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JUICE🍊—3.5.2025—DeSantis Blacklisting Republican Lawmakers—Pizzo Responds to DeSantis's State of the State Address—Much More..

Javier Manjarres — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:02 +0000

NOPE, YOU AREN'T WELCOME: DeSantis Accused of Black Listing Republican Lawmakers

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is being accused of blacklisting Republican lawmakers that disagree with him

Congressman Byron Donalds-We are Making America Great Again whether the far-left likes it or not

Rep. Cory Mills -We don’t need diversity, equity, and inclusion. We need increased lethality and properly equipped warfighters.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-He’s done nothing to lower prices, and now Trump’s tariff will raise our costs even more.

Shevrin “Shev” Jones-It’s the first day of the Legislative Session and my team and I are ready to get to work! LET’S GO!!!

State Rep. Angie Nixon-Sportsmanship is out the window when folks are cheating and not just trying to beat you in the game, but end your life.

Jason Pizzo

Jason Pizzo Gives Straightforward, Blunt Takes on DeSantis' State of the State Address—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo issued a rebuttal Monday to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State Address where he bluntly laid out his concerns on the direction of the state, including its hardline focus on social issues and misteps on illegal immigration.

BREAKING: Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green Kicked Out of Trump's Address to Congress—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

Age of Disruption': Perez, Albritton Call for 'Scrutiny' of State Government Spending—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—While Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP lawmakers agree that excess government spending needs to be cut, Senate President Ben Albritton and House...

Cherfilus McCormick Introduces Bipartisan Bill Extending TPS for Haitians—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick has introduced bipartisan legislation extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals in the...

DeSantis Accused of Black Listing Republican Lawmakers From Governor's Mansion—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The Florida Legislature kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session, but the talk of the town was First Lady Casey DeSantis’s...

Trump's Frustration With Zelenskyy Grows Following Oval Office Dispute—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump’s annoyance with Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelenskyy has seemingly worsened after the two recently engaged in...

Gov. Ron DeSantis Celebrates SpaceX Operations Coming to Florida—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Gov. Ron DeSantis congratulated SpaceX Monday after the aerospace company announced it was bringing Starship production and launch capabilities...

Sen. Alexis Calatayud Files Bill to Increase Parkinson's Disease Reasearch—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud recently filed a bill that would establish a Parkinson’s Disease Research Program to support innovative...

West Palm Beach Named Top Trending Destination in America—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—The City of West Palm Beach has been named the top trending destination for travelers in America, according to a report by Tripadvisor. West Palm Beach...

'Stop the Next Nikolas Cruz': GOP Leader Pushes Back on DeSantis' Open Carry, Red Flag Ideas—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Fresh off an immigration battle with GOP leaders, Gov. Ron DeSantis is now asking the Legislature to greenlight open carry and repeal...

Waltz Says 'Time is Not On Zelenskyy's Side' After Peace Talk Kerfuffle with Trump—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussed the fallout from Friday's tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy...

Plan Would Abolish Lieutenant Governor, Start Efficiency Position—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Reps. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) and John Snyder (R-Stuart) recently filed a joint resolution to alter the shape of state government by eliminating the office of lieutenant governor and establishing a Cabinet-level position centered on government efficiency.

Donalds Responds to Casey DeSantis Gubernatorial Run Rumors: 'Trump Makes Good Picks'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Casey DeSantis Continues to Raise Campaign Cash, Run for Office Appears Imminent—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

US Sanctions Chinese and Hong Kong Companies Helping Build Iranian Drones—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—The US Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong companies allegedly helping build Iranian military...

Gunshine State? FL Lawmakers to Debate Slew of Measures Loosening, Tightening Gun Laws—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Florida lawmakers are set to debate a whopping 26 gun-related bills as the state's 60-day legislative session kicks off Tuesday, making...

Steube Reintroduces Bill to Keep FEMA Aid in the Hands of American Citizens—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Greg Steube is reintroducing legislation to keep Federal Emergency Management Agency relief funds going solely to...

Trump Continues Pro-Small Business Approach, Guts BOI Rules—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump’s Treasury Department recently announced that it will not enforce the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership information...

Lawmakers Denounce Maduro Threats Towards Machado—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Conservative lawmakers in Washington have condemned Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s latest threats and repressive tactics against Venezuelan opposition...

Former Miami Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Dies at 70—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Former Miami Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart died Monday, according to a statement released by his family. He was 70. Lincoln Diaz-Balart had been diagnosed...

The Juice is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Daniel Molina, and Michael Costeines

Rene Garcia

The post JUICE🍊—3.5.2025—DeSantis Blacklisting Republican Lawmakers—Pizzo Responds to DeSantis's State of the State Address—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

JUICE🍊—3.4.2025—Sine Die in Florida!—Casey DeSantis' run for Governor Looks Imminent—Much More..

