Florida News Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Florida universities remove sociology from general education courses

It’s part of the state’s push against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Florida’s public university system.

by News Service of Florida March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

The State University System Board of Governors on Thursday removed sociology from the public university general education catalog. At a meeting in Pensacola, the board nixed “Introduction to Sociology” from general education offerings and made the class an elective for the 2026-2027 year. The move, which wasn’t on the public agenda, was brought up by Chancellor […]

DeSantis Administration claims NFL’s ‘Rooney Rule’ violates state’s anti-DEI law

The rule requires NFL teams to interview at least two minority candidates for vacant head coach, GM, and coordinator position.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Candidate Brian Nathan wearing a campaign t-shirt and talking to a voter in a grocery store parking lot next to a cart return sign

Florida Democrats won big Tuesday night. Was it a big deal or not?

‘If that kind of movement is happening now, it raises real questions about what the electorate could look like in a higher-turnout environment,’ says one Democratic official.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 26, 2026March 26, 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.

DeSantis says if Cuba falls, he hopes exiles will want to leave Florida and rebuild the island

“Kids and grandkids will be going to spring break there,” DeSantis continued.

by News Service of Florida March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Trump’s unpopularity, high gas prices and more, helped Florida Dems flip two seats, says analysts

“President Trump’s unpopularity cast a long, dark shadow over these Republican candidates in these races.”

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Brian Nathan, a U.S. Navy veteran from Tampa, walks in a parade.

In Tampa and Mar-a-Lago, Florida Democrats come up big on election night

Brian Nathan, a Navy veteran, union organizer, and first-time candidate, shocked Republican state Rep. Josie Tomkow in Hillsborough County.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Florida adds more measles cases

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to make it easier for parents to opt out of mandatory school vaccines.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

DeSantis for President" vest, smiling and talking with a group of supporters during a campaign event.

‘We’ll see’: DeSantis won’t rule out another run for president

His comment comes after he spent $160 million on his 2024 campaign for president before dropping out after the Iowa caucus.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

James Uthmeier, Chief of Staff to Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking at a microphone during the Annual National Day of Prayer event in front of the Florida State Capitol steps.

Gun lobby praises Florida AG over push for ‘nondangerous’ felon gun ownership

“Attorney General Pam Bondi needs to sit up and take notes! This is what a REAL pro-gun attorney general looks like.”

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix March 20, 2026March 20, 2026

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

Governor Ron DeSantis signing SB 302 and HB 1417 in Bradenton to protect Florida’s coastlines and the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

DeSantis signs bill clearing path to block proposed Manatee County cruise port

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference table next to Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

As gas prices spike, Florida Gov. DeSantis says there’s no ‘simple fix’

Democrats in the state Legislature have asked the governor to temporarily lift the state’s 23.5-cent per gallon tax on gas.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

Florida launches investigation into Discord over child safety concerns

“With so many criminal investigations leading to Discord, they owe us an explanation as to why predators keep getting to kids on the app.”

by News Service of Florida March 19, 2026March 19, 2026

Voters casting ballots in private white voting booths with American flag 'Vote' graphics at a polling place in Verona, Virginia.

Lawsuit threatened if DeSantis signs Florida version of ‘SAVE America Act’

“As soon as you sign this bill, Florida will be sued.”

by News Service of Florida March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Close-up of a person's hand holding a yellow fuel nozzle while refueling a car at a gas station

Florida average gas prices have risen 82 cents since start of Iran war

The state average was $2.89 on Feb. 28 when the war began.

by News Service of Florida March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Close-up of a person's hands inspecting a black semi-automatic pistol on a display stand in a weapon shop.

Florida AG says ‘nondangerous’ felons should be allowed to own guns

That opinion — never previously offered by a Florida attorney general — is being lavishly praised by Second Amendment advocates.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during a Hillsborough County, Florida press conference, flanked by local officials and first responders.

Tampa Police Dept. revises its immigration policies following Florida AG’s warning

James Uthmeier had accused officials last week of implementing ‘sanctuary policies.’

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Florida sheriffs, including Grady Judd, criticize Trump’s mass deportation efforts

“There are those here that are working hard, they have kids in college, are in school, they’re going to church on Sunday, they’re not violating the law, and they’re living the American dream,” he told council members.

by Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

lorida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium with "The Free State of Florida" sign, flanked by the American and Florida flags

DeSantis criticizes House for not passing vaccine exemption bill amid measles outbreak

As of March 7, 132 cases have been reported this year. Last year, Florida reported only seven.

by News Service of Florida March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

Voters casting ballots in private white voting booths with American flag 'Vote' graphics at a polling place in Verona, Virginia.

Florida’s version of the ‘SAVE America Act’ heads to DeSantis

Democrats argue it will disenfranchise out-of-state students and seniors, two groups of people who are more likely to not have a valid driver’s license.

by Ana Goñi-Lessan and News Service of Florida March 13, 2026March 13, 2026