Early voting is kicking off Saturday in Special Elections for two vacant Florida congressional seats.

The races will be decided after votes are counted on April 1, the date of the Special Election. But voters in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts can now cast in-person votes.

While both those districts lean heavily Republican, Democrats have directed millions into the contests, eager to wage battle for open seats months after President Donald Trump took office.

In CD 1, Republican Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, faces Democrat Gay Valimont, a Moms Demand Action activist. Stephen Broden will also appear on the ballot without party affiliation. The winner will succeed former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Republican who now hosts a show on One America News Network.

Meanwhile, voters in CD 6 will choose between Republican Randy Fine, a state Senator, and Democrat Josh Weil, a schoolteacher. Libertarian Andrew Parrott and independent Randall Terry also qualified for the ballot. The victor will replace former U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz.

Both Special Elections came out as a direct result of Trump’s election as President. Trump named three members of the U.S. House to positions in his administration, including two from Florida. Waltz resigned to become the National Security Adviser. Gaetz initially gave up his seat after Trump nominated him for Attorney General, though he withdrew from consideration amid an ethics investigation and chose not to return to Congress.

In the case of the Florida seats, both districts lean heavily Republican.

As of the March 3 closing of voter rolls, CD 1 was home to around 312,000 Republicans registered and eligible to vote in the election, compared to fewer than 119,000 Democrats and about 136,000 registered without party affiliation or with minor parties.

Meanwhile, CD 6 had more than 273,000 Republicans registered, compared to just over 142,000 Democrats, while another more than 143,000 other voters.

But the Special Elections also mark the first chance for Democrats to send a message about Trump, and have responded by sending millions more than normally would be spent in safe GOP seats.

The Democratic National Committee announced a coordinated campaign with the Florida Democratic Party to  invest in the races and deploy 200 poll watchers and poll greeters in the two districts.

Additionally, Weil and Valimont have reported a flood of small donations. After the end of the last fundraising period on March 12, Valimont reported $6.5 million in total contributions compared to Patronis’ $2.1 million. She closed the period with $2.1 million to spend the last 20 days of the race, compared to Patronis’ nearly $815,000.

The situation was more lopsided in CD 6, where Weil reported upward of $9.5 million to Fine’s under $1 million. Perhaps more relevant, Fine had less than $93,000 still in the bank to Weil’s $1.3 million, and the Democrat said he has seen hundreds of thousands more in donations pour in since the Federal Election Commission deadline.

Of course, the Republican Party of Florida has also provided support to its candidates, including a $600,000 ad buy in CD 6 to boost Fine.

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Movies and television have changed over the years. Whether that’s due to streaming, budgets, disruptive technology, COVID, or changing interests is debatable (we’re going with all of the above), but the change is real.

While “they just don’t make ‘em how they used to” may have some truth, exciting films and filmmakers emerging every year deserve to be celebrated and seen.

The 2024-25 Academy Award-winning film for Best Picture this year was “Anora,” an independent film distributed by Neon (which is the third-lowest budgeted film to win Best Picture) that ended up taking home five Oscars, four of which went to the writer, director, producer and editor, Sean Baker. Trust us, Anora is one of the aforementioned films that deserve to be celebrated and seen.

This week, as Anora made its streaming debut on Hulu (seriously, if you haven’t seen the Best Picture-winning film, you no longer have an excuse … also, it’s hilarious and touching!), Baker swung through Tallahassee to appear as a featured speaker for the Florida State University Student Government Association’s “Golden Torch Lecture Series.”

The event, which was free and open to the public, was held in the historic and beautiful Ruby Diamond Theatre. FSU’s “Club DownUnder” was on hand to distribute free T-shirts to attendees.

Baker took questions from a moderator for around an hour before fielding a smattering of queries from the crowd, selected via lottery.

Baker discussed his earlier works, such as “Prince of Broadway,” and touched on the many themes he explores in that film and others, such as “The Florida Project,” which focused on people who are marginalized and rarely represented in media.

Of course, “Anora” was also a central talking point, with Baker discussing his excitement for Mikey Madison winning the Best Actress award and his recognition for editing and how important a vision is for a “jack of all trades” such as himself.

Baker has and continues to be a cheerleader for independent cinema, marginalized communities and the theater experience — even saying he saw Steven Soderbergh’s new film in the local AMC after arriving from a Tokyo flight. Imagine being in that screening!

___

Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.

But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:

—Take 5 —

Rural Renaissance — The Florida Senate passed a comprehensive package of legislative proposals that seeks to create a modern-day renaissance in rural communities across Florida. Tallahassee Republican Sen. Corey Simon spearheaded the legislation (SB 110) that would create opportunities for rural communities to expand education, increase health care services and modernize commerce. The legislation was also a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton. The bill would direct $200.8 million to the Rural Infrastructure Fund, increase funding for the Rural Revolving Loan program, improve coordination of federal broadband programs, create the Florida Arterial Road Modernization program, expand the Small County Road Assistance program, expand the regional education consortia, create the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, and expand rural health care access.

Rollback rolls forward — Legislation that lowers the age to buy firearms, reversing restrictions implemented after the Parkland shooting, is moving to the House floor. The House Judiciary Committee, on a 16-6 vote, advanced a bill (HB 759) that would allow 18-year-olds to purchase or take legal ownership of firearms, including the type used in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. That marked the last Committee stop this year for the legislation before the full House membership can take it up for consideration. Several family members of individuals killed in that tragedy spoke out during the Committee hearing, urging lawmakers not to roll back gun access restrictions put in place in response. “To me, this feels like salt being poured into an open wound. Families, very early into grief and shock of what happened, came up here to Tallahassee and asked you to do something and you did it,” said Debbie Hixon, whose husband, Chris Hixon, was Campus Security Monitor at the Parkland High School and one of three adults murdered there.

Strike one — Attorney General James Uthmeier says Fort Myers made itself a sanctuary city by rejecting an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a letter to city leaders, he told the Council that they now risk suspension from office. “Sanctuary policies are not tolerated or lawful in Florida,” Uthmeier wrote in a letter to Fort Myers City Council members. “Failure to correct the Council’s actions will result in the enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including but not limited to being held in contempt, declaratory or injunctive relief, and removal from office by the Governor.” The missive from the state’s top legal officer came a day after the City Council split 3-3 on approving a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Such agreements allow local law enforcement to perform specific immigration officer functions under federal direction and oversight.

