Florida's Latest News

DeSantis Will Meet GOP Lawmakers in Iowa, a Crucial 2024 State

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will meet with Iowa Republican legislators in Des Moines on Friday amid rising expectations that he will run for president in 2024, according to people familiar with the matter.

DeSantis has been on a national tour to promote his recently-published book, “The Courage to Be Free,” yet his visit to a state that has typically been crucial to the nomination hopes of presidential candidates will be scrutinized by both Republicans and Democrats.

The governor will greet members of the state House and Senate at the Capitol, according to the people, engaging in the sort of retail politicking that’s expected in the Iowa caucuses. The Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, will not be in session on Friday.

He will speak about his book at the Rhythm City Casino in Davenport on Friday morning and at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on Friday afternoon. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who has said she would remain neutral before the caucuses, is scheduled to join him.

Florida Republicans are leading efforts to revamp state's lawsuit environment

Republican leaders are supporting the HB 837 legislation, which would change how civil claims and lawsuits are handled.

Republican Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has made House Bill 837 a priority in the new legislative session. The legislation is even backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but critics have doubts over whether the bill will improve the state’s insurance markets.

If passed, the bill would change how civil claims and lawsuits are handled. The bill deals with things like personal injury and insurance claims. It revises how payouts are calculated and determined and would shorten the timeframe for an injured person to file a claim. Democratic Representative Hillary Cassell of Dania Beach worries it gives large insurers an advantage.

Florida lawmakers divided over Biden's budget plan

President Joe Biden said this week that he wants to shore up Medicare's finances by raising taxes on top earners, part of his new federal budget set to be unveiled on Thursday. 

Florida is one of the states with the most Medicare recipients in the country, but members of the state's delegation in Congress are divided along party lines on Biden’s proposal.

Biden said raising taxes on Americans making more than $400,000 per year will help ensure Medicare will be solvent for another 25 years. Florida Democrats support the plan. 

"President Joe Biden's plan addresses the current Medicare funding crisis and protects the program for future generations,” said Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., in a statement to Spectrum News. “His plan benefits 99% of Central Floridians by ensuring the top 1% … pay their fair share."

Red tide is now at Clearwater Beach and Dunedin Causeway

Heavy concentrations of red tide are now being reported on Clearwater Beach, just in time for spring break.

The worst outbreak is from Sand Key north to Ozona and the Dunedin Causeway. This area had been free of the toxin for several weeks, but persistent southerly winds are moving it up the Gulf coast.

Heavy outbreaks are also being reported from Treasure Island south to Fort DeSoto Park.

Medium and heavy concentrations of red tide are being found along the beaches in Manatee and Sarasota counties, from Anna Maria Island south to Manasota Beach.

Reports of fish kills suspected to be related to red tide came in over the past week from Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Respiratory irritation was also reported at multiple sites in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota.