Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.5.25
Good Wednesday morning.
Breaking overnight — “Donald Trump promises to keep up ‘swift and unrelenting action’ in speech to Congress” via The Associated Press — President Trump, six weeks into his second term, aggressively defended his policies in a combative address to Congress, prompting Democratic dissent and one ejection. Trump touted swift action on the economy, immigration and foreign policy while blaming the prior Joe Biden administration. The speech came amid economic uncertainty, with the S&P 500’s gains erased and inflation worries rising, leading to economic chaos. Trump vowed to continue his North American trade war, stating, “Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them.” He bashed federal workers if they resisted his agenda, and Elon Musk sat in the gallery. Democrats accused him of lies. Also, his efforts to promote peace in Ukraine are getting a response.
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U.S. Sen. Rick Scott may not have become Senate Majority Leader, but the Naples Republican has established himself as a booming voice in the conservative movement at a time when Republicans control Washington.
He headlines the first Rescuing the American Dream summit, which kicks off today in Washington and hopes to chart the best ways to seize the moment during the first 100 days of Trump’s comeback term.
Things kick off tonight with a welcome reception for Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, and Scott, followed by a dinner for founding donors.
Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, the summit will convene panels with GOP Sens. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and other guests from within the conservative movement. Majority Leader John Thune will swing by and give remarks midday on Thursday.
Then, the event will close with a “Fireside Chat” between Scott and business investor Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank fame.
“I am honored to serve as the special guest at the inaugural policy summit of Rescuing the American Dream,” Scott said in a statement. “The organization has put together a great group of speakers to highlight the accomplishments the Trump administration has already quickly achieved and how leaders from business, Capitol Hill and the conservative movement can work together to help the President implement his robust agenda in record time.”
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Kristin Quirk has joined the Republican Party of Florida as a fundraising specialist.
With a robust political and organizational leadership background, Quirk brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role.
“We are delighted that Kristin is joining our outstanding team at the Florida GOP,” said Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power. “Kristin shares our strong Republican values and work ethic. As our voter registration advantage over Democrats continues to grow, we will not rest on our laurels, thinking there is little more to be done. We have many plans in the works, and our team is only getting stronger.”
Previously, Quirk served as the Director of Membership and Partnerships at the Florida Senior Living Association for two years. During her tenure, she successfully led initiatives to grow membership, strengthen industry partnerships and advocate for the well-being of Florida seniors.
Before her current role, Quirk worked in the state Senate under Republican Sen. George Gainer of District 2 from 2019-2022 and briefly in the Florida House Majority Office under Majority Leader Michael Grant of District 75.
In 2023, Quirk earned her master’s degree in applied American politics and policy from Florida State University, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
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🛞 — Don’t reinvent the wheel on hemp: House leadership has assembled a Committee to discuss hemp regulation, but they’ve already done that — and agreed — and have a blueprint from Gov. Ron DeSantis on his goals. In the words of Nike, just do it. Read more here.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
—@JanuaryDoHarn: I am incredibly grateful to @realDonaldTrump & @MELANIATRUMP for this opportunity to share our story & protect other families from the gross parental rights violations that are occurring in schools across our country. No child is born in the wrong body & schools must stop these secret social transitions that are creating a huge wedge between the parent/child relationship & ultimately harming the child.
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
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—@VoiceofFLBiz: AIF is proud to endorse Brian Hodgers for Florida House District 32!
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ returns to Netflix — 2; Puerto Rico Day in Tallahassee — 5; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 6; 10th annual Red Dog Blue Dog charity event — 14; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day — 23; Special Election for CD 1 and Senate District 19 Special Primary — 27; Final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ premieres — 34; ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ with Jon Hamm premieres on Apple+ — 37; ‘The Last of Us’ season two premieres — 39; ‘Andor’ season two premieres — 48; ‘The Accountant 2’ premieres — 51; Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour begins in Los Angeles — 54; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres – 58; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting — 69; Florida Chamber 2025 Leadership Conference on Safety; Health + Sustainability — 71; Epic Universe grand opening — 78; Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ premieres — 79; ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ premieres — 79; Florida Chamber 2025 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 85; ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premieres — 86; 2025 Tony Awards — 95; Special Election for SD 19 — 97; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 98; Florida Chamber 2025 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 111; ‘Squid Game’ season three premieres — 114; James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ premieres — 128; ‘Fantastic Four – First Steps’ premieres – 142; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 154; Florida Chamber 2025 Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 160; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 196; 2025 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting — 236; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 261; 2025 Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 273; 2025 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 273; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 287; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres – 289; Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 338; ‘Avengers 5’ premieres – 426; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres – 443; FIFA World Cup 26™ final – 464; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres – 654; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres – 794; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres – 940; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1,227; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1,343; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres – 1,743; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres – 2,474.
— TOP STORY —
“In State of the State address, Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to repeal gun control laws, property taxes” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — In his annual State of the State address, DeSantis outlined priorities for the 2025 Regular Session, including property tax abolishment, gun control repeal and Everglades restoration.
DeSantis touted Florida’s firm stance on illegal immigration and a lean state budget, proposing a constitutional amendment for the 2026 ballot to eliminate property taxes. Critics warn of potential sales tax hikes, countered by DeSantis’ pledge of no state tax increases.
The Republican Governor urged lawmakers to revisit gun safety measures, including undoing the ban on selling rifles to people younger than 21 and repealing Red Flag laws.
“We need to be a strong Second Amendment state,” DeSantis said, urging reform.
However, DeSantis’ priorities are on shakier ground than ever, and his goals have not yet been incorporated into agreed-upon bills.
Republican leaders are challenging the Governor, a squabble that proves Speaker Danny Perez and President Ben Albritton are coming into office ready to behave more independently.
“We are the public’s watchdogs,” said Perez, adding, “Members, do not be afraid to shake the tree of government and pull out the weeds of waste, fraud or abuse.”
Both mentioned the need to ensure Floridians’ tax dollars are spent prudently.
Perez and Albritton reiterated their focus on cracking down on insurance industry concerns. Perez hinted that the House investigation may be the priority he won’t acknowledge exists.
“I have asked the Insurance & Banking Subcommittee to conduct hearings and they will have access to the full range of tools – including issuing subpoenas, putting witnesses under oath, and hiring outside experts,” Perez said.
Ultimately, the state’s Republican leaders kicked off the two-month Legislative Session with ceremony and optimism.
However, like most Sessions, some harshness will cloud Opening Day’s excitement.
“DeSantis finds himself in an unusual position as Legislative Session starts” via Romy Ellenbogen, Alexandra Glorioso and Ana Ceballos of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — Despite securing an early victory with a signed immigration bill, DeSantis faces a potentially challenging Legislative Session as his key priorities face resistance. While addressing the Legislature, DeSantis highlighted goals like ballot initiative reform, property tax reduction and condo fee relief, none of which have yet materialized into concrete bills. Perez and Albritton, hinting at an independent stance, focused on insurance accountability and spending cuts rather than wholly embracing DeSantis’ agenda. “We are the public’s watchdogs,” Perez said, promising rigorous scrutiny. Albritton noted that law enforcement finds risk protection orders “invaluable.” House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell dismissed DeSantis’ address as a “snooze fest,” suggesting his ideas lacked support.
—“Governor, legislative leaders offer different visions for Spring Session” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel
— LEGISLATIVE —
“DeSantis wants Legislature to ‘re-evaluate’ gun safety laws passed after Parkland” via Mitch Perry and Jackie Llanos of Florida Phoenix — DeSantis said in his State of the State address that he wants the Florida Legislature to re-examine key provisions of the landmark 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, enacted following the shootings in Parkland that killed 17 students and school administrators. Specifically, the Governor wants the Legislature to repeal language that raised the legal age to purchase a shotgun or rifle in Florida from 18 to 21 and also the state’s “Red Flag” law, which allows law enforcement or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove a person’s firearms if they pose a risk to themselves or others. Legislative leaders have opposed open carry in recent years, particularly in the Senate. Senate President Albritton said last Fall that he doesn’t support it because neither does law enforcement and repeated that opinion on Tuesday. He said he also supports “Red Flag” laws.
“Daniel Perez orders hearings into insurance report, profits” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — Perez announced Tuesday that he was ordering a Committee to hold hearings into property insurance companies moving billions of dollars to affiliate companies while claiming losses, following the Times/Herald reporting. In his opening remarks for the Legislative Session, which began today, the Miami Republican said that insurance companies might have been using “creative accounting” to “hide” profits. “A couple of years ago, the insurance industry came to the Legislature and said without sweeping reforms, companies could not compete in Florida,” Perez said.
—Perez kicks off Legislative Session, highlights property taxes, government accountability” via Michelle Vecerina of Florida’s Voice
“Ben Albritton promises Florida citrus won’t wilt on his watch” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Albritton offered a simple message at the start of Session: “Agriculture matters.” Handing out challenge coins marking the Florida Heartland, the Wauchula Republican touted his own personal and professional roots in citrus country. “I was born and bred in Florida citrus and this vital industry is not going down on my watch,” Albritton said. “Research and new technologies are offering a new hope for the future of Florida citrus. We’re on the edge of something special. Florida citrus is making a comeback, one tree at a time.” Months after he took the gavel as Senate President with a promise of a “Rural Renaissance,” Albritton repeated the phrase and clarified that his priorities include expanding education, health care and infrastructure resources in the undeveloped parts of Florida that long held up its most prominent industry.
Jim Boyd touts 2025 legislative agenda on Opening Day — Senate Majority Leader Boyd issued a statement on the Opening Day of Session saying the Senate Republican Caucus “remains steadfast in advancing policy that supports Floridians.” He added, “The robust initiatives of Senate President Albritton will create a stronger and more prosperous Florida, improving Florida’s child welfare system, bolstering rural economic development and infrastructure, enhancing government efficiency and accountability, and identifying tax relief opportunities for hardworking Florida families. This Session is expected to be productive as Senate Republicans collaborate to pass a balanced budget and enact conservative legislation that addresses the needs and protects the freedoms of the great citizens of Florida.”
“Fentrice Driskell says DeSantis is ‘scrambling for political relevance’ with ‘no plans’ to help” Floridians via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — House Democratic Leader Driskell sharply criticized DeSantis and Republicans, claiming they prioritize “culture war distractions” over addressing rising household costs. Dismissing DeSantis’ proposals like the Department of Government Efficiency and property tax elimination as headline-grabbing ploys, Driskell argued these measures threaten vital local services. She highlighted the Democrats’ “Putting Floridians First Agenda,” which focuses on kitchen table issues. The agenda includes HB 1019 by Christine Hunschofsky for gun safety, HB 1045 by Jervonte Edmonds for increased school funding and transparency, HB 1177 by Mike Gottlieb for heat safety for outdoor workers, HB 1471 by Rita Harris for renters’ rights, HB 1507 by Dotie Joseph to expand Medicaid access, and HB 1575, sponsored by Driskell to address lead in drinking water and blue-green algae blooms.
“Citizens-Insurance-for-all bill withdrawn as sponsor seeks ‘in-depth’ study” via Ron Hurtibise of the Orlando Sentinel — A bill that would have made windstorm coverage by Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. available to anyone who wants it has been withdrawn from being considered during the just-started Legislative Session. Rep. Hillary Cassel, who filed the 143-page bill in December, withdrew it last Friday on the eve of the Session, which started on Tuesday. Cassel said she is “working with the speaker’s office on continuing the conversation about that bill.” She said the concept requires “in-depth analysis” beyond what can be laid out in a legislative bill. Rep. Anna Eskamani, co-sponsor of the bill, said she understood that the bill was withdrawn while Cassel requested funding for a feasibility study, possibly in conjunction with Florida State University.
“Corey Simon’s ‘Rural Renaissance’ bill advances with full support” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — A massive piece of legislation geared toward improving rural communities in the Sunshine State has passed its first Committee hurdle with full support from lawmakers and constituents. Tallahassee Republican Sen. Simon’s bill (SB 110) seeks to improve infrastructure and enhance education and health care as part of a comprehensive package of proposals designed to usher in a “modern-day renaissance” to rural communities across Florida. The measure contains critical investments for 31 of Florida’s 67 counties, including broadband internet upgrades, affordable housing, small-business support, roadway improvements, investments into rural schools, and bolstering of rural hospitals.
“Gun rights groups pillory Monique Miller after she fails to file open carry bill” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — While DeSantis called for expanding gun rights, no open carry legislation was filed for consideration this year. That has Second Amendment activists angry at lawmakers who voiced support for such a change in the past. Specifically, groups like Florida Gun Rights have critiqued Rep. Miller, a Brevard County Republican who said she intended to file an open carry bill but did not do so before a deadline ahead of the Legislative Session. “Rep. Monique Miller refused to file an open carry bill this Session after she promised to do so,” said gun rights activist Matt Collins. “She sent the bill to the legislative drafting department but did not actually file it prior to Friday’s deadline. Insiders report that Rep. Randy Fine instructed her not to file the bill as part of his spat with Gov. DeSantis (who supports open carry).” The group incorrectly identified Fine as a member of the House. He is now in the Senate.
“Bill to ease charter school conversions, block public school districts from buying land clears first House hurdle” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation with the potential to significantly change Florida’s educational landscape has cleared its first House hurdle after its sponsor heard concerns about its potentially harmful effects. The Education Administration Subcommittee voted 13-5 on party lines to advance the bill (HB 123), which would exclude School Boards, teachers and school administrators from votes over whether to convert public schools into charter schools. That decision would fall instead to parents with children enrolled at the school in question, whom current statutes already give a vote. Approving a charter conversion would require a 50% vote by parents, the same threshold given to teachers now. Rep. Alex Andrade, the bill’s sponsor, said parents are “the most reliable metric for a school’s performance.”
