Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 2.17.26

Good Tuesday morning and Happy Fat Tuesday. Laissez les bons temps rouler.

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First in Sunburn — A political committee backing Byron Donalds for Governor is rolling out a new ad showcasing the campaign’s not-so-secret weapon: his Donald Trump endorsement.

Friends of Byron Donalds PAC said the 30-second spot, titled “Free State,” is part of a seven-figure statewide buy across digital and streaming platforms.

The ad highlights Trump’s backing and casts Donalds, a Southwest Florida Congressman, as an “America First” conservative focused on lowering costs, combating illegal immigration and preserving policies enacted under term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Byron Donalds will be Florida’s next Governor because he is the America First conservative trusted by President Trump to lower costs, put more money in families’ pockets, and keep us safe from illegal immigration,” said Ryan Smith, who chairs Friends of Byron Donalds PAC.

“Under Byron’s leadership, we will remain the Free State of Florida because Byron will give no quarter to the Left’s radical agenda.”

The ad comes on the heels of what the PAC described as a “monster” Q4 fundraising report and a slate of other high-caliber endorsements, including a nod from Elon Musk, a bulk endorsement by more than half of Florida’s county sheriffs and roughly three-quarters of Florida’s House Republican Caucus.

View the ad here.

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Sierra Club Florida is elevating Cris Costello to State Campaign Director.

Costello has been on the Sierra Club’s roster since 2007 and most recently served as the Florida Chapter’s Senior Organizing Manager, where she helped guide and grow many of the Chapter’s core campaigns.

In her new role, Costello will expand upon her prior leadership of the Our Wild Florida campaign — a comprehensive statewide effort focused on Everglades restoration, combating red tide, fighting sugarcane burning and protecting Florida’s wildlands.

Before joining the Sierra Club, she worked as a grassroots organizer in multiple states, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, and spent 17 years as a union organizer and contract negotiator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College in Iowa.

“For nearly 20 years, Cris has been a driving force behind some of the Sierra Club’s most impactful organizing work. Her strategic leadership, key partnerships across the state, and unwavering commitment to protecting Florida’s environment make her an asset to our Chapter’s mission, and we are proud to elevate her to the role of State Campaign Director,” said Sierra Club Florida Chapter Director Susannah Randolph.

Costello said she was “deeply honored” to step into the role.

“Florida is on the front lines of the climate crisis and environmental injustice, and our work at Sierra Club has never been more important than it is today. I look forward to deepening our Chapter’s campaign work and helping to deliver bold, meaningful action to meet this critical moment,” she said.

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If you’ve gained a few pounds, lost weight, or need to clear space for a new Spring wardrobe, it’s time to start rustling through your closet for professional wear and accessories to donate to “Suits for Session.”

Volunteer Florida will host its 11th Annual Suits for Session statewide service project today, with collection displays open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donors can stop by a curbside drop-off location outside Tallahassee City Hall at the corner of College and Adams streets or visit the second-floor Capitol Rotunda.

Suits for Session engages Florida legislators and staff, state agency employees and others to collect new or gently worn business attire to help prepare job seekers across the state. Accepted items for men and women include full suits, blazers and jackets, blouses and shirts, pants and trousers, dresses and skirts, ties, belts, shoes, and handbags.

All donated items will be distributed to this year’s recipient organizations — the FSU Professional Clothing Closet, Dress for Success Orlando and Valencia College — which support job seekers throughout Florida.

Since its inception, Suits for Session has collected and distributed tens of thousands of pieces of professional attire statewide.

This year, the event is being sponsored by TECO, KPMG and ZAZA.

Suits for Session was launched in 2016 by Volunteer Florida, the state’s lead agency for promoting volunteerism and national service. The organization administers more than $25 million in federal, state and private funding to help meet critical needs across Florida and also serves as the state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during and after disasters.

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The Florida Sports Hall of Fame will honor legendary broadcaster Gene Deckerhoff at the Governor’s Club on Thursday morning.

The event will feature a fireside chat between Deckerhoff and former NFL running back William Floyd, highlighting Deckerhoff’s decades behind the microphone, including his long tenure calling games for the Seminoles and the Bucs.

Several prominent figures in Florida sports are expected to attend, including Charlie Ward, Barry Smith, Lonni Alameda and Mickey Andrews.

Tickets for the luncheon are $75 and are available through the Hall of Fame’s website. The event will also include a silent auction, with featured items including a golf package for the organization’s annual tournament and a foursome that includes Floyd.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Its sponsors include Pi Kappa Alpha, RSA Consulting, Ron Book PA and the Florida Sports Foundation.

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Happening today — A local Girl Scout Troop will mark Fat Tuesday by selling cookies outside Capital City Consulting in downtown Tallahassee, offering Capitol visitors and nearby offices a convenient way to support the Scouts’ annual fundraiser. The one-day pop-up is part of the nationwide cookie program and will be set up outside the building’s main entrance, with Capital City Consulting providing the location as a courtesy and not profiting from the sale. The event is open to the public while supplies last, 2 p.m., 124 W. Jefferson St., Tallahassee.

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Happening tonight —

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Here are a few other items to check out:

🪦 — Can Dems escape their death spiral in Florida?: That’s the question posed by Eli McKown in his latest think piece, noting a “vicious cycle of losing races, losing money, and losing out on quality candidates” that is making a liberal resurgence in Florida look increasingly unlikely. The piece walks through Florida electoral history, from George Bush’s nailbiter victory in Florida in 2000 by just 537 votes (and probably some hanging chads) to the supermajorities the GOP claimed in both chambers of the Legislature 22 years later. Read more here.

🪓 — While being THE President may not be in the cards, being a president might be: As DeSantis charts his path forward after leaving the Governor’s mansion, perhaps staying in Tallahassee is his best move. Those close to the Governor are floating the possibility he serve as FSU president, and it’s not a bad idea. The pay is good, and the power is there, but most of all, DeSantis has the track record to tackle one of the school’s biggest issues — its athletics debt. Read more here.

🎧 — Paul Renner dishes on politics and road trip snacks: Speaking on the State Affairs’ podcast ‘Between the Lines with Dara Kam,” gubernatorial candidate Renner gets into the nitty gritty of campaigning for Florida’s top elected job, including describing a “Grand Canyon gap” between his and leading GOP contender Donalds’ leadership styles. He also spills some of his road trip habits as he traverses the Sunshine State, including his penchant for beef jerky and country music. Listen here.

💪 — A subject I know well; making a comeback: Former Florida Secretary of State Ertel, who resigned after a controversial image surfaced, is now hosting a podcast spotlighting people who have come back after serious mistakes in the past. More here.

🪦 — Can Dems escape their death spiral in Florida?: That’s the question posed by Eli McKown in his latest think piece, noting a “vicious cycle of losing races, losing money, and losing out on quality candidates” that is making a liberal resurgence in Florida look increasingly unlikely. The piece walks through Florida electoral history, from George Bush’s nailbiter victory in Florida in 2000 by just 537 votes (and probably some hanging chads) to the supermajorities the GOP claimed in both chambers of the Legislature 22 years later. Read more here.

✂️ — Jimmy Patronis worries property tax cuts could spike rents: The former state Chief Financial Officer is cautioning against unintended consequences should lawmakers send to the ballot and voters approve sweeping property tax cuts, including that it could send rental prices higher and run businesses out of town, because the cuts would “shift the expense.” Despite his caution, he said homeowners deserve relief but hope lawmakers will identify a more balanced solution. More here.

💸 — Yolanda Brown (allegedly) strikes again: Another candidate for office has accused prominent Democratic campaign treasurer Brown of stealing funds from his campaign account, and this time it’s all the way in Philadelphia, where the alleged victim, Chris Rabb, said he identified unauthorized transactions. Rabb didn’t say how much he thinks was taken, but the news comes after Brown was accused of stealing $207,000 from St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch’s affiliated political committee. More here.

