As Americans, we naturally see charitable organizations as dedicated forces for good, committed to uplifting our communities. Unfortunately, adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) see something entirely different: an opportunity to exploit our goodwill as a vector for influence and manipulation.

Senate Bill 700, sponsored by Sen. Keith Truenow, addresses this vulnerability head-on — and it’s precisely the type of common-sense measure we at Common Sense America wholeheartedly support.

The Florida Senate will vote on this important bill this week, and it will then be sent to the House of Representatives for review.

In my work advocating for sensible policies to protect America’s national security and economic independence, one thing is clear: China is aggressively working to weaken the U.S. at every level — not just through military might or cyberattacks but through strategic infiltration of local institutions.

This is not speculation; it’s reality.

The Director of National Intelligence recently warned explicitly that the CCP is “redoubling its efforts to build influence at the state and local level to shift U.S. policy in China’s favor,” taking advantage of the fact that local governments and community organizations often lack the resources to vet the sources and intentions behind the support they receive.

This kind of foreign influence is a strategic threat, especially when hidden within our charitable institutions.

SB 700 smartly prohibits charitable organizations from soliciting or accepting contributions from foreign sources identified as threats to our security. Moreover, it creates the Honest Services Registry, requiring charities to disclose their foreign funding sources.

This is precisely the common-sense transparency measure that ensures Floridians can support causes confidently, knowing their contributions aren’t inadvertently advancing foreign interests hostile to America.

Common Sense America firmly believes that safeguarding our national security and local autonomy requires clear, practical measures that eliminate opportunities for foreign adversaries to exploit our open and trusting society. SB 700 represents precisely this approach — it isn’t about limiting charity; it’s about protecting the integrity of Florida’s communities and institutions.

As I regularly emphasize in testimony across the nation, proactive transparency measures such as Florida’s Honest Services Registry aren’t optional; they’re essential. Ensuring our institutions, especially those dedicated to public trust and benevolence, remain free from foreign interference is simply common sense.

I commend Truenow’s leadership on SB 700 and urge all Floridians to support this critical legislation. It’s time we protect our state — and our country — from threats cleverly disguised as charity.

___

Steve Crim is the Executive Director of Common Sense America, an advocacy group dedicated to promoting common-sense policy solutions that protect national security and economic resilience.

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Good Sunday morning, and welcome back to “Brunch,” a pop-up newsletter about the 2025 Legislative Session.

Happy Pesach to everyone celebrating Passover, which began last night at Sunset and ends after nightfall next Sunday.

A blessed Palm Sunday to all those who celebrate.

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

Happy birthday on this wonderful day to U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, former Rep. Ted Yoho, state Rep. Sam Killebrew and John Snyder, and former state Rep. Elaine Schwartz.

Did y’all see Byron Donalds walking out at UFC with President Donald Trump? If not, check it out here.

I enjoy The Masters, but I’m not obsessed with the tournament. Still, this column by The Washington Post’s Barry Svrluga about how Nick Dunlap, a 21-year-old Alabaman, shot a first-round 90 but found it inside himself to shoot a 1-under-par Friday is a great story about resilience.

On the other hand, I am obsessed with F1. However, Liberty Media, which runs the race series, wants up to $180 million a year for F1’s next U.S. broadcast deal — but even Netflix, ESPN and Amazon are hesitating. What gives?

Please check out our choices for the Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida Politics by clicking here.

Now, please enjoy Brunch.

— Masterful event —

As Governor, Ron DeSantis traveled to dozens of major sporting events, but his favorite was featured this weekend.

— His take: “We hosted two Super Bowls since I’ve been Governor. I was at the National Championship basketball game with the University of Florida in San Antonio to watch that on Monday. I’ve been into the college World Series, all these things. But I’d say The Masters is probably the best sporting event I’ve ever attended,” DeSantis told interviewer Mark Levin. “It’s just a unique venue, unique competition.”

