President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Martin Makary, is an incredibly credentialed Harvard graduate, John Hopkins University surgeon, and bestselling author. Perhaps of greater note, he has also been unafraid to challenge healthcare establishment views on a variety of topics ranging from pricing to federal agency policy. He may be uniquely suited to reform the FDA, and there’s no better target for reform than one of its subagencies, the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

Dr. Makary has a rare opportunity to move CTP away from outdated, prohibitionist policies.

He could lead the CTP toward a more credible position - recognizing established scientific consensus around tobacco harm reduction, and refocusing the CTP to equip individuals with evidence-based solutions. That would allow consumers to make educated decisions on the products they see every day on store shelves.

To be clear, adult smokers should quit smoking. However, that’s their decision. If they want to continue using nicotine products, they should have a reliable information source that can draw distinction between the relative risk of different products. That, in fact, is the mandate of the CTP and one that it has failed to meet.

If properly reformed, CTP can empower individual consumers to make informed decisions related to nicotine products. Research has well established that vapor and heat-not-burn technologies are far less harmful than traditional cigarettes. And, new products like nicotine pouches are even less harmful, in some cases on par with traditional cessation products like nicotine gum.

Adult consumers need to appreciate these distinctions and the relative risks. Not all products are created equally. And, CTP's purpose is to draw these distinctions and approve products for the marketplace.

When the CTP fails in its mission, the marketplace is flooded with unregulated and unapproved products. Unfortunately, that is the reality today. Consumers cannot trust products on the shelves and responsible actors - that are going through the FDA approval process - are undercut by actors, often Chinese-based companies, that are not. This environment is not in the interest of public health, consumers, or responsible companies trying to play by the rules.

Dr. Makary is under consideration by the U.S. Senate HELP Committee this week. Policymakers should elevate this issue, along with others, as he continues through the confirmation process.

Julio Fuentes is president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The post Trump’s FDA Pick Faces Big Test on Tobacco Policy appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Vern Buchanan's (R-FL) Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act has passed the House of Representatives and will now go to the Senate.

The bipartisan bill, which Rep. Buchanan introduced with Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in early February, allows employers that offer high-deductible health plans (HDHP) to employees an option to include pre-deductible coverage of healthcare services treating common chronic diseases, a policy first implemented in President Donald Trump's first term in 2019.

Healthcare services listed in Rep. Buchanan's legislation include beta blockers for congestive heart failure, blood pressure monitors, glucometers for diabetes, asthma inhalers, and cholesterol drugs for heart disease patients.

In his press release, the Florida Congressman said, "With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, it is clear that we must expand options for people to manage their chronic health conditions. The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act offers employees more flexibility to manage their chronic diseases, improving patient health while reducing high out-of-pocket costs. I'm proud that this legislation passed the House with unanimous bipartisan support, and I look forward to getting this bill signed into law."

With Republicans controlling the Senate and White House, Buchanan's wish could soon be granted.

The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act is the Florida Congressman's second major healthcare bill introduced in the new Congress, with the first being the Maximizing Israel-U.S. Research Advancement and Collaborative Leadership in Emerging (MIRACLE) Medical Technology Act.

The MIRACLE Act strengthens medical research and development collaboration between the United States and Israel, including creating a U.S.-Israel Health Care Collaboration Center.

More recently, Buchanan introduced two more bipartisan healthcare bills. The Permanent Telehealth from Home Act permanently removes the originating site and geographic limitations for telehealth services, meaning they can be accessed anywhere.

The other, the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, expedites approval processes for new lung cancer screening tests through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The post Buchanan's Chronic Disease Coverage Bill Passes House appeared first on The Floridian.

Scott, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to End the Death Tax

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and 42 of their Republican colleagues have introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act, a bill that would do away with the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the "death tax." Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has joined the large number of GOP senators in reintroducing this legislation as well...READ MORE

Secretary Marco Rubio-Hamas’ treatment of hostages, including its brutal murder of the Bibas family, further illustrates their savagery and is yet another reason why we are saying these terrorists must release all of the hostages immediately or be destroyed.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-Republicans will give more tax breaks to the rich. Democrats look out for the rest of us.

Cartels Designated As Foreign Terror Organizations Could Face US Military Action—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump recently designated sundry drug cartels operating in Mexico as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO).

Cammack Introduces Bipartisan Bill Improving Public Safety Communications—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) is introducing bipartisan legislation to improve public safety communications for first responders, which she said is "critical."

Kobe Bryant to be Honored in National Garden of American Heroes—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Castor Introduces Bill to Expand Access to SBA Loans After Hurricanes—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) has introduced legislation expanding access to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, making rebuilding efforts cheaper.

Scott, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to End the Death Tax—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

'No Thanks': Rep. Angie Nixon Brushes Off Bryon Donalds' Potential run at Florida Governor—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—House Democratic Rep. Angela "Angie" Nixon (D-Jacksonville) didn't appear thrilled after Florida Congressman Byron Donalds asserted that he would keep "Florida Great" after President Donald Trump endorsed his potential run for governor.

Cherfilus McCormick Argues Against Removal of TPS Status for Haitians—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

Rep. Juan Porras Praises Trump's Endorsement of Byron Donalds, Jabs at DeSantis—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Descovich: Senate Will 'Have a Hard Time' Rejecting Her After DeSantis Reappointment—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday reappointed Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich to the state ethics commission months after Republican...

Trump Endorses Byron Donalds For Florida Governor—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump has endorsed Representative Byron Donalds for Florida Governor. Through a post on Truth Social, President Trump lauded Representative...

DeSantis Closes Out Legislative Battle, Vetoes Controversial TRUMP Act—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday vetoed the TRUMP Act, a divisive illegal immigration bill, officially slamming the door on the month-long tumult within the...

Reps. Berny Jacques, Chase Tramont Look to Safeguard State Election System—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida Reps. Berny Jacques and Chase Tramont filed a bill Thursday that would safeguard the integrity of the state's electoral system while...

Cory Mills and Alleged Victim Categorically Deny Any Physical Assault Took Place—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Rep. Cory Mills has categorically denied he did anything wrong after Washington Metropolitan Police officers responded to his residence...

Over Ballot Counting Veto—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power mocked Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday for vetoing a bill that aimed to speed up ballot counting in the state.

Trump Squeezes Federal Agencies in New Government Efficiency Order—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that requires the reduction and potential elimination of a series of federal agencies.

Waltz Says Ukraine Needs to 'Tone Down' Criticism of Trump Amidst Negotiations—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed the ongoing negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia to end the war in a recent appearance on Fox and Friends, effectively saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in no place to criticize President Donald Trump for wanting to end hostilities.

Charles Broadway Appointed to State Immigration Enforcement Council by Gov. Ron DeSantis—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Buchanan Introduces Bipartisan Bills Improving Telehealth, Expediting Lung Cancer Screenings—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Florida Sues Target for Defrauding Investors Over DEI and 'LGBTQ Activism'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Thursday filed a class-action lawsuit against the retail corporation Target for defrauding investors and...

Trump Administration Revoking TPS for Venezuelans Sparks Outrage Among Lawmakers—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The Trump Administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status for over 500,000 Venezuelans has sparked outrage among...

Scott Introduces Bill to 'Restore Merit' and End DEI Hiring in Government—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott has introduced the Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025, a bill designed to end DEI hiring practices and restore merit...

DeSantis Promises to Veto Fine's Bill Over Court Document Service—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis has promised to kill a new bill banning private citizens from serving court documents, a move the bill sponsor insists is "not the win" the...

Florida AG Uthmeier Files Brief at Supreme Court in Support of Trump's Executive Power Use—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed an amicus curiae brief in support of President Donald Trump’s authority...

DeSantis to Meet with Trump, Expected to Advocate for Casey DeSantis's Potential Gubernatorial Run—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a big supporter of term limits, doesn’t appear to be willing to give up the power...

