Last Call for 3.10.26 – 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

Happening tonight: The Tampa Bay Lightning Caucus is hosting a watch party tonight as the Bolts take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 p.m. at Miller’s Ale House, 722 Apalachee Parkway.

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A transportation package looks like roadkill days out from Sine Die. After the Senate passed a version that deviated significantly from a House version, the lower chamber appears to be moving on.

Asked if the package was dead, Rep. Fiona McFarland, who shepherded House legislation (HB 543), replied, “Seems so.” The Sarasota Republican had prioritized a number of policies in the lower chamber, including providing protections for wheelchair-accessible vehicles that must occupy two spaces.

But Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Pinellas Republican who carried the companion bill (SB 1080), left out those and other differences with the House bill when the Senate passed the legislation on a 33-0 vote.

DiCeglie said the Senate version also includes provisions not found in the House measure, including language defining what constitutes a “careful and prudent manner” for right turns at red intersections with red-light cameras. But there are plenty of provisions the House put in its bill that didn’t make it through the upper chamber.

Ultimately, McFarland said it proved impossible to get the chambers on the same course.

“It just got too weighed down with different items — classic train issue,” she said.

Read more on Florida Politics.

Evening Reads

—”Whistleblower claims ex-DOGE member says he took Social Security data to new job” via Meryl Kornfield, Elizabeth Dwoskin and Lisa Rein of The Washington Post

—”Unlike past U.S. conflicts, Iran attack is opposed by most Americans” via Lily Boyce and Ruth Igielnik of The New York Times

—”The 45 most absurd lines from Donald Trump’s speech to House Republicans in Miami” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—”Just don’t say the W-word” via Gal Beckerman of The Atlantic

—“On Iran, Trump steers toward an off-ramp” via David Brown of The Wall Street Journal

—”You’re already paying for Trump’s Iran war” via Kelli Wessinger and Noel King of Vox

—”Ron DeSantis’ office authored ‘terrorist’ bill, records show” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times

—“Senate confirms secretaries tied to Hope Florida scandal, 150-plus other appointees” via Christine Sexton and Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix

—“Florida debates bill to allow college staff, profs to carry guns” via Camila Gomez of the Orlando Sentinel

—“Chuck Brannan’s journey to the Legislature brought him from humble origins to great power” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

3 Questions

The Florida College System (FCS) comprises 28 institutions serving communities across the state, providing affordable, high-quality education while preparing students for careers in Florida’s fastest-growing industries. From health care and advanced manufacturing to technology and skilled trades, Florida’s state colleges play a critical role in developing the workforce that powers the state’s economy.

As policymakers consider the future of workforce development, economic mobility, and higher education funding, Florida Politics spoke with Seminole State College President Dr. Georgia Lorenz about the economic impact of the Florida College System, the return on investment for students and taxpayers, and why continued legislative support is essential for Florida’s long-term prosperity.

How do Florida’s state colleges contribute to the state’s economic growth?

The recent Lightcast report, The Economic Value of the Florida College System, issued in November by the Association of Florida Colleges, offers clear and compelling evidence that the “Great 28” state colleges are not only educating students and upskilling today’s workforce — they are powering Florida’s prosperity. Florida’s state colleges drive economic growth by generating billions in added income for the state economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. In the 2023–24 fiscal year alone, the Florida College System contributed a total of $56.7 billion, representing 3.7% of Florida’s gross state product, and was connected to one out of every 24 jobs statewide, going far beyond just income. Florida’s state colleges are integral to thriving businesses, strong regional economies, and prosperous communities.

Why is investing in the Florida College System a smart choice for students and taxpayers?

Investing in the Florida College System yields substantial returns for both students and taxpayers. Students receive $6.30 in lifetime earnings for every dollar spent on tuition and fees, with a 21.2% average annual rate of return. An FCS education is a smart and life-changing investment. Collectively, students enrolled in 2023–24 will earn $14.5 billion more in higher lifetime earnings than if they had not attended a state college. 

Taxpayers benefit as well, with every $1 invested generating $2.40 in added tax revenue and reduced public spending, plus significant social savings due to a more skilled workforce. Every $1 invested in the Florida College System yields $2.40 in added tax revenue and reduced public spending over the course of students’ working lives.  

A more skilled workforce reduces demand for social services, generating $13.30 in social savings for every dollar invested in 2023–24. Thousands of alumni contribute to Florida’s economy each year, supplying talent to industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and health care to technology, education, and the skilled trades. The $51 billion in added income generated by alumni underscores the enduring value of an FCS education.

What reasons support increased legislative investment in the Florida College System?

Increased legislative investment in the Florida College System is essential because these colleges fuel Florida’s prosperity, develop talent needed by employers, and create pathways to economic mobility. They prepare the workforce for current and future opportunities, support diverse industries, and generate multiple benefits for students, taxpayers, and the state’s economy. Investing in the FCS means investing in Florida’s long-term success and resilience.

Quote of the Day

“Now, knocking on doors, in my district … it is a little different than Miami. In Miami, you knock on a door, you knock on a door. In Baker County and Union, you knock on our door, you get in your truck, you drive 2 miles. And you knock on another door. You can get in the gate, and the dog don’t bite you.”

— Rep. Chuck Brannan, reminiscing on his first campaign during his farewell speech.

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.

Order a Blue Badge Bliss for Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who is now endorsed by the Florida Police Benevolent Association.

Prepare a Tropical Burn for Paul Renner, whose campaign has been torching cash through the first few months of the year.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission is enjoying a High Five after all members were formally confirmed by the Senate this week.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

With 20 games remaining in the regular season, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Columbus Blue Jackets with a chance to climb to the top of the Atlantic Division standings (7 p.m. ET, SCRIPPS).

Tampa Bay (39-19-4, 82 points) trails the Buffalo Sabres by two points after losing to Buffalo on Sunday. Tampa Bay has lost five of the last six games. Injuries have been a factor for the Lightning, with Nick Paul, Gage Gonclaves, and rookie Dominic James all missing time. 

In the meantime, Nikita Kucherov has continued to lead the way. With 103 points, Kucherov ranks third in the league and second in the league with 69 assists.

Columbus (32-21-9, 73 points) sits in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. Over the last seven games, Columbus has allowed at least four goals five times. They have been earning points, 14 wins and three overtime losses in the last 19 games, but time is becoming a factor in the divisional race.

This season, Tampa Bay has scored three or more goals 40 times, so tonight’s matchup could be a high-scoring affair. Both teams average more than three goals per game, with the Lightning ranking fourth in the league in goals and third in fewest goals allowed.

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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.