The controversial $10 million Medicaid settlement check that flowed through the Hope Florida Foundation to the political action committee Keep Florida Clean has emerged as a case study in governmental dysfunction, raising…
The state should have audited the $10 million Hope Florida deal. It didn’t happen.
By Michelle DeMarco, Florida Center for Government Accountability No one was watching the store when $10 million in state Medicaid settlement money was diverted to the Casey DeSantis-led charity Hope Florida. A…
Daily Outtakes: Trump frees Pensacola’s famous jailbird—Todd Chrisley
Pensacola’s most famous federal inmate is getting his freedom back. Todd Chrisley, the patriarch of the hit reality show “Chrisley Knows Best,” has been serving his 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison…
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Director receives national award
Alex Gartner, Executive and Artistic Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Louis Botto Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Chorus America. This distinction makes Gartner…
Mayor Reeves dodges re-election question
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves remained coy about his political future during Tuesday’s press conference, offering only philosophical musings when pressed about seeking a second term in 2026. “I don’t know that I’m…
Emergency Care Partners Secures $100 million growth investment
Pensacola’s Emergency Care Partners (ECP), one of the nation’s leading emergency medicine service providers, has successfully closed a significant growth recapitalization transaction that positions the company for accelerated expansion across the healthcare…
Manny Diaz: A New Chapter for the University of West Florida
At the UWF Board of Trustees meeting this morning, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz commented on his selection as interim president: As we transition into this new role coming right off Memorial…
No Surprise: Manny Diaz selected UWF interim president
The University of West Florida Board of Trustees has selected Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. as the university’s interim president by an 8-2 vote, effective July 14. Board Chair Rebecca Matthews…
Timing of HRC Commission article questionable
The News Journal published on Friday, May 23, that Escambia’s Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to vote on repealing the ordinance that established the Human Relations Commission at its next meeting…
Daily Outtakes: Is Casey DeSantis a Patsy?
Casey DeSantis launched Hope Florida in 2021 as a genuine welfare program to help connect needy Floridians to community-based nonprofits and faith institutions, weaning them off government assistance. Its funds, both gifts…
UWF Board of Trustees meeting preview
Tomorrow, the University of West Florida Board of Trustees meets at 8 a.m. As previously reported, the board will accept President Dr. Martha Saunders’ resignation and set the effective date. See agenda….
Hope Florida Scandal Timeline
The weekend is the perfect time to recap the history of news stories. Last week, I covered the dispute between the Escambia Children’s Trust and the Escambia County Commission over CRA funds….
Top Reads: Week ended May 24, 2025
Though I was on the road Thursday and Friday, some of our top news posts after Hump Day drew the most attention. The dispute between Team New Zealand and the challengers, including…
Pensacola’s Youth win with Rafferty Center vote
The Pensacola City Council chambers were packed with passionate community members last Thursday as elected officials deliberated on one of the most significant youth development projects in recent memory. After thoughtful discussion…
Pensacola City Council approves SYSA lease
The Southern Youth Sports Association won approval for the land lease to build the Rafferty Center, which will expand the Theophalis May Community Center. The vote was 6-1. I am on the…
Athena Racing also questions New Zealand on America’s Cup rules
Mayor D.C. Reeves said yesterday that the statements by American Magic and Athena Racing (below) are part of a negotiation between the Challengers and Team New Zealand (Defender). Athena Racing: Athena Racing,…
Breaking: American Magic drops out of America’s Cup
Official Statement from NYYC American Magic Team: Over the past seven years, we’ve competed with pride, purpose, and perseverance in two editions of the America’s Cup. It has been an honor to…
Breaking: Kissel will evaluate Saunders
It looks like University of West Florida Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Matthews has set up another trap for outgoing President Martha Saunders. Matthews has selected Adam Kissel, Rachel Moya and Ashley…
Don Gaetz recaps unprecedented 2025 sesssion
In an unusual move this year, the Florida Legislature has divided its work into two separate sessions. While the policy portion concluded on May 2nd after the traditional 60-day session, lawmakers still…
The Rafferty Center is long overdue. Will Pensacola City Council reject it?
The Theophalis May Community Center almost didn’t get built, but when it was built, the center quickly became filled with kids. During the 2010 mayoral race, Lumon May and other Black leaders…