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

The post JUICE🍊—2.24.2025—Ending Death Tax—Mills Denies Assaulting Woman—Scott, Cherfilus-McCormick, Nixon, Porras—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

President Donald Trump Endorses Byron Donalds Over Simpson, DeSantis, When he Runs for Governor

Of course, we are going to take the credit for pressing President Trump's decision to endorse Rep. Byron Donalds over First Lady Casey DeSantis where he (he will) decide to run for governor in 2016. Hours after we broke the story that Gov. DeSantis was going to press the president to support Mrs. DeSantis and was actively telling donors not to donate to Rep. Donalds, the 47th President of the United States dropped the political Mother Of All Bombs (MOAB) endorsements.

This is a game-changing endorsement.

Who is going to run against Donalds when he officially announces sometime this summer?

Only a fool will run against arguably the most popular and powerful sitting U.S. President in American history.

The Floridian has learned that shortly after the White House read the story, things quickly went into motion.

Sources say Laura Loomer brought DeSantis’s plot to the attention of President Trump and his senior advisors at the White House, which promoted President Trump to release his endorsement of Byron Donalds less than 2 hours before POTUS was set to speak to the Republican Governor’s Association, which has scheduled meeting in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Ron and Casey DeSantis traveled to Washington for the dinner, hoping to corner Trump and get him to refrain from endorsing Donalds over Mrs. DeSantis.

"I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024. I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER! Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always-under-siege Second Amendment. Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!"— President Donald Trump

Stick a fork in the 2026 Republican gubernatorial election in Florida. It's over.

Rep. Donalds is all but assured to win the nomination for governor when he announces, and has moved up his announcement date.

The announcement is imminent.

The bigger losers are AG Commissioner Wilton Simpson and his questionable communications apparatus that have been eyeing the governor's Mansion and lately have been in overdrive to paint him as the immigration law enforcement czar.

...READ MORE

Ron DeSantis-Today, we kicked off Florida’s preparations for America’s semiquincentennial by unveiling a statue of George Washington generously loaned to us from the Mount Vernon Estate.

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding next year, we are also commissioning statues of our founding fathers to be placed in the Florida counties that bear their namesakes. While this Mount Vernon statue is displayed at the Capitol, our own commissioned statue of George Washington will be destined for Washington County.

The same goes for:

Franklin County, named for Benjamin Franklin;

Hamilton County, named for Alexander Hamilton;

Jefferson County, named for Thomas Jefferson;

Madison County, named for the Father of our Constitution, James Madison; and,

Monroe County, named for James Monroe.

While other places are tearing statues down, Florida is putting them up and honoring our nation’s history.

Byron Donalds-President Trump is Making America Great Again.

I'm committed to working with him to Keep Florida Great.

Announcement coming soon!

Over Ballot Counting Veto—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power mocked Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday for vetoing a bill that aimed to speed up ballot counting in the state.

Trump Squeezes Federal Agencies in New Government Efficiency Order—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that requires the reduction and potential elimination of a series of federal agencies.

Waltz Says Ukraine Needs to 'Tone Down' Criticism of Trump Amidst Negotiations—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed the ongoing negotiations between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia to end the war in a recent appearance on Fox and Friends, effectively saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in no place to criticize President Donald Trump for wanting to end hostilities.

Charles Broadway Appointed to State Immigration Enforcement Council by Gov. Ron DeSantis—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Buchanan Introduces Bipartisan Bills Improving Telehealth, Expediting Lung Cancer Screenings—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Florida Sues Target for Defrauding Investors Over DEI and 'LGBTQ Activism'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Thursday filed a class-action lawsuit against the retail corporation Target for defrauding investors and...

Trump Administration Revoking TPS for Venezuelans Sparks Outrage Among Lawmakers—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The Trump Administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status for over 500,000 Venezuelans has sparked outrage among...

Scott Introduces Bill to 'Restore Merit' and End DEI Hiring in Government—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott has introduced the Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025, a bill designed to end DEI hiring practices and restore merit...

DeSantis Promises to Veto Fine's Bill Over Court Document Service—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis has promised to kill a new bill banning private citizens from serving court documents, a move the bill sponsor insists is "not the win" the...

Florida AG Uthmeier Files Brief at Supreme Court in Support of Trump's Executive Power Use—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed an amicus curiae brief in support of President Donald Trump’s authority...

DeSantis to Meet with Trump, Expected to Advocate for Casey DeSantis's Potential Gubernatorial Run—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a big supporter of term limits, doesn’t appear to be willing to give up the power...

Zelenskyy Says Trump is Living in Russian "Disinformation Space," Trump Calls Him "Dictator" in Return—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

WalletHub: Four Florida Cities in Top 10 for Financially Distressed Residents—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida might be known for its warm weather and pristine beaches, but residents seem to feel financially distressed by its high costs.

Sen. Jonathan Martin Files Bill to Eliminate Property Taxes Statewide—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Steube Says Reconciliation Bill Will 'Work Itself Out'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

DeSantis Clashes With Fine, Brushes Off ‘Bigot’ Remarks Against Embattled UWF Appointee—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis implored Floridians to stop and think before they listen to what Sen. Randy Fine has to say about his new appointee...

Rubio, Waltz, and Witkoff Meet Top Russian Officials in First US-Russia Summit Since Ukraine Invasion—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff...

Florida Democrats File Bill to Repeal Six-Week Abortion Ban, Return to Pre-Dobbs Era—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Florida Democrats filed a bill Tuesday aimed at repealing the state's controversial six-week abortion ban and restoring abortion policies to...

Smith Files Bill to Ban Elected Officials Over Political Ad Influence—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—A bill was filed in the Florida Senate that would prohibit elected or appointed officials from using their power to influence or intimidate a broadcaster to...

US Military Rescues Iranian Sailors as US-Iran Tensions Flare—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—The US military has reportedly rescued mariners from Iran who emitted a distress call after their ship began to sink in the Arabian Gulf. The Iranian-flagged...

Ingoglia, Salzman File Bills Adding Protections for Minors on Social Media—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Florida lawmakers filed bills on Wednesday that would add protections for minors on social media platforms against online predators. Sen...

Mills, McCaul Introduce Bill to Protect State Department from Enemy Drones, Surveillance—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representatives Cory Mills and Mike McCaul have introduced legislation authorizing the State Department to implement countermeasures...

Trump Calls Zelenskyy a 'Dictator' Amidst War Negotiations—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—President Donald Trump released a message on his social media app, Truth Social, regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the negotiations...

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

The post JUICE🍊—2.21.2025—President Donald Trump Endorses Byron Donalds for Governor of Florida—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) has introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation to improve access to telehealth and lung cancer screenings.

The telehealth bill, known as the Permanent Telehealth from Home Act, would remove the originating site and geographic limitations for telehealth services, meaning it can be accessed anywhere. Although limitless access is currently part of the 2024 end-of-year government funding bill, it is set to expire in March.

As a result, Rep. Buchanan's bill would keep limitless access permanent.

In his press release, Rep. Buchanan said, "Making telehealth services available to patients regardless of their location is a major win for the nearly 200,000 seniors in my district and anyone in need of accessible, convenient care. Extending telehealth services will allow seniors continued access to critical health care, including emergency medical attention and mental health services. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to make this flexibility permanent and expand access to telehealth services."

Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA), the bill's cosponsor, added, "Since my days in the California State Senate, I've been a big believer in telehealth's ability to save money, time, and lives. Telehealth allows patients—especially those with low mobility or who otherwise can't make it to the doctor's office—to access the care they need when they need it. Expanding Americans' access to telehealth's vital services regardless of geography just makes sense. Thank you to Rep. Buchanan for his leadership on this issue."

Buchanan's second bill, the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act, expedites approval processes for new lung cancer screening tests through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As the Florida Congressman explained, current law requires approval for new screening tests from the FDA and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) before they can be accessed. This process can take up to five years; even then, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must consider them.

"The federal government should make it easier for seniors and folks at risk to access crucial life-saving lung cancer screenings and not unreasonably hinder these tests from becoming available for use," Buchanan said in his press release, adding, "Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape has too often stifled innovation, unreasonably delaying access to advanced testing. Early detection is key, and this bipartisan legislation ensures that more Americans have access to life-saving screenings."

The post Buchanan Introduces Bipartisan Bills Improving Telehealth, Expediting Lung Cancer Screenings appeared first on The Floridian.

Following in California's anti-chemical footsteps, a new Florida bill filed Monday would ban restaurants from selling food containing certain dyes or harmful substances.

