Health care providers and insurers in Florida could opt out of providing or paying for health care services, such as abortion, that violate their conscience and under a 2023 state law, they cannot be sued in court for denying the care based on their beliefs.

Two Northeast Florida Republicans have filed bills that would allow those health care providers and insurance companies to file lawsuits for damages, injunctive relief and attorneys fees for adverse action taken against them for exercising their medical conscience rights.

HB 551 is sponsored by Rep. Dean Black; Sen. Clay Yarborough is offering the identical Senate companion bill, SB 670.

“Well, I think in this situation, the concern is that a provider — a doctor, a nurse, a lab tech — whatever, is being compelled to perform a service that violates their conscience. … So, think, you know, being forced to perform transgender surgery or an abortion, something like that,” Black told the Florida Phoenix.

“Those would be two examples that would commonly jump to mind. And that’s not meant to be an exhaustive list, but those would be two things.”

Black and Yarborough both represent parts of Nassau and Duval counties. But Black said the civil enforcement provision isn’t being driven by local constituents. It’s left over from the 2023 Session, when the original law was passed.

“There were lots of people that were interested in similar language before. That hasn’t stopped, and there’s a steady stream of people that are not letting that go. They still feel that there’s unfinished business there. And Sen. Yarborough and I agree,” Black said.

Existing law

The law defines “conscience-based objection” as one based on a “sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical belief.” And it says a health care provider “may not be discriminated against or suffer adverse action” because they declined to participate in or pay for a health care procedure.

The 2023 legislation was hotly debated and closely watched by advocates for gay, transgender and women’s health care who worry that it gave physicians and payors legal protections to discriminate against patients. It was closely tracked by the Florida Justice Association and insurance companies, in part due to the civil enforcement provisions.

As initially filed, the 2023 law would have allowed health care providers whose medical conscience rights were violated to file civil suits, as Black and Yarborough are pushing for in the coming Session.

But after robust lobbying efforts, the 2023 bill sponsor, Rep. Joel Rudman, offered an amendment to his bill deleting the civil enforcement language. Instead, the Legislature agreed to a regulatory scheme that required health care providers and insurance companies that allege their rights have been violated to file complaints with the Attorney General’s Office. If that office determines the law has been violated, the office can file a civil suit.

The law authorizes the AG’s Office to take depositions; make inspections; issue and serve subpoenas; compel the attendance of witnesses; and require the production of books, papers, documents and other evidence while investigating the complaints.

It’s not clear how many providers have filed complaints with the AG’s Office, which did not immediately respond to Florida Phoenix’s request for information.

Black noted the existing law permits, but doesn’t require, the AG’s Office to file civil suits for substantiated complaints and described enforcement efforts to date as “nebulous.”

But Black also stressed that the legislation isn’t about Attorney General James Uthmeier’s performance. Instead, it’s about ensuring people have protections under the law, regardless of who is elected AG of Florida, he said.

‘Put the power in the hands of health care providers’

The 2026 legislation wouldn’t unravel the complaint process, delete the AG’s ability to investigate alleged violations, or strip the AG’s ability to file civil litigation. But it would allow those who filed complaints to move ahead with their own civil suits if the AG’s Office hasn’t acted within six months.

“What we’re aware of is there are people in the medical community who are concerned about not having the protections that the new bill would afford them. You’re relying upon the AG, which right now the AG might really jump on that energetically if there was a violation of existing law,” Black said.

“But who’s to say who the AG would be in future years? And never mind that. We also just think it’s a good idea to put the power in the hands of the health care providers and let them avail themselves of remedies under the civil justice system.”

___

Reporting by Christine Sexton and Livia Caputo. Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: [email protected].

Good Monday morning.

The deadline to reserve space in the Opening Day of Session edition of IN SESSION, our print newspaper covering the Florida Legislature, is Wednesday, Dec. 10. This is a hard deadline because we have to design the newspaper over the holidays.

The specs and costs are:

Full Page ad – 10×15.5 — $1,000

Half Page Horizontal ad – 10×7.75 — $750

Half Page Vertical ad – 5.875×10 — $750

Quarter Page ad – 5.875×7.75 — $600

1/8th page Horizontal ad – 5.875×4 — $300

1/8th page Vertical — 3.875×6 ad — $300

To reserve space or for more information, please email me at [email protected].

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Florida Politics will be conducting a Florida Influencer Poll in advance of the 2026 Legislative Session. If you think you deserve to be among the Influencers polled, please email me at [email protected].

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A trio of Florida-based lobbying firms is teaming up to launch a new advocacy alliance that promises clients one-stop access to political muscle from Miami to the Capitol.

The Advocacy Network (TAN) brings together Tallahassee firm The Advocacy Partners, Orlando- and Tampa-based Central Florida Public Affairs, and Miami shop Gazitua Letelier in a coordinated network focused on local governments, state agencies and the Florida Legislature.

Partners in the new venture include Slater Bayliss, Steve Schale and Stephen Shiver Jr. of The Advocacy Partners, Sharon Smoley of Central Florida Public Affairs, and Luis Andre Gazitua of Gazitua Letelier. The firms say the structure is designed to give clients statewide reach through a single engagement while keeping on-the-ground relationships at the center of their work.

“Florida’s policy landscape is evolving quickly, and effective advocacy now demands both statewide vision and hyperlocal expertise,” said Bayliss. “By joining this network, our firm is able to pair our decades of experience in Tallahassee with the on-the-ground insight of trusted regional partners. Together, we are building a unified, collaborative model that ensures clients receive the strategic depth of a top-tier state firm and the local relationships essential to getting meaningful results.”

TAN services cover state-level advocacy, including the Florida Legislature and state agencies, as well as School Boards, port and aviation authorities, special districts, and city and county governments.

The firms say TAN will focus on a suite of sectors that frequently intersect with state and local government: procurement and contracting strategy, transportation and aviation projects, K-12 and higher education and workforce policy, infrastructure and utilities such as energy, water and broadband, and economic development and appropriations work.

The network will also work in hospitality and concessions, public-sector technology, law enforcement and public safety, and broader government and business consulting.