Javier Manjarres — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:05:54 +0000

Casey DeSantis Continues to Raise Campaign Cash, Run for Office Appears Imminent

TALLAHASSEE— Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said that he believes First Lady Casey DeSantis would be a better governor than him if she ran for his job in 2026... Could the State of the State reveal the DeSantis political future?

Ron DeSantis- Congratulations to @SpaceX

on your recently announced plans to bring Starship operations to Florida.

With leading space companies—now including SpaceX—investing in the Free State of Florida, NASA should scrap their expensive new HQ in D.C. and consider moving to Florida as well.

Congressman Byron Donalds-The spread of Harmful Algal Blooms has destroyed fresh water ecosystems, disrupted communities, & has caused debilitating economic damage.

This is why I've introduced legislation to ensure affected communiti

Donalds Responds to Casey DeSantis Gubernatorial Run Rumors: 'Trump Makes Good Picks'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Casey DeSantis Continues to Raise Campaign Cash, Run for Office Appears Imminent—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Lee Introduces Bill Increasing Scrutiny and Transparency of DHS—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL) has introduced legislation to place the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under greater scrutiny and demand greater transparency.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Hails 'Huge Step' Trump Venezuelan Oil Sanction s—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

DeSantis to Accused Rapist Andrew Tate: 'Florida is Not a Place Where You're Welcome '—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis didn't know that right-wing podcaster Andrew Tate, facing rape and trafficking charges in Romania, was flying to Florida...

Cammack Introduces Bill to Defund NPR—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Kat Cammack has introduced legislation to defund National Public Radio, saying, "Federal funds shouldn't be available to NPR." Specifically, Rep. Cammack's bill...

Rubio Forecasts Trump Will Not Be 'Blackmailed' by Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—During a recent Fox News interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed his belief that, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US’ foreign...

Haridopolos Holds Hearing on Artemis Space Program and Future Missions—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Mike Haridopolos hosted a Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee hearing on the Artemis space program and future missions with George...

Rep. Michelle Salzman Named Combined Workgroup Manager on Hemp by Speaker Danny Perez—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida House Speaker Danny "Daniel" Perez on Wednesday named Rep. Michelle Salzman to lead a new Combined Workgroup...

Coral Gables' Kirk Menendez's Financial Management Skills Questioned—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—In a recent exposé, the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Association, a nonprofit organization led by Kirk Menendez, has come under...

Cruz Calls Out Democrats for Refusing to Support DOGE Initiative—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Ted Cruz appeared on Sean Hannity's show to discuss national political strategy and Democrats' appearing to not alter their ways, such as supporting...

Trump Reverses Biden's Venezuelan Oil Policy, Revokes Oil Licenses From Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Pressure is mounting on Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro as US President Donald Trump has cancelled former President Joe Biden’s...

The Juice is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Daniel Molina, and Michael Costeines

Rene Garcia

The post JUICE🍊—3.4.2025—Sine Die in Florida!—Casey DeSantis' run for Governor Looks Imminent—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

Last Squeeze🍊—3.3.2025—Former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart Passes Away at 70—U.S. Sanctions Chinese, Hong Kong Companies Building Iranian Drones—Much More...

Liv Caputo — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:34:45 +0000

Former Miami Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart Dies at 70

Former Miami Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart died Monday, according to a statement released by his family. He was 70. Lincoln Diaz-Balart had been diagnosed with cancer. His brother...READ MORE

FL Attorney General James Uthmeier: "Happy 180th birthday, Florida! Here’s to keeping our home safe, strong, and free."

FL Sen. Blaise Ingoglia: "Employers should be sued if one of their illegal immigrant hires injure or kill someone. Without this provision families are paying the price, not the people breaking the law."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz: "Great to meet with Chancellor Ray Rodrigues and @SUS_Florida representatives to discuss Florida’s universities, which have been ranked best in the nation. I’m committed to ensuring Florida schools get the resources they need to continue promoting academic excellence."

FL Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith: "Excited to be back in Tallahassee, this time as your voice in the Florida Senate, fighting to solve the real problems facing Floridians while defending freedom and equality for all!"

The Florida Capitol

The Last Squeeze is published by by Javier Manjarres, Liv Caputo, and Daniel Molina

Rene Garcia

The post Last Squeeze🍊—3.3.2025—Former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart Passes Away at 70—U.S. Sanctions Chinese, Hong Kong Companies Building Iranian Drones—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Lawmakers Denounce Maduro Threats Towards Machado

Mateo Guillamont — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:30:13 +0000

Conservative lawmakers in Washington have condemned Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s latest threats and repressive tactics against Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Machado recently reported Dictator Maduro sent undercover agents that attempted to break into her private residence in Caracas, Venezuela.

The agents, who arrived in a silver SUV without a license plate, allegedly threatened to arrest Machado’s neighbors as well as her home’s security guard.

Shortly following Machado’s alerts, Republican lawmakers publicly criticized the agents’ threats and intimidation attempts.

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Representative Maria Elvira-Salazar (R-FL), two long-time Machado supporters and allies, excoriated Maduro for sending the agents.