All nine additives Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin listed as forbidden in his new bill, SB 560, are banned in some or all of the European Union. The only two fully outlawed by the United States Food and Drug Administration were struck in the past seven months.

Under the bill, which would go into effect in January 2028, food establishments that illegally manufacture, sell, or distribute food with additives Martin wants to ban must pay a $5,000 fee. A second violation would require offenders to shell out $10,000.

"This is something that many of the people who voted in the state of Florida, and around the country, supported. [Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.]—the relationship with him and the president—he’s been very clear that we’ve got to take a look at this,” Martin said in December, first discussing his plan to file the bill.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a previous independent presidential candidate, ran on an anti-vaccine platform preaching medical freedom. A huge opponent of food and water additives, RFK, Jr. has promised to "Make America Healthy Again" as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services under Donald Trump.

His message resounded in both the Steak and Shake food chain, which has replaced its seed oil with beef tallow, and with Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who encouraged Florida cities to ban fluoride in their tap water. At least eight have complied.

However, the first U.S. area to lead on food additives was not affiliated with the RFK message, but the Democrat stronghold of California. Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023 signed the California Food Safety Act outlawing a series of chemical additives and the following year banned six colored food dyes in schools. Both laws will take effect in 2027.

What chemicals would be banned and why?

Martin's bill takes a page out of California's book to ban brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, red dye 3, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA). It would expand California's ban on blue dye 1 and yellow dye 5 in public schools to apply to all food establishments and add benzidine as another preservative to be fully outlawed.

Here's each additive, why it's used, and what its supposed harms are:

Brominated vegetable oil: Used to stabilize fruit flavorings in sodas, the FDA revoked its approval in July following links to nervous system damage and memory loss. It's been banned in the United Kingdom since 1970 and in the European Union since 2008.

Potassium bromate: This chemical is often added to the flour of many baked goods to strengthen dough, though the FDA has not reviewed it since 1973. They've claimed that it converts to the "harmless" potassium bromide when used properly. Banned in Europe since 1990, high doses are linked to cancer and cell harm in animals.

Propylparaben: This additive is used to prevent mold and bacteria growth in food. It has been banned in Europe since 2006 for allegedly causing hormone disruption and reproductive harm in animals.

Red Dye 3: Used to create a fluorescent cherry-red color in some foods, the FDA banned the dye last month because it's a known carcinogen in animals. The European Union has banned it since 1994.

Blue Dye 1: Also used for coloring, some fear blue dye 1 can cause issues to the liver or kidneys, though no definite studies have proven that. It is banned in Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Yellow dye 5: Another coloring dye, this dye may be linked to neurotoxicity or cancer. It is banned in countries like Norway and Finland.

Benzidine: This chemical used in some dyes has not been approved for sale production in the U.S. since the 1970s, though its traces can be found in certain pharmaceutical and paint production. Linked to bladder cancer, the FDA heavily limits benzidine content in food dyes to 1 part per billion. It's been banned in all manufacturing areas in the EU since 2009.

Butylated hydroxyanisole: Used as a preservative, BHA is legal in the United States in regulated doses but banned in the EU. However, high doses have been linked to cancer in animals.

Butylated hydroxytoluene: Used as a preservative, BHT is legal in the U.S. but banned in the EU. High levels lead to concerns of cancer and endocrine disruption.

The post Florida Bill Follows California, Would Ban Restaurants Selling Food With Cancerous Chemicals appeared first on The Floridian.

Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) have reintroduced their bipartisan legislation, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, which aims to update regulations and support Florida citrus growers by creating friendlier standards.  The entire Florida delegation has co-sponsored the bill.

According to the lawmakers, the rationale for changing the not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice brix (required level of sugar/solids content) standard wouldn't affect nutrition nor taste, but give growers more flexibility and greater value for their product. The not-from-concentrate brix standard would change from 10.5% to 10% with this bill.

Specifically, this bill would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to alter the brix standard (required level of sugar/solids content) in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 percent to 10 percent. Moreover, Reps. Franklin's and Wasserman Schultz's further rationale for changing the standard includes the effects of major hurricanes, greening, and other "adverse factors" that have impacted citrus growers, especially in the State of Florida.

The bill, Reps. Franklin and Wasserman Schultz and the Florida delegation argue, also reduce the dependency on foreign fruit.

Rep. Franklin called the current standards "outdated" and said this bill "throws [growers] a lifeline" for their businesses.

“Outdated standards and needless red tape are standing in the way of Florida citrus’s big comeback,” said Rep. Franklin. “While slow-moving FDA bureaucrats take years to deliberate a small regulatory adjustment, our growers are losing out on profit to foreign producers and struggling to keep their operations afloat. This simple fix throws them a lifeline, allowing more domestic product to come to market without sacrificing quality for consumers."

Franklin continued, thanking both sides of the aisle in Florida for supporting this bill.

"Helping Florida’s flagship crop is a bipartisan issue, and I’m grateful to my Florida colleagues for joining me to update this harmful regulation," concluded Franklin.

Moreover, Rep. Wasserman Schultz declared that this bill is good for farmers and processors without sacrificing quality.

“Unless we defeat pests, diseases, and extreme weather, the natural decline in brix levels in mature Florida oranges will continue, but this bill would provide our farmers and processors with flexibility to keep producing the world’s best oranges, with no sacrifices in the high quality and taste our farmers always deliver,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

Wasserman Schultz concluded, “Florida’s growers and processors should not be further waylaid by this outdated, arbitrary brix measure. Tasty, nutritious orange juice is what the world wants, and Florida orange growers should be able to continue to deliver it to our breakfast tables. This bill does that.”

The post Florida Delegation Unites Around Franklin, Wasserman Schultz to Help Citrus Growers appeared first on The Floridian.

The Biden administration's eleventh-hour proposal to lower nicotine concentrations in cigarettes has led some Floridians to fear a billion-dollar impact in state revenue and an eruption in black market cigarettes.

The Food and Drug Administration proposed the plan Wednesday, just days before President Joe Biden will step down in favor of Donald Trump. The plan would reduce the standard nicotine content in cigarettes from 10 to 15 milligrams to no more than 0.7 milligrams, meaning a standard pack of 20 cigarettes would have roughly the same amount of nicotine as one cigarette does now.

Ned Bowman, executive director of the Florida Petroleum Marketing Association, told The Floridian that the proposal is a superficial "shot across the bow" typical of outgoing administrations.

"This is just a shot across the bow for the FDA on the way out with this administration," said Bowman, whose organization represents 97% of Florida convenience stores. "We've seen it before when administrations are changed. They send out a lot of these proposals at the last minute, and then I don't think they really think them through."

Bowman, who has led the FPMA for 14 years, warned that reducing nicotine levels could lead to a host of issues, including a billion-dollar slash to Sunshine State tax revenue, harm to tobacco farmers, and an increase in cigarette consumption as smokers seek the same levels of nicotine they're used to. He also predicted a new black market for high-nicotine cigarettes.

"Trying to implement this and then enforce this is very difficult. We're seeing that now with the vapes that are coming in now from China—it's very difficult to stop," said Bowman. "You reduce the nicotine in cigarettes, and people are gonna smoke more cigarettes to get the nicotine. I think it's a self-serving rule."

The FDA has been working on a rule addressing cigarette addiction since at least 2022, hoping to wean people off of the addictive carcinogens by capping nicotine levels in cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, most cigars, and pipe tobacco. But according to the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, which commissioned a report in late 2024, the proposal could spark a serious financial fallout.

The report found that while nicotine reduction would likely decrease legal cigarette sales, that downward trend would also be reflected in total tax contributions. The proposal could cause a crippling $24 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue, with up to 57.5% of future cigarette market sales—an estimated $43 billion—shifting to illegal providers, Florida Politics reported.

Bowman echoed these concerns, claiming that cigarettes could easily be smuggled the same way Chinese vapes are now.

"If this passes, that's what you're going to get: a way around it, and you're going to bring illicit trade into it," Bowman said.

The FDA plan would give the White House another chance to regulate tobacco after shunting aside an earlier plan to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes. The incoming Trump administration will decide whether the proposal can advance or be scrapped altogether.

