Florida
DeSantis’ step toward victory on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ sets up a funding dilemma for Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing a funding dilemma over the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” built in the Florida Everglades.
Last week, an appellate court panel temporarily blocked a lower court decision ordering the governor’s administration to wind down operations at the facility.
But the ruling sets up a predicament: The state can either pass up federal reimbursement for hundreds of millions of dollars spent to build and operate the facility, or take the money and face an environmental review, which would risk halting the center’s operations.
That’s because a majority of the three-judge appellate panel decided for the time being that the facility doesn’t have to undergo a federally required environmental impact study normally needed to build on sensitive wetlands. Why? Because Florida has yet to receive federal money for the project, despite officials having promised it.
If Florida takes the federal money, then the state may need to conduct the environmental analysis, the judges wrote in their 2-to-1 decision. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on social media this summer that the facility would largely be funded by FEMA’s shelter and services program.
The law makes clear that “the absence of federal funding renders an action ‘non-federal’” and not subject to an environmental review, the appellate panel majority said.
The decision stayed a preliminary injunction by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ordering the detention facility to wind down operations by late October while the case made its way through court. The stay is in effect pending appeal.
“Here, no federal dollars have been expended on the construction or use of the facility,” the appellate panel said. “So the Florida-funded and Florida-operated detention activities occurring at the site do not conceive a ‘major federal project’ either.”
When asked Tuesday about whether the appellate panel’s decision would impact the state’s application for federal funding, the governor’s office didn’t provide a direct answer. Instead, press secretary Molly Best sent video clips of DeSantis talking about “Alligator Alcatraz” on social media and in an interview with FOX host Sean Hannity. DeSantis didn’t discuss funding in either clip.
DeSantis’ administration in late June raced to build the facility on an isolated airstrip surrounded by wetlands to aid President Donald Trump’s efforts to deport people living in the U.S. illegally. Trump toured the facility in July and suggested it could be a model for future lockups around the nation as his administration pushes to expand the infrastructure needed to increase deportations. Other states have since announced plans to open their own immigration detention centers.
The environmental lawsuit is one of three federal lawsuits challenging operations at the detention center in the Everglades. A second Florida immigration detention center opened last week at a closed prison in north Florida.
“Florida taxpayers should not foot the bill for federal immigration services,” said Paul Schwiep, an attorney representing Friends of the Everglades, one of the environmental groups that sued Florida and the U.S. government. “Judge Williams believed the governor when he said the federal government would fund the work, and believed Secretary Noem when she said the same. Meanwhile, the majority on appeal essentially said we can’t believe politicians when they make such statements.”
Elise Bennett, a senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, another environmental group that is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said she saw another possibility in the ruling that would allow the DeSantis administration and DHS “to have their cake and eat it too.”
The appellate majority is signaling that a federal agency can withhold reimbursement until a project is completed, “and by the time they formalize that payment, the damage is done and the analysis has little to no value,” Bennett said.
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Wong, sitting fourth before the final rotation, delivered a clutch Cheng vault that earned the highest vault score of the day (14.466) and launched her into the lead—until Melnikova’s closing floor routine edged her out for gold.
➡️ Vault
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 14.466 pic.twitter.com/MIgCB6EG69
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
The one-two all-around finish was a repeat of the 2021 World Championships, when Melnikova and Wong also went one-two.
“Of course it’s disappointing to see your name go to second place, but overall I’m happy with the competition,” Wong said, according to the FIG. “I just take it a competition at a time, and I was happy to make it to the Worlds and to be winning a medal.”
U.S. teammate Dulcy Caylor took 13th in the final standings.
Another Gator looks for World Championships hardware tomorrow. Rising sophomore Skye Blakely earned a place in the uneven bars final after posting a score of 14.166 to qualify seventh. That final will take place Friday, Oct. 24 at 3 a.m. ET.
Coverage of the World Championships event finals streams live on Peacock.
