State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-FL) has announced that the legality of abortion will be on the ballot in the 2024 election. Nearly 900,000 signatures and a threshold of verified petitions from at least 14 different congressional districts in the Sunshine State for this to happen.

Leader Book mentioned in a social media post that this issue is about "freedom, healthcare, and safety" for women.

We did it! As of today, the Florida Division of Elections is reporting that the Abortion Ballot Initiative has SURPASSED both the raw total petition number and congressional district spread needed to PUT ABORTION ON THE BALLOT!

Signatures came from everyone and everywhere,… https://t.co/gjMs96q67F

— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) January 5, 2024

"We did it! As of today, the Florida Division of Elections is reporting that the Abortion Ballot Initiative has SURPASSED both the raw total petition number and congressional district spread needed to PUT ABORTION ON THE BALLOT! Signatures came from everyone and everywhere, proving once again this is not a Republican or Democratic issue — it’s about freedom, healthcare, and safety," said Leader Book.

She continued, "No woman and no doctor should fear imprisonment over abortion care. No woman or mother should face death because she can’t get proper care. That’s what this fight is about, and that’s why we will win."

In October, The Floridian obtained a petition that was being circulated during a political event at Florida State University.

Per the petition, no Florida law will “prohibit” or “restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health.

This is how the potential amendment will read if the pro-choice movement is persuasive enough for Floridians come November.

“No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.”

In April of 2023, Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed legislation that banned abortions after six weeks. It passed by a vote of 26-13 in the State Senate and 70-40 in the State House of Representatives.

After the decision from the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, states around the country have had their own say on the abortion issue. It could be the most important topic of the 2024 election.

The post Lauren Book, Pro-Choice Coalition Celebrate Abortion Returning to Ballot in 2024 Election appeared first on The Floridian.

The House Oversight Committee has announced they will be holding President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) responded to the announcement on social media after Hunter paraded around the Capitol on the day he was supposed to appear in front of the Oversight Committee.

First, the Oversight Committee’s initial comment mentioned that Hunter Biden has broken two lawful subpoenas.

CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS

Hunter Biden blatantly defied two lawful subpoenas when he did not appear for his December deposition. Next week, we will consider a resolution and accompanying report to hold him in contempt of Congress for violating federal law. @JudiciaryGOP will…

— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) January 5, 2024

“Hunter Biden blatantly defied two lawful subpoenas when he did not appear for his December deposition. Next week, we will consider a resolution and accompanying report to hold him in contempt of Congress for violating federal law. The House Judiciary Committee will also hold a markup,” wrote the House Oversight Committee’s social media account.

Rep. Donalds stated that Hunter Biden’s defiance and especially his stunt of speaking in front of the Capitol (on the Senate side) has landed him in contempt of Congress.

On Dec. 13, Hunter Biden blatantly defied our subpoenas to appear for a deposition.

Instead, he chose to give a speech on the Senate-side of the US Capitol Complex with his attorney & Eric Swalwell.

We are now moving forward with the process to hold him in contempt of Congress. https://t.co/LNv41S3VyD

— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) January 5, 2024

“On Dec. 13, Hunter Biden blatantly defied our subpoenas to appear for a deposition. Instead, he chose to give a speech on the Senate-side of the US Capitol Complex with his attorney & Eric Swalwell. We are now moving forward with the process to hold him in contempt of Congress,” said Rep. Donalds.

In his speech on Dec. 13, Hunter Biden lashed out against House Republicans, claiming they "distorted the facts by cherry-picking lines from a bank statement, manipulating texts I sent, [and] editing the testimony of my friends and former business partners and misstating personal information that was stolen."

Rep. Donalds suggested the speech was written by defense attorney Abbe Lowell and noted Hunter spoke near the Senate wing of the Capitol "because he knew House Republicans were in the Oversight hearing room ready to do this deposition. He had no intentions of complying with a Congressional subpoena.

"His statement was a joke, and for him to show up on Capitol Hill, give a presser, not even a presser [but] read a statement, took no questions from the press, got back in the car, and left demonstrates how arrogant he is about the seriousness of what is going on," Rep. Donalds continued.

Hunter Biden could face one to 12 months in prison if he is found liable for contempt of Congress.

The post Hunter Biden Held in Contempt of Congress, Donalds Confirms appeared first on The Floridian.

You may have seen those annoying Youtbe ads for SHEIN, a Chinese fashion retailer. At the end of November, the company filed for a US Initial Public Offering (IPO), which means it wants to be on our stock market. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) expressed concerns over the development in a recent letter to NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange, telling them to ensure SHEIN will behave transparently over its potential use of forced labor and its conduct.

The concern over forced labor comes from the fact that 90% of China's cotton production is based in Xinjiang, using Uyghur forced labor. SHEIN stands credibly accused of using this cotton in its products, a story Bloomberg has covered since 2022.

More suspiciously, SHEIN products bought in the US are shipped directly from China, and most are under the $800 de minimis threshold, meaning they do not have to pay import duty. The problem with this, Sen. Scott wrote, is this means they are less subject to scrutiny and can dodge the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act more easily.

