Rep. Kevin Steele just reached into his pocket to put $5 million into a statewide campaign for Chief Financial Officer.

The Dade City Republican, who is challenging appointed incumbent Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, said he’s willing to put a significant chunk of skin in the game as he runs.

“Florida families deserve leaders who are personally invested in delivering results, not just talking about them,” Steele said. “Floridians are paying too much in property taxes and property insurance, while government continues to grow and waste taxpayer dollars. That has to change.”

Ingoglia was appointed in July to the Cabinet by Gov. Ron DeSantis, filling a vacancy left after former CFO Jimmy Patronis’ election to Congress.

But Steele entered the race at the encouragement of President Donald Trump’s political team. He also enjoys the support of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

Steele has founded several successful businesses, many in Tampa Bay. When he first ran for office, his first financial disclosures showed his net worth at around $440 million.

“When you run a business, you look at every dollar as your own,” Steele said. “Taxpayer dollars should be treated with the same respect. As a public servant, I will focus on reducing government spending, eliminating waste, and protecting those who fund this government – the taxpayers.”

Steele, who so far has held back from running an intensely negative campaign, has said he would take a different approach than Ingoglia to reducing spending. While the current CFO has toured the state pushing local governments to slash spending, Steele said as CFO, he would take a top-down approach and look first to how the state government could run more efficiently.

“There’s a lot of issues at the state level that we can address, some of which we are, some of which I’ve submitted different bills to address,” he told Florida Politics at a Washington summit in December. “I think that there’s a lot of waste and abuse at the state level that we can focus on.”

Good Thursday morning.

Bipartisan consulting firm LSN Partners kicked off 2026 with a round of promotions as it continues expanding its footprint at the local, state and federal levels.

The personnel moves announced this week include the elevation of Danielle Mejia to Partner in LSN Partners’ Miami office. In her expanded role, Mejia will continue her work in Miami-Dade while also supporting the firm’s national team, including its Governors and Mayors practice.

“Danielle is a stellar team member whose dedication, insight, hard work, and collaborative approach make her an invaluable part of LSN,” said firm founder and Managing Partner Alex Heckler.

In Washington, Neil Ohlhausen was elevated to Partner in the firm’s Federal Practice. Ohlhausen will focus on national security, energy, and emerging technology issues while leading federal advocacy strategies for LSN clients.

“Neil’s steady judgment, deep understanding of federal processes and thoughtful, results-oriented approach to advocacy have earned him this well-deserved promotion to Partner,” said Tom Quinn, Managing Partner of LSN’s D.C. office.

LSN also announced the promotion of Saira Salyani to Associate in the firm’s Federal Practice, with Quinn saying she has proven to be a “tremendous asset” since joining the firm. In her new role, Salyani will assume greater responsibility supporting federal clients and advancing the firm’s political and strategic initiatives in Washington.

Heckler added, “We are fortunate to have a tremendous team and are excited to announce these well-deserved promotions. In their new roles, Danielle, Neil, and Saira will undoubtedly deliver outstanding results for our clients. Congratulations to each of them.”

LSN said it will announce a second wave of promotions in the coming weeks

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: Remember, for all of those big NATO fans, they were at 2% and most weren’t paying their bills, UNTIL I CAME ALONG. The USA was, foolishly, paying for them! I, respectfully, got them to 5% GDP, AND THEY PAY, immediately. Everyone said that couldn’t be done, but it could, because, beyond all else, they are all my friends. Without my involvement, Russia would have ALL OF UKRAINE right now. Remember, also, I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize. But that doesn’t matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives. RUSSIA AND CHINA HAVE ZERO FEAR OF NATO WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES, AND I DOUBT NATO WOULD BE THERE FOR US IF WE REALLY NEEDED THEM. EVERYONE IS LUCKY THAT I REBUILT OUR MILITARY IN MY FIRST TERM, AND CONTINUE TO DO SO. We will always be there for NATO, even if they won’t be there for us. The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

—@JoshKraushaar: NEW YouGov poll: Using U.S. military force to take control of Greenland about as unpopular as it gets. 8% support, 73% oppose. Buying Greenland not much more popular, either. 28% support, 45% oppose

—@realDonaldTrump: HIRE JOHN HARBAUGH, FAST. HE, AND HIS BROTHER, ARE TOTAL WINNERS!!!

