Legislation to protect Spanish-speaking immigrants from scamsters pretending to have legal expertise is heading to the Senate after passing with near unanimity in the Legislature’s lower chamber.

House members voted 114-1 for HB 915, which would establish clear guidelines for how notaries public can describe themselves and advertise their services in the state of Florida.

“This bill is about protecting vulnerable communities about misleading advertisement and unauthorized practices. It’s about transparency and accountability,” said Hollywood Rep. Marie Woodson, who sponsored the bill with Orlando Rep. Johanna López, a fellow Democrat.

“We have to make sure that our vulnerable communities are protected, so we are going to do the right thing by voting up on this bill.”

All but Jacksonville Republican Rep. Kiyan Michael, who voted “no” Thursday, agreed.

HB 915 and its Senate counterpart (SB 846) aim to address a problem stemming from mistranslation. In Hispanic countries, a “notario público” is a highly trained legal professional similar to a lawyer who provides legal advice and can draft legal documents, according to the National Notary Association.

However, in the United States, a notary public is a state-commissioned official with limited witnessing duties and less discretion. In many cases, their authority begins and ends with signing a document stating they witnessed others signing it.

In areas of the state with large Hispanic communities, particularly South Florida, many Spanish speakers and those for whom English is either a second or foreign language were misled into thinking they were dealing with legitimate legal experts. Some unscrupulous people have capitalized on the misunderstanding, accepting payment for services they are neither trained nor authorized to perform and then improperly handling and filing visas, green cards, work permits and citizenship applications.

If passed, HB 915 or SB 846 would prohibit notaries from referring to themselves as a “notario,” “notario público,” immigration consultant or any other title suggesting that they possess professional legal skills in immigration law.

The legislation would require people or businesses to clearly notify customers that they are not licensed immigration law practitioners. It would also provide prosecutors and victims of fraud with legal paths to seek monetary damages against fraudsters.

Noncompliance would open wrongdoers up to civil causes of action, including injunctive relief and monetary damages.

“Notaries public, who are not attorneys, cannot advertise in a way that suggests they are legal professionals. If they advertise in a language other than English, they must clearly post a disclaimer in both English and the other language. They cannot use misleading titles like ‘notario público,’ ‘immigration assistant’ or any term suggesting they have legal expertise in immigration law,” Lopez said.

“Anyone providing immigration services who is not an attorney or federally authorized must post a clear disclosure on their website and physical office in English and all languages they use.”

Several lawmakers have tried recently to address notary fraud. Last year, Hialeah Gardens Republican Sen. Bryan Ávila introduced a proposal to stiffen penalties against wrongdoers while increasing record-keeping and reporting requirements. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate before stalling out in the House, where Miami Republican Rep. Juan Porras carried a similar companion measure.

The legislation followed several notary-related fraud cases, including ones involving Miami’s then-City Attorney, a pair arrested in Monroe County on forgery charges and other, similar schemes across the state aimed at stealing homes from the elderly.

HB 915 will now join SB 846 on the Senate floor, where Boca Raton Democratic Sen. Tina Scott Polsky can choose to move forward with either of them.

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What a difference a day makes. 

On Wednesday, former Republican Congressman-turned-NPA David Jolly was a whisper in Florida politics. Sure, everyone knew he might, maybe, possibly be mulling a run for Governor. And people outside of his Pinellas County home base knew who he was, less because of his time serving as the Representative for Florida’s 13th Congressional District and more because of his time as a pundit on MSNBC and various other outlets where he provided, largely, anti-Donald Trump commentary. 

By Thursday morning Jolly was a Democrat and had a political committee and a website that read an awful lot like a campaign page.

By Thursday afternoon he had a clear path to the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2026. At least for now.

While some level of what Will Ferrell’s version of former President George W. Bush might call “strategery” was no doubt in play for the party swap, political committee and website, the other was a gift from the political Gods of partisan frustration: 

Jason Pizzo. 

In the waning days of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, Pizzo dropped a figurative bomb — he was resigning his leadership role as Senate Democratic Leader and removing himself from the Democratic Party in general, opting instead to be registered with no party affiliation. 

Until that moment, Pizzo was, by and large, considered the clear frontrunner for Democrats’ gubernatorial ambitions, and the one political insiders believed might actually be able to give U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the likely GOP pick for Governor who already has support from Trump, a run for his money. 

And so just like that, Jolly has no current formidable opposition. 

To be clear, someone will emerge. Democrats with rising stars across the state might look to Jolly and think, “well, we’ve seen this movie before!” And it’s true — the last Democratic nominee for Governor, Charlie Crist, was, like Jolly, a former Republican. He lost to Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 by 19 percentage points. But it’s low-hanging fruit to assume Jolly’s fate would be any different. 

And let us not forget, sometimes the low-hanging fruit is rotten. 

Jolly has spent the past decade criticizing extremist policies, and Trump in particular. He’s been a known ally to Democrats, even if he didn’t make his allegiance to the party official until this week. He was a welcomed voice on MSNBC, the broadcast haven for leftists looking to channel their outrage.

For the past more than six years, he’s been a political independent, but with plenty of left-of-center bonafides.

When Jolly left the Republican Party in 2018, he struck a much different tone than Crist, who claimed it wasn’t he who left the GOP, but the GOP who left him. He even wrote a book about it. Jolly’s reason seems now much more sincere — he and his wife, who also left the GOP, decided to make the switch after they found out they were expecting … a daughter no less. It doesn’t take a political science expert to read between those lines. 

It’s also foolhardy to assume that Crist’s embarrassing loss was about the man rather than the campaign and the timing. Crist ran in 2022, which was an across the board bloodbath in Florida for Democrats. Joe Biden was President and anyone who knows anything about politics understands that the party in power in the White House doesn’t tend to fare very well in the midterms. That’s already a strike. Pair it with the fact that Crist made some, let’s just say, unwise decisions in his campaign, and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that his political annihilation in that race wasn’t primarily a result of his party swapping. 

None of that analysis will stop a progressive from jumping in the race, or even another moderate. And none of it suggests that Jolly would have an easy path to victory in a Primary that will no doubt be competitive and expensive. 

It is to say that, for now, he’s got nothing but open road ahead of him, and he’d be wise to take as much advantage, and gain as much ground, as possible. 

He’s not officially running, yet. But if he does, Jolly said his hope would be “to unify the Democratic Primary with NPAs,” which now includes Pizzo. 

