Connect with us

Politics

Florida Judge Finally Rejects Governor DeSantis’ Congressional Map as Unconstitutional After House Floor Sit-In

Published

on

State Reps. Travaris McCurdy (D-Orlando), and Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. State Rep. Daisy Morales (D-Orlando), joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
State Reps. Travaris McCurdy (D-Orlando), and Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. State Rep. Daisy Morales (D-Orlando), joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — On Saturday, a Florida judge ruled that a congressional map put forward by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) was unconstitutional and ordered the state legislature to redraw the boundaries.

Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh found that the redrawn districts authorized by DeSantis in northern Florida violated the state constitution’s Fair Districts Amendments by “dismantling a congressional district that enabled Black voters to elect their candidates of choice under the previous plan.” See florida-ruling.

The district, which stretches across much of Florida’s northern border with Georgia, was previously held by Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat who lost in the 2022 midterm election after the redistricting process.

In the previous district, 46.5 percent of the voting age population was Black. Under the new map, the four districts in the area are 23.1 percent, 15.9 percent, 31.7 percent and 12.8 percent Black.

The map approved in the 2020 redistricting cycle was submitted to the Florida legislature by DeSantis’s office, after the governor rejected two earlier maps passed by state lawmakers.

Lawyers for both the Florida House and Senate conceded in court that the map did not satisfy the non-diminishment requirement in the state constitution. Only the Florida secretary of state argued otherwise, according to Saturday’s ruling.

In 2022, NBC News also covered the sit-in, reporting that Florida Democratic state lawmakers shut down the state’s special legislative session for more than an hour with a pray-in and a sit-in at the center of the House floor chamber.

The surprising act of defiance began a little before noon, when Rep. Yvonne Hinson went over her allotted speaking time and had her microphone cut off, prompting other Black legislators to stand without being recognized and gather in the center of the chamber, showing off shirts that read “Stop the Black Attack” and sitting on the state seal on the blue carpet.

In all, four Black legislators and a Hispanic representative — Hinson, Angie Nixon, Travaris McCurdy, Felicia Robinson and Daisy Morales — occupied the center of the chamber as bewildered Republicans looked on.

Rep. Daisy Morales, an Orlando Democrat, held a sign that read: “Legislators serve the people. Not your party.”

The decision marks the latest blow to new congressional maps in Southern states.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Republican-drawn map in Alabama, ruling that it violated the Voting Rights Act. In a 5-4 decision, the court affirmed a lower ruling that ordered the GOP-led state to create a new map with an additional majority-Black district.

This is an ongoing story. Bookmark and follow Florida National News for more updates.

Florida

Florida Legislative Black Caucus Urges Due Process Amid Calls to Impeach Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper

Published

on

Credit: Representative Felicia Robinson

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Legislative Black Caucus says it is aware of recent calls for the impeachment of Tiffany Baker-Carper following the signing of Missy’s Law, according to a press statement released by the caucus.

The caucus acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised but emphasized that impeachment should remain a constitutional process rather than a political response.

“We recognize the gravity of these concerns and the importance of accountability in public service,” the statement said. “However, we must be equally clear: impeachment is a constitutional remedy, not a political reaction.”

Facts Before Force

The caucus stated that any consideration of impeachment must be grounded in verified evidence rather than speculation or political pressure.

“Impeachment must be based on verified evidence,” the statement said. “The integrity of our democratic institutions depends on a disciplined commitment to truth.”

Due Process and Fairness

Members of the caucus also stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

“Every individual — regardless of position — is entitled to fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence,” the statement said. “Rushing to impeachment without a complete factual record undermines the very justice we seek to uphold.”

Transparency and Public Trust

The caucus said Floridians deserve transparency and clarity as the situation unfolds.

“Any actions taken must be conducted openly, with findings made available to the public to ensure confidence in the outcome,” the statement said.

The caucus urged lawmakers and stakeholders to avoid premature political escalation and instead follow a responsible process that balances accountability with justice.

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus said it will continue monitoring developments and advocate for a process that reflects the highest standards of governance.

Continue Reading

Politics

Donald Trump Marks Policy Shift on Gender Identity, Education, and Federal Programs

Published

on

WASHINGTON (FNN) — The administration of Donald Trump announced a series of policy changes affecting federal positions on gender identity, education standards, health care funding, and military service. Officials say the actions are intended to redefine federal policy around biological sex and limit government involvement in gender-related medical and educational programs.

The policy changes follow criticism from Republicans of earlier initiatives introduced during the administration of Joe Biden that expanded federal recognition of transgender individuals in several areas of public policy.

Federal Policy Defines Sex as Male or Female

The Trump administration declared that the official policy of the federal government recognizes only two sexes — male and female — based on biological characteristics.