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The Special Election to fill the vacancy created by Blaise Ingoglia’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer is on Tuesday.

The Senate District 11 race pits Republican Ralph Massullo, a dermatologist and Republican former four-term state Representative from Lecanto, against Democrat Ash Marwah, a civil engineer from The Villages.

Early voter turnout has been light, as would be expected in a low-key stand-alone Special Election: At 10% or under for Hernando and Pasco counties, 19% in Sumter and 15% in Citrus.

Massullo has eyed this Senate seat since 2022, when he originally planned to leave the House after six years to run for SD 11. His campaign ended prematurely when Gov. Ron DeSantis backed Ingoglia, leaving Massullo with a final two years in office before term limits ended his House career.

When the SD 11 seat opened up following Ingoglia’s CFO appointment, Massullo jumped in and a host of big-name endorsements followed, including from DeSantis, Ingoglia, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, U.S. Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, four GOP Congressmen, county Sheriffs in the District, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Massullo is expected to win handily; even Ash Marwah knows the odds do not favor him. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is endorsing Marwah.

SD 11 covers all of Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties, plus a portion of northern Pasco. Ingoglia won 69% of the vote there in 2024, and Donald Trump carried the District by the same margin that cycle. The money race has been lopsided as well, with Massullo having raised $246,950 to Marwah’s $12,224.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@RealDonaldTrump: Miami’s Mayor Race is Tuesday. It is a big and important race!!! Vote for Republican (Emilio) González. He is FANTASTIC! You can also vote today. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

—@SteveSchale: She (Eileen Higgins) isn’t flashy, or have a campaign making a bunch of viral videos, or live in a city/region where 90% of the media and Dem punditocracy lives, but I’ll say it agin again: If Higgins wins on Tuesday, this should be a way bigger “what does this mean” outcome than NYC Mayor.

—@JeffSchweers: Losing both Bob Lotane and Bill Cotterell within such a short span of each other is a devastating blow to our community. Last time I saw Bob, he was perched at the bar at Mimi’s — eager to catch up on my work and talk about the local issues that were weighing on his mind.

Tweet, tweet:

—@MarcACaputo: Color me shocked. Miami got in

—@ChuckTodd: Wow. Bama doesn’t move? What a corrupt joke of a cmte. Regardless of who gets the 10 slot.

—@WhitlockJason: Serious question: If Marcus Freeman wore a big gold chain, adopted a flashy nickname and had rappers on the sideline, how different would the conversation about Notre Dame be this morning? Black men gotta wear the clown suit to win popular support. Sad.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 1; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres on Netflix — 4; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 4; Gov. DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 9; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 11; ‘ELWAY’ documentary premieres on Netflix — 14; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 17; ‘Industry’ season four premieres — 34; Special Election for HD 87; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 36; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 36; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 36; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 37; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 41; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 53; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 59; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 60; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 77; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 83; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 92; last day of the Regular Session — 95; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 106; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 107; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 108; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 116; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 119; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 128; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 128; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 133; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 137; F1 Miami begins — 144; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 165; A new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ ride premieres at Disney World — 165; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 176; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 182; State Qualifying Period ends — 186; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 193; FIFA World Cup begins — 185; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 205; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 208; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 213; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 218; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 220; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 224; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 241; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 243; Primary Election Day 2026 — 253; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 277; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 281; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 285; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 290; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 297; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 301; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 320; 2026 General Election — 330; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 375; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 375; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 375; Tampa Mayoral Election — 449; Jacksonville First Election — 470; Jacksonville General Election — 526; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 544; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 606; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 662; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 739; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 949; U.S. Presidential Election — 1065; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1465; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2196.

— TOP STORY —

“In Ron DeSantis’ office, the buck stops with someone else” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — DeSantis spent last week demonstrating a finely honed skill developed over nearly seven years as Governor: refusing to accept responsibility. Asked about an $80 million deal to buy four acres of vacant Panhandle beachfront from a significant political donor, he blamed the Florida Legislature repeatedly, emphatically, and transparently.

The land deal was slipped into the state budget by Republican lawmakers, using language drafted by a lobbyist for the seller, and it allowed the state to pay more than $20 million per acre for property purchased less than a decade earlier at a fraction of the price. But records show the Governor’s own administration signed off on the deal before it advanced.

Emails indicate the Department of Environmental Protection, which answers to the Governor, approved the proposal’s language during the Legislative Session. The transaction involved a donor who once gave DeSantis $250,000, making it implausible that agency staff acted independently without executive awareness or approval.

Even after lawmakers acted, the Governor had multiple opportunities to stop the deal. He could have used his line-item veto, demanded an independent appraisal, or publicly pushed back. He also controls two of the three Cabinet members who voted unanimously to approve the purchase.

The episode fits a familiar pattern. When controversies erupt, responsibility is routinely shifted to staff, lawmakers, private actors, or anonymous processes. From Pulse nightclub proclamations to conservation land swaps to state park development schemes, accountability has been a moving target.

After nearly seven years in office, this latest controversy reinforces a simple conclusion: when things go wrong in the Florida government, the Governor knows exactly where the buck goes — anywhere but his own desk.

— STATEWIDE —

“Woman says James Fishback dated her while she was underage, then harassed her after breakup” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Fishback, a Republican candidate for Governor, is facing scrutiny after court filings revealed allegations from former employee and ex-fiancée Keinah Fort that he began a relationship with her when she was 17 and later harassed her. Fishback denies any misconduct and notes a judge rejected her request for a protective injunction, finding insufficient evidence of stalking and describing both parties’ accounts as unreliable. The filings detail a turbulent relationship, contentious breakups, dozens of messages from Fishback, and disputes tied to Incubate Debate, the nonprofit he founded. Fort’s claims remain uncorroborated. Fishback says he was “fully exonerated” and argues the allegations reflect a broader trend of false accusations. He launched his Governor bid in November.

