Good Wednesday morning.

Marketing and communications agency Moore announced the promotion of Liz Underwood to associate vice president.

Since being charged with leading the Public Affairs team in 2019, Underwood has driven Moore to consistently rank No. 1 in Florida and No. 5 in the United States in Public Affairs.

“Liz’s promotion is a testament to her excellent leadership, which drives results for our clients,” said Terrie Ard, president and Chief Operating Officer.

Throughout her nearly 20-year tenure with Moore, Underwood’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in delivering impactful results to our clients. She has served as the lead for clients representing health care, workforce, education, technology, among others.

Underwood’s knack for fostering strong relationships with clients, partners, and team members contributes to her success and drives impactful results. In 2023, in recognition of her exceptional contributions and leadership, she was announced as a partner at the agency.

“Liz Underwood’s promotion reflects Moore’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and delivering top-tier public affairs services,” said Karen Moore, founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited for the future and confident that Liz will continue to lead with the same passion and expertise that have defined her career.”

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The Attorney General’s office announced a trio of new communications hires.

Jae Williams joins the Attorney General’s office as Press Secretary after serving as the Florida Department of Health Communications Director.

A seventh-generation Floridian, Williams enjoys running, hunting the woods of “Old Florida”, and fishing the St. Joe Bay. Jae, his wife, Jenna Rose, and their son, James, live in Tallahassee. They enjoy afternoon walks and frequent the Capital City’s culinary landscape.

Cynthia McLaughlin will join as the Deputy Communications Director, bringing a strong background in journalism, public relations and strategic storytelling.

McLaughlin is an Emmy and Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) award-winning former news anchor who most recently served as the Sarasota Police Department’s public information officer. There, she managed high-stakes communications and created a successful podcast that featured statewide and international guests, including former Attorney General Ashley Moody.

Georgia Pevy is also joining as a Deputy Communications Director in the AG’s office, where she has served in multiple roles for over five years.

With a strong background in navigating high-stakes environments, Georgia managed volunteer operations for the 2020 Republican National Convention. She contributed to Moody’s 2018 Attorney General campaign as Deputy Finance Director.

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Speaking of the Attorney General, a spokesperson for his political operation confirmed that James Uthmeier has already raised over $2 million.

The total, amassed just a month after his official campaign launch, includes money raised through his official campaign account and the Friends of James Uthmeier political committee.

“James has hit the ground running out of the gate and is showing Floridians that he is the most capable for the job,” a campaign spokesperson said.

“He’s aggressively supported the fight against illegal immigration, locked up numerous criminals and child predators, and worked quickly to show Florida families and the business community that he has their back. It’s no surprise that he’s already bringing in broad support, and the best is yet to come.”

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The Florida First Resilience and Energy Alliance highlights a new report published by the Climate Leadership Council, confirming that the U.S. is the global leader in carbon-efficient manufacturing.

The report comes as the Florida First Resilience and Energy Alliance urges national leadership to advance solutions that put America first, especially when data proves these policies can meaningfully benefit the environment.

“The United States is four times more carbon-efficient than China, which uses weak environmental standards to produce cheap, high-polluting products that harm U.S. workers,” said Rep. Toby Overdorf, founding member of FFREA. “We need trade policy that rewards cleaner American production.”

According to the study, the United States is the second-largest manufacturer in the world, yet it is four times more carbon-efficient than the largest, China. Further, the United States maintains a significant carbon advantage on the global scale, as it is two times more carbon-efficient than the world average.

“It’s time for other countries to step up. We must hold the world’s largest polluters — China, Russia and India — accountable for their emissions. In doing so, we can not only reduce global pollution, but also level the playing field for American businesses,” said Sen. Ana María Rodriguez, founding member of FFREA.

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Updates from the Road: Lauren Book is on the move! Today, Lauren and the Walk in My Shoes team are walking 20 miles through Lee and Collier counties to raise awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The day begins in Naples at Project HELP, with a 4-mile walk to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Dedicated walkers will trek another 16 miles to the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office in Bonita Springs. Every step is taken in support of survivors and to help prevent abuse before it happens! Learn more at LaurensKidsWalk.org.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@Fineout: Rep. Randy Fine does an interview where he says it is “troubling” that @GovRonDeSantis has recently gone after him and @RepCassel & notes they are both Jewish.

—@Ders850: The Governor of Florida spent his Tuesday morning arguing with an AI chatbot.

—@StoolePresidente: I’m going to need all the race-baiters who explain Caitlin Clark’s popularity simply because she’s white to explain why 10 million more people watched her last year than Paige Bueckers (also white) this year. I’ll hang up and listen

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ with Jon Hamm premieres on Apple+ — 2; Children’s Week begins at the Florida Capitol — 4; ‘The Last of Us’ season two premieres — 4; Children’s Day — 6; ‘Andor’ season two premieres — 13; ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’ premieres on Netflix — 14; ‘The Accountant 2’ premieres — 16; ‘Chef’s Table: Legends’ premieres on Netflix — 19; Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour begins in Los Angeles — 19; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 23; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting — 34; Florida Chamber Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability — 36; Epic Universe grand opening — 43; Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ premieres — 44; ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ premieres — 44; Florida Chamber Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 50; ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premieres — 51; Tony Awards — 60; Special Election for SD 19 — 62; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet will meet — 63; Florida Chamber Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 76; ‘Squid Game’ season three premieres — 79; James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ premieres — 93; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premieres on Netflix — 107; “Fantastic Four – First Steps” premieres — 107; Florida Freedom Forum — 115; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 119; Florida Chamber Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 125; the Emmys — 158; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 161; Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio premieres — 170; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 201; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 226; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 238; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 238; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 252; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 254; Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 303; ‘ Avengers 5’ premieres — 391; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 408; FIFA World Cup 26™ final — 429; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 619; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 759; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 905; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1,192; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1,308; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,708; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,439.

— TOP STORY —

“State officials steered $10 million settlement to Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida charity” via Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — A $10 million diversion of state settlement money to the Hope Florida Foundation, a charity arm of Casey DeSantis’ welfare initiative, has raised questions about transparency and compliance with state laws.

This unusual injection of cash, part of an undisclosed settlement agreement involving Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), is now under scrutiny.

