Inside Florida Politics: Recent Episodes
Gannett
Join Gannett Florida's all-star political lineup each week for a lively discussion and in-depth reporting on politics from the state of Florida. Zac Anderson from the Sarasota Herald Tribune and Gannett state capital correspondent John Kennedy bring you insight and analysis each week, along with special guest reporters fresh from the scene of breaking political news.
Florida’s primary campaigning resembles a “circular firing squad,” US Sen Ashley Moody faces renewed scrutiny about a charity scandal and President Donald Trump weighs in on Daylight Saving Time.
Antonio Fins, John Pacenti and John Torres of the USA Today Network Florida explain it all in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
The governor's Stop Woke signature law loses in court, immigration arrests put faces on crackdown and lessons to be learned from the world's visit to America. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Valentina Palm of the USA TODAY Network Florida explain it all.
A key primary election is just two months away, one county pushes back against the state's claims of money-wasting and while Alligator Alcatraz is closing, just how much has been spent on that facility?
Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of the USA Today Network Florida explain it all in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
Habemus budget from Tallahassee, mid-decade congressional redistricting causes chaos for Democrats and Jeffrey Epstein haunts Pam Bondi again. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of the USA Today Network Florida unpack the headlines in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
Gov. Ron DeSantis pulls four new congressional seats out of his lame duck hat, Democrats hear from Epstein survivors in the Palm Beaches and Trump wielding power in home county. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy, Hannah Phillips and Mike Diamond of the USA Today Network Florida explain it all in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
Florida redraws congressional district to keep up with Democratic Joneses, DeSantis and President Donald Trump both see data economy resistance and the verbal volleying between Trump and Pope Leo XIV gets real in South Florida. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Valentina Palm of the USA Today Network Florida unpack it all in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
Pam Bondi gets fired, but will she testify? A new law lets DeSantis designate "domestic terrorists" and Trump rails against a federal refuge program after the murder of a convenience store employee in Fort Myers. Antonio Fins, Hannah Phillips, Stephany Matat and Valentina Palm of the USA Today Network Florida unpack it all.
Arrested election worker sparks conspiracies, why a new voter law could prove disruptive and Gov. Ron DeSantis tells exiles to go rebuild Cuba. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of the USA Today Network Florida reporters explain it all.
No budget big problem in Tallahassee? Turns out Florida state lawmakers do like cancel culture. And just how much has the state spent on Alligator Alcatraz and its selfie sign? Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Stephany Matat of the USA Today Network Florida unpack it all.
Meager results from legislative session, a fatal shooting and a war in Iran from President Trump's club and are there be Epstein files in South Florida storage units? Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of USA Today Network Florida explain.
Florida's first lady leans into RFK Jr.'s agenda, Pam Bondi has a rough go in defending the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and Republicans can't get along with themselves in Tallahassee. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips of the USA Today Network Florida talk it up.
The governor and president differ on data centers, lunch with Trump auctioned for $2M and why a would-be presidential assassin got life sentence. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Hannah Phillips discuss it all on the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
Ron DeSantis' final legislative session is not all kumbaya, why may thousands lose aid for a critical AIDS medication and Venezuelans clamor for democracy while Trump focused on oil. Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan and John Kennedy of the USA Today Florida Network explain it all.
President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigrants hits his own Palm Beach backyard, expiring Obamacare subsidies will hit Florida even harder and state insurance regulators declare Florida's property insurance crisis over. Antonio Fins, Anne Geggis and Valentina Palm of the USA Today Florida Network unpack it all.
Vaccine skepticism rules Florida on 5th anniversary of the COVID "jab," crunch time for controversial congressional redistricting and priorities for Gov. Ron DeSantis' last Florida legislative rodeo. Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan and John Kennedy of the USA Today Florida Network unpack it all.
With President Trump tearing apart Marjorie Taylor Green this weekend from Mar-a-lago, is this another sign that the MAGA base may be crumbling? This is among the topics on this week's Inside Florida Politics podcast with USA Today Network - Florida crew Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goñi-Lessan. Other topics include Republican gerrymandering, H1B Visas and a push for learning cursive.
President Donald Trump sounds 2026 campaign themes in a speech in Miami. This week on the Inside Florida Politics podcast, USA Today Network - Florida's Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss the impact of Tuesday's elections, moves in the Sunshine State to further restrict reproductive rights and the big push to end property taxes across the state.
The protests, even in red Florida, got President Donald Trump's attention, a Catholic bishop speaks out against immigration crackdown and U.S. transportation chief Sean Duffy takes on role of NASA administrator. Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan, John Kennedy and Rob Landers of the USA Today Florida Network explain it all.
GOP allies divided over Obamacare tax credits amid the government shutdown, and does a land-for-library deal mean the Ron DeSantis-Donald Trump bromance is in on-again stage — again? Antonio Fins and John Kennedy of the USA Today Florida Network figure it all out on the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
Florida undergoes a Charlie Kirk-First Amendment stress test, GOP looks to lock up a US House majority next year by redrawing districts and Hurricane Helene's forgotten Floridians.
Antonio Fins, Stephany Matat, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan of the USA Today Florida Network break it down in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
The Inside Florida Politics Podcast returns with host USA TODAY Network of Florida's Antonio Fins talking with investigations reporter Ana Goñi-Lessan about the new directive to stop illegal immigrants in the state and the fate of Alligator Alcatraz. Antonio also talks with Palm Beach Post Investigations Editor Holly Baltz about movement in the Jeffery Epstein case and the upcoming bipartisan press conference that could bring victims forward and expose more names.
It's been hard to keep a track of immigration detentions, even as another 500,000 people are eligible for deportation. Hurricane season starts with doubts about hurricane forecasting in the age of government budget-cutting. Elon Musk is gone from DOGE, and so apparently is as much as $53 million in funding at Florida State University. Listen to the Inside Florida Politics podcast with Ana Goni-Lessan, Kimberly Miller and Antonio Fins.
Officials in Florida want more resources to detain everyone they suspect is here illegally, regardless of whether the individual has a criminal background or even a removal warrant or deportation order. USA Today Florida Network's Antonio Fins, Ana Goñi-Lessan and John Kennedy discuss. Also on deck, LGBTQ+ advocates in the state celebrate the lack of anti-gay legislation passed this year. And can Gov. Ron DeSantis convince the Legislature to cut back on Florida's property taxes?
Antonio Fins, Ana Goñi-Lessan and John Kennedy discuss the biggest capture of undocumented immigrants ever which draws into question the level of "violent criminal" status for the detained. Also, President Donald Trump begins his second hundred days in his Florida office and why is trouble brewing between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers ahead of the looming special session.
