Governor Ron DeSantis Archives - The Florida Capital Star

Commentary: Voters Want China Out of American Farmland

February 21, 2024 Florida Capital Star Staff

Americans firmly reject the Chinese agenda of acquiring U.S. assets, especially vital strategic ones like American farmland. Battleground polling reveals that this issue provides an opportunity for patriotic populist candidates to protect the heartland, provide a stark contrast vs. the leftist big business globalists, and reap substantial political benefits in November’s elections.

Of course, Chinese companies and nationals buy substantial real estate across the board in America, not just farmland. According to National Association of Realtors data, China remains by far the largest source of foreign purchases of U.S. homes. Last year, the Chinese bought $13.6 billion in American homes, more than double the $6.1 billion they spent the year before.

Florida to Send 1,000 National Guard Troops to Texas Border

February 3, 2024February 2, 2024 Florida Capital Star Staff

On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) announced that the state of Florida will be sending up to 1,000 of its National Guard troops to Texas to assist state authorities in securing the border.

According to the New York Post, a press release from the governor’s office explained that the troops will be deployed “based on Texas’ needs,” and will include such duties as helping to repel illegal aliens trying to come across the southern border. It is the first time ever that the Florida National Guard has been deployed to somewhere outside of the state.

Florida Restricts Chinese Communist Party’s Influence on College Campuses

July 4, 2023July 3, 2023 Admin

Florida public universities will have a harder time accepting grants or working with the People’s Republic of China and other “countries of concern” due to a recently enacted law.

Senate Bill 846, which became effective on July 1, prohibits “state universities and state colleges from accepting grants from or participating in partnerships or agreements with a college or university based in a foreign country of concern or with a foreign principal unless specified conditions are met,” according to the legislative summary.

Professor: Ron DeSantis Is a Racist for His ‘Freaks of Nature’ Basketball Comments

June 26, 2023June 25, 2023 Admin

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted in an interview that he preferred baseball over basketball partly because the latter is played by guys who are “just freaks of nature.”

Speaking to the Christian Broadcasting Network, the 2024 GOP presidential candidate said baseball is a “thinking man’s game” that requires special skill sets, Newsweek reports.

Commentary: Take GOP Debates Away from the Mainstream Media

May 15, 2023 Admin

Tucker Carlson reportedly wants to host his own GOP presidential debate. The idea struck a chord with many people. It would be must-see TV for the most popular commentator on the Right to grill presidential hopefuls before a national audience. Republican voters would also prefer if those asking the candidates questions were not liberal reporters.

With Carlson now visible primarily on Twitter, it looks like he will have the opportunity to host the debate on the social media giant. According to the Washington Post, “Carlson wants to moderate his own GOP candidate forum, outside of the usual strictures of the Republican National Committee debate system.”

DeSantis Signs Bill Blocking Chinese Property Ownership Near Military Installations

May 9, 2023May 8, 2023 Admin

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Monday a bill that would block Chinese ownership of agricultural land and property near military installations, the latest state to crack down on Communist Party control of U.S. sites.

The law prohibits anyone from China and other totalitarian regimes, including Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Syria, Cuba and North Korea, from having a stake in any property within 10 miles of Department of Defense installations or critical infrastructure. A separate bill, also signed into law Monday, creates additional hurdles for foreign ownership of private schools after federal lawmakers raised red flags over Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ties to a private Florida high school operating a military pre-enlistment program.

Governor DeSantis Issues Thanksgiving Message Promising ‘Better Days’ Ahead

November 25, 2022November 24, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently released a video message wishing Floridians a happy Thanksgiving and reminding citizens of the freedoms we all should be thankful for as Americans.

NRA Endorses Governor Ron DeSantis for Re-Election

September 15, 2022September 14, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), the NRA’s political action committee, has endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for reelection.

Florida Department of Education Website Highlights Parental Rights, COVID Guidance

August 4, 2022 Steve Stewart

Recent website updates by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), under the recently appointed Commissioner of Education – Senator Manny Diaz, puts a focus on parental rights and COVID guidance.

Diaz’s appointment was announced by the State Board of Education on April 29, 2022.

The website update provides a link at the top of the FDOE home page called “Featured Topics.” The top featured topics listed under the link are “Parental Rights” and COVID-19.

Under the “Parental Rights” tab is a message that states, “Florida is taking bold steps to protect parental rights and ensure the lawfulness of instructional materials. If you believe you have found unlawful materials in your school or you are just unsure how to voice your concerns, please see the helpful information below.”

