Here’s Brunch, a pop-up, weekend email about the 2026 Legislative Session — 2.1.26

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

I’m a little tired this morning, having stayed up (mostly) through the night to watch Carlos Alcaraz win the Australian Open and, in doing so, become the youngest tennis player to complete the career Grand Slam (champion of the Australian, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open).

With it being so cold outside, the weather is actually perfect for the Lightning Stadium Series hockey game. The field design for today’s matchup at Raymond James Stadium will be a treasure map, complete with Gasparilla floats. Set pieces will include a shipwreck with the logos of the Lightning and Bruins, planks where the teams will walk onto the field, a barge that will serve as the stage for first-intermission performer Tim McGraw, and even Gasparilla floats from the pirate-fest parade held Saturday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Tweet, tweet.

The Stadium Series is such a draw that the Florida GOP is holding a fundraiser during the game.

🚨 — On a more serious note. More than 1,000 people gathered in Orlando on Saturday afternoon to send a message to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Get out of Central Florida. Read more here.

Belated happy birthday wishes to our friend, Gwen Graham. Celebrating today are state Rep. Chuck Brannan; former state Sen. Oscar Braynon, now with The Southern Group; and Matt Moon, Managing Director at Narrative Strategies.

Now, please enjoy Brunch.

— Presidents Day perk —

State employees will get Presidents Day off this year, with Gov. Ron DeSantis announcing the paid holiday as part of Florida’s America 250 commemorations.

— Long weekend alert: The move means state offices will close for the holiday on Monday, Feb. 16, giving workers a built-in breather during Session season.

— Big picture: DeSantis framed the holiday as a nod to civic history and public service, folding the extra day off into broader plans marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

— Tie-in treat: The announcement comes alongside a weeklong waiver of state park entry fees for all visitors, pairing time off with an incentive to get outside.

For Tallahassee, it’s a rare mid-Session pause — and one likely to be welcomed by state workers watching the calendar.

— Senate statue setup —

Senate President Ben Albritton will pull back the curtain on a new interactive Washington exhibit at the Historic Capitol on Tuesday at 10.30 a.m., tying the unveiling to America 250 and the Joint 2026 Legislative Reunion.

— What’s new: The Senate-sponsored exhibit reimagines Gilbert Stuart’s famed Lansdowne portrait with a three-dimensional sculpted print designed for an experience through touch and sound.

— Built for access: Raised surfaces and touch-activated audio allow visitors who are visually impaired to engage with the portrait while learning about Washington’s life, the era he led, and the symbolism woven into the artwork.

— More to come: The unveiling kicks off a slate of February programming, including a Presidents Day StoryWalk for kids, an Art + History lunch-and-learn, and a hands-on drawing workshop led by Smithsonian speaker Paul Glenshaw.

— Celebration: Museum officials are pitching the George Washington Experience as the Historic Capitol’s signature contribution to Florida’s America 250 commemoration.

— Portrait bill snapshot —

Senators are moving forward with a bill that would require Florida public schools to display portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, which cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education.

— One step closer: SB 420 sailed past its second Committee stop after earlier approval in the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee, keeping momentum alive for Sen. Danny Burgess’ proposal in the upper chamber.

— Burgess boost: The Senate sponsor is tying the measure to America’s semi-quincentennial. “America’s upcoming 250th birthday is a fitting time to reflect on our shared history and celebrate our patriotism,” Burgess said on X. “Presidents Washington and Lincoln made incredible historic contributions, helping to found and preserve our great nation, and Senate Bill 420 is a simple way to spark conversations with our children about who these two men were and what they represented.”

— House still quiet: The companion measure in the House (HB 371) by Republican Rep. John Snyder hasn’t yet been taken up by any Committee, leaving its path less certain.

— ‘Foreign influence’ —

A wide-ranging “foreign influence” bill (SB 1178) cleared the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee last week with a unanimous vote, and with relatively little discussion for something that touches a lot of ground.

— The bill does a lot: It tightens rules on political activity tied to foreign governments, expands registration requirements for foreign-supported organizations, revises ethics training to emphasize foreign influence campaigns, restricts cultural and academic partnerships with certain countries, and imposes new limits on contracts related to critical infrastructure. So, it’s an omnibus in the truest sense.

— But there’s one provision that’s raising eyebrows: Buried in the contracting section is language that would prohibit state and local governments from entering into — or renewing — IT contracts with companies that are owned, partially owned, or otherwise controlled by entities tied to a “foreign country of concern,” including China. On paper, it’s framed as a safeguard for data and national security. In practice, it’s a lockout.