“James Uthmeier shifts course in Starbucks hiring aspects fight” via the News Service of Florida — Florida Attorney General Uthmeier has dropped an administrative case involving allegations that Starbucks improperly used race-based hiring practices — but indicated he will pursue the issue in state or federal court. Administrative Law Judge Robert Telfer issued an order closing a case that former Attorney General Moody filed last year. Telfer’s order came after Uthmeier’s office on Nov. 26 said it was dismissing the administrative case. Moody, who is now a U.S. Senator, filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations in May 2024, alleging that Starbucks had policies that “appear on their face to be racial quotas.” But after an investigation, the Commission’s executive director in November 2024 issued a determination that there was “no reasonable cause” to believe that the Seattle-based coffee company violated a state anti-discrimination law.

“A DeSantis political appointee starts to squirm” via Steve Bousquet of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — When a well-connected appointee of DeSantis refused to answer a state Senator’s simple question “on the advice of counsel,” it looks ugly because it is. The person who clammed up in the Capitol was Tina Vidal-Duart, a health care executive whose appointment as a Florida Atlantic University trustee must be confirmed by the state Senate. The Senate did not take up her appointment by DeSantis in December 2024 during the 2025 Legislative Session. The law says that if she’s not confirmed next Session, she’ll be out. Vidal-Duart has all of the necessary qualifications to serve on a state Board in this administration. She and her husband, Carlos, were generous contributors to DeSantis’ failed run for President. They both served on his national finance Committee. They have been big donors to the Republican Party of Florida. When you pay, you get to play.

“DeSantis debuts AI rules in sweeping proposal” via Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network — DeSantis debuted an extensive proposal to impose regulations on artificial intelligence and the data centers that power them. The plan, which he dubbed an “AI Bill of Rights,” includes protections for children and consumers from chatbots, for instance. DeSantis’ move likely puts him at odds with President Trump, who recently signed an executive order to create the Genesis Mission, which the administration describes as one of the nation’s largest “marshalling of federal scientific resources” to help feed the artificial intelligence boom.

“Kevin Steele seeks insight from conservative leaders at Rick Scott-led summit” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Steele’s campaign for Chief Financial Officer already enjoys political support from U.S. Sen. Scott. The Dade City Republican attended a summit headlined by the Senator to gain policy insight and mentoring. Steele was among the attendees for the Rescuing the American Dream summit held on Thursday in Washington, D.C. He said it was a quest for knowledge that drew him to Capitol Hill to hear the discussion. “The way you do things better in the future is by learning from people who have already accomplished something,” Steele said.

“Miles Davis tapped to lead School Board organizing workshop at national LGBTQ conference” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Davis, Policy Director at PRISM Florida and Director of Advocacy and Communications at SAVE, has been selected to present a workshop at the 2026 Creating Change Conference, the largest annual LGBTQ advocacy and movement-building convention. It’s a major nod to his rising role in Florida’s LGBTQ policy landscape. The National LGBTQ Task Force, which organizes the conference, announced that Davis will present his session, “School Board Organizing 101.” His proposal rose to the top of more than 550 submissions competing for roughly 140 slots, a press note said, making this year’s conference one of the most competitive program cycles in the event’s history.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Bills would expand health care providers’ right to sue under 2023 medical conscience objection law” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — Health care providers and insurers in Florida could opt out of providing or paying for health care services, such as abortion, that violate their conscience and under a 2023 state law, they cannot be sued in court for denying the care based on their beliefs. A pair of Republicans have filed bills that would allow health care providers and insurance companies to file lawsuits seeking damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees for adverse actions taken against them for exercising their medical conscience rights. Rep. Dean Black sponsors HB 551; Sen. Clay Yarborough is offering the identical Senate companion bill, SB 670. “Well, I think in this situation, the concern is that a provider — a doctor, a nurse, a lab tech — whatever, is being compelled to perform a service that violates their conscience. … So, think, you know, being forced to perform transgender surgery or an abortion, something like that,” Black said.

“Debra Tendrich turns ‘pain into policy’ with sweeping anti-domestic violence proposal” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Rep. Tendrich has filed HB 277, a sweeping proposal aimed at modernizing the state’s domestic violence laws. It’s a deeply personal issue to Tendrich, who moved to Florida in 2012 to escape what she has described as a “domestic violence situation,” with only her daughter and a suitcase. “As a survivor myself, HB 277 is more than legislation; it is my way of turning pain into policy,” she said. The bill would require mandatory strangulation and domestic violence training for emergency medical technicians and paramedics, modernize the legal definition of domestic violence, expand the courts’ authority to order GPS monitoring and strengthen body camera requirements during investigations. The bill also creates a treatment-based diversion pathway for first-time offenders who plead guilty and complete a batterer’s intervention program, mental-health services and weekly court-monitored progress reporting.

“Lawmakers propose tough penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Bipartisan legislation filed this week would expand Florida’s criminal penalties for adults who involve children in acts of animal cruelty or expose them to violent offenses against animals. Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Linda Chaney filed the legislation (SB 676, HB 559). The bills would add new crimes to state law that make it a third-degree felony for an adult to entice a minor to commit animal cruelty, or for an adult to commit animal cruelty in the presence of a minor. The lawmakers cite studies that show children who witness acts of animal cruelty experience an increase in mental-health issues, along with an increased likelihood of engaging in violence themselves. By addressing the cycle of abuse early on, they say children can be shielded from additional trauma caused by witnessing violence.

Kevin Sweeny named Redistricting Committee Staff Director — Sweeny has been picked to serve as Staff Director to the House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, which is examining a potential mid-decade redraw of the state’s congressional maps. Sweeny is a longtime political consultant. Previously at Long Run Strategies, where he was the founder and Chief Strategist, Sweeny has more than 25 years of experience in Florida government, political operations, and lobbying. He is the husband of St. Augustine Beach Vice Mayor Beth Sweeny, who her colleagues recently elected to serve as Mayor of St. Augustine Beach starting next year. The Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, chaired by Miami Republican Rep. Mike Redondo, held its first meeting last week. It will hold its next meeting on Dec. 10.

