DeSantis Questions Efficacy, Payments of Flu Shot: Not a 'Stellar Record'

While lambasting the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned how effective flu shots are and whether physicians push them in return for compensation. His comments...READ MORE

FL Sen. Ben Albritton: "We all want the very best for our seniors. Nursing home safety and quality of care is critical. I appreciate Senator @ColleenLBurton bringing forward SB 170, which will help us understand resident and family member satisfaction with the care provided by nursing homes."

FL First Lady Casey DeSantis: "Today, @GovRonDeSantis, @FLSurgeonGen, and I called on the Florida Legislature to make permanent the prohibitions against the COVID mRNA vaccine mandate."

FL Rep. Fentrice Driskell: "Checking in from Tallahassee on Day 2 of the 2025 Legislative Session! This week, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with organizations and advocates, including HEF, Palm Beach County Business and Non-Profit Leaders, and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents."

Rep. Maxwell Frost: "We just walked out of the state of the Union. My shirt showed Trump an important message: NO KINGS LIVE HERE."

Of Note: International risk management firm Forward Global recently held a launch party for its new Miami office at the Mr. C hotel in Coconut Grove.

Head of office Jose Mallea, a former Marco Rubio campaign manager, hosted Miami Mayor Francis Suarez; Christina Crespi, executive director of the Miami Downtown Development Authority; Florida state Rep. David Borrero; County Commission Vice Chair Keone McGhee; former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez; Alex Rodriguez Roig, CEO of Boys and Girls Club Miami; Adam Mehl; and “Disrupt” podcast host Tony Delgado, among others.

Texas Rep. Green to File Impeachment Articles Against Trump After Outburst During Address—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Representative Al Green spoke to the media following his removal from the House Chamber during President Donald Trump...

Trump Imposes Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, Warns of Further Action—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports while increasing current tariffs on Chinese goods...

Patronis, Pizzo Scathe U.S. House Democrats for Antics During Trump's Address—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Chief Financial Officer and Congressional District 1 Republican congressional nominee Jimmy Patronis spoke to The Floridian regarding...

Suspected Terrorist Who Killed 13 US Troops Extradited to US—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—The US Department of Justice has announced the charging and extradition of terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” for helping orchestrate...

Overwhelming Majority of Joint Session Viewers Approve of Trump's Speech—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Polls measuring viewers’ reactions to President Donald Trump’s recent joint address to Congress are signaling overwhelming support for...

Leek, Cassel Push Strengthening Anti-BDS Law in Support of Israel—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Hillary Cassel recently filed bills to show Florida's support for the Jewish State by expanding the state's existing anti-Boycott...

Rep. Porras Announces Filing of Bill Strengthening HOA Regulations—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Rep. Juan Carlos Porras announced the filing of HB 983, a legislation designed to reform Florida's Homeowners Association by enhancing enforcement...

BlackRock Reaches Panama Canal Deal—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—A group of U.S. investors led by BlackRock has agreed to acquire majority stakes in two key ports at either end of the Panama Canal, which was previously controlled by Hong Kong...

Buchanan's Chronic Disease Coverage Bill Passes House—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Vern Buchanan's Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act has passed the House of Representatives and will now go to the Senate. The bipartisan bill, which...

Florida Tops U.S. States in Education, Economy: Report—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida was listed as the best state in the country for education and the economy in 2024, according to U.S. News and World Report. The report found the Sunshine...

Slot Machines Over Stallions? Florida’s Horse Racing Future Is at Risk—Opinion—Over the past few months, there has been much anxiety in the Thoroughbred racing community about legislation working its way through Tallahassee that would strip Florida...

DeSantis Questions Efficacy, Payments of Flu Shot: Not a 'Stellar Record'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—While lambasting the Covid vaccine on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned how effective flu shots are and whether physicians push them in return...

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

The post Last Squeeze🍊—3.5.2025—DeSantis Questions Flu Shots—Green to File Impeachment Articles—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

A group of U.S. investors led by BlackRock has agreed to acquire majority stakes in two key ports at either end of the Panama Canal, which was previously controlled by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The $22.8 billion deal, which includes dozens of other ports worldwide, comes amid heightened concerns from the Trump administration over China's alleged influence in the region.

The acquisition addresses national security fears raised by President Donald Trump (R) and other U.S. officials who argue that China’s involvement in the Panama Canal is a threat.

The two terminals—Balboa on the Pacific side and Cristóbal on the Atlantic—handled 40% of all container traffic passing through the canal in 2024.

