Good Friday morning and Happy Halloween.

Here are a few tricks and treats to read.

— Why is fear fun?: Ever wondered why people go to haunted houses to have the scared out of them, and then go back for more? Turns out, it’s science. The brain’s alarm system, the amygdala, floods the body with adrenaline and stress hormones, but then the prefrontal cortex steps in to remind us we’re actually safe, flipping fear to thrill. Read more about it here.

👻 — Salem Halloween = spooky Mardi Gras: Known for its tragic witch trials, Salem knows how to throw a Halloween party. So much so that tourists flock to New England to celebrate what some now describe as the region’s very own Mardi Gras (of sorts). Throughout October, town officials expected some 1.2 million visitors, who dress up, party … and spend money. Approximately 30% of the town’s tourism revenue comes from Halloween-related spending. Read more here.

— Find your horror flick: Not sure what to pick for spooky movie night? Not to worry, the NYT is here with a four-question quiz to find the perfect thriller. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or something newer, something dark and disturbing or with a touch of comedy, zombies or scary humans, there’s a recommendation for anyone. Find your perfect Halloween slasher here.

🌽 — Why so much hate for candy corn? Candy Corn is the candy Americans love to dis — they’re the Comic Sans of confections. But not everyone loathes the buttery, sugary treats. One woman in Mississippi collects them (A LOT), while another in Maine uses the festive candies to inspire an actual wardrobe. The collector swears candy corn, “Don’t go bad.” The candy corn wearer really likes the way they look. She admits a “weird, waxy texture” but is undeterred. More here.

— Florida’s fave candy isn’t chocolate: With the price of chocolate on the rise and pricing people out of popular treats such as Reece’s and Snickers, there’s good news in Florida. The most popular candy in the Sunshine State won’t melt in your hand because it’s the ooey, gooey Starburst. Even the No. 2 transcends cocoa — Sour Patch Kids. Read more about Florida faves, and how it stacks up to the rest of the nation, here.

🍫 — Where’s the chocolate? Notice anything weird in the candy aisle? Cinnamon icing on Kit Kats. M&Ms with berry-flavored peanut butter filling. Hershey’s with pumpkin spice latte cream. Not that these aren’t tantalizing, but they’re missing a critical component associated with such candies: Chocolate. And as The Atlantic points out, it’s no coincidence. Cocoa bean supply is dwindling worldwide, and the rule of supply and demand dictates that means at least one thing: Higher prices.

— Oh my gourd! A new trend in Fall décor has mostly women-owned businesses loading up porches and walkways with pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, and in a variety of Fall colors. The trend has some displays boasting pumpkins so big they require a crew of tractor drivers. Check it out here.

🥚— Deviled eggs, made even spookier: Looking for a Halloween party snack that will wow your guests? Look no further than this skully, spider-webby deviled egg. Made just like regular deviled eggs, with the help of a little green food coloring, silicone skull molds, and cracked shells, you’ll have a treat that looks like a trick. Catch the recipe here.

🙅‍♀️— Check for the baddies: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has a website and an app that allows people to easily search for where sexual offenders and predators live, an important safety tool as some 73 million kids across the nation prepare to head out for trick-or-treating tonight. The tool can be used to check neighborhoods, or even for a specific offender. Make sure your route is safe here. And to search for a particular person, check out this tool.

— What’s Halloween without obvious safety tips? In case you happen to be the world’s worst parent, or if you’ve hopped into a time machine and landed back in the 70s when unsupervised children were the norm, Insuranceopedia has crafted a list of safety tips to follow this Halloween to keep your little ghouls and goblins from being smooshed by cars. It’s the usual stuff — make sure vehicles can see your child, watch out for reckless drivers, etc. Oh, and of course, check for suspicious candy, because we all know drug dealers love to give away their stash to children. For more ‘duh’ tips, get the list here.

💀 — Safety tips no one should need, but everyone should follow: The folks at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, thinking parents must surely all let their children run with scissors, play in traffic and swim in thunderstorms, have some pretty obvious safety tips for parents as they head out for trick-or-treating tonight. For example, your kid should know their name. The tips also remind you to wear high-visibility clothing or carry lights, use sidewalks and watch for reckless drivers. And of course, there’s the age-old trope about checking candy for drugs, because we all know dealers love to give away their stash to unsuspecting 7-year-olds. Read more here.

— Think before you blink: Before buying those designer contact lenses to up your Halloween costume vibe, you might want to think twice. Contacts are not one-size-fits-all, and products on the market without a prescription are not only unregulated, they’re actually illegal. Why? Not properly stored in saline solution, contacts can breed bacteria, potentially leading to major complications to the eyes, including blindness. See more here.

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Shumaker Advisors and The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation are teaming up to help at-risk kids in Pinellas County build confidence, character and opportunity through golf.

The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation has a middle school education program that it hopes to expand to reach even more students across the Tampa Bay region through its new partnership with Shumaker.

The partnership is more important than ever. Pinellas County graduation rates have declined over the past two years, with a significant achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students, particularly those who are Black or Hispanic/Latino. Black students’ graduation rates are eight percentage points lower than their White peers, according to Florida Department of Education data from 2022-23.

The Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy, through the foundation, is already making a difference.

Of its participants, 82% graduate high school, despite being classified as at-risk.

“Golf is more than a game. It’s a teacher of patience, focus, and integrity,” said Alan Suskey, executive vice president and Principal, State Practice for Shumaker Advisors Florida. “We’re proud to support the Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation and its incredible mission to help young people discover who they are and what they can achieve.”

