Here’s Brunch, a pop-up, weekend email about the 2026 Legislative Session — 1.25.26

Good Sunday morning, and welcome back to “Brunch,” a pop-up newsletter about the 2026 Legislative Session and more.

We’re still recovering from all the fun at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade, which felt as festive as it had been pre-pandemic. Of course, we were at the wonderful party hosted by Robert and Nancy Watkins at their beautiful home on Bayshore Boulevard. There were more politicians at this year’s party than there have been in a few years. This means 1) the party was worth attending and 2) there must be an election around the corner.

I’m still working on the SPOTTED list from the party, but right away, I must say it was great to see former Gov. Bob Martinez there, as well as Angela and Sen. Darryl Rouson, who joined us in ‘crossing the bridge’ to attend the Tampa event. It was also lovely to see former Sen. Dana Young, who tells me she is back on the tennis courts after so much time in Tallahassee. And it was especially nice to see Melanie Griffin spreading her sunshine as usual, handing out beads and toys to the many kids who were at the party.

Today we’re pulling for the Denver Broncos over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game and the L.A. Rams over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC. Unfortunately, I’m not sure either team will pull off the upset. If there ever was a case for an ML parlay, these two games are it. You almost have to figure Denver QB Jarrett Stidham, filling in for the injured Bo Nix, will throw at least one interception. But if the Broncos are to be competitive, won’t UCF alum R.J. Harvey need to score at least one touchdown? If you are looking for a player prop in L.A. vs. Seattle, I have a sinking feeling that future Hall-of-Famer Matt Stafford will go down slingin’ — meaning the Rams will fall behind early. He’ll have to make a ton of pass attempts, leading to an inevitable interception or two.

Congrats to our friend, Christian Minor of Converge Public Strategies, for placing first overall at the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s HurriGains 5K, which supports the Florida Disaster Foundation, which provides direct assistance, funding and support in disaster response, recovery, and relief efforts for natural emergencies.

Happy birthday to our friends, U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean and Gus Corbella of Greenberg Traurig.

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

Now, please enjoy Brunch.

— Budget battle —

Rising costs and falling revenues are setting up another tougher budget fight in Tallahassee as lawmakers prepare to write the next state spending plan, according to reporting by Gary Fineout of POLITICO.

— Hard choices: Senate President Ben Albritton says lawmakers will face tough decisions in terms of priorities, while Senate budget chief Ed Hooper is already gaming out potential 5% agency cuts and warning that fewer dollars may be available for local projects.

— House posture: House Budget chief Lawrence McClure says the lower chamber wants to trim overall spending below current levels as well.

— Warning signs: Medicaid costs are climbing, the trust fund that pays state worker health insurance is headed toward a deficit, and Florida could take at least a $1 billion revenue hit tied to federal tax changes under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

— Spending hangover: After years of growth fueled by pandemic-era federal dollars, Florida’s budget has ballooned from about $91 billion in 2019 to nearly $115 billion today, a jump of more than 26%.

The backdrop is last year’s bruising budget standoff, when House and Senate plans were billions apart — a repeat both chambers say they’re eager to avoid.

— Child testimony —

A child advocacy group is pressing lawmakers to modernize how Florida courts manage testimony from child victims of abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

— At the Capitol: Redefining Refuge CEO Natasha Nascimento visited Tallahassee to meet with legislators to advance a proposal aimed at preventing re-traumatization during court proceedings.

— What would change: The group wants Florida law to require recorded forensic interviews and closed-circuit testimony for children under 18, allowing testimony to occur from a certified Children’s Advocacy Center rather than a traditional courtroom.

— Protecting young voices: Advocates argue that forcing children to testify near their alleged abusers can cause lasting emotional harm and discourage participation in the justice system.

— Legal balance: Supporters say the proposal preserves defendants’ constitutional rights by ensuring access to recorded testimony, judicial oversight and additional questioning when ordered by a judge.

The push builds on technology used during the pandemic, with advocates noting that courts already proved they can adapt procedures when circumstances demand it.

— Springs showcase —

A hands-on exhibit at the Capitol this week highlighted how targeted springs restoration and island resiliency projects in Crystal River are boosting coastal protection and tourism.

— Capitol splash: Save Crystal River led the interactive display, showing how barrier island erosion threatens spring flow, water clarity and infrastructure — and how restoration in Kings Bay is reversing the damage.

— Island insurance: The exhibit emphasized that Crystal River’s barrier islands act as a first line of defense against storm surge while filtering sediment that protects springs, eelgrass, and wildlife tied to the local economy.

— Restoration report card: State-backed efforts have removed over 700 million pounds of muck and algae, reopened more than 850 spring vents, restored 120+ acres of eelgrass, and revitalized Hunter Springs Park in 2025.

