Members phkrause Posted March 5 Author Members Posted March 5 DeSantis links redistricting to Supreme Court ruling, but that may not come down by April 20 Unlike the other states that have engaged in partisan gerrymandering since President Trump called on Texas to do so last summer, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has explicitly declared that is not why he has called for the Legislature to reconvene in Tallahassee in April for for a special session to redistrict Florida’s congressional seats. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/01/desantis-links-redistricting-to-supreme-court-ruling-but-that-may-not-come-down-by-april-20/? Florida Chamber unhappy about decoupling from Trump tax cuts A number of states have opted not to go along with all of the federal tax cuts President Donald Trump pushed through last year in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” but, according to an attorney representing the Florida Chamber of Commerce, no state has gone as far in decoupling from the law as Florida is contemplating. And he’s not happy about it. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/27/florida-chamber-unhappy-about-decoupling-from-trump-tax-cuts/? New year, same ol’ DeSantis DEI attacks Since he became governor, Ron DeSantis has made anti-Blackness — by way of race-tinged rhetoric, policy, and legislation — one of the major pillars of his administration. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/02/new-year-same-ol-desantis-dei-attacks/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 8 Author Members Posted March 8 Albritton’s priorities — rural spending and school voucher fixes – seem dead Rural Renaissance appears to have been put out to pasture for a second consecutive session. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/05/albrittons-priorities-rural-spending-and-school-voucher-fixes-seem-dead/? Foolish legislators decide Florida Forever means ‘Florida Never’ Officials in Florida — a state with a 500-year-old Spanish name — recently announced that they would require everyone taking a driving test to do so in English only. I wish the folks in charge would also require the Legislature to speak that language. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/05/foolish-legislators-decide-florida-forever-means-florida-never/? Florida House votes to shield gunmaker from liability, but bill’s future uncertain The Florida House has passed legislation to provide immunity for gun manufacturers in “certain products liability actions” based on “any design feature, functionality, safety mechanism, or performance standard that is not required by federal law.” https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/05/florida-house-votes-to-shield-gunmaker-from-liability-but-bills-future-uncertain/? Florida Senate approves creation of a statewide antisemitism task force The Florida Senate has approved creation of a statewide 18-member task force on antisemitism that must submit a report and policy recommendations to the governor and legislative leaders. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/florida-senate-approves-creation-of-a-statewide-antisemitism-task-force/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 9 Author Members Posted March 9 DeSantis’ AI Bill of Rights clears Senate — but House won’t touch it The Florida Senate overwhelmingly approved the DeSantis-backed “AI Bill of Rights” Wednesday — but it won’t matter because the Trump-aligned speaker won’t bring the bill to the House Floor. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/04/desantis-ai-bill-of-rights-clears-senate-but-house-wont-touch-it/? Farm bill, stripped of food libel language, is headed to the governor The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services package, amended and defended, is on its way to Gov. Ron DeSantis. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/03/farm-bill-stripped-of-food-libel-language-is-headed-to-the-governor/? Medical school experts chief among H-1B visa pause concerns University system decision-makers expressed a willingness to be nimble as they voted to pause H-1B visas at state universities until next year. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/02/medical-school-experts-chief-among-h-1b-visa-pause-concerns/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 11 Author Members Posted March 11 Florida Senate approves measure targeting public sector unions A proposal backed by a conservative think tank and Gov. Ron DeSantis that could prove to be another major hit to public sector labor unions in Florida won approval by the GOP-controlled Senate on Friday. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/06/florida-senate-approves-measure-targeting-public-sector-unions/? Republican Florida Legislature discusses, but shoots down, Medicaid expansion The Republican-controlled Florida Senate Friday voted down an effort to prod the state into finally expanding Medicaid to low-income, childless adults, as allowable under the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/06/republican-florida-legislature-discusses-but-shoots-down-medicaid-expansion/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 15 Author Members Posted March 15 Sen. Don Gaetz on the 2026 session: ‘I think we ought to be embarrassed’ Sen. Don Gaetz never shies away from interviews or sharing his opinion. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/10/sen-don-gaetz-on-the-2026-session-i-think-we-ought-to-be-embarrassed/? Ban on local governments enacting DEI initiatives headed to governor’s desk The Florida House has approved legislation that would ban local governments from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/10/ban-on-local-governments-enacting-dei-initiatives-headed-to-governors-desk/? Senate poised to pass amended post-FSU shooting package and send to the House Sen. Don Gaetz filed an amendment to his bill seeking to address campus security concerns following a shooting on the Florida State University campus last year, likely sending it back to the House. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/10/senate-poised-to-pass-amended-post-fsu-shooting-package-and-send-to-the-house/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 15 Author Members Posted March 15 Florida Legislature approves restrictions on public sector unions The Florida House has voted final passage to a bill labeled by one Senate Democrat as the “nail in the coffin” for public sector unions in Florida. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/11/florida-legislature-approves-restrictions-on-public-sector-unions/? Florida House weakens transparency requirement in data center bill, sends to Senate The Florida House Wednesday scaled back transparency requirements in a data center regulation bill prized by Gov. Ron DeSantis, sending the new version back to the Senate for final approval. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/11/florida-house-weakens-transparency-requirement-in-data-center-bill-sends-to-senate/? Florida U.S. representative’s munitions plant a ticking time bomb in Taylor County One of my hobbies is keeping tabs on which of our distinguished officeholders could be called the most “Florida Man” of Florida politicians. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/12/florida-u-s-representatives-munitions-plant-a-ticking-time-bomb-in-taylor-county/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 17 Author Members Posted March 17 Florida Legislature approves bill requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship The Florida Legislature has approved a bill (HB 991) that will require proof of U.S. citizenship for registering to vote, similar to federal legislation being advocated for by President Trump and Republicans in Congress. But while the Trump-backed SAVE Act is heading for defeat in Washington, Republicans are celebrating their achievement in Tallahassee. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/12/florida-legislature-approves-bill-requiring-voters-to-provide-proof-of-citizenship/? Legislature OKs one of the most hotly contested bills of the 2026 Session One of the most heavily lobbied issues of the 2026 session made it across the finish line Thursday after the House gave final approval to a bill that increases the amount people who successfully sue the government can recover. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/12/legislature-oks-one-of-the-most-hotly-contested-bills-of-the-2026-session/? $31M infusion for AIDS drug program passes the Legislature The House agreed Thursday to give final passage to a Senate proposal to direct nearly $31 million to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and to stop the DeSantis administration from making further cuts to the initiative that has served more than 32,000 people. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/12/31m-infusion-for-aids-drug-program-passes-the-legislature/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 18 Author Members Posted March 18 Feds block millions for ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ ‘Deportation Depot’ over pending environmental review The federal government is withholding a $608 million grant to help pay for Florida’s migrant lockups because a required environmental review still hasn’t been completed, newly released records show. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/02/feds-block-millions-for-alligator-alcatraz-deportation-depot-over-pending-environmental-review/? $31M infusion for AIDS drug program passes the Legislature The House agreed Thursday to give final passage to a Senate proposal to direct nearly $31 million to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and to stop the DeSantis administration from making further cuts to the initiative that has served more than 32,000 people. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/12/31m-infusion-for-aids-drug-program-passes-the-legislature/? Albritton’s priorities — rural spending and school voucher fixes – seem dead Rural Renaissance appears to have been put out to pasture for a second consecutive session. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/05/albrittons-priorities-rural-spending-and-school-voucher-fixes-seem-dead/? Proposed budgets defund Florida Forever, but do provide for conservation easements Florida environmentalists are sounding the alarm that the Florida Legislature once again appears poised to dramatically reduce funding for Florida Forever, the state’s main program for buying land for conservation. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/23/proposed-budgets-defund-florida-forever-but-do-provide-for-conservation-easements/? ‘Embarrassing’ 2026 session gavels to a close Florida’s 60-day regular session ended Friday — without a state budget and just 234 bills passed out of 1,896 filed. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/13/embarrassing-2026-session-gavels-to-a-close/? FEMA lifts environmental hold on $608M grant for ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ ‘Deportation Depot’ Florida is finally eligible for a $608 million federal grant to help pay for the state’s migrant lockups after the Trump administration lifted an environmental funding hold that had stalled the dollars for months. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/13/fema-lifts-environmental-hold-on-608m-grant-for-alligator-alcatraz-deportation-depot/? Post-FSU shooting package arming professors clears both chambers The Florida House gave final approval Thursday, the second-to-last-day of the scheduled regular legislative session, to a package formulated in the aftermath of the shootings at Florida State University last year that would arm professors. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/12/post-fsu-shooting-package-arming-professors-clears-both-chambers/? Florida Senate half-heartedly agrees to final OK for weakened data center bill The Florida Senate on Friday half-heartedly voted final approaval of a greatly weakened version of a data center regulation bill backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/13/florida-senate-half-heartedly-agrees-to-final-ok-for-weakened-data-center-bill/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 19 Author Members Posted March 19 DeSantis’ resolve to pass his vaccine policies strengthens as measles cases continue to rise His attempt to alter the state’s vaccine policies for school children failed during the now-concluded legislative session, but Gov. Ron DeSantis said late Friday that he remains committed to seeing his policies pass before having to leave his post in January 2027. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/16/desantis-resolve-to-pass-his-vaccine-policies-strengthens-as-measles-cases-continue-to-rise/? Small private schools could open in commercially zoned buildings under late-session bill Legislators added a provision eliminating zoning requirements for small private schools into a Democratic-led bill in the waning hours of the 2026 legislative session. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/13/small-private-schools-could-open-in-commercially-zoned-buildings-under-late-session-bill/? America’s complicated relationship with the death penalty Executions in the United States have been on the decline over the past few decades, yet 27 states still enforce the death penalty – and many are imposing it more often. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/15/repub/americas-complicated-relationship-with-the-death-penalty/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 20 Author Members Posted March 20 Uthmeier now says it’s unconstitutional to ban nondangerous felons from possessing firearms Under Florida law, convicted felons are banned from possessing firearms, but Attorney General James Uthmeier is now contending that the law is unconstitutional when it relates to convicted felons who are considered “nondangerous” and have not committed a violent crime. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/16/uthmeier-now-says-its-unconstitutional-to-ban-nondangerous-felons-from-possessing-firearms/? Florida Sheriffs rebel against Trump’s, DeSantis’ mass deportation efforts Florida’s Republican sheriffs want President Donald Trump to end mass deportations of undocumented immigrants who haven’t committed crimes, a striking shift from law enforcement in the nation’s most aggressive anti-undocumented immigration state. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/16/florida-sheriffs-rebel-against-trumps-desantis-mass-deportation-efforts/? Tampa Police Dept. revises its immigration policies following AG’s warning The Tampa Police Department has revised its policies on immigration enforcement in response to a demand Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued last week. Uthmeier had accused the department of having “sanctuary policies” and threatened to remove Mayor Jane Castor from office unless the city backed down. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/16/tampa-police-dept-revises-its-immigration-policies-following-ags-warning/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 22 Author Members Posted March 22 Grady Judd doubles down: Don’t deport undocumented immigrants ‘adding to society’ Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a top Republican and favorite of Gov. Ron DeSantis, doubled down Tuesday by again calling for an end to deportations of undocumented immigrants who “add to society.” https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/17/grady-judd-doubles-down-dont-deport-undocumented-immigrants-adding-to-society/? Proposed new Medicaid, SNAP work requirements dead for now There will be no work requirements for 111,0000 low-income people who rely on Medicaid for their health care. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/17/proposed-new-medicaid-snap-work-requirements-dead-for-now/? Legislative elections to (finally) take place in three Florida counties next Tuesday Ron DeSantis has been an decidedly activist governor during his seven-plus years leading Florida. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/17/legislative-elections-to-finally-take-place-in-three-florida-counties-on-tuesday/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 22 Author Members Posted March 22 It’s one legal battle after another for state AIDS drug assistance program The legal wrangling between the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the largest nonprofit AIDS organization in the world over funding for a drug assistance program isn’t going away. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/18/its-one-legal-battle-after-another-for-state-aids-drug-assistance-program/? Florida lawmakers approve recreated emergency fund — with some guardrails Florida lawmakers voted during their recently concluded regular session to recreate the state’s embattled disaster response fund — with some new guardrails. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/florida-lawmakers-approve-recreated-emergency-fund-with-some-guardrails/? Florida Legislature again blocks action on climate change I stopped this weekend to gas up our car, and it took longer than usual. The pumping wasn’t the problem. The delay came from securing a big enough bank loan. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/19/florida-legislature-again-blocks-action-on-climate-change/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 24 Author Members Posted March 24 ‘Incoherent’: DeSantis slams GOP sheriffs’ pushback on deporting all undocumented migrants Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday bashed Republican sheriffs and police chiefs for planning to urge the Trump administration to create a citizenship path for crime-free undocumented immigrants, calling the move “incoherent” and ill-advised. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/19/incoherent-desantis-slams-gop-sheriffs-pushback-on-deporting-all-undocumented-migrants/? DeSantis signs bill that could block proposed Manatee cruise ship terminal BRADENTON — A plan to build a cruise ship port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County that was strongly opposed by local residents may now be blocked based on a bill signed into law on Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/19/desantis-signs-bill-that-could-block-proposed-manatee-cruise-ship-terminal/? Uthmeier elaborates on why a ‘nondangerous’ felon shouldn’t be banned from owning a firearm Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is elaborating on his newly espoused legal opinion that Florida’s ban on felons possessing firearms violates the Second Amendment when it comes to those who have committed nonviolent felony offenses. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/19/uthmeier-elaborates-on-why-a-nondangerous-felon-shouldnt-be-banned-from-owning-a-firearm/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 25 Author Members Posted March 25 Jerry Demings applauds Florida GOP sheriffs for speaking out on federal immigration priorities TAMPA — While Ron DeSantis has slammed a group of local Republican law enforcement officers for saying the federal government needs to recalibrate on immigration enforcement, one Democrat who hopes to succeed DeSantis in the governor’s mansion says it’s about time they spoke up. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/20/jerry-demings-applauds-florida-gop-sheriffs-for-speaking-out-on-federal-immigration-priorities/? DeSantis’ resolve to pass his vaccine policies strengthens as measles cases continue to rise His attempt to alter the state’s vaccine policies for school children failed during the now-concluded legislative session, but Gov. Ron DeSantis said late Friday that he remains committed to seeing his policies pass before having to leave his post in January 2027. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/16/desantis-resolve-to-pass-his-vaccine-policies-strengthens-as-measles-cases-continue-to-rise/? It’s one legal battle after another for state AIDS drug assistance program The legal wrangling between the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis and the largest nonprofit AIDS organization in the world over funding for a drug assistance program isn’t going away. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/18/its-one-legal-battle-after-another-for-state-aids-drug-assistance-program/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 27 Author Members Posted March 27 What your Legislature did instead of taking care of you Back in the last century, before condos choked the beaches and theme parks displaced orange groves, I was a page in the Florida House of Representatives. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/23/what-your-legislature-did-instead-of-taking-care-of-you/? ‘Never Trumpers’ launch ad blitz in 27 Florida newspapers to promote ‘No Kings’ A nonprofit group whose board includes high-profile dissident Republicans placed advertisements in 27 newspapers in Florida Monday to promote the “No Kings” rallies protesting President Donald Trump and his administration scheduled to take place Saturday, March 28. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/never-trumpers-launch-ad-blitz-in-27-florida-newspapers-to-promote-no-kings/? Abortion bans led to higher preterm birth rates among Black women, study finds Black women living in states with abortion bans were more likely to have preterm babies, compared with what would be expected in the absence of those bans, according to a study published in this month’s issue of the American Journal of Public Health. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/20/repub/abortion-bans-led-to-higher-preterm-birth-rates-among-black-women-study-finds/? Trump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions. In an unprecedented use of federal authority, President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked emergency powers to force a series of retiring coal plants to stay open. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/21/repub/trump-is-forcing-coal-plants-to-stay-open-it-could-cost-customers-billions/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 29 Author Members Posted March 29 Court rejects AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s bid for emergency injunction to stop cuts A circuit court judge has ruled that the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis can push ahead with reductions to a program that helps people with HIV and AIDS purchase life-saving drugs. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/24/court-rejects-aids-healthcare-foundations-bid-for-emergency-injunction-to-stop-cuts/? Federal appellate panel upholds Florida’s ban on lab-grown meat A federal appeals court has upheld Florida’s 2024 first-in-the-nation ban on cultivated or lab-grown meat. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/23/federal-appellate-panel-upholds-floridas-ban-on-lab-grown-meat/? Farm bill gets DeSantis’ signature Gov. Ron DeSantis, flanked by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Senate President Ben Albritton, signed the 2026 Florida Farm bill in Highlands County Monday. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/23/farm-bill-gets-desantis-signature/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 30 Author Members Posted March 30 Political strategists debate the significance of Tuesday night’s Democratic special election wins While Florida Democrats basked in the glory of flipping two Republican-majority legislative districts into victories the previous night, the chairman of the Florida GOP wasn’t ready Wednesday to concede it augured anything too significant for November. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/25/political-strategists-debate-the-significance-of-tuesday-nights-democratic-special-election-wins/? Uthmeier wants NFL to eliminate the ‘Rooney Rule’ as a DEI policy The Florida GOP-controlled Legislature earlier this month approved legislation that would ban local governments from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/25/uthmeier-wants-nfl-to-eliminate-the-rooney-rule-as-a-dei-policy/? Landowner lawsuit over Florida scrub jays has national ramifications There’s no “Cutest Critter in Florida” contest but, if there were, I can name a few contestants. The diminutive Key deer, for one. The seagrass-munching manatee for another. And, of course, the friendly Florida scrub jay. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/26/landowner-lawsuit-over-florida-scrub-jays-has-national-ramifications/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 1 Author Members Posted April 1 Done deal: $31M headed to AIDS drug program after DeSantis signs new law A threatened financial deficit in a state program that helps 32,000 people with HIV and AIDS purchase life-saving drugs has been shored up now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed HB 697 into law Tuesday. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/24/done-deal-31m-headed-to-aids-drug-program-after-desantis-signs-new-law/? 2025 extended session cost Florida taxpayers more than $259K Indecision has a price. At least, it does for Florida taxpayers. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/2025-extended-session-cost-florida-taxpayers-more-than-259k/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 2 Author Members Posted April 2 No Kings marches attract crowds even in conservative areas of Florida The third “No Kings” protest of Donald Trump’s second term lured crowds across Florida, even in areas dominated by Republican voters, including cities with strong military presences like Pensacola and Jacksonville. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/28/no-kings-marches-attract-crowds-even-in-conservative-areas-of-florida/? ps:True Republicans should be behind this also!! Rare divide: Florida’s elected prosecutors oppose Uthmeier on arming certain felons In an exceedingly rare split over guns, the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association filed a court brief Friday opposing Attorney General James Uthmeier’s new push to arm non-dangerous felons, the Florida Phoenix has learned. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/27/rare-divide-floridas-elected-prosecutors-oppose-uthmeier-on-arming-certain-felons/? No recount will be required in Florida Senate District 14 race There will be no automatic machine recount in the Senate District 14 race between Democrat Brian Nathan and Republican Josie Tomkow, the Florida Division of Elections said Friday. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/no-recount-will-be-required-in-florida-senate-district-14-race/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 3 Author Members Posted April 3 The ‘Blue Ribbon’ Projects bill died this session. Will it come back? A proposal to spur intense development in some of the most rural areas of the state died in the final days of the regular legislative session, due largely to strong opposition from Republican senators who declared that their constituents didn’t want any part of it. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/31/the-blue-ribbon-projects-bill-died-this-session-will-it-come-back/? Participants in Jan. 6 US Capitol riot file lawsuit in Florida against DC police Dozens of people who participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have filed a federal class action in Florida against the U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police, alleging actions by officers that day caused them physical and emotional injuries. ps:What a crock of Bull Manure!!!!! https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/30/participants-in-jan-6-us-capitol-riot-file-lawsuit-in-florida-against-dc-police/? Some Democratic congressional candidates in Pinellas County want to defund ICE DUNEDIN — In 2020, Democrats in Florida complained they were unfairly accused by Republicans of wanting to defund the police after some high-profile progressive Democratic lawmakers and activists around the country did make such proclamations following the death of George Floyd. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/30/some-democratic-congressional-candidates-in-pinellas-county-want-to-defund-ice/? ps:I don't agree with that, they're only do what they're told to do by the WH!!!!! Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 5 Author Members Posted April 5 DeSantis takes hands-off position on GOP legislative election loss in Hillsborough TAMPA — In the aftermath of last Tuesday’s Democratic upset victory in the Florida Senate District 14 special election in Hillsborough County, Gov. Ron DeSantis has drawn some shade for his refusal to help Josie Tomkow, the Republican who lost to Democratic union organizer Brian Nathan. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/03/31/desantis-takes-hands-off-position-on-gop-legislative-election-loss-in-hillsborough/? ps:Right!! DeSantis tells Florida House to impeach Tallahassee judge who released sex offender on bond Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling on the Florida House to impeach a Tallahassee judge who briefly released a sex offender onto the streets, resulting in the killing of the man’s 5-year-old stepdaughter. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/desantis-tells-florida-house-to-impeach-tallahassee-judge-who-released-sex-offender-on-bond/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 5 Author Members Posted April 5 DeSantis signs bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote — voting rights group sue While Congress remains deadlocked on the SAVE America Act that would require U.S. citizenship to register to vote, that requirement will soon become the law of the land in Florida now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the latest “voting integrity ” legislation. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/01/desantis-signs-bill-requiring-proof-of-citizenship-to-register-to-vote-voting-rights-group-sue/? DeSantis weighs in on SCOTUS birthright citizenship case: ‘Cheapens the process’ As the nation’s highest court weighs whether to greenlight Trump’s citizenship ban for certain U.S.-born babies, Gov. Ron DeSantis argued Wednesday that traveling to America to give birth “cheapens” the constitutional right to birthright citizenship. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/01/desantis-weighs-in-on-scotus-birthright-citizenship-case-cheapens-the-process/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 6 Author Members Posted April 6 Environmental groups sue over decision to strip protections from imperiled Gulf species A coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Trump administration over its decision this week to remove Endangered Species Act protections from species threatened by oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/02/environmental-groups-sue-over-decision-to-strip-protections-from-imperiled-gulf-species/? Election theft in broad daylight now GOP’s modus operandi “A free election is one where those in power have enough doubt about the outcome to make it worth rigging.” — Sen. Eugene McCarthy. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/03/election-theft-in-broad-daylight-now-gops-modus-operandi/? ps:Exactly what I've been saying for a long time!! If Republicans say that the Democratic party is finished than why go and try and rig elections???? Yeah exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Likely Florida voters mostly think mid-decade redistricting is a ‘bad idea,’ new poll shows Just weeks before the Florida Legislature is scheduled to redraw the congressional map, a majority of likely voters are opposed to mid-decade redistricting, a new poll shows. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/02/likely-florida-voters-mostly-think-mid-decade-redistricting-is-a-bad-idea-new-poll-shows/? Sydney Gruters announces her candidacy to succeed Vern Buchanan in Florida’s CD 16 seat Sydney Gruters, wife of Republican National Committee Chair and state Sen. Joe Gruters, announced Thursday that she is filing to run for the Florida Congressional District 16 seat that will be vacated by Republican Vern Buchanan later this year. https://floridaphoenix.com/briefs/sydney-gruters-announces-her-candidacy-to-succeed-vern-buchanan-in-floridas-cd-16-seat/? Florida Republicans express pride in Pam Bondi; Democrats less impressed Florida Republicans have glowing praise for Pam Bondi as she leaves her role as the U.S. attorney general. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/02/florida-republicans-express-pride-in-pam-bondi-democrats-less-impressed/? ps:I do agree that she had a great reputation! But as so many others when she met trump she lost her credibility!! Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 7 Author Members Posted April 7 Trump goes all-in on war Data: White House. Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals President Trump's new budget lays bare the transformation of his presidency, pairing a historic surge in military spending with historic cuts to domestic programs, Axios' Zachary Basu writes. Why it matters: The most powerful populist of this century is at risk of becoming what he ran against — a deficit-spending interventionist asking working-class Americans to shoulder the cost of war. The timing couldn't be worse: Trump is bleeding support over the Iran war, hitting the lowest approval ratings of his second term as rising gas prices erode his economic credibility. Even as Trump insists the conflict will end soon, his $1.5 trillion budget request for the Pentagon — plus an additional $200 billion ask for Iran costs — would lock in a wartime level of spending. 🔭 The big picture: Trump's new budget — more a statement of the White House's goals than a legislative draft — would reorient the U.S. government around military power at the expense of virtually everything else. Defense spending would rise 42% — a buildup the White House itself says exceeds the Reagan administration's and approaches the pace of spending just before World War II. The massive Pentagon budget is framed as a response to an increasingly dangerous world that predates the Iran war, and envisions permanent U.S. military dominance as a governing principle. Non-defense spending, which includes categories like public health, scientific research, housing and education, would take a 10% cut, or $73 billion. The steepest cuts would fall on the EPA, down 52%; the National Science Foundation, down 55%; and the Small Business Administration, down 67%. Agencies spared from the proposed cuts include the Justice Department, which would get a 13% increase to "maximize its capacity to bring violent criminals to justice." 🔎 Between the lines: The administration is using a familiar argument to justify the cuts — fraud, waste and abuse. The White House said in a fact sheet: "Savings are achieved by reducing or eliminating woke, weaponized, and wasteful programs, and by returning State and local responsibilities to their respective governments." In a Truth Social post yesterday, Trump christened Vice President Vance his "Fraud Czar" — directing him to focus on Democrat-led states where, Trump claims, recovered fraud could balance the federal budget. 🔮 What to watch: The combination of foreign adventurism and domestic austerity cuts against the political instincts that brought Trump to power. The coalition that delivered Trump his second term — working-class voters, older Americans, rural communities — relies disproportionately on the programs being compressed to fund the military. Congressional Republicans face a brutal choice: Back a budget that guts programs their working-class constituents depend on ... or break with a president who's made loyalty the price of survival. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 7 Author Members Posted April 7 Jolly says FL Dems can’t presume they’ve won ‘hearts and minds’ after recent wins WEST TAMPA — The two upset legislative victories by Democrats in Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties last week came in part because the candidates received considerable support from independents and Republicans who crossed party lines. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/03/jolly-says-fl-dems-cant-presume-theyve-won-hearts-and-minds-after-recent-wins/? Uthmeier: Florida Constitution’s ban on state dollars for religion violates First Amendment Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier won’t enforce part of the state Constitution banning government funding for churches and other religious groups on the theory it violates the First Amendment, he claimed this week. https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/04/03/uthmeier-florida-constitutions-ban-on-state-dollars-for-religion-violates-first-amendment/? Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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