Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 1.27.26

Good Tuesday morning.

Senate President Ben Albritton is undergoing further medical evaluation after additional testing on Monday afternoon identified a “potential abnormality” in the upper left portion of his heart.

The update from the Senate President’s Office follows Albritton’s earlier hospitalization at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Given his history of blood clots, Albritton’s medical team recommended expanded testing to better determine the cause of the clot and further assess the possible heart abnormality.

The statement added that out of an abundance of caution, he is expected to be transferred to Shands Hospital in Gainesville for additional testing and observation by a multidisciplinary team.

Senate officials said Albritton remains engaged and in constant communication with staff, and that all Senate business will continue as scheduled. If he is unable to preside over Thursday’s Senate sitting, President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur has been asked to be prepared to take the gavel.

Albritton’s office says he and his wife “are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support from hundreds of people across the state, from both inside and outside of the political process. In addition, they are extremely grateful for the professionalism, care, and support they received from the medical staff at Tallahassee Memorial.”

We are, of course, among those wishing the Senate President well.

UPDATE — Albritton remains under medical care Monday evening after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung and is leaving Tallahassee temporarily for further evaluation. After spending the night at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, the 57-year-old Wauchula Republican is being transferred to UF Health Shands in Gainesville for additional testing related to a potential abnormality in the upper left portion of his heart. His office said the move is out of an abundance of caution and will help determine a treatment plan. The timeline for his recovery is unclear. Brodeur is prepared to preside if needed, while Albritton remains in regular contact with staff.

___

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is adding the “Voice of Florida Business” to his pile of supporters in the Republican Primary for Governor.

The Associated Industries of Florida announced Tuesday that it is backing the Southwest Florida Congressman, citing his record as an ally to Florida businesses and a foil to the “red tape” that stands in their way.

“Since his time as a member of the Florida House and now as a Congressman, Byron has been a champion for policies that foster the growth of Florida’s pro-jobs environment, removing red tape, empowering businesses to thrive, and creating good jobs for families,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis.

“We have no doubt Byron is the man for the job and will be a strong partner in advancing policies that support economic growth and long-term prosperity across our state.”

Donalds, who also holds an endorsement from President Donald Trump, said he was “honored” to land the business lobby’s endorsement in the Primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“AIF has long been recognized as the leader in advocating for the job creators who keep our state moving forward and understand what it takes to grow a strong economy: a free market system, fewer burdensome regulations, and a workforce ready to meet demand,” he said.

While Donalds faces competition in the race, he has consistently led the pack in polling and fundraising — he finished 2025 with $45 million raised, and recent surveys of likely Republican voters place him ahead of his closest competitor by 30 points or more.

He currently faces Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner and Azoria CEO James Fishback in the Primary, which will be held Aug. 18.

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In 2019, a first-of-its-kind underwater memorial officially opened, honoring U.S. military veterans. Now, years later, it’s in need of preservation.

Enter The Circle of Heroes at Veteran’s Reef Foundation, Inc., a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to support and preserve the memorial. Volunteers will serve on the foundation’s Board, ensuring fulfillment of its mission to maintain the memorial, repair and restore statues there, conduct environmental and safety monitoring of the site, promote public awareness and fund new statues.

Sarah Bascom, a prominent Florida communications strategist, is serving as the foundation’s president.

“The Circle of Heroes is a one-of-a-kind tribute to our veterans and a meaningful part of the local community. With the help of supporters, we can preserve this memorial, complete its vision, and ensure visitors near and far can pay tribute to our heroes for years to come,” she said.

The memorial is located 10 miles off the Pinellas County coast at the Veterans’ Reef. Currently, there are 13 life-size statues representing five branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

But with active hurricanes in the area and increasingly powerful storms churning the Gulf waters, the statues and protective buoys safeguarding the memorial have sustained damage and require repair.

The foundation also aims to raise funds to expand the memorial to 24 statues.

Donations can be made online.

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🗳️— 5 things I think about the St. Pete elections: My first in a series of regular columns evaluating key developments in the 2026 races for St. Pete Mayor and City Council, this one focuses on Mayor Ken Welch’s lack of response to ICE-involved shootings in Minneapolis, a candidate’s ill-advised use of AI, a lackluster slate of City Council candidates and Charlie Crist’s comings and goings. Check out this first installment here, and be on the lookout for the next one.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@jesusrodriguezb: Marco Rubio says he covers his head with a blanket when taking naps on Air Force One so Trump won’t think his Secretary of State is weak for needing sleep on overseas flights.

—@Mitchellvii: I personally feel that Gov. DeSantis would make an outstanding attorney general. He is brilliant, tough, understands the law to the letter. He would make an excellent replacement for Pam Bondi once his term is up in FL.

—@JeffreyBrandes: .@GovRonDeSantis has a slogan on property taxes, not a plan. No proposal. No math. No studies. Just vibes … while cities, counties, schools, police & fire are left holding the bag.

—@WiltonSimpsonFL: We are the Free State of Florida because of the men and women in law enforcement keeping our families and our businesses safe each and every day. Thank you to the FSA for allowing me this morning to brag on the force multiplier our Ag Law team makes when we work hand in hand with Florida’s finest!

—@DannyBurgessFL: It is important that we keep the aerospace industry within Florida and work to expand it where we can. That’s why I’ve filed legislation this Session to help us continue to build up this strong, vibrant industry in Florida. SB 1512 will help ensure we remain the undisputed leader of the aerospace economy and encourage this growing industry to bring high-paying, high-quality jobs to every part of the state. I appreciate my colleagues for supporting this bill in its first Committee stop today.

—@MDixon55: Who cares about the Pro Bowl? Absolutely could not matter less anymore

— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 3; The Grammy Awards — 5; Florida TaxWatch State-of-the-Taxpayer Dinner — 9; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 10; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 27; Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ premieres — 31; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 33; Boca Raton Mayoral referendums and City Council Elections — 42; last day of the Regular Session — 45; The Oscars — 47; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 52; Special Election for SD 14, HD 87, HD 51 and HD 52 — 56; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 57; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 58; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 66; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 69; ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ sequel series ‘The Testaments’ premieres — 71; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 78; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 78; First Qualifying Period begins (Federal) — 83; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 87; F1 Miami begins — 94; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 115; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 115; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 126; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 132; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 135; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 136; State Qualifying Period ends — 136; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 143; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its ‘Sunshine State Showdown’ — 150; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 155; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 158; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 163; MLB All-Star Game — 168; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 170; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 174; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 191; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 193; Primary Election Day — 203; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 227; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 231; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 235; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 240; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 247; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 251; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 270; 2026 General Election — 280; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero‘ premieres — 283; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 325; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 325; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 325; 2027 College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 363; Tampa Mayoral Election — 399; Jacksonville First Election — 420; Jacksonville General Election — 476; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 494; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 556; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 612; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 689; 2028 College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 727; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 899; U.S. Presidential Election — 1,015; 2029 College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,091; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,415; 2030 College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,455; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,146.