“Bill to bar golf courses, hotels from Florida state parks gains momentum” via Emily L. Mahoney and Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — Tuesday marked Day One of the Florida Legislative Session, and already, a high-profile bill to prohibit the construction of golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts in state parks is gaining traction. House Bill 209, called the State Park Preservation Act, passed its first Committee with bipartisan support. The vote marked the first time the bill had advanced in the Florida House after a similar Senate version, and it also got a unanimous Committee vote during lawmakers’ pre-Session meetings.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“New bill aims to end Florida contract with controversial pregnancy centers” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Democrat Rep. Kelly Skidmore has introduced a bill to end the state’s $29.5 million contract with a controversial pregnancy care provider. While Skidmore of Boca Raton has targeted the Florida Pregnancy Care Network and its lucrative contract in the past, this time is different. That’s because DeSantis also wants to end this same state contract. The Florida Pregnancy Care Network is a private nonprofit with over 95 locations statewide. Critics say centers in the network can be mistaken as reproductive health clinics that provide pregnancy care but are actually nonmedical facilities.
“Advocates looking to state budget process to get air conditioning in some prisons” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — After a failed attempt to get bills passed that would’ve required the installation of air conditioning in all prisons, Connie Edson knew a general bill couldn’t be her approach this year. Edson, one of the leaders pushing for air conditioning in prisons the last five years, is pairing up with Horizon Communities Corp. Executive Director Nathan Schaidt to get funds for a pilot program into the state budget for 2025-26. The duo asked Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, a Miami Republican, and Rep. Jim Mooney Jr., an Islamorada Republican, to back their initiative during budget talks.
“Lucy’s father urges Legislature to keep training requirements in ‘Lucy’s Law’” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Andy Fernandez told the story of his daughter Lucy to members and attendees of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday. It was the first stop for “Lucy’s Law,” known as SB 628, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Martin. Lucy was tragically killed on Labor Day weekend in 2022 when the boat she was in collided with a cement channel marker, launching passengers into the water and capsizing. Lucy was trapped underneath. Emergency responders airlifted her to the hospital, and a day later, she died surrounded by her family. Lucy’s death could have been prevented with education and training. Now, Andy and his wife Melissa are on a mission to make Florida waters safer and prevent other families from suffering the same unimaginable loss.
Meanwhile… “What $306M buys: Inside the Capitol’s massive renovation projects” via James Call of USA Today Network — With big money on the line, one lawmaker recently traded spreadsheets for a firsthand look at what exactly $306 million in public money buys in Florida Capitol renovations. State Rep. Vicki Lopez had pledged to take a deep dive into spending, so when critics ask, “are we budgeting correctly,” she has an answer. So, she had the Department of Management Services, the state’s property manager, take her 15-member State Administration Budget Subcommittee on a tour of five ongoing construction projects across the 986,000-square feet Capitol Complex. The Committee she chairs writes the budget for 12 state agencies.
“Hotel taxes for transit, housing? New Florida bill would allow it” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — During last November’s elections, tourism interests dumped more money into local elections than they had in years, desperately trying to elect politicians who would do the industry’s bidding. It didn’t work. At the county level, every candidate endorsed by the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association for the Orange County Commission lost. Why? Because voters were sick of watching local politicians prioritize tourism lobbyists over those who live here. Public transit here is anemic. Affordable housing is at a crisis-level shortage. Wages are still among the lowest in America for major metros. Yet, instead of dealing with those problems, the industry’s puppet politicians just kept throwing more money at tourism, spending billions to expand the convention center repeatedly — even though it’s already 7 million square feet, rarely fully occupied and usually runs a deficit. And constantly bloating the budget at Visit Orlando to the point that Orange County now gives more tax dollars to the tourism-promotion agency than it spends on Lynx, the region’s sorely underfunded bus system.
APCIA wants conversation on ‘the facts,’ not ‘sensationalized reporting’ — American Property Casualty Insurance Association Vice President Logan McFaddin said, “APCIA looks forward to working with the Legislature during the 2025 Legislative Session and ensuring policy proposals are based on facts and not sensationalized reporting. Recent news reports stating that Florida insurers ‘claimed’ to be losing money while their parent companies and affiliates made billions are very misleading and lack an understanding of the reporting, dividend, and capital requirements for insurers. The fact is this: Florida insurers experienced several years of unprofitability as underwriting losses soared amid rampant legal system abuse and catastrophic hurricanes.“
— FOR YOUR RADAR —
Legis Sked
8 a.m.: House Combined Workgroup on Hemp, Room 212, Knott Building.
8:30 a.m.: Senate Appropriations, Room 110, Senate Office Building,
SB 88, Utility Terrain Vehicle (Wright).
SB 274, Transportation Facility Designations (Arrington).
9 a.m.: Meeting of the Governor and Cabinet.
9 a.m.: EDR: Self-Insurance Estimating Conference, Room 117, Knott Building.
9:30 a.m.: Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, Room 412, Knott Building.
SB 116, Veterans (Burgess).
SB 294, Collaborative Pharmacy Practice for Chronic Health Conditions (Harrell).
10:15 a.m.: House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee, Room 17, House Office Building.
10:15 a.m.: House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee, Room 102, House Office Building,
HB 11, Municipal Water (Robinson).
10:15 a.m.: House Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee, Room 404, House Office Building.
11 a.m.: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, Room 412, Knott Building.
SB 50, Nature-based Methods for Improving Coastal Resilience (Garcia).
SB 56, Geoengineering (Garcia).
SB 158, Coverage for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Examinations (Berman).
SB 160, Public Accountancy (Gruters).
SB 7002, Water Management | Environment.
11 a.m.: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, Room 37, Senate Office Building.
SB 7014, Trust Funds.
SB 48, Alternative Judicial (Garcia).
SB 130, Compensation of Victims of Wrongful Incarceration (Bradley).
HB 138, Driving and Boating Offenses (Wright).
HB 234, Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers (Leek).
HB 322, Property Rights (Rodriguez).
11 a.m.: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education, Room 110, Senate Office Building.
11 a.m.: Senate Finance and Tax, Room 301, Senate Office Building.
1 p.m.: House Civil Justice, Room 404, House Office Building,
HB 97, Service of Process in Proceedings (Steele).
HB 157, Service Of Process (Redondo).
HB 385, Trusts (Oliver).
HB 403, Limited Liability Companies (Persons-Mulicka).
HB 417, Curators Of Estates (Maggard).
HB 6017, Recovery Of Damage (Trabulsy).
HB 6501, Relief/Sidney Holmes (Gottlieb).
1:30 p.m.: EDR: Revenue Estimating Conference, Room 117, Knott Building.
1:30 p.m.: House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee, Room 102, House Office Building,
HB 649, Autonomous Practice (Giallombardo).
HB 723, Type 1 Diabetes Early Detection Program (Tant).
1:30 p.m.: House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee, Room 17, House Office Building,
HB 315, Transportation Network Company and Driver Insurance Requirements (Fabricio).
HB 367, Home and Service Warranty Association Financial Requirements (Conerly).
HB 379, Securities (Barnaby).
HB 497, Health Coverage by Nonprofit Agricultural Organizations (Grow).
HB 655, Pet Insurance and Wellness Programs (Tuck).
HB 7003, OGSR/Financial Tech Government Operation.
HB 147, Prohibited Practices in Consumer Debt Collection (Gossett-Seidman).
4:15 p.m.: House Security & Threat Assessment Committee, Room 12, House Office Building.
— LOBBY REGS —
Melody Arnold, RSA Consulting Group: United Way of Florida, United Way of Miami, United Way Suncoast
Brett Bacot, Mike Grissom, Kimberly McGlynn, Pierce Schuessler, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: Shaman Botanicals
Michael Corcoran, Noah Corcoran, Matt Blair, Brian Ford, Jeff Hawes, Will Rodriquez, Corcoran Partners: Community Based Care of Brevard County
Carol Bowen, Carol Bowen Strategies: Moss
Shannan Boxold, Stephanie Cardozo, Heidi Richards, Kira Smith, Sheela VanHoose, The Southern Group: Mountain Lake Corporation, JWB Real Estate Capital, Canik USA, SchooLinks, Dade Prep Academy
Christian Camara, Chamber Consultants: Florida Society of Cosmetic Surgeons
Steve Crisafulli, Samuel Powell, Jonathan Rees, SBM Partners: Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition
Cory Dowd, Kenneth Granger, Ashley Kalifeh, Joesph Mongiovi, Scott Ross, Capital City Consulting: Aunt Bertha, Guardian ad Litem Foundation
David Ericks, Ericks Consultants: Kendall Properties & Investments, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward County, City of Coconut Creek, City of Coral Springs, City of Fort Lauderdale, City of Pembroke Pines, City of Plantation, Federation of Public Employees AFL-CIO, Florida Association of Counties, Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, Kendall Properties & Investments, Palm Beach County, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Tindall Hammock Irrigation & Soil Conservation District, Town of Davie, Waste Connections of Florida
Natalie Fausel, Kimberly Shugar, Arrow Group Consulting: EcoStasis, Resiliency Florida, OnSyte Performance, Palm Beach County
Inger Garcia, Inger M. Garcia: 8 Media Publishing
Keaton Griffin, Thomas Griffin, The Griffin Group: Baptist Health
Kari Hebrank, Lucas Parsons, Carlton Fields: Friends & Supporters of The Ringling
Bill Helmich, Helmich Consulting: Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust
Jeffery Johnston, Amanda Stewart, Lauren Lange, Anita Berry, Johnston & Stewart Government Strategies: Baptist Health, MC Botanicals
Lance Lozano, Nicholas Matthews, Cody Rogers, Becker & Poliakoff: Inspected, United Home Care
Jason Maine, PinPoint Results: Volunteers of America National Services, WellSky
Kim McCray, McCray & Associates: Dosal Tobacco Corporation
Darrick McGhee, Johnson & Blanton: Step Up for Students
Phillip Singleton, Capitol Strategy Group: AfterSchool HQ, Chuqlab
Fadriena Sutton, The Advocacy Partners: Ladies Learning to Lead
— 100 DAYS —
“Trump directs administration to ‘pause’ military aid to Ukraine” via Rachel Scott and Michelle Stoddart of ABC News — Trump directed his administration to “pause” military aid to Ukraine after the contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Feb. 28. A White House official said Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace and added, “We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.” The move came hours after Trump said Zelenskyy needed to be “more appreciative.” Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott asked Trump on Tuesday: “What do you need to see from President Zelenskyy to restart these negotiations?”
“Volodymyr Zelensky offers terms to stop fighting, assuring U.S. that Ukraine wants peace” via Marc Santora of The New York Times — Zelenskyy offered a course of action that he said could end the war while trying to assure the Trump administration that his government was dedicated to peace. “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be,” Zelenskyy wrote. “It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right.” The Ukrainian leader said he was ready to release Russian prisoners of war, stop long-range drone and missile strikes aimed at Russian targets, and declare a truce at sea immediately — moves that he said would help establish a pathway to peace.
“Ukraine willing to sign minerals deal days after Trump-Zelenskyy agreement fell apart” via Jennifer Jacobs, Fin Gómez, and Ed O’Keefe of CBS News — Ukrainian officials have indicated to their U.S. counterparts they are willing to sign a key minerals agreement days after the original plan to sign the deal at the White House imploded in an acrimonious Oval Office meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, one of the negotiators who spoke with Zelenskyy about the minerals agreement, was asked whether the economic deal was still on the table. “Not at present,” he responded. Multiple sources said a deal is not finalized. And the parameters of the agreement could change because the President is now holding out for a “bigger, better deal.”
“Trump could scale back Canada, Mexico tariffs Wednesday, Howard Lutnick says” via Kevin Breuninger of CNBC — Trump will “probably” announce tariff compromise deals with Canada and Mexico soon, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Tuesday. He added that the potential agreements would likely involve scaling back at least part of Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. Lutnick’s comments came minutes after the U.S. stock market limped to a close for a second day of sharp declines, spurred at least in part by investors’ fears that Trump’s aggressive policies will ignite a crippling trade war. After his remarks, U.S. stock futures tied to all three major averages rose.
“Mexico gave Trump much of what he wanted. It didn’t fend off tariffs.” via Alan Feuer, Natalie Kitroeff and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times — Facing the threat of tariffs from Trump after he took office, Mexico bent over backward to comply with his demands. Almost immediately, the government moved to secure its northern border, severely stanching migration to the United States. Then, it hunted cartel leaders in a dangerous fentanyl stronghold. And just last week, in a once-in-a-generation move, it delivered into U.S. custody 29 of the country’s most powerful drug lords. But even after that, Trump imposed the tariffs anyway, shaking global markets. The move left officials in both countries baffled about what the White House was trying to accomplish and frantically asking the same question: What was Trump’s endgame? Even some people close to the President seem to disagree on the answer. Some outside advisers predict that the tariffs, currently at 25% on most imports from Mexico and Canada, will result in a steady stream of revenue for the United States.
“Arab leaders endorse counterproposal to Trump’s Gaza plan, with cease-fire uncertain” via The Associated Press — Arab leaders on Tuesday endorsed Egypt’s postwar plan for the Gaza Strip that would allow its roughly 2 million Palestinians to remain, in a counterproposal to Trump’s plan to depopulate the territory and redevelop it as a beach destination. It was unclear if Israel or the United States would accept the Egyptian plan, which was endorsed by Arab leaders and announced by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, which amounted to a widespread rejection of Trump’s proposal. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment. Tuesday’s summit in Cairo included the Emir of Qatar, the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia — countries whose support is crucial for any postwar plan. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also attended.
