Retired Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Jim DeNiro has entered the race for Sarasota County Commission in District 4, setting up a Republican Primary challenge against first-term Commissioner Joe Neunder.

DeNiro, a lifelong Republican, said his campaign will focus on affordability, public safety, growth management, environmental protection and greater accountability in county government. He said his nearly 40 years of public service in Sarasota County has prepared him to oversee county operations and budgets.

DeNiro retired from the Sarasota Police Department after a career that included criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, patrol operations, traffic and marine units, emergency management, and leadership of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. He was also responsible for managing unit budgets, personnel deployment, training expenses and equipment purchases during his tenure.

“Sarasota County families are paying close attention to rising costs, and county government should do the same,” DeNiro said in a statement. “When the County Commission approves a record $2.5 billion budget that draws roughly $23 million from county reserves, that level of spending warrants careful scrutiny, continued oversight, and a renewed focus on fiscal discipline.”

DeNiro said District 4 is under pressure from rapid population growth, raising concerns about traffic congestion, infrastructure capacity, storm preparedness and the preservation of neighborhood and coastal character.

“In District 4, we feel growth every day — on our roads, in our neighborhoods, and along our coastlines,” DeNiro said. “Growth must be managed responsibly, with infrastructure, public safety, and environmental protection keeping pace — not falling behind.”

DeNiro also highlighted his service on the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee, where he worked to ensure conservation programs funded by taxpayers are transparent and effectively protect water quality and wildlife habitat. DeNiro also served on the Traffic Advisory Committee and was involved with local civic and nonprofit organizations, including efforts aimed at combating human trafficking.

DeNiro lives in Sarasota County with his family and is married with two children. Now working as a licensed Realtor and mortgage loan officer, DeNiro said his experience helping families, retirees, veterans and first-time homebuyers has reinforced his belief that county government should remain efficient and taxes kept low.

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn will not seek another term in Congress. The Panama City Republican announced he will retire after a decade in the House.

“After much prayerful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives,” Dunn said. “This will conclude my service after five meaningful terms representing the people of Florida’s Second Congressional District.”

CD 2 covers parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend. Dunn easily won re-election in 2024 over Democrat Yen Bailey with about 61.7% of the vote. More than 58.5% of voters there supported Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris for President, according to MCI Maps, and more than 60% of voters backed GOP U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s re-election.

Still, the district could generate bipartisan interest, especially as Florida sets out on redrawing its congressional lines ahead of the Midterms.

When Florida last redrew its political boundaries in 2022, it pitted Dunn against U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Tallahassee Democrat, in Florida’s only incumbent-on-incumbent battle of the cycle. Dunn ultimately defeated Lawson with 60% of the vote.

Before lines were redrawn, Dunn actually flipped CD 2 from Democratic control in 2016, when he defeated Democrat Walter Dartland, winning a then-open seat with more than 67% of the vote.

The district was redrawn that cycle as well, with the Florida Supreme Court tossing the state’s map and crafting a Panama City-centered district. Under a prior configuration, it was represented by U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, a Tallahassee Democrat who opted not to seek re-election under the new map.

But now, the 72-year-old said his work in Washington is done.

“As a physician, an Army surgeon, and veteran from a multi-generational military family, I brought my commitment to life, liberty, and conservative values to Washington. It has been my greatest honor to fight for lower taxes, our military and veterans, the unborn, healthcare innovation, and policies that empower Americans over bureaucracy and addressing threats from Communist China, Russia and others,” Dunn said.

“The time has come to pass the torch to new conservative leaders, return home to Panama City, and spend more precious time with my family and our beloved grandchildren. I am deeply grateful for your trust, support, and prayers over these years.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed two members to Disney World’s governing board that the state notoriously took over in 2023.

DeSantis has named banker Matt Ravenscroft and lawyer David Woods to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).

“Ravenscroft is the Executive Vice President and Director of Sunrise Bank in Orlando,” DeSantis said in a press release to announce the choices. “Previously, he served as a Senior Vice President of Old Florida Bank, United Heritage Bank, and Citrus Bank. Ravenscroft earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.”

Woods works at Woods & Woods, P.A., DeSantis highlighted.

“His practice areas include real estate, wills, trusts, and estates,” DeSantis said. “Woods earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Florida State University and his juris doctor from St. Thomas University.”

Their appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

The CFTOD oversees the largely behind-the-scenes side of Disney World — roads, infrastructure and emergency services that respond when guests are hurt or sick.

The special district, however, was thrown into the national media limelight in 2023 during the infamous DeSantis-Disney feud. 

Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek hesitatingly spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics called the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

What came next was a wave of backlash among Florida Republicans.

The Legislature passed a 2023 law that gave DeSantis the power to appoint members onto the CFTOD, which had formerly been called the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Previously, Disney had largely controlled its own governing board. DeSantis said it was inappropriate for The Mouse to have such an advantage above the other theme park operators in Orlando.

These days, the CFTOD is no longer in the headlines.

CFTOD Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos — DeSantis’ former Senior Advisor and the Director of Legislative Affairs — handles day-to-day operations. But the public fight against Disney and Republicans has died down. In a sign of a healed relationship, DeSantis appointed Disney World President Jeff Vahle to a high-profile University of Central Florida Trustee position last year.