Under Florida law, funds from certain settlements must be deposited into a state trust or the general revenue fund, where lawmakers decide how to allocate them. A state spokesperson argued the law doesn’t apply because “this money was not paid to the state,” without further elaboration.

The Hope Florida Foundation, established to support DeSantis’ Hope Florida program, aims to remove residents from government aid by connecting them with faith-based groups and nonprofits. This is positioned as an alternative to traditional welfare.

Concerns about the foundation’s compliance with oversight, ethics, and fundraising laws have recently surfaced. Despite IRS requirements for immediate access to nonprofit documents, reporters were told their request “will be returned in the order it was received” and were asked to leave. The foundation has not publicly disclosed donors or recipient organizations.

Meeting minutes from October revealed the $10 million allocation resulting from “the resolution of a longstanding dispute with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the state.” The nature of this dispute remains unclear, as the settlement is absent from AHCA’s online database.

AHCA Deputy Chief of Staff Mallory McManus, also the registered agent for Hope Florida Foundation, described it as a “pre-suit settlement” in the agency’s “favor” that was “directed, in part” to the foundation. The destination of the remaining settlement money remains undisclosed.

Rep. Alex Andrade, who oversees AHCA’s budget, expressed uncertainty about Hope Florida’s mission, stating, “Without details and transparency, I can’t say if this transfer was done for a proper purpose or not.”

As DeSantis pushes for Hope Florida to be enshrined in state law, these developments raise questions about the foundation’s operations and its potential role in Casey DeSantis’ future political aspirations.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Ron DeSantis pushed for child labor rollbacks behind the scenes,”” via McKenna Schueler of Orlando Weekly— Through a public record request, the Orlando Weekly found DeSantis’ office emailed the draft bill language to the two lawmakers sponsoring HB 1225 and SB 918 to weaken child labor laws. “As discussed, please see the Employment of Minors bill language attached and the section-by-section breakdown for easy reference,” wrote Mary Clare Futch, deputy director of legislative affairs for the Governor’s Office, in a Feb. 10 email to Sen. Jay Collins, the Republican who sponsored the Senate version. Futch added, “Thank you for your willingness to champion this great policy!” The Weekly reported that the challenge to Florida’s labor laws for children is being tied to advocates pushing for parental rights.

“Democrats join Republicans supporting E-Verify for small businesses” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Sweetwater Republican Rep. David Borrero argued that cracking down on small businesses hiring undocumented workers will raise wages at construction and agricultural jobs for the rest of Floridans. Borrero was one of the backers of a House bill mandating that employers with fewer than 25 employees use E-Verify to check employees’ legal work status. The House Commerce Committee advanced HB 955 Monday with a 19-3 vote at its last Committee stop before it heads to the House floor. “If you are opposed to this bill, then what you are saying is that you are OK creating an environment where people can break the law,” Borrero said. His argument: Any worker shortage caused by the undocumented workers’ exodus would mean farmers, contractors and others will start paying “reasonable rates for the American people” to work those jobs.

“‘A full-throttled takeover’: Dems decry charter school conversion bill in last House Committee” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A bill that would make it easier for public schools to be converted into charter schools is one vote from passing in the House after clearing its final Committee hurdle. House Education and Employment Committee members voted 11-4 for an amended version of HB 123, changing the standard by which municipalities can turn public school property to private education companies. The bill, sponsored by Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade, would exclude School Boards, teachers and administrators from voting. Instead, the decision would fall solely to parents of a given school, provided their children were enrolled there for at least two years. Approval would require 50% support. The charter school would have to be a “job engine,” meaning it would train students to fill local workforce needs and attract related businesses to the area. Municipalities could also apply to convert a public school within their jurisdiction into a job engine charter if it earned a grade below an “A” from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) for five consecutive years.

“County Commissioner and School Board term limit bill heads to House floor” via Michele Vecerina of Florida’s Voice — A bill proposing an amendment to the Florida Constitution to impose an eight-year term limit on County Commissioners and School District Board members passed its final Committee stop Tuesday and will head to the House floor. HJR 679 introduces an eight-year term limit for County Commissioners and School District Board members. The term limit would apply to County Commissioner terms starting on or after Nov. 3, 2026, and to School Board member terms starting before Nov. 8, 2022. Under the bill, the proposed amendment will be placed on the ballot for voter consideration in the 2026 General Election.

“Senate panel supports Moms for Liberty leader’s appointment to Ethics Commission” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The Senate Rules Committee says that Moms for Liberty co-founder Tina Descovich should be confirmed to the state’s Ethics Commission. However, Descovich didn’t attend the hearing, keeping political fireworks at bay. DeSantis appointed Descovich last year, but Descovich failed to get Senate confirmation. What sank her confirmation the previous time was a citizen complaint that her work with the parental rights group Moms for Liberty effectively served as lobbying. Moms for Liberty is a group of parental rights advocates that has made national headlines with candidates running for local School Boards and helping lead book banning efforts. The Senate Rules Committee is chaired by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, who served as Senate President last year when Descovich’s confirmation failed to advance.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Bill to expand Live Local Act, increase affordable housing access teed up for Senate floor” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — A bill that would clarify and expand the 2023 Live Local Act has cleared its final Senate Committee, teeing the measure up for a floor vote. The Senate Rules Committee approved a measure (SB 1730) from Sen. Alexis Calatayud that would mandate that counties and municipalities approve certain multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in certain areas without modifications or special exceptions to existing zoning regulations. The bill seeks to make it easier to build affordable housing by allowing multifamily unit developments to be constructed without land use changes if at least 40% of the units are affordable for no less than 30 years.

“Bankers balk at anti-discrimination language in Florida Farm Bill” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A final Senate Committee has advanced priority legislation of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, but not without suggestions for improvement from the financial community on the Florida Farm Bill (SB 700). It comes down to lending and providing financial services. Anthony DiMarco of the Florida Bankers Association objected to a provision in the legislation that would incentivize the trial bar to exercise a private right of action to banks accused of discriminating against farmers. It would stop banks from debunking medical marijuana companies, he added, and would lead to other groups demanding the same right. That provision, called the “Florida Farmer Financial Protection Act,” creates what would seem to be a narrow window for lawsuits, roping in language about environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.

