Florida

Naomi Osaka Tops Angie Kerber in Miami as 11 Seeds Fall

Published

5 years ago

March 25, 2022

FNN NEWS

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, reacts as she wins her second round women's match against Angelique Kerber, of Germany, at the Miami Open tennis tournament, Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Two days, two wins and making it look easy.

Naomi Osaka sure seems like herself again.

The former world No. 1 is through to the third round at the Miami Open, easily handling 13th-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-2, 6-3 on Thursday. It was every bit as one-sided as the score made it seem, with Osaka winning 89% of first-serve points and 61 of the 100 points played in the match overall.

“It means a lot to me,” said Osaka, unseeded in Miami after falling to No. 77 in the world because she’s missed considerable time to focus on her mental health in recent years. “She’s the first high-seeded player I’ve beaten this year.”

Osaka’s win set the tone for a day where 11 seeded women were ousted from the tournament, a stunning series of results headlined by Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu defeating top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-4. Begu had lost 17 of her last 18 matches against top-10 players entering Thursday.

Also gone: No. 3 seed Anett Kontaveit. She lost to Ann Li, a 21-year-old American who got her first win over a top-10 opponent — a 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 triumph.

Kerber is ranked 15th in the world; the last time Osaka defeated a top-15 ranked player was when she topped then-No. 10 Serena Williams in the 2021 Australian Open semifinals. Osaka went on to win that tournament and hasn’t been to a final since, but her win over Kerber — who had been 4-1 against Osaka entering Thursday — certainly made her look the part of a Miami contender.

“I went into the match just really wanting to play my game,” said Osaka, who has yet to drop a set in her two matches in Miami; she beat Astra Sharma 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday. “I still have the memories of all the matches she’s beaten me before. So yeah, I just wanted to play as well as I could. It worked out.”

The rest of the ousted women’s seeds: No. 6 Karolina Pliskova, No. 11 Emma Raducanu, No. 15 Elina Svitolina, No. 18 Leylah Fernandez, No. 19 Tamara Zidansek, No. 25 Daria Kasatkina, No. 31 Alize Cornet and No. 32 Sara Sorribes Tormo, all of them defeated Thursday.

Pliskova — in just her second match after missing about four months with a broken arm — lost 6-3, 6-3 to qualifier Anna Kalinskaya.

Olympic doubles gold medalist Katarina Siniakova of the Czech Republic needed just under three hours to beat Raducanu, the reigning U.S. Open champion, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Siniakova was nearly reduced to tears while getting worked on during a medical time-out in the first set because of an upper-body injury.

“I think I just felt better as the match was going on,” Siniakova said. “I was fighting in the beginning.”

Svitolina, who had a number of fans wearing pro-Ukraine shirts watching her match in tribute to her homeland, lost to Britain’s Heather Watson 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

“I really feel for Elina,” Watson said. “I can see she’s not her normal self. … She must just have so much on her mind. I think it’s amazing that she’s out here still competing.”

Fernandez — a U.S. Open finalist last year — lost to Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6 (3).

Muchova, who hasn’t played since the U.S. Open nearly seven months ago because of an abdominal injury, will face Osaka for a spot in the round of 16.

“For me, it was a win to play and compete again,” Muchova said.

Vera Zvonareva topped Zidansek, 6-3, 6-2. Cornet lost to Alison Riske of the U.S. 6-2, 6-2. Kasatkina fell to Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 7-6 (5), 6-4, and Sorribes Tormo was ousted by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.

No. 9 seed Danielle Collins of the U.S. escaped the upset bug, holding off Anna Bondar of Hungary 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was another winner, getting past Poland’s Magda Linette 7-6 (1), 6-2, and No. 22 Belinda Bencic eased by Maria Kostyuk 6-3, 6-1.

Among the men’s winners was two-time Miami Open winner Andy Murray, a 7-6 (4), 6-1) winner over Federico Delbonis to earn a second-round matchup against No. 1 seed Daniil Medvedev. Murray won the event in 2009 and 2013 when it was held at its former Key Biscayne home.