— TOP STORY —

“One Florida Governor candidate backing ICE; another decries ‘murder’” via Gray Rohrer of the USA Today Network – Florida — Florida’s 2026 Governor’s race sharpened over the weekend after leading candidates offered starkly different reactions to the shooting of Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota.

Republican Donalds voiced support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, blaming protests surrounding immigration operations on what he described as “radical left Democrats” interfering with law enforcement.

Speaking on Fox News, Donalds told ICE agents he stands behind them and urged them to continue their work, framing demonstrations as politically motivated efforts to undermine federal authority.

Democrat David Jolly, a former U.S. House member who later switched parties, condemned the shooting as a “murder” and demanded accountability at the highest levels of the Department of Homeland Security.

At a campaign event, Jolly said Pretti, an American citizen, was disarmed and shot multiple times while engaging in civil disobedience, calling for the resignation or removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and broader investigations into ICE practices.

Jolly also criticized Donalds directly, arguing the Naples lawmaker prioritizes loyalty to Trump over law enforcement, citing Trump’s pardons of individuals convicted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

DeSantis, who is term-limited, did not directly address the shooting but criticized Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for creating what he called a hostile environment for officers.

Speaking in The Villages on Jan. 26, DeSantis defended Florida’s approach of mandating cooperation between state, local and federal law enforcement, arguing that protests and local resistance undermine public safety.

Pretti, 37, was an intensive care nurse at a veteran’s hospital. Authorities said he was filming immigration officers in Minneapolis when he intervened as a woman was pushed to the ground, leading to a confrontation that ended with him being fatally shot.

“‘It’s starting to turn against us’: White House reckons with Minnesota fallout” via Myah Ward and Dasha Burns of POLITICO — The Trump administration is moving to contain political fallout after a second fatal shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis intensified criticism from both parties and within Republican ranks. The killing of Pretti sparked backlash after video analysis contradicted federal claims that he approached agents with a handgun, showing he was filming with a phone before intervening when a woman was pushed to the ground. Polling shows declining support for the President’s immigration tactics, including among 2024 Trump voters. In response, Trump deployed border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis and signaled a softer tone toward Gov. Walz. The shift underscores internal concern that aggressive enforcement tactics are alienating voters while not delivering promised mass deportations.

“Greg Bovino set to leave Minnesota as Donald Trump shakes up crackdown leadership” via Hamed Aleaziz, Ernesto Londoño, David E. Sanger and Mitch Smith of The New York Times — A top Border Patrol official overseeing Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is expected to leave the city, signaling a possible pullback after intense scrutiny over a fatal shooting by federal agents. Bovino’s expected departure follows backlash over his unsubstantiated claim that Pretti, a VA nurse killed by agents, planned to attack law enforcement. Trump said some federal agents may also begin leaving Minnesota. Trump struck a more conciliatory tone after a call with Walz, though administration officials continued to blame state leaders. Multiple investigations into the killing are underway as courts weigh challenges to the enforcement surge.

—“Alex Pretti’s killing was recorded on body-camera videos, DHS says” via Julia Ainsley and Daniel Arkin of NBC News

“Trump, Pam Bondi statements fuel legal case against Minnesota surge” via Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney of POLITICO — A federal judge in Minnesota on Monday questioned whether Trump’s rhetoric and Attorney General Bondi’s demands have undermined the legal basis for a massive immigration enforcement surge in the Twin Cities, as the state seeks to halt the operation. U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez repeatedly cited Trump’s threats of “retribution” and Bondi’s letter to Gov. Walz as evidence that the deployment may be coercive rather than purely focused on immigration enforcement. Minnesota officials argue the operation violates the 10th Amendment by pressuring the state on unrelated policy disputes. Justice Department lawyers rejected that claim, saying the surge responds to a law enforcement vacuum. Menendez did not immediately rule but signaled urgency.

“Ileana Garcia blasts Trump admin’s ‘distorting, politicizing’ of Minneapolis shooting” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami Republican Sen. Garcia sharply criticized members of the Trump administration for what she called false and dangerous claims following the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Garcia said videos show Pretti never drew his licensed, concealed handgun and did not attack agents, contradicting statements by Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller and DHS Secretary Noem portraying him as violent. In a post on X, Garcia said “distorting, politicizing, slandering” the incident betrays America’s values, comparing Pretti to Jan. 6 victim Ashley Babbitt. She warned that such rhetoric has lasting consequences, adding, “This is not what I voted for,” despite her past ties to Trump and DHS.

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis predicts Trump impeachment over immigration enforcement if House flips” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis warned that Democrats could pursue another impeachment of Trump if they regain control of the U.S. House, arguing immigration enforcement would be the pretext. Speaking Sunday on “Life, Liberty & Levin,” DeSantis said voters endorsed aggressive immigration action in the 2024 Election and accused Democrats and “resistance courts” of trying to undermine that mandate. He echoed Trump’s claim that a Democratic House would “fabricate another impeachment” to obstruct the President’s agenda. DeSantis also pointed to rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, including a promised Florida Special Session following a Supreme Court ruling, as potentially reshaping congressional control. He further defended hard-line immigration policies, criticized what he called incompatible ideologies, and said he wants expanded authority to designate organizations tied to terrorism in Florida.

