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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution condemning their testimonies.

The measure also called for the remaining university presidents to resign (UPenn’s Elizabeth Magill stepped down on Dec. 9). All four members of “The Squad” (AOC, Tlaib, Omar, Pressley) voted against the resolution. The resolution passed by a tally of 303-126.

Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) – one of the authors of the bipartisan resolution alongside Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) – said the action that Congress took “made it clear” that Gay’s choice not to condemn anti-Semitism was unbecoming of the prestigious university.

The Presidents of UPenn and now Harvard have resigned after their abhorrent testimonies before Congress.

My bipartisan resolution with @RepStefanik made it clear that their words were unacceptable & that leaders who fail to condemn antisemitism will be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/RgYpHZM2F3

— Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) January 2, 2024

“The Presidents of UPenn and now Harvard have resigned after their abhorrent testimonies before Congress. My bipartisan resolution with Rep. Stefanik made it clear that their words were unacceptable & that leaders who fail to condemn antisemitism will be held accountable,” said Rep. Moskowitz.

Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) released a statement following the announcement, mentioning that it was a “good thing” she stepped down.

Harvard’s president Claudine Gay demonstrated that academic integrity dies with wokeism. Good thing she resigned.

— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) January 2, 2024

“Harvard’s president Claudine Gay demonstrated that academic integrity dies with wokeism. Good thing she resigned,” said Rep. Mast.

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) said Gay’s resignation was “good, but not good enough” as she remains employed by the university.

Good, but not enough. @Harvard still plans to keep her on faculty. That’s not okay.

People who embrace Hamas terrorism and refuse to condemn anti-Semitism have NO PLACE at American universities, and she should be fired.https://t.co/HkLWrwiLAH

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 2, 2024

“Good, but not enough. Harvard still plans to keep her on [the] faculty. That’s not okay. People who embrace Hamas terrorism and refuse to condemn anti-Semitism have NO PLACE at American universities, and she should be fired,” said Sen. Scott.

Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL) declared that although the now-former Harvard President has resigned, there is still work to do (referring to MIT President, Sally Kornbluth).

Harvard President Claudine Gay is resigning today.

While she should have been fired for her disgusting failure to combat anti-Semitism and condemn calls for the “genocide of Jews,” this is the right decision.

TWO down, one to go.

— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) January 2, 2024

“Harvard President Claudine Gay is resigning today. While she should have been fired for her disgusting failure to combat anti-Semitism and condemn calls for the ‘genocide of Jews,’ this is the right decision. TWO down, one to go,” said Rep. Buchanan.

Should President Kornbluth resign, Congress will have some early vindication to begin 2024.

The post Harvard President Claudine Gay's Resignation Brings Vindication for Congress in the New Year appeared first on The Floridian.

State Senator Joe Gruters (R-FL) has introduced legislation labeled SB 1168 – relating to forms of identification. While one of the main focuses of the bill is to expand the acceptable forms of ID for voter registration to include “United States passport cards, identification cards issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Indian tribe, and United States Merchant Mariner Credentials,” the other (and perhaps more controversial) focus of the bill includes denoting a citizen’s status on their driver’s license.

The bill text reads:

“Licenses issued to individuals who submitted any of the documents required pursuant to s.322.08 (2) (c)5., 7., or 8. must include ‘NC’ to denote that such individual is a noncitizen.”

For those who are citizens and are concerned that they’ll have to renew their driver’s license, SB 1168 also states that “The following forms of identification are considered current and valid if they contain the name and photograph of the applicant and have not expired:

• United States passport or passport card.
• Debit or credit card.
• Military identification.
• Student identification.

As well as a multitude of other forms of identification.

SB 1168 has a companion in H 1101 which was introduced by State Representative Lauren Melo (R-FL).

State Sen. Gruters is no stranger to controversy, however.

In June, Gruters (R-FL) has recently claimed Gov. DeSantis intentionally vetoed several Sarasota County projects because he endorsed former President Donald Trump (R) for his White House bid.

"The Governor is clearly upset I endorsed Donald Trump for President, and so he took it out on the people of Sarasota County," said Sen. Gruters.

