Florida's Latest News

Trump's ire grows as DeSantis' popularity with Republicans takes off

In a matter of months, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has gone from being a shining example in Donald Trump's eyes of a MAGA leader molded in his image to an average politician who forgot his roots as he rose to Republican stardom.

Nick Iarossi, a Florida lobbyist and DeSantis bundler, claimed Trump supporters are the ones reaching out to support DeSantis, not the other way around. Another person close to DeSantis, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations, said he had personally witnessed instances where the governor had to tell donors "who are all excited about a presidential bid, 'No, I'm not focused on 2024.'"

If asked, Trump advisers believe the former President would campaign for DeSantis' re-election. Iarossi said he wasn't sure what Trump's involvement will be in 2022, but added: "Trump's brand is still great in Florida so I think he's a great ally to have."

But if Trump is waiting for DeSantis to return the favor by publicly ceding the 2024 nomination, he shouldn't hold his breath. With a reelection campaign still ahead, and Democrats already accusing DeSantis of campaigning for his next office, the governor's allies say it doesn't make sense politically for him to speak about the future.

"He hasn't said he's running in 2024," Iarossi said. "Why would he dismiss something that he hasn't expressed interest in running for?"

NYPD officers take up DeSantis’ offer and move to Florida

Citing a hostile work environment in a city whose leadership has turned its back on the blue, and refusing to comply with a city vaccine mandate, at least 14 NYPD officers have left New York City for a Tampa Bay area town.

The majority moved within two months of Governor Ron DeSantis pledging to give a $5,000 bonus to law enforcement officers who relocate to Florida in a proposal he rolled out in September. In addition to the $5,000 signing bonus, officers would receive relocation support.

Last month, DeSantis told Fox News he was “actively working to recruit” officers from other states to fill needs in police and sheriff’s departments. He particularly welcomed law enforcement personnel who risked losing their jobs for defying city and state COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Are vaccine mandates banned in Florida now? What happened in the Legislative Special Session

The Florida Legislature's special session, demanded by Gov. Ron DeSantis to undermine the COVID safety measures for large businesses from the Biden administration and stop local governments and schools from enacting their own, wrapped up Wednesday night with a predictable outcome. All four bills under consideration passed, all largely along party lines.

The four bills, which Gov. DeSantis signed into law Thursday morning, are:

• SB 2B / HB 1B COVID-19 Mandates: Requires employers to add more opt-out options than the federal government rule and created stiff fines for companies who violated them
• SB 4B / HB 3B Public Records/Employer COVID-19 Vaccination Policies: Shields from public view records of employee complaints about vaccine exemptions
• SB 6B / HB 5B Florida Occupational Safety and Health State Plan: Asks the Governor's Office to create a plan for a state-level version of the federal OSHA and provides funds
• SB 8B / HB 7B Vaccinations During Public Health Emergencies: Removes the State Health Officer's ability to order the vaccination of individuals upon declaration of a public health emergency.

Michael Udine Sworn As Broward’s New Mayor; Promises To Focus On Mental Health

Broward County has a new mayor. Fellow county commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday morning for Michael Udine to replace outgoing Mayor Steve Geller, who delivered his State of the County 2021 Address.

The mayoral position in Broward is largely a figurehead position. County commissioners nominate and vote on the candidate, unlike Miami-Dade where the county mayor is elected. Still, the Broward mayor is a leadership role and one that Udine takes very seriously.

Mayor Udine was elected to serve as a Broward County Commissioner in 2016 and served as Vice Mayor in November 2020. Politics is not new to him, he formerly served, for more than a decade, as the Mayor and City Commissioner of Parkland.