— Rough course: DeSantis, an avid golfer with a golf simulator in the Governor’s Mansion, confirmed that we mere mortals are no match for the famed Augusta course. “I hit some pretty big drives. But man, you get in there and approach to these greens and it is just lethal. I mean, they’re lightning fast. They’ve got amazing contours. So, you’ve got to have that short game,” DeSantis revealed. “I’ve had times where I’ve driven the ball really well and then just not scored as well.”

— Perfect pairing: The Governor has extended a connection between the state and Augusta. Augusta National Golf Club President Fred Ridley is on the University of Florida Board.

— Vulnerable? —

Anna Paulina Luna could be vulnerable next year in the 2026 Midterms. Emphasis on “could.”

— Not much has changed: But then, so much has. Sabato’s Crystal Ball ranking for Luna’s 13th Congressional District in the 2026 election cycle is “likely Republican.” That’s the same as it was in the 2024 cycle. But it’s a Midterm with a new President in office, which historically and almost exclusively translates to the party not in power in the White House winning control of the U.S. House.

— And it’s not just any President: It’s Trump. With the on-again-off-again tariff game spinning heads in Washington, nationwide and across the globe, and fears of a recession — even a global recession — permeating financial circles and kitchen table conversations, there may be more motivation for Luna to make a change in her district.

— The DCCC is hungry: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is again targeting Luna in 2026, as it did in 2024. Despite the Republican lean in the district, the group has seen vulnerabilities with Luna as a far-right candidate in lockstep with Trump, and while Luna has since left the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, not much else has changed in the DCCC calculus.

— But likely is, well, likely: Luna saw a credible challenge in 2024 from a candidate who seemed as good as anyone to take her on. Whitney Fox was, like Luna, a telegenic young mom. She had an impressive resume and was a polished candidate. And she raised a ton of money. Luna still won by 10 percentage points in the R+6 district, overperforming at a time when most onlookers expected an underperformance.

The next question is, who will step in to finish what Fox started? Fox seems unlikely — she just publicly announced a new job as Communications Director for Moms First. She left a great job with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to run for Congress in the first place, and it doesn’t seem like she’d want to give up another job to take on the daunting task again. Another 2024 candidate, Liz Dahan, had an impressive resume and could join the mix. Likewise, with Sabrina Bousbar. But it’s early days, and no one has emerged as an interested party, and it’s likely the DCCC will be doing plenty of vetting in the coming weeks and months.

— Abu Dhabi deal —

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, marking a new partnership between the regions.

— Making moves: The deal took shape during the 2025 Florida CEO delegation trip, a business-led mission to develop business ties for other regions to help grow Florida businesses.

— Who’s who? Representing the Chamber overseas were Keith Koenig, Chair of CITY Furniture and the Florida Chamber of Commerce; Katie Yeutter, Florida Chamber COO and CFO; and Karen Moore, CEO of Moore and a member of the Florida Chamber’s Board of Directors. Several other CEOs and founders also joined, including Matt Higgins, co-founder and CEO of RSE Ventures.

— ‘Significant step’: “This agreement represents a significant step in positioning Florida as a global hub for trade and innovation,” Yeutter said. “It reflects the leadership and unity of Florida’s business community, and our commitment to the Florida 2030 Blueprint — which outlines our goal of becoming a top 10 global economy.”

— ‘Florida’s future’: “The global economy doesn’t wait — and neither should Florida,” Koenig added. “We’re here to build lasting relationships that support growth, innovation and opportunity for Florida’s future.”

— Bitcoin bills —

A bill allowing the state to invest in the cryptocurrency more easily is starting to move through the Legislature.

— Florida fun: The legislation (SB 550, HB 487) would allow the Chief Financial Officer to invest up to 10% of public funds from various state funds into bitcoin. The sponsors, Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Webster Barnaby, hope the legislation will help the state weather financial storms, enhance economic security and hedge against inflation.

— What else? The CFO could also loan bitcoin held in state funds to generate additional returns if it does not pose an increased financial risk. Taxes and fees paid in bitcoin would be first transferred to the General Revenue Fund, which would then reimburse the designated fund and convert it into U.S. currency. The Board of Administration, created by Florida’s Constitution, would further be authorized to invest and reinvest available funds of the System Trust Fund, facing the same 10% cap.