‘Watching paint dry’ — Senate President Albritton said legislation that unanimously cleared the Senate floor Wednesday may seem boring, but it is perhaps one of the most significant bills of the 2025 Session. “This may be like watching paint dry, but at the end of the day, it is one of the boldest moves and important moves that the Florida Legislature will propose to state government to produce accountability and transparency and better government,” Albritton said about the proposed administrative procedural changes. Among the sweeping changes in SB 108 is a requirement that state agencies review 20% of their rules annually. The agency would then decide whether to keep the rule, make a technical change, significantly change it or repeal it. The Senate President and House Speaker would get notified about the agency’s plans in a report due by Jan. 1 every year.

It’s back — After a lengthy debate, the House Health & Human Services Committee approved legislation expanding the breadth of procedures and prescriptions administered by optometrists. Sponsored by Rep. Alex Rizo, HB 449 is this year’s edition of the long-running “Eyeball Wars.” Multiple ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents spoke out against the bill, but Rizo said many Floridians struggle to obtain eye care, and expanding optometrists’ scope of practice would improve access. Rizo bolstered this claim — and even converted an initially reticent Committee member from a “nay” to a “yay” — by citing American Medical Association data recommending one ophthalmologist per 4,000 residents in a given region. There are approximately 1,700 ophthalmologists in Florida, which would be adequate for a state of 7 million residents, not Florida’s 23.5 million and growing. Committee members voted 13-5 in favor of the bill.

— Even NASA needs bridges —

NASA can’t escape this world until worldly goods reach the Kennedy Space Center.

To that end, a new bridge in Brevard County is expected to improve traffic flow for the workers who help send astronauts into the final frontier. The NASA Causeway Bridge is the second of two new bridges along Cape Canaveral. It was completed some six months ahead of schedule and cost $128 million.

DeSantis said the new span builds on efforts to revitalize space program activity at Kennedy Space Center in recent years with increased missions from SpaceX and more involvement from NASA.

“Cape Canaveral Spaceport broke records with 93 launches and 2.7 million pounds of space cargo last year — and we’re expecting over 150 launches this year,” DeSantis said. “Florida is committed to building the infrastructure the space industry needs to keep growing and with these new bridges, Florida is more ready than ever to become home to NASA’s new headquarters.”

The new bridge crossing the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County is taller and broader than the original bridges and is a companion to another new span completed earlier. The new bridges stretch 4,025 feet over the river and are fixed spans. That eliminates the drawbridges across the river, dramatically slowing road traffic when the bridges open for riverboat traffic.

 

— Work, work, work —

Loverboy said it best: Everybody’s working for the weekend, especially in the 27th State. This week, platform boot enthusiast Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida’s workforce exceeded 11.1 million in January, showcasing the state’s economic strength.

“Florida continues to prove that leadership and conservative fiscal policies drive success. We will keep the momentum going by insisting on reducing government spending, continuing to eliminate bureaucracy, and finding more tax reductions for Floridians,” said DeSantis.

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics indicated that Florida’s labor force was bigger than previously estimated and that it grew or remained stable in 10 of the past 12 months.

“Under Gov. DeSantis’ decisive leadership, Florida continues to generate wins. These revised numbers demonstrate Florida’s unique resiliency and the strength and efficacy of Gov. DeSantis’ approach to economic and workforce development — creating an environment that promotes future growth and builds confidence in job seekers and job creators,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.

Education and health services saw the biggest growth among all industries, with education adding 7,200 jobs (+0.5%) and a respectable 6,100 for the leisure and hospitality sector (+0.5%). Job growth and economic stability are great for now, but as the R-word lingers, we will see how these numbers hold up.

— Pool guy in hot water —

It gets pretty toasty here in the Free State of Florida and the months when a dip in the pool is most magical are fast approaching.

And while a refreshing break from the heat helps balance out hanging with the county club snobs, there’s nothing better than having your own private vat of chlorinated water right outside.

But before you install a pool, Attorney General Uthmeier advises you to double- and triple-check your sources.

This week, the AG’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced it secured a guilty conviction for James Ivan Staten, owner of Olympus Pools, who stole more than $1.5 million from customers.

“I’m proud to announce that Prosecutors Stephanie Bergen and Panagiota Papakos secured a guilty conviction for this fraudster who turned many Floridians’ dreams of a backyard paradise into a nightmare, taking their money and digging holes to nowhere. Little did this fraudster know, he’d be digging himself into a 20-year minimum prison sentence,” said Uthmeier.

Staten was found guilty of 35 counts, including an organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, contract fraud and aggravated white-collar crime. According to law enforcement investigations, Staten actively preyed on property owners and hired subcontractors to do the work and often failed to pay these subcontractors. The investigation was led by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office Division of Consumer Protection.

It’s getting hotter and hotter every year but maybe investing in the country club is better than falling victim to fraud.

— Welcome aboard —

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis appointed Yunia Demicco-Nadler to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Joint Underwriting Association Board of Governors this week.

A Boca Raton resident, Demicco-Nadler has over 30 years of experience as a workers’ compensation attorney, encompassing both claims handling and litigation.

Demicco-Nadler is the founding partner and owner of Demicco-Nadler LLC, where she has successfully litigated over 85% of workers’ compensation cases, secured substantial client compensation, investigated fraudulent workers’ compensation cases and provided comprehensive legal counsel.

Established in 1993, FWCJUA was designed to depopulate the Florida workers’ compensation residual market and invigorate the competitive or voluntary market.

According to the FWCJUA’s mission statement, to achieve the goals, they provide workers’ compensation and liability insurance to employers unable to procure it in the voluntary market; ensure that policyholders and claimants receive quality service; provide coverage and service efficiently and establish actuarially sound rates; establish and pursue programs designed to assist applicants and Insureds of the residual market mechanism to obtain coverage in the voluntary market; and promote safety in the workplace through the aggressive pursuit of safety programs for Insureds of the residual market mechanism.

—Instagram of the Week —

—The week in appointments —

FWCJUA Board of Governors — CFO Patronis appointed Yunia Demicco-Nadler to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Joint Underwriting Association Board of Governors this week. Demicco-Naddler has over 30 years of experience as a workers’ compensation attorney, encompassing both claims handling and litigation.