As a result, Sen. Scott put forth multiple questions for the NYE and NASDAQ to answer about SHEIN, such as ensuring they are not using forced labor, beheld to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or will comply with auditing and investing standards.

"These questions must be answered before moving forward with any listing on American financial exchanges," said Scott, adding, "Americans have already lost tens of billions of dollars on failed Chinese company IPOs in recent years, including Didi Global and Luckin Coffee. These frauds allow Communist China and their non-market economy to distort our free and open market, rob U.S. citizens of their savings, and give companies the benefits of access to U.S. markets without the responsibility of following the same laws as their competitors. It is in your interest to prevent this from occurring once again."

Scott first called out SHEIN's attempted entry into the US stock market in late November, saying, "Allowing continued IPOs for companies operating at the will of the CCP only hurts the integrity of our free & open system & our capital markets."

The post Scott Demands Transparency as SHEIN Seeks US Stock Entry appeared first on The Floridian.

New legislation has been filed to increase accountability for juveniles in the criminal justice system. HB 1181 and SB 1274 propose harsher restrictions that ensure youth comply with the terms and conditions of court-ordered sanctions for gun offenses.

Representative Berny Jacques (R) who filed the House bill highlighted that under Governor Ron DeSantis Florida was experiencing a "50-year low in crime.

"Florida is experiencing a 50-year low in crime, but there’s always more we can do to keep Floridians safe. One area we can work on is holding juveniles who commit gun crimes more accountable," stated Rep. Jacques." Just this past Christmas Eve in my district, two juveniles escalated an argument over Christmas presents into a shootout that left their older sister dead and their nephews motherless. This bill will deliver strong early accountability to prevent senseless tragedies like this one from happening in our state.”

“This bill is a major step forward in our efforts to end juvenile recidivism, keep our streets safe, and make positive impacts in the lives of our youth,” said Senator Jonathan Martin (R) who filed his corresponding bill in the Florida Senate.

Florida is number 1 in the country for innovative, evidence-based approaches to juvenile justice and has benefitted from significant decreases in system-involved youth. In keeping with its mission, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice worked in unison with the Florida Legislature and partners in law enforcement to help craft this important piece of legislation.

“Juveniles who commit crimes involving a firearm are a serious risk to public safety. Strengthening accountability on juvenile firearm offenses is a priority of DJJ and this bill is an important way to build a stronger, safer Florida,” said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall.

The post New Florida Bill Cracks Down on Youth Gun Crimes appeared first on The Floridian.

10 Days

The Iowa Caucus is ten days away and Florida Gov Ron DeSantis continues to swing for the fences against his top two presidential primary opponents—former President Donald Trump and Ambassador Nikki Haley.

DeSantis is locked with Haley for second place behind President Trump, and during a recent CNN town hall event, the popular governor from Florida questioned Trump’s campaign strategy in Iowa, and blistered Haley as being a “phony.”

DeSantis has invested the most of all 2024 GOP presidential candidates and has the most to lose, and it shows.

Trump has been campaigning in Iowa of late, but not in the way Haley, DeSantis, and Ramaswamy have.

DeSantis has been all over the place and that could pay huge dividends for him with Iowans, and could pull an upset in Iowa.

Donald Trump is running on his issues, Nikki Haley is running for her donor’s issues,” said DeSantis.

Trump will hold two rallies in Iowa... READ MORE

Matt Gaetz-Miami-Dade is Trump Country!

Kat Cammack-Great discussion yesterday with the Consul General of @IsraelinMiami . We will not be intimidated by pro-Hamas sympathizers. Couldn’t be more proud of how our @Gators4Israel

students continue to show courage and strength. We stand with @Israel

AG Moody Comes to FSU's Aid in Legal Battle Against Atlantic Coast Conference—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) has sent a public records request to the Atlantic Coast Conference (Florida State University plays in) as the school engages in a legal battle with the collegiate league.

DeSantis Calls out 'Phony' Haley—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) continues to unload on Ambassador Nikki Haley (R). During a joint interview with the Des Moines Register and NBC News...

Mills Not Confident in Biden's Warning to Houthis Raiding in Red Sea—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—For several months, Houthi rebels from Yemen have been attacking international shipping in the Red Sea. A coalition of the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries...

Shevrin Jones Accuses FL GOP of 'Trolling' Kamala Harris with Slavery Bill—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Republicans in both chambers of the Florida Legislature introduced the Kamala Harris Truth in Slavery Teaching Act, bringing some controversy alongside it. State Senator Shevrin Jones...

Data Finds Palm Bay-Melbourne Fastest Growing Region in Florida—By The Floridian's Jim McCool

Cammack Does Not Hold Back: 'Secure the Damn Border'—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

DeSantis Advertisement Dubs Haley ‘the new John Kerry’—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has released a new advertisement, dubbing Ambassador Nikki Haley (R)“the new John Kerry...

