Fort Pierce City Commissioner James Taylor, 38, was arrested and charged with two dozen felonies after allegedly sexting a 12-year-old girl in Illinois. The investigation began in August 2024 when the girl’s mother reported inappropriate contact on Snapchat, including Taylor sending nude images of himself and requesting the same. Detectives traced the messages to Taylor’s IP address, leading to his arrest during a traffic stop. Taylor, who reportedly admitted his involvement and expressed remorse, is facing charges related to the transmission and solicitation of harmful materials and child pornography, and further investigations are ongoing.
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Florida Representative Joe Casello has passed away at the age of 73 following a heart attack while in office. The Democratic lawmaker, who represented a district in Boynton Beach since 2018, was surrounded by family at the time of his death. Prior to his time in the Florida House, Casello served as a firefighter in Massachusetts and a Boynton Beach city commissioner. A special election will be held to fill the vacancy left by his passing.
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Governor Ron DeSantis asserted that Floridians have the right to use their vehicles to flee potentially dangerous protest situations, even if it results in unintentionally striking protesters. He maintains that individuals should not be forced to remain vulnerable in a mob. This statement follows planned “No Kings” protests, despite organizers emphasizing non-violent intentions and de-escalation training. However, DeSantis’s remarks contrast with a 2017 court ruling that deemed driving into a protest as not self-defense. The governor’s office clarified that violence is not condoned, but residents have a right to self-defense.
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Civiqs polling data reveals President Trump’s approval rating is negative in both Florida and Texas, key states he won in 2024. While Republicans in both states largely approve of his performance, the negative trend, particularly since his “Liberation Day” tariffs, could negatively impact the GOP in the 2026 midterms. This decline is mirrored in several swing states, a worrying sign for Republicans according to political analysts. Trump himself has dismissed these polls as “fake news.”
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Florida Senate Bill 918, which would have significantly relaxed child labor laws, failed to pass before the legislative session ended. The bill, drafted with input from Governor DeSantis’s office, aimed to address perceived labor shortages by allowing 14- to 17-year-olds to work longer hours, including overnight shifts. While proponents argued it aligned with federal law and empowered parents, opponents, including labor unions and civil rights groups, raised concerns about exploitation and the bill’s potential harm to young workers. The bill’s failure leaves the issue unresolved, though future legislative attempts remain possible.
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Republican Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s refusal to hold town halls in Florida’s 3rd district has prompted constituents to organize “empty chair” town halls. These events, attended by over 100 voters in Gainesville and 50 in High Springs, focused on concerns about federal service cuts, social security, and the impact of Trump administration policies. Voters expressed frustration with the lack of responsiveness from Cammack’s office, citing unmet promises and unanswered questions regarding crucial issues impacting their livelihoods. While Cammack claims to have met with constituents and held previous town halls, her constituents maintain the need for direct engagement regarding their serious concerns.
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A $67 million settlement between Florida and Centene, resolving allegations of Medicaid overbilling, saw $10 million diverted to Hope Florida, a charity overseen by Governor DeSantis’ wife. This contradicts prior assertions that the funds were an independent donation, as records show the $10 million was part of the original settlement agreement. The diverted funds were subsequently channeled, partly through undisclosed nonprofits, to a DeSantis-affiliated political committee, raising ethical and legal concerns among some Republican lawmakers. Despite the Governor’s office asserting the legality and benefit of the settlement, critics argue the money was misappropriated and potentially used for political purposes.
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Florida’s Republican-led legislature is considering a bill allowing 14-year-olds to work overnight shifts, driven by labor shortages exacerbated by anti-immigration policies. This follows a trend across several red states weakening child labor laws, ostensibly to address labor shortfalls but potentially exploiting vulnerable youth. The bill eliminates existing time restrictions for homeschooled or virtually schooled children, despite rising child labor violations in the state. Critics argue this action prioritizes business interests over child safety and reverses decades of protections.
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A recent appointment to a Florida university board has sparked considerable controversy. This appointee’s assertion that women should prioritize motherhood over higher education has ignited a firestorm of debate, highlighting deep divisions within society regarding gender roles, education, and economic realities.
The comments directly challenge the notion of women pursuing higher education and careers, suggesting instead that their primary role should be focused on childbearing. This viewpoint is deeply problematic, ignoring the significant strides women have made in education and the workforce, and overlooking the multitude of factors that contribute to individual life choices.
This perspective disregards the economic realities facing many families.… Continue reading
Florida Representative Hillary Cassel, recently reelected, announced her switch from the Democratic to the Republican party, mirroring a similar move by Representative Susan Valdés earlier this month. Cassel cited the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel and its embrace of progressive voices as reasons for her departure, expressing concern about its disconnect from Floridians’ values. This party switch further strengthens the Republican supermajority in the Florida legislature. The Florida Democratic Party criticized the decision, emphasizing the need for leadership and highlighting the loss of representation for constituents.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood