Last Call for 7.2.26 – 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 —

As Floridians stock up on fireworks ahead of the Independence Day weekend, here’s one statistic that should offer at least a little comfort: if a home catches fire, it’s less likely to have been on purpose than anywhere else in the country.

A new analysis of FBI crime data found Florida has the nation’s lowest rate of residential arson during July, averaging just 17.8 incidents statewide each year over the last five Julys — about one for every 586,000 homes.

The report also found Florida’s July residential arson rate is roughly one-sixth the national average, despite the state having the country’s third-largest housing market.  

The study, conducted by Besroi Roofing and Siding using FBI Crime Data Explorer records from 2021 through 2025, ranked all 50 states by July residential arson rates. Florida edged out New Jersey for the top spot and dramatically outperformed neighboring Georgia and Alabama, where residential arson rates were roughly four and 10 times higher, respectively. 

The timing is fortuitous, with millions of Floridians expected to celebrate the Fourth of July with backyard barbecues and fireworks. Still, it’s not a license to get reckless.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service spent the lead-up to America’s 250th reminding residents that even though drought conditions are easing, wildfire season isn’t over and fireworks should be used responsibly.

While the Forest Service and firefighters across the state are undoubtedly happy Florida Man won’t intentionally set his home ablaze this weekend, they’d prefer nobody accidentally does it either.

— Evening Reads —

—”At the Great American State Fair, a battle for souls is underway” via Michelle Boorstein of The Washington Post

—”A firm run by Donald Trump allies is organizing the 250th. Their fee? Unclear.” via David A. Fahrenthold and Andrea Fuller of The New York Times

—”Are MAGA and MAHA heading for divorce?” via Katherine Eban of Rolling Stone

—”’Pump and dump’: How Trump made $636 million — and left his supporters holding the bag” via Rebecca Crosby of Popular Information

—“Inside Gov. Ron DeSantis’ legislative legacy: 8 years, more than 2,000 bills” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO

—”Incoming legislative leaders endorse Blaise Ingoglia, Wilton Simpson, James Uthmeier” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—”Florida’s reading, math scores look promising. Experts say wait and see” via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel

—”Proud to be an American? Many say not so much in new Gallup poll” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics

—”There’s a new type of pollution in the Hillsborough River. The cause? Car tires” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times

—”Inside the luddite festival harnessing Gen Z’s rage against Big Tech” via Vittoria Elliott of WIRED

— Quote of the Day —

“The Florida College System is open enrollment — it’s not like there’s students waiting in the wings.”

— Florida Policy Institute analyst Alexis Tsoukalas, questioning the ban on undocumented students at state colleges.

— 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.

Byron Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign is adding a Big Chief to the cocktail menu after locking in an endorsement from CFO Blaise Ingoglia.

Round Twos are Orlando-bound after Universal Orlando CFO Tracey Stockwell and a couple of others were reappointed to the Valencia College Board of Trustees.

Start distributing all the Red White & Blues you can get your hands on — recent polling shows Floridians need a patriotism booster ASAP.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Argentina faces Cape Verde in knockout round

The defending champions, Argentina, face Cape Verde in the knockout phase of the FIGA World Cup on Friday (6 p.m. ET, FOX, Telemundo). 

Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina swept through the group, winning all three matches. Messi scored six goals in three matches. 

Argentina is trying to become the first team to repeat as World Cup champions since Pele’s Brazil side successfully defended in 1962. 

Cape Verde drew all three matches in the group stage, including 0-0 finals against Spain and Saudi Arabia. Goalkeeper Vozinha has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament. The 40-year-old has a pair of clean sheets in the island nation’s first World Cup appearance. 

The winner of the match will advance to the Round of 16 to face the winner of Friday’s Australia-Egypt matchup. 

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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.