Florida's Latest News

FSU shooting suspect Phoenix Ikner released from hospital, facing multiple murder charges: Tallahassee Police Department

The Tallahassee Police Department announced on Monday that Phoenix Ikner, the suspect accused of killing two and injuring five during a shooting on Florida State University’s campus on April 17, has been released from the hospital.

Police added that Ikner was taken to the Leon County Detention Facility and then transferred to the Wakulla County Detention Facility, where he faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder.

Police added that Ikner was taken to the Leon County Detention Facility and then transferred to the Wakulla County Detention Facility, where he faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Office also posted the arrest on social media, accompanied by Ikner’s mugshot.

“In keeping with the Tallahassee Police Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the probable cause affidavit will be made publicly available following Ikner’s first appearance in court,” the agency said.

Daniel Perez blasts Ben Albritton over broken budget deal, calls for spending restraint

‘I am unwilling to punt this problem.’

Tensions between Florida’s legislative chambers are escalating further as House Speaker Daniel Perez sharply criticized Senate President Ben Albritton for blowing up a budget framework the two had developed.

Speaking on the House floor, Perez said he has “very strong feelings” about Albritton “breaking” their deal, but it wouldn’t stop the House from pursuing a spending plan more attuned to fiscal restraint.

“As presiding officers, as elected officials, our word is our bond. Breaking our word, breaking a deal, is breaking faith not only with one another, but with our institutions,” Perez said.

“However, I will not allow these actions to deter us from fulfilling our constitutional obligations.”

Perez’s comments reflect a growing discord among Republican leaders in Tallahassee, particularly as the House, Senate and Gov. Ron DeSantis remain divided over how to handle the state’s multibillion-dollar budget surplus and competing tax relief plans. DeSantis has backed aggressive tax cuts, including $1,000 rebate checks to Floridians — an idea Perez strongly rejected.

Ron DeSantis says ‘dust still settling’ but LG, CFO picks to happen ‘relatively soon’

The Governor won't be rushed, and the budget is still in suspense.

Gov. Ron DeSantis does not appear to be in a rush to pick replacements for former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and former Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

“I did say I wanted to get through the Legislative Session and see how the dust settled. Obviously, dust is still settling,” DeSantis said Monday in Tampa, alluding to the fact that the 2025-2026 state budget hasn’t been passed yet by the Legislature.

Patronis resigned the position earlier this year to run for Congress. He won that election on April 1.

Nuñez became the interim president of Florida International University on February 7. Since then, she has been made permanent head of the university.

DeSantis suggests that the appointment will be “relatively soon,” but timing depends on the Legislature doing its job.

Were Trump tariffs lifted on China? How tariffs affect Florida depending on the country

President Donald Trump on May 12 announced that the U.S. and China had agreed to lower the escalating tariff rates on trade for the next 90 days.

Chinese imports will face a 30% tariff in total, down from 145% on most goods. The Chinese government agreed to reduce their retaliatory tariffs down to 10% from the previously set 125%. The rates are expected to go into place by May 14, and the news sent the U.S. stock market soaring.

Trump has made tariffs a key point in his presidency, issuing reciprocal tariffs on a selection of countries to target what he considers to be unfair trading practices. Those were also paused in April, and most imports are now taxed at 10%.

Even as they've taken the spotlight in the last few months, they were also implemented in his first presidency. Here is what to know:

What is a tariff? What are reciprocal tariffs?

A tariff is a form of tax imposed on imports from another country.