In this week's Inside Florida Politics podcast, Antonio Fins, James Call and John Kennedy break down the fallout from a deadly and tragic shooting at Florida State University, friction between the governor and Republicans in the Florida Legislature and the local impact of the death of Pope Francis across the Sunshine State.
President Donald Trump paused his Liberation Day tariffs stunner, but the lack of clarity in trade duties makes for fuzzy budgeting in Tallahassee. The immigration crackdown leaves hundreds of children in heart-wrenching limbo. And the intriguing reason behind the power player dynamic between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Danny Perez. Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessa discuss it all in the Inside Florida Politics podcast.
A key piece of the gun control legislation passed after the horrific shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland could be on the chopping block if lawmakers efforts succeed. USA TODAY Florida Network journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goñi-Lessan discuss the possible drop in Florida's gun ownership age. Also, Rep. Byron Donalds? Casey DeSantis? Still nearly two years out, candidates are already laying plans for the governor's mansion. And Is Tallahassee trying to squash control of local governments?
From Mar-a-lago to Tallahassee, President Donald Trump is obviously on the minds of Florida Legislators with bills on deck to ratify changing the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and shielding his future presidential library from local regulations.
USA Today Florida Network journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goñi-Lessan talk about Trump heavy session in Tallahassee.
The team also discusses the various ways state law enforcement is interpreting directives to help ICE with illegal immigrants.
And if 60 percent approval wasn't enough, Florida lawmakers are now trying to make it harder for citizen-led amendments to pass in the Sunshine State.
A clash between Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders over immigration may be a sign that DeSantis is losing some of his grip on state lawmakers. Journalists Zac Anderson, Ana Goñi-Lessan, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the immigration fight, President Donald Trump’s own immigration agenda and the effects trade wars with Canada and Mexico could have on the state.
Trump is returning to power with a Make America Florida agenda. Journalists Zac Anderson, Ana Goni-Lessan, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss Trump's Florida-themed agenda, how the president’s immigration crackdown could impact Florida residents and Gov. Ron DeSantis' efforts to cozy up to Trump.
Trump is governing from Mar-a-Lago with press conferences and Truth Social posts. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy, Ana Goni-Lessan and Antonio Fins discuss the incoming president's Florida administration in waiting, Trump's rising popularity as he stays out of the public eye and a progressive firebrand making a bid for mayor of Orlando that could position her for bigger things down the road.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been in the mix for a Trump Cabinet position. Journalists Zac Anderson, Ana Goni-Lessan and John Kennedy discuss Trump's flirtation with DeSantis as Defense secretary, the president-elect picking former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to replace Matt Gaetz as his attorney general nominee and the Florida Legislature gets two new leaders.
Donald Trump carried Florida by 13 percentage points and ended any speculation that it's still a swing state. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss Florida's hard right shift, ballot measures on recreational marijuana and abortion rights failing and Rick Scott's return to the U.S. Senate.
Florida Republicans are blasting a Trump rally speaker’s remarks calling Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage." Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss the fallout from the "garbage" comments, President Joe Biden weighing in and putting Democrats on the defensive and Gov. Ron DeSantis aggressively campaigning against two ballot items ahead of Election Day.
Gov. Ron DeSantis opted not to meet with Joe Biden during the president's tour of hurricane damage in Florida. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the president's visit, how back-to-back hurricanes could disrupt voting and the state's remarkably quiet presidential campaign.
President Joe Biden traveled to Florida to assess Hurricane Helene damage. Reporters Zac Anderson, Antontio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the president's visit, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris sparing over the federal government’s hurricane response and Gov. Ron. DeSantis saying Florida doesn’t need more federal help with Helene recovery.
A golf outing in West Palm Beach became a crime scene after the Secret Service stopped another alleged assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Journalists Antonio Fins, Ana Goni-Lessan, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the fallout from the foiled Florida plot, Gov. Ron DeSantis stepping in to open a state investigation into the incident and Florida health officials continuing to recommend against COVID vaccines.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration is backpedaling amid criticism over plans for golf courses, pickle ball courts and hotels at state parks. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and Gray Rohrer discuss the backlash against the state park proposal, dueling ads released in Florida by the presidential campaigns and another new poll showing a tighter race than expected in Florida between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
The race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is tightening in Florida. Journalists Zac Anderson, Wayne Washington and Mark Harper discuss the new surveys showing Harris within striking distance, where ballot measures on marijuana and abortion stand with voters and the state's upcoming Aug. 20 primary.
Florida Democrats are rallying around Kamala Harris, the party's new presidential candidate. Journalists Ana Goni-Lessan, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss whether Harris could make Florida more competitive, wrangling over the abortion rights measure that will be on Florida ballots and how the controversial Project 2025 plan tied to Trump’s campaign has lots of Florida overtones.
It’s Florida, Florida, Florida at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee with Ron DeSantis, Matt Gaetz, Byron Donalds and many other Florida leaders speaking at an event turned on its head by the attempted assassination last week of Donald Trump. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the Florida highlights from the convention.
President Joe Biden's campaign chair said recently that Florida isn't a battleground state. Journalists John Kennedy, Ana Goni-Lessan and Zac Anderson discuss the reaction in Florida to the Biden campaign comments, a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could impact how Florida communities handle their homeless populations and the reaction in Florida to Biden's poor debate performance.
Democrats believe Florida is in play after a pair of polls indicate a tight race for president. Journalists John Kennedy, Ana Goni-Lessan and Zac Anderson discuss whether Florida will be competitive this cycle, the outflow of Florida women traveling to other states for abortions after a strict new ban took effect and Gov. Ron DeSantis finally signing the state budget.
Marco Rubio aligns himself more closely with Trump as the former president considers the Florida senator as a running mate in 2024. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss Rubio’s MAGA makeover, the Florida Department of Education sticking with history standards that say Black people benefited from slavery and whether Trump’s felony conviction puts his right to vote in question.
Former President Donald Trump is bringing controversial political figures back into his orbit for the 2024 campaign. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and Ana Goni-Lessan discuss the pardoned felons and conspiracy theorists surrounding Trump, Florida universities cracking down on campus protests and Gov. Ron DeSantis ensuring bridges aren’t lit in rainbow colors form LGBTQ pride month.
Former President Donald Trump held a lunch event in Palm Beach recently with many of the individuals who he is considering as a running mate. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Trump's vice presidential selection process is heating up, the Florida GOP's resolution against a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational marijuana and Gov. Ron DeSantis opposing efforts to fight climate change.
A new poll shows Gov. Ron Desantis has a higher favorability rating, including among Republicans, than Donald Trump in Florida after their contentious presidential primary contest. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss DeSantis's standing in Florida, Trump leading President Joe Biden in the state and the uncertainty surrounding ballot measures on abortion and marijuana.
