Progress Florida

wgcu.orgFrom merch to donor checks: How Uthmeier campaign benefitted from Alligator AlcatrazSome contributions from contractors occurred just days before or after the companies landed major state contracts.

"This is exactly the type of activity Florida’s attorney general is supposed to investigate. Instead, Uthmeier is at the center of it." www.wgcu.org/government-p...

floridapolitics.com‘Governor who?’: José Javier Rodríguez says Ron DeSantis’ insults are intended to distract from corruption'He's lashing out, name-calling, and the reason he's doing that is because he has no answer for the fact that $10 million was taken out of the Medicaid program.'

"It’s very clear that my opponent and his allies, including the Governor, are very scared of accountability...because he has no answer for the fact that $10 million was taken out of the Medicaid program.” floridapolitics.com/archives/826...

orlandosentinel.comMaxwell: Amendment 3 mutiny. Lawmakers now oppose property-tax measure they put on Florida ballotsAbout-faces on Amendment 3: Florida lawmakers who voted to put the property-tax measure on this year’s ballot now say they’re opposing the tax cut plan, saying it’s flawed.

Amendment 3 mutiny: Lawmakers now oppose property-tax measure they put on Florida ballots. #NoOn3 www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/10/21/f...

floridaphoenix.comSenate President Ben Albritton says he’ll vote ‘no’ on property tax cuts • Florida PhoenixLess than five months after Florida Senate President Ben Albritton hailed his chamber for voting to put a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot seeking a major expansion of the homestead property tax exemption...

Senate President Ben Albritton celebrated the vote to put Amendment 3 on the ballot, but now says it would hurt law enforcement and rural counties. He's voting #NoOn3: floridaphoenix.com/2026/10/20/s...

wmnf.orgAshley Moody says she's not avoiding the press, then walks away during Flock camera questionRepublican U.S. Senator Ashley Moody left reporters with more questions than answers at a Pinellas campaign stop Monday.

Ashley Moody says she’s not avoiding the press, then walks away during Flock camera question: www.wmnf.org/ashley-moody...

actionnetwork.orgTake Action: Urge the State Legislature to Pause the Data Centers BoomFlorida is facing a rapid wave of proposed AI data centers. We need to safeguard our communities against pollution, skyrocketing utility rates, and protect our Florida way of life. A single large data...

Urge the Florida Legislature to Pause the Data Centers Boom. Sign our petition here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/ta...

Progress Florida reposted

Earthjustice

@earthjustice.org

AI data center developers are rushing to build their own power plants, evading regulations and increasing air pollution. Most of these power plants are using inefficient, polluting gas generators that will worsen climate change and harm the health of nearby communities.

floridatrident.orgFlorida GOP says repeating the Hope Florida grand jury's findings is a crimeA late-night lawsuit seeks to pull a Democratic ad off 11 Orlando and Tampa Bay stations and bar anything relaying the expunged report. The party also referred the stations to FDLE and prosecutors, th...

Florida Republicans want Hope Florida story silenced and jail for anyone who talks about it: floridatrident.org/florida-gop-...

motherjones.comByron Donalds is pro data centers. So is his stock portfolio.The Republican candidate for Florida governor is bucking the trend opposing these facilities.

"The financial disclosure reports are the most recent example of how connected Donalds has been with the AI industry." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

midfloridanewspapers.com“It’s just a disaster waiting to happen.”The outcome of the bus crash that took the lives of two Polk County residents could have been more tragic than it was if Amendment 3 passes. That was the

“It’s just a disaster waiting to happen.” If Amendment 3 passes, Florida families would see cuts to services, increased taxes and fees, or a combination of both: www.midfloridanewspapers.com/four_corners... #NoOn3

bradenton.comFloridians should ask what's next if Amendent 3 passes | OpinionFloridians deserve relief from rising costs. Firefighters understand that as well as anyone. We live in the communities we serve, raise our families here and pay the same mortgages, insurance premiums...

"Florida's firefighters are asking voters to understand the consequences before Election Day and to protect the public safety services all of us count on when it matters most. Please, vote no on Amendment 3." www.bradenton.com/news/article...

Take Action: Urge the State Legislature to Pause the Data Centers Boom. Sign our petition here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/ta...

jessica.substack.comPoll: 70% of Deep South Voters Oppose Abortion BansPlus, Deep South voters are the least likely to say that abortion should never be permitted.

Poll affirms that abortion rights are popular in the Deep South: jessica.substack.com/p/2026-elect...

wusf.orgFlorida's ex-surgeon general warns of 'great harm to children' if vaccine rules changeThe state department of health is holding a hearing on the rule change Thursday, Oct. 8 in Orlando. Commenters have two minutes each to speak.

Florida's ex-surgeon general warns against effort by DeSantis administration to eliminate school vaccine requirements: "It is not grounded in science and really has the potential to cause great harm to children." www.wusf.org/health-news-...

Progress Florida reposted

Florida Freedom to Read Project

@flfreedomread.bsky.social

This is what it is all about for many of the book banners—the ones that still fight to remove books long after universal vouchers are passed and they can take public money to educate their kids how they see fit. “Parental rights” are only meant to apply to those they deem morally fit to have them.

floridaindependentnews.comReport: Affordability woes affect Floridians during second Trump administrationData compiled by Defend America Action shows how Florida families are having to tighten their budgets.

“They’re very frustrated ...you have a president that’s made it worse and doesn’t seem to even want to stop it or solve it.” floridaindependentnews.com/economy/repo...

wctv.tvHealth officials alarmed by increased measles cases amid proposals to lower vaccine mandates in FloridaHealth officials in Florida are ringing the alarm as confirmed measles cases continue to explode across the state.

"Chilren had horrible suffering and outcomes." Health officials alarmed by increased measles cases as DeSantis administration tries to reduce vaccination requirements: www.wctv.tv/2026/10/02/h...

wlrn.orgIf Florida ends school rules for vaccines, expect a wave of measles nationwide: studyThe disease was declared eliminated from the US in 2000, but outbreaks have increased in recent years as vaccine skepticism rises.

"Repealing the mandate would really, really negatively impact public health as a whole in Florida, but especially the children there." www.wlrn.org/health/2026-...

orlandosentinel.comMaxwell: Required audits are MIA as DeSantis’ ‘emergency’ spending spree continuesMaxwell: Where are the audits? State law says Florida should’ve long ago audited the billions of tax dollars DeSantis spent on “Alligator Alcatraz” and elsewhere. Yet not a single audit has been relea...

"Quite simply, the law is being ignored." Required audits are MIA as DeSantis’ ‘emergency’ spending spree continues: www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/29/m...

jasongarcia.substack.comIn the race for Florida governor, the fate of two sprawl-inducing state laws hangs in the balanceFlorida in Five: Five stories to read from the past week in Florida politics.

In the race for Florida governor, the fate of two sprawl-inducing state laws hangs in the balance: jasongarcia.substack.com/p/in-the-rac...

floridatrident.orgGovernor’s office paid a second law firm $111,000 as Hope Florida grand jury report was fought in secretInvoices obtained by the Florida Trident show a second taxpayer-funded firm contacting Leon County prosecutors and fighting to keep the Hope Florida grand jury report sealed.

Governor’s office paid a second law firm $111,000 as Hope Florida grand jury report was fought in secret: floridatrident.org/governors-of...

tampabay.comHope Florida led disabled people to dead ends as state misused $10MAfter leaked grand jury report, 10 people from the disability community tell the Times they’re outraged that leaders steered Medicaid money to politics.

Hope Florida led disabled people to dead ends as state misused $10M: www.tampabay.com/news/florida...

floridatrib.orgHow Hope Florida quietly hollowed out Florida’s safety netState records show the controversial initiative shifted priorities away from DCF’s eligibility division that has since failed federal standards and left Floridians cut off

Hope Florida has hollowed out Florida’s safety net. Floridians are paying the price. floridatrib.org/2026/09/23/h...

jasongarcia.substack.comDeSantis staff quietly rehired jilted lawyers who helped secure the Hope Florida settlementJust after the 2024 elections, the DeSantis administration awarded a new contract to lawyers who helped bring in a legal settlement that the governor’s staff then used to fund political activities.

