Florida's Latest News

Wealthy GOP donors flock to DeSantis as presidential speculation swirls

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has cemented himself as the face of GOP opposition to anti-Covid-19 mandates— a position that is winning over not only rank-and-file voters ahead of the 2024 presidential primaries but also some of the Republican Party's wealthiest donors. 

How the race shapes up will first and foremost be determined by whether former President Donald Trump decides to run. But many donors are investing early in potential candidates like DeSantis, whom polling shows to be the leading Trump alternative in the prospective presidential field.

Campaign finance records covering the first seven months of this year showed that prominent contributors, including many beyond Florida, are investing in his 2022 re-election campaign — which could further solidify his prospects.

Kelly Skidmore wants Florida to lead on ‘blue economy’ investment

Democratic Rep. Kelly Skidmore is pushing for more investment and focus on the so-called “blue economy” in Florida, arguing the state should emerge as a worldwide leader in new technologies.

“The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health in areas such as renewable energy, fisheries, maritime transportation, recreation and tourism,” Skidmore explained during a panel discussion on the top late Monday.

“With the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee and a statewide network — from Pensacola to Key West — of rivers, estuaries, mangroves and springs, Florida’s reliance on water cannot be overstated.”

Amid COVID, bill would make having fake vaccination card a felony in Florida

A Florida House Democrat has filed a bill aimed at cracking down on people who create or have false vaccination cards amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Michael Grieco, D-Miami Beach, proposed the measure last week (HB 47) for consideration during the 2022 legislative session, which will start in January.

Under the bill, people could face third-degree felony charges if they create or possess a “certificate, card, or other physical or electronic medium that falsely indicates that the holder of the certificate, card, or other physical or electronic medium has been vaccinated against a specific disease, with the intent to defraud.”

Amid Virus, Florida Wildlife Authorities Issue No-Take Order On Freshwater Turtles

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is prohibiting the take or transport of certain freshwater turtle species.

The executive order is aimed at conserving the turtles as the agency investigates a virus sickening them.

The Turtle Bunyavirus has been detected in Florida softshell turtles, peninsula cooters, Florida red-bellied cooters, yellow-bellied sliders and red-eared sliders.

The sick turtles show signs of lethargy, swollen, closed or sunken eyelids and discolored softshells. The turtles also may have trouble breathing and swim irregularly.

The virus has been detected in Brevard, Collier, Indian River, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam and Seminole counties, although there have been reports throughout the state.