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The Florida Autonomous Vehicle Summit returns to Orlando Nov. 5-7, marking its 13th year spotlighting the future of mobility. The three-day event will feature exhibits, demonstrations, breakout sessions, and networking with transportation, technology, and policy leaders discussing advancements in autonomous vehicles, air mobility, and connected infrastructure.

Live demonstrations will include hands-on experiences from Waymo, beep, Karsan, Glydways, and Tesla, showcasing innovations from autonomous shuttles to next-generation electric charging systems. Exhibitors range from FDOT and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to HNTB, HDR, and the Central Florida Expressway Authority.

Speakers include former Sen. Jeff Brandes and CFX Executive Director Michelle Maikisch, with sessions covering the economic impact of autonomy, air mobility, and infrastructure innovation. FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue will headline Thursday’s lunch keynote.

The event, hosted at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate, concludes Friday with panels on drones, tolling, and policy. Registration remains open, with on-site signups available.

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Scammers are getting smarter, but so are the tools designed to stop them. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Meta is helping older adults stay one step ahead of online fraud. With artificial intelligence powering new tricks, it’s more important than ever to know how to protect yourself, as Americans over 60 lost a staggering $4.8 billion to scams last year.

Make sure to enable Facebook Messenger’s new scam detection alerts, and if a message you receive looks suspicious, you can send it through a new AI review tool. A common tactic scammers use to steal sensitive information, WhatsApp will now warn you before you share your screen with someone you don’t know. Meta is also teaming up with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, joining forces with law enforcement and other companies to fight fraud targeting older adults.

You can boost your security by setting up Passkeys for safer sign-ins, running Security Checkup on Facebook and Instagram, and using Privacy Checkup on WhatsApp to review your privacy settings. You can learn more about Meta’s scam-prevention features and how to enable them here.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@SecRubio: In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of eastern Cuba, the (Donald) Trump administration stands with the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet basic needs. The United States is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian assistance directly and via local partners who can most effectively deliver it to those in need.

—@DylanByers: Fox News just had its highest ad revenue quarter in history with 350 new national advertisers, per Lachlan Murdoch on this week’s earnings call.

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— DAYS UNTIL —

Miami Beach City Commission Elections — 4; Ted Cruz to keynote Miami-Dade GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner — 11; ‘Landman’ season two premieres on Paramount+ — 16; ’Wicked: For Good’ premieres — 21; ’Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 26; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 28; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 33; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 33; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 39; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 42; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ six-episode docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 42; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 47; ’Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 49; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 55; Legislative Session begins — 74; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 74; The James Madison Institute’ 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 75; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 79; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 91; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 97; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 98; last day of the Regular Session — 133; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup/Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 145; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 146; Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 157; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 166; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 166; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 171; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 175; F1 Miami begins — 182; ’Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 203; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 214; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 220; State Qualifying Period ends — 224; FIFA World Cup begins — 223; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 246; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 251; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 256; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 258; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 262; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 279; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 281; Primary Election Day 2026 — 291; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 315; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 319; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 323; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 328; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 335; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 339; Early Voting General Election Mandatory period begins — 358; 2026 General Election — 368; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 413; Another untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 413; Tampa Mayoral Election — 487; Jacksonville First Election — 508; Jacksonville General Election — 564; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 582; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 644; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 700; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 777; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 987; U.S. Presidential Election — 1103; ’Avatar 4’ premieres — 1503; ’Avatar 5’ premieres — 2234.

— TOP STORY —

“‘Stupid’ vs. ‘small and petty.’ The Ron DeSantis-Daniel Perez tax battle rumbles on” via Gray Rohrer of the Tallahassee Democrat — Gov. DeSantis and House Speaker Perez are locked in a political standoff over how far Florida should go to cut property taxes. DeSantis blasted the House’s package of eight tax-cut bills — including seven proposed constitutional amendments — calling them “milquetoast” and accusing House leaders of thinking voters are “stupid.” Perez fired back, calling the Governor “small and petty” and suggesting that DeSantis must be planning to gut public school funding.

Speaking in Tampa on Oct. 29, DeSantis said the House proposals amounted to “half measures” that fail to deliver bold relief for homeowners. He mocked the idea of putting multiple constitutional amendments on the ballot, arguing it would confuse voters and doom the effort entirely.

Perez countered that the House plan already goes big by proposing to eliminate all non-school property taxes for Floridians with homestead exemptions. He said DeSantis’ attack could only mean the Governor intends to abolish all property taxes — including those that fund schools — which would create a $21 billion shortfall.

DeSantis has been pressing for a ballot measure to end property taxes for homesteaded properties altogether but has yet to release specific details or legislative language. He insists the goal is to provide relief for full-time residents without triggering a flood of new “snowbird” homeowners.

The Senate has not yet joined the fight. Senate President Ben Albritton is reviewing the House’s bills and hasn’t offered his own proposals. For now, the Republican tax feud remains unresolved.

— STATEWIDE —

“As Byron Donalds runs for Governor, his wife pushes to privatize Florida schools” via Clara-Sophia Daly of the Miami Herald — At a high tea event in Coral Gables, Erika Donalds — a leading national voice for school choice and wife of Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds — delivered her message that America’s education system is “sick” and fueling cultural division. A former School Board member turned charter school entrepreneur, Donalds has built a network of nonprofit and for-profit education ventures promoting charter and private schools, often funded by taxpayer dollars. Critics say her advocacy blurs ethical lines, given her financial stake in the industry. Undeterred, Donalds is expanding her influence through speaking tours, think tanks, and new school initiatives, arguing that parents, not government, should control education dollars — a vision that could redefine Florida’s public education landscape if her husband wins in 2026.

