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.

News & Views

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

"A map showing the proposed March 2026 Tampa City Council district boundaries as approved by the Hillsborough County Planning Commission. The map features four colored zones: green for West Tampa (District 6), blue for East Tampa and Downtown (District 5), red for South Tampa (District 4), and purple for North Tampa (District 7). The boundaries reflect the latest redistricting shifts over a grey and white street-level street map."

News & Views

In City of Tampa redistricting, Planning Commission chooses ‘Alternative 2’

by Michael Bishop and The Tampa Monitor March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

News & Views

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

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during the State of the City address, featuring the City of Tampa official seal and Florida flag.

News & Views

Immigration attorneys say Tampa mayor should ‘stand up’ for residents in wake of removal threat

If Castor challenges the removal, argues one attorney, she could help set precedent for the entire state and force courts to define ambiguous language in statute.

by Valerie Smith 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

News & Views

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

"A group of people marching during the People's Pride Coalition event in Ybor City. A person in the foreground carries a large blue, pink, and white Transgender Pride flag. The marchers are positioned in front of the historic, white-pillared Italian Club building under a clear, sunny sky.

News & Views

‘Pride means fight back’: Tampa activists stage People’s Pride march through Ybor City [PHOTOS]

by Dave Decker and Ray Roa March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

Exterior wide shot of the historic Tampa Union Station building under a bright blue sky with white clouds. The red brick structure features large arched windows, white stone accents, and a symmetrical facade with multiple dark entry doors.

News & Views

Spring hard hat tour offers insider look at Tampa Union Station renovation

by Ray Roa March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

A line of activists walking through a crosswalk outside MacDill Air Force Base, with one person speaking into a megaphone and others carrying signs that read 'ORDERS ARE NOT AN EXCUSE' and 'End U.S. Imperialism'."

News & Views

Tampa activists protest Iran conflict outside MacDill Air Force Base

The group held signs reading ‘U.S. out of Iran’ and ‘MacDill = war criminals.’

by Dave Decker March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

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

News & Views

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

News & Views

St. Petersburg police officer fired after losing gun, ammo, Taser near a dumpster

by Colin Wolf March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

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

News & Views

Florida Democrats call for state to suspend gas tax as war in Iran causes pump prices to spike

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Florida rose 47.7 cents in the last week according to AAA.

by News Service of Florida March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

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.

News & Views

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

Aerial panorama of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida featuring white sand beaches, turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters, and coastal mangroves under a blue sky.

News & Views

Florida bill banning local governments from ‘net-zero’ policies heads to DeSantis

If signed into law by DeSantis, it would go into effect on July 1.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 12, 2026March 12, 2026

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor speaking at a podium during a press conference, flanked by five Tampa Police Department officers in uniform in front of the City of Tampa Florida seal.

News & Views

DeSantis Administration threatens to remove Tampa mayor from office over alleged ‘sanctuary’ policies at TPD

If Castor is removed before her term is up in May of next year, then the Tampa City Council Chair would become acting mayor, which is currently District 1’s Alan Clendenin.

by Valerie Smith March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

Community organizer Robin Lockett wearing glasses and a light-colored blazer, speaking into a microphone at the WMNF 88.5 FM radio studio in Tampa. A black backdrop with colorful WMNF logos is visible behind the person.

News & Views

Robin Lockett, Tampa organizer and director at Florida Rising, announces run for state house

She’ll officially launch her campaign at the end of the month.

by Ray Roa March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

News & Views

Florida bill banning local governments from enacting DEI initiatives heads to DeSantis

The Senate approved the bill last week, and it will now be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for consideration.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix March 11, 2026March 11, 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.

News & Views

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

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.

News & Views

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