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Adam Anderson’s thoroughbred horse racing bill advances despite industry opposition

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The House Commerce Committee advanced legislation Monday that would align the thoroughbred horse racing industry with all other live gaming in Florida.

Tarpon Springs Republican Adam Anderson introduced the bill (HB 105) and said the legislation was designed to support the horse racing community by decoupling racing from other gambling like slots and cards.

“Members, at the last committee stop for this bill, I presented the bill as a solution to help align the thoroughbred racing industry, with all other live gaming in the state of Florida, and to better support the thoroughbred community by decoupling racing with other games like slots and cards,” Anderson said. “In 2021, this body decoupled all other parimutuels operating in the state from their live events, all others except for thoroughbred racing. Simply put, the bill applies the core principles that we value here in the free state of Florida, to the thoroughbred community.”

Anderson said that the bill’s journey through committee resulted in conversations with people representing many facets of the industry, noting that he had taken everything they said into consideration.

“During that meeting we heard a lot of public testimony, we heard some folks that supported the bill, we also heard from some horse owners and breeders that had some major concerns about the bill,” Anderson said. “So … we met with a number of stakeholders, and we listened to their concerns. So, this … is the product of those conversations.”

Anderson said the bill would provide a guarantee that the horse racing industry in Florida would continue for at least the next five years.

“It decouples both Gulfstream Park and Tampa Downs, allowing racing and gaming to operate independently in the state, but it adds a trifecta of support to the thoroughbred community,” Anderson said. “First, it requires tracks to provide a three-year notice to the thoroughbred industry, if they elect to stop racing, and it also mandates that such notice cannot be given until July 1st of 2027, guaranteeing racing into the future and guaranteeing a minimum of five years of visibility in the thoroughbred industry.”

If passed into law, Anderson claimed permits would be able to be moved between different facilities and would provide new opportunities while maximizing transparency.

“[The bill] creates the ability to move existing thoroughbred permits to different facilities,” Anderson said. “This provides flexibility and creates new possibilities for the thoroughbred racing industry … it maximizes the utilization, effectiveness, and probably most importantly, the transparency of the nearly $14 million that’s allocated to breeders and owners with very prescriptive language on how the Florida Gaming Control Commission must support the industry.”

Anderson noted the birth rate of foals in Florida is significantly lower than other states.

“That tells me that we’re doing something wrong here in the state when it comes to breeding and supporting the industry … In the early 2000’s, Florida-bred foals were around 4,500 foals annually, but last year there was only 975,” Anderson said. “So, it’s a troubling trend and this bill is structured in a way to help support that part of the industry; to help prop it up so it can stand independently from slots and cards and thrive on its own.”

St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner pushed back and said that it appears that there would only be one or two entities that would actually benefit from the bill’s passing.

Anderson refuted this and said it would benefit the whole industry.

“This bill will provide the ability for those owners to be able to transfer their licenses so if they don’t want to stay in the horse business,” Anderson said. “Right now, they have to, and the only option is that they just close up shop. This would provide a pathway for them to transfer that license to someone else who might want to or move their license to another location that makes more economic sense for their business model.”

However, opponents of the bill, which included veterinarians, breeders, and trainers, said that if it becomes law, it would devastate the industry.

Bill Russell, a veterinarian from Peterson Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, stressed to the committee that there are thousands of people who rely on the industry for their livelihoods.

“It’s likely with the passage of this bill, I would have to lay off 40 to 50% of my workforce as the Florida Thoroughbred Industry contracts,” Russell said.

Teresa Palmer, the owner of a 125-acre breeding and training facility in Morriston, also spoke in opposition, telling the committee it would hurt her business if passed.

“We are a small business, and HB 105 would devastate not only our small business, but the racing industry in Florida,” Palmer said. “Anything that has been decoupled stops existing, and that’s the fact. So, we ask that you please consider not only the economic impact, but the family impact that this bill would have on our beautiful state.”

Saffie Joseph Jr., a prominent trainer at Gulfstream Park, opposed the bill in an op-ed published by Florida Politics on March 4.

