Congressman Byron Donalds Announces Bid for Governor & Abortions Drop in Florida After 6-Week Ban
February 27, 2025 — This Week's News from Central Florida
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Congressman Byron Donalds Announces Bid for Florida Governor
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples) has officially launched his campaign for Florida governor, securing President Donald Trump’s endorsement. If elected, Donalds, 46, would become the state’s first Black governor, succeeding term-limited Ron DeSantis. The Naples Republican made his declaration on Sean Hannity's Fox News show on Tuesday. “After a lot of prayer, a lot of thoughts with my family and my friends, I’m here to announce my candidacy,” Donalds told Hannity. Donalds is a three-term congressman and member of the House Freedom Caucus, representing Naples and Fort Myers in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021. He was previously a member of the Florida House of Representatives, serving from 2016 to 2020. In announcing his gubernatorial candidacy, Donalds emphasized his commitment to keeping Florida "the best state in the country" and outlined priorities including addressing high property insurance costs, promoting business-friendly policies, and advancing cryptocurrency initiatives. The race could potentially pit Donalds against Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis, who is rumored to be considering a run. Gov. Ron DeSantis, term-limited and unable to seek re-election, has suggested his wife as a worthy successor (more on that below). Donalds is a vocal Trump ally, serving as a campaign surrogate for the president’s 2024 White House bid, and has often appeared on media outlets to defend Trump and champion his policies. He remains one of the most prominent figures in the MAGA-aligned faction of the GOP. However, Donalds was once critical of the then-New York businessman Donald Trump, denouncing his protectionist trade stances and birtherism comments about Obama. In 2011, he celebrated when Trump decided not to run for president, calling him a "huge distraction" who cared more about himself than the country in a Facebook post. Donalds' campaign has already drawn scrutiny from Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, who questioned his qualifications and called him a “dangerous political opportunist,” pointing to his apparent defense of January 6 rioters at the U.S. Capitol. The upcoming Republican primary could prove contentious, especially if it becomes a proxy battle between Trump and DeSantis supporters.
Abortions Decline 28% in Florida Following Six-Week Ban
On May 1, 2024, Florida's six-week abortion ban went into effect after the state Supreme Court resolved a legal challenge by overruling decades-old precedent that the Florida Constitution’s privacy protections applied to abortion. Previously, the state prohibited abortions after 15 weeks. According to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, the stricter law resulted in a 28% drop in overall abortions in 2024–dropping from 84,052 procedures in 2023 to 60,755 last year. The three most populous counties—Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough—each saw declines exceeding 20%. The most significant drop occurred in Dixie County at 54%. Only two counties–Calhoun and Glades–saw increases from 2023. Meanwhile, pregnancy terminations sought by non-Florida residents fell 51% to 3,754, marking the first decrease in five years. This decline reflects the ban's broader impact on abortion access in the Southeast, where Florida’s previous 15-week ban was less restrictive than neighboring states. Georgia and South Carolina also have six-week abortion bans, which took effect in July 2022 and August 2023, respectively. Most remaining states in the South–Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas–have enacted total abortion bans with limited exceptions for maternal health and/or rape and incest. Florida’s law creates exceptions to the six-week ban for maternal health risks, fatal fetal abnormalities before the third trimester, and cases of rape, incest, or human trafficking with documentation, up to 15 weeks.
DeSantis Signs Immigration Bills Without Expanding E-Verify
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed sweeping immigration legislation into law, strengthening penalties for undocumented individuals who commit crimes and eliminating in-state tuition for undocumented students, among many other stricter measures. However, the legislation notably omits more rigorous requirements against businesses employing undocumented workers. In an attempt to call Republicans’ bluff, Senate Democratic Minority Leader Jason Pizzo (D-Hollywood) proposed an expansion to E-Verify, a federal system for checking employment eligibility, but was ruled “out of order.” Currently, only public employers and private companies with 25 or more employees must use E-Verify, per a law passed in 2023–covering fewer than 20% of businesses in the state. In the dozens of immigration-related proposals evaluated or approved during the special legislative session to back President Trump’s immigration agenda, none included extending E-Verify requirements or increasing penalties on businesses that violate state law. DeSantis expressed support for an expansion to screening all new employees’ citizenship status in the upcoming legislative session, but critics argue that existing laws are not being adequately enforced. Facing criticism, the governor's administration recently issued warning letters to 40 companies, its first enforcement action since the program's expansion in 2023.