—@GovRonDeSantis: Today, I announced that I will be convening a Special Session of the Legislature focused on redistricting to ensure that Florida’s congressional maps accurately reflect the population of our state. Every Florida resident deserves to be represented fairly and constitutionally. This Special Session will take place after the regular Legislative Session, which will allow the Legislature to first focus on the pressing issues facing Floridians before devoting its full attention to congressional redistricting in April.

Tweet, tweet:

—@AlexLanFran: Dry January CANCELED. Thank you @DrOz!!

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Industry’ season four premieres — 3; Australian Open begins — 4; Special Primary Election for HD 87 — 5; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 5; Legislative Session begins — 5; Florida Chamber Legislative Fly-In — 5; The James Madison Institute Red, White & Bluegrass event — 6; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 10; Florida Tourism Day — 13; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 22; The Grammy Awards — 24; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 28; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 29; Special (General) Election for HD 87 — 46; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 46; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 52; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 61; last day of the Regular Session — 64; The Oscars — 66; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 71; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 75; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 76; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 77; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 85; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 88; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 97; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 97; First Qualifying Period begins (Federal) — 102; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 106; F1 Miami begins — 113; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 134; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 134; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 145; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 151; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 154; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 155; State Qualifying Period ends — 155; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 162; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 174; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 177; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 182; MLB All-Star Game — 187; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 189; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 193; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 210; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 212; Primary Election Day — 222; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 246; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 250; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 254; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 259; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 266; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 270; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 289; General Election — 299; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 344; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 344; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 344; Tampa Mayoral Election — 418; Jacksonville First Election — 439; Jacksonville General Election — 495; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 513; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 575; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 631; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 708; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 918; U.S. Presidential Election — 1034; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1434; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2165.

— TOP STORY —

“Florida is the No. 2 growth state in the country, U-Haul moving data shows” via Rebecca Liebson of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida ranked as the nation’s second-fastest “growth state” in a new U-Haul report, underscoring the state’s continued appeal to movers despite signs of a slower pace than past peaks. The analysis examined approximately 2.5 million one-way U-Haul transactions nationwide to measure how many customers moved into states versus those who moved out.

The rankings are based on net migration, comparing inbound moves to outbound ones. In Florida, 50.6% of U-Haul customers entered the state in 2025, while 49.4% departed. That narrow but positive margin placed Florida just behind Texas, which led the list.

Texas ranked first, with 50.7% of customers moving in and 49.3% moving out. The two states were essentially neck and neck, reflecting their shared status as long-running magnets for population growth, job seekers and retirees.

Florida’s showing marked improvement from the previous year. In 2024, the state ranked fourth on U-Haul’s growth list. Year over year, arrivals in Florida increased by 2%, while departures rose by a smaller 1%.

The data suggests Florida continues to attract new residents at a slightly faster rate than it loses, even as rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and infrastructure pressures complicate the picture for would-be transplants.

Still, the report highlights a slowdown compared to Florida’s recent boom years. In 2019, the Sunshine State ranked first overall on U-Haul’s list. While growth remains positive, the latest numbers suggest Florida’s migration surge has cooled from its pre- and early-pandemic highs.

— STATEWIDE —

“Gov. Ron DeSantis awards $168M to rural communities for infrastructure improvements” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The state is giving nearly $168 million to small and rural counties, primarily to improve infrastructure in areas walloped by hurricanes last year, DeSantis said. One of the biggest winners was Taylor County in the Big Bend region, which will receive $36 million out of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. Taylor will get $4.9 million for a special needs ceremony, the Governor highlighted. The city of Perry in Taylor County will receive $12 million for a new parallel treatment train, $8.5 million to replace the current wastewater infrastructure and $4.5 million to create an independent water source. Meanwhile, Doctors’ Memorial Hospital in Perry will receive $4.4 million to install a facility emergency power system, replace the phone and communication system and modernize the facility’s water treatment system.