“This bill threatens an entire industry that has long been a feather in Florida’s cap, and it undercuts years of hard work by so many of us who have dedicated our lives to these majestic animals,” Joseph said. “It’s going to hurt people like me and my family, for whom the horse is lifestyle, passion, and, finally, a way to make a living … The future of Florida racing is on the line. Let’s stand together to protect it.”

Despite objections, the committee OK’d the bill. It now heads to the House floor.

At the bill’s passing, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners Association CEO Lonny Powell released a statement expressing dismay.

“Today’s vote in the House Commerce Committee was disappointing,” Powell said. “Let me be clear: The latest changes to HB 105 are not a compromise — they are designed to scuttle Florida’s vital Thoroughbred industry. No matter how our opponents try to spin it, this bill decouples live racing from voter-approved gaming requirements. This means fewer races, fewer jobs, and fewer opportunities for the hardworking Floridians devoted to this industry, including the passionate horsemen and women from the farms and barns who testified today.”

Powell claimed the bill would gut the industry and send jobs and opportunities to Canada.

“If this bill passes, it will ripple across the entire state economy, gutting a major industry and sending Florida jobs and horses to other states and our dollars to Toronto,” Powell said. “This industry has helped power Florida’s economy for generations, and we must not allow bad special-interest policy to dismantle it.”


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High-tech science keeps Floridians safe from mosquito-borne disease

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As the director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Florida, I am fortunate to have access to world-class scientific minds and cutting-edge technology.

But in Florida, this expertise and innovation doesn’t just stay in the classroom or laboratory. They are deployed in all 67 counties to control mosquitoes, keep residents and visitors safe, and ensure our state remains the best in the nation to live and work.

Florida has long been an international leader in mosquito control. The Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) was founded over 100 years ago by local business leaders who realized that the state’s economy and health required vigilant and collaborative approaches to reduce the risk.

Since then, our work and expertise have become internationally renowned. Florida hosts symposiums that bring mosquito control professionals from around the world, eager to learn and share successful approaches to keeping the public safe.

There are more than 80 species of mosquitoes in Florida. While most pose little or no threat, many can carry harmful or deadly diseases for humans and animals.

For example, some mosquitoes carry the dengue virus, which sickens hundreds of millions worldwide yearly.

While the disease is relatively rare in Florida, our state experienced more than 1,000 travel-related and 91 local cases of dengue virus in 2024.

How do we work to protect Floridians from this disease? We deploy a wide range of techniques, and each of our mosquito control districts works together.

In labs around the state, highly trained scientists analyze mosquitoes to determine if they are carrying disease.

They also monitor livestock and chickens, who act as early warning systems. Scientists routinely take and analyze blood samples to determine if mosquito-carried diseases are present.

We also take to the air with tools like the Skydio drone, a powerful tool for identifying mosquito breeding grounds from above. Drones provide the ability to visually inspect and perform control measures in otherwise difficult-to-reach areas.

With some mosquitoes resistant to traditional pesticides, innovative strategies make Florida an international leader in cutting-edge mosquito control techniques.

Among those is the “Sterile Insect Technique,” which uses X-rays to sterilize male mosquitos, which are released to mate with females with resulting eggs that are not viable.

The Florida Keys Mosquito District has also successfully used Oxitec’s targeted biological pest control technology to combat the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito.

But even with the technology and science being used around the state to control mosquitoes, one of the most effective tools will always remain smart vigilance from every Floridian.

Preparing for mosquitoes is similar to what Floridians do each hurricane season. Simple steps like removing standing water and wearing insect repellant can reduce mosquitoes around your home and mitigate public health risks.

The truth is that mosquitoes will continue to carry diseases and adapt to some control measures. That means we must also continue to adapt, and creating and using innovative practices will always be needed to keep Florida safe and welcoming for everyone.

For more information, visit FMCA by clicking here.

 ___

Dr. Jorge Rey is the FMCA president and professor at the University of Florida’s Medical Entomology Laboratory.


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Carlos San Jose joins Corcoran Partners

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Carlos San Jose has joined Corcoran Partners as Deputy General Counsel.