New and renewed lobbying registrations:

Alexander Anderson, Brian Jogerst, The Griffin Group: Angel Kids Foundation

Matt Blair, Jeff Hawes, Helen Levine, Carlos San Jose, Andrea Tovar, Corcoran Partners: Pet Advocacy Network

Ana Cruz, Carlos Ramos, Ballard Partners: Cordia Development, Deep End Entertainment

Shawn Foster, Sunrise Consulting Group: Paramedic Logistics Florida

Kari Hebrank: Nu Flow Technologies USA

Melissa Kuipers Blake, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck: Spotlight Series Holdings, WPT Enterprises

Mary Kim McDougal, Arrow Group Consulting: The School Board of Levy County

Tara Reid-Cherry, The Trianon Group: City of Deltona

Alyssa Cameron Willson, Kutak Rock: Barron Collier Companies

— LEG. SKED. —

Happening today — Ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session, the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses will hold a joint news conference to unveil their 2026 Joint Democratic Platform, outlining shared legislative priorities focused on issues central to Floridians and the state’s economic and civic future, with remarks from Democratic leaders and caucus members. Participants include Sen. Mack Bernard, Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, Senate Democratic Leader Designate Tracie Davis, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, House Democratic Leader Designate Christine Hunschofsky, and House Democratic Policy Chair Kelly Skidmore, along with additional caucus members: 2 p.m., 4th Floor Rotunda.

3:30 p.m.

— Joint Administrative Procedures Committee: Room 412, Knott Building.

— Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight: Room 314, House Office Building.

— Joint Legislative Auditing Committee: Room 102, House Office Building.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“The Supreme Court weighs another step in favor of broad presidential power sought by Donald Trump” via Mark Sherman of The Associated Press — Chief Justice John Roberts has led the Supreme Court‘s conservative majority on a steady march of increasing the power of the presidency, starting well before Trump’s time in the White House. The justices could take the next step in a case being argued Monday that calls for a unanimous 90-year-old decision limiting executive authority to be overturned. The court’s conservatives, liberal Justice Elena Kagan noted in September, seem to be “raring to take that action.” They have already allowed Trump, in the opening months of the Republicans’ second term, to fire almost everyone he has wanted, despite the court’s 1935 decision in Humphrey’s Executor that prohibits the President from removing the heads of independent agencies without cause.

“Republican populism craters as Trump stumbles, Democrats surge” via Andrew Bates for Fox News — Republicans’ recent electoral edge came from anti-establishment populism. Still, that advantage is eroding as Trump and JD Vance preside over rising prices, slowing growth, job losses tied to AI, and policies that favor billionaires over working families, creating fractures within the GOP and opening clear opportunities for Democrats on voters’ top concern, affordability. At the same time, Trump drifts into lame-duck irrelevance; Vance inherits the political baggage of health care cuts, higher energy bills, tech-driven displacement, and loyalty to an unpopular administration, leaving him vulnerable to rivals inside his own party and to Democrats running disciplined cost-of-living campaigns, as election results from Virginia to Tennessee show voters rejecting an agenda that looks less populist than advertised and more like a second Gilded Age financed by everyday Americans.

“Trump weighs moving on from Kristi Noem” via Adrian Carrasquillo of The Bulwark — Despite carrying out President Trump’s hard-line immigration agenda with visible loyalty, Homeland Security Secretary Noem is increasingly viewed inside Washington as politically vulnerable, with former DHS officials saying Trump is seriously considering replacing her amid internal frustration over department chaos, the outsize influence of adviser Corey Lewandowski, and Noem’s diminishing role in directing policy, as speculation grows that Trump may want fresh leadership to reset the optics and execution of mass deportations, including the possible elevation of a MAGA-aligned figure like outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, even as morale inside DHS sinks, civil rights offices are gutted, and staff privately warn the agency is being hollowed out by leadership dysfunction and a White House strategy driven less by governance than political instinct and impulse.

“How one of the biggest local TV mergers ever could blow a hole in Trump’s affordability push” via Samantha-Jo Roth of the Washington Examiner — A proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, which would create the largest local television owner in U.S. history by placing nearly 80% of American households under one broadcaster’s reach, is raising alarms among consumer advocates, media analysts and political observers who warn it could drive up monthly TV bills through higher retransmission fees and accelerate newsroom layoffs, even as President Trump has made affordability a central political message ahead of the 2026 Midterms, with the deal hinging on whether the Federal Communications Commission relaxes its long-standing 39% national ownership cap, a decision that supporters argue is necessary for broadcasters to compete with tech giants, but critics say would hand enormous pricing power to a single company, weaken local journalism, and saddle millions of households with higher costs hidden inside opaque “broadcast TV” fees.

“Delegation warns Trump against new offshore drilling plan” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and the whole Florida congressional delegation are urging Trump to keep offshore drilling away from the state’s coastlines, pressing him to maintain a moratorium he put in place in 2020. Buchanan, co-Chair of the 30-member bipartisan delegation, joined U.S. Sen. Scott and Sen. Moody in leading a letter asking Trump to uphold his executive order extending a ban on oil and gas leasing off Florida’s Gulf and east coasts through 2032. “President Trump made the right call in 2020 when he protected Florida from offshore drilling, and we’re asking him to keep those safeguards in place,” Buchanan said. “Florida’s coastline is essential to our tourism-based economy, environment and military readiness. A single mistake offshore could cost our state billions of dollars. We cannot afford to lose even an inch of these critical protections.”

“ICE has arrested nearly 75,000 people with no criminal records, data shows” via Laura Strickler and Julia Ainsley of NBC News — New data shows that more than a third of the roughly 220,000 people arrested by ICE during the first nine months of the Trump administration had no criminal history, undercutting repeated administration claims that enforcement operations are focused on “the worst of the worst,” as nearly 75,000 noncriminal immigrants were swept up between January and mid-October, according to figures obtained through litigation and analyzed by researchers, even as ICE faces pressure to dramatically increase daily arrests, remains far below White House targets, and escalates operations alongside Border Patrol, raising concerns about transparency, workforce disruptions, and economic fallout, with industry leaders warning the crackdown is straining labor markets, particularly construction, while leaving unanswered how many arrests actually result in deportations amid growing detention populations and opaque enforcement practices nationwide.

