Full-service direct mail and integrated marketing firm Direct One, based in Winter Park, has landed the prestigious 2025 Reed Award for Best Use of Technology in a Direct Mail Campaign from Campaigns & Elections. 

The firm was recognized alongside project partners RumbleUp, a peer-to-peer texting firm, and Topside Strategies, a full-service Republican consulting firm.

The award recognizes the company’s innovative approach to using cutting-edge tech in its direct mail solutions. It’s named after Campaigns & Elections founder Stanley Foster Reed and celebrates excellence in political campaigning, grassroots outreach and advocacy. 

The Direct One work recognized, for Cindy Pearson’s campaign for Duval County School Board, leveraged texting integrations with direct mail, and used advanced data processing, variable high-speed digital printing and real-time tracking to deliver personalized and results driven direct mail. 

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious Reed Award,” Direct One CEO Evan Stewart said. “At Direct One we know that direct mail remains a powerful tool in today’s digital  world, especially when paired with the right technology. This award is a testament to our  team’s dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering measurable results for our clients.”

While Direct One is headquartered in Central Florida, it has national reach. The company specializes in creating tailored campaigns that utilize variable data printing, personalized  URLs (pURLs), and QR codes to enhance customer engagement and provide actionable analytics. 

The company also operates out of a SOC 2 Type 1 compliance facility to ensure both security and efficiency in its operations. 

The award-winning campaign was able to achieve exceptional response rates and engagement by incorporating real-time tracking and personalized content.

The company was recognized at the 2025 Reed Awards on Mar. 21 in Austin. 

While it does not list its political clients, the company has worked with various companies and groups, including Nemours Children’s Health, Boy Scouts of America, Vericast and others. 

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Good Monday morning.

As the 2025 Legislative Session begins to close, it’s time to submit your nominations for the winners and losers emerging from this Session.

Consider which bills have already failed and identify who or what issues are winners, regardless of what happens in the final week.

(Please refrain from nominating high-profile items like the Governor or the budget. We’re looking for specific individuals and issues. Also, please do not nominate yourself or your firm; we all appreciate that we’re winners.)

Your responses will be published, but your identity will remain confidential. Please send your suggestions to [email protected].

Thank you in advance.

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Speaking of winning, Sine Die is time to thank legislators for their dedication during the 2025 Legislative Session!

Florida Politics has spots available in Sunburn post-Sine Die & in a post-Session edition of our newspaper to publicly thank Florida lawmakers for legislative wins over the past 60 days.

Here’s an example of one ad that just came in:

Please contact [email protected] for price and availability. Space is limited, and the best time to reserve is now!

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Joel Rudman wasn’t afraid of going against the grain when he was a member, and he’s even less so now that he’s not, based on a recent interview with the “DeSantis Appreciation Society.”

Rudman’s pitch: Drug tests for lawmakers.

The Navarre Republican left the House to mount a failed bid for CD 1. He could have taken the L with dignity and reemerged a couple of cycles later as a shoo-in for an open seat — he’s a likable enough guy who had the misfortune of running against perhaps the most likable guy in state politics.

Instead, he’s resorting to vague accusations.

According to Rudman, he floated the idea of elected leaders peeing into a cup three times a year ahead of last Session and it, unsurprisingly, went over like a wet fart. And it did so, also unsurprisingly, because a member or two (or 20) would fail — let’s say there are a couple of Tally establishments where stall-sharing and chronic sniffling are the norm.

(All that aside, tripping through a floor session without being found out would be a Dock Ellis-level feat.)

Rudman plans to keep the specifics “close to the vest,” given his upcoming confirmation hearing for the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees, but if that doesn’t go his way … well, he “knows where the bodies are buried.” For a guy who goes by “Doc Rock,” that kind of threat is not very rock ‘n’ roll. It’s also a good way to guarantee you never get an invite to Club Haunted House.

Whether his strategy backfires or not, it’ll undoubtedly make for an entertaining hearing.

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Helios awards $500K in scholarships to celebrate 20th anniversary — The Helios Education Foundation is marking its 20th anniversary by granting $500,000 in scholarships to 20 community college transfer students in Florida. The Helios 20th Anniversary Pathway Scholarship assists students transferring to Florida A&M University, Florida International University, the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. This scholarship event in Tampa celebrated Helios’ two-decade commitment to educational excellence, especially for low-income and historically underrepresented communities. Over the past 20 years, Helios has invested over $350 million in education initiatives, benefiting nearly 2.4 million students, supporting over 520,000 education professionals, and awarding more than 41,000 scholarships.

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Updates from the Road: Lauren Book is on the move! Today in Lakeland, the Walk in My Shoes journey pauses for a powerful purpose: renovating the sexual assault exam room and staff space at Peace River Victim Services. Lauren and the team are transforming these spaces into safe, therapeutic, and dignified environments for survivors healing from trauma and for the dedicated therapists who support them. This project reflects Lauren’s commitment to not just raising awareness but creating real, lasting change. Learn more and follow the journey at LaurensKidsWalk.org!

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: NOBODY is getting “off the hook” for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no Tariff “exception” announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff “bucket.” The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it. We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations. What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American People. We also cannot let them continue to abuse us on Trade, like they have for decades, THOSE DAYS ARE OVER! The Golden Age of America, which includes the upcoming Tax and Regulation Cuts, a substantial amount of which was just approved by the House and Senate, will mean more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other Countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us. The bottom line is that our Country will be bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

—@CGasparino: The exemptions just handed out to @Apple and tech companies should spark, as one tech investor just told me, “a rally for the ages” at least in the Nasdaq and at least on Monday. This is not a prediction but what I’m hearing from him and others. There are things that could counter the move to the downside, of course. BUT as the investor put it: “a Black Swan event has been taken off table.” What he means is that the tariff plan as rolled out would have crushed @Apple and all of big tech — some of our biggest companies— because of how they produce their products and source them in China. What’s remarkable is that the plan as described by @howardlutnick etc was largely aimed at tech ie to bring back all tech manufacturing to the U.S. from China and Asia. They literally just threw in the towel on most of their tariff plan. Every CEO and investor I speak to says with this 180 the administration losses credibility by keeping Lutnick and @RealPNavarro as spokesmen for the plan going forward given their past statements. Trump’s famous loyalty will be put to the test

—@MarcoRubio: As Jews around the world gather to mark Passover and celebrate God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, Jeanette and I are thinking of the 59 hostages who remain held hostage by Hamas. Chag Sameach.

—@Tim_Cook: I hope everyone celebrating Passover has gatherings full of great company, love, and tradition. Chag Sameach!

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@CesarFernand3z: I recently had the pleasure of having lunch with Governor (Josh) Shapiro. He said to a small group gathered, “it’s not enough for Jewish people to be the face against antisemitism, now more important than ever, we need non-Jewish people to push back hard against this form of hate.” I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear of this disgusting attempted murder and blatant display of antisemitism. We are better than this and it’s on every one of us to speak out and strongly condemn this senseless act of hate. My heart goes out to @JoshShapiroPA & his family.

