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Government expert explains mounting pressure for Florida lawmakers to meet critical deadline amid budget disputes

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Government expert explains mounting pressure for Florida lawmakers to meet critical deadline amid budget disputes


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Florida’s legislative session enters its final week, lawmakers are racing against the clock to address several key issues before the May 2 deadline.

Among the most pressing concerns is the state budget, which must be finalized to ensure the fiscal year begins smoothly on July 1. However, it looks like the legislature may not complete its work on time.

Chris Hand, an expert on state government, notes, “Increasing signs suggest the legislature is not going to finish its work on May 2.”

He explains that the House and Senate have encountered challenges in reconciling their different appropriations bills. If they fail to reach an agreement by the deadline, lawmakers may need to extend the session or return for special sessions, with the ultimate budget deadline set for June 30.

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State law demands a cooling-off period. Hand confirms that lawmakers typically have about three days to review proposals before voting. He warns that missing earlier deadlines could jeopardize the timely completion of the session. “The chances of finishing on time and having that handkerchief drop to what they call signing day become increasingly less likely,” he adds.

The complexities of the budget process are compounded by differing priorities within the legislature. Hand explains that the governor presents a budget proposal, but both the House and Senate develop their own versions before attempting to reconcile their differences. “Sometimes that’s easier than others,” he admits, noting that revenue challenges can complicate negotiations.

As the session progresses, the tension between the executive and legislative branches is palpable. Hand observes, “It is more the norm than the exception for the executive branch and the legislative branch to have different and very strong feelings about what a budget should look like.” This year, however, the dynamics have shifted as the legislature reasserts its authority, particularly as Gov. Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his second term.

The current climate reflects a departure from the alignment seen during the early years of DeSantis’s administration. Hand recalls how, in the past, the governor was able to achieve most of his priorities during the session. Now, as the legislature prioritizes its institutional prerogatives, the path to a finalized budget appears increasingly challenging.

“This is no different than what’s happened in every governorship,” Hand states, referencing historical tensions between the executive and legislative branches. He emphasizes that while the current situation may seem contentious, it is part of a longstanding tradition in Florida politics.

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As the May 2 deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for lawmakers to resolve their differences and deliver a budget that meets the needs of Floridians. With the clock ticking, the outcome of this legislative session remains uncertain.

Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.



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Rainy stretch continues in South Florida

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Rainy stretch continues in South Florida


South Florida is experiencing a prolonged stretch of wet weather as deep tropical moisture combines with a stalled frontal boundary across the region.

The result has been frequent showers, thunderstorms, periods of heavy rainfall, and localized flooding concerns from Broward to Miami-Dade and throughout the Keys.

The atmosphere is loaded with moisture, allowing storms to produce intense downpours in a short amount of time.

Some neighborhoods have already seen several inches of rain, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through the end of the week.

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Flood-prone streets and poor drainage areas remain especially vulnerable during the heaviest rainfall.

While the rain is helping ease drought conditions, it is also increasing the risk of flash flooding and travel delays.

South Florida is two weeks into its rainy season, when abundant heat and humidity combine to generate daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms.

Heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds are common features of this time of year.

The good news? Drier air will gradually filter into parts of the region heading into the weekend, allowing rain chances to slightly decrease. Until then, keep the umbrella handy and be prepared for sudden tropical downpours.

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Man accused of kidnapping woman at Wawa in Central Florida

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Man accused of kidnapping woman at Wawa in Central Florida


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A man is in custody after deputies said he tried to kidnap a woman at a Wawa near Winter park. Per investigators, Matthew Seaberg approached the victim from behind, picked her up by the waist, and threw her into his truck.



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Jury selection continues in fatal boat crash trial of South Florida real estate mogul George Pino

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Jury selection continues in fatal boat crash trial of South Florida real estate mogul George Pino


MIAMI — A new group of prospective jurors was questioned Tuesday in the trial of South Florida real estate mogul George Pino, who is charged in connection with a 2022 boat crash that killed a teenager in Miami-Dade County.

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During jury selection in a Miami-Dade courtroom, Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez asked potential jurors what they already knew about the case and whether they had recently seen or heard anything about it.

Several prospective jurors said they knew only basic details, including that a fatal boating crash occurred and that a teenage girl died. Others said they recalled media reports that alcohol may have been involved.

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As questioning continued, some prospective jurors disclosed connections to schools and communities tied to the case.

Passengers aboard Pino’s boat included his wife, his teenage daughter and 11 of her friends, many of whom attended private schools in Miami-Dade County.

One prospective juror said they graduated from a local private school around the time of the crash and were familiar with some of the students involved.

Another said references to schools and witnesses brought back memories of seeing posts and articles about the incident shared on social media.

A third said their child participates in youth sports with students from schools connected to the case.

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Investigators said the boat struck a channel marker while returning from an outing on Biscayne Bay. Seventeen-year-old Lourdes Academy student Lucy Fernandez drowned after the crash.

Tinkler Mendez also addressed concerns that a prospective juror had been viewing a news report about the case on a cellphone while waiting outside the courtroom.

Another prospective juror reported hearing the report but said it was not loud enough for everyone in the area to hear.

Tinkler Mendez reminded prospective jurors to avoid news coverage and social media discussions related to the case as jury selection continues.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.





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