Florida's Latest News

Ashley Moody spotlights leaders for her campaign in all 67 Florida counties

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody is getting her campaign leadership together in the final stretch before Election Day.

Moody has announced the Chairs of her campaign in each of Florida’s 67 counties about six weeks ahead of the General Election. Moody, who is the incumbent but hasn’t been elected to the Senate seat before, said she’s bearing down and not risking overlooking her challenger, Jacksonville Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon.

“This election couldn’t be more clear. I am fighting to ensure the Free State of Florida remains the most prosperous state in the nation — one where the American Dream is still within reach for our next generation,” Moody said.

“My opponent, Socialist Angie Nixon, wants to tear down everything we’ve built. Not on my watch. Each of these 67 County Chairs are leaders in their communities, standing on the front lines of this pivotal election, and I am honored to be in this fight alongside them and look forward to a resounding victory in November.”

Frederica Wilson Introduces Bill Expanding Glaucoma Prevention

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.) introduced a bill to expand preventive care against eye diseases and vision loss.

The Glaucoma Vision Act of 2026 aims to make annual glaucoma screenings more accessible and affordable across underserved communities. The bill also seeks to advance investment in research to protect and restore vision for affected groups.

“Glaucoma can steal a person’s sight before they even know they have it. By the time symptoms appear, the damage may be irreversible,” Rep. Wilson said. “A screening could change the course of someone’s life, but too many people face gaps in coverage or cannot afford the care they need.”

The bill would require screening coverage for eligible people with private insurance, Medicaid, and Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage.

It would also remove out-of-pocket costs for glaucoma screenings for Medicare Part B recipients by categorizing it under Preventive services like annual primary care visits or flu shots.

.

Alex Rizo Adds Endorsement from Blaise Ingoglia in SD 39 Campaign

Rep. Alex Rizo (R-Hialeah) shared he has received an endorsement from Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia in his bid for Florida's open district 39 seat.

"Proud to have the endorsement of my friend, Florida CFO @GovGoneWild Ingoglia," Rep. Rizo shared on social media. "Blaise has been a strong partner and a relentless advocate for Florida taxpayers, and I’m grateful to have him standing with me. I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver results for the people of Senate District 39 and all of Florida."

Ingoglia has been CFO since being appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July 2025. He also served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2014 to 2022 and the Florida Senate from 2022 to 2025, as well as chair of the Republican Party of Florida from 2015 to 2019.

The CFO's support follows an endorsement from the Florida Professional Firefighters this week. Rep. Rizo has also been endorsed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, and Sweetwater Mayor Jose "Pepe" Diaz.

Pinellas adopts $5.14B budget with millage less than 1% above rollback

Pinellas County Commissioners approved a $5.14 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, locking in a lower property tax rate less than 1% above rollback that they settled on earlier this month after a lengthy debate over how deeply to cut spending.

The final budget keeps the General Fund millage at 4.4989 mills, down from the 4.5423 mills originally proposed going into budget negotiations and its lowest level since 1989.

Commissioners made no additional changes during Thursday’s final budget hearing, cementing the compromise they reached on Sept. 10 after concerns that lowering the tax rate could require deeper cuts to road resurfacing, drainage, and other county services.

The 4.4989-mill rate landed just 0.71% above the rollback rate, putting the General Fund within 1% of the rate that would generate roughly the same property tax revenue from existing properties as last year. When all property tax rates controlled by the Commission are combined, the county actually came in slightly below rollback.