Trump has a mixed history with tobacco and nicotine. During his first term, he supported raising the federal age for tobacco purchases from 18 to 21 and more tightly regulating flavored vapes. Still, he stopped short of banning menthol and tobacco-flavored vapes.

More recently, however, he reversed course and signaled that he would "save vaping again."

Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president at noon on Jan. 20.

The post Biden Admin’s Eleventh-Hour Plan to Lower Nicotine Levels Sparks Concerns in Florida appeared first on The Floridian.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday confirmed a double-header of government appointments, revealing that his Chief of Staff James Uthmeier will succeed Ashley Moody as Florida's Attorney General once she leaves office to become a U.S. Senator.

The sequence of musical chairs began in November when President-elect Donald Trump poached Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State, triggering an imminent Senate vacancy that DeSantis had to fill.

At a Thursday press conference in Orlando, after months of buzz and speculation over which conservative powerhouse would fill Rubio's shoes, he chose Moody.

Minutes later, DeSantis confirmed that Uthmeier will take over for Moody as the state's next attorney general.

"On Attorney General, my chief of staff James Uthmeier is like Ashley [Moody]; he's proven himself in these fights," the Florida Governor said. "I think she's got big shoes to fill, but I think he'll do a good job doing that, so you can anticipate that.

"I'm not gonna make [Uthmeier's] appointment before it's available, but I think that's something that will happen," DeSantis added.

Moody will be appointed to Rubio's Senate seat after Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Once the Attorney General role is vacant, DeSantis will appoint Uthmeier in her stead. Both the Senate seat and Attorney General position will be up for election in 2026 as the two DeSantis allies fill the remaining two years of the two terms.

Uthmeier's appointment ties into a web of Florida political connections. Between 2012 and 2014, he worked as a law clerk in Rubio's Senate office from 2012 to 2014. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Uthmeier began working in DeSantis' legal office in 2019 as deputy general counsel and later served as general counsel between 2020 and 2021, the nwfdailynews reported at the time.

In September 2021, he took on the Chief of Staff role. He also served as DeSantis’ campaign manager during the governor’s 2024 presidential run, which ended after financial struggles. Though the presidential campaign was snuffed out at the hands of Donald Trump, Uthmeier continued to work as Chief of Staff.

That is, until his imminent appointment to Florida Attorney General.

The post DeSantis' Chief of Staff James Uthmeier to be the Next Florida Attorney General appeared first on The Floridian.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has launched a $20 million nationwide campaign calling on the legislative branch to renew President-elect Donald Trump's (R) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

AFP describes this bill as "a cornerstone of AFP and the Trump Administration’s shared economic agenda this year." The group also describes this campaign as the "largest effort by a conservative organization to support President Trump’s second-term legislative agenda." The campaign launches this week in all 50 states with advertisements urging Americans to unite by telling their elected officials to renew the tax cuts.

AFP-FL State Director Skylar Zander said that Congress and Floridians, by proxy, will face a "crisis" if the tax cuts are not renewed.

“This year, Congress is facing a countdown to a crisis that threatens family budgets nationwide," said Zander. "If Congress fails to renew the TCJA, Floridians will be left paying $3,505 more in taxes. Along with increasing the burden of inflation on working families, the expiration of these tax cuts would cripple local businesses with a $1,610 tax increase and ultimately cost over 61,500 jobs."

Zander continued, “If we are going to reignite the American Dream, we need to start with protecting the progress we made with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as expand on pro-growth tax policy that will jump start the economy and get more Floridians back to work.

He concluded, “We are proud to partner with the incoming Trump Administration to protect prosperity and ensure that Congress acts before millions of Floridians face crippling increases in their tax bills.”

Moreover, AFP-Florida also released the following information regarding their new campaign:

The Protect Prosperity campaign will mobilize all 50 states to reach millions of voters on the phone and at their doorsteps. The campaign will elevate the voices of Members of Congress supportive of pro-growth tax cuts and hold accountable Members who do not support this agenda, with the goal of extending and building on tax relief for American families and businesses.

The campaign will also feature a robust 50-state media engagement strategy and lobbying effort. AFP will conduct over 1,000 meetings with Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, hold in-district events with our activists and Members of Congress, roundtables with job creators, and shared testimonials from real American families and businesses who would suffer if Congress fails to renew the Trump tax cuts.

Through 2023 and 2024, AFP and AFP Action reached out to a record of nearly 30 million voters. This year, AFP will again activate its grassroots army of millions to ensure pro-growth tax reform is Congress’ top priority – with calls to lawmakers, community phone banks, and 20,000 contacts at constituent doors planned in February alone.

The post Americans for Prosperity-FL Launches $20M Campaign to Support Trump Tax Cuts appeared first on The Floridian.

Democrats Shoot Themselves in the Political Foot (Again) Over Illegal Immigration

Seven Florida House Democrats rejected legislation that would deport illegal immigrants charged with sex crimes. Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D) stood as the lone Democrat to vote in favor of it...MUST READ

Maxwell Alejandro Frost-Question from a Floridian: Do I wear my snow shoes all day or wear them to my office and then swap out my dress shoes?

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-Today, VP @KamalaHarris ensured a democratic transfer of power went the way it should – peacefully, with loyalty to the Constitution.

As @hakeemjeffries said, you can't support democracy only when your side wins.

Jay Collins-Make America Florida.

Mario Díaz-Balart-It is a true honor and pleasure to meet with President-elect @EdmundoGU , and reaffirm our unwavering support and solidarity for the cause of freedom in Venezuela and for holding Maduro and his thugs accountable for their crimes.

Under President @realDonaldTrump, America will enter a new era of leadership–one that refuses to appease murderous dictatorships.

The Venezuelan people will be free due to the courage of leaders within the democratic opposition.

Gus Bilirakis-Happy Epiphany to all of those who observe! While I would like to be celebrating alongside you, I am in Washington, DC with votes scheduled. May the joy and hope that accompanies this holy day stay with each of you throughout the year.

Florida Democrats Rejected Deporting Illegal Immigrants Charged With Sex Crimes—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

First US Bird Flu Fatality Recorded as Biden Ramps up Precautionary Spending—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Medical Marijuana Use—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Job seekers and public employees in Florida who use medical marijuana won't face repercussions for drug use from employers. At least, that's what...

Steube Reintroduces Bill Protecting Women's Sports—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Greg Steube has reintroduced The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, one of his signature pieces of legislation, as the 119th Congress commences...

Patronis Commits to Investigating January 6th Committee—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Congress convened to certify President-elect Donald Trump's 2024 win. January 6th also marks the fourth anniversary of the attack on the Capitol, a polarizing...

Venezuelan President-Elect to Meet With US Lawmakers Prior to Facing Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Venezuelan President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez-Urrutia will visit US lawmakers in Washington, D.C. this week prior to leaving for Venezuela...

Sen. Ileana Garcia Responds to Pizzo's Criticism of Long Wait Times at DMV—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Miami Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia responded to Democratic Senator Jason Pizzo's criticism of the Florida Department of Highway Safety...

VP Harris, Congress Certify Trump's Election—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—President-elect Donald Trump's election victory has officially been certified during a Joint Session of Congress in the House of Representatives. The session was presided over...

Governor Ron DeSantis/. The FloridianDeSantis Warns that 'Radical Islamist Terrorism' Still Poses Major Threat to US—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently stated the obvious about the ongoing threat of radical Islamist terrorism poses to the U.S.

Zelensky Claims Trump Could be ‘Decisive’ in Ending Russia-Ukraine War—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President elect Donald Trump has been lauded by Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelensky as potentially “decisive” in ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

House Freedom Caucus Provides Speaker Johnson With List of Demands—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) voted for newly re-elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Republicans head into the 119th Congress with a slim majority. While the House Freedom Caucus, including Representatives Chip Roy...

Cammack Introduces Two Bills Right After Swearing-In—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Prepares For Showdown With Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Party Switching Raises Political Realignment Questions—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—State Representatives Hillary Cassel (R) and Susan Valdes (R) struck a blow to the Florida Democratic Party after announcing that they would be switching parties. The GOP embraced the two with open arms, citing the switch to growing disapproval of liberal policies. However, the victory march does raise questions about political realignment and the future of politicians who switch parties after elections.