“Florida failed to give due process to thousands kicked off Medicaid, court finds” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — A federal judge ruled Florida violated due process by terminating Medicaid coverage for tens of thousands of low-income residents without providing clear, case-specific notice or meaningful appeal information after pandemic protections ended. U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard found the state notices “incorrect, confusing, misleading,” often failing to explain why coverage ended, which likely caused wrongful removals and serious harm. The order requires Florida to stop income-based terminations without detailed explanations, reissue corrected notices to those dropped since 2023 within 60 days and inform families of their hearing rights and potential reimbursement for medical bills. While the judge declined to order automatic reinstatement, she said the flawed notices deprived families of the opportunity to challenge the errors. The ruling follows evidence of poor call center performance and widespread administrative failures during Medicaid redeterminations.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“DeSantis orders Special Legislative Session to change Florida Congressional Districts” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — DeSantis ordered a Special Legislative Session in late April to redraw Florida’s congressional districts ahead of the 2026 Election, aligning the state with a national Republican push encouraged by President Donald Trump to lock in House control. The move would delay candidate qualifying and upend the traditional once-a-decade redistricting process tied to the Census. DeSantis denies partisan intent, arguing population shifts and anticipated Supreme Court rulings on the Voting Rights Act justify mid-decade changes. Democrats call that pretextual, citing Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and Trump’s open demands. Any redraw would ripple statewide, with South Florida districts most exposed and several Democratic seats potentially reshaped into Republican-leaning territory. With Florida already heavily gerrymandered, critics see the maneuver as political hardball disguised as legal housekeeping.

“Ben Albritton, following Gov. DeSantis’ lead, wants wait-and-see approach with congressional redistricting” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Senate President Albritton said the Florida Senate is not yet taking action on mid-decade congressional redistricting, opting instead to wait for guidance from a pending U.S. Supreme Court case. In a memo to Senators, Albritton emphasized there is no active Senate work on new maps, even as DeSantis has called a Special Session to address the issue later this Spring. The stance puts the Senate on a slower track than the House, which has already begun preliminary discussions. Albritton urged caution, warning lawmakers that redistricting routinely triggers litigation and can expose legislators to subpoenas and sworn testimony about political motives. While pledging coordination with the Governor, he signaled patience as the Senate’s preferred approach amid legal uncertainty.

“Lori Berman blasts Gov. DeSantis’ redistricting push as ‘clearly illegal,’ citing 2010 amendment” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Senate Democratic Leader Berman blasted DeSantis’ plan to pursue mid-decade redistricting through a Special Session, arguing it squarely violates Florida’s voter-approved Fair Districts Amendment. She said the amendment’s clear ban on partisan or discriminatory map-drawing leaves no legal room for the Governor’s maneuver, regardless of shifting rationales. Berman contends the effort is driven not by law or population changes but by national Republican pressure, noting Florida already holds a commanding GOP advantage under current maps. She emphasized that state constitutional protections remain enforceable even if federal courts decline to enforce them against partisan gerrymandering. Polling shows most Floridians oppose mid-decade redistricting, including a plurality of Republicans. Democratic leaders and voting-rights groups echoed Berman, warning that the push undermines voter intent and public trust.

“Fentrice Driskell, Bruce Antone call out mid-decade redistricting effort as ‘foolish,’ ‘unconstitutional’” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — House Democrats urged the Florida House to act as a check on DeSantis, arguing lawmakers have reined him in before and should do so again on mid-decade redistricting. Leader Driskell and Rep. Antone said drawing new maps without a court order breaks long-standing practice and creates a dangerous precedent that future governors could exploit. They warned the move would centralize power in the executive, revive 2022-style strong-arming and sideline legislative independence. Driskell argued DeSantis’ leverage has waned amid friction with House leadership and his lame-duck status. Antone cautioned that the process could be outsourced beyond Florida and spark years of litigation. Democrats also warned aggressive line-drawing risks a “dummymander” that backfires, while urging the House to defend institutional authority.

“Clay Yarborough files package of sweeping gambling reforms, targeting DEI and cracking down on illegal gaming” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A sweeping gambling reform proposal from Sen. Yarborough would significantly expand Florida’s crackdown on illegal wagering while stripping diversity-related language from gaming statutes. SB 1164 removes the requirement that the Florida Gaming Control Commission consider racial, ethnic or gender diversity in its appointment, licensing, or hiring reports. The bill stiffens penalties for betting on fixed contests, targets rigged cardrooms, illegal slot machines and unregulated internet gambling outside the Seminole Tribe compact, and criminalizes advertising unlawful gambling. Operators, employees, landlords, smugglers, and promoters could face escalating misdemeanor and felony charges, with fines reaching $500,000 for large-scale slot machine trafficking. Transporting people to Florida to gamble illegally would also be penalized. The measure centralizes enforcement authority at the state level and would take effect in October if enacted.