Tweet, tweet:

—@Fineout: Talking with CBS Miami’s Jim @DeFede Fla. Senate President @Sen_Albritton said efforts in D.C. via DOGE/cutting back fed spending will likely result in “cuts for federal funding that supports Florida programs.” Said it’s why he wants to be “cautious” re state budget/tax cuts

Tweet, tweet:

— DAYS UNTIL —

Children’s Day at the Capitol — 1; ‘Andor’ season two premieres — 8; ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’ premieres on Netflix — 9; ‘The Accountant 2’ premieres — 11; ‘Chef’s Table: Legends’ premieres on Netflix — 14; Beyoncé‘s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour begins in Los Angeles — 14; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 18; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting — 29; Florida Chamber Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability — 31; Epic Universe grand opening — 38; Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ premieres — 39; ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ premieres — 39; Florida Chamber Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 45; ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premieres — 46; Tony Awards — 55; Special Election for SD 19 — 57; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet will meet — 58; Florida Chamber Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 71; ‘Squid Game’ season three premieres — 74; James Gunn‘s ‘Superman’ premieres — 88; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premieres on Netflix — 102; “Fantastic Four – First Steps” premieres — 102; Florida Freedom Forum — 110; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 114; Florida Chamber Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 120; the Emmys — 153; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 156; Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio premieres — 165; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 196; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 221; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 233; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 233; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 247; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 249; Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 298; ‘Avengers 5’ premieres — 386; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 403; FIFA World Cup 26™ final — 424; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 614; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 754; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 900; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1187; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1303; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1703; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2434.

— TOP STORY —

“Donors gave big to Ron DeSantis’ marijuana campaign after getting $10M from Hope Florida” via Lawrence Mower and Alexandra Glorioso of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — Weeks after the DeSantis administration directed $10 million from a Medicaid legal settlement to First Lady Casey DeSantis‘ Hope Florida Foundation, the charity swiftly granted $5 million each to two organizations that heavily funded a political committee battling marijuana legalization – a cause championed by the Governor.

This rapid sequence, detailed in campaign finance records and foundation documents, raises serious questions about whether public settlement dollars were funneled through the First Lady’s initiative to fuel a political fight.

The $10 million originated from a settlement with Medicaid contractor Centene. In October, the Hope Florida Foundation paid $5 million apiece to Secure Florida’s Future (run by the Florida Chamber) and the nonprofit Save Our Society from Drugs. That same month, campaign records show these two groups collectively sent $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee then controlled by Governor DeSantis’ Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier, specifically created to defeat the recreational marijuana initiative, Amendment 3.

The money didn’t stop there. Keep Florida Clean later transferred millions to the Republican Party of Florida and the DeSantis-controlled Florida Freedom Fund. While precise tracking is difficult, the pattern has alarmed some lawmakers.

State Rep. Alex Andrade, a Republican investigating the spending, stated that the $10 million transfer “looks like criminal fraud by some of those involved,” asking, “Who on earth thought this was legal, moral, or ethical?” House Speaker Daniel Perez confirmed that the “digging continues.”

Gov. DeSantis defended the original settlement payment as “100% appropriate.”

A spokesperson for the DeSantis political fund called claims that it received the money “absolutely false.” However, the vague grant proposals submitted by the recipient organizations offer little detail on how the millions were spent, potentially jeopardizing the foundation’s nonprofit status if funds were used for substantial political activity.

“‘Frustration’: Daniel Perez wants ‘answers’ from DeSantis about $10M steered to Hope Florida” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — “There were $10 million that should have gone back to the State Treasury in a settlement agreement between Centene and AHCA, which is an agency of the state of Florida, and instead it went to Hope Florida and it did so in the dark of night. And that’s really where the frustration comes from,” Perez said Friday. “How much of this money should have gone to the federal government? This is a Medicaid program. These are Medicaid dollars and how is that question is going to be answered by the Governor’s Office. I don’t have that answer, and all we’re asking for here is transparency and accountability, and it’s shocking to me that DeSantis, who I’ve considered a friend and who I’ve endorsed for President in years past, is trying to shy away from transparency and accountability. All we’re asking for is the answers that have been asked by members of the Florida House, in their right, and we haven’t gotten those answers,” Perez said.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Feud between DeSantis, House deepens as Governor blasts lawmakers’ inaction” via Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network — DeSantis continued to vent his frustration with the Florida House on Thursday, chiding the chamber for not moving on parts of his agenda and criticizing its probing of his agencies. “I don’t know what has gotten into the Florida House of Representatives,” DeSantis said at an event in Miami. “They seem to be working to sabotage the great work that Florida has done over these last six years.” DeSantis spoke at a news conference, urging the House to do more to ease assessments placed on condominium owners – one in a growing list of grievances he has with GOP House leadership. House Speaker Perez has defended his chamber’s moves throughout the 60-day Legislative Session, which is scheduled to end May 2. That includes the pointed questions asked by the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee on Wednesday of Agency for Health Care Administration officials over a settlement agreement with a large health insurer.

“DeSantis touts condo bill that would allow delays of required inspections and reserve funding” via Ron Hurtibuse of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis urged the state Senate to move forward on a condo reform bill that would extend deadlines for completing reserve studies and funding repairs identified by the studies. After praising the Senate version of the bill, DeSantis criticized its House companion as “something that favors developers.” Last Fall, DeSantis urged legislative leaders to find ways to allow hard-hit elderly residents to stay in their condominiums. But leaders balked at crafting bills during a Special Session in January, saying there would be plenty of time to discuss condo issues during the Spring Session. Now, the Spring Session is winding to an end, and the Senate bill that DeSantis promoted on Thursday has been approved only by the Senate’s Regulated Industries Committee. The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government is scheduled to consider it next. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, would extend the deadline for condominium boards to complete required Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) from Dec. 31, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025.

“PIP proposal politics: House pushes auto insurance repeal as DeSantis digs in” via John Kennedy of the USA Today Network-Florida — With DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature already bitterly divided over state spending and taxes, a new flashpoint is emerging: The House is pushing to repeal Florida’s no-fault automobile insurance and hike minimum liability coverage. The switch will help Florida motorists recover medical costs in an accident, supporters say. However, according to industry analysts, the move would also likely cost drivers a lot more. DeSantis has condemned the House for siding with trial lawyers, who support the change. And the personal injury protection repeal is now joining a growing list of battlegrounds between the House, Senate and DeSantis.

