Florida's Latest News

Gov. DeSantis issues state of emergency ahead of winter storm, warns Floridians of hazardous driving conditions

According to the executive order, hazardous winter weather will be likely across North Florida including dangerously cold temperatures, snow, sleet and freezing rain. Snowfall totals of one to three inches are forecast for the Florida Panhandle.

DeSantis wrote via X that the Florida Division of Emergency Management is monitoring this system closely and the Department of Transportation is on standby with snow plows and other equipment ready to respond to road and bridge safety needs.

The governor also warned Floridians of hazardous driving conditions, especially over bridges, overpasses and elevated surfaces, which could lead to possible road and bridge closures.

In Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, a Freeze Warning is expected west of I-95 on Tuesday morning. Freezing temperatures will linger through around 9 a.m. Then, a Freeze Warning and Winter Storm Warning will be in effect Tuesday evening. The greatest threat locally will be ice forming Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions from western Jacksonville and points north and west.

Senate unanimously confirms Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

The U.S. Senate has confirmed U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio unanimously to become the nation’s next Secretary of State.

The final vote of 99-0 came after an unquestionably smooth confirmation process in a chamber where Rubio served for more than 14 years. In a confirmation hearing last week, the Miami Republican stressed that President-elect Donald Trump will be the one setting foreign policy, but that he will bring a deep commitment to keeping the U.S. in a leadership position on world affairs.

“We have to have alliances. But we have to have alliances with strong, capable partners,” Rubio told Senators last week.

That makes the Miami Republican the first of Trump’s Cabinet picks to take office, making way for a rapid transition. Trump in November nominated Rubio as Secretary of State, elevating a former rival to one of the most important high-profile positions within his Cabinet.

Trump begins immigration overhaul, raising concerns in South Florida

President Donald Trump wasted no time enacting major changes to U.S. immigration policy as promised, sparking debate and concern in communities like South Florida. His administration has already ended an app that facilitated orderly migrant entry and announced plans to end birthright citizenship, prompting fears of labor shortages and logistical challenges.

In Broward County, construction workers Mike and his son Norman said the changes could disrupt the building industry, which heavily depends on undocumented labor.

"I believe there will be shortages and projects not done on time," Norman said while ordering supper at Donna's, a popular Caribbean restaurant.

South Florida immigration attorney Vanessa Joseph warned that schools and other sectors could also be affected. "What the administration is trying to do is make it more difficult to stay in the country and get into the country," she said, urging undocumented individuals to seek legal advice from attorneys or nonprofit groups offering free services.

Florida’s takeover of Washington is only just beginning

Monday’s inauguration is just as much Florida’s moment as it is Donald Trump’s. The incoming administration is importing Florida’s policies and personnel into Washington, establishing the Sunshine State’s dominance in the U.S. It’s widely expected to copy Florida’s ideas on education, immigration, DEI and more.

Florida Republicans are taking it all in. Nowhere was that more clear than the series of events the state Republican party held over the weekend to celebrate, maxing out ticket sales and reveling in how they’d turned the state so red. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), a close Trump ally who’s considering running for governor, called 2024 a “coming out party” for the state in an interview with Playbook.

“Other states are looking to us,” he said. “And so logic dictates that we start to put our imprint on D.C. for the nation. It feels like a long time coming.”

On Saturday night, a live band at the Republican Party of Florida Inaugural Gala performed hits like the Trump-favorite “YMCA,” “September” and Gloria Estefan’s “Conga” as some attendees joined a conga line, winding their way through the lively gathering. Guests enjoyed an open bar and dined on steak, mini burgers and a mac and cheese bar, and took pictures in front of Trump cutouts.