Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 11.18.25
Good Tuesday morning.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we ask our loyal Sunburn fans — particularly those in The Process — to let us know what you’re grateful for this year. We will publish the comments in next Tuesday’s edition. Please send your emails to [email protected].
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First in Sunburn — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is expanding his support from law enforcement officials, announcing a new round of endorsements from 13 Republican Sheriffs across the state.
The latest wave brings his total to 28 Sheriff backers — nearly half of all GOP Sheriffs in Florida — giving the Naples Republican a sizable bloc of support as he emphasizes a law-and-order message in the Governor’s race.
Walton Sheriff Michael Adkinson, a former president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said Donalds has been consistently aligned with law enforcement priorities.
“Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds is a leader who understands what it takes to keep Florida safe,” Adkinson said in a statement released by the campaign, adding that he believes Donalds would “back the blue” as Governor.
Baker Sheriff Scotty Rhoden, who has served in law enforcement for more than three decades, said Donalds’ support from former President Donald Trump underscored his standing with conservative voters.
“Byron is the proven conservative leader Florida needs,” Rhoden said.
The full list of Sheriffs endorsing Donalds in this latest round includes: Columbia Sheriff Wallace Kitchings, Escambia Sheriff Chip Simmons, Gilchrist Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Glades Sheriff David Hardin, Hamilton Sheriff Brian Creech, Highlands Sheriff Paul Blackman and Holmes Sheriff John Tate.
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Micah Ketchel, a former Senior Adviser at the National Security Council, is joining Ballard Partners as a Partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, where he will lead its new Critical Minerals Practice.
“The global competition for critical minerals is one of the most defining national security and economic challenges of our time, requiring sophisticated counsel,” firm founder and President Brian Ballard said.
“Micah’s unique experience navigating complex issues at the White House, State Department, and on Capitol Hill makes him the ideal leader for this crucial new practice. We are thrilled to welcome a professional of his caliber to the firm.”
Ketchel arrives with experience across the executive and legislative branches. Most recently, he served as Senior Adviser for the Bureau of International Organizations at the State Department, acting as a primary liaison between the Bureau and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Before that, he was Senior Adviser to the National Security Adviser at the National Security Council and served as Special Assistant to the President.
He also brings years of congressional experience. Ketchel served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz from 2018 to 2025, overseeing legislative and policy operations, and earlier worked as Counsel and Policy Adviser to U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He previously held senior roles at the Republican State Leadership Committee and the Republican Attorneys General Association.
“Ballard Partners has established itself as the premier international government affairs firm, and I am excited to join this exceptional team,” Ketchel said. “The ability to seamlessly integrate government affairs across domestic policy, foreign affairs, and trade will be vital for clients engaging in the critical minerals space. I look forward to leading this practice and delivering strategic results for our clients.”
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“Nadine Smith stepping down at Equality Florida to lead Color Of Change” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Equality Florida CEO Smith will step down at year’s end to become CEO of Color Of Change, ending a 28-year run leading Florida’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group. Stratton Pollitzer, who co-founded the organization with her, will take over as CEO and Executive Director. Smith said she leaves the group in a strong position and called the team among the nation’s most dedicated. Color Of Change Chair Heather McGhee praised Smith as the visionary needed for a pivotal moment in national politics. Smith cited the organization’s role in confronting threats to democracy and said she is optimistic despite a turbulent climate. Her tenure included major victories on marriage equality, adoption rights and protections for LGBTQ students statewide.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: I will be strongly endorsing against any State Senator or House member from the Great State of Indiana that votes against the Republican Party and our Nation, by not allowing for Redistricting for Congressional seats in the United States House of Representatives, as every other State in our Nation is doing, Republican or Democrat. Democrats are trying to steal our seats everywhere, and we’re not going to let this happen! This all began with the Rigged Census. We must keep the Majority at all costs. Republicans must fight back!
—@RonDeSantis: Despite my best efforts, I don’t see In-N-Out coming to FL. It’s great, though, when I took the kids there last month, when we were in CA, the milkshakes came with paper straws. I’m sure this was a CA govt requirement, but it absolutely ruined the taste. My kids rejected it after one sip
—@RonDeSantis: Age-specific property tax relief is a non-starter. Making homestead properties tax-free would be a major boon to young families who will be better able to make ends meet. Why saddle anyone — but particularly young people — with rising local taxes based on increased assessments, which are nothing more than an unrealized gain?
