Mary Ellen Klas
Tampa Bay Times
United States
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Past articles by Mary:
DeSantis suggests more culture war battles to come as he opens legislative session
The governor makes the first State of the State speech of his second term. → Read More
Florida official unsure if Vertol will still handle migrant relocation program
The head of the Division of Emergency Management also said there’ll be no more no-bid deals for the program. → Read More
In face of DeSantis anti-woke rhetoric, Black leaders go back to ’60s
Some civil rights activists raise questions about a number of DeSantis’ actions. → Read More
Questions about migrants, voting remain after another legislative session
And other takeaways from Florida lawmakers’ latest special session. → Read More
Saying ‘reparations’ is OK, Florida says, but how to teach it is still unclear
Florida was the first state in the nation to pay reparations to survivors of racial violence. → Read More
Lawmakers quickly move forward bill to expand DeSantis’ migrant flights program
Legislators say they don’t have details on how money has been spent so far on the program. → Read More
As DeSantis alters Black history in schools, critics say key chapters are lost
Only 11 of Florida’s 67 county school districts — including Hillsborough and Pinellas — are considered exemplary at meeting mandate that African American history be taught. → Read More
State lawmakers consider giving DeSantis OK to transport migrants from anywhere in US
The proposal is expected to come up during a special legislative session next week. → Read More
Florida lawmakers to hold special session to consider state-run board for Disney tax district
The corporation’s Reedy Creek district is one of several items legislators are expected to discuss in special session. → Read More
Lawyers say they’re ready to sue DeSantis over AP African American studies course
Florida civil rights attorney Ben Crump said three Leon County high school students are prepared to be plaintiffs. → Read More
Amid political scandals, FPL CEO announces retirement
Armando Pimentel will now be president and CEO of FPL. → Read More
Kamala Harris comes to Florida to rally abortion supporters on DeSantis’ doorstep
Harris will “deliver a major address” in Tallahassee about abortion and the need for Congress to codify the protections of Roe into law, a White House spokesperson said. → Read More
Florida legislators dodge chance to get answers on migrant flights, ask no questions
The committee scheduled one hour for Jared Perdue. After 10 minutes of introductions, Perdue spent 40 minutes providing an overview of agency operations. → Read More
DeSantis wants ban on COVID mask and vaccine mandates to be permanent
He was joined Tuesday by state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. → Read More
Judge refuses DeSantis administration’s request to toss migrant flights lawsuit
The challenge was brought by Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo. A trial date has been set. → Read More
Florida helping feds with migrants coming by boat but not directly intervening
The Florida National Guard’s main role appears to primarily be aerial surveillance. → Read More
DeSantis inauguration was overbooked, leaving big donors without seats
The CEO of Publix, lobbyists and lawmakers were relegated to the “mosh pit.” → Read More
DeSantis tailors ‘free state’ messaging to wider audience in 2nd inauguration address
By contrasting Florida with the rest of the country, DeSantis was able to pivot from a roll call of his accomplishments to an indictment against other states. → Read More
Ahead of DeSantis’ second inauguration, many wondering about 2024
After his swearing-in, the governor will deliver his first speech to a broad audience since his election night address. → Read More
DeSantis inauguration includes public swearing-in, private donor events
DeSantis will take the oath of office Tuesday for his second term as the 46th governor of Florida → Read More