Based in Miami, San Jose brings his extensive experience in legislative advocacy, municipal operations and legal consulting to the firm’s expanding client base across their five Florida offices and in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to Corcoran Partners,” said Michael Corcoran, Founding Partner and CEO. “Carlos is a skilled communicator who takes a strategic, results-driven approach to law, government affairs, and public policy. We are confident he will quickly become an integral part of our team and a trusted advocate for our clients.”

Managing Partner Matthew Blair added, “Carlos’s addition will strengthen our local and statewide capabilities for our growing client base. His background in government affairs, coupled with his legal expertise, positions him to help our clients navigate complex policy and regulatory challenges.”

Before joining Corcoran Partners, San Jose served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs/Assistant State Attorney for the City of Hialeah, where he formulated the City’s legislative initiatives at the federal and state levels. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo.

“Carlos has worked for me since 2018 dating back to my time as chair of the Miami Dade County Commission,” Bovo said.

“During his time with me, I have been able to witness Carlos flourish in a variety of roles including campaign manager for my mayoral campaign, Deputy Chief of Staff, and most recently as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. In this latest role, Carlos has diligently worked with the City of Hialeah’s legislative delegation to secure historic levels of funding through the appropriations process. I am excited to see Carlos embrace this new chapter in his professional life and congratulate Corcoran Partners for this valued addition to their team.”

San Jose’s career in politics started on the campaign trail, where he managed Bovo’s 2021 mayoral campaign. He also spent time working on former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2016 re-election campaign and served as an immigration and policy intern in Rubio’s Miami office.

“I have known Carlos San Jose for nearly a decade and have seen him grow professionally and personally,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner and former state Sen. Rene Garcia. “I truly admire his ability to connect with people, build relationships, and his diligent work ethic. Carlos is a person of the utmost integrity and Corcoran Partners is lucky to have him.”

Rep. Alex Rizo added, “Carlos has been a vital asset to the City of Hialeah in their legislative efforts here in Tallahassee. I have been able to see him grow professionally and have been proud to work with him during his time at the city.”

San Jose is actively involved in his community, serving on the boards of the Monsignor Edward Pace High School and St. John the Apostle Catholic School. His leadership also extends to serving on the City’s Retirement Pension Board and as Vice Chair of the Hialeah Centennial Celebration Committee. He earned his law degree from Florida International University and his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Miami.


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County clerks and elections supervisors could appeal county budget decisions under bill

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A Senate panel backed a bill Monday to give county clerks and elections supervisors a path to appeal budget disputes with the state if they are fighting the Board of County Commissioners over money.

If that happens, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Office would hold a budget hearing on the appeals and then recommend the appeals to the administration commission, which would issue the final ruling.

SB 1260 cleared the Senate Community Affairs Committee with an 8-0 vote before it heads to the Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Fiscal Policy Committee.

Some Democrats asked questions during the debate before voting in favor of it.

Sen. Shevrin Jones asked bill sponsor Sen. Clay Yarborough if clerks and elections supervisors would now be allowed to “go over the heads of the county commissioners when it comes to the budget?”

Yarborough argued no and said they would follow the same process as County Sheriffs currently use for their budget appeals.

“It’s really an additional avenue of appeal, if you will. And it doesn’t mean it automatically gets adopted,” Yarborough said. “It allows for an additional hearing.”

Sen. Barbara Sharief said the bill could make the laborious local budgeting process even harder for counties.

“It would make it a little bit more difficult for the counties to get through their budget process, be able to collaborate and actually figure out whether or not they can actually fund what the constitutional (officer) is asking for,” Sharief said. “It’s going to apply an additional pressure on the county as it’s going through that budgeting process.”

In Orange County last year, the DeSantis-appointed Elections Supervisor, Glen Gilzean, fought with County Commissioners over his budget. He spent millions on non-election-related matters, which surprised the county board, which voted to stop making budget payments to Gilzean’s office in his last weeks on the job before his term ended. Gilzean sued, saying that he had control over making decisions as a constitutional officer. The lawsuit ran out of time and was later dismissed.

Yarborough did not respond to a question late Monday about whether his bill was in response to Orange County’s fight.


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