Good Monday morning.

St. Pete Shines, the political committee established to support candidates dedicated to a brighter future for St. Petersburg, is adding new talent to lead operations, with Gershom Faulkner joining as Vice Chair.

While St. Pete Shines has not directly listed an individual or individuals it will support, it’s expected to be used to support former Gov. Charlie Crist, who is also a former U.S. Representative, if he runs for St. Pete Mayor, which he has openly said he is seriously considering.

Faulkner previously served as an outreach director for Charlie Crist when he served in Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Before that, Faulkner had volunteered for Crist’s 2016 Congressional campaign. He also served in various roles under Frank Peterman Jr., both when he was a St. Pete City Council member and when he was a state Representative. He’s also worked on campaigns for U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, for whom he later served as her outreach director and Betty Castor’s 2004 senatorial campaign.

“As evidenced by our successful fundraising, it is clear there is abundant support for the St. Pete Shines mission. As we continue exploring how best to plan for our city’s future, I’m thrilled to announce Gershom Faulkner as the Vice Chair of St. Pete Shines,” said Michelle Schorsch, Chair of St. Pete Shines. “His long history of community involvement makes him a great addition to our team, and I’m confident that with his breadth of experience, we are well-positioned to move St. Pete in the best direction for its residents, stakeholders and visitors.”

Faulkner joined the Marines after graduating from high school and served during the Gulf War. He has a long history of civic service to St. Pete, including stints on the Civil Service Board, the Southside St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area, the city’s ad hoc Planning Committee, the St. Petersburg Midtown Rotary Club and the Neighborly Care Network.

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“Why Bernice King sees MLK Day as a ‘saving grace’ in today’s political climate” via The Associated Press — Against a backdrop of political division and upheaval, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter said the holiday honoring her father’s legacy comes as “somewhat of a saving grace” this year. “I say that because it inserts a sense of sanity and morality into our very troubling climate right now,” the Rev. Bernice King said. “With everything going on, the one thing that I think Dr. King reminds people of is hope and the ability to challenge injustice and inhumanity.” The holiday comes as President Donald Trump is set to mark the anniversary of his second term on Tuesday. The “three evils” — poverty, racism and militarism — that the civil rights leader identified in a 1967 speech as threats to a democratic society, are very present and manifesting through a lot of what’s happening” under Trump’s leadership, Bernice King said. King, CEO of the King Center in Atlanta, cited efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; directives to scrub key parts of history from government websites and remove “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums.

Spotted — As part of a Martin Luther King Jr. birthday tribute, Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner appears on “CBS News Sunday Morning” recalling her role as a Black high school student in a Tampa sit-in at a Whites-only lunch counter. Watch here.

—“Sharing Tampa’s Black history, three minutes at a time” via Nina Moske of the Tampa Bay Times

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“Small part of Sunshine State becomes Snowy State as Florida gets snow second year in a row” via The Associated Press — Snow returned to Florida’s western Panhandle on Sunday, dusting grass and rooftops for the second straight year as frigid air swept in behind a cold front. Light rain turned to snow in parts of the region, delivering another rare Winter scene in the Sunshine State.

The snowfall followed a similar event less than a year ago, when some of the same areas recorded up to 8 inches in January 2025, the most significant accumulation there since the late 1800s. This time, the snow was lighter, briefly sticking to lawns before melting.

Residents embraced the moment. Families stepped outside before sunrise to make snowballs and small snowmen, while others watched flakes fall from their windows, surprised to see Winter weather return so soon.

Snow was not limited to Florida. Southeastern Alabama and southern Georgia also saw accumulation, with officials in parts of Georgia warning that travel could become hazardous as snow covered roads and fields.

Farther north, the storm system delivered more dangerous conditions. Blizzard warnings were issued across parts of North Dakota and Minnesota, with high winds driving wind chills well below zero. Snow was also expected in the Northeast, underscoring the broad reach of the Winter weather gripping much of the country.

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Florida TaxWatch is bulking up its leadership and research bench. The independent, nonpartisan government watchdog just announced four hires as former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp begins his tenure as president and CEO.

The hires add operational, economic modeling and event-planning capacity to the Tallahassee organization.

Ray Monteleone, president of Paladin Global Partners and a longtime Florida TaxWatch Board member, will serve as Chief Operating Officer. The group also hired Garrett Gouveia as a research economist, named Florida State University graduate student Rylan Clark as a Florida TaxWatch Research Fellow and brought on Samantha Castaline, who previously worked for the organization as a consultant, as a full-time event marketing specialist.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently. Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake. On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown. This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable. Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question. Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above-mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused. Now, because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important. Hundreds of Billions of Dollars are currently being spent on Security Programs having to do with “The Dome,” including for the possible protection of Canada, and this very brilliant, but highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it. The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

—@NobelPrize: Statement from the Nobel Foundation: One of the core missions of the Nobel Foundation is to safeguard the dignity of the Nobel Prizes and their administration. The Foundation upholds Alfred Nobel’s will and its stipulations. It states that the prizes shall be awarded to those who “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind,” and it specifies who has the right to award each respective prize. A prize can therefore not, even symbolically, be passed on or further distributed.