— To the moon? Barnaby’s version emerged through its first of four committee stops this week, while Gruters’ version still has three to go, meaning time is of the essence if these bills are to pass this Session.

— Anchors away —

Florida residents and tourists could soon see their access to the state’s highly sought-after state parks, conservation areas, and recreation zones restricted if a pair of bills currently under consideration move in the Legislature this Session.

— No anchoring around seaports: While this is pitched as boater safety, critics, such as the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, worry it’s more like boater restrictions. Measures in the Senate and House (SB 594 and HB 795) would ban anchoring at seaports, which could keep boaters who have access to several state parks and other areas from the water from enjoying those areas.

— Boater (un)safety: The Senate bill contemplates a 2,500-foot restriction on anchoring or mooring near seaports, whether a wharf, turning basin or channel. Such a restriction would limit boaters’ access to safe and legal anchor points. Even the House’s less restrictive proposal, at 1,500 feet and with exceptions for insured boats, is being rebuffed by critics for potentially imposing significant limitations on safe anchor points.

— Preempted: America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association notes that the proposed bills do not align with federal maritime law, which pre-empt state and local regulations around seaports, the group argues.

— Economic and environmental consequences: The group also worries that implementation would hamper the economy by restricting boating tourism and degrading the environment by forcing boats into concentrated anchoring areas where they may be overcrowded.

Despite its opposition to the proposed bills, which are still in committee, the association agrees that “protecting Florida’s waterways as shared public resources is essential for preserving the state’s identity as a premier destination for boating and outdoor recreation.” They just don’t think this is the way to do that.

— Upper chamber chow down —

This week, the Senate sampled some top-tier cuisine courtesy of a visit from the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Rosen School of Hospitality Management.

— Citrus samples: At this point in the Session, everyone could use a beer, and the Rosen School was here to help with a citrus-themed offering of Florida beer.

— 3-course meal: The menu started with a Spring harvest grazing board as an appetizer. Entrées were Southern-style pickled pink shrimp with cured lemon, Florida citrus salad with baby field greens and fennel pollen dust and 24-hour barbecue beef short ribs and roasted root vegetables. All were paired with a recommended ale. For dessert, Senators were served up milk chocolate créme brûlée.

— ‘Foodie Frolic’: The Senate’s “Foodie Frolic” series spotlights career and technical education in hospitality and the culinary arts. The series allows students to practice their craft and demonstrate the value of the educational programs to the Legislature. It also helps that samples are available for Senate members.

— The sked —

Given the later-than-average Easter, it might not feel like it, but yes … we’re in Week 7 of the Session. We recommend you enjoy the holiday reprieve to the fullest; when lawmakers return, they’ll have just a dozen days remaining to pass a budget, something slightly less impressive than shifting a 3,000-lb tombstone.

— In the Senate: Monday’s agenda is blank but the Senate’s full slate of Appropriations Subcommittees are set to meet Tuesday — HHS, PreK-12 and TED in the 8:30 a.m. block and AEG, Justice and Higher Ed after lunch, followed a floor session from 4:30 p.m. to close. Senators will do a half-day floor session Wednesday and wrap up the week with two marathon committee meetings — full Approps and Fiscal Policy — starting 9 a.m. Thursday.

— In the House: The lower chamber, meanwhile, is forgoing a long weekend … or at least members of the Higher Ed and PreK-12 Budget Subcommittees are. Both have meetings noticed for 2:30 p.m. Monday, which should help frame the discussion among Senate education budgeteers the following morning. The rest of the Budget Subs will meet Tuesday — Ag, IT and Justice tee off at 9 a.m.; Health Care, State Administration and TED follow at 10:30 a.m. The full Budget Committee is on for an 8 a.m. Wednesday meeting, but outside of authorized meeting slots, details are scant if you project any further out than that.