“FBI and DOJ headquarters are among more than 440 federal buildings listed for potential sale” via Jill Colvin and Michael R. Sisak of The Associated Press — The Trump administration on Tuesday published a list of more than 400 federal properties it says it could close or sell, including the FBI headquarters and the main Department of Justice building, after deeming them “not core to government operations.” The list published by the General Services Administration includes some of the country’s most recognizable structures. It spans nearly every state, with properties ranging from courthouses to office buildings and parking garages. In Washington, D.C., it includes the J. Edgar Hoover Building, which serves as the FBI headquarters, the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, the Old Post Office building, where Trump once ran a hotel, and the American Red Cross headquarters.
“The IRS is drafting plans to cut as much as half of its 90,000-person workforce” via Fatima Hussein of The Associated Press — The IRS is reportedly drafting plans to slash its workforce by up to half through layoffs, attrition, and buyouts, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal government via Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Layoffs of roughly 7,000 probationary employees already occurred in February. The IRS also offers buyouts to almost all employees through a “deferred resignation program.” A former IRS Commissioner warns that such cuts would render the IRS “dysfunctional.” The agency, which employs about 90,000 workers, also faces potential staff lending to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement. Aggressive reductions in IRS resources will only render our government less effective and less efficient in collecting the taxes Congress has imposed, wrote former IRS Commissioners.
“Government watchdog wants thousands of federal workers to be reinstated” via Michael Kunzelman and Chris Megerian of The Associated Press — A government watchdog wants more than 5,000 probationary employees to be reinstated at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the latest example of resistance to Trump‘s efforts to downsize the federal workforce. The Office of Special Counsel made the request Friday and disclosed it Tuesday. If the Merit Systems Protection Board grants the request, the employees would be back on the job for 45 days as an investigation continues. At that point, the Board could be asked to decide to reinstate them. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger said the firings “appear to have been carried out in a manner inconsistent with federal personnel laws.” It’s possible that he could reach similar conclusions about employees at other departments as well.
“Jon Stewart says Elon Musk flaked on interview offer: ‘You know that’s bulls**t’” via James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter — Stewart is calling out Musk for backing off his offer to come on The Daily Show. Last week, Musk expressed a willingness to go on Stewart’s Comedy Central series if the interview airs unedited. Stewart readily agreed. But then Musk decided against going head-to-head with the host, calling Stewart a partisan propagandist.
— STATEWIDE —
“Pollster finds JD Vance would defeat DeSantis in Florida 2028 GOP Primary” via Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice — First reported by Florida Politics, the poll found Vance at 47% support among likely Florida Republican voters and DeSantis at 33% – a 14-point advantage for the Vice President. The Fabrizio poll was conducted among 600 likely Florida Republican Primary voters. Vance was first elected to the U.S. Senate out of Ohio in 2022 with the backing of Trump. Both Vance and DeSantis are young relative to the age of other D.C. politicians: DeSantis is 46, and Vance is 40. DeSantis is officially term-limited out of the Governorship in January 2027, with the next gubernatorial election taking place next November for the Sunshine State.
“‘Forced medication’: DeSantis wants fluoride out of water” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis isn’t holding back on fluoride in water supplies, believing it’s “forced medication.” “When you’re forcing it into the water supply, that’s not really giving people the choice. If people want to be able to purchase fluoridated water or do more, then they already have the ability to do it,” DeSantis said. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo had previously said putting fluoride in water was “insane,” given the compound’s “caustic” nature and the fact that toothpaste and other consumer products contain it and give people the option to self-administer. He recommended against community water fluoridation last year. DeSantis said Tuesday that he expects the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to “lean in the direction of Ladapo under Bobby Kennedy,” presumably offering similar guidance.
“DeSantis expects federal health regulators to follow Florida push to ban fluoride in drinking water” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — DeSantis praised efforts by Ladapo to push localities to remove fluoride to drinking water, saying he expects HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to follow suit soon. Ladapo issued a recommendation in November warning municipalities, counties and other government Public Utility Boards against putting fluoride in drinking water. Ladapo’s recommendation boosted ongoing efforts by the libertarian advocacy group Stand for Health Freedom, which began a campaign two years ago and has since helped convince more than a dozen localities to stop using the additive.
“Satisfied customer: DeSantis endorses USAA car coverage” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis is happy with his automobile insurance. After the State of the State address, DeSantis said the state of his car coverage from USAA couldn’t be better. Noting that he talked to “some of the guys” from the company at last year’s Army-Navy Football Game, DeSantis said that he and First Lady Casey DeSantis had been “USAA members for a long time.” “The First Lady lost a car years ago in a storm. We literally put in the claim. Some guy shows up 48 hours later and just cuts us a check and I’d never seen anything like it and I always remind them,” DeSantis said. “I was like, ‘I’ll be a customer for life because you guys didn’t play games.’ So, I have confidence in USAA just as a veteran and having done that.”
Wilton Simpson sends Florida Forest Service personnel to South Carolina — Agriculture Commissioner Simpson announced that the Florida Forest Service is deploying a Complex Incident Management Team of 35 personnel to support the state of South Carolina in response to the dramatic increase in wildfires occurring across the state. The CIMT from Florida is a specialized team that manages large-scale and complex wildfire incidents. “When a neighbor is in need, Florida will always answer the call for help. Just as we would count on South Carolina to stand with us in our time of need, we are proud to send our highly skilled wildland firefighting personnel to assist in their wildfire response,” Simpson said.
“James Uthmeier begins criminal probe of Andrew and Tristan Tate” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – Attorney General Uthmeier is using the “full force of law” in an “active criminal investigation” of Andrew and Tristan Tate. “These guys have themselves publicly admitted to participating in what very much appears to be soliciting, trafficking, preying upon women around the world,” said DeSantis’ recently appointed AG. “Many of these victims are coming forward, some of them minors. People can spin or defend however they want, but in Florida, this type of behavior is viewed as atrocious. We’re not going to accept it.”
“Social justice organizations plan to rally against DeSantis’ agenda in Tallahassee” via James Call of USA Today Network — In a third-floor office on Adams Street north of the Capitol Tuesday, a coalition of eight social justice groups recorded a video calling Floridians to rally in Tallahassee on March 26 to protest much of what DeSantis and lawmakers want to do this Legislative Session. Equal Ground Florida – a community organizing group focused on voting rights and education – organized the Florida Justice & Democracy Roundtable and is working with the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, Common Cause, the Florida Education Association, the NAACP and All Voting is Local to stage the rally later this month.
“State Farm makes large donation to Florida Sheriff’s Association teen driving course” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) is getting some notable financial help to improve teen driving in the state. State Farm has donated $90,000 to the FSA to fund the Teen Driver Challenge course to train teen drivers better. The latest contribution from State Farm brings the company’s donation to the program to a total of $1.05 million since 2011. “We appreciate State Farm’s dedication to promoting safe driving among Florida’s youth and the commitment to safer roadways for all drivers,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Their partnership is crucial in equipping young drivers with skills through the Teen Driver Challenge, and I encourage everyone with teen drivers to take advantage of this life-saving program.”
“UF researchers: Sunshine State consumer confidence got cloudy and overcast in February” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Consumer confidence in the state had increased since Fall and into the new year. But February saw a tumble in the perceived economic security among consumers in the Sunshine State. The consumer sentiment figure fell 2.6 points compared to January’s, settling at 86.9 in February. “The decline in consumer sentiment is primarily driven by Floridians’ pessimistic expectations about future economic outlooks, which have decreased for the second consecutive month. In particular, expectations for the U.S. economy dropped sharply, nearly reversing the gains seen since the Presidential Election in November,” said Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the Economic Analysis Program at the University of Florida’s (UF) Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
— MORE D.C. MATTERS —
“Supreme Court appears skeptical of Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gun makers” via Abbie VanSickle of The New York Times — The Supreme Court appeared skeptical on Tuesday that the Mexican government could legally sue U.S. gun makers over claims that they share the blame for violence by drug cartels. Mexico argued that the American gun industry bore responsibility for the violence by creating and selling firearms that made their way across the border into the hands of criminal gangs. Arguing that the violence was a direct result of the gun makers’ actions, a lawyer for Mexico told the justices that the country should be able to sue despite a 2005 law that prohibited most lawsuits against gun manufacturers for injuries caused by firearms. But Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh appeared to sum up doubts about the lawsuit by asking about the broader implications if Mexico succeeded in arguing that manufacturers acting lawfully could be held responsible for illegal behavior by cartels, an outcome that he worried could have “destructive effects on the American economy.”
“Bill to ban trans athletes from girls’ and women’s sports teams fails to advance in U.S. Senate” via The Associated Press — Legislation that aimed to bar transgender women and girls nationwide from participating in school athletic competitions designated for female athletes failed to advance Monday night in a divided Senate as Democrats stood united against an issue that Republicans leveraged in last year’s elections. A test vote on the bill failed to gain the 60 votes needed to advance in the chamber as Senators stuck to party lines in a 51-45 vote tally. The bill sought to determine Title IX protections “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
“After explosive town halls, Republicans rethink how to reach voters” via Marianna Sotomayor and Mariana Alfaro of The Washington Post — House Republicans are rethinking how best to reach constituents after a series of combative town halls where protesters vented about Trump and Musk’s policies. GOP leaders tasked with helping keep their majority in the 2026 midterms told lawmakers Tuesday morning to be cautious when holding in-person town halls. Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, encouraged Republicans to hold virtual town halls instead, arguing that in-person town halls are allowing protesters to cause a scene and drown out their party’s messaging, according to multiple people in the room who spoke on the condition of anonymity to detail an off-the-record meeting.
“Democrats’ Medicaid strategy gets a reboot after GOP cancels town halls” via Katherine Long and Elena Schneider of POLITICO — Democrats are scrambling to rethink their strategy of using Republican town halls to oppose GOP-led plans to slash spending on Medicaid and other government services. Left-leaning organization Indivisible, which had been spearheading the efforts to disrupt constituent town halls, is calling on Democratic lawmakers to host their own town halls during the March recess or the group will do it for them. And other top Democrats, like former Vice-Presidential nominee Tim Walz, are saying they might hold their own events to carry the message in Republican-held districts.
— ELECTIONS —
“The fight to replace DeSantis in Florida is on, marked by jockeying with Trump” via Matt Dixon of NBC News — The race to succeed Florida DeSantis is already heating up, sparking a proxy war between DeSantis and Trump. After Rep. Byron Donalds, a Trump ally, launched his campaign, Casey DeSantis, the state’s popular First Lady, is considering a run, leading DeSantis’ political machine to undermine Donalds subtly. DeSantis and his wife met with Trump to dissuade him from further involvement, though Trump’s advisers say he remains committed to Donalds. DeSantis allies suggest Trump might issue a dual endorsement. With DeSantis subtly promoting his wife, the question remains: who will win Trump’s favor?
“With wife mulling ’26 campaign, DeSantis talks up her work in State of the State speech” via Ana Ceballos and Alexandra Glorioso of the Miami Herald — DeSantis used his State of the State address to talk about his policy priorities — and, notably, his wife’s efforts in his administration, amid speculation that she is considering a run to be his successor. With state lawmakers gathering to launch Florida’s annual Legislative Session, DeSantis used a good portion of his Opening Day remarks to highlight her work with an initiative called Hope Florida, which helps connect the needy with existing faith-based, private and nonprofit services instead of government assistance. “Hope Florida was designed by our First Lady, Casey DeSantis, to transform the way government agencies provide services to our fellow citizens in need rather than perpetuate dependence on a great society-style bureaucracy,” DeSantis said.
“Ben Albritton, Perez won’t talk about 2026 Governor’s race” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Neither Senate President Albritton nor House Speaker Perez is tipping his hand as to who he supports in next year’s Republican Gubernatorial Primary. Albritton told a reporter Tuesday that it’s his “first day of Session” when asked how he felt about the prospect of DeSantis promoting First Lady DeSantis as the next Governor. The Wauchula Republican invoked the name of previous Senate President Bill Galvano to justify his neutral stance. “I am not a golfer,” Albritton said. “But his saying was you play the hole you’re on. And right now, I’m on a very important one and my mission is to do a good job for the Florida Senate, to do a good job for Floridians.”
“Maggie’s List backs ‘tenacious freedom fighter’ Ashley Moody for U.S. Senate” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Moody’s bid to keep her U.S. Senate seat now has support from Maggie’s List. The federal PAC dedicated to electing conservative women has named Moody among its first list of incumbent Senators it’s backing in the 2026 Election cycle. Carole Jean Jordan, Chair of Maggie’s List Florida, said in a statement that it is “an honor” to give an “enthusiastic endorsement” to Moody, whom DeSantis appointed to the Senate in January. “She is a tenacious freedom fighter for all of our citizens and will carry those values forward into her upcoming years in the Senate,” Jordan said. In her own statement, Moody thanked the group for its continued support.
Kim Adkinson endorses Brian Hodgers for HD 32 — Brevard County Commissioner Adkinson is endorsing Hodgers in the Special Election for House District 32. “Brian Hodgers is a family man who will fight to put our community and America first in our Legislature,” Adkinson said. “He’ll be tough on illegal immigration, cut property taxes and insurance premiums, keep men out of girls’ sports, and stand unwavering alongside the leadership of the Trump administration. Brian has a solid track record of being a staunch conservative and champion for the values important to our community. We need him representing Brevard County in Tallahassee.”
— Conservative Watch USA backs Hodgers for HD 32
“Cindy Banyai will challenge Jenna Persons-Mulicka’s record on abortion” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Former congressional candidate Banyai will challenge state Rep. Persons-Mulicka, a Fort Myers Republican, for her place in the House. The Democrat launched her campaign slamming the incumbent’s role in restricting abortion rights in Florida. “I’m stepping up to run for Florida House 78 because Tallahassee is nothing but a mess of political infighting and ridiculous political posturing while the people in our state are struggling,” Banyai said. “Rather than solving real issues like the insurance crisis, Jenna has been sealing her far-right credentials by sponsoring bills that strip women of their health care freedom, make voting more difficult, and make citizen initiatives nearly impossible. I’m ready to work for the people of Fort Myers to make their lives better, not my political career easier.”