“Obviously, a tough match,” Murray said of the looming matchup with Medvedev. “He’s played extremely well on hard courts the last few seasons. He appears to be right up there at the top of the game. It’ll be a big challenge, a great test.”

Sebastian Korda of the U.S., who made the quarterfinals at Miami last year, rolled past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain 6-1, 6-1 in a first-round match. He got off the court in just over an hour on a summer-like day in South Florida.

“I’m a Florida boy,” Korda said. “I love the humidity. Heat and humidity, those are my two favorite things. I just play some really good tennis in them.”

Florida

Florida Republicans sweep statewide races; Democrats break House supermajority

Published

11 hours ago

November 4, 2026

FNN NEWS

Republicans retain the governor’s office, all three Cabinet posts, both legislative chambers and both U.S. Senate seats, while Democratic gains end the GOP’s House supermajority.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Republicans swept Florida’s statewide races Tuesday and retained control of both legislative chambers, extending Democrats’ statewide losing streak despite gains that ended the GOP’s supermajority in the Florida House.

Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly for governor, while U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody defeated Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon. Republicans also won the races for attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner. www.fox13news.com

The results preserve Republican control of the governor’s office, all three Cabinet posts and both of Florida’s U.S. Senate seats. Republican Sen. Rick Scott, reelected in 2024, was not on this year’s ballot. www.rickscott.senate.gov

Democrats have not won a statewide election since Nikki Fried captured the agriculture commissioner’s office in 2018. www.wlrn.org

Florida statewide results and winning margins

Unofficial returns available Nov. 4 showed Republicans winning all five statewide contests. The figures reflect separate reporting snapshots; totals and margins may change before certification.

Office	Republican: votes (percentage)	Democrat: votes (percentage)	GOP vote margin	Margin in percentage points
Governor	Byron Donalds: 4,132,334 (50.02%)	David Jolly: 4,024,639 (48.71%)	107,695	1.31
Attorney general	James Uthmeier: 4,177,901 (50.93%)	Jose Javier Rodriguez: 4,024,563 (49.07%)	153,338	1.86
Chief financial officer	Blaise Ingoglia: 4,151,579 (50.94%)	Annette Taddeo: 3,997,932 (49.06%)	153,647	1.88
Agriculture commissioner	Wilton Simpson: 4,160,577 (51.08%)	Joey Mendoza Atkins: 3,984,621 (48.92%)	175,956	2.16
U.S. Senate	Ashley Moody: 4,207,947 (50.87%)	Angie Nixon: 3,969,186 (47.99%)	238,761	2.88

Source: Florida Department of State’s Election Watch. The governor’s race was the closest of the five. Other candidates account for the remaining vote shares where applicable. Governor

Democratic gains end Republican House supermajority

Republicans retained their legislative majorities, but Democratic gains ended the GOP’s House supermajority.

The Florida Democratic Party reported a net gain of 15 House seats and a Republican-to-Democratic flip in Senate District 10, where John Lowndes defeated Jason Brodeur. Florida Democratic Party

Among the House pickups listed by the party were Eric Gray in District 35, Darryl Block in Dist,rict 36, Jane Aman in District 37, Nik Dean in District 38 and Jarod Fox in District 39. Other listed victories included Todd Delmay in District 101 and Lucia Baez-Geller in District 106. Florida Democratic Party

The party’s district list marked 16 House seats as Republican-to-Democratic flips, while its announcement reported a net gain of 15. Gross pickups and net gains measure different things; the net figure also accounts for Democratic losses. News Service of Florida reported Republicans were positioned to recapture House District 87 from Democrat Emily Gregory. Florida Democratic Party

House District 33, where Democrat Daniel McDow faced Republican Monique Miller, remained close enough for a recount, leaving the final legislative tally unsettled. WUSF

Ending the House supermajority limits Republicans’ ability to act without Democratic support on matters requiring a two-thirds vote. Republicans nevertheless retain control of legislative leadership and the ordinary lawmaking agenda. WUSF

GOP registration advantage exceeds 1.5 million

Republicans entered the election with a substantial voter registration advantage.

