Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) has introduced legislation to prevent corporations from using out-of-state abortions or child transition procedures for employees as tax write-offs, saying, "The days of woke corporations using your tax dollars to finance a far-left agenda are over."

Rep. Mast has named the bill the No Tax Breaks for Radical Corporate Activism Act. It was created in response to corporations such as Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Ikea, Meta, and Starbucks announcing they would offer benefits related to abortion travel expenses after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Many of these same companies offer benefits related to "gender-affirming care," joining Capitol One, Adobe, Airbnb, and Netflix in this category.

As such, Rep. Mast's bill would disallow the business expense deduction for the reimbursement of employee costs of travel to obtain an abortion or child gender transition procedures.

In his press release, the Florida Congressman said, "The days of woke corporations using your tax dollars to finance a far-left agenda are over. Too many companies have proven to be completely out of touch with American values. This bill says 'enough is enough,' and protects children across the country."

Mast's legislation is not the first to combat "wokeness" in corporate America, as Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) of Arizona introduced a bill at the end of October called the "Stop Woke Investing Act."

Rep. Biggs explained that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can propose policy proposals to public company shareholders. Because the Biden-Harris Administration is in charge, they have been pushing Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies onto corporations that often have little to do with their intended purpose and "are detrimental to a company's financial responsibilities to their shareholders."

"Woke activism shouldn't be placed ahead of the profitability of a public company. Businesses should not be enslaved to radical ESG priorities that pull attention away from their fiduciary responsibilities. Focusing on woke policies only serves to harm businesses, investors, and the American economy. Congress must continue fighting the weaponization of the Harris-Biden regime and its push to radicalize Americans' day-to-day lives," said Biggs in his press release.

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Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) is introducing two bipartisan bills to crack down on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, especially of children and bans child sex dolls.

The first, cosponsored by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), is the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Prevention Training Act, which implements training for school staff and teachers and raises awareness among students for signs that a child is a victim of trafficking in the form of an initial $75 million grant over five years to nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where trafficking is prevalent, that have shown expertise in creating and teaching human trafficking and exploitation prevention curricula.

In his press release, Rep. Buchanan condemned human trafficking as "a form of modern-day slavery."

"With Florida's Suncoast Region receiving more trafficking reports than any other region in our state, we need to prioritize educating students and teachers about the horrors of this monstrous crime. This is critical to help current victims and prevent future instances of trafficking," Rep. Buchanan added.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz echoed the Florida Congressman's remarks, saying, "Schools should be at the center of our strategy to protect young people from human trafficking. In addition to identifying and providing critical services to at-risk youth, they play a crucial role in educating all of us, children and adults, on key warning signs so we are equipped to prevent abductions and abuse."

After all, she continued, "Our education system is one of our greatest strengths, and we must take advantage by providing our schools with the resources to support children who might otherwise fall victim to trafficking."

Buchanan's second bill, cosponsored by Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), is the Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots (CREEPER) Act 2.0, which bans the sale of realistic sex dolls resembling minors.

Yes, those apparently exist. Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Utah, and Hawaii have banned such items, while other states are considering their own legislation.

The Florida Congressman said exactly what you were thinking about it in his statement, "It's absolutely outrageous that we allow the sale and possession on these obscene products that are known to encourage pedophilia and the exploitation of children."

"We need to enact a national ban on these sickening dolls to prevent further child abuse," Buchanan added.

Rep. Moskowitz said, "As one of just a handful of states to ban child sex dolls, Florida's been a national leader to get these sickening products off the market. I'm proud to stand beside sheriffs, district attorneys, and child safety advocates from across our state to push this commonsense, bipartisan bill with Congressman Buchanan that'll advance our urgent efforts to fight child exploitation."

The post Buchanan Introduces Bipartisan Bills Against Child Sex Dolls and Exploitation appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) has reintroduced legislation to prevent biological males from competing in amateur and Olympic sports intended for biological females.

Named the "Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports" Act, the bill is very similar to Rep. Steube's better-known Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act reintroduced in early January.

The difference is that the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act would require the governing bodies of amateur women's sports and the Olympics to prohibit biological males from participating. Meanwhile, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act applies to federally-funded athletic programs (like college sports).

In his press release, Rep. Steube bashed the push for biological males to compete in women's sports by "identifying" as female, saying it not only upended the idea of fair competition but threatened the existence of women's sports itself.

"From the swimming pool to the boxing ring, far-left activists have hijacked the rulebook to push their extremist agenda onto sports governing bodies. Not only is this antithetical to the principles of fair competition, but it constitutes a direct assault on the future of women's sports altogether," the Florida Congressman said.

As a result, Steube continued, "It is more important than ever that we stand up for common sense by prohibiting biological males from competing in female athletics. That is why I have reintroduced The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to protect the integrity of women's sports from woke ideologues."

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is introducing the Senate version of the bill, bluntly stated, "Men should not be competing in women's sports at any level."

Additionally, Sen. Tuberville referenced the controversial allowance of Algeria's Imane Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu Ting, both biological males, to compete in the women's boxing event in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

"We were all deeply disturbed last summer to see videos of men boxing against women in the Olympics. This is not only dangerous but it is incredibly unfair to the young women who have trained their whole lives to compete. Whether in Little League or the Olympics, it's unsafe, it's unfair, and it's just plain wrong," the Alabama Senator continued.

The post Steube Reintroduces Bill Protecting More Women's Sports appeared first on The Floridian.

Former Broward County Commissioner and School Board Chair Torey Alston has been named the next President of Broward College. He was unanimously selected by the school's board of trustees. Alston also served on the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) Board of Trustees and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools leadership team.

President Alston thanked the Broward College District Board of Trustees and shared that his familial experiences make him understand the importance of the college system.

“God is so good and I want to thank the Broward College District Board of Trustees for their vote of support and confidence as I transition to President of Broward College,” Alston said. “As the son of two parents who attended community college including my father who completed the police academy forty years ago from then Broward Community College, I know the value of the state college system first-hand.”

The newly-adorned Broward College President stated that he is all ready to partake in this role.

Alston has received endorsements from major players in Sunshine State politics. This list includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• “I served with Torey on the FAMU Board of Trustees many years ago and he still carries that same passion for education today. He would be a great College president,” said Ranking Member of the House Higher Education Budget Subcommittee State Representative Gallop Franklin.
• “When you think of strong leadership in Broward, only a few names come to mind. After working with Torey directly on big state issues as FDOT Chief of Staff and watching him serve as CEO at GMX, I know he will be a great President for Broward College,” said Adrian Lukis, former Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis.
• “As a Broward native and fellow Blanche Ely High School alum, I’ve worked alongside Torey early in the current administration when he served as FDOT Chief of Staff, so I’ve seen his leadership and competence. Broward College will be in good hands with Torey at the helm,” said former NFL great Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Postsecondary Committee State Senator Corey Simon.
• “I know Torey and I have watched his leadership at GMX since its inception. He has a bold vision for Broward College and its students, and he will be a phenomenal college president,” said Florida House Speaker Danny Perez.
• “Our families have known each other for years and I am excited that the Board has named Torey, a fellow Blanche Ely High School alum, a finalist for college president. I support him to be the next President of Broward College,” said former NFL great Henri Crockett, President-elect of the Orange Bowl Committee.

The post Broward College Appoints Former Broward County Commissioner Torey Alston as President appeared first on The Floridian.

Miami-Dade County Democratic Party Chair and immigration attorney Laura Kelley has released a video directed toward illegal immigrants should they encounter the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With President Donald Trump (R) facilitating raids against illegal immigrants across the country, the Miami-Dade County Democrat Chair reminds migrants to know their rights should they encounter ICE.

Miami-Dade Chair @Kelley4Florida is an immigration attorney with guidance for Floridians targeted by raids.

Here’s what to do if ICE visits your home, church or school: pic.twitter.com/3zIVcrXvyf

— Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) January 31, 2025

"In the United States of America, undocumented immigrants have constitutional rights first, ICE agents or their deputies cannot enter a home without a valid search warrant signed by a judge," Kelley begins. "Deportation warrants from the Department of Homeland Security do not count. Any warrant that is presented should be closely inspected before agreeing to comply, and if at all possible, don't open the door but ask to see the warrant by having it slipped under the door or held up to a window."

Furthermore, the Democrat immigration attorney shares that illegal immigrants do not have to respond to questions from ICE and that they have the right to remain silent at all times.

"Second, undocumented immigrants do not have to answer ICE's questions, including where they were born or how they entered the United States. They can choose to state I remain silent. Nevertheless, if an undocumented immigrant has been present for more than two years in the United States, I recommend they gather proof and have copies readily accessible," Kelley says.

Moreover, Kelley mentions that immigrants should not produce documents, share their country of origin, or sign any documents they don't understand as they are not required to do so.

