Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 10.14.26
Good Wednesday morning.
Breaking late Tuesday — “Donald Trump cancels planned Tampa Bay Buccaneers game appearance,” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times — President Trump is no longer expected to attend Sunday’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium, reversing plans CNN reported earlier. Reporter Kristen Holmes initially said Trump would attend as part of a tour of battleground states ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election but later reported White House officials had canceled the appearance. Trump said Tuesday he plans to visit Florida, Arizona, Montana, Georgia and Kentucky to bolster Republican support. Florida’s closely watched Governor’s race pits Republican Byron Donalds against Democrat David Jolly, while Republicans are targeting additional congressional seats following mid-decade redistricting. The revised map includes Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s Hillsborough County District.
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Three weeks from Election Day, Donalds’ campaign says his lead is growing. A memo from Ryan Smith, Chief Strategist for Team Donalds, first published on Florida Politics, puts Donalds ahead of Jolly 49%-43% head-to-head and 46%-39% on the full ballot in a survey by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates conducted Oct. 8-11.
Smith calls the result consistent with last week’s Mason-Dixon poll, which had Donalds up 48%-41%, and points to Jolly’s latest Change Research survey, which ties the race at 47%. “Even liberal David Jolly cannot produce a poll showing himself ahead,” Smith writes.
The memo says the campaign’s turnout operation, with mail, text, phones, doors, digital, and Black and Hispanic outreach, is “in full effect,” with field teams knocking tens of thousands of doors a day. Democrats have returned more mail ballots overall, Smith writes, and Republicans are returning a higher share of the ballots they requested, 23% to 22%. Donalds holds a 6:1 resource advantage and is on pace to hit his fundraising goal by Oct. 29.
“No one listened to him on MSNBC, and no one should listen to him now,” Smith writes of Jolly, predicting the Democrat’s campaign will turn “shriller” as the margin grows.
Stetson University’s Center for Public Opinion Research gives Donalds a bigger cushion: an 11-point lead, 52% to 41%. Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody leads Democrat Angie Nixon by the same margin, and Republicans lead 50%-41% on the generic congressional ballot, with 8% undecided, a result Stetson casts as evidence that Florida has moved well to the right of a national electorate leaning toward Democrats.
Those are commanding numbers. The full report shows they could have been much redder.
After demographic weighting and Stetson’s likely-voter adjustment, its online panel recalled a 2024 electorate in which Trump received 61.3% of the two-party vote. Trump actually received 56.6%. Stetson therefore anchored respondents’ recalled votes to the certified result, shaving roughly 6 points off the R+17 margin to about R+11.
Stetson also said earlier surveys overweighted voters under 24 and those over 65. Stetson corrected those targets and recalculated its previous results.
Under the revised figures, Moody led 52% to 40% in September and 52% to 41% in October. The Senate race, as pollster Kelly Smith put it, “has narrowed slightly.”
Mathletics aside, Stetson still has both Democrats staring up from an 11-point hole.
Steve Vancore gives the poll three and a half grains of salt in his Salt Shaker review. Stetson drew its sample from an opt-in online panel of Florida adults instead of the voter file, and roughly 87% of those adults said they were registered, above the share of Floridians on the rolls. Stetson’s likely-voter model then predicts self-reported 2022 turnout from more self-reports, which Vancore calls “social desirability response patterning stacked on social desirability response patterning.”
“My point isn’t that the lead is inflated,” Vancore writes. “It’s that nobody, including Stetson, can tell from this design how big it really is.”
The other new poll leans just as red and still can’t get the property tax amendment over the line.
The latest survey from the AIF Center for Political Strategy has Amendment 3 at 53% support, seven points short of the 60% it needs to pass. Another 28% oppose the amendment and 19% are undecided.
That majority isn’t rock solid, either. Only two in five voters told the pollster they would “definitely” vote for the plan, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 next year with further increases down the line.
Support failed to reach 60% in any media market. Miami and Tampa came closest at 56% each, while Orlando registered the weakest support at 48%.
It did fare well among Republicans, 68% of whom plan to back it. Yet only 50% of independents and fewer than a third of Democrats plan to join them.
Age and income produced similarly sharp divides. Support stood at 36% among voters younger than 30 and 55% among those older than 40. AIF also reported that support increased with household income, with low-income voters at 44%.
Black voters supported the proposal at 58%, compared with 53% of white voters and 50% of Hispanic voters.
McLaughlin & Associates surveyed 800 likely Florida General Election voters from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, with an R+14 turnout model. It has a margin of error of ± 3.5 percentage points.
Ballard Partners is adding Dubai- and London-based strategic communications firm Farrant Group to the Ballard Global Alliance.
The partnership connects Farrant Group’s communications and reputation-management work with Ballard Partners’ lobbying and government affairs operation in Washington and across the United States.
For Ballard Partners, the agreement brings the Global Alliance its first member firm in the United Arab Emirates and expands a Middle East presence that already includes offices in Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Istanbul. Farrant Group’s clients, meanwhile, will gain access to Ballard Partners’ U.S. lobbying network.
“Dubai has become one of the world’s great crossroads for diplomacy, capital, and commerce, and Farrant Group has earned the trust of governments and leaders operating in some of the most demanding and closely watched environments anywhere,” firm founder and President Brian Ballard said. “Together, we will give our clients seamless, coordinated counsel from Washington to the Gulf and beyond.”
Farrant Group founder and CEO Michael Farrant added, “Farrant Group is delighted to be working with Ballard Partners in this regard and looks forward to a collaboration that delivers the results clients have come to expect.”