The “Parental Rights” page lists contact information to share concerns directly with FDOE or with a school’s principal. A link on the page lists contacts for all public school principals in the 67 school districts.

Florida Department of Education Website Highlights Parental Rights, COVID Guidance

August 4, 2022August 4, 2022 Steve Stewart

Diaz’s appointment was announced by the State Board of Education on April 29, 2022.

The website update provides a link at the top of the FDOE home page called “Featured Topics.” The top featured topics listed under the link are “Parental Rights” and COVID-19.

Florida Unemployment Rate Drops to 2.8 Percent

July 24, 2022July 23, 2022 Cooper Moran

New numbers from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) detailed the state’s unemployment rate in June continued to decline, remaining below the national average.

Furthermore, the state’s labor force grew by 40,000, which is roughly .4 percent. Again, the state outperformed the national average, which witnessed a decrease.

Teachers Union Poll Shows Support for DeSantis’ Education Positions

July 19, 2022July 18, 2022 Steve Stewart

A national teachers union poll shows that positions adopted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are supported by most voters.

During Florida’s 2022 legislative session, DeSantis championed a number of education related bills that his opponents often labeled as extreme. During the session, Equality Florida, a LGBTQ advocacy group, released a television advertisement “blasting” DeSantis over his positions.

However, a battleground-state survey commissioned by the American Teachers Federation shows a majority of voters approve of DeSantis’ education policy positions.

For example, one poll question found that voters, by a 32 percentage-point margin, said they were more likely to vote for candidates who believe public schools should focus less on teaching race and more on core subjects.

DeSantis signed a bill that banned critical race theory in schools.

Another poll question found that voters, by 27 points, said schools should be banned from teaching sexual orientation and gender identity to kids in kindergarten through third grade.

DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill (SB 1834), which expanded parental rights and limited the discussion of gender related issues in elementary school grades.

And by 28 points, another poll question found that voters agreed that transgender athletes should be banned from competing in girls’ sports.

In June 2021, DeSantis signed signed into law a policy banning transgender athletes from playing girls and women’s sports.

Gov. DeSantis Speaks at Moms for Liberty Conference in Tampa

July 17, 2022July 16, 2022 Steve Stewart

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke for about an hour Friday during the opening day of the first-ever Moms for Liberty National Summit held in Tampa, which was scheduled to continue on Saturday and Sunday.

The summit welcomed “all moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, and friends concerned about the attack on parental rights in education and are ready to defend those rights at all levels of government.”

Commentary: Gavin Newsom’s Weird Idea of ‘Freedom’

July 15, 2022July 14, 2022 Florida Capital Star Staff

In a run-up to what is likely to be a 2024 presidential bid, California Governor Gavin Newsom hit upon the bizarre idea of boasting in commercials that California is America’s true “free” state.

Part of his ad campaign is to attack Florida—currently run by Newsom’s possible rival, Governor Ron DeSantis.

Florida Launches Public Health Advisory to Alert Residents of Dangers of Fentanyl

July 9, 2022July 8, 2022 Cooper Moran

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and the Department of Health on Thursday announced a new initiative to alert residents of the state to the dangers of fentanyl.

The public health advisory will concentrate on “prevention and recovery resources for overdoses involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl.”

Governor DeSantis: Florida School Grades Better Than Expected

July 9, 2022 Steve Stewart

After a break from grades in the 2020-21 school year, a report from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) shows 2021-22 Florida school grades are trending up.

A press release from Governor Ron DeSantis noted that “Florida’s schools performed much better than expected due to policies that kept schools open and kept students in the classroom.”

Florida Launches Public Health Advisory to Alert Residents of Dangers of Fentanyl

July 9, 2022July 19, 2022 Cooper Moran

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and the Department of Health on Thursday announced a new initiative to alert residents of the state to the dangers of fentanyl.

The public health advisory will concentrate on “prevention and recovery resources for overdoses involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl.”

Governor DeSantis: Florida School Grades Better Than Expected

July 9, 2022July 8, 2022 Steve Stewart

After a break from grades in the 2020-21 school year, a report from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) shows 2021-22 Florida school grades are trending up.

A press release from Governor Ron DeSantis noted that “Florida’s schools performed much better than expected due to policies that kept schools open and kept students in the classroom.”

Florida School Districts Continue to Face Teacher Shortages

July 8, 2022July 7, 2022 Steve Stewart

The 2022-23 K-12 school year begins in less than two months and Florida school districts are facing teacher shortages.

