Good Monday morning.

As transportation agencies and private-sector suppliers navigate rapid technological advances, evolving regulations and workforce challenges, TSG Advisors is expanding its advisory capabilities with the launch of a transportation-focused vertical designed to meet the industry’s changing needs.

The firm announced the creation of TSG Transportation Advisors, a new consulting and professional services business supporting clients in innovation, emerging technologies, workforce development, and program execution across the transportation sector. The transportation practice joins TSG Advisors’ existing Education and Public Safety verticals.

The new practice will be led by Managing Principal Joe Moye and Senior Principal Alix Miller, both of whom bring decades of experience in transportation operations, technology, policy and organizational leadership.

“The transportation sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by automation, connectivity and emerging technologies,” Moye said. “Organizations need partners who can move innovation from concept to execution while navigating regulatory, workforce and funding realities.”

Moye brings more than 35 years of experience spanning transportation and technology. He most recently served as the founding CEO of Beep Inc., where he led the testing and deployment of shared autonomous vehicle platforms in partnership with transit agencies, state departments of transportation and federal regulators. His background also includes executive leadership roles at Capgemini, Blackbaud and Virtustream.

Miller previously served as President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association, leading the organization through a period marked by landmark legal reforms, expanded political engagement, and a heightened focus on freight mobility as a statewide priority.

“Transportation organizations today face increasing pressure to modernize while maintaining safety and reliability,” Miller said. “Our goal is to help organizations not only adapt to change but lead through it.”

Founded in 2023 in partnership with The Southern Group, TSG Advisors is an independent advisory and professional services firm that complements and integrates traditional advocacy efforts. While The Southern Group is nationally recognized for government relations, TSG Advisors focuses on strategic advisory and execution support.

According to the firm, TSG Transportation Advisors will assist clients with program governance, funding strategy, workforce development, regulatory compliance, commercialization, and the responsible deployment of emerging and connected transportation technologies.

More information is available at the firm’s website.

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Karen Cyphers and her research team at Sachs Media conducted an original, two-decade analysis of Florida’s lobbying system to answer a deceptively simple question: What does the state’s influence machinery look like now, and how much has it changed?

The short answer is that it’s not a matter of more lobbyists, but rather far more principals, heavier client loads, and a system where serious players increasingly operate across both legislative and executive branches simultaneously.

This deep dive explores how Florida’s lobbying game has gone “full coverage,” the vast geographic spread of both lobbyists and clients with interests in Florida, and even identifies the most common first names among the lobbyists: Read more here.

___

It’s cheaper to Uber in Florida now, the rideshare company announced Monday, attributing the savings to the state’s passage of a new law cracking down on lawsuit abuse.

Uber said it is experiencing lower insurance costs following the passage of House Bill 837 in 2023, which is allowing the company to pass savings on to riders while enhancing earning opportunities for drivers.

The measure, which at the time was a top priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis, then-Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and then-House Speaker Paul Renner, made substantive changes to how lawsuits are filed and litigated in the state, all but eliminating the longstanding statute that allowed a policyholder who successfully sued their insurance company to recoup attorney fees.

The law has saved riders tens of millions of dollars on Uber rides, the company said. As of September, government-mandated insurance represented just 19% of a rider’s Uber fare, a drop of two percentage points from one year earlier. The company said fares have been up to 6 percentage points lower year over year than in other states, particularly those with more robust insurance mandates, rigid pay standards or additional fees.

“Florida’s commitment to addressing lawsuit abuse is delivering tangible results for Uber riders and drivers in the state,” said Javi Correoso, Uber’s Head of Federal Affairs and South U.S. Policy. “While other states continue to see auto insurance rates climb, Florida is moving in the opposite direction. By stabilizing the insurance market, the 2023 tort reform legislation has enabled us to keep Uber rides affordable and accessible across the state.”

___

Florida’s flagship housing programs are delivering results according to a new report from the Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.

According to the OPPAGA report, Florida remains short of affordable rental units and homes, with roughly 34% of households — about 3 million — considered cost-burdened in 2023.

Even so, OPPAGA found that the state’s housing system continues to produce thousands of affordable rental units and homeownership opportunities through public-private partnerships, particularly through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs.

The SHIP program, which provides funding to local governments for housing initiatives, helped facilitate the development or direct rental of 5,970 multifamily units and provided direct assistance to 13,523 homeowners and homebuyers between the 2017-18 and 2021-22 fiscal years.

SAIL, administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, provides gap financing to developers building rental housing with long-term affordability requirements. In 2024 alone, it helped complete 14,401 affordable housing units statewide, according to the OPPAGA report.

Since 2021, the state has fully funded SHIP and SAIL through the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund.

“Florida is the leader in the nation having successful housing programs, like SHIP and SAIL, that are efficient and effective at providing needed housing for Floridians, which is what the 2025 OPPAGA Report shows,” said Mark Hendrickson, facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and executive director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities.

“Our state’s leadership has also fully invested in these programs for the past five years, ensuring that these programs can operate as designed, providing measurable results and improving affordability for hardworking Floridians and families.”

___

The James Madison Institute is adding another familiar face to its roster, appointing former House Speaker Steve Crisafulli as a Scholar in Residence.

“Steve is a principled leader whose commitment to economic liberty and free-market advancement strongly aligns with JMI’s mission. We are delighted to welcome his insight and passion to our team,” JMI President and CEO Robert McClure said.

Crisafulli, who served as Speaker for the 2014-16 term, led the push on a comprehensive water policy package that passed with bipartisan support. JMI also touted his work on agriculture, business, aerospace, education and health care policy.

After leaving office, the Merritt Island Republican launched a successful consulting firm that has since merged into SBM Partners, a versatile firm ranked in the Top 10 in Florida Politics’ quarterly lobby firm rankings.

JMI said that other states are looking to Florida for “proven policy solutions” and that Crisafulli’s experience would help amplify Florida’s “successes achieved through limited government and free enterprise.”