— Next wave: Save Crystal River is expanding beyond the waterline, beginning with Parker Island, where sediment buildup has disrupted tidal flow and sent sand into nearby springs.

— The week ahead —

Here’s what’s on tap this week as Tallahassee enters peak every-day-is-someone’s-day-at-the-Capitol season.

— Monday: Education advocates kick things off early with the Florida PTA Legislative Conference, bringing parents and educators to town through midweek to press lawmakers on public education priorities. The Capitol also hosts Israel Day & Jewish Advocacy Day, during which Florida’s Jewish federations and community leaders meet with lawmakers on issues ranging from antisemitism to education and innovation.

— Tuesday: Higher ed and health care take center stage as Florida Gulf Coast University Day at the Capitol runs all day, joined by the Florida Dental Association’s Dentists’ Day on the Hill. Health care advocacy ramps up with the Florida Hospital Association’s Hospital Days, which include legislative meetings and an evening reception at the Historic Capitol. Agriculture advocates close out the day with the Taste of Florida Agriculture Reception.

— Wednesday: It’s one of the busier advocacy days of the week, led by Hillsborough Day at the Capitol — complete with its annual Cuban sandwich tradition — alongside Florida Professional Firefighters’ Day at the Capitol and Moffitt Day at the Capitol, featuring displays, screenings and an evening reception. School Board members are also in town for the Florida School Boards Association’s Day in the Legislature.

— Thursday: The health focus continues with the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association Capitol Days, while economic policy wonks can stay in and log on to hear the latest from the Florida Chamber, which is hosting its annual Economic Outlook & Jobs Solution Summit.

— Purple power —

Alzheimer’s advocates are descending on Tallahassee to make their voices heard during the 2026 Legislative Session, raising awareness and pressing lawmakers on key policy priorities.

— Capitol lit purple: On Monday, the Florida Historic Old Capitol will glow purple at 6 p.m. to highlight the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of early detection, diagnosis and family support.

— Brain bus on duty: The Alzheimer’s Association Brain Bus will be stationed near the Capitol on Jan. 26 and 27, offering free memory screenings, education and support services while pushing to preserve $600,000 in state funding.

— Policy pitch: Advocates will meet with legislators to support a statewide Alzheimer’s awareness campaign, secure funding for home and community-based care programs, codify the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, and ensure guardians receive proper training.

— Speakers spotlight: Confirmed participants include Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, Dementia Director Cari Eyre, and Reps. Michelle Salzman and Dean Black, and Alzheimer’s Association advocate Chasity Brooks.

— PTA at the Capitol —

Parents, teachers and students from Orange County are heading to Tallahassee early Tuesday as part of the Orange County Council PTA’s annual advocacy trip.

— Homework in Tallahassee: The delegation is backing Florida PTA volunteers lobbying lawmakers on education policy, with organizers aiming to show how Capitol decisions land in real classrooms.

— Class in Session: Participants include families and educators from elementary, middle and high schools across Orange County, with more than a dozen PTAs and PTSAs represented.

— Lesson for lawmakers: PTA leaders say showing up in person amplifies grassroots voices and reinforces support for policies tied to student success and family engagement.

— LGBTQ+ lobby days social —

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is hosting its 2026 Lobby Days Social on Tuesday, bringing advocates together midway through Session.

— Meet, greet, mobilize: The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 926 Bar & Grill on West Tharpe Street, offering an informal stop after a day of lobbying at the Capitol.

— Rainbow roll call: Caucus leaders are expected to attend, along with key figures from Equality Florida, giving activists and allies a chance to connect outside the Committee rooms.

— More than a mixer: The gathering comes as lawmakers debate a slate of bills touching LGBTQ+ issues, from workplace rules and public displays to health care and schools.

— Badge of honor —

Gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, isn’t just talking “law-and-order.” He’s getting the backing of some of the most prominent sheriffs in the Sunshine State.

— Seminole on his side: On Saturday, Donalds announced backing from Dennis Lemma of Seminole County. “Strong leadership MATTERS. Accountable government MATTERS. Public safety MATTERS. Under my leadership as Governor, the Sunshine State will ALWAYS STAND WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT,” Donalds said on X.

— Messaging win: The more that sheriffs back Donalds, the more he’s able to rebut messages from opponents that say they are stronger on law-and-order issues. He already has endorsements from most sheriffs in the state, foreclosing a path for opposition already behind him in funds raised and poll numbers. GOP consultants have said that in many areas, the sheriff is the most popular elected official among Republican voters, potentially helping sway undecided voters into the Donalds’ camp.

— Just like DeSantis: Backing from law enforcement is a key to victory for Republican candidates, as the current Governor proved in his upset of Democrat Andrew Gillum eight years ago, making the case that

— Nixon now —

Rep. Angie Nixon has made it official; she’s running for United States Senate after a statewide listening tour to test messaging and the waters. Does she have a shot at the Democratic nomination? TBD.