⚕️— There are 198 billion reasons to appreciate Florida hospitals: That’s the amount Florida hospitals contributed to the state’s economy in 2023, according to a Florida Hospital Association report outlining the state’s 337 hospitals and health systems. And the economic activity accounts for $34.5 billion in wages, salaries and benefits to Florida health care workers. Read more here.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@Fineout: Tampa Democrat and House Minority Leader @FentriceForFL says this a.m. that proposal to shift USF Manatee/Sarasota campus to New College “reeks of grift” and says New College is the most expensive school for taxpayers and has been a bad investment

Tweet, tweet:

—@Bryan_Johnson: The best way to overcome fatigue and a lack of self-confidence is to build life control systems. Master these this week: + in bed some time every night + final meal 4 hrs before bed + screens off 1 hr before bed + exercise every single day, even if a little

Tweet, tweet:

—@BillSimmons: RIP Robert Duvall. An all-timer and a one of one Godfather 1 + 2 Apocalypse Now Great Santini The Natural Network MASH Tender Mercies The Apostle Guilty pleasures like Days of Thunder & Gone in 60 Seconds One Oscar, 6 noms Will always wish Duvall/Coppola figured out Godfather 3

Tweet, tweet:

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘PARADISE’ season two premieres on Hulu — 6; Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ premieres — 10; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 12; World Baseball Classic begins — 16; F1 Season Opener — 17; Boca Raton Mayoral referendums and City Council Elections — 21; last day of the Regular Session — 24; The Oscars — 26; March Madness Opening Weekend — 30; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 31; Special Election for SD 14, HD 87, HD 51 and HD 52 — 35; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 36; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 36; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 45; NCAA Final Four begins — 46; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 48; ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ sequel series ‘The Testaments’ premieres — 50; The Masters begin — 51; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 57; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 57; First Qualifying Period begins (Federal) — 62; NFL Draft — 65; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 66; F1 Miami begins — 73; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 94; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 94; Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir’ live-action series with Nicolas Cage arrives on Amazon Prime — 99; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 105; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 111; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 114; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 115; State Qualifying Period ends — 115; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 122; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its ‘Sunshine State Showdown’ — 129; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 134; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 137; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 142; MLB All-Star Game — 147; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 149; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 153; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 170; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 172; Primary Election Day — 182; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 206; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 210; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 214; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 219; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 226; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 230; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 249; General Election — 259; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 262; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 304; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 304; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 304; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 342; Super Bowl LXI — 362; Tampa Mayoral Election — 378; Jacksonville First Election — 399; Jacksonville General Election — 455; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 473; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 535; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 591; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 668; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 706; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 878; U.S. Presidential Election — 994; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,070; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,394; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,434; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,125.

— TOP STORY —

“Legislature annual budget tussle could be a referendum on Ron DeSantis” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida lawmakers are heading toward another tense budget showdown as House and Senate Republicans clash over spending levels and how much authority to leave in DeSantis’ hands during his final months in office. The divide echoes last year’s drawn-out fight that stretched the Session to 105 days.

Both chambers unveiled competing budgets this week in an unusual rollout. The Senate proposal totals just over $115 billion, while the House plan comes in at nearly $113.6 billion, compared with roughly $115 billion in current spending.

House budget chief Lawrence McClure said the lower House figure reflects a fiscally conservative approach and insisted negotiations remain fluid. Senate President Ben Albritton said the Senate plan strikes a balance between spending and saving.

Key differences center on DeSantis’ emergency fund, which the House wants limited to natural disasters and funded at $100 million. The Senate would allow broader use and set aside $250 million, short of the Governor’s $500 million request.

The House eliminated funding for the Florida State Guard and the Job Growth Grant Fund, both backed by DeSantis, while the Senate preserved partial or full funding. The House also proposes redirecting $250 million from debt reduction to prison improvements.

On oversight, lawmakers rejected DeSantis’ proposal for a new office under Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, but the House advanced its own Florida Accountability Office with $53 million in funding. Pay raises for state workers also divide the chambers.

With the Fiscal Year beginning on July 1, leaders want to avoid another stalemate. But with major policy gaps unresolved and the Session nearing its midpoint, another prolonged budget fight remains possible.

—“Senate budget proposal rings in at $115B” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

— BUDGET —

“House snubs CFO’s audit office plan, proposes Legislature-run alternative” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — House lawmakers are advancing a plan to create a Florida Accountability Office, a powerful legislative watchdog that would bypass CFO Ingoglia’s proposed Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight. Ingoglia’s FAFO bills (SB 1572, HB 1303) never received hearings and are absent from the House’s $113.6 billion budget. Instead, the House proposes a $53.37 million office operating under legislative control with authority to audit, investigate and subpoena state and local entities. The office would include audit, accountability, policy analysis and public integrity divisions. The move follows tensions over transparency, as Ingoglia’s office has faced criticism for slow responses to public records requests. Separate bills (SB 1566, HB 1329) to streamline local audits continue advancing.

“New education priorities emerge in House, Senate budgets” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — House and Senate leaders are facing key differences in their education budget proposals, with about $310 million separating their K-12 spending plans. The Senate proposes nearly $30 billion, increasing per-student funding by $151, while the House plan totals $30.3 billion with a $248 per-student boost. Both anticipate continued declines in public school enrollment as voucher participation grows to an expected 448,000 students, for $4.5 billion. The Senate and DeSantis want scholarships listed separately in the budget, a move the House opposes. The House also proposes $158 million in new school safety funding and additional armed guard requirements, while both chambers allocate roughly $100 million more for teacher pay.

“Senate earmarks $200M for citrus research, far more than House” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Budgeters in the upper chamber are seeking a $204.5 million earmark to continue field trials, acquire trees and implement new technologies benefiting the Sunshine State’s citrus industry — up from more than $100 million set aside in the current budget. Another $4.4 million would go to the Citrus Health Response Program, a non-research expenditure. The House budget for the next Fiscal Year, meanwhile, contemplates spending just $4 million on citrus research and $2.95 million on the Citrus Health Response Program.

“Senate pitches budget with cash to fill AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding gap” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — The Senate’s proposed budget sets aside $118 million to close a $120 million shortfall in the state AIDS Drug Assistance Program, a move that would prevent the Florida Department of Health from cutting roughly 16,000 patients from coverage. The House budget includes $68 million for the gap. The program serves more than 30,000 people and faced rising insurance premiums and shrinking drug rebates, according to Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. Both chambers maintain about $320 million for broader HIV/AIDS services. The Senate declined DeSantis’ $4 million request for the Canadian Drug Importation program, while the House funds it. The chambers also differ on medical marijuana oversight funding.

“House health budget: $50M revolving loan program zapped, managed care contracts extended” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — House Republicans are reshaping parts of Florida’s health care budget, including a proposal to eliminate a $50 million revolving loan program created under the 2024 Live Healthy Initiative and scheduled to run through 2043. The House has previously sought to end the program, which supports innovation among licensed health care providers. At the same time, the proposed conforming bill would direct the Department of Children and Families to create an Eligibility Assistance Program to help people with disabilities secure Medicaid and community-based services through a contracted nonprofit. The House also backs extending Medicaid managed care contracts to 2033 and continuing a 2% payment withholding tied to reductions in infant mortality rates.

“Senate carries $50M Hillsborough College request, setting up budget talks over Rays-linked campus plan” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Senate is carrying a $50 million funding request for redevelopment at Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus tied to a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays. That sets up negotiations with the House, which excluded the proposal from its budget plan. The Senate’s proposed spending plan includes a $50 million appropriations request by Sen. Danny Burgess on behalf of Hillsborough College for planning, design, engineering and construction at the college’s Dale Mabry campus tied to a redevelopment proposal by the Tampa Bay Rays. While the funding request does not explicitly reference a stadium, its timing and location closely align with ongoing negotiations between Hillsborough College and the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Asst. State Attorneys, Public Defenders in line for raises under House spending plan” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The House proposed budget would give Assistant State Attorneys a $10,000 annual raise, while Assistant Public Defenders would receive $3,500, creating a notable pay gap between prosecutors and defense attorneys. Lawmakers say the increases aim to improve recruitment and retention amid staffing shortages. A 2024 report found 577 public lawyer vacancies statewide, contributing to heavier caseloads and delays. Attorney General James Uthmeier previously sought to ease hiring by allowing some out-of-state lawyers to work without taking the Florida Bar exam, but the Florida Supreme Court rejected the request. The raises would take effect in late June if approved.

