Politics
Takeaways from Tallahassee — Florida State Parks Day Celebration
There are hundreds of reasons someone might decide to settle down or move to Florida: taxes, weather, job opportunities, schools or even to “escape the woke” of the Northeast and West Coast, as Gov. Ron DeSantis likes to put it. But one thing unites all Floridians — race, religion, politics, all of that aside — and that binding force is the state’s natural beauty: beaches, parks, trails, and wild places scattered across Florida.
Florida offers unmatched diversity within its natural landscape. Beaches, lakes, marshes, swamps, springs, dense forests, rolling red clay hills, bogs — no two parts of Florida look quite the same. So anytime the state’s parks and natural spaces are celebrated and protected, that’s worth applauding, and it’s far preferable to yet another pickleball court or a massive nursing home replacing untouched rural beauty.
This week at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Rep. Allison Tant and Sen. Jason Brodeur joined the Florida State Parks Foundation, Live Wildly, and the Florida Park Service for the third annual Florida State Parks Day — a bipartisan celebration of Florida’s natural wonder.
The event brought together environmental advocates and political leaders to reflect on the landscapes that define Florida and to mark the 25th anniversary of Florida Forever, the state conservation program that has helped acquire and expand 59 parks, protecting more than 1 million acres. The Florida Wildlife Corridor, which works closely with those efforts, was also highlighted.
“From the Panhandle to the Keys, our state parks offer beautiful, pristine examples of what makes Florida so special. I encourage all Floridians to visit their favorite parks, explore new parks, and join us in our efforts to preserve these remarkable places for generations to come,” Tant said.
The Florida Wildlife Corridor now encompasses just under 18 million acres of connected conservation land and waters, providing habitat for species such as panthers, black bears, manatees, gopher tortoises and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Because 75 state parks include land within the corridor, the Florida State Parks Foundation formalized a partnership with the corridor in 2023 — a relationship that has continued to grow.
“It’s simply breathtaking to see our Foundation team, our park rangers, and our state’s elected leaders come together to celebrate our amazing state parks each year. Our legislative reception is one of our best opportunities to share everything that makes our state parks so special with Florida’s leaders and decision-makers, and I have no doubt that this year’s event made a big impression on everyone who attended,” said Florida State Parks Foundation CEO Julia Gill Woodward.
Matt Caldwell, who served as President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and represented Lee County in the Legislature from 2010 to 2018, served as master of ceremonies. Secretary Alexis Lambert, Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher, and Live Wildly Deputy Director Meredith Budd also spoke.
“Our beaches, springs, trails, greenways, waterways, and cultural sites attract people from all over the country and around the world. But Florida doesn’t just have the best natural resources — we also have the best park rangers, managers, biologists, and outdoor professionals caring for them every day,” Caldwell said.
Florida’s parks generated an estimated $3.6 billion in economic impact last fiscal year, welcoming 28 million visitors and supporting roughly 50,000 jobs statewide.
“Florida Forever, together with our state park system and the Wildlife Corridor, is helping protect the state’s cultural and natural heritage — all while supporting jobs and economic growth. These initiatives demonstrate how conservation is not just good for nature, but that it also makes good economic sense,” Budd added.
So even if it’s a bit cold, get out and enjoy a park this weekend. It’s good for the Florida soul.
___
Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout and the staff of Florida Politics.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
— Take 5—
Delay of game — The Senate has delayed any plans to release a budget proposal until next week, following delays in the House. Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper announced that the upper Chamber will release a budget proposal next week. “Traditionally, the chambers introduce budgets the same week. It is important for us to keep that tradition and roll out the same week as our partners in the House,” Hooper posted on X. “As such, we have updated our schedule to roll out our budget in the Committees on Thursday, the 12th, instead of this week.” The move came as the House and Senate sought to align more closely to the total amount of resources available, a figure that remains in flux.
‘Nothing burger’ — The DOJ this week announced its decision to end the federal investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation. Questions swirled regarding Medicaid settlement money that went first to the Foundation in 2024, only to be used for political advertising to defeat a constitutional amendment that would have legalized marijuana that year. During a roughly seven-minute monologue at a news conference, the Governor said it was clear from the outset that nothing had been done wrong, that his wife was not involved with the state charity and its shifting of funds for political purposes, and that much of the blame rested with the “very partisan media” that is driven by partisan grievance and prejudice against faith-based initiatives.
Dead? — The Florida Supreme Court will not consider ballot language on a recreational marijuana amendment. Following a filing by Attorney General James Uthmeier, the court dismissed the matter after the State Department declared that no citizen initiatives met a necessary petition threshold to qualify for the 2026 statewide ballot. That included Smart & Safe Florida’s push to get a constitutional amendment in front of voters on decriminalizing marijuana. The campaign had called on Justices to consider the measure anyway, as several lawsuits remain pending that could restore thousands of signatures invalidated under new State Department rules this year, including several the campaign believes exceed Florida law limits.
Data center dance — Legislation to protect residents, businesses, and environments from the impact of large-scale data centers — while also giving the companies that own them a new public records exemption — continued to advance in the Senate this week. The bills (SB 484, SB 1118) are a legislative priority for Miami Springs Republican Sen. Bryan Ávila, who described them as a measured approach to curbing data centers’ negative economic and environmental impacts while still making Florida an attractive place for them to locate. “There needs to be some parameters in place,” he said. “At the same time, (this is) making sure that we’re not being too restrictive and having these big economic drivers, potentially, for some of (our) communities going elsewhere.”
Final stretch — Legislation to solidify St. Johns County as the site of a planned Florida Museum of Black History and codifying rules for its Board of Directors is now one vote from clearing the Legislature’s upper Chamber. The Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to send the bill (SB 308) to the floor after hearing impassioned testimony from many who support the museum’s establishment but worry that politics and a desire to avoid discomfort will compromise historical accuracy. St. Augustine Republican Sen. Tom Leek, the measure’s sponsor, tried to assuage those concerns, noting that the museum’s Board and Subcommittees, not Tallahassee, will dictate exhibits and messaging. “I don’t think the history of Florida can be told without also telling the history of Black Floridians,” he said. “What this does is give the opportunity for that history to be told and the story to be completed.”
— CHINA Crackdown —
Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office has formed a new unit to crack down on potential technology and commerce violations by China in Florida.
Uthmeier announced he is “repurposing” resources in his office to form the Consumer Harm from International Nefarious Actors (CHINA) Prevention Unit.
“This unit will work full time to investigate companies in all industries. But we see health care as a primary industry right now, with personal health data — the most sensitive of human data — being shared with an enemy that wants to do us harm,” Uthmeier said.
The Attorney General’s Office has become increasingly active over the past year in investigating Chinese business activity in Florida.
Uthmeier issued an investigative subpoena in December to TP-Link Systems Inc., examining the company’s cybersecurity practices, handling of U.S. consumer data and supply-chain infrastructure. The California-based company sells Wi-Fi routers for home and business networks, among other technology products.
It is similar to the approach Uthmeier took earlier in 2025, when he initiated legal action against Contec, a Chinese medical device manufacturer, over cybersecurity concerns.
“Florida will not be a playground for our enemies to come in and do us harm,” Uthmeier said. “I think this is a great model for the nation. I think other states will follow.”
— Rejected! —
Uthmeier took a victory lap following the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to end its federal investigation into Hope Florida.
Gov. DeSantis spokesperson Jeremy Redfern announced on X that the DOJ had set aside its probe into the Hope Florida Foundation, which examined controversial funding decisions that have dogged the Governor and Uthmeier for much of the past year.
“We appreciate the DOJ putting this sideshow to bed once and for all,” Redfern said.
Uthmeier dismissed the matter as a “nothing burger” during a news conference in Tallahassee.
Hope Florida came under scrutiny last year after reports revealed the organization had been funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement that was intended for state coffers. Much of that money later flowed to the Keep Florida Clean committee, chaired by Uthmeier, which opposed the 2024 marijuana legalization effort. Uthmeier was Chief of Staff to DeSantis at the time.
Uthmeier said it was no surprise the DOJ opted to drop the investigation.