He believes that Gov. DeSantis removed efforts to rebuild Midnight Pass, relocate a fire station, and widen Fruitville Road, as well as a list of other things through the line-item veto from the "Framework for Freedom” budget due to his endorsement of Trump.

"Simply because I support his political opponent, the governor chose to punish ordinary Floridians who want better water quality, less traffic congestion, and increased resources for disabled children to find gainful employment. It's mean-spirited acts like this that are defining him here and across the country," Gruters concluded.

This is a developing story.

The post Gruters Introduces Bill Requiring Driver's Licenses to Showcase Citizenship Status appeared first on The Floridian.

US Representative Cory Mills (R-Fl) expressed his commitment to either "shutdown the border or shutdown the government."

Representative Mills' comments are representative of many Republican lawmakers' willingness to compel Democrats to compromise on immigration reform and tighter border enforcement.

Mills outlined his legislative priority via X as passing "the 12 single-point Appropriation Bills with necessary cuts, reforms, economic growth strategy, and either shut the border or Shutdown the government.”

This is something I stated earlier but worth recycling:

“Get the 12 single-point Appropriation Bills with necessary cuts, reforms, economic growth strategy, and either shut the border or Shutdown the government” pic.twitter.com/hkUgX0cUaf

— Cory Mills (@CoryMillsFL) December 31, 2023

Last November, conservative lawmakers leveraged government funding to encourage Democrats and President Joe Biden to acquiesce to Republican requests for decreased spending and immigration enforcement.

A government shutdown was averted due to ex-House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy's passage of a temporary spending bill.

With such bill's expiration date nearing, Republicans are once again signaling their commitment to immigration enforcement and fiscal policy includes entering a government shutdown if necessary.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently visited Mexico to discuss joint immigration enforcement measures with Mexican officials. A joint US-Mexico press release described the trip reinforced both countries' mission to "address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, inequality, and violence."

However, many Republicans have accused Biden of generating the migrant crisis at the Southwest border via loose immigration laws and the deliberate lack of enforcement of existing immigration laws.

US Representative Anna Paulina-Luna (R-Fl) recently criticized Biden's immigration policies while warning of a new migrant caravan traveling towards the US through central America.

Representative Luna claimed border enforcement legislation is urgently needed to adequately regulate immigration flows across America's borders.

"To hear that this is somehow a humanitarian thing, and we need to just blanket wave these people in. One, it is stupid, but also it is a political talking point. And let me be clear about something. We absolutely have the ability to stop this, and we should " explained Luna.

The post Mills Asks Biden "Shut Down the Border or Shut Down the Government" appeared first on The Floridian.

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.

Initially, the Florida state senator showcased the abortion coalition’s progress that’s been made to get the issue in front of voters come November.

BIG news: Florida is ON TRACK to put abortion on the ballot in 2024!

We’ve got MORE than 1.4M petitions collected to put abortion on the ballot — we need 891,523 verified petitions, and we’re over collecting to be safe not sorry!

93% of the needed petitions have been…

— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) December 22, 2023

“BIG news: Florida is ON TRACK to put abortion on the ballot in 2024! We’ve got MORE than 1.4M petitions collected to put abortion on the ballot — we need 891,523 verified petitions, and we’re over collecting to be safe not sorry! 93% of the needed petitions have been VERIFIED by Supervisors of Elections (the verification process will continue into the new year!),” said State Sen. Book.

She continued providing evidence of the success of the movement and said that this was their “moment” to capitalize on.

“12 of 14 Congressional Districts have OFFICIALLY met the threshold of # of VERIFIED petitions needed to qualify for statewide geographic spread — we’re confident we’ve collected what we need, pending SOE verification! This is our fight … this is our moment … and WE WILL WIN!” said Book.

Now, Congressional District 23 (held by Representative Jared Moskowitz, D-FL) has become the 13^th district to approve, moving the issue one step closer to qualification.

BIG NEWS

Thanks to all of the incredible volunteers & our @RFCBroward team, CD 23 has officially qualified as one of the 14 needed congressional districts to put abortion on the ballot!