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Brightline dispute between Stuart and Martin County might be settled in face-to-face meeting” via Keith Burbank of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Officials from the city and Martin County are to sit down together Thursday in an attempt to settle a dispute over a $60 million Brightline station. The disagreement centers on whether Stuart must support the county’s effort to build the train station on county land in downtown Stuart and whether the city is upholding its growth-management plan. “My hope is that it will be resolved at this meeting,” said Stuart Vice Mayor Christopher Collins. “If the county will restore its requirement of Brightline to pay half” of the station, Collins added — which was the deal outlined in the agreement between the city and county — “I believe the City Commission would provide a letter of support.”
“Deerfield Beach mayoral candidate withdraws from race; how that may figure into a legal case” via Lisa J. Huriash of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — With days before Deerfield Beach residents vote for a new Mayor, a candidate who withdrew from the race last week filed a lawsuit asserting that one of the remaining candidates should be disqualified, alleging that candidate doesn’t meet the residency requirements. But a lawyer for Broward County argues that the lawsuit, brought by longtime city activist Timothy “Chaz” Stevens, should be denied because Stevens withdrew from the race after filing the lawsuit “and therefore has no personal stake in the outcome of the mayoral election.” Stevens filed a lawsuit Feb. 24 in Broward Circuit Court, accusing another mayoral candidate, Dan Herz, of being improperly qualified for the March 11 election.
“South Florida snook anglers worried about coastal development, water quality” via Bill Kearney of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Snook anglers and professional fishing guides in South Florida are worried that their favorite gamefish might be harmed by habitat loss, water quality and coastal development in South Florida. The findings come from an annual Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission survey. Snook live in inshore and nearshore waters along the Florida coast and are among the most popular saltwater gamefish in the state’s $9.2 billion recreational saltwater fishing economy. The annual survey also suggests that environmental conditions such as mangrove shoreline and seagrass coverage have improved over recent decades in the region.
“Will Grind with Me Terrace come to Miami-Dade? Proposal puts rap lyrics on the map” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — The longest and most heated debate for Miami-Dade County Commissioners on Tuesday came down to the question of creating Grind with Me Terrace, Peace in Da Hood Street and Big Money Baller Street. Those were some of the names proposed by a Commissioner who wants to bring buzz to a downtrodden area north of Miami with a cluster of street signs bearing lyrics of rap and hip-hop songs made famous by local artists who made it big. “If you’re from Miami, you know these famous songs and these sayings,” Commissioner Keon Hardemon, the sponsor, told Board members. “For those of you who may be a little uncomfortable, I ask you to support me and my community.”
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Nearby neighborhood blasts Orlando’s proposed shelter plan” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando’s latest effort to open a much-needed homeless shelter drew sharp public backlash as neighbors confronted city officials with fears it would bring crime to their area and harm property values. Over 100 people crowded into a room at the Wadeview Community Center, where City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and Lisa Portelli, a senior adviser on homelessness to Mayor Buddy Dyer, took questions for about an hour and a half. The shelter is slated for a former county Work Release Center on Kaley Street in the city’s SoDo area. Some attendees feared people would leave the shelter during the day and trek a mile east to their neighborhood streets and park, while others were concerned about nearby schools. None who peppered Orlando officials with questions said they were supportive of the idea. “Our area is only just now starting to become a beautiful place,” one woman said. “Don’t do that to our neighborhood.”
“‘I was blindsided’: Ormond Beach Mayor responds to criticism over TV news appearance” via Brenno Carillo of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie said he was “blindsided” last month when two City Commissioners condemned his appearance in a Channel 6 news segment. The Mayor tagged along with a TV crew to tour what the broadcast piece later described as the city’s “best-kept secrets.” City Commissioner Kristi Deaton and Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland criticized Leslie at a Feb. 19 meeting for sharing “inaccurate” information and “misrepresenting” the city in the segment. The Commissioners also called out Leslie for not informing the city’s public information officer that he had been approached by the TV crew, which Deaton said is “protocol” whenever media outlets try to contact City Commission members.
“Ocala prison guard faces 15-plus years on contraband tobacco rap” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Federal corrections officer Michael Jason Brooks, 37, of Citra, faces potential prison time himself after being accused of accepting cash to smuggle contraband to an inmate. The Department of Justice alleges that on June 12, 2024, while working at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, Brooks knowingly agreed to receive money in exchange for introducing contraband into the federal prison. That same day, Brooks provided tobacco, a prohibited item, to an inmate. If convicted, transporting banned tobacco could earn him six months, while the bribery charge could result in a 15-year sentence. The U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting it.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Brian Scott will seek second term on Pinellas County Commission” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Commissioner Scott will run for re-election to a second term. Scott, a Republican Commission Chair this year, was first elected in 2022, defeating Democratic incumbent Pat Gerard and flipping the Board red. It came eight years after Gerard was the one to flip the Commission blue in 2014 and represented what has become a seismic shift in Pinellas County politics that now favors Republicans. Scott is now part of a 6-1 supermajority. Scott is the president of Escot Bus Lines, a family-owned business in Florida. In his campaign announcement, he pointed to success running the company as a template for success in government and offered a hat tip to Trump’s government efficiency efforts.
“Florida State’s settlement with the ACC leaves USF fans wondering what comes next” via Joe Henderson of Green Gold and Bold — The settlement of the lawsuits between Florida State and Clemson against the Atlantic Coast Conference is being interpreted as a “Get Out This Conference Card” for the Seminoles. It dramatically reduces the exit fee FSU would have to pay and is seen by many as a smashing victory for FSU. Our big question is what it means for the Bulls. If FSU and Clemson find new homes, it seems logical that the ACC would want a second team in Florida, which would probably mean USF. ESPN appears to be driving conference realignment, which is another wild card. USF reportedly makes about $9 million from the American Athletic Conference’s media rights deal with ESPN. With the support of university leadership, Athletics Director Michael Kelly has USF positioned to be a conference expansion target.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may have to leave downtown Jacksonville due to DOGE cuts” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A massive government agency with reach throughout much of Florida is apparently being told to vacate its offices in downtown Jacksonville. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is being told to get out of the facilities in the Prudential Building on the South Bank in the city’s urban business district. The federal agency, which houses 800 employees in that building, is falling under the ax of DOGE. An internal email circulated in the Jacksonville offices of the U.S. Army Corps explaining that the agency has until Aug. 31 to find a new location.
“Jury will hear controversial jail call between Donna Adelson and her son Charlie Adelson” via Julie Montanaro of WCTV — A jury will get to hear a controversial recording of a jail phone call between Donna Adelson and her just-convicted son Charlie Adelson during her upcoming trial. She’s expected to stand trial on June 3 in the 2014 murder-for-hire of her former son-in-law and FSU law professor Dan Markel. Circuit Judge Stephen Everett issued a ruling Monday that was unsealed Tuesday, denying defense claims that portions of the recording were illegal and should not be introduced as evidence against her. The phone call in question happened on November 7, 2023, one day after Charlie Adelson was convicted in the murder-for-hire of his former brother-in-law Markel.
“Clemson, Florida State settlement keeps ACC afloat while signaling league’s demise” via Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated — Picturing what the Atlantic Coast Conference, or any other league, will look like five years hence is guesswork. But it sure seems like the ACC simultaneously kept itself together and signaled its 2030 breakup date on Tuesday. The league and its two internal saboteurs, the Florida State Seminoles and Clemson Tigers, agreed to stop suing each other. That was good for the ACC and its other 16 members. They also decided to use uneven revenue distribution tied to competitive success (a while ago) and TV ratings (that part is new). And they set a diminishing exit fee for leaving the league, from $165 million in 2026 to a relative bargain escape rate of $75 million in ’30–31.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Five arrested, nearly 60 illegal slot machines seized in Sarasota County illegal gambling investigation” via Katlyn Fernandez of WFLA — The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that five people were arrested on charges related to illegal gambling. The Sheriff’s Office said it worked with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) to arrest 34-year-old Ciara Boles, 29-year-old Stivi Breshani, 26-year-old Emily Gill, 44-year-old Ilir Iskali, and 42-year-old Christine McCormack. Deputies said the arrests were the result of an investigation that began in April 2024 into multiple illegal gambling establishments within the county.
“Homeless Sarasota students on their own now have help with housing” via Saundra Amrhein of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Hundreds of K-12 and early college students in Sarasota and Manatee counties — and thousands more across the state — are homeless, numbers that have been on the rise. Now, a new program in Sarasota County will help assist young people, an often-overlooked subset of homeless students who suffer unique challenges. Experts call this subset “unaccompanied homeless students and youth,” which means they are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. Though their numbers are smaller than other homeless populations, their need for safe, affordable housing is the same. What’s more, experts say, the personal and societal impact of homelessness among unaccompanied students can have catastrophic, lifelong consequences.
— TOP OPINION —
“How tariffs will make America poorer” via The Washington Post editorial board — Trump’s early actions have shown disregard for democratic institutions and the federal bureaucracy, but his recent tariff impositions on Mexico, Canada, and China may directly harm his voter base.
The tariffs, 25% on Canada and Mexico (except for Canadian oil at 10%) and 10% more on existing tariffs on Chinese goods, are projected to raise prices and cut jobs in the U.S.
China has already retaliated with tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Canada announced a 25% tariff on $21 billion in U.S. goods, which will be expanded to an additional $87 billion worth of goods in 21 days.
This could cost the typical U.S. household about $1,245 in lost purchasing power. The auto industry, which is highly integrated in North America, would be particularly affected.
Though retaliation will hurt U.S. partners, the lost jobs and higher prices in America might politically benefit them in weakening Republicans’ chances of keeping control of Congress in the next election.
As for those affected, Trump urged farmers to “Have fun!” The tariffs sent the S&P 500 plunging.
— OPINIONS —
“How COVID remade America” via David Wallace-Wells of The New York Times — America is a harsher place, more self-interested and nakedly transactional. We barely trust one another and are less sure we owe our fellow Americans anything — let alone the rest of the world. The ascendant right is junking our institutions, and liberals have grown skeptical of them, too, though we can’t agree about how exactly they failed us. A growing health libertarianism insists on bodily autonomy out of anger about pandemic mitigation and faith that personal behavior can ward off infection and death. And the most significant social and technological experiment of our time, artificial intelligence, promises a kind of exit from the realm of human flesh and microbes into one built by code. We tell ourselves we’ve moved on and hardly talk about the disease or all the people who died or the way the trauma and tumult have transformed us. But COVID changed everything around us.
“Saffie Joseph: Slot machines over stallions? Florida’s horse racing future is at risk” via Florida Politics — Legislation in Tallahassee, HB 105/SB 408, threatens Florida’s $3.24 billion Thoroughbred racing industry by potentially eliminating live racing requirements for permit holders. Critics argue the bill, touted as a solution to “save” Florida Thoroughbreds, would transform racing facilities into mere gaming centers, undermining a vital part of the state’s heritage. The proposed decoupling – severing gaming from live racing – is seen as a betrayal of the industry’s commitment to the animals and the community, jeopardizing countless jobs and a way of life for those dedicated to the sport. Opponents are urging action to protect Florida racing’s future.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“ESPN’s ‘Around the Horn’ canceled after 23 years” via Greg Rosenstein of NBC News — “Around the Horn,” an ESPN discussion and debate show that has been a staple on the sports network for more than 23 years, will air its final episode on May 23, the company announced Tuesday. The program premiered on Nov. 4, 2002, with host Max Kellerman and produced more than 4,900 episodes. After Kellerman left ESPN for Fox Sports, Tony Reali took over in 2004 and has been at the helm since. “Around the Horn has had a remarkable run of over two decades. That kind of longevity in media is incredibly rare, and we look forward to celebrating the show’s many accomplishments before the final sign-off in May,” David Roberts, ESPN executive VP and executive editor of sports news and entertainment, said.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay. Also celebrating today are Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin and David Lawrence Jr.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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The nation’s top public health agency says about 180 employees who were laid off two weeks ago can come back to work.
Emails went out Tuesday to some Centers for Disease Control and Prevention probationary employees who got termination notices last month, according to current and former CDC employees.
A message seen by the Associated Press was sent with the subject line, “Read this e-mail immediately.” It said that “after further review and consideration,” a Feb. 15 termination notice has been rescinded and the employee was cleared to return to work on Wednesday. “You should return to duty under your previous work schedule,” it said. “We apologize for any disruption that this may have caused.”
About 180 people received reinstatement emails, according to two federal health officials who were briefed on the tally but were not authorized to discuss it and spoke on condition of anonymity.
It’s not clear how many of the reinstated employees returned to work Wednesday. And it’s also unclear whether the employees would be spared from widespread job cuts that are expected soon across government agencies.
The CDC is the latest federal agency trying to coax back workers soon after they were dismissed as part of President Donald Trump’s and billionaire Elon Musk’s cost-cutting purge. Similar reversals have been made among employees responsible for medical device oversight, food safety, bird flu response, nuclear weapons and national parks.
The Atlanta-based CDC is charged with protecting Americans from outbreaks and other public health threats. Before the job cuts, the agency had about 13,000 employees.
Last month, Trump administration officials told the CDC that nearly 1,300 of the agency’s probationary employees would be let go. That tally quickly changed, as the number who actually got termination notices turned out to be 700 to 750.