—@JuanPorras1: The only non-starter is @RonDeSantis’ 2028 presidential campaign. Seniors across FL are being evicted from their homes due to fixed incomes and rising property taxes. We can provide relief to those who need it most without defunding police and first responders
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Wicked: For Good’ premieres — 3; ‘Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 8; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 10; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 15; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 15; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 21; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 24; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 24; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 29; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 31; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 37; Special Election for HD 87; HD 52, HD 51 Special Primaries and two Boca Raton referenda — 56; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 56; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 56; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 57; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 61; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 73; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 79; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 80; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 112; last day of the Regular Session — 115; Special Elections for HD 52, HD 51 (if necessary) — 126; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 127; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 128; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 139; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 148; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 148; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 153; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 157; F1 Miami begins — 164; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 185; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 196; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 202; State Qualifying Period ends — 206; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 213; FIFA World Cup begins — 205; live action ‘Moana’ premieres — 225; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 228; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 233; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 238; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 240; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 244; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 261; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 263; Primary Election Day 2026 — 273; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 297; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 301; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 305; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 310; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 317; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 321; Early Voting General Election Mandatory period begins — 340; 2026 General Election — 350; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 395; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 395; Untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 395; Tampa Mayoral Election — 469; Jacksonville First Election — 490; Jacksonville General Election — 546; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 564; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 626; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 682; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 759; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 969; U.S. Presidential Election — 1085; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1485; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2216.
— TOP STORY —
“‘Schools of Hope’ charter operators claim tens of thousands of seats in Florida public schools” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Florida’s public schools are seeing a surge of space-claim letters from charter school operators under the state’s expanded “Schools of Hope” program, with at least 690 letters filed across 22 School Districts. The Florida Policy Institute gathered the data through public records requests submitted to all 67 districts.
The letters allow charter operators to claim portions of public-school campuses classified as “underutilized” and, under current law, move in rent-free. Districts must cover maintenance and operational costs; a requirement critics call an unfunded mandate that diverts resources from already stretched public schools.
South Florida has received the most filings so far, including more than 180 in Miami-Dade County alone. Some letters target thousands of seats at individual schools, prompting warnings from advocacy groups that the influx could reshape communities and strain school operations.
The Tampa Bay region is also heavily affected. Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Manatee counties together account for more than 80 campuses and more than 46,000 requested seats. Pinellas is the most targeted, while Hillsborough schools, such as King and Chamberlain high schools, face large claims.
Other large districts, including Brevard, Duval, Orange, Palm Beach and Polk counties, have reported dozens of letters as well. Some filings come from Bridge Prep Academy, which has submitted claims despite not yet being an approved operator.
Lawmakers are already responding. SB 424, filed by Sen. Darryl Rouson, would repeal the rent-free co-location rule, aiming to prevent districts from absorbing added costs and to preserve space essential for students’ academic needs.
—STATEWIDE—
“Justice Charles Canady to exit Florida high court for UF academic role” via Jim Rosica of the USA Today Network-Florida — Florida Supreme Court Justice Canady is stepping down after 17 years on the state’s highest court to lead the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. Canady announced he will begin his new role as director and tenured professor in early 2026, calling it a continuation of public service rather than a retirement. In a statement, he said he “deeply valued” his time on the Court but felt it was the right moment to move on. He thanked UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini and interim President Don Landry for the opportunity and said he looks forward to working with the school’s students and faculty as the program expands its presence on campus.
“Gov. Ron DeSantis gives state employees the gift of extra paid time off” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis is granting state employees extra paid time off, closing state offices on Nov. 26, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 in addition to the standard Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. DeSantis said workers have “worked hard throughout the year” and urged them to enjoy time with loved ones. The move follows a year without hurricanes and strong state finances that enabled early debt payments. Florida Governors have long extended holiday weekends; DeSantis also closed offices on July 3 for the Independence Day break. Former Govs. Rick Scott and Charlie Crist offered similar perks. The benefit does not apply to OPS workers, who are paid hourly and will not receive compensation during the additional closures.
“122 missing children recovered in ‘Operation Home for the Holidays’” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A statewide operation involving the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service ended with the rescue of 22 children who were missing. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday the children were recovered as part of an investigation called “Operation Home for the Holidays.” The investigation spanned vast areas of Florida, including Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers, and extended into nine other states. “Thanks to one of the single largest child-rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are safe,” said Uthmeier. “This operation highlights the strength and diligence of Florida’s Law Enforcement. I am deeply grateful for everyone that made Operation Home for the Holidays a massive success. Many of these kids have been victimized in unspeakable ways. We will prosecute their abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Drones are coming to Broward, Leon and Volusia schools in a new pilot program” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Broward, Leon and Volusia Public School Districts are tapped for a new pilot program to test using drones in active shooter situations, state officials said. Florida’s Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that three districts are testing drones that will provide real-time audio and video feeds to security and law enforcement during potential threats on school campuses. “Florida remains the national leader in school safety because we continue to invest in solutions that protect students and support a rapid, coordinated response,” he said in a statement. “The Guardian Angel Program is an important step in expanding the safety tools available to our districts. I thank Gov. DeSantis for driving these efforts forward and ensuring our schools have the resources they need.”