Stay tuned for more information as supervisors of elections across the state… pic.twitter.com/xMJh5V844e

— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) December 31, 2023

“BIG NEWS: Thanks to all of the incredible volunteers & our RFC (Reproductive Freedom Clinic) Broward team, CD 23 has officially qualified as one of the 14 needed congressional districts to put abortion on the ballot!” said Sen. Book.

She continued, “Stay tuned for more information as supervisors of elections across the state continue to verify the more than 1.4 Million petitions we’ve collected! For now, we celebrate each win & recommit to this important fight!”

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 pro-choice activists manage to get the required 800,000 signatures needed to get the measure placed on the ballot.

“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.

The post Lauren Book, Abortion Coalition Moves Step Closer to Abortion on 2024 Ballot in Florida appeared first on The Floridian.

President Joe Biden (D) and his challenger, former President Donald Trump (R) exchanged jabs with each other on New Year's Eve through their respective celebrations.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden spent the New Year at St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.  In an interview with Ryan Seacrest, the host of this year's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve show, Biden seemed confident about the upcoming election and bragged about his accomplishments, "[the American people] understand that we’re in a better position than any country in the world to lead the world. We’re coming back, and it’s about time."

Biden went on to talk about job numbers claiming, "People are in a position to be able to making a living now, and they’ve created a lot of jobs for over 14 million."

Trump made his New Year's statement in typical Trump fashion by taking to Truth Social.  Surprisingly, Trump wished Biden a happy new year, "As the New Year fast approaches, I would like to wish an early New Year’s salutation to Crooked Joe Biden and his group of Radical Left Misfits & Thugs on their never ending attempt to DESTROY OUR NATION through Lawfare, Invasion, and Rigging Elections," stated Trump.

Although both sides have put on a confident front about their odds in this year's election, the polls tell a radically different story.  Polling averages compiled by FiveThirtyEight reflect that only 39% of Americans approve of Biden’s performance, with 55% disapproving – this number has doubled in the past year.

Trump on the other hand faces legal challenges through his arrests that he is still fighting from 2023, and the subsequent attempts to remove him from primary ballots across the nation.

The post Trump and Biden Exchange Jabs on New Year's Eve appeared first on The Floridian.

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."

According to Smith, the bill HB 1124 – filed by State Senator Jonathan Martin (R-FL) – relaxes existing gun legislation by changing the broad term of “firearm” to “handgun” and eliminates the three-day waiting period to buy an AR-15.

“A Florida GOP Senator just filed HB 1124 completely eliminating our 3-day waiting period to buy AR-15s. Loosening access to the same weapons of war used to kill 49 people at Pulse nightclub + 17 people in Parkland is as dangerous as it is disgraceful. Have we learned nothing?” said Smith.

A Florida GOP Senator just filed HB 1124 completely eliminating our 3-day waiting period to buy AR-15s.

Loosening access to the same weapons of war used to kill 49 people at Pulse nightclub + 17 people in Parkland is as dangerous as it is disgraceful.

Have we learned nothing? pic.twitter.com/A7T8Fxy5s0

— Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) December 29, 2023

One of the changes that HB 1124 provides is the “Mandatory 3-day waiting period, excluding weekends and legal holidays, is imposed between the purchase and delivery at retail of a handgun.” The original text said that the bill applied to all “firearms.”

Smith acknowledged the change in the bill from firearm to handgun appears seven times in the text.

The former state representative lost a narrow race to now-State Representative Susan Plasencia (R-FL) by about 2,000 votes and nearly four percentage points in District 37. When Smith became a state legislator he represented District 49, but had to run for District 37 in 2022 after the map in Florida was redrawn.

Smith won by huge margins in each of his three general elections for District 49 (2016, 2018, 2020), but each year his support dipped from 39 points to 29 points, and finally 24 points, respectively.

In April, U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) commented on Smith's campaign, calling him a dedicated servant to Florida who should be elected to the state Senate.

"Electing people who actually give a damn about us is a priority for me. Especially in states, like Florida, where fascist right wing leaders are working tirelessly to rip away our rights," Frost expressed on social media. "We are going to be endorsing and supporting non-traditional, progressive candidates across the state," Frost vowed, noting that "in the Florida House, Carlos told truth to power and never held back when it came down to fighting for working people."