“I can say that as an NPA for six years, I have spent enough time in that space — and as sympathetic as I am to the cause, NPA candidates, whether Jason or John Morgan or anybody, really just hand the state to Byron Donalds,” Jolly said. 

And in the spirit of unity, he had nothing negative to say about Pizzo either. 

“I respect anyone who follows their conscience in their politics. I bear the bruises from doing that,” Jolly said. “I hope whatever he does, it is a unity position.”

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Good Friday morning.

Breaking overnight — “Nonprofit leader said she was wrongly pressured to testify in Hope Florida scandal” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The head of a nonprofit that received a grant from the Hope Florida Foundation says she was pressured to testify to lawmakers. Amy Ronshausen, Executive Director of Save Our Society From Drugs, sent a letter to Speaker Daniel Perez, saying that House Health Care Budget Subcommittee Chair Alex Andrade brought up pending funding requests when she was pushed to testify. She also said the Pensacola Republican wasn’t honest about how the information gleaned would be used. Her letter discusses a telephone conversation she had with Andrade and lobbyist RJ Myers. Andrade disputed the description of events. “Nothing she said in that letter happened,” he told Florida Politics.

___

We’re going into overtime.

For the Session to end on schedule, lawmakers would need to have a budget done and printed on Tuesday due to the mandatory 72-hour cooling-off period before it can be taken up for a vote.

Senate President Ben Albritton said that isn’t in the cards — the current gap between the House and Senate spending plans is simply too large to square away over the weekend, so much so that the Wauchula Republican told members they could head home Thursday night.

Tax cuts are the sticking point.

House Speaker Perez wants a permanent across-the-board 0.75% cut to the state sales tax. At the same time, Albritton advocates caution and proposes a split between non-recurring cuts and permanent cuts, such as halving the tax on business rents.

“We’ve considered the House’s broad, across-the-board sales tax proposal and long-term budget assumption from every angle we could think of,” Albritton said. “I understand their perspective, and I applaud the resolve to pursue better government, and I have an immense respect for the Speaker and his entire team. He’s a good man.

“At the end of the day, I’m just not comfortable with a proposal that I believe will likely lead to shortfalls, if not substantial shortfalls, in the out years.”

With the door shut on a May 2 Sine Die, it’s unclear when lawmakers will agree to pass the only bill they’re required to.

___

Updates from the Road: Lauren Book on the move! Today’s Walk in My Shoes journey brings the team to Pensacola to log another 10 miles on the road, beginning at the Gulf Coast Kids House and ending at Seville Square to raise awareness and advocate for survivors alongside local child protection leaders and law enforcement. Every mile walked during National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month helps break the silence and build safer, smarter communities. Book’s walk will reach Tallahassee on Wednesday, April 30 — register today at LaurensKidsWalk.org!

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

—@JeffreyBrandes: @senpizzo is the most talented Leader in Florida — period. His passion, vision, and generosity have always set him apart. He’s long operated independently of party politics. Today, he just made it official.

—@LivCaputo: If today wasn’t dramatic enough — Pizzo switching parties, (James) Uthmeier’s office accusing Andrade of defamation — Perez is blasting Albritton. Accuses Senate budget proposal as representing “pathological overspending.”

—@TheDaraKam: collective groan in Florida Capitol as Senate President Ben @Sen_Albritton says Session won’t end on time next Friday, due to disagreement over tax package. Not a surprise, but still…

—@rumpfshaker: I simply do not have adequate pantry space to stock sufficient popcorn to keep up with Florida politics lately.

—@RepMariaSalazar: Our TAKE IT DOWN Act will get a House vote next week, paving the way to the President’s desk to become LAW! It criminalizes sharing real/deepfake revenge porn and requires swift removal, giving victims the protection they urgently need in the age of AI.

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Chef’s Table: Legends’ premieres on Netflix — 3; Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour begins in Los Angeles — 3; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres — 7; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting — 18; Florida Chamber Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability — 20; Epic Universe grand opening — 27; Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ premieres — 28; ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ premieres — 28; Florida Chamber Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 34; ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premieres — 35; Tony Awards — 44; Special Election for SD 19 — 46; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet will meet — 47; Special Primary Election for Senate District 15 to succeed the late Geraldine Thompson — 60; Florida Chamber Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 60; ‘Squid Game’ season three premieres — 63; James Gunn‘s ‘Superman’ premieres — 77; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premieres on Netflix — 91; ‘Fantastic Four – First Steps’ premieres — 91; Florida Freedom Forum — 99; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 103; Florida Chamber Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 109; Special Election for Senate District 15 — 130; the Emmys — 142; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 145; Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio premieres — 154; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 185; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 210; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 222; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 222; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 236; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 238; Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 287; ‘Avengers 5’ premieres — 375; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 392; FIFA World Cup 26™ final — 413; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 603; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 743; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 889; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1176; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1292; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1692; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2423.

— TOP STORY —

“Jason Pizzo switches to NPA, resigns as Democratic Leader, declares ‘Democratic Party in Florida is dead’” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — In a stunning move shaking Florida politics, Senate Democratic Leader Pizzo announced Thursday he is resigning his leadership post and leaving the Democratic Party to become an independent voter (NPA), fueling speculation about a 2026 gubernatorial run.

During an impassioned floor speech, Pizzo decried party constraints, stating Florida voters crave practical leaders, not “political hacks.” He declared, “I am not in this position because of Democrats. I got elected because of NPAs… Stripping myself of a title of a party designation allows me to run free and clear.”

He bluntly added, “The Democratic Party in Florida is dead,” adding that while good people could revive it, “they don’t want it to be me.”

Pizzo cited recent friction, including being called racist by some Democrats for opposing a local water bill on constitutional grounds and disagreements over immigration and his staunch support for Israel.

The move drew swift, sharp rebukes. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried called Pizzo “ineffective,” “unpopular,” and his resignation “one of the best things to happen to the party.” House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell accused him of being “distracted by his ambition” and bearing responsibility if the party was struggling.

Rep. Angie Nixon simply said, “BYE!”

However, former Miami-Dade Democratic Chair Robert Dempster defended Pizzo against racism claims, calling them “laughable.” Former GOP Rep. Spencer Roach predicted the switch “will absolutely help” Pizzo mount a centrist gubernatorial campaign.

