DeSantis announces plans for Florida immigration detention expansion
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced his plans to expand the state's capacity to detain and deport undocumented immigrants through a new "Deportation Depot." DeSantis said he's confident Florida needs additional capacity to host undocumented immigrants in addition to "Alligator Alcatraz" in South Florida. The new "Deportation Depot" will be able to hold more than 1,300 detainees with the same services offered as Alligator Alcatraz.
FULL | Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks in Tampa
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Wednesday morning in Tampa. DeSantis was joined by newly appointed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. At the event, DeSantis awarded law enforcement recruitment bonuses. The governor touted Florida’s recruitment of law enforcement officers from across the country, saying 8,700 bonuses have now been given out through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.
Playbook Tuesday: DeSantis sets up Trump challenger?
Governor Ron DeSantis appointed State Senator Jay Collins, a Republican formerly representing the Tampa Bay area as the next Lieutenant Governor, replacing Jeanette Nunez who left to become the President of FIU (Florida International University.) POLITICO Reporter Gary Fineout joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down the political ramifications of Collins' appointment and the potential for a head-to-head matchup with Trump-endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds and prominent attorney John Morgan for Florida Governor in 2026.
DeSantis touts completion of water-improvement project that reversed damage done by man-made canal
Governor Ron DeSantis says since he’s taken office, he’s worked hard to improve the state’s water quality and announced the completion of the Crane Creek M1 Canal Flow Restoration project during a press conference on Monday.
City of Orlando to be audited by Florida DOGE starting Monday: What we know
The City of Orlando is next on the list of state municipalities being audited by Florida DOGE after direction from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The audit is set to begin on Monday, Aug. 11.
Gov. DeSantis delivers remarks at Florida Freedom Forum
The Republican Party of Florida hosted its Florida Freedom Forum on Saturday in Orlando. The annual fundraiser event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The forum includes a multitude of events and features speeches from top speakers throughout the day. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was one of the many to share remarks at the event.
DeSantis clashes with protestors at Florida Freedom Forum
The Republican Party of Florida is hosting its Florida Freedom Forum on Saturday in Orlando. The annual fundraiser event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The forum includes a multitude of events and features speeches from top speakers throughout the day. During Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' speech, several protestors were heard sharing their distaste for DeSantis' words.
'Alligator Alcatraz': Florida shares emergency plans
The State of Florida is now sharing some of its emergency procedures at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center. FOX 35's Manny Martinez shares new documents released that show a heavily redacted emergency plan.
Orange County mayor signs ICE agreement after state pressure
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said at a news conference on Friday afternoon that he signed a new ICE agreement earlier this morning after pressure from the state. Earlier this month, Demings stated that the county would not participate in long-distance detainee transports, citing a shortage of correctional staff and budget constraints. That position has now escalated into a political standoff with the state, drawing scrutiny from both the attorney general and the governor.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings signs ICE agreement amid pressure from Gov. DeSantis, AG Uthmeier
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Friday signed an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist in the transport of suspected undocumented immigrants to Alligator Alcatraz, a detention facility in the Everglades.
DeSantis sends Florida DOGE teams to Broward, Gainesville to evaluate for transparency
On Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sent two teams from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to Broward County and the City of Gainesville. DeSantis said the two municipalities are among the first to receive on-site visits from DOGE teams in order to "ensure transparency and accountability in government."
FULL | Gov. DeSantis holds education roundtable in Tampa
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held an education roundtable discussion on Wednesday morning in Tampa. DeSantis was joined by Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.
Florida Gov. DeSantis speaks on teacher vacancies
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held an education roundtable discussion on Wednesday morning in Tampa. He was joined by Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. At the event, DeSantis announced that teacher vacancies in the state are down 17.7% in the 2025-2026 school year.
DeSantis: Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent, will take place every August
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent and will take place every August.
DeSantis considers special session for redistricting
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is considering calling a special session to redraw the congressional districts in the Sunshine State. Florida currently has 28 congressional districts, and more could be on the way.
Deportation flights begin at 'Alligator Alcatraz'
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke Friday morning at the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in the Everglades. DeSantis provided an update on deportation flights now operating from the facility’s on-site runway, highlighting its role in accelerating the removal of detainees. FOX 35's Marie Edinger breaks down what was discussed.
Top 4 news stories you need to know: July 24, 2025
FOX 35's John Brown and Garrett Wymer break down the top news stories of the day, from WWE Hall of Famer and pro wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan dying in his Clearwater home at age 71, a 1-year-old falling from a third-story window in Rockledge, a man shooting and killing his grandparents in West Melbourne according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and the state of the Florida Governor's race after a UNF poll found Congressman Byron Donalds and First Lady Casey DeSantis are neck-and-neck, despite President Donald Trump endorsing Donalds for the position in 2026.
UNF Poll: Donalds & DeSantis neck-and-neck for Fla Gov.
UCF Political Science Lecturer John Hanley joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down a new UNF poll which shows the 2026 Florida Governor's race within the margin of error between Congressman Byron Donalds and First Lady Casey DeSantis, with Matt Gaetz a clear third place.
Trump, DeSantis weigh in on Hulk Hogan's death
President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis weigh in on the death of Hulk Hogan and their experiences with the superstar. WWE Hall of Famer and pro wrestling icon died in his Clearwater, Florida home today after suffering a possible "cardiac arrest", according to WWE and Clearwater police. "Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach," the statement read. "The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased."
Florida man calls out, curses at DeSantis during presser
While Gov. Ron DeSantis was hosting a press conference on Thursday afternoon in Bradenton, a Florida man in the crowd stood up and began to yell at the elected official. The man was then escorted out by deputies.