“Dueling opinions: Florida’s Attorney General, chief justice differ on guns in courtrooms” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz is clashing with Attorney General James Uthmeier over whether law enforcement officers can bring firearms into courtrooms. Uthmeier, appointed earlier this year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, argued that a Southwest Florida chief judge violated state law by barring prosecutors and their assistants from carrying guns while on duty. Florida law generally bans weapons in courthouses but allows exemptions for officers performing official duties. However, Muñiz said in a recent memo that chief judges retain the authority — granted by state law and the Florida Constitution — to prohibit all weapons, including firearms, within courthouses. The disagreement underscores an emerging rift between the judiciary and the Attorney General’s Office over courtroom security and constitutional authority.

“Farm Share to help needy Florida families missing SNAP benefits due to federal shutdown” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — One of Florida’s largest independent food banks is gearing up to help thousands of families who will miss federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the U.S. government shutdown. Farm Share is setting up distribution sites across Florida to help provide families with food relief beginning Saturday. Officials with the food bank say they’re already seeing a surge in demand from people who need the help to keep their family members fed. “Every day, we meet community members who tell us they’ve run out of options,” said Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share. “With SNAP benefits threatening to pause and food prices higher than ever, people are turning to food banks like never before.”

Florida Gaming Control Commission picks Alana Zimmer for Executive Director — The Florida Gaming Control Commission has appointed Zimmer as its new Executive Director, effective Oct. 30. Zimmer previously served as a Commissioner with the Kansas Lottery and led the Kansas City Automotive Museum’s $30 million capital campaign. FGCC Vice Chair Julie Imanuel Brown praised Zimmer’s leadership and said the Commission is eager to welcome her back to Tallahassee, where she attended Florida State University. Zimmer said her experience modernizing the Kansas Lottery and advancing responsible gaming initiatives will help her support Florida’s legal gaming industry and combat illegal gambling.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Tom Leek files legislation to establish Black History Museum Board” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida’s Museum of Black History is moving forward in St. Johns County with new legislation to establish an Administrative Board that will oversee its construction, operation, and management. Sponsored by Sen. Leek of Ormond Beach, Senate Bill 308 requires the nine-member panel to be formed by July 31, 2026. The Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker will each appoint three members, including two legislators from each chamber, though none may hold elected office while serving. The museum, to be built on the historic former site of Florida Memorial University, will highlight the contributions of Black Floridians. The Board will also collaborate with the Foundation for the Museum of Black History to ensure transparency, sustainability, and community involvement in its mission.

“Kimberly Berfield bill seeks $16M Clearwater payout to South African tourist injured at faulty crosswalk” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Rep. Berfield has filed a bill that would direct the city of Clearwater to pay more than $16 million to a South African tourist catastrophically injured in 2019 after a vehicle struck him at a malfunctioning crosswalk. The legislation (HB 6513) aims to compensate Maximus Giannikos for the May 28, 2019, incident. A Pinellas County jury found the city was 45% at fault for the incident and awarded $38.5 million in total damages. After post-trial motions, the court entered an amended final judgment of $15.68 million. The bill seeks a total appropriation of $16.03 million, including the amended judgment and agreed-upon attorneys’ fees and costs. The payment would cover the amount exceeding Clearwater’s $7 million Lloyd’s of London insurance policy.

— HALLOWEEN IN FLORIDA —

“WalletHub ranks three Florida cities among top 20 places to celebrate Halloween in U.S.” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — When it comes to Halloween fun, friendliness and weather, three Florida cities are among the top 20 places in the U.S. to celebrate. WalletHub, a personal finance company, conducted the analysis, basing its rankings on factors such as costume stores per capita, crime rates and share of trick-or-treat stops. The study analyzed the 100 largest U.S. cities, using those factors to develop an overall Halloween score. Miami came in sixth overall on the list, earning a score of 57.18. The South Florida city came in sixth for its “fun rank” but finished 33rd among the friendliest places to trick-or-treat. The weather ranking was 32nd in the country.

“Study shows Florida drivers face frightening odds on Halloween” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — While Halloween can be spooky in any locale, Florida ranks among the scariest places when it comes to fatal car accidents on the night of trick-or-treat. A new study by the Melbourne-based law firm Andrew Pickett Law analyzed traffic data from every state and found that Florida roads can be downright frightening on Halloween. The Sunshine State ranked as the 12th-most deadly state for drivers during the holiday. Analysts at Andrew Pickett Law used data from the U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) to compile its list. The ranking was based on FIRST figures for fatal crashes on Halloween between 2013 and 2023. The most treacherous state on Halloween in the country is Kentucky.

“Florida Retail Federation: Halloween spending should break record, buy locally” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — As October plows on well into Fall, Floridians are getting ready to celebrate Halloween, and retailers are urging them to buy local to avoid any scary impacts on merchants. A National Retail Federation (NRF) consumer survey published this week shows that Americans are likely to spend a record amount on Halloween goods this year. According to the NRF report, 49% of Americans are kicking off their Halloween shopping early this year, and they are expected to spend $13.1 billion nationwide on the festivities collectively. That’s substantially more than the 2024 figure of $11.6 billion, and it would set a record, surpassing the previous high of $12.2 billion set in 2023.

