New bill could raise Florida teachers’ minimum salary

A bill filed last month could raise Florida teachers’ minimum salary next year.

Florida Rep. Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds filed House Bill 13 on Aug. 22.

The bill would increase salaries for full-time classroom teachers and other instructional personnel to a minimum salary of $65,000.

More HERE

The Florida GOP on Slavery

Under DeSantis, FL has become the bellwether state for voter disenfranchisement

The book “Laboratories of Democracy” appeared in 1988, positing that individual states were poised to experiment with progressive policies that could transform the political landscape if adopted in other states or the national level.

A new edition might be called “Laboratories of Autocracy,” since Republican-run states these days are experimenting with ways to disenfranchise Democratic constituencies, stack the courts against progressive initiatives, and cement their control over this country one state at a time.

The dust cover could feature the smiling mug of Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, the Republican presidential candidate who since the Black Lives Matter summer three years ago has pushed an ever-more-reactionary campaign against marginalized communities, not least at the voting booth.

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New Florida bill could limit rent increases

A Florida bill filed earlier this month could set limits on rent increases.

Florida Rep.  Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds filed House Bill 17 on Sept. 6. The bill would protect renters from increases of more than 30 percent over a 12-month period if they remain in the same unit.

More HERE

State battered by requests for information on voucher expansion costs

A left-leaning advocacy group is making noise this week about Florida’s new voucher plan and what they say is a lack of transparency.  The Florida Policy Institute (FPI) wants the state’s Department of Education to release data on the growing number of private schools that have begun accepting vouchers since the expansion of the program in July.....MORE

Thousands of auto workers go on strike: What you need to know

Workers at three U.S. auto plants are on strike after the Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers (UAW) failed to reach an agreement by Thursday night’s strike deadline.....MORE

What Stogie Had For Lunch

Antipasto Salad

NY, NY Pizza - Ybor City

UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell Files Complaint Against DeSantis

Jessica Rose Powell in St. Pete

VISIT HER HERE

Florida Museum of Photographic Art Opening Today in Ybor City

After antisemitic incidents, St. Pete considers new resolution

Google Earth Pro

The St. Pete City Council will consider a new resolution Thursday aimed at measuring, monitoring, and ultimately combatting antisemitism.

The rule would create a formal definition of antisemitism that if passed would be adopted by the city.

More HERE

NASA to release report on what it needs to better understand UFOs

After a yearlong study into UFOs, NASA is releasing a report Thursday on what it needs to better identify unidentified flying objects from a scientific point of view.....MORE

GOP struggles to unify on abortion messaging

Republicans are struggling over how to craft their message on abortion, an issue that has repeatedly kneecapped GOP candidates and that is seen as a huge problem next November. 

No consistent message has emerged from the GOP presidential field, which has been all over the map with its strategies for winning over voters on the issue.

More HERE

The Florida GOP on DeSantis Campaign Staff

Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa

September 23 - 12 PM

Skipper's Smokehouse

The Ageless Agenda: A Conversation with Congressman Maxwell Frost

Florida educators and parents fight for race-related American history in schools

Federal judge declares DACA immigration program unlawful for second time

A federal judge for the second time found the DACA program unlawful but held back from ordering the deportation of the nearly 600,000 who remain in the country as “dreamers.”....MORE

Ybor Paparazzi

Lexii

State Of Florida Takes Aim At New COVID Booster

Continuing a long-running clash with federal health officials, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Wednesday recommended that people under age 65 not receive newly approved COVID-19 booster shots.....MORE

The Florida GOP on Disney Nazis

2024’s Social Security COLA increase may be larger than previously estimated: How much can beneficiaries expect?

The next cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients is projected to be slightly higher than estimated in previous months, though still dramatically less than the 8.7% beneficiaries received in 2023, the Senior Citizen’s League predicts.....MORE

Vaush Reacts to Ben Shapiro Interviewing Ron Desantis and Bans an Idiot

Hellshine Fest 23 in Ybor City

Fri, November 17 - Sat, November 18

Crowbar - TIX

Florida drivers may soon pay more for having electric vehicles

Taste of Latino Festival takes over Historic Ybor City this October

Taste of Latino Festival, an event put together by the same team behind the International Cuban Sandwich Festival, takes place on October 15 from 12pm-5pm. The flavorful event is set at Centennial Park (1800 E 8th Avenue), and includes three street closures to pack in even more vendors and performances. 

Admission to the event is free, but you need to register in advance.

More HERE

Ybor Paparazzi

Janet, Lexii, Karen and Don

Kevin McCarthy Seals His Fate By Cowering To Matt Gaetz

Florida neo-Nazi demonstrator arrested for hanging swastikas over I-4, FDLE says

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced Wednesday the arrest of an alleged neo-Nazi demonstrator who hung swastikas and other antisemitic banners over I-4 in Orlando.....MORE

Alabama Ruling Could Bolster Florida Trans Law

Florida is urging a federal appeals court to clear the way for a new law preventing transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers and hormone therapy, citing a decision last month in a “virtually identical case” from Alabama.....MORE