Since coming into office, President Trump has repeatedly expressed concerns that China could restrict American-bound shipping, and in recent months, he even suggested taking military control of the canal, arguing that the U.S. “foolishly gave it away.”

With the deal now in place, state Senator Nick DiCeglie (R) championed the decision, emphasizing its significance for U.S. foreign policy.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was asked about deal shortly after his 2025 State of the State address in Tallahassee.

“I think strategically getting China out of there is good. It’s good for the United States,” he affirmed Citing that it would’ve otherwise helped China “gain a strategic advantage over the United States,” the state senator added that “anytime we can reverse those trends, especially in the Panama Canal, it is good for American foreign policy.”

CK Hutchison, a global port operator controlled by billionaire Li Ka-shing, had faced pressure from U.S. and Panamanian officials to divest from the Panama ports. Though the company initially considered legal action to resist external pressure, the offer from BlackRock was ultimately too lucrative to decline. It earned CK Hutchison an estimated $19 billion in cash after adjustments for minority interests.

The deal is part of a broader geopolitical effort by the U.S. to limit China's global reach in strategic shipping routes. Panama, which had previously joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has since withdrawn from the program and is working to ensure the neutrality of its critical infrastructure.

The post BlackRock Reaches Panama Canal Deal appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Al Green (D-TX) has been kicked out of the House chamber during President Donald Trump's (R) address to the joint session of Congress.

Almost immediately, Rep. Green stood up and began heckling President Trump, and after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) reminded Rep. Green to keep decorum, Green heckled again and again, leading the Sergeant of Arms to remove Green.

President Trump then scorned the Democrats, saying he could cure tumultuous diseases, provide the greatest economy ever, or perform superhuman events, and they still wouldn't cheer for him or his administration.

During the broadcast, Democrats on the left side of the aisle were shown holding small placards saying things such as "Musk Steals," "That's a Lie," "Save Medicaid," and other phrases in defiance.

One of the biggest jeers from Democrats came when President Trump described former President Joe Biden (D) as one of the worst Commanders-in-Chiefs in history. He also called out the Democrats for attempting to keep him from returning to the Oval Office through lawfare.

Vice President JD Vance (R) was seen smiling throughout the fanfare and was physically motioning for hecklers to get out of the chamber.

This speech from President Trump comes just days after his spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The post BREAKING: Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green Kicked Out of Trump's Address to Congress appeared first on The Floridian.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussed the fallout from Friday's tense meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a recent appearance on Fox News, saying the latter was "not ready to talk peace at all," yet "time is not on his side."

In addition, Waltz called the communication breakdown "ridiculous and unacceptable," as Zelenskyy's apparent disinterest in ending the Russia-Ukraine war is a disservice, as "the American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited, and our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited."

"So the time to talk is now, and what we are hearing in terms of alternatives, whether it is the Democrats or leaders around the world, is essentially continuing this grinding, World War I-style trench warfare that is a meatgrinder of people, munitions, and national treasure. The President campaigned on ending this war, he was elected to end this war. He will be the peacemaker in chief," Waltz continued.

Co-host Bill Hemmer noted that the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union are drafting various terms to ensure the war ends and peace is maintained, asking if Russian President Vladimir Putin has felt enough pressure to come forward for peace talks.

Waltz answered that remained to be "tested, but what we do not have right now is President Zelenskyy saying, 'I am ready to take the steps necessary and have the conversations necessary and make the compromises necessary to end the fighting and go to a ceasefire."

Moreover, Waltz suggested terms for at least a temporary ceasefire before Friday's debacle. Still, if Zelenskyy is truly ready to end the war, "we need to hear that latter piece from Zelenskyy, and we need to hear it publicly."

Co-host Dana Perino further asked if a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine would be reached between Trump and Zelenskyy or another leader. Waltz said that "what happened Friday really put that up in the air," yet to end the war, "both sides are going to have to make compromises."

The post Waltz Says 'Time is Not On Zelenskyy's Side' After Peace Talk Kerfuffle with Trump appeared first on The Floridian.

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!"

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

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.

Trump, Vance get into Heated Exchange with Zelenskyy in the White House

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the White House and sat down with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance as negotiations between the United States...READ MORE

Secretary Marco Rubio: "Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!"

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: "JD was the right pick."

Rep. Jared Moskowitz: "The Ukrainian people and President Zelenskyy have been valiantly defending their country for 3 years from Russia’s murderous, unprovoked invasion. America cannot walk away from our ally or pretend that Putin is not to blame for this war."