“Hope for legislative property insurance fix dimming as Legislature enters second half” via Anne Geggis of the Palm Beach Post — Property insurance costs remain at the top of Sunshine State residents’ concerns, but that’s not moving legislation dealing with the industry along, even as potentially consequential revelations keep coming. The Session started with a vow from the new Republican House Speaker that insurance companies would not set the agenda. And Committee meetings started with testimony about insurers slow to pay on hurricane damage and at substantially less than the cost of repairs. But no bills have made it to the floor of either chamber that would add insurer oversight or make it easier for policyholders to sue their insurer in a claims dispute.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Bill seeks to make state-run children’s insurance more ‘cost-efficient’” via Joe Mario Pedersen of Central Florida Public Media — Lawmakers are considering legislation that would streamline services for medically complex kids provided by a state program. But critics are concerned the effort would harm families seeking care for their children with chronic conditions. The measure (HB 1085) would streamline administrative operations of the Children’s Medical Services program, a state- and federal-subsidized health insurance for low-income families who have children with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. There were about 123,000 children enrolled in the insurance in 2024. Among several changes, the bill would transfer oversight from the Florida Department of Health to the Agency for Health Care Administration.

“AI nudes are hurting Florida women. Lawmakers are trying to stop it.” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — Responding to harrowing testimonies from young victims like Lucy Adams Stevenson and Brooke Curry, Florida lawmakers are advancing bills to combat AI-generated deepfake pornography. The legislation aims to criminalize the creation and possession of altered sexual images of children and identifiable adults (SB 1180), expand revenge porn laws to include digital fakes, and mandate swift removal of such content online. Named “Brooke’s Law” (SB 1400), one bill requires websites to take down deepfakes within 48 hours of a valid request. With unanimous support in Committees and the Legislative Session ending May 2, these measures targeting the harmful misuse of AI appear poised to become law, offering crucial protection against digital exploitation.

“Lawmakers push for stricter hit-and-run reporting measures” via Florida Politics — For pedestrians in Florida, looking both ways before crossing the street is sometimes not enough. Sen. Joe Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, filed SB 92 to make identifying drivers responsible for hit-and-runs easier for law enforcement. Gruters cited the bill as the Lilly Glaubach Act, which pays homage to the 13-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Gruters’ district in 2022. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2024, there were 692 fatalities from pedestrian crashes and 245 deaths from hit-and-run crashes throughout the state. For Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo of Hollywood, passing the bill is a necessary step toward justice for the families of hit-and-run victims.

— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Another HOA crackdown? House bill would add more limits, transparency for homeowners” via C. A. Bridges of USA Today Network — Last year, the Florida Legislature made sweeping changes to rein in what homeowner associations could do to their members, amounting to essentially a Homeowner’s Bill of Rights that drastically limited HOA fines, enforcement and rules. Another new law forced HOAs to allow homeowners to harden their homes against hurricanes. A new bill working its way through the House would add more protections to homeowners, increase transparency, add statewide HOA election rules to make them more fair, and separate recreational covenants from HOA covenants. A previous provision that would have allowed local law enforcement to audit and inspect HOAs for HOA Act violations was removed last week by the Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee.

“Senate passes bill making accessory dwellings more available to ease housing crisis” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — The Senate has unanimously passed a measure that aims to lower the cost of housing by allowing additional dwellings to be built on existing property. Sen. Don Gaetz presented the bill (SB 184) to the Senate chamber and explained that local governments could not impose specific restrictions under the measure. “This bill requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units,” Gaetz said. “An ADU is a small, independent, fully functioning house located on the same lot as a stand-alone home. Sometimes they’re called carriage houses or granny flats. Under this bill, local governments may not impose additional undue parking restrictions or deny a homestead exemption for those portions of the property in which the owner maintains a permanent residence.”

“A tax break floating around the Legislature could save millions for Verizon” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — A stealthy tax proposal circulating in Tallahassee could deliver a multimillion-dollar windfall to Verizon Communications. Though not yet filed, the measure, requested by House leadership for cost analysis, would cement a tax strategy Verizon just used to seek a $20 million refund – a request denied by state auditors, prompting a lawsuit from the telecom giant just weeks before this proposal surfaced. It combines two complex rules, allowing companies like Verizon to base taxes solely on Florida sales while simultaneously attributing those sales elsewhere using “cost of performance.” State economists estimate this maneuver, tailored for a few giants, could cost Florida nearly $20 million annually. The move raises questions about legislative priorities.

“Michelle Salzman to offer taxation amendment on hemp as House irons out policy details on caps” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida lawmakers are getting a clearer picture of potential hemp regulations, spearheaded by House efforts. Key changes are being considered, including a potential 20% sales tax markup on THC-infused products (HB 7029) instead of a wholesale tax, aiming for simpler collection. Safety remains paramount, with another bill (HB 7027) mandating testing and strict packaging rules – no child-enticing designs, though small logos might be allowed as a “huge gift” to the industry. While THC beverages likely won’t be banned from convenience stores (“can’t unwind that machine”), restrictions on products resembling candy are non-negotiable. Debates on THC caps continue, balancing safety with manufacturing feasibility. The goal is passable legislation addressing past veto concerns, potentially requiring conference negotiations with the Senate.

“Florida thoroughbred industry supporters keep saying ‘business is great,’ but data shows otherwise” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — New data confirms that Florida’s thoroughbred horse breeding industry is in a steep, worsening decline. Mares bred and foal crops have plummeted over 50% in a decade, with stallion numbers and auction results also falling dramatically. This stark reality casts doubt on the industry’s opposition to legislation (SB 408/HB 105) that would decouple live racing from slot machine and card room operations. Why must the industry be tethered to other wagering if the industry is so vital? Opponents claim that decoupling is devastating, yet data shows devastation is already occurring despite subsidies. While amendments offer compromises like delayed implementation, the core issue remains: Fighting decoupling seems to defend a declining status quo, not provide a sustainable future.

—“Tallahassee weighs big change for Gulfstream racetrack in Hallandale Beach” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

“Senate higher education bill advances, faces scrutiny on amendment that could restrict polling efforts” via Chris Will of News4Jax — A bill in the Senate looks at how college and university leadership is selected. The legislation has advanced through the Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education and is one step away from reaching the Senate floor. The legislation, known as SB 1726 on Higher Education, focuses on filling top roles within Florida’s higher education system. It mandates that search committees present at least three finalists for any open presidental position. Additionally, it establishes a residency or alumni status requirement for candidates seeking leadership roles in Florida universities and colleges.

“Bill to make flamingo, scrub-jay Florida’s state birds flies through penultimate Senate stop” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation to swap Florida’s unremarkable state bird for a pair of markedly more flamboyant and unique avians zipped through its second Senate stop this week with airy praise. The Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government voted unanimously for SB 880, which would jettison the state’s long-standing bird of note, the common mockingbird, and replace it twofold. The bill would designate the American flamingo as Florida’s official state bird. And as the Sunshine State’s official songbird, the blue-and-gray Florida scrub-jay — the only species of bird endemic to Florida — would get the nod.

