Ron DeSantis amends the special session timeline

Florida Congressional redistricting special session pushed back 1 week to April 28

The Senate will not be drafting a proposed redistricting map ahead of the special session, according to the memorandum. Instead, lawmakers are expecting a proposal from the governor’s office, which has yet to be released.

In a memorandum, Senate President Ben Albritton warned senators that “significant litigation” has historically followed the passing of new congressional maps. “The Florida Supreme Court has previously limited the scope of legislative privilege when it comes to redistricting,” said Albritton
In alignment with the expanded scope of the special session, The Medical Freedom Act and the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights will be up for discussion again.

The Medical Freedom Act would create a “conscience exemption” from K-12 school vaccine requirements and allow ivermectin to be sold behind the counter without a prescription.

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GOP endorsed candidate Jon Maples loses in Special election

Democrat Emily Gregory defeats Republican Jon Maples in Florida District 87 special election

Emily Gregory flipped House District 87 in Palm Beach County blue in an upset victory. It marks the first time a Democrat has won there this century.

Gregory won 51.15% of the vote Tuesday to Republican Jon Maples’ 48.85% in a race where controversies arose for both candidates in the leadup to Election Day. Democrats smaered him on a residence issue.

She fills a seat Republican Mike Caruso left vacant in August, when he left for an appointed job as Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller.

Jon Maples, a 43-year-old financial planner and former Lake Clarke Shores Council member who was an All-American athlete at Palm Beach Atlantic University, ran a campaign closely aligned with Republican priorities at both the state and national levels.

He leaned on his local government experience and community involvement, including leadership roles with Families First of Palm Beach County and other civic organizations. His platform focused on cutting taxes and government spending, reducing regulatory burdens, expanding private-sector job growth and advancing school choice policies.

He also embraced a broader GOP push to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes and sought to draw contrasts with Gregory on education policy, particularly around teachers’ unions. [Florida Politics]

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Senate District 87 Special election - Vote Jon Maples

John Maples in special election on Tuesday, March 24

Senate District 87

The District 87 candidates are Republican Jon Maples, a former Lake Clarke Shores council member, and Democrat Emily Gregory, a small business owner.

Maples and Gregory are competing to succeed Republican Mike Caruso, who was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to succeed Joe Abruzzo as Palm Beach County's clerk and comptroller.

Maples has been endorsed by Trump, Attorney General James Uthmeier and a slew of GOP state lawmakers that includes Florida Speaker-designate Sam Garrison and state Reps. Anne Gerwig, Jon Snyder and “MAGA” Meg Weinberger are backing Maples, as are Lake Worth Beach Commissioner Mimi May and former state Rep. MaryLynn Magar.

The Palm Beach County district — which runs up the coast through Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Juno Beach and Hypoluxo — has gone without representation since August.

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William Joseph For Florida State House

And for some trivia:

If you recall, Omari Hardy (Democratic Party) was a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 88. He assumed office on November 3, 2020. He left office on July 28, 2021.

Hardy ran in a special election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 20th Congressional District. He lost in the special Democratic primary on November 2, 2021.

Hardy also ran for election to the Florida House of Representatives to represent District 88. He was disqualified from the Democratic primary scheduled on August 23, 2022.

Texas Legislature Approves bills

Texas Legislature approves Hill Country disaster relief measures in special session

In a decisive session spurred by recent devastating events, the Texas House of Representatives passed a comprehensive six-bill package aimed at bolstering flood disaster responses and preventive measures in the Texas Hill Country, as Just the News reports, a move supported by President Donald Trump.

The legislative package, designed to enhance future disaster preparedness, includes critical reforms in emergency communications and safety protocols for youth camps.

Subsequent to the political standoff, another special session was convened, eventually leading to the restoration of quorum. This allowed for the passage of several important bills, including a controversial congressional redistricting bill and the crucial flood relief package meant to address the aftermath of the July 4 Hill Country flood disaster.

Following the House’s approval, these bills are now poised for consideration in the Texas Senate, where they are expected to pass without significant opposition.

Gov. Greg Abbott, having signaled his approval, is anticipated to sign the bills into law, formalizing the state’s escalated efforts to combat and prepare for natural disasters.

