Abigail Spanberger delivers the Democratic response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address from Richmond.

Headlines Tampa Bay

February 24, 2026

Andrew Meacham

Nancy Crist, an anchor for many with style and substance, dies at 91

0 7min 0

Federal Headlines

February 24, 2026

Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump celebrates arrest of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, describes Delcy Rodriguez as ‘friend and partner’ in SOTU address

0 5min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

February 24, 2026

Guest Author

David Ibsen: Price controls don’t work. Including credit cards.

0 6min 0

Education Headlines

February 24, 2026

Drew Dixon

FRLA culinary competition among high schoolers draws about 330 students to Orlando event

0 4min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

February 24, 2026

Staff Reports

Last Call for 2.24.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 18min 0

Headlines Influence

February 24, 2026

Jesse Mendoza

Danny Alvarez’s counterterrorism unit proposal clears its third House Committee

0 7min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

February 24, 2026

Guest Author

Jeff Brandes: In defense of James Uthmeier, the myth of citizen Legislature

3 7min 0

Headlines Tech

February 24, 2026

House, Senate clash over AI ‘bill of rights’ as White House interjects

0 4min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

Jesse Mendoza

Danny Alvarez’s counterterrorism unit proposal clears its third House Committee

Civil liberties advocates and several Democratic lawmakers warned the bill is overly broad and could sweep in protected speech.

0 7min

Headlines Influence

Thank you for your service: Discount medical pot cards for veterans will head to House floor

‘This bill will largely reduce the financial barriers that veterans face when accessing the card.’

1 2min

Headlines Influence

Jesse Mendoza

Danny Alvarez’s wide-ranging agriculture and land-use proposal clears second House Committee

Alvarez argued the proposal would allow the state to stretch conservation dollars further

0 6min

Headlines Influence

Shumaker drafts former NFL exec Frank Hawkins for sports law team

‘He has been directly involved in some of the most transformative media, finance, and governance developments in modern sports history.’

0 5min

Headlines Influence

Florida Housing Solutions Summit again coming to St. Pete

From zoning changes to understanding how data drives action, experts, lawmakers and stakeholders will gather for a day of brainstorming.

0 5min

Headlines Influence

Release the records! Final House Committee OKs government transparency bill

Government agencies’ default setting is ‘ignore, delay, and deny’ when it comes to public records.

0 9min

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

House Committee approves bill that limits anonymous accusations against police

An exception allows for anonymous complaints that have some supporting evidence.

1 3min

Headlines Influence

Senate Committee backs Shevaun Harris confirmation despite lawmakers’ tough questions

Shevaun Harris faced tough questions from both sides of the aisle, but her confirmation sailed on.

1 7min

Headlines Influence

No probable cause found in Fabián Basabe ethics case tied to harassment claims

The panel found no probable cause that the lawmaker misused his office, but did not weigh in on the complaint’s underlying civil claims.

0 7min

Headlines Influence

Alex Andrade urges continued oversight as he holds final Subcommittee hearing

‘Accountability starts with us.’

3 4min

Headlines Influence

Mike Wright

Political community mourns passing of former Sen. Charlie Dean

‘His loyalty to his family and love of Citrus County was as big as he was.’

1 7min

Headlines Influence

Groveland Four bill is stuck in House as Democrats vow to keep fighting

‘We’ll continue to push forward because that’s what’s right.’

0 4min

Budget

Budget Headlines

Budget conferees set in both chambers as House announces its membership

Let the reconciliation begin!

9min

Budget Headlines

Ben Albritton names budget conferees, setting the stage for reconciling gap between Senate, House

The House budget is more austere than the Senate, with a $1.4B gap between the chambers.

1 5min

Budget Headlines

Peter Schorsch

Resilient Florida funding slated just above statutory minimum as storm and insurance pressures persist

‘What we don’t invest in protection, we pay far more for in damages.’

1 4min

Budget Headlines

Ryan Nicol

Language blocking state money for businesses connected to media watchdogs resurfaces

Should NewsGuard have its guard up again?

4min

Budget Headlines

Senate shoots for the moon with Farmers Feeding Florida allocation, while House maintains funding

Under the program and stipulations in its funding, products must be grown or produced in Florida.

4min

Budget Headlines

House, Senate close on higher ed budgets; no tuition increases in either

State colleges and universities are in line for funding to implement the state’s Guardian program, expand workforce education and increase financial aid.

6min

Immigration Enforcement

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Drew Dixon

Blaise Ingoglia reimburses 7 Panhandle law enforcement agencies for immigration work

‘If you’re here illegally, expect your ass to get sent home.’

0 3min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

ICE’s purchases for big detention centers are marked by secrecy, frustrating towns

ICE warehouses rattle leaders and residents in communities where they are located.

1 12min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

All truckers and bus drivers will be required to take commercial driver’s license tests in English

They need to be able to read the signs.

1 2min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Crackdown on illegal immigrant truckers rolls through final Senate Committee, but stalled out in House

Vehicles could be impounded and their contents could be destroyed.

4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Gov. DeSantis makes case for Alligator Alcatraz amid emergency fund challenge

The feds can’t do the job without Florida.

1 4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Donald Trump’s border czar says ‘small’ security force will remain in Minnesota after enforcement drawdown

Drawdown of ICE is underway in Minnesota.

5min

2026

2026 Headlines

Ryan Nicol

Debbie Wasserman Schultz endorses Todd Delmay to flip HD 101 following Hillary Cassel party swap

‘This campaign is about restoring trust with the voters of District 101.’

0 5min

2026 Headlines

Poll: Donald Trump’s endorsement huge for Byron Donalds. But Ron DeSantis’ endorsement could change the game

Should the current Governor weigh in on his replacement? A plurality of Republicans want it.

3 5min

2026 Headlines

Poll: Byron Donalds leads GOP race for Governor … even if Casey DeSantis runs

Other candidates are nonstarters.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Carmine Marceno passes on running for Byron Donalds’ seat in Congress

‘I can best serve by putting criminals behind bars.’

0 3min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Neal Dunn says he will serve out final term in House

Rumors swirled through much of February about whether the Panama City Republican would resign early.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

‘Ready to deliver’: Jackie Randall Launches campaign for House District 21

‘My experience, my determination, and my willingness to listen can make a real difference right now.’

0 4min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump celebrates arrest of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, describes Delcy Rodriguez as ‘friend and partner’ in SOTU address

He suggested Marco Rubio may be remembered as America’s greatest Secretary of State.

0 5min

Federal Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Maria Elvira Salazar warns ICE directives could produce largest exodus of Christians ever from U.S.

Ahead of the State of the Union, the Coral Gables Republican said Donald Trump can still change flawed directives and correct course.

1 6min

Federal Headlines

Donald Trump’s State of the Union will seek to calm voters’ economic concerns ahead of Midterms

The speech to Congress will likely touch on immigration, tax cuts and a successful military action in Venezuela.

1 11min

Federal Headlines

Donald Trump raises tariffs again

Get ready to pay more for imports.

1 2min

Federal Headlines

Randy Fine plans telephone town hall ahead of State of the Union

The Atlantic Coast Republican is talking to his constituents.

1 2min

Federal Headlines

Supreme Court strikes down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, upending central plank of economic agenda

It was a 6-3 decision.

6min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

Wyman Duggan, Dean Black muscle through local bills for Duval, Nassau Counties

1 3min

James Uthmeier subpoenas Donna Deegan administration, says city may have impeded immigration enforcement

Jacksonville Jaguars fans can bid on a piece of stadium history

Jacksonville local bills will head to House floor, potentially changing local aviation authority, school board

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Randy Fine spotlights federal funds for Flagler beaches

0 3min 0

Blake Iverson appointed to Baker County Commission

UNF study: First Coast manufacturers show signs of expansion in January

Northeast Florida home sales struggle in January

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Jacob Ogles

Lake County GOP rejects Anthony Sabatini’s membership application

1 3min 0

Orlando Health sued over botched rape kit in case that’s gotten national attention

Volcano Bay’s cashless shift signals broader Florida business trend

Dr. Phillips Center announces Broadway 2026-27 lineup, country concerts

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

While barbs are flying in St. Pete Beach’s mayoral contest, Adrian Petrila reminds he has a record to run on

0 14min

Sam Wilson officially in for Clearwater City Council bid

Lisset Hanewicz is in for re-election to St. Pete City Council

Ken Welch may have just had his last best day

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Jesse Mendoza

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Ann Felts has died

0 3min 0

Tara Poulton jumps into crowded GOP Primary for Manatee County Commission District 6

Tommy Schwarz launches bid against Kemp Schuessler for Bradenton City Council Ward 3

Florida Conservation Group works with FDACS to secure 1,327-acre Hardee County easement

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Andrew Meacham

Nancy Crist, an anchor for many with style and substance, dies at 91

0 7min 0

Cabinet’s land transfer vote gives Tampa Bay Rays’ ballpark bid a big boost

Lynn Hurtak running for Tampa Mayor, setting up progressive battle with Bill Carlson

Tampa latest to embrace new technology to enforce school zone speed limits and curb dangerous speeding

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Drew Dixon

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

2min

Governor appoints former Suwannee County Commissioner to return to the board

Panhandle residents rally to save a rare coastal dune lake

Port grant could ‘change the trajectory’ of Pensacola

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

Drew Wilson

Suits for Session returns to the Capitol on Wednesday

3min 0

WalletHub study ranks Tallahassee 30th among state capitals in U.S.