— LEG SKED —

Half-dozen bills hit Gov. DeSantis’ desk — DeSantis has received six bills from the Legislature and has until April 18 to sign or veto them or allow them to become law without his signature. The set includes legislation carried by Rep. Randy Maggard (HB 421) to make crime scene support personnel eligible for the same peer support services as first responders; a bill (HB 513) requiring court clerks to electronically transmit certain records, including orders for involuntary examinations under the Baker Act or involuntary services under the Marchman Act, within a set time frame; legislation (HB 655) defining pet insurance and regulating the marketing and sales practices of those who offer it; and a bill (HB 1313) that re-establishes the Resilient Florida Trust Fund within DEP. The list also includes the “Gulf of America” bills (HB 549/HB 575).

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Monday’s schedule is all about the education budget.

The Budget Subcommittees for the PreK-12 and Higher Ed Committees meet at 2:30 p.m. to discuss differences between House and Senate proviso language. However, PreK-12 is expected to carve out some time to hear a few bills.

The list includes HB 1607, a bill championed by Hialeah Republican Rep. Alex Rizo and Clermont Republican Rep. Taylor Yarkosky that would require public schools, including charters, to have an AED — a type of defibrillator — on-premise and staff trained to use it and administer CPR.

The House Security & Threat Assessment Committee is the only other meeting on the docket. Per the notice, the panel will receive a briefing on the Capitol Complex Security Plan.

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Happening tonight — Children’s Week Florida™ is hosting its annual Advocacy Dinner & Awards Ceremony at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. State leaders, elected officials, and child and youth advocates will gather to celebrate the 2025 award recipients, including Chiles Advocate Award Recipient Loranne Ausley, Impact Advocate Award Recipient Dr. Jose Dotres, and Youth Advocate Award Recipient Christopher Page.

Happening tomorrow:

— LOBBY REGS —

Meanwhile… “Lawson Huck Gonzalez continues rapid expansion, adds veteran litigator Eric C. Reed as shareholder” via Brendon Leslie of Florida’s Voice — Just two years after opening its doors, fast-growing Florida law firm Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC continues to make headlines—this time for adding veteran litigation attorney Reed as a shareholder in its Orlando office. The firm, which has more than doubled its revenue each year since its founding and now boasts a team of 25 attorneys, has been on a hiring spree following a series of high-profile victories for clients, including Gov. DeSantis, recording artist Flo Rida, and Florida Power & Light. Reed brings decades of experience in commercial litigation, construction disputes, creditors’ rights, and lender representation and is a high-impact addition to the firm’s growing bench of seasoned trial lawyers. His appointment underscores the firm’s continued commitment to attracting top-tier legal talent.

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New and renewed lobbying registrations:

James Card, Tyler Russel, Ashely Spicola, Continental Strategy: Farmhouse Tomatoes

Cory Dowd, Kenneth Granger, Joseph Mongiovi, Scott Ross, Capital City Consulting: Tecore Networks

Kirk Pepper, GrayRobinson: Apexon

Cody Rogers, Becker & Poliakoff: Big Dog Ranch Rescue

Mark Smith: UCB

— 3 QUESTIONS —

A first-term lawmaker’s first Session is challenging. There’s a lot to The Process, and its intricacies demand adjustment, even for members of the supermajority party. That’s been true for Palm Beach County state Rep. Meg Weinberger, too. Still, she’s also relished the opportunity to grow and learn while pursuing change she believes in alongside other highly motivated policymakers.

“The sheer volume of information and the pace at which decisions need to be made can be overwhelming at times,” she said. “But the level of teamwork and mutual support I encountered exceeded my expectations and made navigating the complexities of legislation much more manageable. And getting to know the procedural nuances and identifying key individuals who can guide us through the legislative process has proven invaluable.” Weinberger has filed an ambitious slate of bills for consideration this year. Here’s a short conversation with her about a few of them.

Q: Animal welfare has long been your passion and is a big part of this year’s legislative agenda. What more needs to be done to safeguard our furry friends?

I am focused on establishing Best Management Practices (BMP) for breeders. It’s essential to support responsible breeders while ensuring that accountable measures are in place for those who do not adhere to ethical standards. In Florida, we spent nearly $1.6 million on euthanizing animals last year, which is a heart-wrenching reality. I firmly believe that implementing BMP will not only alleviate the financial burden on Florida’s budget but also ease the emotional toll on the dedicated employees who must witness thousands of animals being euthanized.

Additionally, I had the privilege of prime sponsoring HB 255, the Aggravated Animal Cruelty bill, alongside Representative Linda Chaney from St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County. Research shows that 70% of violent prisoners have committed serious and repeated acts of animal abuse, making this a crucial issue for our society. As part of our commitment to tackling this issue, we aim to pass HB 455 to establish a Database of Animal Cruelty Violators. By taking these steps, we can create a more humane environment for all animals and enhance their welfare across the state, ultimately fostering a safer environment for the people of Florida.

Q: Your first piece of successful legislation, a bill ensuring all references in Florida Statutes say, “Gulf of America,” drew national headlines even before it passed this month. What was the attention and feedback like for you, and what did you learn from it?

I was privileged to be a prime sponsor of HB 575, the “Gulf of America,” alongside Rep. Tyler Sirios from Merritt Island. Collaborating with leadership has been a valuable experience for me as a new legislator. I’ve realized that it’s possible to approach lawmaking with common-sense. President Trump has echoed this sentiment since he first launched his campaign.

Q: Several other impactful bills of yours are advancing. Which two would you most like to see pass, and why?

I am eagerly anticipating the progress of HB 1127 on Child Welfare, which aims at improving our response to children with “high acuity behavioral needs” in the foster system, including children who were victims of commercial sexual exploitation, severe neglect and abuse. I believe taking care of the most vulnerable members of our society should be our top priority and these children deserve our full support.

Additionally, one of the most pressing issues in our community and our state is the high cost of automobile insurance. According to Bankrate’s January 2025 data, Florida has the highest auto insurance prices nationwide, at 58% higher than the national average. This hurts Florida families. HB 1181, which I am sponsoring with Rep. Danny Alvarez from Hillsborough County, eliminates Personal Insurance Protection (PIP) Coverage and replaces it with a $25,000 Mandatory Bodily Injury Insurance policy. With a minimum anticipated savings of $6 billion in PIP payments and eliminating over 400,000 lawsuits annually, this bill should save the people of Florida money on automobile insurance premiums. We also anticipate a decrease in administrative expenses with the elimination of personal injury protection. This would lead to additional savings for the consumer.

— 100 DAYS —

“Donald Trump administration says it will exclude some electronics from reciprocal tariffs” via The Associated Press — The Trump administration said they would exclude electronics like smartphones and laptops from reciprocal tariffs. This move could help keep the prices down for popular consumer electronics that aren’t usually made in the U.S. It would also benefit big tech companies like Apple and Samsung and chip makers like NVIDIA. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said items like smartphones, laptops, hard drives, flat-panel monitors and some chips would qualify for the exemption. Machines used to make semiconductors are excluded too. That means they won’t be subject to the current 145% tariffs levied on China or the 10% baseline tariffs elsewhere.