“Officials find elevated levels of arsenic in children’s candy” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Officials are warning parents to take a closer look at their children’s candy following state testing that showed several popular sweets contain elevated levels of arsenic. “Floridians, and frankly all Americans, deserve to make informed decisions about what they feed their families and have confidence in those ingredients that they’re safe,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. She joined her husband, DeSantis, and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo at a news conference in the Villages to announce the testing results. Twenty-six of the 33 traditional candy brands tested showed elevated levels of arsenic, the First Lady said, adding that the testing was conducted by the Florida Department of Health at independent, certified labs. “These levels are problematic when evaluated over the course of a year,” Casey DeSantis said. “The concern here is not necessarily about one single piece of candy on one single day. The concern is when these products are consumed, as they realistically are repeatedly over time.”

“‘Bexley Boxes’ go statewide in effort to comfort children in traumatic situations” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A movement to provide children comfort after traumatic incidents when they are taken to law enforcement offices got a big boost. In 2023, widow Kirsten Bridegan started what is called “Bexley Boxes,” named after her daughter, who was found in a car after her father, Jared Bridegan, was murdered in 2022. After the shooting, then-2-year-old Bexley was taken to a police station in Jacksonville Beach, where there were no diapers, no sippy cups, and few other comforts to speak of. Bexley Boxes ensure law enforcement offices have those necessities — wipes, sippy cups, pre-mixed formula, snacks and blankets — as well as comforting extras such as stuffed animals, books, coloring supplies and more. Bridegan was recognized by James Uthmeier last year for launching the initiative, and he said he was intent on getting the boxes into law enforcement offices in all 67 counties.

“Recalling Deepwater Horizon spill, Florida officials voice opposition to Gulf drilling expansions” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — Florida officials warned the Trump administration that expanding oil drilling into the eastern Gulf of America would endanger the state’s environment, tourism economy, and military operations, urging federal officials to keep an existing offshore leasing ban in place. In joint comments submitted Friday, multiple state agencies cited lasting damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill and argued new drilling poses unacceptable risks to wildlife, fisheries, beaches, and coastal communities. DeSantis and Florida’s congressional delegation have also pressed to preserve the ban first extended by Trump in 2020. Industry groups, including the American Petroleum Institute, support the proposal, arguing it would create jobs and boost energy security. Federal regulators are reviewing comments before issuing a final plan.

— BIG BILL OF THE DAY —

“A gun company gave lots of money to Florida lawmakers. Now it’s lobbying for legal immunity.” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — A major gun manufacturer is pressing Florida lawmakers for lawsuit protection as it faces growing legal exposure over a popular pistol accused of firing without a trigger pull, while simultaneously pouring money into key Republican political accounts.

German-owned Sig Sauer Inc. donated more than $300,000 to Florida politicians ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session, including $50,000 each to House Speaker Daniel Perez, Albritton, and Rep. Wyman Duggan, the bill’s House sponsor.

Sig Sauer has also hired a major Florida lobbying firm. Its proposal could receive an initial Committee hearing as soon as Thursday, accelerating a push that mirrors the company’s efforts in other states.

The company manufactures the P320 handgun, introduced in 2014 and widely adopted by law enforcement. Investigations have linked the firearm to more than 120 alleged unintentional discharges, causing over 110 injuries and at least one death.

Several Florida law enforcement agencies have stopped using the P320, and at least one Florida lawsuit is pending. Juries in Georgia and Pennsylvania recently returned multimillion-dollar verdicts against the company.

Sig Sauer-backed bills would block liability claims based on missing safety features not required by law. The company says the gun is safe, while critics argue the legislation would foreclose key arguments in court.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Senate advances bill to replace ‘West Bank’ with ‘Judea and Samaria’ in government documents” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation requiring Florida government materials and public school resources to replace references to the West Bank with “Judea and Samaria” advanced unanimously through its first Senate Committee Monday, encountering far less opposition than a companion House bill. Sponsored by Sen. Ralph Massullo, SB 1106 would mandate the use of the new terminology for instructional and library materials adopted after July 1. Massullo said the bill promotes historical accuracy and would help combat antisemitism, while critics warned it inserts Florida into a sensitive international conflict and conflicts with federal naming standards. Two members of the public opposed the bill. A House version has one Committee stop remaining, while SB 1106 next heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Senate Committee OKs two Democrats’ bills to help felons regain voting rights” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A pair of Democrat-sponsored bills clarifying the voting rights restoration process has advanced through the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. Sen. Tina Polsky’s SB 132 and Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis’ SB 748 won bipartisan support during Monday’s hearing. Polsky’s bill would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create a public database by July 1, 2029, to keep track of whether ex-offenders have met all the requirements to get their voting rights reinstated. The database would need to be updated monthly. “Currently, Florida residents who are trying to determine their eligibility must contact multiple offices to determine the status of completion of their court-ordered sentences,” said Polsky.

“Measure to expand school vaccine exemptions advances through first Florida Senate panel” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — A bill expanding vaccine exemptions for Florida schoolchildren cleared its first Senate Committee Monday, despite opposition from health advocates and two Republicans. SB 1756, sponsored by Sen. Clay Yarborough, would allow parents to claim a personal conscience exemption in addition to the existing religious exemption and require providers to discuss vaccine risks and benefits using state-approved materials. The measure passed the Senate Committee on Health Policy 6-4, with Sens. Alexis Calatayud and Gayle Harrell voting no. Harrell warned the bill could endanger children and seniors as vaccination rates decline. More than 30 speakers opposed the bill, citing public health risks. The proposal aligns with the priorities of Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and now heads to two more Committees.

“Bill aiming to boost commercial space activity advances in Florida Senate panel” via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — A state Senate Committee approved a bill that would expand tax exemptions for commercial space companies and exclude Florida’s space authority from competitive bidding, in an effort to keep the state on the “leading edge” of the industry. Sponsored by state Sen. Danny Burgess, FL SB1512 (26R) exempts commercial space companies from taxes on leased government property if they’re working on a Space Florida-sanctioned project. Space Florida, the state’s space authority, leases facilities like launch pads and hangars for commercial companies to use.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Should Florida follow California’s lead on Obamacare?” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Lawmakers are considering several bills that would lead to Florida easing its long-standing opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. HB 1531 and HB 1533 would result in Florida building and operating its own Obamacare exchange, the same model that most blue states adopted a decade ago and that states like Florida deliberately rejected. HB 141 would create a similar government-run marketplace for employers to send workers to buy their Obamacare health insurance. Both mean permanent government expansion to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. With everything else shaking up the ACA, should we really be making such a significant change in the system so many people rely on right now?

“Lawmakers propose ban on toxic firefighting foam linked to water and soil contamination” via Laura Cassels of the Florida Trident — Lawmakers are weighing a ban on a highly effective but toxic foam widely used to suppress flammable-liquid fires that is leaking into water supplies and sickening people, with firefighters at the forefront of the worldwide battle with “forever chemicals.” Due to public health and environmental concerns, the foam was banned in the United Kingdom last year and in Australia in 2018. Several U.S. states, including New York and Michigan, ban most uses of it. The U.S. Department of Defense is phasing it out this year. The effort this year by lawmakers to ban the substance comes years after state and federal findings that numerous military installations, airports and firefighter training centers in Florida are riddled with forever chemicals.

“Senate panel OKs bill affirming St. Johns County as Black history museum site, creating Board” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A bill that would affirm St. Johns County as the site of a future Florida Museum of Black History and set up its Board is again advancing in the Legislature’s upper chamber. Members of the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee voted unanimously for the measure (SB 308), which faces one more Committee stop before reaching a floor vote. It’s substantively the same bill the Senate passed unanimously last year, which subsequently stalled out in the House. St. Augustine Sen. Tom Leek and Jacksonville Rep. Kiyan Michael — both Republicans — are carrying the legislation again this Session.

Blue Envelope Program clears first Committee hurdle with unanimous support — Sen. Shevrin Jones’ bill to make interactions safer between people with autism and law enforcement during roadside interactions earned unanimous approval from the Criminal Justice Committee on Monday. HB 418 would establish a “Blue Envelope Program” requiring the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop and make available to individuals with autism spectrum disorder an envelope intended to hold a copy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and emergency contact information that can be provided to officers during vehicle-related interactions. “This will help our police and emergency service personnel identify individuals’ needs and limit misunderstandings. Now more than ever, we must promote empathy, understanding, and patience to keep all Floridians safe,” Jones said.

— TALLY SKED. —

8 a.m.

Elections Canvassing Commission, Room 307, Knott Building.

FGCU Day at the Capitol, Capitol Complex.

Florida Dental Association’s 2026 Dentists’ Day on the Hill, Capitol Complex.

Florida PTA Legislative Conference, Capitol Complex.

Israel Day and Jewish Advocacy Day, Capitol Complex.

Workforce Day at the Capitol 2026, Capitol Building.

9 a.m.

Rules Committee, Room 412, Knott Building.

— SB 0048, Housing (Gaetz).

— SB 0062, Candidate qualification (Arrington).

— SB 0156, Criminal offenses against law enforcement officers and other persons (Leek).

— SB 0168, Public nuisances (Truenow).

— SB 0288, Rural electric cooperatives (Rodriguez).

— SB 0290, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Truenow).

— SB 0292, Public records/appellate court clerks (Rouson).

— SB 0296, Victims of domestic violence and dating violence (Berman).

— SB 0298, Public records/victims of domestic and dating violence (Berman).

— SB 0364, Public accountancy (Gruters).

— SB 0386, Farm equipment (Trumbull).

— SB 0624, Batterers’ intervention program activities (Yarborough).

— 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 (Commerce and Tourism).

— HB 0167, Former phosphate mining lands (McClure).

Joint EDR Revenue Estimating Conference, Room 117, Knott Building.

9:30 a.m.

Education and Employment Committee, Room 102, House Office Building.

— HB 1119, Materials harmful to minors (Bankson).

Judiciary Committee, Room 404, House Office Building.

— HB 0131, Curators of estates (Maggard).

— HB 0397, Violations of pretrial release conditions for violent crimes (Daley).

— HB 0623, Felony battery (Gentry).

— HB 0761, Persecution of Christians in Nigeria (Daniels).

— HB 0831, Problem-solving court reports (Cassel).

— HB 0893, Trust fund interest for purposes approved by the Supreme Court (Koster).

— HB 0895, Trustee settlement and discharge (Hodgers).

— HB 0757, School safety (Salzman).

State Affairs Committee, Room 17, House Office Building.

— HB 0011, Designation of the state birds (Mooney Jr.).

— HB 0031, Recognizing Judea and Samaria (Tramont).

— HB 0103, Local business taxes (Botana).

— HB 0461, Volunteering at polling locations (Michael).

— HB 0481, Public nuisance abatement (Booth).

— HB 0967, Electronic payments made to units of local governments (Buchanan).

— HB 4005, City of Naples Airport Authority, Collier County (Botana).

— HB 4019, Compensation for health care services for inmates in Lake County (Cobb).

— HB 4027, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough County (Owen).

— HB 7009, OGSR/Public Service Commission (Government Operations Subcommittee).

— HB 7013, OGSR/Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (Government Operations Subcommittee).

— HB 7015, OGSR/social media platform and antitrust investigations (Government Operations Subcommittee).

Hate Ends Now Exhibit, Capitol Complex.

10 a.m.

Florida Public Service Commission customer meeting, Virtual.

12:30 p.m.

Commerce Committee, Room 212, Knott Building.

— HB 0267, Local housing assistance plans (Stark).

— HB 0379, Rural electric cooperatives (Shoaf).

— HB 0405, Commercial construction projects (Griffitts Jr.).

— HB 0487, Repair of mobility devices (Eskamani).

— HB 0505, Virtual currency kiosks (Owen).

— HB 0645, Limited agent licenses (Smith).

— HB 1399, Property insurance affiliates (Berfield).

— HB 7017, OGSR/trade secrets (Government Operations Subcommittee).

Health and Human Services Committee, Room 17, House Office Building.

— HB 0173, Parental rights (Kendall).

— HB 0237, Use of professional nursing titles (Salzman).

— HB 0245, Child pornography terminology (Baker).

— HB 0327, Uterine fibroid research database (Dunkley).

— HB 0363, Dental therapy (Chaney).

FHA Hospital Days, Capitol Complex.

News conference on college campus food insecurity, Capitol Complex.

1 p.m.

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

— SB 1002, Temporary custody of minor children (Gaetz).

— SB 1016, Medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities (Bradley).

— SB 1030, Recovery residences (Gruters).

— SB 1594, Veteran benefit payments to minor clients (Gaetz).

— SB 1630, Aging and disability services (Grall).

Judiciary Committee, Room 110, Senate Office Building.

— SB 0144, Public records/Judicial Qualifications Commission (Rouson).

