DeSantis Signs Bill Enhancing School Readiness for Students with Allergic Reactions

DeSantis Signs Bill Enhancing School Readiness for Students with Allergic Reactions

Michael Costeines
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May 21, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Tuesday that will require staff of traditional and charter public schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade to be ready and able to administer EpiPens to students going through an allergic reaction before, after, and during school hours. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) sponsored the bill (SB 1514). Rep. Rita […]
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'The Democratic Party is Dead': Senate Leader Jason Pizzo Quits Party, Becomes Independent

'The Democratic Party is Dead': Senate Leader Jason Pizzo Quits Party, Becomes Independent

Liv Caputo
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April 24, 2025
TALLAHASSEE—In a shock announcement hinting at a gubernatorial run, Sen. Jason Pizzo revealed Thursday that he will leave his post as Democratic Leader and become an Independent. Pizzo, already rumored to be toying with a gubernatorial run in 2026, blindsided his 10 Democrat colleagues with a 4-minute speech after Thursday's floor session, where he declared […]
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Florida Child Labor Bill Letting Teens Work Overnight, Removing Some Breaks, Advances

Florida Child Labor Bill Letting Teens Work Overnight, Removing Some Breaks, Advances

Liv Caputo
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March 25, 2025
TALLAHASSEE—Florida teens could work night shifts and eight hours without a meal break, according to a controversial child labor bill that passed its first Senate committee on Tuesday.  Filed by Republican Sen. Jay Collins, SB 918 continues the Republican-led Legislature’s efforts from last year to loosen child labor laws. This comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis […]
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Smith Files Bill to Ban Elected Officials Over Political Ad Influence

Smith Files Bill to Ban Elected Officials Over Political Ad Influence

Michael Costeines
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February 19, 2025
A bill was filed in the Florida Senate that would prohibit elected or appointed officials from using their power to influence or intimidate a broadcaster to air or refrain from airing certain political advertisements. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) filed the bill on Wednesday. Under SB 852, an elected official may not use their position […]
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Fine, Smith Spar Over In-State Tuition for Migrant Children

Fine, Smith Spar Over In-State Tuition for Migrant Children

Daniel Molina
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January 28, 2025
Among the numerous issues that Republicans address, in-state tuition for migrant children is one of them, and both state Senators Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) and Randy Fine (R) sparred over the issue this week.
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Florida Democrats go at 'Big Mad' DeSantis Over Special Session

Florida Democrats go at 'Big Mad' DeSantis Over Special Session

Daniel Molina
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January 13, 2025
Florida Democrats are furious at "BIG MAD" Governor Ron DeSantis (R), arguing that his call for a special session is as authoritarian as it gets.
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Party Switching Raises Political Realignment Questions

Party Switching Raises Political Realignment Questions

Daniel Molina
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January 4, 2025
The victory march does raise questions about political realignment and the future of politicians who switch parties after elections.
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Carlos Guillermo Smith Calls for Restoring Funding for the Arts

Carlos Guillermo Smith Calls for Restoring Funding for the Arts

Daniel Molina
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January 3, 2025
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is making it a top priority to restore funding for the arts.
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Florida Democrats Rally Against Fine’s Flag Banning Effort

Florida Democrats Rally Against Fine’s Flag Banning Effort

Daniel Molina
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December 17, 2024
Some Republicans could back the ban before Senator Fine leaves off, but Florida Democrats are rallying against the flag banning effort.
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Eskamani Announces bid for Orlando Mayor

Eskamani Announces bid for Orlando Mayor

Daniel Molina
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December 16, 2024
Rep. Eskamani was previously speculated to run for the Florida governorship, but she has confirmed that she's setting her sights on leading Orlando.
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Smith Argues Biden is 'Delivering' on Issues, Florida at Play

Smith Argues Biden is 'Delivering' on Issues, Florida at Play

Daniel Molina
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June 25, 2024
Newly elected state Senator Carlos G. Smith (D) backs President Biden now more than ever, arguing that the president is "delivering" on the important issues.
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Mucarsel-Powell Chastises Scott Over Chinese Garlic Concerns, Backs Supporter of Domestic Socialism

Mucarsel-Powell Chastises Scott Over Chinese Garlic Concerns, Backs Supporter of Domestic Socialism

Jackson Bakich
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June 18, 2024
U.S. Senate hopeful and former House Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) poked fun at her political opponent Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) for his distrust of Chinese garlic. Since late 2023, Sen. Scott has been adamant in warning the American people about “sewage garlic” being sent to the United States from China that has been grown using […]
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Carlos Guillermo Smith Wins State Senate Seat

Carlos Guillermo Smith Wins State Senate Seat

Daniel Molina
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June 17, 2024
After a stint in the House, Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) has found a new home in the state senate.
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Republicans Dominate Election Turnout in Florida Counties

Republicans Dominate Election Turnout in Florida Counties

Daniel Molina
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March 20, 2024
Republicans are dominating election turnout in counties holding elections alongside presidential primary.
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Former Progressive Lawmaker Questions Move to Loosen Restrictions on 'Weapons of War' in Florida

Former Progressive Lawmaker Questions Move to Loosen Restrictions on 'Weapons of War' in Florida

Jackson Bakich
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December 29, 2023
Former State Representative and State Senate candidate Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-FL) shared his frustration with a recent gun bill that was filed in the state’s upper chamber that loosens restrictions on "weapons of war." According to Smith, the bill HB 1124 – filed by State Senator Jonathan Martin (R-FL) – relaxes existing gun legislation by […]
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Carlos Guillermo Smith Seeking Florida Senate Seat

Carlos Guillermo Smith Seeking Florida Senate Seat

Daniel Molina
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April 10, 2023
Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is seeking a Florida senate seat.
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Guillermo Smith Slams Open Carry Support

Guillermo Smith Slams Open Carry Support

Daniel Molina
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March 22, 2023
Guillermo Smith took to social media to slam House Republicans for pursuing open carry in Florida.
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Democrats Warn of low Early Voting Support

Democrats Warn of low Early Voting Support

Daniel Molina
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November 8, 2022
Democrats have taken to social media, urging voters to cast their ballots as they have not received significant support in early voting.
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