The funding request includes $40 billion for the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund, $24 billion for the Department of Agriculture, $12 billion for HUD's block grant disaster recovery program, and $8 billion for the Department of Transportation, among other allocations.

This week on The Florida Roundup, we discussed FEMA’s response to hurricanes Helene and Milton, how Americans are consuming political news, how the Florida Democratic party can reengage apathetic voters, what’s next for former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Florida legislature’s new leadership, and a collection of environmental stories from across the state.

Although Pam Bondi was Trump’s second choice for the job, Bondi has been his long-time ally and is likely to calm Republicans in and out of Florida who were concerned about his previous selection.

The surgeon general calls it "public health malpractice" to fluoridate water, citing research that suggests exposure to high levels of fluoride can cause lower IQ in kids. National experts say there is not enough data to determine if the lower level present in most U.S. water supplies has the same effect.

Research has generally shown that fluoridated water at recommended levels is safe. But many experts and a judge say more research is needed to better understand whether and when risks kick in.

Longtime Donald Trump ally Pam Bondi was a prosecutor in Hillsborough County for more than 18 years and was Florida's first female attorney general.

It was essentially buried after St. Petersburg City Council members delayed a vote on allocating bonds for the new stadium — and nixed paying for a new roof for storm-damaged Tropicana Field.

After former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration, President-elect Donald Trump named Pam Bondi, a former attorney general of Florida, as his next pick for U.S. attorney general. Bondi is from Tampa and a former Hillsborough prosecutor.

Allegations of sex trafficking and drug use had stirred controversy over Matt Gaetz being attorney general.

During a Senate hearing, the head of FEMA says money available to help communities hit by disasters has shrunk after back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton

After delays in voting to approve financing bonds for the new ballpark, Commissioner Rob Manfred said there has been no thought to allowing the team to explore a relocation.

Gov. DeSantis signs order making many hunting and fishing licenses 50% off through Jan. 3.