A Democrat seeking to oust Attorney General James Uthmeier says Uthmeier has turned the statewide office into political theater instead of fighting for everyday Floridians. “My opponent is the most corrupt Attorney General we’ve ever had … and he’s the least independent we’ve had,” José Javier Rodríguez said in downtown Orlando at the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida.
Elections 2026
Birthright Citizenship Ruling Will Decide Whether America’s 250th Is Celebration or Curtains
A Supreme Court ruling against birthright citizenship is a dangerous stepping stone toward mass denaturalization and the erosion of individual sovereignty. That’s Trump’s endgame. Anything less than a decision demolishing the challenge would disgrace the sestercentennial anniversary we are about to celebrate.
Byron Donalds Claims Regime Change Is Imminent In Cuba
With tensions still high between Cuba and the U.S., gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday and openly called for a change of government in Cuba.
Back to DeFuture! Ron DeSantis Is the Only Authentic Choice in 2028
Be cool, Ron: Fox will sober up, come to its senses, and realize only you can save this nation from the Red Chinese, the whiny Ukrainians, vaccines, the powerful Palestinian lobby, crazed sociology majors, climate change radicals, feminists, soft-on-illegal-immigrants sheriffs, and anything else threatening Americans’ precious bodily fluids.
Snubbed By Big Donors, Paul Renner’s Fundraising Drops
Former House Speaker Paul Renner is finding it more difficult to raise money in 2026 than he did in 2025, suggesting that the Palm Coast Republican will need a lot of grassroots support if he intends to compete with front-runner Byron Donalds in the race for Governor.
Paul Renner Appropriates ‘Affordability’ as His Laggard Campaign Tours Florida
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner took his “Affordability Now” tour to Tampa Bay Thursday, where the conversation focused on property insurance rates, property taxes, and growing discontent with condominium and homeowners’ associations.
GOP Rep. Ryan Chamberlin Launches Citizen Initiative To Eliminate Florida Property Taxes By 2028
Florida Republicans have struggled to pass property tax relief despite promises of a constitutional amendment for the November ballot. GOP Representative Ryan Chamberlin is now spearheading a 2028 citizen-led initiative to eliminate property taxes entirely as local officials express concern over lost revenue for essential services. Other states like Georgia and Ohio are similarly debating radical tax shifts.
CFO Blaise Ingoglia’s Disinformation Campaign at Local Governments’ Expense
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is touring the state to accuse local governments of reckless overspending, but his claims rely on a simplistic formula ignoring critical economic factors like property value increases and essential service needs. Flagler County faced his unsubstantiated attacks last week. Actual budget data reveals that Ingoglia’s claims collapse under the weight of even feathery scrutiny.
Thousands Of No Kings Protesters Gathered In Red Florida Counties To Challenge Autocracy and War
Thousands of protesters gathered across Florida cities to demonstrate against Donald Trump during the third No Kings event even in Republican strongholds, including Pensacola, Jacksonville, Lakeland and Flagler County. Veterans joined diverse crowds to criticize foreign policy decisions and domestic immigration enforcement. Participants expressed concern regarding government lawlessness and executive overreach.
Over 1,300 ‘No Kings’ Protesters at 3 Locations in Flagler Beach and Palm Coast Proclaim Diversity of Opposition to Trump
Demonstrators gathered in Flagler Beach and two locations in Palm Coast Saturday to participate in the third set of anti-authoritarian “No Kings” protests, part of some 3,100 such protests across the country. More than 1,300 people voiced opposition to the Trump administration through signs and chants. A small counter-protest emerged at Palm Coast Parkway. Participants expressed concerns ranging from civil rights to immigration issues, but the movement’s political effectiveness ahead of the November election is unclear.
As War and ICE Fuel Momentum, Throngs Expected at No Kings Rallies in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Saturday
Organizers in Flagler County scheduled three separate No Kings rallies in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, joining millions expected to participate in over 3,000 demonstrations across the nation and beyond Saturday. The non-hierarchical protests draw on thematic opposition to recent foreign and domestic policies and the president’s authoritarianism.
