Last Call for 3.4.26 – 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

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch joined local officials from across Florida this week to warn lawmakers that a pair of pending “anti-diversity” bills could carry economic consequences for cities.

At a news conference in Tallahassee, Trantalis and Welch said the legislation (HB 1001/SB 1134) could undermine programs cities use to attract visitors and investment.

The bills are scheduled for final votes in the Legislature tomorrow. SB 1134 is slated for consideration on the Senate floor, while the House is expected to take up HB 1001 on Thursday. If approved, the measures would head to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signature.

The legislation broadly defines diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as training, programming or activities referencing race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. It would prohibit public funding for such initiatives and could expose local officials to removal from office for violations.

Local officials said the broad language could have unintended consequences for routine city programs and economic development efforts.

“Fort Lauderdale is a global destination,” said Trantalis. “Our economy depends on tourism, hospitality, small business growth, and the creative energy that comes from welcoming people of every background. … Legislation like HB 1001 and SB 1134 risks sending the message that some people are less welcome than others. And when that perception spreads, the economic consequences can follow.”

Welch framed the proposal as a challenge to the local authority, arguing it reflects a belief that city leaders cannot be trusted to govern their own communities.

“St. Petersburg is a city rooted in inclusive progress, intentional equity, and respect for all people. Our responsibility is to govern in a manner that upholds those values and reflects the community we serve, and this legislation would directly impede that responsibility,” he said. “As Mayor, I want to send a clear message to our residents — my administration strongly opposes this legislation and will continue to stand firmly in the defense of local self-governance and the right of the residents to shape their own future.”

Evening Reads

—“Donald Trump tries to quiet claims among supporters that Israel dragged him into war” via Tyler Pager of The New York Times 

—“Spanish prime minister slams Trump’s war in Iran, escalating feud” via Anthony Faiola and Ellen Francis of The Washington Post

—“Trump is expected to endorse John Cornyn” via Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker of The Atlantic

—“Inside the operation that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei” via Anet Peled, Milàn Czerny, Dov Lieber and Anika Arora Seth of The Wall Street Journal

—“Florida officials pay respects to Cody Khork killed in Iran war” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—”The ‘meritocracy’ exposed: Internal emails reveal how the Trump administration hires legal interns” via Judd Legum of Popular Information

—“The AI industry’s civil war” via Eric Levitz of Vox

—“Florida poll shows Republicans lead Democrats in statewide races — but only by single digits” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

—“House passes Live Local Act update, further pre-empting development, zoning” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—”Senator says Medicaid work requirements are an ‘uphill battle’” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix

—”Michele Rayner delivers emotional farewell to House as she prepares Senate bid” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

Quote of the Day

“If we want victims to become survivors, then survivor voices must lead the way.”

— Rep. Debra Tendrich, as the House emphatically passed her survivor-backed domestic violence bill.

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.

If the Live Local Act update goes into effect, NIMBY won’t be an excuse; it will just be a fruity cocktail.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is sipping on a Rain Delay after her initial counsel quit, pushing back her ethics trial by three weeks.

Veterans will have some extra Brunch Money if the Senate follows the House in lowering the cost of medical marijuana cards.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

Hurricanes look to bounce back on diamond

The Miami Hurricanes baseball team looks to bounce back from a pair of losses to Florida as they host another in-state opponent, Bethune-Cookman, this evening (6 p.m. ET, ACC Network+).

Miami (10-2) opened the season with 10 straight victories before the Gators came to town and won 7-2 on Friday and 8-4 on Saturday. Sunday’s final game of the series was canceled due to the weather.

The Hurricanes have been led by the power hitting of Derek Williams, who has slammed five home runs and five doubles in the first 12 games of the season. He is hitting .550 in the opening month of the season. Williams, a fifth-year senior, transferred from Wichita State before last season and hit nine home runs in a solid season. 

Miami’s top prospect is third baseman Daniel Cuvet, who is hitting just .263 but leads the team in home runs with six. He is projected as a top-three round prospect in the Major League Baseball draft. Miami has hit 29 home runs, second most in the nation.

Bethune-Cookman (9-3) has won five straight, including a win over USF and four straight over Delaware State. Miami leads the all-time series 36-7, although BCU beat the Hurricanes in 2024.

After the midweek game, Miami opens ACC play with a three-game series against Boston College at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field beginning Friday.

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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.