Eskamani Questions January 6th GOP Celebration—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The beginning of 2024 comes with a lot of political baggage. The Iowa caucus is looming closer, and Americans have officially entered the election year. Before that however comes January 6th. Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) is now calling an alleged celebration of January 6th a “joke,” questioning why Republicans would celebrate such a thing.

Florida Man Arrested Over Threats to Eric Swalwell—By The Floridian's Jim McCool

Rubio and Buchanan's Rachael Booth Act Signed into Law—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

Trump Wins Miami-Dade GOP Presidential Primary Straw POLL—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Miami- The Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee, which is lead by Rep. Alex Rizzo, a staunch supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis...

Poll: Trump Leading Biden With Hispanics, Young VotersBy The Floridian's Christian Pitten

DeSantis Says He'll 'Turn the Country Around' as President—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Steube Predicts Contempt of Congress Charges for Hunter Biden—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Congress getting ready to go back into session, House Republicans will continue their impeachment inquiry of President Biden. Representative Greg Steube...

Scott Invokes Reagan in Reelection Campaign Ad, Says 'It's Time to Cowboy Up and Fight Like Hell'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) began the New Year with an ad for his 2024 reelection campaign, invoking former President Ronald Reagan and saying America must "cowboy up and fight like hell" to reclaim its values.

Mills Warns of Geopolitical Alliance Threatening the U.S.—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Harvard President Claudine Gay's Resignation Brings Vindication for Congress in the New Year—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Harvard President Claudine Gay as resigned from her position. Her resignation comes just weeks after failing to share whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate university standards.

DeSantis Asserts he is More Hawkish Than Trump on Illegal Immigration—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Gruters Introduces Bill Requiring Driver's Licenses to Showcase Citizenship Status—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—State Senator Joe Gruters (R-FL) has introduced legislation labeled SB 1168 – relating to forms of identification. While one of the main focuses...

Ziegler Being Investigated for Violating Video Voyeurism Laws—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler’s legal troubles have worsened as he is now being investigated for possibly....

Waltz Calls Death of Hamas Leader 'Very Big Deal,' Calls For Relentless Hunting of Terrorists—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck an important blow against Hamas, killing senior leader Saleh al-Arouri in a drone strike outside Beirut...

Trump Planning to Aggressively Campaign in Democrat Stronghold—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—US Representative Cory Mills (R-Fl) expressed his commitment to either "shutdown the border or shutdown the government."

Mills Asks Biden 'Shut Down the Border or Shut Down the Government'—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Lauren Book, Abortion Coalition Moves Step Closer to Abortion on 2024 Ballot in Florida—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-FL) has made another announcement regarding the progress of abortion getting on the ballot in the state of Florida in 2024. On Dec. 22, she declared that the issue is “on track” for voters to decide on in November.

Cammack Warns Democrats Ignore Border 'At Their Own Peril'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—House Republicans continue to demand action on the southern border, and the Representatives from Florida count among the most vocal. Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL)..."

'New Year, Same Inflation' According to Republican Lawmakers—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Steve Scalise Endorses Trump in Crowded 2024 Primary—By The Floridian's Jim McCool

Trump Slams Biden on Time Spent Vacationing—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—

Trump and Biden Exchange Jabs on New Year's Eve—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—

Toll Relief Ends for Floridians in 2024—By The Floridian's Jim McCool—

International Conflicts to Expand in 2024—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina

The post Juice🍊—1.5.2024—10 Days to Iowa: DeSantis Targets Both Trump and Haley— Mills, Rubio, Eskamani, Jones—More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) has sent a public records request to the Atlantic Coast Conference (Florida State University plays in) as the school engages in a legal battle with the collegiate league.

When FSU was left out of the College Football Playoff (CFP) last month, AG Moody sent a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to the CFP Selection Committee, demanding “all communications” to or from the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and ESPN, and all 10 conferences in FBS football, as well as the compensation of Committee members.

There are worries that ESPN (which owns the rights to the programming of the CFP in its entirety – the official rankings release show and all three playoff games) chose Alabama over Florida State because it would result in better ratings.

However, in a separate (but similar) legal matter, Florida State’s Board of Trustees decided to sue the ACC in an attempt to leave the conference by challenging the grant of (media) rights and the $130 million exit fee.

Florida State estimates it would cost $572 million to leave the conference immediately.

With all this information in mind, Moody is calling for the ACC to release the conference’s “ESPN Agreement” as well as other documents. Florida State – and now the State of Florida, represented by Moody – believes that these documents should be public record.

“One of Florida’s top universities is facing the possibility of forfeiting more than half a billion dollars, and the ACC is refusing to hand over the agreements at the center of this astronomical financial penalty,” said AG Moody. “They are unlawfully keeping these documents locked away in North Carolina. However, North Carolina and Florida state laws are clear that these agreements are public records and must be handed over immediately. Today, I am taking action to ensure FSU and the public are able to review these agreements.”

Alongside the ESPN Agreement, Moody’s office has called for a public release of the Multi-Media Agreement between the ACC and ESPN, the 2014 Amended Multi-Media Agreement, the ACC Grant of Rights Agreement, as well as “any other executed agreements between the ACC and the Walt Disney Company.”

