Democrats say Florida statehouse race a bellwether for US

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A Democratic win in a Florida statehouse district that's firmly Republican is being called a bellwether for national politics, a referendum of sorts on President Donald Trump and his conservative agenda.

This disgraced politician will give back $500,000 to donors. But hea s keeping millions

Former state Sen. Jack Latvala announced this week that he has begun the process of returning half of the $1 million raised for his failed campaign for governor. But while it's virtually unprecedented for a candidate for governor to return money to nearly all 1,288 of his contributors, even donors who didn't asked for the money back, Latvala is doing what politicians have been doing in Florida for years - retaining his political committee even after his campaign has been dismantled to buy influence, contribute to campaigns and finance expenses under Florida's loose campaign-finance laws.

2018 gubernatorial races could provide 2020 snapshots

There are 36 states and U.S. territories holding gubernatorial elections this year and these races could be the biggest referendum of all on President Donald Trump 's presidency. All eyes will be on key 2020 states to look for predictions regarding the next White House race, particularly what insights can be gained for which ever party takes power.

Federal judge knocks down Florida’s voting ban for ex-felons

In a ruling that could have reverberations on this year's crucial elections, a federal judge Thursday ruled that Florida's current ban on former felons voting is unconstitutional and needs to be changed as soon as possible. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a blistering ruling that says the state's current process to restore voting rights - which can take years - is flawed.

Crime and sanctuary movement are the focus in Florida

In a campaign video ad produced for Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran , an "illegal immigrant" wearing a hoodie is depicted shooting a young, red-haired woman who is walking through a suburban neighborhood as she smiles and texts on her phone. In a voice-over, Corcoran says, "This could have happened to any family, anywhere," and added, "Incredibly, some Tallahassee politicians want to make Florida a sanctuary state."

Florida observes Prescribed Fire Awareness Week

Florida's Prescribed Fire Awareness Week is being observed to call attention to the need for slow-moving, low-grade fire to decrease wildfire danger. "Following one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent history and a devastating hurricane season, forecasts predict an extremely dry spring," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

Florida Quietly Worked Out Deal To Cap Fees In Water Wars

Florida has worked out a deal to cap the amount of money that will be paid to law firms hired to help the state in its long-running water war with Georgia. Some Republican legislators last year complained about the escalating costs - which began to rise sharply after the state took its case to the U.S. Supreme Court - and initially refused to sign off on any additional payments.

Lawmakers learn Ryan Zinke can’t be trusted in debate over offshore drilling

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, foreground, and President Donald Trump want to open huge offshore areas to oil and gas drilling. CREDIT: Paul Morigi/Getty Images Sen. Bill Nelson doesn't trust Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's pledge to remove Florida from the Trump administration's five-year offshore drilling plan.

First ride: Aboard Florida’s new Brightline train

U.S. Congresswoman Lois Frankel takes a selfie aboard Brightline's introductory trip between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 12, 2018, during an invitation-only media preview ride beginning and ending at the Brightline West Palm Beach station. Brightline is selling tickets and passes both online and on its mobile app and will begin service for the general public beginning Saturday, Jan. 13. To see more photos, go to TCPalm.com.

Rick Scott isn’t the only Republican who opposes offshore drilling. Far from it.

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke's surprise trip to Tallahassee Tuesday night to announce Florida would no longer be considered for future offshore oil and gas drilling leases has left governors and lawmakers from other coastal states wondering when their voices will be heard as well. Last week, after the Trump administration released an unprecedented plan to sell off more than 90 percent of America's oceans to offshore drillers, a large and bipartisan group of elected officials - including at least five Republican governors, two Republican senators, and 15 Republican U.S. representatives from coastal states, along with scores of Democrats - denounced the proposal.

Trumpa s tweeted choice for Florida governor enters the race

A congressman who recently won President Donald Trump's tweeted endorsement for the job of Florida governor entered the race Friday, saying he wants to "drain the swamp in Tallahassee." Ron DeSantis joins a crowded field seeking to replace Republican Gov. Rick Scott, who leaves office in 2019 due to term limits.

Trump on NYE: 2018’s ‘going to be something very, very special’

President Donald Trump rang in 2018 with shout-outs to his billionaire friends and a warning to his "enemies" during short remarks just before midnight at his posh South Florida club. It's a yearly tradition at Mar-a-Lago: As the ball gown- and tuxedo-clad crowd waits for the stroke of midnight, the estate's owner mounts the stage to commemorate the passing of the year.

Trump to New Yeara s Eve guests: 2018a s a going to be something very, very speciala

President Donald Trump rang in 2018 with shout-outs to his billionaire friends and a warning to his "enemies" during short remarks just before midnight at his posh South Florida club. It's a yearly tradition at Mar-a-Lago: As the ball gown- and tuxedo-clad crowd waits for the stroke of midnight, the estate's owner mounts the stage to commemorate the passing of the year.