“Measure to protect state parks from additional development ready for House floor” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A proposed measure to block further development on Florida state park land got one step closer to becoming law when the House State Affairs Committee gave unanimous approval. The proposed “State Park Preservation Act” drew intense attention in Tallahassee as several environmental activist groups were on hand to express support of the measure. Rep. John Snyder presented the measure (HB 209). It came in response to a massive outcry by residents last Summer when the DeSantis administration proposed increasing development on protected parkland. That program suggested redeveloping nine state parks to include golf courses, new hotels and pickleball courts, among other amenities. Snyder said he wants the bill to pass “to make sure our state parks are preserved for the sanctuaries that they are.”

“Drilling ban bills advance” via David Adlerstein of The Apalachicola Times — A bipartisan bill championed by Rep. Jason Shoaf to ban drilling in environmentally sensitive areas got unanimous support in the first of its Committee stops in the Florida House. After getting a 16-0 blessing in the Resources & Disasters Subcommittee, it was now set to be heard in the State Affairs Committee. “This literally strikes close to home,” Shoaf told the Subcommittee on March 25. “I am in the natural gas business, which has been in my family for 50 years, so it’s personal to me.” He told the Subcommittee that as areas of critical state concern, both Apalachicola Bay and the Keys “are so close in sensitivity. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived there.”

“After amendment to reduce new payout caps, House panel sends sovereign immunity bill to floor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A bill that would revise state rules for payouts in government negligence lawsuits for the first time in 15 years is bound for the House floor after changing its final Committee stop. The House Judiciary Committee voted 19-3 for HB 301, which would update Florida’s sovereign immunity statutes that dictate how and how much a person can seek compensation for government carelessness. The bill initially included cap increases to $1 million for one person and $3 million for each incident. But on Tuesday, Rep. Fiona McFarland amended her item, with the Committee’s approval, to lower the caps to $500,000 for one person and $1 million for one incident.

“Consumer’s right-to-repair ag equipment gets OK despite opposition” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A bill protecting consumers’ right to repair specific wireless technology and agriculture equipment advanced a Senate Committee Tuesday despite some opposition arguing against the need for reform. “This does put the consumer in control of their own destiny, so to speak,” said bill sponsor Keith Truenow, the Tavares Republican who runs a commercial farm, as he advocated for his legislation during the Senate Rules Committee hearing. “It’s not against the manufacturer, but it allows us to have those choices at our fingertips.” With a vote of 19-5, the Committee backed SB 1132, which would require manufacturers to provide access more freely to tools, manuals, and parts needed to repair certain agricultural and portable wireless device equipment. The bill is now ready for a House floor vote.

— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Stolen valor bill ready for House floor” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — The House State Affairs Committee unanimously advanced a measure to impose more substantial penalties for those who fake military service and honors. Rep. Patt Maney presented the bill (HB 399). He said the purpose of the legislation is to uphold ethical standards by preventing certain individuals, including candidates and public employees, from misrepresenting themselves as having served in the armed forces. “This bill is short and simple; it’s really a stolen valor bill,” Maney said. “It protects veterans and the public from those, particularly public officers and candidates, public employees, state officials, who claim that they had military service qualifications, awards, decorations, uniforms that they didn’t earn.”

“‘Action over delay’: ‘Lucy’s Law’ upping penalties for reckless boating heads to Senate floor” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — A third and final Senate panel has approved legislation to crack down on unsafe boaters, preparing the measure for the Senate floor. Sen. Jonathan Martin presented the bill (SB 628) before the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee. The measure is called “Lucy’s Law” after 17-year-old Luciana Fernandez, who died during a September 2022 boat crash that left other passengers injured, including 18-year-old Katerina Puig, who is now permanently disabled. George Pino is facing homicide charges after operating a boat, where Fernandez, Puig and others were on board, when it violently struck a channel marker. Pino refused a Breathalyzer at the time. Martin’s measure would sharpen some of the penalties associated with dangerous boating.

“Speed limit increase blasts through final Senate Committee stop” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — This transportation bill could boost Florida’s speed limits blasted through its final Committee stop in the Senate. Now, Sen. Nick DiCeglie will steer legislation to a final vote on the floor. The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee voted unanimously to advance the bill (SB 462), making a third and final Committee stop for the transportation package. The legislation touches several policy areas, including distributing $4.167 million in monthly sales tax revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund. It also creates a pilot program at the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority to determine the long-term feasibility of alternative permitting procedures for multijurisdictional airports, said DiCeglie. On the air front, it also prohibits publicly owned airports from charging certain fees for aircraft operations associated with flight training conducted by collegiate aviation programs.

“Crackdown on teachers with criminal issues clears final Senate Committee” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Rules Committee advanced Sen. Clay Yarborough’s legislation (SB 1374) requiring more detailed reporting on teachers accused of crimes effective July 1, 2025. “We’re all committed to student safety and that’s what this bill is about,” Yarborough said. Teachers and administrators must self-report the accusations within 48 hours of arrest and be compelled to report convictions and rulings for any offense except a minor traffic violation in the same time frame. Districts must remove the teachers from classrooms within 24 hours of the notification. They would be suspended with pay and reassigned to duties where they don’t interact with students, with a disciplinary hearing required within a year of the removal from the classroom.

“At-risk Florida youths have a Senate champion in Shevrin Jones” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami Gardens Democrat Jones champions vulnerable Floridians with a focus on at-risk children in the 2025 Legislative Session. A quartet of bills aims to strengthen protections for young people, revisiting previously filed measures. SB 1272, limiting guardians’ ability to restrict a ward’s access to family, cleared its first hurdle. “Ava’s Law” (SB 206) would allow judges to pause the incarceration of pregnant prisoners for up to 12 weeks for bonding. SB 1814 would align children’s rights against unlawful interrogation with adults’ rights. SB 236 establishes a “Community Violence Task Force” to address urban crime, indirectly benefiting youth. Jones’ interest in youth wellness is hardly political; it’s a lifelong pursuit. Jones, a former teacher, works as the National Director of Development for Safe Routes Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing safe pedestrian paths to schools and in their surrounding communities.