Tweet, tweet:

—@JoanFromDC: BREAKING: Nick Fuentes on Florida Governor Candidate James Fishback: “I Think He Would Be a Good Governor.”

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@AndySlater: Forecast for National Championship 65°F at kickoff, 20 mph wind gusts 2% chance of rain

—@CFB247: The 2008 Florida Gators won the National Championship. 41 PLAYERS FROM THAT ROSTER HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. One in every three players on that team have spent time in the slammer.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Florida Tourism Day — 2; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 11; The Grammy Awards — 13; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 17; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 18; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 35; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 41; Boca Raton Mayoral referendums and City Council Elections — 50; last day of the Regular Session — 53; The Oscars — 55; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 60; Special Election for SD 14, HD 87, HD 51 and HD 52 — 64; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 65; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 66; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 74; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 77; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 86; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 86; First Qualifying Period begins (Federal) — 91; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 95; F1 Miami begins — 102; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 123; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 123; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 134; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 140; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 143; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 144; State Qualifying Period ends — 144; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 151; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its “Sunshine State Showdown” — 158; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 163; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 166; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 171; MLB All-Star Game — 176; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 178; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 182; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 199; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 201; Primary Election Day — 211; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 235; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 239; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 243; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 248; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 255; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 259; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 278; 2026 General Election — 288; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero‘ premieres — 291; Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 333; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 333; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 333; Tampa Mayoral Election — 407; Jacksonville First Election — 428; Jacksonville General Election — 484; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 502; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 564; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 620; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 697; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 907; U.S. Presidential Election — 1023; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1423; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2154.

—TOP STORY—

“On property taxes, lots of promises by Florida Republicans — but still little clarity” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida House Republicans keep reworking their property tax overhaul as two realities loom: whether any plan survives the 2026 Legislative Session, and when voters will learn what they are actually being asked to approve. Gov. Ron DeSantis has pushed for eliminating large portions of property taxes, but the House is the only chamber with detailed proposals on the table so far.

This week, House Speaker Daniel Perez shifted course, signaling lawmakers should place a single property tax measure on the ballot instead of multiple constitutional amendments. The move follows criticism from DeSantis and other Republicans that a menu of up to seven amendments would confuse voters and cost a high price.

A House panel also revised one proposal to protect firefighters and first responders from the fallout of steep revenue losses, responding to warnings from local officials about impacts on emergency operations. Perez said the changes were driven by House priorities, not negotiations with DeSantis or the Senate.

Any major property tax restructuring must go to voters, and the House has advanced several ideas. One measure nearing the floor would add a $200,000 homestead exemption for insured homeowners, excluding school taxes, while other proposals would immediately eliminate most homeowner property taxes or phase them out over a decade.

Still, the effort could unravel. DeSantis has floated postponing the issue until after Session, and Senate President Ben Albritton has suggested that approach could make sense. The Senate says it is developing its own plan, but Albritton is noncommittal on timing, calling the task complex and saying he expects to put something on the ballot eventually.

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis sidelines longtime ally after UF feud to appease top donor” via Garrett Shanley and Alexandra Glorioso of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — DeSantis’ decision not to reappoint former House Speaker Jose Oliva to the State University System Board of Governors underscores a late-term political calculation as his final year in office unfolds. Oliva, an early ally in DeSantis’ conservative higher education overhaul, became expendable after clashing with Mori Hosseini, a major donor and the influential Chair of the University of Florida Board of Trustees. The dispute stemmed from the failed bid to install Santa Ono as UF president, a loss Hosseini blamed on Oliva and other Board opponents. State officials say DeSantis moved to preserve Hosseini’s support and stabilize university leadership, even at the cost of sidelining longtime loyalists. The move reinforces perceptions that DeSantis prioritizes legacy and leverage over personal alliances.

“DeSantis agency’s order to Election Supervisors could damage Florida marijuana referendum effort” via Anthony Mann of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Martin Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — A last-minute directive from the DeSantis-controlled Secretary of State’s Office is complicating efforts to place a recreational marijuana amendment on Florida’s 2026 ballot. The guidance instructs county Supervisors of Elections to notify voters of verified petition signatures the same day they are approved, a requirement several Supervisors say is not supported by statute or case law. The timing shift arrives just weeks before the signature deadline and could slow verification of the roughly 880,000 valid signatures required. Supervisors report voter confusion and operational strain, while state officials cite fraud prevention. The move follows prior legislative changes tightening ballot initiatives and comes as DeSantis remains firmly opposed to marijuana legalization after defeating a similar 2024 measure.