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia Brings Campaign-Style Attacks on Local Government Spending to Flagler County
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia visited Flagler County today to accuse local officials of wasteful spending. Using a methodology based on inflation and population growth, Ingoglia claimed the county overspent by 59 million dollars over six years. Local leaders remained silent during the aggressive presentation and some later spoke approvingly of the CFO’s criticism.
Florida Democrats See 2 Election Victories as Signal of Shift Ahead, GOP Shrugs Them Off as Nothing Special
Florida Democrats secured two significant legislative flips in Tuesday’s special elections, defeating Republican opponents in Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties. State party leaders attribute the victories to improved infrastructure and local engagement while Republican leaders dismiss the results as isolated incidents typical of special election cycles. The flips might attract national funding back to the state as both parties prepare for the 2026 general elections.
Florida Democrats Flip Two Key Legislative Seats In Biggest Special Election Victory In Recent Years
Florida Democrats flipped two legislative seats during special elections held Tuesday. Navy veteran Brian Nathan secured a narrow victory in a Hillsborough County senate district. Emily Gregory won House District 87, which covers the Mar-a-Lago area. Republican Hilary Holley maintained GOP control of House District 51 in Polk County. These results represent significant momentum for the Democratic party within a traditionally Republican-leaning state legislative landscape.
Lurching from Limping Race to Unbridled Racism, Paul Renner Calls for Total ‘Ban on Muslim Immigration’
Former House Speaker Paul Renner, who represented Palm Coast and Flagler County, pledged Tuesday to pursue an aggressive stance against radical Islam if elected governor in November, saying it is time to be “realistic and honest that the long-term compatibility of Islam in this country does not exist.” He promised to “promote a federal ban on Muslim immigration to our country” and called it p”permanent and comprehensive.”
Election Officials Warn of Cost and Chaos If Federal Law Requiring Citizenship Proof of Voters Passes
The so-called SAVE America Act, which President Donald Trump is relentlessly pushing, would create chaos for state and local elections administrators by immediately imposing several new requirements without adding funding, former North Carolina elections chief Karen Brinson Bell said on a press call Tuesday organized by Washington U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell.
Palm Coast Council Candidate Jeanie Duarte Again Ejected After Challenging Mayor To Remove Her
Palm Coast City Council candidate Jeanie Duarte was ejected from the council chambers following a six-hour meeting today after challenging Mayor Mike Norris and ignoring advice from City Attorney Marcus Duffy. Duarte attempted to direct Duffy and alleged deceptive practices by the council before a sheriff’s commander removed her for the second time in 10 weeks.
Flagler Beach Welcomes Commissioner R.J. Santore As Rick Belhumeur Transitions Back to Public Commenter
The Flagler Beach City Commission last Thursday welcomed R.J. Santore to its ranks after an election victory that unseated Rick Belhumeur, who’d served nine years. Scott Spradley was sworn in to his second term, and Eric Cooley was swiftly and unanimously named chair, with Spradley as vice chair and no nominations for anyone else for either post.
Florida Eagerly Turns Back the Clock to 1956
Florida’s Legislature is actively rolling back diversity initiatives, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. New educational mandates target perceived Marxist influences in universities and grade schools. State leaders are prohibiting local climate policies to protect industrial interests, all of it intentionally retreating toward the restrictive cultural and environmental standards of 1956.
Florida Legislature Approves Bill Banning Student IDs and Requiring Proof of US Citizenship for All Future Voters
The Florida Legislature approved HB 991, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The bill removes student and retirement IDs as acceptable forms of identification. Although there’s no indication or proof of voter fraud beyond isolated cases, Republicans argue the measure ensures integrity. The measure will disenfranchise eligible voters lacking specific documents. The law takes effect in 2027, requiring citizenship verification through motor vehicle department records.
R.J. Santore Beats Rick Belhumeur, Scott Spradley Is Re-Elected for Flagler Beach City Commission
Newcomer R.J. Santore and first-term incumbent Scott Spradley won today’s election to the Flagler Beach City Commission, both edging out Rick Belhumeur, who had served three terms in five tries, by a wide margin, and Santore finishing with the most votes.
Florida Supreme Court Rejects Legal Petition To Block DeSantis From Redrawing Congressional Districts
The Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected a petition from voters seeking to block Governor Ron DeSantis’ plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The ruling confirms the governor’s authority to call a special session and the Secretary of State’s power to adjust election qualifying dates. DeSantis aims to reshape districts ahead of potential federal rulings regarding the Voting Rights Act and race-based mapping.
Trump’s United States of Amnesia Blunders Into Iran
While a lobotomized American public gorges on Super Bowl spectacles and celebrity gossip, an impotent Congress is letting the president bypass the Constitution to drag us into another disastrous Middle East war. Recycling the same radioactive lies used to sell the 2003 Iraq invasion, the administration pushes a distracted nation toward a bloody, unprovoked, and entirely preventable conflict with Iran.
Election Looming, Exasperated Flagler Beach Commission Clashes Over Disjointed Accusations Against City Manager
Flagler Beach City Commissioner Rick Belhumeur presented a lengthy but vague list of grievances against City Manager Dale Martin, prompting deep frustration from colleagues over the lack of clear direction. During a tense meeting, Belhumeur did not recommend specific actions and said he had no intention to terminate Martin. The manager easily defended his administration’s actions, retaining firm support from the commission majority and crucial city employees, but questions remain.
Palm Coast Council Advances Key Charter Amendments on Vacancies, Borrowing Limits, and Disciplinary Powers
The Palm Coast City Council approved several charter amendments for the November ballot, prioritizing rules for filling council vacancies, updating borrowing limits, and defining disciplinary powers. Seeking to prevent voter fatigue, the council narrowed down recommendations from the Charter Review Committee. Key debates centered on the cost of special elections, candidate qualifying fees, and maintaining the majority-vote requirements to place these amendments before the voters.
Randy Fine’s Bigotry and the Silent Complicity of Florida Republicans
Congressman Randy Fine’s long history of deploying bigoted, dehumanizing language against Palestinians and Muslims reflects a broader political decay. Condemnations have been rare except by his rivals, and what outrage there’s been frequently feels performative. Otherwise, silence. This widespread complicity from elected officials actively normalizes hateful rhetoric, rewarding fascist behavior and degrading the fundamental standards of our national civil discourse.
Scott Spradley, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Scott Spradley is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
R.J. Santore, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
R.J. Santore is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
Rick Belhumeur, Flagler Beach City Commission Candidate: The Live Interview
Rick Belhumeur is one of three candidates running for two seats in the March 3 Flagler Beach election for the City Commission. FlaglerLive submitted six identical questions to the three candidates, with no length restrictions. Answers are presented here in full and cross-referenced for ease of comparison.
Florida House Votes to End All Non-School Homestead Property Taxes, But Senate Odds Remain Slim
The Republican-controlled Florida House passed a joint resolution to ask voters to eliminate non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties by 2027. The sweeping measure faces doubtful success. The Florida Senate has not introduced companion legislation and Governor Ron DeSantis prefers a special session. Democrats heavily criticized the proposal, warning that it would bankrupt local governments and defund essential local public services.
More Sound and Fury than Substance in Flagler Beach Commissioner Belhumeur’s Election-Eve Attack on City Manager
Flagler Beach Commissioner Rick Belhumeur and his son Benjamin blindsided City Manager Dale Martin with a litany of anonymous allegations during a tense commission meeting. The claims, ranging from procurement fraud to hiring improprieties, were dismissed by fellow commissioners as decontextualized “minutiae.” With an election looming, the maneuver appears to be a calculated political stunt rather than substantive administrative oversight.