As of this week, Duval County Public Schools reported 529 vacancies for certified teachers, up 23% — nearly 100 positions — compared to the start of last school year. This year’s vacancies are almost double the number Duval saw at the beginning of 2020-21 school year.

In addition, Orange County Public Schools lists over 200 K-12 teacher openings and Brevard County Public Schools lists 235 teacher vacancies.

And while the numbers are daunting they should not be surprising.

According to surveys by the Florida Education Association(FEA), the number of teacher vacancies have increased a 104% since August 2019. In August 2019, the FEA reported there were 2,135 advertised positions. This number increased to 2,962 in August 2020 and ballooned to 4,359 by January 2022.

Governor DeSantis Details Advancements in State’s Civics Education

July 2, 2022July 1, 2022 Cooper Moran

Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday detailed increased scores from students taking Florida’s 2022 civics assessments.

The test teaches “the history of our country, the exceptional nature of our form of government, and the role they play as citizens of our republic,” according to the governor’s office.

Former Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Gillum Indicted by Feds

June 23, 2022June 22, 2022 Steve Stewart

Former Tallahassee Mayor and Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum has been indicted on multiple charges connected to campaign contribution fraud before and during his 2018 run for governor of Florida. Gillum lost to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida unsealed the 21-count indictment on Wednesday. One of Gillum’s closest advisers, Sharon Lettman-Hicks, also was charged in the 21-count indictment. Gillum, 42, and Lettman-Hicks, 53, were arrested on Wednesday and were scheduled to have their first appearance Wednesday afternoon at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee.

The 26-page indictment indicates that the Gillum investigation was part of the comprehensive corruption probe that used undercover agents to get close to some of Tallahassee’s biggest movers and shakers. Former Tallahassee Mayor and City Commissioner Scott Maddox and his associate Paige Carter-Smith, along with Tallahassee businessman J.T. Burnette were recently sentenced to prison as a result of the probe.

The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2019, defendants Gillum and Lettman-Hicks conspired to commit wire fraud, by unlawfully soliciting and obtaining funds from various entities and individuals through false and fraudulent promises and representations that the funds would be used for a legitimate purpose.

DeSantis Responds to Furor Over COVID Shots for Children: ‘The White House Is Lying’

June 21, 2022June 20, 2022 Steve Stewart

The DeSantis Administration is pushing back on comments by the White House press secretary and media reports that claim Florida has reversed course related to COVID shots for children. Florida made news as the only state not to pre-order the COVID vaccine for children six months to five years of age.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the vaccines for emergency use on June 17 for children as young as 6 months and the CDC recommended everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Jeremy Redfern, press secretary for the Florida Department of Health, said the department “chose not to participate” in the vaccination program because the state health department is not following federal public health recommendations.

Governor Ron DeSantis also commented on the situation.

Gov. DeSantis Signs Legislation to Strip Walt Disney Company of Self-Governing Status

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022 Cooper Moran

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Friday to strip Walt Disney World’s special status that granted the amusement park broad powers to self-govern.

The old agreement, which took place in 1967, has permitted the venue to work as a quasi-governmental agency and maintain the same authority as a county government.

Florida Senate Passes Bill Dissolving Disney’s Special Self-Governing Power

April 22, 2022April 21, 2022 Florida Capital Star Staff

The Florida Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that strips away Disney’s special self-governing status after the company publicly opposed a parental rights bill that was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis late last month.

Disney released a scathing statement after the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill was officially signed into law.

Governor DeSantis Calls Special Legislative Session After Vetoing Congressional Maps

March 30, 2022March 29, 2022 Cooper Moran

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday issued a proclamation to establish a special legislative session, following his veto of the state’s proposed congressional maps.

According to the governor, sections of the map approved by lawmakers are unconstitutional; therefore, they must be redrawn.

Democrat Gubernatorial Hopeful Nikki Fried Attacks DeSantis over Plane Purchases She Once Supported

March 18, 2022March 17, 2022 Steve Stewart

Gubernatorial candidate and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat, teamed up with Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson to promote questionable claims related to Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s purchase of airplanes for executive travel.

On March 12, Wilson noted in a tweet that he had called out DeSantis for adding private jets to the state budget.

States Should Follow Florida’s Holocaust Education Standards, Says Tennessee Textbook Commissioner Laurie Cardoza-Moore

February 2, 2022February 1, 2022 Cooper Moran

Laurie Cardoza-Moore, a member of Tennessee’s Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality commission, argued that states should follow Florida’s approach to Holocaust education.