“Meg Weinberger pushes for breeder accountability with new legislation” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Florida lawmakers are considering bills (SB 1830, HB 1481) collectively known as MADSA legislation, or Make America’s Dogs Safe Again. These proposals aim to enhance accountability and transparency among Florida dog breeders by establishing minimum standards for humane and healthy dog environments. However, it has faced strong opposition from the American Kennel Club (AKC), which argues that the bills are “extreme anti-breeder measures.” Proponents of the legislation say this characterization is misleading, emphasizing that the bills specifically target those who breed dogs for sale or exchange and do not affect responsible breeders who already comply with high standards.

“No tariffs here: Penguins to waddle through the Capitol to raise awareness for funding needs” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — As the rest of the world gets bombarded with memes about tariffed penguins on remote islands near Antarctica, Florida lawmakers will get bombarded on Wednesday with a cuteness overload courtesy of some penguins. Specifically, beloved African penguins from the Florida Aquarium in Tampa will visit Tallahassee to display their little penguin waddles through the Capitol. While there will undoubtedly be plenty of selfies with the tuxedoed flightless birds that are critically endangered, the visit has a more important message: the need for funding to enhance storm and flood protection at the Aquarium’s waterfront campus in downtown Tampa.

— LEG SKED —

Happening today — The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association’s Government Relations Committee is hosting FAMU Day at the Capitol: 10 a.m., Capitol Courtyard. Coordinated by GRC Chair Isis Dukes, the event will provide free registration, including transportation by bus. It allows alumni and supporters to advocate for the university’s interests.

Happening today — Tallahassee State College will showcase its community and workforce contributions during TSC Day at the Capitol: 4 p.m., Capitol Courtyard. The event gives legislators, state leaders, and the public a chance to interact with students, faculty, and staff and learn about the College’s programs and partnerships.

— LOBBY REGS —

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

George Anderson, David Browning, Edgar Castro, Nicole Kelly, Clark Smith, The Southern Group: Acree JV, Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, Douglas TOC Development Partners, Flagler TOC Development Partners, Sunshine Gasoline Distributors

Brian Ballard, Jose Diaz, Dane Eagle, Adrian Lukis, Nikolas Pascual, Ballard Partners: Spray Foam Coalition Association, Helo Luxury Air Mobility, Linden Airport Services Corporation, Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club

Rosanna Catalano, Arrow Group Consulting: RTG Furniture

Jessica Janasiewicz, Rutledge Ecenia: Young Actors Theatre

Tim Meenan, Joy Ryan, Charles Smith, Meenan: Trusted Resource Underwriters Exchange

Gabriela Navarro, Ronald L. Book: Driver’s Rights

Ally Peck: Consumer Technology Association

Brandon Peck, Flywheel Government Solutions: Owens Corning

Carlos San Jose, Corcoran Partners: Eli Lilly and Company, Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services, Novartis Services, Pinnacle Ozone Solutions, Safe Families for Children Alliance, The Building Industry Institute, Who We Play For

Jennifer Ungru, Jones Walker: AbbVie

— 100 DAYS —

“Donald Trump and DOGE are ‘Trying to get around’ privacy laws to gather your personal info” via Justin Glawe of Rolling Stone — Across the federal government, Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to untold volumes of data containing the personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans. The data includes information like addresses, tax filings, family members and medical records for everyone from average citizens receiving Social Security benefits to millions of current and past federal employees and applicants for government jobs, as well as judges who hear disputes between government agencies, companies, and everyday Americans. What DOGE is doing with all this data seems to be an open question. Those filings show that lawyers representing the Trump administration have failed to explain why DOGE needs the data.

“Trump signs executive orders to help dying U.S. coal industry” via Maxine Joselow, Jake Spring and Michael Birnbaum of The Washington Post — Trump signed four executive orders aimed at boosting the U.S. coal industry, which has been in dramatic decline for decades, displaced by cheaper natural gas and the rise of renewable energy. Flanked by over two dozen coal miners wearing hard hats at the White House, Trump directed federal agencies to loosen various coal mining, leasing and export restrictions. He instructed the Interior Department to resume coal leasing on millions of acres of public lands, and he ordered the Energy Department and other agencies to study whether more coal-fired power plants can supply electricity for artificial intelligence data centers. However, these actions are unlikely to usher in a coal renaissance. Domestic coal production has declined dramatically in recent years as U.S. natural gas production has boomed, and technological innovation has slashed the cost of renewable energy.

“Judge sides with AP over White House ban for press coverage” via Sara Fischer of Axios — A federal judge on Tuesday sided with The Associated Press in its lawsuit against the White House, declaring that under the First Amendment, the government can’t bar journalists from certain government events because of their viewpoints. It’s a massive victory for both the AP and the free press. The AP’s case served as a litmus test for how far the Trump administration could push the bounds of the First Amendment in its efforts to control its press coverage. The judge granted the AP’s request for an injunction to force the White House to reinstate the AP at Oval Office and Air Force One press events.

“Trump hauls in millions for House GOP 2026 war chest as Dems taunt they are ‘running scared’” via Paul Steinhauser of Fox News — Trump is intensifying efforts to maintain the GOP’s fragile House majority in the upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections. He’s headlining a major NRCC fundraiser in D.C., expected to generate over $10 million. NRCC Chair Rep. Richard Hudson highlights Democrats’ fundraising advantage as a primary concern. Hudson emphasizes the importance of maintaining the House majority to enable Trump’s agenda. Simultaneously, the DCCC released its initial target list of 35 GOP-held seats, signaling an aggressive effort to regain control. DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene asserts that Republicans have lost voters’ trust. Despite historical Midterm headwinds for the party in power, the NRCC remains optimistic, citing vulnerable Democrats in Trump-won districts and a growing number of Democrats seeking other offices.

“DHS revokes parole for hundreds of thousands who entered via the CBP One app” via Ali Bianco of POLITICO — The Trump administration is revoking the parole status of immigrants who entered the U.S. via the Joe Biden-era CBP One app, in a push to get immigrants to leave the country voluntarily. “Under federal law, Secretary [Kristi] Noem — in support of the President — has full authority to revoke parole. Canceling these paroles is a promise kept to the American people to secure our borders and protect national security,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said.