“Has Jay Collins lived in Florida long enough to be Lieutenant Governor?” via Mark Harper of The Daytona Beach News-Journal — Lt. Gov. Collins’ rapid political rise is colliding with renewed scrutiny over Florida’s constitutional residency requirement as he launches a bid for Governor. Public biographies note Collins’ move to Florida in 2019, raising questions about whether he met the seven-year residency mandate when he was appointed Lieutenant Governor. State officials have declined to clarify how the provision was interpreted, and Collins has not responded to inquiries. While the issue is unlikely to bar him from serving as Governor if elected in 2026, it complicates an already uphill Primary against Trump-endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who holds a commanding polling lead. The episode highlights unresolved legal ambiguities and adds a new wrinkle to an already crowded and high-stakes Republican race.

“Obamacare enrollment in Florida plummets in 2026 as insurance costs soar” via Anne Geggis of The Palm Beach Post — More than 260,000 Floridians have dropped Affordable Care Act coverage following the expiration of enhanced pandemic-era subsidies, early federal data show, signaling a sharp affordability shock in a state heavily reliant on the program. Florida accounts for nearly one-fifth of the 1.4 million Americans nationwide who have exited the rolls so far, reflecting its large population of gig workers, small-business owners and early retirees. Premiums have risen steeply for many enrollees, with some seeing costs double in 2026. While the U.S. House has voted to restore the subsidies, the proposal faces stiff resistance in the Senate. Analysts warn enrollment losses could deepen as auto-renewals unwind and higher premiums fully take effect.

“Florida is reshaping higher education. Other states are watching” via Lucy Marques of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis often says that Florida is the best state in the country for higher education. It’s been ranked No. 1 for higher education by U.S. News & World Report for nearly a decade, and the University of Florida was tied as the seventh-ranked top public university this year. Other schools, such as the University of South Florida and Florida State University, also rose in the rankings. The same schools that produce successful students have also drawn heavy scrutiny, from the Board of Governors blocking a candidate in UF’s presidential search last Summer to New College of Florida’s political makeover and hefty spending habits. But Florida isn’t only drawing critics. It’s drawing copycats.

— LEGISLATIVE —

Listen up! — Episode 171 of Deeper Dive drops right as the 2026 Legislative Session heats up, featuring a Capitol sit-down with Senate President Albritton. The conversation digs into property tax cuts, plugging holes in the universal voucher system and the affordability squeeze facing Floridians. There’s also a candid look at the dynamic between Albritton, House Speaker Perez and DeSantis as their leadership clocks wind down. It’s worth the listen.

“One billionaire just gave $2 million to Republican leaders in the Legislature” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Republican legislative leaders in Florida raised more than $15 million in the final months of 2025, with a striking share coming from a handful of powerful donors. Hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin alone supplied more than 10% of that total, giving $2 million to House and Senate GOP campaign committees, far outpacing any other contributor. Utilities, Big Sugar interests and charter school backers also made large donations. The money has coincided with legislation benefiting major donors, including expanded non-compete agreements and school privatization. New filings also show heavy giving tied to land rezoning efforts in North Florida and a proposed anti-communism curriculum for public schools. Together, the records highlight how concentrated campaign cash continues to shape policy debates as the 2026 Legislative Session unfolds.

“Universal E-Verify mandate passes House Floor” via Liv Caputo of Florida Phoenix — For the second year in a row, the Florida House has greenlit a measure requiring all businesses to use a federal verification tool to determine whether new hires can legally work in the country. HB 197, sponsored by Rep. Berny Jacques, would require all employers to use the E-Verify online database. This expands a 2023 law championed by DeSantis that required E-Verify for public and private businesses with more than 25 employees. This is the second year the E-Verify bill has cleared the House. Last year, the measure never gained traction in the Senate. It remains to be seen whether its identical companion bill, filed by Sen. Jonathan Martin, will be scheduled for a Committee hearing. “If this bill passes, it would expose a lot of lawbreakers that are harming Floridians, that are harming law-abiding people who want to get into the workforce, and harming law-abiding businesses,” Jaques, a Republican from Seminole, said.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Environmental bills to watch as Florida begins Session” via Max Chesnes, Emily Mahoney, Michaela Mulligan and Jack Prator of the Tampa Bay Times — As the 2026 Legislative Session opens, Florida lawmakers are weighing a wide slate of environmental proposals that could reshape the state’s land, water and wildlife policy. Measures range from increasing transparency around conservation land sales to addressing water pollution through septic tank inspections and stronger oversight. Other bills would restrict the capture of threatened marine species, regulate energy- and water-intensive data centers, and revisit long-stalled river restoration projects. Lawmakers are also debating limits on local pollution regulations, reforms to utility oversight tied to rising electric bills, and changes to coastal resilience and beach management. Together, the proposals reflect competing pressures between development, affordability and conservation as Florida confronts growth, climate impacts and mounting public scrutiny over environmental stewardship.

