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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

While lambasting the Covid vaccine on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned how effective flu shots are and whether physicians push them in return for compensation.

His comments came at a Tampa press conference to pressure lawmakers to permanently ban the Covid vaccine mandates he signed in 2021. DeSantis' opposition to the Covid vaccine, however, segued him into another pushed-for vaccine: the flu shot.

"That's a whole other thing, this flu shot—how effective that is...It doesn't exactly have a stellar record with efficacy," he said, before asking Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to look into how physicians are being compensated by pharmaceutical companies.

"The question is why is this stuff being pushed on the society? Because people make money off of it! That's why it's being pushed, I think we all know that," DeSantis added.

Getting a flu vaccine every year is highly recommended by various health agencies, including the Center for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic. Because flu season usually runs from October to May, and because it's a mercurial virus subject to frequent changes, the vaccine is usually available around September.

The CDC estimated that the flu vaccination prevented 6 million flu-related illnesses in the U.S. in the 2022-2023 flu season, 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations, and 3,700 deaths. Since 2010, the vaccine has averaged a 38% effectiveness rate.

DeSantis's vaccine skepticism is heavily reflected in the views of Surgeon General Ladapo, who has been a vocal anti-vaccine advocate and strongly aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.

Florida opponents have accused Ladapo's direction of leading to an increase in cured diseases, such as Measles, which had a small outbreak in Broward and Orange Counties last year. Earlier this week, a Miami high school student came down with the highly infectious disease.

The post DeSantis Questions Efficacy, Payments of Flu Shot: Not a 'Stellar Record' appeared first on The Floridian.

TALLAHASSEE—Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo issued a rebuttal Monday to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' State of the State Address where he bluntly laid out his concerns on the direction of the state, including its hardline focus on social issues and misteps on illegal immigration.

However, Sen.Pizzo, considered a moderate Democrat, didn't exactly come to his party's defense for its lack of offense over Gov. DeSantis' grip on the Florida GOP since he assumed office in 2019.

It also could be another signal that his run for governor is starting to gain more validity.

"No Republican, certainly no serious Democrat, sought to expand any of the policies or positions Republicans claimed were so rampant and so necessary to defeat," Pizzo said in his speech. "I have never pushed to install or even expand CRT [Critical Race Theory], ESG [Environmental, Social and Governance], DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] or wokeism. For none of these will lower your property insurance, your rent, nor will they result in your kids' GPAs getting higher, or their test scores going higher."

Sen. Pizzo expressed that the state Republican platform for years was to "be bold" by championing issues of economic opportunity, protecting Florida's environment, improving education, and defending the safety of its communities.

He instead argued that was nothing of the sort, and contended the governor's reign has had a "crippling effect" on the executive branch.

Pizzo also wondered, despite its abundance of problems, how Florida Republicans have held legislative and executive control for decades in the state while seizing on mundane issues instead of tackling its real problems.

For context, Republicans have held the governorship and legislative control in Florida since 1999. The last time Florida had a Democratic governor was Buddy MacKay, and that was for 24 days after Democratic Governor Lawton Chiles died unexpectedly in 1998.

Pizzo argued Florida's more pressing problems were "failing infrastructure, plummeting test scores, spikes in homeowners insurance and housing costs." He also mentioned the Florida National Guard being called in to fill critical staffing shortages at state prisons.

The 48-year-old is a former state prosecutor and pragmatic thinker on public safety.

"The only rankings we've held steady on during the last six years are nearing the bottom in law enforcement salaries and near the top in insurance premiums and human trafficking," Pizzo said.

Pizzo also addressed recent Republican infighting on illegal immigration, which eventually culminated in DeSantis signing a package of anti-illegal immigration measures into law earlier this month.

Pizzo argued his strong policy against illegal immigration was the rightful way to go.

"I, the Democratic minority leader, was the first to file the bill requiring E-Verify for all employers because you are not serious about curbing illegal immigration if you continue to coward to donors and not listen to our citizens," Pizzo said.

