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
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges to eight individuals connected to an international child pornography ring after authorities uncovered advertisements on social media selling large amounts of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Led by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the investigation revealed a group led by Mehmet Berk Bozuyuk, a resident of Turkey, allegedly […]
Florida college and university leaders discussed Monday how the House of Representatives' recent budget proposal to trim $4 billion would affect higher education for state students, particularly those who use Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) grants, which some rely on to pursue degrees in the healthcare industry. Members of the discussion were from the […]
Countries are rapidly responding to President Donald Trump’s recently imposed tariffs, with some pledging to retaliate and others seeking to plead with the US and reach reciprocal agreements to lower tariffs. President Trump levied a baseline 10% tariff on all imports entering the US with additional tariffs for countries that the White House assesses are […]
House Passes Bill Mandates Schools to Update Material to Reflect 'Gulf of America' The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill 78-29 on Thursday that would mandate state agencies, school boards, and charter schools to update geographic and instructional materials from the “Gulf of Mexico” to the "Gulf of America." . READ MORE Rick Scott-You […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a significant move toward reforming Florida’s auto insurance system, the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee advanced HB 1181 by a 17-1 vote on Thursday. Sponsored by Representative Danny Alvarez and Representative Meg Weinberger, the bill seeks to repeal the state’s decades-old Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requirement and replace it with […]
Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) have introduced the Senate version of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, which aims to update regulations and support Florida citrus growers by creating friendlier standards. The entire Florida delegation has co-sponsored the House version of the bill. With Sens. Scott and Moody on board, that […]
The US Treasury Department recently announced a series of sanctions aimed at deterring illicit Houthi purchases of Russian goods such as weapons and stolen Ukrainian grain. Sanctions target a group of Russia-affiliated individuals and entities allegedly cooperating with Sa’id al-Jamal, a top Houthi financial official which the Treasury Department claims is backed by Iran’s Islamic […]
Representative Darren Soto (D-FL) is introducing legislation to designate the Kissimmee River as a recreational river, enhancing its protection as a natural resource. Specifically, Rep. Soto's Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act designates the waterway as a recreational river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The 1968 legislation currently designates 220 […]
Gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has received the endorsement of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Both Rep. Donalds and Speaker Johnson were a part of the 2017 Congressional freshman class. They also both ran for the open House Speakership once Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from the position. The Republican Conference eventually chose […]
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly encountered record-low numbers of illegal immigrants and unaccompanied minors at the southwest border. Illegal immigrant and unaccompanied minor encounters at the southwest border reached record highs during former President Joe Biden’s administration. Now, DHS is reporting a roughly 95% and 92% decrease in overall illegal immigrant and […]
As elections approach in the City of Coral Gables, public safety has become a campaign talking point for all candidates. Earlier this week, the city’s police and fire unions issued a campaign email accusing Mayor Vince Lago of endangering residents by ignoring staffing concerns. However, a detailed response from City Manager Alberto Parjus a few […]
By Larry Rubin President Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum are forging a new pathway for U.S.-Mexico relations - one rooted in pragmatism, respect, and commitment to serving both their peoples. While they come from radically different political backgrounds, the strong personal relationship they’ve built has delivered results that benefit the entire region. For years, securing […]
President Donald Trump recently unveiled a list of tariffs to be imposed on all imports coming into American markets during a celebration themed ‘liberation day.’ President Trump has lauded tariffs as a tool for negotiation, revenue gathering, and national security enforcement, and has called tariffs “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” Now, Trump is […]
Top Iranian officials have threatened the US with nuclear action if the US executes reported plans to strike Iran in the near future. Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, recently reportedly warned that Iran “will be forced” to develop nuclear weapons if it suffers attacks from […]
Free market conservatives, including Americans for Tax Reform, are descending on the state capitol, urging lawmakers to keep so-called alternative tobacco (Nicotine) products “tax-free” in Florida. Under current Florida law, many alternative tobacco products are free from excise taxes. Products like vapor, pouches, and a new heat-not-burn technology, are not taxed like traditional cigarettes. Proposed […]
It might not have gotten as much publicity as Congressional District 1 on Florida's Panhandle, but Nathan Boyles beat out seven other Republican candidates in the House District 3 Republican primary election on Tuesday night. HD 3 includes Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County on the Florida Panhandle. According to unofficial results, Boyles led with about […]
Republican Brian Hodgers squeaked past Bob White and Terry Cronin to secure the House District 32 GOP special primary nomination on Tuesday night. "Congratulations Brian Hodgers on securing the Republican nomination for Florida House District 32. On June 10th we will bring home a huge VICTORY!" the Republican Party of Florida said. According to unofficial […]
Republican Debbie Mayfield cruised to victory in the Senate District 19 Republican primary over three other GOP candidates on Tuesday night. According to unofficial results, Debbie Mayfield secured over 60% of the vote. She will now face Democrat Vance Ahrens in the SD 19 special general election on June 10. Mark Lightner III followed Mayfield […]
