Florida's Latest News

‘The future is OURS to build’: Shevrin Jones to launch CD 24 campaign in Pembroke Pines

Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones is officially in the race for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, and he’s launching his bid next week at his parents’ church in Pembroke Pines.

Jones, one of the Florida Democratic Party’s most prominent state figures, has filed paperwork to run for CD 24, where he hopes to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson.

He’ll start in earnest this coming Tuesday evening with a “special community announcement” at the Koinonia Worship Center, which his pastor father, Eric Jones — who served as West Park Mayor from 2005 to 2020 — founded with his mother, Bloneva.

“The future is OURS to build,” he said in a text invitation to the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

“I look forward to seeing you there.”

Personal insurance organization launches new effort to help Floridians prepare for floods 

Florida is famously at risk of floods, and a new program aims to help residents deal with Mother Nature.

The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) is launching FloodReadyFlorida, a site to help residents prepare for floods. The website also provides outlines of flood risks and explains how to recover from disasters.

“One of the most important things Floridians can do is prepare for the possibility of flooding before a storm is on the radar. While hurricane categories are based on wind speed, water is often the deadliest hazard,” said Michael Carlson, President of PIFF.

“Experts note that flooding from storm surge and heavy rainfall causes far more deaths than wind alone, and flooding can occur hundreds of miles from the coast. Simply put: anywhere it rains, it can flood.”

PIFF officials note that the flood preparedness website has helpful guidance for all areas of Florida, not just the coastal regions. Flash floods often hit interior counties that have rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.

Brevard legislators unanimously back DeSantis property tax proposals

Brevard County legislators all supported the Gov. Ron DeSantis-backed property tax elimination bill that passed both chambers on Tuesday, June 2.

Local elected officials and others, though, have warned the move could devastate city and county governments even as the bill's proponents say it will provide needed relief for the state's homeowners.

The controversial bill could see the elimination of most homestead property taxes — those collected by and used to fund local government services — on primary homes on up to $250,000 in value after two years. The matter will now go before Florida voters, who must approve the measure with a 60% supermajority for it to become law.

According to data provided by the Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office, the county would lose around $41 million in revenue to its general fund in the first year after the bill is enacted and around $54 million in the second year. Those numbers are initial estimates and are subject to change depending on a variety of factors, according to property appraiser Dana Blickley.

Anna Paulina Luna endorses Sydney Gruters’ run for CD 16

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is backing Sydney Gruters in her campaign for Florida’s 16th Congressional District.

Luna, who represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, endorsed Gruters at the Republican Party of Pinellas County’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, where more than 400 Republican leaders gathered.

“Sydney Gruters has my complete and total endorsement,” Luna said.

“She is a mom, a patriot, a proven conservative, and a fighter who has spent her career delivering real results for Southwest Florida. President Trump endorsed her because he knows she will stand with him to secure our border, lower the cost of living, and put America First. I look forward to working with Sydney in Washington to take on the swamp and deliver for the great people of Pinellas County, and I urge every conservative in this district to stand with her.” 

The Saturday endorsement gives Gruters another show of support from a Pinellas County conservative. CD 16 was redrawn to include southern Pinellas County as part of statewide redistricting efforts, pulling in some areas that were previously in Luna’s CD 13.