Despite his concerns, Pizzo played a bit of a political seesaw by praising DeSantis over his handling of disasters from hurricanes and other storms, including in his district in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

"The governor has been a good executive when performing executive functions. My own district has truly benefited and appreciated disaster responses after storms, direct assistance following the tragic loss of 98 lives in my district, and the shift from legislators having to beg for dollars to bring home each session, to objective criteria applied to infrastructure project applications direct to state agencies," Pizzo said.

He also expressed optimism over Senate President Ben Albritton's and House Speaker Daniel Perez's legislative agenda for the impending term. After all, Pizzo could soon find himself competing in a state Republicans have dominated for decades, perhaps against Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.

"Senate President Ben Albritton presented an agenda, a legislative agenda, that is robust and real to feed families, to foster economic growth, to protect our children, our homes, demand efficiencies with your tax dollars, and the right to course the years of neglect and indifference, Speaker Perez expressed much of the same," Pizzo said.

The post Jason Pizzo Gives Straightforward, Blunt Takes on DeSantis' State of the State Address appeared first on The Floridian.

'Stop the Next Nikolas Cruz': GOP Leader Pushes Back on DeSantis' Open Carry, Red Flag Ideas

Fresh off an immigration battle with GOP leaders, Gov. Ron DeSantis is now asking the Legislature to greenlight open carry and repeal provisions of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, a gun-tightening...READ MORE

Gov. Ron DeSantis: "Today I delivered the 2025 State of the State address to the Florida Legislature. I am proud to report that Florida is safe, strong, free, financially sound, and prosperous."

FL Sen. Jay Trumbull: "Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session!"

FL Rep. Fentrice Driskell: "Today, the Governor pushed for the elimination of property taxes in his State of the State address, but here’s what he’s not telling Floridians: eliminating property taxes altogether could put our public schools, firefighters, police, and sanitation workers at risk."

Sen. Ashley Moody: "The American people gave @realDonaldTrump a mandate to make this country greater than it has ever been before."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Last Squeeze🍊—3.4.2025—Albritton Pushes Back on DeSantis' Open Carry, Red Flag Ideas—GOP Leaders Call for 'Scrutiny' into Government Spending—Much More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Fresh off an immigration battle with GOP leaders, Gov. Ron DeSantis is now asking the Legislature to greenlight open carry and repeal provisions of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, a gun-tightening package passed after Florida's deadliest school shooting.

But, bucking the governor, Republican Senate President Ben Albritton is pushing back against DeSantis's request for more Second Amendment protections. This would include open carry, lowering the rifle-buying age to 18, and nixing Florida's red flag laws, which allow courts to temporarily confiscate a gun owner's firearms if they're deemed a threat to themselves or others.

"I'm under the impression after spending time with law enforcement that they feel like [red flag laws are] working," Albritton said Tuesday, noting that he's still opposed to open carry legislation. "If we can stop the next Nikolas Cruz, I say we just hold tight and let the thing work. It appears to be working."

Still "working through" whether to support lowering the gun-buying age, Albritton's beliefs draw a stark contrast with DeSantis' urgings. At his State of the State address on Tuesday, kicking off the 60-day legislative session, and at a press conference directly after, DeSantis claimed that Florida needs to take action on gun laws to truly become a conservative bastion and the "Free State of Florida."

But parts of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, named for the high school where 17 Floridians were massacred on Valentine's Day 2018, are standing in the way.

"We need to be a strong Second Amendment state," DeSantis said.  "I don't know what the Legislature is going to do in those respects, but I can tell you that we, in spite of us saying we're the free state...We've definitely lagged on that issue."

Albritton, along with House Speaker Danny Perez, led the rare conservative revolt charge against DeSantis in January, opposing his call for a special session to address illegal immigration. They adjourned the governor's session 15 minutes after it began before starting their own starring a different, Legislature-drafted immigration bill.

Though the measure passed, DeSantis promised to veto it—leading the legislative leaders to engage in week-long discussions to call a third—and final—special session featuring a compromise bill. It passed resoundingly, seemingly sealing up the month-long discord throughout the GOP supermajority.

But gun laws are showing signs of being the next Republican fight.

