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SF native who still loves the Golden State Warriors, SF Giants and indie rock. Running addict. You can reach me at Mitch@floridaphoenix.com
Articles by Mitch Perry
CAIR ends operations in Florida as terrorist designation takes effect
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has suspended operations in Florida, the organization announced. The decision came after a federal judge rejected an emergency request Wednesday by the Muslim civil rights organization to stop the state from designating the group and its state chapter as domestic terrorist organizations. The ruling allows the designation to take effect while its legal challenge, litigated by the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center, continues.
CAIR ends operations in Florida as domestic terrorist designation takes effect Original
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has suspended operations in Florida, the organization has announced. It did so after a federal judge rejected an emergency request Wednesday by the Muslim civil rights organization to stop the state from designating the group and its state chapter as domestic terrorist organizations, allowing the designation to take effect while its legal challenge, litigated by the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center, continues. Federal Judge Allen C.
Incoming Democratic House leader not sure of special session on property taxes Original
The new leader of the now-larger House Democratic caucus hopes her GOP leadership colleagues will decline Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for a special legislative session to implement Amendment 3, following its passage into Florida law earlier this week. The governor on Wednesday called for a special session before the end of the year to implement the far-reaching homestead property tax reduction measure approved Tuesday by more than 62% of Florida voters.
Florida Legislature gets its first DSA member in Ashley Herrmann
Credit: Ashley Herrmann/Facebook During the just-concluded midterm elections, Republicans told Florida voters they were the only thing standing between keeping the “free state of Florida” free and having socialists and even communists take over the Sunshine State. “THE COMMUNISTS ARE COMING!” Moody pushed out on social media last week, retweeting a social media posting that asked for progressive canvassers to come to Florida to support Democrat Angie Nixon’s campaign for Senate.
Once again, the Democratic blue wave misses Florida Original
Tuesday night saw the near virtual destruction of the Republican Party power structure in this country. Except in Florida. Democrat David Jolly lost to Republican Byron Donalds by 1.3% in the race for governor. The races for attorney general, chief financial officer, and agriculture commissioner all went to the Republican incumbents by similarly close margins. And Angie Nixon, the Democratic candidate for Senate, lost by 3 points to Republican Ashley Moody, 51%-48%.
Florida Legislature gets its first DSA member in Ashley Herrmann Original
During the just-concluded midterm elections, Republicans told Florida voters they were the only thing standing between keeping the “free state of Florida” free and having socialists and even communists take over the Sunshine State. “THE COMMUNISTS ARE COMING!” Moody pushed out on social media last week, retweeting a social media posting that asked for progressive canvassers to come to Florida to support Democrat Angie Nixon’s campaign for Senate.
Donalds defeats Jolly, becoming Florida’s first Black governor
Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by defeating Democrat David Jolly to become the nation’s first Black Republican governor, as well as the first Black person ever elected statewide in Florida. The race was extremely close, with Donalds winning 50% of the vote over Jolly’s 48.7%, with about 99% of votes counted, according to the Associated Press. “This might be the shortest speech I’ve given on the campaign trail but it doesn’t need to be long.
Charlie Christ wins the St. Petersburg mayoral race Original
ST. PETERSBURG — Charlie Crist is back in government, this time at the local level following his victory over incumbent Ken Welch Tuesday to become St. Petersburg’s next mayor. The former Republican governor-turned-Democratic U.S. House member won the nonpartisan race easily, 62%-38%. Speaking at his election party in downtown St. Pete, Crist said people came up to him on the campaign trail to ask why as a former governor he would run for mayor. “Cause it’s home,” he said. “It’s [my] hometown.
Byron Donalds defeats Jolly, becoming Florida’s first Black governor
Credit: Shutterstock Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by defeating Democrat David Jolly to become the nation’s first Black Republican governor, as well as the first Black person ever elected statewide in Florida. The race was extremely close, with Donalds winning 50% of the vote over Jolly’s 48.7%, with about 99% of votes counted, according to the Associated Press. “This might be the shortest speech I’ve given on the campaign trail but it doesn’t need to be long.
Donalds makes history with victory in Florida governor’s race
Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by defeating Democrat David Jolly to become the nation’s first Black Republican governor and the first Black person elected statewide in Florida. The race was extremely close, with Donalds receiving 50.1% of the vote to Jolly’s 48.6%, with about 99% of votes counted, according to The Associated Press. “This might be the shortest speech I’ve given on the campaign trail, but it doesn’t need to be long.