— A notable victim would be Lenovo, one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers. While it operates extensively in the U.S. and supplies equipment to hundreds of state and local governments nationwide, its ownership structure — including legacy Chinese state-linked stakes — could put it squarely on the wrong side of the bill’s definitions. By contrast, U.S.-based competitors like Dell would remain eligible despite using many of the same supply chains and manufacturing ecosystems.

Versions of this fight have surfaced in other states, often with the same framing. SB 1178 now heads to the Judiciary Committee on Feb. 3, where the legal mechanics and competitive implications are likely to get a closer look.

— Flying cars coming soon? —

The House Ways & Means Committee will take up legislation Monday at 3.30 p.m. aimed at establishing a framework for Florida’s vertiports — part of a broader push to seed an advanced aerial mobility network.

— Taking flight: HB 1093, from the House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee, would carve out tax exemptions for aircraft and related gear, give the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) leeway to help pay for vertiport build-out, and centralize regulatory authority at the state level to cut red tape for emerging infrastructure. Democratic Rep. Leonard Spencer is shepherding the bill, with Democratic Rep. Jose Alvarez co-introducing.

— Building up: Backers argue this is essential groundwork if Florida wants to leverage its emerging aerial highway — a series of vertiports supporting short-haul electric air services in the coming years — and build on its ongoing efforts to construct initial hubs at FDOT’s SunTrax facility.

— Next up: On Tuesday at 1 p.m., the Senate Transportation Committee will hear the companion bill (SB 1362) from Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell.

— Tech on the ground: Florida has already begun putting real vertiport infrastructure in place, with two sites under construction as part of the state’s first advanced air mobility aerial test bed, envisioned to anchor a future commercial network.

— Port power play —

A hot-button bill is stirring debate in Gulf County over plans to reshape the Port St. Joe Port Authority by broadening its Board to include representatives from neighboring counties tied to a proposal to expand the port.

— What’s the plan? Rep. Jason Shoaf is backing a bill that would shift the authority from being Gulf County-centric to a regional Board with other seats for Franklin, Liberty and Gadsden counties. The long-term angle is for the Board to approve plans to increase activity at the port.

— Locals push back: Groups like the Gulf County Citizens Coalition and residents at county meetings want to keep control close to home, warning that representatives from outside counties might not prioritize environmental and economic interests tied to Port St. Joe’s bay and community.

— Next steps: Gulf-based Commissioners are wary of changing the Board’s structure to lessen Gulf County’s sway, though Shoaf says the structure will preserve a Gulf County majority. But locals were apparently caught off guard upon hearing of the bill via a recent 30-day notice requirement.

— Week ahead —

Here’s your rundown on the week ahead.

— Monday starts quietly enough. Florida Youth SHINE Day is on the calendar, though details are sparse. The clearer focus is on Muslim Day at the Capitol, which includes a news conference with Reps. Anna V. Eskamani, Angie Nixon, and CAIR-Florida Interim Executive Director Hiba Rahim.

— Tuesday kicks off Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Days. As part of that, Deloitte Device Day offers a low-lift way for almost anyone to participate. Simply bring an old phone or device to the Capitol for donation and refurbishment in support of service members and veterans. Pro tip: dig through your drawers Monday night. Also on Tuesday, Florida Space Day brings industry displays and an evening reception, and the Lightning Caucus caps things off with a watch party later that night.

— Wednesday is Equal Ground Day at the Capitol, which folds in numerous supporting partners, including the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters, and Bethune-Cookman University. It kicks off with the Voting Rights and Democracy rally in front of Tallahassee City Hall at 9 a.m. It’s also New College Day at the Capitol, so keep an eye out for Richard Corcoran.

— Thursday turns to workforce policy, with Apprenticeship Day at the Capitol highlighting construction trades and earn-while-you-learn programs the state has been promoting heavily. The day closes with the Florida Legislative Black Caucus Gala at The Moon. The theme this year is “A Night of Emerald Reflections Benefiting the Next Generation of Leaders.” Translation: Cocktail attire with emerald accents welcome.

— Puff, puff … pass? —

Is “Smart and Safe” Florida going to be safe on the 2026 ballot? Time is running out, and they’re still short of the petitions they need for the latest iteration of the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana amendment.

— Mind the gap: As of Jan. 31, the Division of Elections website shows 779,293 verified petitions from Smart & Safe Florida. A sizable number, but below the 880,062 valid petitions needed by 5 p.m. on Sunday to qualify for the ballot.