“El Salvador President Nayib Bukele to visit White House Monday” via David Catanese of the Miami Herald — Bukele will meet with Trump at the White House Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “They will discuss El Salvador’s partnership on using their super max prison for Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gang members and how El Salvador’s cooperation with the United States has become a model for others to work with this administration,” Leavitt said. The summit will come in the wake of the deportation of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members from the U.S. to a maximum prison in El Salvador, which Bukele offered to Trump as a way to help him carry out his immigration policy. It will mark the first White House visit of the Salvadoran President since 2014, when President Salvador Sánchez Cerén convened with President Barack Obama.

— MORE D.C. MATTERS—

“A dozen House Republicans mull defying Trump on tariff bill” via Andrew Solender of Axios — At least a dozen House Republicans are considering signing onto Rep. Don Bacon’s bill to restrict the White House’s ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, Axios has learned. It’s a significant break with Trump, who has threatened to veto the bill should it pass Congress. Bacon told Axios that two Republicans — Reps. Jeff Hurd and Dan Newhouse — and two Democrats have signed on to the bill as co-sponsors. He added, “I have 10 others who want to do it, but they want to talk to the trade representative first.” The bill would cause any tariffs a President institutes to expire after 40 days unless Congress votes to pass a resolution of approval.

“Anna Paulina Luna drops proxy voting effort, supports Mike Johnson vote-pairing compromise” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Luna has abandoned her effort to make the House allow proxy voting for new parents. Luna’s Office confirmed she would not bring a discharge petition to the floor Tuesday as scheduled. Luna’s decision was hinted at this weekend when she said she and Speaker Johnson, who has called proxy voting unconstitutional, had agreed on an alternative way for individuals to impact floor votes without attendance. “Speaker Johnson and I have reached an agreement to bring back a procedure called live/dead pairing, which dates back to the 1800s,” Luna posted Sunday. “It will be open for the entire conference to use when unable to vote (e.g., new parents, bereaved, emergencies, etc.).” But any formal implementation of the deal has yet to occur.

“The most powerful lobbyist in Washington also works for Kosovo” via Insajderi.org — Lobbyist Brian Ballard’s firm, Ballard Partners, expanded its Washington D.C. office following the election of former client Trump. At a staff meeting, lobbyists updated Ballard on work with clients like Turkey and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The firm also signed the Maldives as a new client. Ballard, a Florida veteran, has rapidly become a key player in Washington, leveraging his close relationship with Trump. Clients and rivals acknowledge his unparalleled access to the West Wing. Ballard, a top Trump fundraiser, continues to support the President’s future campaigns, solidifying his influence in the capital.

— STATEWIDE —

“Legislation to loosen child labor laws was written by DeSantis’ office, records show” via Romy Ellenbogen and Ana Ceballos of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — DeSantis’ office proposed significant rollbacks to Florida’s child labor laws, aiming to loosen restrictions further than last year’s changes. The proposal, emailed to legislators, would allow teenagers to work overnight on school nights and longer shifts without meal breaks. DeSantis previously suggested employing younger workers to replace undocumented labor. The proposal removes regulations on work hours for 16- and 17-year-olds and waives time restrictions for younger home-schooled students. The Governor’s Office argues that current laws are stricter than federal standards and that families should decide if this is in the best interest of their children. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers about the impact on children’s well-being.

“Florida universities face sweeping state audit under DeSantis’ DOGE mandate” via Fresh Take Florida — Florida’s public universities face a tight two-week deadline to submit extensive records on staffing, research and funding to the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The audit, initiated under DeSantis, seeks to identify “inefficiencies” in higher education. Universities must provide detailed data on grants, research and non-instructional staff, following the April 18 and 30 deadlines. This move follows DeSantis’ February executive order creating DOGE, modeled after Musk’s cost-cutting approach. The initiative aims to flag unnecessary spending, programs, and staff. The faculty expressed concern over the request’s scale and potential disruption to university operations, and they worried this would further politicize higher education.

“New Florida hotline for immigrants aims to ease fears, offer help” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Areli Perez keeps a small handwritten note inside her kitchen cabinet. The note listed a phone number and a short message that read: “En caso de emergencia, llama aquí” (“In case of emergency, call here”). The phone number in the note belonged to the Florida Rapid Response Alliance for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment, or RAISE, a statewide network of nonprofits and advocates organized last month to help communities understand their rights, respond to immigration enforcement and find legal help. RAISE operates a website and a hotline (888-600-5762) to support immigrant communities, who can call to get help and learn about their constitutional rights. It also offers guidance in locating a family member who may have been arrested due to a lack of permanent legal status or another issue that may place their immigration status at risk. The idea came as the federal government stepped up immigration enforcement this year with more raids and strict policies, leading immigrant rights groups across Florida to take action.

— ELECTIONS —

“Democrat Richard Lamondin teases run for CD 27 seat held by María Elvira Salazar” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Lamondin, an entrepreneur, is floating with a potential run in Florida’s 27th Congressional District, where the Democrat would look to flip a seat belonging to Republican U.S. Rep. Salazar. Lamondin, the co-founder and CEO of environmental services company ecofi, issued a statement responding to what he describes as “encouragement” to mount a campaign for the seat in Miami-Dade County. “As a proud native Miamian and firm believer in the power of our democracy, the promise of the American Dream, and the duty we have to protect one another, I’m grateful for the encouragement to run for Congress,” Lamondin wrote. “Our communities are calling for action, not empty political slogans.”

Chase Brannan announces endorsements, fundraising totals for HD 10 — Republican House District 10 candidate Brannan said, “In the short time since launching our campaign, we have raised just under $55,000 and received numerous endorsements from community leaders who share our conservative values and vision for Florida. It is an honor to have such strong support from this community for our campaign and vision.” Endorsements include U.S. Rep. and former CFO Jimmy Patronis, Baker County Sheriff Scotty Rhoden, Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead, and former House Speaker Pro Tempore Chuck Clemons.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Vince Lago wins third term as Coral Gables Mayor by a landslide” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Lago didn’t enjoy nearly as clear a path to re-election on Tuesday as he did two years ago. Still, the result was the same: Voters again picked him to serve as the city’s top elected official. Lago had 55.5% of the vote to defeat challengers Kirk Menendez and Michael Anthony Abbott. Menendez, an outgoing City Commissioner who has increasingly sided against Lago on pivotal votes, took 37.7% of the vote. Abbott, a first-time candidate with an open lawsuit against the city, took the remainder. Lago carries the advantage of incumbency and a significant funding edge into Election Day. However, he was also more politically vulnerable due to a power shift following the 2023 Election, when two outspoken critics of his — Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez — defeated the Commission candidates he supported.

