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Romy Ellenbogen - Tallahassee Correspondent
Romy Ellenbogen

Tallahassee Correspondent

As a lifelong Floridian, I know how much this state offers beyond the stereotypes and I’m grateful I get to tell some of its story. I cover our state government, with a focus on criminal justice and health. I’m interested in who gets a voice and who doesn’t, keeping elected leaders accountable and making sure people don’t get lost in the politicking. Tell me what you’re curious about — I bet you’re not the only one wondering. I also welcome conversation about homemade kombucha, yoga and Love Island.

  1. DeSantis says Alligator Alcatraz detainees have an out: Self-deportation
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
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  2. DeSantis picks Blaise Ingoglia for CFO over Trump candidate
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday in Tampa that he's appointing Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, as the state's chief financial officer.
  3. Alligator Alcatraz firm donated to Florida GOP before getting a contract
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
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  5. Here are the contractors who helped build Alligator Alcatraz
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
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  6. Trump OKs using National Guard as immigration judges at Florida detention center
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable at Alligator Alcatraz, a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday in Ochopee, Fla.
  7. DeSantis budget vetoes hit some critical GOP lawmakers
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Gov. Ron DeSantis, center right, is applauded by, from left, House Speaker pro tempore Rep. Wyman Duggan, House Speaker Rep. Daniel Perez, and Senate President Ben Albritton, as he gives his State of the State address to a joint session on the opening day of the 2025 legislative session, Tuesday, March 4, at the state capitol in Tallahassee.
  8. DeSantis used his emergency powers to get ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ built
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    This aerial photo shows that the state is plowing ahead with building an immigration detention facility with heavy-duty tents, trailers and other temporary buildings at the Miami-Dade County-owned airfield in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
  9. After Florida House, Senate fight, Sen. Rouson gets USF center named for him
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, mingles with people during a Tiger Bay Club event at Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Tampa.
  10. What does the Supreme Court transgender care ruling mean for Florida’s law?
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a Tennessee ban that stops transgender minors from receiving medical care like hormone therapy or puberty blockers for gender dysphoria. The law is similar to Florida's, which is being challenged in court.
  11. Florida’s long-awaited budget cuts spending, saves money for future downturns
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, hands Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, the gavel during the first day of the legislative session on March 4 at the Capitol in Tallahassee. After a grueling extended session, lawmakers appear to be close to finalizing the state budget.
  12. Florida ballot initiative law can continue, federal judge says
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Gabriella Medina, a customer experience program manager with Trulieve, displays support on Oct. 22, 2024, in Tampa for Florida's Amendment 3, which was on the ballot in November 2024 and proposed legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. This year, state lawmakers changed some of the requirements for the ballot initiative process.
  13. Florida’s National Guard will soon leave state prisons
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    After more than two years in Florida prisons, the National Guard is set to leave.
  14. How a Florida court took unusual steps to limit abortion access for minors
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Florida youth will in most cases not be able to get an abortion without parental consent, after a Florida appeals court said a law allowing youth to work around getting consent was unconstitutional.
  15. Political rival of Anna Paulina Luna gets 3 years in prison for threats
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., listens to Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speak during a get-out-the-vote rally at La Teresita Restaurant on Nov. 5, 2024, in Tampa.
  16. DeSantis signs Florida fluoride ban. What comes next?
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill that includes language that would keep local governments from adding fluoride to water.
  17. House speaker calls DeSantis a ‘seventh grader’ as budget fight continues
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Ron DeSantis, right, delivers his State of the State address as Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, R- Miami, center, listens during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida.
  18. Florida House, Senate budget deal ‘blown up’
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, hands Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, the gavel during the first day of the legislative session on March 4 in Tallahassee. The House and Senate have been unable to come to agreement on a budget.
  19. Florida Legislature passes hurricane crane safety requirements after crash
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Workers are suspended in a basket near part of a fallen crane that sits atop the building at 490 First Ave. S. on Oct. 23, 2024 in St. Petersburg. The crane broke off and landed on the building during the high winds of Hurricane Milton.
  20. Group sues Florida over constitutional amendment petition law
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Gail Rogers, 60, a fast food worker at McDonald's, holds a sign after participating in a caravan on Sept. 3, 2020, in Tampa to several area McDonald's restaurants to advocate for increasing the minimum wage to $15 by voting yes on Amendment 2.
  21. Here are the issues that died in the 2025 Florida legislative session
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Banners greet Florida lawmakers on Monday, March 4, 2019, in Tallahassee outside of Florida's Capitol complex.
  22. DeSantis signs bill to change constitutional amendment petition process
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a rally with members of Florida Physicians Against Amendment 4 at The Grove Bible Chapel in Winter Garden on Oct. 22.
  23. USF center named for Sen. Rouson sparks Florida House and Senate battle
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, mingles with people during a Tiger Bay Club event at Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Tampa.
  24. Florida Senate Democratic leader drops party, switches to no-party affiliation
    • The Buzz on Florida Politics
    Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, abruptly announced he is leaving the party.