Rep. Maxwell Frost: "Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson was unapologetic, courageous, and a force for good like no other. Her spirit will live on in the work she championed and in all of us that she inspired. May she rest in power."

'When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take it': Casey DeSantis Fuels Governor Rumors—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Cryptically quoting a famous baseball player, Florida's First Lady suggested on Friday that she might run to replace her husband, Gov...

Rep. Wyman Duggan Files Bill to Fight Against Fake Sexual Images—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville) filed a bill on Wednesday to protect Florida individuals against victimization over fake sexual...

Dunn Urges RFK Jr. to Revoke Biden-Era Medicare, Medicaid Policies Targeting Florida—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Neal Dunn spearheaded a recent letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him...

Trump, Vance get into Heated Exchange with Zelenskyy in the White House—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy entered the White House and sat down with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance...

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

The post Last Squeeze🍊—2.28.2025—'Disrespected' Trump Cancels Zelenskyy Peace Talks—Casey DeSantis Suggests Run for Governor—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Cryptically quoting a famous baseball player, Florida's First Lady suggested on Friday that she might run to replace her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis.

First Lady DeSantis, a former reporter, invoked baseball legend Yogi Berra in her response to a question at a Miami press conference Friday morning asking if she was considering a gubernatorial bid.

"To quote the late great Yogi Berra: ‘When you come to a fork in the road, take it,'" DeSantis said before quickly taking a seat. When asked what the Berra quote means in terms of the race, the governor offered a coy reply on his wife's behalf:

"I think she's leaving that to the imagination and to start talking about good old Yogi Berra, because he's had a lot of very perceptive comments," smiled the governor, a former baseball player himself. "He said if people don't wanna come to the ballpark, no one's gonna stop them."

The DeSantises' response came amid a storm of speculation that the First Lady plans to challenge the Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for the Republican nomination. Last week, The Floridian first reported that Gov. DeSantis planned to travel to D.C. to lobby President Trump to not endorse Donalds. He hoped he'd consider his wife, Casey, instead.

Hours later, Trump seemingly bucked the Florida governor by publicly urging Donalds to run for the 2026 seat.

DeSantis began to critique his forecasted successor, claiming Donalds hasn't been part of "any of the victories over the left" in Florida because he was busy "campaigning in other states"—another shot across the bow at the Congressman's recent controversy over not showing up to vote on a House bill.

He indirectly contrasted Trump's candidate with Florida's First Lady, gushing over her "dedication to conservatism." DeSantis told onlookers earlier this week that Republican commentator Rush Limbaugh had claimed the First Lady would be the only governor better than DeSantis.

Four days after the Trump endorsement, Donalds jumped into the race. DeSantis has since declined to comment on Donalds' position in the race, though he and his wife delivered the strongest suggestion that she was considering a run on Friday.

"You guys can read into that...I've had people coming up to me for years, begging to get her in the fray," the Florida governor chuckled on Friday, stepping up to the podium. He praised his wife's "rock solid values," noting that some who serve a "lifetime" haven't made as much of a political impact as the First Lady.

Yogi Berra was a former New York Yankees catcher, manager, and coach who played for 19 seasons. He won 10 World Series championships and was infamously known for his "Yogi-isms," often described as "comically wise" and "paradoxical." The "fork in the road" saying was first printed in his 1998 book "The Yogi Book: I Really Didn't Say Everything I Said!"

Though it's widely interpreted to mean taking action is better than no choice at all, Berra said the quote came from giving his friend directions to his house.

The post 'When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take it': Casey DeSantis Fuels Governor Rumors appeared first on The Floridian.

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."

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

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.

Gov. Ron DeSantis didn't know that right-wing podcaster Andrew Tate, facing rape and trafficking charges in Romania, was flying to Florida until he read about it in the media Thursday morning.

And the Florida Governor, who's taken a strong stance against sexual crimes throughout his two terms, is not pleased.

"I have confidence that whether it's [U.S. Attorney General] Pam Bondi or [Secretary of Homeland Security] Kristi Noem, that they will be looking at [rebuffing Tate's entry]," DeSantis said at a Thursday morning press conference in Starke, before noting that while the issue is a federal one, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is looking into what "state hooks and jurisdiction" the Sunshine State may have.

"The reality is no, Florida is not a place where you're welcome with that type of conduct," DeSantis continued. "I don't know how it came to this. We were not involved, and we were not notified."

Uthmeier has since partnered with state law enforcement to conduct a "preliminary inquiry," promising to hold the alleged criminals accountable if their supposed crimes "trigger Florida jurisdiction," he said on social media.

