Liv Caputo, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd speaking at a wooden lectern during a press conference in Winter Haven. The Sheriff is in a green uniform, gesturing while speaking. Professional news cameras and monitors frame the foreground, set against a backdrop of a blue curtain and various law enforcement flags.

‘Incoherent’: DeSantis slams Florida sheriffs’ demand for citizenship path for illegal migrants

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday bashed Republican sheriffs and police chiefs for planning to urge the Trump administration to create a citizenship path for crime-free undocumented immigrants, calling the move “incoherent” and ill-advised. “This idea that unless you’re an axe murderer you should be allowed to stay, that is not consistent with our laws, and […]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a Speech and Debate event podium flanked by American and Florida flags, with a seated man in a blue suit and red tie in the background.

Florida bill authored by DeSantis allowing state to label groups as ‘domestic terrorist organizations’ now heads to DeSantis

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Interior view of the Florida State Capitol 4th floor rotunda in Tallahassee, featuring the Great Seal of Florida, state and U.S. flags, and a commemorative Florida 250 banner hanging from the circular balcony.

Florida Senate clears bill allowing ‘gang-related language’ in social media posts as evidence

The bill passed, 29 to 9 — largely along party lines — and now heads to DeSantis.

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Trump administration won’t pay for Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ construction costs

Florida has long waited for these federal dollars to come in.

by Liv Caputo and Florida Phoenix February 26, 2026February 26, 2026