Florida’s education system is once again in the spotlight after Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. announced that the state will investigate teachers who posted what he described as “despicable comments” online regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Commissioner’s Warning Commissioner Diaz stated that educators are held to a higher standard, especially when...
Category: Politics
What to Know Ahead of Today’s Tampa District 5 Special Election
Today, voters in Tampa’s District 5 head to the polls for a special election to fill the City Council seat left vacant by the late Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson, who passed away in June. The district encompasses key areas including Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, East Tampa, and parts of West Tampa. With 14 candidates vying for...
Facing DeSantis, Ladapo Vaccine Proposal Receives Lukewarm Response from Florida Lawmakers
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recently made headlines by proposing the elimination of all vaccine mandates in the state, a move that could reshape public health policy if implemented. However, despite the bold proposal, lawmakers in Tallahassee appear hesitant, leaving the measure’s future uncertain. What Ladapo Proposed Ladapo’s plan would remove existing requirements for vaccinations...
Florida’s Joe Gruters, Longtime Trump Ally, Named RNC Chairman
Florida Republican Joe Gruters, a long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the party strategizes for upcoming elections and seeks to build on recent successes at both state and national levels. Bringing Florida’s Successes...
Byron Donalds’ history on youth offender laws: How his proposal breaks from his past
Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida has recently introduced the DC CRIMES Act (H.R. 4922), aiming to lower the eligibility age for Washington, D.C.’s Youth Rehabilitation Act from 24 to 18. This proposal has sparked discussions, especially considering Donalds’ past involvement in criminal justice reform and his personal history with the legal system. Background on the...
DeSantis plans to challenge judge’s ruling to shut down Alligator Alcatraz
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is preparing to challenge a recent judicial ruling that ordered the shutdown of the controversial immigration detention center, often referred to as the “Alligator Alcatraz.” The center has drawn national attention for its strict policies and harsh conditions for detainees. A spokesperson for the governor emphasized that, despite the court order,...
Should Congress Trade Stocks? Florida’s Representatives Weigh
The debate over whether members of Congress should be allowed to trade stocks has gained momentum in recent years. Critics argue that lawmakers have access to privileged information that could give them an unfair advantage in the market, while supporters say trading bans could infringe on personal financial freedom. Florida’s representatives are no exception—opinions vary...
Federal Judges Uphold Florida’s Senate Redistricting Map of Tampa Bay
A panel of federal judges has ruled in favor of Florida’s current Senate redistricting map, upholding the boundaries that include a Senate district crossing Tampa Bay. The decision comes after legal challenges questioned the fairness and constitutionality of the district lines. The heart of the debate At the center of the case was a Senate...
Tampa District 5 Candidates Discuss Housing and Development at NAACP Forum
As the special election for Tampa’s District 5 City Council seat approaches on September 9, 2025, candidates gathered at a forum hosted by the local NAACP chapter to discuss key community issues. Housing, neighborhood development, and equitable growth were central topics during the event. Housing and Development Focus Candidates shared their perspectives on how to...
Who’s Running in the Tampa District 5 Special Election?
The race for Tampa’s District 5 City Council seat is heating up. Following the sudden passing of Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, Hillsborough County called a special election to fill the vacancy. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and fourteen candidates have qualified to run, including one write-in. Most paid the required $4,511.52 qualifying fee...