“House budget provision targets fact-checking firms amid Newsmax dispute” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Lawmakers are advancing a House budget provision that would bar state agencies from contracting with vendors that do business with fact-checking or media-monitoring firms, a move critics say is aimed at shielding Newsmax from scrutiny. The language targets companies such as NewsGuard Technologies, which rates news outlets for accuracy and has given Newsmax poor reliability scores. Newsmax previously paid more than $100 million to settle defamation claims tied to 2020 Election coverage. Records show House leaders worked with Newsmax lobbyists on similar language last year. Supporters frame the measure as a pushback against perceived media bias, while opponents argue it politicizes state contracting and limits transparency.

“USF Sarasota-Manatee campus transfer to New College could collapse over House’s $22.5M funding proposal” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — A behind-the-scenes agreement to transfer the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida could fall apart if New College also pushes to secure a $22.47 million funding shift from USF proposed by the House. Sources familiar with negotiations say USF is willing to transfer the Sarasota-Manatee campus land and buildings to New College, but that a House budget proposal to also transfer $22.47 million in recurring funds from USF to New College could be a deal breaker. The House and Senate are divided over the proposal.

—“House, Senate millions apart on some USF funding” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics

“Senate, House $72M apart on funding new FAMU-FSU engineering building” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Senate and House lawmakers agreed last year to apportion $40 million for the design and construction of a 164,000-square-foot engineering building at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. This year, they’re nearly twice that sum, apart from how much more to provide for the project. In its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27, released Thursday, the House is recommending $91.975 million more for the planned building, which would add engineering research labs and classroom space to support enrollment growth and reduce overcrowding at the joint campus. That’s exactly the amount Sen. Corey Simon and Merritt Island Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois sought in matching appropriation requests. The Senate’s offer? A comparatively paltry $20 million.

—“Senate, House more than $5M apart on adding more mental health treatment beds” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — State lawmakers are planning to set aside less money next year to increase the number of mental health treatment facility beds than they did this year, despite a well-known and persistent shortage projected to worsen over time. The Senate just released its $115 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, and it includes a $45.9 million earmark for mental health treatment facility maintenance. Of that, $44.2 million would be recurring. Across the rotunda, House budgeters proposed spending $51.1 million to “expand and/or maintain bed capacity,” though more than three-quarters of that funding — $38.3 million — would be held in reserve, requiring lawmakers to approve its release later.

—“Senate wants to expand prison capacity, pointing to Lancaster specifically” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—”Budget insights: Senate spending plan $10M better for Pinellas County” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics

—“Budget insights: House, Senate at odds (so far) over Madeira Beach funding” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics

—“Budget insights: Senate eyes $7.5M for East Lake Road improvements, while the House has nil” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics

—”Budget insights: Senate proposes $2M for Pasco behavioral health facility; House offers $1M” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

“House backs arts funding, including for America 250th” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The House’s budget would provide $24.7 million in general revenue for cultural and museum grants, a partial rebound after DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts funding last year. The plan includes $23 million in nonrecurring funds for projects ranked by the Florida Council on the Arts and Culture, with $12.457 million directed to projects recommended by the Secretary of State and the remaining funds held in reserve pending a second list. Lawmakers also proposed specific appropriations, including $212,500 for the Florida Humanities Council’s America 250 celebration and $250,000 for the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library. Capital projects include $2.5 million for a Hillsborough arts center and $1.25 million each for MOSH and the Mahaffey Theater.

— BIG BILL OF THE DAY —

Two controversial ideas. One unexpectedly warm reception.

A new poll commissioned by the Associated Industries of Florida Center for Political Strategy suggests Florida voters may be more receptive to data centers and homestead property tax abolishment if the two issues are fused.

The McLaughlin & Associates survey found 64% of likely 2026 voters would support building a data center in their community if it lowered local property taxes, boosted local jobs, and kept foreign adversaries’ hands off Americans’ “critical data.” Just 23% said they oppose the proposal.

The Franken-question blends two issues that have generated separate — and often cautious — conversations in Tallahassee while invoking doom and gloom in city halls across the state.

Voters support a lower tax bill, but they are wary of sweeping changes that could disrupt local government funding. Large-scale data centers, meanwhile, have surfaced in policy discussions primarily in the context of energy demand and infrastructure strain, not as a driver of tax relief.

By tying the two together, the AIF poll may signal a method for lawmakers to craft palatable policy.

“Florida voters want smart economic growth that lowers their property tax burden, creates high-paying jobs here at home, and secures our state’s most sensitive information from hostile foreign actors overseas,” said AIF Vice President of Political Operations Jeremy Sheftel.

Whether lawmakers embrace that linkage remains to be seen. But, at least rhetorically, voters are more open to the combo than the à la carte.

AIF’s poll was conducted Jan. 5-7 and has a sample size of 800 likely General Election voters. The margin of error is +/- 3.5% at a 95% confidence level.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Alex Andrade’s public records bill advances with unusual coalition of allies” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The First Amendment Foundation reported that one person got a staggering $300,000 invoice to get a public records request. Another person requested the calendar for the Department of Corrections Director but was ignored for three years. “We’ve started to notice increasing delays and costs associated with public record requests that don’t have exemptions,” said the foundation’s Executive Director, Bobby Block. “These, unfortunately, are not uncommon.” Block lobbied Monday for HB 437, which would strengthen Florida’s Public Records Act by adding stronger penalties for government agencies that intentionally ghost public record requests and make it tougher for those agencies to charge big fees to release the records.

“Bills targeting ‘terrorism’ could threaten Islamic schools, group says” via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida lawmakers are advancing Republican-backed bills that would allow the state to designate certain groups as terrorist organizations and bar affiliated schools from receiving voucher funds. The proposals, which reference sharia law, have raised concerns among Islamic school leaders who fear potential exclusion from the state’s $2.8 billion voucher program. DeSantis previously designated CAIR as a terrorist organization, a move the group called unconstitutional. Supporters, including Sen. Erin Grall, say the legislation targets criminal activity and strengthens state security. Opponents, including civil rights and faith-based organizations, argue the measures are overly broad, lack transparency and could unfairly impact schools educating roughly 6,000 students statewide.

“House Committee OKs bill promoting development of space industry” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A bill designed to support the space industry in Florida got a boost from a second House panel. The House Transportation Economic Development Budget Subcommittee unanimously approved the measure (HB 1177) following a presentation from its sponsor, Rep. Tyler Sirois. The hearing featured no debate, a change of pace from last week when some legislators raised questions about proposed tax exemptions. The measure aims to provide greater autonomy at each installation in the state to promote growth in space development. The bill language says contracting authority over the spaceports in Florida “shall be vested in the spaceport director or commander for that facility.” Development and program expansion plans for each spaceport facility in Florida would need to be submitted to Space Florida for review, but those plans are “not subject to approval by Space Florida,” per the legislation

“House Subcommittee OKs measure to enhance cybersecurity at Florida financial institutions” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A House bill designed to increase cybersecurity among financial institutions in Florida earned unanimous approval in its second of three Committee stops. The measure (HB 381) would require loan originators, mortgage brokers and lenders, and money services businesses to “develop, implement and maintain comprehensive written information security programs for protection of information systems and nonpublic personal information and to establish written incident response plans.” The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Webster Barnaby, said it’s designed to help prevent breaches of online information, such as personal financial details, driver’s license and passport numbers, military identification numbers, books and records of current and proposed financial institutions, and business plans of those companies. The measure also calls for reports to be filed with the Office of Financial Regulation.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“House panel advances bill to create a safety net for domestic violence victims” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A bill that would create stronger penalties for domestic violence abusers is one Committee stop away from reaching the House floor. The House Justice Budget Subcommittee advanced HB 277 with a unanimous 14-0 vote following an emotional discussion where women — including Rep. Debra Tendrich, the bill’s co-sponsor — shared their own stories of abuse and said the legislation would create a safety net to help victims. “Thirteen years ago, I left my abuser with just a suitcase and my child,” said Tendrich, a Lake Worth Democrat who sponsored the bill with Rep. Danny Nix. “It also brought me to turn pain into policy.” Under HB 277, repeated domestic violence abuse would qualify as a penalty enhancement for defendants.

