenges in court. But he also understands that could be an issue as the bill gets crafted in the state legislature.

    “Anything I do. I want a pathway for this to actually stick. So we’re going to look through that. So what I would say is I’m sympathetic to, as a parent, what’s going on with our youth,” DeSantis said. “But I also understand that to just say that, you know, someone that’s 15 just cannot have it no matter what, that may create some some legal issues. And so I told the speaker I’d work with them on it.

    “So I would say that, you know, this is something that’s likely going to evolve as it gets through the House and makes its way through the Senate. And we’ll see if we get a product that is going to be something that’s good. But I, I am concerned about the breadth of it, and I want to empower parents. I want to give parents tools to to be able to do this. And so I just think you got to be smart about how you do it.”

    Immigration bill could change some standards in Florida

    The clock is ticking for a bill being referred to as the “Welcoming Florida Act.” The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Victor Torres and is aimed at overturning some of the strict immigration laws put into place last session, but it needs to be heard before several committees before it can advance.

    Julia Aguayo de Hassler is no stranger to politics. Five years ago, she created the group known as the Libertad Club Hispano Republicano of Pasco County, which is a club aimed at educating people about the values of the Republican Party.

    “We meet the third Monday of every month, and we always invite people from our community,” she said.

    Members of the group also discuss legislation that they might not support. That’s the case with Senate Bill 1598.

    “It is important to realize there is a difference between the people that have been here for years and those people that this administration has let come by the thousands without properly being vetted,” she said.

    Bills like SB 1598 don’t help to strengthen the immigration system in the state, according to her.

    The bill would repeal provisions relating to patient status data collected by hospitals. It could also delete the requirement that an employer discontinues employing a person after learning that the person has no legal status in the state. 

    Those in favor of the bill say it is legislation that helps to combat last year’s immigration law, Senate Bill 1718.

    “What it does is it seems to clear up some misconceptions and probably some things that would have been challenged with SB 1718,” said Danielle Hernandez, founder of the DVH Law Group.

    Hernandez said last year’s law led the way to a town hall meeting to help educate the undocumented community about SB 1718.

    She said if SB 1598 is passed, it would be a is a step in the right direction toward protecting the immigrant community she serves.

    “This is an election year,” Hernandez said. “It’s also very important for people to understand what is coming in our laws.”

    SB 1598 is still in committee in the Florida Senate and has yet to see a vote that would advance it to the floor. 

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    Gary Darling

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  • Florida’s House Speaker discusses his legislative agenda

    Florida’s House Speaker discusses his legislative agenda

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    As the legislative session in Tallahassee nears its halfway point, lawmakers reflect on the success of their agenda. Meanwhile, Moms for Liberty takes center state at the State Capitol. 


    House Speaker Paul Renner discusses his legislative agenda

    Today was day 25 of the 60-day legislative session, which means we are just about halfway through the show. On the Senate side, the priorities have been health-related. We talked previously about Senate President Passidomo’s push for the Live Healthy Act.

    Senate Bills 7016 and 7018 both passed unanimously back on January 17. They are now “In messages” to the House, meaning that the bills are in a holding pattern until the house takes them up.

    Meanwhile, it’s the same situation for Speaker Paul Renner’s priority bills. House Bills 1 and 3, dealing with social media accounts and harmful materials for minors. The House passed both bills on January 24 and they are now sitting on the Senate side of the legislature awaiting further debate and action.

    Moms for Liberty takes center stage in Tallahassee

    The group “Moms for Liberty” formed just three years ago with three Florida moms in Brevard and Indian counties.

    Fast forward to today, where the group is a political force. They’re in 48 states and they’re fighting for what they’re calling “Parental rights in education.”

    Friday, Moms for Liberty took center stage at the Florida Capitol.

    January is the group’s three-year anniversary. Since 2021, they’ve fashioned themselves as advocates for parental rights.

    “Some of these wins happen on the school district level as you get pornographic books out of your schools, as you replace raging liberal school board members that don’t have children’s best interest at heart. And some of these wins happen here at the state,” Moms for Libery Co-founder Tiffany Justice said.

    Moms for Liberty is known as a group of outspoken critics. If you don’t know them, you’re probably familiar with their work.

    They helped push the Parental Rights bill in Florida, which was dubbed the “don’t say gay” law by opponents.