Crisafulli said, “For almost 40 years, JMI has been a leading advocate for free-market principles, with a sustained and measurable impact in Florida and across the nation. I look forward to this next chapter of advancing the principles that have made our state what it is today in my role as Scholar in Residence.”

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@TPFabricio: Peace through strength is what President (Donald) Trump is focused on. The only deal acceptable for Cuba is a complete democratic reform, release of political prisoners and a return of property to rightful owner, perhaps with restitution

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@DavidShor: Because child gender is ~ random, we can estimate the causal impact of being a “boy mom” vs “girl mom” by conditioning on # of kids. Mothers with sons are ~3% more Republican, while mothers with daughters are ~4% more Democratic. Child gender has ~ zero effect on fathers.

—@JeffreyBrandes: Florida lawmakers should be alarmed. Homebuyers are aging out (median ~59) while affordable homes for younger families are disappearing. That’s not a housing cycle…it’s a structural failure. Younger workers are locked into rent, delaying families and living at home. If Florida prices out its next generation, the workforce, tax base, and long-term growth go with them.

—@ChristinaPushaw: I wish there was a way to mute anyone who dedicates hours every day to posting about Florida politics but doesn’t even live here

—@NewtGingrich: WINK TV owes all of us an explanation for what happened with Matt Devitt. Thousands of us have come to trust him, like him and rely on him. What happened? WINK owes all of us an answer

—@HardRockBet: Every NFL team in Florida has the exact same record since 2022: Jacksonville Jaguars 35-33 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-33 Miami Dolphins 35-33

Tweet, tweet:

— DAYS UNTIL —

Special Primary Election for HD 87 — 1; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 1; Legislative Session begins — 1; Florida Chamber Legislative Fly-In — 1; The James Madison Institute Red, White & Bluegrass event — 2; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 6; Florida Tourism Day — 9; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 18; The Grammy Awards — 20; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 24; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 25; Special (General) Election for HD 87 — 42; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 42; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 48; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 57; last day of the Regular Session — 60; The Oscars — 62; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 67; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 71; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 72; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 73; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 81; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 84; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 93; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 93; First Qualifying Period begins (Federal) — 98; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 102; F1 Miami begins — 109; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 130; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 130; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 141; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 147; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 150; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 151; State Qualifying Period ends — 151; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 158; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its “Sunshine State Showdown” — 165; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 170; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 173; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 178; MLB All-Star Game — 183; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 185; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 189; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 206; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 208; Primary Election Day — 218; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 242; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 246; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 250; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 255; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 262; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 266; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 285; 2026 General Election — 295; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero‘ premieres — 298; Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 340; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 340; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 340; Tampa Mayoral Election — 414; Jacksonville First Election — 435; Jacksonville General Election — 491; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 509; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 571; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 627; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 704; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 914; U.S. Presidential Election — 1030; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1430; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2161.

—TOP STORIES —

“2026 Session: Ron DeSantis looks to cement legacy but trainwreck may loom” via Gray Rohrer of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session opens tomorrow with Gov. DeSantis and a GOP-led Legislature facing a crowded and contentious agenda that includes property taxes, artificial intelligence regulation, gun laws, health care deregulation, education funding and redistricting.

With DeSantis entering his final year in office, the Governor is pushing to cement his legacy, but internal Republican tensions threaten to complicate the path forward.

At the center of the uncertainty is an ongoing feud between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez. The clash, which contributed to a prolonged Session last year, has spanned issues ranging from condo laws and higher education to redistricting and disputes over tax policy. Property taxes remain the sharpest flashpoint, with DeSantis demanding deep cuts and Perez favoring a broader approach that includes sales tax relief.

DeSantis wants lawmakers to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot to eliminate homestead property taxes entirely. House leaders have floated multiple proposals, including measures that preserve funding for K-12 schools, but DeSantis has derided those efforts as insufficient. Local governments and School Districts warn that sweeping reductions could force cuts to essential services.

Beyond taxes, lawmakers are expected to debate major health care legislation, including proposals backed by Perez to deregulate the provider market and reduce prescription drug prices. The bills aim to eliminate certificate-of-need requirements for certain facilities and impose new transparency rules on drug manufacturers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers.

Education policy will also command attention. Senate leaders are advancing a bill to bring Florida’s rapidly expanded school voucher program under closer financial oversight after an audit revealed hundreds of millions in unused scholarship funds. Gun policy could resurface as well, with some Republicans seeking to roll back post-Parkland restrictions following a court ruling on open carry.

Meanwhile, Senate President Ben Albritton is renewing efforts to pass a “Rural Renaissance” package to support fiscally constrained counties, while Democrats are pitching cost-of-living relief measures on insurance, housing and utilities. With unresolved GOP divisions and a packed agenda, the 60-day Session is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable in years.

“Legislature gets ready for more GOP sniping, tough choices and DeSantis’ swansong” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — DeSantis enters his final Legislative Session facing fractured relations with Republican lawmakers and dwindling leverage after eight years in office. The term-limited Governor is pushing an ambitious agenda, including a property tax overhaul, congressional redistricting, AI guardrails, and ending vaccine mandates, but House and Senate leaders are divided and openly at odds. Tensions with Speaker Perez persist, while President Albritton remains cautious after last year’s prolonged budget standoff. DeSantis’ once-dominant influence has faded following his failed presidential bid and growing legislative resistance. With Special Sessions looming and budget pressures mounting, allies and critics alike warn infighting could stall major accomplishments, leaving DeSantis’ final months defined more by conflict than legacy for Florida Republicans statewide.

— STATEWIDE —

“DeSantis administration nixes uninsured requirement for Kidcare enrollment” via Christine Sexton of Florida Politics — The DeSantis administration said it no longer will require some children to go uninsured for two months before enrolling them in the federal children’s health insurance program, or CHIP. The Agency for Health Care Administration announced in the Florida Administrative Register that it was amending its CHIP State Plan to eliminate the 60-day waiting period for enrollment in Kidcare for children who previously were insured through an employer-sponsored or private health benefit plan. The CHIP State Plan is Florida’s official agreement with the federal government that outlines how the program will operate. The requirement that those children go uninsured for two months has been established in Florida law since the program was created in 1998 to prevent “crowding out.” According to the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Center for Children and Families, crowd-out occurs when public funds substitute for private dollars that would otherwise have been spent on health care.