The Florida Supreme Court cleared the way for abortion rights and recreational marijuana constitutional amendments to be on the Florida ballot this year. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the ballot measures, Trump eyeing two Floridians as possible running mates and a legal settlement between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney.
Florida held a meaningless presidential primary after Trump clinched the GOP nomination, but the results may signal some turbulence for the GOP nominee. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the primary vote totals, Florida's increasingly uncompetitive status and Moms for Liberty's continued clout.
Former President Donald Trump became the GOP presidential nominee without Florida voters weighing in after Nikki Haley dropped out of the race. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss whether Trump can win over Haley supporters, Republicans in the Florida Legislature spurning their own party's legislative wish list and U.S. Sen. Rick Scott considering a bid for Senate leadership.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' actions continue to invite speculation that he still has his eyes on the White House. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss DeSantis' moves to stay in the national spotlight, whether national Democrats are taking another look at Florida's U.S. Senate race and where DeSantis' priorities stand in the final weeks of Florida's 60-day legislative session.
The Florida GOP isn't waiting for the presidential primary to end to get behind former President Donald Trump. USA TODAY Florida - Network journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss Trump's strength in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis' continued focus on national issues after dropping out of the presidential race and where high-profile legislation stands at the midway point of Florida's 60-day legislative session.
Six days after a massive lose in Iowa, a defeated Gov. Ron DeSantis returns to Tallahassee ahead of the first of his last three legislative sessions. But first, DeSantis bends the knee to Donald Trump, throwing his support behind the former president. What's next for DeSantis and Trump's relationship and what can Florida expect now that the governor is back in the state and off the campaign trail.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is delivering his closing message in Iowa after going hard at Nikki Haley in their final debate before the Iowa Caucus. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the final push in Iowa, Trump going off script and Florida’s legislative session kicking off.
Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the top stories in Florida politics in 2023, including DeSantis' struggling presidential campaign, the GOP cementing its grasp on Florida and Trump's resurgence.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' struggling presidential primary campaign is entering the home stretch before voting begins in Iowa. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the challenges facing DeSantis has he tries to pull off a surprise finish in Iowa, a pair of upcoming debates and a new poll showing Florida voters support abortion rights.
Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley exchanged barbs in the third GOP presidential debate in Miami. Reporters Zac Anderson, Stephany Matat and Antonio Fins discuss the debate fireworks and former President Donald's Trump's rally in nearby Hialeah.
Gov. Ron DeSantis took multiple shots at former President Donald Trump during the second GOP presidential primary debate. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio fins discuss DeSantis' debate strategy, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz's central role in a federal spending debate that has Congress on the brink of a federal shutdown and a court case challenging Florida's congressional redistricting maps.
Ron DeSantis preps for a crucial debate, the governor defends Trump after a fourth indictment and a big trial over Florida’s congressional redistricting plan kicks off next week. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss this and reveal this week's "Pick-a-Number" on this week's podcast
Gov. Ron DeSantis decried the “weaponization of government” after former President Donald Trump was indicted for a third time. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discus the impact of the indictment on the GOP presidential primary, DeSantis' fading poll numbers amid signs his culture war approach is falling flat and the firestorm over Florida’s new Black history standards
Trump’s indictment for allegedly mishandling classified documents is sending shockwaves through the GOP presidential primary as plans move forward for a Florida trial. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the fallout from Trump's indictment, DeSantis finally signing the state budget and another clash over Advanced Placement courses that is brewing in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' controversial migrant flight program is attracting attention again with a new round of flights carrying migrants to California. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the reaction to the flights, the governor sparing with former President Donald Trump during his first full week on the presidential campaign trail and a judge pausing enforcement of Florida’s recent ban on transgender health care for minors.
Gov. Ron DeSantis finally made his presidential campaign official, but the kickoff event was marred by technical problems. Journalists Antonio Fins, Stephany Matat and Zac Anderson discuss the governor’s chances against Trump in the presidential primary, the campaign launch's embarrassing technical glitches and Trump's reaction to DeSantis entering the race.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is avoiding commenting on Trump's legal troubles as he readies his campaign for president. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss DeSantis' Trump strategy, Florida lawmakers delivering a conservative wish list for DeSantis to run on and Democrats desperately searching for a candidate to take on U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.
Gov. Ron DeSantis went after Disney again with new legislation. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the governor's ongoing feud with one of the state's most iconic companies, Florida’s congressional delegation rushing to endorse Trump over DeSantis and the Florida Legislature expands a law banning the teaching of LGBTQ topics through the 12th grade.
Donald Trump responded to his arraignment in New York City with a grievance-filled speech at his Palm Beach club this week. Journalists Stephany Matat, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss Trump's response to the historic criminal case, MAGA world rallying around the indicted former president and California Gov. Gavin Newsom swiping at Florida’s governor during a stop in Sarasota.
The likelihood of Florida man Donald Trump being indicted soon has the state’s political world on edge. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss how Trump fans are reacting to the former president's legal peril, Gov. Ron DeSantis's comments on the Trump prosecution and major bills that are moving quickly through the Legislature, including a six week abortion ban.
Gov. Ron DeSantis released a new book as a precursor to a likely presidential run. Journalists John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the presidential platform DeSantis lays out in his book, the Florida Democratic Party's new chair and new legislation signed by the governor that gives him control over Disney World’s properties in Central Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is hinting at doing away with Advanced Placement classes in Florida amid a dispute over a Black studies course. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss DeSantis' penchant for picking high-profile education fights, a push by state lawmakers to make it harder to amend Florida’s constitution and Trump ramping up his attacks on DeSantis.
Donald Trump took another swipe at Gov. Ron DeSantis recently as the former president revs up his dormant campaign. Journalists Stephany Matat, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the feud between Trump and DeSantis, Florida lawmakers rolling out a bill that would allow people to carry guns without a concealed weapons permit and the governor unveiling his anti-woke higher education plan.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is bringing his war on woke to New College of Florida with the appointment of six new board members who are tasked with transforming the progressive school into a conservative institution. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the governor's latest culture war push, how COVID concerns continue to be at the forefront of DeSantis' agenda and the Florida Democratic Party's leadership turmoil.
Gov. Ron DeSantis' kicked off his second term amid buzz about a presidential run in 2024. Reporters John Kennedy, Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss what DeSantis' inauguration speech might say about his presidential aspirations, the Florida Republican competing with Kevin McCarthy to become U.S. House speaker and the governor’s war on "woke" going to college.
