Ron DeSantis

DeSantis and his administration defend the initiative, saying it has helped transition 30,000 people off government assistance and saved the state $100 million.

The court turned down two appeals Friday from Jeffrey Hutchinson after denying another appeal earlier in the week. A federal appeals court last week also refused to stop his lethal injection.

Eric Silagy, the former CEO of Florida Power & Light, says the oversight body is tasked with making sure taxpayer dollars are well spent, but he hasn't been briefed on either initiative.

A developing political scandal in Florida has put Gov. Ron DeSantis on the defensive. Republican lawmakers are investigating how $10 million in state money was diverted for use in a campaign.

Rep. Alex Andrade announced the decision after the Hope Florida Foundation’s lawyer, Jeff Aaron, and leaders of nonprofits that received $5 million grants from the foundation refused to appear before the panel.

Hope Florida is currently facing scrutiny over its funding including an inquiry by the Florida House.

The charity's foundation received a $10 million donation from a statewide settlement.

Professors, alumni and local leaders are among those scheduled to speak at another event on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside in Bradenton.

The proposed House budget would cut Everglades and water quality efforts by almost $500 million.

Florida’s attorney general told reporters in Tampa that he had no role in the Hope Florida settlements. He also announced that the state would be doubling down on protecting children on social media.

Senate Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gaetz said that questions surrounding Hope Florida and its foundation contributed to his decision to hold off on considering the nominations at his committee’s final meeting.

Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties have all signed on to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call to eliminate unnecessary spending with their own DOGE teams.