“Bill to reform HOA oversight, allow owners to dissolve Boards coasts to final House Committee” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation to overhaul how Florida handles legal matters involving homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and allow unit owners to dissolve their Boards just breezed through its penultimate House stop. The chamber’s Budget Committee voted unanimously for the bill (HB 657), which Miami Republican Rep. Juan Porras, its sponsor, called the “culmination of years of frustration and concerns from over half of Floridians that live in Florida HOAs. “I represent some of the largest HOAs in our state that have dealt with some of the worst corruption,” he said. “This is just a first step in the right direction.”

“House Committee advances plan for construction of new prison facility” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — A Florida House panel unanimously approved PCB JUB 26-02 to set aside $250 million for the Department of Corrections to plan and develop new and existing prison facilities through 2067 as inmate populations are projected to grow. The House budget also includes $127 million to plan and design a 4,800-bed prison and adjoining 600-bed hospital with mental health services, reflecting a 2023 KPMG master plan calling for both facilities by 2030. Potential sites include locations in Miami-Dade, Polk, Orange, Union and Bradford counties. The Senate budget does not include a similar capital appropriation. Overall, the House proposes $4.1 billion for Corrections next year, compared with $4 billion in the Senate plan.

“Bill letting Tax Collectors regulate commercial driving schools rolls to last House Committee” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation permitting county Tax Collectors to regulate commercial driving schools is now one vote from the House floor after advancing through its penultimate Committee with little discussion. Members of the House Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee voted unanimously for the bill (HB 953), which would make Florida’s streets safer by making enforcement more local, said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Omar Blanco. “In recent years, we have seen an increase in fraud and misrepresentation, particularly in high-density areas such as South Florida. This activity has been detrimental to drivers across the state and has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations,” he told the panel. “This bill will establish stronger inspection-based oversight, similar to other regulatory frameworks such as tag agencies. This bill helps protect the integrity of drivers’ licensing in the system serving more than 4,000 individuals every day, across over 100 in Miami-Dade County and about 1,200 schools statewide.”

“Fiona McFarland transportation overhaul touching red-light cameras, speed limits and privacy clears House Committee” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — A sweeping transportation bill, HB 543, advanced from the House Budget Committee after emotional debate over a disabled parking amendment and broader concerns about accessibility. Sponsored by Rep. McFarland, the measure would extend yellow-light intervals at red-light camera intersections and establish a secure, optional digital driver credential system with strict privacy safeguards. It also restricts license plate reader data sharing, revises speed limit rules, updates micromobility and e-bike regulations, and sets reporting requirements for certain seaports tied to spaceport activity. The most contentious provision would allow vehicles with disabled permits and ramps to occupy multiple spaces if no designated spot is available. Critics argue it sidesteps a shortage of accessible parking. The bill now heads to the House State Affairs.

“Shumaker Advisors so far has a winning slate of Pinellas appropriations requests” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Shumaker Advisors, through work by lobbyists Alan Suskey, JD White, Jim Taylor and Amy Bisceglia, is backing a suite of appropriations requests benefiting Pinellas County. The firm is submitting 12 funding requests across the Pinellas peninsula. While not always full funding, the firm has proposed funding in at least one budget for all Pinellas County-based appropriations projects it represents. Of those projects, four include funding amounts in both the House and Senate budgets, and full funding is available in at least one chamber for three of the requests. The city of Oldsmar is poised to be Shumaker’s most successful client in the state funding game.

— LEG. SKED. —

Happening today — Save Crystal River will host an exhibit during Florida Wildlife Corridor Day at The Capitol, showcasing state-funded springs restoration and coastal resilience projects aimed at protecting waterways and communities from storm impacts and erosion. The display on the 22nd floor will highlight seagrass restoration and island resiliency efforts underway in Crystal River, with team members available to discuss how the initiatives support storm protection, habitat restoration and local economies: Noon to 4:40 p.m., Florida Capitol.

Happening tonight — The Florida Legislative Black Caucus will host “Truth That Echoes Through History,” a Black History Month panel featuring family members of the Groveland Four, one of Florida’s most consequential civil rights cases. The event will center on communal healing, legislative recognition and preserving the historical record through firsthand testimony, artistic expression and spiritual reflection. Participants include Elizabeth Grace, daughter of the late Geraldine Thompson, along with performances by the FAMU Concert Choir and appearances by Aniyah Sparks and Janai McKissick. The program aims to elevate the families’ voices and connect the case’s legacy to contemporary leadership and accountability efforts: 6 p.m., Tallahassee City Hall Chambers, 300 S Adams St, Tallahassee.

7:30 a.m.

FEDC Legislative Breakfast, Kleman Plaza.

8:30 a.m.

House Education & Employment Committee, Room 102, House Office Building.

House Judiciary Committee, Room 404, House Office Building.

House State Affairs Committee, Room 17, House Office Building.

9 a.m.

CPR Training Day with Who We Play For, Room 1201, Capitol.

11 a.m.

Senate Special Order Calendar Group, Room 401, Senate Office Building.

Noon

Senate Rules, Room 412, Knott Building.

1 p.m.

House Session, House Chamber.

6:15 p.m.

House Rules & Ethics Committee, Room 404, House Office Building.

8 p.m.

Dan Daley’s Annual Bipartisan Birthday Extravaganza, Duke’s and Dottie’s, Midtown Tallahassee.

Lunch is served — The Governors Club buffet menu for Tuesday: Lentil soup, Southern fried chicken, Cowboy casserole, broccoli and cauliflower mix, roasted red potatoes, salad bar, and Michelle’s Sweet Treats for dessert. Buffets include a deluxe salad bar and chef’s daily soup. A full buffet is $18; soup and salad are $14. Both prices include a beverage, a choice of coffee, tea and soda.

— LOBBY REGS —

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Melissa Akeson, Kevin Comerer, Chris Finkbeiner, Zachary Hubbard, Rubin Turnbull & Associates: AIDS HealthCare Foundation, Big Lands Transect Collaborative, Floridians for Safe Medical Cannabis Care, Ryan Specialty, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

Jonathan Kilman, Paul Lowell, Christian Minor, Converge Public Strategies: American Kidney Fund, Charity for Change

Natalie King, RSA Consulting Group: Christian Preparatory Schools

Brian McManus, Nicholas Matthews, The Southern Group: Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute, City of Cape Coral

Alan Suskey, Shumaker Advisors Florida: Consumer Energy Solutions

— STATEWIDE —

“Jimmy Patronis warns of unintended consequences from property tax cuts” via Matt Sczesny of WPTV — Patronis spoke to WPTV on Friday and warned that exempting homestead properties from taxes could create a problematic shift in the tax burden. “This is what you’ll see if you exempt homestead: then you will have a massive shift in my opinion to assessing non-homestead (properties). Here’s the kicker: that means apartments and rents will spike. It will shift the expense, and arguably, maybe you could run some businesses off because now the new rent will be higher, and it will be too easy to just go virtual,” Patronis said.