Ron DeSantis is more fully embracing vaccine skepticism in calling for a grand jury to investigate COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. Journalists Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kenney discuss the governor's vaccine announcement, DeSantis rising in the polls against Donald Trump amid the former president's disastrous 2024 campaign rollout and lawmakers taking another crack at solving Florida's property insurance crisis.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is writing a new book that is generating more buzz about him running for president. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the implications of DeSantis releasing a book in February, Donald Trump getting pilloried for dining with an infamous white nationalist and the Florida Legislature meeting in another emergency session to deal with the property insurance crisis.
Republicans sweep Florida government helped by shifting demographics, stumbling Democrats. Reporters John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Stephany Matat discuss how a changing state embraced GOP messaging. And Trump is running, again. What that means in Florida and beyond.
President Joe Biden visited Florida to boost Democrats Val Demings and Charlie Crist. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the president's visit, Florida candidates ramping up for their final push to Election Day and former President Donald Trump rallying with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio but not Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Marco Rubio and Val Demings traded barbs in their first and only U.S. Senate debate. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the highlights of the Senate debate, Gov. Ron DeSantis getting back out on the campaign trail after a three-week pause because of Hurricane Ian and the upcoming debate between DeSantis and Charlie Crist.
President Joe Biden toured Southwest Florida communities damaged by Hurricane Ian. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss Biden's visit, Gov. Ron DeSantis getting heat over the timing of Ian evacuations and voting in heavily Republican communities being disrupted by the hurricane.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing criticism for a voter fraud crackdown. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the blowback over voter fraud charges against felons who said they had no intention of committing fraud, Florida's importance to Republican's chances of winning control of the U.S. House and efforts by LGBTQ activists to unseat DeSantis after he pushed an agenda heavily focused on LGBTQ-related issues.
Charlie Crist beat Nikki Fried in a blow out to win the Democratic nomination for governor. Reporters Antonio Fins, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss Crist's victory, how he matches up against Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida's other marquee statewide race and the governor's success with his school board endorsements.
Florida Republicans are loudly denouncing the FBI's search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago property. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the Florida GOP's reaction to the FBI search, Gov. Ron DeSantis rallying to Trump’s defense despite a budding rivalry between the two and Democrats slamming the governor as a "wannabe dictator" after he removed a Democratic state attorney from office.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is seeking to penalize a Miami restaurant over its drag shows. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the GOP's recent focus on drag performances, more problems for Florida’s troubled property insurance market and the growing rivalry between Trump and DeSantis as the delivered dueling Florida speeches.
Abortion is becoming a big issue in Florida this election cycle after the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v Wade. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio fins discuss the fallout in Florida from the bombshell Supreme Court decision, Gov. Ron DeSantis benefing from the Jan. 6 Committee hearings and the Democratic primary for governor heating up.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk tweeted that he’s leaning toward supporting Ron DeSantis if he runs for president. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Musk’s tweet factors into the presidential buzz around Florida's governor, the Democrats running for governor facing off in a candidate forum and what to watch for during Florida’s candidate qualifying period.
Florida's ruling Republicans go silent after the Texas school shooting, despite the state's familiarity with such slaughters. Reporters John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Jason Delgado discuss gun violence, Orlando Democrat Val Demings' bid to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and the property insurance special session.
Joe Biden is generating bipartisan backlash in Florida over his decision to ease restrictions on Cuba and Venezuela. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the fallout in Florida to Biden's Latin America policy moves, lawmakers gearing up for a special session on property insurance and the state's controversial new chief elections officer.
A bombshell report detailing the contents of a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft ruling overturning Roe v. Wade sent shockwaves through Florida political circles. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the potential fallout of overturning Roe in Florida politics, more Disney legislation that is in the works and a new election law signed by the governor.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is punishing Disney after the company spoke out against the so-called "Don't Say Gay" law. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the escalation of hostilities between DeSantis and Disney, lawmakers supporting a redistricting plan pushed by DeSantis that erases Black congressional seats and property insurance reforms that are in the works.
Republicans are in all out war against Disney, Florida’s largest employer. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the GOP's Disney bashing, New York trolling Florida with billboards about the so-called “Don’t say Gay” bill and a host of lawsuits that have been filed to try and overturn the GOP’s legislative agenda.
Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in on the controversy surrounding a transgender college swimmer. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the governor's proclamation declaring a Florida swimmer the "rightful winner" against her transgender opponent, the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill generating more dysfunction among Florida Democrats and talk of lawmakers returning to Tallahassee for a special legislative session.
City and county races hinge on scorched-earth themes while Florida lawmakers spend big, then complain about inflation. Reporters John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Kati Kokal discuss how 'Defund the Police' was weaponized in a Palm Beach County city, and mask-wearing became an issue in a mayoral race. Florida's biggest budget ever also gets scrutiny.
Florida's LGTBQ community is outraged as the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill clears the Legislature. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the controversial legislation, Florida becoming the first state to advise healthy children against getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the Legislature heading into overtime because of disagreements on the budget.
Gov. Ron DeSantis faces backlash for telling high school kids to take off their masks. Journalists John Kennedy, Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss the viral moment between DeSantis and the students, Florida lawmakers nearing the end of the 60-day legislative session and what the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando says about the direction of the GOP.
Florida lawmakers advanced a pair of culture war bills touching on race and sexuality. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the hot-button legislation, the Conservative Political Action Conference kicking off this week in Orlando with Gov. Ron DeSantis in the spotlight and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's Senate confirmation.
The Florida House approved a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and a $200 million cut to school districts with mask mandates. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the legislative actions, former President Donald Trump coming under fire for keeping White House documents at his Palm Beach home instead of turning them over to archivists and a new poll showing Gov. Ron DeSantis in a strong position heading into the 2022 election
Gov. Ron DeSantis’s priorities are advancing through the Florida Legislature as the 60-day legislative session reaches the midpoint. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the bills DeSantis is pushing, Mike Pence rebuking Donald Trump during a speech in Florida and President Joe Biden lashing out at the Florida Legislature over a controversial proposal dubbed the “don’t say gay” bill.
Republicans in the Florida Legislature rolled out a new elections bill that is stoking debate about voter suppression versus election integrity. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss what's in the new legislation, questions facing Gov. Ron DeSantis over how his administration responded to a neo-Nazi rally in Orlando and Florida’s congressional redistricting effort stalling.
More friction is building between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Biden administration. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the clashes between DeSantis and Biden over COVID-19 treatments and immigration enforcement, and the governor again dodging the question of whether he’s had a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.
Gov. Ron DeSantis's office weighed in on Florida’s redistricting process with its own map. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the unusual situation of a governor submitting a redistricting map, the feud between DeSantis and Trump escalating as Roger Stone gets involved and the Florida Senate advancing controversial new legislation restricting how race is taught in schools.