The firms said they will jointly offer government and public affairs work, strategic communications, crisis and reputation management, litigation and regulatory communications, and market-access and business-development services. The partnership will focus on clients with interests in the United States, the UAE and the United Kingdom.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@JamesFishback: I’ll be attending Bernie Sanders’ rally with Angie Nixon on Saturday in Melbourne. I may disagree with them, but they’ve tapped into something, and I want to see it for myself
—@meyer0656: We now have more than 600,000 ballots marked as received. Democrats lead by ~39,000. It’s worth noting that, in 2024, Democrats led mail ballots by 210,000 and ultimately lost the overall turnout race to the GOP by 1.2 million ballots. Dem turnout is, at best, underwhelming.
—@AshleyLCarter: SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily closed its Mako roller coaster following the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. A SeaWorld spokesperson says the closure is “out of an abundance of caution.” Mako is manufactured by B&M, the same company behind Six Flags’ Goliath coaster.
—@AnthonyClose: For only $7 million, you can be neighbors with Taylor Swift’s dad. 964 Monte Cristo Blvd in Tierra Verde just hit the market.
Tweet, tweet:
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘The Diplomat’ season 4 premieres — 1; Optional General early voting begins — 5; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 7; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 7; General Election ballot request deadline — 8; Mandatory General early voting begins — 10; General Election — 20; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 23; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 23; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 28; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 30; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 30; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 34; New legislator training sessions — 34; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 34; ‘Madden’ premieres — 35; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 37; ‘Blade Runner 2099’ premieres on Prime Video — 42; ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres in IMAX — 42; Committee Week #1 — 47; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 65; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 65; Committee Week #2 — 82; Committee Week #3 — 89; ‘Ahsoka’ season 2 premieres — 98; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 103; Committee Week #4 — 110; The 2027 Florida State Fair begins — 113; ‘Remain,’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan, premieres — 114; Grammys — 116; Committee Week #5 — 117; Super Bowl LXI — 123; Committee Week #6 — 124; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 139; Tampa Mayoral Election — 139; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 142; Jacksonville First Election — 146; Oscars — 151; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 162; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 162; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 182; Jacksonville General Election — 216; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 226; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 247; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 275; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 296; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 331; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 429; 2028 South Carolina Democratic Presidential Primary — 465; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 467; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 475; 2028 New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary — 482; 2028 New Mexico Democratic Presidential Primary — 489; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 492; 2028 Michigan Democratic Presidential Primary — 496; 2028 Virginia Democratic Presidential Primary — 503; Oscars — 508; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 569; ‘Miami Vice ’85’ reboot premieres — 583; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 590; ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel with Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 597; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 611; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 639; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 653; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 755; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 793; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 831; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,164; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,892.
— TOP STORY —
“Florida Democrats test competing comeback strategies with David Jolly and Angie Nixon” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Florida Democrats are testing two sharply different approaches to political survival as gubernatorial nominee Jolly and U.S. Senate candidate Nixon attempt to rebuild a party battered by successive election defeats. Jolly, a former Republican, emphasizes moderation and crossover appeal, while Nixon embraces progressive activism and confrontational messaging.
The contrast extends beyond ideology. Jolly has declined to debate Republican Donalds, arguing voters want civility and normalcy. Nixon, meanwhile, has challenged Republican Moody to debate and encouraged supporters to channel their frustration into political action. She also supports impeaching Trump and his Cabinet.
Despite their differences, both candidates face formidable obstacles. Republicans hold a roughly 1.5-million-voter registration advantage, and national Democratic organizations have provided limited financial support. Party strategists acknowledge that even competitive losses could demonstrate progress and help Democrats rebuild their statewide infrastructure.
Jolly has outlined an ambitious governing agenda, including halting data center construction, replacing Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and reversing restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Nixon has energized Black voters and grassroots activists, although her Democratic Socialists of America membership and positions on Israel have raised concerns among some Democrats.
Supporters argue the contrasting candidates could broaden the party’s appeal. Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost believes their different constituencies complement each other, while Leon County Democratic Chair Ryan Ray sees an unconventional but potentially effective ticket.
The November results could influence Democratic strategy nationally heading into 2028. Whether moderation or progressive mobilization performs better may help determine how the party approaches future elections in increasingly Republican Florida.
— 2026 —
Sierra Club Florida endorses Nixon for U.S. Senate — Sierra Club Florida is backing Democratic state Rep. Nixon in her challenge to Moody, adding one of the state’s largest environmental groups to a campaign already stacked with progressive endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Frost. Committee Chair Steve Wonderly called Nixon “the leader our state needs to fight for a healthier, cleaner, and more affordable future.” Political and Legislative Director Javier Estevez pointed to “massive AI hyperscale data centers” and their demands on water and energy as a fight Nixon is ready to take on. Nixon said she had aimed at “corporate polluters and utility monopolies” that have treated Florida “like their personal playground” while “using politicians like Ashley Moody to do their bidding.” The group says volunteers drawn from its 240,000-plus members and supporters will contact and mobilize voters for Nixon through Election Day.
“Bernie Sanders to hold Tallahassee rally for Nixon for Senate” via Jim Rosica of USA Today Network — U.S. Sen. Sanders will hold a rally in Tallahassee on Oct. 18 as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” tour. Nixon is slated to appear as a “special guest.” The event is scheduled for 8 p.m. at The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and organizers are encouraging attendees to RSVP online in advance. Nixon is listed as a special guest for all his other Florida stops, including Tampa, Melbourne and Gainesville. These appearances come as Nixon seeks to unseat Moody in Florida’s 2026 Senate election. Sanders endorsed Nixon two days after her Primary victory.
