Florida's Latest News

DeSantis pushes state university system to look into former UF president Ben Sasse’s expenses

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is pushing his state’s university system to look into former University of Florida (UF) President Ben Sasse’s expenses in the wake of reporting from a student newspaper on the subject.

“We take the stewardship of state funds very seriously and have already been in discussions with leadership at the university and with the Board of Governors to look into the matter,” Bryan Griffin, a communications director for DeSantis, said in an emailed statement sent Thursday to The Hill.

The Florida Board of Governors “oversees the operation and management of the Florida public university system’s twelve institutions,” according to a webpage on the State University System of Florida’s website.

The Independent Florida Alligator, a University of Florida student newspaper, reported earlier this week that Sasse, a former Republican U.S. senator from Nebraska, drove up spending in his office by more than three times while president of the school. According to the Alligator, most of the increase in spending came from contracts with important consulting firms and well-paying roles for former Senate staff of his and Republican officials.

Ashley Moody files FOIA request over handling of terror watchlist in Florida

Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request on Wednesday over what she describes as a lack of communication from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding individuals on the terrorist watchlist who may currently reside in the state.

In a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Moody noted a faltering of intelligence-sharing between federal and state authorities, particularly in light of a recent report that DHS had released 99 individuals on the terrorist watchlist into the United States. She also indicated that her office filed the FOIA request to obtain further details on DHS’s decisions and actions regarding the released individuals.

“Because of the failures described in this letter, I have submitted the attached Freedom of Information Act request seeking to obtain more information regarding DHS’s failure to protect Floridians from terrorism,” Moody stated.

The letter further calls into question DHS’s approach to managing the security risks associated with the allegedly released individuals and notes Florida’s status as a frequent destination for immigrants, which she argued increases the state’s vulnerability to potential threats. Moody stated that despite the risks, DHS has not provided Florida with any actionable intelligence regarding the whereabouts or activities of these individuals.

Appeals court says Florida attorney general cannot prevent opioid suits from hospital districts, school boards

A state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody could not prevent opioid-epidemic lawsuits filed by hospital districts and school boards after she reached settlements with the pharmaceutical industry.

A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned a 2023 decision by Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper that said Moody had the power to enter settlements that effectively included trumping separate claims by local government agencies.

Wednesday’s ruling was a victory for the Sarasota County Public Hospital District, Lee Memorial Health System, the North Broward Hospital District, the South Broward Hospital District, Halifax Hospital Medical Center, the Miami-Dade County School Board and the Putnam County School Board. They have sought to pursue lawsuits to recover costs related to treating patients and educating children affected by the opioid epidemic.

All of the local agencies had sued drug distributors, manufacturers or pharmacies because of the epidemic.

Florida hospitality leader offers its support to Tom Leek in contention SD 7 contest

The state’s leading hospitality advocate wants to see Tom Leek in the Senate. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is endorsing the Ormond Beach Republican as he seeks a promotion for state House.

“On behalf of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida’s premier hospitality and tourism industry, I am proud to endorse Rep. Tom Leek for Florida’s open seat in Senate District 7,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA.

Leek faces former St. Johns Sheriff David Shoar and retired wrestler Gerry James in an Aug. 20 Republican Primary. The winner will advance to the General Election and face Democrat George “T” Hill in November. But in the heavily Republican district, the winner of the August Primary will most likely become the district’s next Senator, succeeding retiring Sen. Travis Hutson.

Dover said Leek was “unquestionably the best choice.” “Representative Leek is a proven leader who recognizes that thriving businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, driving job creation, supporting families, and fueling growth,” Dover added.