Florida Pundit (2025)

13/11/2025

President Trump Accuses Democrats of Distraction Over Jeffrey Epstein Controversy

President Donald Trump accused Democrats on Wednesday of trying to distract the American public from their “continuing record of failures” by resurfacing old allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

Posting on his Truth Social account, the president said Democrats were “trying to bring up the Epstein hoax again because they’ll do anything to divert attention from their disastrous handling of the government shutdown and so many other issues.”

Trump’s comments came after Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee released a batch of emails they claim show the president was aware of Epstein’s misconduct years ago. The committee described the documents as “raising serious questions” about Trump’s past relationship with Epstein — a suggestion the White House quickly dismissed as “another political stunt.”

“This is just another desperate attempt by the far left to hide their failures and distract from what really matters,” President Trump said. “They can’t manage the economy, they can’t control spending, and they can’t lead this country — so they make up new attacks to keep their base angry.”

The left can’t find anything new to make up.

Trump went further, saying the political left has “completely run out of ideas” and is now “recycling lies” to confuse the public. “The radical left has nothing positive to offer the American people,” he said. “All they can do is create chaos, spread fear, and hope voters forget how badly they’ve governed.”

Read the whole article here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/13/president-trump-accuses-democrats-of-distraction-over-epstein-controversy/

11/11/2025

Trump Praises Bipartisan Deal Ending the Historic Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump has praised a bipartisan deal that officially ends the historic government shutdown, marking the conclusion of the longest budget impasse in U.S. history.

After weeks of negotiations, several Democratic senators joined Republicans to approve a temporary funding measure that will reopen shuttered federal agencies.

“We’re going to reopen our country quickly,” Trump said from the Oval Office, describing the new agreement as “a very good deal” for the American people.

End of the Longest Government Shutdown in U.S. History

The 40-day government shutdown had halted public services, grounded flights, and left over a million federal workers without pay. The new bipartisan plan restores their employment and guarantees funding through the end of January.

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed relief, stating:

“It seems our long national nightmare is finally ending, and we’re grateful for that.”

Republicans and Moderate Democrats Reach Compromise

The bill also continues funding for essential social programs like SNAP, which helps over 42 million low-income Americans purchase food.

Moderate Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen defended her vote to back the deal, emphasizing that it protects healthcare access and restores stability to federal operations. However, progressive Democrats criticized the compromise, with California Governor Gavin Newsom calling it “pathetic.”

Despite internal tensions, the House is expected to pass the measure swiftly, allowing federal workers to return and government operations to resume within days.

Read the news article here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/11/trump-praises-deal-ending-government-shutdown/

11/11/2025

Judge to Rule Wednesday on Whether Frank Carollo Can Stay in Miami Runoff Under New Term Limits

A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge is set to decide Wednesday whether former Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo can stay on the ballot in next month’s District 3 runoff election, following the city’s newly approved lifetime term limits.

Judge Peter Lopez heard arguments Monday in a fast-moving case that could reshape the December 9 runoff. The lawsuit, filed by three Miami residents, seeks to enforce the new term-limit measure passed by voters last week with an overwhelming 79% support.

The amendment, which applies retroactively, restricts any individual to two lifetime terms as either mayor or city commissioner.
Plaintiffs Argue Carollo Is Disqualified

Among the plaintiffs is Oscar Alejandro, who finished third in the Nov. 5 election and hopes to take Carollo’s place on the ballot. They argue that Carollo, who served two full terms from 2009 to 2017, is ineligible to run again under the new rule.

Their attorney, Juan-Carlos “J.C.” Planas, a former state representative, previously defended Carollo’s opponent Rolando Escalona against a separate challenge over residency issues last month.

Planas and his team contend that the new limits took effect immediately upon voter approval, meaning Carollo should be removed from the ballot and replaced by Alejandro.

Read more here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/11/frank-carollo-miami-runoff-term-limits/

10/11/2025

Senate Advances GOP Plan to End Government Shutdown Amid Growing Political Tensions

The U.S. Senate on Sunday advanced a Republican-led plan aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown, signaling a potential shift in negotiations between congressional leaders after days of stalemate.

The procedural vote moves forward a short-term spending proposal backed by Senate Republicans that would temporarily reopen the government while lawmakers continue to negotiate a broader funding agreement. The measure comes as federal workers brace for another missed paycheck and critical services across the country face disruption.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the move as a “step toward restoring stability and responsibility,” urging Democrats to “put partisanship aside and do what’s right for the American people.”

However, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressed skepticism, accusing Republicans of prioritizing political leverage over compromise. “We need a clean funding bill that protects working families, not a patchwork plan designed for political cover,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.

The White House has signaled support for the GOP plan, framing it as a reasonable path to reopen government operations while addressing long-term budget priorities. Yet, several Democrats and a handful of moderate Republicans remain divided over key provisions, including federal spending limits and immigration-related measures tied to the proposal.

