Tourism Pumps $133B Into Florida Economy
Florida’s tourism industry delivered a record-setting year in 2024, generating $133.6 billion in economic impact, supporting 1.8 million jobs, and saving Florida households nearly $2,000 in taxes. New data from VISIT FLORIDA shows visitor spending reached historic highs, with 99 cents of every tourism dollar staying in the state’s economy.
DeSantis Moves to Shut Down Puppy Mills in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a sweeping proposal to crack down on abusive puppy mills and strengthen protections for dogs across Florida. The plan calls for statewide breeder licensing, tougher penalties for animal abusers, a new hotline to report mistreatment, and requirements for pet stores to prioritize shelter adoptions as overcrowding reaches crisis levels.
Death Row Timeline Nears End for Frank Walls
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Frank Athen Walls, the Okaloosa County man convicted in the 1987 murders of Airman Edward Alger and Ann Peterson and later linked to three additional slayings. Walls is scheduled to be executed on December 18, marking another addition to Florida’s record-setting year for executions.
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Proposal for Florida to Manage Atlantic Red Snapper Season Beginning in 2026
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Proposal for Florida to Manage Atlantic Red Snapper Season Beginning in 2026 Staff Reports November 12, 2025 9:14 am State Government In Brief: 👤 Who: Governor Ron DeSantis, FWC Executive Director Roger Young, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 🎣 What: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission submitted an Exempted Fishing […]
Destin Council calls for transparency after $83M land deal for Norriego Point
Destin leaders say Florida’s $83 million beach buy came with too many closed doors — and too little local say. Here’s what they’re doing to bring the deal into the sunshine.
Governor DeSantis Announces Successful Evacuation of 28 Floridians from Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
Twenty-eight Floridians were safely evacuated from Jamaica following Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, with the Florida Division of Emergency Management coordinating the operation under Governor Ron DeSantis’ direction. The evacuees arrived at Tampa International Airport on November 3, 2025.
Tom Glavine Golf Outing Raises $200,000 to Support Walton County Education and Workforce Programs
The 5th Annual Tom Glavine Field of Dreams Golf Outing raised $200,000 to support Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center, funding dual enrollment, college programs, and workforce development opportunities in Walton County.
Sen. Don Gaetz weighs in on $83M state purchase of Norriego Point
Florida plans to spend $83 million to purchase four acres of waterfront land at Norriego Point in Destin for public park and marina use, a move praised by Okaloosa County officials but questioned by Sen. Don Gaetz over the high price compared with the county’s $10.5 million appraisal.
DeSantis Awards Law Enforcement Bonuses; Program Has Now Reached 9,400 Recruits
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state has awarded more than 9,400 law enforcement officers $5,000 recruitment bonuses since launching the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program in 2022.
At an event in Panama City, DeSantis presented checks to recruits from Bay, Franklin, Gulf, and Walton counties, highlighting the state’s continued push to recruit, reward, and retain law enforcement officers.
The Government Will Buy $80+ Million Worth of Beach Front in Destin. Is That A Good Thing?
Florida’s Cabinet approves a controversial $83 million land buy in Destin that could massively profit a felon developer with deep political ties, at the expense of local tax revenues.
