Florida's Latest News

Ron DeSantis raised more than $3.6M in first half of June

Gov. Ron DeSantis hauled in $3.6 million in the first half of June through his campaign account and his political committee. Campaign reports filed Friday show a continued dominance when it comes to dollars.

Some notable donations include six-figure checks from Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley’s investment fund, a company run by nursing home investor Michael Bleich, and former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.

More than $1 million of that came in through the official campaign account for DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. Another nearly $2.6 million flowed to Friends of Ron DeSantis. While the two accounts are also spending substantially as well, the political committee closed the month with almost $107 million in cash on hand, with DeSantis’ candidate account holding another roughly $7.4 million in the bank.

The bottom line: DeSantis’ re-election campaign as of mid-June had $114,340,380 ready to burn. That’s several times what Democratic contenders have raised to challenge DeSantis as he seeks a second term.

DeSantis visits Tampa to sign a bill that expands Bright Futures eligibility

Gov. Ron DeSantis paid a visit to the Hillsborough Community College campus in Ybor City on Monday to sign a bill that expands eligibility requirements for the state's Bright Futures scholarship.

The scholarship covers either 100% or 75% of tuition for high-achieving, Florida students. Bright Futures has been awarded to more than 725,000 students since 1997.

DeSantis said the state has recently seen a decline in the number of eligible high school seniors. He added that part of the reason is the volunteer hours requirement.

“We have students who come from lower income families who need to work to be able to help support their families,” DeSantis said. “They should not be denied the opportunity to qualify for a scholarship, just because their socioeconomic background makes it more difficult to be able to do this type of volunteer work.”

Party in the USA: Floridians can live it up tax-free during upcoming 2022 Freedom Week

Just in time for Independence Day festivities, Florida shoppers can get ready to party in the USA tax-free with the 2022 Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday starting this Friday, July 1.

This will be the state’s second annual Freedom Week Tax-Free Holiday. The weeklong sales tax hiatus will last through July 7, and apply to purchases of outdoor and recreational items. The Florida Retail Federation is encouraging Floridians to take advantage of the cost savings and shop local.

This year’s tax holiday comes as a result of HB 7071, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 6. The legislation was championed by Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Jay Trumbull.

“Now is the time for Floridians to enjoy a discount on summer fun,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation.

FSU experts weigh in on how Roe v. Wade decision could roil college campuses

With the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and ultimately overrule the constitutional right to an abortion, Florida State University experts shared their insight on the impact it has on individuals and the state of Florida.

FSU Professor of sociology Deana Rohlinger specializes on political participation and social movement. In May, she wrote an analysis in the Washington Post after the leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion about overturning the Roe v. Wade case.

With widespread concern about the decision from college students, Rohlinger expects an uptick in involvement in activism.

“College students are reservoirs for activism on a range of issues,” Rohlinger said. “They’re always engaged on issues that they feel directly affect them, which is why we've seen a growth in activism around climate change, for example. I'm sure we will see that around reproductive health and rights as well.”