“Key GOP Senator says he has no objection to releasing video of strike that killed two survivors” via Bill Barrow of The Associated Press — A video of a U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean that killed two survivors of the initial attack shows “nothing remarkable,” the Republican who leads the Senate Intelligence Committee said Sunday, and he would not oppose its public release if the Pentagon were to declassify it. Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who backs Trump’s campaign against suspected drug smugglers, is partially aligning himself with Trump and top Democrats in favor of releasing the video of the Sept. 2 attack. It was the first in what has become a monthslong series of American strikes on vessels near Venezuela that the administration says were ferrying drugs. At least 87 people have been killed in 22 known strikes. But Cotton, among the top lawmakers on National Security Committees who were briefed Thursday by the Navy admiral commanding those strikes, is splitting with Democrats over whether military personnel acted lawfully in carrying out a second strike to kill the two survivors. The nine others aboard the boat were also killed.

“Darren Soto refuses to call for Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Soto is refusing to say whether indicted U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick should vacate her seat in Congress. Video obtained by Florida Politics shows Soto being confronted on Capitol Hill. “Will you call on Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to resign?” the videographer asks. Initially, Soto remains silent, but the questioner suggests that silence shows “support” for someone who “stole $5 million in health care funds for the most vulnerable.” The Kissimmee Democrat then responds but continues walking away from the camera. He then conflates a censure motion against U.S. Rep. Cory Mills and Cherfilus-McCormick. “Both Mills and Cherfilus-McCormick, both will have due process. Thank you,” Soto said.

“National Park Service to offer free admission on Trump’s birthday” via Elliott Davis of The Hill — The National Park Service in 2026 will offer free admission to U.S. residents on June 14 — or Flag Day, which also happens to be Trump’s birthday. But the Interior Department, which oversees the park service, also quietly removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth — June 19 — from its list of free admission days. Both holidays, two of the nation’s most prominent days for commemorating civil rights, were on the 2025 list, but not Flag Day. “The raw & rank racism here stinks to high heaven,” Harvard Kennedy School professor Cornell William Brooks, a former president of the NAACP, wrote on the social platform X about the new policy.

— ELECTIONS —

“Port Orange mom challenges ‘vulnerable’ Cory Mills in run for Congress” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Sarah Ulrich says her decision to challenge embattled incumbent Mills in the August 2026 Republican Primary was hatched after her nest emptied. The 44-year-old Port Orange mom and seventh-generation Floridian said her 16-year-old son left this Summer to join his 19-year-old sister at Florida State University, so now seemed like as good a time as any to fulfill her long-simmering dream of running for Congress.

“Paul Renner doubles down on Mills’ critique, urges more Republicans to join him” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A former House Speaker and current candidate for Governor is leading the charge for Republicans as scandal swirls around a Congressman. Saying the “evidence is mounting” against Rep. Mills, Renner says other candidates for Governor should “stand up and be counted” and join him in the call for Mills to leave Congress. Renner made the call earlier this week. But on Friday, the Palm Coast Republican doubled down. He spotlighted fresh reporting from Roger Sollenberger alleging that Mills’ company “appears to have illegally exported weapons while he serves in Congress, including to Ukraine,” that Mills failed to disclose conflicts of interest, “tried to fistfight other Republican members of Congress, and lied about his party stature to bully other GOP candidates out of Primaries that an alleged romantic interest was running in,” and lied about his conversion to Islam.

“Long-shot Ash Marwah faces Ralph Massullo in SD 11 Special Election” via Mike Wright of Florida Politics — Even Marwah knows the odds do him no favors. A Senate District that leans heavily Republican, plus a Special Election just weeks before Christmas, Marwah acknowledges, adds up to a likely Tuesday victory for Massullo. The Senate District 11 Special Election is on Tuesday to fill the void created when Ingoglia became Chief Financial Officer. It pits Republican Massullo, a dermatologist and Republican former four-term House member from Lecanto, against Democrat Marwah, a civil engineer from The Villages. Early voter turnout was light, as would be expected in a low-key stand-alone Special Election: At 10% or under for Hernando and Pasco counties, 19% in Sumter and 15% in Citrus.

“Hialeah voters head to polls as City Commission runoffs test new Mayor’s political clout” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Early voting is underway in Hialeah as two Council Runoff contests will decide who rounds out a markedly different dais at City Hall. The Group 3 and Group 4 races — featuring Jessica Castillo versus Gelien Perez and William “Willy” Marrero versus Javier Morejon, respectively — also stand to determine whether new Mayor Bryan Calvo gains early influence over the Council. Perez and Castillo advanced to the Group 3 runoff in last month’s General Election with 40.5% and 36% of the vote, respectively, leaving one third-place candidate behind. In Group 4, Marrero narrowly led the field with 24.8%, followed by Morejon at 23.3%. They outpaced three others in the contest. To win outright, a candidate had to capture more than half the vote in their respective races.

Happening tonight:

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Pete Buttigieg endorses Eileen Higgins for Miami Mayor” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — Buttigieg, the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation under the Joe Biden administration, endorsed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Higgins for Miami Mayor ahead of the Dec. 9 Runoff Election that has grown unusually partisan, praising her record on affordable housing, transit improvements and safer neighborhoods in a campaign video, as the officially nonpartisan contest draws national attention following endorsements of her opponent, former City Manager González, by Trump, DeSantis, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, while Democratic leaders back Higgins, early voting continues through Sunday, and more than 15,000 voters have already cast ballots in the Runoff, including Democrats, Republicans and independents across Miami, where turnout data underscores sharp partisan divides citywide so far today unofficially.

“Higgins campaigns in Miami with Ruben Gallego ahead of Special Election” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Higgins continued her early voting push with several appearances across Miami alongside U.S. Sen. Gallego of Arizona on Sunday. “As Miamians turn out for early voting, Commissioner Higgins will highlight her vision for restoring trust at City Hall, ending corruption, and delivering a city government that works for residents,” her campaign said. “The day will feature a canvass launch, Early Vote stops, and a volunteer phone bank to mobilize voters ahead of the Dec. 9 election.”