— SB 0192, Patient funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians (Martin).

— SB 0332, Public meetings (Bradley).

— SB 0532, Court fees (Simon).

— SB 0620, Candidate qualifying (Mayfield).

— SB 0694, Compensation of the descendants of Charles Greenlee and Walter Greenlee (Bracy Davis).

— SB 0820, Problem-solving court reports (Bradley).

— SB 0888, Professional services contracts (Martin).

— SB 1000, Trust fund interest for purposes approved by the Supreme Court (Grall).

— SB 1224, Fraudulent entry of residential dwellings (Rodriguez).

— SB 1396, Litigation financing consumer protection (Burton).

— SB 1500, Estates (Bradley).

Regulated Industries Committee, Room 412, Knott Building.

— SB 0530, State lotteries (Simon).

— SB 0658, Water safety requirements for the rental of residential property (Burgess).

— SB 0608, Vacation rentals (Smith).

— SB 1708, Veterinary licensure (Gaetz).

— SB 0680, Electric vehicle charging taxation (Mayfield).

— SB 0980, Nicotine dispensing devices (Calatayud).

— SB 0204, Gaming (Bradley).

Transportation Committee, Room 37, Senate Office Building.

— SB 0086, Commercial motor vehicles operated by unauthorized aliens (Gaetz).

— SB 0422, Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcasts (Wright).

— SB 0706, Commercial service airports (Mayfield).

— SB 1054, Traffic infractions resulting in a crash with another vehicle (Martin).

— SB 1670, Specialty license plates/Outsider license plate (Osgood).

3 p.m.

Budget Committee, Room 17, House Office Building.

— HB 0177, Offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel (Maney).

— HB 0697, Drug prices and coverage (Kincart Jonsson).

— HB 0981, Tributaries of St. Johns River (Duggan).

— HB 1081, Cybersecurity internships (Sirois).

Ways and Means Committee, Room 404, House Office Building.

— HB 0213, Modification of limitations on property assessment increases (Griffitts Jr.).

— HB 0377, Heated tobacco products (Tramont).

— HB 4011, St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District, St. Lucie County (Trabulsy).

— HB 1137, Excise tax deductions on alcoholic beverages (Robinson W.).

3:30 p.m.

Agriculture Committee, Room 301, Senate Office Building.

— SB 0806, Consumers’ right to repair certain equipment (Truenow).

Community Affairs Committee, Room 37, Senate Office Building.

— SB 0218, Land use regulations (Gaetz).

— SB 0380, Legal notices (Trumbull).

— SB 0936, Temporary door locking devices (McClain).

— SB 0948, Local government land development regulations and orders (McClain).

— SB 0962, Affordable housing (Bradley).

— SB 0984, Firefighter cancer benefits and prevention (DiCeglie).

— SB 1020, Regulation of chickees (Truenow).

— SB 1180, Community development district recall elections (Arrington).

— SB 1434, Infill redevelopment (Calatayud).

— SB 1444, Preemption to the state (Martin).

— SB 1612, Electronic payments to local governments (DiCeglie).

Education Pre-K–12 Committee, Room 412, Knott Building.

— SB 0564, Student volunteers at polling locations (Yarborough).

— SB 1062, Speech and debate (Brodeur).

— SB 1340, Coordinated screening and progress monitoring (Harrell).

— SB 1646, Educational facilities (Simon).

— SB 1718, Educator preparation and certification (Calatayud).

Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Room 110, Senate Office Building.

— SB 0558, Standards for stormwater systems (Burgess).

— SB 1294, Biosolids management (Bradley).

— SB 1468, Advanced wastewater treatment (Berman).

— SB 1474, Biosolids management (Gaetz).

— SB 1682, Local administration of vessel restrictions (Trumbull).

— SB 1628, Net-zero policies by governmental entities (Ávila).

— GOV. CLUB MENU —

Lunch is served — The Governors Club buffet menu for Tuesday: Fried chicken, smothered pork chops, ranch potato wedges, country-style squash, and Michelle’s Sweet Treats for dessert. Buffets include a deluxe salad bar and chef’s daily soup. A full buffet is $15; soup and salad are $12. Both prices include a beverage, a choice of coffee, tea and soda.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Lindsey Halligan is no longer employed by the Justice Department after her departure from Virginia U.S. attorney’s office” via Ryan J. Reilly and Dareh Gregorian of NBC News — Trump loyalist Halligan, a former insurance attorney who brought two unsuccessful cases against two of the President’s perceived enemies, is no longer a Justice Department employee. Halligan, who lacked any prior prosecutorial experience, stepped down last week from her proclaimed role as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, a position a judge found she unlawfully held. It was not entirely clear last week whether Halligan would assume a new role at the Justice Department, as Alina Habba did after federal appeals court judges upheld her disqualification as acting U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey in December.

“Kathy Castor joins effort to impeach Kristi Noem” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Castor is the latest member of Florida’s congressional delegation ready to oust Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Noem. Castor said she will co-sponsor legislation (HRes 996) filed Jan. 14 to impeach the administration member for high crimes and misdemeanors. That followed the fatal shooting by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers of Minnesota protester Pretti, which itself came days after the death of another protester, Renee Good. “This morning, I signed on to Articles of Impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem,” Castor posted on X. “Secretary Noem and DHS employees have systemically violated the rights and privacy of Americans, terrorized our cities and obstructed Congress. This ongoing abuse has to stop. I am calling for a full and impartial investigation into the deaths of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and all others under Trump’s DHS.”

“Defying CDC, pediatricians recommend all kids get vaccinations against 18 diseases” via Andrea Petersen of The Wall Street Journal — The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be vaccinated against 18 diseases, more than the U.S. government directs after it overhauled its schedule. The doctors’ group kept its guidance largely unchanged from its earlier version last year. The group said it doesn’t endorse the CDC’s childhood-vaccine schedule. The agency now recommends all children get vaccinated against 11 diseases. The AAP recommends that all children receive vaccines for hepatitis A and B, COVID-19, influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and other infections. The immunizations were dropped from the CDC’s schedule for all children. “It’s clear that what’s coming from the federal government is not grounded in science, but rather in ideology, and so we are continuing to make our recommendations based on what’s in the best interest of children,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatrician who chairs the AAP’s Committee on Infectious Diseases.

