Last Call for 6.29.26 – 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 —

Annual cost-of-living adjustments for retired firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers will return on July 1.

The $117.6 billion budget signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis includes a long-sought retirement benefit for Special Risk members of the Florida Retirement System, a class that encompasses most law enforcement and first-responder professions.

When the budget goes into effect next month, eligible retirees who have been retired for at least 5 years will receive an annual COLA of at least 1.5%. The change marks the culmination of more than 15 years of advocacy by first responders and supporters in the Legislature.

“Strong public safety depends on attracting and retaining dedicated professionals who know their service will be valued both during their careers and in retirement,” Florida Professional Firefighters President Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska said.

“Restoring the cost-of-living adjustment strengthens that commitment while recognizing the sacrifices made by Florida’s firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers throughout their careers.”

More than 125,000 first responders statewide are expected to benefit from the change, including roughly 75,000 active Special Risk members enrolled in the Florida Retirement System.

Supporters say the restored benefit will provide financial relief to retirees struggling to keep pace with inflation while also strengthening recruitment and retention at fire departments, law enforcement agencies and other public safety agencies.

Several lawmakers championed the effort over the years — Sen. Joe Gruters was among the earliest advocates while Senate Budget Chief Ed Hooper, a former firefighter, helped shepherd the legislation through the process.

Other supporters getting a shoutout from FPF include Sen. Debbie Mayfield and Reps. Demi Busatta, Danny Alvarez, Omar Blanco and the late Rep. Joe Casello, who worked as a firefighter in Massachusetts before moving to the Sunshine State and representing South Florida in the House.

___

The Sadowski Coalition is cheering DeSantis and lawmakers for fully funding the state’s two primary affordable housing programs in the 2026-27 budget.

The $117.6 billion spending plan sets aside $166 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and nearly $71 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program, continuing a streak of support for the housing trust funds under DeSantis’ administration.

SHIP provides funding to local governments for homeownership and housing assistance programs, while SAIL finances the construction and preservation of affordable rental housing throughout the state.

The Sadowski Coalition, a bipartisan alliance of more than 40 statewide organizations, credited the Governor with recognizing the role affordable housing plays in the state’s economic competitiveness.

“He recognizes that access to housing that is affordable is essential to keeping Florida strong and competitive and, most importantly, that families, seniors, veterans, and hard-working Floridians can find a place to call home,” Sadowski Coalition facilitator Mark Hendrickson said of DeSantis.

“By signing a budget that fully funds Florida’s SHIP and SAIL programs, Gov. DeSantis is allowing our state’s most proven programs to do what they do best — help address housing affordability and expand needed housing opportunities in communities across the state.

Hendrickson said DeSantis has consistently recommended full funding for the programs during his two terms in office, adding that the investment will help families, seniors, veterans and working Floridians find affordable places to live.

— Evening Reads —

—”Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto list marks winners and losers in the state budget” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—”Today is the day DeSantis turns into a pumpkin” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics

—”Why DeSantis now says he won’t campaign for property tax plan” via Lawrence Mower of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times

—“DeSantis signs bill transferring USF Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College” via Anjelica Rubin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal

—”Jay Collins challenges James Fishback’s eligibility as a candidate for Governor” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix

—”Florida’s GOP candidates for Governor hate taxes. These two didn’t pay them.” via Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times

—”Despite DeSantis’ union crackdowns, AFSCME Florida keeps winning” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—”$1M for AI gun detection in Miami-Dade schools spared, other county funding nixed” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics

—“Is the vibecession real — or is the survey broken?” via Joel Wertheimer of the Silver Bulletin

—”The people who will thrive in the AI age” via David Brooks of The Atlantic

— 3Q —

Some of Florida’s top middle school civic thinkers are headed to Tallahassee, where students from across the state will compete in the 2026 Florida State Finals of the National Civics Bee, hosted by the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University.

The competition is more than a test of government facts. It gives students a chance to use what they are learning, talk about issues in their communities and see that civic life is something they can be part of now. For the IGC, the event aligns directly with its mission to strengthen civic knowledge and prepare effective citizens and responsible leaders.

As the state finals approach, FSU political science professor and IGC Director Ryan Owens spoke with Florida Politics about why civic education matters, what students gain from the Civics Bee and why communities should be paying attention to these young civic leaders.

The Florida State National Civics Bee Finals will take place June 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Turnbull Center at Florida State University. Information and registration are available here.

FP: Why does the National Civics Bee matter right now?

Owens: The Civics Bee matters because it gives young people a real way to put civic learning into practice. Students are not just memorizing facts about government. They are thinking about their communities, answering questions in real time and building the confidence to take part in civic life.

That matters at a time when civic understanding and trust in institutions are so important. Strong civic education helps students understand how government works, what responsibilities come with citizenship and how they can contribute to their communities. The Bee makes those lessons feel real.

FP: How does hosting the Florida finals connect to the IGC’s mission?

Owens: Hosting the Florida State Finals is a natural fit for the IGC because the institute’s work is focused on strengthening civic knowledge and preparing effective citizens and responsible leaders. The competition gives us a chance to put that mission into practice by recognizing students who are already thinking seriously about government, community and public life.

It also shows the role the IGC wants to play in Florida. Through research, teaching and public programming, we are helping students and communities better understand the principles and institutions that sustain a free society. Events like the Civics Bee bring that work beyond the classroom and give people a visible way to connect with the importance of civic learning.

FP: What do students and communities gain from events like this?

Owens: Students gain confidence, perspective and a clearer sense that their voices matter. For many competitors, this is a chance to stand in front of an audience, answer challenging questions and see that civic knowledge is connected to the places they live and the problems they may one day help solve.

Communities gain something important, too. The finals give families, educators and civic leaders a chance to celebrate students for their knowledge, curiosity and commitment to public life. We often talk about the need for future leaders. This event lets people see those future leaders taking shape right here in Florida.

— Quote of the Day —

“Nice to have is fine. I want to fund things that we have to have.”

— Gov. Ron DeSantis, elaborating on his vetoes.

— 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.

Break out the finest bourbon and mix up a Warrant for Rep. Adam Anderson, whose bill extending the amount of time law enforcement has to collect digital evidence earned the Governor’s signature.

DeSantis struck scores of line items from the budget, but a $2.75M allocation to rebrand Palm Beach airport after Donald Trump was served a Smooth Landing.

What’s less appealing than a Turkeytini? The member project process, according to government watchdog Florida TaxWatch.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Netherlands, Morocco meet in knockout stage

The knockout round at the FIFA World Cup continues today, including the Netherlands facing Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico (9 p.m. ET, FOX).

The Netherlands won Group F, beating Sweden and Tunisia and drawing with Japan. The Dutch joined France and Germany as the highest-scoring teams in the group stage. All three countries scored 10 goals in the group.

With stars all over the pitch like defender Virgil Van Dijk, midfielder Frankie De Jong and forward Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands has the chance to make a deep run in the tournament. The Dutch have finished as runners-up three times in history, including in 2010. They made a run to the quarterfinals in the last World Cup in 2022.

Morocco finished second in Group C, level on points with Brazil but lost the tiebreaker on goal differential to the Brazilians. Midfielder Ismael Saibari has scored three goals for Morocco in the World Cup, including a goal scored 871 seconds into the match against Scotland. Five Moroccan players play for English Premier League sides.

The winner of tonight’s match advances to the Round of 16 to face Canada, which topped South Africa yesterday. Other teams on that side of the bracket include Germany, Paraguay, France and Sweden.

___

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