“Rolando Escalona aims to deny Frank Carollo a return to the Miami Commission” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Early voting is now underway in Miami for a Dec. 9 runoff that will decide whether political newcomer Rolando Escalona can block former Commissioner Carollo from reclaiming the District 3 seat long held by the Carollo family. The contest has already been marked by unusual turbulence: both candidates faced eligibility challenges that threatened — but ultimately failed — to knock them off the ballot. Escalona survived a dramatic residency challenge in October after a rival candidate accused him of faking his address. A Miami-Dade Judge rejected the claim following a detailed, three-hour trial that examined everything from his lease records to his Amazon orders.

“Recall effort vs Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is now on track” via Elaine De Valle of Political Cortadito — An attempted recall of Miami-Dade Mayor Levine Cava, led by YouTube provocateur and failed mayoral candidate Alex Otaola, has roared back to life after a brief procedural hiccup over petition forms was swiftly resolved by the County Commission, clearing the way for Otaola’s PAC to seek roughly 61,000 signatures in 120 days for a ballot question that needs no stated cause, echoing past recalls driven by budget anger, even as critics dismiss the effort as sour grapes and political theater, because while Otaola was rejected by nearly 88% of voters, he commands a sizable, motivated audience capable of real-world mobilization, drawing quiet concern from elected officials who may publicly scoff but privately recognize that a loud, organized movement fueled by grievance politics, media savvy, and relentless messaging is not something county leadership can ignore.

“Amnesty International alleges human rights violations at Alligator Alcatraz” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Enforcing what DeSantis calls the “rule of law” violates international law and norms, according to a global group weighing in this week. Amnesty International is the latest group to condemn the treatment of immigrants with disputed documentation at two South Florida lockups, the Krome North Service Processing Center (Krome) and the Everglades Detention Facility (Alligator Alcatraz). The latter has been a priority of the state government since Trump’s inauguration. The organization claims treatment of the detained falls “far below international human rights standards.”

“Trump may be getting ready to blow up the model of a presidential library” via Luke Mullins of POLITICO — Forget glamor-free presidential libraries in towns like Little Rock or Grand Rapids. Sometime after 2029, enthusiasts might be able to take in a facility whose possible elements include a 47-story tower, a hotel, a rooftop restaurant, and a prime perch in the Miami skyline. Trump’s presidential library, like Trump’s presidency, is already breaking molds — and it hasn’t even been commissioned yet. When Trump’s son Eric — a trustee of The Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation — announced the location, he proclaimed the library would be “one of the most beautiful buildings ever built” and “an Icon on the Miami skyline.” No official plans have been released, but in conversations with Florida power players, local activists, real estate pros and Trump insiders familiar with the discussions, it appears that the project is shaping up to be a lot more glamorous, a lot pricier, and a whole lot more lucrative than the libraries of his predecessors.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Eatonville Mayor jumps into Orange County Commission race for District 7” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — In what’s emerging as a crowded race next year, Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner has filed to run for District 7 on the Orange County Commission — one of the new districts created in a recent redistricting process. “Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about trust. It’s about listening, preparing, and standing up for what’s right. That’s the leadership I’ve brought to Eatonville, and that’s the leadership I’ll bring to District 7,” Gardner said in a press release announcing her candidacy. Selina Carter, Framily Support Network co-founder Aaron Lewis, real estate agent Sonya Shakespeare and former Orlando City Commissioner Vicki Vargo are also seeking the seat.

“Florida man arrested after claiming ‘dirty bomb’ in truck following crash, police say” via Jacob Langston of Click Orlando — A Florida man faces multiple charges after he told police he had a “dirty bomb” in his truck following a crash. Haines City police said they responded to the Publix located at 39883 Highway 27 in Davenport “late Friday evening” in reference to a collision involving a Chevrolet Silverado. Officers made contact with the driver, identified as 43-year-old Benjamin Donald Johnson, who refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle. Officers physically removed Johnson from the truck, where numerous firearms were seen in plain view.

“Bus providing overnight refuge to western Orange’s homeless could hit roads by April” via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — A bus that will offer an overnight refuge for homeless residents of western Orange County could hit the roads by April now that nonprofit Matthew’s Hope has secured funding and one location where it can park, although more are needed. County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved $787,560 for a one-year contract — and up to four one-year renewals — with the organization to purchase and operate the sleeper bus. Commissioners also authorized an advance payment of $190,000 to fund its purchase and equipping. “I believe that we’ll be wheels on the ground by the end of the first quarter of next year,” said Scott Billue, founder and CEO of the homeless outreach nonprofit with locations in Winter Garden and Cocoa. “I’ve already been through all this (and) I’ve got so many things lined up.”

“United Arts sets biggest-ever fundraiser goal: $10 million” via Matthew J. Balm of the Orlando Sentinel — As cultural organizations grapple with less government funding, United Arts of Central Florida’s Collaborative Campaign has announced a $10 million private-sector fundraising goal, an all-time high. More organizations than ever will participate in the region’s most significant annual fundraiser, with six new partner organizations joining the 2026 campaign for the first time. This is the 33rd year of the campaign, which has grown to become the second-largest communitywide cultural fundraiser in the nation, according to United Arts, the region’s nonprofit arts-advocacy agency. “We are thoroughly honored to be invited to be part of the United Arts Collaborative Campaign,” said Hillary Brook, executive director of southwest Orlando’s Theatre South Playhouse, one of the six groups joining the fundraiser. “Together with the help of United Arts, we hope to spread the word about what we are achieving in Dr. Phillips and continue to support local artists, young performers and the creative heart of our community.”

— LOCAL: TB —

Happening today — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Noem will hold a news conference in Tampa alongside local TSA employees, deliver prepared remarks, and take questions from the media. Credentialed press must RSVP in advance at [email protected] and arrive early for security screening: 11 a.m. ET, Tampa (location provided upon RSVP; livestream available via Homeland Security Live).