— ELECTIONS —

Alexander Vindman, a whistleblower whose congressional testimony led to Trump’s first impeachment, will launch his U.S. Senate campaign in Florida this morning.

A campaign launch video went live at 6 a.m., recounting the actions that made Vindman a national figure.

“I stood up when someone had to say no one is above the law,” Vindman said. “I’m asking you; stand with me now to put a check on Donald Trump.”

The ad highlights Vindman’s military background as a 21-year Army combat veteran who received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Iraq, and later as a national security expert advising both Democratic and Republican Presidents. Meanwhile, he takes a swipe at incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, calling for restrictions on insider trading.

“Over a million dollars in Moody’s corporate stock was traded last year while she had access to insider information that only Congress gets. That should be outlawed,” Vindman said. “They gutted disaster assistance for people trying to rebuild their lives… but she’s OK with a $40 billion bailout – for Argentina. Where’s the bailout for Florida families?”

Vindman enters a field that already includes some Democrats with significant statewide stature, most notably former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins and state Rep. Angie Nixon. But he only mentions Moody in the ad.

“They put Moody in the Senate to be a ‘yes’ vote for Trump and the billionaires,” he said. “She’s not Florida’s Senator. She’s theirs.”

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Firefighters, business leaders back Fran Nachlas for Boca Raton Mayor” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Nachlas has picked up two new endorsements in her bid for Mayor, adding the support from both first responders and the city’s business community. The Fire Fighters of Boca Raton, IAFF Local 1560, and Business Leaders United for Boca Raton (BLU-PAC) — the political arm of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce — formally endorsed Nachlas, her campaign announced. The backing follows an earlier endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35. In its endorsement letter, the Fraternal Order of Police cited Nachlas’ record on public safety and her work with law enforcement during her time on the City Council and as Deputy Mayor. The organization praised her “consistent support for public safety, dedication to community partnership, and commitment to responsible leadership.” Nachlas has demonstrated “a clear understanding of the needs of both our residents and the officers who serve them,” the letter continued.

“Nick Sortal files to run for second term as Plantation Mayor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Sortal is officially running for a second term. Sortal, a longtime journalist-turned-public official, just filed paperwork to seek re-election to the office he won in 2022. He’s the first candidate to file for Plantation’s Nov. 3 election. Sortal is in his eighth straight year as an elected official in Plantation, which sits near the center of Broward County and is home to nearly 100,700 residents. Before taking the Mayor’s job, he served on the City Council, working on initiatives to implement police body cameras, open North Acres Park and launch the University of Plantation program, which teaches residents about city operations. Last year, he led the city in implementing its first millage-rate reduction in seven years. “Helping residents and working to keep our city safe, clean and green is my focus every day,” he said in a statement. “People are everything.”

“Port St. Lucie ranked No. 1 in United States for most moving activity” via Olivia Franklin of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Port St. Lucie was ranked the “hottest” ZIP code in the United States in December. MovingPlace, a moving service website, releases a monthly report on the “Hottest ZIP Codes in America,” highlighting the ZIP codes with the most moving activity that month. The January 2026 report looked at data from December 2025. The agency assessed “hotness” based on these criteria: the number of moves with a destination in the ZIP code per 1,000 people; the absolute number of moves with a destination in the ZIP code; and the ZIP codes with the largest increases in moving activity compared to the previous month. Port St. Lucie saw 16.2 moves per 1,000 residents in December.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Orange Commissioner wants new attorneys to fight Split Oak toll road” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — A key Orange County Commissioner is pushing to hire outside counsel to fight the Central Florida Expressway Authority over its plans for a toll road through Split Oak Forest, after an in-house county attorney declared the battle was unlikely to be won. Kelly Martinez Semrad was part of a bare four-vote Commission majority two weeks ago to continue the fight against the road, initially approved by state officials over Orange County objections in 2024. Last week, she sent an email to County Manager Byron Brooks labeling the county’s current defense as “legally and strategically deficient” to fend off CFX’s latest effort to grab another 24.3 acres of environmentally sensitive land adjacent to the forest that it now says is needed for the project. That includes about 3 acres of Eagles Roost, a county park. The county used $8.5 million in taxpayer funds in 2006 to buy the 232-acre Eagles Roost conservation property, a part of which now serves as the home of the Back To Nature wildlife refuge.

“Buddy Dyer promises ‘comprehensive’ city review over care of Lake Eola swans” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Faced with a flock of petitioners slamming “deplorable” conditions for Orlando’s prized Lake Eola swans, Mayor Dyer promised that city leaders will listen. “We’re going to take a comprehensive look at everything that goes on,” Dyer said. “We want to do the right things by the swans, and we need to evaluate exactly what that might be.” Over the past month, as an avian flu outbreak at the city’s signature park has killed 37 birds – including 29 swans, 25 of which were city property – a petition gained steam highlighting what advocates consider shortfalls in their care beyond the virus. Specifically, advocates have called for either a staff avian expert or more frequent consultation with an outside one, as well as the creation of an Advisory Board and more thorough trash pickup at the lake. They also called for better cleaning of feeders and spreading them out around the park, along with more areas for baby birds to get out of the water, where a high seawall keeps cygnets from reaching the shore.

“Arts supporters fear Seminole Commission may cut funding” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — As Seminole Commissioners delve into the finances of the Seminole Cultural Arts Council this week, supporters of the nonprofit group fear their organization may no longer be able to provide grants, programs and school events that promote the arts if their county funding is cut or eliminated. “The organization would cease to exist,” said Anthony Aramendia, president of the SCAC Executive Board and a Casselberry City Commissioner. But County Commissioner Amy Lockhart countered that no one on the Commission “has ever talked about cutting funding for the arts.”

“911 call released after lawsuit over man’s choking death at Disney Springs” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A 911 call captures the frantic moments at a Disney Springs restaurant as a group of people tried in vain to save a man’s life as he choked on a piece of steak in June. “I’ve got a man choking at The Boathouse,” said the male caller, whose name was redacted at the beginning of the 911 call. “He has collapsed.” “The paramedics are already on the way,” the dispatcher assured him quickly. The 911 caller, who appears to be a restaurant employee, was on the line with the emergency dispatcher for about seven minutes before help arrived.

