Fresh Take Florida, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

Several police officers and security personnel restraining a person on the ground near the stands and a hedge on a crowded football field; spectators watch from above.

Law aimed at punishing Trump protesters being used against UF fans who ran onto football field

Lawmakers in Tallahassee said they never intended the new law to be used against fans storming football fields after a huge victory. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it in May.

By Olivia Evans/ Fresh Take FloridaOctober 13, 2025October 13, 2025

Four exuberant football fans who rushed the field after the University of Florida’s upset win over Texas are facing first-of-their-kind, felony trespass charges under a new law a Republican senator said was intended to punish protesters of President Donald Trump during his appearances in the state.

DeSantis put ‘Deportation Depot’ in Baker County. His fans there aren’t happy

In one of Florida’s most conservative counties, the plan has drawn a tangle of reactions to those living within walking distance

by Fresh Take Florida and Sara-James Ranta August 19, 2025September 1, 2025

Pope Leo’s brother is a Florida man and self-described MAGA type—and believes his sibling is best man for job

A social media post criticizing former Nancy Pelosi with a slur and insinuating that Pelosi’s husband is gay, was dredged up for the world to see.

by Kairi Lowery and Fresh Take Florida May 15, 2025July 2, 2025

‘Gut punch’: Opposition grows to Florida attorney general’s decision not to enforce law banning gun sales to buyers under 21

“It’s sad that we continue to relitigate something that has stood up in the courts.”

by Matthew Cupelli and Fresh Take Florida April 4, 2025April 10, 2025

Florida Democrats dominate fundraising in upcoming special congressional elections

“If they can win the Florida Panhandle seat, if they can win the District 6th seat of Volusia County, they stop Congress.”

by Sophia Bailly and Fresh Take Florida March 28, 2025June 8, 2025

Florida Gov. DeSantis’ latest goal: repeal gun safety measures enacted after Parkland

“The free state of Florida has not exactly led the way on protecting Second Amendment rights,” he said.

by Bea Lunardini and Fresh Take Florida March 4, 2025May 1, 2025

Florida Gov. DeSantis signs compromise immigration bill, after fight with Republican lawamakers

“We are ahead of the curve on ending the illegal immigration crisis. We didn’t just set our hands. We got to work.”

by Diego Perdomo and Fresh Take Florida February 14, 2025March 15, 2025

Florida’s abortion ban: What the latest data shows

Florida’s three largest counties by population, Miami-Dade, Broward and Hillsborough, each reported declines of more than 20%.

by Siena Duncan and Fresh Take Florida February 12, 2025February 16, 2025

Florida bill that outlaws abandoning your pet during a disaster clears first hurdle

The bill is a result of a heart-felt story after a Florida man left a bull terrier restrained to a pole as a Category 5 Hurricane Milton approached Florida.

by Gabriel Velasquez Neira and Fresh Take Florida February 11, 2025April 9, 2025

Florida archbishop’s message to Trump: ‘Migrants are not a problem’

“Our broken immigration laws are a problem, but the migrants are not a problem. These people represent an opportunity.”

by Gabriel Velasquez Neira and Fresh Take Florida January 29, 2025February 10, 2025

Florida GOP passes immigration bill DeSantis trashes as ‘weak, weak, weak’

“They think by putting the name of a strong president on a weak bill that is somehow going to pull the wool over the eyes.”

by Ella Thompson and Fresh Take Florida January 29, 2025April 26, 2025

Tampa’s Gasparilla pirate festival: ‘Time flies when you’re having rum’

“You are never too old to party.”

by Libby Clifton, Gabriel Velasquez Neira and Fresh Take Florida January 27, 2025June 8, 2025

Along Florida’s Gulf coast, Trump’s plan for ‘Gulf of America’ touches residents’ pride; some wonder what difference will it make

“Donald Trump is just blowing his horn again.”

by Aidan Bush, Libby Clifton and Fresh Take Florida January 22, 2025March 11, 2025

Civilian police oversight in Florida crumbles after new law kicks in

The move by Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature, which took effect July 1, was the latest effort to show its support for law enforcement.

by Matthew Cupelli and Fresh Take Florida January 7, 2025February 15, 2025

Reports of planes colliding with wildlife are increasing in Florida, according to FAA data

Larger Florida airports continue to develop complex strategies to prevent wildlife strikes.

by Julia Rogers and Fresh Take Florida December 16, 2024May 31, 2025

Black voters in Florida lagging in election in early, mail voting

In none of Florida’s 67 counties were Black voters casting early or mail ballots at the same rate as white voters.

by Diego Perdomo and Fresh Take Florida November 4, 2024June 26, 2025

A row of white voting booths with 'VOTE' and American flag graphics inside a busy polling place or election office, with people and camera crew visible in the background.

In Florida, women voters are turning out in larger numbers than men so far

by Vivienne Serret, Ella Thompson and Fresh Take Florida November 1, 2024July 17, 2025

Authorities arrest owner of abandoned dog tied to fence alongside Tampa road ahead of Hurricane Milton

“Do NOT do this to your pets please,” the patrol said.

by Valentina Sandoval and Fresh Take Florida October 16, 2024April 14, 2025

‘Nowhere else to go’: Florida seniors struggle to recover from back-to-back hurricanes

Gov. Ron DeSantis once joked that Florida was “God’s waiting room.”

by Kylie Williams and Fresh Take Florida October 14, 2024February 3, 2025