Representative Kevin M. Steele speaks at a legislative committee hearing, wearing a blue suit and red tie, seated at a long, dark wood desk with other members;

The wealthiest man in the state legislature enters race to become Florida’s CFO

Dade City Rep. Kevin Steele founded the Tampa software company DataLink Software in 2001 and retired from the company in 2022.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Official portrait of Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, smiling and wearing glasses and judicial robes, against a backdrop of law books.

News & Views

With Canady resignation, DeSantis gets to pick his sixth Florida Supreme Court justice

Canady is considered conservative but in a 2024 opinion agreed to green-light proposed Constitutional Amendment 4 to enshrine abortion access in the state.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

A smiling woman stands in front of a backdrop made of vertical rainbow-colored streamers or fabric. Large white letters spelling "GAY AF" are prominently displayed above her.

News & Views

After 28 years in charge, Nadine Smith is leaving Equality Florida

Smith will be succeeded by Stratton Pollitzer, the organization’s co-founder and deputy director.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

A crowd of people, viewed from behind, holds up several tall, rectangular signs featuring a rainbow gradient and the text "WE ARE ST. PETE" in white block letters. To the right, a circular sign reads "Twenty Years of Pride in the Sunshine City," all set against a backdrop of green trees.

News & Views

Tampa, St. Pete recieve perfect scores from HRC on LGBTQ policies, services

Five other Florida cities also received perfect scores.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

A bald man in a blue suit stands at a podium speaking into a microphone during a formal event. The podium features a prominent orange sign that reads "FAFO AUDIT." Behind the speaker, American and Florida state flags are displayed, while the backs of seated audience members frame the foreground.

News & Views

At USF, experts debate potential property tax measure: ‘This is policy malpractice’

The governor has previously said he wants one constitutional amendment on the ’26 ballot to reduce property taxes.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

Close-up of Charlie Kirk seated at a panel, speaking into a microphone and gesturing with his right hand, wearing a blue patterned suit. A coffee cup rests on the table in front of him, and his name is visible on the blue backdrop.

News & Views

Federal judge denies initial claim to reinstate Florida biologist fired over Charlie Kirk post

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker indicated that a decision about reinstating the fired employee could change if more information is provided.

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Entrance sign for Cambridge Christian School, featuring a blue plaque set between two brick pillars and surrounded by landscaping and large oak trees.

News & Views

US Supreme Court declines to take up Tampa Christian school’s appeal over pregame prayer

The decision effectively was a victory for the Florida High School Athletic Association.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida November 17, 2025November 21, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a podium inside an outdoor supply store, with a large, taxidermied brown bear standing to his right. The podium sign announces a "2ND AMENDMENT SALES TAX HOLIDAY."

News & Views

Opponents ask DeSantis to stop the 2025 Florida bear hunt

The hunt is scheduled from Dec. 6-28.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida November 17, 2025November 19, 2025

View of the historic Old City Hall building in Tampa, showing the clock tower and architectural details against a clear blue sky, framed by dark tree branches.

News & Views

Tampa Monitor: Council to vote on $7 million for private armed security at city facilities, more

Establishment of the Charter Review Commission, grants for TPD and more are among 80 agenda items for Nov. 20.

by Ray Roa November 17, 2025November 21, 2025

Outdoor portrait of Mayor Jerry Demings, wearing a dark blue suit and a patterned blue tie, smiling slightly against a blurred green, leafy background.

News & Views

Orange County Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Jerry Demings says he’ll change Florida’s approach to home rule

Demings will make an appearance at the Florida Association of Counties in Tampa later this week.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

A group of diverse protesters marches down a city sidewalk, holding signs and two large banners, one reading "HANDS OFF VENEZUELA" and another reading "Students for a Democratic Society."

News & Views

Photos: In St. Pete, activists rally against US conflict with Venezuela

Multiple demonstrators said this is another example of the Trump Administration trying to escalate military forces.

By Leah Burdick WMNF NewsNovember 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Outdoor portrait of a smiling man, Stan McClain, wearing a white cowboy hat, a button-up shirt, and jeans, seated atop a brown horse on a fenced pasture.

News & Views

Ocala Republican re-files measure to ban removal of Confederate monuments

Local government officials who try to take down the monuments would be fined up to $1,000.

By Liv Caputo / Florida PhoenixNovember 14, 2025November 14, 2025

The exterior of a large, pale stone building with columns, featuring the name "THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION" carved in large capital letters above the main entrance and windows.

News & Views

Florida’s Board of Education just adopted The Heritage Foundation’s Phoenix Declaration

The Florida Education Association and some public commenters at the meeting were not supportive of the board’s action.

By Liv Caputo / Florida PhoenixNovember 14, 2025November 14, 2025

News & Views

South Pinellas’ new walking trail debuts in Gulfport this weekend

The connected trails pass through residential neighborhoods alongside parks, historic locations and other vista points. The entire route consists of sidewalks and crosswalks.

by Seán Kinane and WMNF News November 14, 2025November 14, 2025