“‘Let’s go’: Governor on board with Yarborough, Dean Black bid to nix local DEI” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A proposal by two Jacksonville Republicans to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in local governments is gaining momentum with strong backing from DeSantis, who said Florida should finish eradicating DEI at every level. Senate Bill 1134 and House Bill 1001, filed by Yarborough and Black, would bar cities and counties from funding or promoting DEI programs, offices, training, or preferential treatment based on demographic characteristics. Local officials who violate the ban could face charges of misfeasance or malfeasance, and individuals may sue governments that defy the law. The bills define DEI broadly while preserving equal-opportunity standards and commemorations, such as Black History Month. Florida Young Republicans endorsed the effort, calling it a necessary final step.

“Jon Martin, Black look to crack down on open pot containers in cars” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida lawmakers continue to grapple with cannabis regulations, with two Republicans now looking to target open containers of flower and derivatives inside vehicles. Sen. Martin and Rep. Black are carrying what Black calls the “Clear Minds, Safe Roads Act” (SB 1056, HB 1003), legislation intended to ensure that Florida’s 930,000-plus medical marijuana patients keep their containers closed and their vapes and pipes unready for use while in vehicles. “THC use is killing hundreds of people a year on Florida roads,” Black said. “Since 2020, we’ve had nearly 4,000 fatalities and injuries on our highways. With the increased use of marijuana, we need clear, enforceable rules that protect drivers, passengers, and everyone else on our roads. This bill makes it crystal clear: driving high is unacceptable.”

“Newly filed Florida bill would push DeSantis’ efforts to curb data centers” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — DeSantis’ campaign to rein in large data centers gained traction with a new Florida House bill that would sharply expand state and local oversight of where and how the facilities operate. The proposal encourages local governments to shield residents from the impacts of data centers, bars utilities from passing infrastructure costs to existing customers, and blocks data centers from mixed-use areas. It also requires gubernatorial and Cabinet approval after public hearings, mandates significant setbacks and buffers, and tightens state review of water-use permits. Advocates frame the bill as consumer and quality-of-life protection, while industry advocates warn it signals Florida is hostile to investment and high-wage jobs. Environmental critics argue that the legislation does not go far enough. Lawmakers will consider the measure when the Legislative Session begins Jan. 13.

“Darryl Rouson, Mitch Rosenwald push bills to revise how hospitals discharge homeless patients” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Democratic Sen. Rouson and Oakland Park Democratic Rep. Rosenwald are sponsoring measures aimed at reducing the number of people discharged from hospitals directly into homelessness. The legislation (SB 1132, HB 1033), collectively titled the Bridging Systems to Housing Act, would strengthen discharge procedures and coordination between health care providers and homelessness service networks. It outlines procedures for hospitals and treatment facilities to follow when patients are homeless or at risk of homelessness after leaving care. “Too often, people are discharged from care only to be sent back to the streets, setting them up for deeper hardship and repeated crises,” Rouson said in a statement.

“Anti-vax discrimination, behind-the-counter ivermectin access bill filed in the House” via the Florida Phoenix — A House Republican is charging back into a continuing fight over vaccines and doctors that created a huge rift during last year’s Legislative Session. Rep. Jeff Holcomb filed HB 917 late last month, a proposal that targets doctors who refuse to treat patients based on their vaccination status and also addresses other contentious health care treatment disputes. The DeSantis administration backed a similar bill last year, championed by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary and State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Ladapo, but the vaccine provision was removed. In an email to the Florida Phoenix, Holcomb said he “feels strongly” the bill will pass this year.