    Florida Republicans delivered the bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    The law now bans preferred pronouns and LGBT lessons in Florida schools.

    “The thing is, they want to silence you. They want to get to feel ashamed. I’ll you what. They brought the war to us,” State Rep. David Borrero said.

    However, not everyone is a fan. The Southern Poverty Law Center lists Moms for Liberty as an extremist group.

    Democrats, meanwhile, say they’re damaging schools. Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes is a long time educator.

    “They have impacted politics in Florida in such a negative way. Instead of uniting people for the best for our children, they are dividing communities. They are dividing people. They are dividing kids,” Valdes said.

    For Democrats, Moms for Liberty is a problem, not a solution.

    Critics say the group should focus elsewhere. Things like teacher pay and retention, they say, need attention.

    “We have a teacher shortage. We know that many young students do not want to go into the profession of education because it doesn’t pay well and they see that they can’t teach,” Valdez said.

    While book bans and school board races are the group’s focus, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that helped propel the group into the national spotlight.

    They opposed school lockdowns and even rallied alongside former President Donald Trump and DeSantis.

    Biden prepares for projected win in South Carolina Primary

    Four years ago, reeling from losses in the Iowa caucuses, the New Hampshire primary and the Nevada caucuses, Joe Biden headed to South Carolina to make his last stand for the Democratic presidential nomination.

    His decisive win in the Palmetto State helped give his lagging campaign the boost it needed to capture the 2020 Democratic primary.

    “We are very much alive,” then-candidate Biden said in his victory speech at the University of South Carolina in Columbia at the time.

    On Saturday, President Biden will once again be on the ballot in South Carolina, the site of the first official contest of the Democratic presidential primary, in the hopes that the coalition that jumpstarted his last campaign — notably Black voters — can give this one a boost.

    “You’re the reason I am president,” Biden told voters last weekend at South Carolina’s First in the Nation Dinner in Columbia, the state’s capital. “You’re the reason Kamala Harris is a historic Vice President. And you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president. You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser, and you’re the reason we’re gonna win and beat him again.”

    Democrats upended their primary calendar to make South Carolina their first-in-the-nation contest, a move the incumbent president backed in part to reflect the diversity of the party’s voters.

    While South Carolina, a ruby red state that last picked a Democrat for president in 1976, likely isn’t in play for the incumbent in November, it does underscore the inroads the president is aiming to make with Black voters, a group that fueled his 2020 win but has shown slight signs of waning support, per some recent polling. In the 2022 midterms, Black support for Republicans increased slightly, though they overwhelmingly backed Democrats, according to AP VoteCast data.

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    Gary Darling

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  • DeSantis considers sending state guard to Texas and a public sleeping bill

    DeSantis considers sending state guard to Texas and a public sleeping bill

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    Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to send the State and National Guard to Texas to help with enforcing the southern border while a set of bills advance in Tallahassee that aim to ban sleeping in public.


    DeSantis prepares to send State and National Guard to Texas

    Florida is going all in on the southern border. State Republicans say the border crisis is a danger to the nation.

    But for Democrats, this is another political stunt by a governor who is still dreaming of the White House.

    Florida state guard troops are planning a surge on the southern border.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday called on the Florida National Guard plus the Florida State Guard to, “Stop the invasion.”

    “Let’s all band together as states. Let’s say that our borders matter. Let’s say that we’re going to support Texas in making sure we can stop what is happening to our country,” DeSantis said.

    The governor is offering up to 1,000 national guardsmen to support Operation Lone Star. He is mobilizing the Florida State Guard too, making this their first deployment in state history.

    DeSantis says the forces will build barriers, throw down wire and establish barricades along the southern border.

    “The federal government is no longer protecting the states. Not the state of Texas, but all the states. The states have a right to protect their citizens,” State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia said.

    Democrats are urging him to reconsider. Better yet, they’d like him to focus on more pressing issues, like affordability.

    “We should let the feds do their job and DeSantis should focus on doing his. And let me tell you something. Leadership requires courage. It requires conviction. It requires making tough choices, but it also requires doing your damn job. And right now, DeSantis is not doing his,” House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell said.

    DeSantis resurrected the state guard back in 2021. They’re a state paramilitary force, and they operate off state dollars and answer only to the governor.