“Senator pushes rail safety bill amid deaths documented in series” via Brittany Wallman and Aaron Leibowitz of the Miami Herald — Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez said the bill (SB 1310) is “about preventing tragedies before they happen and ensuring that safety keeps pace with expanded rail service.” The state stands out nationally for its poor railroad safety record. The Miami Herald/WLRN News’ 2025 series “Killer Train” revealed that 196 people have been struck and killed by Brightline trains since 2017, making it the deadliest major passenger rail system in the nation. Rodriguez said the series “underscored the urgency of addressing rail safety in Florida.” “While this issue has been a concern for some time — particularly for communities along rail corridors — the continued loss of life highlighted in your reporting reinforced the need for stronger, proactive safety measures,” she said.

“State Rep. would hand control of Coconut Grove Playhouse to small town 18 miles away” via Andres Viglucci of the Miami Herald — In one of the most surprising twists in the long-running saga over the fate of the shuttered Coconut Grove Playhouse, a Florida state Representative is trying to wrest control of the historic theater from Miami-Dade County and turn it over to… the small town of Bay Harbor Islands. The unusual proposal comes in a legislative bill filed this week by state Rep. Fabián Basabe, whose district includes Miami Beach and Bay Harbor but not Coconut Grove. The town of Bay Harbor, which has a population of about 6,000, sits some 18 miles northeast of the playhouse and the city of Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. Basabe said his aim is to ensure proper preservation and restoration of the 1927 playhouse, an important South Florida cultural and architectural landmark that has been closed since 2006.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump says he will sign executive order giving Army-Navy football game an exclusive TV window” via Alex Werpin and Carly Thomas of The Hollywood Reporter — President Trump said he plans to sign an executive order granting the annual Army-Navy football game an exclusive four-hour broadcast window, pushing back against scheduling pressure from the expanding College Football Playoff. Trump said the second Saturday in December should belong solely to Army-Navy, arguing the game’s tradition, patriotism and national significance should not be overshadowed by postseason matchups and television revenue. The move would benefit CBS and Paramount, which hold Army-Navy broadcast rights through 2038, while potentially limiting ESPN and TNT, which air playoff games. How such an order would be enforced remains unclear, though it could involve federal broadcast regulators. The Army-Navy game has long drawn a national audience and provides a major share of the service academies’ athletic funding.

“Immigrant mothers are being detained by ICE, despite federal protections” via Ashley Borja and Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Congressional documents, legal filings and media reports indicate pregnant, postpartum and nursing women were detained across the United States throughout 2025, suggesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is not following mandates set forth by Congress. How many mothers have been arrested is unclear. In 2019, Congress began requiring ICE to report on the number of pregnant and postpartum detainees. But last year, Congress omitted the reporting mandate from the agency’s budget, eliminating the only mechanism for tracking these cases. Mothers have been arrested at court hearings, traffic stops and immigration check-ins. According to one Senate report, mothers in detention have received insufficient food, been forced to sleep on floors and been denied medical attention.

—“Judge limits ICE’s crowd control tactics following Minneapolis shooting” via Kyle Cheney, Hassan Ali Kanu and Josh Gerstein of POLITICO

“How Marco Rubio went from ‘Little Marco’ to Trump’s foreign policy enabler” via Dexter Filkins of The New Yorker: Once mocked by Trump as ‘Little Marco,’ Rubio has become the President’s chief foreign policy operator and public defender in his second term. As Secretary of State and national security adviser, Rubio now translates Trump’s instincts into doctrine, legal justification and talking points, smoothing over unilateral actions and calming uneasy allies. The former Senate hawk who once championed alliances, congressional authority and democracy promotion has adapted to an America First agenda driven by power, leverage and speed. Rubio praises Trump as decisive and peace-minded while framing aggressive moves as routine and lawful. His discipline, fluency and credibility have made him indispensable, even as critics argue he has abandoned long-held principles. Rubio’s evolution reflects a calculated choice: influence over independence, loyalty over dissent, and proximity to power over the ambitions that once defined him.

— ELECTIONS —

“Endorsements roll in for Evan Power CD 2 bid” via Florida Politics — Republican Party of Florida Chair Power is moving quickly to consolidate support as he launches a bid for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District seat, soon to be vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn. Power has already secured endorsements from U.S. Reps. Aaron Bean, Randy Fine and Anna Paulina Luna, who tout his conservative credentials and ties to Trump. Power plans to remain RPOF Chair through the end of his term in January 2027 while campaigning. A longtime GOP operative, he has played a central role in building Florida Republicans’ fundraising and voter registration advantages. The district leans strongly Republican, though potential mid-decade redistricting and possible Democratic entrants could complicate the race.