— Background: Nixon has made it clear for some months that she didn’t want another term in the House, where she has been since the 2020 election. While she floated running for various other offices, the “Angie for America Exploratory Committee” was a strong hint she wasn’t just looking at a City Council seat.

— HD 13 moves on: For now, former Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson is the only candidate filed to replace her, with two candidates dropping out already. People in Jacksonville say they want another option … but realistically, the seasoned Gibson is tough to beat.

— Ramifications? Nixon currently represents a sprawling and diverse district that weaves together traditional Black neighborhoods and former streetcar suburbs, including the Riverside/Avondale Historic District. She’s always done well with voters, never getting less than 60% in an election. But whoever replaces the mercurial Democrat can’t help but do better on appropriations and bills passed. For as lively a quote as Nixon is, she has done extraordinarily little in what will be six Legislative Sessions by the time Sine Die rolls around in March.

— Republicans revel: The happiest people to see her running for Senate? The GOP, which would love to see her win the nomination, believes she would lose badly to incumbent Ashley Moody. “Angie Nixon’s radical agenda and toxic divisiveness are a gift to Republicans,” said Florida GOP Chair Evan Power.

— Playoff push —

Congressional hopeful Chris Collins is taking his message to the biggest TV audience of the weekend, with campaign ads set to air during Sunday’s NFL conference championship games.

— Prime placement: Collins has reserved 15- and 30-second spots across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms, with the campaign describing the buy as a six-figure investment timed for the playoff spotlight.

— Seat in play: The ads target Florida’s 19th Congressional District, where Collins is expected to run as U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds vacates the seat to run for Governor.

— Trump tie-in: The spot brands Collins as the “original Trump conservative,” featuring praise from Donald Trump and clips of Collins promoting Trump’s agenda.

— Background check: Collins previously represented a New York district in Congress, resigned amid insider trading charges, and was later pardoned by Trump before the end of his term.

— Playoff expansion delayed —

On the heels of Indiana’s victory in the College Football Playoff title game, conference Commissioners and school Presidents continue to debate possible expansion of the 12-team playoff field.

— Looking ahead: The earlier model of four teams was expanded before last season. The possibility of expanding to 16 teams or more remains. Any expansion, however, will have to wait until at least the 2027 season after no agreement was reached by Friday.

— Conference clash: The Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences have different visions for playoff expansion. The SEC wants a 16-team playoff emphasizing at-large bids, while the Big Ten prefers a 24-team bracket with multiple automatic qualifiers from each conference.

— Some 2026 changes: Friday’s deadline passed with no agreement reached on expanding the field. But the rules on guaranteed bids will change. All four Power 4 conference champions will receive bids, as will the highest-ranked Group of 6 conference champions. Notre Dame will also be guaranteed a bid if ranked in the Top 12 of the final CFP Committee ranking.

— Next checkpoint: Another deadline is Dec. 1, 2026. If no agreement is reached by then, the 12-team format will remain for the following season.

— Brunching out —

The Flying Biscuit Cafe launched in January and the breakfast, lunch and brunch spot has been drawing crowds ever since.

— Backstory: Flying Biscuit took off in 1993 in the Candler Park neighborhood, east of downtown Atlanta. The signature biscuits were a hit in those early days and the restaurant branched out. This first Tallahassee location is at the former Smashburger in the Village Commons Shopping Center. The chain has more than 35 sites in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.

— Setting: The storefront is brightened by brightly colored tables, murals and a cheerful vibe. There’s a mix of tables and booths and a covered outdoor patio.

— The menu: The menu is extensive, beyond biscuits. Starters include truffle Parmesan fries, Nashville hot chicken tenders and beignet doughnuts. Eggs are served in a bunch of ways, in bowls, burritos or big platters with steak, sausage, bacon or hash. The High Flyer is a good overall assortment: eggs (your way), chicken sausage or bacon, “creamy, dreamy” grits, and a buttermilk pancake or Belgian waffle or get a platter with a biscuit instead. Even the Southerner at our table said those biscuits were a good rendition. Eggs Benedict, French toast, pancakes, omelets and scrambles, chicken and waffles are among the options. For lunch, consider shrimp and grits, a patty melt, or Caesar salad. The menu also features vegan and vegetarian choices. The kids’ menu is for ages 12 and under, $7.99 per dish.

— Beverages: The Flying Biscuit has an espresso machine, and you get a bowl-size serving (I’d recommend the latte over the cappuccino, which was a bit weak). Start the day with a Double Bloody Mary, a Tequila Sunrise, or a Mimosa flight, which are so popular that I saw many flights landing on tables.

— Details: The Flying Biscuit Cafe is at 1380 Village Square Blvd., (850) 900-5172. Hours: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday; 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.