This is a developing story.

The post AG Moody Comes to FSU's Aid in Legal Battle Against Atlantic Coast Conference appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) continues to unload on Ambassador Nikki Haley (R). During a joint interview with the Des Moines Register and NBC News, Governor DeSantis discounted Ambassador Haley’s presidential candidacy because she’s “phony.”

With the Iowa caucus looming nearer and nearer, the presidential candidates are making their final pitches to Iowans. President Donald Trump (R) is leading the pack of candidates by a wide margin, and this has pitted Governor DeSantis and Ambassador Haley for the second spot.

During the joint interview, Governor DeSantis commented on Ambassador Haley’s campaign, and when he was asked if it would be beneficial for him and Ambassador Haley to team up in a ticket to defeat President Trump, Governor DeSantis immediately turned the idea down.

“I don’t think that that would be something that would be viable,” he said.

Calling her “phony” and someone who “doesn’t have a core set of convictions,” Governor DeSantis further assessed that Ambassador Haley is “trying to be relatable.”

Echoing his remarks earlier this week that she was not ready for “prime time,” Governor DeSantis expressed that “she’s not good offscript,” citing what happened “in New Hampshire a week ago.”  The incident he was referring to saw Ambassador Haley being asked to explain the reason behind the Civil War and not mentioning slavery. This quickly received blowback, and she rescinded her comments.

Ambassador Haley now finds herself in more controversy after saying in New Hampshire that “Iowa starts it, but New Hampshire corrects it.”

During an interview with Dana Loesch, Governor DeSantis slammed Ambassador Haley’s comments, saying that “it was very disrespectful to Iowa voters.” He went on to explain that she made the comment because she doesn’t have much support in the state.

Sharing a segment of the interview on social media, the Florida Governor expressed that Ambassador Haley “thinks she is above hardworking Iowans.”

The post DeSantis Calls out 'Phony' Haley appeared first on The Floridian.

For several months, Houthi rebels from Yemen have been attacking international shipping in the Red Sea. A coalition of the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries recently warned the group to cease their attacks or be punished. Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) did not express confidence in the warning in a recent appearance on Fox and Friends First, especially as the Houthis are part of a larger plan by America's adversaries to disrupt the West.

Rep. Mills pointed out that the Biden Administration had removed the Houthis from the foreign terrorist organization (FTO) list, added by President Trump.

Additionally, he compared the situation to the aftermath of the Maersk Alabama hijacking in 2009 (the subject of the 2012 film Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks).

"You saw where they were actually starting to patrol the internationally recommended transit corridor to ensure that we had commercial lanes open," said Rep. Mills, adding that three Houthi boats were sunk on New Year's Eve by American Naval forces, warning the crisis could escalate.

Moreover, Mills continued, "I want to paint a broader picture for the American people, which the incident that is occurring with this attempt to block commerce or disrupt commerce is part of the bigger geopolitical plan by the China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea alignment."

On top of disrupting trade in the Middle East, Mills pointed out China's investments in Panama as a means of influencing trade in the Western Hemisphere, "using economic coercion to try and cut off and increase trade tariffs on the Panama Canal."

In June, Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) similarly warned of investments along the Panama Canal by the Chinese, as the Republic becomes dangerously friendly to China, up to no longer recognizing Taiwan as a country.

Mills has not minced words in blasting the Biden Administration's foreign policy, recently saying that "Obama/Biden’s own Secretary of Defense stated that Joe Biden has been wrong on EVERY foreign policy issue," and that the President "has emboldened our adversaries through weakness, and America’s position on the work stage is taking a hit. We’ve got to bring back Trump's foreign policies and a peace through strength mindset."

The post Mills Not Confident in Biden's Warning to Houthis Raiding in Red Sea appeared first on The Floridian.

Republicans in both chambers of the Florida Legislature introduced the Kamala Harris Truth in Slavery Teaching Act, bringing some controversy alongside it. State Senator Shevrin Jones (D-FL) provided a statement, calling the bill an “aimless, desperate trolling of Vice President Harris.”

The legislation, introduced by State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-FL) and State Representative Kiyan Michael (R-FL) looks to require instruction on the history of African Americans to “include a comprehensive account of the sociopolitical circumstances surrounding slavery, including which political parties supported slavery by adopting pro-slavery tenets as part of their platform, etc.”

The Democratic Party supported slavery at that time.

State Sen. Jones declared that this bill is a display of “political games” in Tallahassee.

“Yet again, MAGA Republicans in Tallahassee are shamelessly playing political games as a means to distract from their lack of action and plans to address the challenges facing everyday Floridians,” said Jones. “It is disheartening, though unsurprising, to see them resort to aimless, desperate trolling of Vice President Harris –tactics familiar to women and people of color in public life– rather than focusing on the issues that are top of mind for the people they serve.”

He continued, accusing Republicans in Florida of hypocrisy as they allegedly want to keep politics out of while injecting “blatant partisanship into education.”