“Rhonda Anderson beats two challengers to secure second Coral Gables Commission term” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Anderson won another four years on the Coral Gables Commission, defeating two challengers Tuesday for the panel’s Group 2 seat. Anderson had 58.3% of the vote to win her seat outright. Candidates Felix Pardo and Laureano Cancio took 37.3% and 4.4% of the vote, respectively. Tuesday’s election was a referendum on Coral Gables’ elected leaders after two years of increased conflicts at City Hall and growing concerns over development within the Miami-Dade County municipality. Anderson, the city’s current Vice Mayor, and ally Lago, the incumbent two-term Mayor, have frequently been on the losing side of controversial votes, including ones to hire and fire multiple City Managers and giving hefty pay raises to Commission members. Tuesday marked the first time they were both on the ballot since 2021, since the Mayor’s term is two years and Commissioners serve four-year terms.

“‘Total uncertainty’: Cuban migrants left in legal limbo under Trump’s new policies” via Maykel Gonzalez of the Miami Herald — The rules have changed abruptly for thousands of Cuban migrants in the United States after the Trump administration canceled the humanitarian parole program launched under Biden. More than 100,000 Cubans arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian parole. Many have not yet been in the country for an entire year and are already receiving notices placing them in an uncertain immigration status. One is independent journalist and activist Lázaro Yuri Valle, who says he has spent over three decades opposing the Cuban government. Valle received a notice from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ordering him to leave the country by April 25, 2025. The letter arrived days after the parole program was officially canceled on March 25.

“Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes is hospitalized after decline in health, family says” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — Reyes, who has faced health issues in recent years, including battling cancer, is currently hospitalized. In a statement, Reyes’ family said: “In the last 24 hours, the Commissioner’s health has declined, and he is currently hospitalized. We ask for prayers and privacy at this time and express our deepest appreciation for the medical professionals overseeing his care.” The family did not provide further details. Reyes, 80, is the Commissioner overseeing Miami’s District 4. He was first elected in 2017 and has faced health issues during his tenure on the City Commission. In September 2023, amid his re-election campaign, Reyes was diagnosed with leukemia. But by February 2024, Reyes announced that his cancer was in remission.

“Broward schools to keep cellphone ban” via Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Broward Schools’ student cellphone ban could be here to stay. The School Board discussed whether to relax a policy that took effect this school year that prohibits most cellphone use by students from the morning bell until dismissal. Board members were split, but a majority opposed changing the policy, at least right now. State law already bans students from using cellphones during class unless authorized by their teacher. But Broward’s policy goes beyond that, prohibiting the devices during lunch, class changes and study halls. The Broward policy does allow cellphones to be used for academic purposes at the direction of a teacher and during emergencies.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“‘Take it out’: Seminole Commissioners vote 4-1 to end fluoridation of water supply” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — Seminole County became the largest water provider in Central Florida to decide to stop fluoridating its public water supply — joining more than a dozen municipalities in the state. Commissioners Jay Zembower, Amy Lockhart, Bob Dallari and Andria Herr voted to end fluoridation and Lee Constantine voted against the change. “Quite frankly — absent absolute proof that it’s not dangerous — we need to remove it. Take it out,” Herr said. “Dental health is about taking care of your own teeth …This is about personal responsibility.” But Constantine pointed out that fluoridation has long provided health benefits to children who cannot afford dental care. Decades of research have shown that adding it to community water systems is not dangerous — despite residents saying it’s deleterious. “I will go with science rather than anecdotal evidence,” he said.

“James Uthmeier: Monique Worrell ‘soft on crime’ for 2019 child porn case from other circuit before taking office” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Uthmeier lobbed another public barb at State Attorney Worrell this week, calling her “soft on crime” in the case of a man she never prosecuted because it was before she even took office. Uthmeier’s comments came at the end of a Tuesday news conference in Tampa announcing RICO charges against eight in the dismantling of an alleged international ring distributing child sexual abuse material. He didn’t call out Worrell by name — referring to her as “the State Attorney over in Orlando” — when he pointed to the case of 27-year-old Frankie Pineiro of Groveland, sentenced to probation in 2019 for possessing such material. “Just another example of the dangers that can be out there when you have people who want to go soft on crime,” said Uthmeier, who made the unprompted comments after reporters wrapped up their questions. “So, our office is going to be looking at that individual, her conduct going forward, and we want to make sure we’re enforcing the rule of law.”

“Andrew Bain is back as an Orange County Judge with new DeSantis appointment” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis has again appointed Bain as an Orange County Court judge. DeSantis’ press release announcing the move had little fanfare and didn’t acknowledge Bain’s colorful and sensational political history in Orange County. Bain had served as an Orange County Judge since 2020 before DeSantis controversially appointed him to be the Orange-Osceola State Attorney in 2023, after the Governor suspended Worrell from office. Worrell called her suspension a political hit job; DeSantis said Worrell was unfit to serve. Bain decided to run for a full term as State Attorney last year as an independent in the blue county, though his campaign got support from the GOP.

— LOCAL: TB —

“How will tariffs affect Tampa Bay restaurants and wine shops?” via Helen Freund of the Tampa Bay Times — Late last week, as news of Trump’s tariffs began to sink in, Tampa Bay restaurateurs and wine merchants started crunching numbers. Calculator apps popped up on smartphones. Restaurants and markets held impromptu meetings, consulting with suppliers and dialing in distributors. With a 20% tariff on all European products now in effect, the wine director at a Mediterranean restaurant in St. Petersburg wondered how much she would have to start charging for that glass of French chardonnay. The proprietor of a Tampa bottle shop questioned her margins on the selection of wines from Italy, France and Spain.