“Frank Lago, Gloria Romero Roses lead Primary fundraising for empty HD 113 seat” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Lago and Romero Roses are leading in fundraising for their respective Primary races ahead of a to-be-called Special Election for House District 113. Lago, a real estate broker, amassed more than $138,000 last quarter to outpace two others — Bruno Barreiro and Tony Diaz — seeking the GOP nomination. Romero Roses, who owns and operates an assisted living facility, collected almost $66,000 to lead Democratic foe Justin Mendoza Routt. Regardless of who wins, the HD 113 seat representing a central, coastal portion of Miami-Dade will remain vacant until after the Regular Session; DeSantis still hasn’t called a Special Election, even though Republican Vicki Lopez vacated the seat nearly two months ago for a spot on the County Commission.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Rubio’s testimony looms at trial of ex-Florida Congressman and his Venezuelan deal” via Jay Weaver of the Miami Herald — A political storm stretching from Washington to Venezuela has inundated the federal case of former Miami-Dade Congressman David Rivera. For months, Rivera, a Republican, and a political associate were headed for trial in Miami in February on charges of working as unregistered foreign agents for the Venezuelan government of Nicolás Maduro, the vilified President who was seized by the U.S. military in early January on charges of trafficking cocaine to the United States. But then, defense lawyers for Rivera and consultant Esther Nuhfer said the timing of their trial on Feb. 9 was so bad that they urged a federal judge on Friday to delay it at least 90 days, citing the difficulty of picking an impartial jury in Miami-Dade with a large Venezuelan diaspora that despises Maduro.

“Broward moves some high school graduations to gymnasiums, sparking backlash” via Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Broward School District plans to cut costs by moving some high school graduation ceremonies from performing arts centers and a university arena to school gymnasiums, sparking a backlash among some students and parents. In most cases, the ceremonies, scheduled for May 28 to June 3, will be held in gyms at high schools other than the ones from which students are graduating. Dillard High in Fort Lauderdale will house 13 graduations, Pompano Beach High will house nine and Blanche Ely High in Pompano Beach will house seven. These are the only district-owned facilities large enough to house graduations, Valerie Wanza, the district’s chief strategy and innovation officer, said. An exception is Pompano Beach High, which has held its own graduation ceremony at the school gym for years.

“Hotel lobby backs Fontainebleau’s family-focused revamp as Preservation Board review nears” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — South Florida’s biggest hotel lobbying organization is cheering a Fontainebleau makeover now headed to preservation review in Miami Beach. The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) is urging the city’s Historic Preservation Board to approve Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s proposed “family-friendly improvements,” arguing the project would help keep the city competitive as a global hospitality destination. In a letter to the Board, GMBHA President and CEO Curtis Crider framed the plan as a reinvestment play for the broader hotel ecosystem, calling such projects “essential” to Miami Beach’s economic future. The group said the proposal would enhance the guest and resident experience while respecting the resort’s historic character.

“Ten million corals are in the path of Port Everglades dredging project” via Teresa Tomassoni of the Miami Herald — Scientists warn that a proposed expansion of Port Everglades could cause unprecedented damage to corals in the U.S., including some of the only remaining endangered staghorn corals that survived a record-breaking heat wave. Beneath the surface of one of South Florida’s busiest maritime hubs, Port Everglades, scientists found 10 million corals thriving in and around the main channel traversed daily by cargo and cruise ships, now threatened by a major federal dredging project. The discovery, detailed in a new scientific analysis by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Shedd Aquarium, shows that coral populations near the port in Fort Lauderdale have persisted, and in some cases grown over the past decade, even as most reefs across Florida have collapsed from disease, coastal development and rising ocean temperatures. “There are still a lot of corals out there, and they need to be protected,” said Ross Cunning, a research biologist at the Chicago-based Shedd Aquarium who co-authored the study.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Former Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill’s criminal trial could be set for June” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — During a brief appearance in court Friday, former Orlando City Commissioner Hill’s legal team and prosecutors agreed they’d be ready for a June trial on her seven felony charges. A status hearing was scheduled for May 1, when there will be a further update to potentially lock in the trial date. Attorneys told Judge Michael Kraynick they each have a few depositions and experts to interview in the coming months. John Notari, one of Hill’s attorneys, said he believes June is a realistic timeline. “I look forward to my day in truth,” Hill said. Hill was indicted in 2024 on charges related to elder abuse and fraud after an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. She was then removed from her City Council seat by DeSantis. Hill ran for re-election last year and was defeated by Shan Rose, her political rival, who was sworn in this week to a four-year term.

“Brevard teacher union says School District is in violation of contract” via Finch Walker of Florida Today — Brevard Federation of Teachers is gearing up to go to arbitration after the School District didn’t pay first-year teachers a salary increase in November 2025 — an act the union argues is in violation of their contract, but one the district says was agreed upon in the final document. “Our first-year teachers, who were counting on an agreed-upon raise to help with Christmas expenses, were instead reminded how the majority of this School Board feels about transparency,” said Anthony Colucci, president of Brevard Federation of Teachers. “When a district signs an agreement and then selectively refuses to honor it, that is not a misunderstanding — it is a breach of trust.”