Donalds Torches Biden Awarding Medals to January 6th Committee's Liz Cheney, Bennie Thompson—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—President Biden recently awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest honor bestowed upon civilians, to former Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) for leading the January 6th Committee, an award Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) said he was "highly offended, but not surprised" by in a recent appearance on Fox News's Hannity.

Miami Mayor Francis Saurez congratulates Leon Jr. on Spain ambassadorship—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Castor, Carter Celebrate Signage of Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization into Law—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—President Biden has signed the bipartisan Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024...

Florida Scrub Jay Could Soar to Songbird Status as NRA's Marion Hammer Retires from Battle—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—The Florida scrub jay could be one step closer to becoming the official state songbird now that the leading opponent of the idea has...

Speaker Mike Johnson Fails to Retain Gavel on First Vote—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Following the first vote to elect a Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, former Speaker Mike Johnson has failed to reach the threshold to retain...

Biden signs Salazar’s DISPOSE Act into Law—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar is celebrating a legislative victory as her DISPOSE Act was signed into law. The anti-fentanyl bill was included in the Servicemember Quality of Life...

Carlos Guillermo Smith Calls for Restoring Funding for the Arts—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shocked many when he cut $32 million from the state budget that would have otherwise gone to arts and culture organizations...

BREAKING: Speaker Johnson Retains Gavel Heading Into 119th Congress—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Following the first vote to elect a Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, former Speaker Mike Johnson failed…

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

The post JUICE🍊—1.7.2024—Florida Democrats Don't Learn and Shoot Themselves in Foot Over Illegal Immigration—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

DeSantis Warns that 'Radical Islamist Terrorism' Still Poses Major Threat to US

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently stated the obvious about the ongoing threat of radical Islamist terrorism poses to the U.S...MUST READ

Senator Randy Fine-Went and saw Mom today for the first time since her funeral. President Trump asked me to run for Congress just four days later. What a ride the past 40 days have been.

Mom, I wish you were here with me. I miss you and Courtney very much.

Byron Donalds-Democrats increased our federal spending to astronomical levels & told you higher taxes would cover their recklessness.

THEY LIED.

We're now $36T in debt.

We can't just keep spending.

We have to be fiscally responsible.

We must be honest about what reforms & cuts are needed.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-Deposed Syrian President al-Assad gassed, tortured & killed his own people. Putin is the world’s most dangerous tyrant. Gabbard apologized for both.

She lacks the judgement needed to lead our intelligence agencies.

DeSantis Warns that 'Radical Islamist Terrorism' Still Poses Major Threat to US—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently stated the obvious about the ongoing threat of radical Islamist terrorism poses to the U.S.

Zelensky Claims Trump Could be ‘Decisive’ in Ending Russia-Ukraine War—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President elect Donald Trump has been lauded by Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelensky as potentially “decisive” in ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

House Freedom Caucus Provides Speaker Johnson With List of Demands—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Members of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) voted for newly re-elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Republicans head into the 119th Congress with a slim majority. While the House Freedom Caucus, including Representatives Chip Roy...

Cammack Introduces Two Bills Right After Swearing-In—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Prepares For Showdown With Maduro—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Party Switching Raises Political Realignment Questions—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—State Representatives Hillary Cassel (R) and Susan Valdes (R) struck a blow to the Florida Democratic Party after announcing that they would be switching parties. The GOP embraced the two with open arms, citing the switch to growing disapproval of liberal policies. However, the victory march does raise questions about political realignment and the future of politicians who switch parties after elections.

Donalds Torches Biden Awarding Medals to January 6th Committee's Liz Cheney, Bennie Thompson—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—President Biden recently awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest honor bestowed upon civilians, to former Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY) and Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) for leading the January 6th Committee, an award Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) said he was "highly offended, but not surprised" by in a recent appearance on Fox News's Hannity.

Miami Mayor Francis Saurez congratulates Leon Jr. on Spain ambassadorship—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Castor, Carter Celebrate Signage of Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization into Law—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—President Biden has signed the bipartisan Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024...

Florida Scrub Jay Could Soar to Songbird Status as NRA's Marion Hammer Retires from Battle—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—The Florida scrub jay could be one step closer to becoming the official state songbird now that the leading opponent of the idea has...

Speaker Mike Johnson Fails to Retain Gavel on First Vote—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Following the first vote to elect a Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, former Speaker Mike Johnson has failed to reach the threshold to retain...

Biden signs Salazar’s DISPOSE Act into Law—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar is celebrating a legislative victory as her DISPOSE Act was signed into law. The anti-fentanyl bill was included in the Servicemember Quality of Life...

Carlos Guillermo Smith Calls for Restoring Funding for the Arts—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shocked many when he cut $32 million from the state budget that would have otherwise gone to arts and culture organizations...

BREAKING: Speaker Johnson Retains Gavel Heading Into 119th Congress—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Following the first vote to elect a Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, former Speaker Mike Johnson failed…

Trump Faces Significant Offshore Oil Drilling Challenge in Florida, Other Federal Coastlines—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

Donalds Blasts Associated Press Coverage of Tesla Explosion Outside Trump Hotel—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, in what authorities believe to be an act of terrorism. The Associated Press (AP) seemingly first reported the explosion as a mechanical problem, which Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) called out on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "This is why people don't trust media."

Trump Blames Biden For Wave of Attacks Across US—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President-elect Donald Trump is blaming President Joe Biden’s policies for permitting the wave of attacks unfolding across the US. Mass shootings and car explosions...

Hamas Leader Killed While Hiding Among Civilians in Gaza Refugee Camp—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Israel Defense Forces have announced the Israeli Air Force killed Hamas terrorist leader Hassam Shahwan during a strike in Gaza’s Khan...

'Projecting Weakness': Steube Blames Biden for Nation's Vulnerability to Terrorists—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Representative Greg Steube released a statement regarding the terrorist attack in New Orleans. The attack was carried out by a Texas...

Donalds Blasts Associated Press Coverage of Tesla Explosion Outside Trump Hotel—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, in what authorities believe to be an act of terrorism...

No Respite in Middle East as Hamas Fires Rockets Into Israel on New Year's Eve—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—New Year’s Eve festivities did not halt conflict in the Middle East, as Hamas fired rockets into Israel during the evening of the last day of...

Randy Fine Calls for Expulsion of 'Muslim Terror' Non-Americans after New Orleans Attack—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Sen. Randy Fine, a Jewish-American Florida state Senator, on Thursday called for the expulsion of all non-Americans who have advocated...

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

The post JUICE🍊—1.6.2024—DeSantis Warns of Radical Islamist Threat to America—Freedom Caucus Serves Speaker Johnson Demands—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of Adams Farm (Walton and Holmes counties) and Triple S Ranch (Citrus County) through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

These two farms cover 1,687 acres and 806 acres, respectively. They were preserved through the rural lands protection easements for $2,275,200 and $3,392,000, per Commissioner Simpson’s office.

“We’re proud to announce today more partnerships to permanently preserve working Florida farmland through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By protecting working agricultural operations like Adams Farm and Triple S Ranch, we’re ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Florida’s economy while conserving the natural landscapes that make our state special.”

According to the press release, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program “purchases the development rights to agricultural properties through voluntary rural lands protection easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.”

Moreover, Simpson recently launched a $5 million grant program—the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program—to support energy efficiency improvements in the Sunshine State. Commissioner Simpson's press office said the program will use the $5 million to improve publicly owned water and wastewater treatment facilities in Florida’s rural counties.

The program aims to implement innovative energy-saving technologies, such as energy-efficient motors, pumps, lighting, nutrient recovery, boilers, blowers, and more. It will also attempt to enhance energy efficiency and lower operational costs at critical water and wastewater treatment facilities. Grants ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 will support these projects.

“We’re excited to launch the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program, which is about more than just improving energy efficiency – it’s about supporting Floridians where it matters most,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By investing in rural counties, we are ensuring that our water and wastewater treatment facilities are not only more energy-efficient but also more cost-effective. These upgrades will reduce operating expenses, which helps local governments better serve their communities and keep utility costs manageable for Florida families.”