“Sarasota electronics manufacturing CEO says tariffs will ‘no doubt’ drive inflation” via Christina Georgacopoulos of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Tampa Bay’s top manufacturers with offshore production sites that rely on imported raw materials, parts and components are bracing for severe impacts from import tariffs that are slated to take effect on Wednesday. Sarasota electronics and hydraulic technology manufacturer Helios Technologies has weighed reshoring operations from a facility in Tijuana, Mexico, before the aggressive tariff agenda Trump unveiled last week. Helios has the capacity to shift production to an existing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but the incremental costs in labor and overhead expenses would “no doubt” be felt by consumers, said Sean Bagan, Helios president, CEO and CFO.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Mayor Donna Deegan declares ‘Crime Victims Rights Week’ in Jacksonville as part of DOJ efforts” via Finn Carlin of Action News Jax — Deegan made a proclamation declaring April 6-12 “Crime Victims Rights Week” as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s yearly movement to highlight resources for survivors and victims of crimes in communities across the country. “Today is a day to gather in solidarity,” Deegan said before giving the proclamation in City Hall. “When we work together to foster kinship and compassion, we strengthen access to critical resources and empower survivors to reclaim their voices, which is so very important.” Deegan stood alongside city and state leaders to pledge a local effort to connect those who’ve suffered through crimes with local resources to help them.

“Leon County Commissioners consider restricting panhandling, installing speed cameras near schools” via Matt Hoffmann of WCTV — The Leon County Commission met Tuesday to discuss restricting panhandling and installing speed cameras near schools, among other agenda items. Commissioner David O’Keefe said speed cameras have reduced speeding by 60 to 80% in other areas and are intended to enforce the law, not collect fines, without requiring extra law enforcement resources. Commissioner Carolyn Cummings said the speed cameras will pay for themselves, referencing a study that found over 23,000 potential violations in about a day. Commissioners unanimously advanced a proposal to install speed cameras in school zones, but it still needs to pass formally to become law.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“‘Trump’s Sheriff’? Facing federal investigation, Lee County’s Carmine Marceno and his allies make clear appeal to the President” via Bob Norman of the Florida Trident — Marceno is under investigation by a federal grand jury after a former close associate and gambling buddy, Bonita Springs jeweler Ken Romano, alleged (with documentation) the Sheriff accepted more than $100,000 in unreported gifts and provided Romano with a fraudulent LCSO consulting contract in 2022 to facilitate kickbacks to Marceno’s father for a luxury car. So, it’s no wonder the March 27 announcement on the conservative website Florida’s Voice that Marceno is considering a run for Congress was met with incredulity from some voters. However, the only quote attributed to the Sheriff didn’t specifically mention Congress — instead, it was about Trump. “I love President Trump and his agenda,” Marceno told the publication.

“‘They aren’t mind-readers’ Fort Myers City Attorney, Manager survive firing/suspension” via Charlie Whitehead of the Fort Myers News-Press — The Fort Myers City Council did not fire City Attorney Grant Alley. They also didn’t suspend City Manager Marty Lawing. Council member Darla Bonk had made no secret of her wishes to fire Alley, having had his termination on the agenda. Her motion to fire him died without a second. That was after Council member Terolyn Watson had made a motion to suspend Lawing. That motion, too, died for lack of a second. “I didn’t want to do one without doing the other,” said Watson by way of explanation. “On that ICE vote, both had things they should have done.”

“New College moving ahead with Russell Brand event despite ongoing rape investigation” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — New College of Florida is continuing to promote an upcoming speaking event with comedian Russell Brand. That’s despite police in the United Kingdom bringing rape charges against the controversial celebrity in his home country. The Florida public university already had Brand slated as a speaker as part of its Socratic Stage Dialogue Series before U.K. police recently announced criminal charges against the comedian, including rape and sexual assault. The Sarasota school said it would continue with the Saturday event, undeterred by the controversy.

— TOP OPINION —

“Gov. DeSantis, Florida lawmakers help spread ‘chemtrails’ conspiracy theory” via Frank Cerabino of The Palm Beach Post — It looks like DeSantis has tossed his tin foil hat into the ring on the not-so-great debate over unknown “theys” trying to poison Floridians through “chemtrails” in the sky.

It used to be that you had to seek out Alex Jones and other lunatic fringe professionals to indulge in this sort of contrived conspiracy theory banter.

But now, you just have to tune into the Florida government to scratch your crazy itch.

DeSantis, declaring that we here in Florida are “proud of our sunshine” – bless his heart – has vowed to put an end to an imaginary, secret government practice of intentionally blocking the sun over Florida.

“People have a lot of kooky ideas that they can get in and put things in the atmosphere to block the sun and save us from climate change. We’re not playing that game in Florida,” DeSantis said in a recorded message posted on social media.

Bolstered by the empowering of renowned kook, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the new head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there’s a movement in Florida and other similarly feeble-minded states to write laws that mainstream paranoia about the government-backed aerial poisoning of the American people, which is sometimes called “geoengineering.”

But don’t expect results. Ever since the U.S. government began experimenting with cloud seeding decades ago to bring rain to drought-stricken agricultural land or to control wildfires, conspiracy theorists have let their imaginations run wild.

It doesn’t seem to matter that multiple government agencies have categorically refuted these claims for decades.

— OPINIONS —

“Florida kids should not be working. They should be in school” via Georgia Christakis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — DeSantis and Republican lawmakers have been slowly chipping away at the rights of Floridians. Still, the most recent bill may be their most egregious: the introduction of Senate Bill 918, a law aimed at allowing 14-year-olds to replace migrant workers. This bill proposes allowing children aged 14 and older to leave school and enter ‘work-study’ programs, in which they will be taught jobs that undocumented migrants once filled. They can work night shifts and attend school the following morning. Children aged 16 and 17 will no longer be required to have lunch breaks. They will leave their childhood behind long before they have the right to vote.

