The Paradise Progressive

12/01/2026

FL Toplines:
Session outlooks; SWFL ICE protests; Dems back Venez TPS; Devitt dumped at WINK; Byron’s poll; GOP AG nod; Ron’s SCOFLA & more

12/01/2026

A look ahead at the state legislative session that begins tomorrow.

The final legislative checklist won’t just affect the day-to-day lives of Floridians, but it could be the last chance DeSantis gets to add to a lengthy record he could use if he mounts another bid for president.

12/01/2026

A roundup of the weekend protests in Florida over the killing of Renee Good by an agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including gatherings in Fort Myers and Naples.

The shooting of a Minneapolis woman and mother was the focus of protest events in Southwest Florida.

12/01/2026

A Bonita Springs, Fla., response to terrorism from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directorate of the Department of Homeland Security.

When a survey revealed local shops were hurting, a grassroots initiative moved quickly to help.

12/01/2026

Venezuelans in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) were facing deportation. Now Florida's Democratic congressional delegation is stepping up to protect them.

All eight Democratic U.S. representatives from Florida have signed a letter urging the Trump administration to immediately restore temporary protected status (TPS) to Venezuelans in the U.S. following the administration’s military attack on Venezuela last weekend. TPS provides a shield against dep...

12/01/2026

While not an ostensibly political story, on Saturday, WINK TV Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt, announced that he had been dismissed after 10 years at the Fort Myers broadcast station. No reason was given for the unexpected action in his Facebook announcement.

He has been cited as helping save lives during some of the worst weather in Southwest Florida history. One of the area's top weather forecasters, Matt Devitt, has been let go from his position at WINK News.

12/01/2026

While this poll is being widely reported and is boosting the gubernatorial bid of Rep. Byron Donalds (R-19-Fla.), keep in mind that it was done by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, the polling firm hired by Donalds and one that works for President Donald Trump - hardly objective pollsters.

A new public opinion survey of 600 likely Republican primary voters shows Naples U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is running away with the 2026 Republican race for governor. Donalds, who was elected to Florida’s 19th Congressional District in 2020, leads Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis — who has not de...

12/01/2026

Florida's Republican Party falls into line.

'United and focused on winning.'

12/01/2026

Just the icing on Gov. Ron DeSantis' anti-woke cake.

Six white men make up the group of finalists to fill the seat on the Florida Supreme Court vacated by Charles Canady. Canady left the court as his wife, Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, is in line to become speaker of the Florida House after the 2028 elections and before he was age-limited off the....

12/01/2026

Yet another glitch on a Florida roadway.

President Donald Trump's motorcade took an unusual route to the airport in Florida due to a "suspicious object. That's according to the White House.

12/01/2026

AllAlc: An in-depth look at President Donald Trump's war against the Miccosukee Tribe because of its opposition to Alligator Alcatraz.

The move quashed a bipartisan bid to transfer 30 acres of the Everglades to the Miccosukee.

12/01/2026

Commentary: A comprehensive look at proposals in the state legislative session slated to start tomorrow.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The 2026 Florida Legislative Session kicks off tomorrow. You psyched? I know I am. We can witness the majesty of democracy at work, the glory of our constitutional system, the sheer fabulousness of our elected representatives as they conduct the People’s...