Florida Politics' Juicy Read 🍊 —3.29.2023 — First Lady Casey DeSantis in the Spotlight—DeSantis's Presidential Campaign Ramps up—Much More...9

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First Lady Casey DeSantis in the Spotlight

Dubbed as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s “secret weapon” by Publisher Javier Manjarres, First Lady Casey DeSantis continues to make the rounds around the state promoting the Governor’s legislative agenda and initiatives.

Mrs. DeSantis’s movements appear to have been ramped up in the weeks and months leading up to Gov. DeSantis’s expected run for president against former President Donald Trump.

Now, “legacy media” outlets, as Gov. DeSantis calls them, are scrambling to find out more about Florida’s First Lady, as they start building up their notes for their respective “profile” story on Mrs. DeSantis.

Mrs. DeSantis, who has a journalism background and is accused to being in front of a television camera, adds that much more to the DeSantis presidential campaign.

Aetna Goes to bat for Kids

As Children’s Week is in full swing in Florida's Capitol, Aetna Better Health of Florida held a large event on the Old Capitol steps on Tuesday to express their willingness to keep fighting on behalf of the livelihood of children and families. READ MORE

DeSantis Will ‘Never Back Down’

A PAC started by former Trump supporter Ken Cuccinelli is making waves by bringing on key political operatives that once worked for, and or supported President Trump.

There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that DeSantis is not running for President this year. READ MORE

Ron DeSantis-Florida is committed to bringing transparency to the prescription drug industry so Floridians can afford their medications and this requires we bring transparency to the pharma middlemen.

Casey DeSantis-By expanding Florida’s school choice program to the entire state, we are continuing to lead the nation in education.

Congratulations to @GovRonDeSantis and the Florida Legislature on this historic accomplishment!

"DeSantis PAC Adds Cruz Campaign Veterans" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—This week, President Donald Trump (R) announced his Texas Elected Leadership Team. However, even though the Lone Star state overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the 2020 election, the state could be shifting its sights towards another presidential candidate. A PAC for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has added former Cruz campaign officials.

"Florida's Aetna Branch Leads Children's Week in Tallahassee" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—TALLAHASSEE – As Children’s Week is in full swing in Florida's Capitol, Aetna Better Health of Florida held a large event on the Old Capitol steps on Tuesday to express their willingness to keep fighting on behalf of the livelihood of children and families.

"Rubio Says 'It's Time to Ban TikTok'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—While addressing the Senate floor, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) made his case for the ban of the social media giant, TikTok, which is owned by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

"Gaetz Introduces New War Powers Resolution to Pull US Troops from Somalia" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is determined to bring American soldiers home...

"DeSantis Sets Groundwork in South Carolina" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Though polls indicate that he's coming up short to President Donald Trump (R), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is still amassing support for a speculated 2024 presidential run. DeSantis has been traveling...

"Broward School Board to Vote on Resolution In Support of African-American History" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson —The Broward School Board is set to consider a resolution "in support of African-American history instruction in Broward County Public Schools". The resolution ...

"DeSantis Inches Closer to Presidential Run, Announces Trip to Israel" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—In a move that is arguably a glaring step forward to announcing a run for President in 2024, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will be visiting Israel in April to attend the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem’s “Celebrate the Faces of Israel.”

"Rick Scott Authors Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Fentanyl Crisis" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—As the Fentanyl crisis continues to surge and has become more of a paramount issue for Republicans to tackle, US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced bipartisan legislation called the OPIODS Act to combat the fentanyl crisis.

"Trump Calls DeSantis 'Desperate,' Says Florida Governor Came to see him With 'Tears in his Eyes'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—In an exclusive interview on the Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” political show, former President Donald Trump told host Sean Hannity that Gov. Ron DeSantis came to him in “tears” asking for an endorsement during the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary race in Florida.

"Scott and Rubio Introduce Space Sector Bill" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Despite the space race not being as culturally relevant as it once was, Florida legislators at the federal level are still looking to promote American dominance in the stars.