“Hit the brakes and leave speed limits alone” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Florida legislators need to tap the brakes, politically speaking. Raising the maximum speed limit on some state highways from 70 to 75 miles per hour is a very bad idea. A similar proposal passed the state Legislature in 2014 but was vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott, days after he attended the funeral of a Florida Highway Patrol trooper. Now it’s back, and lawmakers really can’t make a compelling argument as to why it makes sense. It is inherently dangerous. Everyone knows that too many drivers will try to get away with going 10 miles or more above the posted speed. If it’s 65, people will go 75. If it’s 75, more people will drive 85 — and in a state with overcrowded roads that still fails to treat distracted driving seriously. When adjusted for road conditions and other factors, states that raised maximum speeds have seen increased highway crashes and traffic deaths. It’s why most law enforcement agencies across Florida oppose this legislation.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Disney tests luggage transport service for resort guests” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — Disney is testing a luggage transport service that allows some resort guests to have their bags sent directly from their hotel to their plane when they fly home from Orlando International Airport. The service is being offered on a limited basis. Still, theme park enthusiasts are wondering if it could pave the way for the return of Disney’s Magical Express, a fleet of buses that shuttled guests and bags between the airport and resorts. Offered at no extra cost, the Magical Express ran from 2005 to late 2021, when Disney pulled the plug. At one point, about 10,000 tourists used the service every day. The new service — which, if expanded, could reduce pressure and frustrations at baggage claim carousels — comes as airport leaders concede Orlando’s two older terminals, A and B, face “operational challenges” related to an aging baggage-handling system that needs upgrades as the nation’s seventh-busiest airport gets ever busier.

“Disney World: Baby giraffe Tucker takes first look around savanna” via Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Tucker, the newborn giraffe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has made his public debut on the theme park’s savanna, mingling with other creatures and having new experiences, including puddle splashing. The calf, born Feb. 13, joined his mother and other giraffes for a first stroll. Park visitors may spot him while riding through the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Walt Disney World. He’s the short one, relatively speaking, now standing about 6 feet tall. Day One was about exploration. “We want him to see the whole savanna. We want him to see the barriers and everything,” said Jenn Hernandez, animal care manager.

“Universal annual passholders can buy Epic preview tickets now” via Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Universal Orlando annual passholders can now purchase one-day preview tickets to Epic Universe theme park, the resort revealed. The price of the ticket is not included with the pass. Universal’s official website says the cost varies by date and starts at $118.15. By early Tuesday afternoon, the available dates were selling for between $123 and $144, beginning April 17, but there was no availability between May 9 and the park’s opening date, May 22. Annual passholders were previously able to buy a one-day ticket after Epic’s grand opening date. Currently, tickets are available on most dates between June 1 and the end of 2025 (Labor Day weekend appears to be sold out).

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to a great Mom, a great person, a style icon, and still our favorite Schoonover, Alli Liby-Schoonover of Metz Husband & Daughton. Also celebrating today are Rep. Robert Brackett, former Rep. Tom Keen, House candidate Emily Duda Buckley, Jacksonville City Council member Matt Carlucci, Mary K. Delegal, Michael Moline of The Florida Phoenix, and forever a Florida Man, NBC’s Joe Scarborough.

___

Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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James Uthmeier continues to fill out the roster of his Attorney General’s Office.

This week, he confirmed three communications posts. Two are new hires, and one is keeping the job she held under Uthmeier’s predecessor.

Atop the list is new Press Secretary Jae Williams, who joins the Attorney General’s Office after more than three years at the Florida Department of Health, where he worked as Press Secretary and Director of Communications.

Williams is a Tallahassee resident and a seventh-generation Floridian. He holds a Juris Master in health care regulation and a bachelor’s degree in criminology and business from Florida State University.

A short bio from Uthmeier’s Office said Williams is married with a son and enjoys running, hunting, fishing and “frequenting the Capital City’s culinary landscape.”

Cynthia McLaughlin, a journalist-turned-government spokesperson, will be deputy communications director in the Attorney General’s Office. She comes to the job after two years with the Sarasota Police Department, where she worked as the agency’s Public Information Officer.

McLaughlin previously worked as a news anchor for the Suncoast News Network in Sarasota, a morning news anchor for an NBC affiliate in Texas and a multimedia journalist, anchor and web producer for KFYR TV in North Dakota.

According to a brief bio from the Attorney General’s Office, she is an Emmy and Society of Professional Journalists award winner. The bio highlighted her passion for “clear communication, community trust, and making complex issues accessible.”

She holds a journalism degree from Southern Methodist University.

Georgia Pevy, who served as the office’s deputy communication director before Uthmeier took over for Ashley Moody earlier this year, will stay on in the job.

Her work history includes more than five years at the Attorney General’s Office, various campaign staff posts with Moody, and internships at the White House during President Donald Trump’s first term and under then-U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

Pevy earned a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Florida.

Since he swore in as Attorney General in February, following an appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Uthmeier has been anything but timid in his relatively new role. He’s aimed at retailers and proxy advisers for “woke” business practices that run counter to Florida’s positions on the matter, moved to penalize unscrupulous moving brokers, and ran brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate out of Florida by opening a probe into their alleged human trafficking practices.

He has vowed to prosecute vandalizing protesters at Tesla dealerships with the “full force of the law,” announced he would not prosecute the Florida-banned sales of long guns to people under 21, citing the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and repeatedly bashed Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell for having “soft-on-crime” policies.

On Tuesday, he revealed he’d signed an opinion submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, which recently heard a case involving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The opinion advocates for the federal sanctioning of expanded nuclear power use by states.

Uthmeier has already filed to run for the Attorney General job in the 2026 election cycle. He officially kicked off his campaign last month with a wave of early supporters.

So far, he’s the only candidate running.

Thanks to his experience managing statewide campaigns, Uthmeier could enjoy a fundraising edge. Earlier this month, he launched the political committee Friends of James Uthmeier in anticipation of his statewide run.

He also chairs the still-active Florida Freedom Fund, which last year campaigned successfully to defeat ballot measures that sought to expand access to abortions and marijuana. That committee closed 2024 with over $2.11 million cash on hand, though DeSantis has signaled he would like to use that committee to weigh in during Republican Primary elections next year.

Uthmeier previously chaired Keep Florida Clean, Inc., which focused last year on defeating the marijuana ballot measure. That committee was disbanded in February but has not yet released its final expenditure reports. A disbandment letter said all remaining funding, about $121,000 as of the end of 2024, would be distributed to a 527 political organization.

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Jacob Ogles contributed to this report.

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