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Commercial Development Ban in Florida State Parks

House Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Ban Commercial Development in State Parks

The Florida House unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would prohibit new commercial construction in state parks and impose strict safeguards on the use and management of public conservation lands.

The measure cleared the chamber in a unanimous vote following earlier Senate passage and now awaits action from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The bill was filed in response to proposed developments in state parks, including golf courses and Pickleball courts in Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

The legislation codifies a preservation-first approach to park management by banning new commercial buildings such as sports complexes and lodging facilities, while allowing limited use of camping cabins under conditions that avoid harm to sensitive habitats.

“Our parks are not just scenic escapes — they are irreplaceable public lands,” said Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, who sponsored the bill. “They are not for sale. With this legislation, we are guaranteeing that future generations will continue to experience Florida as it was meant to be: wild, natural, and protected.”

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Florida Legislature Reigning in Governor's Power

DeSantis’ Warns Florida House Budget Would Defund the Police

The Florida House Budget defunds critical resources and pay for the Florida Highway Patrol

By Tracy Caruso On Apr 23, 2025

In the latest craziness from Tallahassee, Governor DeSantis has had to warn voters that the House wants to defund the police by cutting the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) budget. Additionally, they want to slash almost half a billion dollars from Everglades restoration.

”Stop playing your petty games. Stand up and do what’s right.” That was Governor DeSantis’ latest message to Florida House leadership, whom he says are “sick of seeing him get his way.”

Meanwhile, the legislature created statutes in 2021,(HB 1), that made it illegal for counties and municipalities to defund the police, holding commissioners and city officials personally responsible should their citizens incur damages from riots, yet the one police force that the state is responsible for and has control over is now facing defunding by the Florida House.

The state itself is doing this. DeSantis says, ”They don’t want to see me have any more wins.” The result of all of this is a budget that may not pass.

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The Legislature, controlled by Republicans, fiercely defends their own constitutional duty to craft the state’s budget. It takes a supermajority to veto and the Legislature has that.

Florida passed a tough bill on Illegal Immigration

Ron DeSantis asked one question that left the RINO sellouts shaking in their boots

Ron DeSantis has been in a war with the Republican establishment in Florida.

He did not pulling any punches to get his conservative agenda passed.

What was the question?...Ron DeSantis wonders if this is Florida or San Francisco.

The Florida State Legislature is dominated by RINO turncoats who want to talk a big game on the campaign trail and do nothing to advance conservative policies once they get elected.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held their feet to the fire.
He battled the RINOs in the State Legislature who wanted to pass a watered-down anti-illegal immigration bill to help the state carry out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda.

Eventually, after public pressure on Trump’s signature issue, the RINO leadership in the legislature agreed to a tough bill. And DeSantis signed it in February.

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Florida Republicans propose new Constitutional Amendment

Restructuring Florida's Gubernatorial Process

"A measure that would eliminate Florida’s lieutenant governor, restructure the state’s gubernatorial succession process, and establish a new Cabinet-level official responsible for government oversight advanced Tuesday as the House Government Operations Subcommittee voted 14-3 to approve House Joint Resolution 1325.

The proposed constitutional amendment, backed by Republican lawmakers, would repeal Section 2 of Article IV of the Florida Constitution, effectively abolishing the office of lieutenant governor.

Under current law, the lieutenant governor serves as the governor’s second-in-command and assumes the governorship in cases of vacancy, impeachment, or incapacity. If the amendment is approved, gubernatorial succession would be determined by legislation.

It also introduces a new statewide-elected commissioner of government efficiency, responsible for auditing and investigating waste and fraud in state and local government.

The resolution includes additional financial oversight provisions, such as stricter budget review processes and limits on the use of nonrecurring revenue.

If passed by the Legislature, the amendment will go before voters in 2026, requiring 60% approval to take effect." [The Capitalist]

Florida Immigration Policies in Special Session

Florida lawmakers are set to convene another special session this week

This is to advance immigration policies with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ support

The proclamation follows a previous session that ended in conflict between DeSantis and Republican legislative leaders, who are now working together to align with President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

Proposed legislation includes stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants, increased cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies, and the creation of a State Board of Immigration Enforcement.