"DeSantis on Open Carry Failing : 'If They Send me Something That is 90% or 80%, I'm Gonna Take" by The Floridian's Staff—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis appears to have defended House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo over their failure to present him with an open carry gun measure to sign.

"Moskowitz Mocks Trump Calling McConnell 'Greatest Threat to America'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Former President Donald Trump recently stated that the greatest threat to the United States is not Russia or China but high-ranking politicians, calling out Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) by name.

"DeSantis Bucks Congress, Says Education Policy is a 'State and Local Issue'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—MIAMI—After signing a historic “Education Reform” bill into law, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is considered a Constitutionalist, was asked if he believed education policy should be left up to the states, and not the federal government.

"DeSantis Signs Universal School Choice Bill" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has just signed House Bill 1 in Miami, which expands school choice in Florida immensely.

"Wasserman Schultz Says Republicans Will Kill Blue Collar Jobs" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) is striking back at Republicans over their proposed budget cuts. Wasserman Schultz argues that it could result in killing blue collar jobs.

"Do Voters 'Believe it's Time to Move on' From Trump and Back DeSantis in 2024?" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With former President Donald Trump considered the frontrunner to be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, and with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expected to jump into the GOP presidential sweepstakes within the next couple of months, all eyes are on early hypothetical public opinion polls.

"Waltz Warns CRT 'Endangers' Military" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The conversation regarding Critical Race Theory (CRT) has been a divisive topic of discussion, but now the conversation has shifted from the classroom to the military. Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) penned an op-ed this weekend, discussing CRT and the threat he believes it poses to the military. Waltz warns that CRT "endangers our readiness to deter, fight and win wars."

"Rubio Questions DoD for Suggesting 'Gender-Affirming Care' for Minors" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) questioning the agency’s support of “gender-affirming care” for minors. The letter, addressed to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Dr. Lester Martínez-López, confronts the March edition of the American Journal of Public Health, in which four DoD-affiliated doctors said they strongly support instances of immediately moving to puberty blockers for children as young as seven.

"Permitless Carry Passes in Florida House, Open Carry Fails" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—The Tampa Bay Times has reported that the “permitless carry” bill (HB 543) has passed in the Florida House of Representatives. Assuming the likely possibility that it will pass in the Senate, the bill is now incredibly close to Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) desk.

"Health and Wellness Center Opening in Florida Embraces Medical Freedom" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson—A medical center set to open in Florida this summer will allow patients to be treated by their doctor without third-party interference, according to co-founder Tanya Parus, who advocates for medical freedom.

"House Passes Parents Bill of Rights Act" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—With a vote of 213 to 208, the House passed the Parents Bill of Rights Act. Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R), who voted in favor of the bill, called it an effort to maintain fundamental rights that parents posses.

"AOC Asserts that Banning TikTok Doesn't Solve Problem, Supports Cammack's Proposal" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The social media giant TikTok has become a point of focus for Republican and Democratic legislators alike. Both sides of the aisle have raised concerns over the way the app, and more specifically its Chinese parent company – ByteDance – has collected vast amounts of data on U.S. citizens.

"Gaetz Votes Against Parental Rights Bill, Says Education is a State Issue" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—WASHINGTON—The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives has followed Florida’s lead in introducing a parental bill of rights measure.

"Gaetz Says 'Trump's Magic' Will Shine Through an Indictment, Talks about DeSantis's 'Missed Opportunity'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—WASHINGTON—Along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former President Donald Trump, and Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) one of the biggest political figures in Florida, recently spoke to The Floridian about the potential indictment of former President Trump and Gov. DeSantis’s “missed opportunity” to defend him.

"Kat Cammack Interrogates TikTok CEO" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Republicans continue driving to have the social media app TikTok banned due to its suspected ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) thoroughly interrogated TikTok's CEO Shou Chew during the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.