“Bear hunt opponents call on DeSantis to step in” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — More than 100 opponents of Florida’s first black bear hunt in over a decade rallied Monday on the historic Capitol steps, urging DeSantis to halt the Dec. 6-18 hunt. Organized by the Sierra Club’s Florida chapter, the event drew residents bused in from Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa. Speakers argued the hunt lacks scientific justification and serves special interests, noting opponents purchased 43 of the 172 available bear tags to keep them unused. State wildlife officials insist the hunt is a conservative population-management tool. A lawsuit by Bear Warriors United seeks to block the hunt, with a Nov. 24 hearing set. Meanwhile, hunting advocates argue last year’s hunting-rights ballot amendment provides strong legal support for moving forward.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“House moves forward with meeting on redrawing Florida’s congressional lines” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida House has announced what would be the first step in a highly anticipated mid-decade congressional redistricting effort. A House schedule shows the Congressional Redistricting Select Committee will hold its first meeting on Dec. 4 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. But it’s unclear what the meeting will entail. A complete notice and the agenda remain unavailable, and some members of the Committee were surprised to see the meeting on the schedule. The move came just a week after House Speaker Daniel Perez said at the Lincoln Day Dinner in Miami that “redistricting hasn’t been a conversation that we’ve had yet.” DeSantis shortly afterward made clear he still expects movement and encouraged people to “stay tuned.”
“Rep. Danny Alvarez defends police protections, blasts Democrats” via Frank Kopylov of Florida’s Voice — Alvarez defended his push to strengthen protections for law enforcement and criticized national Democratic leadership during a wide-ranging interview on Florida’s Voice Radio with Drew Steele. Alvarez, a Republican who represents House District 69, discussed his bill, HB 17, which aims to enhance safety measures for police officers by tightening enforcement around officer work zones. He said the bill builds on the Legislature’s previous “halo bill,” which created buffer requirements for people filming police.
— LEGIS SKED —
Happening today — The House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee meets to hear presentations on Fueling Florida’s Energy Needs, including an in-depth look at how natural gas utilities are planned for reliability, resiliency and future demand: 10:30 a.m., Room 102, House Office Building. Florida City Gas and Florida Public Utilities — subsidiaries of Chesapeake Utilities — among others, will brief members on their energy delivery systems, capital investments, and infrastructure expansions across the state to meet the growing need for reliable fuel sources.
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8 a.m. — House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee — Room 404, House Office Building.
8 a.m. — House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee — Room 17, House Office Building.
10 a.m. — Senate Criminal Justice Committee — Room 37, Senate Office Building.
10 a.m. — Senate Health Policy Committee — Room 412, Knott Building.
10 a.m. — Senate Military & Veterans Affairs, Space & Domestic Security Committee — Room 301, Senate Office Building.
10:30 a.m. — House Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee — Room 314, House Office Building.
10:30 a.m. — House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee — Room 17, House Office Building.
10:30 a.m. — House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee — Room 102, House Office Building.
10:30 a.m. — House Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee — Room 404, House Office Building.
11 a.m. — VISIT FLORIDA Industry Services Committee — TBD.
1 p.m. — House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee — Room 17, House Office Building.
1 p.m. — House Justice Budget Subcommittee — Room 314, House Office Building.
1 p.m. — House Student Academic Success Subcommittee — Room 102, House Office Building.
1 p.m. — Children, Families & Elder Affairs Committee — Room 301, Senate Office Building.
1 p.m. — Senate Regulated Industries Committee — Room 412, Knott Building.
1 p.m. — Senate Transportation Committee — Room 37, Senate Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — House Criminal Justice Subcommittee — Room 404, House Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — House Health Care Budget Subcommittee — Room 314, House Office Building
3:30 p.m. — House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee — Room 212, Knott Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee — Room 17, House Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — Senate Agriculture Committee — Room 301, Senate Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — Senate Community Affairs Committee — Room 37, Senate Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee — Room 412 K
3:30 p.m. — Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee — Room 110, Senate Office Building.
“Donald Trump pardon of crypto billionaire sparks concerns over his use of the pardon power” via Scott Pelley and Maria Gavrilovic of CBS News — Last month, Trump granted a pardon to a billionaire felon, after the felon’s company enriched a Trump family business. The pardon went to Changpeng Zhao, a Chinese-born business owner, whom the Justice Department accused of causing “… significant harm to U.S. national security …” The President says he does not know Zhao. Our reporting shows that Zhao’s company supported a Trump family firm at critical moments leading up to the President’s pardon. Changpeng Zhao is the founder of Binance, the world’s largest exchange for cryptocurrency or digital money on the internet. In 2023, Zhao and his company pleaded guilty to failing to prevent money laundering on Binance. Binance paid a $4 billion fine. Zhao served a four-month sentence.