“DeSantis proposes a new accreditor for Florida law schools, following Texas’ lead” via Danielle Prieur of Central Florida Public Media — DeSantis wants to see the Florida Supreme Court and not the American Bar Association as the leading accreditor of law schools in Florida. The comments came in Steinhatchee, where he discussed, among other things, rural grants for communities throughout the state and a Special Session on redistricting. DeSantis called for the change because he says the American Bar Association, the state’s primary accreditor for law schools, is biased and said it pushes a “progressive agenda.” “Like, left of the left. I mean, like, it’s a very partisan left activist organization, and you know, they have a right to do that if that’s what floats your boat, but they should not play a central role in legal education or the legal profession,” DeSantis said. Instead, DeSantis wants Florida to follow Texas’s lead by moving law school accreditation to the state’s Supreme Court.

—”DeSantis appoints, reappoints 5 to Florida Gaming Control Commission” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics

“Florida black bear hunt exposes emotional divisions among animal rights activists, hunters” via Fresh Take Florida — The Florida hunt exposed deep emotional divisions among animal rights activists and hunters. In social media forums and in dueling media interviews, the groups fiercely debated the ethics and heritage of hunting, the science of bear biology and its ecosystem, and even the Biblical question of whether God would approve. Many animal rights activists entered the lottery to win permits with no plans to use them — only to keep them away from hunters. These activists said the data the Wildlife Commission used to support the hunt, which showed a 53% statewide increase in bear populations since 2002, were outdated because they were collected from 2014 to 2015.

“Woman sues FDOT, alleging harassment from boss, rebukes from HR following complaints” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A former Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) employee is suing the agency for forcing her out of her job after she complained about her hostile boss, who tried to control her and made sexual remarks. Grace Rodriguez filed the lawsuit before the new year in the U.S. District Court’s Orlando division. She accused FDOT of sexual harassment, discrimination, creating a bad working environment and retaliation. Rodriguez’s boss, Moataz “Mo” Hassan, an Operations Engineer in Central Florida’s District 5, “frequently displayed uncontrolled rage and intimidation in the workplace, including yelling at subordinates at the top of his lungs and slamming his phone on the ground in Plaintiff’s presence,” the lawsuit said. What she wore became a regular topic of conversation, and he got jealous when she interacted with her male co-workers, the lawsuit said. “Throughout Plaintiff’s employment, Hassan repeatedly told Plaintiff that she was ‘his’ and that she ‘belonged to him,’” the lawsuit said.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Daniel Perez rattled Tallahassee. What will he do in year two as House Speaker?” via Alexandria Glorioso of the Miami Herald — Speaker Perez spent his first year in power doing something few thought possible: pushing back. The Miami Republican helped lawmakers reclaim authority long ceded to Gov. DeSantis, launching aggressive oversight, overriding vetoes, and sidelining parts of the Governor’s agenda. For a moment, the Legislature looked newly muscular.

That was then. Heading into Perez’s second and final Session as Speaker, the balance has shifted again, and not in his favor. Perez says his relationship with DeSantis remains frozen, with calls unanswered. His once-close alliance with Albritton has also frayed after last year’s bruising fight over taxes and spending.

Those tensions loom large as lawmakers prepare to craft a budget topping $100 billion, tackle property taxes, redraw congressional districts, and confront affordability pressures. Interviews with Republican lawmakers reveal a Legislature still divided, with Perez increasingly isolated between an emboldened Governor and a wary Senate.

Perez has offered no signature policy vision. He insists that Florida’s property insurance reforms are sufficient and has resisted reopening condo safety laws enacted after the Surfside collapse. His clearest priority is a leaner budget, proposing a second consecutive House-led spending cut, a move that could reignite clashes with Senate budget writers.

Last year’s breakdown still haunts both chambers. A tentative agreement on tax relief collapsed after Perez proposed a $5 billion sales tax cut that Senate leaders say blindsided them and drew public opposition from DeSantis. The result was a prolonged budget stalemate and a rupture in the relationship.

Now, early tests are approaching. Albritton’s Rural Renaissance package, revived after Perez killed it last year, could again become collateral damage. Perez once reshaped Florida’s power dynamics. This Session will determine whether that influence endures or fades under political gravity.

—“‘Rural renaissance,’ guns and education: Florida Session’s key first bills” via Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network

“Lawmakers brace for affordability showdown this Session” via Garrett Shanley, Lawrence Mower and Max Klaver, of the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald — With Floridians facing soaring home insurance premiums, rent hikes and rising property tax bills, state lawmakers heading to Tallahassee for this year’s Legislative Session agree on one thing: Affordability will dominate the agenda. How — and whether — the Republican-controlled Legislature can meaningfully lower costs for Floridians is another matter. Leaders in the House are pushing sweeping changes to property taxes, saying lawmakers should give voters the option this November to cut bills for homeowners. Senate leaders are signaling caution, warning that dramatic tax cuts could destabilize local governments, which rely heavily on property taxes to fund local services.

