Last Call for 7.28.26 – 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 —

Gov. Ron DeSantis is back from a business development mission to the United Kingdom that included stops at the Farnborough International Airshow and meetings across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Governor’s Office said Florida companies exhibiting at Farnborough reported more than $300 million in direct sales, while state officials pursued agreements and investment opportunities involving aerospace, defense, transportation, financial services, advanced manufacturing and higher education.

“This mission to the United Kingdom has advanced Florida’s position as an international leader across key industries,” DeSantis said. “This mission strengthened that high-value partnership, advancing Florida’s economic priorities and establishing new academic partnerships.”

The trip built upon a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Florida and the United Kingdom. Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly participated in the agreement’s fifth working group and met with companies in industries including aviation, defense, life sciences, insurance, maritime technology and quantum computing.

Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue joined meetings and site visits focused on ports, maritime technology and advanced air mobility. The Department of Transportation also announced a partnership with Eve Air Mobility to support research and infrastructure needed to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into Florida’s transportation system.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long and SelectFlorida President and CEO Matt Swanson also joined portions of the mission, which included engagements in London, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Belfast.

“This week reaffirmed something we already knew: the world wants to build with Florida … We came to build and execute partnerships, and we are leaving with a stronger foundation for the future of the global space economy,” Long said.

— Evening Reads —

—“‘They’re fucking a lot of people’: 7-OH users brace for DEA ban” via Manisha Krishnan of WIRED

—“Unlikely duo seeks ban on using campaign funds to fight sexual harassment claims” via Alexei Koseff of The Washington Post

—”Donald Trump loved Lindsay Graham, not so much his beloved Senate” via Carl Hulse of The New York Times

—”Trump backs new Iran talks, but it’s unclear what he hopes to achieve this time” via Michael Crowley of The New York Times

—”The truth about the viral 9/11 petition targeting Zohran Mamdani” via Judd Legum of Popular Information

—”The 2026 House map is no more favorable to Republicans than the 2018 map was” via Sabato’s Crystal Ball

—”It’s not the left rising. It’s the center falling.” via Astead Herndon of Vox

—”RNC and Florida GOP intervene to defend state law requiring proof of citizenship to vote” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—”James Fishback calls for Jay Collins to resign from office after residency challenge fails” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—“Bad beats: Calls to Florida gambling addiction helplines jump 138% in 2 years” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics

— Quote of the Day —

“The American people expect results, and I didn’t come to the Senate to just listen …”

— U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, pushing the Senate to pass combined voter ID, stock trading ban bill.

— 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.

With gambling addiction on the rise in Florida, consider a Dead Man’s Hand instead of another round at the tables.

It seems Oliver Larkin could use a Truth Serum after falsely asserting U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz dropped out of a planned debate against the CD 25 hopeful.

James Fishback may’ve won in court, but he still gets a Pump the Brakes for suggesting Lt. Gov. Jay Collins should step down.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Rays look to stretch winning streak

The Tampa Bay Rays host the Texas Rangers in the start of a three-game series in St. Petersburg (6:40 p.m. ET, Rays.TV).

The Rays begin the night two and a half games ahead of the New York Yankees in the American League East with the best record in the A.L., 62-43.

Tampa Bay is coming off a three-game sweep of Cleveland, where the Rays outscored the Guardians 15-3, including a pair of shutout wins. Over a longer stretch, the Rays have won six of the last seven games.

Rays’ designated hitter Yandy Diaz is sixth in the league with a .303 average while Junior Caminero ranks third in the American League and sixth in the Majors with 29 home runs.

Griffin Jax (6-7, 3.89 ERA) is scheduled to get the start tonight for the Rays. Jax has won five of his last seven starts, including a 4-2 win over the Blue Jays in Toronto last Wednesday. He is pitching on five days’ rest.

The series continues tomorrow night and concludes on Thursday afternoon before the Rays welcome the Chicago White Sox to town for a three-game series.

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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.