“Maduro and his thugs are so scared of losing power that they’re resorting to raiding Machado’s home and threatening her neighbors,” said Senator Scott. “This cruel behavior is a desperate attempt to distract from what the world already knows—he’s an illegitimate dictator whose days in power are numbered.”

Representative Salazar echoed Scott’s message and alluded to Maduro facing consequences for “playing with fire.”

“Only 24 hours have passed since the announcement to cancel Chevron's license in Venezuela & dictator Maduro has already sent his thugs to the house of Machado,” stated Salazar. “Her life is in danger like never before.”

Maduro’s threats against Machado occurred shortly after the latter supported President Donald Trump’s recent economic measures crippling Venezuela’s oil exports.

President Trump canceled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses earlier this week.

President Trump’s license cancellation effectively reimposes sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector that had been levied on Venezuela during Trump’s first term.

President Biden lifted such sanctions in the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Dictator Maduro that he would host free and fair elections.

Despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred Machado from participating in the same.

However, Machado invested her political capital into former Venezuelan Ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez, who subsequently won the presidential elections.

Subsequently, Gonzalez was forced to seek political asylum in Spain after the Maduro regime rejected the election results and threatened to arrest him.

The post Lawmakers Denounce Maduro Threats Towards Machado appeared first on The Floridian.

JUICE🍊—3.3.2025—FIU President Nuñez Continues Cracking Down on DEI and Antisemitism—Trump's Oil Sanctions—Much More..

Javier Manjarres — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:05:24 +0000

New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism

As Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is erased out of Washington through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), new Florida International President (FIU) Jeanette Nuñez is vowing to continue to eradicate the practice in her new role at the school...READ MORE

Rick Scott-No family should be put through this.

513 days - bring them all home!.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-This Women’s History Month, we honor all those courageous women who educate and inspire the next generation to fight for America’s highest ideals.

New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Hails 'Huge Step' Trump Venezuelan Oil Sanction s—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

florida capitol

For the People? TV Attorney John Morgan Launching New Political Party—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Orlando attorney and Democratic megadonor John Morgan recently announced he was forming a new political party amidst rumors that he's running for governor of Florida.

Danny Burgess Files Bill Establishing Pilot Program for Phone Free Schools—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) filed a bill on Wednesday that would direct the Florida Department of Education to start a pilot program to implement a policy prohibiting the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by students in school.

Poll: Majority of Americans Disagree with RFK Jr., Rubio Over Using Food Stamps to Buy Soft Drinks—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

The Juice is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Daniel Molina, and Michael Costeines

Rene Garcia

The post JUICE🍊—3.3.2025—FIU President Nuñez Continues Cracking Down on DEI and Antisemitism—Trump's Oil Sanctions—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Hails 'Huge Step' Trump Venezuelan Oil Sanctions

Mateo Guillamont — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:00:16 +0000

Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado commended President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector by revoking oil export licenses.

Machado made her comments during an interview with Donald Trump Jr where she discussed Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s repressive regime.

President Trump cancelled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses, effectively reimposing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector that had been levied during Trump’s first term.

Trump cited concerns regarding immigration enforcement and Dictator Maduro’s failure to permit free and fair elections as justifying the revocations.

“This is a huge step, and it sends a clear, firm message that Maduro is in huge trouble, and President Trump is with the Venezuelan people, with security, with freedom, with prosperity and peace for the whole region,” said Machado.

President Biden had granted the oil export licenses in the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Maduro he would host free and fair elections.

Despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred opposition leader Machado from participating in the same despite winning a landslide primary elections victory.

However, Machado invested her political capital into former Venezuelan Ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez, who subsequently won the presidential elections.

Subsequently, Gonzalez was forced to seek political asylum in Spain after the Maduro regime rejected the election results and threatened to arrest him.

Instead of Biden’s conciliatory approach, Trump’s cabinet and close allies, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have lobbied for a hardline strategy to Venezuela with the ultimate goal of a democratic transition rather than negotiating with Maduro to help the US economy.

“I send my gratitude to President Trump,” continued Machado. “This is the correct thing to do, its the right thing to do, the right moment to do it, and I am sure that this will have consequences in the very short term and I am very sure that the Venezuelan people feel right now secured that we are not alone.”

The post Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Hails 'Huge Step' Trump Venezuelan Oil Sanctions appeared first on The Floridian.

JUICE🍊—2.28.2025—John Morgan's Third Political Party—Soft Drinks and Food Stamps—Phone Free Schools?—Much More..

Javier Manjarres — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:05:34 +0000

Lay off my Coke! Most Americans Want Gov't to Allow Them to Buy Sodas With Food Stamps

Lay off my Coke! In the latest polling from Public Opinion Strategies, a majority of Americans, including Trump voters, support the usage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly referred to as food stamps) for soft drinks...READ MORE

Ron DeSantis-We re-established the Florida State Guard in 2022 to act as a force multiplier for state, local, and federal public safety and emergency response efforts. Today at Camp Blanding, I was proud to highlight their accomplishments and thank them for their service over the last two years.