“DeSantis fights lawsuit over CAIR terrorist designation” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — DeSantis is fighting a federal lawsuit that alleges he violated the First Amendment rights of a major Muslim advocacy group in designating it as a terrorist organization. Attorneys for DeSantis filed a 39-page document arguing that U.S. District Judge Mark Walker should reject a request by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, for a preliminary injunction to block an executive order that made the designation. The filing by lawyers in Uthmeier’s office alleged that “substantial evidence … shows that CAIR has close links to radical terrorist organizations” and disputed that the group’s rights were violated.

“Education chief criticizes teachers union amid ICE protests student walkouts” via Kennedy Owens of Florida’s Voice — A top Florida education official is criticizing the Florida Teachers Union amid student walkouts tied to ICE protests, accusing the group of prioritizing radical political ideology over students’ best interests. Anastasios Kamoutsas, Florida’s Commissioner of Education, said in a statement posted on social media that teacher unions were “using children as pawns to carry out their radical political agenda.” He added that superintendents across the state have indicated disciplinary action could be forthcoming for dozens of students who participated in the recent walkouts. “Their actions could result in lasting consequences for a student’s educational records,” Kamoutsas wrote, adding that the union is “willing to put politics over what is best for students.”

“New front emerges in Florida GOP’s higher-ed overhaul: medical-school accreditors” via Garrett Shanley of the Miami Herald — Florida Republicans are opening a new front in their clash with college accreditors, this time targeting medical schools in a move that could have implications for the state’s access to billions of dollars in federal student aid. A scathing letter reviewed by the Herald/Times shows Florida university leaders pressing the accreditor of eight Florida medical schools — including University of Florida, Florida International University and University of Miami — to justify its gender-affirming care standards. It marks what could be the first salvo against medical-school accreditation in Florida’s escalating campaign against what DeSantis has dubbed “woke accreditation cartels.”

“How Florida became the death penalty capital of America” via George Grylls of The Times — Ronald Heath, 64, was executed by lethal injection at Florida State Prison after offering a brief apology to the family of Michael Sheridan, whom he murdered in 1989. Heath declined a final meal and was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. Florida conducted 19 executions last year, accounting for 40% of the nation’s total, as DeSantis accelerates death warrants in his final year in office. Supporters say the pace delivers long-delayed justice to victims’ families, while critics argue it serves political ambitions. Protesters and counterprotesters gathered outside the prison. Heath, convicted of three murders, had been on death row for decades. Two additional executions are already scheduled as Florida maintains its aggressive use of capital punishment.

“University leaders press medical schools accreditor over trans care” via Garrett Shanley of the Tampa Bay Times — A scathing Feb. 12 letter reviewed by the Times/Herald shows Florida university leaders pressing the accreditor of eight Florida medical schools — including University of Florida, Florida International University and University of Miami — to justify its gender-affirming care standards. It marks what could be the first salvo against medical-school accreditation in Florida’s escalating campaign against what DeSantis has dubbed “woke accreditation cartels.” The state recently reduced its reliance on the American Bar Association for law school accreditation and is working with other red states to establish its own regional accreditor, the Commission for Public Higher Education.

“FPL pushes back in challenge to rate approval” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs — Florida Power & Light is urging state regulators to reject reconsideration of a base-rate settlement expected to lead to billions of dollars in additional costs for the utility’s customers. “Here, the NSPs fail to identify any point of fact or law that was overlooked or that the Commission failed to consider in rendering its final order and finding that the 2025 settlement agreement, when taken as a whole, is in the public interest and results in rates that are fair, just, and reasonable,” FPL attorneys wrote, using an acronym for the consumer representatives as “non-settling parties.” The settlement is expected to lead to base-rate increases of $945 million in 2026 and $705 million in 2027. FPL also would collect additional amounts in 2028 and 2029 for solar energy and battery storage projects. The Office of Public Counsel and its allies have said the settlement could lead to cumulative increases of about $6.9 billion over the coming years.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Marco Rubio lends hand to Hungary’s Viktor Orban as he faces tough election” via John Hudson of The Washington Post — Rubio sought to throw Orban a political lifeline, as the Hungarian prime minister trails in most polls ahead of an election this Spring that could see Europe’s most pro-Russian and longest-ruling prime minister voted out of power. The top U.S. diplomat praised Orban’s leadership, signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with his government and defended issuing Hungary an exemption from U.S. sanctions despite Orban’s decision to continue buying Russian energy. “We want this country to do well,” said Rubio, standing alongside Orban during a news conference in Budapest, “especially as long as you’re the prime minister and the leader of this country.”

“Thomas Massie says he’s lost confidence in Pam Bondi after congressional hearing” via Jacob Wendler of POLITICO — Massie said Sunday he does not have confidence in Attorney General Bondi after a combative congressional hearing during which she sparred with lawmakers over her handling of the Epstein files. “I don’t think Pam Bondi has confidence in Pam Bondi,” Massie told host Martha Raddatz on ABC’s “This Week.” “She wasn’t confident enough to engage in anything but name-calling in a hearing. And so no, I don’t have confidence in her.”

“Meet the YOLO Republicans: Lawmakers with nothing to lose are threatening Donald Trump’s grip on Congress” via Meredith Lee Hill of POLITICO — Trump’s once-effective strategy of enforcing party discipline through political threats is showing strain as a small bloc of House Republicans increasingly defies him. Retiring members like Don Bacon and Dan Newhouse, along with independents such as Massie, have joined Democrats to force votes on issues including tariffs, exposing cracks in GOP unity. With razor-thin margins, even a handful of defections can reshape outcomes and frustrate Speaker Mike Johnson’s efforts to control the floor. Some Republicans fear the rebellions could hurt Midterm prospects, while others argue independence is necessary in competitive districts. In the Senate, Thom Tillis’ retirement adds another unpredictable element. Johnson has also urged Rep. Neal Dunn, who faces health challenges, to remain in office to help preserve the fragile House majority.

“CAIR demands action against Randy Fine over social media comments” via Kennedy Owens of Florida’s Voice — The Council on American-Islamic Relations called on congressional leaders from both parties to condemn and seek the resignation of U.S. Rep. Fine following comments he made on social media about Muslims and Palestinians. CAIR, a Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, cited a recent post on X in which Fine wrote, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” The comment drew swift backlash, including from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who responded on social media by telling Fine to “resign now.”

“Republicans press CMS to approve hospital-directed payment program” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida remains one of a small number of states that haven’t seen a Medicaid program reauthorized. If an approval doesn’t come before the end of the month, it could throw Sunshine State hospitals into crisis, according to U.S. Rep. Dunn. The Panama City Republican led a letter nearly a year ago urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to reauthorize the program. But despite a follow-up in September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have not addressed the concern. “Florida serves the fourth-highest number of Medicaid patients in the nation, and the approval of the Directed Payment Program is critical for helping Florida hospitals stay financially viable to serve vulnerable patients,” Dunn spokesperson Eleanor Allison said. Hospital leaders from Florida have increasingly found themselves lobbying in Washington.

“TSA agents are working without pay at U.S. airports due to another shutdown” via The Associated Press — A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday affects the agency responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports nationwide. Travelers with airline reservations may be nervously recalling a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year. Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on Homeland Security’s annual funding. TSA officers also worked through the record shutdown that ended Nov. 12, but aviation experts say this one may play out differently. Trade groups for the U.S. travel industry and major airlines nonetheless warned that the longer DHS appropriations are lapsed, the longer security lines at the nation’s commercial airports could get. Funding for Homeland Security expired at midnight. But the rest of the federal government is funded through Sept. 30.

— ELECTIONS —

“Battle over rejected marijuana signatures goes to high court” via Dara Kam of State Affairs — In a potential last-ditch effort to get the measure before voters in November, sponsors of a recreational marijuana ballot initiative Monday asked the Florida Supreme Court to wade into a dispute over tens of thousands of petition signatures deemed invalid by state elections officials. The filing by the Smart & Safe Florida political committee is the latest development in a fierce legal battle over the proposed constitutional amendment to allow recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and older.

“Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell announces CD 20 candidacy, says residents there are ‘very underserved’” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Campbell is jumping back into electoral politics. The Miami bass pioneer and First Amendment champion just announced that he will run for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, pitching himself as a celebrity-turned-civic activist who can convert decades of community work into a Democratic Primary win and substantive action in Washington. Campbell, 65, announced his plans during a Sunday appearance on WPLG-Channel 10’s “This Week in South Florida,” telling host Glenna Milberg that he had set Feb. 15 as a deadline to decide and is now in. “After decades of fighting for my community — from the courtroom defending free speech all the way to the United States Supreme Court, to building businesses that created jobs across the South, to mentoring and coaching thousands of young people into college — I have officially decided to run for Congress in Florida’s 20th District. My first order of business is to qualify by petition and let the people speak,” he said.

—“Rudy Moise — doctor, lawyer, veteran, self-produced movie star — files to run in CD 20” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

First in Sunburn — Audrey Fesik backs Michael Carbonara in CD 25 challenge — Pompano Beach City Commissioner Fesik has endorsed Carbonara in his 2026 bid for Florida’s 25th Congressional District, where he is challenging incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Carbonara said Fesik’s support reflects shared priorities around transparency, coastal protection and safeguarding public lands. He pledged to stand up to special interests and focus on accountability in Washington. Fesik said her endorsement is rooted in a resident-first approach, shaped by her local government experience, particularly in land-use and shoreline issues. She said Carbonara would prioritize public access, responsible stewardship and community interests over insider influence in Congress.

—“Michael Carbonara says Debbie Wasserman Schultz blocked him, refuses debate in Florida’s 25th District” via Kennedy Owens of Florida’s Voice

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Former Miami-Dade Democratic Party official arrested on drug possession charges at port” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A former high-ranking official with the Miami-Dade Democratic Party was arrested on felony charges related to drug possession earlier this month. Ricardo “Ricky” Junquera, 39, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, possession of the controlled substance ketamine and possession of MDMA, also known as molly or Ecstasy, Feb. 1 at Port Miami. Junquera is the former Vice Chair of Outreach for the Miami-Dade Democratic Party and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Florida House of Representatives District 118 seat in 2020. Investigators were requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials to look into passengers boarding an outbound cruise ship about to depart for Haiti around 4:45 p.m.

“Former interim Stuart City Manager says he was forced out” via Keith Burbank of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Louis Boglioli III — a veteran employee of the city of Stuart — was forced out of his temporary job as interim City Manager by a City Commissioner, he told TCPalm. But that’s not the story the public is getting. Boglioli declined to name the Commissioner. He said he was “volun-told” to step down “exactly 10 minutes before” a City Commission meeting. In interviews with TCPalm, four City Commissioners denied pushing Bogioli, the city’s finance director and a 30-plus-year city employee, out of the interim City Manager post.

“Reserve deputy accused of forging a month of timesheets for Broward Sheriff’s Office” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — New details emerged Monday about last week’s arrest of a Broward Sheriff’s Office reserve deputy who has been charged with official misconduct, forgery, scheme to defraud and grand theft. Joshua Marc Passman, 44, was fired last week after his arrest. According to a probable cause affidavit outlining the case against him, Passman faked his working hours to be paid for time he wasn’t on the job and to boost his eventual retirement check. Passman was originally hired by the Sheriff’s Office in 2006 and rose to the rank of sergeant before leaving the agency in 2022 for a private sector job. He remained with BSO as a reserve officer. Passman submitted time sheets for 21 full working days throughout the calendar year 2024, resulting in payments of about $3,200. The time sheets all bore the signature of a supervisor who told investigators he had never seen them and never approved them. The signature on the timesheets did not match the supervisor’s signature.

“Protester arrested over assault on Trump supporter outside West Palm Beach golf course” via David Fleshler of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A man protesting Trump’s visit to his golf club in West Palm Beach was arrested and accused of assaulting a Trump supporter on Sunday. Paul Arthur Messer, 76, was holding a flag attached to a metal pole while participating in an anti-Trump protest across from Trump International Golf Course. A woman in a Trump hat seated behind the protesters complained that their signs were obstructing her view. The pool report, which did not name Messer, said that a man holding an anti-Trump flag approached her and they got into an altercation.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Jerry Demings to feds: Renegotiate jail agreement, or Orange may cancel it” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County Mayor Demings threatened to cancel the county’s agreement to hold federal inmates in its jail by March 13 if the feds don’t agree to reimburse them for their costs fully. Demings sent a letter to Aisha Ogburn, a grants specialist with the U.S. Marshals Service, three days after he told County Commissioners he’d set a deadline in hopes of speeding up the prolonged negotiation. The Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) authorizes Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house detainees at the jail temporarily and requires the county to be paid $88 per day. County leaders have contended their actual costs are $180 per day.

—“As feds eye a potential Orlando ICE facility, records show detainees might stay for seven days” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel

“Brevard County’s new $16.2M transportation hub to be traffic’ nerve center’” via Tyler Vazquez of Florida Today — Next year, Brevard County plans to open a hub that will act as the “brain” of the county’s transportation-management operations. The $16.2 million project, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, Space Coast Planning and Transportation Organization and the county, broke ground Feb. 13 on the Pineda Causeway just east of Wickham Road. County officials hope the Brevard Regional Transportation Management Center, a project being planned for two decades, will centralize real-time traffic monitoring, incident management, and emergency coordination.

“Planned Parenthood will close Lakeland clinic, end Polk County presence” via Gary White of the Lakeland Ledger — Planned Parenthood is ending its presence in Polk County after more than 50 years, part of a national trend following changes in government policies. The nonprofit announced that it will close its Lakeland clinic on March 13. The clinic is located at 2250 E. Edgewood Drive, in the Ruthven Center II shopping plaza. Planned Parenthood has operated at least one clinic in Polk County since 1970; officials told a Ledger reporter for a 2015 article. In 1993, the nonprofit opened a clinic in Winter Haven, at which abortions were offered. That center closed in 2016.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Federal spending package delivers $14M to USF for seven projects” via Anjelica Rubin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The University of South Florida is set to receive more than $14 million in federal funding, backing a slate of projects across its campuses and USF Health. The funding will support seven projects across all three USF campuses, including facility upgrades, a new entrepreneurship center, expanded AI and cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhanced hurricane-resilience tools. “The University of South Florida is deeply grateful to the members of Congress who represent the Tampa Bay area for their support,” USF President Rhea Law said. “USF is proud to partner with our representatives who have championed these projects that will make a meaningful impact for students, faculty, staff and communities throughout our region. We look forward to delivering a significant return on these investments and continuing to work with our federal delegation on future opportunities to strengthen our state and the nation.”

“Tampa International Airport develops unconventional process to shape $1.5 billion Airside D” via Breanne Williams — For the past three and a half years, Tampa International Airport executives have taken an unorthodox approach to build what will undoubtedly be the largest project of their respective careers. Traditionally, when airports hire design-build teams to bring new projects to life, they outline their expectations and then hand over the reins. The more than $1.52 billion Airside D project — which will add 16 gates to TPA — was diverted from that course. Using its own leaders for a Steering Committee may have cost the airport thousands of hours of work, but it has produced a product the team said will set the airport apart while retaining the attributes that have repeatedly put TPA at the top of national airport rankings. Having such a data-driven planning process is also expected to prevent costly changes down the road.

“Facing challenges again, Ken Welch launches third political committee” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Mayor Welch has launched a new political committee to support his re-election bid this year, the third he’s had since first running for Mayor more than four years ago, and the second over the past several months. The new committee, St. Petersburg Progress PAC, replaces The Pelican Political Action Committee, which replaced The Pelican PAC. Officials with the latest political committee filed paperwork to launch it with the Division of Elections on Jan. 30, after it became public that a former Treasurer for Welch’s previous committee, The Pelican PAC, had allegedly stolen $207,000 from the committee.

