Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced his resignation from the legislature following U.S. Senate confirmation as the next Ambassador to Brazil. Perez, a Miami Republican, will take the oath of office later this month. His departure triggers a leadership transition within the Florida House as the Trump administration continues to pull from state-level Republican ranks for federal roles.
State Representative Kevin Steele (R-Pasco) resigned his seat Wednesday following revelations that he changed his voter registration to Hillsborough County on July 17. Steele is currently campaigning to challenge U.S. Representative Kathy Castor in Florida’s 14th Congressional District. Florida law requires representatives to reside in the district they serve; Steele’s move to Hillsborough effectively vacated his Pasco-based seat.
The state of Florida has launched a civil investigation into former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci. James Uthmeier, Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, is subpoenaing Fauci regarding COVID-19 guidance, grants, and financial incentives that impacted Florida businesses. This follows a separate federal move where the Senate Homeland Security Committee approved a criminal referral for Fauci after he asserted Fifth Amendment rights during testimony.
A report from the Florida Auditor General found that the DeSantis administration "significantly delayed" access to records during a review of Medicaid eligibility determinations. The audit focused on how the state handled the "unwinding" of Medicaid rolls following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
State documents reveal plans to construct several small-scale detention facilities south of the Interstate 4 corridor. This follows the closure of the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility. The Florida Highway Patrol has issued a Request for Information for contractor-run centers that would hold adults under federal oversight, signaling an expansion of the state's infrastructure for immigration-related detention.
Early voting is now underway in most of Florida’s 67 counties ahead of the August 18 Primary. Voters are casting ballots for Governor, U.S. Senate, and various cabinet positions. While many races are closed to party members, nonpartisan local races and judicial seats are open to all registered voters.
The Friends of Byron Donalds PAC has launched a seven-figure statewide ad campaign targeting Democrat David Jolly. The ad, titled "Agenda," uses Jolly’s past comments on gender-affirming care and transgender athletes to frame the race. Donalds remains a frontrunner in the Republican primary for Governor.
South Florida entrepreneur Michael Carbonara is utilizing a novel campaign finance strategy by investing self-funded campaign capital into cryptocurrencies like Ethereum. While the strategy has yielded significant windfalls, it is testing the boundaries of federal campaign finance laws. Carbonara is currently in a three-way statistical tie for the GOP nomination in the 22nd District.
Former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum is being held in a Baldwin County, Alabama jail. Records indicate Gillum tested positive for methamphetamine during a court appearance related to previous drug charges. This marks a significant setback for the former Tallahassee mayor, who narrowly lost the 2018 gubernatorial race.
Global spikes in computer hardware prices are impacting Tampa Bay consumers and businesses. Experts attribute the trend to the massive demand for chips and data center infrastructure driven by the artificial intelligence industry. Local buyers are reportedly turning to the used market or paying significant premiums for new workstations and laptops.
Construction on "One Tampa," a 42-story luxury condominium in downtown Tampa, reached its maximum height last week. Developed by Kolter Urban, the building is now the tallest residential structure in the city. It is slated to open in 2027 with 225 units.
Florida TaxWatch applauded Clearwater’s decision to drop plans to acquire Duke Energy’s local assets to form a municipal utility. The watchdog group warned that the feasibility study relied on overly optimistic assumptions and urged St. Petersburg to abandon similar explorations to avoid potential fiscal instability.
St. Petersburg officials are considering a special assessment for fire services to hedge against a November ballot measure (Amendment 3). If passed, the amendment would increase property tax exemptions, potentially costing the city $33 million in annual revenue. The proposed fee would apply to all city property owners.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed a second death this year linked to Vibrio vulnificus, a "flesh-eating" bacteria found in warm seawater. The latest fatality follows a July death in Palm Beach County. Officials urge residents with open wounds to avoid brackish or salt water.
Two teenagers, ages 13 and 14, were arrested in St. Johns County after an anonymous tip led deputies to a cache of homemade firearms and explosive materials. The 14-year-old is being charged as an adult for conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 8-5 that Florida can enforce its 2023 law restricting children from attending "adult live performances." The ruling vacated a previous injunction, with the court stating the law is rationally related to the state's interest in protecting minors.
The National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical waves in the Atlantic, though development chances remain gradual. Simultaneously, NOAA and Colorado State University have lowered their seasonal forecasts, citing a strengthening El Niño that is expected to suppress storm activity, potentially making 2026 one of the quietest seasons in a decade.
A proposed 2027 budget for Pinellas County "eliminates funding" for the Weedon Island and Shell Key preserves. If approved, the funding cut would take effect January 1, potentially impacting the management of nearly 5,000 acres of ecologically sensitive land.