Senate Democrats quickly selected Sen. Lori Berman to replace Pizzo as leader. Republican Senate President Albritton called Pizzo “a good man” and hoped the change allowed him “to be free.”

Pizzo met the deadline to switch affiliation ahead of a potential 2026 run.

“‘More determined than ever’: Senate Democrats elect Lori Berman as new Leader” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Berman will serve as Senate Democratic Leader for the remainder of the 2024-26 term, a press note from the Florida Senate Democratic Office said, adding that the “caucus thanks former Leader Pizzo for his service.” Berman said in a statement that she is “honored and humbled” by the support of her colleagues. “At a time when Floridians are demanding results, clarity, and courage, our caucus is more unified and more determined than ever,” she said. “Across the country and here at home, we’ve seen what happens when Democrats lead with vision and values — from winning Special Elections to shifting the conversation on issues that matter most to working families.”

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Lawmakers end Hope Florida charity probe without hearing from key players” via Lawrence Mower and Alexandria Glorioso of the Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau — A Florida House probe into Gov. DeSantis’ Hope Florida Foundation is halting without key testimony, despite the lead investigator accusing State Attorney General Uthmeier and the charity’s lawyer of criminal conspiracy and fraud. Andrade alleged Uthmeier and Jeff Aaron funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement through the foundation and two nonprofits into a political committee Uthmeier controlled, primarily to fight marijuana legalization. With the Legislative Session ending, Andrade said prosecution falls to federal authorities. Uthmeier, Aaron, and heads of the nonprofits receiving grants refused final testimony, citing legal issues. Uthmeier and Aaron deny wrongdoing and threatened lawsuits against Andrade, who stands by his claims and vows policy action next Session.

“Ron and Casey DeSantis blame ‘political agendas’ for Hope Florida ‘misunderstanding’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis are countering questions about Hope Florida finances in a familiar area of the state. Appearing at St. Augustine’s Anchor Faith Church, the First Couple told a crowd in what once was his congressional district not to believe what they’ve heard about Hope Florida. Roughly an hour after a House Subcommittee’s probe into the program was frustrated by not getting voluntary witnesses to show up, the Governor addressed critics of the Hope Florida Foundation. DeSantis said a letter from the Agency for Health Care Administration’s lawyer, which said the unorthodox fund transfer was legal, “totally debunks the bogus media narratives that were out there” about the money being diverted from the program’s core function of helping people emerge from what the Governor and First Lady call “the culture of dependency.”

“‘This is a big issue’: Senate passes bill mandating access to minors’ social media messages” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A bill meant to protect minors from online predators by allowing more access to their social media messages is bound for the House after clearing the Legislature’s upper chamber with bipartisan support. Senators voted 34-3 for SB 868, which would require social media companies to modify their end-to-end encryption systems so that law enforcement can view children’s messages under a warrant or subpoena. The bill would also require companies to ensure parents have access to their children’s online communications and prohibit platforms like Instagram and Snapchat from allowing kids to use messaging services that disappear. “This is a big issue,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia.

“Legislature passes Pizzo bill slamming brakes on ‘super speeders’” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A year after passing legislation to crack down on deadly stunt driving, Pizzo notches another road safety win — this time against “super speeders.” The Senate Democratic Leader from Miami-Dade has successfully passed HB 351, which now heads to the Governor’s desk. The Senate voted 37-0 on Thursday to steepen penalties for the so-called “super speeders” who put other motorists at risk on Florida’s highways and byways. “You can’t drive 50 miles an hour over the speed limit and not think that’s not excessive and dangerous,” Pizzo, a former Miami-Dade County prosecutor, said ahead of the vote Thursday.

“Senate passes bill to ease public-to-charter school conversions, exclude teacher votes” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After ample debate over its merits and issues across three Committee stops, legislation making it significantly easier for parents to convert public schools into charter schools passed on the Senate floor with zero discussion. Senators voted 30-7 for the bill (SB 140), which would change the standard by which Florida municipalities can turn over a public school’s facilities and operations to a private education company. SB 140, which still needs to pass in the House, would modify state statutes to remove district School Boards, principals, teachers and school advisory councils from being able to apply for a conversion charter school. It would also delete a requirement that at least half of the teachers employed at a given school approve the conversion.

“Senate steps in to protect utility workers from on-the-job assault” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — More consequences could be on the way for attacking utility workers who are trying to get things back to normal after a disaster. The Senate has passed legislation (SB 1386) from Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough, who made the case that the bill was necessary given recent events. “Last year we passed legislation that provides stringent penalties for individuals who intentionally damage critical infrastructure. Increased threats to utility workers have led to a need for this bill in order to keep workers safer,” Yarborough said ahead of the unanimous vote to pass his bill.

“House passes mental health and substance abuse bill” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — In a unanimous vote on Thursday, the Florida House passed a measure to enhance substance abuse and mental health care services in the state. Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman presented the bill (HB 1091) and explained the legislation would improve access, update procedures for involuntary services, and refine training and qualifications for mental health professionals. “We have identified the need to update the processes and regulations around the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the medication-assisted needs assessment, and our forensic evaluators,” Gonzalez Pittman said. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) would oversee 988 crisis lifeline centers, which were established by the federal government in 2022, to ensure they meet accreditation standards. DCF would further adopt rules to deliver the service and implement statewide interoperability with the 911 system.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Senate votes to codify ‘Faith and Community’ in Governor’s Office, rejects push to bar employees from campaigns” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Senate has passed Republican Yarborough’s measure (SB 820) that would codify the Office of Faith and Community. The bill also survived an attempt to add “guardrails” intended to stop the office from overstepping policy and entering the political realm, with an amendment failing before the bill’s final passage. Sen. Tina Scott Polsky suggested language that would stop any employee from using “his or her official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with an election or coercing or influencing another person’s vote or affecting the result thereof.” That would also stop employees from participating “in any political campaign while on duty.”

“Senate to reconsider zoning bill already voted down on the floor” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A bill just killed on the Senate floor appears to be back in play. Pizzo made a motion to “reconsider” a zoning bill (SB 1080) that had been shot down on a 19-18 vote the day before. As one of the Senators on the prevailing side, meaning those who voted against the legislation, Pizzo can ask for the Senate to take another vote on the legislation. Afterward, Albritton immediately said the bill would be postponed from immediate consideration. But the raising of the legislation in less than 24 hours after its defeat signals that an amendment could be in the works to address some members’ concerns. The Senate President’s Office said that if any amendments are introduced, the language will be considered when the bill returns for third reading.