"Third, undocumented immigrants are not required to show documents indicating their country of origin. However, they should never present false documents or lie," said Kelley. "Four, if detained, individuals can request to speak to a lawyer and request a free call to their lawyer or family. They should refuse to sign documents without understanding them, and may ask for a list of pro bono lawyers if necessary, and if you already have a lawyer, I recommend carrying a hard copy of their contact information with you at all times."

The Miami-Dade County Democrat Chair concludes by recommending to potential detainees to never drive without a license and hire an "experienced and licensed attorney" to handle their case.

"Finally, immigration detainees have the right to speak to their country's consulate for assistance. That said, I highly recommend that no one, including undocumented immigrants, drive without a license. I also strongly recommend that you ensure that your legal representative is an experienced and licensed attorney. In the United States, it is not legal for 'notarios' or paralegals to give legal advice under any circumstances," concluded Kelley.

The post Miami-Dade Democrat Party Chair Issues Advice to Illegal Immigrants Encountering ICE appeared first on The Floridian.

Donald J. Trump (R) took the oath of office today at noon ET, he has become the 45th and 47th President of the United States. This is the first time a president has won reelection in non-consecutive terms since President Grover Cleveland in 1892. However, moments before the ceremony, Governors Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Brian Kemp (R-GA) shared some time together and allegedly discussed perhaps the most important thing in their respective states:

College football.

Talking about Carson Beck heading to the “U” next season (and the snowstorm heading to North Florida and South Georgia this week) with @GovKemp before 47s inauguration… pic.twitter.com/Z7wvUIq1nX

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 20, 2025

"Talking about Carson Beck heading to the 'U' next season (and the snowstorm heading to North Florida and South Georgia this week) with Gov. Kemp before 47's inauguration…" said Gov. DeSantis.

Moreover, Gov. Kemp also shared a picture with his neighbor governor, but with an emphasis on President Trump's historic feat.

It’s a great day to celebrate a new chapter for America as we prepare to work with this new administration to keep our nation safe, prosperous, and free! pic.twitter.com/eKLSBl7aiN

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 20, 2025

For context, with the Georgia Bulldogs coming up short against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in this year's quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff (CFP), it marked the second season in a row the Bulldogs failed to reach the final four. They had won two straight national championships in 2021 and 2022 before then.

The Bulldogs have had success in the last two seasons, but not nearly as much as they would've liked to with now-former quarterback Carson Beck at the helm.

The University of Miami (affectionately known as "The U") narrowly failed to make the 12-team CFP, but will lose their star quarterback Cam Ward to the National Football League (NFL) this offseason.

Subsequently, Carson Beck has since transferred to the Miami to play for the Hurricanes in 2025.

The State of Florida's college football teams have yet to make an appearance in the CFP since 2014 (Florida State). The Seminoles also are the last Sunshine State school to win a national championship (2013) in football.

Govs. DeSantis and Kemp's opinions on the Carson Beck to Miami Saga seem to be in the dark for now, but what is for certain is that college football will always remain a culture focal point in the South.

The post DeSantis, Kemp Discuss College Football Before Trump Inauguration appeared first on The Floridian.

Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz commented on the TikTok situation in a recent appearance on Fox News, calling the app "a great platform" that President-elect Donald Trump will "preserve."

Host Bret Baier began the discussion by noting that the Supreme Court had not officially ruled on TikTok parent company ByteDance's challenge to President Biden's ultimatum to sell the app or ban it from the United States. However, Biden's January 19th deadline is expected to pass.

The Post's article also pointed out that Trump is considering an executive order to prevent the ban or sale of TikTok, leading Baier to ask Waltz for his take.

Waltz replied, "If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favor of the law, President Trump has been very clear: Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and was great for his campaign and getting his message out."

However, the elephant in the room was the accusations of TikTok harvesting users' data, which Waltz said Trump would protect from China. "There are people out there who do not want the U.S. government seeing all of their data and passwords. We certainly do not want the Chinese government seeing all of their data and passwords."

Waltz emphasized that Trump is "a dealmaker" who would "create the space to put that deal in."

After all, the incoming national security adviser reiterated TikTok itself is "a fantastic platform." Still, the fact that China is "seeing the data, being able to manipulate hundreds of millions of Americans" is the issue at stake.

"We are going to find a way to preserve [TikTok] but protect people's data, and that is the deal that will be in front of us," Waltz concluded.