“Realtor.com economist’s price warning complicates Florida Realtors’ affordability case for Amendment 3” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Florida Realtors is bankrolling Amendment 3 and pitching the property tax cut as relief for Floridians priced out of homeownership. Realtor.com, the listings site that operates under license from the group’s national parent, is suggesting that cutting property taxes pushes home prices higher and makes it harder for first-time buyers to get in. Realtor.com Senior Economist Joel Berner, who produced the estimate, says the gain would come at the expense of first-time buyers, who would face higher prices. “It would be a boon to existing property owners,” Berner said when the analysis was released in 2025.
— MORE ELECTIONS —
“Jason Crow rallies behind Pia Dandiya in critical CD 22 race” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The House Democrat tasked with finding top talent nationwide endorsed Dandiya’s campaign in a critical battleground race. U.S. Rep. Crow, a Colorado Democrat, said he’s backing Dandiya’s campaign. “As an educator, Pia Dandiya has dedicated herself to Florida’s kids and their families, and she’s seen firsthand what it takes to set them up for success,” Crow said. “I’m proud to endorse Pia because Floridians deserve leaders like her who put service and their communities first.”
“Scott Singer highlights local tax cuts, anti-fraud agenda in second TV ad for CD 25” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Republican Singer has a new TV ad out in Florida’s 25th Congressional District touting tax cuts he oversaw as Boca Raton Mayor and an anti-corruption agenda he says he’ll bring to Washington if elected next month. The 30-second spot is titled “Seven Times” after the number of times Boca Raton cut its tax rates while he was the city’s top elected official. Singer is running to unseat twice-elected Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a former state lawmaker and Broward County Commissioner who served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management during the height of the pandemic. “In Congress, I’ll do that and more,” Singer says to the camera.
— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —
“David Silvers outraises, outspends Rick Roth as SD 26 race enters final month” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Democrat Silvers significantly outraised and outspent Republican Roth, a fellow former Representative, in the race for the soon-to-be open Senate District 26 seat in Palm Beach County during August and September. Between Aug. 1 and Oct. 2, Silvers added more than $121,000 to his campaign coffers while spending close to $206,000, most of it on TV and digital ads. Roth, meanwhile, raised $2,000 but spent about $130,500, more than half on advertising. Silvers was far better off financially; by Oct. 3, he held roughly $201,500 between his campaign account and his political committee, Friends of David Silvers, exactly one month before Election Day.
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— STATEWIDE —
“Ron DeSantis urges federal judge to uphold CAIR terrorist designation” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Gov. DeSantis and state attorneys are urging a federal judge to reject a challenge to Florida’s designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and its Florida chapter as domestic terrorist organizations. The state alleges CAIR has long-standing ties to Hamas; the organization denies it. CAIR argues the designations violate First Amendment and due process protections and could threaten employees, donors and legal representation. The dispute tests a new Florida law allowing terrorist designations, approved by lawmakers earlier this year. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker previously blocked a related executive order and denied CAIR’s request for a temporary restraining order. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.
“Hurricane Isaias death toll is 6, DeSantis says” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Hurricane Isaias is blamed for six deaths in Florida, DeSantis said during a storm update. Electricity has been restored to about 95% of customers who lost power. About 5,000 people are still in the dark in the northwest of where Isaias made landfall. “It’s not a question of the power lines being back up. It’s a question of whether they can safely receive power to their homes,” he said.
“Walmart commits $1M, free meals and showers for Isaias victims in Panhandle” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Walmart is mobilizing relief efforts for communities hit by Hurricane Isaias in the Panhandle. The retailer and the Walmart Foundation, its charitable arm, are committing $1 million in cash and in-kind donations, including bottled water, food and other necessities, to recovery efforts. “I’ve seen the incredible teamwork happening across Walmart as we prepared for Hurricane Isaias, and I’m especially grateful for our associates who are managing the storm’s impact on their own lives while continuing to care for our customers and one another,” said Kyle Kinnard, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S.
“USPS mail resuming in communities hit by Hurricane Isaias” via Michelle Spitzer of USA Today Network-Florida — USPS mail service and operations resumed Monday in Northwest Florida after a brief interruption due to Hurricane Isaias. The temporary suspension affected 60 ZIP Codes, all in the Panhandle. Services were already paused Oct. 11 because they are normally closed on Sundays, and on Oct. 12, the federal holiday, Columbus Day.
“Early Escambia County Isaias public damage estimated at $64M” via Lisa Nellessen Savage of the Pensacola News Journal — Escambia County has completed the initial damage assessment for Hurricane Isaias and estimates county repair costs will total about $64 million. This total includes Escambia County facilities, buildings, equipment, parks, roads, bridges, and emergency recovery efforts. This total does not include damage to private properties. Debris removal is estimated at $54.87 million; emergency protective measures at $1.5 million; roads and bridges at $1 million; buildings and equipment at $5.2 million; and parks at $1.5 million.
“Sunset Isle Marina escapes Hurricane Isaias unscathed, despite being almost directly in the storm’s path” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A Panhandle marina came through Hurricane Isaias undamaged, despite sitting almost directly in the Category 2 storm’s path. The owners of Sunset Isle Marina credit advance planning and sound engineering, not luck. Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin as a Category 2 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. It came ashore less than 5 miles from Sunset Isle, which sits on the bay side of Okaloosa Island. When marina officials inspected the property after the storm, they found no damage. Not a single board was missing from the 1,400-foot pier or any of its 144 slips. That, marina owner Robert Guidry said, is no accident.
“Judge recommends suspending three private schools from Florida voucher programs” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — An administrative law judge recommends suspending three private schools from Florida’s voucher programs after finding they failed to meet instructional requirements and improperly approved scholarship payments without parental authorization. Judge June McKinney found Miami International Academy, Lenora Brown School Academy and Tallahassee Academy International fell short of required instructional hours. School employees also used parent login credentials to authorize payments, bypassing required approvals. Operator Michael Tunsil acknowledged the practice but said staff was assisting parents with limited technology access. McKinney rejected permanent revocation, noting no evidence that scholarship funds were stolen or diverted. The Department of Education will make the final decision on the schools’ eligibility.