“Where’s the cheapest Halloween candy in Florida?” via Kari Barnett of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — We’re days away from Halloween — do you have your candy yet? The NRF expects 67% of Americans to hand out candy this year, spending a total of $3.9 billion. If you’ve been among the procrastinators, this might help you save some bucks: CashNetUSA, an online lender, has released its list of where to shop for the least expensive sugary treats in each state, just in time for trick-or-treaters to start knocking on your door. Researchers chose 18 of the most popular Halloween candies based on a YouGov poll and compared prices across 2,000 grocery stores nationwide to arrive at their fun-sized findings.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Top Donald Trump officials are moving onto military bases” via Michael Scherer, Missy Ryan, and Ashley Parker of The Atlantic — After Charlie Kirk’s assassination, protests targeting former White House adviser Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie, escalated near their Arlington, Virginia, home. Activists posted wanted signs and shared the family’s address online, prompting the Millers to relocate to military housing, joining several Trump administration officials now living on secure bases. Cabinet members, including Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth, have also moved into military residences amid rising threats and political violence. The unusual shift of civilian officials onto bases blurs the line between government and military, creating what observers call an isolationist “Trump Green Zone.” Protest group Arlington Neighbors United for Humanity denies promoting violence, but the Millers say the harassment reflects a dangerous new level of political intimidation.

“Marco Rubio says U.S. will offer hurricane relief to Cuba, but not through the government there” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Rubio is offering humanitarian aid for Cubans impacted by Hurricane Melissa. But he said it won’t be delivered through the communist government on the island. “In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of eastern Cuba, the Trump administration stands with the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet basic needs,” Rubio posted on X. “The United States is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian assistance directly and via local partners who can most effectively deliver it to those in need.” Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall originally in Jamaica on Tuesday with 185 mph winds. It proceeded to do further damage to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands as well. The storm has since moved out over the Atlantic Ocean and no longer threatens Florida.

“Rubio’s war: How he ditched a Venezuela pact and opened the door to toppling Nicolás Maduro” via Cybele Mayes-Osterman of USA Today — In January, Trump’s envoy Richard Grenell struck a rare deal with Venezuelan President Maduro, trading six detained Americans for hundreds of migrants accused of gang ties. The handshake in Caracas briefly hinted at renewed U.S.–Venezuela cooperation, even possible oil access. Nine months later, that thaw collapsed. Secretary of State Rubio now leads a “maximum pressure” campaign to oust Maduro, backed by eight U.S. warships, bombers, and 10,000 troops near Venezuela. At least 61 people have died in U.S. strikes on boats the administration claims were tied to drug trafficking, though no evidence has surfaced. Critics warn the operation skirts Congress and fabricates a pretext for war, while Trump rejects Maduro’s oil offers and pursues regime change by force.

“Trump swaps decorated Admiral with 33-year-old DOGEr” via Joe Perticone of The Bulwark — The experienced head of a critical office that helps organize necessary technical research and disburse billions of dollars in funding for the U.S. Navy is being replaced by a 33-year-old former DOGE employee with no apparent naval experience. Rear Admiral Kurt Rothenhaus was recently removed from his post as chief of Naval Research, the top post at the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and replaced by Rachel Riley, a former partner at McKinsey & Company and Rhodes scholar recipient who has been serving since January in a DOGE-related role inside the Trump administration. The move, which was described to us by two officials familiar with the matter, was confirmed by both the administration and Sen. Mark Kelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Usually, the head of Naval Research is a very senior member of the military or the senior executive service with extensive experience in technology, science, and engineering,” Kelly, a former naval aviator and NASA astronaut, said in a brief interview.

“New Trump rule leaves thousands of immigrants at risk of losing their work permits” via Daniel Shoer Roth of the Miami Herald — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new rule ending the practice of automatically extending Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who file renewal applications on or after Oct. 30, 2025. The change aims to prioritize thorough vetting and background screening before granting a new period of employment authorization. The measure will affect thousands of immigrants who, until now, could continue working while their EAD renewal applications were pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The new interim final rule, published for public inspection in the Federal Register, eliminates the automatic 540-day extension granted to certain renewal applicants while USCIS processes their cases.

—“Trump sets 7,500 annual limit for refugees entering US. It’ll be mostly white South Africans” via Rebecca Santana of The Associated Press

— HALLOWEEN IN AMERICA —

“Halloween candy prices rising, spooked by Trump’s tariffs and climate change” via Lauren Aratani of The Guardian — Ghosts and goblins might not be the only scary things popping up this Halloween. Prices for the holiday’s most popular candy treats are rising, spooked by Trump’s tariffs and climate change. Candy prices are estimated to increase by 10.8% this year, with some popular chocolate-based treats seeing price upticks of at least 20%. The price increases could mean popular candies like Tootsie Rolls and Hershey’s chocolate and variety packs are a few dollars more expensive than they were just a year ago. Chocolate candies are especially at risk of higher prices due to a yearslong cocoa shortage that has tripled cocoa prices over the last few years. Climate-related rainfall and damage to cocoa crops in West Africa – the world’s biggest cocoa exporter – have driven cocoa prices to more than $12,000 per ton in 2024. Though prices have since fallen to about $6,000 per ton, they are still much higher than in 2020, when cocoa was $2,300 per ton.

“FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 earlier this year. Will Halloween candy look, taste different?” via Samantha Neely of USA Today Network-Florida — Could your Halloween treat bowl look or taste a little different this year? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Red No. 3, a dye that gives food and drink a bright, cherry-red color, in January of this year. The removal was in response to a color additive petition filed in 2022 by advocates who claim the dye is linked to cancer and behavioral problems in children, USA Today previously reported. There are thousands of products sold in the U.S. in recent years that contain Red No. 3, according to a list compiled by the Environmental Working Group, one of the advocacy groups involved with the petition.