Florida’s Sept. 30 report listed 5,678,755 active registered Republicans and 4,133,397 Democrats — a Republican lead of 1,545,358. Another 3,345,188 voters had no party affiliation, and 514,782 belonged to minor parties. dos.fl.gov

The GOP’s statewide winning margins were far smaller than its registration advantage. But registration totals do not reveal how individual voters cast their ballots, and the results alone cannot separate the effects of turnout, crossover voting and support from unaffiliated voters.

Gillum’s 2018 showing tops Jolly’s current result

Former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum received more votes, a larger vote share and a smaller losing margin in 2018 than Jolly recorded in the unofficial 2026 returns.

Gillum received 4,043,723 votes, or approximately 49.19%, against Ron DeSantis’ 4,076,186 votes, or 49.59%. His certified defeat was 32,463 votes, approximately 0.40 percentage points. results.elections.myflorida.com

Jolly’s current tally is 4,024,639 votes, or 48.71%, leaving him 107,695 votes behind Donalds. Governor

Gillum received 19,084 more votes and finished 0.48 percentage points higher than Jolly’s current showing. His losing vote margin was 75,232 smaller.

Jolly, a former Republican congressman, left the GOP in 2018, became an independent and later joined the Democratic Party before launching his gubernatorial campaign in 2025. www.pbs.org

The comparison involves different electorates and political conditions, and Jolly’s totals remain unofficial. It does not establish that his previous Republican affiliation caused his defeat.

Certification still ahead

Florida’s Elections Canvassing Commission is scheduled to certify statewide results Nov. 17. Outstanding ballot processing and any required recounts could change the unofficial totals before then. Time line

Florida

HISTORIC WIN: Byron Donalds elected Florida’s first Black governor

Published

1 day ago

November 3, 2026

FNN NEWS

Republican defeats Democrat David Jolly following a campaign backed by Black community leaders, including Gainesville Democrat Cynthia Chestnut.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds won Florida’s governor’s race Tuesday, defeating Democrat David Jolly and becoming the first Black person elected to lead the state. NBC News projected Donalds as the winner of the historic contest.

With 99% of the expected vote counted, Donalds received 4,113,531 votes, or 50.1%, compared with 3,996,073 votes, or 48.7%, for Jolly, according to NBC News Decision Desk results. Donalds led by 117,458 votes, approximately 1.4 percentage points. The election-night totals remained unofficial.

Donalds will succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, keeping the governor’s office in Republican hands. His campaign paired conservative policy positions with outreach to Black voters and support from community leaders, including some Democrats.

LIVE from Ft. Lauderdale – Byron Donalds Election Night Watch Party https://t.co/kAF1omsegf
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) November 4, 2026

A historic first for Florida and the nation

Donalds becomes the first Black Republican elected governor in the United States, according to The Washington Post’s election coverage.

He is not the first Black Republican to serve as a governor. Republican P.B.S. Pinchback assumed Louisiana’s governorship during Reconstruction in 1872, becoming the nation’s first Black governor without winning an election to that office.

Virginia Democrat L. Douglas Wilder became the first Black person popularly elected governor in 1989 and took office in 1990. Donalds’ victory establishes a new milestone for Florida and the Republican Party.

Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia Moore Chestnut, a longtime public servant whose political career has spanned city, county and state government. Source Cynthia Moore Chestnut

Black leaders’ endorsements preceded historic win

Black elected officials, pastors, business owners and civic leaders became a visible part of Donalds’ campaign.

More than two dozen supporters launched the Florida Coalition of Black Leaders for Donalds to back the congressman and his running mate, Bryan Avila. Its members included sheriffs, lawmakers and educators, reflecting an effort to build support through established community networks.

Gainesville City Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut delivered one of the campaign’s most prominent endorsements across party lines.

Chestnut, a Black Democrat and former state representative, supported Donalds despite disagreements with some of his policies. She said her decision reflected her judgment about Black leadership and frustration with Democrats’ selection of Jolly over Black and Hispanic candidates.

“I want to see a Black governor of Florida in my lifetime,” Chestnut said in a statement reported by WCJB.

