Florida's Latest News

DeSantis keeps the door open for a 2028 presidential run

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday didn’t rule out another bid for the White House, delivering what appeared to be a campaign pitch when asked if he plans to run for president in 2028.

“You never know,” said the term-limited Republican at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

DeSantis, 47, proceeded to lay out a list of his accomplishments in Florida, framing his tenure as governor as a model for GOP leadership and noting that being in his mid-40s, there’s still a “lot of runway” for him in 2028.

“Who took a state that had more Democrats than Republicans by 300,000 when he got elected and now has 1.5 million more Republicans? Who had a state that had a trillion dollar economy and now has $1.8 trillion?” the Florida governor said.

Kurt Hoffman backs Sydney Gruters in the race for a redrawn CD 16

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman is backing Republican congressional candidate Sydney Gruters, delivering a key local endorsement as the race for the newly redrawn Florida’s 16th Congressional District takes shape.

“Sydney Gruters’ roots in Sarasota County run deep, and so does her commitment to public service,” Hoffman said in a statement.

“With the recent redistricting, Sarasota County would be fortunate to have someone in Congress who understands this community, knows its needs and has a proven record of serving the people who call it home. Sydney is a workhorse, not a showhorse. She is a serious public servant who puts in the work, solves problems and delivers results. She shares our values and will be an effective voice for us in Washington. I am proud to endorse Sydney Gruters for Congress.” 

Hoffman is the latest Sheriff to endorse Gruters in the reshaped district, which is one of the most dramatic transformations in the state’s new map. The new district stretches into south Pinellas County, pulling in parts of St. Petersburg while continuing to anchor in Manatee County and extending further inland through Hardee, DeSoto and Polk counties.

Gov. DeSantis reappoints Stacy Plean to Palm Beach State College Board

Just under four months after he first named her to the panel, Gov. Ron DeSantis has decided to keep Realtor Stacy Plean on the Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees.

DeSantis’ Office announced Plean’s reappointment to the Board.

Plean’s reappointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

An associate broker with LoKation Real Estate and the founder of The HomeSeeker Group, Plean’s work in the real property sales industry dates back decades, according to her LinkedIn profile.

That includes some related political activity. She is the current 2026 Regional Vice President and Co-Chair of the state-level Realtors Political Advocacy Committee (RPAC) for Broward, Palm Beach & St. Lucie Realtors.

Erin Huntley lands endorsement from Wilton Simpson in HD 45 race

Republican Erin Huntley has won the endorsement of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson in her race to flip House District 45 and challenge Democrat state Rep. Leonard Spencer.

“I’m proud to support Erin Huntley for State Representative. Erin understands the values that built this state — hard work, personal responsibility, and looking out for your neighbors — and I know she’ll carry those principles with her to Tallahassee,” Simpson said in a statement.

“Erin is the kind of leader you can trust to stand firm, defend our communities, and fight for Florida’s future. She will serve with the same steady, commonsense approach that has always kept Florida strong.”

Huntley, the Orange County GOP Chair, said she was honored to get Simpson’s backing to represent the district covering part of Orange and Osceola counties.