“Senate passes bill to ease public-to-charter school conversions, exclude teacher votes” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After ample debate over its merits and issues across three Committee stops, legislation making it significantly easier for parents to convert public schools into charter schools passed on the Senate floor with zero discussion. Senators voted 30-7 for the bill (SB 140), which would change the standard by which Florida municipalities can turn over a public school’s facilities and operations to a private education company. SB 140, which still needs to pass in the House, would modify state statutes to remove district School Boards, principals, teachers and school advisory councils from being able to apply for a conversion charter school. It would also delete a requirement that at least half of the teachers employed at a school approve the conversion.

“House passes bill targeting ‘clearly pornographic’ books on school shelves” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Republicans are celebrating a newly passed House bill that they say will take pornographic books off school shelves. Democrats, meanwhile, fear the bill will intensify book removals in Florida. The legislation (HB 1539) advanced with a vote of 81-29. It would revise a law on challenging books, allowing tomes that are “harmful to minors” to be removed regardless of whether they hold literary value. “The school district may not consider potential literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as a basis for retaining the material if it contains material harmful to minors,” the bill says. The bill could challenge the application of the Miller Test, a free speech standard rooted in a 1973 Supreme Court ruling. The landmark decision allowed for censorship of obscene materials that violate community standards but includes in any evaluation whether a work as a whole contains “literary, artistic, political or scientific value.”

— EVEN MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“‘Transparency and accountability’: House passes protections against ‘notario fraud’” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation to protect Spanish-speaking immigrants from scamsters pretending to have legal expertise is heading to the Senate after passing with near unanimity in the Legislature’s lower chamber. House members voted 114-1 for HB 915, which establishes clear guidelines for how notaries public can describe themselves and advertise their services in Florida. “This bill is about protecting vulnerable communities about misleading advertisements and unauthorized practices. It’s about transparency and accountability,” said Hollywood Rep. Marie Woodson, who sponsored the bill with Orlando Rep. Johanna López, a fellow Democrat. “We have to make sure that our vulnerable communities are protected, so we are going to do the right thing by voting up on this bill.”

“Lee Co. single-member district bill wins over House members” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Lee County voters could decide next year whether to elect County Commissioners to single-member districts after the House approved a local bill (HB 4001) on a 94-11 vote. Rep. Mike Giallombardo has fought for years to push the issue to the ballot. His local bill won approval from the Lee County legislative delegation through a 6-1 vote. The bill calls for a measure to appear on Lee County ballots in the 2026 General Election. If a majority supports the referendum, single-member districts will go into effect beginning in 2028.

“Homeless and foster youth housing bill temporarily postponed” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — The House has temporarily postponed a bill aiming to assist young homeless people and foster youth to find stable housing, raising questions about its future. Rep. Alex Rizo and Rep. Marie Woodson sponsored the bipartisan legislation (HB 879). Under the bill, Florida College System institutions and state universities would be required to develop plans to prioritize housing placements for students who are currently, or were formerly, within the foster care system or are currently experiencing homelessness. This would include university-operated housing, year-round housing and work-study opportunities. The bill would further restrict institutions and universities from requiring co-signers or guarantors for these students.

“Why tourism councils could be on the chopping block in Florida” via Jon Shainman of the WPTV — Florida hit another tourism record in 2024, with 142.9 million visitors. Despite that, there are concerns among local tourism leaders that their positions could be in jeopardy. Discover the Palm Beaches CEO Milton Segarra finds himself on the defensive. New legislation that passed two Committees in Tallahassee this week would kill all tourist development councils in the state. “Trying to stop the model that is fueling the No. 1 economy in the state is the wrong approach,” said Segarra. Segarra told me his office has a $28.4 million budget, with over $20 million dedicated to sales and marketing, which has enabled Palm Beach County to grow from a major tourist destination to a travel brand.

— LEG SKED —

The Senate schedule is clear, but the House will be in Session starting at 10 a.m.

At the top of today’s special-order calendar is HB 7033, a tax cut plan that would nuke tourist development councils across the state and divert the revenue stream toward property tax cuts for Florida homeowners.

The package is partly to blame for the 2025 Session going into overtime, which Senate President Albritton acknowledged was inevitable on Thursday.

The chamber will also consider legislation (HB 991) that represents a shard of Albritton’s “Rural Renaissance” priority. The original companion (HB 1427) evolved into a health care bill during its stop in the House Health and Human Services Committee, where it drew questions due to the eleventh-hour appearance of dentistry regulations.

Language expanding community investment in rural counties was tacked on to HB 991 in its final Committee. However, its passage was somewhat shaky — it drew eight dissenting votes, including two from Republican lawmakers.

Deeper down the list is a proposal that would decouple live horse racing from card rooms and slot machines. The decoupling bill has faced increasing opposition from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, and more recently, the Governor.

“You can count me as one that is not going to look favorably on legislation that’s going to decimate any of our industries,” he said last week.

— LOBBY REGS —

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Al Balido, Rosanna Catalano, Arrow Group Consulting: Mbeach Consulting & Solutions

Vance Coley, PinPoint Results: Performance Building Solutions

Jeff Sharkey, Capitol Alliance Group: PGA of America, South Florida Section

Joseph Steele, Smith & Associates: Spencer Pruitt, Wyoming Corporation

Derek Whitis, Whitis Consulting: Organics Management Holdings

— 3 QUESTIONS—

Sovereign immunity is a perennially hot-button issue in Florida, where caps on government payouts in negligence lawsuits have been set at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for over a decade and a half. In recent Sessions, Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland had led the charge to reform the statute, raise the caps and allow victims more routes to recourse. But while her bill (HB 301) passed on the House floor last week with overwhelming support, its Senate companion remains unheard. We talked with her about the legislation and its chances just over a week from Sine Die, and about another bill to reduce the cost of child care.

Q: What are the chances of HB 301 reaching the Governor’s desk at this point, considering its Senate companion hasn’t budged and there’s so little time before Sine Die?

Sunburn readers will know that these are the days in which incredible things can happen. So, in the words of Winston Churchill, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never!”

Q: If it doesn’t pass, what new information did you pick up this Session that could improve the bill’s chances in a future attempt?

