Through circumstance and timing, DeSantis has used appointments to drastically shape Florida politics – and its judiciary – to his liking, gifting allies the levers of power and the benefit of incumbency.
Category: Florida News Articles & Reporting
Posted inBehind the Story
“Cold Blooded” closes out the year with wins at the Sunshine State Awards
The investigative series looking at a decades-old Death Row conviction marred by prosecutorial conduct won third place in the SPJ Florida Chapter’s prestigious A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism.
Posted inImmigration
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees were held in cages the size of a phone booth
The report gives a rare glimpse into the sprawling makeshift facility that was built in a matter of days by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
Posted inEnvironment
Florida sets new course for controversial herbicide program behind closed doors
Florida’s herbicide spraying has sparked public backlash and promises to reform the way the state manages invasive aquatic plants. But state officials are starting to form that strategy in secret.
Posted inImmigration
This state agency owes millions in immigration bills. Lawmakers just cut a check
The emergency preparedness fund was originally set aside for recovery from hurricanes and other natural disasters. This past year, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration used much of the money to build and operate the now-shuttered Everglades immigration detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Posted inFlorida Education News
At UNF, sole finalist for presidency rekindles fight over secrecy law
At issue is a 2022 state law that shielded most of the presidential interview process from public view, a law some former supporters now regret
Posted inLocal Government
Jacksonville council president paid less than $1,000 for ride on billionaire’s private jet, Rays game
Howland said he’d made the trip to raise money for his political committee, Florida Freedom PAC but didn’t share more specifics about the fundraiser held hours southwest of Jacksonville.
Posted inFlorida Education News
Florida’s public school enrollment falls while vouchers soar
Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Orange and Miami-Dade County Public Schools have bled students in recent years, according to a collection of enrollment data.
Posted inLocal Government
Jacksonville City Council president flew on billionaire’s jet to catch Rays game
Nick Howland said he attended the game hours south of Jacksonville “to help raise funds for my political committee” but declined to share more specifics about the fundraiser.
Posted inEnvironment
DeSantis pledged millions for restoring reef ‘then pulled the rug from under us’
Organizations that spent taxpayer money to build new facilities and train staff to work on the state-led project are now scrambling to find grants and private donations to keep the lights on.