Currently, Smith’s possible primary opponent(s) and possible general election opponents are unknown.

The post Former Progressive Lawmaker Questions Move to Loosen Restrictions on 'Weapons of War' in Florida appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Republican Legislators have introduced sister bills in the state Senate and House of Representatives that would prohibit state and local governments from displaying certain flags. 

Senator Jonathan Martin (R-33) filed the senate version of the bill yesterday, December 28th. 

The bill specifically prohibits displaying flags that represent “a political viewpoint, including, but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology.”

Under Senator Martin’s bill, any unit of local government, including public schools, public colleges, and public universities, would be prohibited from displaying LGBTQ flags. 

Individuals’ First Amendment rights to exercise speech and other forms of expression are explicitly exempt from Martin’s proposed legislation.  

“The governmental entity must remain neutral when representing political viewpoints in displaying or erecting a flag,” continues the bill. 

Earlier in December, Miami State Rep. David Borrero (R) filed the House version of the public Gay-flag ban.

However, as the Floridian’s Javier Manjarres explained, the ban would also apply to any politically-charged flags. Such flags could include Blue Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, Pride, or Confederate flags.

Martin has filed numerous bills in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 legislative session. 

Recently, Martin filed a bill that would protect public monuments, including Confederate memorials, from being removed or relocated without legislative approval. 

Senator Jay Collins (R) filed a companion bill in the Florida Senate that allowed for POW-MIA flags, flags of foreign nations, and flags of the branches of the United States Armed Forces, to be flown.

Borrero's measure allows for the U.S., Florida, POW-MIA, and Firefighter Memorial flags to be hoisted.

Recently, Martin filed another bill that  would alter Florida law regarding how immunization requirements are to be adopted and expand potential exemptions to them.

Per the bill, the Florida Department of Health (FDH) and any other state or local authorities would be prohibited from imposing any vaccine requirements without legislative approval.

The post Florida Conservatives Keen on Passing Public Gay-Flag Ban appeared first on The Floridian.

Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-FL) announced that abortion is currently on track to be on the ballot in the state of Florida in the 2024 election.

The Florida state senator showcased the abortion coalition’s progress that has been made to get the issue in front of voters come November.

BIG news: Florida is ON TRACK to put abortion on the ballot in 2024!

We’ve got MORE than 1.4M petitions collected to put abortion on the ballot — we need 891,523 verified petitions, and we’re over collecting to be safe not sorry!

93% of the needed petitions have been…

— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) December 22, 2023

“BIG news: Florida is ON TRACK to put abortion on the ballot in 2024! We’ve got MORE than 1.4M petitions collected to put abortion on the ballot — we need 891,523 verified petitions, and we’re over collecting to be safe not sorry! 93% of the needed petitions have been VERIFIED by Supervisors of Elections (the verification process will continue into the new year!),” said State Sen. Book.

She continued providing evidence of the success of the movement and said that this is their “moment” to capitalize on.

“12 of 14 Congressional Districts have OFFICIALLY met the threshold of # of VERIFIED petitions needed to qualify for statewide geographic spread — we’re confident we’ve collected what we need, pending SOE verification! This is our fight … this is our moment … and WE WILL WIN!” said Book.

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 pro-choice activists manage to get the required 800,000 signatures needed to get the measure placed on the ballot.

“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.

The post Lauren Book Declares Abortion 'On Track' to be on Ballot in 2024 appeared first on The Floridian.

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. 

Senator Martin’s “Historical Monuments and Memorials Protection Act” would direct Florida’s Historical Commission to counsel Florida executive officials on monument preservation. 

The act claims that “an accurate and factual history belongs to all Floridians and future generations and the state has an obligation to protect and preserve such history.”

 Such obligation, continues the act, includes circumventing “any local government elected officials who may be swayed by undue influence by groups who may feel offended or hurt by certain actions in the history of the state or the nation.” 

Martin attempted to pass a similar bill last February. Despite being approved by two separate committees, however, the proposal was never brought to the floor for a vote. 

Under Martin’s new legislation, local governments and individuals are barred from unilaterally removing monuments displayed on public property.