They have exceeded our expectations and cemented themselves as an integral part of our state.

From search and rescue to disaster clean up, the @FLStateGuard has demonstrated immense value for the past three years. We look forward to the continued growth of our State Guard and all the good work they will do for our people

Blaise Ingoglia-My commitment to end illegal immigration DOES NOT STOP!!

Today, I filed SB 1498, a ZERO TOLERANCE anti-illegal immigration bill that holds employers accountable for adding to the destruction of our communities.

Sen. Jason Pizzo-Not sure where the time went, but I’m sure of this - tonight, I said goodbye to a tough, brave and loyal young man, who will give the @USMC his very best. He’s one of the few, and I’m one of the very proud. I love you, Jack.

florida capitol

Poll: Majority of Americans Disagree with RFK Jr., Rubio Over Using Food Stamps to Buy Soft Drinks—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

Nikki Fried

Fried Blasts Byron Donalds After Florida Governor Announcement—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried criticized U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds on Tuesday after he formally announced his Florida governor run.

DeSantis Brushes Off Donalds' Run for Governor, Wants to Focus on 2024 Election—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Following rumors that Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis might run for governor, Gov. Ron DeSantis declined to comment Wednesday on Byron Donalds' newly launched bid to succeed him, claiming he's more focused on creating results from the 2024 elections.

Sen. Joe Gruters Files Bill to Rename Tamiami Trail to ‘Gulf of America' Trail—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) filed a bill on Monday to rename part of U.S. Highway 41 between S.R. 60 and U.S. 1, commonly known as Tamiami Trail, to the "Gulf of America Trail", following suit with the Trump administration's namesake of the new "Gulf of America" across the country.

Donalds Introduces Bill to Abolish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) is introducing legislation to abolish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), accusing the Bureau of being "a left-wing tool to stifle domestic economic growth, target political opponents, and prevent the development of competition."

Poll: Property Insurance Costs Remain Top Issue for Florida Voters—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Rubio Expands Visa Restrictions For Cubans Affiliated With Forced Labor Exports—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Marco Rubio’s 2007 Property Tax Plan Laid Groundwork for DeSantis' New Goal—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Nearly two decades before becoming President Donald Trump's Secretary of State, then-Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio laid the groundwork...

Pro-Life Florida Senator Refiles Controversial Fetal Wrongful Death Bill—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—The Florida Senate's leading pro-life advocate, Erin Grall, refiled a controversial bill on Wednesday that would expand the state's wrongful death statute...

Trump Treasury Department Constricts Iran's 'Ghost Fleet'—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump’s Treasury Department, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has announced a series of measures tightening sanctions on Iran’s illicit...

Blaise Ingoglia Files Amendment to Freeze Property Taxes Against Homes Affected by Natural Disasters—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Sen. Blaise Ingoglia filed a proposed amendment on Tuesday that would authorize the legislature to freeze in place...

Rep. Jeff Holcomb Files Bill Allowing Off-Duty LEO to Conceal Carry at Sporting Events—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Rep. Jeff Holcomb filed a bill on Tuesday that would allow off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons or firearms...

Bilirakis Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill Preventing Medicaid Payments to the Deceased—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Gus Bilirakis has reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Representative Angie Craig to prevent Medicaid capitation...

Van Duyne Defends Elon Musk's DOGE Initiative, Role in White House—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Representative Beth Van Duyne held a press conference just outside the Capitol on Tuesday and defended President Donald Trump and Elon Musk...

House Republicans Planning Official IIlegal Immigration Enforcement Trip to Guantanamo Bay—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The House Armed Services Committee is quietly planning an official congressional trip to the U.S. Naval base in Guantanamo...

The Juice is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Daniel Molina, and Michael Costeines

Rene Garcia

The post JUICE🍊—2.28.2025—John Morgan's Third Political Party—Soft Drinks and Food Stamps—Phone Free Schools?—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

Last Squeeze🍊—2.27.2025—Trump Revokes Maduro Oil Licenses—DeSantis Says Andrew Tate 'Not Welcome' in Florida—Much More...

Liv Caputo — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:12:45 +0000

Trump Reverses Biden's Venezuelan Oil Policy, Revokes Oil Licenses From Maduro

Pressure is mounting on Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro as US President Donald Trump has cancelled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses. President Trump’s license cancellation...READ MORE

Rep. Jared Moskowitz: "Massie wears a debt clock, he is the @FlavorFlav of Congress."

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: "I nor the task force were given or reviewed the Epstein documents being released today… A NY Post story just revealed that the documents will simply be Epstein's phonebook. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment."

Sen. Rick Scott: "On my way to the White House for a Senate @DOGE Caucus meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and @ElonMusk."

FL Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith: "Public-private partnerships are critical to ensuring taxpayer-funded tourism promotion truly aligns w/industry needs + efficiently uses public dollars."