“Florida drivers can’t hold their phones on the road, new bill says” via the Florida Phoenix — A Florida bill banning drivers from holding their phones on the road was refiled Tuesday, one week before the start of the 2026 Legislative Session. Republican Sen. Erin Grall’s bill, revived from last Session, would expand the Sunshine State’s ban on texting while driving to cover holding or “supporting” a handheld device while on the road. This means drivers would not be able to make calls on their phones, hold them, or even rest them on their laps if the bill becomes law. If passed, it would take effect Oct. 1. “‘Handheld manner’ means holding a wireless communications device in one or both hands or physically supporting the device with any other part of the body,” SB 1152 reads.

— LEG. SKED. —

9 a.m.

— EDR Self-Insurance Estimating Conference, Room 117, Knott Building. Topic: State Employees’ Health Insurance Expenditures.

9:30 a.m.

— Florida Gaming Control Commission: Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room 148, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.

10 a.m.

— UWF Special Board of Trustees: Zoom link here. Webinar ID: 883 6301 7667. Passcode: 158613.

10:30 a.m.

— EDR Revenue Estimating Conference: Room 117, Knott Building. Topic: Ad Valorem.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“ICE officer kills a Minneapolis driver in a deadly start to Donald Trump’s latest immigration operation” via Tim Sullivan and Giovanna Dell’Orto of The Associated Press — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver during the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown on a major American city — a shooting that federal officials said was an act of self-defense but that the Mayor described as reckless and unnecessary. The 37-year-old woman was shot in the head in front of a family member in a snowy residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from some of the oldest immigrant markets and about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020. Her killing after 9:30 a.m. was recorded on video by witnesses, and the shooting quickly drew a crowd of hundreds of angry protesters. By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.

“Why Trump wants Greenland and what’s standing in his way” via Leo Sands and Jennifer Hassan of The Washington Post — As Trump renews his push to acquire the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland, the White House has described using military force as an option, a stunning threat against a NATO ally that would undermine the decades-old defense pact. The remarks by Trump and his top aides have sent alarm bells across European capitals, prompting some of their most forceful responses to date and a warning by Denmark that military intervention would effectively end the NATO alliance. It comes days after the United States used its military to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that the escalation in rhetoric was part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Denmark to sell the territory.

“Tulsi Gabbard MIA on Venezuela operation amid tensions over Trump policy” via Warren P. Strobel of The Washington Post — Trump’s top national security advisers in recent days have outdone one another, publicly extolling his bold decision to launch the risky military raid that captured Maduro. But one key figure has been largely absent from public view: Director of National Intelligence Gabbard. Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran who for years has spoken out against costly U.S. interventions abroad, waited more than three days before commenting publicly about Operation Absolute Resolve. Her usually busy feeds on X, where she maintains official and personal accounts, were abnormally quiet until she issued a terse statement Tuesday afternoon. She has been missing in action from Fox News and other conservative broadcasts, where she’s been a frequent guest championing Trump’s priorities and excoriating his perceived enemies in a way previous intelligence chiefs avoided.

“CDC staff ‘blindsided’ as child vaccine schedule unilaterally overhauled” via Lena H. Sun of The Washington Post — Vaccine experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were blindsided by a top deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to overhaul the childhood immunization schedule unilaterally. U.S. health officials took the unprecedented action Monday to narrow the list of vaccines that the federal government routinely recommends for all children, a shift that leading public health experts and medical organizations warned could weaken protections against preventable, deadly diseases. The change, which took effect immediately, means the CDC no longer broadly recommends immunization for influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A and certain meningococcal diseases that cause meningitis.

“Trump moves to ban institutional investors like Blackstone from buying single-family homes” via Zach Halaschak of the Washington Examiner — Trump announced that his administration is “immediately” taking steps to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes. The move comes as some lawmakers have accused major firms such as Blackstone of making home ownership less accessible by purchasing homes nationwide. The firms purchase the homes and then rent them out as an investment strategy.

— ELECTIONS —

Terrance Freeman tops $335K in HD 12 — Jacksonville City Council member Freeman closed out 2025 with more than $335,000 in cash for his bid to succeed term-limited Rep. Wyman Duggan in House District 12. In Q4, Freeman’s campaign reported raising $147,760, including $111,250 to his campaign and $36,250 to his political committee. “I’m incredibly grateful for the confidence and support so many people have placed in our campaign,” Freeman said. “This level of support shows that voters and community leaders believe in our message and our vision for Northeast Florida — and we’re just getting started.” In addition to fundraising, Freeman’s campaign touted a long list of endorsements, including a nod from former U.S. Amb. John Rood.