"DeSantis's Leadership Question After Open Carry Fails" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Stick a fork in the Open Carry amendment to the Public Safety (CS/HB 543) bill.

Open Carry in Florida is dead on arrival and gun activists are seething mad.

"'Universal School Choice' Bill Sent to DeSantis' Desk" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With Republicans in the Florida Legislature having a supermajority in both chambers, House Bill 1 – the legislation measure coined the “universal school choice” bill – was sent to Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) desk.

"Omar Says Islamaphobia and Antisemitism "two Sides of the Same Coin'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Just as antisemitism is on the rise in the U.S. and around the world, so is Islamaphobia and Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Maxwell Frost are standing in solidarity against such hate speech and violence.

Scott, Warren Join Forces, Introduce Bill to Monitor The Fed's Decision Making" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—In an unlikely partnership, Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have come together to put forth legislation to “require a presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed inspector general to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.”

"Russia and Venezuela Allied in Skirting U.S. Sanctions" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—This week, fresh from meeting his “dear friend” Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, China’s leader, Xi Jinping’s objective is clear: position himself and China as counterweights to U.S. world dominance.

Rick Scott Tackles Out-of-Control Federal Budget" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—This week, fresh from meeting his “dear friend” Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, China’s leader, Xi Jinping’s objective is clear: position himself and China as counterweights to U.S. world dominance.

"Death Penalty Revamp Headed to Full Florida Senate" by The News Service of Florida

"Salazar Slams Daniel Ortega for Catholic Abuse" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) co-hosted a hearing regarding human rights violations that have occurred in Nicaragua. Co-hosting a hearing with Human Rights Subcommittee Chairman Christ Smith (R), Salazar discussed human rights abuse Daniel Ortega is committing against Nicaraguan catholics.

"AG Moody Busts $400K Medicaid Fraud Case" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—As Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) continues her crusade to protect Florida against fraud, the Attorney General's office announced that a Florida man was arrested in a $400,000 Medicaid fraud case.

"Greg Steube: Republicans Don't Support Bank Bailout" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Federal decision to bail out Silicon Valley Bank has drawn ire from House Republicans. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) appeared on Fox's Mornings with Maria, saying, "Congress should NOT bail out banks and Wall Street for making bad decisions."

"Donalds Directed Calls White House Press Secretary a Liar (VIDEO)" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With President Joe Biden blaming House Freedom Caucus for the border crisis, and his press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying that the Republican House budget proposal would cause a “5-alarm-fire” for everyday Americans, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds accused Jean-Pierre of “lying.”

"Marco Rubio: Is US Ready for 'Period of Conflict?'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—WASHINGTON—During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, inquiring if the United States is ready and capable of entering "a period of conflict."

"Gaetz Says DeSantis Puts Americans at Risk by Not Backing Trump Against Persecution" by The Floridian's Staff—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking considerable heat over his position to stay out of the expected indictment and arrest of former President Donald Trump by an overzealous and "Soros-funded" district attorney in Manhattan, Alvin Briggs. Now one of his past supporters and confidants, Rep. Matt Gaetz, is calling out Gov. DeSantis for not supporting President Trump.

"Florida Doctor Stripped of Board Certification Over 'COVID-19 Misinformation'" by The Floridian's Chris Nelson—The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) has stripped the certification of Florida Doctor John Littell. Littell, a U.S. Army veteran and Family Physician made headlines for using Ivermectin to treat over 3000 Covid-19 patients.

"DeSantis on Trump Nicknames: 'You can call me whatever you want'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was interviewed by Piers Morgan and spoke on a plethora of issues such as his handling of the pandemic, President Joe Biden (D), and of course, his possible Republican nominee opponent, former President Donald Trump (R).

"Guillermo Smith Slams Open Carry Support" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Former Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is calling out Republicans, calling them liars. Guillermo Smith took to social media to slam House Republicans for pursuing open carry in Florida.

