Trump administration won’t pay for ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ construction costs, DOJ says

A $608 million federal reimbursement won’t cover construction costs — if the money comes through at all

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

A $608 million federal reimbursement for “Alligator Alcatraz” lockup won’t cover construction costs — if the money comes through at all.

News

Florida backs down: DeSantis’ emergency fund can be used on immigration

Uthmeier called the House’s plan to limit spending “moronic” while the governor’s staff suggested the bill’s architects aren’t real Republicans

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

News

New bill blocks Florida emergency funds from being used on immigration

Democrats on Monday railed against these expenditures, calling it an “abuse” of public money

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

News

Black Democrats blast AG Uthmeier’s attack on affirmative action

Uthmeier disparaged what he described as race-based quotas in Florida hiring practices and stipulations for minority representation on different boards, councils, and other panels

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 23, 2026January 26, 2026

News

Orlando lawmakers, LGBTQ advocates push back on slate of ‘bigoted’ legislation

“These distractions are intended to take our attention away from real corruption in the state Florida,” said Orlando Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

News

Anti-trans bill that could criminalize doctors, counselors advances

Florida providers could face third-degree felony charges and $100,000 in fines

by Liv Caputo, Florida Phoenix January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

News

Judge denies Democrats’ lawsuit over ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ access

Orlando’s Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith and Rep. Anna Eskamani are among five Democratic lawmakers who were denied access to the center in July

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Cannabis News

Uthmeier wants recreational pot amendment rejected

Uthmeier and two major business groups argue the Florida amendment is misleading and conflicts with federal law

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Arts + Culture

‘Drag Queen Christmas’ host Nina West discusses returning to Florida in festive and defiant fashion

DeSantis be damned

by Matthew Moyer December 17, 2025

News

Florida AG sues Starbucks over what he says is race-based hiring

The suit alleges Starbucks has violated a state civil-rights law through race-based hiring and race-based compensation decisions

by News Service of Florida December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

News

Kratom 7-OH battle heats up in court

Florida AG James Uthmeier issued the rule prohibiting the byproduct and adding it to the list of the state’s most dangerous drugs

by Dara Kam December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

News

Florida’s blocked anti-drag law is now getting another look

Former Orlando spot Hamburger Mary’s challenged the constitutionality of the law, which seeks to prevent admitting children to adult live performances

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida December 2, 2025December 2, 2025