Donalds defeats Jolly, becoming Florida’s first Black governor
Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by defeating Democrat David Jolly to become the nation’s first Black Republican governor, as well as the first Black person ever elected statewide in Florida. The race was extremely close, with Donalds winning 50.1% of the vote over Jolly’s 48.6%, with about 99% of votes counted, according to the Associated Press. “This might be the shortest speech I’ve given on the campaign trail but it doesn’t need to be long.
Donalds defeats Jolly, becoming Florida’s first Black governor
Follow Donalds defeats Jolly, becoming Florida’s first Black governor Tue, November 3, 2026 at 9:34 PM EST Candidate for governor Byron Donalds speaks at a rally in Tallahassee one week before the election, Oct. 27, 2026. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) More Byron Donalds made history Tuesday by defeating Democrat David Jolly to become the nation's first Black Republican governor, as well as the first Black person ever elected statewide in Florida.
Florida Public Service Commission rejects Duke Energy’s data center plan
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday rejected Duke Energy Florida’s proposal to pay data center costs, 5-0. The agency found that the proposal did not demonstrate compliance with legislation passed earlier this year that requires large load customers to bear their full costs of service without shifting them to the taxpayers.
Florida Public Service Commission rejects Duke Energy’s data center plan Original
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday rejected Duke Energy Florida’s proposal to pay data center costs, 5-0. The agency found that the proposal did not demonstrate compliance with legislation passed earlier this year that requires large load customers to bear their full costs of service without shifting them to the taxpayers.
Voting locations changed in several Florida counties due to flash flooding Original
Some voters are calling on Gov. Ron DeSantis to extend the time to vote past tonight’s 7 p.m. deadline due to the flash flooding over Florida over past couple of days, which in some cases is making it difficult for voters to leave their homes. Voters in seven counties were being directed to temporary polling locations in the face of widespread flooding that prompted the governor to issue an emergency order Monday allowing election officials to move voting sites ahead of Election Day.
It’s Election Day in Florida Original
0:05 News Story LAKELAND — Donald Trump’s sagging public approval numbers have led to an expectation that Democrats will have a big night around the country on Tuesday. But the essential question in Florida is whether any sort of “blue wave” makes its way to the Sunshine State? That didn’t happen during Trump’s first midterm election as president in 2018, when Democrats prospered nationally but not in Florida.
Florida Republicans say they’re not sweating early voter turnout — not yet, anyway
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis sounded the alarm about Republican voter turnout earlier this week, other Florida GOP officials insist they’ve little to worry about as Democrats turned out in bigger numbers than they did four years ago in early in-person and mail voting. Little to worry about yet, anyway. Anthony Pedicini, a Republican strategist, predicts the Republicans will dominate on Election Day and that everything will turn out just fine for the party in power.
Florida Republicans say they're not sweating early voter turnout — not yet, anyway
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis sounded the alarm about Republican voter turnout earlier this week, other Florida GOP officials insist they've little to worry about as Democrats turned out in bigger numbers than they did four years ago in early in-person and mail voting. Little to worry about yet, anyway. Anthony Pedicini, a Republican strategist, predicts the Republicans will dominate on Election Day and that everything will turn out just fine for the party in power.
Florida Republicans say they’re not sweating early voter turnout — not yet, anyway
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis sounded the alarm about Republican voter turnout earlier this week, other Florida GOP officials insist they’ve little to worry about as Democrats turned out in bigger numbers than they did four years ago in early in-person and mail voting. Little to worry about yet, anyway. Anthony Pedicini, a Republican strategist, predicts the Republicans will dominate on Election Day and that everything will turn out just fine for the party in power.
Florida Republicans say they’re not sweating early voter turnout — not yet, anyway
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis sounded the alarm about Republican voter turnout earlier this week, other Florida GOP officials insist they’ve little to worry about as Democrats turned out in bigger numbers than they did four years ago in early in-person and mail voting. Little to worry about yet, anyway. Anthony Pedicini, a Republican strategist, predicts the Republicans will dominate on Election Day and that everything will turn out just fine for the party in power.
Florida Republicans say they’re not sweating early voter turnout — not yet, anyway
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis sounded the alarm about Republican voter turnout earlier this week, other Florida GOP officials insist they've little to worry about as Democrats turned out in bigger numbers than they did four years ago in early in-person and mail voting. Little to worry about yet, anyway. Anthony Pedicini, a Republican strategist, predicts the Republicans will dominate on Election Day and that everything will turn out just fine for the party in power.