With 180 more people now being told they can return, the actual number of CDC employees terminated so far would seem to stand somewhere around 550. But federal health officials haven’t confirmed any specifics.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month pledged “ radical transparency ” at the department, but HHS officials have not provided detail about CDC staff changes and did not respond to emailed requests on Tuesday and Wednesday. An agency spokesman, Andrew Nixon, previously told the AP only that CDC had more full-time employees after the job cuts than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who received reinstatement emails included outbreak responders in two fellowship programs — a two-year training that prepares recent graduates to enter the public health workforce through field experience and a laboratory program that brings in doctorate-holding professionals.
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock celebrated the reinstatements, but said it’s not enough.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome relief, but until all fired CDC employees are restored, our country’s public health and national security will continue to be at risk,” Warnock, a Georgia Democrat, said in a statement Wednesday.
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Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
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Hello everyone; Peter’s wife Michelle here.
As many of you know, Peter is having surgery later today. A lot of you also know that when things like this come up for the rest of us, Peter usually rallies support to help his colleagues, family and friends through tough times, whether it’s a medical journey or some other major life event or change.
Now it’s our turn to rally for him.
You all know that Peter would never volunteer to go under the knife during a Legislative Session unless it was absolutely necessary. This surgery will provide him with the relief that he needs and deserves, but he’ll have a tough go of it in the short-term. So, I humbly ask you to give him a bit of a break today and over the weekend. I understand Sunburn will take a quick break on Friday due to the surgery.
Peter, Ella and I would also appreciate your thoughts and prayers — for his speedy recovery and for the surgeons and medical team at St Anthony’s to have steady hands as they treat him.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
—@NateSilver538: Oh geez, I just saw the news about 538. My heart goes out to the people there. They were tremendously hardworking and produced a lot of extremely valuable data and insight for everyone who wants to understand politics better. They deserved much better.
—@ClareMalone: 538 closing is a very sad end to a place that was always misunderstood by the companies that owned it. There are lots of smart people there who should be snapped up. Reach out!
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
—@Cobratate: It’s a strange feeling to be so adored that when you go on a two-week holiday to Miami the entire world talks about it. It’s wild. I’m going back to Romania in a few days anyway.
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Formula 1: Drive to Survive’ returns to Netflix — 1; Puerto Rico Day in Tallahassee — 4; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 5; 10th annual Red Dog Blue Dog charity event — 13; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day — 22; Special Election for CD 1 and Senate District 19 Special Primary — 26; Final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ premieres — 33; ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ with Jon Hamm premieres on Apple+ — 36; ‘The Last of Us’ season two premieres — 38; ‘Andor’ season two premieres — 47; ‘The Accountant 2’ premieres — 50; Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour begins in Los Angeles — 53; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres – 57; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting — 68; Florida Chamber 2025 Leadership Conference on Safety; Health + Sustainability — 70; Epic Universe grand opening — 77; Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ premieres — 78; ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ premieres — 78; Florida Chamber 2025 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 84; ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premieres — 85; 2025 Tony Awards — 94; Special Election for SD 19 — 96; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 97; Florida Chamber 2025 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 110; ‘Squid Game’ season three premieres — 113; James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ premieres — 127; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premieres on Netflix — 141; ‘Fantastic Four – First Steps’ premieres – 141; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 153; Florida Chamber 2025 Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 159; 2025 Emmys — 192; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 195; 2025 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting — 235; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 260; 2025 Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 272; 2025 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 272; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 286; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres – 288; Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 337; ‘Avengers 5’ premieres – 425; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres – 442; FIFA World Cup 26™ final – 463; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres – 653; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres – 793; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres – 939; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1,226; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1,342; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres – 1,742; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres – 2,473.
— TOP STORY —
“Target was first. But Florida plans to come after more companies soon.” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida is poised to become a significant force in holding corporate America accountable, as DeSantis and the state’s pension fund trustees have approved a $20 million litigation fund aimed at aggressively pursuing lawsuits against companies.
This move signals a significant shift in strategy. It empowers the Florida Retirement System, which manages approximately $200 billion, to challenge corporate actions deemed detrimental to shareholders and scrutinize corporate governance practices.
The decision follows the state’s recent lawsuit against Target, which alleges that the retailer misled investors with an LGBTQ marketing campaign that caused financial losses.
Chris Spencer, executive director of the State Board of Administration (SBA), emphasized that while Florida would be more assertive in exploring litigation, the primary goal is encouraging companies to adopt measures that enhance their financial success.
Some lawsuits may focus on prompting companies to reevaluate their governance structures rather than solely seeking monetary damages.
The new rules grant Spencer greater authority to initiate lawsuits with just a five-day notice to the Governor and other trustees, streamlining the process and addressing concerns that previous regulations put the state at a disadvantage.
Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that companies engaging in “radical ideological politics” would be held accountable. This initiative underscores Florida’s commitment to safeguarding the financial interests of its retirees and signals a willingness to challenge corporate practices that deviate from traditional business objectives.
The move builds on Florida’s past actions, including targeting companies with restricted business activities in Israel and criticizing financial institutions’ use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) regulations.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“Joe Gruters backs off ‘Gulf of America Trail’ bill” via Katlyn Fernandez of WFLA — Sen. Gruters has withdrawn the controversial “Gulf of America Trail” renaming provision from his bill affecting Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). Citing community feedback, Gruters stated the change was an “unnecessary distraction” from his other legislative priorities. The bill initially proposed renaming the portion of U.S. 41 spanning multiple counties from S.R. 60 to U.S. 1. However, a separate section of the bill remains under consideration, mandating state agencies and School Boards to incorporate “Gulf of America” into their teaching materials. Gruters aims to focus on community-driven initiatives without the hurdle of the road-renaming debate.
“Jonathan Martin files bill to strengthen human trafficking penalties” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — Sen. Martin has filed a bill (SB 1804) that would impose stricter penalties for crimes involving sex trafficking, especially those that involve children or individuals with mental incapacities. The measure continues lawmakers’ efforts to fight back against these crimes. The bill states that human trafficking is a “form of modern-day slavery,” violating all “standards of decency” in society and adds that these crimes “destroy the innocence of young children.” Severe penalties would be established for offenders, which can include capital punishment or life in prison for trafficking children under the age of 12 or individuals with mental incapacities. The range of penalties is dependent on the severity of the crime.
“Families praise Clay Yarborough’s proposed ‘free kill’ repeal, but health care pros say it’s inoperable” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation that would upend Florida’s unique law barring many medical malpractice lawsuits is again advancing in the Senate. Families who had little recourse after losing loved ones say change is needed to bring overdue justice to the state’s health care market. Opponents, most of them in the medical or insurance fields, warn it will make an already expensive industry unaffordable for patients and practitioners. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-2 to advance SB 734, which would repeal a 35-year-old state statute — 768.21(8) — prohibiting adult children and their parents from collecting negligence and noneconomic damages for medical malpractice. The law, which detractors have dubbed “free kill,” applies to anyone over 25 seeking medical care in the state, including residents and visitors.
“‘This bill will save lives’: Senate advances Lori Berman bill to lower costs for breast cancer tests” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A Senate Committee advanced a bill to eliminate out-of-pocket medical expenses for breast cancer exams. SB 158 is meant to encourage people to get early medical treatment and not get bogged down by co-pays, said Sen. Berman, a cancer survivor who sponsored the bill. The bill passed Wednesday through the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, where Berman is the Vice Chair. “If you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, ‘We see something. You need supplemental testing,’ then the bill would waive the co-pay for the next appointment to get the additional testing,” Berman said.
“Tom Leek bill targets ‘academic boycott’ of Israel” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — An Ormond Beach Republican wants to expand a state ban against companies discriminating against Israel to colleges and universities. Sen. Leek’s SB 1678 suggests anti-Israeli actions by schools and non-governmental agencies amount to an “academic boycott” and merit the cessation of state contracts and grants with those entities on the wrong side of the ideological conflict. These entities would have 90 days to correct their non-compliance and be removed from what would be called the Scrutinized Companies or Other Entities that Boycott Israel List under this proposal. Otherwise, the state would divest itself of contracts with them.
“Rain delayed: Ileana Garcia’s weather modification bill temporarily postponed” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — A bill prohibiting weather modification activities in the Sunshine State has been temporarily put on hold. Sen. Garcia filed the measure (SB 56) that would put more significant fines for anyone who operates a weather modification operation, increasing from $500 to $100,000. The legislation was set to be heard by the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government on Wednesday but was temporarily postponed by Garcia. If the measure does find its way into law, the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of Florida for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather or intensity of sunlight would be prohibited.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“Cabinet approves Ryals Citrus and Cattle easement, offering a conservation win for Peace River” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Florida Cabinet has approved a conservation easement for Ryals Citrus and Cattle in Charlotte County, representing what many believe to be a victory for land and water conservation in the state and, more specifically, to the Peace River area. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) secured the conservation easement. The Ryals family’s operation, spanning nearly 6,700 acres, has faced increasing development pressure as the Punta Gorda Metropolitan Statistical Area — the fifth-fastest-growing region in the country — experiences rapid urbanization.
“Democrats see Republican leaders in Legislature borrowing a lot of their ideas” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — When Florida Republicans promised a bold conservative agenda this Session, Democrats couldn’t help noticing how often policies championed start from lawmakers in the back rows. Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo noted in his official response to DeSantis’ State of the State address that the Governor called for curbing illegal immigration. Yet Pizzo filed the first E-Verify bill for consideration this year. Rep. Berny Jacques, Republican, later filed another E-Verify bill for all private employers, which lacks a Republican Senate companion. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are eager to investigate allegations of insurance companies hiding profits while denying claims, something Perez called for in his opening day remarks, following a call already issued by House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell last month.
“Hemp industry supports regulation, but wants it to be fair” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Panelists from the Florida hemp industry and business executives who interact with it offered insight during a meeting of the Combined Workgroup on Hemp on how best to protect consumers while also creating a level playing field at all levels of the industry, from seed to buyer. The group included farm owners, retailers and beverage industry executives. Each offered varying words of caution — from too much self-regulation of crops to kids being able to get their hands on potentially dangerous products containing THC. House Speaker Daniel Perez established the work group to discuss possible hemp regulation after DeSantis vetoed a bill that cleared the Legislature last year. DeSantis cited concerns that it may hinder small businesses that operate within or adjacent to the hemp industry.
— FOR YOUR RADAR —
Legis Sked
8:30 a.m.: House Justice Budget Subcommittee, Room 314, House Office Building.
Site Visit to the Department of Corrections Wakulla Correctional Institution.
9 a.m.: House Government Operations Subcommittee, Room 404, House Office Building.
HB 0241, Operating Motor Vehicles at Slow Speeds (Cross).
HB 0267, Motorcycle Specialty License Plates (Basabe).
HB 1205, Initiative Petitions for Constitutional Amendments (Persons-Mulicka).
9 a.m.: House Student Academic Success Subcommittee, Room 102, House Office Building.
Discussion of support for students, parents, and teachers to improve student academic performance.
9 a.m.: Senate Fiscal Policy, Room 412, Knott Building.
SB 0112, Children with Developmental Disabilities (Harrell).
9 a.m.: State Board of Executive Clemency.
9:30 a.m.: Joint EDR: Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference, Room 117, Knott Building.
Topic: Voluntary PreK and School Readiness (EDR).
10:30 a.m.: J EDR: Early Learning Programs Estimating Conference, Room 117, Knott Building.
Topic: School Readiness (EDR)
1 p.m.: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Room 404, House Office Building.
HB 0175, Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officers and Others (Baker).
HB 0205, Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters (Griffitts Jr.).
HB 0421, Peer Support for First Responders (Maggard).
HB 0479, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Only Damage to Vehicles (Daley).
HB 0513, Electronic Transmittal of Court Orders (Gentry).
HB 0693, Aggravating Factors for Capital Felonies (Redondo).
HB 4007, Compensation for Health Care Services for Inmates in Martin County (Snyder).
HB 0019, Victims of Domestic Violence and Dating Violence (Hinson).
HB 0041 – Public Records and Meetings/Victims of Domestic Violence (Hinson).
HB 0057, Offenses Involving Xylazine (Plakon).
HB 0289, Boating Safety (Oliver).
HB 0383, Concealed Carry Licensing Requirements for Law Enforcement (Holcomb).
1 p.m.: House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, Room 212, Knott Building.
HB 0139, Pawn Broker Transaction Forms (López).
HB 0195, Education in Correctional Facilities for Licensed Professionals (Chambliss).
HB 0339, Licensure Requirements for Surveyors and Mappers (Abbott).
HB 6015, Limitation of Size of Individual Wine Containers (Oliver).
1 p.m.: House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, Room 17, House Office Building.
HB 0069, Regulation of Presidential Libraries (Andrade).
HB 0623, Pub. Rec./County and City Administrators and Managers (Gerwig).
HB 4009, St. Augustine-St. Johns County Airport Authority, St. Johns (Kendall).
HB 4017, Bermont Drainage District, Charlotte County (Oliver).
HB 4023, Officers and Employees of North Springs Improvement District (Hunschofsky).
HB 4045, City Pension Fund for Firefighters and Police Officers (Alvarez).
IAS1, County Constitutional Officer Budget Processes (Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee).
4:30 p.m.: House Combined Workgroup on Hemp, Room 212, Knott Building.
Workgroup Member Discussion on Hemp.