13.800 gets Leanne Wong’s AA pursuit underway 🇺🇸
Live Scores: https://t.co/5yEgB1qUxF#ARTWorlds2025 #Gymnastics pic.twitter.com/GlSrMkHwng
— FIG (@gymnastics) October 23, 2025
➡️ Balance Beam
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 13.500Watch live on Peacock! pic.twitter.com/erHhBjfUay
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
➡️ Floor Exercise
➡️ Leanne Wong
➡️ 13.200Watch live on Peacock! pic.twitter.com/hZFhKsLu5j
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) October 23, 2025
World Championships All-Around Final Scores
| World Championships All-Around Top 15 | |||
| Place | Name | Nation | Total |
| 1 | Angelina MELNIKOVA | AIN | 55.066 |
| 2 | Leanne WONG | USA | 54.966 |
| 3 | Qingying ZHANG | CHN | 54.633 |
| 4 | Kaylia NEMOUR | ALG | 54.564 |
| 5 | Asia D’AMATO | ITA | 53.532 |
| 6 | Rina KISHI | JPN | 53.232 |
| 7 | Aiko SUGIHARA | JPN | 53.132 |
| 8 | Abigail MARTIN | GBR | 52.998 |
| 9 | Naomi VISSER | NED | 52.299 |
| 10 | Ruby EVANS | GBR | 52.066 |
| 11 | Liudmila ROSHCHINA | AIM | 51.999 |
| 12 | Breanna SCOTT | AUS | 51.798 |
| 13 | Dulcy CAYLOR | USA | 51.532 |
| 14 | Alba PETISCO | ESP | 51.399 |
| 15 | Kaia TANSKANEN | FIN | 51.266 |
2025 FIG World Championships Schedule – Women
Senior women’s competition schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 24 | 3 a.m. ET | Vault & Uneven Bars Final | Peacock
- Saturday, Oct. 25 | 3 a.m. ET | Balance Beam & Floor Exercise Final | Peacock
Tape-Delay
- Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. ET | Women’s All-Around Final | NBC
Government shutdown impacts SNAP benefits
State health officials say food assistance could be cut off for millions if the government doesn’t reopen in the next few days.
Fox – 4 News
Nearly 3 million Floridians who rely on food stamps to provide or supplement their food budget may see their benefits for November delayed if the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a memo to state administrators of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, earlier this month, alerting them that funding is running out and they won’t receive disbursements for November if the shutdown persists. SNAP provides low-income families monthly benefits to afford healthy food.
That will affect the 42 million Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits, including 2.8 million in Florida, the state Department of Children and Families confirmed. The program is funded by the federal government but administered by each state.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for the month of November will not be issued until federal funding is restored,” an alert on Florida’s SNAP website says. “You may receive notices about your eligible benefit amount, but you will not receive any benefits deposited to your EBT card during this time.”
SNAP benefits for October will continue and DCF is still processing initial applications and renewals, DCF spokeswoman Anna Archambault confirmed in an email. Newly approved recipients may receive notification about November eligibility, but will not get benefits yet.
Here’s what to know.
What is SNAP, the former food stamp program?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes to help them buy nutritious food.
It grew out of the nearly century-old national food stamp program and was renamed in the 2008 farm bill. SNAP is part of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Why aren’t SNAP benefits going out in November?
The federal program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In Florida, SNAP is managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS).
The federal government shutdown is affecting large areas of the federal government, including the Agriculture department. SNAP benefits were already obligated for October but further funding may be delayed.
How does SNAP work?
Once you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT), a physical, reloadable card like a debit card that can be used at participating retailers to buy approved items or to withdraw cash at specified locations.
Monthly benefits appear on the card’s balance. Sales tax cannot be charged on items you buy with an EBT card.
Can I still use the balance on my EBT card?
Yes, you still can use your existing SNAP benefits, which roll over every month if not used. You can check your EBT card’s balance at ebtEDGE.com or by calling 888-356-3281.
Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits in Florida?
SNAP eligibility is based on income, resources, and the size of your household. Eligibility rules are set at the federal level but individual states may change them. In Florida:
- You must be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen and be able to prove your identity. You must have a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
- Individuals aged 16 – 59 must meet General Work Requirements for SNAP unless exempt, such as being unable to work, caring for young children or incapacitated persons, or being a student. Additionally, adults aged 18 – 59, unless exempt, must work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T).
- Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some household expenses such as shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, earned income deduction may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget.
- Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
- Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,500 ($3,750 if the household contains an elderly or disabled member.
Requirements for SNAP benefits became more restrictive since the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 expanded the 80-hour-a-month work requirement for SNAP by increasing the age limit on able-bodied adults without dependents from 49 to 54. The Florida Department of Children and Families expanded its own definition to include adults up through 59 years old and increased the mandatory employment and training program (SNAP E&T) from 80 hours every month to 120.
What can I buy with SNAP benefits in Florida?
Households can use food assistance benefits to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds to grow food for their household to eat.
Households cannot use food assistance benefits to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.
Who is ineligible for Florida SNAP benefits?
Reasons for SNAP ineligibility include:
- Conviction of drug trafficking
- Fleeing a felony warrant
- Breaking SNAP Program rules
- Noncitizens without a qualified status
- Students attending an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances
Contributing: Gray Rohrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
Florida
University of Florida Baseball Coach Kevin O’Sullivan to Take Leave of Absence – Florida Gators
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida Head Baseball Coach Kevin O’Sullivan will take a leave of absence from his coaching duties to address personal matters, effective immediately.
During O’Sullivan’s absence, Chuck Jeroloman will assume leadership of the baseball program on an interim basis.
“I appreciate the support of the University and athletic department, “said O’Sullivan. “I have some personal and family issues that need my full attention at this time.”
“Coach O’Sullivan has our full support as he takes the time he needs to focus on personal matters,” said Athletics Director Scott Stricklin. “We appreciate his openness in communicating this decision, and respect his need for privacy.”
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