“Washington Halloween displays show scariest thing for Democrats is Trump” via Tim Reid and JC Whittington of Reuters — In some neighborhoods of heavily Democratic Washington, Halloween displays with a decidedly political tone have long been a tradition. Nine months into Trump’s second term, some residents are staging anti-Trump yard displays prompted in part by his administration’s budget cuts, job layoffs and norm-breaking policies. This Halloween also coincides with one of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history. In a front yard close to the U.S. Capitol, Donna Breslin, 79, has installed an entire graveyard with 16 headstones to mark policy moves Trump has made since he took office that she says are killing off American democracy. There are headstones — purchased on Amazon and hand-painted by Breslin — for “USAID,” and “research for health and science,” among others.

“Have Halloween decorations become too scary?” via Alyson Krueger of The New York Times — Being a little spooked is part of the delight of Halloween. But lately, some say genuine jump scares are abundant — on stoops and front lawns, looming in doorways and hanging from rafters — as household decorations seem to have grown more gory, violent and unsettlingly realistic. It has caused neighbors to lodge complaints, and others to wonder about the twisted impulses that may be lurking in the collective American psyche. “It bothers me because I think it says something about the character of our culture,” said Regina Musicaro, a licensed clinical psychologist who practices in New York City and specializes in trauma.

— ELECTIONS —

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“GOP ad decried as ‘homophobic’ urges voters to keep Orlando’s last Republican Commissioner” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando’s City Council elections are officially nonpartisan. But an ad mailed to some District 1 voters in Orlando calls on them to re-elect Jim Gray, “the last Republican standing” on the City Council, claiming he’s “surrounded by liberals” and backed by a “Trump-endorsed” Congressman. Gray, who has served on the Council since 2012 and is in fact its only registered Republican member, has been endorsed by Mayor Buddy Dyer, a Democrat, and Tony Ortiz, a longtime Republican who earlier this year switched parties to the Democrats. But the ad, listed as sent by the Republican Party of Florida and “approved by Jim Gray,” drew a rebuke from Orange County Democrats.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“‘You are being overtaxed’: Blaise Ingoglia says Miami-Dade’s yearly budget is $300M too much” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida’s ongoing audit of local government spending found its worst offender yet — Miami-Dade County — in terms of total dollars exceeding proper budgeting, CFO Ingoglia announced. Until this week, he said, the state’s DOGE initiative had uncovered $1.2 billion in wasteful spending across eight local governments. Adding DOGE’s numbers for Miami-Dade pushes the total past $1.5 billion. Ingoglia said to a roomful of gasps, Miami-Dade spends $302 million more than it should, even after accounting for inflation and population growth. That’s also not counting the $400 million budget gap Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioners tangled with during the budgeting process for the county’s spending plan for fiscal 2026.

“Will Broward change its name to ‘Lauderdale County’? Voters may decide” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Broward voters could be asked in the 2026 Election if they want to change the name of the county to “Lauderdale County.” The idea is being advocated on two fronts, by a Republican state legislator and a Democratic County Commissioner, both of whom want to ditch the name the county has used for 110 years. Their efforts, they said separately, are motivated by a desire for the county to have a name they believe would be more marketable than the current one. “Broward needs a better brand,” said state Rep. Chip LaMarca, a former County Commissioner and the Republican advocate of the idea. The Democratic champion of the concept is County Commissioner Michael Udine.

“Fan creates spooky Florida Panthers-themed front yard Halloween display” via Mike Trim of WFLX — In a unique celebration of Florida Panthers hockey and Halloween, Todd Menard created an elaborate front yard display that’s capturing attention in his Boca Raton neighborhood. Menard’s Halloween decorations feature a hockey-themed graveyard commemorating the Panthers’ Stanley Cup championship run, showcasing the team’s path to victory in a creative and spooky way. The detailed display includes grave markers for every team the Panthers defeated during last year’s Stanley Cup run, along with analysts who predicted against the team. Like many parents who create holiday displays, Menard received encouragement from his kids to bring the concept to life. “This idea wasn’t even my idea; this was my kids’ idea,” Menard said.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Spotlight still shines bright at Orlando Family Stage after DeSantis vetoes the arts last year” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The story of a creepy night janitor and a mysterious new kid is the stuff that terrified pre-teens and sold out book fairs everywhere in the 1990s. Based on R.L. Stine’s popular books, “Goosebumps: The Musical” is playing at the Orlando Family Stage Saturday and Sunday in its final run. The beloved children’s theater, preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, has experienced both incredible highs and lows over the past two years. Arts organizations across Florida were dealt a blow by DeSantis’ line-item veto of $32 million from the budget last year. While arts leaders are quick to say they have been underfunded for years, DeSantis’ vetoes were unprecedented and left them scrambling. During one tough moment last year, the Orlando Family Stage’s bank accounts dropped to less than $25,000, which made Executive Director Chris Brown anxious.

“Volusia County Schools and teachers union reach tentative agreement on pay, benefits” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Volusia County Schools and its teachers union have agreed on a contract, which still must be ratified. The details include a 2% cost-of-living adjustment that raises pay for all instructional staff with one or more years of service, the District and Volusia United Educators announced. The base teacher salary will start at $50,000. The two sides had been at an impasse since Sept. 25, after five bargaining sessions had failed to yield an agreement. Teachers rallied at an Oct. 14 School Board meeting, urging the District to boost its cost-of-living offer from 1.5% to 2%. “Our employees — every single one of them — matter to us,” Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said in a news release.

“Witch you had Halloween plans? Consider these Orlando haunts” via Amy Drew Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel — Halloween’s on a Friday this year, so if you’re anything like me (drinking in the driveway, handing out candy, delighting and occasionally terrifying neighborhood children with your vampire fangs), years may have gone by since you’ve actually taken your costumed act on the road for the holiday. Fear not, planless Orlandoans, for I bring ideas. From the Enzian’s annual party at Eden Bar (stellar, and my choice for many consecutive Halloweens in the way-back) to less formal, unticketed options like The Courtesy Bar‘s spooky courtyard or the Oviedo Mall’s Sip or Treat: Witch’s Ball for early birds who prefer air conditioning, options abound. You might even consider Disney Springs, where multiple venues have all kinds of spooky specials.