“Massive immigration package targets employers hiring undocumented immigrants” via Florida Phoenix — Florida businesses that purposely ignore whether employees are legally in the United States could face hefty fines or even criminal charges if they hire more than 50 undocumented immigrants. Filed Wednesday by Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, the 34-page bill would presume certain noncitizens are at fault in car accidents, severely restrict their employment, and prevent state banks from loaning them money. It’s the most wide-ranging immigration package proposed so far ahead of the 2026 Session, and would extend a 2025 crackdown that removed in-state tuition for undocumented students, impose state-level penalties for illegal entry into Florida, and require all counties to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“New bill would boot Medicaid recipients if they aren’t working” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Under new legislation from Sen. Don Gaetz and Rep. John Snyder, Medicaid recipients age 18-64 would be kicked off Medicaid if they don’t meet new work requirements to work, pursue an education or get training for at least 80 hours a month. “Common sense work requirements for able-bodied adults emphasize personal responsibility. If you are asking your friends and neighbors to pay for your health care, you have a responsibility to do your best to find work,” Snyder, a Palm City Republican, said in a statement. Snyder’s HB 1453 listed more than a half dozen proposed exemptions to the stricter work requirements. For instance, people with disabilities, caregivers, inmates, someone in rehab, people who were once in foster care and younger than 23 years old and postpartum mothers would not be held to the same work standards and not at risk for losing their health services.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Danny Burgess, Adam Anderson take on genetic counselor shortage” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — State Sen. Burgess and state Rep. Anderson have filed legislation that would address a shortage of genetic counselors and strengthen the state’s capacity for advanced medical care and genetic research. The identical measures (SB 1376 and HB 1115) would establish the Genetic Counseling Education Enhancement Grant Program within Florida’s State University System to support the development of American Board of Genetic Counseling-accredited graduate-level genetic counseling programs, to eliminate Florida’s status as a genetic counseling desert. With just 179 licensed genetic counselors in the state, patient demand is not being met. Genetic counselors guide families facing complex genetic diagnoses, and they serve as essential partners in research, innovation and precision medicine.

“Nick DiCeglie, Danny Alvarez file bill to require unified 911 call centers in every Florida county” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Alvarez have filed legislation that would require Florida counties to consolidate emergency call handling into a single, unified 911 center per county. If approved, SB 1586 and HB 1427 would require each county or region to transition to a single 911 center. More than 25 Florida counties – including Pinellas, Pasco, Leon and St. Lucie counties – already successfully operate some form of unified 911 and dispatch centers. Counties would have until Jan. 1, 2027, to submit a plan outlining how their unified 911 center would operate. Counties would be required to certify that all emergency calls are being dispatched through a single, fully unified system by 2029. If a county fails to meet the planning deadline, authority over 911 services would default to the local Sheriff’s office. “When someone dials 911, they are most likely having the worst moment of their life,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.

“Horse racing proposal filed in Senate” via the News Service of Florida — The proposal (SB 1564), filed by Sen. Nick DiCeglie is similar to a bill (HB 881), filed last month by Rep. Adam Anderson In a concept known as “decoupling,” the bills would erase a requirement that Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs hold live races to be able to operate cardrooms and, in the case of Gulfstream, slot machines. A version of the proposal during the 2025 Legislative Session drew fierce opposition from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and other critics who said it posed a threat to areas such as Marion County, which is a major player nationally in horse breeding.

“Florida abortion fight shifts from ballot to Legislature” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Just over a year after 57% of Florida voters backed a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access, falling short of the state’s 60 % threshold, the consequences of that narrow loss are coming into focus. With the ballot effort defeated after DeSantis spent nearly $40 million opposing it, anti-abortion lawmakers are pressing forward legislatively. The Florida House is poised to advance a bill granting fertilized eggs and embryos legal rights akin to living children, part of a broader strategy to outlaw abortion entirely. Even if that measure stalls in the Senate, numerous other proposals are advancing, from bounties on abortion providers to restrictions on IVF, contraception access for teens, surrogacy, and sex education, signaling an aggressive new phase in Florida’s abortion debate.

“Palm Beach County lawmakers face tough Legislative Session” via the Palm Beach Post editorial board — While Tallahassee may seem like a distant imagination, the next 60 days will produce new laws and regulations and a new state budget that will have a very real impact on Palm Beach County and the rest of Florida. Complicating matters are the 2026 Elections, and Florida politicians aim to please. For the 11 members of the Palm Beach County legislative delegation, the Session represents another challenge. Their task is to somehow do well by their constituents in bringing back state monies, programs and services their local communities have come to rely upon. The county remains the state’s third-largest county, one that faces the fallout of both rampant and unchecked growth and development and an increasingly antagonistic state government.

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With a tip of the hat for LobbyTools, here are the latest movements — on and off — the legislative merry-go-round:

On: Samantha Moullet is in as district aide to Pinellas Republican Rep. Kim Berfield.

On: Lacy Mahon is in as district aide to Duval Republican Rep. Kiyan Michael.

On: Olivia Firlejczyk is in as legislative aide to Putnam Republican Rep. Judson Sapp.

On: Rocky Haag is in as district aide to Orange Republican Rep. Paula Stark.

— LEG. SKED. —

10 a.m.

House Rules & Ethics Committee: Room 404. House Office Building.

1:30 p.m.

Senate Criminal Justice Committee: Room 37, Senate Office Building.

Agenda:

— SB 50, Veterans Affairs (Gaetz).

— SB 52, Security Services at Places of Worship (Gaetz).

— SB 432, Controlled Substances (Yarborough).

— SB 436, Felony Battery (Leek).

— SB 524, Department of Law Enforcement (Simon).

— SB 536, Criminal Gang Members (Martin).

— SB 590, Statute of Limitations Period for Violations Involving Required… (Bradley).

— SB 676, Criminal Offenses (Arrington).

Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee: Room 110, Senate Office Building.

Agenda:

— SB 7000, OGSR/Persons Provided Public Emergency Shelter (Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security).

— SB 7002, OGSR/Department of Military Affairs/United States Department of Defense (Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security).

— SB 7004, OGSR/Conviction Integrity Unit Reinvestigation Information (Criminal Justice).

— SB 7006, OGSR/Florida Public Service Commission (Regulated Industries).

— SB 7008, OGSR/Florida Gaming Control Commission (Regulated Industries).

— SB 7012, OGSR/Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (Transportation).

— SB 7014, OGSR/Department of Legal Affairs (Commerce and Tourism).

— SB 7016, OGSR/Administration of Small Business Loan Programs Held by an Economic Development Agency (Commerce and Tourism).

— SB 350, Public Records/Crime Victims (Grall).

4 p.m.

Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee: Room 301, Senate Office Building.