“Hillsborough County Commission candidate Neil Manimala talks transit, compassion, bipartisanship and Wawa coffee” via Valerie Smith of Creative Loafing — Dr. Manimala, 35, has watched Valrico grow from orange groves and two-lane roads to an area with nothing but golf courses for green space. He learned to drive on the congested stretch of State Road 60 that runs through Brandon. Now, the University of South Florida graduate and urologist wants to join the County Commission to address the sprawl and the traffic that have become emblematic of east Hillsborough County. “I can only do so much as a urologist,” Manimala said. “People can’t even make it to their appointments because they missed the bus in south county by a minute. If they’re worried about keeping a roof over their head, they have to decide between that versus making it into surgery the next day.” The public transit and affordable housing advocate has raised over $100,000 in his bid to unseat Donna Cameron Cepeda, a Republican elected in 2022 who has since voted to reduce affordable housing and lobbied for reduced public transparency of County Commission activities.

“Tampa Council moves forward with transportation impact fee hike” via Nina Moske of the Tampa Bay Times — Tampa City Council members gave initial approval to increase fees levied on new development to pay for transportation projects. The so-called multimodal transportation impact fees haven’t increased since 1989, meaning developers pay rates based on traffic and land-use patterns from decades ago. A recent study commissioned by the city from the consulting firm Fehr & Peers found the hike “necessary, proportional, and directly related to the transportation needs created by new development,” according to a city document. But some developers questioned the study’s findings and said higher fees could raise already steep construction costs. They worried the money would go toward bicycle and pedestrian paths rather than roads.

“Activists have right to leaflet within 5 feet Clearwater abortion clinic, appeals court says” via Live Caputo Florida Phoenix — Anti-abortion activists have the right to hand leaflets to women in the driveway of a Clearwater abortion clinic, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. In a 2-to-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit tossed a trial judge’s decision preventing the Florida Preborn Rescue organization from entering within 5 feet of the Bread and Roses Women’s Health Center’s driveway. Instead, the lower court must pause the Clearwater ordinance preventing the group — and any other pedestrians — from entering the center’s “buffer zone” — a 38-foot stretch of public sidewalk, 28 feet of which cross the clinic’s driveway. “The Ordinance seriously burdens Florida Preborn’s speech … by restricting the sidewalk counselors’ ability to distribute leaflets to patients as they arrive at the clinic,” the majority opinion reads.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“‘Absolutely gutted’: Community mourns passing of Bob Lotane” via Jeff Burlew and Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — Lotane, a longtime political and communications consultant known for his civic involvement and perseverance in the face of tragedy and hardship, died Dec. 5 after a stroke and brief hospitalization at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. “Whether Bob walked or rolled into a room, you always knew he had arrived,” his wife Alissa Lotane wrote. “He was a mentor to so many people in politics and in life. I will miss his big voice, his love, and his determination.”

“FAMU donations plummet; top alum and Foundation Board member sound alarm” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida A&M University leaders and prominent alumni are raising alarms over a sharp drop in donor giving, which fell from roughly $27 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year to about $17 million the following year, with trustees and alumni pointing to leadership concerns and strained alumni confidence as key factors, as critics at a Dec. 4 Board of Trustees meeting said dissatisfaction with President Marva Johnson and recent administrative hires has discouraged major gifts, even while university officials argue broader fundraising trends and economic conditions are at play, highlighting tensions over Johnson’s role as chief fundraiser, the pace of financial reforms, and accountability for reversing the decline, while trustees stress that rebuilding donor trust, leveraging presidential relationships, and cultivating large-capacity donors will require coordinated effort if FAMU is to stabilize finances, protect its reputation, and restore upward momentum in giving.

“Report alleges ‘culture of abuse and violence’ at Panhandle prison” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — A nearly two-year investigation into a Panhandle state prison has concluded that overcrowding and understaffing have resulted in a high concentration of complaints by inmates about excessive force and staff misconduct. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) report examines the Gulf Correctional Institution near Wewahitchka, which houses approximately 1,600 men. Certain staff members contributed, the report says, to what the SPLC labels “the culture of violence” through overly harsh punishments and degradation of people under their supervision.

“University of Florida breaks ground on College of Dentistry building face-lift and overhaul” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The University of Florida (UF) College of Dentistry building is undergoing significant renovations and a multi-phase overhaul that will add more than 100,000 square feet to the facility. UF officials announced this month that the 11-story college “dental tower” is undergoing waterproofing and insulation upgrades. There is also modernization of key spaces in the existing building and a new building addition that will add a new area covering 100,000 square feet of additional space. The original building was erected 50 years ago, and the latest additions and upgrades are expected to be completed in five years. “This project represents the largest investment made by the state of Florida in a medical science building at any state university,” said Mori Hosseini, UF Board of Trustees Chair.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“City of Cape Coral cooperating with audit of building department” via Claire Galt of WINK — A Southwest Florida lawmaker says the state-approved audit into the City of Cape Coral is moving forward. Rep. Mike Giallombardo said he received an update from the state auditor, and the audit process will begin soon. This comes after the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee unanimously voted last month to approve an audit of the City of Cape Coral. After state lawmakers presented findings they say prove the city’s building department is misusing funds and violating state law, the Committee approved the audit.

—“Sarasota county tourism rebounds after hurricane disruptions” via Francesca Abarca and Ella Thompson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Fines for passing stopped school buses in Lee County start Monday” via WGCU — Drivers in Lee County should make sure they do not pass a stopped school bus with its flashing red light on and stop arm out. Starting Monday, Dec. 8, cameras on the buses will catch you, and you will be fined $225. This applies to two-lane and multi-lane roads in either direction. The only time you don’t have to stop is when there is a raised median or physical divider of at least 5 feet separating traffic from the bus. During a monthlong trial period before tickets were issued, more than 2,500 drivers would have been fined for violating this law. The camera system is in cooperation with the School District of Lee County and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

— TOP OPINION —

“What do Republicans have to fear? Ask Tennessee.” via David French of The New York Times — The results of last week’s Special Election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District delivered an unmistakable warning to Republicans, even if party leaders are not ready to admit it, because a seat Trump carried by 22 points just a year ago slipped to a single-digit victory, a stunning outcome in a District that is not remotely competitive for Democrats under normal circumstances.