Eligible applicants include publicly owned treatment facilities operated by local governments in rural counties. The grant application process begins on December 9, 2024, and will close on February 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

The post AG Commissioner Simpson Moves to Protect Two Florida Farms appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has launched a $5 million grant program—the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program—to support energy efficiency improvements in the Sunshine State. According to Commissioner Simpson's press office, the program will use the $5 million to improve publicly owned water and wastewater treatment facilities in Florida’s rural counties.

The program aims to implement innovative energy-saving technologies, such as energy-efficient motors, pumps, lighting, nutrient recovery, boilers, blowers, and more. It will also attempt to enhance energy efficiency and lower operational costs at critical water and wastewater treatment facilities. Grants ranging from $250,000 to $750,000 will support these projects.

“We’re excited to launch the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy Efficiency Program, which is about more than just improving energy efficiency – it’s about supporting Floridians where it matters most,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By investing in rural counties, we are ensuring that our water and wastewater treatment facilities are not only more energy-efficient but also more cost-effective. These upgrades will reduce operating expenses, which helps local governments better serve their communities and keep utility costs manageable for Florida families.”

Eligible applicants include publicly owned treatment facilities operated by local governments in rural counties. The grant application process begins on December 9, 2024, and will close on February 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

A few months ago, Commissioner Simpson announced the state had issued a stop-sale order for “Diamond Shruumz” products. Some of the brand’s products have been found to contain “psychotropic components” such as O-Acetylpsilocin.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for Diamond Shruumz-branded cones, chocolate bars, and gummies in June.

“As a state, we have a responsibility to protect our citizens, especially our children, from potentially harmful products and substances, and we are committed to ensuring that all food products sold in Florida meet strict safety standards,” said Commissioner Simpson. “By issuing this stop-sale order, we are taking swift action to ensure these products do not re-enter the marketplace and to safeguard the well-being of Floridians.”

According to AG Simpson’s press release, the brand is based in Santa Ana, California. The recall was triggered by the identification of Muscimol in its products.

The post Commissioner Simpson Launches $5 Million Grant to Improve Public Water appeared first on The Floridian.

President-elect Donald Trump has completed his core cabinet appointments by selecting the last few individuals who will lead the federal government’s major agencies. 

Ranging from multi-millionaires to former lawmakers, President Trump’s cabinet nominees hail from diverse sectors of America. Here is a list of Trump’s choices:

Susan Wiles- White House Chief of Staff

President-elect Donald Trump’s first cabinet position was given to Susan Wiles, who will serve as the first female chief of staff in history. Wiles, who managed President’s Trump campaign, has had a successful track record helping Republican candidates win their respective races. 

Marco Rubio-Secretary of State

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was tapped by Trump to lead the Department of State. Senator Rubio, the son of Cuban exiles, is known for his hawkish China policies and opposition to socialism’s growth across the West. 

Pam Bondi-Attorney General

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was chosen to lead the Department of Justice after Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Trump’s original appointee, removed himself from the appointment process. As reported by The Floridian’s Javier Manjarres, Bondi is very close to Ivanka Trump and other close advisors of the former President, including Susie Wiles, and led the America First Legal group founded by several of Trump's close supporters and advisors.

Howard Lutnick-Department of Commerce

Lutnick is the Chief Executive Officer of billionaire financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald. In his secretary of commerce role, Lutnick will administer the US foreign trade policy and ensure American companies remain globally competitive, which Trump has promised to achieve through tariffs. 

Scott Bessent-US Department of the Treasury

Scott Bessent, a former partner at Soros Fund Management and the founder of Key Square Group has been appointed to head the Treasury Department. Bessent has previously expressed support for Trump’s tariff policies and has been a major Trump donor. As the leader of the Treasury Department, Bessent will set the US government’s fiscal policy. 

Linda McMahon-Department of Education

The co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment, McMahon has been selected to lead the Department of Education. McMahon's role could potentially paradoxically include terminating the department, as Trump has promised he will do during his campaign. Trump’s campaign pledged that, “in connection with totally refocusing schools on succeeding in the world of work, President Trump pledges to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and to send all education work and needs back to the States.”

John F. Kennedy Jr- Health and Human Services 

Kennedy Jr. was selected to lead the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement through the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, who endorsed Trump in the lead-up to the November election, has made health a central focus of his political career. 

Kristi Noem-Department of Homeland Security

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has previously served in the South Dakota state legislature and the US House of Representatives, and is a rancher, farmer, small business owner, and New York Times bestselling author. Noem has been a fierce critic of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies and previously sent 60 South Dakota national guardsmen to patrol the southern border. 

Department of Defense- Pete Hegseth

Hegseth has been a consistent Trump supporter and is an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth has claimed he will end progressive military programs and has generally criticized the direction of the Department of Defense, claiming it needs to be reoriented to focus on efficiency and mission execution rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Environmental Protection Agency-Lee Zeldin

For the EPA, Trump selected Lee Zeldin, a former New York Representative and proponent of environmental deregulation. “Zeldin will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet,” said Trump. 

Sean Duffy- Department of Transportation

Former US Congressman and Fox News host Sean Duffy will lead the Department of Transportation. Trump has promised Duffy will lead a revival of US infrastructure, adding that Duffy was a “tremendous and well-liked public servant” who will “prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness, and Beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports.”

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy-Department of Government Efficiency

Musk and Ramaswamy will lead a new department, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), intended to slash government spending and bureaucracy. Musk and Ramaswamy have both proposed massively reducing the size and scope of the federal government.

John Ratcliffe- Central Intelligence Agency

Trump has also chosen John Ratcliffe, who served as his director of national intelligence from 2020 to 2021, to lead the CIA. Ratcliffe was one of Trump’s strongest defenders during his impeachment trials and his previous experience within the intelligence community makes him a more traditional choice.

Tom Homan-Border czar

Homan was Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director until 2018 and will administer Trump’s immigration policy and enforce border security. “I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders,” said Trump via Truth Social. “Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long-awaited for, job.” It is not yet clear which specific role Homan will fill.

Elise Stefanik- United Nations Ambassador

Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), was chosen to lead the US’ mission to the UN. Representative Stefanik’s ambassadorial role will be key for directing President Trump’s foreign policy. Stefanik recently gained popularity through her intense questioning of Ivy-league University presidents following pro-Palestine protests on their campuses in the wake of the October 7th attacks. 

Michael Waltz-National Security Advisor

Representative Mike Waltz's role as national security adviser will have him brief President Trump on national security issues, a position that does not require Senate confirmation. The Florida Congressman and former Green Beret has stepped up to bat for Trump in foreign policy multiple times, with his most recent comments coming after a second Iranian plot to assassinate the President-elect was uncovered just before Election Day.

Tulsi Gabbard-Director of National Intelligence

Representative Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI) will lead the Department of National Intelligence, an important role that will set the policy for the US’ intelligence operations. Representative Gabbard has embraced Trump in recent years, proclaiming that the "America First" agenda is the future. Rep. Gabbard formerly served as a member of the Democratic Party where she was the vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee. After finding ideological conflict with the party, she left and registered as an Independent. Earlier this year, she announced that she had registered as a Republican while speaking at a rally for President Trump.

Doug Burgum-Department of Interior

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has also been selected to lead the Department of Interior. The Department of Interior is tasked with managing public lands and minerals, national parks, and wildlife refuges. Governor Burgum previously ran for president and eventually endorsed Trump.

Brooke Rollins- US Department of Agriculture

Co-founder and head of the America First Policy Institute, Trump’s flagship think-tank, Brooke Rollins will direct the US Department of Agriculture. Rollins was raised on a farm and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's in agricultural development. “Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture,” said Rollins via X.  “It will be the honor of my life to fight for America’s farmers and our Nation’s agricultural communities.”

Lori Chávez DeRemer- Labor Secretary

Lori Chávez-DeRemer is a Republican politician and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oregon's 5th Congressional District. She was elected in 2022 and took office in January 2023. Chávez-DeRemer has a background in business and public service.

Dr. Mehmet Oz- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Trump chose Dr. Oz to manage the Medicare and Medicaid center as well as oversee its over $2.6 trillion budget.

Dr. Oz, a well-known television personality and former heart surgeon, ran for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 as a Republican candidate, with Trump's endorsement. Trump publicly supported Oz during the Republican primary, endorsing him as the best candidate to win the general election.