Agenda:

— SB 42, Specific Medical Diagnoses in Child Protective Investigations (Sharief).

— SB 578, Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative (Simon).

— SB 624, Batterers’ Intervention Program Activities (Yarborough).

— SB 7018, Child Welfare (Children, Families and Elder Affairs).

Senate Judiciary Committee: Room 110, Senate Office Building.

Agenda:

— SB 14, Relief of Jose Correa by Miami-Dade County (Rodriguez).

— SB 16, Relief of Heriberto A. Sanchez-Mayen by the City of St. Petersburg (Rouson).

— SB 24, Relief of Lourdes Latour and Edward Latour by Miami-Dade County (Gruters).

— SB 208, Land Use and Development Regulations (McClain).

— SB 762, Offices of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel (Martin).

Senate Regulated Industries Committee: Room 412, Knott Building.

Agenda:

— SB 754, Heated Tobacco Products (DiCeglie).

— SB 796, Veterinary Medicine (Bradley).

Senate Transportation Committee: Room 37, Senate Office Building.

Agenda:

— SB 174, Transportation Facility Designations/Charlie Kirk Memorial (Rodriguez).

— SB 388, Specialty License Plates/Florida Wildflower (Arrington).

— SB 470, Fraternal Order of Police License Plate (Wright).

— SB 488, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (Massullo Jr.).

— SB 490, Public Records/Email Addresses Collected by the Department … (Massullo Jr.).

— SB 584, Commercial Driving Schools (Ávila).

— SB 628, Transportation Facility Designations/Warrior Sacrifice Way (Gaetz).

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump calls for one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%” via Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward of Reuters — Trump said he was calling for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% starting Jan. 20, but he did not provide details on how his plan would come to fruition or how he planned to make companies comply. Trump also pledged during the 2024 campaign, which he won, but analysts dismissed it at the time, saying such a step required congressional approval. Lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican Parties have raised concerns about high rates and have called for those to be addressed. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Trump: Cuba to get no more oil from Venezuela, should make a deal ‘before it is too late’” via Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald — Following the capture of Venezuelan strongman and Cuban ally Nicolás Maduro, Trump said Cuba won’t be receiving any more oil from the South American country and warned the government in Havana to “make a deal BEFORE IS TOO LATE.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Cuba has for many years survived economically thanks to an arrangement to provide security services for Venezuelan leaders Hugo Chavez and Maduro, “BUT NOT ANYMORE,” he said. After years of denying that it had military and intelligence officers in Venezuela, the government in Havana confirmed last week that 32 Cuban officers died trying to protect Maduro during a raid by U.S. special forces that ended with his capture and transfer to New York City to face narco-terrorism charges.

“GOP talk of Marco Rubio 2028 heats up in wake of Venezuela op” via Samuel Benson and Nahal Toosi of POLITICO — Rubio has quickly emerged as the administration’s point person on Venezuela, the man standing behind the President as he declared “we’re going to run the country.” Rubio plastered his face across the Sunday news shows to explain the operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, then went on in the days after to defend it in briefings to Congress. “Venezuela could make him President — or ensure that he never is,” said Mark McKinnon, a longtime political adviser and former aide to President George W. Bush.

“Congress is debating the possible consequences for ICE and even Kristi Noem after Renee Good’s killing” via Matt Brown and Lisa Mascaro of The Associated Press — The killing of a Minnesota woman by an ICE officer is reverberating across Capitol Hill where Democrats, and certain Republicans, are vowing an assertive response as Trump’s aggressive deportation operations spark protests nationwide. Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions, from a full investigation into Renee Good’s shooting death and policy changes over law enforcement raids to the defunding of ICE operations and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Noem, in what is fast becoming an inflection point. “The situation that took place in Minnesota is a complete and total disgrace,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said as details emerged. “And in the next few days, we will be having conversations about a strong and forceful and appropriate response by House Democrats.”

— ELECTIONS —

“Noah Widmann drops out of race against Cory Mills, endorses Bale Dalton” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — In a statement, Widmann spoke about his family as he ended his candidacy. “I ran for Congress to deliver real, honest leadership to Central Florida. I grew up on food stamps and Medicaid, working nights to get through college and support my daughter, and throughout this campaign I’ve heard countless stories from our neighbors in this community about the economic pain they’re feeling right now,” Widmann said. “There is no higher priority than defeating America’s most corrupt Congressman Cory Mills and flipping control of the House of Representatives to Democrats so we can finally deliver relief to the residents of this district.”

“Erika Booth starts 2026 with commanding cash lead in HD 35” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Rep. Erika Booth is starting 2026 with a sizable financial edge in one of the most closely watched House races in the state. Campaign finance reports show the St. Cloud Republican closed 2025 with $111,752 in her campaign account and an additional $98,971 in the Booth PAC, for a total of $192,119 on hand. Booth’s lone challenger so far, Eric Gray, is starting the year with significantly fewer resources. Gray, a Democrat, entered the House race in October after previously running for Orange County Commission. He showed $15,860 raised in his first reporting period and spent $11,957, leaving him with less than $4,000 on hand at the end of 2025. HD 35 covers parts of Orange and Osceola counties and is considered a swing district — before Booth won the seat in 2024, Democratic former Rep. Tom Keen represented it.

“Jennifer Winkler reports more than $105K raised as HD 74 GOP Primary intensifies” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Republican House District 74 candidate Winkler is reporting a sharp uptick in fundraising as the GOP Primary field continues to take shape. Winkler announced that she has raised nearly $105,000 between her campaign account and her affiliated political committee, Friends of Jennifer Winkler, since entering the race. That total includes roughly $50,000 raised during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the campaign. Winkler’s campaign brought in nearly $26,000 during the final quarter of the year, while her political committee raised just over $24,000. Winkler’s campaign said she has now surpassed the $105,000 mark heading into 2026.

