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Implementation begins on Florida’s new immigration enforcement laws | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-02-18 11:41:00

(The Center Square) – Larry Keefe has been chosen to lead Florida’s newly created State Board of Immigration Enforcement.

In a Monday meeting, Keefe was named executive director. The board also passed two resolutions.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is chairman of the board that includes the state’s chief financial officer, attorney general and agriculture commissioner. Unanimous consent is required for any actions taken.

Keefe is best known as public safety czar and was also appointed as a U.S. attorney in northern Florida during President Donald Trump’s first term. Keefe was part of DeSantis’ plan to send people illegally in the state to areas of the country with Democrats in power, most famously among them Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

“Larry Keefe is a great public servant who will do a fantastic job with immigration enforcement,” DeSantis said. 

Recently sworn-in Attorney General James Uthmeier said at Monday’s meeting that Keefe had already worked with law enforcement leaders statewide on interdiction efforts and “has the relationships, the intellect and undoubtedly, the work ethic to get the job done.”

Legislative leaders chose the sheriffs to represent counties on the State Immigration Enforcement Council on Monday, which will be composed of four sheriffs and six police chiefs and will advise the state’s immigration enforcement board.

Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, appointed Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to the board, while House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, added Duval County Sheriff T.K. Waters and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell.

DeSantis and legislative leaders rustled with immigration policy from the end of January until a resolution last week. Monday’s meeting began implementation of a package of bills aligning the state with federal government and immigration enforcement.

Senate Bill 4C and Senate Bill 2C created the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. It acts as a liaison with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on enforcement-related issues.

The measures signed into law last week appropriate $250 million to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for their costs to help with immigration enforcement efforts.

The laws mandate criminal penalties for people illegally in the state and would add harsher penalties for subsequent offenses.

For people illegally in the country, there’s a mandatory death penalty for murder or child rape; a ban on taking part in any post-arrest diversion programs; felony charge if voting in state elections; and prohibition of obtaining a driver’s license or identification card from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

Orlando Dreamers secure $1.5 billion in funding

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www.youtube.com – FOX 35 Orlando – 2025-04-25 20:12:17

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.

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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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Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session

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www.abcactionnews.com – Forrest Saunders – 2025-04-25 19:54:00

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.

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Florida woman accused of setting fires during burn ban

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www.youtube.com – FOX 35 Orlando – 2025-04-25 08:32:38

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.

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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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