“Woman dies after riding Revenge of the Mummy at Universal, report says” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A 70-year-old woman died after riding Revenge of the Mummy, an indoor roller coaster at Universal Studios, a state report said. The incident happened on Nov. 25. The woman, whose name was not given, became “unresponsive” on the ride and then later died at the hospital, according to the quarterly theme park injury report released this week by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Universal did not immediately respond to a request for comments on Friday. The Orange County Medical Office was unable to provide additional information without having the woman’s name. The Revenge of the Mummy ride is based on Universal’s “The Mummy” franchise starring Brendan Fraser.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Why ICE protests matter in Tampa Bay” via Stephanie Hays of the Tampa Bay Times — Unrest in Minneapolis and aggressive federal immigration enforcement are fueling protests and moral reckoning far beyond the flashpoints themselves. While Florida has avoided large-scale upheaval, DeSantis and Republican leaders have embraced hard-line immigration tactics, including expanded cooperation with ICE, which has arrested more than 20,000 people statewide this year. Investigations have found some arrests swept up legal residents and U.S. citizens. In response, Floridians are organizing visible protests, including demonstrations outside a St. Petersburg hotel hosting a border enforcement job fair. Protesters denounced federal policies, clashed verbally with law enforcement and counterprotesters, and urged moral clarity. Local officials defended cooperation with federal agencies while acknowledging public unease. The demonstrations underscore growing tension between stated values, enforcement practices, and civic conscience.

“St. Pete storm recovery checks still months away” via Mark Parker of St. Pete Catalyst — Hurricane victims throughout Pinellas County began receiving disaster relief checks before Christmas. St. Petersburg’s $160 million program has encountered yet another federal hurdle. A historically long government shutdown delayed plans to open Sunrise St. Pete applications in November. While that has since occurred, residents still reeling from the 2024 hurricane season face an extended wait to receive financial assistance. Amy Foster, housing and neighborhood services administrator, told a City Council Committee that St. Petersburg is likely two to three months away from providing any funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That could also be a best-case scenario. “We received word, multiple times, that our grant agreement was imminent,” Foster said. “And then last week, our HUD rep let us know that they are changing our grant agreement.”

“Rays, Hillsborough College nearing deal for stadium site” via Lucy Marques, Nina Moske, Colleen Wright, and Nicolas Villamil of the Tampa Bay Times — The Tampa Bay Rays have settled on a stadium site: Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry Campus. The Hillsborough College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20 to hear the Rays’ plan for the site. The Rays have asked the college to enter into a final, binding agreement that would result in a “major transformation” of the campus. “We’re waiting to see the briefing as well,” said Hillsborough College Board Chair Greg Celestan, “but from what we understand, it would be brand-new facilities for the college, which would be outstanding.”

“Former U.S. Senate staffer Aileen Rodriguez to challenge Joshua Wostal” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Conservative firebrand Wostal will face opposition this year in his re-election campaign for Hillsborough County Commission, District 7. Rodriguez, a former regional director for former Republican U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, has filed paperwork to run. Rodriguez, a Democrat, is so far the only candidate challenging Wostal. Rodriguez is a career public relations expert, having run her own PR firm, AR Public Affairs and Strategic Solutions, since 2009. She also worked from 2014 to 2017 as a senior manager of executive affairs for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. Before that, she served as marketing communications director for the Helios Education Foundation and Communications Director for the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee for the Republican National Convention.

—”Hillsborough Democratic challenger leads fundraising in Commissioner races” via Nicolas Villamil and Colbi Edmonds of the Tampa Bay Times

“Bianca Latvala mulling Clearwater City Council bid” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Latvala, a local GOP political strategist and wife of Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala, is seriously considering running for Clearwater City Council. If she jumps in, she would be running for Seat 4, currently held by David Allbritton. Allbritton is not seeking re-election, so the race will be open. Allbritton is also a Republican. “I am interested in running for Clearwater City Council because public service has been a defining calling throughout my life — one I have already been committed to in meaningful and consistent ways. Serving others is not an abstract idea to me; it is work I have done, responsibilities I have carried, and values I have practiced,” Latvala said. “I want to continue that service by helping protect Clearwater’s quality of life, ensuring our first responders have the support they need, and encouraging thoughtful, responsible development in our downtown and throughout the rest of Clearwater.”

“Lina Teixeira won’t seek re-election, Sam Wilson expected to file to replace her” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Clearwater City Council member Teixeira will not seek a second term in office, she announced on Facebook, citing a desire to “focus on my family at this challenging time.” She did not elaborate on what she meant by “challenging time.” “I’m deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and proud of the work we accomplished together. Thank you to my colleagues, city staff, and this incredible community for the support and kindness you’ve shown me,” she wrote. First elected in 2022, the artist and gallery owner defeated Aaron Smith-Levin after a race filled with drama. Smith-Levin is a former Church of Scientology member who defected and became a vocal critic but also found himself with some drunken run-ins with the law along the way, which Teixeira used as campaign fodder against him. After her victory, she replaced former Clearwater City Council member Hoyt Hamilton on the dais.