Former President Donald Trump delivered a veiled criticism of his protégé in the Florida governor’s office this week. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the tension between the GOP leaders, the start of Florida's 60-day legislative session and Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsing a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Florida politics heading into 2022 looks a lot like it has for the last 20 years, with Republicans riding high and Democrats playing catch-up. And it all starts with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has made a name for himself nationally by defying public health recommendations. Journalists Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins look ahead and offer predictions on some of the biggest political questions as Florida enters the new year.
It was another eventful year in Florida politics. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the top political stories of the year, from battles over COVID-19 public health policy to the fallout from the Capitol riot in Florida and the early jockeying around the 2022 and even 2024 elections.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced legislation that could impact how race is taught in schools, and how companies approach diversity training. Reporters John Kennedy, Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss the governor's proposal, a move by state-run Citizens Property Insurance voted to hike rates and COVID-19 cases rising again in Florida amid fears of Omicron.
The Florida House puts out a redistricting map that could boost the number of congressional seats Republicans control in Florida. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the latest redistricting developments, a bill aimed at making school board races partisan battlegrounds and Florida Democrats gathering for their big annual meeting.
Gov. Ron DeSantis submitted the paperwork to officially launch his re-election campaign. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio fins discuss the governor's campaign launch, Trump adviser Roger Stone's recent criticism of DeSantis and Florida lawmakers rolling out their plan to crack down on vaccine mandates in advance of a special session next week.
Florida Republicans are giddy after seeing Virginia swing red in the governor’s race. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Jeff Schweers discuss what Virginia's election results mean for Florida's 2022 races, controversy at the University of Florida over muzzling professors and Gov. Ron DeSantis's push to create a new state law enforcement office to go after election fraud
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo came under fire recently for refusing to mask up during a meeting with a state senator. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the state's controversial new chief health officer, a special congressional election in South Florida and the progressive constitutional amendment pipeline that may be drying up.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he will call the Florida Legislature into special session to pass a bill outlawing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the governor's push to block employers from mandating the vaccine, another Democrat entering the governor's race, DeSantis emulating Trump in a speech to the Sarasota GOP and Florida’s redistricting process inching forward.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration fined Leon County over its vaccine mandate for employees. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the governor's fight against vaccine mandates, Florida leaders waving off the type of election audit that Trump has been demanding elsewhere and the governor attracting attention for following his policy announcements with fundraising pitches.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week that his wife Casey has breast cancer. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the diagnosis, the ongoing battle over school mask mandates in Florida and the reaction from Florida lawmakers as the federal government gets closer to defaulting on the national debt next week.
The fight over masks in class and now quarantining of kids heightens tensions between Gov. Ron DeSantis and school districts. Republicans in the Legislature also vow to follow -- yes! -- the law in redistricting. Reporters Mark Harper, Ryan McKinnon and John Kennedy discuss, and share some new numbers that figure big in Florida politics this week.
Gov. Ron DeSantis gave a platform to anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists during an event in Gainesville opposing vaccine mandates. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the anti-vax moment at the governor's press conference, the dismantling of Florida’s standardized testing program by the governor and the Florida Legislature beginning committee weeks with redistricting on the table.
With former President Donald Trump still looming, Gov. Ron DeSantis tries to downplay his own interest in the White House. Gannett reporters Antonio Fins, Mark Harper and John Kennedy also talk about a Florida diner banning Joe Biden voters and the divide over Covid-19 safety measures.
A Leon County judge overturned Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on school mask mandates. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the setback for a governor who has put a lot of energy into battling mandatory masks at schools, revelations that leading GOP consultants are linked to Florida’s ghost candidate scandal and a report that another prominent Democrat is weighing jumping into the Florida governor’s race.
More Florida school districts are bucking Gov. Ron DeSantis on mask mandates. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the growing school mask rebellion, a lawsuit challenging the governor’s mask order that is advancing in court and Disney defying state law and requiring cruise ship passengers to be vaccinated
Florida’s surge of COVID-19 cases is straining the health care system as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration continues to battle with school districts on masks in the classroom. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Florida officials are responding to massive levels of new infections, the governor's state tour to tout monoclonal antibody therapies and how the state Board of Education will punish school districts that are defying the governor's executive orders.
Florida students headed back to school this week amid a massive COVID-19 surge. Journalists Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis' approach to schools reopening, the state education commissioner threatening school leaders with salary cuts if they require masks and more sniping between the governor’s office and President Joe Biden's administration.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is downplaying concerns about COVID-19 amid another wave of infections. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Mark Harper discuss some of the governor's most recent COVID-19 comments, a rebellion among school districts over the governor's effort to make masks optional in the classroom and the criminal investigation into a Florida ghost candidate.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has opened a new battle line in his war against COVID-19 restrictions as debate rages about how to respond to the COVID resurgence. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins also discuss how Congress is tackling another explosive issue this week, the Jan. 6 committee in the U.S. House and that Florida has more people arrested for storming the Capitol than any other state.
Another COVID-19 flare up is putting the spotlight on Florida’s pandemic policies and lagging vaccination efforts. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Florida officials are responding to the surge in virus cases, the ramifications of another big red tide algae bloom on the Gulf Coast and the Florida GOP's investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Chairman Joe Gruters.
Protests against the Cuban regime are reverberating in Florida. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the reaction in Florida to the anti-government demonstrations on the island, a state law aimed at Black Lives Matter demonstrators that is being examined in a new light and Gov. Ron DeSantis pushing a new civics education initiative.
The condo collapse reveals lax inspection and upkeep of buildings that are home for many Floridians; and Donald Trump rallies in Sarasota. Gannett-Florida reporters Antonio Fins, Ryan McKinnon and John Kennedy also discuss an assassination rocking Haiti and the Sunshine State.
President Joe Biden, the empathizer-in-chief, joins Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at Surfside condo collapse, with aid and change on the way. Gannett-Florida reporters Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy also discuss former President Trump bringing his rally tour to Florida.
Former President Donald Trump is holding his first Florida rally since the 2020 election. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the July 3 rally in Sarasota, a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that requires universities to survey professors about their political beliefs and the governor's big fundraising hauls from donors across the nation.
Florida is tied with Texas for the most Capitol riot arrests after a new round of charges in recent weeks. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the state's role in the insurrection, a pointed exchange between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Democratic rival Nikki Fried at a Florida Cabinet meeting and DeSantis' announcement that he is sending Florida law enforcement officers to the border.
Orlando congresswoman Val Demings announced she’s challenging U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss one of the biggest Senate races of 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ priority legislation facing a slew of court challenges and former President Donald Trump planning a big event in Florida
Florida joined the growing number of states banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the governor's push for the transgender bill he signed this week, Democrat Nikki Fried jumping into the governor’s race and Florida’s $101.5 billion budget getting the governor’s approval.