“Trump’s China tariff shocks U.S. importers. One CEO calls it ‘end of days’” via Paul Wiseman and Anne D’Innocenzio of The Associated Press — Rick Woldenberg thought he had come up with a sure-fire plan to protect his Chicago-area educational toy company from Trump’s massive new taxes on Chinese imports. “When he announced a 20% tariff, I made a plan to survive 40%, and I thought I was being very clever,” said Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, a third-generation family business manufacturing in China for four decades. “I had worked out that for a very modest price increase, we could withstand 40% tariffs, which was an unthinkable increase in costs.” His worst-case scenario wasn’t worst-case enough. Not even close. Woldenberg reckons that will push Learning Resource’s tariff bill from $2.3 million last year to $100.2 million in 2025. “I wish I had $100 million,” he said. “Honest to God, no exaggeration: It feels like the end of days.”

“Trump tariff plans bring concern about prices, financial impact, but GOP base sees jobs long-term” via Anthony Salvanto, Jennifer De Pinto, Fred Backus and Kabir Khanna of CBS News — Amid market volatility, Americans worry Trump’s tariffs will raise prices short-term, impacting already strained finances, a new CBS News poll shows. While most view tariffs as a negotiation tactic, not permanent policy, many feel that Trump’s actions worsen their financial situation, leading to declining ratings for his handling of the economy and inflation. Republicans, however, remain largely supportive, viewing tariffs as beneficial for jobs in the long-term and trusting Trump over business leaders. Significantly, a majority now attribute the current state of the economy primarily to Trump’s policies, not Joe Biden’s, marking a clear shift in public perception. The overall economic outlook has dimmed slightly, with partisan divides deepening.

“‘One million.’ The private goal driving Trump’s push for mass deportations.” via Maria Sacchetti and Jacob Bogage of The Washington Post — Behind the scenes, the Trump administration harbors an aspirational goal: deporting 1 million immigrants this first year back, a figure far exceeding past records. Officials are strategizing intensely, focusing on deporting immigrants with final removal orders to “third countries” – nations where they aren’t citizens – and negotiating with dozens of nations to accept them. While the White House emphasizes its mandate over “arbitrary goals,” analysts call 1 million unrealistic due to funding, legal rights, and staffing hurdles. Despite a multi-agency effort, murky official data and plunging border crossings complicate the math. This unprecedented deportation drive faces significant logistical and legal challenges, casting doubt on achieving the lofty target.

—“Military contractors pitch unprecedented prison plan for detained immigrants” via Dasha Burns and Myah Ward of POLITICO

“Trump is ‘fully fit’ to serve as Commander in Chief, his doctor says after recent physical’” via Darlene Superville of The Associated Press — Trump’s doctor says the oldest man elected President is “fully fit” to se

“Trump is ‘fully fit’ to serve as Commander in Chief, his doctor says after recent physical’” via Darlene Superville of The Associated Press — Trump’s doctor says the oldest man elected President is “fully fit” to serve as Commander in Chief as the White House released results Sunday of Trump’s recent physical exam. The 78-year-old Trump is 20 pounds lighter since his checkup as President in 2020 showed him bordering on obesity. His physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, cited an “active lifestyle” that ”continues to contribute significantly” to the President’s well-being. Trump turns 79 on June 14. In a three-page summary of the comprehensive exam from Friday, the doctor said Trump is “fully fit to execute the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.” Trump weighed 224 at the checkup, down from 244 at that physical more than four years ago.

— MORE D.C. MATTERS—

“How a fight over proxy voting for new parents upended the U.S. House” via Leah Askarinam of News4Jax — Anna Paulina Luna was at her Florida home in Fall 2023, caring for her newborn son and turning over a question in her mind as a member of Congress: “How do I change this?” Luna began reading House rules and found a simple solution: allowing proxy voting for new moms. What Luna considered a minor rule change, affecting just a few — only about a dozen women had given birth while serving in Congress — over time escalated into a standoff against her Republican leadership and her allies in the hard-right Freedom Caucus. Regarding proxy voting, Trump wondered why the idea was “controversial.” On a Sunday afternoon this month, Luna announced that she and leadership had agreed. They would resurrect a well-worn congressional procedure that “pairs” two members of Congress who plan to vote on opposite sides of an issue, canceling out their votes — a way to accommodate the absent member.

“CDC’s cruise inspectors laid off as ship arrives in Florida with a norovirus outbreak” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the Orlando Sentinel — All full-time employees in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program were laid off this week, even as a cruise ship arrived in Miami with another norovirus outbreak among passengers and crew. The CDC employees whose jobs were cut were responsible for monitoring, tracking and assisting with gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships. The layoffs included the epidemiologist tasked with leading the federal agency’s outbreak response on cruise ships. The cuts are problematic for Florida, where passengers disembark from cruise ships with gastrointestinal viruses and often travel through airports. The CDC documented a dozen outbreaks on ships in just the first four months of 2025, mostly from norovirus. Ten of those ships departed from, or docked in, Florida or both. The outbreaks involved as many as hundreds of passengers and crew members falling ill with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

— STATEWIDE —

“Where’s the acting CFO? Governor takes his time replacing Jimmy Patronis” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The press shops of the Chief Financial Officer and the Governor did not respond to Florida Politics’ inquiry about naming an acting or interim CFO. Our backup plan was inelegant but useful given the lack of official comment. We simply called the CFO’s office and asked who the interim was. The person who answered the phone said that DeSantis hadn’t picked anyone yet, nearly two weeks after former CFO Patronis was elected to fill Matt Gaetz’s unexpired term in Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Asked about the vacancy on April 1, DeSantis suggested the opening would be filled expeditiously.

“FEMA slashes $300 million in flooding, hurricane relief projects in Florida” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Nearly $300 million in federal aid meant to help protect Florida communities from flooding, hurricanes and other natural disasters has been frozen since Trump took office in January. Now the state will never get the money, leaving dozens of projects in limbo, from a plan to raise roads in St. Augustine to a $150 million effort to strengthen canals in South Florida. Calling it a “wasteful, politicized grant program,” Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Cameron Hamilton last week ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program. BRIC is only a portion — but a significant one — of all FEMA funds received by Florida. The program’s cancellation comes as the Trump administration says it may scrap FEMA altogether and give funds directly to the states to deal with disaster response as they see fit.

— ELECTIONS—

“NRCC targets Jared Moskowitz, Darren Soto for votes against budget framework” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is launching ads targeting U.S. Reps. Moskowitz and Soto for votes against a proposed budget. The digital ads show both the financial commitment to attack the Florida Democratic Congressmen and the sense that tax cuts could be a potent issue in 2026. The ads, customized with photos of Moskowitz and Soto, both say the Democrats “voted to raise taxes.” That refers to votes against a budget framework passed this week in the House with no Democratic support. The budget looks to make tax cuts passed in Trump’s first term permanent. Without congressional support, the cuts will expire.