“Florida executes James Robertson who killed his cellmate in hopes of getting a death sentence” via David Fischer of The Associated Press — Robertson, who said he killed his cellmate specifically to get on death row, was executed Tuesday, nearly 18 years after the attack. Robertson declined to offer any last words before receiving a three-drug injection and was pronounced dead about 10 minutes later. It was a stark contrast to the failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee two weeks ago, where she was rushed to the hospital after surviving two lethal doses of pentobarbital. Robertson’s execution, the first in Florida since Pike, comes at a time of escalating attention on the death penalty in the United States. The Pentagon said last week that it would livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, drawing criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
“Florida utility regulators attended retreat where industry paid their lodging, travel” via Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — At this ritzy waterfront spot in July, two of Florida’s five utility Commissioners mingled at a private retreat with representatives from the industry they regulate, public records show. Commissioners Mike La Rosa and Bobby Payne each committed three weekdays to the retreat, hosted by a nonprofit called the Regulators Roundtable Institute. “If public service Commissioners take free food, lodging and other amenities from companies they are or will be regulating, that seems to me to be a violation of the Florida code of ethics,” said state Sen. Don Gaetz.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Kimberly Guilfoyle is out as U.S. ambassador to Greece” via Michael Birnbaum of The Washington Post — The White House has asked Guilfoyle, the ambassador to Greece, to resign, new White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia told reporters on Tuesday, a day after Trump said he was considering firing her after allegations she asked a political donor for $100,000 to pay her personal American Express bill. “While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end,” she wrote.
“White House scrambles over questions on new Press Secretary’s background” via Michael Birnbaum of The Washington Post — The White House scrambled to answer questions about the legal credentials of Press Secretary Zacharia, who made a brief and halting debut in the briefing room and later said she had passed a bar exam in China, a country where noncitizens aren’t allowed to practice in courtrooms. Zacharia has a law degree from Pepperdine University, graduating in 2011, the university confirmed. “I thought she was very good,” Trump told reporters after Tuesday’s briefing as he walked to Marine One en route to a campaign rally in Alaska.
“Marco Rubio plans India trip next week focused on energy, investment” via Eric Martin of Bloomberg — Rubio will travel to Mumbai and Jamnagar as part of a trip that also includes Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from Oct. 17-22, the State Department said in a statement. Mumbai is India’s financial capital while Jamnagar, in Gujarat, is home to the world’s largest oil refining complex, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd. Trump’s top diplomat “will meet with senior government officials to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic partnership, exchange views on regional and global dynamics, and discuss prospects for enhanced energy cooperation,” the State Department said. “Secretary Rubio will also meet with business leaders to promote opportunities for commercial investment and economic cooperation.”
“Supreme Court to review dispute over access to DOGE records” via Ann E. Marimow of The New York Times — The Supreme Court announced it would review a long-running dispute over how much information the Department of Government Efficiency, formed by Elon Musk, must disclose in response to public records requests. In the early days of Trump’s second term, Musk’s initiative, known as DOGE, swept through federal agencies seeking to overhaul the government bureaucracy and fire scores of workers. Musk eventually departed last year amid declining influence, friction with the President, and after failing to deliver on promised budget cuts. But a nonprofit watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, has continued to press for information about the entity’s operations. The group, known as CREW, had filed an expedited request for records under the Freedom of Information Act. After it did not receive the records, the group filed a lawsuit, saying DOGE had violated public records laws.
“‘We need to end the war’: Anna Paulina Luna defends Trump diesel fuel deal with Russia” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — While Trump’s proposal to buy diesel fuel from Russia has drawn bipartisan pushback, U.S. Rep. Luna said the plan benefits Americans. The Pinellas Republican said many lawmakers criticizing the proposal, including Republicans, don’t understand where negotiations currently stand between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine. Luna controversially met with Russian officials close to the talks earlier this year and said that gave her greater insight than most peers criticizing her now. Luna spoke with Florida Politics about her support for the plan.
“The FTC is beginning to probe the sports gambling industry” via Jeff Stein of The Washington Sun — Officials at the Federal Trade Commission are probing the $167 billion online sports gambling industry, which the White House has celebrated but which faces mounting skepticism from some conservative activists. The FTC’s interest in online sports gambling is expected to focus on online sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings — likely over allegations of deceptive and misleading advertising. “There’s a real generational divide on this: A lot of the older officials don’t get what the big deal is,” they said. “But younger appointees really get it. They get that the sports betting enterprise now is fundamentally different and wiping out entire families.”
“Bipartisan duo maps out AI safety plan as congressional action lags” via Kelsey Brugger of POLITICO — A bipartisan Senate duo is urging Trump national security officials to “bring its full capacities to bear” to stave off threats posed by artificial intelligence — sooner rather than later. Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Republican South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, are calling for a full government response to a growing number of cybersecurity breaches. “Recent AI security incidents should serve as a warning,” the Senators wrote in a Tuesday letter to Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton and White House Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios.
“Could a proposed Census rule cost Florida billions in aid — or even a House seat?” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Experts say Florida’s population was already undercounted in the last Census. Could a new rule that excludes undocumented immigrants and most other noncitizens from the next count cost the state a U.S. House seat? The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) says a rule proposed by the Trump administration under the U.S. Commerce Department would worsen inequity for Florida compared to other states. POGO officials said the proposed Trump administration rule change would cost the state one of its expected new House seats, citing a recent analysis by The New York Times. Florida loses the seat when the analysis uses FWD.us population estimates, but not when it uses Pew Research Center figures.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Miami-Dade voters to decide fate of teacher raises in November” via Austin Horn of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to renew a property tax generating about $569.5 million annually for teacher salaries and school security through 2031. Without renewal, teachers could face pay cuts of up to $16,000 as the District struggles with declining enrollment, school closures and competition from private-school vouchers. Superintendent Rafael Villalobos warns losing the funding would be catastrophic. The tax costs homeowners $1 annually per $1,000 in taxable property value. Republican officials, union leaders and School Board members support renewal. Broward voters face a similar referendum worth approximately $358 million annually. Both measures appear alongside Amendment 3, a separate statewide property tax proposal that could complicate voter messaging.
“Broward County Commission prepares to take Sheriff to court” via Rafael Olmeda of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Broward County Commission will take Sheriff Gregory Tony to court if he continues to block county officials from touring the Sheriff’s Research, Development and Training Center gym. On Monday, Broward Mayor Mark Bogen and two Commissioner tried to access the building but were turned away at the front door by the Sheriff, who later told reporters he would not be pressured to grant access while they remain under a “massive criminal investigation.” The County Commission voted Tuesday to authorize the County Attorney’s Office to “take any … legal action necessary against BSO to enforce the County’s rights.”
“Project Tango lawsuit claims Maria Sachs should have recused herself” via Mike Diamond of The Palm Beach Post — The developer of Project Tango, the hyperscale data center proposed west of Wellington, now alleges that a second Palm Beach County Commissioner, Sachs, improperly prejudged the project before its July denial. The company has already accused Sara Baxter, serving as the county Mayor in a one-year rotation, of improperly influencing the Commission’s rejection of the data center project even after she agreed to recuse herself. Baxter agreed to step away from the dais during the July 15 discussion and vote at the determination by County Attorney David Ottey. The county’s top legal adviser ruled Baxter should not participate in the hearing after she publicly opposed the data center during a town hall meeting she sponsored.
“Stuart Commissioners won’t repay severance from their own salaries” via Timothy O’Hara of TC Palm — Stuart City Commissioners shot down a proposal to forgo their salaries for two years to pay severance packages for two city managers fired in the past year. Commissioner Sean Reed asked his fellow Commissioners Oct. 12 to give up their roughly $20,000 annual salaries for about two years to help cover the separation payments to former City Managers Michael Mortell and Michael Giardino.
“New rules for e-bikes coming to Fort Lauderdale in effort to boost safety” via Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — With e-bike accidents on the rise, Fort Lauderdale is now considering regulating speedy power bikes to improve safety on sidewalks and roads. Commissioners are expected to approve the new rules for e-bikes and other micromobility devices before the end of the year. Penalties would result in a $250 fine for the first offense and $500 for subsequent violations. Mayor Dean Trantalis interjected. Trantalis made it clear he did not think e-bikes should be allowed in city parks anywhere. “I don’t think we should have them in the parks at all,” he said.
“Fort Lauderdale to celebrate milestone: New $666 million water plant” via Susannah Bryan of Sun Sentinel — It cost $666 million, was built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, and can remove the yellow tint from Fort Lauderdale’s drinking water. We’re talking about Fort Lauderdale’s pricey new water plant. With a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, the city plans to celebrate the new water plant with a long-awaited grand opening ceremony. “People are coming to me and saying, ‘Oh my God, my water’s clear,’” Trantalis said. “These are little things in life. The $700 million was worth it.”
“FIU faculty want law school dean sidelined over sanctions tied to Trump lawsuit” via Austin Horn of the Miami Herald — Florida International University’s Faculty Senate passed a statement Tuesday urging the school’s administration to put its interim law school dean on leave because a federal court sanctioned him. FIU’s new interim law school dean, Daniel Epstein, was sanctioned over the Summer and is essentially barred from appearing in the Southern District of Florida for his conduct as Trump’s personal attorney. With only two votes in opposition, the vast majority of FIU’s Faculty Senate supported the measure. The sanctions came as part of U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ ruling that Trump’s lawsuit and proposed settlement with the Internal Revenue Service were “brought for an improper purpose” and amounted to self-dealing since Trump is the current President.
“Fort Pierce terminates Crabby’s Dockside lease over $334K debt” via Arnie Rosenberg of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Fort Pierce officials unanimously voted to terminate the lease for the former Crabby’s Dockside restaurant at the City Marina after its operator accumulated nearly $334,000 in unpaid rent, taxes and late fees. Winking Starfish LLC closed the waterfront restaurant in February amid a dispute over payments owed to the city. Commissioners rejected the company’s efforts to find a replacement operator, opting instead to solicit proposals themselves. City Manager Richard Chess said future agreements would reflect market rates and better protect taxpayers. Commissioner Michael Broderick called for immediate termination, while Commissioner Curtis Johnson vowed the city would pursue repayment. Officials will establish new leasing requirements before selecting another restaurant operator.
“Who is behind Gramps Getaway’s liquor license?” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Rickenbacker Marina President Aabad Melwani filed the paperwork that created Gramps Getaway’s operating company on Nov. 14, 2023, and listed himself as one of its two authorized members. On Dec. 18, Adam Gersten signed an amendment removing him. On Dec. 20, the state issued the restaurant’s liquor license. The license application’s disclosure of interested parties, in records obtained by Florida Politics, lists Gersten as manager and one member with a 100% interest: Gramps Rickenbacker LLC. Its Delaware status record, also obtained by Florida Politics, shows it was formed Dec. 18, 2023, the same day Gersten signed the amendment removing Melwani in Florida. The records do not identify the owner of the Delaware company.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Alicia Farrant transfers nearly $20K from losing Orange County School Board Chair campaign to her nonprofit” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — After losing her August bid for School Board Chair, outgoing Orange County School Board member Farrant transferred nearly $20,000 in unspent campaign donations to a nonprofit she runs with her husband. Farrant moved $19,215 to Impact Nations on Sept. 30. The transfer may be legal, but it could raise ethical questions and be a bad look, a lawyer who specializes in Florida campaign finance law told Florida Politics. “The funds are designated specifically for the orphanage and will be used to help us prepare and welcome children who are needing a home, safety, and love.”
