Category: State & National News
Report Details Teacher Needs
Main Points Florida’s State Board of Education identified seven high-demand teaching areas where many courses are taught by uncertified teachers: exceptional student education, math, English,…
Florida Moves to Regulate E-Bikes as Pensacola Considers Local Action
As electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, have continued to gain popularity in the Pensacola area and statewide, both state legislators and Pensacola city officials…
Florida Chamber Poll Sees Sunny Side Despite National Concerns as 2026 Elections Loom
As Florida enters the 2026 election cycle, a new statewide poll from the Florida Chamber of Commerce says likely voters remain confident in Florida’s direction…
Gaetz’s Major School Choice Reform Bill Passes
Legislation aims to fix “whatever could go wrong has gone wrong” problems plaguing scholarship programs. The Florida Senate unanimously passed sweeping school choice reform legislation…
Will Congressman Jimmy Patronis Switch to D2? Update: “Hell No”
Update: Congressman Jimmy Patronis shouted, “Hell No!” over the phone. He says he has no plans to switch, citing his support of the military and…
Two Visions: Florida Legislature’s Opening Day Reveals Stark Leadership Contrasts
Senate President Doubles Down on Faith and Rural Focus Florida Senate President Ben Albritton made clear Tuesday that his final session leading the chamber will…
Customs & Border Protection hosting Global Entry Event at Pensacola Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in partnership with Pensacola International Airport, will host its first Global Entry enrollment event in Pensacola. The event offers conditionally…
AIF Endorses Fay for Andrade’s House Seat
The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) announced Florida House District 2 endorsement for the 2026 election cycle. The seat is currently held by Alex Andrade,…
Andrade’s Parting Shot: DeSantis “Not an Executive,” Legislature Faces Uncertain Session
As the Florida Legislature prepares to reconvene January 13 for an election-year session, outgoing State Rep. Alex Andrade delivered a damning assessment of Gov. Ron…
Florida CFO – All Hat, No Cattle
The Palm Beach Post reports that Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia failed to explain how his auditors concluded that Palm Beach County overspent $344…
Report Covers Nov. Blog Post re:Hope Florida’s Disappearance
The Orlando Sentinel has followed up on my November post about Hope Florida disappearing from the state’s Medicaid managed care contract. Vanishing Act State Rep….
10 Legal Issues to Watch in 2026
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Alligator Alcatraz. Guns. Social media. Legal battles about those and myriad other Florida issues remain…
‘A Drag Queen Christmas’—Two FL Shows, No Arrests
The longest-running drag tour in the United States is set to make its third of its three Florida stops tonight in Pensacola. The first two…
Florida’s ‘sunshine’ reputation could be at risk
By Trimmel Gomes, Public News Service Advocates working to protect access to public information in Florida say the state’s reputation for government transparency is fading. While…
Weekend Buzz: Florida DOGE Coming for School Districts
—Florida CFO Targets School Districts, Claims They’re “Most Wasteful Spenders”— At a press conference in Winter Park on Thursday, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia…
Pensacola Chamber Announces 2026 Legislative Priorities
The Greater Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2026 legislative priorities—Transportation, Childcare, Workforce, Property Tax Reform and Affordable Housing—at its annual Legislative Luncheon. Chamber Board Member…
New Study: Dire Consequences of Florida Property Tax Proposals
—Cities Face 38% Revenue Loss Under Full Elimination— A comprehensive study by Wichita State University has delivered a reality check for Florida’s ongoing property tax…
DeSantis’ $36 Million Amendment Scandal
What started as a $10 million scandal has exploded into a $36.2 million controversy involving multiple Florida state agencies allegedly misusing taxpayer funds to defeat…
When Republicans Attack Republicans
Last week, CBS News reported on Optima Classical Academy, a charter school in Ft. Myers that has failed to open as planned. The school is…
Florida Faces $1 Billion SNAP Crisis
Florida taxpayers are about to feel the financial squeeze from sweeping federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A new Florida TaxWatch report…