“Twenty of Orlando’s best-dressed Halloween homes frighten, delight” via Patrick Connolly of the Orlando Sentinel — As the night of Halloween draws nearer, neighborhoods have seen more ghoulish gatherings and creepy characters coming to life to create haunted houses. Perfectly happy suburban homes have been transformed into spooky spectacles that tell tales of zombies, ghosts, ghouls, vampires, witches and plenty more. Some of these Halloween displays incorporate lights that dance to music, animatronics that come to life and graveyards full of tombstones. Others play on nightmares and stir up clinical cases of the heebie jeebies. For our fourth annual Orlando Sentinel Spooky Awards, we’re highlighting 20 haunted homes that stand out during the 2025 Halloween season.

“Comcast: Epic Universe gives boost to quarterly earnings report” via Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Theme park revenue climbed 18.7% in the third quarter for Comcast Corp., propelled by the early months of operation of Epic Universe, the company reported. The attractions segment, which includes Universal Orlando as part of Comcast’s content and experiences division, took in $2.7 billion in the quarter that ended Sept. 30. “We’re really pleased with the early results from Epic, which are driving higher per-cap spending and attendance across the entirety of Universal Orlando,” said Jason Armstrong, Comcast’s chief financial officer. Officials said the new park is performing as designed by making the resort a stronger draw for weeklong visitors.

“Woman sues SeaWorld, says she was hit in the face by a duck on Mako coaster” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A woman says she was hit in the face by a duck and knocked unconscious while riding SeaWorld Orlando’s fastest roller coaster. Hillary Martin, an Orange County resident, filed the lawsuit this week in Orange Circuit Court. Martin’s complaint said the March 24 incident happened on the Mako coaster that goes up to 72 mph. Her lawsuit accused SeaWorld of creating “a zone of danger for bird strikes” because of the “high speed of the roller coaster,” which is located near water. The ride’s location “creates a higher risk of bird strikes involving ducks, gulls, geese, and other waterfowl” and was also designed in “such a way as to disorient waterfowls, thereby increasing the risk of collision.”

— LOCAL: TB —

“Feeding Tampa Bay enters ‘disaster mode’ as SNAP cuts threaten economic stability” via Alexis Muellner of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Tampa Bay’s largest food bank and employers are bracing for impact as more than half a million residents may lose access to food assistance in the coming days. Because of the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits won’t be funded for November. The situation is triggering a crisis that could destabilize the region’s workforce, economy and health systems, business leaders said. Feeding Tampa Bay, one of the region’s most relied-upon nonprofits, is preparing for mass distributions and mobilizing its mega-food pantries. “We’re in what we consider full disaster mode, like we would during a hurricane,” said Thomas Mantz, CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay.

Florida Aquarium gets into the Halloween spirit — Animals at The Florida Aquarium got an early Halloween treat this week with pumpkin-themed enrichment designed to spark natural behaviors and curiosity. The animal care team offered pumpkins filled with snacks to promote both mental and physical stimulation. Cayenne, a tamandua, clawed into his pumpkin with enthusiasm; Liana, a two-toed sloth, carefully nibbled on squash; and lemurs Remy, Annie, and Lulu enjoyed pumpkins packed with greens. The seasonal fun continues this weekend with a Day of the Dead celebration and the YuleTides holiday event starting Nov. 28. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Aquarium remains a significant force in conservation, education, and marine rescue, inspiring over a million annual visitors to protect ocean life.

“Florida Aquarium’s sensory-friendly Halloween event is all treats with a few tricks” via Kylie Jones of Fox 13 Tampa Bay — The Florida Aquarium brought out the candy and creatures for its annual “Guppyween.” The event brought out hundreds of families for trick-or-treating and Halloween-themed interactive activities. Children could trick-or-treat through the Aquarium while interacting with the marine exhibits. “A real octopus hanging out in a pumpkin or our underwater pumpkin carving,” said Corey Romberg, the Director of Guest Engagement at the Florida Aquarium. Divers transformed one of the Aquarium’s exhibits into an underwater Halloween pumpkin carving station. “It is something to add to your resume, underwater pumpkin diving,” said Morgan Brandon, a marine operations specialist.

“How St. Petersburg’s Old Northeast preps for over 4,000 trick-or-treaters” via Gabrielle Calise of the Tampa Bay Times — Residents of the affluent and enthusiastic neighborhood have been locked in Halloween mode all month, bracing for upward of 4,000 trick-or-treaters. And with the holiday falling on a Friday, during a cool front and after two hurricanes put a damper on last year’s festivities, that number is probably a low estimate. Neighbors have stuffed closets with jumbo bags of chocolate. They’ve turned their front yards into cemeteries, Harry Potter scenes, creepy cafes, alien-filled cornfields complete with floating UFOs and a skeleton reenactment of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. “When people buy houses up here, Realtors have to warn you,” said Frank Hay, who serves as president of the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Free speech or threat of violence: Judge hears arguments over UF law student’s expulsion” via Fresh Take Florida — A federal judge heard arguments in the case of a University of Florida law student expelled for antisemitic tweets. The student’s lawyer said he was being wrongly punished for views the school simply didn’t like, while UF responded that it has every right to remove anyone threatening violence. The university is “a nursery of democracy,” and it does not have the right to limit free speech off campus grounds, said Anthony Sabatini, the attorney for student Preston Damsky, who is suing UF. Christopher Bartolomucci, representing UF Dean of Students Chris Summerlin, emphasized that the university has the right to protect its students and faculty from perceived threats.

