Florida's Latest News

Annette Taddeo weighing 2022 run for Governor

Democratic Sen. Annette Taddeo, who served as the Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate in 2014, is strategizing about a possible run for Governor in 2022.

On Tuesday, a source close to Taddeo said she’s exploring whether a path to the Democratic nomination exists. Wednesday afternoon, Taddeo confirmed she was looking at a run.

“It’s abundantly clear that this Governor has failed Floridians and must be held accountable. From denying businesses the freedom to operate to blocking public schools from the full funding they need to provide a strong education system, Ron DeSantis continues to infringe on the rights of Floridians to have the freedom to succeed in our state,” Taddeo said.

DeSantis Signs Gambling Measures Into Law, Opens Door For Sports Betting

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed into law a series of gambling-related measures approved by state legislators during a special session held earlier this month.

One of the bills (SB 2-A) authorized a 30-year gambling deal, known as a “compact,” inked by the governor and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. in April.

Under the agreement, the tribe promised to pay the state $2.5 billion over the first five years of the deal.

The compact also opens the door for sports betting in Florida by having the Seminoles serve as the state’s hub for sports betting, with pari-mutuel operators contracting with the tribe.

Positivity Rate For New Coronavirus Cases Drops To Lowest Mark Since October

The state's positivity rate for new coronavirus cases dropped to 3.54%, the Florida Department of Health Reported on Wednesday. That's the lowest it's been since Oct. 11.

The health department reported 2,327 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday and 66 deaths.

That includes 556 new cases in the greater Tampa Bay region and 18 deaths.

Wednesday’s totals brought the number of cases reported in Florida to 2,316,142 and the number of deaths from the virus to 37,382.

DeSantis touts open schools, $1K bonus for teachers, principals in Baker County visit

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday highlighted a $1,000 bonus for public school principals and full-time classroom teachers during a visit to Baker County Middle School.

The proposal was approved by the State Legislature and DeSantis said he will sign it into law as part of this year’s budget.

The governor said about 174,000 teachers and principals in school districts and public charter schools statewide are expected to receive the one-time checks. According to his proposal, the bonuses would be funded by $216 million from the third round of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), funds that were passed by Congress in response to the pandemic.