“Trump promises $2,000 tariff checks by mid-2026” via Ben Berkowitz of Axios — Trump said Monday that the federal government will issue $2,000 “tariff dividend” checks by mid-2026, putting a timeline on a proposal he has floated for months. The plan would require congressional approval and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently suggested that lawmakers may not be eager to take it up. Trump said the payments would go to low- and middle-income Americans, but analysts estimate the cost could exceed $200 billion, far more than projected tariff revenue. The Supreme Court is also weighing the legality of Trump’s tariffs, a ruling that could reshape the entire proposal. A mid-2026 payout would land just before the Midterm Elections and could fuel inflation, raising political and economic risks as Congress juggles funding battles and the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein saga.
“Trump plans to meet with Zohran Mamdani, says he’ll ‘work something out’ with New York City’s Mayor-elect” via Michelle L. Price and Chris Megerian The Associated Press — Trump indicated Sunday that he plans to meet with New York City’s Mayor-elect Mamdani and said they’ll “work something out,” in what could be a detente for the Republican President and Democratic political star who have cast each other as political foils. Trump has for months slammed Mamdani, falsely labeling him as a “communist” and predicting the ruin of his hometown, New York, if the democratic socialist were elected. He also threatened to deport Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a naturalized American citizen, and to pull federal money from the city. While speaking about his plans for “Trump-proofing” New York once he takes office in January, the incoming Mayor also said he was willing to work with anyone, including the President, if it could help New Yorkers. “The Mayor of New York, I will say, would like to meet with us. We’ll work something out,” Trump said.
“Acting FEMA chief out after short, troubled tenure” via Daniel Lippman and Thomas Frank of POLITICO — The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency resigned, just a few hours after the FEMA leader denied reports. A DHS spokesperson issued a statement thanking David Richardson “for his dedicated service” and wishing him “continued success in his return to the private sector.” “Mr. Richardson led FEMA through the 2025 hurricane season, delivering historic funding to North Carolina, Texas, Florida, New Mexico and Alaska, and overseeing a comprehensive review that identified and eliminated serious governmental waste and inefficiency, and refocused the agency to deliver swift resources to Americans in crisis,” the spokesperson said.
“Jimmy Patronis backs hemp THC ban, says industry advocates ‘lied’ to create a ‘monster’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — One of Florida’s newest members of Congress is backing a surprise move by the federal government to limit the hemp industry aggressively. U.S. Rep. Patronis is defending the continuing resolution to open the government, which includes the hemp language, as a response to an old problem regarding psychoactive hemp legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill. “Everybody starts to push hemp as a product that’s got all these fantastic purposes, rope and clothing and all this stuff. It was all about getting this extraction of this variation of THC. I mean, so it wasn’t truly honest and forthcoming with how it got to enter into the marketplace. So, I call a strike on that, OK?” Patronis said. “The industry advocates lied when they started because it was all in. And those that were in the know created this monster that we’ve got today.”
“Democrats say María Elvira Salazar is ‘panicking’ after Hispanic vote shifts” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Salazar is calling for Republicans to push for more Hispanic-friendly policies, including her signature legislation to ease the naturalization of undocumented immigrants, following her party’s recent losses. Hispanic voters last year helped Trump return to the White House, she said. Still, now they’re turning their back on the GOP as the cost of living continues to rise and the administration fails to address America’s immigration issues humanely. Salazar warns that Hispanics are “only dating the GOP” and will return to supporting Democrats unless the party pursues meaningful policies that help them. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) says Salazar is “panicked” after seeing Hispanic support for her party sink this month, and it’s due to problems she has helped to exacerbate.
“U.S. Supreme Court turns down pre-game prayer appeal from Florida Christian school” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal by a Tampa Christian school that contended its speech rights were violated when it was prevented from offering a prayer over a stadium loudspeaker before a 2015 state championship football game in Orlando. The Supreme Court, as is common in such proceedings, did not explain its reasons. But the decision indicated that the court is not ready to dive back into the complicated intersection between faith and school sporting events, a subject of a major 2022 ruling that expanded religious expression in public places. Monday’s decision handed a victory to the Florida High School Athletic Association, which had blocked the communal pre-game prayer. Its practical effect, however, is more limited, because Florida subsequently passed legislation requiring the athletic association to allow opening remarks at games, including those with religious content.
— ELECTIONS —
“Jerry Demings says the Legislature’s attack on home-rule ‘has to change’” via the Florida Phoenix — One thing Orange County Mayor and Democratic candidate for Governor Demings intends to change if elected next year is the Legislature’s proclivity for preempting local governments from making their own laws and regulations. The latest such move by the Legislature is a law passed earlier this year that restricts local governments from regulating development. “When Tallahassee preempts local governments from being able to make decisions for themselves, you’re at that point adversely impacting the will of the people, and that is something that has to change,” Demings told a Phoenix reporter while speaking on WMNF-88.5 radio in Tampa.
