Gray Rohrer, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

Florida Supreme Court keeps new congressional districts in place for 2026 elections

DeSantis pushed for a redrawn congressional map after Trump urged Republican-controlled states to pass new maps favoring the GOP.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida June 11, 2026June 11, 2026

The new congressional district map will remain in effect for the midterm elections, after the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a push to block the new configuration. In a 6-1 ruling, the court determined the First District Court of Appeal should consider the merits of the case before it weighs in on the matter. […]

Florida judge refuses to block new congressional map aiding Republicans

The groups vowed to appeal the ruling.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

Aerial view of the modern Florida State Capitol building plaza and grounds in Tallahassee Why it works: It p

Florida lawmakers finally reach budget deal, here’s what’s in it

Legislators plan to approve the budget Friday and send it to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 25, 2026May 25, 2026

Based on the image provided in the Facebook post, here are a few options for SEO-friendly alt-text, ranging from concise to more descriptive: Option 1: Descriptive & Keyword-Rich (Best for SEO) Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium during the unveiling of a James Madison statue in Florida. The podium features a sign identifying Madison as the "Father of the Constitution," set against the backdrop of a historic courthouse with patriotic banners.

DeSantis slams Florida House Speaker Perez, claims he has ‘a personal agenda’

“When you have people that got elected on our back, like the Speaker of the House, get in and do the opposite of what the voters expected us to do, I’m going to call that out.”

by Gray Rohrer, Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida May 15, 2026May 15, 2026

Breaking down the changes in Florida’s new congressional districts

A voting rights group filed suit against the new districts in Leon Circuit Court soon after DeSantis signed the bill (HB 1D).

by Gray Rohrer, Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida May 5, 2026May 5, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis signing education legislation in Fort Myers, Florida, surrounded by state officials in a school gymnasium.

Florida Gov. DeSantis signs law making it easier to decertify teachers unions

“This bill doesn’t end unions. The unions will end themselves when they lose their way.”

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference. He is wearing a dark blue suit with a patterned blue tie and a white shirt. An American flag pin is on his lapel. He has short, dark brown hair and is gesturing with his right hand as he speaks into a microphone. In the blurred background, there's a golf cart and what appears to be a large, taxidermied animal. The image is credited to Dave Decker.

Florida Legislature approves DeSantis’ new redistricting map, giving Republicans significant boost

“You are destroying democracy with this vote, and the people of Florida deserve better,” House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell said.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at the Congressional Term Limits Retreat in Delray Beach, seated at a panel with state legislators to discuss a U.S. Constitutional amendment for congressional term limits.

‘This is clearly unconstitutional’: Florida Democrats decry DeSantis’ new congressional map

House and Senate committees approved the new map (HB 1D, SB 8D) ahead of a floor votes later in the week.

by Gray Rohrer, Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at the U.S. Caribbean Maritime and Ports Forum at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, discussing Florida's seaport investments and global commerce.

DeSantis’ new redistricting plan would leave Tampa Bay with zero Dem seats

Democratic lawmakers decried the new map as a blatant partisan power grab.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

Florida AG says state can now fund religious charter schools, and ‘encourage’ Christianity

The U.S. Supreme Court last year effectively upheld an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision rejecting a push to create a Catholic charter school.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida April 3, 2026April 3, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis sitting at a panel for Hope Florida's "Help Finding Help" initiative, joined by community leaders in front of U.S. and Florida flags.

DeSantis officials linked to Hope Florida scandal confirmed by Senate

House Republicans investigated the matter last year and found the Hope Florida Foundation had no bylaws and didn’t submit its federal tax returns on time.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

A smiling educator in a red 'Education Unionist' t-shirt holding up a red button that says 'I am THE UNION' at a Florida Education Association (FEA) event.

Florida Senate passes bill targeting public sector unions

The bill “is intended to be the kill shot to finish the job,” said Florida. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Members of Florida Education Association march down a street.

Florida Republican bill targeting public sector labor unions moves forward

The bill passed on an 11-7 vote, with Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, the only Republican voting against it.

by Gray Rohrer and News Service of Florida March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

Florida GOP pulled in over $10 million in last finance report, compared to Dems’ $171K

‘I found obstacles to securing the resources and a long-standing, systemic and deeply entrenched culture resistant to change.’

by Gray Rohrer and Florida Politics January 11, 2023August 3, 2023

Florida’s toll rebate program starts on Sunday

Drivers who hit 35 tolls in a month will get a 50% rebate the following month.

by Gray Rohrer and Florida Politics January 2, 2023January 28, 2025

Florida Gov. DeSantis predicts Fried will lose primary because she used her time in office ‘to smear me on a daily basis’

DeSantis expects to face U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist in the General Election.

by Gray Rohrer and Florida Politics August 23, 2022August 3, 2023

DeSantis signs bills penalizing Florida judges and lawmakers who lobby within six years after term

The Governor would make the final decision on what the penalty would be.

by Gray Rohrer and Florida Politics May 26, 2022April 12, 2025

Florida Democrats, advocates: Affordable housing funds not enough to stem rent crisis

“We’re being priced out of our home state and that’s not fair.”

by Gray Rohrer and Florida Politics March 9, 2022August 17, 2023