“French energy tech company to establish North American HQ at spARK Labs by Ark Invest” via Anjelica Rubin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — St. Petersburg has landed another global technology player. French energy tech company Madic Group will locate its North American headquarters at spARK Labs by Ark Invest, the recently rebranded innovation center in downtown St. Petersburg. The industrial company, which designs and develops advanced automotive energy services, including electric vehicle infrastructure, selected the region over a slate of other contenders, including Atlanta, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Jacksonville. The company joins at least 25 companies at the former Tampa Bay Innovation Center, which overhauled its operations last year following the appointment of CEO Becca Brown in July, shifting from an accelerator-based approach to a high-touch membership model as a St. Pete startup incubator.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Mayor Donna Deegan calls for unity and equity in MLK Jr. Day speech” via Leslie Fairfax of Hoodline — At the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Jacksonville, Deegan addressed residents, highlighting the need to address long-standing disparities and promote a community-driven future. The event brought together local leaders and residents to mark Dr. King’s legacy of justice and unity. In her speech, Mayor Deegan acknowledged local individuals working to support and strengthen neighborhoods. She paid tribute to Dr. King, stating, “His love calmed the fearful, restored the weary, and strengthened those willing to stand for justice,” according to the City of Jacksonville. Mayor Deegan highlighted community members such as LaTrina Dowdell and Kamala Williams, who have focused on education and on supporting residents in need.

“‘We must do better’: Protesters rally at Jacksonville City Hall, demand Mayor speak out against ICE” via Sydney Dishon of First Coast News — Dozens of protesters gathered outside Jacksonville City Hall on Friday, calling on Deegan to take a stronger stand against recent ICE operations in the city. Demonstrators chanted “We want justice! ICE out of our streets now!” as they demanded an end to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, a federal program that deputizes local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement duties. The rally also focused on reinstating Yanira “Yaya” Cardona, the city’s Hispanic outreach director. Cardona was placed on administrative leave after posting a video from her City Hall office during work hours, warning the community about ICE activity targeting Hispanic businesses and residents.

“Escambia County emergency communications chief Andrew Hamilton retires” via NorthEscambia.com — Escambia County Emergency Communications Chief Hamilton retired last month after over 30 years of service and dedication to the citizens of Escambia County. He was honored during a retirement ceremony, surrounded by his family and co-workers. Hamilton’s public safety career began as a volunteer firefighter at age 17. He eventually became an EMT before transitioning to a career as a 911 dispatch operator. Since then, he remained with Escambia County Emergency Communications, holding positions such as emergency dispatcher, dispatch supervisor, operations manager, and, finally, emergency communications chief. The Escambia County Commission honored him with a proclamation, stating, “His lifelong service embodies the very best of public service: dedication, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of others.”

“A Florida snow day but Tallahassee gets cold and wet shoulder” via William L. Hatfield and Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — For days, meteorologists had teased the possibility of flurries as an arctic blast pushed south, but emphasized that the setup would require near-perfect timing: the cold air would need to catch up to the departing rain shield at precisely the right moment for precipitation to turn wintry. Winter Storm Warnings and advisories shifted westward overnight, keeping Tallahassee just outside the flake zone. Higher snowfall odds were concentrated to the west and north — from Pensacola to parts of Marianna — where forecasters projected about an inch of accumulation, mostly on grassy surfaces. “Some people are looking forward to snow and some definitely not,” National Weather Service meteorologist Wright Dobbs said early Sunday morning before the flakes began to fly.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Drag show lawsuit narrows to one defendant: City of Naples” via Tomas Rodriguez of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — A federal judge has dismissed parts of Naples Pride’s lawsuit but remained firm on the nonprofit’s Constitutional rights. District Judge John Steele sided in part with the city of Naples’ motion to dismiss Naples Pride’s lawsuit and ruled that the individual claims made against the Naples Police Department, as well as Mayor Teresa Heitmann, Naples Police Chief Ciro Dominguez and individual City Council members in their official capacities, do not apply in the case. Steele’s decision leaves the city of Naples as the sole defendant. Naples city officials will reconvene on Wednesday to discuss this year’s event. Steele ruled against the city’s motion to dismiss Naples Pride’s complaint.

“Marco Island police chief Tracy Frazzano cleared by FDLE after union claims” via J. Kyle Foster of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — The State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) determined there was no credible evidence that Marco Island Police Chief Frazzano broke any laws, following an investigation of allegations by the union that represents the police officers she supervises. In a seven-page letter dated Jan. 9, Amira D. Fox, state attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, outlined the yearlong investigation and findings of the FDLE and closed the case without further action. Acting City Manager Casey Lucius said she received the report from FDLE the same day. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 95, which represents about 27 Marco Island police officers, voted no confidence in Frazzano on Sept. 28, 2024, and outlined its complaints in a letter to then-City Manager Mike McNees, asking for Frazzano’s removal from the position she had held for five years.

— TOP OPINION —

“The purged” via Franklin Foer of The Atlantic — A purge began days into Trump’s return, with 17 inspectors general abruptly fired by email. Weeks later, a “Valentine’s Day Massacre” swept out tens of thousands of federal workers across agencies, and by Spring, major departments, including USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, were hollowed out.