— Around the complex: Monday is Sierra Club Day at the Capitol, but they’ll share the spotlight with another major Session event: Children’s Week. Peruse the full schedule here. If you have a USF lapel pin, Tuesday’s the day to sport it. And if you think you’re hearing a Celia Cruz song playing in the distance on Wednesday, trust your ears — this year’s Cuban Heritage Day doubles as a centennial celebration for the Latin music icon. Last thing: Put Rep. Ashley Gantt’s birthday card under your car keys tonight.

— And a couple more for the process nerds: The 45th Day Rule triggers at COB Thursday. After Day 45, the Chair or Vice-Chair of House Rules, by majority vote, may motion to move to communications, messages from the Senate, bills and joint resolutions on Third Reading or Special Orders. Two other late-game rules kick in on Saturday. First: Unless the Speaker directs otherwise, all measures acted on by the House shall be transmitted to the Senate without delay. The second: Henceforward, all Senate bills are immediately certified and motions to reconsider bills may be made and considered on the same day.

— Book at the Bay —

Former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book is continuing her hike across the state to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.

— Tampa Bay bound: This weekend, the Walk in My Shoes tour arrived in Tampa for a powerful day of awareness and action with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office and walkers from across the community.

— Walk the walk: Walkers trekked more than 15 miles through the streets of Tampa to advocate for abuse prevention, show support for survivors and fight to protect childhood.

This is the 10th time Book has made the 1,500-mile journey across the state as part of her nonprofit, Lauren’s Kids. You can learn more or register to walk at future events here.

— Approve this message —

A survey found that voters were skeptical about water fluoridation, yet they highly regard Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who favors the practice.

— The numbers: The survey from The American Promise, a Tallahassee-based public research nonprofit associated with GOP consultant Alex Alvarado, showed 61% of voters approve of Levine Cava, a Democrat, with 26% strongly approving and 35% somewhat approving. Just 39% of voters disapprove, with 20% strongly disapproving.

— Leading GOP leaders: That puts her ahead of President Donald Trump and DeSantis. Trump has 52%-48% approval/disapproval splits, while DeSantis is 58%-42%. Levine Cava’s “strongly approve” rating (26%) also tops that of both Trump (25%) and DeSantis (23%). They each have a higher “strongly disapprove” rating (30% for Trump, 22% for DeSantis) than Levine Cava (20%).

Agree to disagree: Those findings come despite voters overall opposing water fluoridation. Levine Cava made headlines Friday when she vetoed an effort from the County Commission to begin removing fluoride from the water. Still, voters in this poll hold her in high regard.

— New burden —

AARP reports that older Americans are worried about Social Security. The organization says it has heard from countless seniors who are confused and concerned about the status of their Social Security and frustrated with long phone wait times to get answers.

— Identity proofing: Social Security has implemented a new in-person identity proofing process, a requirement AARP has warned could cause additional delays for retirees and disproportionately affect older Floridians in rural areas who would have to travel longer distances for in-person verification.

— Not just retirees: The new rule could also impact current workers preparing to retire, forcing them to take a day off work to fill out Social Security paperwork in person.

— A lot of people at risk: AARP notes that the changes impact one in five Florida residents, or more than 5 million state residents receiving Social Security benefits.

The changes take effect Monday. The Social Security Administration has carved out those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income from the in-person requirement. “Dire-need situations” could also be exempt, such as for those who are terminally ill. Still, AARP is sounding the alarm, as nearly half (46%) of individuals 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least half their income.

— Kudos —

Full-service direct mail and integrated marketing firm Direct One, based in Winter Park, has landed the prestigious 2025 Reed Award for Best Use of Technology in a Direct Mail Campaign from Campaigns & Elections.

— Not a solo performance: The firm was recognized alongside project partners RumbleUp, a peer-to-peer texting firm, and Topside Strategies, a full-service Republican consulting firm.

— An innovative approach: The award recognizes the company’s use of cutting-edge tech in its direct mail solutions for Cindy Pearson’s Duval County School Board campaign. It leveraged texting integrations with direct mail and used advanced data processing, variable high-speed digital printing, and real-time tracking to deliver personalized and results-driven direct mail.

— “We are thrilled”: “At Direct One, we know that direct mail remains a powerful tool in today’s digital world, especially when paired with the right technology. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering measurable results for our clients,” Direct One CEO Evan Stewart said.

— Not just Central Florida: It has national reach, too. The company specializes in creating tailored campaigns that utilize variable data printing, personalized URLs (pURLs), and QR codes to enhance customer engagement and provide actionable analytics.

The award-winning campaign achieved exceptional response rates and engagement by incorporating real-time tracking and personalized content. The company was recognized at the 2025 Reed Awards on Mar. 21 in Austin. While it does not list its political clients, Direct One has worked with various companies and groups, including Nemours Children’s Health, Boy Scouts of America, Vericast, and others.

— Masters history —

Rory McIlroy will shoot for history Sunday at The Masters. McIlroy leads by two strokes over Bryson DeChambeau entering today’s final round (2 p.m. ET, CBS).

— First-timer? McIlroy has never won the Green Jacket, the only achievement missing from a career Grand Slam. He has won the PGA Championship twice, the U.S. Open and the British Open once.

— The pairing: DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open winner, tied for sixth at last year’s Masters, his best career finish at the event. He was one of the golfers who left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf in 2022.

— What if? If McIlroy wins, he will join an exclusive list of players to win the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and British Open in a career. The list includes Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, begins the final round seven strokes behind McIlroy.

— Buzzer beater —

The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat will both play in the postseason. However, before they do, both teams have one more regular-season game left.

Playing the play-in: Orlando is locked into the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the play-in round on Tuesday. Orlando plays at Atlanta Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FanDuel Sports Network Florida) in a game that will not impact seeding.

— Heat check: The Miami Heat host the Washington Wizards (1 p.m. ET, FanDuel Sports Sun), but Miami is already set to play at the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in the other play-in game in the Eastern Conference.

— What’s ahead? If Orlando wins Tuesday, they will advance to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. A loss could put them on the path to play the Cleveland Cavaliers. Miami’s only potential first-round opponent is the top-seeded Cavaliers.

In 2023, the Heat worked their way into the main field as the eighth seed and advanced to the NBA Finals before losing to the Denver Nuggets.

— Brunching out —

You can enjoy a lavish meal on Easter Sunday without depriving the kids of a chance to take pictures with the Easter Bunny, play games or hunt for eggs. Here’s a look at some spots offering a special Easter brunch.

— Bricks and Brass: The event space, adjacent to the Four Points by Sheraton, features an Easter brunch with an omelet as well as prime rib, a honey ham carving station, a spread of hot and cold breakfast classics, fresh fruit, parfaits and pastries. For the kiddos, there are games and an Easter egg hunt. Reservations are required and booked through EventBrite.

— Details: 316 West Tennessee St.; 850-422-4200. Brunch hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 20. Cost: Adults $55, children ages 3 to 12 are $25. Add a bottomless bubbly bar for $25.

— Casa Tapas & Cantina: This popular brunch is especially festive on Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny will be available for pictures plus there will be a photo station for family pictures and an Easter egg hunt for the little ones. The brunch menu at Casa Tapas features Mediterranean, Cuban and American fare, with dishes ranging from biscuits and gravy to ropa vieja. Splurge on desserts. Reservations recommended.

— Where and when: 2705 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-765-1770. Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20. Cost: Adults $35, kids 12 and under, $20.

— Bunny buffet —

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs offers two options. Places are filling up as quick as a bunny, so make those reservations.

— Take your pick: You have a choice of two events at the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 13 or the Easter Buffet on April 20.

— Bring the kids: On April 13, kids can get a photo with the Easter Bunny and a goody bag. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages, muffins and Danish. Details: 550 Wakulla Park; 850-421-2000; [email protected] Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13. Cost: Adults $36.28; children ages 4 to 12 $23.26; children ages 2 to 3 $10.22, free for children aged 1 and younger. Tickets are available here.

— Seconds: The Easter Buffet on April 20 will feature an extensive lineup of salads, quiches, spiral ham, roast beef, roasted salmon, vegetables, and desserts. Details: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20. Cost: Adults $52.99, $26.99 for kids aged 12 and under. Tickets are available here.

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