— Vet business —

Elected officials love to tout Florida as the most veteran-friendly state, a claim that’s strengthened when lawmakers OK legislation like the Florida Veterans and Military Spouse Business Development Act.

The bill (SB 1172) passed the Commerce and Tourism Committee with unanimous support this week, moving one step closer to a full vote in the Senate.

The bill, which happens to be supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, establishes the Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Program, and with help from the Department of Commerce, the bill requires the Department of State to waive fees and provide tax exemptions for businesses that hire veterans and their military spouses.

Give back to the business that gives back to the veteran and military community — a win-win.

“Our active service members, veterans, and military spouses and families make immense sacrifices and face unique challenges, including frequent relocation, which can disrupt careers and make it difficult to find and maintain stable employment,” said Democratic Sen. Shervin Jones.

“This legislation is an important step toward providing military families the resources and support they need to start or grow their own businesses, creating economic opportunities for themselves and their families, and contributing to our broader economy in a positive way.”

— Justice for injustice —

Incarceration is a complicated topic. If the mountain of law books on the set of every attorney commercial isn’t proof enough, perhaps the Academy Award-nominated documentary “13th” by Ava DuVernay will convince you.

The film explores the prison industrial complex and the wording of the 13th Amendment, which makes the exception for involuntary servitude a form of punishment for convicted criminals.

The general public and politicians alike know the inhumanity that can occur in prisons. And if you are in Tallahassee next week and interested in learning what’s being done to combat this issue in Florida, Sen. Rosalind Osgood and Rep. Dianne Hart can fill you in.

On March 25 at 9 a.m., the lawmakers, alongside the families of mistreated inmates, will hold a news conference on HB 185.

Osgood and Hart are in the firm belief that inmates in Florida and around the U.S. are not receiving the proper care needed to sustain life and that nothing is being done to change that — in many cases, the extent of inmate mistreatment isn’t quantifiable due to a lack of publicly available data.

The news conference will be held on the 4th floor Rotunda on the House side. If you can’t make it, the event will be livestreamed on Hart’s official Facebook page.

— EO ruffles feathers —

Fort Lauderdale Democratic Rep. Daryl Campbell released a statement on the Trump administration’s recent decision to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education via an executive order signed by the President on Thursday.

Campbell said the action carries severe consequences for constituents in House District 99 and asserted the EO is illegal.

“The illegal attempted shutdown of the federal Department of Education is yet another devastating move undertaken by this administration that guts services that millions depend upon,” Campbell said.

“Now, thanks to this move, my constituents who were in the midst of deciding which colleges to go to and how to pay for them will see their careful years of planning thrown into uncertainty, as we still don’t know who will administer Pell Grants or student loans.”

Campbell noted that certain schools would not be able to receive the critical funding needed to function and said the chaos caused by dismantling the department was intentional.

“Meanwhile, Title I schools may not receive the critical funding that makes them the linchpin of the communities they serve,” Campbell said. “This chaos is intentional — denying those in need what they rightfully deserve.”

— Rock you like a hurricane —

It only takes one rocky hurricane season for new Floridians to learn firsthand how dangerous paradise can be.

This past season was especially brutal, with Helene and Milton causing significant damage across the state. While it sometimes becomes a contest between Floridians on who’s gone without power the longest, these storms are no joke, and a Republican state Representative is leading the charge to help with recovery efforts.

HB 1535, spearheaded by Sarasota Rep. Fiona McFarland, aims to enhance the state’s ability to respond to and recover from major storms that impact local communities by improving these communities’ coordination, expediting debris removal and streamlining rebuilding efforts.

“Every minute counts after a storm. By cutting red tape and enhancing coordination, this bill ensures communities can rebuild faster and more efficiently. With each hurricane, we learn valuable lessons about improving our response and recovery efforts,” said McFarland.

HB 1535 was reported favorably by the Natural Resources and Disasters Subcommittee and has two additional Committee references: the Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee and the State Affairs Committee.

— Exposing the fakes —

McFarland announced she is taking a stand against digital deception head-on by introducing legislation (HB 369) to ensure Floridians can trust what they see and hear in an era of “fast-evolving artificial intelligence.”

McFarland presented the bill Thursday before the Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee. It would require that digital content, such as photos, videos, text and audio, carry “provenance data” metadata showing where it originally came from and whether the content has any AI-driven modifications.

The use of provenance data aims to reveal whether content was created or altered using AI, the tools involved, and the nature of the changes. For example, an AI-generated image would be flagged with details about how it was made, helping viewers distinguish authentic media from manipulated content.

“We can’t sit back while deepfakes and digital trickery blur the line between real and fake,” McFarland said. “From online posts to everyday images, Floridians deserve to know when AI is at play. This bill gives you the facts you need to trust what you see and hear.”

The bill applies to social media platforms, requiring them to retain and display provenance data for all visual or digital content posted or shared. It is scheduled to be heard by the Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee and the State Affairs Committee before moving to the Florida House for a vote.

— DOGE ‘em —

Stuart Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf introduced an initiative (HB 433) to cut government waste, improve efficiency and modernize Florida’s Administrative Procedures. This is the first major review of the state’s rulemaking process in seven years.

“Bureaucratic red tape slows down businesses, burdens taxpayers, and creates unnecessary obstacles for Floridians,” Overdorf said. “Florida should lead the way in making government work smarter, not bigger. HB 433 is about cutting waste, improving accountability, and ensuring every regulation has a clear purpose and benefit.”

The bill seeks to enhance transparency, streamline the rulemaking process, and ensure agencies remain accountable to Floridians by cutting red tape and strengthening oversight, eliminating costly and unnecessary regulations, ushering in faster and more transparent rulemaking, fostering smarter government and less waste, and holding agencies accountable through annual reviews.

The measure aligns with the national initiatives championed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce bureaucratic waste and promote smart governance. By ensuring every state regulation serves a clear and necessary purpose, Florida continues to set the standard for fiscally responsible, citizen-focused government.

The bill went before the House Government Operations Subcommittee on Tuesday. The Committee advanced it and will head to the House Budget Committee next. If enacted, all state agencies must complete a full regulatory review by Dec. 31, 2030, with continuous five-year reviews thereafter.