Additionally, lawmakers are considering a mandatory death penalty for certain violent crimes committed by undocumented individuals.

Legislative action is expected to begin Tuesday, with key votes anticipated by Thursday.

Read the Capitolist News

FL Legislature says they are the ones to decide on Special Session, not DeSantis

DeSantis Call for Special Session Rebuffed by Florida Legislature

Saying the issue can’t wait for the regular legislative session in March, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday he’s calling lawmakers into a special session this month to mesh Florida’s immigration policies with a crackdown planned by President-elect Donald Trump.

DeSantis also wants lawmakers to use the special session to address issues that have driven up costs for condominium owners, change a ballot-initiative process, help the agricultural industry and residents recovering from hurricanes and replenish funding for a popular home-hardening program. The special session will be held the week of Jan. 27, he said.

But Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, late Monday afternoon indicated they want to wait until the regular session, which will start March 4, to address the issues.

“As you know, this Legislature will address illegal immigration, condominiums, petition initiatives and hurricane recovery this (regular) session, which starts in 50 days,” Albritton and Perez said in a joint memo to lawmakers. “Calling a special session at this time is premature.”

Read more at Florida Jolt

New Jersey Assemblyman calls John Kirby "an idiot"

John Kirby Destroyed After BS Drone Briefing: ‘He’s an IDIOT!’

A New Jersey state legislator did not hold back when criticizing White House spokesman John Kirby’s response to a question about the recent drone wave over the Garden State.

Republican State Assemblyman Brian Bergen slammed Kirby, calling him an “idiot” after the spokesman claimed that the drones were “manned aircraft being operated lawfully.” During a segment on “America Reports,” co-host John Roberts asked Bergen about Kirby’s statement, to which the assemblyman responded, “That guy is an idiot. That I can tell you right now.”

Bergen, a former Apache helicopter pilot and member of the New Jersey state legislature, went on to say that the state police colonel had informed members of the legislature that one of their helicopters had to land because they felt unsafe due to a six-foot wide drone hovering above them. He also noted that he had seen the drones in his own community and expressed frustration with the lack of action being taken to address the issue.

The Assemblyman compared the drone sightings to the 2023 incident involving a Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States and was shot down off the coast of South Carolina. He reiterated the need for swift action and called on authorities to track down the source of the drones before it’s too late.

Tracy Caruso starting her campaign for 2026

Tracy Caruso Running for Florida HD 87 in 2026

Mike Caruso, her husband, is term limited in 2026.

"The Carusos, Florida Rep. Mike Caruso, R-West Palm Beach, and wife Tracy, are not a couple that let the grass grow under their feet. Mike’s wife, Tracy, declared for her husband’s seat just minutes after the couple announced his re-election at their watch party on Nov. 5th.

Mike Caruso, who was just reelected in Florida House District 87 by a massive 19 points, will be term-limited out in 2026.

Only a gadfly-type Republican would be crazy enough to run against Tracy in a primary because they’d get massacred. Tracy has a lot of friends, she campaigns hard, real hard, and she’ll raise a ton of money. On a personal note, I’ll pound any Republican Primary opponent of Tracy’s harder than my Grandma pounded veal cutlets."

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Commissioner Barnett addresses high condo insurance premiums

County Commissioner Barnett Wants Special Session Over Condo Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Hanley
Commissioner Michael A. Barnett’s Office
Palm Beach County Commission District 3
561-601-7712
lhanley@pbc.gov

GREENACRES, FL – Commissioner Mike Barnett recently addressed the condominium special assessment crisis at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Palm Beach County residents, many of whom are seniors living on fixed incomes and struggling with skyrocketing property insurance premiums, may now wind up losing their homes.

“I have spoken at length with our distressed district residents, local legislators, and attorneys in the field, who say condominium owners’ only recourse may be to reverse mortgage their properties to pay the 5-6 figure assessments, which they cannot afford, or to sell their properties.
.
This is unacceptable, these are people who have worked their entire lives and saved to live in paradise. Some may have to move in with their adult children; others may end up in shelters or on the streets. Our seniors deserve better than this”, said Barnett.

