TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith issued a scathing statement this week, denouncing President Donald Trump’s visit to the Everglades and the controversial opening of Florida’s new migrant detention center, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, located deep in the Everglades, has become the subject of heated debate over its legality, humanitarian implications, and financial cost to taxpayers.

Senator Smith condemned the project as an “un-American” political stunt, accusing Republican leaders of celebrating human suffering while diverting vital federal funds meant for disaster relief.

Senator Smith Denounces ‘Cruel and Un-American’ Detention Site

In his statement obtained by Florida National News, Sen. Smith said, “President Trump didn’t visit the Everglades out of concern for the environment — he came to celebrate Florida Republicans’ unlawful seizure of Miami-Dade County land to build an inhumane ICE detention camp in the swamp.”

He criticized the $450 million price tag for the project, which was stripped from FEMA housing funds, and the lack of legislative oversight. “This so-called ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ is a dangerous escalation of Florida’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement, with major human and financial costs,” Smith said.

The senator pointed to a new report showing over 90% of immigrants recently detained by ICE had no serious criminal convictions, yet state GOP leaders were “laughing and selling ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ merchandise.”

Smith called attention to several unanswered public safety and humanitarian concerns, asking: “Will detainees have their right to due process respected? What is the state’s hurricane evacuation plan for the soon-to-be 5,000 detainees? Who will staff this site given our state’s 1,000+ correctional officer vacancies? And how many FEMA services will be cut to pay for this stunt?”

A Call for Public Accountability

Sen. Smith urged Floridians to reject what he described as “cruelty disguised as policy” and to hold state and federal leaders accountable. “This is not who we are as a state, and we need to stand together to stop this administration’s reckless actions right now,” he said.

The senator emphasized that due process and human dignity remain core American values, adding, “People’s lives are being torn apart, and the lack of empathy being celebrated by GOP leaders is depraved.”

Florida National News will continue tracking developments surrounding the detention site, ongoing legal challenges, and reactions from community leaders and advocacy groups.

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J Willie David, III contributed to this report. He can be reached at News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News has learned that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed four new bills into law today, addressing a range of issues from election law research and public health to water control district governance in St. Lucie County. The Governor’s office made the announcement in a press release, and Florida National News (FNN) is providing a breakdown of the legislation.

FSU Election Law Center Established

Governor DeSantis signed SB 892, which officially establishes the Florida State University Election Law Center. The center will provide legal research, policy analysis, and educational programming on election law and administration, positioning Florida as a national leader in election-related legal scholarship.

This initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing focus on election integrity and will serve as a resource for policymakers, legal professionals, and students.

Improved Screening and Treatment for Blood Clots

The Governor also approved CS/CS/CS/HB 1421, a bill designed to improve medical screening and treatment protocols for blood clots. The legislation enhances awareness, early detection, and timely intervention for individuals at risk of developing life-threatening clots, one of the leading preventable causes of in-hospital deaths.

The new law will support improved public health outcomes through expanded education, prevention, and treatment strategies across Florida’s healthcare system.

Water Control District Updates for St. Lucie County

DeSantis signed two local bills updating water control district governance in St. Lucie County:

• CS/HB 4047 — Updates governance and operational provisions for the Fort Pierce Farms Water Control District.

• CS/HB 4049 — Revises guidelines for the North St. Lucie River Water Control District.

Both measures modernize policies and strengthen water management systems that support local agricultural and residential needs.

Florida National News will continue to monitor upcoming bill signings and legislative actions impacting communities across the state.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed three bills on Monday, halting legislation affecting university trustee qualifications, a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program, and regulations on wildlife commission operations. The Governor cited constitutional conflicts, lack of funding, and the need for clearer legal protections as reasons for his decisions.

Governor DeSantis Vetoes Bill Restricting Out-of-State University Trustees

Among the vetoed bills was CS/HB 1445 – Public Officers and Employees, a measure that would have limited the Governor’s authority to appoint out-of-state pundits and officials as university trustees. The bill proposed requiring trustees on the Board of Governors (BOG) and university Boards of Trustees (BOT) to be either Florida residents or graduates of a state university.

In his veto message, DeSantis argued that the Florida Constitution already prescribes eligibility criteria for these positions and that the legislature cannot impose additional qualifications. Citing a 1974 Florida Supreme Court decision, the Governor wrote that the bill’s restrictions were “unconstitutional where the basic document of the constitution itself has already undertaken to set forth those requirements.”

Criminal Offender Substance Abuse Program Lacks Funding

DeSantis also vetoed CS/CS/CS/HB 1095 – Criminal Offender Substance Abuse Pilot Program, which would have created a pilot program in Hillsborough County for certain offenders on probation who must abstain from drugs and alcohol. While acknowledging the proposal’s innovation, the Governor rejected it due to the absence of a specific appropriation in the state’s General Appropriations Act for FY 2025-2026.

“Without clear, committed resources, the program cannot be responsibly implemented or evaluated,” DeSantis stated in his veto letter.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Bill Falls Short of Property Protections

The third vetoed measure, CS/CS/HB 1133 – Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, aimed to restrict wildlife officers from entering hunting properties without probable cause. DeSantis criticized the bill’s wording, saying it failed to provide effective legal protections for property owners.

Instead, the Governor urged lawmakers to draft a more comprehensive and legally sound revision, similar to protections enacted under the Boater Freedom Act (Chapter 2025-35, Laws of Florida). In his veto explanation, he reiterated his commitment to protecting Floridians’ property rights but emphasized the need for clear, enforceable legislation.

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J Willlie David, III contributed to Florida National News’ report. He can be reached at news@FloridaNationalNews.com