News from the South - Florida News Feed
Will she or won’t she? Casey DeSantis keeps her counsel on gubernatorial bid
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.
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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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News from the South - Florida News Feed
Orlando Dreamers secure $1.5 billion in funding
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
News from the South - Florida News Feed
Florida woman accused of setting fires during burn ban
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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