Florida Phoenix
@floridaphoenix.com
We don’t pay attention to the media bashers. We’re too busy reporting on how Florida’s policies and politics affect you. Quality journalism for critical times.
“He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet. He uses legal harassment as an intimidation tactic to scare people out of speaking up.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/r...
Democrats threatened by Trump over video say they’re now being probed by the FBI • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — Democratic members of Congress who released a video in mid-November telling members of the military that they are not required to follow illegal orders announced Tuesday the Federal Burea...
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:07 PM
“He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet. He uses legal harassment as an intimidation tactic to scare people out of speaking up.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/r...
“It would be difficult for the undersigned to discern a more obvious and brazen fraudulent scheme than the one undertaken by [Little Wings of Prayer operator] Ms. [Crystal] Harris. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/j...
Judge: Private school accepted state vouchers for students 130 miles away • Florida Phoenix
A private school in Brooksville should be barred from access to state school vouchers after its operator admitted it wasn’t educating students the state paid it to teach, an administrative judge recom...
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
“It would be difficult for the undersigned to discern a more obvious and brazen fraudulent scheme than the one undertaken by [Little Wings of Prayer operator] Ms. [Crystal] Harris. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/j...
“We are confident in the ability to submit enough petitions to make ballot position so long as the state does its job in good faith to process the submitted petitions and accurately report the verification totals,” the organization said in a prepared statement. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/s...
Smart & Safe Florida confident cannabis amendment will make 2026 ballot • Florida Phoenix
The latest effort to legalize marijuana in Florida encountered a legal setback but those behind a new amendment insist they still can qualify for the 2026 ballot. Florida election officials have told ...
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:16 PM
“We are confident in the ability to submit enough petitions to make ballot position so long as the state does its job in good faith to process the submitted petitions and accurately report the verification totals,” the organization said in a prepared statement. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/s...
About 70% of Latinos in the U.S. disapprove of President Donald Trump’s record, with 65% disapproving of his handling on immigration and 61% say his policies have worsened the economy, according to the report. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/r...
Trump shedding support among Latino voters, survey finds • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — A majority of U.S. Latinos have grown pessimistic since the 2024 presidential election and increasingly disapprove of the immigration and economic policies of the second Trump administrat...
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:41 PM
About 70% of Latinos in the U.S. disapprove of President Donald Trump’s record, with 65% disapproving of his handling on immigration and 61% say his policies have worsened the economy, according to the report. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/r...
The label on Campbell’s soups says that the company uses “bioengineered food ingredients,” but the company says that “[b]ioengineered food ingredients refers to genetically modified crops ... ." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/c...
Campbell's says it uses '100% real chicken' after AG Uthmeier moves to investigate • Florida Phoenix
A day after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said that his office is investigating allegations that the Campbell’s Soup Co. uses bioengineered meat in their soups, the company is strongly denyi...
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:23 PM
The label on Campbell’s soups says that the company uses “bioengineered food ingredients,” but the company says that “[b]ioengineered food ingredients refers to genetically modified crops ... ." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/c...
“Taking people out doesn’t take away the need, It doesn’t just make this disappear that there are unique concerns and needs for groups of caregivers.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/t...
Trans people and people of color have been quietly erased from national caregiving plan • Florida Phoenix
This story was originally reported by Sara Luterman of The 19th. Meet Sara and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. As The 19th makes plans for 2026, we want to hear from you. ...
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:15 PM
“Taking people out doesn’t take away the need, It doesn’t just make this disappear that there are unique concerns and needs for groups of caregivers.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/t...
“There are some bad actors who keep these animals in inhumane conditions and we want to put an end to that type of practice in the state of Florida." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/l...
'Long-time coming': DeSantis asks Legislature to punish inhumane dog breeders • Florida Phoenix
Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed new penalties on certain dog breeders and animal abusers on Tuesday, hoping to pass more anti-animal cruelty legislation before his term is through.
floridaphoenix.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“There are some bad actors who keep these animals in inhumane conditions and we want to put an end to that type of practice in the state of Florida." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/25/l...
Leon County Circuit Court Angela Dempsey denied the temporary preliminary injunction sought by Bear Warriors United, which argued the hunt authorization was based on outdated data and will harm the bear population in Florida — right now estimated at around 4,050. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/f...
Florida bear hunt to take place next month after judge rejects injunction • Florida Phoenix
Florida’s first bear hunt in a decade will take place as scheduled next month after a state judge on Monday denied a motion by a conservation group to stop it from taking place. Leon County Circuit Co...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Leon County Circuit Court Angela Dempsey denied the temporary preliminary injunction sought by Bear Warriors United, which argued the hunt authorization was based on outdated data and will harm the bear population in Florida — right now estimated at around 4,050. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/f...
Currie dismissed the indictments without prejudice, meaning they could be revived. But at least in Comey’s case, in which charges were brought on the eve of the statute of limitations expiring, that appeared unlikely. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
Judge drops James Comey and Letitia James charges, saying prosecutor served 'unlawfully' • Florida Phoenix
A senior federal judge dismissed charges Monday against two public officials with long-running public disputes with President Donald Trump, saying the controversial appointment of the president’s form...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Currie dismissed the indictments without prejudice, meaning they could be revived. But at least in Comey’s case, in which charges were brought on the eve of the statute of limitations expiring, that appeared unlikely. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
Leavitt announced in late February that White House officials would take over pool rotation decisions from the White House Correspondents Association, which has self-governed journalist rotations and briefing seats placement since the Eisenhower administration. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
Press access to Oval Office argued in case involving Trump and wire service • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — A three-judge federal appeals panel grilled lawyers for a former White House official and The Associated Press Monday in a case that could significantly overhaul press access to the Oval ...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Leavitt announced in late February that White House officials would take over pool rotation decisions from the White House Correspondents Association, which has self-governed journalist rotations and briefing seats placement since the Eisenhower administration. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
The system is a bit complex and determined by when a lawmaker entered Congress as well as how long they stayed. Members must serve at least five years, putting Greene just over the eligibility line when she officially steps aside in January. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene retirement launches speculation about congressional pensions • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s upcoming resignation from Congress set off a series of questions and misinformation about what health care and pension benefits lawma...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:37 PM
The system is a bit complex and determined by when a lawmaker entered Congress as well as how long they stayed. Members must serve at least five years, putting Greene just over the eligibility line when she officially steps aside in January. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
The video spurred anger from President Donald Trump, who posted, also on social media, that he believed the video from six Democratic lawmakers represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
Pentagon investigates Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after he appears in video blasted by Trump • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense announced on social media Monday it’s looking into “serious allegations of misconduct” against Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, one of several lawmakers who p...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:16 PM
The video spurred anger from President Donald Trump, who posted, also on social media, that he believed the video from six Democratic lawmakers represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
“It was right here in Leon County that he was arrested and charged with selling marijuana and it was right here in Leon County where he was arrested and charged for bribery. So, I’m sorry. Byron Donalds is utterly disqualified." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/j...
James Fishback enters governor's race; hurls insults at leading Republican Byron Donalds • Florida Phoenix
A 30-year-old political newcomer, who acknowledges that he’s skipped voting in past Republican primaries, entered the GOP primary for governor Monday by comparing the President Donald Trump-endorsed c...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:41 PM
“It was right here in Leon County that he was arrested and charged with selling marijuana and it was right here in Leon County where he was arrested and charged for bribery. So, I’m sorry. Byron Donalds is utterly disqualified." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/j...
“Be safe this holiday season. Take heed, take caution, and make sure we don’t have any mistakes that will land you guys in the hospital room.” floridaphoenix.com/briefs/blazi...
Blazing turkey and dad jokes: Ingoglia hosts turkey safety demonstration • Florida Phoenix
Accompanied by a blazing turkey and — by his own estimation — fireable dad jokes, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia hosted a fried turkey safety demonstration Monday ahead of the Thanksg...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:28 PM
“Be safe this holiday season. Take heed, take caution, and make sure we don’t have any mistakes that will land you guys in the hospital room.” floridaphoenix.com/briefs/blazi...
The move furthers Gov. Ron DeSantis’ mission to remake the school, located in a heavily conservative part of the state, in a more conservative light. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/u...
UWF finds one leadership finalist: Interim President Manny Diaz • Florida Phoenix
Manny Diaz Jr. is the sole finalist to become the next University of West Florida president, the Pensacola school announced over the weekend. The move furthers Gov. Ron DeSantis’ mission to remake the...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:05 PM
The move furthers Gov. Ron DeSantis’ mission to remake the school, located in a heavily conservative part of the state, in a more conservative light. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/u...
“If we can certainly tell a woman what to do with her body, then we should be able to tell a man he should be held accountable for what he does with his,” Givan said. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
Pre-filed Alabama bill would require vasectomy as punishment for sex crimes • Florida Phoenix
An Alabama lawmaker pre-filed a bill for 2026 that would require defendants of rape and incest to get a vasectomy or be castrated if the crime resulted in pregnancy.