Gov. DeSantis signed legislation retaliating against social media companies that banned former President Donald Trump. Journalists Wendy Rhodes, Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the governor's attack on Big Tech, his decision to reject federal money for enhanced unemployment benefits and his proposed new civics education rule aimed at banning the teaching of critical race theory.
Florida lawmakers approved a big gambling expansion during a special legislative session. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the details of the gambling deal, congresswoman Val Demings gearing up to challenge Marco Rubio for his Senate seat and Gov. Ron DeSantis fueling 2024 speculation with a trip to Pennsylvania.
The Florida Legislature is reconvening next week for a special session on gambling. Journalists Zac Anderson, Jim Rosica and Antonio Fins discuss how a gambling expansion deal came together, Florida Republicans voting to oust U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney from her leadership role in Congress and former President Donald Trump continuing to flex his muscles in Florida politics.
Gov. Ron DeSantis tailored his elections bill signing to a Fox News audience. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the governor's political bill signing event, Charlie Crist announcing his campaign for governor and the dilemma for Democrats as they pick a candidate to take on DeSantis.
Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature fills Ron DeSantis's wish list -- red meat GOP priorities that may power the governor to re-election and beyond. But he's also placing a big bet on expanding gambling. And, of course, take a number...Gannett-Florida reporters John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss a jam-packed week in Florida politics.
The conviction of police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd reverberated in Florida, where there were widespread protests after Floyd's death. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the reaction in Florida to the Chauvin verdict, pardoned Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn's purchase of a home in Florida and what issues are still in flux in the final days of Florida's two month legislative session.
Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell during a Republican National Committee gathering in Palm Beach, highlighting continued tensions in the GOP. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the RNC fireworks, a controversial elections bill that was overhauled by the Florida Senate and the legislative debate surrounding "anti-riot" legislation that critics say targets peaceful protest.
A breach in a wastewater containment pond at the old Piney Point fertilizer plant in Manatee County led to an environmental disaster for the region as polluted water is discharged into Tampa Bay. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the fallout from the Piney Point calamity, an order by Gov. Ron DeSantis banning so-called "vaccine passports" and wrangling over the state budget.
Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, a top ally of former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over concerns about sex trafficking, according to a New York Times report. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the Gaetz investigation, another surge in COVID-19 cases in Florida and legislation shielding businesses from COVID-19 liability that was signed by DeSantis.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said anyone over 18 will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida starting April 5. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss what prompted the governor to lift the vaccine age restriction, a Republican push to expand Medicaid coverage in Florida, a big fundraising haul by the Florida Democratic Party and legislation overhauling the state's voting rules.
No Republicans in Congress voted for the $1.9 trillion stimulus package, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to spend his state's share. Gannett-Florida reporters Antonio Fins, Christine Stapleton and John Kennedy also discuss more controversy at Mar-a-Lago, including criticism of a Trump "lie-brary."
Text messages show organizers of a vaccine pop-up clinic in Florida discussing the political benefits of the clinic for Gov. Ron DeSantis. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the ongoing questions about political favoritism surrounding the vaccine rollout in Florida, a new elections bill that would put restrictions on mail voting and the political divide in Florida over the new COVID-19 stimulus bill.
Florida's two-month legislative session kicked off this week. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss what Gov. Ron DeSantis had to say about the pandemic during his speech on the first day of session, the governor’s improving poll numbers and some of the takeaways from this year’s Conservative Political Action conference in Orlando.
Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to face questions about why residents of upscale communities built by his donors are getting special access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the latest revelations about vaccine clinics in Charlotte and Manatee counties, what to look for as CPAC – the big conservative gathering – comes to Orlando and what to expect when Florida's two-month legislative session kicks off next week.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is attracting national attention after a vaccine pop-up clinic his team put together that drew complaints of political favoritism. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss the governor’s response to the criticism during an appearance at the Lakewood Ranch clinic, reports that Ivanka Trump told Marco Rubio she won’t challenge him for a Senate seat and legislation aimed at putting new restrictions on mail voting in Florida.
Florida hosted the Super Bowl Sunday amid worries it would become the super spreader bowl. Journalists John Kennedy, Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss the concerns surrounding the big crowds of maskless revelers that the game attracted, questions about whether Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are paying attention at Trump’s impeachment trial and police reforms pitched by Black lawmakers this week.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rolled out a proposal this week to crack down on efforts by big tech companies to police their content. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the governor’s foray into an issue that has conservatives fired up, an effort being led by two South Florida lawmakers to punish congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene over her incendiary comments and the early rumblings in the 2022 Florida governor’s race.
Joe Biden wasn’t even president for a week before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis began feuding with his administration. Florida journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson talk about the back and forth between DeSantis and Biden’s press secretary over COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Florida, how Florida’s two U.S. senators are reacting to the impeachment push against Donald Trump and the highlights from the governor’s 2021-2022 budget proposal.
Joe Biden's inauguration as the 46th president of the United States could impact a host of issues important to Florida residents, including federal funding to the states and environmental policies. Journalists Zac Anderson, Antonio Fins and John Kennedy discuss how Biden’s inauguration will reset Florida’s relationship with the White House and what Donald Trump’s new life as a full-time Florida resident could look like.
President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives after a mob of his supporters overran the U.S. Capitol, leading to five deaths. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins talk about how Florida’s 27-member House delegation voted on impeachment, the increasing number of corporate donors who say they won’t contribute to Republicans who voted not to certify the Electoral College votes and what that could mean for Rick Scott’s fundraising ability and the big budget hole Florida faces because of COVID-19.
Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed past police and overran the U.S. Capitol, forcing it into lockdown. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Florida Republicans in Congress reacted to the lawlessness, which lawmakers supported the attempt to overturn the election results and the state's rocky coronavirus vaccine rollout.
The coronavirus vaccine began arriving in Florida with much fanfare this week. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how Gov. Ron DeSantis is handling the vaccine rollout, the governor’s ongoing tap dance around the question of calling Joe Biden president-elect and speculation that Ivanka Trump could run for office in Florida.ReplyForwardCT
As coronavirus cases continue to spike in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis is offering no plan to promote vaccination among the general public. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the governor’s approach to vaccination, the criticism he is getting after law enforcement raided the home of a former state worker who said she was fired for refusing to manipulate coronavirus data, plans being floated for Trump to hold a rally in Florida during Joe Biden’s inauguration and the Florida attorney general’s decision to join a lawsuit seeking to have the U.S. Supreme Court consider tossing out the election results in key swing states.