That there are no “right” numbers when it comes to financial caps on liability, there is only comparison to other alternatives. The caps we set in 2010 are $200,000 per victim and a total of $300,000 per incident. The adjustment I unsuccessfully proposed last year was $400K/600K and we heard then that those numbers were unacceptable, but this year those numbers are much preferable to the $1M/3M that we initially considered. Wherever we ultimately land will be a negotiated place.

Q: Your legislation on child care and early learning providers (HB 47) is strongly positioned to pass. What inspired that bill, and what impact do you hope it will have?

This great bill is a personal one for me and was sparked by something that any parent with young kids knows — child care is both hard to find and extremely expensive. I hope that by reducing costly regulations, savings will be passed on to parents and employers will be incentivized to help their employees shoulder the cost of child care.

— 100 DAYS —

“Donald Trump’s 100-day poll: Border approval high, but inflation, economy drag down ratings” via Dana Blanton of Fox News — 100 days into a hypothetical second term, Trump faces mixed reviews, a Fox News poll shows. While 55% approve of his border security efforts, it’s the only issue with majority support. Trump sees low marks on inflation (33% approve), the economy (38%), and tariffs (33%). His overall job approval is 44%, down from March and lagging behind predecessors at this stage. Voter dissatisfaction with the country’s direction sits at 59%, and 71% rate the economy negatively, citing inflation as a top concern (82%). While GOP support remains firm, fewer voters overall hope for Trump’s success (62%) compared to the start of his first term (80%), reflecting ongoing economic anxiety and political division.

“Judge halts parts of Trump’s overhaul of U.S. elections, including proof-of-citizenship requirement” via Ali Swenson of The Associated Press — A judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from immediately enacting specific changes to how federal elections are run, including adding a proof-of-citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form. The decision is a setback for Trump, who has argued the requirement is needed to restore public confidence in elections. However, the judge allowed other parts of Trump’s sweeping executive order on U.S. elections to proceed for now, including a directive to tighten mail ballot deadlines nationwide. Trump’s March executive order overhauling how U.S. elections are run prompted swift lawsuits from the League of United Latin American Citizens, the League of Women Voters Education Fund, the Democratic National Committee and others, who called it unconstitutional.

“Judge limits Trump’s ability to withhold school funds over DEI” via Dana Goldstein of The New York Times — A federal judge in New Hampshire limited on Thursday the Trump administration’s ability to withhold federal funds from public schools that have certain diversity and equity initiatives. The judge, Landya B. McCafferty, said that the administration had not provided an adequately detailed definition of “diversity, equity and inclusion,” and that its policy threatened to restrict free speech in the classroom while overstepping the executive branch’s legal authority over local schools. She also wrote that the loss of federal funding “would cripple the operations of many educational institutions.” The decision followed a demand earlier this month by the Trump administration that all 50 state education agencies attest that their schools do not use DEI practices that violate Trump’s interpretation of civil rights law.

“Pentagon leadership vacuum overwhelms Pete Hegseth’s office: ‘It’s a free-for-all’” via Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch of POLITICO — The circle of top advisers in Defense Secretary Hegseth’s orbit has shrunk in recent days to little more than his wife, lawyer, and two lower-level officials — leaving the Pentagon’s lead office without longtime expertise or clear direction. Hegseth’s decision to fire three senior aides last week and reassign his chief of staff has created a hole in his leadership team, severing essential lines of communication across the department and raising fears about potential slip-ups, such as delays in the weapons program.

“Trump writes ‘Vladimir, STOP!’ after Russia launches deadliest strikes on Kyiv since last Summer” via Rob Picheta, Svitlana Vlasova, Todd Symons and Victoria Butenko of CNN — Trump said he is “not happy” after Russia launched its deadliest wave of attacks on Kyiv in nine months, telling President Vladimir Putin to “STOP!” as he attempts to push Ukraine to agree on a contentious cease-fire proposal. Moscow sent 70 missiles and 145 drones toward Ukraine, mainly targeting Kyiv, in an attack that leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy said was aimed at pressuring the United States. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.

— MORE D.C. MATTERS —

“Secretary of student visas: Marco Rubio turns into campus gatekeeper” via David Catanese of McClatchy D.C. — The role of Secretary of State inevitably rests on the diplomatic skillset of being a strategic communicator and delicate negotiator. Rubio’s added another, less expected proficiency to his tenure at the State Department: student hunter. In his three months as the country’s top diplomat, Rubio has wielded a seldom-used authority under U.S. immigration law to cancel hundreds of student visas — at times citing political viewpoints as the sole justification. While the State Department has not disclosed official figures, a review by Inside Higher Ed approximates that 1,700 visas have been revoked, including 18 at Florida International University, where Rubio himself once taught a political science class.

“Rubio eliminates office that oversees climate talks” via Sara Schonhardt of POLITICO — The State Department is eliminating the Office of Global Change, which oversees international climate change negotiations for the United States. Staff were told about the move verbally on Thursday afternoon. The news threw the office into chaos and raised questions among staff about when it would be permanently shut down. “This will hamstring international climate cooperation at the worst possible time,” said one official, referring to the upcoming global climate talks called COP30. It’s “just strategically fucking dumb when it comes to China,” that person added, saying the move would leave a leadership vacuum that China could fill.

“Vern Buchanan leads trade mission to Europe, stresses value on international trade to Florida” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Buchanan led a bipartisan trade mission to Europe amid economic tensions with international allies. Buchanan voiced a hope for a trade partnership between the European Union and the U.S. Buchanan also co-chairs the Florida congressional delegation, and said business ties across the pond play a vital role in the state economy. “International trade drives billions of dollars in business for Florida and supports more than 2 million jobs across our state,” Buchanan told Florida Politics. “That’s why I led a bipartisan delegation to the EU to promote stronger, fairer trade relationships that directly benefit Florida workers, farmers and businesses.”

“U.S. sidelines lawyers who doubted their own case on congestion pricing” via Stefanos Chen and Benjamin Weiser of The New York Times — The U.S. Department of Transportation said it took the extraordinary step of replacing the federal lawyers defending it in a lawsuit over New York City’s congestion pricing program, after accusing them of undermining the department’s bid to end the toll. The move came after the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office, which had been handling the case, said it mistakenly filed in federal court night a confidential memo that questioned the department’s legal strategy and urged a new approach. In response, however, the department raised the possibility that the disclosure was an attempt to sabotage its efforts to halt congestion pricing.

