U.S. Rep Maxwell Frost speaks out against Trump, Musk and DOGE
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost hosted a press conference on the mounting threats he believes Elon Musk’s DOGE and the Trump Administration pose to the 113,000 Central Floridians who count on Social Security benefits to survive. He said the threat comes at a time when the increasing cost of living continues to put at risk the livelihood of those on fixed incomes.
State Attorney Monique Worrell shares quarterly update
State Attorney Monique Worrell shared a quarterly update at a news conference hosted on Thursday morning in Orlando. Worrell reported a "strong and successful start" to her first quarter back in office and said her office has made significant progress in advancing the mission of serving justice and protecting the community. Worrell discussed convictions in several high-profile cases and said her office has taken 61 felony cases to trial in Orange and Osceola counties in the quarter, resulting in a 70% conviction rate. Worrell also discussed her hopes and goals for the upcoming future quarters.
FULL: Ron and Casey DeSantis highlight Hope Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. Others positively impacted by Hope Florida also shared their experiences at the event. The nonprofit organization has been under intense scrutiny following questions from lawmakers over the handling of a $10 million settlement. The allegations center on whether the funds were appropriately funneled into Hope Florida’s nonprofit arm instead of the state’s coffers.
Casey DeSantis advocates for Hope Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. At the event, Casey DeSantis advocated for the program she spearheads: Hope Florida. The nonprofit organization "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." Recently, the program has faced some backlash. The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. Both Ron and Casey DeSantis have dismissed the accusations, saying they are wildly untrue.
Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights Hope Florida benefits
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis hosted a news conference to highlight the benefits of Hope Florida on Thursday morning in St. Augustine at the Anchor Faith Church. There has been a multitude of ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, which is a nonprofit organization spearheaded by Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November.
University of Florida students rally for stronger gun laws after deadly school shooting
The University of Florida's chapter of Students Demand Action hosted a vigil on Wednesday for those lost in the Florida State University shooting, as well as demanded action be taken to ensure stricter gun laws in Florida.
FSU shooting: Florida Senate emotional tribute
The Florida Senate had an emotional tribute with a moment of silence for the Florida State University (FSU) shooting victims on the floor on Wednesday. Two people were killed, and six others were injured, in the shooting that took place last week near the school's Student Union. FOX 35 News+'s Garrett Wymer talks us through the powerful moments.
Gov. DeSantis address Hope Florida controversy
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. During the event, DeSantis brought up the ongoing controversy surrounding Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization spearheaded by First Lady Casey DeSantis that "empowers individuals to embrace their full God-given potential." The controversy concerns a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to the welfare assistance program and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics say the money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November. However, at the presser, DeSantis said the allegations are not true and are "a political attack against the success of the program and the First Lady."
Gov. DeSantis announces infrastructure, workforce investments
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a news conference Wednesday morning in Fort Pierce at Indian River College. At the event, DeSantis announced infrastructure and workforce development investments funded through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The awards include $4 million to Indian River State College to support the development of the institute for industrial manufacturing and production training and $4.9 million to Miami-Dade College to launch new aircraft mechanic training programs. In addition, to the workforce development grants, DeSantis announced two targeted infrastructure grants, including $2.1 million to the Sebring Airport Authority.
AG James Uthmeier announces lawsuit against Snapchat, citing need to protect children from alleged predation
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Tuesday that he is cracking down on alleged predation facilitated by major social media platform Snapchat. He is promising the lawsuit is "just the beginning" of actions against "problematic platforms."
Anti-Trump rallies break out across the U.S., including in Central Florida
Protests, rallies and demonstrations against the Trump administration are taking place in cities across the country this weekend, including in Central Florida.
FSU shooting: School security bills being considered
School security is a hot topic this legislative session in Tallahassee, Florida, especially after the Thursday shooting at Florida State University (FSU). Lawmakers are debating several gun-related bills, just blocks away from where the shooting happened. FOX 35's Evan Axelbank explains how this mass shooting is impacting the session.
Florida AG talks FSU shooting, immigration, Roblox safety
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joins FOX 35 to talk about some of the latest political headlines and news in the state. The AG reflects after the Florida State University (FSU) shooting on Thursday, as well as discusses immigration crack downs and safety concerns over video game "Roblox."
Hope Florida hosts hearings on funding
Hope Florida hosted its first board meeting since a scandal erupted surrounding the program. State lawmakers are holding hearings into how money from a state Medicaid settlement was funneled through the foundation into a political action committee controlled by the governor's top ally. FOX 35's Evan Axelbank reports some state lawmakers say it's possible laws were broken.
Florida one step closer to banning fluoride in water
Florida is one step closer to banning fluoride in its water. The state senate passed a bill last night to prevent local cities and counties from using the additive. However, it's not a done deal yet, because the bill still has to pass the house. FOX 35's Chris Lindsay explains why some lawmakers are calling the bill "a joke."
FULL: Florida Gov. DeSantis advocates for law enforcement
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the Florida Highway Patrol Station in Fort Myers. DeSantis was joined by Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the two spoke on the importance of law enforcement in the community.
Activist, former athlete Riley Gaines speaks out against Maine's transgender policies
Attorney General Pamela Bondi hosted a press conference Wednesday morning at the United States Department of Justice to announce a civil lawsuit against Maine in an effort to challenge the state's policy regarding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. This comes after Maine said it would not comply with the federal government's demands to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports, a move that would violate state law. At the event, Bondi was joined by several key speakers, including former athlete and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines.
Florida attorney general threatens 'removal of office' for Orlando mayor over immigration policy
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is warning Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer that he could face consequences if he continues to enforce the city's current immigration policy.
Hurricane preparedness, response bill headed to Florida house
A bill is now headed to the Florida house that's meant to help local governments prepare for better hurricane response. The bill passed the senate this week, but it still needs to be fine-tuned with the house's version before it can go to a committee or floor vote.
Casey DeSantis' assistance program under scrutiny
A Florida welfare assistance program led by First Lady Casey DeSantis is facing new scrutiny from lawmakers who want an accounting of where they money is and who's helping. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says House Republican leaders are using this as an excuse to batter him and his wife politically and she considers a run for governor.