Doug Collins- Veterans Affairs

Trump selected veteran and former House of Representatives member Doug Collins to lead the Veterans Affairs administration. During his time in the House of Representatives (2013–2021), Doug Collins served on the House Judiciary Committee. Collins served as a chaplain in the Navy and Air Force.

Marty Makaray- Food and Drug Administration

Dr. Marty Makary, a well-known surgeon and public health expert associated with Johns Hopkins University was appointed by Trump to head the FDA. Dr. Makary is a professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins and also holds positions in public health and health policy. He's widely recognized for his work in the fields of surgery, medical ethics, and healthcare reform.

Chris Wright- Department of Energy

CEO of oil and gas firm Liberty Energy, Chris Wright has been tapped to lead Trump’s department of energy. Trump has heavily campaigned on “unleashing” American energy, a promise Wright is now expected to fulfill. Wright’s criticisms of anti-fossil fuel symbolize his alignment with Trump’s energy plans.

Scott Turner- Department of Housing and Urban Development 

The first black man to be appointed to a Republican cabinet and a former National Football League player, Scott Turner will manage Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term.

The post Trump Consolidates Cabinet Appointments as Attention Turns to Senate For Confirmation appeared first on The Floridian.

A bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to reauthorize research into congenital heart disease (CHD) has been signed into law, reinforcing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the fight against the condition.

The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 reauthorizes funding for researching CHD's causes, prevention, and treatment through Fiscal Year 2029, as the National Congenital Heart Disease Research, Surveillance, and Awareness Program continues seeking the development of creating a specialized lifelong care program for those affected by the condition.

As Rep. Bilirakis's press release explained, CHD affects nearly 40,000 newborns every year, making it one of the most common birth defects and birth defect-related deaths in the United States. Thankfully, however, more adults (approximately 2 million) are living with CHD than children are being born with it, a clear indicator that research into the condition is improving the life expectancy of these individuals.

"As a co-founder of the Congenital Heart Caucus, I've become familiar with the struggles patients with congenital heart disease and their families face.  This new law brings us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients suffering with this condition. We've seen that this program yields positive results, and I look forward to it continuing to help future generations live longer, healthier lives," said the Florida Congressman. 

Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA), one of the bill's cosponsors, said, "During my career as a pharmacist, I've seen nothing short of miracles as a result of research and development. For the two million patients suffering with Congenital Heart Disease in America, relief – in the form of a cure or treatment – can't come soon enough. I'm proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill, which is now law, to help get CHD patients the help they deserve and will continue to promote policies that lead to better health care outcomes for all Americans."

Last week, Bilirakis introduced a similar bill to ease the regulatory process between the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and specialists in rare diseases, improving the speed at which treatments can be developed for uncommon illnesses.

The post Bipartisan Bilirakis Congenital Heart Disease Research Bill Becomes Law appeared first on The Floridian.

DeSantis Begins Search for Senator Rubio's Replacement

After announcing that he was going to appoint Senator Marco Rubio’s successor sometime in January, politicos in Florida and Washington, D.C., began to speculate who would be tasked to fill Sen. Rubio’s shoes.

While many believe Gov. DeSantis will either appoint himself or appoint someone to hold the Senate seat for him, “America’s Governor” may not want to break from his “Never Back Down” persona and reputation, and could install someone that would not be perceived as being a loyalist to himself or President-elect Donald Trump.

If Gov. DeSantis appoints himself, he would arguably be quitting his job as Governor of Florida. In other words, DeSantis would be throwing his “Never Back Down” argument right out the window, if he makes a play for Rubio's Senate seat.

Gov. DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthemeier, AG Ashley Moody, Reps. Cory Mills and Laurel Lee, and now State Senator Jay Collins are all considered potential Senate candidates.

Trump supporters like Sen. Rick Scott have been urging DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump to Sen. Rubio’s seat, but what are the chances that DeSantis appeases Trump world?

Florida deserves a Senator who will help President Trump deliver on his election mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy and administrative state, reverse the nation’s fiscal decline, be animated by conservative principles, and has a proven record of results,” stated DeSantis.

None of the potential senatorial candidates, except for DeSantis himself, Rep. Mills, and Senator Collins, check off all the “election mandate” points he listed.

DeSantis has rightfully set the bar pretty high in replacing Rubio. Considering how he appears to embrace and cherish a military ethos, it’s hard to believe that he wouldn’t appoint someone to the Senate who also has a military background.

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Rick Scott-Too often, Washington politicians sneak their passion projects and political favors into spending bills.

It’s time @DOGE looked into every one of these unnecessary programs to rid us of reckless spending once and for all.

Gus Bilirakis-We're demanding answers & accountability for the hurricane victims ignored by FEMA because of their support for President Trump. This blatant political vendetta against Americans during a time of crisis is disgusting and unacceptable.

Florida Senate congratulates Jason Pizzo on Democratic leadership honors—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Fmr. Green Beret Jay Collins Emerges as Possible Candidate to Replace Rubio—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—In the same vein as his “Never Back Down” presidential run, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday held out and delayed answering MAGA World’s mounting...

DeSantis Speaks on Rubio's Senate Seat, Doesn't Leave Out Self-Appointment—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Governor Ron DeSantis has a decision to make. With Senator Marco Rubio accepting President-elect Donald Trump's offer to become his Secretary...

Recess Appointments Posed to Become First Test of Republican Unity—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—President-elect Donald Trump’s calls for the Senate to permit recess appointments are becoming the first test of Republican unity behind his administration...

Lee Introduces Bill to Protect Prison Staff from Sexual Assault, Harassment—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Sexual assault and harassment of prison staff by inmates is a worryingly frequent issue, prompting Representatives Laurel Lee and Hank Johnson...

'Hebrew Hammer' Randy Fine Could Soon Take on 'Squad' in U.S. Congress—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With Rep. Michael Waltz leaving the U.S. Congress to become President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor, Gov. Ron DeSantis is tasked...

Rep. Tom Fabricio criticizes FEMA, pushes use of Florida State Guard in aftermath of Hurricane Milton—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Cherfilus-McCormick Highlights Study Showing Most Illegal Guns in Caribbean from US—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recently published a report suggesting most illegal firearms recovered from the Caribbean were initially purchased in the United States, a study Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)...

Bipartisan Resolution Recognizes National Caregiving Youth Week—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Reps. Lois Frankel (D) and María Elvira Salazar (R) have collaborated on a resolution recognizing November...

Scott Talks Trump, Rubio, Israel Relations on Capitol Hill—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) spoke to The Floridian regarding the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Iran, and their proxies, which has left tens of thousands ...

'Complete Extinction': Florida GOP Launches Snarky Endorsement for Nikki Fried Reelection Bid—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—The Florida Republican Party snarkily endorsed Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried Friday morning after she revealed her plan to...

Fired FEMA Worker Blows the Whistle on NC, GA Controversy—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to stir controversy, which has led to bipartisan condemnation. Earlier this month, a FEMA supervisor...

Senate President-designate Ben Albritton names Sen. Ileana Garcia chair of Criminal & Civil Justice Appropriations—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Senate President-designate Ben Albritton recently announced that Sen. Ileana Garcia will chair the...

Moskowitz Pushes Back Against 'Recess Appointments'—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—As President-elect Donald Trump announces his appointments, Democrats are gearing up to push back. Rumors are circulating that the president's appointments could...

Steube Files Discharge Petition to Expedite Passage of Sunshine Protection Act—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The push to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide has picked up steam again thanks to Representative Greg Steube, who recently filed...

Stand With Israel Act Gains Steam, Six Senators Join Rick Scott—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have joined Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and 31 other upper chamber legislators in bringing forward the Stand With Israel Act...

Luna Inquires on UAPs, Whether or Not They are a Threat—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—A recent House Oversight hearing with independent journalist Michael Shellenberger, former intelligence agent Luis Elizondo, Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet (Ret.)...

Senate President-designate Ben Albritton names Sen. Bryan Avila chair of Finance & Tax Committee—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

DeSantis Demands Special Election Schedule for Gaetz, Waltz Seats Be Made 'Immediately'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis announced early Thursday that he will hold special elections as soon as possible for two Republican congressional seats...

