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.
“Sadly, families without health insurance are often forced to avoid necessary preventive care and timely cancer early detection screenings that we know can save lives and taxpayer dollars.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/c...
Coalition working on Medicaid expansion in Florida grows by two • Florida Phoenix
Two national organizations are joining the effort by Florida Decides Healthcare to expand Medicaid to low-income childless adults in Florida. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:54 PM
“Sadly, families without health insurance are often forced to avoid necessary preventive care and timely cancer early detection screenings that we know can save lives and taxpayer dollars.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/10/c...
“No other candidate hasn’t spoken out about this. Those who have, have convered for him. It is a disqualifying moment in this race.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/d...
David Jolly blasts other gubernatorial candidates for not calling out Trump on Obama post • Florida Phoenix
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly wants to know why no other candidate for governor of Florida has condemned President Donald Trump for the video he posted on his Truth Social account dep...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:30 PM
“No other candidate hasn’t spoken out about this. Those who have, have convered for him. It is a disqualifying moment in this race.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/d...
“This wasn’t an attempt to make citizen-led ballot initiatives harder. It attempted to make them impossible." floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/t...
Trial on state's ballot initiative restrictions kicks off in Tallahassee federal court • Florida Phoenix
A legal challenge to Florida’s restrictions on ballot initiatives kicked off Monday as groups pushing measures on marijuana and Medicaid expansion hope to convince a federal judge that a 2025 state la...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:34 PM
“This wasn’t an attempt to make citizen-led ballot initiatives harder. It attempted to make them impossible." floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/t...
“Certainly, I think what his legacy means to our students, our faculty, our staff, our alumni, it really is a special moment, a moment that I’m proud to be a part of and of course the generosity of our chairman who was willing to create this beautiful statue floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/f...
FIU memorializes Ronald Reagan in launching pro-democracy-Cuba initiative • Florida Phoenix
Florida International University is taking steps to support “Cuba’s transition to democracy,” administrators announced Friday, citing inspiration from Ronald Reagan. The university, now under the lea...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:19 PM
“Certainly, I think what his legacy means to our students, our faculty, our staff, our alumni, it really is a special moment, a moment that I’m proud to be a part of and of course the generosity of our chairman who was willing to create this beautiful statue floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/f...
In addition to allowing businesses and organizations to separate restrooms, locker rooms, and jails by sex at birth rather than self-expressed gender identity, the bills would’ve allowed schools to keep transgender girls off boys sports teams and vice versa. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/r...
New Hampshire’s ‘bathroom bill’ vetoed for the third time • Florida Phoenix
Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoed Senate Bill 268 Friday, which would allow transgender people to be excluded from restrooms, locker rooms, jails, and other spaces that don’t match their sex at birth.
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:52 PM
In addition to allowing businesses and organizations to separate restrooms, locker rooms, and jails by sex at birth rather than self-expressed gender identity, the bills would’ve allowed schools to keep transgender girls off boys sports teams and vice versa. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/r...
Overall, the governor and the Florida Department of Corrections are requesting $374 million to raise base pay for corrections officers, probation officers, inspectors, and non-uniformed staff from $22 an hour to $28 an hour. floridaphoenix.com/briefs/jay-c...
Jay Collins travels to the Panhandle to boost DeSantis' pay increase for correction officers • Florida Phoenix
Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins — now a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor — traveled to the Panhandle Monday to promote Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget request to raise starting pay f...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Overall, the governor and the Florida Department of Corrections are requesting $374 million to raise base pay for corrections officers, probation officers, inspectors, and non-uniformed staff from $22 an hour to $28 an hour. floridaphoenix.com/briefs/jay-c...
“As the nation’s only Black governor, I can’t ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight — whether that was the intent or not.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/r...
Trump shuts out Democratic governors from traditional White House gatherings • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump decided to exclude Democratic governors from a traditional annual meeting at the White House and to disinvite several others from a black-tie dinner, according to t...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:22 PM
“As the nation’s only Black governor, I can’t ignore that being singled out for exclusion from this bipartisan tradition carries an added weight — whether that was the intent or not.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/r...
“As back-to-back winter storms pummeled communities across the country in January, the facts about Donald Trump’s reckless energy policies have come into focus: fossil fuels have proved less reliable and more expensive as families struggle to keep the power on." floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/r...
Energy secretary calls for more emphasis on fossil fuels to keep power on in winter storms • Florida Phoenix
A focus on addressing climate change, including by producing wind and solar energy, has not helped Americans keep their electricity and heat on during winter storms, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:35 PM
“As back-to-back winter storms pummeled communities across the country in January, the facts about Donald Trump’s reckless energy policies have come into focus: fossil fuels have proved less reliable and more expensive as families struggle to keep the power on." floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/r...