After mostly staying quiet since the election, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference this week and answered questions about Florida's surge in coronavirus cases. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the governor's response to the uptick in cases and leadership struggles with the Florida Democratic Party and Florida GOP.Schedule a meetingSchedule a meetingAre the suggestions above helpful?
The Florida Legislature returned to Tallahassee for the first time since the spring to swear in new members and designate a new Senate president and House speaker. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the agendas laid out by the new legislative leadership and what they had to say about the pandemic that’s still raging in this state, the latest surge in coronavirus cases and how Gov. DeSantis is responding and the ongoing saga within the Florida GOP over acknowledging Joe Biden as president elect.
Joe Biden secured victory by winning Pennsylvania and other key swing states, leading to celebrations across Florida. But Gov. Ron DeSantis wasn’t celebrating. He urged Trump to keep fighting the election results, and so have other Florida Republicans. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss efforts by the Florida GOP to rally around Trump as he fights the results, how the relationship between Florida and Washington D.C. could change under a Biden administration and what Trump's post-presidency could look like in Florida.
President Donald Trump proved this week that Florida is still Trump country and he did it in decisive fashion, winning by a whopping 3.4 percentage points, which is the Florida equivalent of a blowout. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss whether Florida should even be considered a swing state anymore after Trump's big win, the presidential coattails and how they helped create a red wave of GOP victories across the state and the big role that Miami-Dade County played in Trump’s dominating performance.
The President is holding his rally today in the parking lot of Raymond James Stadium and Biden starts the day in Broward County and will finish the day with a later rally in Tampa. COVID-19 will offer two contrasting looks at the final days of campaigning as Election Day is just a few short days away.
Florida's 14-day early voting period is underway and President Trump and former President Obama both are campaigning in the state as they work to drive Republicans and Democrats to the polls. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the high-profile campaign events, numbers from the first few days of early voting and the importance of Black voters for Biden.
President Trump returned to the campaign trail this week in Florida for his first rally since being diagnosed with COVID-19. Joe Biden also was in the state for an event targeting seniors. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss all the twists and turns in the presidential race as Election Day approaches in America’s largest battleground state.
President Donald Trump's coronavirus infection has taken him off the campaign trail in a must-win state. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how the president's illness could impact the race in Florida, what the Trump campaign is doing to compensate, some new polls showing the state of the race and the demise of the second presidential debate, which had been scheduled for Miami.
Gov. Ron DeSantis moved Florida into Phase 3 of reopening as he continues to sync his coronavirus message with President Donald Trump. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the details of the reopening effort, what the first presidential debate could mean for the candidates in the nation’s largest swing state and early numbers on absentee ballot returns in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled new legislation aimed at addressing concerns about looting and property destruction in the wake of racial justice protests. Journalists Antonio Fins, John Kennedy and Zac Anderson discuss the governor’s efforts to synch up with President Trump’s law and order message, a Florida judge who is on the president’s short list to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Supreme Court and the president’s campaign events in Jacksonville and Miami.
Joe Biden visited Florida this week for his first trip to the state as the Democratic presidential nominee. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss his efforts to appeal to veterans and Hispanic voters, a new poll that shows a dip in Gov. Ron DeSantis’s approval rating and the behind-the-scenes maneuvering surrounding six constitutional amendments that are on the Florida ballot this year.
Labor Day is the starting gun for the final two-month sprint of the presidential race and both campaigns came out of the holiday weekend with their focus on Florida. Trump extended the ban on drilling off the coast of Florida during an event in Jupiter, while Kamala Harris visited Miami. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the jockeying for Florida votes, polls showing the race tightening in Florida and some warning signs for Joe Biden in Miami.
Gov. Ron DeSantis revealed this week that he has been getting coronavirus advice from Dr. Scott Atlas, controversial medical adviser to President Donald Trump. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the latest coronavirus developments in Florida, including the governor’s decision to allow visitation at nursing homes, and also the ongoing efforts to impose more police accountability in the wake of high profile incidents involving Black individuals and white police officers.
Florida Republicans didn’t get to host the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville as hoped, but Florida was still a focus of this week’s event. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss some of the Florida highlights of the convention, where Trump currently stands against Joe Biden in the Sunshine State and the latest developments in the big issue that appears to be weighing Trump down in Florida, the coronavirus pandemic.
Voter turnout was up Tuesday and there was a big surge in voting by mail during Florida's primary election. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the primary results, the reaction in Florida to the president’s efforts to hold back postal service funding because of concerns about mail voting and Florida’s role in the Democratic National Convention.
Joe Biden picked California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate this week. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss how Harris could impact the presidential race in Florida, the upcoming Aug. 18 primary election and Gov. Ron DeSantis’s latest efforts to open schools, including pushing for college sports.
After weeks of slamming vote-by-mail, President Donald Trump reversed course this week when it comes to Florida and said the system works well in the Sunshine State. Journalists Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss Trump's change of heart, U.S. Sen Rick Scott's concerns about adding to the federal budget deficit as lawmakers consider another coronavirus relief bill and Florida Agriculture Nikki Fried rolling out her own coronavirus plan this week.
August traditionally marks the start of school in Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis has been out promoting the need for classroom instruction despite concerns that it is too risky with the coronavirus raging. Reporters Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss the growing debate over reopening Florida schools, a new Mason Dixon poll that has Joe Biden leading in Florida, President Donald Trump’s call to the delay the November election and the possibility of a big financial crisis for many Floridians in August when federal unemployment assistance runs out.
Despite Florida's soaring death toll from coronavirus, the governor sounds like he's got this. Are Floridians buying the message? Gannett journalists John Kennedy and Antonio Fins also talk about a vote-by-mail settlement and how Goya Foods got political.
Another record-shattering coronavirus week heightens pressure on Gov. Ron DeSantis, with talk of another shutdown growing louder. Gannett journalists John Kennedy, Christine Stapleton and Mark Harper also discuss how a back-to-school order has parents and educators on edge.
Even as Florida’s coronavirus outbreak has reached alarming new levels, state leaders are ordering every school in the state to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. Journalists John Kennedy, Antonio Fins and Zac Anderson discuss the reopening push, the ongoing debate about what measures to take to contain the coronavirus in Florida as cases spike and a shake-up within President Donald Trump's Florida campaign team.
Gov. Ron DeSantis took an ax to the coronavirus-battered state budget this week and hacked off $1 billion in spending. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the governor's budget cuts, a series of significant bills he signed into law and continued questions about his handling of the coronavirus outbreak as cases surge.
As Florida continues to break records for new coronavirus cases, some cities and counties are mandating that people wear masks in certain public settings. But Gov. Ron DeSantis is rejecting calls for a statewide mask requirement. Journalists Zac Anderson and Mark Harper discuss the debate over masks, the decision to hold a presidential debate in Florida and an incident involving Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and her fiance that resulted in police being called.