“Media mogul Jim Schwartzel files to succeed Byron Donalds in Congress” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Sun Broadcasting President Schwartzel opened a federal account this week to run for U.S. Rep. Donalds’ House seat. Schwartzel, a Fort Myers Republican, filed paperwork to run by launching the committee Jim Schwartzel for Congress. A day after filing, Schwartzel on social media aligned himself with DeSantis’ agenda and praised a decision by the state to bring charges against Ryan Routh, a man arrested on charges of attempting to assassinate Trump in Florida. “After Biden’s corrupt DOJ failed to act, Florida is stepping up to deliver real justice,” Schwartzel posted.

“Kyandra Darling raises $32K in first month on the trail for HD 62” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Darling has raised more than $32,000 in her bid for House District 62, covering parts of St. Petersburg and Tampa. Darling is running to replace Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner, who is not seeking re-election to instead run for the Senate. “I’m truly humbled by the incredible support this campaign has received,” Darling said. “Not only have we raised significant funds, what excites me most is that over 165 new donors have joined our movement, with 80% of them being residents of Pinellas or Hillsborough County. This is what a community-powered campaign looks like.”

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Visas of 18 Florida International University students have been revoked” via NBC6 — FIU officials confirmed Friday that the F1 visas of 18 students were terminated between March 25 and April 10. They did not provide specific information. “It’s part of a larger pattern where hundreds of students are having their student visas revoked—some because of, you know, petty things like a traffic infraction, but most of the time because of an assault on their First Amendment rights,” said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. F-1 visas allow non-citizens to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited educational institutions. To qualify, people must meet specific criteria, including approval from ICE. They must also have English proficiency or enroll in courses that lead to it. Students must have sufficient funds to support themselves during the entire course of study.

“Miami City Commissioner Manolo Reyes dies at 80” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — Reyes, who dedicated his life to public service, has died at age 80. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Miami City Commissioner for District 4 Manolo Reyes,” his family said in a statement. Earlier in the week, Reyes was hospitalized due to a decline in health. He has faced health issues in recent years, including battling cancer. “Manolo cherished his family, especially his three grandsons,” his family said. “He loved his many, many friends all across our great communities. He yearned for a free and democratic Cuba. And he was a proud and enthusiastic Florida Gator.”

“‘It’s just so frustrating, so maddening’: Judge shares loss of son in hopes of helping FHP trooper shortage” via Katie LaGrone of WFTS — One year after David Matthewman was killed by a drunk wrong-way driver on I-95, his parents, including U.S. Magistrate Judge William Matthewman, grapple with a devastating reality: a 911 call warned of the danger minutes before the crash, but help didn’t arrive. “Maybe this whole thing could have been avoided,” Judge Matthewman lamented. The tragedy highlights the Florida Highway Patrol’s severe understaffing and funding issues, which critics say compromise safety. “This is about highway safety and we’re missing the mark,” said FHP Advisory Council’s Paul Novack. With low pay hindering recruitment, Judge Matthewman pleads for action: “If there aren’t enough troopers… it’s going to happen again and again and again.”

“Tension is justified over too-secret Broward hospital plan” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Florida Legislative Sessions come and go. Personalities and issues change, but one thing stays the same: The vast majority of bills filed by lawmakers fade into oblivion and never become laws. That’s a good thing in the case of a mysterious and poorly vetted plan involving two of the biggest shadow governments in Broward: the North Broward Hospital District, known as Broward Health, and the South Broward Hospital District, known as Memorial Healthcare System. They offer health care to those who cannot afford it, while also providing advanced specialty care, such as at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. With no public discussion, bills filed in the current Legislative Session would allow the two districts to enter into “any venture, partnership, corporation, business entity … ” or other arrangement, “public or private, for profit or not for profit,” and — most worryingly — “regardless of the competitive consequences thereof.” Neither bill is scheduled for a hearing in Tallahassee.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“‘There’s been a huge drop-off’: Canadians pull back on travel to Orlando” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — As political tensions continue to run high, predictions that Canadian travelers would shun Central Florida are becoming a reality, with hotel bookings down and airlines scaling back flights in response to lower demand. Sandra Pappas, who owns a Disney-focused travel agency in Canada, said she started noticing the downturn in February. That’s when Trump unleashed threats to impose sweeping tariffs and make the nation the 51st state. “Unfortunately, there has been a huge drop-off, more for future travel,” said Pappas, who runs Click the Mouse. “It’s quieter than we’ve ever seen, except for COVID.” She estimated that requests for travel quotes to Orlando’s theme parks are down more than 50%. To adapt, her business is pivoting to other Disney-themed vacations, such as Disneyland Paris and Disney cruises departing from Vancouver.

… and yet — “Orange County hits hotel tax revenue record as Spring Break season begins” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Hundreds held their yoga poses in the pre-dawn outside Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theatre — a Zen moment before the runDisney races began at Disney World. Toddlers joined commuters riding the SunRail as they headed north to see the giraffe and rhinoceros at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. These were some of the busy tourism moments across Central Florida as the Spring Break season shifted into gear. The early tourism season is already off to a strong start, as Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond announced that February’s tourism development tax (TDT) revenue total broke a record at $35.5 million. “This represents the highest February collections on record and is a 4.2% increase from the previous year,” Diamond said. “Compared to last month, February collections were higher than January collections by $2.1 million. In addition, collections were higher than February 2023 by $2.8 million.”

“Amid legal uncertainty, Orange County halts cultural DEI grants” via Matthew J. Palm of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County has abruptly ended fledgling diversity, equity and inclusion and sustainability grant programs for arts and cultural organizations, citing fear of jeopardizing state and federal government funding in a fraught political climate. In an email to arts leaders and others announcing cancellation of the programs — which were well underway — Arts & Cultural Affairs Administrator Vicki Landon said it was done “in an abundance of caution.” “All activities of both the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Sustainability Committee are suspended indefinitely,” Landon wrote. Cancellation means groups will miss out on $200,000 that could have gone to projects serving the visually impaired and those with cognitive disabilities.

“Defending elections integrity cost Alan Hays some friendships. It was worth it, he says” via Krys Fluker of the Orlando Sentinel — Lake County Elections Supervisor Hays, a genial former GOP legislator, has become an unlikely “warrior” defending election integrity against former allies. Despite his conservative background, Hays fiercely rebukes election fraud claims, particularly those from 2020. “My integrity is my most prized possession,” Hays declares, calling out misinformation spreaders who “don’t deserve to use the word ‘integrity.’” He publicly challenged local Republicans demanding audits, dismissing them as “whackadoodles,” and stood firm on election rules even when it cost a friend his office. His focus remains clear: ensuring voter confidence. “We know that we have to get this right – there is no room for error,” Hays insists, prioritizing accuracy above politics.