“Bale Dalton says Florida needs to ‘send its best’ to Congress and dump Cory Mills” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A former NASA Chief of Staff just blasted into the race to oust U.S. Rep. Mills. Dalton, head of Space Growth at Vannevar Labs, launched his campaign for Congress with a nearly two-minute YouTube video. The Democrat is stressing his military background and connections to America’s space agency as he runs in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. “I’ve served 23 years in the United States Navy. In Iraq, I flew special operations missions to capture terrorists,” Dalton says in the ad. “In Afghanistan, I controlled close air support to bring the fight to the Taliban. And I led a squadron of 400 patriots in the fight against al-Qaida and ISIS throughout the world. And then I helped lead NASA, serving with tens of thousands of people who showed the world every day what Americans can accomplish when we work together.”
“Amaro Lionheart withdraws from SD 14 bid, clearing the GOP nom for Josie Tomkow” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Republican Lionheart has withdrawn from the Special Election for Florida Senate District 14, clearing the way for Rep. Josie Tomkow to earn the GOP nomination without opposition, assuming no one else jumps into the race, which is not expected. Lionheart was gracious in his exit, attributing his decision to “prayerful reflection and many conversations” with his family, supporters and community leaders. In a statement, Lionheart wrote that it was not an easy decision but said “it is the right one for our residents, for our party, and for the future of our state.” He will instead run for Florida House District 64, in the race to replace term-limited Republican Susan Valdés.
AIF endorses Eric Stelnicki for House District 100 — AIF endorses Republican Stelnicki for Florida House District 100 in the 2026 Election cycle. “AIF is proud to support Eric Stelnicki for Florida House District 100,” said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis. “At a time when affordability is top of mind for families and employers alike, Eric has made it clear that his focus is on lowering costs, keeping taxes low, and strengthening the economic foundation that makes Florida competitive. We are confident he will be a strong and effective advocate for job creators and consumers in the Florida House.” HD 100, which spans a coastal swath of South Florida from Fort Lauderdale north to Deerfield Beach, is the only House district in Broward County fully controlled by Republicans.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Trump just turned Miami’s mayoral race into a referendum on himself” via Claire Heddles and Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — Trump’s move to endorse a local mayoral candidate is turning Miami’s nonpartisan Runoff Election into a political referendum on Trump after widespread Republican losses earlier this month in New Jersey, California and Virginia, particularly among Latino voters. If Democrat Eileen Higgins wins the Runoff, she’ll be the first Democratic Mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years. Close watchers say a Democratic win in majority-Hispanic Miami would also be a resounding rejection of Trump ahead of the 2026 Midterms.
“There’s a fight to block voters from picking Miami-Dade’s next County Commissioner” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Will voters get to pick Miami-Dade County’s next Commissioner? Not if a majority of the existing Commissioners decide to choose one instead. How to fill the District 5 Commission seat left vacant by Higgins has divided the remaining 12 Commissioners, with one camp wanting to hold a Special Election to fill it and the other wanting to appoint Vicki Lopez, a Republican member of the House. A showdown vote is set for Tuesday, when the appointment camp will need a majority to bypass those who want an election in District 5, which includes Miami’s Little Havana and Miami Beach’s South Beach neighborhoods.
“Last-minute cancellation, reversal derails Miami Mayor candidates’ forum in Coconut Grove” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A planned Monday night forum featuring Miami mayoral candidates Emilio González and Higgins is no longer happening after González’s campaign waffled about whether he could participate. González’s team informed event organizers on Sunday that he wouldn’t be able to take part in the forum due to a “personal issue.” The campaign then changed tack Monday morning, saying González would be able to participate after all, but he’d have to arrive later than the original 7 p.m. start time. By then, Higgins’ campaign had already scheduled something else. Shortly after González’s campaign said he wouldn’t attend the forum — which was to be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church — organizers alerted the Higgins campaign to the change. They discussed instead hosting a single-candidate “town hall,” which would still be live-streamed to those unable to attend in person, among the roughly 100 people who had reserved seats.
—“Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police back Monica Matteo-Salinas for City Commission” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics
“Bryan Calvo endorses former slate adversaries in bid for unity and balance in Hialeah” via Verónica Egui Brito of the Miami Herald — Hialeah Mayor-elect Calvo, promising unity and a balanced government, has endorsed two candidates for the Dec. 9 City Council Runoff Elections. Calvo is backing Gelien Perez and William “Willy” Marrero, who ran with rival political slates during the mayoral contest but now stand together under his incoming administration.
“Broward Sheriff’s Office appeals to state for more funding” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Broward Sheriff’s Office is asking the state to force the county to increase spending on law enforcement, accusing county government of misrepresenting how much of its budget is dedicated to the agency. The Sheriff’s Office accounted for $833 million of the $1.8 billion budget passed by the Broward County Commission for the budget year that started Oct. 1. But that number can be considered misleading — the Sheriff’s Office is funded by the portion of the county’s budget funded by property taxes. The overall budget passed by the Commission includes funding for the airport and seaport, reducing the Sheriff’s Office percentage from nearly 50% to less than 10%. The county’s commitment to law enforcement needs to be reconsidered. The sheriff requested a 9% budget increase over last year. The County Commission approved a 3% increase.