Gaetz DOJ Nomination Incites Resistance Amongst Some Conservatives—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—US Representative Matt Gaetz’s nomination for Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump has caught many by surprise, with...

Moskowitz Calls Gabbard a 'Reckless' Choice for DNI Post—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—President Donald Trump's appointments continue to pour in, exciting supporters and dividing critics. This week, among a slew of nominations, President Trump...

AG Moody for Rubio's Replacement in Senate?—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Senator Marco Rubio expected to become Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump, speculation on who will fill his empty seat in the Senate come 2025...

Rubio, Cruz, Others Urge Answers After Reports of Improper File Access of Vance, Walz—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Republican Senators Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Bill Hagerty, Mike Braun, Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, Marsha Blackburn, and Joni Ernst...

House Speaker-designate Danny Perez praises selection of Rubio for Secretary of State—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Republican House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez, R-Miami, praised Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio on Wednesday after he...

Bilirakis Introduces Bipartisan Bill Improving Drug Development Against Rare Diseases—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The fight against rare diseases has been slow due to several factors relating to regulations, something Representatives Gus Bilirakis...

AG Moody Introduces 'Holiday Consumer Protection Guide'—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody appeared with local Miami law enforcement and members of the Florida Retail Federation and the Better Business Bureau...

Cory Mills Floated as Potential Senate Replacement for Marco Rubio—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With Governor Ron DeSantis tasked to appoint a replacement for Senator Marco Rubio after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office next January...

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

The post JUICE🍊—11.19.2024—DeSantis Begins Vetting Process to Replace Senator Marco Rubio—Senator Jason Pizzo's Big Day—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Attorney General Matt Gaetz?

When President-elect Donald Trump nominated Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, millions of collected Democratic heads exploded in anger.

Rep. Gaetz is the proverbial political boogeyman to Democrats, and being nominated to lead and overhaul the Department of Justice is like showing Count Dracula a crucifix to Democrats.

Gaetz has widespread support, but he also has Republican detractors who may not side with President Trump and confirm him once he stands before the U.S. Senate.

“He will go in and reform the Department of Justice. It desperately needs it. Look, he and I sat on the Judiciary Committee together for almost 7 years before I became Speaker of the House, and we heard the evidence, we saw the evidence of lawfare,  we saw how the Department of Justice had been used for political purposes, how they targeted Catholics in some examples, and parents at school boards. and pro-life Americans.  This is not what our system of justice was built to do, and Matt Gaetz will go in there and shake it up, and I think most of the American people understand that's an important function.”—Speaker of the House Mike Johnson

READ MORE

Byron Donalds-The People's Champ.

Your 45th & 47th President of the United States.

President Donald J. Trump.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-Many of Trump’s cabinet picks are not only unqualified, but should be disqualified.

The Senate has a role to advise & consent for a reason. With his picks ranging from conspiracy theorists to people being investigated for sexual misconduct, the Senate must reject this extremism.

ars.

Rep. Tom Fabricio criticizes FEMA, pushes use of Florida State Guard in aftermath of Hurricane Milton—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

Cherfilus-McCormick Highlights Study Showing Most Illegal Guns in Caribbean from US—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recently published a report suggesting most illegal firearms recovered from the Caribbean were initially purchased in the United States, a study Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL)...

Bipartisan Resolution Recognizes National Caregiving Youth Week—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Reps. Lois Frankel (D) and María Elvira Salazar (R) have collaborated on a resolution recognizing November...

Scott Talks Trump, Rubio, Israel Relations on Capitol Hill—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) spoke to The Floridian regarding the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Iran, and their proxies, which has left tens of thousands ...

'Complete Extinction': Florida GOP Launches Snarky Endorsement for Nikki Fried Reelection Bid—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—The Florida Republican Party snarkily endorsed Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried Friday morning after she revealed her plan to...

Fired FEMA Worker Blows the Whistle on NC, GA Controversy—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to stir controversy, which has led to bipartisan condemnation. Earlier this month, a FEMA supervisor...

Senate President-designate Ben Albritton names Sen. Ileana Garcia chair of Criminal & Civil Justice Appropriations—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Senate President-designate Ben Albritton recently announced that Sen. Ileana Garcia will chair the...

Moskowitz Pushes Back Against 'Recess Appointments'—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—As President-elect Donald Trump announces his appointments, Democrats are gearing up to push back. Rumors are circulating that the president's appointments could...

Steube Files Discharge Petition to Expedite Passage of Sunshine Protection Act—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The push to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide has picked up steam again thanks to Representative Greg Steube, who recently filed...

Stand With Israel Act Gains Steam, Six Senators Join Rick Scott—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have joined Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and 31 other upper chamber legislators in bringing forward the Stand With Israel Act...

Luna Inquires on UAPs, Whether or Not They are a Threat—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—A recent House Oversight hearing with independent journalist Michael Shellenberger, former intelligence agent Luis Elizondo, Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet (Ret.)...

Senate President-designate Ben Albritton names Sen. Bryan Avila chair of Finance & Tax Committee—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines

DeSantis Demands Special Election Schedule for Gaetz, Waltz Seats Be Made 'Immediately'—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—Gov. Ron DeSantis announced early Thursday that he will hold special elections as soon as possible for two Republican congressional seats...

Gaetz DOJ Nomination Incites Resistance Amongst Some Conservatives—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—US Representative Matt Gaetz’s nomination for Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump has caught many by surprise, with...

Moskowitz Calls Gabbard a 'Reckless' Choice for DNI Post—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—President Donald Trump's appointments continue to pour in, exciting supporters and dividing critics. This week, among a slew of nominations, President Trump...

AG Moody for Rubio's Replacement in Senate?—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Senator Marco Rubio expected to become Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump, speculation on who will fill his empty seat in the Senate come 2025...

Rubio, Cruz, Others Urge Answers After Reports of Improper File Access of Vance, Walz—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Republican Senators Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Bill Hagerty, Mike Braun, Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, Marsha Blackburn, and Joni Ernst...

House Speaker-designate Danny Perez praises selection of Rubio for Secretary of State—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Republican House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez, R-Miami, praised Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio on Wednesday after he...

Bilirakis Introduces Bipartisan Bill Improving Drug Development Against Rare Diseases—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The fight against rare diseases has been slow due to several factors relating to regulations, something Representatives Gus Bilirakis...

AG Moody Introduces 'Holiday Consumer Protection Guide'—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody appeared with local Miami law enforcement and members of the Florida Retail Federation and the Better Business Bureau...

Cory Mills Floated as Potential Senate Replacement for Marco Rubio—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With Governor Ron DeSantis tasked to appoint a replacement for Senator Marco Rubio after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office next January...

Trump Snags Rubio, Forcing DeSantis to Choose Between MAGA and His Own Allies for Senate—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo—President-elect Donald Trump poached Florida Sen. Marco Rubio Wednesday as the next Secretary of State, slotting Gov. Ron DeSantis into a difficult position: will he appoint a MAGA World surrogate? Or one of his own allies for the vacant seat?

Scott Losing Senate Majority Leader Race Deemed 'MAGA' Loss—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The race for Senate Majority Leader has come to an end, and South Dakota Senator John Thune (R) has won. He will replace Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell....

President Trump Taps Matt Gaetz for Attorney General—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—President Donald Trump (R) continues to add to his incoming administration. The latest nomination is Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) who will serve as his attorney general. This marks the third appointment coming from the sunshine state after Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) and Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R).

Florida Cautioned on Potential November Hurricane Sara—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo

BREAKING: Trump Officially Selects Rubio for Secretary of State—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—President-elect Donald Trump (R) has officially chosen Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to be his Secretary of State. This was rumored to be the case earlier this week, but it has now been confirmed by President-elect Trump himself.

BREAKING: Thune Outlasts Scott, Cornyn, Wins Senate Majority Leader Position—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator John Thune (R-SD) has become the leader of the Senate Republican Conference for the upcoming 119th Congress and possibly beyond. He outlasted Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) for the position. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the Senate Republican Conference since 2007. He announced his resignation in late February.

Trump's Israeli Ambassador Pick Suggests Future Shift in US Policy Towards Israel—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo

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

The post JUICE🍊—11.18.2024—Attorney General Matt Gaetz?—Israel, Rubio, FEMA—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.