— Keeping Florida wild —

Lawmakers and leaders from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Park Service joined the Florida State Parks Foundation and Live Wildly to celebrate the state’s award-winning parks, trails, and historic sites during a reception Wednesday night at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum.

The reception was part of the second annual Florida State Parks Day to honor the state’s park system, which spans more than 800,000 acres, supports more than 50,000 jobs, provides countless recreational opportunities and is home to thousands of species, including Florida panthers, manatees, and sea turtles.

Tallahassee Democratic Rep. Allison Tant presented HR 8009 at the reception. The resolution officially designates March 19, 2025, as Florida State Parks Day.

Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation, said Florida State Parks Day and the reception have become signature events.

“Our state parks are a source of pride and inspiration to Floridians, attract visitors from around the world and provide unmatched return on investment. We embrace every opportunity to share about our parks with Florida’s elected officials,” Woodward said.

The reception highlighted the bond between Florida’s state parks and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Seventy-five of Florida’s 175 state parks fall within the wildlife corridor’s footprint, which provides habitat and room to roam for Florida’s native species.

Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly, expressed her excitement at holding the event in Tallahassee.

“Live Wildly and the Florida State Parks Foundation are committed to serving and supporting Florida’s natural spaces for generations to come, and the Capitol is the perfect place to put a spotlight on the significance of our mission,” Shipley said.

Last year, Florida State Parks welcomed nearly 30 million visitors while generating an estimated economic impact of more than $3 billion.

— Raising the Bar —

The Family Law Section of The Florida Bar applauded the support and passage of SB 1838 through the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.

The bill is designed to prevent tampering with, harassing or retaliating against court officials.

Chris Rumbold, Chair of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, said the bill, introduced by Fort Myers Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, prioritizes the safety of court officials.

“General magistrates and child support hearing officers are an essential part of Florida’s judicial process,” Rumbold said. “Specifically playing a significant role in matters pertaining to family law, and we appreciate the inclusion of them in this good bill by Sen. Martin that will further prioritize court officials’ safety.”

Rumbold noted that court officials often face threatening situations and expressed his gratitude to Martin for introducing the legislation.

“Too often, judges and magistrates face harassment and retaliation from those who are going through court proceedings, and this bill penalizes those actions by providing criminal penalties under Florida law,” Rumbold said.

“As a section, we’re committed to ensuring that policy relating to family law puts Florida’s families first, and that’s what general magistrates and child support hearing officers are responsible for day in and day out in Florida’s courthouses, and we are grateful to Sen. Martin for his good work on this legislation and look forward to supporting it throughout the process.”

The Committee passed measure 9-0, which will now be moved to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice.

— Florida Poly Day —

Florida Polytechnic University showcased its mission of innovation at Florida Poly Day at the State Capitol, where school leaders engaged lawmakers, staff, and visitors in the Capitol Rotunda with displays highlighting its industry-driven STEM programs.

The day, Thursday, allowed the state’s youngest university a prominent platform to spotlight its status as the only state university dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including interactive exhibits demonstrating its cutting-edge programs, research and economic impact.

Led by Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson, the school shared its mission and made a case for continued investment to further enhance its rapidly increasing positive reputation both statewide and nationwide.

“Florida Poly Day at the Capitol is a tremendous opportunity to share our bold-thinking approach to STEM education with leaders from across the state,” Stephenson said. “As Florida’s premier STEM university, we are preparing the next generation of pioneers and problem-solvers who will fuel Florida’s economic future. I’m incredibly proud to showcase the remarkable work happening at our institution and to share our story with the decision-makers who influence the direction of higher education and industry in our state.”

Demonstrations included student-created games.

“STEM is the big thing for us. It’s all we do, and we want to make sure every representative and senator knows that’s what we care about more than anything,” said Dimitry Tsetsekas, a graduate student and member of the Student Government Association who attended the event. “For us at Florida Poly, it’s not just about making degrees to print degrees. We’re here to make the best of the best better. If any other school can do that, I’d love to see them try, but right now, we’re beating them all.”

According to MyFloridaFuture, Florida Poly graduates earn the highest salaries one year after graduation among all institutions in the State University System while also carrying the least amount of student debt.

“The best reason to be part of this day was to witness once again the caliber of our students and how impressive each of them is,” said Patrick Hagan, a Florida Poly trustee. “These students already have jobs waiting for them and the representatives were very impressed by the fact that most of them are staying in Florida, building the economy.”

— Great Hall adds legends —

The hallowed halls of Florida sports greats are getting some new leadership.

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame, which honors athletic legends who competed at all levels, has elected four new members to the Board of Directors. The Hall’s offices are located in Davenport, and it has a physical museum in Port St. Lucie. However, it operates throughout the state in its nominations to the institution. Board members are represented from throughout Florida.

Keyna Cory was named President of the Hall of Fame. She’s also president of Public Affairs Consultants and is involved with sports events in Florida. For example, she was the first woman Chair of the Carquest Bowl in 1995. She was also a member of the University of Florida bowling team and a junior Orange Bowl Champion in 1972.

John Reger was named Secretary of the Hall. He’s been a 42-year member of the PGA of America and is not only a professional golfer but a tournament announcer, golf course owner and broadcaster and writer.

(Editor’s note: John Reger’s son, also named John, was one of Florida Politics VP Drew Wilson’s closest childhood friends, and he grew up to become an all-star lineworker, placing well at FMEA’s signature competition!)

John Kearney is the Treasurer of the Hall of Fame. He is also the Chair and CEO of Advanced Training Systems, which develops driving simulators. He’s also the Chair of the KML Foundation, which is dedicated to educational grants for youth.

Rick Hatcher is now the hall’s past Chair. He’s the executive director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission and has more than two decades of experience in sports tourism and management.

Ginger Kane was elevated to Executive Director of the Hall. She’s already served on the Board of Directors and was the first woman Board President.

Those appointees join more than a dozen other members of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

— Allergy alert —

The first day of Spring has arrived (officially March 20 on the East Coast), and depending on where you are, that can mean different things. In Tallahassee, it means 90-degree afternoons and 40-degree mornings. For residents in South Florida, it means the snowbirds leave and the spring breakers arrive.