School Voucher Costs Surge as Program Popularity Grows
Following the 2023 expansion to Florida’s school voucher program, its price tag continues to climb, with costs projected to hit $4 billion in the 2025-26 school year. With no income eligibility limits, more families are using state-funded vouchers for private school tuition, a trend that has driven up enrollment and, in some cases, tuition rates. Lawmakers are exploring ways to adjust the state’s education funding model amid record-breaking applications for vouchers while also balancing the need to ensure public schools are adequately funded and school choice remains supported. Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed shifting $350 million from public schools to voucher recipients. The Orlando Sentinel recently reported on the dramatic increase in voucher usage at private and religious schools. Many families are now accepting state funding for tuition they previously paid themselves and some schools have even raised tuition to take advantage of the increased flow of public dollars. As the program continues to grow, school superintendents are urging lawmakers to prioritize public education, which still serves the majority of students, and consider creating a monitoring system to track voucher students and funding.
Tampa Bay's New Howard Frankland Bridge Nears Completion
The highly anticipated Howard Frankland Bridge expansion is nearly complete, marking a major milestone for Tampa Bay’s transportation network. Expected to open by late March, the new $865 million bridge will feature eight general-use lanes, four tolled express lanes, and a 12-foot-wide pedestrian/bicycle path, as well as space for future light rail. It’s the most expensive bridge project in state history. Transportation officials say the wider, more resilient bridge will improve hurricane safety and accommodate Tampa Bay’s growing traffic demands, with the capacity to handle 200,000 vehicles every day. Daily trips across the bridge have surged by over 50% since 2006, making it a critical link between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. However, some fear that expanding roadways without investing in mass transit will only provide temporary relief and worsen traffic chokepoints elsewhere. Adding to concerns, a major interchange project near Tampa International Airport won’t be completed for years, raising fears of worsening congestion before improvements take effect.
Mosaic Proposes Underground Injection of Phosphate Wastewater
Mosaic, a major fertilizer producer, is seeking approval to inject contaminated phosphate wastewater deep underground at several Florida sites, sparking environmental concerns. The company has applied for permits to drill exploratory wells at four facilities, including two in Hillsborough County. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has signaled conditional approval for an 8,000-foot well at Mosaic’s Plant City site. A public meeting is scheduled for March 11 to address concerns and answer questions. The company also seeks permits for wells in Mulberry and Bartow, while at its Riverview facility, it aims to bypass the testing phase and proceed with direct wastewater injection. This initiative follows the controversial 2021 Piney Point incident, where millions of gallons of contaminated water were released into Tampa Bay. Environmental advocates argue that the subsequent approval of a deep injection well at Piney Point by regulators paved the way for Mosaic's current plans. Opponents argue underground disposal poses risks, emphasizing that the wastewater may not meet safety standards for surface discharge and worry about the possibility of leaks from the wells. Further concerns cite Florida’s porous limestone geology that could facilitate the migration of contaminants into aquifers, potentially polluting groundwater and affecting the quality of drinking water sources. Mosaic insists the practice is safe and goes through a rigorous regulatory process that protects the environment and restricts the injection of hazardous wastewater.
