Lawrence Mower

One of the 20 people arrested by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new election security force this week accepted a plea deal that allows her to avoid any punishment. So far, none have received prison time. Last week, prosecutors dropped charges against one of them, while last month, a judge dismissed charges against another.

Tony Patterson was one of 20 people accused by Governor Ron DeSantis in a high-profile news conference in August of voting illegally. As someone convicted of a felony sexual offense, Patterson was not allowed to vote under state law. But in a new court filing, prosecutors wrote that they were dropping charges against him.

A week after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the arrests of 20 people for alleged voter fraud, his administration quietly made a change that some say could help the state go after more people. Starting in August, Floridians on probation have been required to sign an updated form placing the burden on them to determine if they’re eligible to vote.

Gov. Ron DeSantis lashed out at President Joe Biden a day after Biden told the Republican governor to “get out of the way” of mask mandates.

Pete Antonacci, a longtime loyalist of former Gov. Rick Scott, won the only open liquor license in Pinellas County, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. He was one of 62 winners for licenses across 30 counties. More than 23,000 entries were submitted across all counties.

As hundreds of thousands of Floridians approach the 28-day deadline this week to receive their second Moderna vaccine dose, DeSantis guaranteed there would be enough supply to meet the demand.

Former Florida Department of Health whistle-blower Rebekah Jones has been released on a $2,500 bond after turning herself into state police.