The Florida Capitol

DeSantis to Accused Rapist Andrew Tate: 'Florida is Not a Place Where You're Welcome'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis didn't know that right-wing podcaster Andrew Tate, facing rape and trafficking charges in Romania, was flying to Florida...

The Last Squeeze is published by by Javier Manjarres, Liv Caputo, and Daniel Molina

Rene Garcia

The post Last Squeeze🍊—2.27.2025—Trump Revokes Maduro Oil Licenses—DeSantis Says Andrew Tate 'Not Welcome' in Florida—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Trump Reverses Biden's Venezuelan Oil Policy, Revokes Oil Licenses From Maduro

Mateo Guillamont — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 14:30:25 +0000

Pressure is mounting on Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro as US President Donald Trump has cancelled former President Joe Biden’s Venezuelan oil export licenses.

President Trump’s license cancellation effectively reimposes sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector that had been levied on Venezuela during Trump’s first term.

Such sanctions were lifted by President Biden in the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Dictator Maduro he would host free and fair elections.

Despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from participating in the same.

However, Machado invested her political capital into former Venezuelan Ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez, who subsequently won the presidential elections.

Subsequently, Gonzalez was forced to seek political asylum in Spain after the Maduro regime rejected the election results and threatened to arrest him.

“We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave to Nicolás Maduro, of Venezuela, on the oil transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022, and also having to do with Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not been met by the Maduro regime,” stated Trump.

Trump’s cabinet and close allies, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have lobbied for a hardline approach to Venezuela with the ultimate goal of a democratic transition rather than negotiating with Maduro to help the US economy.

Trump had also alluded shortly after his November election victory that he would seek to end Venezuelan exports of oil to the US.

“We have more energy than anybody else. We're going to use it. We don't have to buy energy from Venezuela when we have 50 times more than they do. It's just insane what we're doing,” said Trump.

Venezuelan government officials criticized the oil export restriction, claiming that “in reality the US is self-inflicting damage to its people and businesses.”

Florida Republicans Maria Elvira-Salazar, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Carlos Gimenez released a joint statement commending Trump’s license revocation.

“When it comes to defending the cause of freedom in illegitimate regimes like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, there is no greater ally than President Donald J. Trump,” reads the statement.

“President Trump is keeping his promise. The days of appeasing regimes that are hostile to the United States, coddling dictators, and sidelining our national security interests are over,“ continued the Florida lawmakers.

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Rubio Forecasts Trump Will Not Be 'Blackmailed' by Maduro

Mateo Guillamont — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:45:16 +0000

During a recent Fox News interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed his belief that, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US’ foreign policy towards Venezuela and Dictator Nicolas Maduro will be stricter than in previous years.

Secretary Rubio’s interview follows his efforts to broker an agreement where Venezuela agreed to accept deported Venezuelan illegal immigrants from the US as well as release six American hostages.

Rubio rejected critic’s arguments that negotiating with the Venezuelan regime legitimized its autocratic rule, stating that Venezuela has a legal obligation to accept its repatriated nationals.

“Remember, Venezuela stopped taking migration flights, deportations, because they wanted to blackmail Joe Biden,” said Rubio.

Conversely, Rubio assured “President Trump is not going to be blackmailed.”

Shortly after Rubio’s statements, Trump announced the revocation of Venezuelan oil export licenses due to Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro’s refusal to host free and fair elections and cooperate in illegal immigrant deportation flights.

President Biden granted the licenses as part of the ‘Barbados Agreement’ in exchange for assurances from Dictator Maduro he would host free and fair elections.

The licenses effectively lifted sanctions imposed by Trump on Venezuela during his first presidency.

Yet, despite promises of allowing free and fair elections, the Venezuelan regime barred opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from participating in the same.

However, Machado invested her political capital into former Venezuelan Ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez, who subsequently won the presidential elections.

Subsequently, Gonzalez was forced to seek political asylum in Spain after the Maduro regime rejected the election results and threatened to arrest him.

Consequently, Trump ordered the sanctions relief enjoyed by Venezuela in the form of oil licenses to end as of March 1st.

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Cherfilus McCormick Argues Against Removal of TPS Status for Haitians

Grayson Bakich — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 15:00:13 +0000

Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL) issued a statement after the Trump Administration announced they would rescind Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitians in the United States, urging reversal.

On Thursday, the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced that TPS extensions for Haitians in the United States would be rescinded on August 3rd, 2025.

The decision vacated a Biden-Harris Administration decision to extend TPS for Haitians by 18 months, which DHS called "far longer than justified or necessary."

"Biden and Mayorkas attempted to tie the hands of the Trump administration by extending Haiti's Temporary Protected Status by 18 months—far longer than justified or necessary. We are returning integrity to the TPS system, which has been abused and exploited by illegal aliens for decades. President Trump and Secretary Noem are returning TPS to its original status: temporary," a DHS spokeswoman said.

In her response, Rep. Cherfilus McCormick argued that the potential removal of 500,000 workers would affect the economy, as the Haitians living in the U.S. under TPS are also taxpayers.

"The abrupt removal of nearly half a million workers will have an immense and irreparable impact on businesses across the country and our economy at large. Haitians with TPS status legally work and pay taxes in the U.S. Across the country, they have strengthened our workforce, supporting our airports, our hospitals, our small businesses, and our schools. This decision will jeopardize our national security and significantly affect and damage the economies of numerous communities nationwide. I urge the administration to revisit and reverse this decision," Rep. Cherfilus McCormick said.

In addition to Haiti, the Trump Administration has announced the removal of TPS status for 500,000 Venezuelans in the United States, which has provoked a response from several Republicans.

Florida Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R), Mario Diaz-Balart (R), Maria Elvira Salazar (R), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), and Weston Commissioner Fabio Andrade are among the locals who also disagree with ending TPS, arguing that law-abiding Venezuelans should not be deported.

Moreover, experts argued that toughening sanctions on the regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela would only encourage more to flee the country, rendering the efforts to remove those in the United States pointless.

The post Cherfilus McCormick Argues Against Removal of TPS Status for Haitians appeared first on The Floridian.

Trump Administration Revoking TPS for Venezuelans Sparks Outrage Among Lawmakers

Daniel Molina — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:45:06 +0000

The Trump Administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 500,000 Venezuelans has sparked outrage among South Florida lawmakers and activists who argue that sending exiles back to Nicolás Maduro’s regime will only worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis, while experts argue this would increase migration.

Repatriation flights to Venezuela resumed on February 10th, raising concerns about broader U.S. policy towards Venezuela.

Many Republicans are calling for a return to the "maximum pressure" strategy that President Donald Trump (R) promoted during his first term. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Clever-Carone have voiced a similar hardline approach, but critics argue that returning to the “maximum pressure” approach would only cripple the Venezuelan economy without achieving regime change.

Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras, who's expressed disagreement with ending TPS, believes that the U.S. should continue to "apply pressure" while noting the complexity of the situation.

"The most recent pressure campaign was not effective in getting political change in Venezuela, but neither was the easing of sanctions," Vice Mayor Porras told The Floridian in an exclusive interview. "Regardless, we should continue to apply the pressure on Venezuela."

University of Colorado economist Francisco Rodriguez found that reinstating maximum pressure sanctions could drive 1 million more Venezuelans to flee over the next five years. His study further suggests that 4 million Venezuelans would have remained in their country had U.S. sanctions not been imposed.

Rodriguez, in a recent op-ed for The Hill, argued that returning to the strategy “would do nothing more than punish millions of Venezuelans who should not bear the burden for Maduro’s atrocities.”

“Rather than weaken Maduro,” Rodriguez wrote in the op-ed, “sanctions have strengthened his position, enabling his concentration of power and consolidation of ties with America’s adversaries. As U.S. companies have exited Venezuela, they have been replaced by actors from China, Russia and Iran, further entrenching Maduro’s regime and reducing U.S. influence in the region.”

Similarly, Venezuelan professor Luis Pedro España warns that resuming oil-related sanctions could dramatically increase poverty, echoing the conditions from 2017 to 2020, when 94% of Venezuelans lived in poverty and 2.5 million households fell into economic despair.

Florida Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R), Mario Diaz-Balart (R), Maria Elvira Salazar (R), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), and Weston Commissioner Fabio Andrade are among the locals who also disagree with ending TPS.

Rep. Gimenez has urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to ensure Venezuelans fleeing communism receive protection, emphasizing that not all Venezuelans should be stigmatized due to criminal elements like the Tren de Aragua gang. Rep. Diaz-Balart has similarly pressed Secretary Noem to prevent the forced return of Venezuelans without criminal records to a "repressive dictatorship."

"The majority of Americans agree on the need to secure our borders and to remove immigrants that are breaking the law and are burdening our systems," Vice Mayor Porras told The Floridian. "Passing the Venezuelan Adjustment Act would help fix temporary solutions like TPS by providing law abiding Venezuelans already in the U.S. a path to permanent residency," she added.

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Haridopolos Praises House Passage of Protecting American Energy Production Act

Grayson Bakich — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 14:00:51 +0000

Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) released a statement in response to the Protecting American Energy Production Act passing the House of Representatives, saying, "House Republicans are fighting to unleash our energy wealth and ensure American energy dominance."

The Protecting American Energy Production Act was initially introduced by Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC) in February 2023 and prohibits the President of the United States from unilaterally declaring a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (AKA fracking) without Congressional approval, which passed the House during the 118th Congress in March 2024.

At the beginning of January, Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) reintroduced the bill.

In his press release, Rep. Haridopolos bashed the Biden Administration's repeated kneecapping of domestic energy production, saying, "Over the last four years, the Biden administration waged a war on American energy, driving up costs and forcing us to rely on foreign oil and gas from communist dictatorships like Venezuela."

In 2023, President Biden partially lifted economic sanctions on Venezuela, granting a six-month general license that temporarily authorized transactions in the Venezuelan oil and gas sectors and a second general license that authorized the operations of state-owned Minerven, a previously sanctioned gold mining company that had been forced to operate on the black market.