Update: According to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld Biden's ultimatum, which will go into effect on Sunday. However, the Biden Administration has signaled it will not enforce the ban on its final full day in office.

The post Waltz Calls TikTok 'Great Platform,' Says Trump Will 'Preserve It' appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has certainly found herself at the heart of a gripping controversy as old pictures and videos from her swimsuit modeling days resurfaced online. Florida House Representative Michelle Salzman (R) posted a picture of herself in a bikini on X (formerly Twitter) as a gesture of support, saying, "In Florida we wear bikinis! I may just be a panhandle girl, but I can be conservative, intelligent, beautiful ~ AND serve my community."

I support @realannapaulina In Florida we wear bikinis! I may just be a panhandle girl, but I can be conservative, intelligent, beautiful ~ AND serve my community. #Florida #girlpower #freedom pic.twitter.com/0m9P6osjYr

— Michelle Salzman (@michellesalzman) August 16, 2024

The affair began Wednesday when a brief 2016 video showing Rep. Luna modeling a one-piece swimsuit featuring former President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan went viral. Additional pictures have circulated featuring Rep. Luna modeling other swimsuits by patriotic clothing brand American AF and posing for both Sports Illustrated and Maxim in the years before entering Congress.

The Florida Congresswoman took it in stride, posting to X that "I'm confirming that I have indeed worn swimsuits, and you can tell I am biologically a woman," mocking the support for transgenderism among Democrats. A second post added, "I have a confession to make since the TikTok Democrats are onto me: I wear bikinis to the beach and mineral sunscreen."

I’m confirming that I have indeed worn swimsuits and you can tell I am biologically a woman. #MAGA

— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) August 14, 2024

I have a confession to make since the TikTok Democrats are onto me : I wear bikinis to the beach and mineral sunscreen.

— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) August 14, 2024

A third post from Luna further mocked the attempt by Democrats to make a controversy of years-old photos from her modeling days at a time when they "can’t define a woman."

"There are better to do with your time than digging up modeling photos of me from almost a decade ago. The left is attempting to make this a thing yet can’t define a woman. Very low IQ behavior. Get over it," Luna continued.

Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) was also involved in the controversy when Ginger Gaetz, wife of Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), posted a picture of the Colorado Congresswoman in a bikini. The picture also revealed that she has a large hip-to-ribcage tattoo of a tribal-like design. Rep. Boebert had expressed solidarity with Luna in a simple "We all love Anna Paulina Luna!" tweet, which Mrs. Gaetz replied to with a picture of Boebert, the caption "We love confident, healthy, patriotic women like Lauren," and a bikini emoji.

We love confident, healthy, patriotic women like Lauren https://t.co/QZAc7fmmkA pic.twitter.com/OHlAtnmsdE

— Ginger Gaetz (@GingerLGaetz) August 15, 2024

Don't stare for too long.

The post Michelle Salzman Posts Bikini Pic in Solidarity with Luna as Controversy Mounts appeared first on The Floridian.

Although former President Donald Trump (R) was found guilty in his New York criminal trial, his pending case in Florida is falling apart as the process slows down and controversy continues to build.

In Florida, President Trump is being prosecuted for allegedly having illegal possession of classified documents in his private residence.  The documents are claimed to pertain to international affairs and he retained them from his time in office.

The case however seems to be going nowhere fast.  Judge Aileen Cannon has put so many delays on the case that it is unlikely a verdict would be reached by Election Day.  Cannon is from a family of immigrants and was appointed to her seat by Donald Trump in 2020.

Now the case will have a hearing, but not against Trump.  The Trump camp has argued that special counsel Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed to his position, and therefore cannot prosecute the case.  The move is most likely another attempt to stifle Trump's opposition.

The hearings will persist throughout this weekend.  If Smith is removed from the case, which looks very possible, it could trash all of the charges brought against Trump in Florida.

The trial did formerly have a May start date but has once again been postponed to an unknown time.  Even if the case is not thrown out, the state is a long way away from beating Donald Trump in the Florida courts.

The post Trump Classified Documents Case Falling Apart at the Seams appeared first on The Floridian.

Tourism and culture has been a huge cash grab for the state of Florida.  Now some worry that this might take a big hit after Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) vetoed additional funding for the arts.

The denied funding would have given $100 million towards arts and cultural programs.  Arts Garage, a non-profit group, is claiming that they have been hit by the budget cut in a severe way, missing out on a possible $100 million.