— STATEWIDE —

“Florida immigration operation underway in partnership with feds, state police” via Ana Ceballos of the Tampa Bay Times and Syra Ortiz Blanes of the Miami Herald — Federal authorities launched a large-scale operation in Florida this week to find and detain some 800 immigrants who are in the country illegally in the first coordinated immigration enforcement effort with state police since the Trump administration came into power. The Department of Homeland Security-led effort — nicknamed Operation Tidal Wave — started on Monday and will continue through Saturday. The individuals targeted are located in Miami-Dade and Broward counties and the cities of Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Stuart, Tallahassee and Fort Myers, the records show.

“Online sports betting deal between Seminole Tribe, Florida faces new challenge” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — More than a year after the Seminole Tribe started offering online sports betting, a new lawsuit alleges that voter approval was needed to allow such gambling. Protect the Constitution LLC filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Leon County circuit court, claiming a state deal that allowed online sports betting violates a 2018 constitutional amendment that required voter approval of “casino gambling.” DeSantis reached an agreement, known as a compact, with the Seminole Tribe in 2021. “Today, online sports betting occurs throughout the state of Florida,” the lawsuit said. “But no citizens’ initiative has ever been held to provide authorization. And the people of Florida have never been allowed to exercise their constitutional right to decide whether sports betting should be authorized throughout the state.”

“Endangered species at risk from Trump rule change, say environmentalists” via Bill Kearney of the Orlando Sentinel — Trump’s administration is proposing a change to the Endangered Species Act that environmental groups say will kneecap habitat protection and lead to the extinction of vulnerable species. Florida has 114 threatened or endangered species, including the Florida panther, manatees, ghost orchids and several species of sea turtles. The administration plans to change the interpretation of the word “harm” in the Endangered Species Act so it no longer includes harm to habitat. Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act protects species that are endangered or threatened. It reads, “The purposes of this Act are to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend may be conserved.” It prohibits the “take” of a species, which it defines as to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Currently, it is illegal to damage habitat that is crucial to an endangered species without an approved impact plan from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Board of Education member advocates for arming college students” via Scott Travis of the Orlando Sentinel — Students and professors should carry guns as a way to defend against campus shootings, a former Broward County School Board member and current state Board of Education member wrote in a new essay. The opinion piece by Daniel Foganholi, a frequent appointee of DeSantis for education-related Boards, was published Wednesday by Spectator World, a conservative publication. It’s titled, “Let students and professors carry guns to class. We owe them their God-given right to self-defense.” “It’s time to get real: gun-free zones do not protect our students — they turn them into defenseless, easy targets,” Foganholi wrote. The commentary was written in response to last week’s shooting at Florida State University, but it also mentions a tragedy close to home for the Coral Springs resident, the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

— ELECTIONS —

“Byron Donalds accuses DeSantis of ‘lashing out’ at him over backing Trump in 2024” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics – As he runs for Governor, U.S. Rep. Donalds is responding to the current Governor’s comments about him not being part of conservative wins in Florida. “He’s still mad at me that I endorsed Donald Trump. And so that’s his way of, you know, kind of lashing out, trying to lash out at me,” Donalds said about DeSantis on the Full Send Podcast. An interviewer asked the Naples Republican about DeSantis’ comments in February that Donalds “just hasn’t been a part of any of the victories that we’ve had here over the left over these last years” because he’s “been in other states campaigning.” Donalds said that in the last four years of DeSantis’ tenure, Donalds was doing his “job in Congress … standing up to Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer” and doing “everything (he) could to help elect Donald Trump.”

“David Jolly’s very good (and unexpected) day” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — On Wednesday, former Republican Congressman-turned-NPA Jolly was a whisper in Florida politics. Sure, everyone knew he might, maybe, possibly be mulling a run for Governor. And people outside of his Pinellas County home base knew who he was, less because of his time serving as the Representative for Florida’s 13th Congressional District and more because of his time as a pundit on MSNBC and various other outlets where he provided, largely, anti-Trump commentary. By Thursday morning, Jolly was a Democrat and had a political committee and a website that read an awful lot like a campaign page. By Thursday afternoon, he had a clear path to the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2026. At least for now.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“‘The threat was real’: Palm Beach County School Board to end DEI programs over objections” via Wayne Washington of the Palm Beach Post — The Palm Beach County School Board voted to repeal the District’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) rules and statements, heeding a threat from the Trump administration to pull federal funds from districts, colleges and universities that don’t drop them. Board member Edwin Ferguson blasted the push for anti-DEI changes, calling the administration’s actions “child-like” and “bullying” and castigating as an “idiot” those who might unwittingly back threats forcing the district to scrap policies that help women as well as minorities. Because the changes were approved on an emergency basis, they will go into effect immediately and remain so for 90 days. During that time, the district will get input from the public and from district staff, which can suggest alterations.

“Former candidate for Miramar Mayor pleads guilty to COVID fraud” via Angie DiMichele of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A former candidate for Mayor of Miramar has pleaded guilty to COVID loan fraud through a consulting business he owned, federal prosecutors announced. Rudy Theophin, 41, of Miramar, entered the agreement in federal court, pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud stemming from a Paycheck Protection Loan he received in June 2020 on behalf of his company Theophin Consulting LLC, prosecutors said. In his loan application, Theophin indicated his business employed eight people and had an average monthly payroll of $49,470, according to a factual proffer, the facts agreed on by the defense and prosecution.

“Miami will wait until after Special Election to vote on partnership with ICE” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — The city of Miami will wait until after a June Special Election before deciding whether to enter into an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would deputize city police officers with immigration enforcement powers. On Thursday, the Miami City Commission was slated to vote on an item to authorize the city to enter into a 287(g) agreement, specifically under the “task force” model. Under that model, some Miami Police Department officers would be allowed to conduct immigration enforcement functions during routine work, such as questioning, arresting and detaining people suspected of violating immigration law. But officials announced that the city was deferring the item to the meeting on June 12.

“Who will be Miami-Dade’s next Commissioner? These 2 people applied” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade’s newest County Commissioner will likely be chosen by just 12 people — the rest of the sitting Commissioners on a Board with a 13th seat left vacant by the new Ambassador to Panama. Chair Anthony Rodriguez said on April 14 that he wanted the Board to appoint Cabrera’s replacement at the Commission’s meeting on May 6 and invited interested candidates to apply online. Only two did so by the deadline: Maria Puente Mitchell, a retired County Administrator who was Mayor of Miami Springs until earlier this month, when term limits required her to leave office, and Natalie Milian Orbis, a West Miami Commissioner who also works as a County Administrator.

