Diane Roberts, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

A bird's-eye view of the Florida State Capitol buildings. The classic, dome-topped Old Capitol is in the foreground, flanked by the modernist tall office tower and two shorter buildings with white domes. The city lights of downtown Tallahassee glow in the background.

Florida Legislature is not your friend—unless you’re a developer, a lobbyist, or a fetus

Ever get the feeling the Florida Legislature hates you?

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Watching the Florida Legislature and our testy governor duke it out will be entertaining, and God knows, we’ll need some fun come January.

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

14 things Florida can be thankful for

Ron DeSantis, he’s only got another year to smash things up around here.

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

Florida’s lame duck governor has only 15 months left to ride the taxpayer gravy train

What’s next for Ron DeSantis?

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

A brick archway with the words "University of Florida" inscribed on it. The archway leads to an ornate, multi-story brick building with a red tile roof, framed by lush trees and palm trees. In the foreground, there's a decorative brick and paver walkway with a university seal.

Someone remind Florida universities that you either have a First Amendment, or you don’t

If I were a young professor looking for a job, I’d avoid Florida.

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

It’s always Banned Books Week in Florida

Hillsborough County School Superintendent Van Ayres has been attacked by parents and shouted at by state government.

by Florida Phoenix and Diane Roberts August 26, 2025September 1, 2025

Floridians don’t expect much from our state government, and not much is what we’ll get

Would Floridians notice if state government shut down?

by Diane Roberts June 2, 2025June 11, 2025

The kids ain’t all right; the kids are scared—and furious

Columnist Diane Roberts says, ‘Nobody wants your feeble prayers.’

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix April 28, 2025June 20, 2025

Diane Roberts mourns the destruction of Native architecture on Terra Ceia Island

‘Hear the ghosts’ from Creekshed 2025.

by Diane Roberts April 18, 2025July 16, 2025

New College of Florida will host ‘eugenicon’ guest speaker who believes Black people are genetically inferior

Steve Sailer has been invited to speak at one of the college’s “Socratic Stage Dialogues.”

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix October 14, 2024May 30, 2025