The previously undisclosed contract was withheld by the DeSantis administration for nearly two years from a public transparency database where state agencies are supposed to post details of all contracts and purchase orders: jasongarcia.substack.com/p/desantis-s...

motherjones.comOne Miami district is testing how far Trump has fallen with Latino votersRep. María Elvira Salazar broke with Trump on ICE. Her opponent is betting that's not enough.

"Many experts view this race as a test of how far Trump’s popularity has cratered with the Latino community." www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

floridatrident.orgTaxpayers paid nearly $200,000 in legal fees for a Hope Florida witness found “not credible”Boies Schiller Flexner billed $875 an hour to represent Katie Strickland, the former DeSantis aide the grand jury believed least. The governor’s office approved every invoice.

21 Sept

Taxpayers paid nearly $200,000 in legal fees for a witness the Hope Florida grand jury found “not credible." floridatrident.org/hope-florida...

floridaindependentnews.comByron Donalds supported Trump administration actions that have fueled inflationFlorida households have paid nearly $2,000 more due to tariffs and the war in Iran, analysts say.

17 Sept

Byron Donalds has consistently voted for Trump's tariffs and war in Iran, policies that analysts estimate have cost the average Florida household $1,951: floridaindependentnews.com/economy/byro...

Progress Florida reposted

Brennan Center

@brennancenter.org

17 Sept

False information about elections has proliferated since President Trump’s lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Today, more than 1 in 4 Americans believe the election was “rigged.” Here are five election rumors to be aware of. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...

brennancenter.orgFive False Election Rumors to Watch ForVoters should expect recurring false election narratives to resurface in the coming months — and familiarize themselves with the facts.

reprojustice.substack.comHow to Spot Fake Abortion ClinicsCrisis Pregnancy Centers are making it difficult, on purpose, to camouflage in with regulated medical clinics. Here are ways to spot them.

17 Sept

Crisis Pregnancy Centers are making it difficult, on purpose, to camouflage in with regulated medical clinics. Here are ways to spot them: reprojustice.substack.com/p/how-to-spo...

orlandosentinel.comFlorida sheriffs, firefighters slam property tax amendment as a ‘train wreck’“So vote ‘No on 3’ now,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.

16 Sept

Florida sheriffs, firefighters slam property tax amendment as a ‘train wreck’: www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/15/f...

sun-sentinel.comA Florida court becomes a right-wing think tank | EditorialIn 2022, the Legislature created a new Sixth District Court of Appeals, despite the other five not being overburdened. Four years on, the point seems to be overturning precedent.

15 Sept

Editorial: A renegade Florida court becomes a right-wing think tank. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/09/14/a...

10 Sept

Florida’s children deserve protection, not politics. Tell the Florida Department of Health to reject this dangerous proposal. Take action now: bit.ly/floridavaccine

tampabay.comMore than 247,000 Florida kids have lost food stampsEnrollment has dropped more than 20% since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed.

9 Sept

More than 247,000 Florida kids have lost food stamps since last year. "It's not because people don't need these benefits." www.tampabay.com/news/health/...

orlandosentinel.comEditorial: Beyond scandal, big questions about Hope FloridaBy now, dozens of journalists have taken a turn writing about the so-called “Hope Florida” scandal, a bizarre waltz in which $10 million meant to repay Medicaid overcharges was instead two-stepped thr...

8 Sept

Editorial: In a state whose government is supposed to be blessed with sunshine 365 days a year, Hope Florida is shady as heck. www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/09/08/e...

4 Sept

The issues facing our neighborhood public schools didn’t happen by accident. They are the result of nearly 30 years of GOP leadership in Tallahassee.

cbsnews.comQuestions persist over Hope Florida grand jury's failure to hold anyone accountable over misappropriated fundsLegal experts say the grand jury failed to pursue accountability in a case they say involved stolen taxpayer funds.

4 Sept

Questions persist over Hope Florida grand jury's failure to hold anyone accountable over misappropriated funds: www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/h...

motherjones.comThe Florida GOP's red scare is losing steam“You're telling me that a former Republican congressman and Republican lobbyist is now a socialist?”

