A diverse group of people, formally dressed, are gathered in a brightly lit, modern hall with white ceiling panels and columns. Several members stand to the right of the podium, and a decorated Christmas tree is visible to the left.

News & Views

With focus on affordability in 2026, Florida House Democrats eye changes to property insurance, housing and government spending

With a Republican super-majority, Democrats can’t pass legislation on their own.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

A colorful, hand-painted map showing the entire state of Florida with coastal regions in blue and green land masses marked with areas of protected lands. A compass rose featuring a bear's head is centered on the Gulf of Mexico side.

News & Views

Even Pinellas can learn lessons from new Florida Wildlife Corridor development guidelines

While focused on large master-planned communities, guidelines in the 153-page book can also be applied to urban areas.

by Vicki Parsons and Bay Soundings December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

A serious portrait of a person taken in a soft focus outdoor setting, with a subtle tattoo visible on the neck. The subject is wearing a backwards baseball cap and an orange jacket over a white tank top.

News & Views

Florida Panhandle men’s prison has ‘culture of violence,’ two-year investigation alleges

The report by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) examines Gulf Correctional Institution near Wewahitchka.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

A close-up shot of two people engaged in conversation or an interview at a political rally. One individual is speaking emphatically while the other is listening intently, framed by large campaign signs.

News & Views

David Jolly appears with Gwen Graham in St. Pete, sparking talk about his gubernatorial running mate

Progressive critics see a Jolly-Graham ticket as ‘a pathetic retreat, not a step forward.’

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

News & Views

Tampa Monitor: CRA and land use decisions include potential land for TGH facility in Ybor City

Tampa City Councilmembers, meeting as the CRA, will also vote on the CRA services agreement with the city.

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

A professional portrait of an individual with a bald head and a full beard, wearing square-rimmed tortoiseshell glasses and teal-colored medical scrubs. The person is smiling and looking directly at the camera.

News & Views

Hillsborough County Commission candidate Neil Manimala talks transit, compassion, bipartisanship and Wawa coffee

He’s hoping to block Donna Cameron Cepeda, a Republican elected in 2022, from re-election in District 5.

by Valerie Smith December 6, 2025December 6, 2025

A political or business speaker with short, dark hair, wearing a suit jacket with an American flag pin on the lapel. The background is composed of dark red and blue draping, illuminated by bright stage lights.

News & Views

Eliminating property taxes on homesteads ‘would disproportionately benefit wealthy Floridians at the expense of those who don’t own homes,’ report says

Proposals now being considered by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Legislature to sharply cut or eliminate property taxes on homesteads—owner-occupied homes—would likely make the tax structure even more regressive, according to tax experts.

by William March and The Florida Trident December 6, 2025December 19, 2025

A daytime street view of a small community building behind a white fence and trimmed hedges. The sign is visible in the foreground, with the single-story clinic building and surrounding residential trees in the background.

News & Views

Activists have right to leaflet within five feet Clearwater abortion clinic, appeals court says

The ordinance banned all pedestrians from crossing within five feet of the clinic’s driveway, exempting emergency services and clinic staff escorting women into the building, as part of a buffer zone.

By Live Caputo / Florida PhoenixDecember 6, 2025December 6, 2025

News & Views

Mosaic: Lawsuit is moot because the company has already put radioactive byproduct into other Polk County roads

Mosaic attorneys added, ‘This action (lawsuit) is now moot because construction of the phosphogypsum portions of the pilot road project is complete. The court should accordingly dismiss the (Center for Biological Diversity) petition for review.’

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida December 6, 2025December 6, 2025