The New York Times reported early Thursday that British-American influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate boarded a flight to Florida from Romania, where they've been held since 2022 on charges of rape, human trafficking, money laundering, and starting an organized crime group. They've denied all wrongdoing.

Prosecutors lifted a travel ban on the brothers allegedly after President Donald Trump's administration asked Romanian authorities to ease restrictions on Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist who garnered a mass following for his "alpha male" views, podcast, and book, unsurprisingly titled "The Way of Alpha." Romania's Foreign Ministry denies any U.S. pressure in the lifted ban.

The brothers, who landed in Fort Lauderdale around 11 a.m., are expected to head back to Romania for their next court appearance on March 24, their defense lawyer told CNN.

The older, more well-known, and more criminally accused brother, Andrew, has racked up billions of views on social media platforms like TikTok and X for his views on female submission and male dominance. A four-time kickboxing world champion, Tate's controversial beliefs include claiming that women should "bear responsibility" for sexual assault—a view that got him banned from Twitter before it became X, where he's since been reinstated.

The Tate brothers were first detained in Bucharest, Romania in Dec. 2022 as part of an investigation into alleged rape and human trafficking. They were charged six months later and banned from leaving the country. In March 2024, British police were granted a warrant to extradite the elder Tate to the UK on other allegations of rape and human trafficking, the BBC reported.

Separately, in May 2024, four women in the UK brought a civil case against the brothers, seeking damages for alleged injuries incurred after a sexual assault. In July 2024, the two began to fend off another civil case in the UK alleging that they hadn't paid any taxes on the revenue brought in from their online businesses, including their platform "Hustlers University."

The two deny all wrongdoing and have since set off for Florida.

DeSantis, meanwhile, has been a strong opponent of human trafficking and sexual crimes. Most recently, he approved $4.9 million in the state budget to expand access to emergency beds for trafficking victims, established a $900,000 grant through the Department of Children and Families to enhance anti-trafficking training for law enforcement, and signed a slew of legislation targeting online predators.

The post DeSantis to Accused Rapist Andrew Tate: 'Florida is Not a Place Where You're Welcome' appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried criticized U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds on Tuesday after he formally announced his Florida governor run.

“Byron Donalds is a dangerous political opportunist who should be nowhere near the governor’s mansion,” Fried said in a statement. “One of the least popular people in Tallahassee politics, Byron is best known for skipping votes, defending insurrectionists, and promoting a revisionist version of Black history that defends Jim Crow. He has little political experience and no executive experience, and is completely unqualified to run the state of Florida."

Nikki Fried also blasted Rep. Donalds' potential predecessor, Gov. Ron DeSantis, just yesterday. I guess you can say she's not pulling any punches.

Donalds, a Republican, announced his run on Fox News' Hannity last night. The 46-year-old is a three-term Congressman representing Florida's 19th District and a strong ally of President Donald Trump.

Days ago, President Donald Trump endorsed Donalds for governor. The power play also might have undercut Ron DeSantis' plans to attain Trump's endorsement for his wife Casey DeSantis, who has been mentioned as a governor candidate.

Ron DeSantis didn't exactly embrace the idea of Donalds for governor.

As for now, Donalds appears to be the clear favorite for the governor's mansion based on Trump's coveted endorsement. Trump crushed Vice President Kamala Harris in Florida by 13 points last November and has a permanent base in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach.

Trump also pushed out DeSantis in the presidential primary before he made it to the state. DeSantis dropped out of the race before the New Hampshire primary in late January and endorsed Trump.

Other potential Republican candidates for governor include Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo is rumored as a likely contender on the Democratic side.

But the betting favorite for now looks to be Donalds. Just don't expect Nikki Fried to put any money on it.

“Byron is only interested in power, and he won’t fix our property insurance crisis or bring down the cost of living for Floridians. He only has a shot at the nomination because Trump endorsed him, and Trump is only endorsing him because he wants a puppet in the governor’s mansion — pissing off Ron DeSantis is an added bonus," Fried added.

The primaries will take place in August 2026.

The post Fried Blasts Byron Donalds After Florida Governor Announcement appeared first on The Floridian.

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.

DeSantis spoke from the Homestead Air Force Base less than 24 hours after Donalds, the Trump-endorsed Congressman from the 19th District, officially threw his hat in the ring for the looming gubernatorial race. DeSantis, who touted his wife and trashed Donalds over the position earlier this week, did not want to answer questions on the campaign.