“‘Off to a strong start’: Frank Lago reports $135K raised in first month running for HD 113” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Lago reported raising more than $135,000 in the early stages of his campaign for House District 113. That haul, which pends official reporting next week, came in just one month of campaigning. It’s a promising development for the Republican business owner in what is expected to be a competitive race. “Our campaign is off to a strong start, and I believe this first fundraising report showcases how quickly we’ve been able to coalesce this community around a common-sense, conservative candidate who will fight for this district day in and day out,” Lago said in a statement. “We’re just getting started, and I’m thrilled by the outpouring of support we’ve had in just a very short amount of time.”

Happening Monday:

and

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Early vote, Jan. 13 Special Election to pick Fort Pierce Commissioner” via Wicker Perlis of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Voters in District 2 have less than a week to make early choices for which candidate will fill the empty seat on the City Commission. The Jan. 13 Runoff Election for District 2, Seat 2, follows the November General Election, in which no candidate received a majority of the vote. Early voting for the Runoff will continue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 10 at the Supervisor of Elections Office at Renaissance Business Park, Entrance 3, 4132 Okeechobee Road. On Election Day, Jan. 13, polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Two precincts that were open for the November election will be closed for the Runoff.

“Cost of Miami-Dade’s North Corridor balloons to $4.2B, imperiling federal funding” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The cost to build a long-planned heavy rail line from downtown Miami to Hard Rock Stadium has nearly doubled in the past year, with the Florida Department of Transportation now estimating a price tag of $4.2 billion. As planning continues, the state is no longer offering a construction start date or projected completion timeline for the North Corridor, one of six components of Miami-Dade County’s SMART Program. The proposed 10-mile elevated rail line, which would run along Northwest 27th Avenue with eight stations and seven park-and-ride facilities, was estimated to cost $1.9 billion as recently as last May — a price point from years ago. By December, that figure rose to $2.2 billion.

“Seeing green: Fort Lauderdale takes on challenge of planting 276,000 trees by 2040” via Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Fort Lauderdale, a town that’s turned heads and lost trees with its ever-growing skyline, is now embracing an ambitious plan to grow its urban forest. Commissioners approved an urban forestry master plan that challenges the city to plant up to 276,000 trees by 2040 to achieve a tree canopy covering one-third of the city. Getting the job done would cost up to $103 million and require planting trees on both public and private property. “I just want folks to understand one thing: This is an aspirational thing. It’s not a guaranteed thing,” Mayor Dean Trantalis said before the vote.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Apopka Mayor sues to kick rival off March ballot for living outside city” via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson has sued to remove Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore from the March 10 Mayoral ballot, alleging she failed to meet residency requirements and improperly paid her qualifying fee. Nelson argues Moore did not live within city limits for the required year, citing dozens of photos showing her car parked outside Apopka early mornings after the residency deadline. Moore calls the lawsuit politically motivated and says she rented a room in the city by the legal cutoff while searching for a permanent home and later bought a house near City Hall. She disputes Nelson’s claims regarding the filing fee, stating that municipal rules permit her payment method. No hearings have been scheduled yet. The case adds legal uncertainty to a three-candidate Mayoral race.

“Eatonville, frustrated with School Board, wants to work with planned Hungerford buyer” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Unable to stop the imminent sale of the historic Hungerford school property, the Eatonville Town Council hopes it can meet with the land’s planned buyer and influence the deal. The Council met just hours after the Orange County School Board, which owns the 117-acre property, signaled its plans to sell the land to Dr. Phillips Charities. The fate of the Hungerford property has long been controversial and the latest plans, which the School Board is likely to approve next week, are as well. The charity wants to develop the land with housing, retail businesses (including a grocery store), a conference hotel center, and educational and medical facilities, along with parks.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Rebecca Bays, Diana Finegan both seek re-election to Citrus County Commission” via Mike Wright of Florida Politics — The Citrus County question — will she run again? — has been answered. Twice. Republican Commissioners Bays and Finegan have both opened campaign accounts for re-election, setting the stage for potential races as Citrus County grapples with intense debate over growth, taxes and roads. Bays, who owns a landscape nursery in Inverness, is serving her second four-year term. She served from 2010-14, left the Board, and was elected again in 2022. Finegan, who, with her husband, owns an air conditioning repair company, is in her first term and currently serves as Chair. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done advocating for our citizens,” Finegan said.