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
“If we can certainly tell a woman what to do with her body, then we should be able to tell a man he should be held accountable for what he does with his,” Givan said. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/r...
But let us take a break from stuffing our faces and exhausting our credit cards and reflect on what we are grateful for here in Florida. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/f...
Florida has much to be thankful for • Florida Phoenix
It’s the season of Thanksgiving: You know, the turkey before Christmas, the holiday with the Pilgrim hats, the football, and the frenzied online shopping. But let us take a break from stuffing our fac...
floridaphoenix.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:05 PM
But let us take a break from stuffing our faces and exhausting our credit cards and reflect on what we are grateful for here in Florida. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/24/f...
“We all know this is only being done as part of the governor’s tax elimination package for ad valorem taxes, and you have to start attacking those numbers." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/23/c...
County leaders get candid in discussing getting ‘DOGEd' by CFO’s office • Florida Phoenix
TAMPA — Two longtime former state lawmakers who now serve in local government don’t think much of the audits of their counties’ spending conducted by Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s ...
floridaphoenix.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM
“We all know this is only being done as part of the governor’s tax elimination package for ad valorem taxes, and you have to start attacking those numbers." floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/23/c...
“This most effective anti-hunger program in our history has a fraud rate of 1.6%. It’s actually one of the most effective, well-run programs in the country … The bullsh*t this administration is peddling is egregious.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/22/r...
The Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean? • Florida Phoenix
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a close reexamination of the 42 million people who receive federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers, coming mere days after recipients...
floridaphoenix.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:06 PM
“This most effective anti-hunger program in our history has a fraud rate of 1.6%. It’s actually one of the most effective, well-run programs in the country … The bullsh*t this administration is peddling is egregious.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/22/r...
“Some of his ideas really are the same ideas I have,” Trump said. “You know the new word is affordability. Another word is just groceries. It’s sort of an old-fashioned word, but it’s very accurate. They’re coming down.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/r...
Trump praises NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani in warm White House meeting • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani turned around their heated criticism in remarks to the press after an Oval Office meeting Friday. After months of attac...
floridaphoenix.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:32 PM
“Some of his ideas really are the same ideas I have,” Trump said. “You know the new word is affordability. Another word is just groceries. It’s sort of an old-fashioned word, but it’s very accurate. They’re coming down.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/r...
Bill would require silos for money going for scholarships, traditional public schools, in interest of accountability. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/s...
Senate puts forward its plan to clean up school voucher system missteps • Florida Phoenix
The Senate’s plan to address the school choice voucher system’s shortfalls was made public Friday. “A myriad of accountability problems” went on display this week when two legislative committees reac...
floridaphoenix.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Bill would require silos for money going for scholarships, traditional public schools, in interest of accountability. floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/s...
“We look forward to the Ethics Committee completing its work and this frivolous complaint being dismissed. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/r...
U.S. House committee opens probe of Georgia Republican Collins • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins and his chief of staff are under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, though the panel didn’t detail Friday why it’s looking into their a...
floridaphoenix.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:35 PM
“We look forward to the Ethics Committee completing its work and this frivolous complaint being dismissed. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/r...
"I thought it was very thoughtful policy in 2020. Now what the Interior Department is proposing to do is really to go back off that policy, and I think that would weaken protections that we worked very hard to establish offshore.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/d...
DeSantis: Trump's oil drilling could 'weaken' environment, military training • Florida Phoenix
Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Friday that President Donald Trump's push to drill off the Florida coast could "weaken" environmental protections and obfuscate military training.
floridaphoenix.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:37 PM
"I thought it was very thoughtful policy in 2020. Now what the Interior Department is proposing to do is really to go back off that policy, and I think that would weaken protections that we worked very hard to establish offshore.” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/d...
“This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/r...
Trump accuses 6 Democratic lawmakers of 'seditious behavior, punishable by death' • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition on social media Thursday and threatened them with punishment as severe as death, after they appeared in a video message...
floridaphoenix.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
“This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT” floridaphoenix.com/2025/11/21/r...
According to the indictment, Cherflius-McCormick and other defendants routed the money through several accounts, as well as to friends and relatives, who then donated to her campaign. floridaphoenix.com/briefs/us-re...
US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick charged with stealing $5 million in FEMA funds • Florida Phoenix
U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted this week by a grand jury in Miami for allegedly stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds and laundering them toward her 2021 congressional campa...
floridaphoenix.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
According to the indictment, Cherflius-McCormick and other defendants routed the money through several accounts, as well as to friends and relatives, who then donated to her campaign. floridaphoenix.com/briefs/us-re...