Dear Rusty: When my father passed away and we went to update my mother’s Social Security benefits, a question arose that I was confused...

Michayla Savitt TAMPA, Fla. - Ending reproductive-health restrictions is beneficial for women and the economy, according to an online tool from the Institute for Women's Policy Research. This...

Trimmel Gomes TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Today marks the last day on the job for Florida's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) secretary, who turned in his resignation nearly...

Michayla Savitt TAMPA, Fla. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that people two weeks out from receiving their last dose of the COVID-19...

In review of the governor’s executive orders, I am not surprised.  He first indicated that the  order would not take effect until July 1, 2021, and then quickly changed it to be “effective  immediately.”  He then offered new language that invalidates a local government’s ability to  take action during a public health emergency.  Orange County Government will continue to  review its statutory authority and will respond accordingly.  Governor DeSantis has been slow to act in responding to the pandemic, which has caused local elected officials (mayors) to take action to fill the void and keep their residents safe.  I want Orange County residents to know that I will continue to make decisions in the best  interest of their health, safety and welfare and will not wait on the governor to tell me what  to do.   This immediate past legislative session is proof positive of how the state is preempting local home-rule powers –  is not good for democracy.   When I ask myself, “What is really the purpose of the governor’s actions?” I conclude that his  actions are part of a larger partisan strategy by the Republican Party to usurp the authority of  Democrat-led urban counties and cities across America. We expect better from the governor  of Florida.      Mayor Jerry L. Demings