Budget insights: Senate, House $72M apart on funding new FAMU-FSU engineering building

Romance on the menu: Where to dine on Valentine’s Day

Communities

Communities Headlines

Casey DeSantis wants to ramp up preventive testing for food toxins

1 3min 0

Randy Fine calls Tucker Carlson ‘the most dangerous antisemite in America’

Millions of Floridians face SNAP cutoff this weekend as shutdown drags on

Taking a dip Labor Day weekend? Swimmers face fecal contamination at beaches along US coastline

South Florida

Headlines South Florida

Charter reform campaign exceeds signature goal to expand Miami Commission, shift elections

‘Reaching 20,500 signatures is proof that this movement has broad, deep support across every corner of Miami.’

0 4min

Headlines South Florida

Palm Beach County firefighters union endorses Christina Romelus for School Board

‘Christina Romelus understands that school safety goes beyond buildings.’

0 4min

Headlines South Florida

James Uthmeier announces anti-human trafficking partnership with Miami-Dade State Attorney

The partnership includes $1.5M in funding to bolster investigations, prosecutions and victim rescues.

6min

Headlines South Florida

DOJ moves to revoke citizenship of former North Miami Mayor over alleged immigration fraud

‘The passage of time does not diminish blatant immigration fraud.’

5min

Headlines South Florida

Legislature approves Donald Trump airport renaming

The Senate has agreed to the House version of legislation preempting major commercial airport names to the state and naming Palm Beach International Airport for President Donald Trump On Tuesday, the House passed by an 81-30 vote Rep. Meg Weinberger’s bill (HB 919), while Sen. Debbie Mayfield’s legislation (SB 706) cleared its final Committee stop. The Senate decided to take up the […]

7 7min

Headlines South Florida

Drew Dixon

Blaise Ingoglia: Fort Pierce ‘overspending’ by $10M in local budget

‘It is time to hold local government bureaucrats accountable for their reckless spending.’

1 3min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

Clay Yarborough’s ‘medical freedom’ bill survives bipartisan scrutiny in Senate Committee

One Republican ripped the ‘dangerous bill.’

1 4min

Culture Wars Headlines

FIRE warns HB 1119 will increase Florida school book banning

‘Our focus right now is on making legislators aware of the bill’s constitutional problems.’

1 7min

Culture Wars Headlines

Byron Donalds blasts ‘political hack’ Stephen Colbert for playing in Texas Primary

‘His credibility is shot.’

3 2min

Culture Wars Headlines

Jacob Ogles

MAHA Moms polling shows GOP voters don’t trust Casey DeSantis’ sudden food safety mission

The group said voters smell an attempt at image repair in the First Lady’s messaging and prefer Donald Trump as a movement leader.

4min

Culture Wars Headlines

Miami Beach Commission uniformly urges state leaders to kill sweeping anti-DEI bill

The legislation’s language is vague, city leaders said, but its impact would be broad and devastating.

8min

Culture Wars Headlines

Parental rights health care bill is ready for full House vote after divisive Committee process

Does HB 173 give parents more rights in the doctor’s office? Or put vulnerable teens at risk?

9min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Ron DeSantis doubts deal possible with ‘tottering’ Iran regime, thinks Donald Trump will ‘follow through’ with attacks

‘They don’t want to have a peaceful world like we would want to enjoy with our allies.’

2 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Marco Rubio’s speech to European allies takes softer tone but sticks to Donald Trump’s firm stance

‘I’m here today to make it clear that America is charting the path for a new century of prosperity.’

2 5min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Drew Wilson

With Australia partnership, Ballard Partners’ reach spans six continents

Top global lobbying firm Ballard Partners is heading down under. The Florida-grown powerhouse this week announced a strategic partnership with Canberra, Australia-based TG Public Affairs, giving the firm a foothold in the Asia-Pacific region and further expanding the Ballard Global Alliance. The move marks another step in Ballard’s steady international growth, adding Australia to a […]

2min

Foreign Affairs Headlines