"I want to focus today not on the '26 elections, but on vindicating the '24 election by showing that we're gonna get this job done here," he told onlookers at an unrelated press conference on illegal immigration. "You have these elections, and then people start talking about new elections. Why don't we actually get something done based off the previous election?"

Donalds, 46, announced his campaign late Tuesday night on Fox News's "Hannity," just four days after President Donald Trump urged the three-term Congressman to run for Florida's chief executive position. Donalds is the first big-name candidate to jump into the race, though the primary won't take place for another 18 months.

"After a lot of prayer, after a lot of thought with my family and with my friends, I'm here to announce my candidacy to be the next Governor of the great state of Florida," Donalds said Tuesday, praising DeSantis' leadership. "The job is to keep the best state in the country as the best state in the country."

But DeSantis, 46, hasn't had kind words for the Congressman.

On Monday, soon after Trump pushed Donalds to run on social media, the governor accused Donalds of lacking "victories over the left" in Florida because he's been "campaigning in other states." He then praised First Lady DeSantis for her "dedication to conservatism" and potential to win by more votes than DeSantis had in a Republican primary.

Though both DeSantises in the past insisted that the First Lady had "zero" interest in succeeding her husband, The Floridian reported last week that DeSantis was gearing up for a meeting with Trump to dissuade him from endorsing Donalds. He hoped Trump would consider First Lady DeSantis instead.

Hours later, Trump took to Truth Social urging Donalds to run, writing "RUN, BYRON, RUN!!"

Donalds and DeSantis, once allies, butted heads in 2023 over a new law requiring middle schoolers to learn that enslaved people developed skills that could sometimes be "applied for their personal benefit." Donalds, the only Black Republican in Florida's congressional delegation, called it "wrong."

Firing back, DeSantis' spokespeople, known for their aggressive defense of the governor online, accused Donalds of being a fake conservative.

Donalds is one of 13 candidates who've announced for the 2026 race, though he's the only one known statewide. Other popular Republicans who may run include First Lady DeSantis, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

The post DeSantis Brushes Off Donalds' Run for Governor, Wants to Focus on 2024 Election appeared first on The Floridian.

The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) Center for Political Strategy shared its initial findings on Wednesday of a Q1 2025 Statewide General Election Poll showing property insurance costs as a major issue for Floridians.

The AIF poll found property insurance costs at the top of mind for Florida voters at 33% followed by inflation at 21% and housing costs at 11%. The three issues were the only ones to break double digits.

Specifically, the analysis found five cost concerns for state voters.

• Property and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Groceries/Food
• Rent/Mortgage
• Healthcare Costs
• Auto Insurance

Good news for Florida Republicans, the study found the GOP with a 15-point (47-22%) edge over Democrats on the economy, an eighteen-point edge (39-21%) on reducing inflation/everyday costs, an eight-point lead (41-33%) on helping the middle class, a ten-point lead (42-32%) on education, and a ten-point edge (48-38%) on protecting personal freedoms.

State Republicans also bowed well on other issues, including with a candidate for state legislature over a Democratic opponent by a 7-point margin (48-41%).

At the top, President Donald Trump continues to earn high marks with Florida voters. The study found his job performance +7 points (53-46%) with 45%  saying they “strongly approve” of his job performance.

It also maintained his strong approval with Hispanic males (55-45%) and nearly 40% of Black males.

According to the Florida Division of Elections, Republicans hold a 1.1 million voter registration margin over Democrats in the state. Independents also represent about 30% of Florida voters.

On more of a bipartisan note, the study found that 70% of Florida voters agree to protect Florida companies from frivolous lawsuits against predatory cyber security liability claims. That figure includes 80% of Republicans, 67% of Independents, and 58% of Democrats.

A plurality of voters also approve of getting rid of the business rent tax on Florida businesses by a 14-point margin (38-24%). Moreover, Republicans approve of the idea by 34 points (49-15%) while Independents side by 6 points (34-28%).

Business rent tax elimination is also supported across all income brackets (low/mid/high) by 14 to 16 points each.

The post Poll: Property Insurance Costs Remain Top Issue for Florida Voters appeared first on The Floridian.

House Republicans Planning Official Illegal Immigration Enforcement Trip to Guantanamo Bay

The House Armed Services Committee is quietly planning an official congressional trip to the U.S. Naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as more illegal aliens are being detained and...READ MORE

President Donald Trump: "I'm very disappointed...four bodies came in today...We got a lot of hostages back, but it's very sad what happened to those people...This is a vicious group of people, and Israel's going to have to decide what they're doing."