— LOCAL: TB —

“St. Petersburg unveils plan to purchase flood-prone properties” via Mark Parker of St. Pete Catalyst — St. Petersburg is finalizing the second phase of its $160 million disaster recovery plan, which includes homebuyer assistance, affordable housing and voluntary buyout programs. The city expects to purchase 14 high-risk residential or commercial properties, help create 582 affordable multifamily housing units and provide 70 low-income households with up to $80,000 in down payment assistance. Acquisition program participants will receive the post-storm fair market value for their homes, up to $400,000, and cash relocation incentives. Officials will offer those storm victims up to $50,000 to purchase or rent another home with a reduced flood risk in Florida. However, Council member Brandi Gabbard told administrators at a Jan. 15 Committee meeting that ensuring residents can safely remain in coastal communities is a “huge priority for me.”

“University of Tampa to break ground on five-story science center” via Breanne Williams of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The University of Tampa will soon break ground on a five-story science center along the Hillsborough River. The center will total 153,000 square feet and will serve as the academic hub for the College of Natural and Health Sciences. Construction is expected to begin this Spring, with the facility opening in Spring 2029. “This Science Center will make our students more competitive for internships, graduate school and employment, while also enabling faculty to remain leaders in their respective fields,” Paul Greenwood, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, said. “It reflects UTampa’s sustained commitment to academic quality and investment in the sciences.” The project is “the most significant academic facility investment in UTampa’s 94-year history.”

“FL Aquarium collecting used Gasparilla beads to keep them out of Tampa Bay” via Tiffany Razzano of Patch.com — Thousands of beads are tossed into the air to parade-goers every Gasparilla season; often, many end up in Tampa Bay. To help keep plastics out of the local waterways, the Florida Aquarium is partnering with the city of Tampa again on the Bead-Free Bay initiative. “The effort turns a fun tradition into a meaningful way to protect the environment while supporting conservation and community programs,” the aquarium said. Through Feb. 22, guests who bring their Gasparilla beads to the aquarium can get 50% off up to four general admission tickets.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“James Uthmeier teases update on Jax gun registry probe, differs with State Attorney on clearing Donna Deegan admin” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Attorney General Uthmeier says his ongoing probe of a list of Jacksonville gun owners who carried weapons into local government buildings is almost complete. And he takes issue with local State Attorney Melissa Nelson for missing the mark in her own report on the controversy, which absolved the Mayor Deegan administration of legal responsibility for the practice that has drawn scrutiny from the right. “We are investigating this. We’ll have more to announce soon,” Uthmeier said in St. Johns County. “I think the local State Attorney concluded that it was a lower-level staff person who didn’t know what they were doing. You know, most everybody here knows that ignorance of the law is not typically a defense.”

“City Council could allow Downtown Jacksonville bars to serve alcohol until 3 a.m.” via Joe Lister of the Jacksonville Daily Record — Jacksonville City Council will consider whether to grant some Downtown bars an extra hour to serve alcohol under a proposed ordinance. Introduced by Council member Raul Arias, Ordinance 2026-0063 would allow bars in certain areas of Downtown to continue serving alcohol until 3 a.m. Those bars would be restricted to the NorthCore, Central Core, and Sports and Entertainment districts. “When you’re looking at larger cities, they all have one thing in common, and that’s obviously expanded hours for nightlife and restaurants, but they only have these hours in the urban core,” Arias said. “I think there’s a place for everything, and extended hours make sense for Downtown.”

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Rachel Frank launches re-election bid for Venice City Council” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Frank has launched a re-election bid for the Venice City Council, emphasizing tax relief, public safety and infrastructure investment as the cornerstones of her campaign. Frank, a longtime Venice resident whose family has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, said her campaign emphasizes fiscal conservatism and the preservation of Venice’s small-town character and quality of life. She cited her role in lowering the city’s property tax rate in two of the past three years, her support for police, fire and emergency medical services, and her backing of infrastructure projects as examples of action taken to improve residents’ quality of life. She is currently unopposed in the race. “Fiscal conservatism isn’t just about lowering taxes,” Frank said. “It’s about prioritizing what matters most, funding core services, and cutting waste, just like families and retirees on fixed incomes have to do every day.”

“Was Matt Devitt’s firing from WINK months in the making?” via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — WINK News management disputes Devitt’s claim that his firing came as a “complete shock,” citing prior warnings, a suspension and alleged contract violations. WINK News General Manager Jamie Ricks sent an internal memo to newsroom staff challenging the former chief meteorologist’s public statements. In the memo, Ricks said WINK typically does not comment on personnel matters but felt compelled to address what he described as confusion and harassment directed at station employees following Devitt’s public statements. “Mr. Devitt publicly stated that his termination was a ‘complete shock.’ That characterization is inaccurate,” the memo states. “Over the past year, WINK News and Human Resources met with Mr. Devitt on multiple occasions regarding off-air conduct.”

— TOP OPINION —

“The most important question is ‘What if I’m wrong?’” via David French of The New York Times — College can either widen a student’s sense of possibility or harden what they already believe, and while students arrive with strong convictions, professors and institutions still shape how those beliefs are tested. The best educators challenge assumptions, push students to wrestle with new facts, and model intellectual humility rather than certainty.

Too often, however, college functions as an echo chamber. Instead of curiosity, students absorb pride and ideological confidence, deepening polarization and discouraging dissent. Many learn quickly that speaking honestly can cost friendships or grades, even when their views are mainstream.

That climate explains the appeal of new institutions like the University of Austin, launched in 2021 as a response to what its founders saw as illiberalism at elite universities. Its early supporters spanned left and right, united by a classical liberal commitment to free expression and open inquiry.

Their involvement itself signaled how far legacy institutions had drifted from those values. Speech codes, bias response teams, and ideological litmus tests for hiring have moved campus enforcement from social pressure to formal policy.

But UATX now risks repeating the same mistake in reverse. According to recent reporting, internal demands that faculty subscribe to specific ideological principles sparked departures among many early backers and raised alarms about enforced orthodoxy.

If accurate, that approach mirrors the very intolerance the school was meant to counter. Replacing one set of boundaries with another does not restore liberal education; it simply relocates the echo chamber.

The deeper conflict is not left versus right, but liberal versus illiberal. Activism that treats debate as a threat produces monocultures where opponents are dismissed as immoral or stupid.