    The Florida State Defense Force, the progenitor of the Florida State Guard, was created in 1941 to supplement the state’s National Guard, which was emptied as members of the guard were called into service during World War II.

    The force was deactivated and disbanded in 1947 shortly after members of the Florida National Guard returned from service.

    The state of Texas has a state guard that was used by Gov. Greg Abbott to monitor federal military exercises in his state in 2015. There are currently 22 states that have an active state guard force. 

    Bills could ban sleeping in public

    Florida lawmakers advanced a pair of bills this week that would prevent people from being able to sleep or camp on public property without permits.

    Senate Bill 1530 and House Bill 1365 are now in the Judiciary Committee.

    The bills would allow, but not require, counties and municipalities to create designated public areas for the homeless to sleep. However, these areas must fit certain criteria, including access to running water, access to behavioral health services and having security on site.

    Several local governments across the state have created their own laws on homelessness and public camping. In Miami Beach, for example, refusal to leave after camping in a public space can result in a fine of up to $500 or jail time up to 60 days.

    “Each individual person’s homelessness is just as individual as their personality, just as individual as their fingerprint,” Rick Morris said. He received help from Matthew’s Hope.

    For Morris, his story of homelessness began due to his health. He said he lost sight in one eye and ultimately lost his job.

    Now he puts in work like painting at Matthew’s Hope. In return, the organization pays for his condo, and also got him new glasses.

    “There’s no other place I’ve seen, throughout the whole central part of this state that even compares to this,” he said.

    Matthew’s Hope is geared towards long-term solutions, giving people the resources to finally get off the street for the long haul.

    Scott Billue with the organization says a new bill proposal could have negative impacts on the already-hurting homeless population.

    Senate Bill 1530 would force counties & cities to ban people from sleeping or camping on public property without a permit.

    “We’re criminalizing homelessness,” Billue said.

    He said he grew up homeless living in hotels. He saw how homelessness was treated with bandaids instead of working to get people independent.

    “We have three shelters in Orange County. And they’re all within walking distance of one another, which makes no sense at all, because your highest concentration of homeless people are in West Orange County and East Orange County and there’s nothing there,” he said.

    One area of concern for him is Apopka, where there is no homeless shelter and nowhere nearby to go if they are asked to leave.

    The sponsor of the house’s version of the bill says it’s time to come up with solutions, and sleeping on the street can’t be one of them.

    “The status quo is not okay. And it’s not okay to seek public spaces to become de facto homeless camps,” State Rep. Sam Garrison said.

    Disney files appeal to DeSantis suit ruling

    Disney has filed an appeal with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta to overturn Wednesday’s ruling from a federal judge, dismissing the company’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies: the Florida Secretary of the Department of Commerce and members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board.

    Disney had sued in April 2023, claiming the state retaliated against it for publicly opposing the Parental Rights in Education law — called “Don’t Say Gay” by opponents.

    The governor responded at the time by supporting the Florida Legislature to strip Disney of its longtime self-governing power under the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

    For more than 50 years, Disney had significant control over its land in Central Florida, but the Legislature dissolved Reedy Creek and replaced it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board in February 2023.

    Disney claimed the move violated the company’s First Amendment rights because the governor was punishing it for disagreeing with him.

    But a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee has now thrown that lawsuit out.

    The judge dismissed the case against DeSantis and the commerce secretary, saying Disney didn’t have standing to sue them. He also dismissed the case against the CFTOB, saying Disney failed to state a claim.

    “At the end of the day, under the law of this Circuit, ‘courts shouldn’t look to a law’s legislative history to find an illegitimate motivation for an otherwise constitutional statute’ …  Because that is what Disney seeks here, its claim fails as a matter of law,” the ruling said.

    Disney quickly responded yesterday, vowing to continue fighting the dissolution of Reedy Creek in the courts.

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    Celeste Springer

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  • Lawmakers in Tallahassee tackle monuments and gun violence

    Lawmakers in Tallahassee tackle monuments and gun violence

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    Lawmakers in Tallahassee are considering bills that would increase penalties for youth gun violence offenders and punish local governments that remove historical statues. 


    Lawmakers debate monument proposal

    Statues and monuments are the subject of ongoing debate in Tallahassee year after year.

    But in speaking to lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, there are those who believe that this bill has some legs in this legislature.

    To remove or to preserve? In Tallahassee, state lawmakers are split. They’re wrestling with what to do with controversial monuments.