“Tampa will no longer have a free bus route. What comes next?” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Hillsborough County’s Route 1 bus line reached the highest ridership in Tampa Bay after it became free in 2025. But starting Monday, riders must return to paying a $2 one-way fare. The city of Tampa funded one year of free fares and increased weekday service last year, at $1.6 million. Route 1, a key bus line along Florida Avenue from downtown Tampa to the University of South Florida, gained about 2,000 daily riders as a result. The route’s current average of more than 5,000 riders per weekday makes it the most popular bus line in Tampa Bay. Tampa is still subsidizing the route this year. But instead of funding free fares, the city is ensuring buses stop every 15 to 20 minutes.

David Delrahim elected president of the St. Petersburg DBA — Shumaker Partner Delrahim has been elected president of the Board of Directors at the St. Petersburg Downtown Business Association, a nonprofit membership organization representing a broad cross-section of downtown stakeholders, including arts and cultural organizations, retail businesses, restaurants, financial institutions and other professional services. “Downtown St. Petersburg is a truly special place, and I’m honored to serve as president of the DBA Board of Directors alongside such a dedicated group of leaders. For more than a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration and community engagement drive meaningful growth, and I look forward to continuing to support the businesses and people who make our downtown thrive,” said Delrahim. David is a member of Shumaker’s Litigation & Disputes Service Line, where he represents a wide range of clients across diverse industries.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Did Jacksonville sustain 2024’s remarkable reduction in deaths?” via Scott Butler of The Florida Times-Union — A year ago saw the most dramatic reduction in deadly shootings, beatings and stabbings in Jacksonville this century, and many wondered if it could be sustainable. Unofficially, at 115 homicides for 2025, the answer is no ― but with a caveat. A 37% increase from the 84 killings in 2024 does not sound positive, but take into context that the total is still among the lowest in the last decade. Where increases occurred, they involved domestic relations. They unofficially rose from 21 to 28, including five sons charged with killing a parent, according to Times-Union data. Some of those also involved mental health issues, which rose from four to seven. Perhaps most alarming is that among the accused killers arrested are 14 who were 12 to 19 years old at the time. In 2024, there were nine.

“From jail to rooftop restaurant? Here are proposals for Santa Rosa Courthouse” via Tom McLaughlin of the Pensacola News Journal — After years of discussion on the future of the old Santa Rosa Courthouse building, three bid proposals were opened Tuesday from companies promising to revitalize the portion of downtown Milton upon which the vacant building sits. While two of the three development firms committed to renovating the historic aspects of a building originally erected in the 1920s, the purchase price for the 3.6-acre parcel offered by those two firms, Bayou District Consulting LLC and ParsCo, differed significantly. A third firm, Diversity Program Advisors, requested that the county turn over the land at no cost and enter into a public-private partnership with the company and the city of Milton. The city of Milton also submitted a purchase proposal, offering the county $1 for three parcels adjacent to the courthouse property.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Adam Johnson, who once nicked Nancy Pelosi’s lectern, enters Manatee County Commission race” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Johnson, the Parrish man famously photographed carrying then-House Speaker Pelosi’s lectern during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has entered the race for the Manatee County Commission, injecting national controversy into a local contest. Johnson, who was arrested after the riot and later pardoned by Trump, filed his candidacy on the fifth anniversary of the attack. His run raises questions about how voters will weigh his role on Jan. 6 against local concerns such as growth, development and governance. In deeply Republican Manatee County, Johnson’s open allegiance to Trump could prove either a liability or an asset. He joins a crowded GOP Primary field, while incumbent Commissioner Jason Bearden has not yet filed.

“Will new Fort Myers diverging diamond impact Spring Training traffic?” via Mark H. Bickel of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Preliminary work has started this week for a historic road construction project in Fort Myers. Regarding the construction of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at the Interstate 75 interchange with Daniels Parkway, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) posted on its website that, beginning the week of Monday, Jan. 5, crews will begin preliminary work, including mobilization and earthwork. This comes ahead of a public information session on Jan. 8, at which officials from FDOT will review the project highlights and answer questions. One question people might have is what will happen during Spring Training, which begins in mid-February and wraps up in late March.