“Liesa Priddy crosses $215K raised for HD 82 bid” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Priddy continues to flex fundraising muscle in the race to succeed Rep. Lauren Melo in House District 82. The Collier County Republican has now raised $216,500 for her campaign, including $65,500 in the most recent quarter. The fundraising momentum follows recent endorsements from conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity and the Associated Industries of Florida, an influential business lobby. Priddy is one of four Republican hopefuls running for the seat, which covers a swath of Southwest Florida, including Hendry and parts of Collier counties. The district is open this cycle because Melo is running for Senate rather than a fourth term. HD 82 is a safe Republican seat, with the GOP holding a 15-point registration advantage in the district according to the most recent data from L2. In 2024, Melo cruised with 70% support in a head-to-head with Democratic nominee Arthur Oslund.

Happening today:

and

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“In Weston, where Venezuelans have transformed the community, concerns remain about post-Nicolás Maduro future” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — a half-hour north of Doral — where Weston has one of the largest concentrations of Venezuelans in the United States — Maduro’s ouster produced just as much joy, and in the days after just as much concern, even though it didn’t attract the usual volume of news cameras. “The whole community, the whole Venezuelan community, I would say, is happy. The people are just happy,” said Alexander Rueda, a native of Venezuela who is now a U.S. citizen and Weston resident. I don’t know even one person who is not against Maduro.” Rueda, 55, and his family are among the immigrants from Venezuela who have transformed the economy, culture and politics of Weston. Weston is home to many Venezuelans who are now U.S. citizens, people legally permitted to live and work in the country, and their American-born children, so the city is often called Westonzuela.

“‘Say her name’: Hundreds of protesters gather near Boca Raton after ICE killing of woman in Minneapolis” via Shira Moolten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside of Home Depot in West Boca on Saturday morning to protest ICE. They carried signs reading “ICE: Innocent Citizen Executioners” and chanted “Say her name! Renee Nicole Good!” One man, wearing a Santa costume, walked around chanting, “Ho ho ho, ICE has got to go.” The protest, which drew over 200 people to the intersection outside the Home Depot in the 9800 block of Glades Road, had been planned before the shooting to demand that Home Depot reject ICE raids targeting undocumented workers at its stores. But it quickly shifted focus after Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent on Wednesday, sparking national outrage. Jennifer Jones, an organizer with Hope and Action Indivisible, which led Saturday’s protest, said only 50 people had signed up before the shooting; afterward, more than 400 said they planned to attend.

“Did ex-Miami Mayor give Rolexes to officers? Suarez acknowledges holiday ‘gifts’ via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — Thursday marked a big moment for newly elected Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, her first City Commission meeting since winning last month’s runoff race. But Higgins’ predecessor unwittingly cast a shadow over the moment. As the first meeting of the year began Thursday morning, City Hall was abuzz with chatter about “watch-gate,” as a staffer dubbed it. Following a Christmas Eve complaint from local activist Thomas Kennedy, the Miami Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit is investigating an allegation that former Mayor Francis Suarez gifted Rolex watches to four sergeants-at-arms who worked a security detail for him while he was Mayor.

“FAU professor, suspended over Charlie Kirk comments, will not be reinstated ahead of Spring Semester” via Shira Moolten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A Florida Atlantic University professor who was suspended in September over social media comments about Kirk will remain under investigation heading into the Spring Semester. Kate Polak, an English professor in the university’s College of Arts and Letters, said her department Chair informed her that she would not be reinstated before the upcoming semester, which officially begins Saturday, despite having been scheduled to teach two classes. To her knowledge, she is the only public university professor in Florida who remains on leave for her comments, which have now prohibited her from teaching for a full academic year. “It’s humiliating,” Polak, who remains barred from campus, said. It remains unclear why the university has not concluded its investigation.

“Christina Lambert builds $1M war chest ahead of West Palm Beach mayoral race” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Lambert’s bid to become West Palm Beach’s next Mayor has crossed the seven-figure mark, a fundraising pace her campaign says is unmatched in city election history. The campaign announced it has raised more than $1.02 million in the 12 months since filing last January, combining receipts from Lambert’s official campaign account and the Friends of Christina Lambert political committee. The total makes Lambert the fastest mayoral candidate in West Palm Beach to hit the $1 million milestone, according to her campaign. Lambert’s campaign account has brought in more than $172,000, fueled by 382 donations from 342 unique contributors. The average contribution was just under $456, with donations ranging from $1 to the $1,000 legal maximum.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Venezuelans in Central Florida may have to return, sparking fear and mixed emotions” via Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — Over 600,000 Venezuelans have immigrated to the U.S. and many enjoyed protection against deportation through Temporary Protected Status until last year, when the Trump administration announced it would end the program. But now, TPS refugees are in an even more difficult limbo, receiving deeply mixed signals on whether it is safe to return to their homeland in the wake of the U.S. capture of Maduro, and whether this country might allow them to stay.

“Lake County casino linked to Marcos Lopez among three raided by authorities” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Hot Seats, an illegal casino in Leesburg with apparent ties to the racketeering case against former Osceola County Sheriff Lopez, was raided Thursday night, along with two other gambling operations in Lake County. The operation — dubbed “Calvin Coolidge,” after the former U.S. President, for reasons that remain obscure — targeted Hot Seats; The Hub, which is also in Leesburg; and House of Treasures in Umatilla. Agents seized a total of 231 machines and more than $158,000 in cash, the Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced. “It is impressive to take 231 illegal slot machines off the streets in one night,” Alana Zimmer, the Commission’s executive director, said. “We are giving notice to those who want to operate illegal gambling facilities that we will close you down.” Lake County has been a center of illegal gaming in Central Florida, in part due to its once-convoluted approach to regulation and enforcement.

“Orlando wants to foreclose on historic Lake Eola area house following long neighbor fight” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — On a brick-lined street not far from the iconic Lake Eola, a fight is escalating over a historic house that’s racked up about half a million dollars in code enforcement fines and is in danger of being foreclosed on in downtown Orlando. A handful of Lake Eola Heights neighbors have regularly complained about 611 E. Concord St. for years, citing house parties and accusing the homeowners of renting out the property for large events rather than living there. “The music is blaring with bass shaking my house next door. I am a professional who wakes up very early in the morning,” neighbor lawyer Brent Riddle wrote in November to the city. “There is a long history of this owner’s callous disregard for the applicable laws and zoning regulations.” “Venue party at residential home. Loud music. Using a residential home as an event center. Again,” neighbor Mary Maher wrote the city in 2024.

