Politics

Last Call for 1.22.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Published

1 week ago

January 23, 2025

May Greene

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

Ed. Note — Call it an Inauguration Day hangover.

Or that Tallahassee was just hit with a freakin’ blizzard.

Either way, Sunburn is taking the night off to recuperate and/or dig out from the storm.

Don’t worry; the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics will return to your inboxes on Friday — after we thaw out. Thanks again for your support, and please stay safe.

First Shot

The 2025 Legislative Session is just around the corner, which means the Florida Chamber of Commerce is bringing a crowd to the capital city for a briefing on this year’s legislative priorities.

The 2025 Legislative Fly-In, set for Feb. 10-11 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, will feature remarks from some of the state’s most relevant policymakers. This includes Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, who are gearing up for their first Legislative Session as leaders of their respective chambers.

Albritton is expected to speak on the various facets of his policy goal, the “rural Renaissance” initiative. He and Perez are scheduled for the morning block of the Fly-In’s second day.

In addition to the presiding officers, the Chamber has also booked Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and House Rules & Ethics Chair Sam Garrison, a future House Speaker. They are also slotted on the Feb. 11 agenda.

Day one highlights include updates from top Florida Chamber officials on the state budget, what to expect regarding labor regulations under the Trump administration, and the 2026 election season — yes, it has already started.

The Chamber will also examine its “Where We Stand” report, an annual release outlining the top priorities for the business community ahead of the Legislative Session. According to the Chamber, the agenda “seeks to unify the Florida business community and legislative priorities around key issues impacting Florida’s job creators.”

The full 2025 Legislative Fly-In agenda is available here.

Evening Reads

—“‘The Return of the King’: Donald Trump embraces trappings of the throne” via Peter Baker of The New York Times

—”Convicted U.S. Capitol rioter turns down Trump pardon” via Robert Plummer of BBC News

—“Trump’s perceived enemies worry about losing pensions, getting audited and paying steep legal bills” via Byron Tau of The Associated Press

—“Trump demands bishop apologize for asking for mercy for the marginalized” via Nikki McCann Ramirez of Rolling Stone

—“Trump’s second term might have already peaked” via Jonathan Chait of The Atlantic

—“What Kash Patel doesn’t want the Senate to know about the ‘J6 Prison Choir’” via Thomas Joscelyn and Norman Eisen of The Bulwark

—”Disagreements with Elon Musk prompted Vivek Ramaswamy’s ‘DOGE’ exit” via Faiz Siddiqui, Elizabeth Dwoskin and Jeff Stein of The Washington Post

—”Elon Musk and Bernie Sanders are both right about immigration” via Eric Levitz of Vox

—”Let’s talk about your (media) diet!” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—”Pam Bondi likely won’t be confirmed as Attorney General before February. Here’s why” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

Quote of the Day

“Anybody who ever disagrees with Trump has to worry about retribution. It’s a pretty long list.”

— Former National Security Adviser John Bolton, on some public servants’ fears they will be targeted by the new administration.

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.

Marco Rubio has already been sworn in, but Pam Bondi’s confirmation will likely not arrive until next month. Order her a Wait For It to help pass the time.

Still worn out from the 2024 Elections? Too bad, because there’s a Senate District 19 Special on the horizon. Shake up a Ready Set Go to help get back in the swing of things.

Tourism may get the most attention, but that’s not the state’s only economic engine. Another big one: Military installations. What better excuse to break out the gin for a classic Army & Navy?

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

U.S. face Costa Rica in Orlando

The US Men’s National Team faces Costa Rica tonight in an international friendly in Orlando (7 p.m. ET, TNT).

The USMNT beat Venezuela 3-1 on Saturday with a host of players who have not regularly featured on the national team. With this camp not coinciding with a FIFA international break, players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are playing for their club teams in Europe, and several players have taken advantage of the opportunity to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

On Saturday, Jack McGlynn, playing in just his second game for the U.S., scored his first goal for his country. Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic, two other players making their national team debuts, also scored.

One of the biggest concerns for the team heading to next year’s World Cup is who will play in goal. Matt Turner had been the mainstay, but Pochettino has said that he prefers players who are in form for their clubs, and Turner has been relegated to backup duty at Crystal Palace in England.

Patrick Shulte, who played for the U-23 team in the Olympics, got his third start with the senior squad and allowed one goal.

The USMNT is ranked 16th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Costa Rica is 54th.

___

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

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Politics

Scott Franklin to head House Environment Subcommittee

Published

2 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

Another Florida lawmaker will have a gavel for one of the U.S. House science subcommittees

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, will chair the House Environment Subcommittee.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Brian Babin, a Texas Republican, picked the Florida lawmaker for his expertise in the fields and the role the subcommittee would play on policy affecting the Sunshine State.