— Working overtime: Supervisors of elections are doing their part statewide, but time is running out. “I’m sure counties will be working to get that done, but eventually the clock strikes midnight, and you are done,” said Mark Earley, Leon County Supervisor of Elections.

— All alone: Smart & Safe is the only campaign gathering petitions with any reasonable chance to make the 2026 ballot, based on a database of active initiatives. Of note, Smart & Safe would have already exceeded the required threshold if the state hadn’t tossed 200,000 petitions that did not include the full text of the amendment, a decision Smart & Safe decided not to appeal due to time concerns.

— Free to decide —

A political committee looking to get a Medicaid expansion initiative on the ballot is officially relaunching its campaign Sunday. Florida Decides Healthcare (FDH) will begin collecting signatures to qualify for the 2028 ballot.

— Trying again: If this feels familiar, you’ve got a good memory. FDH had previously targeted a 2026 ballot but decided to delay the date due to a new state law that adds hurdles for citizen-led ballot initiatives.

— A little help from their friends: As the 2028 ballot campaign kicks off, FDH said it is working with 100 grassroots groups, including statewide and national health groups, and launching a digital advertising push.

— Timing is everything: “The relaunch comes as the health care crisis across the nation and particularly in Florida continues to deepen,” FDH said. “Since cuts to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, thousands of Floridians have been pushed off ACA marketplace coverage, and many who were able to keep a plan are seeing premiums double or even triple, putting coverage out of reach for working families, seniors, veterans, and caregivers.”

— Chokepoint —

If you haven’t seen social media posts from Paul Renner’s campaign, it may not be a coincidence, but a conspiracy, or so they argue.

— The charge: “We are reliably informed that our Renner X accounts are being throttled. If you see this message, let us know. Is it because you saw us in your feed? Or because you have us on alerts, or you came to our page? We’re wondering if Elon Musk is throttling us because he endorsed Byron Donalds.

— Grok weighs in: X-es AI admits “accusations that X (under Musk) has reduced visibility for critics, including some who opposed his views or endorsements (e.g., a NYT report on users like Laura Loomer seeing reach drop after feuding with him).” That said, there is no definitive evidence of the systematic throttling of political opponents of his endorsed candidates, such as Donald Trump or Byron Donalds. X denies viewpoint-based suppression.

On the bright side: Renner’s War Room account has a little more than 700 followers right now, suggesting this controversy is a way to draw attention to the account. And since Renner says most Floridians aren’t tuned into the Governor’s race yet, there certainly is time, at least in theory.

— RNLA reception —

The Florida chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association is hosting its annual Tallahassee reception on Tuesday, featuring U.S. Attorney Jack Heekin.

— Meet the speaker: Heekin oversees federal prosecutions across the Northern District of Florida and recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel to U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. Before that, he served as Scott’s Chief Deputy General Counsel and as Deputy Chief of Staff while Scott was Governor.

— Networking opportunity: The evening brings together Republican lawyers and law students visiting for the Legislative Session, with drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided.

— Private event: Attendance is off the record and closed to the press, emphasizing networking and member engagement rather than public coverage.

— Peace Corps taps familiar face —

Richard Swarttz is returning to the Peace Corps, this time as Chief of Staff, bringing back a longtime Republican operative and former agency Chief Financial Officer during the first Donald Trump administration.

— Return engagement: Swarttz previously served as Peace CFO from 2018 to 2021, where he oversaw financial reporting and accountability. Since leaving, he’s held senior financial roles with Volunteer Florida, United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, and Lead For America, and has remained connected to the agency as treasurer of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation.

— Agenda check: The Chief of Staff role is a key internal post, responsible for coordinating agency leadership and helping execute administration priorities. Swarttz’s return signals continuity with the Trump-era approach to managing the agency, particularly as officials weigh how the Peace Corps fits into broader foreign policy and domestic political goals.

— Comeback tour: In a separate statement tied to his current role at the agency, Swarttz said he is “honored” to serve and pledged to advance Trump’s “America First agenda,” while boosting volunteer recruitment and ensuring the agency “continues to serve the interests of the American people while promoting meaningful engagement abroad.”

— Parks on display —

Florida’s award-winning state parks are getting the spotlight on Wednesday, with an evening celebration at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum starting at 5.30 p.m.

— Wild sights: The event promises immersive sights and sounds of wild Florida, plus a photo-worthy centerpiece. a 25-foot inflatable panther.

— Milestone moment: Organizers will also mark the 25th anniversary of Florida Forever, highlighting decades of land acquisition and expansion that helped build today’s state park system.

— Gold standard: Florida State Parks is still the only four-time winner of the National Gold Medal for Excellence, a distinction supporters are eager to celebrate.

