Supremes take aim at Roe v Wade. What now for DeSantis and GOP?

We figured it would take a news bombshell to knock the DeSantis versus Disney into the yesterday's news category. And sure enough the leak of a Supreme Court draft decision voiding Roe v. Wade exploded across Florida this week.

The potential overturn of the 49-year-old case would be a "wakeup call" for Florida Democrats and "the moment we have been waiting for our entire lives" for the state's Republicans.

The end of the Roe era, and its abortion rights shield, would put increased attention on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ abortion views as he runs for re-election.

And it would put increased attention on Florida, where lawmakers just banned abortions after 15 weeks on top of previous restrictions.

A conservative Florida Supreme Court and DeSantis's power to appoint a new justice jeopardize a privacy amendment that protects abortion access.

Pro-Choice or Pro-Life? Floridians take to streets after news of draft ruling

And it was outside the Florida Supreme Court building where protesters called for maintaining abortion rights this week.

In Pensacola, one protester said, "This sets a terrible precedent for other court decisions that can take us back in time." Pro-Life and pro-choice voices were raised in Southwest Florida, too.

In Northeast Florida, Congressman Michael Waltz predicted "scorched-earth tactics of the left on this issue."

Demonstrators chanted, "When you say abortion, you say justice" in a rally outside a Gainesville courthouse.

DeSantis versus Disney heads to courts as taxpayers file lawsuit

The DeSantis and Disney stand-off was occluded, but it hasn't simmered down.

Last week, DeSantis assured viewers of a Fox News town hall that he and lawmakers had the elimination of the theme park giant's taxing district all figured out.

A group of Central Florida taxpayers wasn't buying the governor's assurances, and they filed a lawsuit out of fear the GOP-Disney feud will raise property taxes and cost jobs.

For its part, Disney officials sought to get back Disney magic, like making magical moments for guests on its cruise ships.

Another street-side protest against the parental rights in education law, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" legislation, took place in Brevard County.

In Duval County, remember that school district resolution supporting the governor and the new parental rights in schools law we told you about last week? Well, it got tabled.

Next up special session: Property insurance. Or maybe gun rights?

The governor is calling lawmakers back into session — again — to address the state's property insurance crisis. A mess that somehow didn't get addressed in the original 50-day session while lawmakers focused on abortion rights, workplace diversity and school textbooks.

But this week, DeSantis insisted the state will approve "constitutional carry," meaning allowing residents to carry concealed guns without needing permits, Lawmakers, he said, "will get it done."

So, there.

Something else legislators got done went for naught, a solar bill that critics said would turn back the clock on progress. The governor's veto was applauded by renewable energy advocates.

In Bonita Springs, though, the governor touted the availability of $20 million in grants for 98 coastal resiliency projects in the state.

In Williston, he announced the availability of millions of other dollars for infrastructure improvements while simultaneously blasting the Biden administration's spending.

DeSantis says Biden won't silence him, but remains quiet on housing

In Levy County, he also assailed the administration's efforts to fight disinformation saying it was an attempt to "have people like us be silenced.”

But he has remained largely quiet on another real estate crisis for many Florida residents: sharp increases in home prices and rental rates.

In Southwest Florida, the median price for a house is up to almost $600,000, a 32% increase from last year. A study listed rental rates in this Treasure Coast county the fifth "most overvalued" market in United States.

The state's inaction has left local municipalities struggling to help their residents.

In Collier County, officials are debating a rule that would force landlords to let tenants know 60 days in advance if the rent will increase more than 5%.

Housing activists invited every Pensacola City Council and Escambia County Commission members to a brainstorming meeting on affordable housing in Northwest Florida.

In Volusia County, faith leaders have taken up the cause with faith leaders calling on county officials to set aside $2.5 million more for an affordable housing trust fund.

Black voters in this North Florida region ask, "What happens to us?"

DeSantis' congressional district maps have flung the doors open in a northern Florida congressional district.

Two Republicans have jumped into the race for the seat which the governor has made much more favorable to GOP nominee.

And a Tallahassee CBD juice bar entrepreneur said she will file papers to run for the newly redrawn House District 9 seat in November as Republicans hope to win that now-also-more-attractive to a GOP seat.

While Republicans are emboldened, Black voting rights advocates say they will continue to fight the new boundaries saying not allow this “plain ol’ racist” legislative action to stand.

A group of civil rights organizations and Jacksonville residents have filed a lawsuit challenging the City Council-approved boundaries the groups allege were drawn with "racial gerrymandering" in mind.

Want to hear more? Listen now to the latest episode of the Inside Florida Politics podcast.

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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Supreme Court ruling on abortion opens door for DeSantis, Florida GOP