Last Call for 3.10.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

With the 2025 Legislative Session underway, Florida TaxWatch will host its annual State of the Taxpayer Dinner tomorrow night.

The event will take place at the Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee, providing a platform for the state’s elected leaders and policymakers to engage directly with the concerns of hardworking taxpayers and their families.

The evening will commence with a reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

The dinner’s confirmed speakers include Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo, Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp.

Florida TaxWatch has been a nonpartisan, independent government watchdog for over 40 years. Its focus is on improving government accountability and productivity. The organization researches to assess the impact of fiscal and economic policies on taxpayers and businesses.

Media representatives are invited to attend, and a riser and press feed box are available on-site. An agenda will be provided to those who RSVP before the event. Prospective attendees can contact Christina Johnson via [email protected] to RSVP.

Evening Reads

—“Thirty charts that show how COVID changed everything” via Aatish Bhatia and Irineo Cabreros of The New York Times

—“The 28 wackiest lines from Donald Trump’s interview with Maria Bartiromo” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—”People with disabilities rely on Uber. Could a federal rule limit access?” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times

—”Trump’s $5 million gold citizenship card: What South Florida advisers say about the plan” via David Lyons of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

—”Inside America’s fluoride rebellion” via Kris Maher of The Wall Street Journal

—”The life and mystery of Luigi Mangione” via Lorena O’Neil of Rolling Stone

—”We got rid of acid rain. Now something scarier is falling from the sky.” via Benji Jones of Vox

—”‘Wake up Democrats!’: Frustration boils over with party’s response to Trump” via Steven Lemongello of the Orlando Sentinel

—”Juul Labs suit: AG announces $79 million settlement over marketing to kids claims” via Jackie Llanos of the Florida Phoenix

—”Silver Bulletin College Basketball ratings” via Nate Silver of the Silver Bulletin

Quote of the Day

“Much like the DeSantises’ fool’s errand in 2024 against President Trump where he got crushed, this data shows that the DeSantises would suffer a similar fate in Florida if Casey should run for Governor.”

— Fabrizio Lee & Associates partner Tony Fabrizio, on polling showing Byron Donalds dominating the GOP field for Governor.

Put it on the Tab

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

Pour U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds a Riding High now that his Trump endorsement has rocketed him to the top of the 2026 polls.

The Josh Weil campaign, unfortunately, will be sipping on Bicycle Thiefs at happy hour tonight.

Former Tallahassee Democrat Publisher Skip Foster gets a pint of Red Tape for his new publication spotlighting … red tape.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

NFL free agency begins

Today at noon, the NFL’s “legal tampering” period began in free agency. In truth, teams and agents have been sending messages back and forth for months so it should come as no surprise that a number of deals are already being reported.

Here’s a rundown of the moves made by the three Florida teams so far.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been the most active team. Under new general manager James Gladstone and a new coaching staff, the Jaguars have agreed to terms with eight new players as of 4 p.m. ET today.

Offensive linemen Chuma Edoga of the Dallas Cowboys and Patrick Mekari of the Baltimore Ravens, wide receiver Dyami Brown of the Washington Commanders, tight ends Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt, defensive backs Eric Murray of the Houston Texans and Jourdan Lewis of the Cowboys and quarterback Nick Mullens who worked under new Jaguars’ offensive coordinator Grant Udinski in Minnesota. 

The Miami Dolphins are limited in free agency by limited salary cap space but the Dolphins could add depth on both lines and will likely need to find a veteran quarterback to back up Tua Tagovailoa.

Miami wide receiver Braxton Berrios signed with the Texans in free agency but Miami re-signed defensive tackle Matt Dickerson.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed wide receiver Chris Godwin to a three-year extension and guard Ben Bredeson to a three-year contract while defensive end Haason Reddick left the Jets for Tampa Bay.

Officially, teams can submit new contracts to the league starting on Wednesday.

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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.

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