DeSantis Archives - Orlando Weekly

‘Geopolitical tensions’ pump up gas prices in Florida

The average gallon of gas in Florida breached $4 as oil market trading increased due to escalating fighting between the U.S. and Iran.

by News Service of Florida July 20, 2026July 20, 2026

The average gallon of gas in Florida breached $4 as oil market trading increased due to escalating fighting between the U.S. and Iran.

One day after man is killed running from ICE in Florida, Trump says traffic stops should continue

Trump wants ICE stops to continue despite a recent string of ICE-involved deaths across the country.

by Chloe Greenberg July 15, 2026July 15, 2026

Orange County Sheriff’s Office snags largest request for state funds for immigration enforcement

The $10.8 million request is the largest of 17 requests submitted by local law enforcement agencies in Florida that are seeking state immigration enforcement funds.

by McKenna Schueler June 5, 2026June 5, 2026

Orange County mayoral candidates face pressure to resign early to avoid DeSantis replacement threat

Under state law, elected officials seeking a different office must resign from their current position ahead of a certain deadline to avoid having the governor just choose someone to replace them.

by McKenna Schueler May 20, 2026May 20, 2026

News

DeSantis’ GOP-friendly congressional map faces first legal challenge

As promised

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix May 5, 2026May 5, 2026

‘First They Came for My College’ unravels the conservative coup of New College

The new documentary screens twice at this year’s Florida Film Festival

by Chloe Greenberg April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

News

Florida gas prices up another 24 cents amid war in Iran

The average gallon of gas was $4.19 in Florida on Monday

by News Service of Florida April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

Participants in Jan. 6 Capitol riot file lawsuit in Florida against police

The lawsuit alleges the crowd was composed of protesters who were “overwhelmingly peaceful”

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers

Labor

Emails show right-wing group gave talking points to Florida GOP lawmaker on anti-union bill

Public records obtained by Orlando Weekly show the right-wing Freedom Foundation supplied materials to ensure the bill’s passage.

by McKenna Schueler March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

Abortion Rights

Florida agency quietly removes tool to find licensed abortion clinics in the state

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration until recently offered a clear search function on its website to find abortion clinics.

by McKenna Schueler February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

DeSantis confident Florida won’t violate Trump’s AI order

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

News

Nikki Fried: ‘The pendulum is swinging towards Democrats’ after victory in Miami election

Miami voters this week elected Eileen Higgins as mayor, the first time a registered Democrat has taken the seat in decades

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

News

DeSantis administration: We need another $50M to cover SNAP costs

The additional money is needed as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill and Congress’ decision to reduce spending on SNAP

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

News

‘Copy of Guantánamo’: Human rights group alleges torture at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

Two migrant detention centers may have violated international standards by imposing conditions that could amount to torture, the group claims

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Florida News, News

Floridians who harm, sexually abuse animals near children could face 5 years in prison

DeSantis first hinted at these proposed additions to Florida’s animal cruelty statute last week

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

News

DeSantis asks Legislature to punish inhumane dog breeders

He wants to impose a dog breeder license, target unethical breeding, and tighten penalties for abusing animals in front of children

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

News

Florida Representative charged with stealing $5M in FEMA funds

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted for allegedly stealing $5M and laundering it for her 2021 congressional campaign

by Florida Phoenix November 21, 2025November 24, 2025

News

DeSantis says Trump’s oil drilling could ‘weaken’ environment, military training

This is one of the rarer instances of DeSantis breaking with Trump since the 2024 elections

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix November 21, 2025November 21, 2025

News

Florida lawmakers wary about adoption of Heritage Foundation pledge

The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank that authored Project 2025

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

News

‘Drag Race’ star claps back at Florida AG ‘Mister Urethra’ for targeting Christmas show

Uthmeier called the touring show “openly anti-Christian,” expressing his concern it would result in religious discrimination.

by Selene San Felice November 12, 2025November 12, 2025