“At the end of the day, I think it’s a good result. We’re tired of the distractions,” Uthmeier said.
A Florida grand jury is still reviewing the matter. Uthmeier said he would defer further comment to prosecutors.
— Rainy, or Icy, Day Fund —
Here I come to save the day. AG Simpson is on his way. Maybe not as iconic as Andy Kaufman’s version, but the hook has legs.
This week, Wilton Simpson announced that beginning Feb. 26, Florida’s agricultural producers can apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance tied to impacts from the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
That funding comes on top of Simpson seeking federal approval to use Florida’s disaster block grant program to deliver relief to agricultural producers hit by the 2026 ice storm. Florida is the first state in the nation to finalize such an agreement with the USDA.
Eligible applicants may receive funds to help offset infrastructure damage, market losses, citrus losses, and timber damage stemming from recent storms.
“Florida’s producers suffered over $3 billion in damages and losses during the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. We’ve worked to make this funding available as quickly as possible to support the men and women who feed and sustain our state and nation. Our program is in place, and we stand ready to receive supplemental funding to address the devastating 2026 ice storm that impacted Florida. We can be a force multiplier to get assistance out as quickly as possible,” said Commissioner Simpson.
Although the application window will not open for several weeks, producers are encouraged to begin preparing now by reviewing eligibility requirements and gathering the necessary documentation.
To streamline the process, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has launched a centralized online hub outlining eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and application details here.
— Fire burning checks —
His name sounds like “blaze,” so perhaps destiny nudged him toward fire service (or marijuana). Either way, the checks cleared.
This week in Beverly Hills, Florida, CFO Blaise Ingoglia distributed more than $5.5 million to seven Florida fire departments to support equipment purchases and emergency response infrastructure.
“Florida has the best firefighters in the nation that work hard to respond quickly and effectively to all emergencies. While they serve our communities, there are many job-related challenges that our firefighters face every day that impact their safety and long-term health. Our hometown heroes and their dedication deserve our investment to protect the ones that put their lives on the line every day,” Ingoglia said.
The Department of Financial Services is awarding grant funding through the Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant Program and the Florida Firefighter Assistance Grant Program. Both initiatives focus on improving firefighter safety and emergency response through equipment upgrades, supplies, and training, as well as funding allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.
“CFO Ingoglia has shown genuine care for Florida’s firefighters, standing with us on cancer prevention and making sure departments large or small are not overlooked. We are thankful for his leadership and his commitment to helping firefighters stay safe, prepared, and ready to serve when our communities need us most,” said Angelo D’Ariano, Secretary and Treasurer of Florida Professional Firefighters.
Grant funding from the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Program went to Gilchrist County ($34,575), the City of Williston ($14,192.25), the Town of Bronson ($6,964.50), the City of Inverness ($5,751), and the Town of Inglis ($551.25). Additional Firefighter Assistance Grants were awarded to the Town of Inglis ($105,359.10), the City of Inverness ($52,143.50), and the City of Williston ($41,210.35).
The most significant allocations came through the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, with Citrus County Fire Station receiving $3.5 million, Gilchrist County Fire Rescue Apparatus receiving $1.375 million, and the Cross City Public Safety Facility receiving $415,000.
“Our firefighters are ready to answer the call to serve their communities at all times, and having the best equipment and the support of our leadership means everything,” said Trip Barrs, President of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association.
— Instagram of the week —
— Free parks for George —
Get ready to enjoy nature in the name of the original OG — the dollar bill himself, George Washington.
From Friday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 16, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida State Parks are offering free admission to state parks statewide in honor of Washington’s Birthday and the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
Florida State Parks officials say the initiative is meant to remind visitors of the natural beauty Washington helped secure for future generations.
“As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, Florida State Parks invite visitors to experience history not just through exhibits, but through the landscapes themselves. Our parks offer meaningful connections to the people and events that shaped our nation,” said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.
During the Revolutionary period, what was then known as British West Florida played an often-overlooked role in colonial history. Several Florida parks reflect that era, including Big Talbot Island State Park and Fort George Island Cultural State Park, where plantations produced indigo and Sea Island cotton for the British.