1 Sept

Trump's tariffs have already cost Floridians an estimated $1,279 per household: www.axios.com/local/tampa-...

“There is nothing ‘radical’ about fighting for a living wage, capping skyrocketing rents, or ensuring every Floridian gets the healthcare they need.” www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

floridatrib.orgWhere are they now? Key actors in Hope Florida scandal got promotedDespite finding the $10 million was misappropriated, the grand jury said there was “insufficient evidence” to charge anyone criminally – because no one would admit to orchestrating the scheme.

28 Aug

Gov. DeSantis has promoted all the key actors who stole $10 million taxpayer dollars that was supposed to help needy kids obtain health care: floridatrib.org/2026/08/27/w...

Progress Florida reposted

Craig Pittman

@craigtimes.bsky.social

27 Aug

#Florida FWC to issue 215 bear hunt permits for controversial 2nd hunt, which will run from Dec. 5 to Dec. 27. Wildlife activists are again pushing back, vowing to spare the bears. www.tampabay.com/news/environ... via @maxchesnes.bsky.social

tampabay.comFlorida to issue up to 215 black bear hunting permits this yearThe state’s second bear hunt in a decade will run from Dec. 5 to Dec. 27. Wildlife activists are again pushing back.

26 Aug

BREAKING: Grand jury finds taxpayer dollars "misappropriated" to Hope Florida, complains "nobody will take responsibility." www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/g...

aol.comDemocrats demand report on Florida emergency spending - AOLFlorida Democrats are demanding the state’s emergency managers explain how they’ve spent nearly a billiondollars in disaster money and why they’re 41 days late on a new report detailing those tabs. “T...

26 Aug

FL Dems demand the state’s emergency managers explain how they’ve spent nearly a billion of our tax dollars in disaster money and why they’re 41 days late providing the public details: www.aol.com/articles/41-...

wlrn.org'American dream out of reach': Miami-Dade Latino voters cite soaring rents, immigration crackdownThe report, titled “SOMOS MIAMI” and produced by labor unions SEIU 32BJ and UNITE HERE Local 355 draws on 2,381 completed surveys gathered after canvassers knocked on the doors of more than 31,000 res...

25 Aug

'American dream out of reach': Miami-Dade Latino voters cite soaring rents, immigration crackdown: www.wlrn.org/business/202...?

yahoo.comWhere Florida governor hopefuls Donalds and Jolly stand on key issuesMIAMI — One is a Trump-backed, third-term Republican U. S.

19 Aug

Byron Donalds is a politician whose legislative record consistently prioritizes the multinational corporations and billionaires who bankroll his campaigns over the needs of the everyday Floridians he was elected to serve: www.yahoo.com/news/politic...?

makeaplantovote.comVote on Election Day - Make A Plan To VoteThe polls are open on Election Day, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Any voters waiting in line at 7:00 p.m. will have the opportunity to cast a ballot. At your designated polling location, you will be asked ...

18 Aug

Today is Primary Election Day in Florida! Find your polling location and helpful voter info here: makeaplantovote.com/electionday.

14 Aug

Meet the People First Champion lawmakers who earned a 100% score by fighting for freedom and an affordable, safe, and prosperous future. How did your lawmakers do? Find out at FloridaReportCard.com #peoplefirst

floridareportcard.com2026 Florida Legislator Report Cards – Who’s Putting People First?Find out how your lawmakers voted on critical issues like education, healthcare, housing, and more. Use the 2026 Florida Report Card to see if your legislator puts people first or powerful special int...

These lawmakers earned an A on our People First Report Card for standing up to powerful special interests during the 2026 Legislative Session. How did your legislator do? Check out the full report at FloridaReportCard.com #PeopleFirst

These Florida lawmakers earned an A on our People First Report Card for standing up to powerful special interests during the 2026 Legislative Session. How did your legislator do? Check out the full report at FloridaReportCard.com #PeopleFirst

The grades are in! Did your state legislator get an A? An F? Find out at FloridaReportCard.com #peoplefirst