Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis is blasting the Biden administration after the FDA revoked the use of two different monoclonal antibody treatments, forcing Florida to shutter treatment clinics across the state.

Florida is failing miserably compared to other states when it comes to enacting laws to make driving safer and reduce traffic deaths.

Why it matters: Urgent action is needed to make roadways safer as traffic deaths climb at record rates despite fewer miles being driven, according to a new report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

A bill that would ban the sale of kratom to anyone younger than 21 and regulate the industry advanced in a Florida Senate committee this week.

• A mild stimulant that comes from a tree, kratom is typically brewed into a tea or taken via gel capsule.

Tensions are rising between Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.

What's happening: DeSantis has been courting conservative influencers who recently moved to Florida and is pushing back against Trump's criticism to add more fuel to the 2024 fire, per Politico.

Florida senators on a panel were apprehensive but voted 6-2 to advance SB 1024, a bill intended to restrict the expansion of rooftop solar in Florida.

• SB 1024 would lower utility savings for Floridians using rooftop solar panels by reducing how much utilities pay solar users to buy back their excess energy.

Republican lawmakers in Florida are once again fighting to ban abortion.

What's happening: Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and Rep. Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) filed Senate Bill 146 and House Bill 5 on Tuesday, the first day of the Florida legislature.

• Both would ban doctors from giving abortions after 15 weeks unless the health of the patient is at risk, or if there is a "fatal fetal abnormality."

Sarasota's Cyber Ninjas, the inexperienced firm that drew national attention after being picked to audit presidential ballots in Arizona, has dissolved after a disastrous week, its CEO told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Ken Welch is officially St. Petersburg's first Black mayor, and he's ready to start tearing down boundaries.

What's happening: In his acceptance speech Thursday, Welch recalled his days as a student in the last segregated classes at Melrose Elementary and how it felt to revisit students at that school as the city's mayor-elect.

• "That's a story of progress," Welch said.