FL Sen. Joe Gruters: "Time to Ride the GOAT! (Gulf of America Trail) What are your thoughts? Should we follow the GOAT President @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and rename Tamiami Trail?"

Rep. Maxwell Frost: "They're gutting your healthcare to fund billionaire tax cuts and then hoping you don’t notice the grift. It's a betrayal and a damn shame."

FL Rep. Angie Nixon: "It’s wild to me that Republican Ron DeSantis is advocating to defund the police by eliminating property taxes. WOW."

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

The post Last Squeeze🍊—2.26.2025—House Republicans Planning Trip to Guantanamo—Marco Rubio Property Tax Plan Laid Groundwork for DeSantis—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Nearly two decades before becoming President Donald Trump's Secretary of State, then-Speaker of the Florida House Marco Rubio laid the groundwork for Gov. Ron DeSantis' newest goal—eliminating property taxes—in 2007.

Though Rubio, a rising star in Florida politics, failed to get his plan across the finish line, he helped pave the way for a 2008 constitutional amendment capping increases in property values for homesteaded homes—and for a renewed push by DeSantis 18 years later.

"People are being taxed to high heaven with property taxes, which...we're gonna give relief on," DeSantis said at an Ocala press conference earlier this week, reiterating the need to provide financial relief to Florida homeowners."They have to cut a check to the government every year, just basically paying rent to live on their own property."

Secretary Rubio, then a young state representative on his way to the U.S. Senate, first proposed eliminating property taxes in 2007 as part of his "100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future" book, a set of big plans he compiled ahead of his speakership and would hand out to colleagues.

But property tax elimination is tricky, particularly in a state with no income tax. Nonetheless, Rubio envisioned what lawmakers termed "the Swap": replacing surging property taxes with sales tax. The issue? It would require that the party of low taxes vote to raise one tax to lower another.

And though it was alluring, especially considering Floridians' overall property tax burden had doubled from $15 billion in 2001 to $30 billion in 2007, the Florida Legislature nixed his plan in favor of a more moderate constitutional amendment supported by then-Gov. Charlie Crist, which doubled the property tax exemptions. Voters approved it on the ballot a year later.

But now, 18 years later, DeSantis is revisiting Rubio's idea. DeSantis over the past few weeks has repeatedly signaled his intention to strike property taxes altogether, which would make Florida the first in the nation to do so.

Last week, Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, a DeSantis ally, filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session ordering a study on eliminating property taxes.

And, just as Rubio had suggested, it asks that property tax revenues be replaced with sales tax or budget cuts.

According to the Florida Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, fully striking all property taxes would require Florida to almost double the sales tax, a move DeSantis has sworn to veto.

And while it remains to be seen what the finer points in his plan are, the Florida governor has promised that property tax elimination will be on the ballot.

"There's gonna be something on the ballot [in 2026] that is going to give Floridians an opportunity to vote themselves relief from property taxes have done to them," DeSantis promised on Tuesday. According to Housingwire.com, the median property tax in Florida increased 47.5% between 2019 and 2024, with South Florida counties like Miami-Dade and Broward seeing nearly 57% increases.

Rubio served in the state House from 2000 until 2008, spending his final two years as the Florida Speaker. He was elected to the U.S. Senate two years later and would stay there until Jan. 2025, when he resigned his seat to become the next Secretary of State. DeSantis appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill his shoes days later before swearing in his former Chief of Staff James Uthmeier to succeed Moody.

The post Marco Rubio’s 2007 Property Tax Plan Laid Groundwork for DeSantis' New Goal appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds announced his campaign for governor Tuesday night, prompted by President Donald Trump urging him to run last week.

Donalds, a three-term Congressman representing Florida's 19th District, pointed to stabilizing surging insurance rates, taking the lead on cryptocurrency, and boosting education if elected to succeed current Gov. Ron DeSantis—who's both term-limited and critical of Donalds—during an interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity Tuesday evening.

"After a lot of prayer, after a lot of thought with my family and with my friends, I'm here to announce my candidacy to be the next Governor of the great state of Florida," Donalds said on Hannity, speaking during the 9:45 p.m. slot.

"The job is to keep the best state in the country, the best state in the country," he continued, praising DeSantis's leadership and acknowledging that while Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has been floated as a possible contender for the 2026 race, he's endorsed by Trump and the "only person in this race right now."

Donalds, 46, made the official announcement just four days after Trump took to social media to implore the Florida Congressman to run, calling him a potentially "Great and Powerful Governor" who would have "my Complete and Total Endorsement."

Trump's social media post, unprecedented 18 months ahead of the Republican primary, came hours after The Floridian first reported that DeSantis was gearing up for a meeting with Trump to dissuade him from endorsing Donalds. He hoped Trump would consider First Lady DeSantis instead.

Trump chose otherwise, selecting a candidate DeSantis hasn't had a relationship with for the past year and a half. On Monday, DeSantis trashed Donalds for lacking "victories over the left" in Florida before touting his wife's "dedication to conservatism" and ability to win more votes than he did in a Republican primary.

Donalds and DeSantis weren't always on the outs. In the neck-and-neck 2018 gubernatorial race, Donalds helped DeSantis with debate prep ahead of his razor-thin win over Democrat Andrew Gillum. He later spoke at DeSantis's 2022 reelection party and defended the governor after an embarrassing debate prep video leaked a year later.

But things changed in mid-2023.

DeSantis passed a slew of controversial legislation as he prepared for his presidential bid, including a law requiring middle schoolers to learn that enslaved people developed skills that could sometimes be "applied for their personal benefit." Donalds, the only Black Republican in Florida's congressional delegation, called it "wrong."

Firing back, DeSantis' spokespeople, known for their aggressive defense of the governor online, accused Donalds of being a fake conservative.

Donalds served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2020 before he ran for CD 19 in 2021. He's represented the Southwest Florida area since then, and just won reelection to his third term in November.

He is the most well-known candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race so far, joining 12 other names. Other prospective Republican candidates include former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and First Lady DeSantis. The primary will be in August 2026.

The post Trump-Endorsed Byron Donalds Announces Run for Florida Governor appeared first on The Floridian.

DeSantis Takes on 'Bedwetting' Media Over Sympathy for Workers Fired by DOGE

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday excoriated "legacy media" for sympathizing with the scores of federal workers fired by a new department in Donald Trump's administration, but not with...READ MORE

FL Sen. Jay Collins: "Under @GovRonDeSantis Florida has long led the way on responsible stewardship of tax dollars!"

Rep. Maxwell Frost: "U.S. Attorneys are not the President’s lawyers. They are the United States’ lawyers. You didn’t pledge an oath to a President, you pledged it to the constitution. This statement alone is reason enough for you to resign."

Gov. Ron DeSantis: "Florida was the first state to step up to assist with the enforcement of federal immigration law and I hope other states will follow suit."

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: "Trump & Elon are upending the lives of individual veterans and firing solid workers who ensure all our veterans are cared for."

Of note! Sen. Jennifer Bradley Files Bill Expanding Mental Health Diversion Options

Senator Jennifer Bradley on Monday filed the Tristin Murphy Act to create new processes for diverting defendants to mental health treatment. The legislation is named after Tristin Murphy who tragically took his own life in a Florida prison in 2021.

Nikki Fried: DeSantis Needs to 'Shut His Damn Mouth' on Florida DOGE—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried didn't mince words on Monday after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a state version of Elon...

Congressional Republican Lawmakers Continue Praise of Musks' DOGE—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With Democrats up in arms over the aggressive and transparent nature of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency in support of President...

Trump Pushes To End Ukraine War in Ukraine-Centric G7 Summit—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump joined heads of state in a recent Group of Seven summit that primarily focused on the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Vlodymyr...

Fabian Basabe Calls Out Miami Beach Pride Over Exclusion—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—As Miami Beach Pride prepares to return from March 27^th to April 6^th, 2025, past controversies surrounding political participation in the event have resurfaced. State...

Kristi Noem Celebrates Low Illegal Apprehensions at U.S. Border—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared Monday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered just 200 aliens at the southern border...

Ramaswamy to Run For Ohio Governor—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy recently announced his candidacy for Ohio’s governorship. Ramaswamy's announcement comes as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s term nears...

Cammack Reintroduces Bipartisan Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Act—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Kat Cammack is reintroducing the bipartisan Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act...

Cruz Praises Attorney General Pam Bondi for Performance so far—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Ted Cruz recently praised U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for her work just weeks after taking the oath of office as the head of the Department of Justice...

DeSantis Takes on 'Bedwetting' Media Over Sympathy for Workers Fired by DOGE—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday excoriated "legacy media" for sympathizing with the scores of federal workers fired by a new department in Donald...