Florida’s Condo Owners Face Uncertain Future
Florida's condominium market faces unprecedented challenges in 2025 as new safety regulations take full effect. Following the tragic Champlain Towers collapse in 2021, the state-mandated structural inspections and reserve funding for aging buildings, with a deadline of December 31, 2024. By the end of 2025, associations will be required to fully fund reserves and the impact has been significant. Condo listings surged 43% in 2024, while median prices dropped 4.5% as owners tried to sell before being hit with costly repairs. Older buildings are particularly affected, with listings for condos 30 years and older increasing by 56%. Bankruptcies and foreclosures are anticipated, according to former state senator Jeff Brandes, who leads the Florida Policy Project. As associations scramble to meet new requirements, owners face potentially steep special assessments and continued declines in property values. The state legislature may consider relief measures in its annual 60-day session, including loan programs for repairs and grants for low-income seniors to help pay special assessments. However, experts warn that state resources may be insufficient to address the widespread issue.
Former DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier Becomes Florida Attorney General
James Uthmeier, a longtime adviser to Gov. Ron DeSantis, was sworn in last week as the state’s attorney general. At 37, he is among the youngest to hold the office and is expected to play a key role in Florida’s legal battles supporting President Donald Trump’s conservative agenda. He succeeds Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy left by former Senator Marco Rubio. Described by DeSantis as a "bulldog," Uthmeier previously served as the governor’s chief of staff and has been instrumental in shaping his policies, including opposition to federal COVID-19 mandates and diversity initiatives in education. During his swearing-in ceremony, Uthmeier vowed to champion an "America-first agenda" and combat what he sees as left-wing activism in institutions and the court system. A University of Florida and Georgetown Law graduate, he brings experience from both private practice and the Trump administration.
Florida Sues Target Over DEI, Pride Initiatives
Florida’s new Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a recent federal lawsuit against Target, alleging the retailer “misled investors” by not disclosing the financial risks of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and Pride Month initiatives. The lawsuit, filed in Fort Myers, claims Target’s commitment to DEI and LGBTQ+ merchandise led to a backlash, negatively impacting sales and shareholder value. “Corporations that push radical leftist ideology at the expense of financial returns jeopardize the retirement security of Florida’s first responders and teachers,” Uthmeier said. Target recently scaled back DEI efforts, including a program focused on Black employees and businesses just last month. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the lawsuit, as corporate DEI initiatives face increasing conservative scrutiny nationwide.
DeSantis to Delay Appointment of Lt. Governor, CFO by Several Months
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that he will hold off on appointing a new lieutenant governor and chief financial officer (CFO) until after the legislative session concludes on May 2. Speaking in Tampa, DeSantis emphasized prioritizing pressing policy matters before making key personnel decisions. “We want to focus on what’s really important,” he said. The delay follows the resignations of Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, now interim president of Florida International University, and CFO Jimmy Patronis, who is running for Congress. DeSantis stated he would evaluate potential candidates based on their performance and contributions during the legislative session.
Organizer of Migrant Relocation Flights Appointed to Lead State’s Immigration Enforcement
Larry Keefe, a key figure in Florida's controversial migrant relocation program, has been appointed executive director of the newly created State Board of Immigration Enforcement. The Florida Cabinet, including Governor Ron DeSantis, unanimously approved Keefe's appointment last week. The board, established by recent legislation, aims to coordinate state and federal immigration enforcement efforts. Keefe previously served as DeSantis' public safety czar and oversaw the 2022 flights transporting migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard. Prior to working for the state, he was the U.S. attorney for Florida’s Northern District during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Florida’s Dental Care Crisis Sparks Reform Legislation, Opposition
A proposal to address Florida’s dental care shortage is facing resistance despite widespread concerns over access to treatment. Florida ranks last nationwide in the percentage of children who visit a dentist annually, with 65 of 67 counties classified as “dental deserts,” with demand outnumbering dentists. Further, nearly 80% of dentists in the state refuse Medicaid, limiting care for low-income individuals and leaving hospitals to handle costly preventable dental issues. A proposed solution, championed by Tampa Bay lawmakers, faces opposition from the Florida Dental Association. The legislation introduced by Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) and Sen. Jay Collins (R-Tampa) would create a dental therapist certification program, allowing participants to obtain certification to perform basic dental work in three years compared to eight for dentists. These therapists would handle procedures like cavity fillings and simple extractions, potentially alleviating the shortage of dental care providers. While supporters argue this would improve access, the Florida Dental Association opposes the plan, citing concerns about quality of care and implementation costs with the certification program. The American Dental Association and other special interest groups have rejected previous proposals to broaden licensure regulations to include these mid-level dental practitioners due to the unwanted competition they would bring. Instead, they advocate for expanding the dental student loan repayment program, which allows new graduates to write off an annual portion of their debt if they accept jobs treating Medicaid patients. The association believes this would encourage more dentists to treat patients in underserved areas. There are 14 states that already license dental therapists to meet workforce shortages, increasing patient demand, and strengthen the dental care landscape.