“‘National leader’: UCF graduate programs get recognition in U.S. News and World Report” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The University of Central Florida (UCF) is celebrating its newest rankings this week in U.S. News and World Report. The respected publication rated 13 of UCF’s graduate programs in the Top 50 nationally, the school announced. “Across our academic enterprise, we are investing in exceptional faculty, expanding research capabilities and deepening industry partnerships — all with the goal of preparing our students to excel in high-impact careers and to help address the world’s most pressing challenges,” UCF Provost Michael Johnson said in a statement. The school said nine UCF graduate programs in engineering and computer science ranked in the Top 50 among all public universities.

— LOCAL: TB —

“St. Petersburg Mayor staked it all on a Rays stadium deal. Now what?” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — Mayor Ken Welch promised certainty on the Rays’ future; three years later, there’s less than ever. The team abandoned a stadium deal months after signing, the Trop roof is hurricane-damaged and the team’s post-2028 home is unknown. Critics argue Welch’s intense focus sidelined pressing city needs like infrastructure, leaving him vulnerable for re-election as potentially the “Mayor who lost the Rays.” Welch defends his stance, saying he secured a viable deal but rightly refused to “pay any price” after the Rays sought more post-hurricane funds. Still, the uncertainty surrounding the team and the stalled Gas Plant redevelopment casts a long shadow over his administration as potential challengers weigh bids.

“A political lynching – Citrus County style” via Jim Gouvellis of The Citrus County Chronicle — Well, that escalated quickly. This week, a political beatdown unfolded at the Citrus County Commission, targeting Commissioner Rebecca Bays and Administrator Steve Howard over efforts to secure $3 million in state funding for a CR 491 road study – a project the Commission previously approved seeking funds for. Critics, fueled by online outrage, questioned the involvement of a developer offering to help leverage state connections. This isn’t a scandal; it’s trying to get needed infrastructure funded for a project (5,000 homes) already greenlit, especially since state law shifted road costs away from developers. Ironically, Commissioners crying foul have acted unilaterally themselves. Let’s check facts before lighting torches over smart governance.

“For the first time in history, Gulfport has an all-female City Council” via Bob Putnam of Tampa Bay Newspapers — The applause began before the oaths were even finished. Three women raised their right hands in a packed City Hall and made history. On April 1, Gulfport swore in Mayor Karen Love, Ward 2 Council member Marlene Shaw and Ward 4 Council member Nancy Earley. They joined re-elected Council members April Thanos and Cosi Jackson to complete the city’s first all-female City Council — and one of the few, if any, in the state. In this artistic community of nearly 12,000 residents still recovering from recent storms, including Hurricane Helene, the milestone ceremony, occurring shortly after Women’s History Month, represented more than a routine political transition. It offered a notable shift in representation in a region where municipal governments remain predominantly male.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“UF students demand immigration attorney be added on campus following student’s deportation to Colombia” via Marcela Camargo of News4Jax — On Wednesday, dozens of UF students gathered to protest the deportation of Felipe Zapata Velásquez, 27, from Colombia, who was stopped on March 28 by Gainesville Police following a traffic violation, arrested and later detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A UF spokesperson confirmed Zapata Velásquez is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Food and Resource Economics at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The organizer of Wednesday’s protest said they created a petition to collect signatures demanding that an immigration attorney be added on campus. He said the goal is for students like Zapata Velásquez “receive the services that they need” and prevent another case like this from happening again.

“DeSantis appoints Plavac to fill vacated Alachua County School Board District 5 seat” via Alan Festo of The Gainesville Sun — DeSantis appointed Plavac, director of the Health Sciences Institute at St. Francis Catholic Academy in Gainesville, to fill the Alachua County School Board District 5 seat vacated in mid-December by Kay Abbitt. Abbitt, elected to the District 5 seat in 2022, resigned from the Board on Dec. 17 to serve as the unpaid interim director of Boulware Springs Charter School, the school she founded with her daughter, Megan Lane, in 2013. Plavac, appointed to represent District 5, appears to live in District 1 based on the address listed on her application and a homestead exemption on file with the Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office.

“Appeals court upholds removal of Tallahassee Police Review Board member over sticker” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — A First Amendment lawsuit against the city of Tallahassee has been rejected — again. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals unanimously sided with U.S. District Judge Allen Windsor and upheld his dismissal of a lawsuit that the city violated former Citizen Police Review Board member Taylor Biro’s First Amendment rights when they removed her from the Board. “Biro argues that the district court should not have dismissed her complaint because her alleged speech did not impede the City’s ability to perform its duties effectively,” the opinion says. “The facts alleged in Biro’s complaint belie her argument.” She was removed from the Board in 2022 for having a visible “Abolish Police” sticker on a cup.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Paradise Lost? Fate of the Greater Western Everglades hangs in the balance” via the Naples Daily News — Our respective organizations stand united in stating our highest level of concern regarding the Kingston development proposed in the Greater Western Everglades. This 10,000-home project is close to having the authorizations and permits needed to begin construction, despite how harmful this residential and commercial development would be for the last bastion of rural lands in eastern Lee County. Because of the enormous project size and negative implications for listed species and water resources, including on regionally significant private and public trust conservation lands, we urge the U.S. Army Corps to complete an Environmental Impact Statement under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures before making any decision on this Clean Water Act Section 404 permit application. Our organizations are concerned about how the 6,700-acre Kingston project could potentially harm these environmentally sensitive conservation lands and the integrity of wetland habitat ecosystems they’re in place to protect.

— TOP OPINION —

“‘Hostage video’ will haunt DeSantis insiders” via Steve Bousquet of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — In an unusual and politically baffling move, four stone-faced senior advisers to DeSantis appeared in a recorded video – quickly dubbed the “hostage video” in Tallahassee – to lash out at Florida House members. The advisers and heads of key state agencies, including the Health Care Administration and Children and Families, attacked legislators who dared question a mysterious $10 million transfer benefiting First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature initiative, the Hope Florida Foundation.

The video response was defiant. AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris, who faces a potentially rocky Senate confirmation hearing soon, called the legislative questioning a “complete ambush” and a “smear attack.” Another secretary deemed it “shameful.” This public attack on the very body that controls state funding is stunningly reckless, particularly for Harris.

This clash underscores a defining theme of this Session: the Legislature reasserting its oversight authority against Florida’s most secretive administration. The administration isn’t just stonewalling; it’s actively attacking those seeking answers. The immediate question revolves around the $10 million – specifically, which lawyers approved this questionable arrangement, bypassing legislative oversight? It’s time legislators compelled testimony, put them under oath, and demanded answers about who exactly greenlit this deal.