“Lake Worth Beach grandmother who did a year in prison for FBI threats gets Trump pardon” via Ben Crandell of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — A Lake Worth Beach grandmother who spent a year in a Texas prison for social-media threats against FBI agents shortly after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol received a pardon from Trump on Friday. Suzanne Ellen Kaye, 63, said on Sunday that it was news she had been hoping for, but the call from her lawyers on Friday night came as a surprise. Kaye is not among the socially or financially connected elites who have received presidential pardons in the past several months. “I’m a nobody. I was a nobody who became a somebody, infamously,” she said, with a laugh. Trump’s decision was made public Saturday by Edward R. Martin, Jr., the pardon attorney for the Justice Department, who cast Kaye as a victim of President Joe Biden’s Justice Department. “President Trump is unwinding the damage done by Biden’s DOJ weaponization so that the healing can begin,” Martin said in a post on X.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Regina Hill wants Orlando’s election results tossed or to be declared winner” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Hill, who was suspended from her Orlando City Council post last year after a felony indictment, is suing incumbent Commissioner Shan Rose and the city, challenging the results of the Nov. 4 election. The lawsuit filed Friday in Orange County circuit court alleges an associate of Rose’s campaign “gave or promised things of value to voters in exchange for their votes,” and also that the campaign was “ballot harvesting.” It asks a judge to toss out the election results or declare Hill the winner. The certified election results show that Rose received nearly 52% of the ballots cast, while Hill received about 33%. While there was a sizable 452-vote margin between the two, if Rose had received just 44 fewer votes, she would have failed to exceed the 50% mark and would have been forced into a Runoff with Hill in December.
“Florida requires districts to bus students to school, but doesn’t fully fund it” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Florida Public School Districts are required to provide busing to all students who live more than 2 miles from their elementary, middle and high schools. It’s state law. Yet the law provides no guaranteed funding source for buses. Although student transportation is a separate line in the state’s Florida Education Finance Program, it leaves many districts short of what they need. “It’s another unfunded mandate,” Volusia County School Board member Ruben Colón said, echoing a sentiment offered by many School Board members and administrators statewide. His colleague, Volusia County School Board Chair Jamie Haynes, is among the voices calling on lawmakers to boost state funding for the student transportation fund.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Tampa City Council to vote on $7 million for private armed security at city facilities, more” via Ray Roa of Creative Loafing — The Council will vote on 68 items, plus finalized details on the proposed increase to the multi-modal impact fee and a $7.5 million settlement for a wrongful conviction. Council will also vote on a $7 million contract for armed security, the establishment of the Charter Review Commission and a Facilities Master Plan agreement. A lot is going on these days, so just a reminder, the focus of this weekly preview is to hone in and highlight the items Council will be voting on Thursday. While presentations about redistricting and flooding/stormwater are essential, nothing final will be decided. Best reviewed after the presentations and after questions are asked. That’s not to discourage anyone from sharing their thoughts with the Council on the subject, but at their heart, those agenda items are informational. Of the 80 agenda items, Council will vote to approve 68.
“Foot Locker no longer moving headquarters to St. Petersburg” via Mark Parker of St. Pete Catalyst — Local business and civic leaders celebrated companies that “become St. Pete” in February, a list highlighted by Foot Locker’s impending arrival. The company has called off the moving trucks. Foot Locker will no longer relocate its global headquarters to St. Petersburg following its acquisition by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration notified City Council members in a memo on Wednesday, a day before they were set to vote on a formal update. The Manhattan-based Fortune 500 company will no longer receive up to $475,000 in municipal financial incentives. Foot Locker planned to open an expansive office in St. Petersburg’s business-centric Gateway area this Fall.
“Tampa General takes over rural DeSoto County hospital” via Anjelica Rubin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Tampa General Hospital will assume the operations of DeSoto Memorial Hospital after beating out proposals from AdventHealth and NorthStar Hospitals Inc. The struggling rural hospital sought a long-term partner to stabilize and modernize its operations. The DeSoto Memorial Board voted to enter into the lease agreement last week, marking a significant step toward transitioning the 49-bed facility into a TGH-operated hospital under a 49-year lease with an automatic 49-year renewal. The deal includes a commitment of at least $45 million in capital investment. The proposal said TGH would ensure 50% of the funding is committed during the first five years of the lease. As part of the deal, TGH would pay $10 in rent per year.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“ACLU, SPLC file suit against Tallahassee’s fire services fee, calling it illegal tax” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida’s chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the city of Tallahassee over its fire services fee. ACLU of Florida, alongside the Southern Poverty Law Center, is arguing that the fee is an “unconstitutional form of taxation not authorized by law.” The complaint says Tallahassee’s fee is a “hidden charge” that “disproportionately impacts low-income households and Black and Hispanic residents, students and renters.” It also notes the “severe” consequences if those fees go unpaid, including “utility shut-offs, collections procedures, liens on the property and even foreclosure.”