“Stacey Worthington takes aim at Citrus County Commission District 2 seat” via Mike Wright of Florida Politics — Worthington waited four years for this second chance. Worthington, who lost a 2022 Republican Primary to eventual winner Diana Finegan, has announced plans to run for the Citrus County Commission in District 2. While official ballot qualifying is still six months away, it sets the stage for a repeat of 2022 when Finegan defeated Worthington in the Republican Primary before easily carrying the General Election against a no-party candidate who many believe was propped up to dilute Worthington’s support. Worthington, immediate past President of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, said her passion to serve hasn’t wavered.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Public subsidies for stadiums are exploding. Can Tampa Bay keep up?” via John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times — The cost of building major sports stadiums has entered a new and troubling phase, driven less by construction expenses than by runaway public subsidies. Recent deals in Washington, D.C., and Kansas have reset expectations, with governments offering billions in infrastructure spending, tax breaks, free land, and bonds to lure or keep teams. Those precedents now loom over Tampa Bay as the Rays again explore stadium options, potentially seeking more than $1 billion in public support. Proponents argue that stadiums anchor entertainment districts and spur economic growth, but economists remain deeply skeptical, noting that communities rarely recoup their investments. As desperate cities compete against one another, the real risk is an escalating subsidy arms race that leaves taxpayers footing the bill long after politicians and team owners have moved on.

“Tampa Bay joins ‘ICE Out for Good’ protests around the nation” via Luis Santana of the Tampa Bay Times — More than 200 demonstrators gathered Saturday in Largo to protest federal immigration enforcement actions and the killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman fatally shot earlier this week in Minneapolis. Protesters assembled at the intersection of Ulmerton Road and Seminole Boulevard and rallied outside the St. Petersburg Police Department, calling for an end to local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. The demonstrations were part of a broader national response to Good’s death and ongoing immigration policies under Trump. While most participants opposed federal actions, a small number of counterprotesters voiced support for Trump, resulting in tense but largely peaceful exchanges. Demonstrators held signs, waved flags, and stood in solidarity with protesters in Minneapolis, emphasizing concerns over civil rights, accountability, and the role of local police in immigration enforcement.

“Indian Rocks Beach faces backlash over proposed parking fees” via Jeff Rosenfield of Beacon Media — Indian Rocks Beach Mayor Denise Houseberg is urging a pause and possible reset of the city’s paid beach parking plan after intense public backlash followed the City Commission’s December approval of a pilot program. The proposal would have charged $4.50 per hour for 182 beach-access parking spots, with residents continuing to park for free. Houseberg said misinformation fueled much of the criticism and unfairly targeted the city’s new manager. She is now considering a scaled-back weekday-only approach as a “parking-light” pilot, stressing no final vote is imminent. City officials say parking revenue would fund stormwater and resiliency projects. The debate unfolds as the city heads into a March election, with Houseberg seeking re-election amid heightened scrutiny of the proposal.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Clay County School Board addresses member’s inflammatory social media comments amid public outcry” via Caleb Yauger, Ariel Schiller and Christopher Smith of News4JAX — The Clay County School Board addressed a controversial social media post made by a Board member in December. During their meeting, Board members discussed Robert Alvero’s social media comments about the “African American community.” The video, since removed, has drawn widespread criticism and calls for his resignation. “I have had 80% more negative experience with the African American community in this country than with white people,” Alvero said in the video. The remarks even captured the attention of the Florida Commissioner of Education, who called for Alvero to explain himself at a State Board of Education meeting later this month. Dozens of public commenters shared their concerns about Alvero’s comments Thursday night.

“City Commission expected to tee up final hearing on TMH sale to FSU” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee City Commissioners are poised to tee up a final public hearing on the sale of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to Florida State University — a major deal that faces lingering community opposition despite promises it will improve health care and pump estimated billions into the local economy. City Commissioners will vote on Wednesday, Jan. 14, on whether to adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding that outlines the broad terms of the sale. If approved, the third and last public hearing on the sale would be set for March 11.

—”DeSantis names his appointments and reappointments to FAMU Board of Trustees” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics

Appointed — Kevin Mason (appointed) and Paul Bailey (reappointed) to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Lawmaker pitches property tax reform at Sarasota luncheon” via Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The waft of tiramisu permeated the air of the Michael’s on East ballroom on Friday as State Rep. Toby Overdorf joined the Republican Women’s Club of Sarasota to talk about the Legislature’s plan for Florida property taxes. Overdorf chairs the House Select Committee on Property Taxes. House Speaker Perez asked him to travel across Florida “from Pensacola to Key West” to evangelize the property tax reform bills proposed by Republicans in the Capitol. Overdorf made two points clear: The House is not seeking a complete elimination of property taxes, and funding for education and law enforcement would be exempt from cuts.

— TOP OPINION —

“The right is sneering at Renee Good. What is broken in their souls?” via Dave Holmes of Esquire — A fatal shooting by a masked ICE agent and the reaction it drew from Fox News became a grim snapshot of America’s political decay.

Hours after 37-year-old Good was killed in her car, Fox News framed the incident with a misleading chyron and commentary that mocked the victim’s identity rather than grappled with her death.

Hosts emphasized her pronouns, sexuality, and lack of a law degree, encouraging viewers to sneer instead of mourn.