Former School Board Member Trevor Tucker Enters Race Against Christy Chong in Rematch
Former Flagler County School Board member Trevor Tucker has filed to run for his old District 4 seat, challenging incumbent Christy Chong. Citing a lack of board cohesion and a desire for rational governance, Tucker admits he underestimated the need to campaign in 2022. He plans a more robust effort this election cycle to address district dysfunction.
The Supreme Court Is About to Undo Generations of Political Gains for Blacks
In a case known as Louisiana v. Callais, the court appears ready to rule against Louisiana and its Black voters. In doing so, the court may well abolish Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision that prohibits any discriminatory voting practice or election rule that results in less opportunity for political clout for minority groups.
David Jolly Blasts Other Gubernatorial Candidates for Not Calling Out Trump on Obama Post
Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly wants to know why no other candidate for governor of Florida has condemned President Donald Trump for the video he posted on his Truth Social account depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Does a Shocking Election Win by a Texas Democrat Mean Anything in Florida Politics?
In the suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 31, a Democratic candidate named Taylor Rehmet won a special election for a state Senate district by 14 points. It was the same district Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024 — a 31 point swing, the largest over-performance in a competitive special election since Trump took office a year ago. That result has energized Democrats around the country about the possibility of a major blue wave in the midterm congressional election this November — but could that wave trickle down to the Sunshine State, where in recent years the GOP has emerged as a juggernaut?
Calling Out His Crudeness, Jennifer Jenkins Will Challenge Randy Fine for 6th Congressional District Seat
Former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins, who dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate a week ago, announced Thursday that she is running for Congress in Florida’s 6th District against GOP incumbent Randy Fine.
Voters Challenge Governor’s Authority Over Special Redistricting Session
Two South Florida voters want the state Supreme Court to determine if Gov. Ron DeSantis had the authority to call for mid-decade congressional redistricting and delay candidate qualifying. The petition asks the court to determine if the governor’s Jan. 7 proclamation for a special legislative session the week of April 20 to redraw congressional districts encroached on the power of the Legislature as it proclaimed that 2026 is “a year in which the Legislature will apportion the state.”
At Forum, Scott Spradley Cruises as Rick Belhumeur and R.J. Santore Battle for Flagler Beach Commission Seat
Incumbents Scott Spradley and Rick Belhumeur faced challenger R.J. Santore at a Flagler Beach City Commission forum at the Woman’s Club Tuesday. Spradley’s reelection appears all but certain, leaving Belhumeur and Santore to battle for the second seat. The candidates clashed over annexation policies and the soaring costs of a new sewer plant and had general agreement on the city’s critical infrastructure needs. They also reflected three distinctive personalities and styles.
Bill Requiring New Florida Voters to Prove U.S. Citizenship Advances
A bill to impose heightened requirements for first-time voters, including mandating presentation of documents such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate — received its first hearing in this year’s legislative session, and was approved by a party-line vote in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee on Wednesday. Critics warned the bill would backfire and block voter registrations of eligible U.S. citizens.
Palm Coast Charter Committee Wraps Up Work with Several Recommendations That Sharply Diverge from Council
The Palm Coast Charter Review Committee concluded its work, submitting its recommendations to the City Council for the November ballot. Key proposals include eliminating council health benefits, maintaining a $15 million borrowing limit, and requiring physical presence for votes. The City Council will review these advisory suggestions on February 17, determining which amendments will be presented to Palm Coast voters.
Florida Senate Committee Advances Bills to Clarify Felon Voting Eligibility
A bill that would require the state of Florida to develop and maintain a centralized database to provide individuals with felony convictions the information to determine whether they are eligible to have their voting rights restored moved through its first committee stop on Monday.
Florida House Advances Plan to Phase Out Non-School Property Taxes Despite Anguish Over Local Services
Florida House committees advanced two major property-tax proposals on Thursday, including a constitutional amendment to phase out non-school homestead taxes over ten years. While Republicans argue the move prevents local governments from treating residents like an “ATM,” Democrats and local officials warn of decimated public services. Meanwhile, the Senate has yet to release a companion plan, leaving the final form of a potential November ballot initiative in a holding pattern as leaders negotiate.
Jane Gentile-Youd, Flagler County’s Tenacious, Mercurial Civic Firebrand and Commission Fixture, Dies at 82
Jane Gentile-Youd, a prominent and often controversial civic advocate in Flagler County, has died at age 82. Known for her relentless presence at County Commission meetings, she spent decades challenging local officials and championing causes like the demolition of the Old Dixie Motel. Despite health struggles and fierce political battles, she remained a passionate, multifaceted figure whose legacy of tenacity and community service spans from Miami-Dade to Flagler, leaving an indelible mark on local politics.
Jill Woolbright, Controversial Former School Board Member and Culture Warrior, Files to Run Again
Former Flagler County School Board member Jill Woolbright, who claimed she was in “satanic warfare” against the district, has filed to run for the District 1 seat she’d held for two years. She faces newcomer Cathy Lynn Moon, a retired postal executive focused on fiscal efficiency and public school advocacy. The district is grappling with stagnant enrollment and the rising impact of state private-school vouchers, an issue both candidates address.
Flagler GOP Hosts Republican Candidate Forum at Palm Coast Community Center Feb. 5
The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee (FlaglerGOP) announced the confirmed candidates who will participate in its 2026 FlaglerGOP Candidate Forum, scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, located at 305 Palm Coast Parkway.
Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is 4th Republican Running for Governor as DeSantis Hangs Fire on Endorsement
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins officially entered the 2026 gubernatorial race on Monday, emphasizing his alignment with the “America First” agenda and President Donald Trump. His announcement follows a notable cooling in relations with Governor Ron DeSantis, who recently declined to offer an explicit endorsement. Collins joins a crowded Republican primary field that includes Congressman Byron Donalds and Palm Coast’s Paul Renner. Despite the perceived friction, Collins continues to publicly support the Governor’s current policy platform.
The Sunshine State’s 2026 Forecast: Guns, Grifters, and the End of the Woke University
As 2026 begins, Florida’s landscape is defined by aggressive conservatism and cultural upheaval, from DeSantis’s rumored charm school preparations for 2028 to legislative efforts to protect Confederate monuments and expand book bans. Development, football, and ideology collide in the Free State.
Incumbents John Rogers and Pete Young Re-elected Unopposed in Bunnell Despite Growth Controversies
Bunnell City Commissioners John Rogers and Pete Young were automatically re-elected today after no challengers qualified to run against them, leading to the cancellation of the March 3 election. Despite a year marked by heated debates over massive residential developments and industrial rezoning, the incumbents retained their seats without opposition. While Rogers opposed the major growth initiatives and Young supported them, voters expressed apparent satisfaction or indifference toward the current commission’s direction.
DeSantis Calls Special Session for April to Redistrict in Hopes of Preserving GOP Majority in US House
Governor Ron DeSantis has officially called a special legislative session for April 2026 to redraw Florida’s congressional districts mid-decade. The move follows pressure from national GOP figures but faces internal resistance from House Speaker Danny Perez, who favors immediate action. DeSantis argues the state must wait for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on racial gerrymandering. This disagreement highlights growing tension between the Governor and a Florida Legislature increasingly seeking independence from executive influence.
After Anemic Congressional Campaign, Furry Pivots Back to School Board Re-Election from His Coveted Vice Chairmanship
Flagler County School Board member Will Furry has quit his bid to challenge U.S. Rep. Randy Fine in the GOP congressional primary to run for re-election to the School Board. Furry attributed his withdrawal to uncertainty over potential redistricting, though his campaign struggled to raise funds against opponents like Fine and Charles Gambaro. His return follows a contentious November episode where he and Chair Christy Chong deadlocked the board for nine hours to block a colleague’s appointment as vice chair.