The strongest colleges do the opposite. They cultivate curiosity, humility, and lifelong openness to being wrong, teaching students not what to think, but how to ask better questions and listen.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Property tax reform without a plan puts Florida’s small cities at risk” via Thomas Reid for the Tampa Bay Times — Like many Floridians, I am all for reducing or even eliminating property taxes — if the Legislature can explain how cities will continue funding the essential services our residents depend on and expect. So far, it hasn’t. Public safety and timely emergency responses are badly needed, day-to-day functions of local government, and property taxes remain the most reliable and fairest way cities pay for these essential services. Every proposal currently moving through Tallahassee promises tax relief without offering a single credible mechanism for how local cities are supposed to fund the essential services residents demand. For South Pasadena, those proposals would translate into revenue losses ranging to nearly 30%. That is not trimming waste.

“On legal reform, not all reforms are created equal” via Sal Nuzzo for Florida Politics — Florida’s aggressive push to curb abusive litigation has produced real reforms, but Senate Bill 1396 goes too far and misses the mark, tilting the justice system toward powerful corporate defendants. Marketed as a consumer protection measure, the Litigation Investment Safeguards and Transparency Act would restrict litigation financing, a tool that helps ordinary Floridians fund legitimate claims against deep-pocketed adversaries. By discouraging investment and adding procedural hurdles, the bill would make it harder for individuals and small businesses to pursue accountability while well-funded corporations absorb delays with ease. Supporters call it transparency, but courts already police misconduct. In practice, SB 1396 would weaken access to justice, raise costs for plaintiffs, and reinforce the advantage of entrenched corporate interests over consumers that the bill claims to protect.

“Monoculture at the Florida Supreme Court” via Diane Roberts of the Florida Phoenix — The late Justice Joe Boyd used to boast he was the only one on the Florida Supreme Court to have been officially declared sane. These days, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking psychiatric exams might be in order for some in Florida’s political and legal establishment. Or, even better, a moral compass: Many of the judges appointed over the last seven or eight years seem to have misplaced theirs. Florida has just acquired a new Supreme Court Justice, appointed by the Governor. There is no suggestion, however, that he’s mentally ill. As for a moral compass, well, that remains to be seen.

“Dental therapy bill aims to close Florida’s rural oral health gap” via Myrna Gamez for Florida Politics — Traveling from a dental practice in Bradenton to rural communities across Florida reveals a widening gap in access to basic oral health care, where preventable problems often progress into serious pain and infection. Too few dentists in rural areas force patients to delay routine care, driving tens of thousands into hospital emergency rooms each year for conditions that could have been treated earlier, at enormous cost to families and the health care system. Emergency rooms offer temporary relief but not lasting solutions. House Bill 363 would authorize dental therapists to provide routine preventive and restorative care under dentist supervision, expanding capacity without replacing dentists. The model has worked safely elsewhere, improving access, reducing emergency visits, controlling costs, and giving communities a practical tool to address Florida’s growing dental access crisis.

“Trial lawyers target insurance affiliates as premiums fall in Florida” via Scott Johnson for Florida Politics — Florida property owners are seeing insurance relief as rates fall, competition increases, and regulators order reductions, even as trial lawyers warn of supposed new industry abuses. The latest target is the long-standing use of affiliated entities such as managing general agents, a cost-saving model dating back to the 1800s that allows insurers to operate efficiently without bloated bureaucracies. Critics portray these affiliates as profit-shifting schemes, despite strict oversight by the Office of Insurance Regulation, which reviews and approves every arrangement and can impose severe penalties for abuse. With reinsurance costs trending down and tort reforms curbing litigation-driven expenses, homeowners are benefiting from lower premiums. The real fight, however, is not over transparency but over trial lawyers seeking new avenues to revive lucrative lawsuits.

“World Cup ready — why airport innovation is Florida’s next economic advantage” via Ana Maria Rodriguez for Florida Politics — As Florida prepares to host millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the state faces a critical test of its airport infrastructure and passenger-processing capacity. With matches expected to draw hundreds of thousands of international travelers into cities such as Miami and Orlando, efficient airport security and screening will be essential to protecting tourism dollars and Florida’s global reputation. Recent rollouts of CLEAR biometric eGates at major airports show how facial-recognition technology, operating under Transportation Security Administration oversight, can speed identity verification without added taxpayer costs. Supporters argue that expanding the technology statewide would reduce delays, improve traveler experience, and strengthen Florida’s position as a global gateway. With billions in projected economic impact at stake, airport modernization is increasingly viewed as a competitive necessity, not a luxury.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Jane Castor braces for pirate raid as Gasparilla approaches Tampa” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Pirates may be planning their annual raid during Gasparilla this week, but Tampa Mayor Castor says she may not give in to demands for the city key so easily this year. In her Tampa Weekly newsletter, Castor spotlighted the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla Parade held this weekend along Bayshore Boulevard and noted that the city is now turning its attention to the main Gasparilla Pirate Fest scheduled for Saturday. The event traditionally begins with a mock pirate invasion of downtown Tampa, followed by a parade drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators. Castor is scheduled to participate in several Gasparilla-related events this week.

“Duke Energy restores power to 131K residents in the Carolinas after Winter Storm Fern” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Duke Energy crews continue power restoration efforts across the Carolinas after Winter Storm Fern brought ice and snow to much of the U.S. over the weekend. The company said that as of Monday afternoon at 2 p.m., power had been restored to 131,000 customers across the Carolinas. As of that point, about 22,000 customers were without power in the region. Duke Energy expects to have most outages restored by the end of Monday, though some customers in the hardest hit areas, where road conditions are still hindering crews, may not see power restored until Tuesday.

“Gas prices decline slightly after spike” via Florida Politics — Gas prices in Florida are falling after a sharp increase last week. The state average jumped 14 cents to $2.89 per gallon Thursday, the highest daily average price since Dec. 20. Prices then began to ease, slipping 3 cents over the next three days. On Monday, the state average was $2.84 per gallon. Meanwhile, the price of crude oil ended the week at $61.07 per barrel, 3% more than the week prior. Higher oil prices generally portend higher pump prices, but Florida’s retail market continues to follow its own pattern.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are our dear friend Laura Boehmer of The Southern Group, smart guy Doug Bell of Metz Husband & Daughton, Bryan Eastman, Cory Guzzo, Deno Hicks, and Andrea Mercado.

___

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