“These same elected officials claim they want to keep political ideology out of the classroom, but then inject blatant partisanship into education every chance they get. Our schools don’t need more politicians involved in decision-making or attacking educators who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities,” said Jones.

Finally, Jones insinuated that both State Sen. Ingoglia and State Rep. Michael account for the “dramatic party realignment” – perhaps alluding to the supposed “party switch” of the 1960s.\

“It would do both Senator Ingoglia and Representative Michael a world of good to research the party of Lincoln they claim to be part of AND the dramatic party realignment that has happened in this country in the last 150 years. They cannot have it both ways, claiming to be on the side of freedom and civil rights when they are walking a different walk and actively dismantling Floridians’ rights and freedoms,” concluded Jones.

Ingoglia and Michael’s bill was filed on Wednesday.

The post Shevrin Jones Accuses FL GOP of 'Trolling' Kamala Harris with Slavery Bill appeared first on The Floridian.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently led a group of GOP lawmakers to Eagle Pass, Texas, to demand border security. The Biden Administration has claimed they require more funds to secure the border, to which Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) viciously replied, "If my eyes had rolled any harder, they would have rolled out of *censored*," calling the White House's counter-demand "total crap" in a recent appearance on Fox Business's Evening Edit.

Rep. Cammack continued to not mince words when she added, "[President Biden] has been given more resources for the border and securing the border than any other time in history. This is absurd. And when he says he wants more money, let us not forget that he said he wants more money to process illegals faster."

As a result, Rep. Cammack stated continuing resolutions (CRs) for the Congressional budget are "no longer an option" as a government shutdown grows closer, saying, "We have to do the appropriations process, single-issue bills and secure the damn border."

Other Florida Republicans have similarly demanded the border crisis be treated as a standalone issue before any other bills would be considered, including Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), and Cory Mills (R-FL).

Moreover, she predicted the current crisis would drive voters away from Democrats in the 2024 Election, especially as California intends to provide free healthcare to illegal migrants and Howard County, Maryland, will create an extra seat on state school boards only migrants can vote for.

"That kind of nonsense is going to drive people from the middle of the political spectrum to vote for conservatives because they do not like what is happening to their communities. The open border policies of Joe Biden have turned every town in America into a border town," Cammack continued.

California's new law went into effect with the new year starting, which critics have said will only strain the state's Medi-Cal program further, especially as California faces spending deficit problems.

In December, officials in Maryland's Howard County argued a position on the county school board, for which only illegal immigrants could vote, could feasibly exist based on the wording of a current provision in the system, which says a position on the school board is voted upon exclusively by public school students.

The post Cammack Does Not Hold Back: 'Secure the Damn Border' appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has released a new advertisement, dubbing Ambassador Nikki Haley (R)“the new John Kerry.” The advertisement shows footage of Ambassador Haley transmitting conflicting messaging regarding President Donald Trump (R).

Governor DeSantis and Ambassador Haley are both trailing President Trump in Republican polling. However, both are also the only Republicans that will take the stage and debate on January 10^th in the final Republican primary debate before the Iowa caucus.

Both have ramped up their criticism against each other, but a new advertisement from the DeSantis campaign paints the former governor of South Carolina as a “flip flopper.” The comment came from a nine-year-old who also called Ambassador Haley “the new John Kerry” after her recent Civil War flub. Governor DeSantis also commented on the controversy, suggesting that she isn’t “ready for prime time.”

In the advertisement, footage of Ambassador Haley admitting that she “would not run if President Trump ran” is shown contrasted with her campaign advertisement, announcing her presidential candidacy.

The advertisement also shows footage of Ambassador Haley commenting that she considers President Trump “a friend” contrasted with a statement wherein she criticizes President Trump and says that he has no future in the Republican party.

As reported by POLITICO, Ambassador Haley expressed “I don’t think he’s going to be in the picture. I don’t think he can. He’s fallen so far. We need to acknowledge he let us down. He went down a path he shouldn’t have, and we shouldn’t have followed him.”

The rivalry between President Trump and Ambassador Haley has been clear with President Trump dubbing her “bird brain.” In recent weeks, Ambassador Haley has surged in the polls, gaining significant conservative endorsements while sparring with Governor DeSantis over second place in the polls.

In sharing the advertisement, the DeSantis campaign captioned the video with “this is what it looks like to have no core convictions.”

Earlier this week, Governor DeSantis accused Ambassador Haley of “running on her donors’ issues”instead of running to address the needs of Americans.

The post DeSantis Advertisement Dubs Haley ‘the new John Kerry’ appeared first on The Floridian.

The beginning of 2024 comes with a lot of political baggage. The Iowa caucus is looming closer, and Americans have officially entered the election year. Before that however comes January 6^th. Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) is now calling an alleged celebration of January 6^th a “joke,” questioning why Republicans would celebrate such a thing.

While Republicans question the legitimacy of the insurrection and Democrats argue that President Donald Trump (R) should not be allowed to run because of it, the date has forever changed the political landscape.