According to Cardoza-Moore, the curriculum supported by Governor Ron DeSantis gives Holocaust education and American history the high “level of instruction they deserve.”

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Holds Roundtable in Effort to Spotlight Dangers of Human Trafficking

January 31, 2022January 30, 2022 Cooper Moran

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez on Friday held a roundtable discussion to highlight the dangers of human trafficking in the state.

The discussion, which included multiple government officials and experts on the issue, detailed that 40 percent of victims in Miami-Dade County are minors.

Governor Ron DeSantis Shreds Biden over Decision to Revoke Emergency Use Authorization for Monoclonal Antibody Treatments

January 26, 2022January 25, 2022 Cooper Moran

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shredded President Joe Biden’s administration over the decision to revoke the emergency use authorization for Regeneron and Eli Lilly monoclonal antibody treatments.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the treatments are not effective against the Omicron variant. Because the variant accounts for most cases of the coronavirus across the country, leaders of the agency limited its use.

Florida’s COVID Numbers Continue to Decline, Reports Lowest Daily Cases per Capita in U.S.

November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 Cooper Moran

Florida’s positive coronavirus cases have continued to decline over recent weeks, allowing the state to report the lowest number of cases per capita in the country.

According to data compiled by The New York Times, the state has an average of 1,393 cases per day, as of Friday. The average represents approximately six cases per 100,000.

Florida Gov. DeSantis Says Washington Dysfunction Hurting Florida Transportation Projects

October 3, 2021October 2, 2021 Steve Stewart

In a press release on Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis called attention to the impacts congressional inaction and dysfunction are beginning to have on transportation projects in Florida.

“Yet again, the delays in Washington are impacting the lives of Floridians,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “It is unacceptable that Congress or the Biden Administration would use highway construction as a bargaining chip and leave Florida taxpayers to foot the bill. This is even more proof that the Democrats in leadership don’t want to help people, they don’t want to get anything done, they just want to follow a political agenda.”

And DeSantis is not alone in his criticism.

Commentary: Democrats Repeat the Mistakes of 2016

September 29, 2021September 28, 2021 Florida Capital Star Staff

As we get to the midpoint between the last presidential election and next year’s midterms, all political sides are expending extraordinary effort to ignore the 900-pound gorilla in the formerly smoke-filled room of American politics. This, of course, is Donald Trump.

The Democrats are still outwardly pretending Trump has gone and that his support has evaporated. They also pretend they can hobble him with vexatious litigation and, if necessary, destroy him again by raising the Trump-hate media smear campaign back to ear-splitting levels.

Florida’s Unemployment Rate Falls, Remains Below National Rate

September 20, 2021September 19, 2021 Steve Stewart

Florida’s unemployment rate fell to 5.0 percent in August, down 0.1 percent from the July reported rate of 5.1 percent.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced Florida has experienced 16 consecutive months of job growth, gaining 19,400 private sector jobs over the month. In total, Florida has gained 990,400 jobs since April 2020.

“Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida’s unemployment rate is decreasing,” said Secretary Dane Eagle of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “This positive sign shows that Floridians are returning to work and Florida’s economy continues to provide opportunities for meaningful employment. I look forward to working with Floridians to continue these economic successes.”

States Banning Mask Mandates Could Face Civil Rights Probes, on Biden’s Directive

August 20, 2021August 19, 2021 Florida Capital Star Staff

President Biden is ratcheting up opposition to Republican governors blocking COVID mask mandates in schools, putting in charge the Education Department, which is raising the possibility of using its civil rights arm to oppose such policies.

Biden on Wednesday ordered Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to “assess all available tools” that can be used against states that fail to protect students amid surging coronavirus cases.

Drug Overdoses on the Rise in Florida

July 20, 2021July 19, 2021 Grant Holcomb

Spilled pill bottle on table top with a spoon underneath

According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdoses are on the rise in Florida. Specifically, the death toll rose by about 37 percent from 2019 to 2020 in Florida.

One of the most notable trends was the amount of synthetic opioid fentanyl in Florida, and how so many people have become dependent upon drugs to cope with the COVID pandemic and economic hardship.

Questions About Nikki Fried Begin to Surface

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021 Grant Holcomb

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried has long been rumored to be challenging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the 2022 gubernatorial race but has yet to make a campaign launch official.

