SUMMARY: Andrew and Tristan Tate, charged with human trafficking in Romania, have returned to the U.S. after travel restrictions were lifted. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated they are not welcome in his state and is conducting a preliminary inquiry into their situation. The Tates, dual U.S.-British citizens, deny the allegations related to their arrest in late 2022, including charges of rape. While they maintain their innocence, their presence has sparked debate among conservatives. They face ongoing legal issues, including a defamation lawsuit in Florida and potential extradition to the UK for separate charges once their Romanian case concludes.

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Will she or won’t she? Casey DeSantis keeps her counsel on gubernatorial bid

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix
February 28, 2025

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis didn’t say Friday that she will run for governor in 2026.

But she didn’t rule it out, either.

DeSantis was appearing with her husband Gov. Ron DeSantis at Florida International University to tout a plan to redirect cancer funding when a reporter asked about a potential gubernatorial run. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, jumped into the race earlier this week.

“When you come to a fork in the road, you take it,” quipped Casey DeSantis, repeating a remark made famous by the late Yogi Berra, the legendary Yankees catcher and manager.

“You guys can read into that what you want,” Gov. DeSantis added. He then offered extensive comments about Casey DeSantis’ work as first lady, which has included the Hope Florida program designed to help people find assistance from nonprofit and religious organizations.

When asked to explain the first lady’s comment, Gov. DeSantis said, “I think she’s leaving that to the imagination and to start talking about good old Yogi Berra, because you know he had a lot of perceptive comments.”

Gov. DeSantis, who mounted an unsuccessful bid for president last year, is term-limited and cannot run again for governor next year. But DeSantis and Donalds had an apparent falling-out — caused in part by Donalds’ endorsement of Trump in the Republican presidential primary — and the governor recently chided Donalds for worrying about the governor’s race instead of Trump’s agenda in Congress.

Without mentioning Donalds, DeSantis repeated those criticisms on Friday while extolling the work of his wife. Multiple news outlets in recent weeks have reported that Casey DeSantis is seriously considering running for governor even as Donalds has put together a campaign team and begun to ramp up his effort.

A Donalds vs. Casey DeSantis primary contest would be seen as a proxy battle between Trump and Gov. DeSantis for supremacy among Florida Republicans. For his part, Donalds has sidestepped talk about Casey DeSantis and during a Fox News appearance on Friday said that he expects competition for governor.

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: In Tampa, Rays fans are discussing high ticket prices on their fan club Facebook page as the team prepares to play at Steinbrenner Field, Yankees’ spring training home, due to renovations at Tropicana Field. The venue, seating only 11,000, is 5,000 less than last season’s average attendance. Season ticket prices have surged nearly 40%, with some opening day tickets at $150 and lower-level seats costing around $230. Games against the Yankees and Dodgers feature tickets up to $390. Fans express understanding of the situation despite the costs, with some opting to watch from home and support the team through merchandise.

Rays fans looking to buy tickets are finding a shock at the prices. Season tickets went up nearly 40% and if you want to go to Opening Day, those tickets are starting at $150.

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