In response, Rep. Eskamani took to social media to share a text message allegedly sent the Republican Party of Osceola County, celebrating the “3^rd Anniversary of Jan 6.”

The event, taking place at WestgateResorts, will host Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R), called “a prominent MAGA leader” who is also “a staunch advocate for American priorities over foreign interests and special lobbying.”

Responding to the event, Rep. Eskamani questions why Republicans would celebrate January 6^th while also inviting Rep. Greene to speak at the event.

“Just another day in Florida where the local Republican Party in Osceola County is hosting an ‘anniversary’ event to mark January 6^th and Marjorie Taylor Green is the ‘special’ guest,” Eskamani wrote on social media, adding that she “was really hoping this was a joke.” Rep. Eskamani shared a photo of the event information, showing that tickets range between $45 and $1,000.

Attendees will allegedly receive a copy of Rep. Green’s book called “MTG,” and other speakers are expected to be announced soon.

President Trump has faced legal pushback, threatening his name being pulled from ballots across the country. The state of Maine has already announced that his name will not appear on the ballot, and though other states have flirted with the possibility of pulling his name, Maine remains the only state to move forward with the decision. Colorado had previously pulled his name before announcing that he would be reinstated.

The post Eskamani Questions January 6th GOP Celebration appeared first on The Floridian.

As if the infamous "Florida man" headlines could not get any crazier, a Florida man has now been arrested for threatening to kill US Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and his children.

Representative Swalwell is a prominent House Democrat who currently represents California in the House of Representatives.  The congressman tried running for president in 2020, but was unsuccessful, dropping out before losing to President Biden (D) in the primary race.

Swalwell has since become famous, or infamous in conservative circles for reasons other than his political success.  Swalwell became embattled with controversy after it surfaced that he had personal ties with a CCP spy.  The Chinese operative, named "Fang Fang," used campaign fundraising and networking, which is reported to have included romantic/sexual relationships with two Midwestern Mayors, and was able to acquire proximity to political power. Moreover, it “was a big deal, because there were some sensitive people that were caught up” with the Chinese operative according to US intelligence agencies.

The controversy has made him an easy target for voters to pick on.  72-year-old Michael Shapiro allegedly threatened Swalwell because of this incident with the Chinese spy.  Of the five voicemails Shapiro is accused of making statements such as he will, "come and kill your children."

Shapiro is accused of leaving other voicemails that appeared to refer to allegations tying Swalwell to the suspected Chinese intelligence operative, according to the criminal complaint. They repeatedly refer to "a Chinese spy” and "Fang Fang," it says.

Swalwell stated in response to the criminal proceedings, "There is no place in America for threats of political violence.  We must always resolve our differences at the ballot box. While I will continue to protect my family and staff these continued threats will never stop me from representing my constituents."

Shapiro has been released on bail and has an arraignment scheduled for January 24, 2024.

The post Florida Man Arrested Over Threats to Eric Swalwell appeared first on The Floridian.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Vern Buchanan’s (R-FL) Rachael Booth Act has officially been signed into law by President Joe Biden (D). The law aims to “fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance.”

The bill was a part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2024 fiscal year (FY24).

Upon the news of its passing, Sen. Rubio thanked Rep. Buchanan for his efforts on the legislation.

The Rachael Booth Act is now law! First introduced in 2021, this law will fix a gap in current law to help individuals who were domestically abused by service members. Thank you Rep @VernBuchanan for working with me on this. https://t.co/SdOB7lojXc pic.twitter.com/H5qoQ0ZIjO

— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) January 3, 2024

“The Rachael Booth Act is now law! First introduced in 2021, this law will fix a gap in current law to help individuals who were domestically abused by service members. Thank you Rep. Vern Buchanan for working with me on this,” said Sen. Rubio.

When the NDAA initially made its way through both chambers of Congress, Rubio stated that the bill was a “common sense solution” to a problem enabled by a loophole.

“The Rachael Booth Act is a bipartisan, common sense solution to an urgent problem. This law will fix the error that prevented victims whose cases are handled by civilian courts from being eligible for transitional compensation. I am proud to have named this law after a courageous Floridian who shed light on the current system,” said the Florida senator.

Upon the bill’s introduction in July, Rep. Buchanan mentioned that he was pleased to see the Rachael Booth Act included in the FY24 NDAA.

“Just as our men and women in the Armed Forces sacrifice for their country, so too do military spouses. In times of crisis, it’s critical that they are able to access these benefits in a timely and efficient manner,” Buchanan said. “I’m pleased to see our legislation included in this year’s NDAA to help domestic abuse victims like Rachael get back on their feet as soon as possible.”

Rachael Booth is a constituent of Rep. Buchanan in Lithia, Florida, according to Rep. Buchanan’s press release. After her abusive husband was found guilty of domestic abuse in a civilian court but then was discharged from the Armed Forces on an unrelated offense, Booth was unable to receive the financial assistance – Transitional Compensation (CP) – she should’ve been eligible for.