Other sites with Revolutionary-era ties include Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, which once hosted a frontier trading post used by Native Americans and British settlers, as well as Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, Amelia Island State Park, and Fort Clinch State Park, all of which reflect periods of military conflict and tension with the neighboring colony of Georgia.
Visitors planning a weekend outing ahead of the Super Bowl can take advantage of the free admission offer. Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park are excluded.
— America250FL —
Get ready for some good old-fashioned competition in the spirit of America’s 250th.
This week, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida announced the launch of the America250FL art and essay contest, inviting Florida students in grades K-12 to participate.
The contest asks students to reflect on America’s past and Florida’s role in shaping it. All submissions must align with the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America.” Entries will be accepted through Monday, March 16.
“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the America250FL contest offers students a meaningful opportunity to explore how Florida has helped shape and strengthen our nation. As a national leader in education, I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to reading and seeing the outstanding work students will submit,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.
The art contest is open to kindergarten through fifth grade students, who are asked to submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on the theme. Six winners will be selected and awarded two-year Florida College Plan scholarships provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“The Spirit of ’76 is alive and well in Florida. As Chair of the America250FL Commission, I encourage all students to reflect on Florida’s history and heritage by participating in the art and essay contests,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd.
The essay contest is open to students in grades 6-12, with eight total winners selected — three from grades 6-8 and five from grades 9-12. Middle school winners will receive two-year Florida College Plan scholarships, while high school winners will receive four-year scholarships through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation to reflect on our shared history and imagine how they can help shape our future. Through the America250FL essay and art contests, students are encouraged to celebrate Florida’s contributions to our nation and continue that story through service and civic engagement,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo.
More information, including submission details, is available at America250FloridaContest.com.
— Interact with George —
It’s time to get your 250 on. You only get one 250th commemoration, after all.
This week, to mark America’s 250th birthday and the Joint 2026 Legislative Reunion, Florida Senate President Ben Albritton and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced a new interactive George Washington exhibit at the Florida Historic Capitol. The exhibit is based on Gilbert Stuart’s “Lansdowne” portrait of the nation’s first President.
For nearly 200 years, a copy of the Stuart portrait has hung in the Florida Capitol. Now, students, history buffs, and families can experience it in an entirely new way.
“We are honored to partner with Florida’s Historic Capitol Museum to celebrate America250. What better way to celebrate the birth of our great nation than to honor the man who not only led the Continental Army in the war for our independence but then served with distinction as our first President. This new interactive exhibit provides the opportunity for Floridians of all ages, including those with visual impairments, to learn more about the father of our country through the lens of the famous Lansdowne portrait,” Albritton said.
Last Fall, the Senate approved the purchase of a three-dimensional sculpted print of the Lansdowne portrait for display in the Historic Capitol as part of America250. The print includes interactive elements such as raised surfaces and touch-activated audio, allowing visitors, including those with visual impairments, to experience George Washington through touch and sound.
“The Lansdowne portrait has been an iconic part of the Historic House Chamber for generations. While our state archivists are working to restore Florida’s original copy, this three-dimensional sculpted print, combined with the touch-activated audio narrative, will enable Floridians to continue to experience the portrait in a new way. As we celebrate America250, Floridians can take great pride in the beauty and rich history of Florida’s Historic Capitol,” Perez said.
The exhibit aligns with other infrastructure upgrades in the Historic House Chamber, including streamlined audiovisual units that highlight the Chamber’s historic architecture and artifacts.
— MRO making money —
It pays to make a good impression. In this case, that’s literal for Florida and its aviation sector.
This week, FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida announced that Florida companies participating in MRO Europe in October 2025 have generated more than $21 million in business since the event. MRO Europe is the continent’s most extensive aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul conference.
Fourteen Florida companies took part in the show, reporting strong returns on investment, expanded international customer bases, and new networking opportunities.
“This year’s show provided unmatched visibility and connection opportunities for Florida companies, as exhibitors reported high-value meetings while highlighting advancements in digital solutions, services, and aerospace manufacturing. Our commitment to supporting their growth and industry expansion only strengthens our state’s economic footprint in the European aerospace market,” said Matt Swanson, President of SelectFlorida.
Participating companies included 3CHEM Corporation, Aerospace Innovation Inc., Air Accessories & Avionics, Inc., Aircraft Electric Motors, Inc., AvGen Aerospace Services Corp., CIMA Aviation, Component Overhaul Services, Glass Aero, Higher Standards Aerospace, Jet Air MRO, Jet Repair Center, National Aerospace Group, Pan-American Tool Corporation, and PartsBase, Inc. Several reported increased visibility, credibility, and financial growth following the event.
“The European market is an ever-growing market for Glass Aero, given our specialty. We expect at least a 30% growth, which equals a minimum of 10 new jobs at our company across our departments,” Glass Aero said in a statement.
“Thanks to SelectFlorida, we have the opportunity to showcase our South Florida expert labor force to Europe, competing in a challenging market where success is down to every detail. We are grateful for the partnership and hope to continue to work with SelectFlorida here and in other aviation markets.”
— Power of AI and Rattlers —
Like it or not, artificial intelligence is here to stay, and it is already reshaping traditional institutions.
Florida A&M University, through its Department of Computer and Information Sciences’ Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Cluster, is exploring how AI can redefine knowledge and how it is taught and applied.
What began as a pilot workshop with just five participants has grown into a key driver of FAMU’s push toward Carnegie R1 research status, now involving more than 100 students and faculty members.
“My charge is to infuse these advanced technologies across the curriculum — not just in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also in the humanities, social sciences and criminal justice. Artificial intelligence is having a major impact on society, and we have a responsibility to bring all of our students and faculty into that conversation,” said Richard Aló, FAMU’s scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning.
Supporters say one of AI’s significant benefits is improving student readiness. With updated coursework and certification opportunities, FAMU students are gaining exposure to machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, and health care research.
“It’s really about FAMU being on the forefront of AI and getting students to keep up with the times. With psychology, a lot of what we do involves emotion and mental regulation. AI can’t replace that, but it can help with research,” said FAMU psychology major My’Angel Jones.
AI may not be replacing quality art anytime soon — or ever, depending on your views and Darren Aronofsky — but its role in education is already clear. On that front, FAMU chooses to swim, not sink.
— FSU Math Fun Day —
Whoever said learning can’t be fun?
Tallahassee families have a reason to head to campus today. From 1 to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Florida State University Department of Mathematics is hosting its 11th annual Math Fun Day, inviting community members of all ages to participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate how math shapes everyday life.
The free event, held in the Love Building at 1017 Academic Way, is open to the public and geared toward K-12 students and their families, with games and workshops designed to make math approachable and engaging.
“Seeing so many people excited about math in a non-school setting really makes the event fun and enjoyable for the kids who attend,” said Monica Hurdal, professor of biomathematics and associate Chair for academic affairs in the Department of Mathematics.
Math Fun Day operates like an open house, with 10 rooms offering various math-focused activities, including programming polygons on a computer, playing 3D Tic-Tac-Toe, and cracking secret codes. Organizers say the goal is to spark curiosity and appreciation — whether that leads to future mathematicians or simply a new way of seeing the world.
“Math is for everyone, and everyone can participate in it. Volunteering with Math Fun Day for the last two years has taught me how to adapt math for different levels and continually reminds me how fun math can be,” said Kaylie Green, a biomathematics doctoral student and President of the FSU chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics.
“Seeing attendees smile and laugh when they get a question right or suddenly understand something is really rewarding,” she added.
The event is supported by more than 100 volunteers, including students and faculty, primarily from the Department of Mathematics.
— Tally AI —
Artificial intelligence is already woven into daily life, for better or worse, and higher education is no exception.
This week, the Tallahassee State College Foundation announced the launch of “Tally,” a Virtual Engagement Officer powered by artificial intelligence. Tally’s role will include engaging alums and donors through personalized text and email messages to keep supporters informed and connected.
“Tally is such a fun way for us to stay connected with the people who love Tallahassee State College. She is going to help us connect more often, make sure our donors and alumni feel informed and appreciated, and make it easier for people to stay involved in all of the great things happening here at the College,” said Heather Mitchell, vice president for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the TSC Foundation.
