Florida Phoenix

The Florida Phoenix is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to providing news without advertisements and free access to its readers. Our team of four journalists is based at the Florida Press Center in downtown Tallahassee, focusing on state government and political issues. We offer a variety of content, including detailed articles, blog entries, and social media updates that highlight current events, editorial cartoons, and progressive viewpoints. While many reporters in dwindling capital offices often find themselves preoccupied with sensational political antics, the Florida Phoenix prioritizes covering innovative solutions and the individuals working to foster positive change and advance compassionate policies.

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Ileana Garcia has 'zero regret' on voting down campus-carry bill • Florida Phoenix

6 days ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

In 2018, the Florida Legislature reacted to the mass shooting in Parkland by passing major safety regulations. Chances for a such a response to Thursday’s shootings at Florida State University are slim. That doesn’t mean legislators are ignoring the politics of guns. Start with Miami Republican state Sen. Illeana Garcia, who joined with three Senate Democrats in a committee vote last month rejecting a proposal sponsored by then-GOP Sen.
Trump appoints Joe Gruters to White House Homeland Security Council

6 days ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

Joe Gruters’ close alliance with President Donald Trump continues to pay dividends for the Sarasota Republican state senator. Gruters will serve on the “revamped” Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC), led by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the president announced on Thursday. Other members of the new committee include South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, conservative talk show host Mark Levin, and former Fox News contributor Bo Dietl.
Back the Blue? Lawmakers remain divided on bill regarding anonymous complaints about law enforcement

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

A proposal that would lift the anonymity of people filing complaints against a law enforcement officers advanced in a Florida House committee on Thursday, even though key players in Florida law enforcement are divided about whether the legislation is truly “Backing the Blue.” The proposal sponsored by Miami-Dade Republican Tom Fabricio (HB 317) would require a person who initially files an anonymous complaint about a law or corrections officer in the state to have to give up his or her...
Citizens gun rights during local state of emergency would be restored under bill passed by House

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

Update: A Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare representative said staff were caring for an undisclosed number of casualties. “TMH is actively receiving and caring for patients related to an incident that has occurred at Florida State University. At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share.
Oil drilling ban along Apalachicola River passes unanimously in Florida House

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

Amid growing concerns over a plan to drill for oil and gas near the Apalachicola River, a proposal by two North Florida lawmakers to ban oil exploration and drilling in that region passed unanimously in the Florida House on Wednesday. The bill (HB 1143) is sponsored by Republican Jason Shoaf and Democrat Allison Tant. It would ban the drilling, exploration, or production of oil, gas, or other petroleum products within 10 miles of a national estuarine research reserve.
House votes unanimously to protect state parks from development

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

A proposal that would limit development in state parks and ensure maximum public scrutiny of changes to their management was approved unanimously in the Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday, 115-0. The measure, called the State Park Preservation Act, (HB 209) follows outrage felt across the board last summer after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) proposedto construct lodges, golf courses, pickleball courts, and disc golf courses in nine state parks.
Florida House panel OKs tax on all hemp-derived THC products

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Mitch Perry

All hemp-derived THC products would be taxed at 15% under a proposal passed in a Florida House committee on Wednesday. The measure is one of two regarding regulation of hemp-derived THC products sponsored by Panhandle Republican Michelle Salzman that were approved unanimously in the House Budget Committee. The main bill (HB 7027) is a companion to a Senate bill (SB 438) that has already passed unanimously in that chamber, although they do contain significant differences.
State House deepens probe of Hope Florida Foundation's political activity • Florida Phoenix

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Christine Sexton |Jackie Llanos

The state’s new attorney general may have engaged in criminal conduct in organizing the transfer of legal settlement money through the Hope Florida Foundation to campaign against a marijuana legalization initiative, a key Republican House member said Tuesday.
Senate taking 'measured approach' to budget, taxes • Florida Phoenix

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Jay Waagmeester

The Senate is taking a “measured approach” to taxes this session while the Trump administration’s economic policies roil the markets, Finance and Tax Committee chair Sen. Bryan Avila said Tuesday. The Senate’s tax proposal, SPB 7034, would ask state economists to study the implications of permanently reducing property taxes, which Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, former Senate president and chair of the Rules Committee, called the most important part of the proposal.
DeSantis says House Republicans are running a 'smear' campaign against him, First Lady • Florida Phoenix

1 week ago | floridaphoenix.com | Christine Sexton

On the eve of another Florida House hearing on the workings of Hope Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday accused House Republicans of working with the “liberal media” in a smear campaign against First Lady Casey DeSantis and the Hope Florida Foundation.