Administration officials say the policy affects federal documents, agency rules and programs across multiple departments. The move also ended the practice of gender self-identification on certain federal records, including passports, according to officials.

Supporters say the change restores clarity to federal policy, while critics argue it removes recognition for transgender Americans in official government documentation.

Funding and Health Care Policies Adjusted

Federal agencies were directed to halt funding, sponsorship or promotion of certain medical procedures related to gender transition for minors. Administration officials say the directive is intended to prevent what they describe as irreversible medical interventions involving children.

Following the policy shift, several major health systems announced reviews, suspensions or changes to pediatric gender-related medical programs. The administration also directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review existing medical evidence surrounding gender-related care for minors.

Changes in Education, Sports, and Military Policies

The administration also ended federal support for gender identity and equity curricula in public education programs receiving federal funds, stating the move reinforces parental rights and state oversight of school content.

Additional directives address athletic competition and military service. The administration announced policies intended to ensure that women’s sports competitions are limited to biological female athletes and reinstated standards for military service based on biological sex through the United States Department of Defense.

Officials say the changes are intended to focus federal programs on what they describe as fairness, safety and readiness across government institutions.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

Christine Moore Earns Endorsements From Five Former Orange County Commissioners in Apopka Mayoral Race

Published

on

APOPKA, Fla. (FNN) — Apopka mayoral candidate Christine Moore has secured endorsements from five former Orange County Board of County Commissioners members, strengthening her campaign ahead of the city’s April 14 runoff election.

Former county commissioners Rod Love, Dr. Robert Sindler, Victoria P. Siplin, Betsy VanderLey and Scott Boyd announced their support for Moore, citing her leadership, collaborative approach to governance and commitment to improving the quality of life for Apopka residents.

ENDORSEMENTS FROM FORMER COUNTY LEADERS

The five former commissioners said Moore’s record of leadership and community service makes her well-qualified to lead the city of Apopka.

Rod Love, a former Orange County commissioner from Apopka, said Moore understands the importance of supporting seniors, helping small businesses grow and creating safe environments for children.

“Commissioner Christine Moore understands that a strong Apopka means taking care of our seniors, supporting small businesses and investing in children,” Love said. “She brings the experience, compassion and leadership Apopka needs.”

FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Former Commissioner Dr. Robert Sindler praised Moore’s environmental leadership and her efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.

Sindler highlighted Moore’s commitment to completing local trail systems and using the West Orange Trail as a catalyst to help revitalize downtown Apopka. He also pointed to her work supporting conservation land purchases, expanding county parkland and advancing septic-to-sewer conversions to protect water quality and Florida’s Class I springs.

COLLABORATION ON COMMUNITY POLICY

Former Commissioner Victoria Siplin said Moore demonstrated strong leadership through collaboration when the two worked together on issues impacting the Pine Hills area.

Siplin noted their joint efforts to improve infrastructure and expand services for residents, as well as policy initiatives allowing faith-based organizations with larger land holdings to build affordable housing.

RECOGNITION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE

Former Commissioner Betsy VanderLey credited Moore with working diligently to secure funding and services for residents in her district.

VanderLey pointed to Moore’s role in advancing the $125 million septic-to-sewer infrastructure projects and described Moore as strategic and thoughtful in her governance approach.

Former Commissioner Scott Boyd added that Moore’s ability to listen to constituents and collaborate with colleagues stood out during their work on school zoning issues.

“Her collegiality and willingness to listen to all sides before making decisions impressed me,” Boyd said. “I recommend Christine Moore for mayor of Apopka.”


MOORE RESPONDS TO ENDORSEMENTS

Moore expressed appreciation for the support from the former county commissioners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in public service.

“I am grateful for the support of these outstanding and accomplished county commissioners,” Moore said. “Serving collaboratively has resulted in much success for county residents. It takes collegiality, patience and persistence to make progress in our community. It was my honor to work alongside them.”

Moore’s campaign said the endorsements reflect growing momentum from community leaders, residents and advocates focused on preserving Apopka’s character while planning responsibly for the city’s future.

The Apopka mayoral runoff election is scheduled for April 14.

Moore made history as the first woman elected to represent District 2 on the Orange County Commission and previously served on the Orange County School Board. During her tenure in county government, she helped lead major infrastructure initiatives, including the $125 million Wekiwa Springs septic-to-sewer conversion project in Apopka.

Moore holds the Advanced Certified County Commissioner (ACCC) and Certified Board Member (CBM) designations and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

#Apopka #ChristineMoore #ApopkaMayorRace #OrangeCountyFL #FloridaPolitics #Election2026 #LocalGovernment #FNNNews

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending