Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins Enters Crowded Republican Race for Governor

Tampa, FL — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins has officially entered the Republican primary race for governor, adding another contender to an already competitive field.

Collins made the announcement Monday, emphasizing his military service as a combat-wounded Green Beret and his willingness to take on tough challenges. He framed his campaign as a continuation of conservative leadership in Florida while charting his own path forward.

The Republican field already includes Trump-endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds, widely seen as the early frontrunner. Collins said he has no personal issues with Donalds but referenced allegations involving undisclosed stock trades, drawing a sharp response from Donalds’ campaign, which labeled Collins and other rivals as “anti-Trump RINOs.”

Collins also addressed criticism from fellow candidate James Fishback, pushing back against claims that Collins opposes free speech. Collins said free expression does not extend to harming others.

Governor Ron DeSantis has not endorsed a successor, leaving the race wide open. With multiple high-profile candidates competing for conservative voters, the Republican primary is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in Florida politics.

DeSantis Highlights Insurance Rate Drops Ahead of Legislative Session

Davie, FL — One day before the start of Florida’s new legislative session, Governor Ron DeSantis is pointing to falling insurance rates as evidence that recent reforms are working.

Speaking in Davie, DeSantis announced that Citizens Property Insurance will reduce premiums statewide by an average of 5.6 percent. In South Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward counties, average reductions are expected to be even larger — around 13.4 percent.

The governor credited five insurance reform laws passed since 2019, including tort reform and consumer protection measures, for stabilizing a market that had been plagued by soaring premiums and insurer insolvencies.

DeSantis says the reforms were designed to curb lawsuit abuse, lower litigation costs, and attract insurers back to Florida. State officials argue those efforts are now translating into real savings for policyholders.

While insurance rates remain a top concern for many Floridians, DeSantis says continued legislative focus will be needed to maintain stability and prevent future spikes — particularly as hurricane season approaches.

Lawmakers are expected to revisit insurance-related issues during the session, including property risk mitigation and market oversight.

President Trump Turns Up Pressure on Cuba Amid Venezuela Standoff

Miami, FL — President Donald Trump is escalating pressure on Cuba, warning the island nation to negotiate with the United States or face worsening economic consequences tied to Venezuela.

In a weekend social media post, Trump said Cuba would no longer receive Venezuelan oil or financial support unless it reached a deal with Washington, adding that Havana should act “before it’s too late.” The warning comes as the U.S. increases enforcement against sanctioned oil shipments connected to Venezuela.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded Monday on X, saying Cuba has “always been willing to engage in serious and responsible dialogue” with the U.S., but insisted talks must be based on international law — not threats or economic coercion.

Cuban affairs expert Dr. Andy Gómez says the situation in Cuba differs sharply from Venezuela, where U.S. pressure has intensified in recent months. Gómez says Cuba’s military remains intact and loyal to the regime, making rapid political change less likely.

However, Gómez warns that everyday Cubans continue to suffer under economic strain and shortages, which could lead to unrest. While protests are possible, he says a mass exodus similar to the 1980 Mariel Boatlift is unlikely — and would be a major mistake for the Cuban government to allow.