“Candidates are making waves in contentious St. Pete Beach Mayoral Election” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Seeking elected office in one of Pinellas County’s many beach towns isn’t usually a headline-grabbing affair, even in one of the area’s largest beach communities, St. Pete Beach. But the race between incumbent Mayor Adrian Petrila and challenger Scott Tate has been both competitive and feisty. It first became clear the race would be a close one when Petrila only barely emerged as the top fundraiser, with Tate trailing him by just $1,300 at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. Now, the two are highlighting their personality clashes ahead of a tough battle at the ballot box next month.

“Clearwater HR firm still seeking removal of Black graves below campus” via Colbi Edmonds of the Tampa Bay Times — A Clearwater business is heading back to court to make its case that the city’s redevelopment agency should pay to remove remains from a former Black cemetery underneath its campus. The human resources company, FrankCrum, is arguing that the City of Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency falsely told a prior buyer in writing that there were no longer human remains on the property. Since FrankCrum acquired the property on the eastern edge of downtown, archaeologists have discovered that there are likely hundreds of bodies still buried there. Community redevelopment agencies are independent districts created by local governments to revitalize blighted areas. Although the city operates the agency, and the City Council is a part of its governing body, the two are separate legal entities.

—“Hillsborough College president embraces Rays ballpark plan, says it could transform Dale Mabry campus” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

— LOCAL: N. FL —

Appointed — Clyde Fleming to the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners; Terrance “Blake” Iverson to the Baker County Board of County Commissioners; James “Matt” Terry as Gulf County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller; and Jolene Sheive to the School Board of Osceola County.

“Kevin Carrico text suggests ‘big favor’ driving push to replace JEA Board member with boss” via Ben Backer of Action News Jax — A text message obtained by Action News Jax is raising concerns about how Jacksonville’s JEA Board appointments are made. City Council President Carrico told sitting Board member Arthur Adams that he would not renew his term because he “owed a big favor” and needed to appoint “my guy.” Days later, Carrico introduced legislation to replace Adams with Paul Martinez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, where Carrico works. Critics say the exchange undercuts voter-approved reforms meant to limit political influence over the utility. Carrico defended Martinez’s qualifications and denied impropriety. Martinez’s appointment still requires Committee review and full City Council approval.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Naples Mayor makes deal; 12 restrictions after drunken driving plea” via Tayeba Hussein of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — With her drunken driving trial looming, the Mayor of Naples made a last-minute legal move that ended the case before it ever reached a jury. Three days before Mayor Teresa Heitmann, 62, was scheduled to appear in court for trial, her defense attorney filed a motion stating that she would plead no-contest. A no-contest plea means a defendant will not fight the charges and does not admit guilt, but she accepts the conviction and sentencing. Heitmann also waived the right to appear in court for the plea, according to court documents.

“Public conservation land disappears from map after meeting with Sarasota County Commissioner” via Michael Barfield of the Florida Trident — After Sarasota County staff was preparing to deny a permit to remove protected mangroves from publicly owned shoreline along Lemon Bay in December 2023, Commissioner Ron Cutsinger pushed to have the county abandon that same land next to property he owned and a nearby parcel he later purchased, newly obtained public records show. The public land — conveyed to the county in 1998 as part of a preservation gift — later disappeared from the Property Appraiser’s public map after a meeting prompted by Cutsinger. The land was zoned for open-use conservation under a 1975 county ordinance and sits next to the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve.

“Hundreds rally against proposed cruise port in Manatee County” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — Hundreds of people gathered at a rally in coastal Manatee County this morning to send a message to developers who want to build a cruise terminal nearby: “This proposal should not move forward.” Attendees wielded protest signs that read “No Cruise Port!” and wrote letters to County Commissioners. They cheered as they heard speeches from environmental scientists, commercial anglers and clean-water advocates. Above all, they celebrated the coastal ecosystem just feet from where they stood. The area near the mouth of the bay is home to lush seagrass beds that nurture fish and birds, along with oyster reefs. The proposed multiberth port could replace one of the last remaining wild and undeveloped stretches of the Tampa Bay watershed, rallygoers said.

— TOP OPINION —

“Enough with the excessive ‘emergency’ spending. Lawmakers must rein in DeSantis” via the Miami Herald editorial board — Florida House leaders have moved to curb DeSantis’ use of the state’s emergency fund for immigration enforcement, filing a bill that would restrict the account primarily to natural disasters. The proposal marks a significant clash between the House and the Governor over spending authority and oversight.

The measure would extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through 2030 but limit its use to natural emergencies beyond normal appropriations. It would also impose new reporting and oversight requirements.

Since 2023, DeSantis has renewed a state of emergency on illegal immigration 20 times, enabling his administration to tap the fund without prior legislative approval. At least $579 million has been spent on immigration, including more than $400 million in the past six months.

Records show expenditures on travel, private flights, restaurant bills and outside attorneys defending detention centers, including the Everglades facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.

The fund was created in 2022 to respond quickly to hurricanes and similar crises. Critics argue immigration enforcement falls outside that intent and should require legislative authorization.

The Senate voted to extend the fund under SB 7040 without additional restrictions, despite Democrats seeking tighter controls. The House proposal would narrow the Governor’s discretion and potentially halt immigration-related spending from the account.

With the fund set to expire unless reauthorized, lawmakers face a deadline. If no agreement is reached, the money reverts to the general fund, ending the Governor’s broad access and forcing a new approach to emergency financing.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Even far-right foreign leaders are getting sick of Trump’s meddling” via Max Boot of The Washington Post — Trump has broken with longstanding diplomatic norms by openly endorsing candidates in foreign elections, offering “Complete and Total Endorsement” to leaders such as Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and Hungary’s Orban, while opposing others like Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki. He previously backed figures including Javier Milei, Jair Bolsonaro and Boris Johnson, at times linking U.S. policy decisions to their political fortunes. Critics argue that Trump personalizes foreign policy, rewarding allies he favors and punishing those he dislikes, even imposing tariffs or pressuring foreign legal systems. The approach risks alienating foreign electorates and political opposition parties, fueling backlash in places such as Canada and Europe, where polls show declining trust in the United States and growing resistance to perceived interference.

“Rubio’s velvet glove” via Elise Labott of Cosmopolitics — Secretary of State Rubio struck a conciliatory tone at the Munich Security Conference, earning applause as he emphasized shared history and transatlantic ties after a year of tensions under Trump. But European leaders viewed the softer rhetoric as cosmetic. Rubio reiterated the administration’s shift from a values-based alliance to one grounded in interests, urging Europe to align with MAGA priorities on immigration, climate and sovereignty. Leaders, including Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen, pushed back, defending multiculturalism and rules-based institutions. Rubio’s subsequent visits to Hungary and Slovakia reinforced concerns about U.S. alignment with far-right governments. European officials are accelerating trade diversification, reflecting doubts about America’s long-term reliability as an ally.

“Insult everyone. Answer for nothing.” via Frank Bruni of The New York Times — Bondi’s combative Capitol Hill appearances have drawn criticism for their openly contemptuous tone, including insults aimed at lawmakers such as Jamie Raskin and Massie. Observers argue her performance reflects a broader pattern within Trump’s second administration, where confrontation and derision often replace persuasion and policy debate. Figures including Stephen Miller, JD Vance and Kristi Noem are cited as embracing a similar approach, prioritizing sharp rhetoric over traditional comity. Critics contend this strategy personalizes politics, deflects scrutiny and deepens polarization rather than resolving substantive disputes. Supporters see toughness; detractors see performative hostility that risks eroding institutional norms and further coarsening public discourse in Washington.

“Open, competitive market will make Trump’s health plan great” via Sally Pipes of Newsmax — Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan advances several patient-focused reforms, including stronger price transparency and steps to lower insurance premiums. A key bright spot is the expansion of over-the-counter access to more prescription drugs, allowing patients to skip routine doctor visits and pay directly for medications. That shift could drive clearer pricing, limit the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers in masking costs, and spur competition among manufacturers. However, the proposal to codify a “most favored nation” drug-pricing model raises concerns. While other countries pay less, they often limit access to new medicines. Research shows far fewer drugs reach patients in nations with strict price controls. Imposing similar caps in the United States could curb innovation, deter investment in high-risk drug development, and ultimately reduce access to breakthrough treatments.