“Multimillion-dollar upgrade to New Kings Road is result of 20-year push for redevelopment” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — Twenty years after the idea first surfaced for creating a special improvement district along New Kings Road and Soutel Drive, the district finally is embarking on the kind of multimillion-dollar project that supporters envisioned. The King Soutel Crossing Community Redevelopment Agency has set aside nearly $12 million so far for a 2.2-mile stretch of New Kings Road from Soutel Drive to Trout River Road near Interstate 295. “We promised them a premier corridor,” said Karen Nasrallah, redevelopment manager in the city’s Office of Economic Development. “We’re going to deliver it. We’re not doing this on the cheap.”
“UNF’s 10-year master plan gets green light for campus-wide upgrades, new buildings” via Kendra Mazeke of News4Jax — Now that the 2025–2035 Campus Master Plan has been passed, the University of North Florida will undergo comprehensive, campus-wide upgrades. On Monday, the university announced that the Board of Trustees had unanimously passed the 10-year plan outlining an extensive vision to transform campus life. “This plan is more than a roadmap for facilities; it is a blueprint for the future of the University community,” said President Moez Limayem. “It is the product of thoughtful collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community stakeholders, and it positions UNF to thrive in the decade to come.” For more than a year, UNF engaged students, faculty, staff, and community members in conversations to help shape the campus’s future. Those discussions identified the university’s needs, explored possible scenarios, and built consensus around planned improvements.”
Happening Today — Nationally known public intellectual Glenn Loury, the Merton P. Stoltz Professor of the Social Sciences at Brown University and host of “The Glenn Show,” will speak at Florida State University’s Club Down Under tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. Presented by the FSU Institute for Governance and Civics, the event draws on Loury’s new book “Self-Censorship” to examine the social and psychological forces that shape what we dare, or hesitate, to say in public. Register here to be one of the first 30 guests to receive a free signed copy of “Self-Censorship.”
“Beachfront owners should be compensated for COVID-19 shutdown of property, court says” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a decision by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, who rejected arguments that a move by the Walton County Commission to close beaches in Spring 2020 resulted in an unconstitutional “taking” of property. The lawsuit focused on people’s inability to use areas of the beach they own, rather than on beaches being closed to the general public. “Despite the county’s significant infringement on property rights, the district court granted summary judgment in favor of Walton County, noting that the ordinance was enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Monday’s opinion, written by Judge Barbara Lagoa and joined by Judges Andrew Brasher and Ed Carnes.
“Legislative Committee authorizes audit of Baker County” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee approved an operational audit of Baker County amid a bitter dispute over who controls the county’s finances, the Clerk of Court or the County Commission. Commissioners, led by James Bennett, cited chronic late audit submissions and a “lack of confidence” in Clerk Stacie Harvey’s office, noting nine of the past 10 audits were overdue. Harvey’s attorney said she supports a countywide review, arguing institutional problems run deeper. Harvey testified she was locked out of a financial system after hours, limiting her ability to work, while Bennett raised concerns about network access. Sen. Jason Pizzo questioned whether the county was undermining the Clerk, suggesting it could amount to political sabotage rather than legitimate oversight.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“How does Bradenton spend school zone speeding ticket money?” via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — The city of Bradenton’s school zone cameras have fined thousands of drivers over the past year, and Florida laws dictate how the city must spend the revenue. One year into the city’s school zone speeding camera program, the Bradenton Police Department has collected over $1 million from violations. But unlike most revenue sources, police officials say they hope that number decreases over time. According to the Department’s annual report, it issued 16,936 violation notices to drivers who violated school zone speed limits from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. Of those, 10,460 were paid, and 2,928 were converted to uniform traffic citations.
— TOP OPINION —
“With Jeffrey Epstein files, Trump looks like a loser” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Trump’s refusal to accept defeat is nothing new. It has been dissected by those who know him best and displayed openly in moments like Jan. 6, when he pushed his Vice President to overturn an election he had already lost. The same impulse explains why he urged House Republicans to force a vote compelling him to release the Epstein files, despite breaking his own promise to do so.
He was poised to lose that vote, and the public should not expect to see those records anytime soon, if ever. He could release them now but instead appears to be betting that Congress will spare him. And if not, he has already laid the groundwork for a veto, aided by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
His order for Bondi to investigate Democrats tied to Epstein’s orbit provides a convenient excuse to withhold the files under the pretext of an ongoing criminal inquiry. It is also a glaring abuse of power, contradicting the Justice Department’s earlier determination that no evidence justified new investigations of anyone beyond Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
This sudden shift raises the obvious question: What is Trump afraid of? The released estate documents hint that he knew more about Epstein’s predatory behavior than he ever admitted, but knowing isn’t the same as criminality. Still, the larger story remains untouched.