GOP lawmakers, who enjoy a solid supermajority in both chambers, are largely in agreement with one of his three gun requests: lowering the gun-buying age from 21 to 18. Of the 11 conservative bills filed to loosen gun laws, including expanding the areas Floridians can conceal carry and legalizing bump stocks, three tackle the gun-purchasing age.

"That is something I support, whether it passes the House or not," said House Speaker Danny Perez, who dodged questions on if he backed open carry or the repeal of red flag laws, considering none of the filed bills address red flag or open carry laws.

Since the sweeping Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Act was bipartisanly approved in 2018, the calls for its more restrictive elements to be struck have only grown. Last year, the House approved a bill lowering the gun-buying age to 18, though no companion bill was filed in the Senate. President Albritton in December said he wasn't ready to "pick sides" on whether or not to amend the gun-buying age.

On Feb. 14, 2018, 19-year-old gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with his AR-15 rifle. 14 students and 3 teachers were killed, making it the second-deadliest mass shooting in the state's history. In response, the Legislature under Gov. Rick Scott called a special session to pass massive gun reform legislation.

The post 'Stop the Next Nikolas Cruz': GOP Leader Pushes Back on DeSantis' Open Carry, Red Flag Ideas appeared first on The Floridian.

While Gov. Ron DeSantis and GOP lawmakers agree that excess government spending needs to be cut, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez are starting to point the finger at the state government.

On the first day of the 60-day legislative session, Albritton and Perez echoed Gov. Ron DeSantis's call for a state version of the Department of Government Efficiency to investigate local overspending. But the GOP leaders, perhaps reinvigorating their month-old rub with the governor, believe the investigation needs to turn its eyes toward DeSantis's state government.

"We are a state and nation of laws that should be created by elected officials…not appointed professional staff," Albritton said Tuesday, outlining his priorities for the 2025 session. "Florida government is not, and should not, be immune to this kind of scrutiny."

In the House, Perez agreed, telling Representatives that "we're living in an age of disruption."

"Let’s pass actual reforms rather than symbolic gestures; let’s repeal government programs instead of reshuffling them. Let’s swing for the fences and not just try to get on base," he said, before taking a shot at DeSantis's much-paraded sales tax holidays on items like camping gear, back-to-school items, and—the governor hopes—guns and ammo.

"We spend every new dime of recurring revenue while congratulating ourselves for giving easy to fund, non-recurring sales tax holidays," Perez added.

They seemingly responded to DeSantis lauding Florida for its lowest per-capita debt in the nation and the 2024-2025 budget, which provided for less money than the year prior. This was partially due to his line-item vetoes totaling nearly $1 billion, though the Legislature overrode his striking of thousands in legislative support (the first time the legislature has overridden a budget veto in 15 years).

In another departure from the governor, Perez has created a series of House working groups to analyze DeSantis's budget vetoes and decide which ones to try to override.

Albritton and Perez led the rare charge against DeSantis in January, opposing his call for a special session to address illegal immigration. They adjourned the governor's session 15 minutes after it began before starting their own starring a different, Legislature-drafted immigration bill.

Though the measure passed, DeSantis promised to veto it—leading the legislative leaders to engage in week-long discussions to call a third—and final—special session starring a compromise bill. It passed resoundingly, seemingly sealing up the month-long discord throughout the GOP supermajority.

DeSantis last week announced his plan to create a state DOGE task force, mirroring Donald Trump and Elon Musk's new federal agency that hopes to cut thousands of unnecessary positions and save the federal government $2 trillion. The one-year group is expected to disband 70 state boards, audit state universities, and examine local government spending.

The bill creating the task force has yet to be filed.

The post 'Age of Disruption': Perez, Albritton Call for 'Scrutiny' of State Government Spending appeared first on The Floridian.

Gov. Ron DeSantis congratulated SpaceX Monday after the aerospace company announced it was bringing Starship production and launch capabilities to the Space Coast of Florida.

"Congratulations to @SpaceX on your recently announced plans to bring Starship operations to Florida," DeSantis said. "With leading space companies—now including SpaceX—investing in the Free State of Florida, NASA should scrap their expensive new HQ in D.C. and consider moving to Florida as well."