— LOBBY REGS —
Brett Bacot, Mike Grissom, Pierce Schuessler, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: TacMed, Cops Direct
Brian Ballard, Matthew Forrest, Ballard Partners: Arion Holdings
Halsey Beshears, The Legis Group: Floridians For Responsible Cannabis
Amy Bisceglia, Nickolas Lowe, Shumaker Advisors Florida: The Family Healthcare Foundation, Warrior321
Emily Buckley: A. Duda & Sons
Kimberly Case, Lawrence Sellers, Holland & Knight: TAH Operations
Steve Crisafulli, Samuel Powell, SBM Partners: Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, University of Florida Foundation
Mary DeLoach, Wendy Dodge, Sydney Ridley, Jon Stewart, Olivia Vairo, The Southern Group: New Hope CORPS, SchooLinks, Asolo Theatre
John Forehand, Robert Spickard, Kurkin Forehand Brandes: Florida Automobile Dealers Association
Bill Helmich, Helmich Consulting: Lume Hemp Company
Robert Holroyd, Tripp Scott, TSE Consulting: Green Sentry Holdings
Kelly Horton, Heffley & Associates: Florida School Book Depository
Natalie Kato, Natalie Kato: Alliance for Commercial Real Estate
Ryan Matthews, Joseph Salzverg, Jason Ugner, GrayRobinson: Jimmy Levy Revocable Trust, Community Care Plan
Cragin Mosteller: Florida Association of Counties
Gabriela Navarro, Ronald L. Book: Pacesetter Personnel Services
Bill Rubin, Heather Turnball, Kevin Comerer, Stephanie Howell, Zachary Hubbard, Rubin, Turnbull & Associates: Agudath Israel of South Florida, Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, Concorde Career Colleges
Kimberly Shugar, Arrow Group Consulting: Polk County Board of County Commissioners
William Sklar, Carlton Fields: Friends & Supporters of The Ringling
Carlos Trujillo, Continental Strategy: St. Johns County
Derek Whitis, Whitis Consulting: Heritage Land Company
Jileah Wilder, Becker & Poliakof: City of Opa-locka
— 100 DAYS —
“U.S. holding secret talks with Hamas” via Barak Ravid of Axios — The Donald Trump administration has been holding direct talks with Hamas over the release of U.S. hostages held in Gaza and the possibility of a broader deal to end the war. The talks — held by U.S. presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler — are unprecedented. The U.S. had never before engaged directly with Hamas, which it designated a terrorist organization in 1997. The meetings between Boehler and Hamas officials took place in Doha recently. While the Trump administration consulted with Israel about the possibility of engaging with Hamas, Israel learned about aspects of the talks through other channels. The talks have focused in part on the release of U.S. hostages, which is within Boehler’s remit as hostage envoy.
“Supreme Court says judge can force Donald Trump administration to pay foreign aid” via Justin Jouvenal, Annie Gowen and Ann E. Marimow of The Washington Post — A sharply divided Supreme Court on Wednesday denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court order on foreign aid funding, clearing the way for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to restart nearly $2 billion in payments for work already done. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the Court’s three liberal justices in the 5-4 order, which was the High Court’s first significant move on lawsuits related to Trump’s initiatives in his second term. As is customary in emergency orders, the majority did not explain the reasoning for their decision. It directed the lower court to clarify what obligations the government must fulfill to global health groups, with consideration of the “feasibility of any compliance timelines.”
“Trump’s lawyers just made a $2 billion mistake” via Ian Millhiser of Vox — The Supreme Court handed down a very brief order that effectively requires the government to pay foreign aid contractors as much as $2 billion for work they’ve already completed. The Court’s order is relatively narrow and is unlikely to have many implications for future cases. Shortly after Trump took office for a second time, his administration attempted to halt funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Wednesday’s Supreme Court order is the latest chapter in ongoing litigation over whether cutting off this funding is legal. In that order, the Supreme Court leaves in place a lower court decision that forbade the administration from “suspending, pausing, or otherwise preventing the obligation or disbursement of appropriated foreign-assistance funds” that had been authorized as of Jan. 19.
“How pausing U.S. intelligence impacts Ukraine’s military operation” via Paul Adams of BBC — The precise significance of U.S. intelligence to Ukraine’s war effort has, for obvious reasons, never been spelled out in detail. But most analysts agree that it performs two essential functions: helping Ukraine to plan offensive operations against Russian forces and giving Kyiv vital advance warning of threats posed by incoming Russian drones and missiles. Satellite information and signal intercepts give Ukrainian forces on the front line a sense of where Russian forces are, their movements and likely intentions. Without U.S. intelligence, Ukraine cannot effectively use long-range Western weaponry, like the U.S.-made Himars launchers or Stormshadow missiles supplied by Britain and France.
“China retaliates against Trump tariffs as superpower trade war escalates” via Keith Bradsher of The New York Times — Minutes after Trump’s latest tariffs took effect, the Chinese government said on Tuesday that it was imposing its own broad tariffs on food imported from the United States and would essentially halt sales to 15 American companies. China’s Ministry of Finance put tariffs of 15% on imports of American chicken, wheat, corn and cotton and 10% tariffs on other foods, ranging from soybeans to dairy products. In addition, the Ministry of Commerce said 15 U.S. companies would no longer be allowed to buy products from China except with special permission, including Skydio, the most prominent American maker of drones and a U.S. military and emergency services supplier.
“Immigrant labor fuels U.S. economy, but Trump’s crackdown mostly ignores it” via Tim Sullivan and Rebecca Boone of The Associated Press — The Trump administration is touting an immigration crackdown that includes putting shackled immigrants on U.S. military planes, expanding agents’ arrests of people here illegally and abandoning programs that gave some permission to stay. One tool that’s conspicuously absent from Trump’s efforts to reduce illegal immigration is going after the businesses that hire workers who are in the U.S. illegally. A 30-year-old government system called E-Verify makes it easy to check if potential employees can legally work in the U.S.
“Frustration grows inside the White House over pace of deportations” via Hamed Aleaziz and Zolan Kanno-Youngs of The New York Times — Just about every week since taking office, Trump called Thomas D. Homan, the enforcer of his immigration agenda, looking for an update on mass deportations. How is it going at the border? What do the arrest numbers look like? Are sanctuary cities still standing in the way of the crackdown? Homan’s typical response serves as something of a reality check for the President, whose campaign promise to deport millions of people is colliding with the practical difficulties of detaining immigrants and then transporting them across the globe. “We need to increase the arrests,” Homan told Trump. “They’re not high enough.”
“Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo” via Stephen Groves of The Associated Press — The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a reorganization that includes cutting over 80,000 jobs from the sprawling agency that provides health care for retired military members. The VA’s Chief of Staff, Christopher Syrek, told top-level officials at the agency that it had an objective to cut enough employees to return to 2019 staffing levels of just under 400,000. That would require terminating tens of thousands of employees after the VA expanded during the Joe Biden administration, as well as covering veterans impacted by burn pits under the 2022 PACT Act. The memo instructs top-level staff to prepare for an agencywide reorganization in August to “resize and tailor the workforce to the mission and revised structure.”
“Trump can remove federal watchdog who fought to reinstate thousands of fired workers, appeals court rules” via Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney of POLITICO — A federal appeals court is allowing Trump to fire an official who investigates complaints from the federal workforce, lifting a lower court’s injunction that barred Trump from removing Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger. The Justice Department argued that Dellinger’s continued work as a federal ethics watchdog undermined Trump’s agenda. In particular, Dellinger has spearheaded a recent effort to reinstate thousands of probationary workers who were fired amid Trump’s overhaul of the federal bureaucracy.
“Trump administration deletes list of hundreds of federal buildings targeted for potential sale” via Jill Colvin and Michael R. Sisak of The Associated Press — The Trump administration on Tuesday published a list of more than 440 federal properties it had identified to close or sell, including the FBI headquarters and the main Department of Justice building, after deeming them “not core to government operations.” Hours later, however, the administration issued a revised list with only 320 entries — none in Washington, D.C. By Wednesday morning, the list was gone entirely. “Non-core property list (Coming soon),” the page read. The General Services Administration, which published the lists, did not immediately respond to questions about the changes or why the properties that had been listed had been removed.
— STATEWIDE —
“Florida leaders face federal bureaucracy roadblocks in illegal immigration crackdown” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Florida state troopers and local law enforcement who are being called on to help with the federal government’s illegal immigration crackdown say they are facing difficulties getting access to records from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Florida leaders say they are talking to the Department of Homeland Security to allow local law enforcement officials to access ICE’s database on immigration statuses. “We’ve got to share data,” said Florida’s new immigration czar, Larry Keefe, during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting with DeSantis and other state officials. Keefe said he is working through bureaucracy to gain access by asking the feds, “Show me the federal statute that says that you’re prohibited from doing this. Or is it simply a function of a policy in the Biden administration?’”
“Blocked shots: Ron DeSantis urges permanent ban on vaccine mandates” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis is urging lawmakers to permanently ban mandates for mRNA COVID vaccines, as a law on the books is going to expire this Summer. “You should not be forced to take an mRNA shot against your will,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Tampa with First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. In 2023, DeSantis signed legislation (SB 252) making it illegal for businesses or governments to fire or refuse to hire employees because of their vaccination status, among other provisions. “It is the intent of the Legislature that Floridians be free from mandated facial coverings, mandates of any kind relating to vaccines,” the bill said. But the legislation also included a sunset date of June 2025.
“DeSantis, Joseph Ladapo cast doubts on flu, measles vaccines” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Ladapo and DeSantis are offering their takes on the potential perils of standard vaccinations. During a news conference on Wednesday, the two held forth on the possible dangers of shots for measles and influenza during their latest in a series of news conferences casting doubt on vaccinations. Ladapo weaved in discussions of gender identity and the Holocaust into his remarks. Ladapo said doctors in Texas were “moaning and groaning” about “how everyone should be taking the measles vaccine.”
“Byron Donalds backs James Uthmeier’s probe of Andrew and Tristan Tate” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Donalds is on board with a state criminal investigation of Andrew and Tristan Tate. “I think those allegations have to be fully investigated, and that we go from there,” Donalds said on CBS News. “The key thing is, we don’t tolerate the trafficking of women or, frankly, the abuse of women. We do not tolerate that. So, if the Attorney General finds cause under Florida law to investigate that, then I wish him the best, and I support whatever he’s going to do on that matter.” Uthmeier announced that his office is using the “full force of law,” including “secured and executed subpoenas and warrants,” in an “active criminal investigation” against the Tates. While the brothers have never lived in Florida until they landed in Fort Lauderdale last week, they are charged with human trafficking in Romania.
“Universities find themselves in the DOGE house” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — State lawmakers have Florida’s public universities in their sights as they look to scale back spending with their own DOGE-style efforts. The state House, on the Legislature’s opening day, began probing university expenses by scrutinizing costs racked up by former University of Florida President and U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, alongside other schools that were questioned in state audits. “There are expenses, wasteful spending, that I am sure happen at the universities the same way that they do in any of our agencies, or any other bucket of government that we’ve been funding for the last several decades,” state House Speaker Danny Perez told reporters Tuesday. “It’s our job to look into that.”
“Florida rethinks use of cameras to enforce school speed zones” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — In an attempt to deter speeding in school zones, municipalities across Florida over the past year have set up cameras to record violations and established fines for wrongdoers. The effort has yielded thousands of citations in several areas. It also has generated a growing number of complaints from drivers who contend they were wrongly accused. Similar issues have arisen with the use of cameras to catch drivers illegally passing school buses.
— MORE D.C. MATTERS —
“Ashley Moody asserts Republicans just became the ‘new party of women’” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Sen. Moody said a vote on girls’ sports proves Republicans just became “the new party of women.” The remark came during an opening reception for Rescuing the American Dream’s first summit, which kicked off Wednesday evening in Washington. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is headlining the event, focusing on how conservatives can advance Trump’s agenda during his first 100 days in office. Senate Republicans say they did their part when they tried to pass a ban on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. But the measure failed on Monday to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to break a Senate filibuster. No Democrat supported advancing the bill. Attorney General Pam Bondi was also in attendance at the summit and said she was flabbergasted that the proposal drew no Democratic support.
“Pam Bondi touts success over terrorists, international gangs during first month as Attorney General” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Attorney General Bondi said it wasn’t long ago she had to convince members of her party that fentanyl represented a criminal threat. Now, she finds it amazing Democrats show reluctance to celebrate the arrests of international gangs. But just over a month after the Floridian was confirmed as Trump’s top law enforcement officer, Bondi feels confident the U.S. will lead successful efforts to stop organized crime around the globe. “MS-13, Tren de Aragua, all of these gangs that are now terrorist organizations, we are going to make our streets safe,” Bondi said.
“White House to overhaul $42.5bn Joe Biden-era internet plan – probably to Elon Musk’s advantage” via Stephanie Kirchgaessner of The Guardian — The Trump administration is preparing to overhaul a $42.5bn Biden-era program designed to connect tens of millions of rural Americans to reliable and affordable high-speed internet, in a move that is expected to benefit Musk. Howard Lutnick, the commerce department secretary who oversees the federal program, recently told senior officials inside the department that he wants to make significant changes to the federal program. Instead of promoting an expensive build-out of fiber optic networks, Lutnick has said he wants states to choose the internet technology that would be low cost for taxpayers.
“NIH reels with fear, uncertainty about future of scientific research” via Carolyn Y. Johnson and Joel Achenbach of The Washington Post — In just six weeks, the Trump administration overturned NIH’s leadership, slowed its primary mission of identifying the best new science to fund and silenced personnel at the biggest sponsor of biomedical research in the world — a nearly $48 billion enterprise that supports the work of some 300,000 external scientists. “It’s terrible. It’s awful. People are afraid to open their emails,” one NIH senior scientist said. Even in a climate of fear, NIH employees say they want to protect their institution. They worry this winter of disruption may be causing lasting damage to the way science is conducted in the United States.