Those not directly fired were pushed toward the exits. Workers received a “Fork in the Road” offer of eight months’ pay to resign, with little reassurance for anyone who stayed. The result was a federal workforce roughly 300,000 smaller by year’s end, with resignations masking the full scope of the damage.

Elon Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency framed the shakeout as a cleanup of waste. In practice, the cuts often ignored how agencies function and disproportionately drove out the most capable specialists, the people with marketable skills and the institutional memory that keeps government running.

The losses hit an American system built in fits of crisis and reform, from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Homeland Security. The country’s governing tradition leaned on disinterested public service, a professional ethic rooted in facts, expertise and continuity beyond partisan swings.

That expertise helped tame bank panics, make medicines safer, reduce highway and workplace deaths, and fuel breakthrough projects from Apollo to genome science. The recent exodus, the argument goes, is not just downsizing but cultural sabotage that breaks the bargain of mission and stability.

The consequences will surface slowly, in less visible failures: weaker wildlife protections, slower disaster response, shakier public health and frayed services far from Washington. A series of individual departures, from famine responders to scientists and safety regulators, forms a memorial to what vanished.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“The cruelty of Florida’s illegal Medicaid cutoffs” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — States often screen their Medicaid rolls to exclude families who have begun earning too much money to qualify, but Congress rightly forbade that during the pandemic. But when COVID ended, states were back at it, and few carried out this “unwinding” exercise more enthusiastically than Florida. When it ended, about 1.4 million low-income Floridians had to find other health insurance if they could — or go without. It accounted for 38% of the state’s enrollment, according to the health policy source KFF. Now, in a scathing class action ruling, a judge found that Florida violated their constitutional rights by sending Medicaid beneficiaries termination letters that were “vague, confusing, and often incorrect and misleading.”

“The quiet cost of cutting property taxes” via T. Michael Stavres for The Ledger of Lakeland — As lawmakers debate sweeping property tax cuts, the discussion risks overlooking how deeply those dollars are woven into daily life. Property taxes quietly fund police and fire services, roads, parks and basic infrastructure without charging residents every time they need help or use public spaces. In Winter Haven, property taxes account for $31.5 million of a $78.3 million general fund, yet public safety alone costs $34.7 million, forcing cities to rely on other revenues just to keep pace. Cutting ad valorem taxes would not reduce demand for services, but would delay maintenance, accelerate infrastructure decline and push costs elsewhere. With Florida’s population growing and expenses rising, the real challenge is balancing affordability without undermining the services that keep communities safe and livable.

“Back to their old tricks: Punishing voters” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Republican lawmakers are again advancing voting legislation despite Florida’s history of stable, secure elections, proposing new requirements critics say would suppress turnout. Bills moving this Session would mandate proof of citizenship to vote, eliminate commonly used IDs, and restrict voting technology favored by seniors and election officials. Supporters cite election integrity, but evidence of non-citizen voting remains vanishingly small, with only a tiny fraction of cases identified statewide. Election Supervisors warn the proposals could overwhelm local offices, create errors for eligible voters and undermine efficient voting systems already in place. Democrats counter with measures to expand access, including permanent vote-by-mail requests and automatic voter registration. The debate reflects a familiar divide, with one side pushing tighter rules and the other seeking broader participation.

“What request would MLK send to Florida’s Legislature?” via Bill Proctor for the Tallahassee Democrat — As lawmakers debate spending priorities during the 2026 Legislative Session, growing attention is being drawn to persistent economic disparities facing North Florida and the Panhandle. The region remains significantly poorer than Central and South Florida, a gap critics say is reinforced by long-standing budget and policy decisions. A proposed North Florida and Panhandle 2050 Study Commission would assess regional needs and craft a long-term development plan. Priorities include expanding broadband access, modernizing roads and rail, improving water and sewer systems, and strengthening education and public safety. The proposal also calls for a world-class conference center in Tallahassee to boost tourism and economic activity. The argument echoes Martin Luther King Jr.’s warning that entrenched poverty in a wealthy society is both shameful and preventable.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Disney Adventure stops in Port Canaveral on its way to Singapore” via Patrick Connolly of the Orlando Sentinel — The forthcoming Disney Adventure, which is Disney Cruise Line‘s newest and largest ship, appeared at Port Canaveral before its long journey to Asia. The 208,000-gross-ton vessel, the first in Disney’s Global class, is bound for its year-round home in Singapore, where it will begin sailing three- and four-night itineraries in the South China Sea on March 10. “The ship will continue to sail through the Panama Canal, making a stop in Los Angeles before voyaging across the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo and concluding her journey to its homeport in Singapore,” reads a Facebook post from Disney Cruise Line. With room for more than 6,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members, the ship has seven themed areas.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are former Rep. Jayer Williamson, Rafael Heredia-Spratling, Dan Holler, and Rick Porter.

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