Aside from the imposition of penalties for those violating the bill, individuals involved in the design, care, erection, or care of the monument would be able to sue the violators for damages.

Additionally, individuals regularly using the monument for remembrance would also be eligible to sue violators of the bill. 

Local governments that remove, alter, or damage a monument would have to restore it to its original condition. If the local government cannot restore the monument, Florida would assume restoration responsibilities. However, all arts, cultural, and historic preservation funding would be withheld from the local government until it reimburses Florida for the restoration cost. 

If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2024. 

Recently, Martin filed another bill that  would alter Florida law regarding how immunization requirements are to be adopted and expand potential exemptions to them.

If passed, the FDH and any other state or local authorities would be prohibited from imposing any vaccine requirements without legislative approval.

The post Civil War-Era Florida Monuments Could be Protected by Proposed Bill appeared first on The Floridian.

The Florida Democratic Party has effectively canceled their primary race by only putting Biden's name on the ballot, despite challengers rising against the president in his own party.

In 2020, former President Donald Trump (R) faced a primary challenge from long-shot candidates himself.  Although not heavily reported, President Trump blew these Republican challengers out of the water.  Even this primary cycle, he will most likely do it again to even more prominent Republicans like Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

Democrats are now enraged that the Florida Democratic Party led by Nikki Fried has essentially ended the primary contest, especially US Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN).  Phillips is running for president against President JoeBiden and has accused the Florida Democratic Party of "rigging" the election in a quote given to Politico.  The congressman further stated he would consider suing, and a push at the national convention if he was not at least put on the ballot.

However, somebody had already beat Phillips to the punch.  A Tampa attorney is now suing the Florida Democratic Party for omitting primary challengers from the primary ballot.  Michael Steinberg, a former chair for the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee and former candidate for Congress and the Florida Legislature filed the suit.

In the federal lawsuit, Steinberg claims the decision violates the constitutional rights of voters by excluding Phillips in an "arbitrary" fashion and violates people's due process and equal protection rights.  Steinberg has also insisted that Phillips is a legitimate candidate, making it unethical for him to be disqualified off the ballot for political reasons.

"He has appeared on numerous television news programs and his candidacy has been discussed by multiple media sources including television, print and social media," Steinberg says in his lawsuit. "The Florida Democratic Party cannot dispute the Democratic Party credentials of Congressman Dean Phillips. His platform is consistent with the platform of the Democratic Party, he is currently a member of Congress, and has mostly supported the position of President Joe Biden."

Steinberg also noted that the Democratic party in Florida has a "non-discretionary duty to prepare and approve a list of all recognized Democratic Presidential candidates, not just the ones they favor or choose."

Other candidates such as famous internet personality, Cenk Uygur and author Marianne Williamson have threatened litigation against the Florida Democratic Party for being disqualified off of the primary ballot.  These candidates have additionally raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for their campaigns.

The post Florida Democratic Party Sued for Shutting Down Presidential Primary appeared first on The Floridian.

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fl) have both suffered ‘swatting’ attempts at their homes. 

‘Swatting’ is the term given to calls made by third parties to emergency services falsely alleging a need for officers to be dispatched to the home of the targeted individual. 

Swatting can result in tense and confusing situations, potentially leading to collateral damage, for both emergency personnel and targeted individuals. 

Senator Scott reported the incident early this morning via X.  The Floridian was one of the first media outlets to report on the assault on Scott.

“Last night, while at dinner with my wife, cowards “swatted” my home in Naples,” stated Scott. 

Last night, while at dinner with my wife, cowards “swatted” my home in Naples. These criminals wasted the time & resources of our law enforcement in a sick attempt to terrorize my family.

Ann & I want to thank @NaplesPolice & @CollierSheriff for all they do to keep us safe.

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 28, 2023

Scott thanked local police authorities for adequately responding to what he defined as a “sick attempt to terrorize (his) family.”

Representative Greene was reportedly targeted by a swatting call earlier this week on Tuesday, December 26th. 

Yesterday, after more swatting attempts were made against Greene’s family, Greene claimed she would be filing legislation to expand law enforcement’s tools for combatting swatting calls.