Legislation Targets Utility Profits, Executive Pay Transparency
A recently introduced bill in the state legislature aims to curb utility companies' profits and increase transparency in executive pay. Senate Bill 354 filed by Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) proposes tying utility shareholder profits to 10-year Treasury note rates, significantly lower than current approved returns for companies like Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida. The current rate of the 10-year note is less than half the rate of return regulators approved for Tampa Electric and Duke last year. Gaetz argues the measure is necessary to combat rising living costs, calling unaffordable electricity rates part of a broader financial strain on Floridians. Utilities can seek higher rates but must justify their request before the Public Service Commission. The bill also seeks to expand the Florida Public Service Commission to seven members, requiring financial expertise among commissioners. It also mandates detailed disclosure of executive compensation in utility companies. Florida Power & Light have voiced their opposition to the proposal, while Tampa Electric and Duke Energy have not publicly weighed in on the bill.
Prominent Sheriffs Appointed to State’s Immigration Enforcement Council
Two of Florida’s most recognized sheriffs–Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd–have been named to the state’s newly established Immigration Enforcement Council, tasked with strengthening federal immigration enforcement cooperation. Created under a recent immigration law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the council will support the State Board of Immigration Enforcement by advising on policy, training, and collaboration with federal agencies. The Council, which includes sheriffs, police chiefs, and state officials, will focus on expanding detention capacity and improving information-sharing. Its first meeting must take place by April 1.
St. Petersburg Opens Code Enforcement Cases on 11,000 Hurricane-Damaged Properties
The city of St. Petersburg has initiated nearly 11,000 code enforcement cases on properties potentially damaged by last year's hurricanes. The move aims to ensure that repairs are done properly, but many property owners are frustrated, saying they were not notified and that some flagged properties suffered no major damage. City officials claim the blanket approach is proactive, citing a desire to protect residents and maintain its community rating for flood insurance discounts. However, critics argue it puts an unfair burden on property owners to prove they've done nothing wrong. Residents fear these cases could create hurdles when selling their homes, as open code violations can be seen as red flags to buyers. The city defended the initiative but admitted they could have communicated better. The city's process requires property owners to show they've obtained necessary permits and followed Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines. Although an open case doesn’t mean a violation occurred, the burden falls on homeowners to prove compliance. Many undamaged properties still have open code compliance cases and the city is reviewing requests from owners to close these cases. Properties confirmed as not needing repairs will be labeled as “invalid complaints” upon closure, but the records will remain public and cannot be erased. With thousands still waiting on permits for repairs, many residents argue the city should focus on expediting approvals rather than issuing citations.