The big picture is a toast to Florida’s 176 state parks and their role in protecting and preserving the state’s natural heritage, with RSVPs encouraged in advance of the event.

— Closing the gap —

A new program is helping children of incarcerated parents in Gadsden County and other rural North Florida communities connect to school and everyday life.

— What it does: Florida Connect provides no-cost mobile devices and up to three years of internet and mobile service to eligible families with little or no reliable access at home.

— Who it serves: The effort targets rural and underserved communities, with a specific focus on children whose parents are currently incarcerated.

— Why it’s personal: The program was created by Quincy native and telecom entrepreneur Freddie Figgers, who says early access to computers changed his own life and can help steer kids toward education and workforce opportunities.

— By the numbers: The program currently covers 18 Florida counties, including Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor, as rural areas continue to lag far behind urban communities in broadband access.

— Whole Lotto love —

The Florida Lottery has rolled out its 2026 Lotto Love promotion, which started Friday and runs through Feb. 28, dangling extra draws as an incentive for advance play.

— Sweet deal: Players who buy a 52-draw Advance Play Florida Lotto ticket can instantly score up to 104 more draws free, awarded as a $208 cash-prize coupon.

— Statewide giveaway: The Lottery plans to hand out just over $100,000 in prize coupons during the 30-day promotion, with winnings redeemable through Sept. 28.

— Try your luck: Lottery officials are pitching the promotion to reward loyal players while catching the attention of seasonal visitors looking to try Florida’s original jackpot game.

— Super Bowl props —

No single sporting event has more attention — or more unusual props bets — than the Super Bowl. Next Sunday’s game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks is no exception.

— Flip of fate: The coin toss is a, well, flip of the coin. It’s also 50/50 for which team will win the toss. There is the traditional bet of what color the Gatorade bath will be (orange is the current favorite).

— Scorigami watch: Could we have a Scorigami? That is the unusual situation when a game’s final score has never happened in NFL history. There has never been a 21-5 game in the NFL. A 31-11 final would also be a first. Currently, the odds are 22/1 against Scorigami.

— Long shot specials: Other long shot bets include the final score matching the first time the Patriots and Seahawks met in the Super Bowl, a 28-24 Patriots victory. That bet carries 3,500/1 odds against.

As for the game itself, the Seahawks are 4.5-point favorites to win. And if you want to get your betting out of the way early, you can wager on whether the National Anthem, scheduled to be sung by singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, goes over or under 120 seconds — with the under currently leading.

— Brunching out —

Blu Halo may be best known for its steaks, chops, seafood and vibey bar scene, but stopping by for a weekend brunch is also a treat.

— Backstory: Tallahassee native Keith Paniucki opened Blu Halo in September 2016, envisioning the gleaming new spot as a game changer in Tallahassee that would elevate our dining and drinking scene. As it approaches its 10th anniversary, Blu Halo remains a prime upscale destination.

— Setting: Tallahassee designer Catherine D. Baker created the space, which melds a touch of whimsy with sophistication. Over the bar, there’s the restaurant’s namesake neon ring. If you prefer dining outside, there’s a 40-seat, covered patio. Curbside ordering is available.

— The menu: Diners will find an eclectic selection on the brunch menu. Beefy picks include rib-eye steak with chimichurri sauce and a wagyu bowl combining fried eggs, blue cheese, spicy buffalo, shallots and creamy garlic aioli. But there are lots of tempting choices. Chicken and waffles are often disappointing, but Blu Halo does an excellent job, with a large, vanilla bean Belgian waffle with just the right amount of crunch. It’s the base for sweet-tea chicken breast (a hint of sweetness but not overdone). A classic Eggs Benedict is a fine rendition: the eggs are correctly poached and served with a smooth, buttery hollandaise sauce, on Canadian ham with breakfast potatoes on the side. A country version with Bradley sausage and buttermilk sausage is also available. The shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage have a spicy kick. Other dishes include a mahi sandwich, Bowden burger, soups and salads, and appetizers such as baked Brie, ahi tuna and cinnamon roll. If you’re not stuffed, ask to see the dessert menu.

— Beverages: Start your day with a Bloody Mary garnished with celery, an olive, a pickle and red pepper, rimmed with spices or a mimosa made with various juices, as well as other cocktails. The wine and martini bar is also popular.

— Details: Blu Halo is in Bannerman Crossings, 3431 Bannerman Rd., (850) 999-1696. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday for brunch. Blu Halo has opened a second location in St. Petersburg, serving lunch and dinner at 211 Main Street North in Carillon Park.