How Hope Florida quietly hollowed out Florida’s safety net
State records show the controversial initiative shifted priorities away from DCF’s eligibility division that has since failed federal standards and left Floridians cut off
ENVIRONMENT
Florida sets new course for controversial herbicide program behind closed doors
Florida’s herbicide spraying has sparked public backlash and promises to reform the way the state manages invasive aquatic plants. But state officials are starting to form that strategy in secret.
This state agency owes millions in immigration bills. Lawmakers just cut a check
The emergency preparedness fund was originally set aside for recovery from hurricanes and other natural disasters. This past year, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration used much of the money to build and operate the now-shuttered Everglades immigration detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
DeSantis pledged millions for restoring reef ‘then pulled the rug from under us’
Organizations that spent taxpayer money to build new facilities and train staff to work on the state-led project are now scrambling to find grants and private donations to keep the lights on.
Criminal Justice
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were held in cages the size of a phone booth
The report gives a rare glimpse into the sprawling makeshift facility that was built in a matter of days by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
Democrats want to impeach Uthmeier, but accountability may rest with the voters
Uthmeier, now under fire for his role in the Hope Florida scandal, has previously threatened mayors, county commissioners, and state attorneys with removal from office for failing to meet his legal standards.
Where Florida’s Gun Violence Exacts Its Biggest Toll on Black and Latino Children
An analysis of hospital claims data in Florida found that firearm injuries of children disproportionately hit families in a handful of ZIP codes, almost all of them in Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, or Tampa Bay.
EDUCATION
At UNF, sole finalist for presidency rekindles fight over secrecy law
At issue is a 2022 state law that shielded most of the presidential interview process from public view, a law some former supporters now regret
Florida’s public school enrollment falls while vouchers soar
Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange and Miami-Dade County Public Schools have bled students in recent years, according to a collection of enrollment data.
Once a powerhouse, Moms for Liberty expected to hold majority on just two Florida school boards
Culture war fights that once fueled the rise of Moms for Liberty are now losing steam in local Florida politics.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Trio of powerful DeSantis appointments will face voters for the first time
Through circumstance and timing, DeSantis has used appointments to drastically shape Florida politics – and its judiciary – to his liking, gifting allies the levers of power and the benefit of incumbency.
Jacksonville council president paid less than $1,000 for ride on billionaire’s private jet, Rays game
Howland said he’d made the trip to raise money for his political committee, Florida Freedom PAC but didn’t share more specifics about the fundraiser held hours southwest of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville City Council president flew on billionaire’s jet to catch Rays game
Nick Howland said he attended the game hours south of Jacksonville “to help raise funds for my political committee” but declined to share more specifics about the fundraiser.
STATE GOVERNMENT
Where are they now? Key actors in Hope Florida scandal got promoted
New state law to protect consumers from data center costs faces its first test
State-licensed scams: Florida regulators allow contractors accused of deception to keep licenses
Jacksonville Sheriff attends Orlando event for Byron Donalds hours after 14th JSO-involved shooting this year
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