News from the South - Florida News Feed
‘A lot of possibilities,’ DeSantis says when asked if First Lady will run for governor
‘A lot of possibilities,’ DeSantis says when asked if First Lady will run for governor
by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix
February 27, 2025
Gov. Ron DeSantis is still not ruling out another DeSantis seeking the governor’s mansion after being asked, again, Thursday about speculation the First Lady is gearing up to run in 2026.
“I think there’s a lot of possibilities,” DeSantis said about Casey DeSantis running for governor against U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and entered the Republican primary earlier this week.
DeSantis disses Donalds, touts First Lady, when asked about 2026 governor race
The governor will be term limited from running for the office again in 2026. He discredited the former state lawmaker’s contributions to conservative initiatives.
During a news conference at Camp Blanding Training Center in Starke highlighting the Florida State Guard, DeSantis mostly did not expand beyond that on the gubernatorial race, instead touting efforts his administration and the Legislature have made toward immigration enforcement.
“Donald Trump has been in office for like five weeks. Why aren’t we working to make sure that his vision and the mandate is delivered for the people that voted for him?” DeSantis said, later noting the 2026 election is a “lifetime away.”
DeSantis again advocated for getting rid of property taxes, using the argument that homestead exemptions are “too weak” and with taxes “you never really own your property.”
He said he wants people to have a discussion about property taxes and “it’s something that would be on the ballot in ’26.” Changing tax language in the Florida Constitution would require a popular vote.
“I haven’t proposed a specific amendment because we’re going to continue to work with people,” DeSantis said.
He complained of a “huge, huge problem with growth of local governments throughout Florida,” emphasizing his recently announced “Florida DOGE” efforts to “look into” local government spending.
Andrew Tate
Thursday morning, news outlets began reporting that controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were flying to Fort Lauderdale from Romania, where they have faced charges of rape and human trafficking since 2022.
DeSantis said Florida has “no involvement” in the Tates’ plans but that Attorney General James Uthmeier will examine whether the state can exert jurisdiction.
“But the reality is, no, Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct,” DeSantis said.
Florida State Guard
The Florida State Guard was rebooted in 2022 and is expected to reach its statutorily authorized size of 1,500 commissioned, enrolled, or employed volunteers during the next fiscal year, its executive director, Mark Thieme, said Thursday.
DeSantis said the Florida State Guard has reached a 287(g) program agreement with ICE, authorizing cooperation with the federal government in making immigration arrests. State law says only a special unit of the guard may conduct law enforcement.
“And I think it’s good, and I think they will play a role. But I also know that, just functionally, the state agencies that are going to play the biggest role are going to be the Highway Patrol, because they’re going to be interacting with illegal aliens more than anybody else”
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Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com.
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SUMMARY: The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in funding to pursue a Major League Baseball team, marking a significant step for the initiative. Co-founder Jim Schnorf announced that investors have provided preliminary commitments, signaling serious intent to bring baseball to Central Florida. This funding is separate from the $1 billion earmarked for a proposed stadium near SeaWorld. As the Tampa Bay Rays struggle with their current stadium situation, Dreamers are watching closely, confident that Orlando is a prime location for an MLB franchise, whether through relocation or expansion.
The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in investor commitments to bring a Major League Baseball team to Central Florida.
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News from the South - Florida News Feed
Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session
SUMMARY: As Florida’s legislative session nears its end, lawmakers are at an impasse over a tax cut package, with only seven days remaining. The main issue revolves around budget negotiations, specifically the details and extent of tax cuts. Both Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez acknowledge philosophical differences in their approaches. The House proposed a cut to the sales tax while concerns arose about reallocating tourism funds. Governor Ron DeSantis favors property tax reductions. Despite tensions, leaders are hopeful for an agreement before the new budget deadline of July 1.
The post Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com
SUMMARY: A Florida woman, Amanda Clark, was arrested for allegedly starting multiple fires during a burn ban. While the Forest Service was working to contain an existing fire near Oberry Hoover Drive, a worker witnessed Clark igniting new flames and instructed her to stop, but she continued. A nearby resident called 911 after seeing heavy smoke. Concerns grew in Palm Bay as additional fires emerged, prompting police to monitor the area. Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb noted that multiple smoke columns appeared too dispersed to be linked. Palm Bay has since implemented a burn ban and plans to enforce it.
A woman was arrested Wednesday in Orange County for allegedly setting multiple fires during an active burn ban, according to deputies. Forestry officials say they witnessed Amanda Clark starting fires near a residence and recorded video evidence before she was taken into custody. She was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of unlawful land burning, with bond set at $2,500. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
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