Tampa Bay’s Largest Freshwater Lake Shows Water Quality Improvement
After decades of struggling with invasive plant outbreaks and declining water quality, Lake Tarpon, the largest freshwater lake in the Tampa Bay area, has made significant strides in improving its ecosystem. According to a new report by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), about 90% of the lake's submerged plants are now healthy, creating a thriving ecosystem and bass fishery. Lake Tarpon is touted among the best bass fishing locations in the state. The report credits the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's efforts to treat outbreaks of an invasive aquatic weed known as hydrilla, as well as the use of herbicides and mechanical harvesting, for the lake's revival. Since 2010, fewer than 100 acres of hydrilla have needed treatment annually, a stark contrast to the 500 acres treated in 1992. Water managers are now adopting a "hold the line" strategy to maintain the lake's health, which requires ongoing efforts to control invasive species and prevent pollution. However, chlorophyll-a levels remain high. Urban development also remains a concern. Since 1999, developed areas around the lake’s watershed have increased from 38% to 45%, raising worries about nutrient runoff. However, nitrogen and phosphorus levels have stayed within acceptable limits since 2003. SWFWMD will present its draft surface water plan to its governing board in March for final review.
Trump Backs Byron Donalds for Governor in 2026, DeSantis Fires Back
President Donald Trump has strongly encouraged U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples) to run for Florida governor in 2026, posting “RUN, BYRON, RUN!” on Truth Social and promising his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” In the post, Trump praised Donalds as a “TOTAL WINNER” and highlighted his alignment with the “America First” agenda. Donalds responded on X, stating, “Announcement coming soon!” Donalds has long demonstrated his unwavering loyalty to President Trump and shares a close relationship with him, having served as a national campaign surrogate during the 2024 election cycle and even floated as a potential pick for vice president. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited, did not take the news favorably as he promoted his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, as a strong candidate to be his successor in 2026. Speaking to reporters earlier this week, DeSantis praised Casey as a staunch conservative who could build on his legacy and potentially attract even more voters than he did in his 2022 reelection. He also criticized Donalds, stating he "hasn't been a part of any of the victories" achieved in Florida. Unfortunately, for DeSantis, an endorsement by President Trump is currently the most coveted in Republican politics and could upend the plans of other rumored candidates, including Casey DeSantis. With an endorsement of Congressman Byron Donald all but guaranteed by the president, the move appears to sideline Gov. DeSantis' influence on choosing his successor and sets up a potential showdown.
FDOT Breaks Ground on I-75 Expansion
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), joined by Gov. Ron DeSantis, has officially broke ground on a long-anticipated expansion of Interstate 75, adding over 31 miles of auxiliary lanes between Wildwood and Ocala. Originally set for construction more than a decade from now, the project is being fast-tracked under the Moving Florida Forward Initiative. “This I-75 expansion is happening now instead of 10-15 years from now because we prioritized congestion relief,” DeSantis said. FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue noted that the project will benefit the 114,000 vehicles using the corridor daily and generate a $2.3 billion economic impact. The initiative, funded with $4 billion from surplus revenue, is expediting over 20 major roadway projects statewide, including an I-4 expansion that will add lanes and express lanes in Polk and Osceola counties toward Orlando.
Japanese Discount Retailer Opens First Location in Florida
Daiso, a popular Japanese discount retailer, has officially opened its first Florida location in Tampa. The 12,026-square-foot store at Northdale Promenade, 15702 N. Dale Mabry Highway, offers a wide array of affordable products, including Japanese-inspired snacks, toys, household goods, stationery, beauty items, and more. Daiso, known for its "treasure-hunt" shopping experience, has been expanding across the U.S. since 2005. With over 6,000 stores globally and 150 in the U.S., Daiso aims to provide quality merchandise at budget-friendly prices. The Tampa location is the first of two planned Florida stores.
Orlando Pulse Memorial Set for Completion by 2027
A permanent memorial honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting is expected to be completed by late 2027, with construction beginning next year on the tragedy’s 10th anniversary. Design concepts were unveiled this week following input from an 18-member advisory committee including survivors and victims' families. The city of Orlando took over the project after the nonprofit OnePulse Foundation, criticized for financial mismanagement, dissolved in 2023. The planned memorial will include a reflection pool, survivor’s wall, visitor’s pavilion, and a rainbow-lit plaza on the site of the former Pulse nightclub and two adjacent parcels. The city has allocated $7.5 million for the project and is seeking additional funding from public and private partners. Officials also plan to purchase adjacent land to expand the site, ensuring a free and accessible space for remembrance.