“Mason DeSantis’ Halloween costume channels FSU spirit as Osceola” via James Call of USA Today Network — Mason DeSantis, son of Ron DeSantis, will go trick-or-treating this year as Osceola, the designated symbol of Florida State University athletics. Ron DeSantis disclosed his second grader’s costume during an Oct. 27 appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime. The legendary Seminole warrior plants a flaming spear at the 50-year line at the beginning of FSU home football games. Mason, 7, is “a die-hard Florida State fan, so he is going as Chief Osceola,” his father told Watters. “I’m not sure I’m going to turn him loose with a flaming spear, but he is going to have all the other accouterments.”

“What’s the most haunted place in Jacksonville? Here’s where you can go to get scared” via Alexandria Mansfield of The Florida Times-Union — October in Jacksonville comes with two guarantees: the weather finally drops below 90 and ghost stories making the rounds again. While some locals search for Florida scares or head straight for theme parks in Orlando or Tampa, others are more interested in places right in Northeast Florida for their hauntings. With recurring ghost sightings, tour stops and long-standing local legends, these are the top haunted attractions, ghost tours and allegedly haunted sites in Northeast Florida.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Sarasota Sheriff cashes in on ICE crackdown” via Alice Herman of Suncoast Searchlight — As the federal government intensifies its immigration crackdown, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has emerged as one of the Suncoast’s most active partners with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In recent months, Sheriff Kurt Hoffman’s deputies have patrolled the Everglades immigration jail known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and shuttled immigrants between detention facilities in Florida, earning more than $280,000 in state funding for the work. Meanwhile, the number of ICE detainers — which keep people up to 48 hours past their release date for possible detention and deportation — has quadrupled this past year inside the already crowded county jail. Sarasota County’s ICE activity stands in sharp contrast to neighboring agencies.

“Scott Schultz enters crowded field for Naples City Council” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Naples Planning Advisory Board member Schultz has entered the race for Naples City Council, emphasizing responsible growth management and community engagement in shaping the city’s 2045 plan. Schultz, who has lived in Naples for 21 years, said residents’ voices must guide future planning, particularly during peak season when most are present. He’s one of nine candidates vying for three open seats in the Feb. 3 election, facing incumbent Raymond Christman among others. Council member Beth Petrunoff, who is not seeking re-election, endorsed Schultz, praising his honesty, collaboration, and dedication to residents. A former professional tennis player and investment firm owner, Schultz also chairs Collier County’s Coastal Storm Risk Management Committee and would represent Naples’ northern neighborhoods if elected.

— TOP OPINION —

“Halloween isn’t dead. But it’s adults, not kids, keeping ‘spooky season’ alive.” via Jason Bivins for USA Today — A nervous college student recently admitted she was celebrating her first Halloween after growing up in a religious household that saw the holiday as sinful. The irony, of course, is that Halloween’s roots are partly religious — born of medieval European traditions like “souling,” when Christian beggars went from door to door for food, and reshaped in America by Irish immigrants in the 1840s.

But this innocent origin has collided with centuries of American anxiety about demons, witchcraft and moral decay. Today, “spooky season” blends fear and fun, blurring sacred and profane in equal measure. The decline of trick-or-treaters suggests a cultural shift — maybe Halloween now belongs as much to adults as it once did to kids.

The transformation began long ago, when horror movies and TV comedies like “The Addams Family” made monsters mainstream. Now, kids are glued to screens, parents turn their lawns into graveyards, and Halloween’s spectacle feels bigger, louder and stranger. Candy and costumes are still part of it, but the real contest might be between grown-ups trying to outdo one another’s haunted displays.

Cosplay, comic conventions and adult costume parties have made dressing up an art form, while bars, theaters and running clubs capitalize on the season’s eerie allure. Haunted houses and immersive horror experiences have turned fear itself into entertainment.

Halloween has evolved into an adult playground — a carnival of catharsis where Americans can confront death, danger and absurdity with laughter. The holiday hasn’t vanished; it’s just grown up.

And like the monsters it celebrates, it keeps finding new ways to come back to life.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“DeSantis should follow Louisiana Governor’s lead and bench Florida’s free-spending ADs” via Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel — Politicians should stay out of sports. Still, when it comes to runaway college coaching contracts, maybe it’s time they grabbed the clipboard. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry just benched LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward after a string of disastrous hires that cost taxpayers tens of millions. His move highlights a larger problem: universities pleading poverty while burning through public money on failed coaches. Florida’s in the same boat, with multimillion-dollar buyouts for Billy Napier and possibly Mike Norvell. If DeSantis wants to make a real statement about accountability, he should crack down on these absurd payouts instead of banning books. In a world where mediocrity gets golden parachutes, Landry’s fiscal sanity looks like a breath of fresh Louisiana air.

“No, Georgia, it’s not a trick; Florida just wants to share a kid-friendly treat” via William Mattox for Florida Politics — As Florida gears up for the annual Georgia-Florida football clash, another kind of competition is unfolding — one centered on education. A billboard in downtown Atlanta recently declared, “Every Florida child gets $8,000 for public, private, or home education. Join us.” The sign, sponsored by a Florida think tank, highlights the state’s expansive school choice program, which now serves more than half a million students and makes Florida the nation’s top-ranked state for education freedom. These universal scholarships are attracting families — including digital nomads — from across the country, reshaping communities from Miami to rural Panhandle towns. While Georgia officials might fear losing families to Florida’s “education destination,” they could just as easily follow the Sunshine State’s lead by adopting similar universal school choice policies.