However, last week, on Twitter, she made an announcement indicating “something new” is coming on June 1 through a video.
Since she posted the video, news and political commentary about Fried and her personal relationships, business interests, potential ethical questions, and how they all fit together have entered the conversation in light of an impending campaign launch.

Nikki Fried Demands Answers About Piney Point, Environmental ‘Ticking Time Bombs’

May 9, 2021May 8, 2021 Grant Holcomb

The State of Florida is set to put $115 million into the clean-up of the Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County after a reservoir leak led to sulfate emissions, evacuations over a potential reservoir wall collapse, and a potential flood leading to contaminated water in Manatee County. Now, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is asking Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein what his agency knows about other potential environmental disasters.

Due to a leak in early April, 200 million gallons of wastewater were dumped into Tampa Bay, and its impact is still unknown. Discharges from Piney Point stopped on April 9, and DEP teams have been monitoring the discharge site to see if it resumes. So far, no more discharges have taken place.

Florida Legislature Sends Vaping Regulations to DeSantis

May 1, 2021April 30, 2021 Grant Holcomb

The Florida Legislature passed SB 1080, installing new vaping regulations, sending it to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill will also raise the smoking and vaping age to 21, falling in line with federal standards.

Bill sponsor, Rep. Jackie Toldeo (R-60) said the bill is necessary to encourage Florida’s youth to stop vaping.

Florida Bill Allows Colleges, Universities to Sponsor Charter Schools

April 29, 2021April 28, 2021 Grant Holcomb

On Monday, the Florida Senate passed SB 1028 which would allow Florida’s colleges and universities to sponsor an unlimited number of charter schools. Under current law, colleges and universities can, through the Florida Department of Education’s approval, sponsor one school.

A state university is permitted to work with a school district to develop a charter school but can only sponsor one. Now, there is no limit to the amount of charter schools an institution can sponsor.

Florida Legislature Hearing Bills to Curb Foreign Influence

April 25, 2021April 24, 2021 Grant Holcomb

The Florida Legislature is working through two pieces of legislation aimed at curbing foreign influence in Florida’s colleges and universities, primarily research institutions.

The Florida House has already passed HB 7017 unanimously and sent it to the Senate for consideration. The bill will require state agencies and political subdivisions to disclose foreign grants and donations of over $50,000 or more to the state. Also, all donations of any size will be required to be reported from seven hostile nations. Among those nations deemed hostile are: China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela.

Parental Bill of Rights Legislation Heads to DeSantis’ Desk

April 25, 2021April 24, 2021 Grant Holcomb

The Florida Legislature passed a bill instituting a “parental bill of rights” and sent it to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis.

The bill, HB 241, worked its way through the Florida House and then passed through the Florida Senate on Thursday. It was passed on a nearly party-line vote, with Sen. Lauren Book (D-32), the lone Democrat, siding with Republicans and voting to approve the bill.

Florida Anti-Riot Law Facing Court Challenge

April 23, 2021April 22, 2021 Grant Holcomb

Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1, known as the “anti-riot bill” on Monday, and is now facing a constitutional challenge. The challenge was filed Wednesday and the civil rights attorneys behind the challenge are saying the new laws unconstitutionally “seek to arrest the peaceful expression of free speech.”

The bill is designed to enhance penalties for criminals committing acts of violence during riots.

Orange County Seeks to Relax Mask Mandate by June

April 22, 2021April 21, 2021 Grant Holcomb

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the municipality is putting together a plan to relax its mask mandate by as early as June.
“We are working with the department of health on a plan to phase reducing requirements of wearing facial coverings and social distancing,” Demings said. “We are reviewing how CDC requirements are evolving along with COVID infection data and a plan will be announced soon.”

DeSantis Signs Anti-Riot Legislation

April 21, 2021April 21, 2021 Grant Holcomb

On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1, known as the “anti-riot” bill into law during a press conference in Winter Haven.

Surrounding DeSantis was Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and other deputies where DeSantis said, “If you look at the breadth of this particular piece of legislation, it is the strongest anti-rioting, pro-law enforcement piece of legislation in the country. There’s just nothing even close.”

DeSantis Signs E-Fairness Bill

April 21, 2021April 21, 2021 Grant Holcomb

Just before midnight Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 50 instituting sales tax requirements for online retailers, into law.

The bill requires out-of-state online retailers to collect and report sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians. The tax will bring in an estimated $1 billion in revenue, as well as limit taxes paid by Floridians and Florida businesses.