The lift came with the condition that the regime of dictator Nicolas Maduro ensure that the upcoming elections in his country be free, fair, and observed by international third parties. However, the promise was broken in July 2024 when Maduro stole the election with widespread evidence of fraud.

More recently, just before leaving office, Biden issued a sweeping ban on all future offshore drilling on both coasts, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the North Bering Sea in Alaska. ABC News reported that Trump's vows to reverse this last-minute moratorium will be difficult to enact due to Biden's use of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which makes such bans permanent if issued by the executive.

As a result, Rep. Haridopolos continued, "With the passage of Rep. Pfluger's Protecting American Energy Production Act, House Republicans are fighting to unleash our energy wealth and ensure American energy dominance."

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JUICE🍊—2.7.2025—Florida Democratic Party Leadership in Shambles—Animal Cruelty, Tolls, Rubio, Buchanan—Much More..

Javier Manjarres — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:00:44 +0000

Do Florida Democrats Have Leaders or Pied Pipers?

With Florida Republicans having such a huge advantage over Florida Democrats in just about every category when it comes to voter registration, election night victories, and momentum, is the current Florida Democratic leadership team destined for failure?.... READ MORE

Secretary Marco Rubio-The seizure of this Venezuelan aircraft, used for evading U.S. sanctions and money laundering, is a powerful example of our resolve to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable for its illegal actions. With the Dominican Republic and our regional partners, we will continue to counteract any scheme to evade U.S. sanctions

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-DeSantis abandoned almost 400,000 Venezuelans in Florida with his silence on Trump’s reversal of TPS.

He’s letting our friends and neighbors get sent to a violent dictator.

Rep. Vern Buchanan-Pleased to see the House pass the HALT Fentanyl Act to crack down on fentanyl, which killed nearly 75,000 Americans in 2023.

The bill mirrors my bill, the FIGHT Fentanyl Act, which permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs.

florida capitol

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President Donald Trump/ The Floridian

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Juice is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Liv Caputo, and Daniel Molina

Rene Garcia

The post JUICE🍊—2.7.2025—Florida Democratic Party Leadership in Shambles—Animal Cruelty, Tolls, Rubio, Buchanan—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

'Abused by Biden': DeSantis Sides With Trump on Ending Protections for Venezuelan Migrants

Liv Caputo — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:01:18 +0000

Gov. Ron DeSantis supports President Donald Trump's decision to eliminate protections guarding Venezuelans from deportation, the Florida Governor announced Wednesday.

While Trump has faced pushback from within for planning to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, DeSantis told onlookers at a Miami press conference that the president "is getting the law right" by restricting how many non-citizens are in the country.

"TPS was abused by Biden...He did not have the authority to [grant TPS] under those circumstances," DeSantis said Wednesday. "I think President Trump is getting the law right. He's gonna get control over who is in this country.

"If you're a U.S. citizen and you come from another country and you're naturalized, you're every bit as American as anybody else. But just coming without process or without legality, that has got to end," DeSantis added.

TPS, however, is a legal status—at least temporarily. The federal government designates certain wartorn or disaster-struck countries for TPS and then allows some migrants from those countries to legally live and work within the United States for a period.

But on Wednesday, Trump announced that TPS would be revoked for more than 300,000 Venezuelans on April 2. Temporarily allowing these migrants to stay "is contrary to the national interest of the United States," reads the Department of Homeland Security memo.

And though Reps. Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart, and the Miami-Dade Commission have opposed the mass deportation of Venezuelans with TPS, asking instead for a case-by-case review, DeSantis remains in strong support of the president and is confident in his relationship with the Venezuelan community.

"I think they see a lot of things similar to how I do and President Trump does because they've seen leftist oppression up close," he said, referring to '90s dictator Hugo Chavez.

Under authoritarian Nicolas Maduro, scores of Venezuelans are fleeing the collapsing nation. This led Joe Biden to first classify Venezuela for TPS in 2023, and then extend TPS to over a million more immigrants—600,000 of which were Venezuelan—days before he left office.

DeSantis called it an incentive, alleging Biden was "giving TPS, saying, 'Come here!'"

The eighteen-month extension would have allowed beneficiaries to retain TPS through October 2026. Now, they face deportation in two months.

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Rubio’s Trip to DR Puts a Spotlight on Problematic Dominican-U.S. Relationship

Javier Manjarres — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:15:07 +0000

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to the Dominican Republic this week highlights not only the close relationship between the two countries but the nexus between South Florida Republican politics and the Dominican neighbors to the south.
Yet amid the pomp and circumstance that accompany an official state visit, open questions remain about what kind of ally the United States in Dominican President Luis Abinader.

If history is any lesson, Abinader will help the Trump administration secure some early symbolic victories without making any substantive progress at addressing the real problems in his country.

First and foremost, the Dominican Republic is a major transit hub for drug trafficking – it’s the cocaine capital of the Caribbean.

