Tag Archives: Florida

Posted to the Liberty Counsel’s website: Today, Liberty Counsel filed a brief on behalf of Florida Voters Against Extremism to oppose a proposed amendment that would codify unrestricted abortion in the Florida Constitution. Liberty Counsel’s brief argues that the Florida Supreme Court should prohibit this initiative on the ballot because it fails to comply with the law regarding citizen voter …

Tampa’s NBC affiliate reports: A Department of Corrections chaplain was arrested on multiple child sex charges, according to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Robert William Austin, 58, of Sanderson, was allegedly sending explicit messages to a “14-year-old girl,” who happened to be an undercover detective, according to the CCSO. Austin allegedly knew of the “juvenile’s” age but continued to …

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports: As Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign dealt with widely publicized financial strains and some prominent mega donors signaled they were closing their checkbooks, the Florida governor turned to people with an incentive to stay on his good side: businesspeople, lawyers, lobbyists and others whose employers or clients have financial interests before state government. Many obliged. Campaign …

WDW Magic reports: In what marks a significant upheaval to the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, over thirty employees have resigned from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the governing entity responsible for Walt Disney World. This mass exodus includes almost half of its senior leadership and follows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ controversial takeover of the district, raising serious concerns …

Florida Politics reports: The Governor told PBT Podcast listeners that he’s wearing “standard off the rack Lucchese” boots. He said that because he is just 1 inch shy of 6 feet tall, he doesn’t need extra height from footwear. Asked why he simply doesn’t wear dress shoes or tennis shoes, the Governor said he does in fact “wear tennis shoes …

Florida Politics reports: On Sunday’s Meet the Press, Ron DeSantis defended his record in dealing with the state’s recurrent neo-Nazi protests under his governorship, saying he acted “swiftly and decisively.” “Our record is second to none and we will continue to lead on these issues,” DeSantis told host Kristin Welker Sunday. Welker pressed DeSantis to respond to claims from Rep. …

The Associated Press reports: A fight between two groups turned deadly in Florida when a shooting in a Tampa street during Halloween festivities resulted in two deaths and 18 people hospitalized early Sunday morning, police said. One suspect is in custody and at least one more is being sought. Officers responded to the shooting in Tampa just before 3 a.m. …

Florida Politics reports: The ongoing feud between Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump took a turn into Cheech and Chong territory Saturday. In the latest of a series of statements from Team Trump suggesting the DeSantis campaign is experiencing the “kiss of death,” spox Steven Cheung trolled the Florida Governor by telling him to sample local cannabis products while in Nevada …

The Florida Republican Assembly today resolved: WHEREAS, Governor Ron DeSantis was elected to serve the people of the State of Florida and to complete his four-year term, and WHEREAS, Governor Ron DeSantis has been using his position as Governor to campaign for the office of the President of the United States, taking him away from his official duties and responsibilities …

Florida Politics reports: Florida’s Surgeon General is headed to the Granite State, hitting the campaign trail for the man who hired him next week. Dr. Joseph Ladapo will appear with Ron DeSantis Wednesday at an event hosted by the Never Back Down super PAC. “Dr. Ladapo will be attending in his personal capacity,” the super PAC notes, apparently recognizing the …

Florida Politics reports: “A lot of the guys who commit violent crime and yes, less than what we saw in Maine, a lot of these people go in and out of the justice system because of liberal, soft on crime policies. You do a crime, you should do the time. Stop cycling people back out, that will make communities safer,” …

CNN reports: Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday evening that he is not sure if Florida’s red flag law is effective in removing guns from dangerous people and he wouldn’t sign one – or any gun safety measure – if elected president. Instead, in response to Wednesday’s mass shooting at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston, Maine, that has …

The Hill reports: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) office says it is sending drones, weapons and ammunition to Israel to support its war against Hamas, a move that would bolster the governor’s pro-Israel stance in the battle for the GOP presidential nomination. Jeremy Redfern, a spokesperson for DeSantis’s office, said that the Israeli Consul General in Miami requested Florida send …

Florida Politics reports: Ron DeSantis’ Year of the Teacher is but a sepia-tinged memory now, with 2023 being the Year of the Terrorist. That’s one interpretation to be drawn from the Governor’s latest text message to supporters of his presidential campaign, at least. In a missive to his list Wednesday, the Republican candidate bashed those supporting Hamas terrorists as well …

Courthouse News reports: Florida appealed to the Supreme Court on Tuesday in an effort to enforce restrictions on drag shows throughout the state. The state wants the justices to limit a lower court order blocking the Protection of Children Act, which bans children from “adult live performances.” A federal judge found the law was aimed at drag shows, barring it …

Florida Politics reports: Gov. Ron DeSantis believes that toll roads in New York City are really just an elaborate grift, with money collected not going to repairs at all. During remarks in Clinton, Iowa, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate fumed about the cash collection and contended the money really is just enriching the Democratic “machine.” “I don’t know if you …

The Tampa Bay Times reports: A proposed regulation aimed at restricting diversity programs and social activism at Florida’s public universities has stirred confusion, with some saying its broadly worded passages could limit free speech. A draft version being circulated for feedback says in part that universities may not spend public money on activities that “advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion” …

Orlando’s ABC affiliate reports: Thousands of people packed downtown Orlando Saturday for the “Come Out With Pride” festival and parade. Two hundred thousand attendees came together to celebrate LGBTQ+ life and culture. Throughout the day, festival grounds at Lake Eola were filled with multiple vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. A sea of people lined the streets around the lake …

Tampa’s NBC affiliate reports: Florida has the highest property insurance premiums in the country, but the state’s insurance commissioner says he does not support capping rate increases. Over the last couple weeks, Commissioner Michael Yaworsky talked about the cost of insurance with lawmakers in Tallahassee. On average, Floridians pay $6,000 a year for property insurance, according to the Insurance Information …

The Orlando Sentinel reports: Nearly two dozen Americans fleeing Israel with the help of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration were stranded for days in Cyprus before they finally got to Florida on Wednesday, according to the head of an international rescue organization who blamed contractors that state officials hired to run the operation. Their rush to help DeSantis score political points …