“The dangerous swatting harassment continues, as tonight, one of my family members was swatted at their house,” said Greene. 

Greene promised to soon introduce “legislation to make it much easier for law enforcement to arrest and prosecutors to prosecute these criminals.”

The dangerous swatting harassment continues, as tonight, one of my family members was swatted at their house.

I will be introducing legislation to make it much easier for law enforcement to arrest and prosecutors to prosecute these criminals.

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 28, 2023

Greene and Scott are the latest in a chain of US politicians that have been threatened over the Christmas holidays. 

Threats against justices on Colorado’s Supreme Court after former President Donald Trump was barred from the GOP Primary are reportedly also being investigated. 

Trump was barred from the Colorado GOP primary after the Colorado Supreme Court found that the capitol riots on January 6th “easily satisfy (the) definition of “insurrection.” 

The post Greene and Scott Suffer 'Swatting' Calls During Christmas appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Senator Jonathan Martin (R-33) has filed a bill that would alter Florida law regarding how immunization requirements are to be adopted and expands potential exemptions to them.

The bill would require the Florida Department of Health (FDH) to obtain approval of the Legislature to add any new immunizations to those required for school attendance. 

Additionally, the FDH and any other state or local authorities would be prohibited from imposing any vaccine requirements without legislative approval. Adopting recommended compulsory vaccination policies endorsed by international organizations or national vaccine requirements enacted during public health emergencies would similarly be prohibited.

Exemptions would be granted for individuals refusing to receive required state vaccines if these have not been fully approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the bill, full approval does not include vaccines that the FDA has authorized for emergency use only.

Florida Senator Ileana Garcia (R-36) filed a similar bill in late November. 

Senator Martin’s bill expands Garcia’s own, as Garcia’s only includes vaccine exemption language. 

Last October, Garcia also proposed legislation that would require Law Enforcement Officials to supervise ballot box transportation on election days. 

If enacted, police would have to be present “at all times during an election” to ensure ballot box security. 

Garcia’s proposal would also have law enforcement officers “transport the ballot box or ballot transfer container” from election offices to corresponding precincts.

Election integrity has become a prevalent issue, especially for Republicans, following former President Donald Trump’s claims of widespread election interference during the 2020 elections.   

President Trump was recently barred from the Colorado primary after the Colorado Supreme Court found that the capitol riots on January 6th “easily satisfy (the) definition of “insurrection.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, despite claiming Colorado’s decision would be eventually overturned by the US Supreme Court, declared he would not be withdrawing from the Colorado primary.

The post Florida Republicans Push for Modification of Vaccine Requirements appeared first on The Floridian.

Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) announced that she and her team secured over $1 billion in federal grants for the Tampa Bay area in 2023. This includes over $10 million in “aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses, and families.”

The $1 billion was acquired through a total of 207 federal grants.

“The Tampa and St. Petersburg constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of families, veterans and businesses,” said Rep. Castor. “In a year with an unprecedented number of passport cases and the implementation of the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, my office has delivered favorable results to our neighbors and veterans across the Tampa Bay area.”

She continued, “I couldn’t be prouder of my dedicated casework team that went above and beyond working weekends to save many Tampa Bay families thousands of dollars as they faced disruptions in their overseas travel due to this year’s unprecedented surge of passport issues. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they have earned, and that Social Security and Medicare benefits are delivered on time.”

In Rep. Castor’s statement, she provided a list of issues and concerns that were addressed by her office throughout 2023. That list included investments that “right the wrongs of the past” with more “inclusive highway connections,” as well as other concerns.

“I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor by revitalizing neighborhoods through meaningful environmental justice, supporting our youth, combatting extreme heat, and improving health outcomes for Black mothers and babies,” said Castor. “There is so much to look forward to in the new year, as I champion investments that improve our lives through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to the Tampa Bay area and into your pockets.”

Recently, Castor called Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) the “Grinch” after he turned down a $320 million federal infrastructure grant.

The rationale for the decision was based on the notion that the grant was “politicized” to address climate change, according to Business Insider. The grant would’ve been facilitated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP).

The post Castor Announces Her Office Secured $1 Billion in Federal Grants for Tampa Bay appeared first on The Floridian.