“Our residents need help. They need more time, and the clock is ticking towards the January 1st deadline when the SB 4-D condominium assessment legislation takes effect. I am calling on Tallahassee to reform this law. The Florida Legislature must immediately convene a special session to find a resolution and avert what could become a major disaster for the residents of District 3 and Palm Beach County.”

I live in District 2 and Commissioner Gregg K. Weiss is our commissioner. Hopefully, all county commissioners are fighting for us.

Ban on Social Media for children?

Florida Lawmakers Approve Ban on Social Media Use for Children

Legislation to keep children under the age of 16 off social media has been approved by Florida’s House and Senate and only requires Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature to bring it into effect.

DeSantis, however, has not yet confirmed that he will approve it and has expressed some concerns over the content and reach of the bill. He also pointed out that there already exists a federal law banning children under 13 from using social media platforms, yet this is not generally enforced.

The legislation demands that social media sites delete accounts belonging to any minor under 16 years of age. It also requires that they use third-party software to verify that a user is aged 16 or over before allowing them to create their account.

The bill is aimed at sites and apps that have potentially addictive aspects, such as notifications, videos that automatically play, and infinite scrolling. It does not, however, block sites whose primary function is the sending and receiving of direct messages such as emails.

The bill had support from Democrats and Republicans and passed the House vote with a majority of 108-7 as they believe that social media companies were manipulating children by use of “addictive features.”

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Personally, I believe that parents need to take a pro-active approach with their children. It is up to them to keep them out of harm's way and know what they are viewing on social media, who they hang out with and what they are doing... not the government interfering in their lives in this respect. Parents have abdicated their responsibility in many ways. Kids rule them.

DeSantis now can declare a Presidential run

Florida lawmakers create election law exemption for potential DeSantis 2024 run

The obstacle in DeSantis' way to declare is now moot

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), widely expected to jump into the 2024 race for the White House, just received a helping hand from his state's legislature.

According to Breitbart, DeSantis now has a legal path cleared to run in 2024 if he so chooses, as the Florida Senate and House passed an exemption to the state's "resign-to-run" law that would have prevented him from running while still governing the state.

The exemption passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature was simple in terms in that it allows Florida officeholders to hold office and run for a federal office if it's for the presidency or vice presidency.

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Living the American Dream

Dorcas Hernandez Asked God to Take Her to the ‘Great Nation of the United States,’ Now She’s Running for Office

By John Parker

Dorcas Hernández escaped death at the hands of Peru’s vicious Shining Path, who wanted to assassinate her father. Hernandez was twelve years old at the time. Now she’s an American citizen who loves her country and wants to represent Fl. House District 92.

While Hernandez may be running for office in Florida, like many Floridians, it isn’t where she’s from originally. Hernandez was born in La Oroya, Peru, in the Andes mountains. Her parents were both pastors in the Christian missionary Alliance Church. Hernandez told the Florida Jolt that “I grew up in a home where faith and values were very, very strong in our family.”

Read her story... She is running for the Florida House of Representatives against Kelly Skidmore.

Visit her website at Click here

Eric Ankner, Republican Candidate District 24

Eric Ankner for District 24

Republican primary election for Florida Senate District 24 was cancelled as Eric Ankner was the only candidate to stand-up for Republican values, He advanced from the Republican primary for Florida State Senate District 24.

Read about Ankner

and help with his campaign.

2022 Florida Legislative Update

From our condo lawyers, Becker. The 2022 Legislative Session in Florida concluded on March 11, 2022. While the Legislature failed to pass any new laws pertaining to reserve funding and building inspections, there were some bills passed that will be of interest to community associations.

Get your butts off our beaches

Florida again considers banning smoking at public beaches, in parks

There is nothing worse than a reformed smoker. I quit smoking 38 years ago. I decided then that smoking was not addictive. The only thing addictive about it was grabbing for that cigarette; that was the habit. I quit overnight and never looked back...no gum to chew and all the nonsense they try to sell you like nicotine pouches/ patches.

So, I am in total favor of this legislation. Personally, I can't stand the smell of smoke. People smoke where I live and I love those who put out their butts on our sidewalks for someone else to clean up.

Having tobacco-free parks and beaches would provide families and children healthy environments and allow Florida to fairly compete with smoke-free vacation destinations for tourist dollars. It will be up to the Florida Legislature to consider.

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