Last Call for 6.17.26 – 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 —

The Florida Chamber Foundation is bringing together business, education and workforce leaders next week for its annual Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit, an event focused on strengthening Florida’s talent pipeline and connecting more residents to high-demand careers.

The June 23 summit at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay will feature a roster of state and federal leaders discussing workforce readiness, talent development, work-based learning and strategies to meet the demands of Florida’s growing economy.

Among the featured speakers are Byron Donalds, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor; Henry Mack, Education Commissioner; Stasi Kamoutsas, CareerSource Florida President and CEO; Adrienne Johnston, FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly; Florida Trend President and Publisher; David Denor, and Arthrex Senior Director Michael Boose.

The event is organized through the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Florida Initiative and the Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning, which focuses on workforce development from early education through career placement.

Organizers say the summit will highlight best practices and emerging challenges in workforce preparation while exploring ways to strengthen Florida’s long-term economic competitiveness. Topics will include early learning, career pathways, work-based learning opportunities and second-chance hiring initiatives.

“As Florida continues to grow, so does the demand for a highly skilled workforce prepared to compete in a rapidly evolving economy,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “ … Florida Chamber members understand that talent is replacing the tax incentive as the most important tool for economic developers.”

The summit comes as state leaders continue to emphasize workforce development as a key component of economic growth, particularly in industries facing labor shortages and rising demand for specialized skills.

“Florida is leading the nation because we understand that a strong economy starts with a strong workforce,” Donalds said.

“As our state continues to grow, we must ensure students, job seekers and employers are connected through innovative education and workforce pathways that prepare Floridians for high-demand, high-wage careers. I’m proud to stand beside the Florida Chamber, and leaders across Florida focused on building the talent pipeline that will keep our state competitive for generations to come.”

The Florida Chamber Foundation said the event is geared toward business and industry leaders, educators, workforce professionals, economic developers and community partners working to advance the Florida 2030 Blueprint and strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline.

— Evening Reads —

—“The 36 craziest lines from Donald Trump’s France news conference” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—”Trump zeroes in on Iran peace deal with threat to ‘drop bombs on their head’” via Nikki McCann Ramirez of Rolling Stone

—”Florida redistricting pits Democrats against each other — and it’s getting messy” via Ken Thomas of The Wall Street Journal

—”‘Dangerous’ AI models are coming no matter what” via Lily Hay Newman

—“10 things Elon Musk can — but probably won’t — do with $1 trillion” via Sara Herschander of Vox

—“Why mailing a paper check has become so risky” via Michelle Singletary of The Washington Post

—”The Pentagon might win the lottery” via Nancy A. Youssef of The Atlantic

—”Appeals court strikes down Florida law blocking concealed carry for 18- to 20-year-olds” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

—“Florida still owes $603 million on immigration enforcement contracts” via Liv Caputo of the Florida Phoenix

—”Gov. Ron DeSantis signs off on Joe Gruters’ Citizens Property Insurance reforms” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

—”‘Why are we even talking?’: Evan Power says no national media wanted to cover a Governor debate” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—”Season’s first tropical storm could dump more than a foot of rain on the South” via Ben Noll, Sarah Kaplan and Brady Dennis of The Washington Post

— Quote of the Day —

“I was told, quite frankly, by a national news outlet that, ‘You have a nominee. Why are we even talking about this?’” Power said.

— Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power, on the decision not to host a gubernatorial debate.

— 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.

Gov. Ron DeSantis may be pushing for a debate, but RPOF Chair Evan Power says TV stations would toss the party a Blackout.

Send a Smoking Gun to the Lieutenant Governor, who is coming out guns a-blazin’ with a Second Amendment tour, just two months left until Aug. 18’s GOP gubernatorial Primary.

CFO Blaise Ingoglia gets yet another FAFO for bringing his DOGE roadshow to Central Florida, chastising Osceola for $165.4 million in allegedly wasteful spending.