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

The post Last Squeeze🍊—2.25.2025—DeSantis Blasts 'Bedwetting' Media Over DOGE—Fried Tells DeSantis to 'Shut His Damn Mouth'—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared Monday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) encountered just 200 aliens at the southern border on Saturday, the lowest single apprehension day in over 15 years.

Speaking with Greta Van Susteren on NewsMax, Kristi Noem credited an advertisement run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) telling illegal immigrants to leave the country or face deportation for its success. Noem herself also thanked President Donald Trump for securing the border and putting America first.

In the video, Noem warned illegal immigrants who did not self-deport and were subsequently caught by DHS would not be allowed to return to the United States. She also called former politicians who left the border wide open "weak", which Noem says "flooded our communities with drugs, human trafficking, and violent criminals."

"We just broke a record in the lowest number of encounters at the southern border, 200, in one day," Noem said to Van Susteren."Where Joe Biden there were 15,000 a day, so it's been amazing what they ads and what President Trump has already done."

Noem also mentioned that the advertisements were being aired in the Middle East and Central America to deter migrants from trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

"Stay where you are. Don't come here. America is not open at our borders anymore. That we put Americans first and this president is going to make America stronger," Noem added.

Since President Donald Trump took office, illegal border crossing apprehensions have drastically dropped.

Just last week, apprehensions at the Texas border were as follows:

• El Paso Sector - 75
• Rio Grande Valley Sector - 33
• Laredo Sector - 12
• Del Rio Sector - 50
• Big Bend Sector - 2

Earlier this month, Fox News's Bill Melugin noted that DHS officials recorded an average of 132 known gotaways per day at the southern border, a 93% decrease from the highs under former President Joe Biden during fiscal year (FY) 2023.

For context, the Biden administration recorded a whopping 670,674 known gotaways in FY 2023 alone or about 1800 per day. The number was also over 600,000 in FY 2022 and nearly 400,000 in FY 2021.

Going back to FY 2010, the number of illegal apprehensions was greater than 100,000 in all but FY 2011.

Noem was confirmed as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by the United States Senate in a 59-34 vote back in January.

“As the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I will work every day to keep all Americans safe and secure. One of my top priorities is achieving President Trump’s mandate from the American people to secure our southern border and fix our broken immigration system," Noem said on her confirmation.

The post Kristi Noem Celebrates Low Illegal Apprehensions at U.S. Border appeared first on The Floridian.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday excoriated "legacy media" for sympathizing with the scores of federal workers fired by a new department in Donald Trump's administration, but not with the thousands of employees laid off for refusing the Covid vaccine.

Media outlets are attacking the President and trying to preserve bureaucracy, DeSantis claimed at an Ocala press conference. He weighed the outcry over the potential 200,000 federal workers set to be laid off by the Elon Musk-led agency, the Department of Government Efficiency, and the 8,000 troops fired for refusing to comply with then-President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate.

"The media is very sympathetic to [the employees getting laid off by DOGE], which I would be fine with, but the legacy media was not sympathetic when people were losing their jobs in other states because they didn't want the Covid shot," DeSantis said to applause.

He pivoted to the backlash surrounding Trump's firing of six high-ranking military officials earlier this week, noting that President Barack Obama also dismissed top officials when he came into power.

"You hear bedwetting and D.C. media [saying] 'Oh my god, [Trump's] doing all this,'" he continued, defending Trump. "They have this idea that 'Oh, the President is trying to remove institutional resistance to his policies amongst the military.' The military officers have no right to indulge in institutional resistance.

"If they're not able to carry out those policies, then they should just find another line of work," DeSantis added.

According to varying estimates, DOGE could end up firing as many as 300,000 federal employees in Trump's and Musk's journey to find and cut $2 trillion in federal budget cuts. Over the weekend, Musk, a tech billionaire, sent a mass email blast to federal workers demanding they explain their work from last week or lose their jobs, sparking conflicting messages from the Trump administration.

The deadline was Monday night.

Despite backlash surrounding the mass firings, including cutting park rangers overseeing Florida's only manatee refuge, DeSantis has maintained that the Sunshine State was "DOGE before DOGE was cool." On Monday, he announced the creation of a state version of the federal agency, aimed at tackling noncompliant state universities and eliminating "obsolete" commissions.

DeSantis was also a frontrunner in pushing back against the Covid vaccine under both the Trump and Biden administrations. It was one of the key issues he used to differentiate himself from Trump during the Florida Governor's failed presidential bid.

The post DeSantis Takes on 'Bedwetting' Media Over Sympathy for Workers Fired by DOGE appeared first on The Floridian.