But for many throughout Florida and the U.S., the arrival of Spring means pollen and, by extension, allergies. A new report released by the nonprofit Asthma and Allergy Foundation America examined allergy data in the 100 largest cities in America to find out which are “allergy capitals” — where Americans with seasonal allergies have it the worst. About a quarter of U.S. adults claim to suffer from allergies, so if you get nasty sneezes and itchy eyes, listen up.

Nine cities in Florida made the list and six of them, compared to other cities in the rankings, are in the red — also known as the “worse than average” category. Orlando came in at No. 34, tying with Palm Bay. Lakeland ranked No. 30, Tampa was No. 25 and Sarasota was No. 22. The worst city in Florida for allergies was Jacksonville, which ranked 20th worst.

The three other Florida cities fell into the “average” bracket. They included No. 43 Cape Coral, No. 47 Daytona and the best city in Florida to avoid allergens, No. 65 Miami … well, the “best” would be all the cities that weren’t on the list.

Now, just because your city didn’t make the list, or your city is higher or lower than others, doesn’t take away from your personal experience, nor does it relieve you of your dire need for a tissue at an inopportune or embarrassing moments. Please throw them out when you’re done, too — holding onto them is nasty.

“This doesn’t mean to dismiss how badly people are feeling in certain regions,” said Kenny Mendez, president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

— TSC is the place to be —

State Colleges serve an essential role in many cities and towns. They help students earn post-secondary education at a lower cost and function as an economic engine by employing professors, boards, janitors and more.

When it comes to state college jobs, Tallahassee State College is king. The proof: It was just named one of the “Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges” for 2025.

The designation, which is awarded by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and alongside “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education,” is to showcase institutions that excel in student and staff collaboration, retention, and fostering while in a workspace that provides meaningful and transformative opportunities for both staff and students alike.

TSC was one of 16 community colleges — other states apparently haven’t embraced Florida’s nomenclature change — to be recognized alongside Arapahoe Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Coconino Community College, Community College of Allegheny County, Community College of Baltimore County HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, Joliet Junior College, Montgomery County, Community College, Northeast Lakeview College, Olive-Harvey College, Palo Alto College, Phoenix College, Prince George’s Community College, St. Philip’s College and Weatherford College.

“Since becoming President, my vision has always been to make TSC the employer of choice for faculty and staff. Having an incredible team of dedicated professionals who give their best every day to support our students doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we are so intentional in our efforts to create the best possible work environment for them. I couldn’t be prouder that our institution is recognized as one of the most promising places to work in community colleges,” said TSC President Jim Murdaugh.

— Where the sidewalk ends —

The Legislative Session has been here for a moment now, which means lobbyists and staffers are walking around downtown Tallahassee, clogging up the traffic waiting on valet service at the Governor’s Club — someone needs to figure out how to fix that nightmare traffic backup onto College. With tensions high, sometimes art is the best thing to bring everyone together, especially when they can see it on their way to their stressful jobs.

On Tuesday, the Leon County Government, along with the Knight Creative Communities Institute, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ausley McMullen offices to commemorate the unveiling of the new “Crosswalks to Courthouse: Artistic Crosswalks.”

The beautifully decorated crosswalks are at the intersections of College Avenue and Jefferson Street, aiming to enhance pedestrian safety through public art. The colorful and vibrant design creates a safe connection between the Calhoun Eastside Parking Garage and Leon County Courthouse alongside Calhoun Street. The funding for the sidewalks was made possible by a KCCI grant from the Community Foundation of North Florida Knight Foundation fund.

So, while Florida can’t make up its mind whether it wants to be 42 degrees in the morning or 83 by 2 p.m., and while politicians give you the death stare while jaywalking in front of you when you have the right of way, you can always decompress by checking out some engaging new art just around the corner.

— Hard winds ahoy —

It could be a bumpy weekend on Gulf waters as yet another cold front plowed through the U.S. Southeast. The aftermath will create high winds and hazardous marine conditions on Saturday and Sunday, and a bet on staying on the sand instead of going into the surf might be a better wager.

Winds out of the Southeast, closing in on 20 mph, will generate rough waters Saturday, with seas mounting to 5 to 7 feet high, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) marine forecast for the Gulf of America (also known as the Gulf of Mexico).

Forecasters are calling for “near gale-force” conditions through the weekend. Those conditions in the Gulf are expected to continue through Sunday, though the wave heights may decrease slightly to 4 to 6 feet, still somewhat challenging.

The direction of the wind will also make it difficult for any nearshore activity, such as surfing, paddle boarding and even small watercraft boating. Those southeast winds will create challenging onshore conditions as they sweep right up into Apalachee Bay, a short distance from Tallahassee.

Visit the NWS buoy 42036, about 112 miles northwest of Tampa, to keep an eye on up-to-the-minute conditions. The buoy weather station data, which is tracked hourly, is expected to show some impressive wave heights this weekend. With such conditions, risks of rip currents are bound to increase, so be careful if you head into the waters and keep children close by. These are conditions for experienced swimmers.

It might be a better weekend to catch rays and sunbathe on the beach rather than head into what promises to be trying marine conditions.

— Capitol Directions —

RON DESANTIS — Up arrow — Thursday was such a perfect example of the Gov at his best: With Homan in SWFL, in D.C. for Trump E.O. Plus Ingraham appearance.

JAMES UTHMEIER — Crossways arrow — Should he do his duty or lock down 2A voters? It’s a real Catch-.223.

PEDRO ALLENDE — Down arrow — ‘I’d say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work.’

RANDY FINE — Down arrow — While he was losing a game of chicken with Pushaw, his opponent shifted the CD 6 special from a GOP layup to a must-watch.

FDOT — Up arrow — Talk about government efficiency. Vroom vroom!

GLASS LEWIS & CO. — Down arrow — The only thing worse for business these days is being on the Florida AG’s radar.

HOUSE JUDICIARY CMTE. — Down arrow — Turns out ‘Never Forget’ has an expiration date.

COLLEEN BURTON — Up arrow — She’s still trying to protect kids from hemp. Perhaps third time’s the charm.

ERIN GRALL, TOBY OVERDORF — Up arrow — Just this once, ‘watching paint dry’ is proof of a job well done.

GAYLE HARRELL — Up arrow — A solid, comprehensive government IT bill? Since when were those allowed?