“Kristi Noem’s audience of one” via Nick Miroff, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Michael Scherer of The Atlantic — Trump made clear that Noem’s approach to carrying out mass deportations had become a liability when he sent Tom Homan to take over in Minnesota. Homan’s job was to defuse anger and remediate the political debacle that Noem and her team created when federal agents killed two U.S. citizens, detained young children, and triggered daily scenes of mayhem, corroding Trump’s approval ratings on what he has long viewed as his strongest issue. In public, Trump has continued to praise Noem and shrug off calls for her resignation. But White House officials have privately grown frustrated with her performance, as Republican Midterm strategists raise alarms about the political damage.

“House is right: End DeSantis’ slush fund” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Florida’s immigration policy has shifted sharply under DeSantis, with lawmakers debating whether to renew an emergency trust fund used to finance enforcement efforts. Since 2023, the state has spent at least $573 million on immigration-related initiatives, including detention facilities and related operations. The fund, created to respond to natural disasters, has been used to address illegal immigration, prompting concerns about oversight and spending controls. The Senate approved SB 7040 to extend the fund, while the House has proposed stricter limits through TED 26-02, restricting expenditures to natural emergencies and requiring detailed reporting. With the fund set to expire, legislators face decisions about accountability, reimbursement prospects and future spending authority.

“Anastasios Kamoutsas curbs double-counting in K-12 scholarships” via William Mattox for Florida Politics — Less than a year into his tenure, Education Commissioner Kamoutsas has addressed Florida’s longstanding problem of “double-counting” students who switch midyear between public schools and scholarship programs. The issue had led to duplicate payments and funding shortfalls, prompting some lawmakers to propose monthly paperwork requirements for scholarship families. New data from the Florida Department of Education show fewer than 1% of scholarship students appeared on both enrollment lists in 2025-26, and cross-check cases dropped from about 27,000 in early quarters to under 6,000 in Q3. Temporary funding freezes reduced the net cost of double-counting to $0. Kamoutsas built on work by Manny Diaz and Step Up for Students to streamline payment processing.

“Keep Florida’s growth management local” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Florida’s local governments have increasingly embraced careful growth planning to balance development with infrastructure, environmental protection and community needs. But state lawmakers, influenced by powerful landowners and development interests, have moved to weaken that authority. Critics say last year’s SB 180 marked a low point by broadly defining “disaster” and barring local governments from adopting stricter growth rules, even for storm resilience. Lawmakers promised fixes, and SB 840 would restore some control, though HB 217 falls short, while HB 1465 could further erode local oversight. Additional proposals, including HB 299/SB 354 and HB 105/SB 588, would limit local objections and expose cities to lawsuits. Advocates warn residents must push back before more local control is stripped away.

“Florida’s HOA problems won’t be fixed with bill filed by Miami lawmaker” via Donna DiMaggio Berger for the Miami Herald — Florida has no shortage of challenges when it comes to HOAs. Anyone who lives in one, serves on a Board, or advises them professionally can cite examples of mismanagement, lack of transparency, or outright abuse. Those problems are real. They deserve serious solutions. What they do not deserve is HB 657. HB 657, sponsored by Miami Republican Rep. Juan Carlos Porras, proposes to solve the problem of poorly regulated HOAs by deregulating the community association lifestyle almost entirely. That’s not reform. That’s surrender. The bill creates a process allowing residents to petition to dissolve their HOA if a supermajority approves a termination plan. As with other community association legislation over the years, the ripple effects can be negative.

“New Rays stadium is a generational opportunity for Tampa Bay’s workforce,” via Steve Cona of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Big projects have a way of showing what a community believes in. The proposed redevelopment of the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus, including a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays, is about much more than baseball. It is about jobs, workforce opportunity and the long-term economic future of the Tampa Bay region. At Associated Builders and Contractors Florida Gulf Coast, we view this moment through a workforce lens because we are already doing the work required to support growth at this scale. ABC partners with Hillsborough College to deliver apprenticeship and workforce training across multiple skilled trades. Every year, hundreds of apprentices are trained here in Tampa Bay to become electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and craft professionals. These men and women build our hospitals, schools, infrastructure and commercial spaces. They are not passing through; they are building their lives here.

“The hard truth for Avalon neighbors is our fire protection is at risk” via Stephen Hudak of the Pensacola News Journal — I want to start with a difficult message for my neighbors in Avalon Beach: if legislation now moving through the Florida Legislature becomes law, the fire protection services you rely on may not be as strong as they are today. That is not a warning anyone wants to give to their community. But as someone elected to help oversee our local fire district, I believe you deserve to hear the truth — plainly and early. The concern is that HB 4053 shifts a significant portion of the funding burden away from businesses and larger properties and onto homeowners, while also reducing overall revenue to the fire district.

“LNG is the future of shipping’s energy transition” via Peter Keller for MaritimeExecutive.com — The maritime industry’s energy transition has accelerated, with LNG emerging as the dominant alternative fuel. In 2025, LNG-powered vessels accounted for 79% of alternative-fueled tonnage ordered, and LNG ships now represent 10% of global fleet deadweight tonnage. Once niche, LNG is now mainstream due to energy density, availability and regulatory advantages. Momentum is growing around liquefied biomethane (renewable natural gas) as a drop-in fuel compatible with existing LNG infrastructure. The International Energy Agency estimates that biomethane could meet up to 25% of global natural gas demand, though only 5% of its potential is currently used. Major carriers and suppliers are expanding RNG bunkering globally, while technical efforts aim to curb methane slip and further reduce emissions.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

—OLYMPICS—

“Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, wins women’s monobob title at Olympics” via The Associated Press — Meyers Taylor has won World Cups, won world championships, already was the oldest woman to win an Olympic bobsled medal, recruited dozens of people to the sport and twice pulled off comebacks after becoming a mother. There was only one thing missing. Not anymore. The 41-year-old Meyers Taylor finally has Olympic gold — her first, and one that made her the oldest American woman to ever hear “The Star-Spangled Banner” blare in her honor at the Winter Games. Rallying in the fourth and final heat, Meyers Taylor won the women’s monobob title at the Milan Cortina Games on Monday night, dropping to her knees in tears when the result became official. The winning time: 3 minutes, 57.93 seconds.

“With a broken body, Federica Brignone’s Olympic message: Just show up.” via Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post — Brignone won her second gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics with a dominant giant slalom performance, capping a remarkable comeback from devastating injuries suffered just 10 months ago. The 35-year-old Italian, who also captured super-G gold, competed despite saying she felt far from fully healthy. After fracturing her tibia and fibula and suffering severe knee damage last April, Brignone faced doubts about whether she would race again. Returning to competition only weeks before the Games, she embraced a pressure-free mindset and thrived before a home crowd. Sweden’s Sara Hector and Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund bowed to her in tribute, recognizing both her performance and resilience. Mikaela Shiffrin finished 11th as Brignone solidified her status atop the sport.

— ALOE —

“Florida Polytechnic unveils large esports arena with 48-foot screen” via the Lakeland Ledger — Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland unveiled a new esports arena, giving its 14 teams a place to practice, compete and host competitions. The arena features 20 gaming PCs fully equipped for competitive play, along with two large TVs dedicated to console gaming. The facility features a 48-foot exterior screen on the Barnett Applied Research Center wall, allowing tournament gameplay to be displayed for live viewing by crowds. During the day, all students will have access to the arena to play, study or hang out. But in the evening, the space reverts to exclusive use by Florida Poly varsity esports for practice and competition.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are former Rep. Ardian Zika, Dylan Shepherd, and Commissioner Bill Truex.

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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.