Arts Garage president Marjorie Waldo stated, "This is a significant number, this is not something we anticipated.  The research is clear. Art is not just about entertainment. We create jobs for artists, curators and musicians. We employ marketers, accountants, lighting and sound technical engineers and professionals that span multiple industries. And we support other local businesses through our purchase of goods and services."

Arts Garage is not just some fringe cultural group either.  Accord to the AEP6’s Economic Impact Calculator, Arts Garage impacted their local economy of West Palm Beach in a massive way, generating over $2 million.

Waldo added, "If you're hindering some of the programming in your communities that feeds the tourism tax base, then I'm not sure that you've cut the right place, that you've cut the right line item."

DeSantis defended his move after vetoing the item claiming he wants the state to have a reasonable budget.  "Historic support for education, historic support for conservation and environment and protecting natural resources," stated Governor DeSantis.

DeSantis' team further stated in response to the pressure from Floridians like Waldo, "The governor views every bill and appropriation that comes across his desk and uses his authority under Florida Constitution to make veto decisions that are in the best interest of the state of Florida."

The post DeSantis Cuts $100 Million in Funding for the Arts appeared first on The Floridian.

Senate conservatives have expressed concern over potential adverse environmental impacts of increased abortion pill usage.

The legislators are responding to rising rates of mifepristone use after President Joe Biden directed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) deregulation of the medicine.

Mifepristone, which is used with Misoprostol, accounts for half of the abortions that occur in the U.S. every year.

Mifepristone and Misoprostol are used to abort children before 11-weeks gestation by cutting off food supplies to the child and subsequently stimulating contractions and bleeding.

The remains of the unborn child are then disposed of by the user of the drugs.

US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and several US House Representatives penned a letter outlining their worries to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan.

Namely, the Senators underscored how the increased use and disposal of mifepristone may increase levels of harmful chemicals and human remains in the US water system.

According to the Senators, the full environmental impact of mifepristone has never been sufficiently studied.

Given the last environmental impact assessment was conducted in 1996, the Senators argue new studies are warranted.

“Any studies that have been conducted in the past should be

repeated and updated to reflect the fact that the drug is far more prevalent today than it was three decades ago,” reads the letter.

The letter requests information from the FDA regarding measures, if any, that have been planned to ensure water safety in light mifepristone’s increasing popularity.

Senator Rubio claimed President Biden’s encouragement of the FDA’s mifepristone deregulation contradicted his climate promises.

“The Biden Admin preaches they’re pro-climate, yet they’re enabling abortion pill chemicals to get into our waterways,” said Rubio.

The post Senate Conservatives Concerned Over Controversial Abortion Drug’s Environmental Impact appeared first on The Floridian.

Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have only increased as war is rages on between Israel and Hamas.  Now State Senator Rene Garcia (R-13) is claiming the pro-Hamas protests have transgressed the Freedom of Speech.

Almost every politician at this point has offered their two cents on the issue, but Senator Garcia has possibly used the most colorful language of them all.  In a statement this week Garcia said regarding the pro-Hamas protests, "As a staunch advocate of fundamental rights of the First Amendment, I am deeply troubled by recent events unfolding on college campuses across our great nation.  While the right to freedom of speech lies at the core of our democracy, it is imperative that we distinguish between the exercise of this very liberty and actions that undermine it."

Garcia called the protests "misguided," and "adversative to the spirit of the First Amendment."  Garcia argued that this is evidenced by the masks these protestors typically wear are to "seek anonymity to safeguard against potential repercussions."

The letter also accuses protestors of simply using a support for Palestine as a thinly veiled mask to advance anti-semitism.  To Garcia, cultivating fear among Jewish people and students "is precisely the climate that these Hamas supporting protests have created."

The state senator's letter ended with a call to action for his colleagues and other public officials. "It is incumbent upon us, as leaders and members of the community, to unequivocally condemn these actions and demand an end to this troubling trend."

The post Sen. Rene Garcia Calls for Action Against Pro-Hamas Protests appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida has a deep history of attracting tourism from around the United States.  Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) this week announced record breaking tourism numbers for the state of Florida.

The data pertaining to visitors in 2023 shows that Florida saw a whopping 140.6 million visitors, an all time record.  So far in 2024, Florida saw 40.6 million visitors in the first quarter of the financial year.