SHEV JONES, JASON PIZZO — Up arrow — Senate Democrats may not have the numbers, but they have two of the best speakers in debate.

JOHN SNYDER — Up arrow — The IT Budget Chief is speedier than Wi-Fi 7.

MARK BERLICK — Down arrow — If he’s trying to get ‘canceled’ printed in the lobby reg database, he’s on the right track.

BRANDON HARRIS — Up arrow — If ever you need proof that five-star staffers can move mountains, ask him how he found a time slot for 1,000 4-H kids to join Ben Albritton in the Chamber.

ANIMAL ABUSERS — Down arrow — They have a special place in hell, but we’re impatient. Based on his bill, Tom Leek is, too.

CHEMTRAILS — Crossways arrow — We used to see them over the Everglades all the time back in the 80s. Hold on, I’m being told those were mountains of blow being tossed out the back of a Cessna 402.

EYEBALL WARS — Up arrow — One of the best food fights in The Process is back … keep your eyes glued on this one.

INSURERS VS. LAWYERS — Up arrow — There aren’t as many pun opportunities, but this matchup is always main card material.

SPEEDOMETERS — Up arrow — You might be able to pretend it’s slightly less broken the next time a trooper taps on your window.

REVENUES — Double up arrow — Water is wet. The sun is hot. Florida is beating revenue estimates.

THOROUGHBREDS & HORSEMEN — Up arrow — They did not win or place this week in the House, but they certainly showed at the committee meeting.

DELOITTE — Up arrow — Who knew getting rid of an old iPad could be this heartwarming?

DISNEY — Down arrow — We know you’re used to bears who fly seaplanes or love honey but trust us — don’t poke this one.

MYERS COUNCIL MEMBERS — Down arrow — They could soon be former Council members … it’s their call.

USF — Down arrow — If you don’t straighten up, that Bull will turn into a Banyan.

RODNEY DORSEY — Up arrow — True pros know the show must go on … and it did.

RED DOG BLUE DOG — Puppy paw — This year’s edition was a trea … oops! This year’s edition was a T-R-E-A-T.

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DoE DOA

Following months of speculation, President Donald Trump signed an executive order largely dismantling the Department of Education.

Members of the Florida congressional delegation responded with polarized views, categorizing the move as either a monumental misstep or a good start to reform.

For Rep. Frederica Wilson, a former teacher and principal, the administration’s action appeared as executive overreach and a slap at public educators nationwide.

“Closing the doors to the Department of Education is closing the doors to opportunities for our youth. The Republicans’ inability to understand why education is crucial to the future of America is laughable and shows how out of touch they are,” the Miami-Dade Republican said in an extensive statement.

“They are trying to break down our public education system and attack children of color. Public education serves everyone, regardless of the color of their skin: the gifted, students with disabilities, the wheelchair-bound, the mentally challenged, the sick, the shut-in, the orphan, the ungovernable, everyone! Our country will not be an international leader if its government leaves its children behind.”

However, Rep. Greg Steube cheered on the decision and said Congress should take it further.

“Congress has to come behind President Trump and back him up on this 100%,” the Sarasota Republican told Newsmax. “I’ve been on bills for the last three or four congresses that would do away with the Department of Education, but Congress has to act, and we can do that through the reconciliation bill.”

Steube suggested that Congress should keep popular programs like Pell Grants for college students intact but abolish the Department of Education as a concept, leaving education completely to state governments and local School Boards.

Trump’s decision came days after Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited South Florida and discussed education. She toured charter schools in Miami alongside Erika Donalds, the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Educational Opportunity Chair. Donalds is also married to U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican.

Notably, the top post on McMahon’s X feed hours after the announcement was a repost of a statement Erika Donalds issued upon news of Trump’s order. It laid out a potential future of education after the agency’s sunset.

“By eliminating federal overreach in education, we can foster an environment where innovation thrives, parents have greater choice and students receive the high-quality education they deserve,” Donalds said. “This move will allow states to tailor educational approaches to their unique needs, free from one-size-fits-all federal mandates, and voters can hold their state and local elected officials accountable for the resulting academic outcomes.”

But the state certainly has skeptics who see Florida paying a steep price for the brash move. The Florida Policy Institute estimates the state will lose $800 million a year for programming for students with disabilities and that Florida’s Title I schools, those serving a high percentage of students in poverty, could miss out on a combined $1 billion in federal support.

“The DOE also plays a crucial role in ensuring civil rights protections at schools that receive federal dollars,” said Institute CEO Sadaf Knight. “Florida’s congressional delegation should be working to promote and fully fund education, not creating uncertainty around crucial supports that foster student achievement, racial and ethnic equity, and shared prosperity in our state.”

Law enforcement love

As Sen. Ashley Moody focuses on her election in 2026, she rolled out early endorsements from Florida’s law enforcement community. Now, law enforcement leaders are showing love for her first major Senate proposal.

This week, the Plant City Republican announced she secured endorsements from every Florida GOP State Attorney and Sheriff. Additionally, several law enforcement leaders, along with several Police Chiefs, gathered in Tampa to publicly back her first piece of prime-sponsored legislation, the Homes for Every Local Protector and Responder (HELPER) Act.

“Law enforcement leaders, deputies and front-line officers from across Florida are backing the HELPER Act. I am humbled to have their support in this important fight as we continue to provide law enforcement the tools, incentives, and support they need to protect and serve,” Moody said.

Before her appointment to the Senate, Moody served more than six years as Florida’s Attorney General, so she has strong connections to law enforcement at all levels. Indeed, she spotlighted ranked officers Mike and Angeliesse Nesterwitz, who relocated to Florida to serve at the Tampa International Airport because of incentives for police in the state.

To watch the news conference, please click on the image below:

“Even before we moved to Florida, we knew that the leadership here was like no other. It’s a major reason why we decided to move,” Angeliesse Nesterwitz said. “My husband and I met Sen. Moody while she was Attorney General. She offered us her full support as we were adjusting to service in the Sunshine State, and we are so excited to continue to support her efforts in Congress to provide even more incentives to service. We are also thrilled to introduce baby Isabel to her.”

The event also saw support for the bill from Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister, Marion Sheriff Billy Woods, Hernando Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Sarasota Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, Sumter Sheriff Pat Breeden and Hardee Sheriff Vent Crawford. Tampa International Airport Police Chief Charlie Vazquez, Treasure Island Police Chief John Barkley, Tampa Major Kim Fruit and Plant City Police Chief Richard Mills also backed the bill.

