Latest news with #USATODAYNetwork-FloridaCapitalBureau
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida Gov. DeSantis hails Lt. Gov. Jay Collins' story, but says politics can wait
Newly-appointed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins isn't jumping into the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. At least not yet. DeSantis on Aug. 13 praised Collins for his military background and record as a state senator, touting him as a potential good candidate, but noted the primary for the governor's race is another year away. 'Jay has been clear: This has been about doing a mission. Politics will take care of itself,' DeSantis said at an event in Tampa. Collins, 47, was elected to the Florida Senate for a district covering part of Hillsborough County in 2022 after being recruited to run by DeSantis. A Green Beret with tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Collins was lauded by DeSantis for standing with him during his push for illegal immigration enforcement laws earlier in the year. DeSantis praises Collins: 'Blown away by his story' Beyond being able to do the job of governor, though, DeSantis said Collins would be a good candidate on the campaign trail. 'A lot of the people that didn't know much about him were really blown away by his story,' DeSantis said of his Aug. 12 announcement naming Collins as lieutenant governor. 'He definitely has the ingredients to be a compelling candidate that would grab attention.' DeSantis' comments come against the backdrop of a nascent campaign season that could resurrect the feud between him and President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, has already started his campaign for governor and has received Trump's endorsement. DeSantis has notably not endorsed Donalds, who backed Trump in 2024 when DeSantis challenged him for the GOP nomination for President. But DeSantis also downplayed speculation that his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, would run to succeed him: 'That's not anything she has ever outwardly sought. She's really happy making a difference.' On the Democratic side in the governor's race, the only major candidate who has filed to run is former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, a Republican who left the GOP and became a Democrat in April. Democratic former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson Jr. of Tallahassee has said he's considering a run as well. More: Former US Rep. Al Lawson of Tallahassee eyes Florida governor race in 2026 Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@ Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis praises Jay Collins but says talk of governor bid can wait
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Specter of government shutdown in Florida as House, Senate clash over state budget
This was supposed to be the week House and Senate leaders met to bridge the gaps of their budget divide that has already sent the legislative session into overtime and seen accusations and insults hurled among GOP officials. Instead, only the House came to the Capitol on May 13 – and only to extend the session to June 30. That move, though, carries little weight since the Senate isn't doing the same. The session, which was set to end May 2, has already been extended by both chambers to June 6. Extending the session to June 30 'sends a clear message. If the Senate's plan is to wait us out, then they will find us unmoved,' House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, told his chamber. 'We will not be intimidated, and we will not be bullied.' Perez said Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, reneged on the 'framework' of the budget deal they agreed to on May 2 but added he's going to work to bridge the differences in between the chambers. After the erosion of trust between the chambers, though, Perez said more time is needed to reach a final agreement. The fiscal year ends June 30. If lawmakers don't pass a budget by that time it would mean a state government shutdown, throwing off planning for school boards, cities, counties and other entities throughout Florida. Perez said he doesn't think a shutdown will happen, but admitted the chambers are no closer to an agreement than they were last week. This is a developing news story. Check back for updates. Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@ Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida House accuses Senate of betrayal as state budget talks stalled