The 2023 figure is an increase of 2.3% from 2022’s record-breaking year and makes a new benchmark for visitation to the state.  Domestic visitation (within the United States) reached an all-time high, with 129.1 million domestic visitors choosing to come to Florida in 2023, along with 8.3 million overseas visitors and 3.2 million Canadian visitors.

2024 domestic visitation in first financial quarter of the year saw 37.2 million visitors, the highest number ever for a single financial quarter.

“Florida continues to welcome visitors with open arms,” said Dana Young, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.“The record-breaking visitation seen in 2023 and continued through the first quarter of 2024 reaffirms Florida’s status as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.”

VISIT FLORIDA conducts regular revisions to visitor estimates, ensuring data is accurate as new information is collected and resources are identified.

As tourism to Florida continues to soar to new heights, the numbers reflect the state’s wide appeal abroad and at home.

The post Florida Sees Record Breaking Tourism Year appeared first on The Floridian.

All eyes have been on college campuses as young people along with outside agitators across America have protested the Israeli-Hamas conflict.  However, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has sent Florida state troopers to control pro-Palestinian protestors.

Top officials have confirmed that the Florida governor has directed the Florida Highway Patrol to respond to these protests.  "On countless occasions, campus and local law enforcement has requested the assistance of Florida Highway Patrol. And on countless other occasions, we have proactively assisted campus and local law enforcement," said Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles, which oversees the highway patrol.

Kerner further clarified that all of these proactive instances were at the direction of Governor DeSantis.  The governor himself actually hosted a press conference at Florida's flagship university, the University of Florida.

DeSantis made comments at the University of Florida on campus where pro-Palestinian protests have continued for a consecutive 15 days.  While the governor and his administration spoke about Florida's response to protests, protestors could be heard yelling chants in favor of Palestine.

Last week a total of 37 protestors were arrested across the campuses of UF, FSU, USF and UNF.  Florida first responders even deployed the use of tear gas to quell protestors.

For DeSantis, this is a battle against antisemitism and is proud of the job Florida has done in combatting these demonstrations in comparison to "elite" colleges like USC in California.  The governor stated last week, "elite colleges and universities that have allowed themselves to be overrun with encampments, graffiti as well as a lot of really nasty antisemitism."

Protests have sparked the Constitutional question recently of how far the right to speech and assembly go.  Conservatives like Governor DeSantis have taken the approach that your speech and assembly rights are not a hall pass to disturb the public.

The post DeSantis Sends Florida Troopers to Palestinian Protests appeared first on The Floridian.

The media has been buzzing about the pot and abortion amendments that are currently on the ballot in Florida's election this year.  While many activists have been battling over the abortion amendment or marijuana legalization, partisan school board elections under Amendment 1 have slipped under the radar of many Floridians.

President Joe Biden (D) has started his campaigning across the country, with Florida on his short list of states to visit.  The President was recently in Tampa where he discussed the abortion amendment on the ballot this year, where he claimed that Florida was now "in play" for Democrats.

Issues like abortion or marijuana are certainly at the front of many Americans' minds, but just a couple of years ago this was not the case in Florida.

In 2021, Lee County Public Schools came under fire for a bathroom policy that allowed biological males to use female restrooms.  In response, State Rep. Spencer Roach (R-FL) pointed out how important school board elections are, "Congressional elections are important, the State House is important, but the most important election anyone ever votes in is the local school board," said Roach. "They have absolutely the most influence on the future of this country."

One year later, Governor DeSantis (R-FL) and Florida Republicans waged a war with the public school system on multiple fronts.  The Parental Rights in Education, or the "Don't Say Gay" bill, authored in 2022, cracked down on discussions of sexuality between educators and children at school, which critics quickly labeled a homophobic piece of legislation.

Last year, a bipartisan fight over censorship of sensitive content in public schools broke out, with Democrats like US Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) not supporting the removal of pornographic material from public schools and claimed that Governor DeSantis believes in "book banning."

While issues like marijuana and abortion may take up more screen time on national news headlines, a silent partisan war is being fought viscously in Florida's education system.  Partisan school board elections may create a clearer image of what certain candidates stand for, but could also divide the school system even more than it already is.

The post The Amendment Nobody is Talking About: Partisan School Board Elections appeared first on The Floridian.

MIAMI, FL—Miami Democrats are refusing to reschedule a special election for their county chairman on one of the last nights of Passover, prompting some Jewish members to accuse the party of insensitivity to their religion.

Miami-Dade's special election will be held on the same day as Shabbat, a Jewish day of rest and celebration beginning at sundown on Friday—at 7:31 p.m. The special election begins Friday at 7 p.m., meaning many Jewish Democrats will not be present to vote on election day.

County chair candidate Billy Corben, an acclaimed filmmaker, says the Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) election must be postponed to maximize Jewish participation.

"They Wouldn't Tell Our Islamic Members on Ramadan to Send a Proxy"

"Turn on the television. The Democrats have a Jewish problem, and some pundits say they may have an issue with black voters, so how many more minorities can we afford to alienate in this?" Corben told The Floridian, referencing a spike in antisemitic protests across the country.

"There is a perception by many Jewish people that we are not welcome in the Democratic Party. I do not necessarily ascribe to that, but I don't want my fellow Jews to feel that way," he added.

Eden Giagnorio, Communication Director for state Democratic Chairwoman Nikki Fried, who is Jewish, told The Floridian in a statement that the special election will not be rescheduled, insisting the county's bylaws must be abided by.

“The Miami-Dade DEC is required to schedule an election within 45 days from the vacancy. They are also required to give members 15 days' notice for the meeting," the statement reads.  "As Passover begins today, the Miami-Dade DEC is moving forward with a sense of urgency to hold the election for a new chair on Friday."

"Any members who cannot attend in person on Friday may send a proxy to vote on their behalf. The stakes for 2024 are too high to stall progress," it concludes, attempting to include DEC members who will be absent.

Corben was not pleased.

"You can either send a proxy or pound sand—I mean it's not very welcoming and not very inclusive. With Florida Democrats, who needs Republicans? We are our own worst enemies."

"I can't imagine they would tell our Islamic members on Ramadan to send a proxy or pound sand," he added. "I wouldn't stand for that either, by the way."

On his popular Instagram page, Corben also swiped at his rival for the post, Sen. Shevrin Jones, for backing out of a Wednesday candidate forum Corben had created, entitling it "Dems Gonna Dem...".

"A Terrible Situation"

This predicament is the latest race-related controversy to plague the Florida Democratic Party.

Last month, Fried suspended three county party chairs. The executive committee removed the two Black chairs—including one from Miami-Dade whose ousting created this vacancy— while keeping a white woman chair in Palm Beach.

The vacancy was created—ironically—on Palm Sunday, which is 33 days before the jointly scheduled Miami-Dade special election and Shabbat. By the county's bylaws, however, this leaves a week and a half for the election to be pushed back.

"It hasn't even been 30 days yet, so there should be enough time consistent with the 15-day notice. It seems to me that it ought to be pushed back preferably to after Passover—it's a matter of a few days," former state Representative and current Florida Jewish Democratic Caucus board member, Joe Geller, told The Floridian.

While he believed the election's scheduling was a massive oversight, he disagreed that it hinted at an overarching "Jewish problem" within the party.

"It's not just Shabbat—it's Shabbat in the middle of Passover. I don't think it's somebody trying to go out of their way to be insulting or not accommodating, I just think it's not very well thought-out and it is not designed to maximize participation," he said.

"I think the whole thing is a terrible situation, and I'd like to see the party unify as much as possible. I think doing this on a Friday night, especially in the middle of Passover, does not unite us, it further divides us," he continued. "The local party is absolutely not antisemitic, that's ridiculous, but it's not a great idea and it would be better to correct it quickly and just reschedule it at a more convenient time for people."

Nationally, in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, the party is under fire from within by Jewish members who think the party leaders haven’t done enough to combat antisemitism, which flared up over the weekend in protests at Columbia and Yale universities.

"This is Not a Dying or Damaged Party—It's a Dead Brand"

Meanwhile, Corben turned to the upcoming general election, excoriating party leadership for guiding Florida Democrats into a devastating near-900,000 voter registration deficit to Republicans.

"We're supposed to want to enfranchise voters, we want to maximize turnout—that's supposed to be our thing. And then you look at the voter registrations in this state, and maybe that's not our thing," he said. "Look at the registration numbers: there's a very, very strong possibility that Donald Trump will win Miami-Dade County in November."

In 2016, Democrats won Miami-Dade by 29 points. In 2018, they won by 21 points. In 2020, they won by seven points.

In 2022, they lost by thirteen.

"This is not a positive trend," Corben said. "The people running the show right now are the same people who have run this party right into the ground...This is not a dying or damaged party, this is a dead brand, and nobody's doing anything to help it and honest Democrats are suffering from it."

