Ron DeSantis Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

A close-up of a media event on an airfield. The central figure wears a red hat and a dark suit, flanked by two others. The person on the left is speaking with an open hand gesture, while the person on the right is looking toward the press.

Trump says ‘One Rulebook,’ but DeSantis has objected to the possibility of the feds preempting state AI laws

DeSantis was among opponents of a proposal in the federal ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ that, for a decade, would have prevented states from regulating artificial intelligence.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

President Donald Trump on Monday pushed again for the federal government to control regulation of artificial intelligence as Florida lawmakers begin to delve into the effects of AI on the state.

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

14 things Florida can be thankful for

Ron DeSantis, he’s only got another year to smash things up around here.

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Official portrait of Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady, smiling and wearing glasses and judicial robes, against a backdrop of law books.

With Canady resignation, DeSantis gets to pick his sixth Florida Supreme Court justice

Canady is considered conservative but in a 2024 opinion agreed to green-light proposed Constitutional Amendment 4 to enshrine abortion access in the state.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a podium inside an outdoor supply store, with a large, taxidermied brown bear standing to his right. The podium sign announces a "2ND AMENDMENT SALES TAX HOLIDAY."

Opponents ask DeSantis to stop the 2025 Florida bear hunt

The hunt is scheduled from Dec. 6-28.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida November 17, 2025November 19, 2025

Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani (Democrat) stands at a desk, wearing a tan blazer and a green top, speaking into a handheld microphone. She has long dark hair and is addressing colleagues in the legislative chamber. A large blue mural featuring a manatee is visible on the back wall.

Florida Democrats call on DeSantis to act before SNAP assistance gets delayed during government shutdown

Millions could see benefits for November delayed if the U.S. government shutdown stretches into next month.

by McKenna Schueler October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Governor Ron DeSantis, wearing a dark navy suit and tie, stands with a serious expression at an outdoor or indoor event. The background includes a wood-paneled wall and various items suggesting an outdoor theme, such as a boat seat, what appears to be a gun case or cover, and ammunition boxes.

Florida’s lame duck governor has only 15 months left to ride the taxpayer gravy train

What’s next for Ron DeSantis?

by Diane Roberts and Florida Phoenix October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

Five friends sit on a blanket on the grass at an outdoor Pride event. Two individuals in the center are wearing rainbow-themed shirts and smiling broadly, surrounded by others wearing casual summer attire. A stage and a large crowd are visible in the background.

Equality Florida responds after DeSantis’ DOGE says Pinellas and St. Pete are wasting money on Pride events

‘A pathetic effort to distract from his corruption, inside dealing, and scandals.’

by Mitch E. Perry and Florida Phoenix October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

A large aerial view of St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront with tall buildings and blue skies in the background. On the sandy beach in the foreground, hundreds of people are arranged to spell out the phrase “UNITE + RISE” in large block letters.

St. Pete voting group wants citizens to come sip and strategize about DeSantis’ latest redistricting plan

‘Come ready to learn and take action immediately.’

by Ray Roa October 1, 2025October 1, 2025

DeSantis-appointed former Florida Surgeon General details ‘painful consequences’ of governor’s pivot on vaccines

When COVID-19 emerged early in 2020, Dr. Scott Rivkees led the effort once the mRNA vaccine was available to administer.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaking at a press conference. He is wearing a dark blue suit with a patterned blue tie and a white shirt. An American flag pin is on his lapel. He has short, dark brown hair and is gesturing with his right hand as he speaks into a microphone. In the blurred background, there's a golf cart and what appears to be a large, taxidermied animal. The image is credited to Dave Decker.

Voters urge Pinellas legislative delegation to oppose DeSantis’ ‘partisan gerrymandering’ plan for redistricting

An amendments passed in 2010 says, ‘no apportionment plan or individual district shall be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent.’

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix September 25, 2025September 26, 2025

Two smiling people pose for a selfie outdoors on a sunny day, one wearing a black T-shirt and glasses and the other in a white graphic shirt, baseball cap, and sunglasses, holding up a phone to capture the photo.

In Tampa, state lawmakers warn DeSantis’ DOGE could cut support for LGBTQ programs

‘I think you need to be prepared for what is coming,’ warned state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix September 15, 2025September 15, 2025

Vaccines and guns: DeSantis gives a sneak peek at 2026 legislative agenda [PHOTOS]

He’s going for open carry again.

by Mitch Perry, Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix September 8, 2025September 9, 2025

Column: Somebody should DOGE the money wasted on Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

by Craig Pittman and Florida Phoenix September 5, 2025September 5, 2025

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a podium with a sign reading "FIGHTING FENTANYL" in bold letters. He is flanked by law enforcement officers in tactical vests, with American and Florida state flags in the background, along with Florida Department of Law Enforcement insignia.

DeSantis says the state is looking into opening a new immigration detention facility in west Florida

The first deportation facility, in the Everglades, opened earlier this summer, must be shut down, a federal judge ruled, although the state is fighting that ruling.

by Jay Waagmeester and Florida Phoenix September 4, 2025September 10, 2025

Protesters hold up colorful signs, one reading 'BUG OFF ICE!' in yellow and black, and another reading 'DEFEND BIG CYPRESS' in red, black, and green, during an outdoor demonstration.

Florida plans to resume bringing immigrants to Everglades facility

TALLAHASSEE — Florida plans to resume taking in immigrants at a controversial detention center in the Everglades if an appeals court pauses a judge’s order that required winding down operations at the facility, a new court filing says.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida September 4, 2025September 5, 2025

A speaker stands at a podium addressing a seated audience, with two American flags and two Florida state flags behind them, in front of a red curtain.

DeSantis comes to Hillsborough County and defends signing controversial land-use law

VALRICO — Manatee County Commissioners have voted to join a lawsuit challenging a new state law (SB 180) that restricts local governments from regulating developments.

by Mitch Perry and Florida Phoenix September 4, 2025September 5, 2025

A man speaks at an outdoor event from a podium decorated with the U.S. Constitution and American flag designs, with multiple flags displayed around the stage and trees in the background.

DeSantis administration proposes removing all vaccine mandates

The governor also established a MAHA commission.

by Christine Sexton and Florida Phoenix September 3, 2025September 5, 2025

Taxpayer costs for protecting and transporting DeSantis surged during failed presidential campaign, says report

DeSantis’ announced his presidential candidacy on May 24, 2023, and he suspended the campaign on Jan. 21, 2024.

by News Service of Florida and Jim Turner August 27, 2025September 1, 2025

DeSantis administration seeks to put ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ injunction on hold

The state’s attorneys argued that the National Environmental Policy Act does not apply to the facility.

by News Service of Florida and Jim Saunders August 27, 2025September 1, 2025

It’s always Banned Books Week in Florida

Hillsborough County School Superintendent Van Ayres has been attacked by parents and shouted at by state government.

by Florida Phoenix and Diane Roberts August 26, 2025September 1, 2025