Her endorsement drew criticism from Democratic state Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, who cited Donalds’ voting-rights record and challenged the rationale for supporting him. The dispute highlighted differences among Black leaders over representation, party loyalty and public policy.

Donalds’ victory fulfilled the historic outcome Chestnut sought. However, available election-night reporting does not establish how many votes those endorsements generated or whether they determined the result.

Affordability shaped the campaign

The contest also centered on household expenses, particularly housing and homeowners insurance costs in a hurricane-prone state.

Jolly, a former Republican congressman running as a Democrat, sought to attract voters dissatisfied with rising costs. Donalds emphasized affordability, public safety and educational opportunity while defending continued Republican leadership.

The candidates offered different approaches to large data centers. Jolly supported a moratorium on new hyperscale facilities, pointing to environmental and public-health concerns. Donalds favored local decisions about where facilities should be built and said their operations should not raise residents’ utility bills.

Republican advantages faced a competitive challenge

Jolly faced substantial obstacles, including a Republican voter-registration advantage of roughly 1.5 million and Donalds’ stronger fundraising position.

President Donald Trump campaigned with Donalds during the race’s final days. DeSantis also endorsed him, and Donalds portrayed his candidacy as a continuation of the outgoing governor’s approach.

Despite those advantages, polling indicated a competitive contest. A University of North Florida survey conducted Oct. 12-19 showed Donalds ahead 49% to 47%, a difference within the poll’s margin of error.

From state lawmaker to governor-elect

Donalds served in the Florida House before winning election to Congress in 2020. He subsequently became a nationally recognized conservative voice and Trump ally.

He is scheduled to take office Jan. 5, 2027, with affordability among the central challenges awaiting his administration.

Crimes and Courts

Florida Gambling Crackdown Earns International Award After 14000 Slot Machine Seizures

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2026

FNN NEWS

The commission reports more than $24 million in gambling proceeds seized since July 2022, with international recognition highlighting its coordinated enforcement efforts.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Gaming Control Commission has won the 2026 Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators, recognizing the agency’s coordinated efforts to combat illegal gambling.

The commission announced the award Oct. 26. The honor recognizes excellence in gaming policy, regulation, compliance and enforcement outcomes.

International Recognition for Coordinated Enforcement

IAGR CEO Kevin Mullally praised the commission’s collaboration with enforcement partners and its support for international efforts against illegal online gambling.

“The Florida Gaming Control Commission’s coordinated approach to combating illegal gambling has produced impressive results,” Mullally said. “Its strategy illustrates the power of collaboration.”

He also recognized the agency’s willingness to support IAGR’s international work targeting illegal online gambling.

Agency Reports 14,000 Illegal Slot Machines Seized

Since beginning operations in July 2022, the commission says it has seized more than 14,000 illegal slot machines and more than $24 million in illegal gambling proceeds.

In the past year, the agency reported shutting down 184 illegal gambling arcades and making 160 arrests.

According to the commission, its investigations have also helped authorities combat illegal narcotics, illegal firearms and dog betting rings connected to criminal gambling operations.

The enforcement figures describe seizures, closures and arrests reported by the agency; arrests do not establish guilt.

Commission Chair Credits Staff and State Support

Commission Chair Julie Brown said the award recognizes the agency’s employees and the support of Florida’s elected leaders.

“We are thrilled to receive such a tremendous honor for our very young agency,” Brown said.

Brown credited Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Attorney General James Uthmeier for supporting the commission’s work.

Attorney General Calls for Tougher Penalties

Uthmeier said his office will continue working with the commission to investigate illegal gambling and pursue stronger criminal penalties.

“Illegal gambling operations pose a serious threat to public safety and jeopardize the integrity of gaming in our state,” Uthmeier said.

He said stronger penalties would help hold illegal gambling operators accountable and support law enforcement efforts.

Oversight Extends Beyond Illegal Gambling

The commission’s responsibilities also include regulating authorized gambling activities, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms and slot machine facilities, along with overseeing the state’s gaming compacts. Its authority excludes the Florida Lottery.