The partial shutdown, now stretching beyond its third week, has impacted federal agencies, airport operations, and local economies—particularly in states like Florida, where tourism and transportation sectors rely heavily on federal oversight.

As negotiations continue, both parties face increasing pressure from constituents and business leaders to resolve the impasse before more economic damage is done.

Read the article here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/10/senate-advances-gop-plan-to-end-government-shutdown/

06/11/2025

After New York City elected its first socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, one Florida sheriff had a message for those ready to escape high taxes and failed policies:
👉 “It’s not the end — it can be the beginning of a new life.”

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is inviting frustrated New Yorkers, cops, and business owners to move south — to a place where freedom, family, and law enforcement are respected.

As Mamdani takes over New York, Florida continues to shine as the land of opportunity and common sense.
💬 Would you leave New York for Florida?

Read more here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/06/florida-sheriff-invites-new-yorkers-after-mamdani-win/

03/11/2025

New York is already struggling — and Zohran Mamdani’s socialist agenda would make it worse.
Rent freezes, city-owned grocery stores, “free” childcare, and a $30 minimum wage may sound nice on paper… until the city’s economy collapses under their weight.
💥 Read how “democratic socialism” could destroy NYC’s future: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/03/zohran-mamdani-socialist-agenda-new-york-collapse/

02/11/2025

Newsom Says “Rules Have Changed” as California Pushes Partisan Redistricting Under Prop 50

California Governor Gavin Newsom says the political landscape has changed — and so should California’s playbook. In a new interview with NBC News, Newsom declared himself “deeply confident” that voters will approve Proposition 50, a controversial ballot initiative allowing the state to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Supporters call Prop 50 California redistricting a way to “fight fire with fire” after Texas and other Republican-led states redrew their maps to favor the GOP. Critics, however, say it’s nothing short of a partisan power grab by Democrats desperate to regain control of Congress.

Newsom accused former President Trump of “rigging the game,” claiming that Trump is pushing redistricting in Republican states to manipulate next year’s election. “He’s changing the rules because he knows he’ll lose if all things are equal,” Newsom said. “He did not expect California to fight back.”

The measure, which temporarily sidelines the state’s independent redistricting commission, would hand map-drawing power to the Democrat-controlled legislature through 2030. It’s a direct response to Texas’ mid-decade redistricting plan, expected to net Republicans as many as five House seats.
A High-Stakes Gamble for Democrats

While Prop 50 California redistricting is framed by Democrats as a “defensive strategy,” opponents warn it undermines the very concept of fair representation. Conservative watchdog groups and several nonpartisan analysts argue the move betrays the state’s long-standing reputation for transparency and citizen oversight.

But Newsom insists Democrats can’t afford to “play nice” anymore. “The world has changed,” he said. “The rules of the game have changed. You can’t bring a handshake to a knife fight.”

Read more here:https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/02/gavin-newsom-prop50-california-redistricting-rules-changed/

02/11/2025

Democrats Claim Advantage as Trump Faces Criticism, But Voter Skepticism Persists

As the 2026 midterm elections loom, Democrats are hoping voter frustration with President Donald Trump could give them an edge. A new NBC News poll shows roughly two-thirds of registered voters say Trump has fallen short on the economy and cost of living, and a majority believe he has failed to shake up business as usual in Washington.

Yet even as the Democratic Party touts its early lead in congressional ballots—50% to Republicans’ 42%—public trust in Democrats remains low. Only 28% of voters view the party positively, unchanged from record lows earlier this year. Independents, in particular, remain wary of the Democrats, leaving the party’s claims of momentum open to question.

Trump’s approval rating stands at 43%, down four points from March, with 55% disapproving of his performance. Still, Republicans retain strong leads on key issues like border security, crime, and immigration, while Democrats’ gains are largely limited to protecting constitutional rights, democracy, and health care.

The NBC poll also highlights voter concern over Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement. While 51% approve of his border security efforts, 54% disapprove of federal deployments in U.S. cities—a clear signal that even some Republicans question the administration’s tactics. Public perception of ICE is sharply negative, particularly among Black and Hispanic voters.

Read the Article here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/02/democrats-claim-advantage-trump-criticism/

02/11/2025

Trump’s New Rule Could Strip Thousands of Immigrants in Florida of Their Work Permits

The Trump administration just dropped a policy gr***de that could hit Florida’s immigrant communities hardest — a new rule ending automatic work-permit extensions that thousands of people rely on to stay employed while their paperwork crawls through government backlogs.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed this week that it’s scrapping the 180-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) — the small plastic card that lets immigrants legally work in the U.S.

For years, that grace period protected workers from bureaucratic limbo at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which routinely takes months — sometimes a year — to process renewals. Without it, immigrants whose permits expire while they wait for approval could instantly lose their jobs.

Lawyers and immigrant advocates blasted the move as another “shadow crackdown,” targeting people who followed every rule. “They’re punishing immigrants for USCIS delays that aren’t their fault,” said Miami attorney Luis Fernández. “This is bureaucracy as a weapon.”

