Politics

Gator Nation — Class of 1990s

Published

6 days ago

January 25, 2025

I grew up in Dothan, Alabama, and my college trajectory began at age 5 with my first Crimson Tide jacket. My family was serious about football.

By 1991, my plans changed, and the University of Florida became my destination.

It was — and still is — a glorious run.

As the snow pummeled the Capital City this week, I was reading up on UF grad Ashley Moody and her new role in D.C. and remembered meeting her in the UF Student Senate chambers.

One of our featured UF greats, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (pic from the Florida Capital during her service as Secretary of State). Image via Blake Dowling.

Thank you, Ashley, for serving UF, Florida and our nation.

Moody, former Florida AG, is now a U.S. Senator, replacing fellow Gator Marco Rubio.

It made me think of other UF legends. You never knew who you would run into back then, like future lobbyists such as Ron LaFace (Capital City Consulting co-founder and Blue Key President) or former State Representative and Dorworth Holdings founder Chris Dorworth. John McGovern, now Vice Mayor of the Village of Wellington; Brent Gordon, owner of the Gordon Law Firm; and U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee, all of whom I worked with as a Student Senator.

My Student Senate pal Lauren Ploch Blanchard and friends at the legendary Po Boys /Gainesville circa 1990s. Image via Blake Dowling.

The University of Florida Student Government, created in 1909, consists of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Its mission is to represent and serve the student body. As Student Senators, we met on Tuesday nights, and my best friend in the Senate was Lauren Ploch Blanchard. Continuing our “where are they now” series, she is now a Specialist in African Affairs at the Congressional Research Service in D.C.

As a Senate, we worked to get student groups quality programs, events, and even concerts through Student Government Productions (see Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, etc., at the bandshell in 1994).

Student Government taught young people how to lead and find their voice.

As Chair of the Judiciary Committee, I didn’t pursue a life of politics like the others, but there is still time to run for office. Look out. I always thought “Feeling Good about Hood” was the best campaign slogan (my full name is Blake Hood Dowling), but that campaign is a few years away, maybe in 2032.

*UF grad and power attorney Jason Gonzalez and other Gator greats in the 1990s. Image via Jason Gonzalez.*

More importantly, some of those mentioned I don’t know personally, and some I have not seen since our days on UF’s campus. I still keep in touch with others today. Those friendships were made back then, and they are still intact. Watching their careers grow as the years roll on and their leadership shines from Florida to D.C. has been beyond incredible.

Other Gator greats include U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, super lawyer Jason Gonzalez from Lawson Huck Gonzalez here in Tallahassee, Samantha Sexton (founder of SG Consulting); Nikki Fried, our former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture; Bill Nelson Sr. and Jr.; super-lobbyist Dan McFaul of Ballard Partners, newly named Secretary of State Rubio, the legendary Randy Roberts — those folks are all Gator Grads.

Attorney Brian Burgoon was Chief Justice of the UF Student Traffic Court back in the day. With 50,000 students and 15,000 parking spaces, you need a judge to handle all those tickets. Brian did an awesome job; I failed to follow in his footsteps. While I loved Student Senate, Student Judge was not my thing. I think I was hitting year five of undergrad, and it was time for a real job.

The University of Florida is famous for many things and has many famous graduates. Did you know Actress Faye Dunaway, news pro Erin Andrews, author Michael Connelly, soccer legend Abby Wambach, actor Stephen Root, musician Stephen Stills, Coach Charlie Strong, SEC Nation media star Laura Rutledge, NBA legend Al Horford are all Gator Greats?

Looking back, I’m thankful for organizations like Student Government and for going to school in the 1990s. My high school GPA would not get me anywhere near UF these days. Thank you for reading today and celebrating this commonality. This year, I will find more time to do that rather than bickering about our differences.

Anyone can bicker; it takes a little work to find commonality, and that’s it for mine today.

Go Gators!

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Politics

Scott Franklin to head House Environment Subcommittee

Published

14 minutes 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

45 minutes 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

2 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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