Statewide News

State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s department sent law officers to a Largo home over a postcard that criticized Ingoglia. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s department sent law officers to a Largo home over a postcard that criticized Ingoglia. (Photo/Colin Hackley, News Service of Florida)

CAPITOL COLUMN — State shouldn't send cops to bully critics

Bill Cotterell
Friday, October 17, 2025
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia ought to take a break from barnstorming across the state and arrange a mandatory conference call to remind all his division directors and bureau chiefs that Americans still have a right to talk back to their government.
With races in 2026 for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and Florida Cabinet offices, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has expressed confidence in the integrity and security of Florida’s election system.

With races in 2026 for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and Florida Cabinet offices, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has expressed confidence in the integrity and security of Florida’s election system.

State touts election safeguards

Jim Saunders
Friday, October 17, 2025
News Service of Florida — With races in 2026 for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and Florida Cabinet offices, Secretary of State Cord Byrd has expressed confidence in the integrity and security of Florida’s election system.“Our elections are open and transparent,” Byrd said during an Oct.
A lawsuit has been filed that states a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans is unconstitutional.

A lawsuit has been filed that states a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans is unconstitutional.

Growth state law draws another challenge

Jim Saunders
Thursday, October 9, 2025
News Service of Florida — The growth-management group 1000 Friends of Florida and an Orange County resident have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new state law that blocks cities and counties from approving "more restrictive or burdensome" changes to growth plans.
State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is leading efforts to scrutinize local spending. (Photo/Colin Hackley, NSF)

State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is leading efforts to scrutinize local spending. (Photo/Colin Hackley, NSF)

Capitol Column — ending property taxes sounds too good

Bill Cotterell
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
There is probably nothing any officeholder likes more in an election year than a chance to cut taxes, a treat that will tempt Florida lawmakers in their 2026 legislative session.Gov.
The University of Central Florida announced Monday it has met standards to be designated as a “preeminent state research university,” which, in part, would lead to increased funding and recognition.

The University of Central Florida announced Monday it has met standards to be designated as a “preeminent state research university,” which, in part, would lead to increased funding and recognition.

UCF on path to ‘Preeminent’ status; Rollins ranked No. 1 in private school regional ranking

News Service Of Florida
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
The University of Central Florida announced Monday it has met standards to be designated as a “preeminent state research university,” which, in part, would lead to increased funding and recognition.
David Jolly said he questioned "For a family, for a candidate with children, whether or not to stay committed to being in the public arena".

David Jolly said he questioned "For a family, for a candidate with children, whether or not to stay committed to being in the public arena".

Jolly weighed race, upped security after Kirk murder

News Service Of Florida
Monday, September 22, 2025
Democratic candidate David Jolly told a News Service of Florida podcast last week that he considered dropping out of the 2026 Florida governor's race and beefed up security after last week’s assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
A state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional.

A state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional.

Court strikes down open carry ban in Florida

Jim Saunders
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
News Service of Florida — In a major decision, a state appeals court Wednesday ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional.A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal, pointing to U.S.
DeSantis said from his talks with Trump, the president is more concerned with vote-by-mail rules used in states without “adequate safeguards." (Graphic/VoteOsceola.gov)

DeSantis said from his talks with Trump, the president is more concerned with vote-by-mail rules used in states without “adequate safeguards." (Graphic/VoteOsceola.gov)

Florida OK on mail-in voting?

Jim Turner
Friday, September 5, 2025
News Service of Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis this week dismissed concerns Florida’s voting process would be affected by President Donald Trump’s push to abolish mail-in voting before the 2026 midterm elections.
Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on gun purchases from Monday through the end of the year. (Photo/Mike Exline, News Service of Florida)

Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on gun purchases from Monday through the end of the year. (Photo/Mike Exline, News Service of Florida)

Tax breaks for guns, ammo teed up by Legislature

Jim Turner
Thursday, September 4, 2025
News Service of Florida — Starting Monday and running through the end of the year, Florida will provide a sales-tax exemption on a variety of hunting equipment, the first time a state tax “holiday” includes guns and ammunition.
Subscribe to