Moody said she would continue to be a voice for law enforcement in Washington.

“As Attorney General, I fought for pay raises, bonuses, and recruitment tools to keep Florida’s law enforcement the best in the nation,” Moody said. “You better believe I will continue to fight for them as U.S. Senator.”

Stitched in the USA

According to Sen. Rick Scott, American flags should be made in the birthplace of the values behind the stars and stripes.

The Naples Republican filed the Make American Flags in America Act with GOP Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The bill would require federal agencies to display only American-made flags.

“The American flag represents the pride and joy of being an American and the very values of a nation founded upon freedom, democracy and the American Dream,” Scott said. “Producing an American flag is a privilege that should only be granted to our fellow Americans who believe in the values it represents, not nations like Communist China who seek to destroy the American way of life. Our bill preserves and protects the pride of American-made products and the patriotism of the flag and nation we love. I urge my colleagues to support its quick passage.”

President Joe Biden signed a similar bill last year, but Scott said overseas manufacturers have continued to ship products to agencies by finding loopholes in the law. The Senate said his bill would stop Chinese flag makers from falsely claiming a flag is American-made on labeling, even if the sewing occurs overseas.

TRICARE trouble

Two Northeast Florida members of Congress want TRICARE to do a better job reimbursing active-duty service members.

Reps. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, and John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, sent a letter to Dr. David J. Smith, Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency, about ongoing failures in reimbursing troops.

“We have heard from countless concerned constituents that the new T-5 contract has had a severe impact on our military families and community medical providers,” the letter reads. “Providers across the nation have reported millions of dollars in unpaid or unprocessed claims. TRICARE beneficiaries are experiencing unfathomable delays. This crisis has put smaller practices at risk of shutting down, jeopardizing access to care for thousands of military families across the country.”

The letter said many in Northeast Florida suffered from reduced access to care, while other providers warned patients that services would soon be significantly reduced. One clinic in the region, where TRICARE beneficiaries make up a third of patients, reported to the lawmakers that the federal carrier owed it $100,000.

“It would be unacceptable for military families to lose access to critical health care coverage,” Bean and Rutherford wrote. “This crisis must be immediately rectified so that TRICARE payment services are restored, and providers can remain operational.”

Forever DOGE

Meanwhile, Bean and two other delegation members want to see efforts to reduce government become a permanent operation in Washington. Reps. Cory Mills, Bean, and Donalds filed legislation (HR 2006) that would codify the Department of Government Efficiency into a federal statute.

“According to the agency themselves, DOGE has already achieved over $115 billion in savings, which amounts to more than $700 in savings per taxpayer,” said Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican.

“They are rooting out waste and fraud, including the cancellation of 104 DEI contracts, saving the government more than $1 billion. One of my favorite finds was when DOGE identified that the Biden administration spent $8 million performing transgender experiments on mice. This is the type of wasteful spending that the American taxpayer deserves transparency on.”

Donalds, a Naples Republican, similarly saw value in finding savings.

“$2 trillion annual deficits, $36 trillion in debt, and the Washington Swamp wants to continue to grow — enough is enough,” he said. “We’re taking our country back, we’re putting the American people first again, and under President Trump, the Department of Government Efficiency is doing just that. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we codify this consequential endeavor into federal law.”

Bean, a co-founder of the DOGE Caucus in the House, jumped on as an introducing co-sponsor.

“DOGE’s mission is to improve government efficiency and to stop the abuse of taxpayer dollars — and it’s doing just that,” he said. “As co-chair of the House DOGE Caucus, I am proud to join Congressman Mills in introducing the DOGE Act to codify President Trump’s executive order into law. The American people overwhelmingly support ending waste, fraud, and abuse, and we are working to restore accountability to the American public.”

Multiple Medicaid fronts

With Congress out of Session, Rep. Maxwell Frost spent some time away from the national Capitol, visiting the Florida State Capitol instead. The Orlando Democrat headlined a news conference in Tallahassee alongside Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and state Rep. Dotie Joseph, a North Miami Democrat.

Frost slammed Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for failing to expand state support of Medicaid, making Florida one of just 10 states that had refused to do so since the launch of the Affordable Care Act. The Congressman said that proposed federal cuts to Medicaid hurt Floridians much more as a result.

“The question I’m here to ask is: If you support cuts to Medicaid, do you not realize that you’re supporting cuts to the Florida budget? That’s how this works,” Frost said. “We give federal dollars to the state of Florida so they can give health care to people that need it — children, pregnant people, and seniors. So, if you’re cheering on cutting Medicaid, you’re cheering on losing money to help Floridians. In the wealthiest country on this Earth, everyone deserves access to quality health care.”

According to Frost’s office, the spending bill passed by Congress last week calls for $2 trillion in spending cuts, and instructions indicate that a substantial portion of that can come from Medicaid. Meanwhile, about 4 million Floridians rely on Medicaid for health coverage.

Unsung heroes

Rep. Vern Buchanan honored more than two dozen Manatee County philanthropists and community leaders at an event in Palmetto.

The Longboat Key Republican cheered the “Unsung Heroes” at the Manatee Community Foundation’s Spirit of Manatee Awards.

“The unwavering dedication demonstrated by the 2025 Spirit of Manatee honorees exemplifies the true essence of community,” Buchanan said.

“In the face of last year’s devastating hurricanes, these individuals and organizations stepped forward, embodying resilience and compassion. Their selfless contributions have been instrumental in our community’s rebuilding efforts, and it is with profound gratitude that I recognize and thank them for their steadfast commitment to the well-being of Manatee County.”

Affordable housing

Federal support for a program to build more affordable housing in West Palm Beach will increase by $1 million.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat, announced that the city received a grant for the Coleman Park Affordable Housing Project. City officials said the funding will support nine to 18 supportive housing units for families transitioning from homelessness or for those at risk of homelessness, a population largely priced out of the local market.

“Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick’s support in securing $1 million for affordable housing in West Palm Beach is a testament to the effectiveness of federal-local collaboration. This funding serves as a reminder that when we work together — across levels of government — we can make tangible investments that support working families in our community,” said Jennifer Ferriol, West Palm Beach’s Director of Housing and Community Development.