"DeSantis when asked about Presidential Run: 'Stay Tuned'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was interviewed by Piers Morgan and spoke on a plethora of issues such as his handling of the pandemic, President Joe Biden (D), and of course, his possible Republican nominee opponent, former President Donald Trump (R).

"Republicans Take Victory lap After Jacksonville Election Results" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Republicans are celebrating the results of the City of Jacksonville mayoral and city council races, where they were able to push Democrats to the May election.

"Gus Bilirakis Named Florida's Most Effective Member of Congress" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"Matt Gaetz: FBI 'Rotten to the Core'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Politicization and weaponization of the FBI have been a concern of House Republicans, as evidenced by the House Weaponization Subcommittee. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has recently gone so far as to say that the FBI is "rotten to the core."

"While Gavin Newsom Dumps Walgreens, DeSantis Partners up With Them" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Less than a month after California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared that his state would cease business relations with Walgreens for its refusal to dispense abortion pills in some “red states” like Florida, Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the drugstore is the state’s” first statewide employment partner” signed up to expand the Hope Florida initiative.

"Byron Donalds: Trump Indictment 'Definition of Political Prosecution'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The potential indictment of former President Donald Trump continues to draw controversy.

"Rubio Slams Russia's 'Third World Tactics'" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Chinese President Xi Jinping, started the week off by meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The meeting raises questions about their relationship as both countries are embroiled in a feud with the United States.

"Biden Issues First Veto of Presidency, Key Figures React" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—President Joe Biden (D) has vetoed his first bill as President, more than two years after the start of his first term in office.

"Trump Argues Arrest is Intimidation Tactic" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Tension is brewing as President Donald Trump (R) is expected to be taken under custody this week, possibly next. With his supporters questioning the reason behind his supposed arrest, Republican lawmakers are attempting to quiet down any unrest that might unfold.

"Mills Gets Candid About Abortion, Discusses Born Alive Act" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—At one of his recent town hall events in Deltona, Florida, Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) spoke about his support of the Born Alive Act, a piece of legislation that looks to protect infant children that survive abortions.

"FIU College of Public Health & Social Work Ranked 15th Nationally" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Florida International University has seen rapid growth in recent years. Now, their Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work now ranks No. 15 in the nation—and No. 2 in Florida— among public schools of public health for research awards granted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research’s latest rankings.

"Does Poliakoff Have a Conflict of Interest in Town of Southwest Ranches?" by OPINION

"DeSantis Denounces 'Soros-Funded' NYC District Attorney Political Agenda Against Trump" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Days after former President Trump stated that he was going to be arrested by the New York City District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked to address the speculation during a press conference in Panama city, Florida.

"Team DeSantis Says DeSantis 'led the Nation'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Over the weekend, Team DeSantis directed a message to supporters, commenting on the 3-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) travels across the country, celebrating the accomplishments of Florida, the team is warning of the dangers of the “Swamp.” Directing a majority of the blame to Dr. Fauci, Team DeSantis argued that DeSantis “led the nation” in various ways.

"DeSantis Accused of Supporting the Torture of GITMO Enemy Combatants" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Washington Post has seemingly found damning information surrounding Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) right as speculation of him running for President is at an all-time high. The Post alleges that Gov. DeSantis spoke in favor of and witnessed the use of torture during his tenure as a military lawyer at Guantanamo Bay.

"Buchanan Hosts Red Algae Bloom Roundtable" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan (R) hosted a roundtable this weekend to discuss environmental concerns. Buchanan hosted key local stakeholders on Suncoast water quality, discussing ways that the state can combat the threat of red algae bloom.

"Republicans Defend Trump Amidst Arrest Rumor" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Over the weekend, President Donald Trump (R) made headlines after announcing on Truth Social that authorities would be arresting him on Tuesday. President Trump warned that he has not been charged with any criminal offenses, and he questioned the nature of his arrest. Since making the announcement, Republicans have come out in support of Trump, questioning the basis of his alleged arrest.