Buchanan and Rubio’s legislation would allow military dependents who have suffered domestic abuse to receive TC regardless of the reasoning for the service member’s discharge.

Both the House and Senate versions of the bill had bipartisan support.

The post Rubio and Buchanan's Rachael Booth Act Signed into Law appeared first on The Floridian.

Trump Wins Miami-Dade GOP Presidential Primary Straw POLL

Miami- The Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee (Miami GOP), which is led by Rep. Alex Rizzo, a staunch supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis, held a 2024 presidential preference straw poll during the group’s planned monthly...READ MORE

Kathleen Passidomo-January is Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month. There are nearly 28 million human trafficking victims worldwide. One in four victims are children.

Jason Delgado-Mark the calendar.

Oral arguments over a proposed constitutional amendment that would provide legal protections for abortion in Florida are scheduled to take place at 9AM on February 7th.

Attorney General Ashley Moody is seeking to keep abortion off the 2024 ballot.

Trump Wins Miami-Dade GOP Presidential Primary Straw POLL—By The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Miami- The Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee, which is lead by Rep. Alex Rizzo, a staunch supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis...

Poll: Trump Leading Biden With Hispanics, Young VotersBy The Floridian's Christian Pitten

DeSantis Says He'll 'Turn the Country Around' as President—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Steube Predicts Contempt of Congress Charges for Hunter Biden—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Congress getting ready to go back into session, House Republicans will continue their impeachment inquiry of President Biden. Representative Greg Steube...

Scott Invokes Reagan in Reelection Campaign Ad, Says 'It's Time to Cowboy Up and Fight Like Hell'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) began the New Year with an ad for his 2024 reelection campaign, invoking former President Ronald Reagan and saying America must "cowboy up and fight like hell" to reclaim its values.

Mills Warns of Geopolitical Alliance Threatening the U.S.—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Harvard President Claudine Gay's Resignation Brings Vindication for Congress in the New Year—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Harvard President Claudine Gay as resigned from her position. Her resignation comes just weeks after failing to share whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate university standards.

DeSantis Asserts he is More Hawkish Than Trump on Illegal Immigration—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Gruters Introduces Bill Requiring Driver's Licenses to Showcase Citizenship Status—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—State Senator Joe Gruters (R-FL) has introduced legislation labeled SB 1168 – relating to forms of identification. While one of the main focuses...

Ziegler Being Investigated for Violating Video Voyeurism Laws—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler’s legal troubles have worsened as he is now being investigated for possibly....

Waltz Calls Death of Hamas Leader 'Very Big Deal,' Calls For Relentless Hunting of Terrorists—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck an important blow against Hamas, killing senior leader Saleh al-Arouri in a drone strike outside Beirut...

Trump Planning to Aggressively Campaign in Democrat Stronghold—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—US Representative Cory Mills (R-Fl) expressed his commitment to either "shutdown the border or shutdown the government."

Mills Asks Biden 'Shut Down the Border or Shut Down the Government'—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Lauren Book, Abortion Coalition Moves Step Closer to Abortion on 2024 Ballot in Florida—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-FL) has made another announcement regarding the progress of abortion getting on the ballot in the state of Florida in 2024. On Dec. 22, she declared that the issue is “on track” for voters to decide on in November.

Cammack Warns Democrats Ignore Border 'At Their Own Peril'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—House Republicans continue to demand action on the southern border, and the Representatives from Florida count among the most vocal. Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL)..."

'New Year, Same Inflation' According to Republican Lawmakers—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Steve Scalise Endorses Trump in Crowded 2024 Primary—By The Floridian's Jim McCool

Trump Slams Biden on Time Spent Vacationing—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—

Trump and Biden Exchange Jabs on New Year's Eve—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—

Toll Relief Ends for Floridians in 2024—By The Floridian's Jim McCool—

International Conflicts to Expand in 2024—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Luna Warns of New Migrant Caravan, Says Stand-Alone Border Bill Needed—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—A large caravan of migrants are working their way up to the southern border, suggested to be...

DeSantis Suggests Removal of Trump from Maine Ballot is to Distract from Biden's Failures—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Maine has become the second state to remove former President Donald Trump from its primary ballot, sparking outrage among the right...

Former Progressive Lawmaker Questions Move to Loosen Restrictions on 'Weapons of War' in Florida—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Former State Representative and State Senate candidate Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-FL) shared his frustration with a recent gun bill that was filed in the state’s upper chamber that loosens restrictions on "weapons of war."

Florida Conservatives Keen on Passing Public Gay-Flag Ban—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont

Lauren Book Declares Abortion 'On Track' to be on Ballot in 2024—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich

Mills Warns Biden’s Foreign Policy Dangerous for U.S.—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Foreign policy has quickly become an important staple of the 2024 election, and it’s significantly affecting the Biden administration...

DeSantis Feels Haley Isn’t ‘Ready for Prime Time’—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Trump Removed from Maine State Primary Ballot—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) is facing scrutiny over her response to being asked the cause of the Civil War. After initially omitting slavery...”

