Blaise Gainey
Lead Government Reporter/ProducerBlaise Gainey is a State Government Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.
Follow Blaise Gainey on Twitter: @BlaiseGainey
Email Blaise Gainey at blgainey@fsu.edu
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A new homeless shelter on Mahan Drive is getting negative feedback. Residents in the area complain the shelter is too close to their homes. -
A bill increasing penalties for crimes committed during protests is advancing in the legislature. Governor Ron DeSantis is promoting the bill after nationwide protests against police violence last year. The measure is receiving flak from those who believe it targets Black Lives Matter. -
Governor Ron DeSantis is recommending a budget of $96.6 billion for the next fiscal year, an increase of $4 billion from last year's budget. DeSantis’ plan comes as the state is expecting a deficit of more than $2.7 billion. The Governor says a large amount of his spending plan is earmarked for COVID-19 related costs and propped up by federal money. -
Legislation increasing penalties for violent protesters passed its first stop in the House Wednesday on a party-line vote. Democrats argue the measure is targeted at the Black Lives Matter movement. Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R-Sebring) pushes against that characterization. -
Today state lawmakers came a step close to getting rid of Florida’s constitution revision commission. The group last met in 2017 and added seven amendments to the constitution, five covering multiple subjects. They were created in 1968 before there were other ways to amend the constitution. Long-time lobbyist Barbara Devane says the group no longer serves its initial purpose.
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Legislation that would survey university students on whether competing ideas and perspectives are presented and welcomed on campus passed its first committee stop today. Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-Fort Myers) says the bill is needed to ensure students are hearing competing viewpoints. -
An effort to shield public college and university presidential searches from the public is back again. This year’s proposal would keep private the names of applicants until the top three finalists have been selected. Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) says the current process scares away qualified candidates. -
Legislation shielding Florida businesses from COVID-19 related claims is moving in the state Senate. Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) is carrying the proposal in the chamber. -
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016. Since then, state lawmakers have tried to make changes. This year is no different. Proposals for full legalization and one providing employee protections for medical marijuana users are on the table. -
Colleges and Universities across the state are receiving $186 million as part of the stimulus package passed by Congress last month.