“House passes Vern Buchanan-backed expansion of chronic disease coverage” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The House has passed legislation championed by U.S. Rep. Buchanan that could expand chronic disease coverage nationwide. The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (HR 919) cleared the House chamber. If the bill becomes law, it will allow employers offering high-deductible health plan coverage for employees to include pre-deductible coverage for certain health care services that treat common chronic illnesses. “With six in 10 Americans living with at least one chronic disease, it is clear that we must expand options for people to manage their chronic health conditions,” said Buchanan, Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. In remarks on the floor, Buchanan said the cost of chronic diseases accounts for $1 trillion in spending in the American economy. It also accounts for a high percentage of preventable deaths, he said.
“Donalds bucks NRCC, commits to town hall” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) advises members not to hold town hall events amid outrage over federal firings. But U.S. Rep. Donalds is disregarding calls to avoid the public. “I’m doing a town hall in a couple of weeks,” said Donalds while appearing on the “Ingraham Angle.” “And look, I would tell any Democrat that wants to come out there and AstroTurf my town hall, bring it because we’re going to talk the truth, we’re going to talk about what’s really going on. I’m not afraid of you. It’s about time we get down to business here in D.C.”
“Jack Daniel’s maker says Canada pulling U.S. alcohol off shelves ‘worse than tariff’” via Savyata Mishra of Reuters — Jack Daniel’s maker Brown-Forman’s CEO Lawson Whiting said Canadian provinces taking American liquor off store shelves was “worse than a tariff” and a “disproportionate response” to levies imposed by the Trump administration. Several Canadian provinces have taken U.S. liquor off store shelves as part of retaliatory measures against Trump’s tariffs. Canadians are steering away from U.S. goods, sports events, and trips following the recent tariffs, which have stirred them despite the deep ties between the two countries.
— ELECTIONS —
“Four candidates to compete in Republican Primary for soon-to-be-vacant Florida Senate seat” via Dave Berman of Florida Today — Four Republican candidates will be facing off in an April 1 GOP Primary for the soon-to-be-vacant District 19 seat in the Florida Senate, which includes Central and South Brevard County. The seat’s current occupant, Brevard County Republican Randy Fine, is resigning to run for Congress. The candidates include retired economic consultant Marcie Adkins, heavy equipment salesperson Mark Lightner III, former state Sen. Debbie Mayfield and Tim Thomas, a former member of the Melbourne City Council. The winner will face Democrat Vance Ahrens in the June 10 Special General Election.
“Despite suspension and ongoing investigation, Regina Hill files for re-election in Orlando” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Suspended Orlando City Commissioner Hill announced she will seek another term in office despite remaining under criminal investigation. The embattled official told Facebook followers she wants to continue in elected office. “After much reflection, prayer and supplication in response to the enthusiastic requests of many community members, I’ve decided on this day, the beginning of Lent, to submit my paperwork to officially run for re-election for office as the Commissioner of District 5 to continue serving my beloved District 5!” Hill wrote. “It is official; thank you all for your unwavering support and I look forward to continuing the transformative work that has been started and the divine purpose that God has entrusted me to fulfill!”
“Civil, voting rights groups condemn DeSantis’ push to restrict ballot initiatives” via Jackie Llanos of Florida Phoenix — Amid Gov. DeSantis’ push for lawmakers to further restrict Florida’s citizen initiative process, civil and voting rights groups have labeled the move an attack on democracy. The Governor has repeatedly called for the overhaul of citizen-led ballot initiatives even after celebrating the November defeat of proposed constitutional amendments to protect abortion access and legalize recreational marijuana. During a news conference, several groups defended Floridians’ right to amend the Constitution, saying it is citizens’ only recourse when lawmakers refuse to listen to them. “Any effort to undermine that right,” Equal Ground Executive Director Genesis Robinson said, “is an attack on democracy.”
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Forced by Florida, Miami-Dade County jails are now a formal partner with Trump’s ICE” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade County jails could soon be handing out deportation orders to inmates under an agreement required under Florida law that won formal approval this week. County Commissioners approved a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows Miami-Dade to assign some Corrections Department officers to serve federal warrants for deportation on inmates booked into local jails. It’s not clear if that will make deportation more likely for people brought to Miami-Dade’s jail system, which has been turning over inmates to ICE since Trump first took office in 2017. However, the new agreement authorizes county officers to serve the deportation orders they previously had to wait for ICE agents to deliver in person.
“Municipal elections set for March 11 in Broward, Palm Beach counties” via Jesse Scheckner of the South FL 100 — “Seventeen municipalities in Broward and Palm Beach are holding elections Tuesday. In Broward, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach and Miramar are each electing multiple officials. The small, insular village of Sea Ranch Lakes is also having an election but did not respond to an information request. Pembroke Pines, meanwhile, have eight ballot questions but no candidates running for office. In Palm Beach, candidates seek offices in Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Lake Park, Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Loxahatchee Groves, Pahokee, Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach and Royal Palm Beach. Two other municipalities, Gulf and Highland Beach, have ballot questions but no candidates.
“Jupiter election: Voters to choose Mayor, two Council members as town grapples with change” via Maya Washburn of the Palm Beach Post — Two incumbents are seeking re-election in Jupiter’s election Tuesday after three years that saw the town grapple with issues over its growth and the way it serves its 61,000 residents. Both Mayor Jim Kuretski and Council member Malise Sundstrom face opponents in their bids for second terms. Council member Cameron May is running against Kuretski for Mayor, and Sundstrom faces challenges from Linda McDermott and Willie Puz for her District 2 seat. Three candidates — Phyllis Choy, Teri Grooms and Andy Weston — are vying for a District 1 Council seat left vacant when Andy Fore decided not to seek a full term.
“Judge allows Deerfield Beach Mayor candidate to remain on ballot despite residency questions” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Deerfield Beach mayoral candidate Dan Herz can stay on the ballot for Tuesday’s mayoral election, and any questions about his residency qualifications will have to wait until after all the votes are counted. Former candidate Chaz Stevens took Herz, the city and the Broward Supervisor of Elections to court, asking Broward Circuit Judge Keethan Frink to disqualify Herz from the ballot over allegations that the candidate actually lives in Plantation. “Florida law requires candidates to prove they have lived in the city for at least six months,” Stevens said. “If residency were simply about where one sleeps, then an Airbnb guest could run for Mayor.”
“Stricter term limits for office? Proposal could topple Miami’s political dynasties” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — In November, as Miami residents vote on a new Mayor and City Commissioners, they could also weigh in on a proposal to create lifetime term limits for elected officials — a significant shake-up to a system that currently allows elected officials to, under the right circumstances, spend decades in City Hall. Next week, the Miami City Commission is scheduled to take an initial vote on a proposal limiting an elected official to two terms as Mayor and two terms as City Commissioner, capping them at 16 years in office “during their lifetime.” The change would ultimately need to go to the city of Miami voters for approval — possibly as soon as the upcoming November election.
“Fort Lauderdale signs $350K contract with new City Manager from Miami Beach” via Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Rickelle Williams, the Miami Beach Assistant City Manager hired to lead Fort Lauderdale City Hall, says she hopes to stay around awhile. Williams, 39, will take the reins on April 2 after beating out more than 90 candidates for the $350,000-a-year job. In just seven years, she will be Fort Lauderdale’s fifth City Manager in a coastal town facing increasing gridlock, flooding woes, a homeless crisis, and a severe affordable housing shortage. “The search committee saw her as a dynamic, forward-thinking choice who could move the city to the next level,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said before voting on the four-year contract he helped negotiate. “She received strong public support.”
“Some BSO deputies under investigation over Tamarac triple shooting had suspension histories” via Shira Moolten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Some of the nine Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies demoted or suspended following the February triple murder in Tamarac had been investigated in the past over allegations of sexual harassment, conduct unbecoming of an employee and other transgressions, newly released records show. The former head of BSO’s Tamarac District, demoted after the shootings, had faced sexual harassment allegations that were later found “not sustained,” according to newly released Sheriff’s Office records. However, he was recommended counseling for conduct unbecoming of an employee. The documents show that other deputies now under investigation had previously been reprimanded over “discretion,” “technological communications,” and conduct unbecoming allegations. Some had no disciplinary history at all.
“A major Miami hotel is closing for a $100M remodel that will lay off hundreds of workers” via Vinod Sreeharsha of the Miami Herald — Changes are coming to a Key Biscayne luxury resort, and hundreds of South Florida workers will temporarily lose their jobs for at least six months. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, will close in May for what it calls a large-scale renovation. About 425 hotel employees will be laid off. The hotel revealed those plans in a letter to Florida officials, which were required as part of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, a federal law known as WARN. “The temporary layoffs are expected to begin between May 1, 2025, and May 14, 2025, most likely at the close of business on May 1, 2025,” Sandra López, market director of human resources for Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, wrote in the Feb. 24 letter to local and state officials. WARN requires companies with over 100 employees to give public notice before mass layoffs or closure of employment sites.
“Measles confirmed in Miami teenager, the first in Florida this year” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Orlando Sentinel — A teenager in Miami-Dade has a confirmed case of measles, the first such infection in Florida since a small outbreak of the disease in South Florida in 2024. The infection was reported in the Florida Department of Health database for Florida’s infectious and reportable diseases. A Miami-Dade County Public Schools spokesperson confirmed that a Miami Palmetto Senior High School student was infected. The School District has notified the parents of other students at the school. Florida Department of Health officials are working to trace anyone the student may have come into contact with, according to a letter sent to school parents by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. “Due to the high immunity rate in the school, as well as the burden on families and educational cost of healthy children missing school, DOH is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance,” the letter states.
“Judge orders George Pino not to contact Lucy Fernandez’s family following text he sent” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — Pino, the Doral real estate broker charged with the death of a 17-year-old girl in a boat crash two years ago, sent the teen’s parents a text message last week that prompted prosecutors to get a court order for him not to contact the family again for the duration of the case. Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez granted that order, stating Pino can no longer contact the family in person, electronically, through social media or through a third party until after the trial. “We’re going to start fresh. As fresh as we can from this point moving forward,” Tinkler Mendez said. The text appealed to both families’ Catholic faith, but prosecutors said it could be construed as an attempt to intimidate and tamper with the parents, who are witnesses in the state’s case against Pino.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Kissimmee down to two finalists for Police Chief as interim steps down and Deputy Chief steps up” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — A major with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office who took the helm of the Kissimmee Police Department after its Chief resigned in disgrace has left to make way for an Acting Chief: longtime Deputy Chief Wilson Muñoz. Robert Anzueto was tapped to lead the agency after former Chief Betty Holland departed when a botched investigation into an officer accused of excessive force revealed what a grand jury called a “culture of cover-up.” During a City Commission meeting, Mayor Jackie Espinosa announced Anzueto’s departure and Muñoz’s appointment. “We’re going through our changes, but we’re getting there,” Espinosa said about finding a new Chief.
“Kissimmee bans political campaign signs at Civic Center after early-voting chaos” via Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — Chaos fueled by confusion over a policy on posting political signs at Kissimmee Civic Center has resulted in City Commissioners banning them there altogether. Commissioners voted 4-1 to revoke the sign policy they adopted on March 19, regulating them at the center during early voting — ending the only site to allow them in the city. Under the ban, violators could face a fine of up to $150. Commissioner Janette Martinez, the sole dissenting vote, raised concerns about the ability of candidates to promote themselves. “How will it impact the visibility for voters?” Martinez asked. “If there’s absolutely no signs whatsoever … how do we get the word out to people?”
“‘I hope he ain’t killing her’: Sanford cops under review after viral video shows delayed response to knife attack” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Two Sanford Police officers waited several minutes in a gas station hallway for backup rather than enter a restroom where a woman was begging a knife-wielding assailant for her life, according to video of the incident posted to social media. “I hope he ain’t killing her in there,” a customer said as he watched the cops early the morning of June 1. But rather than go in, one officer shouted: “Sir, can you come out with your hands up?” The YouTube video of the incident at the RaceTrac gas station on South Orlando Drive prompted an announcement by Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith that a review of the officers’ response is underway.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Kathleen Peters leads Pinellas delegation of leaders to D.C. to fight for beach nourishment” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Peters led a delegation of local officials to Washington, D.C., this week to fight for beach nourishment needed after a devastating 2024 hurricane season. This week’s visit follows Peters’ additional efforts to restore federally funded beach nourishment along Pinellas County’s Gulf Coast. This includes multiple discussions with both the former and current White House administrations and a letter to Trump last month that was sent with the support of the entire County Commission. “Our meetings at the White House, Capitol Hill and the Pentagon were incredibly productive,” Peters said. “The necessity of beach nourishment for Pinellas is clear to all — we need sand back on our beaches to protect our infrastructure and economy and to preserve our way of life.”
“‘We will kidnap and kill his kids’: Tampa dentist gets prison time for racist, violent messages to public figures, election official” via Kevin Accettulla of WFLA — A Tampa dentist was sentenced to prison for sending racist and violent messages to dozens of victims, including public figures and an election official, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Richard Glenn Kantwill, 61, of Tampa, was sentenced to two years in prison with credit for time served, followed by three years of supervised release. He will also have to pay a $10,000 fine and participate in a substance abuse program. He pleaded guilty in November to four counts of interstate transmission of a threat and faced up to five years in prison on each count. Prosecutors were seeking a sentence of 33 months. “The Defendant’s repeated choice to threaten violence, including threats of murder and rape, against persons in the public eye who he disagreed with, demonstrates a lack of self-control and respect not just for the individuals with views different from his but also for the rule of law in general,” prosecutors wrote.
“DOGE cuts come for downtown Tampa office buildings” via Ashley Kurball Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — DOGE identified over 400 “non-core” federal properties slated for sale. The R.L. Timberlake Jr. Federal Building and the Timberlake Federal Annex made the list in downtown Tampa. Those properties remained on the list after it was updated Tuesday evening; by Wednesday, the list had been removed, and a “coming soon” label was in place. A major office lease in downtown Tampa’s Park Tower is also in DOGE crosshairs: the 108,000 square feet occupied by the U.S. attorney’s office is listed as a target for mass modification.