Unlike past controversies involving public figures, Good was a private citizen, yet prominent media voices and senior government officials openly minimized her killing. The episode underscored how partisan media and politics now normalize cruelty, distort reality, and dehumanize victims to defend power.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“The Trump administration’s new drug policy is a mistake. Not convinced? Ask Spain.” via Diego Sánchez de la Cruz for U.S. News & World Report — Trump’s push for most-favored-nation drug pricing may sound like relief for consumers, but it risks importing Europe’s worst health care mistake. Forcing U.S. drug prices to match the lowest rates abroad would mirror the price-control systems that have slowed innovation and restricted access across Europe. While high drug costs are a real burden for many Americans, price caps undermine the market incentives that fuel research and development. Countries like Spain and Germany routinely delay or deny access to new medicines because controlled prices make them unprofitable to launch. The United States, by contrast, leads the world in drug innovation and early access. Adopting Europe’s approach would likely shrink investment, stall breakthroughs, and ultimately leave patients with fewer treatment options.

“I’m a Democrat. My party is botching the reaction to Maduro’s capture in Miami” via Philip Levine for the Tampa Bay Times — On one hand, we are overjoyed for our Venezuelan American neighbors. It was deeply affecting to see them singing, dancing and crying in the streets, waving the Venezuelan flag and chanting “libertad.” On the other hand, it is bittersweet because many are already talking about heading home. Failed socialist states like Venezuela have long been Miami’s gift that keeps giving, sending us extraordinary talent, entrepreneurial energy and cultural vibrancy. It would be sad to say goodbye. That bittersweet tug of emotions is how normal and rational Floridians feel. But not so for the state’s Democratic Party. Instead, many of my fellow Democrats rushed to condemn the ouster of Maduro, nitpicking that the operation was illegal since Trump didn’t consult Congress. That response perfectly captures what’s gone wrong with today’s Democratic Party. It cares more about process than people, and more about opposing Trump than standing with the oppressed.

“Cleaning up the Governor’s many messes” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — You won’t hear about it in his upcoming State of the State speech, but DeSantis is leaving the Legislature with one mess after another that lawmakers must address in the upcoming Session. In his eighth and last year in office, DeSantis will address a joint Session of the Legislature and a statewide TV audience on Tuesday. Don’t be swayed by the self-congratulatory rhetoric. DeSantis will take credit for just about everything, including the Florida sunshine, as he preaches to a cheering section of fellow Republicans at the state Capitol in Tallahassee. Things are not nearly as rosy as DeSantis will make them out to be.

“After cascading scandals, the Legislature should stand up for ethics” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Florida once prided itself on strong ethics laws and open government. That reputation is slipping fast. Over the past decade, the Legislature has weakened safeguards meant to protect taxpayers, culminating in recent changes that make it harder to file ethics complaints and easier for misconduct to go unchecked. Public records laws are increasingly ignored, financial disclosure violations are soaring, and enforcement tools remain limited. While lawmakers are considering modest reforms this Session, they have so far avoided bolder steps, including restoring the Ethics Commission’s authority. One proposal stands out: legislation aimed directly at the Hope Florida scandal that would bar the misuse of public funds for political purposes. Lawmakers face a simple test. Either they strengthen accountability, or they continue to allow Florida’s integrity standards to erode.

“Floridians want smart growth controls. Some lawmakers don’t care” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — The Florida Legislature seems to be increasingly incapable of remembering the past or considering the future. That’s made apparent by the incessant efforts to return Florida to the days when developers built everywhere and anything they wanted. When wetlands were filled in, and forests were cut down. When mega-housing developments sprang up on land formerly occupied by ranches and pine plantations, far from schools, utilities and roads the new residents would need, with taxpayers helping to foot the bill for those connections. When stormwater was contaminated by road runoff, failing septic tanks and fertilizer sullied crystal-clear rivers and lakes, and no one cared. This issue should resonate with Central Florida residents, who have enthusiastically embraced local smart-growth measures to prevent sprawl. In Orange and Seminole counties, voter-approved slow-growth zones are under threat — and a movement is growing among Lake County leaders to better plan for future growth.

“Protecting Florida’s working lands at a critical crossroads” via Traci Deen for Florida Politics — Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session opens with a narrowing window to protect the working lands that define the state’s rural character and food security. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved more than 225,000 acres since 2001, accelerating under Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, but now demand far outpaces funding. Hundreds of landowners are seeking conservation easements, representing billions in unmet need, as development pressure intensifies. The program safeguards wildlife habitat, water resources, and Florida’s agricultural economy while keeping farmers and ranchers on their land. Although lawmakers allocated $250 million for the coming fiscal year, it falls short of the required amount. Without decisive action, irreplaceable farmland will be lost, reshaping Florida’s future.

“New College of Florida is Sarasota–Bradenton’s quiet economic engine” via Christie Fitz-Patrick for Florida Politics — New College of Florida has emerged as a quiet but powerful economic engine for the Sarasota–Bradenton region, delivering returns that continue to compound. Recent independent analysis shows the college’s direct economic impact grew 71% between fiscal years 2023 and 2025, with projections pointing to more than 400% growth over the next decade. When indirect and induced spending is included, total regional impact is expected to exceed $500 million annually by the early 2030s. That growth reflects strategic investments in academic programs, infrastructure, and workforce alignment. As a permanent institution, New College generates stable jobs, attracts talent, and fuels housing and service demand. The data are clear: sustained investment in the college multiplies regional economic value and long-term opportunity.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Epic Universe vs. Morgan & Morgan: A fight over a Mario keychain” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Inside an Epic Universe gift shop just after Christmas, Jacksonville mom Nikki Daou sensed her special needs daughter was on the verge of a meltdown. The little girl, who is severely autistic, clutched a $16 Mario Bros. keychain. Daou jumped into action — she and her daughter went outside, the child still holding the knickknack, to calm down by the store’s entrance. A plainclothes Universal security officer accused Daou of shoplifting, and Daou was later interrogated for about 30 minutes in a private security office. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office was called in. This week, Daou’s boss, Rick Block, now her lawyer, sent his own demand letter to Universal, seeking to have the trespass revoked and requesting a sizable donation to a charity supporting people with autism.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are former Rep. Charlie Stone, Frank Collins, Barbara Petersen, and Jeff Woodburn.

___

Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.