The new rule doesn’t just threaten immigrant families — it also hits Florida’s workforce, where many hold critical jobs in healthcare, hospitality, and construction. Employers now face the risk of losing trained staff overnight, with no replacements in sight.

DHS officials insist the change will “restore integrity” to the system and ensure that “only individuals with valid authorization” are employed. Critics call that spin. “This isn’t about integrity,” said one advocate. “It’s about making it impossible for immigrants to keep working legally.”
Read more here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/11/02/trump-rule-florida-immigrants-work-permits/

01/11/2025

Florida Lawmakers Begin Review of DeSantis’ Plan to Eliminate Property Taxes
Florida lawmakers have begun formally reviewing proposals that could dramatically reshape local government funding as Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to eliminate property taxes for more than five million homeowners.

The Office of Economic and Demographic Research met Friday to evaluate eight separate proposals aimed at reducing or phasing out property taxes. DeSantis has called previous ideas “half measures,” urging lawmakers to commit to full elimination to ease housing costs statewide.

However, the governor’s plan faces tough questions about how to replace billions in lost revenue. Local officials warn that cutting property taxes could devastate services like fire protection, emergency response, and parks.

“It will wipe out parks and recreation,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.

Political Feud in Tallahassee

The property tax debate has escalated tensions between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R–Miami). The governor accused lawmakers of stalling, while Perez called DeSantis “small and petty” for attacking legislative efforts.

The proposals — which could appear on the 2026 ballot — vary widely. Some would expand homestead exemptions, while others would phase out property taxes over a decade. DeSantis has criticized the idea of multiple ballot options, saying it would confuse voters and risk failure.
Local Governments Sound the Alarm

Eliminating property taxes without new funding could slash an average of 28% of local budgets, according to state data. In rural counties like Franklin and coastal regions such as Flagler, losses could reach more than a third of annual budgets.

Jessica Ward, vice chair of the Franklin County Commission, warned the move would “annihilate” small communities after a single natural disaster.

Despite growing opposition, DeSantis and state CFO Blaise Ingoglia insist local fears are exaggerated.

“We’ve seen this playbook before,” Ingoglia said. “They always claim nobody will show up when you call 911 — and it’s simply not true.”

30/10/2025

Miami Proposal Would Let City Sell Public Land Without Voter Approval

Miami city officials are pushing a new ballot measure that would give them sweeping authority to sell or lease public land valued at more than $500,000 without the consent of voters — a move critics warn could weaken transparency and reduce citizen oversight.

The measure, listed as Referendum No. 2, would amend Miami’s city charter and allow the five-member City Commission to approve land sales by a four-fifths vote when the city fails to receive at least three bids, which is currently required under existing rules.

Timing Raises Eyebrows

The timing of the measure has sparked criticism. The Noriega administration has recently faced scrutiny over controversial deals involving two iconic city assets — the Olympia Theater, sold to a charter school, and the stalled Miami Marine Stadium restoration project.

While the proposed amendment would not directly impact those properties, opponents argue the pattern is clear: City Hall wants fewer checks on its real estate decisions.

“Miami taxpayers deserve a say when public property is on the line,” said one resident group opposing the measure. “This is about trust — and we don’t have much left in City Hall.”
City Owns $17.5 Billion in Public Property

Miami’s real estate portfolio includes more than 500 properties worth roughly $17.5 billion — from parks and theaters to office buildings and parking lots.
Currently, the city must publicly advertise any sale of land worth over $500,000 and secure at least three bids before moving forward.

Bottom Line

Critics see the referendum as another power grab by city leaders already under fire for mismanaging public assets.
Proponents say it’s about efficiency and cutting red tape.

Miami voters will make the final call next week.
Whether they’ll hand over more control to City Hall — or keep it in their own hands — remains to be seen.

27/10/2025

‘Dead or Alive?’ Minnesota Man Arrested for $45K Alleged Hit on Pam Bondi

A Minnesota man is in hot water after allegedly posting a $45,000 murder-for-hire offer targeting former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi—and he did it on TikTok.

Tyler Maxon Avalos, 29, allegedly shared a post featuring Bondi’s photo with a sniper-scope red dot on her forehead. The caption read: “WANTED: Pam Bondi / REWARD: 45,000 / DEAD OR ALIVE (PREFERABLY DEAD),” alongside the ominous line: “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?”

Avalos’ TikTok handle, “Wacko,” incorporated anarchist symbols and linked to an anarchist FAQ book. His criminal history includes a 2022 felony stalking conviction in Minnesota and a 2016 domestic battery charge in Florida.

Federal authorities charged him with interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person under 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), a crime that carries up to five years in prison.

After his arrest, Avalos was released under strict conditions: GPS monitoring, a curfew, and restrictions on internet access and alcohol. His attorney confirms he pleads not guilty.

The case underscores growing concerns over violent threats on social media, leaving authorities urging users to report suspicious activity immediately.

Read the whole article here: https://thefloridapundit.com/2025/10/27/minnesota-man-arrested-bondi-hit/

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