Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
Primary Elections in Central Florida: Key Races and Voting Information

Primary Elections in Central Florida: Key Races and Voting Information

Primary Election Day in Florida is set for August 18, 2026, with significant races including the mayor's race in Orange County. Voters in Congressional District 11 will select from various candidates, highlighted in a recent special broadcast. Governor Ron DeSantis has issued executive orders to ensure voting access for residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The elections will determine candidates for several key positions, including the governor's office, as DeSantis is ineligible for another term. Republican candidates include Jay Collins, James Fishback, and Byron Donalds, while Democrat David Jolly is the likely nominee.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida Property Tax Ballot Language Due to Misleading Content

Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida Property Tax Ballot Language Due to Misleading Content

A Tallahassee judge has ruled that the language used in the title and summary of a proposed property tax amendment in Florida is misleading and must be rewritten. The amendment, known as Amendment 3, aims to increase the state's homestead exemption and was initially proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The judge, David Frank, stated that the language used in the ballot was more akin to a political slogan rather than a neutral explanation, thus failing to inform voters of the amendment's chief purpose. Attorney General James Uthmeier has been given 10 days to redraft the language. Despite the ruling, the amendment will remain on the November ballot, requiring a 60% approval from voters to be added to the Florida Constitution.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
St. Petersburg Mayoral Race Highlights Florida's Primary Election Day

St. Petersburg Mayoral Race Highlights Florida's Primary Election Day

Florida's primary election is set for August 18, 2026, with significant local races, including the mayoral race in St. Petersburg. Incumbent Ken Welch faces challengers such as former governor Charlie Crist and other local figures. Voters in Congressional District 16 will also select candidates from a diverse field. With Governor Ron DeSantis ineligible for another term, the gubernatorial race features Republican candidates like Jay Collins and Byron Donalds, while Democrat David Jolly is expected to secure his party's nomination. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters must bring valid photo ID to cast their ballots.
Trendline Trendline
Judge Orders James Fishback to Pay $1.3M to Former Employer Greenlight Capital

Judge Orders James Fishback to Pay $1.3M to Former Employer Greenlight Capital

Judge Orders James Fishback to Pay $1.3M to Former Employer Greenlight Capital
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida's Amendment 3 Ballot Initiative

Judge Orders Rewrite of Florida's Amendment 3 Ballot Initiative

A Tallahassee judge has mandated a rewrite of the ballot initiative for Amendment 3, which proposes reducing property tax in Florida. Circuit Judge David Frank found the initiative's title and summary misleading, prompting the state to revise them within ten days. The amendment, titled 'Save Our Homes from excessive property taxes,' has faced criticism for its deceptive language. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is tasked with addressing the court's concerns. The amendment aims to provide financial relief to homeowners but has been contentious, with opponents arguing it could harm public services.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Department of Revenue Seeks Staff Development Training Consultant for Child Support Program

Florida Department of Revenue Seeks Staff Development Training Consultant for Child Support Program

The Florida Department of Revenue is hiring a Staff Development Training Consultant for its Child Support Program in Tallahassee. The position involves conducting training sessions to ensure proper utilization of standardized course materials and job aids. The role requires a strong background in child support operations and experience in training or teaching. The position offers a salary range of $40,320.84 to $55,736.40 annually, along with benefits such as health insurance, tuition waivers, and retirement savings.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Lawmakers Question AI Use in SNAP Eligibility Decisions

Florida Lawmakers Question AI Use in SNAP Eligibility Decisions

Democratic lawmakers from Florida, including Representatives Maxwell Frost and Kathy Castor, have expressed concerns over the state's accelerated plan to implement artificial intelligence (AI) for reviewing SNAP eligibility. The lawmakers have sent a letter to state officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, seeking details on the $4 million budget allocation for selecting an AI vendor by September 1. They are questioning the transparency of the vendor selection process and the safeguards that will be in place to prevent errors and biases in the AI system. The lawmakers have set a deadline of August 10 for the state to respond to their inquiries.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Democratic Lawmakers Question AI Use in SNAP Program Amid Cost Concerns

Florida Democratic Lawmakers Question AI Use in SNAP Program Amid Cost Concerns

A group of Democratic lawmakers from Florida, including Representatives Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Kathy Castor, Jared Moskowitz, Lois Frankel, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Frederica S. Wilson, have raised concerns about the state's plan to use artificial intelligence (AI) to review Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The lawmakers have sent a letter to Florida Department of Children and Families Deputy Secretary Kathryn Williams and Governor Ron DeSantis, questioning a $4 million budget allocation for finding an AI vendor by September 1. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce errors in SNAP eligibility determinations. The lawmakers are worried about the use of AI, which they describe as 'new and relatively unproven technology,' and its potential to increase costs for the state. Florida's current SNAP error rate is 12.97%, and under a new federal law, states with error rates above 10% will have to cover 15% of total benefit costs starting in October 2027,...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
James Fishback Challenges Byron Donalds on Charter School Accountability

James Fishback Challenges Byron Donalds on Charter School Accountability

During a radio call-in segment on Jacksonville's WJCT, James Fishback, a Republican gubernatorial primary opponent, confronted Congressman Byron Donalds under the alias 'Thomas'. Fishback questioned Donalds about accountability for charter schools, specifically referencing Optima Classical Academy, founded by Donalds' wife, Erika. The school faced delays in opening due to Hurricane Ian, leading to concerns from parents and investors. Donalds defended his wife's record, stating that all investors were made whole and that the school has since been transferred to another provider set to open soon.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Tallahassee Prepares for 2026 Primary Election with Comprehensive Voter Guide

Tallahassee Prepares for 2026 Primary Election with Comprehensive Voter Guide

Tallahassee, Florida, is gearing up for the 2026 primary election with a detailed voter guide to assist residents in making informed decisions. The guide includes important dates, candidate debate replays, and information on voting procedures. Early voting is scheduled from August 8 to August 16, with Election Day set for August 18. Voters are required to present a valid photo ID at the polls, with options including a Florida driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID. The guide aims to enhance voter participation and ensure a smooth electoral process in the region.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Florida Sheriffs Express Concerns Over Proposed Property Tax Amendment

Florida Sheriffs Express Concerns Over Proposed Property Tax Amendment

The Florida Sheriff's Association has voiced significant concerns regarding a proposed amendment to roll back property taxes, which will appear on the November ballot. The association, representing the state's 66 elected sheriffs, warns that the measure could lead to longer law enforcement response times and limit local governments' ability to fund essential services like road repairs and stormwater management. The proposal, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to eliminate property taxes on primary homes over time, offering substantial savings to homeowners. However, it faces opposition from various law enforcement and first responder organizations due to potential service cuts.
AP News AP News
Trump is making a rare Western trip to to raise cash for Republicans and talk about the economy

Trump is making a rare Western trip to to raise cash for Republicans and talk about the economy

President Donald Trump is making a rare visit to California and Nevada to try to draw contrasts with Democrats on the economy and other issues