Matt Van Epps’ nine-point win would be considered comfortable almost anywhere else, but in a District where Republican margins routinely exceed 20 points, the result signals erosion, not strength. The closeness had nothing to do with candidate quality, as Democrat Aftyn Behn ran as an unapologetic progressive ill-suited to the District’s conservative electorate.

What the race exposed instead is a Republican coalition under strain, where internal divisions matter more than partisan loyalty. Polling from the Manhattan Institute shows a widening split between traditional “Core Republicans” and “New Entrant Republicans,” whose embrace of conspiracy theories and tolerance for political violence sharply diverges from long-standing conservative norms.

That cultural clash is no abstraction. It has played out in School Board fights, book bans, extremist candidacies, and threats against fellow Republicans in deep-red communities, breeding resentment between party factions that increasingly view each other, not Democrats, as the real enemy.

For now, shared loyalty to Trump and hostility toward the left have held the coalition together, but Trump is no longer on the ballot, and discomfort with MAGA ideology is growing among traditional conservatives. That dynamic shrinks the Republican tent rather than expanding it.

If recent swings become the floor rather than the ceiling for Democrats, even aggressive gerrymandering may fail to protect Republicans in 2026, turning presumed structural advantages into liabilities and reminding the party that arrogance, not opposition, is often the most dangerous force in politics.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“The coming MAGA crackup” via Leighton Woodhouse of Social Studies — Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation may ultimately be remembered as the first visible crack in a Republican coalition straining under the weight of Trump’s second-term contradictions, as populist rhetoric collides with the priorities of tech billionaires, AI evangelists, and foreign policy hawks now steering the administration, exposing deep rifts between MAGA voters and elites pushing deregulation, globalized tech dominance, energy-hungry data centers, and reduced local control, tensions already showing up in voter backlash over rising electricity costs and governance fights across multiple states, while Trump, insulated by loyalists and newly attentive elites, drifts further from the grievances that once fueled his movement, leaving Republican lawmakers caught between obedience to the White House and accountability to constituents who increasingly see an administration serving donors, lobbyists, and ideologues rather than the people who put it in power.

“Seminole’s sensible growth controls are under attack” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Ask almost any politician in Seminole County about the voter-imposed rule that protects open lands from intensive development, and they’ll tell you: Messing with the rural boundary is tantamount to licking the third rail of the New York City subway. The boundary is so popular that 82% of Seminole voters said an enthusiastic “yes” in 2024 to strengthening its protections. But apparently, the state Attorney General’s Office didn’t see a need to consult with Seminole or Orange leaders before erroneously declaring both counties’ rural-boundary ordinances to be a violation of state law, and likely the state and U.S. Constitutions to boot. Even worse, the letter carrying that absurd claim failed to mention that Seminole County’s boundaries — first enacted in 1991 by the County Commission and approved by voters in 2002 — have been challenged by multiple lawsuits over the decades and have held firm.

“What Palm Beach County’s private school wait-lists should tell you” via Jacqueline Westerfield for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Private-school demand is booming across Palm Beach County, with applications up nearly 49% since 2017-18 while enrollment has risen only about 15%, creating fierce competition for limited seats and pushing families to rethink what truly matters, because a long waitlist or shiny facilities do not guarantee the right environment for a child to learn, grow and thrive, and decades of research make clear that belonging is not a luxury but a prerequisite for curiosity, confidence and cognitive development, meaning parents should focus less on prestige and more on culture, relationships, and whether a school genuinely supports diverse learning styles, interests and personal growth, as schools expand and adapt to rising demand, since intentional growth, strong community, personalized pathways and daily lived experience shape students far more than access alone, preparing them not just for college, but for meaningful, adaptable and purpose-driven lives.

“The hope of the melting pot” via Benjamin Kirby of the Sun Shine Republic — Despite a bleak political year marked by economic anxiety and increasingly harsh immigration policies under President Trump, including wrongful deportations and human rights concerns that feel driven less by policy than unapologetic xenophobia, a trip to New York City offered a reminder that fear and cruelty cannot unravel what is fundamentally American, because the country’s economic life, cultural fabric, and daily human connections are inseparable from immigrants who are not abstractions but neighbors, workers, classmates, and families, and in a place where languages, faces, and traditions mix effortlessly, it becomes clear that no amount of enforcement, rhetoric, or political distraction can undo a reality so deeply woven into the nation’s DNA, leaving confidence that this current fever, like others before it, will eventually break.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“FSU football’s Tommy Castellanos denied extra year of eligibility” via Peter Holland Jr. of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State quarterback Castellanos has been denied a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA and is appealing the decision, arguing through attorney Darren Heitner that he exceeded the redshirt participation threshold in 2022 by only one postseason game, a conference championship he played in due to injuries and opt-outs beyond his control, a situation the NCAA later addressed by changing the rule to allow players to retain eligibility in identical circumstances, meaning Castellanos is being penalized solely because of timing, despite starting every game for the Seminoles this season, throwing for a career-high 2,760 yards and 15 touchdowns, adding 557 rushing yards and nine scores, and anchoring an FSU team that finished 5-7, as his appeal now centers on fairness and equal treatment under updated NCAA standards.

“Soon, no Pearl Harbor survivors will be alive. People turn to other ways to learn about the bombing” via The Associated Press — Survivors of the 1941 Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor have long been the center of a remembrance ceremony held each year on the military base’s waterfront. But today only 12 are still alive — all centenarians — and this year, none of them were able to make the pilgrimage to Hawaii to mark the event, scheduled for Sunday. That means no one attending will have firsthand memories of serving during the attack, which killed more than 2,300 troops and catapulted the U.S. into World War 2. The development is not a surprise and is an evolution of an ongoing trend. As survivors fade, their descendants and the public are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing. “The idea of not having a survivor there for the first time — I just, I don’t know — it hurt my heart in a way I can’t describe,” said Kimberlee Heinrichs, whose 105-year-old father, Ira “Ike” Schab, had to cancel plans to fly in from Oregon after falling ill.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy birthday to Allison Ager, our friend Mike Deeson, Joy-Ann Reid, and Ben Smith.

___

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