Politics
Last Call for 8.31.26 – 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 —
Gov. Ron DeSantis swung through Jacksonville today to announce $23 million in state funding aimed at expanding Florida’s defense, aerospace and maritime industries.
More than half of the announced package could go toward projects around Cecil Commerce Center and Cecil Spaceport.
Florida State College at Jacksonville will receive just north of $7 million to purchase and renovate a vacant building at Cecil Center North. The planned Cecil Training Institute will expand the college’s HVAC and welding programs, with advanced manufacturing and logistics programs envisioned for the facility later.
The state is also providing up to $5 million through the Florida Department of Transportation’s Spaceport Improvement Program for a large rocket-motor test stand at Cecil Spaceport.
“By investing in critical infrastructure and workforce development, we’ve helped make Florida a magnet for defense, aerospace, and shipbuilding companies looking to start or expand their operations,” DeSantis said.
The broader package includes $3.5 million for infrastructure serving a planned Palm Bay business park, $3 million for a maritime fabrication training center at Northwest Florida State College, and nearly $1.8 million for a commercial driving program at Polk State College.
Another $3.1 million will be distributed among projects supporting military installations and surrounding communities across the state.
The Cecil Field appearance also saw DeSantis touch on the property tax amendment, telling media he’ll “be involved somehow” with the pro-Amendment 3 effort, though don’t expect the same fervor as his 2024 push against the abortion-rights and pot amendments.
— Evening Reads —
—“Donald Trump says communities that oppose data centers risk becoming ‘backward and poor’” via Amrith Ramkumar and Marianne LeVine of The Wall Street Journal
—“Trump Labor Secretary nominee pitched access to ‘America’s comprehensive welfare’ to Chinese nationals” via Judd Legum of Popular Information
—“Trump hides from Iran failures on an island of AI slop” via Nikki McCann Ramirez of Rolling Stone
—“The ‘super influencers’ powering the post-Trump right” via Zach Beauchamp of Vox
—“Why more homeowners across the U.S. are turning to an insurance that offers less coverage” via Brianna Sacks and Kevin Crowe of The Washington Post
—“You know who really hates AI? Insurance claims adjusters” via Kate Taylor of WIRED
—“Study AI consciousness? The bots would like a word with you.” via Cade Metz of The New York Times
—“Florida to stage another December bear hunt — but no debate this time” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel
—“New allegations emerge as ex-Palm Beach clerk in child sex abuse case gets bail” via Brittany Wallman, Shirsho Dasgupta and Claire Heddles of The Miami Herald
— Quote of the Day —
“I don’t know if it’s going to be, like, barnstorming and holding campaign events. … it’s probably going to look a little bit different than some of the things that I’ve done in the past.”
— DeSantis, on his involvement in the Amendment 3 push.
— 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.
Send Ron DeSantis a Late to the Party for only now saying he will advocate for the amendment he insisted lawmakers put on the ballot.
A Hot Streak is on the way courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor, which says Florida’s first-time jobless filings are down for the third week running.
The Governor can call Rep. Wyman Duggan “Speaker” all he wants, but he can’t have a Raisin the Dead unless lawmakers back to Tally to reconsider his rejected priorities.
— Breakthrough Insights —
— Tune In —
Marlins set to wrap series in Washington
The Miami Marlins conclude a four-game series at the Washington Nationals as they continue to hunt for a postseason spot (6:45 p.m. ET, FS1).
The Marlins scored six runs in the ninth inning to beat the Nationals 6-2 yesterday to move one game over the .500 mark. Otto Lopez hit his 10th home run of the season in the win.
Miami is not mathematically eliminated from the National League East race, but with 25 games remaining in the regular season, the Marlins’ chances of catching the division-leading Atlanta Braves are thin. However, Miami stands three and a half games out of the finals wild card spot in the National League.
Righthander Ryan Gusto (1-3, 3.98 ERA) is scheduled to start tonight for the Marlins. Gusto earned his first win of the season in his last start, a 4-0 win over the Boston Red Sox. In the game, Gusto did not allow a run over 5.2 innings.
The Nationals are scheduled to send Will Dion (1-0, 3.67 ERA) to the mound to make his first start in the Major Leagues. Dion began the season with Cleveland, appearing in 12 games out of the bullpen. He has made six relief appearances with the Nationals.
After tonight’s game, the Marlins continue the road trip with a three-game series in Kansas City against the Royals.
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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.
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