“Demand for immigration aid surges amid policy changes” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — For nearly two months, a growing strain has been placed on the network of support services that provide guidance and assistance for immigrants in Tampa Bay. Nonprofits are receiving more urgent requests for help. Advocates hold frequent virtual meetings and share updates online. Immigration lawyers are fielding desperate calls and juggling dozens of cases. “The weight of uncertainty has made every case feel heavier,” said Lisette Sanchez, an immigration lawyer in Tampa, who posts videos on platforms such as TikTok to inform and update the community.
“Farmers markets face financial strain amid rising import costs” via Asha Patel of 10 Tampa Bay — Protesters took to the streets across the country and in Tampa, speaking out against recent Trump administration policies ahead of Trump’s Tuesday night State of the Union address and after Trump imposed new tariffs on Canada and Mexico and increased tariffs on China. Local contractor Tommy Whitehead is preparing for what’s ahead financially. “The three places we’re putting tariffs on, they’re all going to see anywhere between a 10 and a 25% increase on materials,” Whitehead said. Dem Cannon and her family have owned farmer markets for many years. “Some stuff is staying the same, but a majority of the stuff is going up,” Cannon said. She added she was already feeling the pinch before this trade war began.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“List of federal buildings slated for sale includes 11-floor Bennett Building in downtown” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — The federal government intends to put the 11-story Charles E. Bennett Federal Building in downtown Jacksonville up for sale because the General Services Administration says it’s among a host of federal buildings nationwide that are “not core” for government operations. Tenants of the building include an Internal Revenue Service taxpayer assistance center, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development field office and a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division office. The building stretches a city block along Bay Street and has been a downtown fixture since it opened in 1966. The General Services Administration put it on a list of dozens of federal buildings slated to be sold nationwide.
“Naval Hospital Jacksonville cuts emergency room hours in half due to staffing shortage” via Steve Patterson of The Florida Times-Union — Naval Hospital Jacksonville is cutting its emergency room service from around-the-clock availability to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. while they try to fix a staffing shortage. The reduced hours will start Monday, and hospital administrators hope to resume 24-hour service by Summer, spokesperson Julie Lucas said. “This was not something that we wanted to do,” Lucas said, adding that the hours closed were picked to match the time when the emergency department is used the least. The rest of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville hospital, including the intensive care unit, will keep running as usual.
“Palm Coast looking for new City Council member after Ray Stevens resigns abruptly” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — For the second time in the past year, the city of Palm Coast is looking to fill a City Council seat after a Board member abruptly resigned. On Friday, Council member Stevens submitted his resignation letter for the District 3 Council seat. The city is now accepting applications to fill the seat through an appointment. Stevens’ seat still has service to be completed until the November 2026 election in the Flagler County town. Stevens sent his resignation letter to Acting City Manager Laren Johnson. It was brief, though he indicated that health issues led to his decision to leave the Council.
“FSU scrubbing DEI keywords from websites. Here’s what the President says.” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State University is taking a deep dive into its websites, scrubbing them of keywords, according to a list that includes the terms “women,” “diverse,” “systemic” and “cultural relevance.” FSU President Richard McCullough sent out a message to faculty and staff to address the action and other adjustments made because of recent federal executive orders related to funding cuts and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). “FSU has begun to adjust to these directives. We are making some changes to websites and communications to better reflect the institution’s compliance with these guidelines,” McCullough said.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Manatee Commissioners vote to end school zone camera program” via Spectrum News Staff of Bay News 9 — The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has voted to discontinue the School Speed Zone Camera Program launched last year. The program’s end takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Commissioners on Tuesday voted 5-2 to end the program. It was initially approved by the Board and was designed to improve school zone safety. A total of 55,243 Notices of Violation have been issued by the vendor for the camera program, RedSpeed, according to a press release from the county. So far, 22,292 drivers have paid the $100 fine. More than 4,051 violations are currently awaiting law enforcement review. All citations issued through March 5 remain valid, the press release stated.
“New downtown master plan Committee holds first meeting, asks for more guidance from city” via Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota’s brand-new downtown Master Plan Update Ad-Hoc Committee held its first meeting at City Hall, in what may be a year-or-more long process to reshape the city’s rapidly changing downtown potentially. The Sarasota City Commission approved the Committee’s formation in September. Their task was to update the Downtown Master Plan, which was first adopted in 2001. The Committee’s formal recommendations will eventually go before the City Commission for final approval. The City Commission considered more than 40 applications and created a Board of 13, which is heavily represented by Sarasota’s business and development community. The Commission chose Committee members in November.
“Sarasota’s Climate Adaptation Center founder: Too soon to judge impact of NOAA cuts” via Earle Kimel of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The founder of the Sarasota-based Climate Adaptation Center said that it’s too soon to say how the firing of about 7% of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) staff will impact hurricane forecasting for the 2025 season and beyond. Last week, the Trump administration fired hundreds of people — the office of U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, confirmed that the number is about 880 probationary employees out of a workforce of about 12,000 at NOAA, with the next potential round of cuts targeting an additional 1,000 employees. “I don’t know how it’s going to affect forecasting,” said Bob Bunting, CEO and Chair of the center.
“Marco Island Council discusses skirting Sunshine Law to keep Bike Committee as is” via J. Kyle Foster of the Naples Daily News — The Marco Island City Council debated Florida’s Sunshine Law, with some members wanting to skirt the open-meeting rules for a Citizen Bike Committee that has been operating and making recommendations to the Council for 18 years. The Ad-Hoc Bike Lanes and Shared Paths Committee, established in 2006, holds quarterly meetings, applies for grants for the city, makes recommendations and has been working on a master plan required by the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Its members also ride together and socialize regularly, as they have been doing since they started the Committee. The problem, said City Attorney Alan Gabriel, City Manager Mike McNees, and City Clerk Joan Taylor, is that the Committee is no longer ad-hoc.
— TOP OPINION —
“John Cena and the heel-ization of America” via Chris Cillizza of So What — In a stunning turn of events, Trump’s recent address to a joint session of Congress and Cena’s shocking heel turn at WWE’s Elimination Chamber event highlight a significant shift in American culture’s perception of heroes and villains.
Like a wrestling heel, Trump seems to understand that being liked is secondary to being perceived as genuine and willing to challenge established norms.
During the speech, Trump repeatedly baited Democrats, provoking reactions and engaging in mocking behavior that previous Presidents like Ronald Reagan would have avoided. While some criticize this approach, it resonates with a segment of the population that values authenticity over traditional political correctness.
The calculated provocations, such as the use of inflammatory language, mirror the tactics of a wrestling heel, generating both outrage and laughter. This deliberate transgression of conventional boundaries has become a key element of Trump’s appeal, particularly among those who feel that only a perceived villain can speak honestly and challenge the status quo.
The current political climate increasingly favors figures perceived as authentic disrupters, even if their methods are controversial.
In this environment, the traditional “good guy” image is viewed as overrated, and the complex, darker persona of the heel is perceived as more genuine and appealing.
— OPINIONS —
“What declaring war on the AP really means for democracy” via Mary Ellen Klas of Bloomberg — Trump’s clash with The Associated Press (AP) over the “Gulf of America” renaming is more than a mere disagreement; it’s a deliberate media intimidation tactic. Trump barred AP reporters from White House events after the AP maintained its use of “Gulf of Mexico,” prompting a lawsuit. This is part of a pattern, including restrictions on other news outlets. This matters because a free press is vital for informed consent of the governed, uncovering misconduct, and holding power accountable. Trump’s actions, mirroring Project 2025 recommendations, serve as a warning to other news organizations, risking access for dissent. This strategy, aimed at controlling public opinion, isn’t new. During COVID-19, DeSantis iced out reporters, manipulated data, and rewarded friendly media, leading to deadly consequences as vital information was suppressed. Now, corporate media owners are caving to Trump’s pressure, silencing criticism. If the government intimidates the media, democracy itself is threatened, as informed decisions become impossible.
“Jeff Brandes: Citizen Zero — a smarter way for Florida to manage insurance risk” via Florida Politics — Florida’s homeowners face an insurance crisis with soaring rates and a ballooning Citizens Property Insurance, putting taxpayers at risk. A quota share model offers a solution, transforming Citizens into a risk manager instead of insurers and achieving “Citizen Zero.” This model involves structured risk-sharing agreements with private insurers, who handle underwriting and claims, while Citizens receives payments for capital costs. Unlike takeouts, which are slow and limited, quota sharing encourages insurer participation through competitive bidding and temporary state reinsurance. A pilot program in Monroe County, with an 80/20 risk split, could serve as a model. This approach, used successfully by NFIP and TWIA, distributes risk, stabilizes pricing, and encourages private insurer participation. Florida must commission a feasibility study to implement this solution, reducing homeowners’ costs and taxpayers’ risk and ensuring a stable insurance market before the next hurricane strikes.
“Should we name the state Trumporida and be done with it already?” via Daniel Ruth of the Tampa Bay Times — What better place to start the Legislature’s grand dream to make Florida Mississippi again than a breathless announcement from state Sen. Gruters, R-The Eddie Haskell of Mar-a-Lago. He wants to rename the Tamiami Trail, the 284-mile stretch of U.S. 41 linking Tampa and Miami — wait for it — The Gulf of America Trail. Nuts? Sure. Crazy? OK. But at the same time, it is probably fair to note Gruters’ plan does run through a swamp. Clearly, Gruters, always a strong contender to be one of the denser black holes in Tallahassee, is engaging in an utterly shameless bid to suck up to Trump, who apparently woke up one morning and decided to merely wave his wand to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. There’s plenty of time in this Session for Gruters to unveil his ultimate grovel to the man of his dreams. Yes! TRUMPORIDA! Don’t rule it out. It’s Tallahassee, synonymous with lickspitter.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Sesame Workshop will ‘downsize significantly’ with layoffs, CEO says” via Elizabeth Blair of NPR — Sesame Workshop will “downsize significantly,” announced President and CEO Sherrie Rollins Westin on Wednesday in a note to staff. The layoffs come about two months after Max said it would stop distributing Sesame Street episodes after 2025 and within a day after more than 200 of its employees asked for Sesame Workshop to recognize that they want to form a union. Cast – like puppeteers – crew and writers are already unionized, said a statement from OPEIU Local 153. “Amid the changing media and funding landscape, we have made the difficult decision to reduce the size of our organization,” a Sesame Workshop spokesperson wrote.
“Annual food and wine festival at Busch Gardens returns with new concerts and dishes” via Sharon Kennedy Wynne of the Tampa Bay Times — The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is back for its 10th year, taking place Fridays through Sundays March 7-May 18, with free concerts included with admission. The festival, open from noon until the park closes, celebrates culinary regions worldwide, from Caribbean smoked jerked chicken to dishes from India, Spain, France, and Chile to American favorites like a lobster roll and loaded mac and cheese. The festival booths also pair the food tastings, ranging from $6 to $12 for an appetizer-sized plate. They offer suggestions for wine or cocktails to match the food but also have booths like the Bourbon Barn, where you can get a flight of cocktails or tastings of top bourbons.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Belated wishes to Trey McCarley. Happy birthday to state Rep. Taylor Yarkosky and former Rep. Juan Fernandez-Barquin.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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Tampa’s River O’Green festival is returning this year, with a new “Leprechaun’s Hideout” to escape the sun and enjoy some Irish brews.
The annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place each year on or near the holiday, this year on March 15.
The Tampa Downtown Partnership, which organizes the event, is describing the 2025 festival as its biggest yet.
As it always does, the festival’s highlight will be coloring the Hillsborough River green. The process uses non-toxic, biodegradable dye that meets Environmental Protection Agency standards.
In addition, the event, located at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and running from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., will include live entertainment, including musicians, Irish dancers and spoken word performances, as well as a pet costume contest featuring pets in adorable St. Patrick’s Day attire at the Barrymore Hotel at the Tampa Riverwalk.
The Tampa Rough Riders will also conduct their signature St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Tampa starting at 3 p.m. The parade will include festive floats, music and beads.
Attendees, or those passing through the area, should plan ahead for crowds.
Ashley Drive will be closed for the event, beginning at 11 a.m. The direction at Gasparilla Plaza will change at 11 a.m., but won’t close until 2 p.m. Cass Street will close at Ashley Drive at 2 p.m. All road closures associated with the event are expected to be lifted between 7:30 and 8 p.m. The waterway between Cass Street and Kennedy Boulevard will be closed from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Parking is available at a number of locations. Those attending on bike can utilize a free on-site bike valet, provided by the Downtown Partnership. Transit options are also available on HART’s Route 1, which is currently operating fare-free. Those attending by car can park at the Fort Brooke Garage, located at 107 N. Franklin St.; or the Twiggs Garage, located at 901 E. Twiggs St. Attendees can also park in Ybor City and then take the TECO Streetcar to the Whiting Station.
Entertainment at the event includes live music on the Main Stage from the Irish Buskers at 11:15 a.m.; Paddy O’Furniture at 1:15 p.m.; and George Pennington & The Odyssey at 4 p.m. The pet costume contest will be on stage at 3:30 p.m.
The Terrace Stage will include performances from the Finnegan Irish Dance Academy at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and poetry readings from GrowHouse Tampa at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
This year’s River O’Green is sponsored by Grow Financial, with additional support from TECO, Pirate Water Taxi, The Lost Pearl, Craft Tampa, the city of Tampa, Freedom Boat Club, the Barrymore Hotel, iHeartRadio, Busch Gardens and Kuducom.
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