There are almost daily headlines in the DR about record amounts of drugs seized by government authorities. But due to pervasive corruption in the country, for every kilo seized, untold amounts are allowed to reach their final destination – the United States.

The Biden administration did little to address this problem. Border Czar Tom Homan identified this crisis in the Caribbean – America’s “third border” where “Dominican narco-traffickers have exploited our weak immigration system and set up strongholds in the Northeastern U.S.”

As Homan noted, “When officials at the highest levels of our government create the border crisis, then go easy on countries that contribute to the problems, it is American citizens who ultimately suffer.”

Fortunately, President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made it clear that it’s a new day. An America First foreign policy will not tolerate surface-level posturing from leaders like Luis Abinader.

Yet due to the longstanding ties of Rubio and others in the South Florida community, there is a natural disposition to continue to blindly support Abinader and not ask the real questions.

When the Dominicans needed to signal to the Biden administration they were tough on Venezuela, authorities seized a plane that Nicolas Maduro used for his drug trade.
Yet no one has asked why the Dominican Republic allows its runways to be clogged with Maduro’s drug aircraft. Indeed – a second plane continues to sit in a Dominican hangar, likely until Abinader cashes it in as another political stunt.

Rubio and the new administration should not fall for this. Connie Mack, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represented Florida’s 14th congressional district, recently wrote that while the Biden administration praised the DR as a “democratic bright spot,” Abinader allowed his “country’s runways and airports to be central to Maduro’s cocaine drug trafficking superhighway to the United States and Europe.”

So while Samantha Power steered $100 million to the Dominican Republic, President Trump has allowed Elon Musk and DOGE to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Dominicans have to be looking at this development nervously, as the U.S. has given the Caribbean nation nearly $700 million in the past ten years.

But several members of Congress – including former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Representative Troy Nehls – have urged the State Department to answer what exactly the United States is getting by sending hundreds of millions to the Dominican Republic.

After all, the drug trade is alive and well in the DR, and its related issues of human trafficking and sex trafficking continue to be thriving industries.

Worse yet – Representatives Nehls and McCaul identified that the programs funded by American taxpayers are being misused by Abinader’s government, whose weaponization of the justice system has targeted American citizens and legal permanent residents.

As President Trump recently stated, “Latin America needs us much more than we need them.”

This couldn’t be truer for the Dominican Republic, which should not receive additional foreign assistance until their President is going to seriously tackle the drug trade and stop the use of lawfare in his country.

Until that happens, Secretary Rubio and his allies will need to move past their predisposition to support the Dominican Republic and not elevate a false ally like Luis Abinader.

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Cava Reacts After Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protective Status to Venezuelans

Michael Costeines — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:07:43 +0000

MIAMI - Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava reacted on Friday after the Trump administration revoked a Biden-era decision that protected roughly 600,000 people from Venezuela from deportations.

"Time and again, we have stood with the Venezuelan community as they rallied against the brutal Maduro regime," Cava said. "Now is not the time to turn our backs on those following the process to be in our country legally. We must protect our border but this will only deepen the crisis."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) notice effective immediately. Former Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas extended TPS to 600,000 Venezuelans and about 230,000 Salvadorans for another 18 months in the final days of the Biden administration.

The previous notice allowed TPS protections to Venezuelans until October 2026. The new notice reverts to two separate designations that expire in April and September.

Noem, the former Governor of South Dakota, has until Saturday to decide what to do about the group whose protections expire in April. She then will have until July 12 to decide on the group whose protections end in September.

Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country over the past decade under the dictatorial regime of President Nicolas Maduro. While most have settled in Latin America and the Caribbean, some have migrated to the United States, including South Florida.

TPS was established by Congress in 1990. The act allows temporary immigration status to nationals of specifically designated countries, like Venezuela, suffering from natural disasters or civil conflicts.

Per a report, over 100,000 Venezuelans live in Miami-Dade, and over 50,000 live in Broward County to the north. About 47% of the Venezuelan population in the United States lives in Florida, far more than any other state.

President Trump made immigration policy a pillar of his 2024 campaign. On his first day in office, the president signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border.

Trump also reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" program, further cementing his hardline stance on border security.

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Trump Frees 6 American Hostages Held in Venezuela

Javier Manjarres — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 01:29:40 +0000

President Donald Trump has announced that after sending Envoy for Special Missions Ric Grenell to personally deliver a message to Dictator Nicolas Maduro, demanding the release of Americans being detained in Venezuela, 6 "hostages" were released and flew back with Grenell.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quick to respond to President Trump's announcement of the hostage release on social media, stating, "This is what @POTUS’ America First leadership accomplishes. Welcome home!"

U.S. HOSTAGES RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY IN VENEZUELA @RichardGrenell bringing American citizens home after diplomatic trip.

Thank you President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and everyone involved in making this happen pic.twitter.com/hvVkxjxDYf

— Adam Collett (@AdamCollettX) February 1, 2025

This story is developing...

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