According to its release, SpaceX is building a new integration facility called Gigabay next to its HangarX location at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Merrit Island. It also plans to build a Starship launch pad at the space center this year.

Specifically, Gigabay will stand 380 feet tall and include 46.5 million cubic feet of interior process space and 815,000 square feet of workspace. SpaceX also noted that Gigabay will support Starship and Super Heavy vehicles up to 266 feet tall, provide 24 work cells for integration and refurbishment work, and have cranes capable of lifting as much as 400 tons.

Current Gigabay production is expected to be complete and operational by the end of 2026.

SpaceX is headquartered in unincorporated Starbase, Texas in Boca Chica, Cameron County,  near Brownsville. The aerospace company is in the Rio Grande Valley near the Gulf of America.

The Starship launch pad will be at Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at the Kennedy Space Center. SpaceX intends to conduct Starship's first Florida launch from LC-39A in late 2025.

"Expansion of Starship production and launch operations in Florida will enable SpaceX to significantly increase the build and flight rates for Starship, which will be the first rapidly and fully reusable launch vehicle in history," SpaceX said.

SpaceX emphasized production was being built at Kennedy Space Center as Environmental Impact Statements are worked out for potential Starship flight operations for LC-39A at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

"Access to space is a critical and growing need for U.S. national security, leadership in science, the country’s exploration goals, and for the growth of the economy. Starship will ultimately be responsible for sending millions of tons of payload to Mars – building a self-sustaining city to make humanity multiplanetary," SpaceX added.

The post Gov. Ron DeSantis Celebrates SpaceX Operations Coming to Florida appeared first on The Floridian.

Reps. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) and John Snyder (R-Stuart) recently filed a joint resolution to alter the shape of state government by eliminating the office of lieutenant governor and establishing a Cabinet-level position centered on government efficiency.

Tyler Sirois' and John Snyder's resolution, HJR 1325, would remove the constitutional provision requiring the office of lieutenant governor and, on the flip side, create a cabinet officer initiating a Commissioner of Government Efficiency.

Recently, former Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez resigned to become interim president of Florida International University (FIU), leaving the lieutenant governor position open. The proposal would thus make her former position obsolete.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced a state-level version of Elon Musk's Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE. HJR 1325 would essentially steer the idea into the framework of Florida law.

Under HJR 1325, the Commissioner of Government Efficiency would oversee auditing, investigating, and reporting on instances of fraud, waste, and abuse in the executive branch and local governments, much like Musk's plans at the federal level.

The resolution also calls to repeal the constitutional provision of the Government Efficiency Task Force. A ballot question would also be initiated asking voters to keep or eliminate the office of the commissioner of government efficiency.

Moving forward, the commissioner of government efficiency would be appointed by the legislature in 2027 and become an elected position the following year. A 2044 ballot initiative would allow voters to determine if the office should be kept or abolished in 2046.

If passed, HJR 1325 would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval. Notably, amendments need 60% of voter approval to be enshrined into Florida's constitution.

The post Plan Would Abolish Lieutenant Governor, Start Efficiency Position appeared first on The Floridian.

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

"That's something that's been an ongoing focus for the university even before I got here. Of course, given all that we are seeing at the federal level as well, we're going to continue to root out any instances where we are discriminating against students based on race or ethnicity," Nuñez said to The Floridan's Javier Manjarres

"We want to make sure our kids are getting a great education and when they're taking classes, whether it's calculus or engineering, that they're learning those very important concepts to be able to provide for meaningful employment post-graduation because we're also measured on that" Nunez added.

Nuñez, who was Lt. Governor of Florida until a couple ago, also praised her former boss, Gov. Ron DeSantis, for a state-based DOGE initiative to audit universities and eliminate state boards and commissions the state considers to be obsolete.

"I welcome everything the governor is talking about in terms of DOGE. I think we have a responsibility to take over the reins now at this institution. It's a massive university and they've done great things," Nunez said.

While Elon Musk's DOGE has been a topic of discussion during the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Ron DeSantis' Florida DOGE idea has seemingly been in the works for quite some time.