“Bunnell City Commission to review landfill project, hear 18 appeals” via Brenno Carillo of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — The City Commission set a date to hear 18 appeals of the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board’s approval of Project Butterfly — the 610-acre landfill project proposed along County Road 45. The Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 12 to hold the hearing at 9 a.m. on Oct. 28.
“SeaWorld Orlando closes Mako coaster after death at Six Flags Over Georgia” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Theme parks across the country closed roller coasters after Monday’s tragic death at Six Flags Over Georgia, including SeaWorld Orlando, which said it shut down its Mako coaster. Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard built Mako, the same firm that made the Six Flags coaster Goliath. “The safety of our guests and team members is a top priority. Our safety staff and ride technicians strive to maintain and deliver attractions that our guests can enjoy with confidence,” a representative for SeaWorld Orlando said. “That work includes regular ride inspections and ongoing collaboration with ride manufacturers and other engineering and safety experts.”
— LOCAL: TB —
“Harry Cohen channels Jeopardy! in playful re-election campaign ad” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Hillsborough County Commissioner Cohen is bringing game-show humor to his re-election campaign with a 30-second advertisement modeled after “Jeopardy!” The spot highlights Cohen’s bipartisan endorsements, transportation priorities, affordable housing proposals and calls for developers to pay their fair share. Cohen plays a contestant whose malfunctioning buzzer repeatedly prevents him from answering questions about his own record. The Democrat faces former Republican Rep. Jackie Toledo in the Nov. 3 General Election. Cohen has raised nearly $186,000, compared with Toledo’s approximately $128,000. His supporters include Republican Sheriff Chad Chronister, former Tax Collector Doug Belden and State Attorney Suzy Lopez. Cohen narrowly survived re-election in 2022 and is seeking another term representing District 1.
To watch the ad, please click the image below:
“Fentrice Driskell, Copley Gerdes endorse Trevor Mallory for St. Pete City Council” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Sen.-elect Driskell and St. Petersburg City Council Member Gerdes are endorsing Mallory for City Council, adding two prominent political supporters to his campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election. “Trevor Mallory proved to be a strong advocate for affordability, smart economic growth, and opportunity for all during his time as president of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida,” Driskell said. “Trevor is no-nonsense and deeply rooted in his local community. That’s the kind of ally I want as we fight to build a better Florida together.”
“Sources allege Lina Teixeira connection to Clearwater lawsuit; she denies involvement” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Clearwater City Council member Teixeira denies involvement in a lawsuit challenging the city’s decision to vacate part of South Garden Avenue. Business owner Tony Tello, whose piano bar, Nash Keys, filed the lawsuit, argues the closure will hurt customer access. Sources cited connections involving Teixeira, her husband, Frank Persechino, and Tello, including their use of the same law firm. Teixeira says she neither discussed the lawsuit before it was filed nor recommended an attorney. Allegations involving Persechino remain unverified. Teixeira and Tello opposed the street vacation. Meanwhile, Nash Keys has faced substantial unpaid tax bills, raising additional questions about the business’s financial condition.
“Residents blast Pinellas Commissioners over handling of Flock camera debate with Bob Gualtieri” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Commissioners faced sharp criticism from residents who accused them of giving Sheriff Gualtieri too little pushback when he defended Flock cameras at a recent workshop. Gualtieri spent more than an hour defending the technology during the workshop, called to examine Commissioner Vince Nowicki’s proposal to restrict the county’s involvement with license plate readers. The meeting ended without a decision. Lauren Meyers, another Pinellas resident, directed much of her criticism at the Commissioners themselves, accusing them of being deferential to Gualtieri and failing to challenge his presentation. “Your job is to ask questions, not explicitly trust your colleagues,” Meyers said. “Ask the hard questions. Hold people accountable. Hold yourself accountable.”
“Pinellas ends Suncoast Center sexual assault exam deal, shifts costs to hospitals” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Commissioners have voted unanimously to end the county’s funding agreement with Suncoast Center for forensic sexual assault exams, leaving local hospitals to cover the service starting next year. The county’s Sexual Assault Victim Examination (SAVE) agreement will terminate Dec. 31, nearly two years before its scheduled expiration. Commissioner Kathleen Peters also questioned whether a workable system could be in place by Jan. 1. “I don’t know that we’re going to have that answer in two months,” she said.
“Pinellas approves $10.4M contract to repair 6 coastal sites damaged by Helene” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Commissioners have approved a contract worth up to $10.4 million to repair six coastal sites damaged by Hurricane Helene more than two years ago. Central Florida Contractors Inc. will handle the repairs after submitting the lowest of six bids. Pinellas will initially pay for the work using General Fund reserves, but county staff says the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state may reimburse nearly 88% of the cost. The contractor will have 540 days to complete the repairs, potentially extending the work into 2028.
“Kolter Urban to redevelop downtown St. Pete Hilton” via the Tampa Bay Business Journal — An aging downtown St. Petersburg hotel will be replaced with two 44-story condominium towers. Kolter Urban will demolish the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront hotel and build two condo towers, according to a site plan application filed with the city Monday afternoon. The waterfront development would add 325 units to downtown, expanding the city’s growing luxury offerings. The project’s total value is estimated at $300 million.