Tally was developed in partnership with Givzey, an AI engagement platform designed to work alongside the Foundation’s existing team, providing real-time information and outreach and seamlessly transitioning conversations to a human when requested.
“We’re excited to see Tallahassee State leverage autonomous AI to provide new pathways for alumni and donors to engage with the College, strengthening connections that advance their mission,” said Emily Groccia, vice president of Customer Success at Givzey/Version2.
According to the Foundation, Tallahassee State is the first institution in Florida to deploy a Virtual Engagement Officer, joining more than 100 such AI-driven roles currently in use across teams in 35 states and Canada.
— Where’s my water? —
No one should ever have to go without running water. It’s essential not only for daily life, but for basic sanitation and health. Yet that’s precisely what happened to 44 homes along Aenon Church Trail and Whitehill Lane in Leon County.
County officials learned Wednesday that residents had been without water for more than five days. An investigation by Leon County Emergency Management traced the problem to broken pipes, likely caused by a recent Winter front.
Leon County responded quickly, distributing bottled water to affected homes and deploying mobile sanitation units to provide restroom access, handwashing stations, and showers.
“I’m proud of Leon County’s quick, coordinated response to protect residents and meet essential needs as soon as we learned of the situation. From bottled water distribution and sanitation resources to direct outreach and clear communication, County teams are busy supporting impacted families and keeping residents safe,” said Leon County Commission Chair Christian Caban.
County officials said services will remain in place until water service is fully restored. Crews have also conducted door-to-door outreach to gather resident information, answer questions, and maintain direct communication.
“Leon County remains committed to serving our citizens and safeguarding lives and access to essential services. We will continue coordinating with our public health partners and other agencies to ensure residents have the necessary support while water service is restored by the property owner as quickly as possible,” said Leon County Administrator Vince Long.
— New exhibit at Riley House —
Happy Black History Month. There’s no single right way to mark it, but Tallahassee residents have a new option that connects national history directly to the local story.
The City of Tallahassee and the John G. Riley Center & Museum for African American History & Culture announced a new exhibition opening Thursday, Feb. 12: “African Americans in Tallahassee: The World Wars and Post-War Life.”
The exhibit will run for 10 months and will be free to attend.
Through biographies, photographs, artifacts, archival documents, and audio clips, the exhibition examines how Black men and women in Tallahassee navigated military service, wartime labor, segregation, and civic life at home, while helping lay the groundwork for the modern Civil Rights Movement.
In recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the exhibit also highlights how African Americans participated in civic life and service that helped shape the country’s ideals.
The Riley House, built in the 1890s, is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guided and self-guided tours available.
A preview of the exhibit and its development is available on the City of Tallahassee’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CityofTLH.
— Milan or the movies? —
Off to the cinemas we go.
This weekend, the Winter Olympics are underway, so Hollywood has taken notice. And a little-known football game called the Super Bowl. Big sports weekend. So, needless to say, it’s a dry weekend for movies. You’re better off enjoying those ceremonies.
In the third installment of a reboot/sequel no one asked for, “The Strangers: Chapter 3” continues to drag out whatever remaining interest this IP ever had. With the producers taking a “Wicked” approach to these three films and having shot them all at the same time, this was going to come out regardless of the box office or reviews of the previous installments, tax write-off or not. which were bad from the start, and the definition of diminishing returns in both box office and response. The Renny Harlin-directed film is intended to wrap up the new storyline and currently has a 13% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.2 on IMDb.
“Solo Mio” stars and is co-written by Emmy nominee Kevin James (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “The King of Queens”) in a romantic comedy about a groom left heartbroken in Rome until he meets some locals to still make the best of the situation. All about turning lemons into lemonade, no matter where you are. The film has a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.5 rating on IMDb.