"We are dogeing the Florida university system and the reason is because there's been a massive increase in funding, which I've supported [that] the legislature provided," DeSantis told Manjarres. "I think it's good and I think they've done a lot of good things with it, but I also know that nationally if you go back 30 years the number one growth has been administrative staff  and I think that that's something that we need to make sure isn't getting out of hand here."

As governor, DeSantis has spearheaded efforts to remove DEI from Florida schools.

"We're the first state in the country to eliminate DEI and I think people now realize that was discriminatory and that's not the way you go about doing this stuff. So DEI offices closed at the University of Florida, but then where do those employees go?" DeSantis added. "Are they burrowing into other parts and then doing it by another name or are you eliminating it not just superficially?  What we are going to do the universities I think it's really important."

Last September, FIU was ranked in the top 50 for best public Universities in the United States. The school also placed in the top 100 for best schools overall in the country.

Founded in 1972, FIU ranked inside the top 50 for the first time in school history. The school jumped 18 spots from 2023 among public universities and 26 spots overall.

"The investments have been well utilized because you look at our results and how we've improved in rankings, how we continue to grow in our research expenditures. "The fact we are a preeminent institution, one of only four out of the state university system in our young history because we are the youngest to ever achieve it," Nuñez added. "I think we have a great story to tell, and if there's room for improvements I welcome them and I'll champion them."

The post New FIU President Jeanette Nunez Vows to Continue Effort to Stomp Out DEI, Antisemitism appeared first on The Floridian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DeSantis Brushes Off Donalds' Run for Governor, Wants to Focus on 2024 Election

Following rumors that Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis might run for governor, Gov. Ron DeSantis declined to comment Wednesday on Byron Donalds' newly launched bid to succeed him, claiming he's more focused on creating results from the 2024 elections...READ MORE

The gubernatorial race between Rep. Byron Donalds and Casey DeSantis hasn't even officially started, but fireworks are already going off between the two campaign camps.

Kat Cammack-@NPR is a propaganda wing of the DNC.

They covered up Hunter Biden’s laptop, ignored an assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh, and smeared President Trump—all while being subsidized by the federal government.

Now they’re under federal investigation. Time to #DefundNPR

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-Republicans let home insurance companies rip us off. The companies cry poverty, hike prices, then send huge profits to spinoffs.

What’s the MAGA response? Roll over, pass laws to protect the companies, and ignore climate threats that make it worse.

Blaise Ingoglia-Did you know, under FL law, there is currently no way to give property tax “rebates” back to Floridians?

Today, I filed a bill that allows counties and cities to give part of their property tax windfall back to YOU!

It’s YOUR hard earned money, not theirs. Let’s keep government small and accountable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump-Endorsed Byron Donalds Announces Run for Florida Governor—By The Floridian's Liv Caputo

Rep. Lauren Melo Thanks Passidomo for SD 28 Endorsement—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—House Republican Lauren Melo (R-Naples) thanked former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo after she endorsed Melo for her Senate District 28 on Saturday.

Rep. Berny Jacques Files Bill Requiring E-Verify for all Private Employers—By The Floridian's Michael Costeines—Rep. Berny Jacques (R-Seminole) filed a bill on Monday that would require all private employers in Florida to use E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of potential new hires, thus ensuring that only legal U.S. citizens can work in the country.

Dunn Introduces Bill Empowering Vehicle Owners with Crucial Data Access—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) is introducing legislation to allow vehicle owners access to important repair and diagnostic data needed for auto repairs.

Scott Reintroduces Bill to Fight Online Fentanyl Sales—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

Franklin Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill Protecting Good Samaritans Using Defibrillators—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA) have reintroduced the bipartisan Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which establishes nationwide standards for legally protecting the usage of defibrillators outside of hospitals during cardiac emergencies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post JUICE🍊—2.27.2025—2026 DeSantis vs Donalds Fued Continues—Gulf of America Trail—Much More.. appeared first on The Floridian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The primaries will take place in August 2026.

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

Following rumors that Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis might run for governor, Gov. Ron DeSantis declined to comment Wednesday on Byron Donalds' newly launched bid to succeed him, claiming he's more focused on creating results from the 2024 elections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

House Republicans Planning Official Illegal Immigration Enforcement Trip to Guantanamo Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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