If you listen to Democratic legislative leaders, rumors of the party's death in Florida have been greatly exaggerated.

Florida state Sen. Jason Pizzo, who was the state Senate Democratic Leader, abandoned the Democratic Party, announcing a switch to no party affiliation.

TALLAHASSEE — In the latest blow to Florida Democrats, the Senate Democratic leader abruptly announced he is leaving the party in favor of no-party affiliation. In a dramatic speech Thursday on the floor of the chamber, Sen. Jason Pizzo said he had sent in his voter registration change and asked the Senate Democratic caucus to choose a new leader.