    House Bill 395 proposes the state “protection of historical monuments and memorials,” authorizing “all actions to protect and preserve all historical monuments and memorials from removal, damage or destruction.”

    “Over the past few years, local governments have made war on historic monuments and this recognizes that history belongs to all Floridians,” State Rep. Dean Black said.

    If local municipalities move or mess with a monument, HB 395 threatens penalties if passed as currently written. Violators could face fines or fees.

    As of 2022, roughly 75 Confederate monuments remain in Florida according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

    Supporters say the bill preserves history. They say the proposal protects all monuments.

    “The fact that this bill now is so hyper partisan I think is reflective of the country and how we’ve gotten even more partisan in the intervening six years,” State Rep. Spencer Roach said.

    Critics, however, call it offensive. They say cities, not the state, should make the call. They’re also calling it an affront to Florida’s black community.

    “Most I’ve ever been more offended by a bill. This bill is sending a message not only to Black folks in the state of Florida, but to your Black colleagues,” State Rep. Michele Rayner said.

    At the heart of this bill is the City of Jacksonville. Last month the city removed two confederate statutes, ending a nearly three-year debate.

    Youth gun violence bill would increase penalties

    As lawmakers consider toughen penalties for kids committing firearms violations, a new Florida bill is making its way through subcommittees in the Legislature.

    House Bill 1181, introduced by state Rep. Berny Jacques, would increase the punishment for juveniles caught with a gun — except in few specific scenarios — from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

    Jacques told the House Criminal Justice Committee this week that accountability can be a deterrent for these kids.

    “In a situation where a known youth is always known to be carrying around a firearm, and have committed offenses before, if they are addressed early on, that may deter them from doing something else in the future, because these things escalate. Today is just riding a bike with a gun on your hip, with your crew thinking it’s cool. The next day, you’re in a convenience store using that gun. But if we had a strong measure when they were held and arrested for just the bike ride and they had a minor in possession of a firearm, and something clicked, then maybe they maybe they wouldn’t go to that convenience store and Lord knows what’s going to happen,” he said.

    But critics of the bill say the proposed punishment is too harsh for minors.

    Derrick Collins wants to make a difference in his community.

    “We see them at the schools, we see them at their homes, we see them wherever they are. If they’re in the detention center, we see them there,” said Collins, the program director at Mr. and Ms. Mentoring.

    But when he heard about House Bill 1181, he had some questions.

    “I do feel like they need to understand why they might be holding a firearm in the first place,” Collins said. “A lot of the time it’s more protective rather than them just having it just cause. There are kids who use it for show, but a lot of it is for protection because of the areas that they live in.”

    Collins said that while he has kids who may be deterred if the bill is passed, other kids, the ones who fear their safety if they’re unarmed, might not.

    Instead of enacting harsher punishments, Collins said legislators should focus more on alternative programs to get kids onto the road to success.

    “We do provide a lot of alternatives, reading is one of those alternatives,” he said. “So we provide free books for them. They take them as they come.”

    If passed, the bill would also extend how long minors are held at a detention center before the court begins criminal proceedings. It states the juvenile could remain in the facility anywhere between five and 21 days, depending on the crime.

    Collins said he would like to know the reasoning behind the bill.

    “What is the overall goal for them?” he asked. “Is the goal to deter them from having it? Or is the goal to put the ones that are having it behind bars?” 

    The juvenile justice bill had its first reading this week and is currently being considered in the Justice Appropriations subcommittee.

    Biden attends two fundraisers in Florida

    President Joe Biden, aboard Air Force One, touched down in West Palm Beach this afternoon. Two fundraisers for the Biden-Harris reelection campaign were set for Miami and Palm Beach.

    Florida Democrats were quick to capitalize on the president’s visit. Party Chair Nikki Fried issued a statement that said, in part,

    “President Biden’s early visibility in Florida shows that the Biden campaign is serious about competing in the Sunshine State, and the Florida Democratic Party is happy to welcome him and his campaign to our home,” Fried said.

    Meanwhile, Americans for Prosperity-Florida had another take on the president’s visit, noting, “Floridians’ paychecks don’t go as far at the grocery store or gas station since ‘Bidenomics,’ and instead of collecting campaign dollars in Florida the president should unleash economic potential in our state,” the group said in a statement.