“I’m excited about our SST Committee assignments for this Congress,” Babin said. “The valuable expertise and diverse backgrounds that each member brings will be instrumental in strengthening U.S. leadership and competitiveness in science, space, and technology. We have a full agenda ahead that will prioritize advancing critical scientific research, fostering technological innovation, leading the world in space exploration, addressing regulatory burdens across industries, and more. Through our shared efforts, I am confident we can achieve our objectives and drive meaningful progress in our scientific endeavors. Let’s get to work!”

Franklin said he was enthusiastic about the assignment.

“I’m eager to tackle environmental research related to weather forecasting and ensuring disaster readiness,” Franklin said. “I thank Chairman Babin for this opportunity and look forward to advancing America First policy priorities to remain at the forefront of innovation and boost job growth.”

Babin praised Franklin’s conservative record on business issues.

“I’m confident Congressman Franklin will provide strong leadership for our Environment Subcommittee this Congress,” Babin said. “He has been a steadfast advocate against burdensome government regulations that stifle innovation and fail to address states’ needs. His perspective will be critical as we consider key weather legislation in the months ahead. I look forward to working with him to advance commonsense environmental policies and legislation.”

The same day, Babin assigned Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbor Beach Republican, to head the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommitee.

“Since the earliest days of our space program, Florida’s Space Coast has been the launchpad for America’s journey to the stars,” Haridopolos said. “From the Apollo missions that first carried Americans to the Moon to today’s groundbreaking private sector launches, our skies have always been at the forefront of space exploration. Space is central to our district’s identity and economy, providing countless high-paying jobs and opportunities.”

He praised Haridopolos’ knowledge of the Space Program.

“Over the past several years, the SST Committee has diligently worked to support and advance our nation’s space endeavors,” Babin said. “As the representative of Florida’s Space Coast, the Congressman brings valuable expertise and leadership that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to keep America at the forefront of exploration and development. I am excited to work alongside him to propel our space agenda forward.”

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Politics

Disney plans to convert Star Wars hotel into Imagineers’ offices

Published

3 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

It’s going to be an office far, far, away.

Disney World is converting the shuttered Star Wars hotel into office space for the famous Imagineers who will be designing new lands and projects at the theme parks.

The hotel’s update was reported by The Wrap and confirmed by other media outlets.

Disney closed the hotel September 2023 less than two years after it opened. The company had said it took a $300 million tax write off for shutting down the hotel after it reportedly had low occupancy.

At the hotel near Hollywood Studios, guests who were willing to pay nearly $5,000 for a two-night stay could pretend to be in their own Star Wars story at the hotel. Lightsabers included.

“Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium, boutique experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms,” Disney said in a statement when it announced it was closing.

Why did it fail?

YouTuber Jenny Nicholson explained the list of reasons in a four-hour video called “The Spectacular Failure of the Star Wars Hotel” which captured 11 million views. The cost, the marketing, and not fully embracing the cosplay concept all likely hurt the hotel, she said.

The Wrap reported Disney had been considering using the empty hotel for a dinner theater-type experience but Disney ultimately settled on keeping the space closed to the public.

The Imagineers’ new office space comes as Disney World is starting a major expansion across several of its Orlando theme parks. Disney plans to build a Villains land and add “Cars” attractions at the Magic Kingdom as well as “Encanto” and Indiana Jones to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and “A Monsters, Inc.” land at Hollywood Studios. Disney is closing several longtime attractions in the process.

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Politics

Holland & Knight launches National Security & Defense Industry Group

Published

4 hours ago

January 31, 2025

May Greene

D.C.-based partner Jason Klitenic will lead the 100-person team.

Holland & Knight is launching a National Security & Defense Industry Group led by D.C.-based partner Jason Klitenic.

The multinational law firm headquartered in Tampa said it’s taking on the new endeavor due to clients’ increasing demands amidst a complex national security landscape and rising global defense investments.

H&K expects the new practice will benefit from its already-established expertise in the defense, aerospace, cybersecurity and technology sectors. The 100-person team of practitioners led by Klitenic will cater to security and defense clients based the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

“To confront emerging global threats, our clients are continuing to create and fund the development of innovative defense solutions that support the U.S. and its allies around the world,” Klitenic said. “… Our team’s deep government connections in the U.S. and abroad, coupled with our firm’s established reputation for collaborating with government policymakers and operators on meaningful issues, enables us to advise clients on the full spectrum of legal, political and operational issues in this space.”

Klitenic’s background includes serving as General Counsel to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Industry Group will also include former U.S. Intelligence Community members, high-ranking law enforcement officials and military veterans — Holland & Knight said the team’s diverse expertise will allow it to effectively navigate the intricacies of the national security landscape.

“In the many years that we have represented companies in the national defense and security sectors, we have built a substantial bench of premier practitioners across our geographic platform,” said Holland & Knight Chair and CEO Bob Grammig.

“We are excited to bring all of our global resources — comprising a unique mix of first-rate legal capabilities, a robust public policy and federal lobbying practice, and trusted relationships with U.S. government officials and foreign partners — under the umbrella of this new group. Together, this multidisciplinary team will continue to help our clients advance their strategic objectives.”

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