“FSU’s Kevin Cash, Tampa Bay Rays manager, has always been a winner,” via Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat — Long before Cash established his identity as a major league manager, some of his foundation was formed at Florida State. Former FSU teammate Chris Chavez sees pieces of those Seminole years (1997-99) in the way Cash manages today. “Kevin brings a lot of Florida State, and of Eleven (former FSU coach Mike Martin) with him,” Chavez said. “I think he’s been such a student of the game since he was at Florida State. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s picked the brains of all the managers he played for, and I think he’s just morphed it all into who he is and become himself. “It seems like he has the Rays in the race every single year.”
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Artis Gilmore running for Jacksonville City Council” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — Hall of Fame basketball player Gilmore, who took Jacksonville University to the NCAA championship game in 1970, is gearing up for a different kind of March Madness. Gilmore filed on Oct. 13 for an at-large Jacksonville City Council seat, challenging incumbent Nick Howland in the March 9 First Election. Howland, currently serving as City Council President, is seeking another four-year term. Gilmore is running for office for the first time. He worked at City Hall more than a decade ago as Mayor Alvin Brown’s ambassador for sports, entertainment, and physical fitness, helping bring more sporting events to Jacksonville and serving as a public health advocate.
“Former UF Health doctor left notes before suicide at Alachua County Jail” via Elliot Tritto of The Gainesville Sun — According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office investigation report citing findings from the District 8 Medical Examiner’s Office, Chintan Shah died from “asphyxiation due to obstruction of the mouth and nose,” and the manner of death was ruled a suicide after he placed a garbage bag over his head. Investigators concluded that no crimes had been committed in connection with Shah’s death, and the case was cleared and closed. The Sun reported July 8 that the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office announced Shah’s arrest after deputies executed a search warrant at his Newberry home. According to the Sheriff’s Office, members of its Digital Crimes Unit and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cyber tip in early April alleging that a social media user had shared a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child.
“Reaction mixed to Gainesville School Board’s vote on Citizens Field, new Buchholz stadium” via Noah Ram of The Gainesville Sun — The five-member School Board voted 3-2 to officially purchase Citizens Field from the City of Gainesville and rebuild the facility built in 1948, along with funding the construction of a new stadium at Buchholz. The estimated cost for Citizens Field is $25 million, and the new stadium at Buchholz is $16 million, bringing the total to $41 million. The timetable for completion remains uncertain for now, but the vote ends the sharing of Citizens Field by Buchholz, Gainesville High and Eastside—an arrangement in place since 1990, when the Bobcats and Hurricanes left Florida Field to move across town. “At some point, you have something in the community that’s yours,” Buchholz Athletic Director Thomas Pankey said. “We’re surprised and extremely thankful for the Board that they’re taking a commitment to athletics at Buchholz and in the community.”
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Naples Airport, City of Naples end mediation. What’s next?” via J. Kyle Foster of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Negotiations and mediation are over between the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) and the City of Naples, with no official resolution over the land lease between them and the city’s land use and zoning authority. Next, the city will likely continue with a lawsuit it filed against the authority and the Collier County Supervisor of Elections. Next, the NAA will decide whether to file a lawsuit against the City of Naples. “While the parties did not reach a resolution on the issue and no agreement was reached, they mediated in good faith and continue to work together to seek resolution of the issues,” wrote Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator Erica Augello in the two reports filed in the Circuit Court of the 20th Judicial Circuit in and for Collier County.
— TOP OPINION —
“Florida will not outsource childhood to a chatbot” via Henry Mack and Grazie Pozo Christie for Florida Politics — Artificial intelligence is transforming education, and Florida intends to embrace its potential without surrendering control of classrooms to technology companies. Our new statewide rules establish binding safeguards governing AI use from prekindergarten through college, ensuring innovation serves students rather than replacing teachers or undermining parental authority.
The regulations require schools to notify parents before introducing AI instructional tools and obtain affirmative consent for student participation. Families declining AI instruction must receive comparable alternatives. Approved educational tools will be publicly identified, creating transparency and accountability across Florida’s 67 School Districts.
We are also drawing firm boundaries around student privacy and emotional development. AI companions designed to simulate personal relationships are prohibited, while student information cannot be sold, monetized or used to train commercial AI models. These protections recognize that children need authentic human relationships, not artificial substitutes.
Teachers must remain central to education. AI can personalize instruction, strengthen learning and help struggling students succeed, but it should never replace independent thinking or meaningful interaction between educators and children. Technology must support teaching rather than dictate how classrooms operate.
Implementation will determine whether these safeguards succeed. School Districts must carefully administer parental consent, provide meaningful alternatives and evaluate whether approved technologies improve academic outcomes. Additional guidance is needed concerning teachers’ use of AI for lesson planning and instructional materials.
Florida cannot ignore a technological revolution already reshaping society. Our responsibility is to establish reasonable boundaries while preparing students for an AI-driven future. We intend to embrace innovation without outsourcing childhood, parental judgment or the essential work of educators.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Florida’s Republican redistricting gamble could backfire in November” via Eli McKown-Dawson and Nate Silver of Silver Bulletin — Florida’s newly redrawn congressional map could deliver fewer Republican gains than DeSantis anticipated, according to Silver Bulletin’s election model. Republicans targeted four Democratic-held districts, but polling suggests several incumbents remain competitive despite more conservative boundaries. The model gives Castor an 82% chance of retaining District 14 and Moskowitz a 79% chance in District 25. Democrats also have a 72% chance of winning District 22. Meanwhile, Darren Soto faces tougher odds in District 9, with a 40% chance of victory. The analysis suggests Republicans could gain only one additional Florida seat from redistricting, with a larger Democratic swing potentially turning the GOP’s map against it.