Civil War-Era Florida Monuments Could be Protected by Proposed Bill—By The Floridian's Mateo Guillamont—Florida Senator Jonathan Martin (R-33) has filed a bill that would protect public monuments, including Confederate memorials, from being removed or relocated without legislative approval.

Is This the End? Rumors of Suspension Plague DeSantis Campaign—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With just weeks away before the Iowa Caucus, the candidates in the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary not named President Donald Trump do not seem to be gaining any real traction...

The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina

The post Juice🍊—1.4.2024—Florida is Trump Country? Miami GOP Supports Trump Over DeSantis— Mills, Scott, Steube—More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Miami- The Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee, which is lead by Rep. Alex Rizzo, a staunch supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis,  held a 2024 presidential preference straw poll during the group’s planned monthly meeting, and members of the committee resoundingly voted in favor of former President Donald Trump over Governor Ron DeSantis.

The vote tally was small, but telling.

Of the 65 votes submitted, President Trump received 53, DeSantis 5 votes, Nikki Haley 3 votes, and Vivek Ramaswamy 1.

Gov. DeSantis has used his 2022 midterm reelection results on the presidential campaign trail, pitching his 11-point victory in Miami-Dade as an indicator of the support he enjoys from Republicans in the state’s most populous county.

Republicans like the idea of DeSantis being president one day, but they love the possibility that President Trump could be reelected to a second term

"Florida is Trump country! #MAGA," stated Laura Loomer, a conservative journalist and supporter of Trump.

The post Trump Wins Miami-Dade GOP Presidential Primary Straw POLL appeared first on The Floridian.

Have a tip, story, new job, or announcement for The JUICE?  Reach out: Javier@floridianpress.com

BORDER CRISIS—DeSantis Vows to Crack Down on Jose, Julio, and Conchita

With the 2024 Iowa Caucuses less than two weeks away, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has kicked his presidential campaign into high gear, traversing the Hawkeye State trying to cram in as many meet and greet events in hopes of upsetting. DeSantis will crack down on illegal immigration if elected president...READ MORE

.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz-This New Year I’m very excited to send @DebbieForFL to the U.S. Senate.

From protection abortion rights and cutting Rx and health costs, to fighting for stronger gun safety laws, Debbie fights for all of us.

DeSantis Says He'll 'Turn the Country Around' as President—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Steube Predicts Contempt of Congress Charges for Hunter Biden—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With Congress getting ready to go back into session, House Republicans will continue their impeachment inquiry of President Biden. Representative Greg Steube...

Scott Invokes Reagan in Reelection Campaign Ad, Says 'It's Time to Cowboy Up and Fight Like Hell'—By The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) began the New Year with an ad for his 2024 reelection campaign, invoking former President Ronald Reagan and saying America must "cowboy up and fight like hell" to reclaim its values.

Mills Warns of Geopolitical Alliance Threatening the U.S.—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Harvard President Claudine Gay's Resignation Brings Vindication for Congress in the New Year—By The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Harvard President Claudine Gay as resigned from her position. Her resignation comes just weeks after failing to share whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate university standards.

DeSantis Asserts he is More Hawkish Than Trump on Illegal Immigration—By The Floridian's Daniel Molina

Juice—1.3.2024—FL May Soon Require Citizenship Status on Driver's Licences— Ziegler, Pizzo, Mills, Trump—More...

The Last Squeeze is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina

The post Last Squeeze🍊—1.3.2024—DeSantis Vows to Deport all Illegal Immigrants—More... appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) will square off in the final Republican primary debate ahead of the Iowa caucus. Before taking the debate stage later this month, Governor DeSantis took part in a town hall, directing political jabs at his opponents while affirming that he will "turn the country around" as president.

President Donald Trump (R) will not be joining Governor DeSantis and Ambassador Haley on the debate stage as he has scheduled a town hall hosted by Fox News at the same time as the debate. However, this isn’t deterring Governor DeSantis from making it clear that President Trump isn't fit to be in the White House again.

“Donald Trump is running on his issues. Nikki Haley is running on her donors’ issues. I’m running to address your issues, your family’s issues, and to turn the country around,” He responded, adding that he sees himself as a “vessel for your hopes, dreams, and aspirations."

For him to do that, Governor DeSantis says that he needs “a congress that’s gonna work with me,” adding that he will do everything in his power to make sure that Republicans get elected. Moreover, the Florida Governor says that “this is a time for putting your money where you mouth is” when it comes to Republicans in office. He lamented that Republicans “haven’t really delivered” when it comes to being fiscally responsible, and he believes that he is the most qualified person that can deliver on that promise.

Governor DeSantis also highlighted other concerns that his presidency would address, which includes “structural reform in Washington, D.C.,” “term limits for members of Congress,” “a Balanced Budget Amendment,” and giving “the president line-item veto.”

In recent weeks, Ambassador Haley’s support has grown in the United States, but President Trump remains the clear front runner as well as polling higher than President Joe Biden (D).

The post DeSantis Says He'll 'Turn the Country Around' as President appeared first on The Floridian.