It’s as if he and his education zealots think kids, under or over 18, are witless sponges, in danger of soaking up noisome thought, and therefore must be kept away from any disfavored words or ideas. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/d...
Do Florida public universities really embrace the Western Tradition? • Florida Phoenix
It’s a lousy time to be a kid in Florida. You’re told you can’t read certain books or study certain subjects or discuss certain topics. You’re told you can’t go by your chosen name; you must conform t...
floridaphoenix.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:46 PM
It’s as if he and his education zealots think kids, under or over 18, are witless sponges, in danger of soaking up noisome thought, and therefore must be kept away from any disfavored words or ideas. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/09/d...
Doctors “described the serious and manifold harms the ban is causing pregnant people in the state who seek reproductive health care,” the article reported. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/07/w...
Women’s reproductive justice: Activists aren't giving up the fight • Florida Phoenix
“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir It’s not too far-fetched to look at the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2022 evisceration of Roe v. Wade as the canary in the coal mine. ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Doctors “described the serious and manifold harms the ban is causing pregnant people in the state who seek reproductive health care,” the article reported. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/07/w...
"Given the deplorable conditions at other ICE facilities, we find it increasingly difficult to believe that this facility would do more than propagate suffering for the people of Central Florida.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/u...
U.S. Reps. Maxwell Frost & Darren Soto tell Kristi Noem not to open ICE facility in Central Florida • Florida Phoenix
Two Democratic U.S. Reps. from Central Florida — Maxwell Frost and Darren Soto — have written a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:49 PM
"Given the deplorable conditions at other ICE facilities, we find it increasingly difficult to believe that this facility would do more than propagate suffering for the people of Central Florida.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/u...
CoreCivic is facing hundreds of lawsuits across the country that accuse the company of failing to keep detainees safe. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/r...
Looking into one of ICE’s biggest contractors: CoreCivic • Florida Phoenix
For years, private prison companies have been a key partner to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the government carried out its immigration agenda. In 2025, they’ve been rapidly expanding, t...
floridaphoenix.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:06 PM
CoreCivic is facing hundreds of lawsuits across the country that accuse the company of failing to keep detainees safe. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/r...
“It has always been injustice against people of color,” Stumon said. “So for me, if they’re around here — and I’m just going to say it — if they would kill a white man, I have no chance as a Black woman.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/r...
Minnesota child care providers try to make ends meet as immigrant families keep kids home • Florida Phoenix
Two weeks into January, the director of a St. Paul child care center called a family to ask why their daughter had been absent on-and-off since late last year. “We reached out to just see, ‘Hey, what...
floridaphoenix.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:38 PM
“It has always been injustice against people of color,” Stumon said. “So for me, if they’re around here — and I’m just going to say it — if they would kill a white man, I have no chance as a Black woman.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/r...
“Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House,” wrote South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott. “The President should remove it.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/r...
White House takes down meme of Obamas posted on Trump social media and slammed as racist • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — The White House on Friday pulled down a social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as monkeys after members of Congress from both political pa...
floridaphoenix.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM
“Praying it was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House,” wrote South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott. “The President should remove it.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/r...
"When providers don’t understand the disease, patients get delayed care, inconsistent treatment, and unnecessary suffering,” LaFrance said. “This bill is not about blame. It’s just about knowledge. Education leads to faster care. Education protects lives.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/b...
Back to school: Senate panel OKs bill mandating sickle cell education • Florida Phoenix
In many ways, Shamar Harper is a typical 12-year-old boy living in Miramar. He worries about homework, what he’s going to wear to school, and even the video games he plays. “But I also worry about goi...
floridaphoenix.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:09 PM
"When providers don’t understand the disease, patients get delayed care, inconsistent treatment, and unnecessary suffering,” LaFrance said. “This bill is not about blame. It’s just about knowledge. Education leads to faster care. Education protects lives.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/06/b...
“In order to protect the rights of Florida voters, the court must strike down this woeful and blatant disregard for the state’s constitutional guardrails. This is a straightforward case, and we are confident that justice will prevail.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/f...
FL voters sue to block DeSantis' mid-decade congressional redistricting • Florida Phoenix
Two Florida voters backed by the National Redistricting Foundation filed a legal challenge with the Florida Supreme Court Thursday against Gov. Ron DeSantis plan to hold a special legislative session ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:23 PM
“In order to protect the rights of Florida voters, the court must strike down this woeful and blatant disregard for the state’s constitutional guardrails. This is a straightforward case, and we are confident that justice will prevail.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/f...
Trump announced the guidance during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, calling the move a “big deal.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/r...
Trump Education Department bolsters protections for prayer in schools • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education reinforced the right to prayer in public schools in guidance issued Thursday. Under the guidance to state and local education agencies, students, teachers...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Trump announced the guidance during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, calling the move a “big deal.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/r...
“This tells employers receiving state funds they can’t even train their employees of basic respect or harassment prevention of the LGBT people mentioned,” added Rep. Darryl Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/b...