“DeSantis appoints Adam Cervera to Broward County School Board” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Just days after the sole conservative member on the Broward County School Board resigned, DeSantis is stepping in to nominate a replacement. DeSantis is tapping Becker & Poliakoff Shareholder Cervera to take over for Brenda Fam in District 6. Fam resigned effective May 1, citing “personal attacks” and “unprofessional behavior” by other members of the Board. Now, Cervera will take her place. Cervera is also a member of the Florida Bar’s 11th Circuit Grievance Committee, where he previously served as Chair. He was a regional Board member for Read to a Child, per a release from the Governor’s Office announcing the appointment.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“U.S. revokes visas from 15 international students at UCF, detains one,” via Steven Walker of Orlando Sentinel — Fifteen international students lost their visas and one student was detained at the University of Central Florida, the Orlando Sentinel reported. “The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has led to the revocation of thousands of international students’ visas nationwide, apparently in some cases because students took part in campus protests against the war in Gaza or in others because of minor run-ins with law enforcement, including traffic infractions,” the story said. Talat Rahman, UCF’s faculty union president, who herself was once an international student, said the visa cancellations have “never been done before” on this scale and are scaring international students. “It’s essentially saying, ‘Hey, you’re not welcome,’” Rahman said, according to the story.

“Monique Worrell gathers at site of road rage killing for first quarterly update since return to office” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange-Osceola State Attorney Worrell looked back on her first three months since returning to office during a news conference at the site of a road rage killing to draw attention to what she called a worrying trend. Reporters gathered at the shopping plaza on East Colonial Drive as Worrell spoke amid public disputes in recent weeks between her and officials in Tallahassee. “As I finish the first quarter, I’m proud to report a strong and successful start to my term back in office,” Worrell said. “Thanks to the dedication of the men and women who work for the 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. We made significant progress in advancing our mission to serve justice and protect our community.”

“Fired Disney employee must spend three years in prison, pay almost $700K for hacking restaurant menus” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — A fired Disney World employee must spend three years in federal prison and pay almost $700,000 after he hacked into software used by Disney restaurants to falsely show certain food items didn’t contain peanuts and other allergens. Michael Scheuer, 40, of Winter Garden, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida after pleading guilty in January to one count of computer fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft as part of his deal with prosecutors, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release announcing the sentencing. He must also forfeit the computer he used in the offenses and pay $687,776 in restitution to victims.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Tampa Bay Rowdies stadium could be demolished, redeveloped” via Emma Berhman of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Mayor Ken Welch sees an opportunity to showcase St. Petersburg’s arts scene on the downtown waterfront by demolishing Al Lang Stadium. On Thursday, Welch presented a conceptual master plan for the Center of the Arts to a St. Pete City Council Subcommittee. In Welch’s master plan, the stadium, which is home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, would be demolished to make way for the new arts center. The stadium property is “underused” and “could play a significant role in shaping” the city’s public waterfront. Phase one would include a new, 1,100-car garage with 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail, demolition of an existing garage, a new plaza, a new 60,000-square-foot conference center, a 50,000-square-foot expansion of the Dali Museum and improvements to the Mahaffey Theater.

“Could a ‘crazy’ idea for keeping the Tampa Bay Rays in town work?” via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times — My boss took me to a Tampa Bay Rays game earlier this month. Fans filled most of the seats at Steinbrenner Field, despite it being a midweek game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This was one of those ideal April evenings that confirm why baseball is best watched outdoors. Warm, but pleasant. April in Tampa will soon give way to June. No amount of nostalgia can subdue nature, with its triple-digit heat index, hair-curling humidity and afternoon deluges. Enter the crazy idea: Two stadiums. Could the Rays split home games between Tampa and St. Petersburg? The idea includes the Rays finding a way to build an outdoor stadium in Tampa with 15,000 to 20,000 seats. The team would play Spring Training games and the first part of the regular season there. Tropicana Field, severely damaged by Hurricane Milton last year, would get refurbished, including a new roof. Sometime around June each season, the team would move to the Trop’s indoor comfort.

“Pinellas to withdraw from Duke clean energy program” via Colbi Edmonds of the Tampa Bay Times — As Duke Energy continues to face pushback from local leaders and residents about rising utility costs, Pinellas County made a move this week that would loosen its ties to the energy company. Pinellas County Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday that will end the county’s participation in Duke’s Clean Energy Connection program, through which subscribers help pay for solar power plants across the state in return for future savings on monthly bills. Commissioner Vince Nowicki added the resolution to the county’s agenda and noted during the meeting that Duke’s electricity rates continue to rise, but the percentage returned for monthly credits remains the same.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Pensacola may break up with Escambia County over management of affordable housing funds” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — Pensacola and Escambia County are on a path to ending a 32-year partnership that coordinated their affordable housing policy when it comes to state funding. The Pensacola City Council will take the first vote on April 24 on an ordinance that will begin the breakup between the city and county over State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program funds, also known as SHIP funds. SHIP funds are awarded to local governments from the state to boost affordable housing through construction projects and programs like assistance for first-time homebuyers. Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves downplayed the move’s significance during his weekly news conference on April 21, describing the ordinance as making some changes to how the partnership operates.

“Science, common sense are on RYAM’s side — why the drama?” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — It’s a predictable story: a company like RYAM proposes a sensible investment in Fernandina Beach – turning forestry byproducts into clean bioethanol – and the usual chorus of “no” arrives. This isn’t a grassroots movement; it’s a handful of activists armed with fringe blog posts, making nonsensical arguments about flammability while ignoring basic science. Worse, the City Commission seems to have caved, rejecting the plan before review, ignoring their own process and likely inviting costly lawsuits, a familiar pattern for them. This isn’t about complex chemical manufacturing; it’s converting waste into value using a biological process recognized by the EPA. Florida shouldn’t let a few chronic complainers stifle common-sense progress and cleaner energy.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Sarasota County Commission pulls $7.5M from Jon Mast’s Building Industry Institute” via Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — There was a slightly palpable tension in the air in the Sarasota County Commission chambers, before the Board pulled $7.5 million previously approved for Mast’s Building Industry Institute. The issue began last October when Mast, the CEO of the area’s building trade group called the Suncoast Builders Association, received $7.5 million from the county for his planned trade school. The funding was to come from Resilient SRQ, a county program to distribute federal aid following Hurricane Ian in 2022. The Building Industry Institute had initially requested about $13 million. At the time of the vote, Mast’s then-business partner, Mike Moran, was the Sarasota County Commission Chair.

