Florida's Latest News

Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas Named President of Polk State College

Polk State College District Board of Trustees announced Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the sixth president of Polk State College by a 5-0 vote this week. Kamoutsas, currently Florida's Commissioner of Education, will take over for Interim President Anne Kerr beginning on July 6.

"We are confident in Mr. Kamoutsas's leadership experience and vision moving forward," Polk State Board Chair Ann Barnhart said. "We look forward to the difference he will make in the lives of our students, faculty, staff, and community members, whom we support through the endeavors of our College."

Kamoutsas has served as Commissioner of Education since June 2025. He has also served in other roles within the Department of Education, including Chief of Staff, General Counsel, Chief Litigator, Assistant General Counsel and Legislative Affairs.

In addition, Commissioner Kamoutsas served as deputy chief of staff for Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2023 to 2025.

Byron Donalds says ‘wide breadth’ of donors shows he’s resonating in Governor’s race 

Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds is on a record fundraising pace as he seeks to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. But the Naples Republican says it’s the number of donors that gives real insight into his strong voter support.

During an interview on Newsmax, Donalds spotlighted the breadth of his backing among everyday people.

“The fundraising numbers are just an indicator of how well your campaign is going. I think a better indicator than just a headline number is that there’s more than 35,000 Floridians and people across this country who have decided to support my campaign for Governor. We’re very honored to have that level of support, such a wide breadth of support,” the candidate said.

Overall, Donalds has brought in $81 million between his campaign account and the Friends of Byron Donalds political committee through May.

The official campaign account, which has stricter contribution limits, has raised $9.2 million through May. About $2.13 million of that came after the first quarter. More than 8,812 people have donated to the official account.

Legislative staff getting extra days off for Independence Day

After the Legislature and staff had to endure multiple Special Sessions this year, top lawmakers are providing extra days off for the Fourth of July holiday.

Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez issued a joint statement detailing extra “discretionary” holidays for legislative staff members. The official day off for Independence Day this year was already scheduled for July 3, which falls on the Friday before the official holiday.

But this year also marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That played into the decision to provide some extra days off.

“The last few months were filled with many late nights, early mornings, and weekends spent away from your homes and families,” the joint statement said. “As we all prepare to celebrate the momentous, historic occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we would like to provide some extra time off for legislative staff.”

The additional days include July 1, 2 and 6. That means all offices of the Legislature will close at 5 p.m. on June 30 and will not reopen until 8 a.m. on July 7.

Law enforcement, labor, firefighters back Debra Tendrich for re-election to HD 89

A freshman Democrat who passed one of the 2026 Session’s most celebrated bills is heading into re-election with a broad public safety coalition behind her.

Rep. Debra Tendrich announced this week that her re-election campaign for House District 89 has received endorsements from the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, Florida Fraternal Order of Police, Palm Beach County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2928 and Florida Professional Firefighters.

Labor union AFL-CIO and the Florida Realtors PAC are also backing her.

In an endorsement letter, Fraternal Order of Police District 4 Director Jim Sniffen cited Tendrich’s engagement with law enforcement and her “respect, professionalism, and genuine desire to improve the quality of life for the citizens she represents.”

“Public service requires leaders who are willing to work across differences, seek practical solutions, and remain accessible to the people they serve,” he wrote.