Bill saying public-sector workers don't need to use people's preferred pronouns advances • Florida Phoenix
A measure to impose state regulations on pronoun use for public-sector employees and contractors was approved in its first committee stops in both the Florida Senate and House this week. The “Freedom ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:43 PM
“This tells employers receiving state funds they can’t even train their employees of basic respect or harassment prevention of the LGBT people mentioned,” added Rep. Darryl Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/b...
"What makes this all the more sickening is that in over 1,000 instances, the Justice Department failed to follow the law and leaked the identities of over 100 victims. But do you know who the Justice Department did seem to protect? Epstein’s co-conspirators" floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/r...
US Senate Republicans block attempt to sue Trump administration over Epstein files • Florida Phoenix
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic proposal Thursday to sue the Trump administration over allegations that it did not fully release the Epstein files, as mandated under a law unanimo...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:35 PM
"What makes this all the more sickening is that in over 1,000 instances, the Justice Department failed to follow the law and leaked the identities of over 100 victims. But do you know who the Justice Department did seem to protect? Epstein’s co-conspirators" floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/r...
"This work has reached a level where we realize we need to have people dedicated to it full time." floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/u...
Uthmeier adds office combating 'foreign adversaries' seeking Floridians' tech data • Florida Phoenix
Florida’s attorney general is further focusing his office’s efforts to safeguard Floridians’ data. James Uthmeier announced Thursday his office is using existing staff to create a “Consumer Harm from ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:14 PM
"This work has reached a level where we realize we need to have people dedicated to it full time." floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/u...
The revelations highlighted a deepening contradiction between what state and federal authorities are saying about whether Florida will be reimbursed for its immigration efforts. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/d...
DOJ holding up Everglades detention reimbursement, Florida emergency director says • Florida Phoenix
The Department of Justice is stopping a federal grant from going to Florida to pay for the "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center, according to Florida's emergency response director.
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:40 PM
The revelations highlighted a deepening contradiction between what state and federal authorities are saying about whether Florida will be reimbursed for its immigration efforts. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/d...
“I was in Tallahassee and watched two people who were in front of me at a light on Monroe Street, and they were passing a bong between the windows of their car,” he said, eliciting laughs from some lawmakers. “It’s ridiculous. It’s killing people.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/b...
Bill banning open containers of cannabis while driving passes first committee • Florida Phoenix
Citing statistics showing that impaired drivers contribute to more than 30% of fatalities on Florida roads, Jacksonville Republican Rep. Dean Black introduced legislation Thursday that would ban medic...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:35 PM
“I was in Tallahassee and watched two people who were in front of me at a light on Monroe Street, and they were passing a bong between the windows of their car,” he said, eliciting laughs from some lawmakers. “It’s ridiculous. It’s killing people.” floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/b...
“Flipping off judges, promoting the death of Americans, even celebrating the death of babies. There’s a fine line between chaos and leadership, and Randy Fine crossed it a long time ago.” floridaphoenix.com/briefs/jenni...
Jennifer Jenkins to take on Randy Fine in Florida's 6th Congressional District race • Florida Phoenix
Former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins, who dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate a week ago, announced Thursday that she is running for Congress in...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:23 PM
“Flipping off judges, promoting the death of Americans, even celebrating the death of babies. There’s a fine line between chaos and leadership, and Randy Fine crossed it a long time ago.” floridaphoenix.com/briefs/jenni...
The state didn’t buy these lands to use them as golf courses OR as pastures. They set them aside to preserve and protect them from what’s happening to the rest of Florida. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/f...
Florida legislators try to moooove cattle into state parks and forests • Florida Phoenix
There wouldn’t be any Westerns if it weren’t for us Floridians. The Spanish brought the first cattle to America, so the first cowboys were vaqueros tending herds around St. Augustine in the late 1500s...
floridaphoenix.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:46 PM
The state didn’t buy these lands to use them as golf courses OR as pastures. They set them aside to preserve and protect them from what’s happening to the rest of Florida. floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/05/f...
Its House companion, HB 73, introduced by Rep. Felicia Robinson, D-Miami Gardens, was assigned to four committees before the session began, an indication it is not a priority of House leadership. It has yet to be heard by any of those committees. floridaphoenix.com/briefs/propo...
Proposal to clarify if ex-felons are eligible to vote advances in the Senate - but not in the House • Florida Phoenix
A bill that would require the state of Florida to develop and maintain a centralized database to help individuals with felony convictions determine whether they are eligible for restoration of voting ...
floridaphoenix.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Its House companion, HB 73, introduced by Rep. Felicia Robinson, D-Miami Gardens, was assigned to four committees before the session began, an indication it is not a priority of House leadership. It has yet to be heard by any of those committees. floridaphoenix.com/briefs/propo...