St. Petersburg Approves $5.1M for Salt Creek Drainage Project
The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a $5.1 million contract to improve drainage around flood-prone Lake Maggiore, an area severely impacted by Hurricane Milton. The project, part of Mayor Ken Welch’s post-storm resiliency plan, aims to protect neighborhoods from flooding and includes a new $30 million pump station near 18th Avenue and Fourth Street South. City officials also plan to acquire three acres along Salt Creek for a nature preserve that will double as flood management space, featuring marshland, native plants, and a flood barrier that offers protection to nearby homes. The initiative is part of a broader $47.3 million drainage improvement effort for the Lake Maggiore area, which includes dredging, channel enhancements, and stormwater infrastructure upgrades to better control water flow during extreme weather events.
Rays Introduce $20 Standing Room Tickets for 2025 Season
With ticket prices rising due to the Tampa Bay Rays’ temporary move to Steinbrenner Field, which boasts an 11,000-seat capacity, the team announced a budget-friendly option for fans. A “limited number” of standing-room-only tickets will be available for $20 at all 81 home games, with at least 100 per game. These areas will be located beyond the outfield wall in left field and right-center. The Rays Rush tickets will be released before each home series, with notifications sent to fans who join the team’s text messaging list. Single-game ticket sales begin this week, with early access for season-ticket members and Rays Insiders. The team is also planning 28 themed event nights, with those tickets going on sale March 14.
Orlando Health to Close Rockledge Hospital, Layoff 800 Employees
Orlando Health's decision to close Rockledge Hospital on April 22, 2025, has left local officials and residents in Central Brevard County frustrated. The 298-bed facility, acquired just months ago, will be demolished due to its poor structural condition and high renovation costs. Rockledge Mayor Tom Price called the closure a “big deal,” noting it will increase travel times for emergency care. The closure will also affect over 800 employees and four outpatient facilities. Rockledge Hospital has served the community since 1941, but Orlando Health cites in-depth inspections that revealed the cost to repair and renovate the facility into a new, state-of-the-art hospital imfeasible. Orlando Health has promised to build a new hospital in Brevard County but has not provided a timeline or location. Once Rockledge Hospital closes, it will be demolished and Orlando Health will sell the land for redevelopment.
MarineMax Quietly Moves Clearwater Headquarters to Oldsmar
MarineMax, the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht dealer, has quietly relocated its headquarters from Clearwater to Oldsmar. The company, one of the largest publicly traded companies in Tampa Bay with revenues over $2.4 billion in 2024, now occupies a 40,000-square-foot space within the Nielsen Media Research campus at 502 Brooker Creek Blvd. The move, completed in 2024, was executed without a formal announcement. Orlando-based Interstruct Design + Build retrofitted the new headquarters in two phases, creating a nautical-themed office space with high-end finishes and modern amenities. The environmentally resilient Nielsen campus opened in 2003 and offers storm-hardened facilities capable of withstanding Category 5 hurricanes. Despite recent challenges from hurricanes Helene and Milton, MarineMax continues its expansion strategy, recently acquiring Shelter Bay Marina in the Florida Keys.
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Celebrates Expansion Milestone
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel marked a significant milestone earlier this month with a topping-out ceremony for its latest expansion. This project will increase the hospital's licensed beds from 169 to 193, with the potential for two additional 24-bed units in the future. The expansion adds 80,373 square feet of new space and renovates 8,837 square feet, featuring a new three-story North Wing and a two-story South Courtyard Infill. CEO Ryan Quattlebaum emphasized that the additional beds will enhance patient access to care and expand services, including advanced pulmonary and neurosurgery. The hospital opened in 2012 and supports Wesley Chapel’s growing medical corridor.
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