“Florida’s three ballot amendments put taxes and reserves in focus” via Emerald Greene of ECB Publishing — Florida voters face three constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, each requiring 60% approval. Amendment 1 would raise the cap on the state’s rainy day fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue and mandate annual transfers of up to $750 million. Amendment 2 would exempt qualifying agricultural equipment and other tangible personal property from taxation. Amendment 3 would expand homestead exemptions while limiting growth in assessments of non-homestead property. The proposals raise competing questions about tax relief, fiscal reserves and local government services. DeSantis opposes the first proposal, arguing existing reserves are sufficient. Supporters of the third emphasize homeowner savings, while opponents warn of diminished revenue for public safety, infrastructure and other local obligations.
“Calling unfavorable journalism ‘fake news’ threatens a free press” via Ella Finkelstein of The Independent Florida Alligator — Disagreeing with a news report does not make it fake news. The phrase has become a convenient weapon against journalism, blurring the distinction between legitimate criticism and attempts to discredit unfavorable coverage. Misinformation deserves scrutiny, but labeling accurate reporting as false simply because it challenges our beliefs undermines public trust and accountability. A free press must be able to question elected officials, investigate powerful institutions and publish uncomfortable truths without facing automatic accusations of dishonesty. Readers also have responsibilities: examine sources, distinguish opinion from reporting and recognize that bias and factual inaccuracy are not interchangeable. Protecting journalism does not require unquestioning trust. It requires informed skepticism, intellectual honesty and a commitment to facts over political convenience.
“Florida Supreme Court retention debate centers on judicial precedent” via Ray Roa of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos Muñiz faces a merit-retention vote Nov. 3 amid renewed debate over how courts should treat established precedent. The central issue is stare decisis, the principle that settled decisions generally deserve respect unless compelling reasons justify reversal. Muñiz joined a 2020 majority adopting a standard that allows precedents to be overturned when they are deemed clearly erroneous. He also joined the 2024 ruling that rejected long-standing interpretations of Florida’s constitutional privacy provision protecting abortion rights, allowing the state’s six-week ban to take effect. Critics argue such reversals weaken legal stability and public reliance on court decisions. Defenders of reconsidering precedent emphasize correcting interpretations they regard as mistaken. The retention question gives voters a chance to examine judicial philosophy and institutional continuity.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— AI —
“Miami-founded Dapta raises $6 million to expand AI agents” via Riley Kaminer of Refresh Miami — Miami-founded startup Dapta has raised $6 million in seed funding to expand artificial intelligence agents designed for small businesses. The round, led by Chingona Ventures, brings total investment to $7.4 million. Founder Nicolás Rojas says the company shifted from developing no-code software interfaces to helping business owners automate phone calls, lead qualification and appointment scheduling. Its AI assistant, Dapti, has surpassed 200,000 users, with approximately 4,000 joining weekly. Dapta expects annual revenue to exceed $4 million and says revenue doubled during the past six months. Florida is its largest U.S. market, with about 90 customers in South Florida. The company plans further expansion across the United States and Latin America, including additional hiring in South Florida next year.
“AI startup Decagon explores sale after reaching $4.5 billion valuation” via Katie Roof of Business Insider — Artificial intelligence startup Decagon has hired an investment bank to evaluate acquisition interest, potentially joining a growing wave of technology deals. The company, valued at $4.5 billion earlier this year, held preliminary discussions with ServiceNow, although those talks are no longer active. Other prospective buyers have expressed interest, according to people familiar with the matter. Decagon could instead pursue another financing round. Founded in 2023 by Jesse Zhang and Ashwin Sreenivas, the company develops AI agents that automate customer service for clients including Delta, Snapchat and Ticketmaster. It has raised more than $400 million from venture investors. The potential transaction reflects increasing demand among established software companies seeking to acquire AI capabilities rather than develop every product internally.
“Tencent raises $5.7 billion as AI spending concerns shake markets” via Yantoultra Ngui and Ankur Banerjee of Reuters — Chinese technology giant Tencent raised approximately $5.7 billion through dollar-denominated and offshore yuan bonds despite growing investor concerns about artificial intelligence spending. The offering attracted more than $23 billion in orders, four times the final sale size. Tencent plans to use proceeds for general corporate purposes while expanding investment in AI infrastructure and products. Its capital expenditures more than doubled during the first half of 2026, reaching 96.3 billion yuan, including spending on computing equipment, software and data centers. The financing comes as rising borrowing costs and questions about AI profitability pressure technology shares. Investors nevertheless demonstrated continued appetite for debt issued by established companies with substantial resources. Tencent shares have declined roughly 29% this year.
— ALOE —
Happening today — The Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce will tour Arthrex’s global campus and manufacturing facility as part of the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition: 1 p.m., Arthrex Global Headquarters, 1 Arthrex Way, Naples. Arthrex’s TightRope PRO, manufactured in Collier County, is one of two finalists for the 2026 title. The tour will showcase the people, technology, and manufacturing processes behind the product, as well as the innovation driving the state’s manufacturing industry. Florida has more than 430,000 manufacturing jobs, and the competition supports the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of making Florida a top five state for manufacturing jobs by 2030. The two finalists are in the final round of public voting, which runs through Oct. 23 at CoolestThingMadeInFlorida.com. The winner will be announced Oct. 28 at the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting in Orlando.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are former gubernatorial Chief of Staff and healthcare executive Shane Strum; Slater Bayliss’ better half, Sara; Stephanie Rosendorf Diaz; Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward; and Amy Schrader of Greenberg Traurig.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
The post Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 10.14.26 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..