“Sarasota County to spend $75M to dredge Phillippi Creek, other major waterways” via Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — After months of urging from neighborhood residents who were flooded by Hurricane Debby last Summer, the Sarasota County Commission signaled it would use $75 million in federal hurricane recovery money to dredge Phillippi Creek and other local waterways that flooded. The funds will be distributed by the Resilient SRQ program, which was initially set up to spend Hurricane Ian federal recovery money and extended this year when the county became eligible for another $210 million from the U.S. government after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Commissioners finalized the spending plan and will send it to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for review.

“Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton appointed to planning advisory board” via Heather Bushman of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A familiar face has finally made it back to the Sarasota County Planning Commission after years of lobbying the county to appoint him to a seat. The Sarasota County Commission narrowly confirmed Thaxton — a former County Commissioner and Planning Commissioner — to the advisory board. Thaxton secured the 3-2 vote with support from Commissioners Tom Knight, Joe Neunder and Mark Smith, with Commissioners Ron Cutsinger and Theresa Mast in dissent. The Planning Commission is a volunteer board that advises the County Commission on a range of development decisions, including amendments to the long-range growth plan and land use applications.

— TOP OPINION —

“Trump’s single stroke of brilliance” via David Brooks of The New York Times — While I find most actions of the Trump administration detestable, its sheer energy is undeniable. It operates with tremendous tempo, a relentless initiative that creates a stark “vitality gap” compared to its coasting opponents.

This administration recalls FDR’s first 100 days in its verve, driven by Trump’s inherent “thumos” – a spirited, assertive nature fueled by resentment, the desire for power, and a consuming hatred for the establishment.

This drive gives them a simplifying clarity, a willingness to take audacious risks, like declaring a global trade war. I see them less as a typical administration and more as a revolutionary vanguard, akin to the Jacobins or Bolsheviks – passionate minorities seizing power through boldness and decisiveness, imposing their will first on the GOP and now attempting it on the nation.

Drawing from military strategists like Clausewitz and Boyd, we see how taking the initiative forces opponents into reactive, disoriented states. Trump’s offensive exploits the weaknesses of our current leadership class – often analytical but slow-footed, bred by a meritocracy that rewards compliance over spirit, and plagued by a fatal ambivalence about defending the very establishment they now lead.

They lack the confidence of past elites and hesitate to take a stand on their own side.

Can this establishment fight back? Can they muster the morale, the clarity of purpose, the strategy?

Progress is being made. Moral indignation is rising, fueling a defense of sacred American values. A clearer mission is emerging: America is great, and we must fight for what made it so. The strategy shouldn’t be passive waiting; it must be maximizing “friction” – lawsuits, leaks, non-cooperation – creating a constant storm around his initiatives.

Success, as military wisdom dictates, depends less on skill than on courage, energy, and determination.

— OPINIONS —

“Are things falling apart for Trump?” via Aaron Blake of The Washington Post — The White House just announced that Trump will hold a rally next week in Michigan to mark his 100th day in office. The timing is … inauspicious. Even as Trump nears that milestone by which new administrations have increasingly gauged their early progress, there are myriad signs that his second-term project may be falling apart. A man who came into office vastly exaggerating the mandate that voters had just given him — and has governed accordingly — appears to have, per public polling, squandered whatever mandate he was given with his brazen actions. And indicators are increasingly dire on several significant policy fronts for him. Multiple polls this week showed Trump hitting new lows.

“Support Florida’s businesses, certified public accountants — amend HB 991/SB 110” via Shelly Weir for Florida Politics — Representing over 40,000 Florida CPAs, I must warn against harmful provisions in HB 991 and SB 110. While streamlining regulation is good, eliminating crucial Continuing Professional Education (CPE) standards and the Florida Board of Accountancy goes too far. This jeopardizes public protection. Rigorous standards ensure that CPAs stay current on complex laws, such as the 400+ tax code changes made last year alone. Removing CPE puts the public at risk and burdens them with the task of verifying qualifications. Eliminating the expert, self-funded Board of Accountancy undermines oversight and public trust. It isolates Florida from national standards, harming our CPAs’ ability to practice elsewhere. We urge the Legislature: Preserve the Board and CPE requirements to protect Floridians and uphold professional integrity.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder explains the need for new strategies and voices to reach voters; Scripps News correspondent Forrest Saunders discusses lawmakers’ responses to FSU student concerns after last week’s campus shooting. Political analyst Dr. Susan MacManus talks about the tense relationship between Gov. DeSantis and the Republican Legislature.

Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida and other issues affecting the region.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: A discussion of how local officials handled flooding concerns after Hurricane Milton, and what mitigation efforts look like as preparations are underway for the 2025 season. Joining Walker are Commissioner Jeff Brower, Chair of the Volusia County Council and Alan Harris, director of Seminole County Emergency Management.

Political Connections on Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday show has become a joint weeknight show, airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with attorney Sean Pittman and Nova law professor Tim Arcaro.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Government law attorney Chris Hand, who served as a former staffer to the late U.S. Sen. Bob Graham.

This Week in South Florida with Glenna Milberg on Local 10 WPLG: Milberg speaks with Andrade about the end of his Subcommittee’s investigation into the $10 million that went to the Hope Florida Foundation. Plus, Milberg sits down with Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.

— ALOE —

“‘Andor’ shows how a resistance is built, one brick at a time” via James Poniewozik of The New York Times — The “Star Wars” movies, TV dramas, animated series and sundry other content-shaped products have shown us some spectacular sights: underwater civilizations, planet-choking cities, mystic swamps, ice worlds and volcanic hellscapes fit to forge a demon. “Andor,” whose second and final season began on Disney+ on Tuesday, has some of that world painting, too. But perhaps its most memorable, and certainly its most definitive, physical feature is: bricks. The brick walls on Ferrix — the childhood home planet of the series’ hero, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) — have a somber origin story, revealed in the first-season finale. They are the cremains of the dead, baked into stone and placed into edifices to support those who come after.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are Kristin Lamb, Greg Langowski, Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Megan Roach Michalski, former state Reps. David Richardson and Larry Smith, and Susan Smith.

___

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

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