Did you enjoy the Oscar-nominated, masterfully directed and crafted gothic horror “Nosferatu” from late 2024? Or how about the genre-bending “Sinners” that just broke the nomination record for the Academy Awards? Well, this isn’t that, but there is a new vampire film out to possibly enjoy. “Dracula (2025)” is a new version of the classic story we are all familiar with but this time in the hands of BAFTA winner Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element,” “Leon: The Professional”) and stars Caleb Landry Jones (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “Get Out”) as the famous Count, and Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (“Inglorious Bastards,” “Django Unchained”). Waltz between this and Best Picture nominee “Frankenstein” is doing a speedrun of classic movie monsters. The film is getting meh reviews. A 55% on Rotten Tomatoes (75% with audience) and a 6.2 on IMDB is fine/eh. Timing is important. And with the two previously named films that came out in the last 14 months, that doesn’t help but draw comparisons.
And if none of that tickles your fancy, a new season of “The Lincoln Lawyer” just dropped on Netflix. There’s also a more grounded and satirical Marvel TV show that dropped on Disney+ called “Wonder Man,” which stars Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (“Watchmen,” “Aquaman”) and Oscar winner Ben Kingsley (“Sexy Beast,” “Gandhi”). Critics love the fresh and novel approach and lower stakes. It has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (88% audience score) and a 7.6 on IMDb.
Happy watching, but we have a feeling your eyes will be on what’s happening in Santa Clara, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. We’d be shocked if any movie cracked 11 million this weekend.
— Capitol Directions —
RON & CASEY — Up arrow — Choreography beats solo improv every time.
RON DESANTIS — Down arrow — Fishback shouts and the Governor stays mute. When did he learn how to throw his voice?
JAMES FISHBACK — Down arrow — At this point, the antisemitism walks into the room before he does.
COLLINS & RENNER — Down arrow — Losing to Fishback isn’t a data point. It’s a diagnosis.
JAMES UTHMEIER — Up arrow — Smart & Safe buried, Hope Florida shrugged off. Pure Teflon.
ALEX ANDRADE — Down arrow — Sometimes the moment moves on without you.
PISTOLS AT DAWN — Up arrow — It’s the more conclusive version of ‘shots fired.’
KEVIN GUTHRIE — Down arrow — Ran up the tab for immigration theater. Turns out the Trump administration doesn’t fund the arts.
TED VEERMAN’S MOM — Down arrow — Might want to keep the old bedroom intact. Jay Collins’ campaign isn’t exactly screaming ‘long-term lease.’
TRAVEL ALERTS — Down arrow — ACLU of Florida and Florida Immigrant Coalition telling FIFA fans to stay home is more performative than protective. Just like everything else they do.
DARRYL ROUSON, LBC — Up arrow — In a Capitol full of shortcuts, the slavery memorial was done the right way.
JOE CASELLO — Halo — Unanimous votes, real protections, and a law bearing his name. A rare, lasting imprint.
ERIN GRALL & TRACI KOSTER — Up arrow — Took last year’s IOTA problem and turned it into a floor-ready fix. No notes.
JUAN PORRAS — Up arrow — Three bills through Committee in the dead center of Session. Not flashy, just effective.
CHASE TRAMONT — Up arrow — Two priority bills moving quickly. Not a bad week for the House’s only Chase (for now).
RASHON YOUNG — Up arrow — Stood ten toes down and held the floor on his massive strike-all amendment to Persons-Mulicka’s voting bill.
THE JETSONS — Up arrow — The Hanna-Barbera Highway is shovel-ready. Figuratively, at least.
NETFLIX — Up arrow — Mori logged out. The DeSantises logged a reimbursement request.
YOUTH SAFETY — Up arrow — At least everyone agrees minors shouldn’t be left to roam unchecked.
FLORIDA TAXWATCH — Up arrow — Sold-out State of the Taxpayer Dinner, packed dais, full house. Still the trusted eyes and ears of the Florida taxpayer.
JACK CAMPBELL — Down arrow — If you’re looking for a hill to die on, he’s your guy.
3 A.M. TEXTS — Down arrow — Who thought it was a good idea to tell Miss Sue to go check her water meter in 28-degree weather?
TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT — Down arrow — ‘Frozen Pipes Die Behind a Paywall.’
PLUMBERS — Up arrow — Those were a lot of 4 a.m. service calls to turn around and go home. Ka-Ching!