— TOP OPINION —

“Far-right James Fishback gives fits to Florida GOP” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Fishback has become an unexpected and unsettling problem for Florida Republicans, surfacing as a gubernatorial candidate with rhetoric and positions far outside the party’s traditional bounds. At 31, he presents himself as a political outsider while echoing themes associated with white grievance politics and extremist online movements.

Fishback denies formal ties to the Groypers or Nick Fuentes, yet his public praise of that community and refusal to disavow it have fueled concern. His background includes sporadic voting and a recent relocation, which undermines his claims of deep civic engagement.

He has inserted himself into local controversies, defending officials accused of racist remarks while reframing accountability as censorship. That pattern mirrors a broader strategy of inflaming cultural conflict rather than addressing fitness for public office or governing responsibilities.

Policy-wise, Fishback positions himself to the right of Trump, calling for abolishing all immigration, deploying the National Guard against homelessness, and advancing legally dubious economic proposals. His attacks on Byron Donalds, laced with racially charged language, appear designed to provoke attention rather than persuade.

Fishback is unlikely to win the Republican Primary, where Donalds holds a commanding lead. But his campaign thrives on outrage, social media amplification and fringe enthusiasm, creating the risk of destabilizing the race and dragging the party further toward extremism.

He is a symptom of a broader erosion within the GOP, where notoriety substitutes for experience and provocation replaces policy. Even as a long shot, Fishback represents a dangerous spoiler whose rise reflects how permissive political ecosystems reward the loudest, not the most responsible, voices.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“The wrath of Stephen Miller” via Ashley Parker, Michael Scherer and Nick Miroff of The Atlantic — Miller has emerged as the most forceful policy driver of Trump’s second term, wielding extraordinary influence through relentless daily calls that push a hard-line immigration agenda and far beyond. Acting less as an adviser than an enforcer, Miller demands results, shames resistance and oversees mass-deportation targets, enforcement staffing, detention capacity and flights. His reach extends across national security, foreign policy, trade, policing and domestic regulation, often translating Trump’s instincts into immediate action. Allies describe him as uniquely effective and feared; critics see authoritarian overreach. Miller frames political conflict as existential, rejects postwar norms, and shows little interest in moderation despite political backlash. Once constrained in Trump’s first term, Miller now operates with near-total command, shaping policy across government and defining the administration’s governing posture.

“New College is far from a success story” via the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial boards — The New York Times gave New College of Florida a soft-focus treatment that collapses under basic scrutiny, glossing over steep academic decline, ballooning costs and the overtly political nature of the takeover. Since DeSantis reshaped the Board of Trustees and installed loyal leadership, the Sarasota honors college has plunged in national rankings, lost its historic academic standing, and seen graduation rates crater, even as officials tout enrollment gains and scramble to retain students. Operating costs now dwarf those of other state universities, leadership compensation is wildly disproportionate to enrollment, and degrees cost the state multiples of comparable institutions. The transformation has included ideological signaling, discarded academic materials, controversial hiring and tenure decisions, and plans that could saddle the school with additional liabilities. This was never a simple philosophical reset. It is an unsustainable, politically driven experiment whose consequences extend far beyond one campus.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“U.S. Sugar boosts Glades investment with focus on youth mental health, family literacy” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — U.S. Sugar is putting new dollars behind mental health and literacy efforts in the Glades, announcing a roughly $105,000 investment aimed at strengthening families and addressing long-standing educational and social challenges in the rural region. U.S. Sugar is partnering with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin counties on two initiatives focused on adolescent mental health and adult literacy, a collaboration both organizations say reflects a more strategic, long-term approach to community investment in the Glades. Under the partnership, U.S. Sugar will support the rollout of an evidence-based mental health program for students at Crossroads Academy and help launch a family-centered adult literacy initiative designed to improve outcomes for both parents and children. The programs are set to begin this month.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are Sen. Ileana Garcia, former Rep. Rene “Coach P” Plasencia, Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard, Ron Bilbao, Chad Kunde, and Evan Ross.

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