Florida's Latest News

DeSantis delays Florida’s redistricting session — and tacks on AI, vaccines

Gov. Ron DeSantis late Wednesday pushed back the date of a redistricting special session that was scheduled to start next week — but is also ordering lawmakers back to town to consider a contentious bill on vaccines, as well as an artificial intelligence Bill of Rights.

DeSantis’ new special session call would require state legislators to return to town on April 28 for four days.

Florida has been seen as the final redistricting hope for Republicans after months of a tit-for-tat frenzy that has sparked referendums and legislative action in multiple blue and red states. DeSantis in January initially ordered legislators to hold a special session on mid-decade redistricting that would have started next Monday.

The decision to push back the start of the redistricting special session now sets it after Virginia’s referendum that could net Democrats four seats in that state. DeSantis on Tuesday discussed the possibility of changing the session dates but maintained Florida’s efforts were not connected to what was happening in Virginia.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan files for re-election. Which Republican ultimately becomes a serious challenger?

Can Donna Deegan become the first Democratic Jacksonville Mayor re-elected since Jake Godbold in 1983?

That’s the question on the mind of many Northeast Florida political observers, as the former news anchor has officially filed for re-election.

“I’m running because I believe in a simple idea: we can build a Jacksonville that works for everyone,” Deegan said. “From day one, we built this administration by listening, hosting town halls across the city, and turning your feedback into action. We’ve gotten a lot done together, and we’re just getting started.”

Deegan’s bid for four more years is predicated on what she describes as “tangible progress on neighborhoods, public safety, affordability, and a surge in economic development that is transforming downtown Jacksonville.”

If re-elected, she pledges her administration will “continue lowering costs for Jacksonville families, expanding opportunity and ensuring no neighborhood is left behind.”

James Uthmeier establishes new Task Force to root out Medicaid fraud, other pilfering of public funds

Attorney General James Uthmeier is launching a new task force to crack down on individuals seeking to bilk the state out of funds designed to help vulnerable residents.

Uthmeier announced the Task Force on Public Assistance Fraud during a news conference in Tampa. The Attorney General said his Office and other agencies are working together on the project to protect Medicaid and other programs.

“Potentially billions of dollars are going out and falling into the wrong hands,” Uthmeier said in Tampa. “They’re not just stealing from the government. They’re stealing from you. They’re stealing from the taxpayers.”

Uthmeier was flanked by representatives from several other agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and other partners in the Task Force.

“We are going to step up and kick it into a higher gear as we work to get back at fraudsters,” Uthmeier said.

‘It’s deserving’: State approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime prevention

City officials announced that the state has approved a $3 million appropriation to support programs in Northwest Jacksonville aimed at boosting small businesses, expanding vocational and workforce training, addressing food insecurity and preventing youth crime.

Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, State Rep. Wyman Duggan and Sheriff T.K. Waters are expected to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday at Kings Road Memorial Park, at the corner of Kings Road and Almeda Street, the city said in a news release. Community partners and stakeholders are expected to attend.

Officials said the funding is intended to bring critical resources to District 10 and help address economic disparities, workforce gaps and youth violence through a collaborative, community-driven approach.

Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman called the funding a long-overdue step toward addressing inequities in the area.