Florida is setting records for new coronavirus cases and Gov. Ron DeSantis is on the defensive, with critics saying he is letting the outbreak spiral out of control. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss Florida's surge in coronavirus cases, how revelations in John Bolton's new book could reverberate in Florida politics, the chances of Democrats making gains in the Florida Legislature and the decision to hold part of the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville.
Cities across Florida saw mass street demonstrations stemming from the death of George Floyd as coronavirus cases spike since June's broader reopening. Gannett journalists John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss this and how Republicans are looking to re-nominate President Trump this summer in his new home state.
Protests have erupted in cities across Florida, some have resulted in property destruction. Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving forward with Phase 2 of his reopening plan even as the state is still falling short on coronavirus testing, and Florida GOP leaders are hoping to host the Republican National Convention in the state after North Carolina’s governor rejected a full convention
President Donald Trump visited Florida to bask in the glory of America’s return to manned space flight but had to take a rain check, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed two new state Supreme Court justices and the state budget could be trimmed after tax revenues took a big hit in April
Gov. Ron DeSantis plowed ahead with his reopening push this week as gyms, libraries and museums were cleared to welcome people again and Florida universities signaled they will reopen campuses in the fall, even as the governor faces questions about whether coronavirus data was manipulated to support the reopening. Journalists Zac Anderson and Antonio Fins discuss the latest on reopening, the governor's efforts to push back more forcefully against questions about the state’s much maligned unemployment compensation system and Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio's new position as the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Gov. Ron DeSantis continued his push to reopen Florida this week, with barbershops and hair salons in the next wave of businesses that were allowed to welcome customers again. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss how the governor’s reopening strategy is proceeding, a push to exempt businesses from liability if their customers contract the coronavirus and a new attack ad that is being aired in Florida against Trump by fellow Republicans.
A longtime state of haves and have-nots, Florida now both somewhat open and still very closed, by the order of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The biggest counties in South Florida remain locked down and we explore our new normal with Palm Beach Post political editor Antonio Fins.
Gov. Ron DeSantis got the ball rolling this week on lifting the lockdown he put in place to contain the coronavirus. Journalists Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the balance DeSantis is trying to strike as he works to restart the economy without compromising public health, and also touch on some of the ways the coronavirus continues to impact the state, including the ongoing threat to nursing homes and the big backlog in unemployment claims.
Florida was one of the last states to implement a lockdown and now Gov. Ron DeSantis is hoping to be among the first states to reopen. DeSantis has been forceful in recent days in arguing that it’s time to reopen businesses. The governor criticized media reporting on models created by public health experts, noting the model predications that Florida’s health care system would be overwhelmed by coronavirus patients have not borne out. DeSantis created the Re-Open Florida Task Force to give recommendations for how to safely end the lockdown, which is set to expire at the end of this month.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking cues from President Trump on reopening Florida's economy. And will testing and more testing be a way out? Miami Herald Tallahassee bureau chief Mary Ellen Klas adds insights -- and a new number -- to this week's show.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is touting a makeshift hospital being built in the Miami Beach Convention Center. Journalists Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the governor's efforts to boost hospital capacity to help meet demand when the coronavirus crisis peaks in Florida, the controversy surrounding an exemption for religious services in Florida's stay-at-home order and the growing number of coronavirus cases tied to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state.
It’s day 33 of the coronavirus crisis in Florida and the freight train keeps picking up speed as we experience a calamity unlike anything in our lifetimes. Gov. Ron DeSantis decided to lockdown the whole state this week. It’s an incredible move and it would have seemed absolutely unfathomable just a few weeks ago.
Life under coronavirus has been hard to adjust to. It seems like every day some monumental change happens. In Florida schools shutdown first. Then bars and nightclubs. Then the governor ordered restaurants and gyms to close. Then he ordered that quarantine rules for passengers coming from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, a region that has been a coronavirus hotspot. But the governor still has not gone as far as many Floridians would like.
The coronavirus response is quickly eclipsing every other aspect of state government, but Florida lawmakers are still moving ahead with one other bit of state business this week.
The first cases of coronavirus have been detected in Florida. Journalists John Kennedy and Zac Anderson look at how Gov. Ron DeSantis is responding to coronavirus, how the results of the Super Tuesday presidential primary contests could impact Florida's March 17 primary and what’s happening in Tallahassee as Florida’s 60-day legislative session winds down.
Democrats across much of the country are feeling the Bern, as Bernie Sanders surges in the presidential primary. But in Florida Sanders’s comments about life in Cuba under Fidel Castro are giving many Democrats heartburn. Journalists Zac Anderson and John Kennedy talk about the firestorm Sanders ignited with his 60 Minutes interview and touch on the latest in the Florida Legislature, including where things stand with Gov. Ron DeSantis’s priorities as the 60-day legislative session nears the finish line.
Michael Bloomberg was on the presidential debate stage for the first time this week after surging in the national polls. His campaign has been on the rise in Florida as well. Journalists Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss how Florida fits into Bloomberg’s primary strategy, a big court ruling in the state’s felon voting rights saga and another strange twist in the effort to get an E-Verify immigration law passed through the Legislature.
The New Hampshire primary added more intrigue to the Democratic presidential nominating contest. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Rick Christie discuss what it means for Florida Democrats to have Bernie Sanders ascendant in the primary, a controversial immigration bill that advanced in the Florida Senate and the two-year anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
The Iowa caucus rivaled Florida for election dysfunction. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Antonio Fins discuss the caucus calamity and what it means for Florida’s primary next month, how Trump's impeachment trial acquittal could impact his bid to win Florida again, where things stand at the halfway point of Florida's 60-day legislative session and what Florida's new chief science officer is saying about climate change.
With the first presidential primary votes soon to be cast, more attention is turning to Florida and the state's March 17 contest. Journalists Zac Anderson, John Kennedy and Mark Harper discuss what role Florida's primary could play in the Democratic presidential nominating process, an abortion bill that is poised to pass the Florida Senate and the latest evidence that Florida’s junior U.S. senator may have presidential ambitions.
The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., lashed out at Republican Florida Senate President Bill Galvano recently over the issue of gun control. Journalists Zac Anderson and John Kennedy discuss the GOP feud over guns, along with some priority legislation for Gov. Ron DeSantis that began moving through the Legislature this week.
Florida lawmakers descended on the state Capitol Tuesday for the beginning of the 60-day legislative session. Journalists John Kennedy, Zac Anderson and James Call discuss the start of session, including Gov. Ron DeSantis's opening day speech, a rebuttal from Democrats and a rally organized by teachers.