“Halloween is an immigrant holiday for an immigrant nation” via Chris Stirewalt of The Hill — Americans will spend a staggering $13 billion on Halloween this year, nearly quadruple what they spent two decades ago, as the once one-day holiday has exploded into weeks of parties, parades and elaborate decorations. The obsession reflects cultural shifts — declining religiosity, prolonged adolescence and social media-fueled showmanship — but its true roots trace back to Irish immigrants. Fleeing the 19th-century Potato Famine, they brought Samhain traditions celebrating the thinning veil between life and death. Over time, Samhain merged with All Hallows’ Eve, giving rise to jack-o’-lanterns, costumes and trick-or-treating. Once viewed as foreign and pagan, these customs became mainstream as the Irish assimilated. America’s modern Halloween — commercial, theatrical and massive — turns one of history’s great tragedies into a billion-dollar cultural spectacle.

“This Halloween let’s set aside our differences and wield the ‘sword that heals’” via Paul Croce for The Daytona Beach News-Journal — As Halloween approaches, America faces horrors beyond haunted houses — rising political hatred, misinformation and real violence. The nation’s divisions have turned deadly, with killings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Turning Point USA founder Kirk underscoring the danger. A growing share of Americans on both sides now justify violence for political change, deepening the threat to democracy. Yet amid the darkness, children’s Halloween spirit offers a lesson: confronting fear with imagination and unity. Their joyful mingling across race, class and costume reminds adults of empathy and community. The path forward lies not in outrage but in compassion — listening to the angry and the hurting, addressing pain before it festers into destruction, and choosing nonviolence as the ultimate act of courage.

“Cyber frights — does your insurance coverage match today’s threats?” via Stephen Shea for Florida Politics — October’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month underscores that Florida businesses face more advanced and relentless digital threats than ever. Cybercriminals now use artificial intelligence to create deepfakes that impersonate executives, exploit software vulnerabilities and infiltrate collaboration tools, making every employee, vendor and app a potential entry point. The weakest link is no longer just a careless click — it’s an unpatched system or unsecured third-party provider. Experts urge companies to adopt “zero trust” security, train staff to verify all requests and vet their supply chains. Yet even strong defenses can fail, which is why cyber liability insurance — primarily through surplus lines carriers — has become essential, providing tailored coverage, pre-loss training and rapid breach response that can mean survival when attacks strike.

“Are Florida’s theme park Halloween events overrated?” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times — On a mild Saturday night in mid-October, Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens was the place to be. The wait times for the attractions made my breath hitch. Iron Gwazi, Busch Gardens’ hybrid steel-and-wood coaster: 145-minute wait. Our first house of the night: 90-minute wait. Odds are, those who have visited a major Florida theme park have had an experience like this. On busy days, the parks can feel suffocating. Popular Halloween events, like Howl-O-Scream and Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, are bound to concentrate crowds even more. Most visitors are interested in the haunted houses, which can only accommodate so many people at a time. At Howl-O-Scream, there are five. Universal has 10.

— WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Southeastern Politics publisher Janelle Irwin Taylor breaks down political spin on the economy, Capitol reporter Forrest Saunders dissects the GOP’s property tax feud, and artificial intelligence expert Daniel Horitos explores whether AI is destroying jobs faster than it creates them.

Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show offers viewers an in-depth look at politics in South Florida and other regional issues.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: A discussion on the expansion of U.S. passport offices across the country, and the benefits that a new Orlando office would bring to Floridians throughout the state. Joining Walker is U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost.

Political Connections on Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday show is now a joint weeknight show airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Gary Yordon speaks with attorney Sean Pittman and Stephan Thompson, City Commission candidate in Thomasville, Georgia.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Government law attorney Chris Hand.

This Week in South Florida with Glenna Milberg on Local 10 WPLG: Milberg speaks with Mike Vigil, the former Chief of International Operations for the DEA, about the U.S. strikes targeting alleged drug-carrying boats. The big news of the week and the newsmakers, Sunday at 11 a.m.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Which states love candy corn — and which hate it” via Alex Fitzpatrick of Axios — Mississippi, Nebraska and Kentucky residents order the most candy corn compared to the national average, per Instacart data shared with Axios. Folks in Hawai’i, Washington, D.C., and Florida, meanwhile, want pretty much nothing to do with the stuff. That’s based on the difference in the share of Instacart orders containing candy corn in each state versus the national average last October. Forget the argument over whether candy corn is any good. Another question remains: Which end do you start with?

“Skeleton strip show rattles neighbors, sparks debate over Halloween décor” via Grace Bellinghausen of CBS12 — A Halloween display in Minneola has become the talk of the neighborhood after a homeowner decorated their front porch with a skeleton performing a pole dance alongside beer-drinking and cigar-smoking companions. While some residents say it’s harmless fun — one neighbor noting her children “like to see the skeletons dancing” — others have complained on social media that the display is inappropriate for kids walking to school. The debate quickly escalated to the Homeowners Association, which ruled the decorations permissible under Halloween guidelines and advised offended neighbors to wait until the holiday ends. The so-called “skeletal strip show” has since become both a local attraction and a flashpoint over taste, humor and holiday expression.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy birthday to ‘Great Communicator’ Allison Aubuchon, Kate DeLoach of The Southern Group, Step Up for Students’ Jon East, Public Service Commissioner Andrew Fay, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, our favorite writer at POLITICO, Michael Kruse, our old friend Harold Hedrick, ace poker player David Tuthill, and Ivey Rooney Yarger. Celebrating this weekend is Murphy Kennedy Giering, Public Policy Representative for the Florida Realtors.

___

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