GOP Power Struggle & UWF’s Fate – Rick’s Blog
Gov. DeSantis faces significant political challenges as he pledges to veto a Republican-backed immigration bill called the “TRUMP Act.” The bill, which would allocate $500 million for enforcement and transfer powers to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, passed despite DeSantis’s opposition. This reveals growing rifts within Florida’s GOP, with legislative leaders increasingly willing to challenge the governor.
Simultaneously, DeSantis faces criticism for his takeover of the University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees, replacing local leaders with Heritage Foundation fellows and political operatives, sparking concerns about the university’s future direction. Read more.
Legendary Bob Snow, creator of Seville Quarter, passes away
The founder of Rosie O’Grady’s and Seville Quarter, Bob Snow, died Friday, Jan. 24, at the age of 82 after a fall at his Pensacola home. Snow successfully transformed downtown Pensacola with the Seville Quarter entertainment complex in the mid-seventies. What started as Rosie O’Grady’s Good Time Emporium in 1967 later expanded to Apple Annie’s Courtyard, Lili Marlene’s Aviator’s Pub and Restaurant and Phineas Phogg’s Balloon Works.
Snow eventually sold the entertainment complex to his long-time attorney Wilmer Mitchell and his family. In February 2016, I interviewed Wilmer, who is a great storyteller. Read more.
UWF Trustees to Get Eyed
The Florida Senate will closely examine new University of West Florida trustees appointed by Gov. DeSantis and the Board of Governors. Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Don Gaetz promised thorough questioning of appointees. Read more.
Trump’s freeze may shut down Council on Aging
A proposed federal grant freeze under the Trump Administration threatened vital services for seniors and children in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Florida. The Council on Aging of West Florida, serving about 2,000 people, may have to suspend programs, including Meals on Wheels, adult daycare, and senior volunteer initiatives if the freeze extended through February. The White House rescinded the memo the next day. Read more.
Lawmakers call out DeSantis for a “blatant lie”
Florida legislative leaders, Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, strongly rebuke Governor DeSantis’ criticism of the TRUMP Act (SB2B/HB1B). They assert DeSantis mischaracterized the bill’s law enforcement provisions and wrongly claimed it unconstitutionally transfers power to the Agriculture Department. Read more.