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    Katie Streit

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  • DeSantis gets involved in social media bill

    DeSantis gets involved in social media bill

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    Former President Donald Trump was dealt a major blow in the defamation case against him and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says a key Florida bill will need to be changed.


    Trump gets jury decision in defamation case

    Former President Donald Trump is on the campaign trail this weekend in Nevada. But across the country in a Manhattan courtroom, a big decision came down.

    A jury decided that Trump should pay writer E. Jean Carroll more than $83 million in damages for defamatory statements he made about her in 2019.

    The jury deliberated for less than three hours and ultimately awarded Carroll $7 million in emotional harm, $11 million in reputational repair, and $65 million in punitive damages. The award is more than eight times what Carroll asked for.

    Last year a separate jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after they found Trump sexually abused her and then defamed her.

    Trump was not in the courtroom when the decision was read, but his attorney spoke afterward.

    “He took the stand. He abided by the rules of this corrupt system that I’ve seen,” Trump attorney Alina Habba said. “We will immediately appeal, we will set aside that ridiculous jury and I just want to remind you all of one thing: I will continue with President Trump to fight for everybody’s First Amendment right to speak.”

    Trump also went to his Truth Social account after the ruling to decry the jury’s decision.

    “Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden directed witch hunt focused on me and the Republican Party,” Trump wrote. “Our legal system is out of control and being used as a political weapon. They have taken away all first amendment rights. This is not America”

    In Georgia, Trump’s lawyers want to disqualify Fani Willis from leading the election interference case against him. His team says Willis created a conflict of interest by hiring her romantic partner to help with the case, Nathan Wade.

    His lawyers also accuse her of violating state rules when she claimed that racism was behind the efforts to remove her.

    Willis hasn’t confirmed nor denied a relationship with Wade, and she has to respond to the motion by next week.

    Meanwhile, the Georgia State Senate approved the creation of a special committee to investigate Willis. Six Republicans and three Democrats will have full subpoena power and the ability to require testimony under oath.

    DeSantis responds to social media restriction legislation

    In Kissimmee this morning, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked if he supported House Bill 1, which would ban social media use for minors younger than 16. The bill has been a priority for House Speaker Paul Renner. DeSantis took the opportunity to not only address the legislation itself, but what successful implementation of that bill would look like.

    “Anything I do. I want a pathway for this to actually stick. So we’re going to look through that. So what I would say is I’m sympathetic to, as a parent, what’s going on with our youth. But I also understand that to just say that, you know, someone that’s 15 just cannot have it no matter what, that may create some some legal issues. And so I told the speaker I’d work with them on it. So I would say that, you know, this is something that’s likely going to evolve as it gets through the House and makes its way through the Senate. And we’ll see if we get a product that is going to be something that’s good. But I, I am concerned about the breadth of it, and I want to empower parents. I want to give parents tools to to be able to do this. And so I just think you got to be smart about how you do it,” DeSantis said.

    After Wednesday’s passage of HB 1 in the House, it is now in the Senate’s hands for consideration.

    Biden to visit Florida

    President Joe Biden is coming to visit. He announced he will travel to the Palm Beach and Miami areas on Tuesday, Jan. 30.

    The president will participate in two campaign receptions. His wife, Dr. Jill Biden, is making a stop in Florida this weekend as well. She arrives tonight in Tampa and will speak at a fundraiser in Palm Harbor tomorrow.

    Lawmakers respond to gun proposal

    A call tonight for gun reform in Florida and across the country.

    Congresswoman Kathy Castor and State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell both appeared in a virtual call today about what Democrats want to get passed.

    And they say they have support from the public and law enforcement.

    “I strongly support a ban on assault weapons. When you talk to local law enforcement, they do not want to be outgunned,” Castor said. “And so we should re-up the assault weapons ban. We need to work on safe storage of firearms and require background checks for all firearm purchases.”

    “Poll after poll shows us that the people of Florida overwhelmingly support common sense gun safety reforms,” Driskell said. “The people are on our side and they want to be able to go to school, work, shop in church, or just walk through their neighborhoods without the fear of being shot.”

    Last night we touched on proposed legislation that would roll back some of the gun reforms that were passed in Florida in 2018 after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting.

    One of those reforms was raising the age to buy a long-gun from 18 to 21. 

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    Phillip Stucky

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