Cherfilus-McCormick put in an earmark request in the budget for the project.

“I secured $1 million in funding for the Coleman Park Affordable Housing Project so that more households across our community can achieve the American Dream,” she said. “This is about more than just developing new housing units — these are beacons of hope that will help families rebuild, grow, and thrive right here in West Palm Beach.”

Expensive housing

According to Rep. Lois Frankel, the resident of a famously expensive home in Palm Beach County is costing local taxpayers. The West Palm Beach Democrat just filed legislation to allow the Secret Service to reimburse law enforcement and fire crews for protecting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.

“Protecting the President is a matter of national security and should be a federal responsibility to bear the costs,” Frankel said. “Diverting funds for presidential security can strain local governments’ ability to provide essential public services.”

She filed the bipartisan legislation with Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican. Kean agreed that the burden of security should not fall on local taxpayers where a President happens to live. “Currently, much of that responsibility falls on small-town taxpayers and local budgets,” he said.

Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino endorsed the legislation.

“At the request of the federal government, Palm Beach County has consistently stepped up to ensure that President Trump has the best security protection available anytime he is in residence in our community,” Marino said. “We consider it an honor to serve and protect our President; however, our taxpaying community cannot continue to foot the bill for this very costly service. We need help and relief from this significant local financial impact that is projected to cost over $45 million by fiscal year-end.”

Returning phone calls

Rep. Jared Moskowitz wants the Social Security Administration to pick up the phone.

Following DOGE-driven cuts to phone support at the federal agency, the Parkland Democrat co-led a letter with Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat, urging the administration to safeguard call service.

“We strongly urge you to consider the individuals who may be harmed, as eliminating or reducing phone services would create unnecessary barriers for the most vulnerable populations at a time when they already face so many challenges,” the letter reads.

“Social Security benefits are earned entitlements that individuals contribute to throughout their entire working lives, and every American deserves the opportunity to access those benefits in a way that is accessible and equitable.”

Call service manages about 40% of claims processed from Social Security recipients annually. Moskowitz said in his district alone, nearly 160,000 constituents depend on Social Security.

Calling out Rubio logic

The Democratic co-Chair of Florida’s congressional delegation led a fresh effort to allow Venezuelans to keep temporary protected status (TPS).

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, co-led a letter with Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, demanding Secretary of State Marco Rubio explain the decision to revoke the protections despite ongoing hostility from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The letter uses several statements Rubio made in the past to counter the administration’s recent logic in withdrawing protections. It also draws on statements Rubio made while serving as Florida’s senior Senator, critical of Maduro.

“On Feb. 5, DHS justified terminating TPS for Venezuelans by citing ‘notable improvements in several areas such as the economy, public health, and crime’ claiming conditions now allow for safe returns,” the letter reads.

“Yet just one day later, on Feb. 6, you contradicted this assessment, stating, ‘I do not know how else to talk about a regime that has forced about 8 million citizens to leave Venezuela. They imprison; they torture innocent individuals.’ You have previously referred to the Maduro regime as an ‘enemy of humanity,’ and on Feb. 26, in an official transcript from the Department of State, you reaffirmed that Maduro remains a horrible dictator and the ‘same threat today that he was two years ago, three years ago, four years ago.’”

Thirty-eight Representatives signed the letter, including every Democrat in Florida’s congressional delegation.

“Venezuelans fleeing horrific, inhumane conditions have received refuge in the United States since the start of the humanitarian crisis through TPS, a program that has enjoyed bipartisan support,” the letter reads. “The Trump administration’s decision to revoke TPS for 348,000 Venezuelans is not just dangerous, it is a betrayal of the Venezuelan American community.”

Deporting Castro loyalists

Meanwhile, Rep. Carlos Giménez pushed the administration to explain why certain Cubans are allowed in the country.

The Miami-Dade Republican sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging her to investigate and deport more than 100 people who the Foundation of Cuban Rights in Cuba said had ties to Fidel Castro’s regime.

“Like so many in our community, I was forced from my native homeland of Cuba shortly after the Communist Revolution and it is absolutely reprehensible how agents of the murderous Castro regime have gamed our immigration laws to infiltrate our country,” Giménez said.

His own family fled Cuba when he was a child. Today, Giménez is the only Cuban-born member of Congress.

“I applaud President Trump and his administration for the swift action in recently apprehending an intelligence agent of the Cuban dictatorship living in South Florida,” Giménez said, “and I look forward to continuing working closely together to identify, detain, and repatriate these despicable fraudsters living in our country.”

West Point appointments

Trump announced several appointments to the Board of Visitors for West Point Academy, including some prominent Florida figures.

The Board now includes former General and (far right figure) Michael Flynn. The onetime National Security Adviser to Trump, who later received a pardon after a conviction involving the Russian collusion investigation, now lives in the Venice area, where he has been involved in the local conservative movement The Hollow for several years.

Additionally, Trump appointed Maureen Bannon to the Board. The CEO of WarRoom, a media umbrella for her father Steve Bannon’s podcast of the same name, was considering a run in Florida’s 15th Congressional District last year and still lives in Florida.

On this day

March 21, 1947 — “Harry Truman orders loyalty checks of federal employees” via History.com — Congress had already launched investigations of communist influence in Hollywood, and laws banning communists from teaching positions were being instituted in several states. Of most concern to President Truman’s administration, however, were persistent charges that communists were operating in federal offices. In response to these fears and concerns, Truman issued an executive order that set up a program to check the loyalty of federal employees. In announcing his order, Truman indicated that he expected all federal workers to demonstrate “complete and unswerving loyalty” to the United States. Anything less, he declared, “constitutes a threat to our democratic processes.”

March 21, 1965 — “Selma to Montgomery march begins” via The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research Institute — The federally sanctioned march left Selma on March 21. Protected by hundreds of federalized Alabama National Guardsmen and FBI agents, the demonstrators covered 7 to 17 miles daily. Camping at night in supporters’ yards, they were entertained by celebrities such as Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne. Limited by Judge Frank M. Johnson’s order to 300 marchers over a stretch of two-lane highway, the number of demonstrators swelled on the last day to 25,000, accompanied by Assistant Attorneys General John Doar, Ramsey Clark, and former Assistant Attorney General Burke Marshall.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.

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