Can Ron DeSantis push Amendment 3 over the top? Original
Ron DeSantis was in Crystal River Wednesday, ostensibly to announce that his administration was providing an additional $100 million to restore and protect Florida’s water resources across 45 projects. However, he spent nearly half of his press conference making the case once again for Amendment 3, the proposal on the statewide ballot that would cut property taxes for Florida homeowners. With six days to go before Election Day, polls indicate the proposal might be in danger of failing.
Administrative judge sides with Florida instructor regarding Charlie Kirk post
Charlie Kirk - © Matt Johnson CC BY 2.0 Discover more Local News Subscription Digital Newspaper Access Classified Ad Service The Florida Department of Education failed to prove its allegations that a Clay County public school instructor violated state laws and rules when she posted about conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was killed, a state administrative judge has ruled.
Trump comes to Fort Myers to fire up the GOP base Original
With some polls showing the races for governor and U.S. Senate relatively close in the Sunshine State 11 days before Election Day, President Donald Trump held a rally Friday afternoon in Fort Myers. His mission was to inspire Florida Republicans — who maintain a more than 1.5 million voter registration advantage over Democrats — to get to the polls to vote for the GOP up and down the ticket, but particularly for Byron Donalds for governor and Ashley Moody for Senate.
Administrative judge sides with Florida instructor regarding Charlie Kirk post Original
The Florida Department of Education failed to prove its allegations that a Clay County public school instructor violated state laws and rules when she posted about conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was killed, a state administrative judge has ruled. The case involves Kelly Brock-Sanchez, an Exceptional Student Education facilitator at Ridgeview Elementary in Orange Park when Kirk was shot and killed in Utah in September 2025.
José Javier Rodríguez says it’s ‘rich’ for GOP to criticize his 2018 cash bail proposal Original
In the late 2010s, the GOP-controlled Florida Legislature attempted to move toward criminal justice reforms that had already been taking place in red and blue states across the country. That movement slowed down significantly nationally following the social unrest that broke out in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. Now, in the last weeks before the midterm elections, Gov.
Senate president says he’ll vote ‘no’ on property tax cuts
Less than five months after Florida Senate President Ben Albritton praised his chamber for placing a major property tax cut on the Nov. 3 ballot, he now says he opposes the proposal. “As a native of Florida’s heartland, our rural communities are near and dear to my heart. It’s who I am,” Albritton said in a statement posted on the Florida Sheriffs Association’s social media page.
DeSantis’ congressional map was designed to flip 4 seats to the GOP — Will it? Original
Among the four seats Florida Republicans are supposed to flip from the Democrats this year following their mid-cycle redistricting is Florida’s 22nd Congressional District in South Florida. The Palm Beach County district has been held for 14 years by Democrat Lois Frankel. Its geographic bounds have shifted west. It now covers inland Palm Beach and the Broward County areas of Wellington and Parkland.
DeSantis’ congressional map was designed to flip 4 seats to the GOP — Will it?
Middle East 2 hours ago Two Jewish candidates battle over pro-Israel stances in Florida district timesofisrael.com - Joseph Strauss • 2h BOCA RATON, Florida (JTA) — Rep. Jared Moskowitz said that he is “proud to be known as the most pro-Israel Jewish Democrat in Congress” during a … James Uthmeier 8 hours ago Florida mayor arrested on theft and fraud charges, Uthmeier says nbcmiami.com • 8h Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Wednesday announced the arrest of a Florida mayor.
Democratic Governors Association investing $1 million to support David Jolly Original
Weeks after he virtually begged for national financial support for his campaign, the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) announced Tuesday that it is investing $1 million to David Jolly’s campaign for Florida governor. It comes less than two full weeks before Election Day, as Jolly attempts to become the first Democrat to lead Florida in the 21st century against Republican Byron Donalds.
Senate President Ben Albritton says he’ll vote ‘no’ on property tax cuts Original
Less 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 for non-school taxes, he now says he opposes the proposal. “As a native of Florida’s heartland, our rural communities are near and dear to my heart. It’s who I am,” Albritton says in a statement posted on the Florida Sherriff’s Association social media page.
In a redrawn congressional district, Kathy Castor faces her toughest battle Original
When the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional redistricting map earlier this year, members intended to remove some of Florida’s longest-standing Democrats from the 28-member delegation. People like Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kathy Castor. Wasserman Schultz swiftly (and controversially) shifted to a seat designed to remain blue in South Florida.
In a redrawn congressional district, Kathy Castor faces her toughest battle
When the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional redistricting map earlier this year, members intended to remove some of Florida’s longest-standing Democrats from the 28-member delegation. People like Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kathy Castor. Wasserman Schultz swiftly (and controversially) shifted to a seat designed to remain blue in South Florida.
