Last Call for 7.23.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

— First Shot —

Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that state prosecutors have charged dozens of defendants following a multi-agency investigation into fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Ice Breaker II, resulted in 49 arrests tied to alleged drug trafficking organizations operating in Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Marion and Orange counties. Prosecutors say the investigation targeted mid- and upper-level distribution networks and remains ongoing, with additional arrests and charges expected.

“This joint investigation dismantled a criminal organization that pumped deadly fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Florida communities,” Uthmeier said. “Through the tireless work of Florida’s law enforcement, state attorneys, and our statewide prosecutors, we have arrested 49 traffickers and disrupted these networks.”

Authorities said the investigation began in Fall 2025 and relied on wire intercepts, physical surveillance and controlled drug purchases before search warrants were executed June 30. Investigators recovered narcotics, cash, cellphones and other evidence.

“Operation Ice Breaker II is a testament to the relentless work of our detectives and the strength of our partnerships,” Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said. “By dismantling this organization, we have made Daytona Beach a safer place and sent a clear message that those who choose to traffic illegal narcotics here will be held accountable.”

The Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the cases in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office for the 7th Judicial Circuit.

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The Florida Education Association is backing Democratic nominee José Javier Rodríguez in Florida’s Attorney General race.

The union, which represents more than 120,000 teachers, school staff and higher education faculty, cited Rodríguez’s record of “standing up for public education.”

“José Javier Rodríguez has been a strong advocate for Florida’s educators, support professionals, students, and neighborhood public schools,” FEA President Andrew Spar said. “He understands the importance of protecting public education and standing up for the teachers and staff who serve Florida’s students every day.”

Rodríguez, a workers’ rights attorney, former state Senator and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, said the endorsement reflects his long-standing support for Florida’s public schools.

“I am not only an advocate for our public schools, I am a product of them, and I know the work Florida’s educators and school staff do every day to shape the future of our state. I am honored to once again have the support of Florida’s educators,” he said.

Rodríguez and Republican incumbent Uthmeier are both unopposed in the Primary. They will go head-to-head in the General Election on Nov. 3.

— Evening Reads —

—“How Donald Trump is getting richer in office” via Andrea Fuller, Daniel Wood and Ben Protess of The New York Times

—“Prosecutors struggle to turn voter fraud claims into criminal charges” via Perry Stein and Isaac Arnsdorf of The Washington Post

—”Why August matters BIGLY for the future of the Democratic Party” via Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis of So What

—”Justice Department to speed up merger reviews by asking less of companies” via Dave Michaels of The Wall Street Journal

—”David Jolly odds of winning Governor’s race upgraded by Larry Sabato’s ‘Crystal Ball’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—”Judge closes Paula Stark’s case after failed fight to get back on the ballot” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—”‘He should resign’: After jury verdict, 3 officials rescind endorsements of Fabián Basabe” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—”Republicans want to remove Libertarian competitor in high-stakes South Florida congressional race” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

—”In Little Haiti, TPS and immigration concerns dominated much of District 24 debate” via Raisa Habersham of the Miami Herald

—”Florida student discipline records to follow them to college, a response to FSU shooting” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix

—”The fear of missing The Odyssey” via David Sims of The Atlantic

— Quote of the Day —

“Endorsement pulled.”

— Bal Harbour Council Member Buzzy Sklar, rescinding support for embattled state Rep. Fabián Basabe.

— Put it on the Tab —

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

How many defeats is it now for former Rep. Anthony Sabatini? We’ve lost count. Still, send along another Losing Streak.

Send Cash In Hands down to Southwest Florida, where several law enforcement agencies are depositing checks hand-delivered by the CFO.

David Jolly gets a Chance after the latest readings from the Crystal Ball show the Governor’s race is no longer “safe” Republican.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Orlando City faces conference-leading Nashville

Orlando City hosts Nashville SC in MLS play as players who competed in the FIFA World Cup continue to return to their club teams (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Apple TV).

Orlando sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference entering tonight’s match, 22 points behind conference-leading Nashville. The last time the two sides met, Nashville dominated in a 5-0 win on March 21 behind a hat trick from Sam Surridge.

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepau (Canada) and midfielder Braian Ojeda (Paraguay) both were on the pitch in the last game, coming off being on the roster for their countries in the FIFA World Cup. Marco Pašalić could return to action for Orlando City this weekend, although there are reports of a potential transfer to Hull City.

Nashville is positioned to challenge for an MLS Cup championship. The squad’s 39 points are the most in MLS, seven points better than Western Conference leaders Vancouver and San Jose and five points ahead of the second-place team in the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami.

By next week, all of the players who represented their countries in the World Cup should be back with their club teams, including Lionel Messi in Miami.

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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.