— OPINIONS —

“Trump gives Democrats a voting gift” via Mitch McConnell for The Wall Street Journal — While the goal of securing elections – easier to vote, harder to cheat – remains vital, the Trump administration’s recent executive order risks undermining the very state authority it should support. As co-author of the 2002 Help America Vote Act, which bolstered state resources without federal overreach, I see this new order as constitutionally questionable and dangerously precedent-setting. Even well-intentioned federal mandates today could pave the way for future federal takeovers, like the Democrats’ HR 1 sought. Washington should support state-led integrity efforts, not create openings that could sacrifice state control over elections – a core constitutional principle we narrowly preserved just years ago.

“House Speaker is right. College president searches shouldn’t be a ‘spoil system’” via the Miami Herald editorial board — “A spoil system.” That’s how Speaker Perez last month characterized the state’s current method of selecting public university presidents under a 2022 law that shields information about the identity of candidates seeking those jobs from public disclosure. Under current law, higher education presidential searches have been twisted during the last few years into games where the outcome is pre-determined by those in power — a patronage system, in other words — and the public is the last to know what’s going on. An important bill moving forward in the House seeks to end the meddling behind closed doors. It would stop the Governor or administration employees from discussing a presidential vacancy or anticipated opening with state and local university leaders. It would also remove the requirement that the state university system’s Board of Governors confirm a candidate selected by a university and return the process to each university’s Board. And, notably, it would repeal a public records exemption that kept the public in the dark about presidential candidates until the end of the process.

“Common-sense steps to protect Florida from foreign influence” via Steve Crim for Florida Politics — Adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party are exploiting our charitable goodwill as a vector for influence. That’s why Florida Senate Bill 700 is a critical, common-sense measure. It directly addresses this vulnerability by prohibiting charities from accepting funds from identified foreign threats and creating an “Honest Services Registry” for vital transparency on foreign funding. National intelligence warns that the CCP is actively infiltrating state and local institutions. This isn’t about limiting charity; it’s about protecting the integrity of Florida’s communities from hidden manipulation. Supporting SB 700 is essential to ensure Floridians’ contributions aren’t unknowingly advancing hostile foreign interests disguised as benevolent. We must safeguard our state.

“Genome sequencing and the future of medicine in Florida” via Adam Anderson for the Tampa Bay Times — We stand on the precipice of transforming health care. On National Rare Disease Day, we announced the Sunshine Genetics Act (HB 907), landmark legislation establishing a free, opt-in newborn genetic testing program capable of diagnosing over 600 disorders at birth. This initiative aims to end the long diagnostic odyssey for families facing rare diseases. It unites Florida’s top research institutions, hospitals, and biotech leaders in a first-of-its-kind consortium dedicated to advancing cures. This is a moral imperative and a sound investment, saving lives and potentially millions in health care costs. We are building an ecosystem for discovery, positioning Florida as a hub where the future of medicine is being written and lives are changed.

“Three things Florida’s family caregivers need right now” via Marvell Adams, Jr. for the Tampa Bay Times — With one of the nation’s largest senior populations, Florida urgently needs comprehensive hospice care that truly supports patients and their dedicated family caregivers. Millions grapple daily with the immense challenges of caregiving, often feeling isolated. We must ensure access to high-quality hospice offering tailored, disease-specific care plans managed by coordinated teams of experts. Critically, this includes prioritizing caregiver well-being through resources like 24/7 nursing support. Quality hospice improves patient outcomes, reduces hospitalizations and provides invaluable support to families during life’s most difficult transitions. Florida must ensure the highest quality providers are available to meet this essential need, benefiting patients, caregivers, and our health care system.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Cruise terminal called largest in the world opens in Florida” via Vinod Sreeharsha of the Miami Herald — MSC Cruises has opened what it dubs the largest cruise terminal in the world at PortMiami. The four-level building, unveiled on April 5 at a public ceremony and developed in partnership with the port and Miami-Dade County, can serve up to 36,000 passengers daily. Two ships can dock simultaneously at the moment. Miami-Dade County is responsible for completing a third berth, which should be finished by 2028. Then, the terminal will be able to accommodate three ships simultaneously. The Geneva-based carrier’s newest ship, MSC World America, will call the new terminal home. That ship is set for its first cruise this week, to the Caribbean.

“Lion King’s Simba and Mufasa performers share deep ties to Orlando” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Before every show, Mufasa, played by Darnell Abraham, and 12-year-old Julian Villela, the young Simba, do their secret handshake. It’s a moment to check in with each other and have some fun before the two Lion King stars who share an Orlando connection perform in what’s become one of most successful Broadway shows of all time. Julian, an Orlando sixth grader, has traveled the country since October 2023 when he won the role as the cute and curious lion cub in the Broadway touring production. Fast forward to a decade ago. Abraham, a Disney World performer, plays Simba’s wise father.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to Rep. Ashley Gantt.

___

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

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As Americans, we naturally see charitable organizations as dedicated forces for good, committed to uplifting our communities. Unfortunately, adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) see something entirely different: an opportunity to exploit our goodwill as a vector for influence and manipulation.

Senate Bill 700, sponsored by Sen. Keith Truenow, addresses this vulnerability head-on — and it’s precisely the type of common-sense measure we at Common Sense America wholeheartedly support.

The Florida Senate will vote on this important bill this week, and it will then be sent to the House of Representatives for review.

In my work advocating for sensible policies to protect America’s national security and economic independence, one thing is clear: China is aggressively working to weaken the U.S. at every level — not just through military might or cyberattacks but through strategic infiltration of local institutions.

This is not speculation; it’s reality.

The Director of National Intelligence recently warned explicitly that the CCP is “redoubling its efforts to build influence at the state and local level to shift U.S. policy in China’s favor,” taking advantage of the fact that local governments and community organizations often lack the resources to vet the sources and intentions behind the support they receive.

This kind of foreign influence is a strategic threat, especially when hidden within our charitable institutions.

SB 700 smartly prohibits charitable organizations from soliciting or accepting contributions from foreign sources identified as threats to our security. Moreover, it creates the Honest Services Registry, requiring charities to disclose their foreign funding sources.

This is precisely the common-sense transparency measure that ensures Floridians can support causes confidently, knowing their contributions aren’t inadvertently advancing foreign interests hostile to America.

Common Sense America firmly believes that safeguarding our national security and local autonomy requires clear, practical measures that eliminate opportunities for foreign adversaries to exploit our open and trusting society. SB 700 represents precisely this approach — it isn’t about limiting charity; it’s about protecting the integrity of Florida’s communities and institutions.

As I regularly emphasize in testimony across the nation, proactive transparency measures such as Florida’s Honest Services Registry aren’t optional; they’re essential. Ensuring our institutions, especially those dedicated to public trust and benevolence, remain free from foreign interference is simply common sense.

I commend Truenow’s leadership on SB 700 and urge all Floridians to support this critical legislation. It’s time we protect our state — and our country — from threats cleverly disguised as charity.

___

Steve Crim is the Executive Director of Common Sense America, an advocacy group dedicated to promoting common-sense policy solutions that protect national security and economic resilience.

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