He turned to money—referencing the Florida GOP raising over $3.5 million in the first quarter versus Florida Dems' $1.3 million.

"We can't raise money because we're not cool—we are losers. Look at a sports team’s crowd and look at their attendance when they're losing," Corben said. "No one shows up for the losing team."

"The reason we have no credibility down here is as Democrats, they don't believe us—they don't trust us. But Florida matters. We're just immune to honesty and truth-telling," he continued.

"Nikki Fried is not running the Florida Democrats, she is running for governor," he said, adding there is nothing wrong with her doing so.

"All I have to say to Nikki Fried is Happy Pesach."

The post 'Democrats Have a Jewish Problem': Florida Jewish Democrats Accuse Party Leaders of Religious Insensitivity appeared first on The Floridian.

The crime rate across the country, particularly in certain American cities has skyrocketed. Whether it be due to a lack of opportunity in poorer areas, the end of cashless bail, and police reform in some cities enabling crime, or the arrival of criminals from foreign countries thanks to the ongoing border crisis, crime is up.

Several Republicans focused specifically on the cashless bail and police reform aspects, as four states (New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Illinois) and Washington, D.C., have abolished cash bail. Reforms in policing and prosecution in some cities have also been criticized as "soft on crime."

"When things get harder, you are going to see more crime," Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) told The Floridian, "and in some communities, where they have this cashless bail, and they are soft on crime, they are going to see more crime."

Additionally, Rep. Gimenez mentioned the border crisis, saying, "And in some communities where you see a large influx of migrants that maybe have criminality in their past if they did that in their native land, they are going to do it here."

Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) gave a similar answer: "I think when you have taken away the deterrent, which is cashless bail and letting them out without charging them, I think you are getting rid of the deterrent, I think you are encouraging more crime."

Referring to illegal aliens committing crimes, Rep. Van Duyne noted the late January incident where a group of Venezuelan migrants attacked two New York City police officers "in broad daylight... and you do not even know who they are, you do not know if they have got valid ID, and you let them out the very next day, what message do you think you are sending?"

Representative Jake Ellzey (R-TX) was more direct and blunt in his answer on rising crime rates in certain cities: "Nature abhors a vacuum, and so does crime. Crime enjoys a vacuum. So there is a direct link, it is proven throughout the nation, where you pull back on community policing and the police force in presence, and that is true military or with crime too."

By contrast, Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) told The Floridian that crime rates correspond to a lack of rehabilitation efforts for criminals such as mental health treatment and substance abuse, saying the justice system is "horrible for rehabilitation. It is great for recidivism, but it is harmful to rehabilitation." Moreover, Rep. Bowman suggested, "Until we deal with that, there will be persistent ebbs and flows [in crime]."

Similarly, Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) was more optimistic in his answer on crime rates, focusing on how gun crime has decreased, and "a lot of that has to do with the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, but a there is a lot of cities in Florida who have used federal money to up their community violence intervention programs, Orlando being one of them."

The post What is Driving the Surge in American Crime Rates? appeared first on The Floridian.

Although the Biden campaign has gained immense ground on the Trump campaign in fundraising, Florida is projected to still be an uphill climb for President Biden's (D) re-election efforts.

Abortion access will be on the ballot in Florida, seemingly showing a positive sign for Democrats.  Along with fundraising numbers, Biden looks ready for the upcoming election.  Democrats have called Florida, "in play," this season.

A new USA Today poll however, shows that Democrats should not be so quick to count the abortion vote as a win.  50% of Floridians responded that they would be in favor of such an amendment, less than the 60% required for passage.

Another 16% said they were unsure or not registered to vote in terms of the 2024 election season.  On average, Trump leads Biden in Florida by 8 points in a once "swing-state."

Additionally, Biden is struggling to whip up enthusiasm. 67% of Democrats said they were certain to vote in November, compared to 80% of Republicans.

However, Democrats seem to be hoping that their winning stance on abortion will whip up support.  After the overturning of Roe v Wade, Florida Democrats led by Chair Nikki Fried (D-FL), became very vocal on the issue, with protests leading to arrests of prominent Florida Democrats like state Sen. Lauren Book (D).

Trump recently took a moderate stance on abortion to adjust for this.  The former president has long taken credit for overturning Roe v Wade via his three justices he appointed to the Supreme Court.  However, Trump recently backed off his stance and claims the issue should belong to the states.

The post Despite Abortion Referendum, Democrats Still Struggle in Florida appeared first on The Floridian.