Parental Rights vs. Child Protections: Florida Lawmakers Go Head-to-Head Over New Social Media Bill

Parental Rights vs. Child Protections: Florida Lawmakers Go Head-to-Head Over New Social Media Bill

Liv Caputo
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January 18, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- In a push toward increased protection of children, the Florida House voted on a new bill banning social media usage for children under 16. Social media platforms in violation of the bill would face a $50,000 fine per penalty, and up to $10,000 in civil damages to be paid to the minor […]
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'The Republican Party is the Party of Trump': FL Lawmakers React to DeSantis' Loss in Iowa

'The Republican Party is the Party of Trump': FL Lawmakers React to DeSantis' Loss in Iowa

Liv Caputo
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January 17, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- In two exclusive interviews with The Floridian, Democrat Sen. Shevrin Jones and Republican Rep. Alex Rizo responded to Gov. Ron DeSantis' 30 point loss at the Iowa Caucus. As Democrats point at America's rejection of the Governor, Republicans are determined to present a unified front. "My hope is that we as Republicans […]
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Florida Bill Would Remove

Florida Bill Would Remove "Tranq" for Animals From Controlled Substances List

Liv Caputo
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January 16, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A newly filed bill in the Florida Legislature would allow "zombie drug" xylazine to once again be administered to animals in Florida. The legislation would remove xylazine animal drug products from the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances, easing veterinary access to the drug. "This bill seeks to create an exemption for […]
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Rep. Garcia Co-Sponsors HB 1 to 'Keep Children Safe' on the Internet

Rep. Garcia Co-Sponsors HB 1 to 'Keep Children Safe' on the Internet

Jackson Bakich
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January 12, 2024
State Representative Alina Garcia (R-FL) sat down for an exclusive interview with The Floridian to discuss one of the bills she co-sponsored, HB 1. The legislation would require social media platforms to “use verification methods to verify ages of account holders.” It would also require social media platforms to “prohibit minors from creating new accounts,” […]
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Florida Bill Increasing Current Retiree Benefits Faces Backlash

Florida Bill Increasing Current Retiree Benefits Faces Backlash

Liv Caputo
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January 12, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A new Republican-backed bill altering cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees is dividing conservative voters. Despite passing its first committee unanimously, Florida citizens worry about unequal benefits and slowed pension funding. HB 151, proposed by Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera (R-Coral Gables), aims to reset the annual COLA to 3 percent for all retired […]
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Florida Democrats Hopeful for United Front on New Antisemitism Bill

Florida Democrats Hopeful for United Front on New Antisemitism Bill

Liv Caputo
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January 9, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- House Democrats hope for a united front on a new bill defining and protecting against antisemitism. Just yesterday, dissension within the party caused concerns that the bill may be weaponized against Palestinian supporters. "It's already been through its two committees, it's ready for the floor," HB 187 sponsor Democrat Rep. Mike Gottlieb […]
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DeSantis Discourse: The Governor's 2024 State of the State Address

DeSantis Discourse: The Governor's 2024 State of the State Address

Liv Caputo
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January 9, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- After a late start amid a raging storm, Gov. DeSantis delivered his 2024 State of the State address. He hit on topics such as education, Israel, and immigration, emphasizing Florida's existence as a "fre e state". "2024 is going to be a banner year for the state if Florida," The Governor began […]
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New Antisemitism Bill Divides Democrats in the Florida House

New Antisemitism Bill Divides Democrats in the Florida House

Liv Caputo
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January 8, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL --- A new bill expanding the definition of antisemitism in Florida statute faced backlash Monday morning. Starting off the Legislative Session with a bang, the bill aims to codify and delineate protections of Jewish citizens into law. "It's my pleasure to bring the bill, but it's sad that I have to," The bill's […]
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Scott, Trump Declare GOP Must Hold Firm Through Senate Confirmation Process

Scott, Trump Declare GOP Must Hold Firm Through Senate Confirmation Process

Jackson Bakich
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January 1, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump (R) is calling on congressional Republicans to "be smart and tough" as his inauguration day and Senate confirmation hearings approach. But with probable Democrat blockades to Trump's agenda and his appointments, prominent GOP member Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is also asking those in the GOP to take advantage of the "mandate" given […]
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THE FLORIDIAN: State Representative Mike Giallombardo

THE FLORIDIAN: State Representative Mike Giallombardo

Javier Manjarres
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July 8, 2021
When he's not chasing after three rugrats or serving in the Florida National Guard, or even jamming out to AC/DC's "Thunderstruck,"  State Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R) is swinging political lightsaber and putting  Progressive Democratic colleagues in the Florida House of Representatives on a political "Highway to Hell" whenever they propose some outlandish, big government proposal or legislative measure. 
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THE FLORIDIAN: State Rep. Andrew Learned

THE FLORIDIAN: State Rep. Andrew Learned

Javier Manjarres
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June 25, 2021
When he's not burning his family's breakfast, serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve, or tutoring kids in Tampa,  State Rep. Andrew Learned is busy finding some other meal to burn, as his family will attest to his lack of cooking skills. According to one legislative staffer, who asked that we keep his name out of this post, Rep. Learned can...
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THE FLORIDIAN: State Representative Dan Daley

THE FLORIDIAN: State Representative Dan Daley

Javier Manjarres
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June 14, 2021
 State Rep. Dan Daley, a former Republican-turned-Democrat from Coral Springs is arguably one of the most likeable and approachable hombre in Florida's House Democratic Caucus. Rep. Daley is considered a moderate Democrat who has been one of the strongest advocates for gun reform as a result of the Parkland High School shooting in February 2018. When he is not legislating...
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THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Shevrin Jones

THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Shevrin Jones

Javier Manjarres
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May 27, 2021
Being arguably one of the best-dressed land most visible egislators in the Florida legislature along with Sen. Jason Pizzo (D) and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D), State Senator Shevrin "Shev" Jones (D) is a man of Dios. That's a little Spanglish for a man of God. Rooted in strong family values and spirituality, Sen. Jones sashays around Tallahassee with a...
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THE FLORIDIAN: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube

THE FLORIDIAN: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube

Javier Manjarres
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May 26, 2021
If you happen to be walking the halls of The Death Star (Congress) and bump into a six-foot-something hombre sporting a color-coordinated three-piece suit and is wearing a congressional member lapel pin on his coat, you have just run into the very reserved Congressman Greg Steube, Republican House member from Central Florida.  Armed with his congressional lightsaber to help him...
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THE FLORIDIAN:  State Senator Jason Pizzo

THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Jason Pizzo

Javier Manjarres
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May 17, 2021
Democratic State Senator Jason Pizzo swears he is not running for governor in 2024, even though many politicos and wannabee politicos are circulating his name as a potential challenger to Gov. Ron DeSantis. It's not happening. Sen. Pizzo is not ruling out a potential future statewide run for office, but right now seems pretty content with his current gig.
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THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Lauren Book

THE FLORIDIAN: State Senator Lauren Book

Javier Manjarres
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May 17, 2021
One of many rising political stars in the state of Florida, State Senator Lauren Book (D) has made a name for herself championing children's welfare and women's rights and is considered a top potential candidate for statewide elected office in the coming elections. Sen. Book's life revolves around her twins, and during the legislative session, Book can be seen pulling...
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