Epstein’s sweetheart deal, his protection, his wealth, his connections and the government’s long indifference remain mysteries. The unanswered questions linger, and until the full truth is disclosed, they will always do so.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“The path to a Democratic Senate majority is more promising than you think” via Frank Bruni of The New York Times — Democrats see an unexpected Senate opening in Alaska, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is up for re-election and former Rep. Mary Peltola or another strong Democrat could be competitive amid shifting demographics. While Democrats must defend seats in Georgia and Michigan and flip four Republican-held seats, recent elections showed GOP weakness when Trump is not on the ballot. Strong Democratic prospects are emerging in North Carolina, where Roy Cooper leads early polls, and in Maine, where Susan Collins could face Gov. Janet Mills. Ohio is also in play, with Sherrod Brown historically outperforming his party. Iowa has become a surprise target as Joni Ernst steps aside. With voter dissatisfaction rising, Democrats say a Senate majority is increasingly plausible.
“New College critics are misreading the data — here’s the truth” via Richard Corcoran for Florida Politics — Critics are using a single DOGE spreadsheet to claim New College’s cost-per-student is out of line. Still, leaders say the charge ignores context and decades of deferred maintenance. Nearly $80 million in long-ignored repairs left dorms, HVAC systems, roofs, and historic buildings unusable. The most recent funding was non-recurring money dedicated to rebuilding the campus, not to operating costs. Since Gov. DeSantis reshaped the Board in 2023, enrollment has grown from about 600 to more than 900, the foundation has expanded, and deferred maintenance is now under control. Officials argue New College’s legally required residential model and rapid growth make simple comparisons misleading, and that current data reflects the pre-2023 institution, not the turnaround underway.
“The name Broward wisely stays the same” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — “I can count,” said Rep. Chip LaMarca. Surveying a half-empty dais at a meeting of Broward legislators, he could see the obvious. He didn’t have the votes to advance his proposal to change Broward’s name to Lauderdale County, subject to approval by county voters. So, just like that, this half-baked idea appears to be dead. As a local bill, the name change proposal needed support from a majority of both Senator and Representatives in the 15-member Broward delegation. LaMarca had neither, and he had yet another problem. A half-dozen lawmakers didn’t even attend Thursday’s hearing, so there were too few people to persuade. For those who did show up, the timing was all wrong. Lawmakers had to decide hours before a majority of County Commissioners publicly criticized the idea.
“Affluent Florida communities are trying to block Live Local housing. That has to stop” via Matthew Whitman Lazenby for the Miami Herald — Florida’s Live Local Act was created to tackle the state’s housing crisis by encouraging affordable and workforce apartments through zoning relief, faster approvals and tax incentives. The results are clear: more than 3,000 units have already been built, with thousands more on the way. Yet some affluent communities are working overtime to block these developments rather than welcome solutions. In Bal Harbour, officials rejected plans for hundreds of workforce and market-rate units beside existing retail and planned hotels, despite the site being the village’s only suitable location and the proposed heights matching nearby buildings. These homes would serve teachers, first responders and service workers who keep the local economy running but can’t afford to live nearby. Their rejection reflects a preference for the status quo over real solutions. Across Florida and the nation, wealthy enclaves are pushing back against needed housing even as shortages worsen, rents soar and homelessness rises. If Florida wants to confront this crisis and protect future economic growth, the state must hold obstructionist communities accountable. That includes giving the Attorney General authority to enforce compliance and removing limits on legal fees for property owners forced into litigation.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“America will celebrate its 250th birthday next year. There’s a commemorative ornament for it” via Darlene Superville of The Associated Press — When the nonprofit organization planning America’s 250th birthday celebrations decided it wanted an ornament to commemorate that milestone in history, its leadership knew just where to turn for guidance. America250.org worked with the White House Historical Association, which, since 1981, has sold a popular Christmas tree ornament honoring a President or a key White House anniversary. More than 1 million of those ornaments are now sold every year. The two groups worked together to produce a keepsake to mark the anniversary — officially known as the semiquincentennial — and America250.org unveiled it on Monday. The limited-edition, hand-crafted ornament features the Declaration of Independence.
“Gas prices continue roller-coaster ride, AAA says” via Jim DeLa of WWSB — Florida gas prices are declining again after abruptly rising 12 cents early last week, AAA reports. The state average went from $2.84 per gallon on Monday, up to $2.96/g on Wednesday. By Sunday, the state average had dropped back to $2.92 per gallon. That’s 6.5 cents more than a week ago, but 21 cents less than this time last year. Florida gas prices continue to fluctuate weekly, said Mark Jenkins, a spokesperson for AAA.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to former Leon Co. Commissioner Bryan Desloge, Madeline Holzmann, former state Senate candidate Dean Asher, and Gerald Wester. We fondly remember the late Geraldine Thompson on the date of her birth.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.