State & Local

Along with up-to-date political coverage, The Floridian takes the opportunity to post about issues, legislation, and lawmakers in local municipalities and at the state level
Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) accused Democrats of stubbornness on the government shutdown, adding that it's been a "frustrating" experience to seek cooperation. Sharing a segment of a recent interview with Fox News, Rep. Haridopolos affirmed that "House Republicans voted to keep the government open with the exact plan Democrats demanded: A short-term CR with no […]
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is incentivizing landowners to protect critical habitats. In mid-September 2025, it announced the results of its Florida Panther Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Pilot Program, a three year program funded via the America’s Ecosystem Restoration Initiative. The spotlight is on the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This area spans […]
Jacksonville City Councilmember Terrance Freeman is stepping up to the plate for a Republican run at the Florida House of Representatives in District 12, he announced on social media. "As a lifelong conservative, I know what’s at stake for Florida families. President Trump and Governor DeSantis need strong conservative allies fighting for us, and I […]
The Log Cabin Republicans of Miami have endorsed Emilio T. Gonzalez in his run for Miami mayor, his campaign announced this week. “On behalf of the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami, I’m honored to support Emilio T. González for Mayor,” said Joshua Brown, Chapter President of the Log Cabin Republicans of Miami. “He is the […]
Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) discussed President Donald Trump's plans to reduce the size of government during the shutdown in a recent appearance on Fox and Friends First, suggesting that overseas funding is most likely to be targeted. Rep. Haridopolos shared that he disliked using the shutdown as a means of reducing the government's size, yet "with […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —New federal rules from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could affect hurricane preparedness projects. The state, which has faced $110 billion in storm damages since 2020, is already facing stretched budgets. In September 2025, FEMA shortened the window for states to spend preparedness grant money from three years to one. This is […]
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the dedication of the Hulk Hogan Trail, a portion of Clearwater's popular recreational path, in honor of the late Wrestling icon who called the area home before he tragically passed away in July. Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was a star with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in […]
The state of Florida has reportedly been reimbursed over $600 million by the Trump administration for the construction of "Alligator Alcatraz," the state's illegal alien detention center located in the Everglades. WPLG reporter Christina Boomer Vazquez first reported the news on Thursday, October 2nd. The money will specifically come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency […]
Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) is the latest Republican to request that his Congressional salary be withheld during the government shutdown, which began this week. "Government shutdowns are costly, disruptive, and ultimately unproductive," Rep. Bilirakis said in a statement. "It is unacceptable for Members of Congress to receive a paycheck while dedicated federal workers – including […]
Florida has officially repealed its nearly 60 year old Business Rent Tax (BRT). It was the only state with such a tax which required companies to pay sales tax on their commercial leases. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the measure into law earlier this year as part of a $1.3 billion tax relief package. The repeal […]
Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the Lake County Commission this week for approving the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway in honor of the late conservative activist. Kirk was assassinated while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. "Lake County’s dedication of the highway represents the first county to memorialize Kirk in the […]
Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) shared a new digital ad criticizing Democratic candidate David Jolly for calling the modern Democratic Party "rational." Released by Byron War Room on X, the 48-second spot begins with Jolly saying, "I find this a very rational democratic environment. This is a very rational Democratic Party right […]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week that Florida has accomplished paying off half of the state’s accumulated debt since 2019. He called it one of the strongest fiscal records in the nation. “Since I’ve been Governor… we will have paid off 50 percent of [Florida’s debt] just since 2019,” DeSantis declared during […]
Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D) released a statement on the “Republican health care crisis,” urging the Republican Party and the Trump administration to cancel health care cuts and extend the ‘Affordable Care Act’ (ACA) tax credits. “House Democrats are urging Republicans in Congress and President Trump to cancel the health care cuts, lower costs, and […]
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has endorsed County Commissioner Eileen Higgins for mayor of Miami. The announcement comes one day after Higgins participated in a six-person debate for the city's top job in November's election. "Eileen Higgins delivers for the people - plain and simple. I've watched Eileen take on tough challenges and turn […]
KPMG has announced the appointment of Savannah Jefferson as Director. The firm promoted several team members in its Tallahassee government services practice, as it grows its footprint in Florida. Jefferson most recently served as Director of External Affairs for Governor Ron DeSantis. In this role, she oversaw statewide outreach and stakeholder engagement. She previously led […]
Republican candidate Maria Zack edged out Bill Reicherter with nearly 53% of the vote to win the House District 90 Special Election primary this week. Reicherter received 47% of the vote with 2,679 votes cast. The percentage was larger than the raw vote might indicate, with Zack clipping Reicherter by 159 votes. "Congratulations to our […]
The Florida Council of 100’s Q3 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index shows top executives’ expectations for sales, investment, and hiring over the next six months. This quarter’s survey polled 123 CEOS between September 9 to September 15 and shows how Florida's leaders are looking forward to their economic opportunities. “Florida’s economy is on the rise, […]