Corruption, affordability are themes Democrats highlight in U.S. Senate race Original
A Florida Democrat hasn’t held a seat in the U.S. Senate since 2019, but 42-year-old Democrat Angie Nixon is working to reverse that trend in her push to defeat incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody in the general election Nov. 3.
In Florida, a first-time voter and fears of election interference at No Kings day of action
Note: This story has been updated with information from a Tampa rally. Sam Kokales has a personal stake in the midterm elections. At 21, working toward a degree in business management from Florida State University, he finds himself in deep medical debt following two procedures for an abscess on his tonsils. “We need better healthcare coverage — Medicare for all,” Kokales told the Phoenix during Tallahassee’s latest No Kings demonstration on the front lawn of Florida’s Old Capitol.
Early voting starts as Trump, Clinton join Florida campaign trail
President Donald Trump will campaign in the Sunshine State this week, just as early voting is set to expand throughout Florida. The president will campaign in Fort Myers on Friday, Oct. 23. The physical location of the event has not yet been announced. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m., with Trump scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. Early voting begins in many counties in Florida starting Monday, Oct. 19.
Early voting starts as Trump, Clinton join Florida campaign trail
President Donald Trump will campaign in the Sunshine State this week, just as early voting is set to expand throughout Florida. The president will campaign in Fort Myers on Friday, Oct. 23. The physical location of the event has not yet been announced. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m., with Trump scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. Early voting begins in many counties in Florida starting Monday, Oct. 19.
Matt Gaetz, two others named in sex trafficking lawsuit
Two women have filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and two others of participating in a sex trafficking scheme involving young women, drugs and travel across state lines. The lawsuit comes nearly two years after a House Ethics Committee report said Gaetz made payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz denied the allegations at the time.
Donald Trump to campaign in Fort Myers next week Original
President Donald Trump will campaign in the Sunshine State next week, just as early voting is set to expand throughout Florida. The president will campaign in Fort Myers on Friday, Oct. 23. The physical location of the event has not yet been announced. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m., with Trump scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. Early voting begins in many counties in Florida starting Monday, Oct. 19.
Ex-Florida congressman Matt Gaetz accused of sex trafficking in new lawsuit
Credit: Shutterstock Two women have filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and two others of participating in a sex trafficking scheme involving young women, drugs, and travel across state lines. It came nearly two years after a House Ethics Committee report said Gaetz made payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl.
Matt Gaetz and two others named as defendants in sex trafficking civil lawsuit Original
Two women have filed a federal civil lawsuit accusing former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and two others of participating in an sex trafficking scheme involving young women, drugs, and travel across state lines. It came nearly two years after a House Ethics Committee report said Gaetz made payments totaling tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex, including a 17-year-old girl.
Gwen Graham spends a ‘workday’ helping to install solar panels Original
LUTZ — Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Gwen Graham spent part of her Thursday helping to install solar panels on a roof of a firefighter’s home in northern Hillsborough County. It was the 63rd such “workday” of her career, when she does the jobs of everyday Floridians firsthand. It’s a tradition she inherited from her late father, Bob Graham, the former Florida governor and U.S. senator who performed similar events throughout his political career.
Appeals court lifts block on Florida law restricting social media access for teens
A federal appeals court panel has ruled that Florida’s 2024 law restricting access to social media for teens is likely constitutional and can continued to be enforced while the legal challenge continues.
Federal appeals courts backs Florida law restricting social media access for teens
A federal appeals court panel has ruled that Florida’s 2024 law restricting access to social media for teens is likely constitutional and can continued to be enforced while the legal challenge continues.
Florida’s teen social media restrictions survive appeal; for now
A federal appeals court panel has ruled that Florida’s 2024 law restricting access to social media for teens is likely constitutional and can continued to be enforced while the legal challenge continues.
Byron Donalds says states must work with ICE, but a dozen of them aren’t
Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds says that under the U.S. Constitution, states “have” to work with the federal government in enforcing immigration laws. However, nine states have adopted laws forbidding compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers and 12 states overall haven’t reached enforcement agreements with the agency. Donalds made those remarks Tuesday during a roundtable discussion with members of the business community in Jacksonville.
Florida lawmakers expanded armed guardian program to colleges, but none have opted in
No Florida college or university has yet to opt in on a new law that allows staff to act as armed guards, a coalition of gun safety groups assert — leading them to question whether state lawmakers are out of touch on the issue. The Legislature passed HB 757 during the 2026 regular legislative session. It includes a controversial provision allowing professors and other people appointed by a university president to carry weapons on campus.
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