Good Monday morning.

Welcome to the biggest week (or so) of the year in Florida politics.

Clearly, the ongoing federal government shutdown (and everything it entails) will be a significant backdrop.

First, the weekend was the start of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and Americans who rely on Obamacare for their health coverage are now finding out to what extent they are facing skyrocketing costs at the heart of Democrats’ demands in D.C. Without extending the premium tax credits under the ACA, data suggests consumers will see premiums spike, in some cases as much as triple.

At the same time, Saturday was also the first day that people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were not receiving their monthly allotment to buy groceries, marking the first tangible pain point in this shutdown.

But even without those additional headaches, it’s a big week.

It’s looking increasingly likely that we will soon get information from the grand jury in the Hope Florida, scandal. Other reporters and I received a bcc email two Fridays ago from State Attorney Jack Campbell, saying that whatever was coming would come to all of us at the same time.

And everything in politics has ripple effects. So, what happens with the grand jury will likely also impact Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who has been saying for what feels like forever in politics years that he’s going to run for Governor. With the Hope Florida scandal potentially reaching a boiling point — or simmering out — could this be the week he finally reveals his plans for 2026?

The grand jury result could lead to an indictment or indictments of those involved in the Hope Florida controversy, which is centered on a $10 million donation to the Hope Florida Foundation from Medicaid settlement funds that was ultimately used to oppose last year’s adult-use cannabis referendum. The grand jury could also decline to indict anyone or opt to present a report, which would allow prosecutors to review the information and determine whether to proceed.

Whatever the outcome, it will be big news, especially considering Hope Florida is a key initiative of First Lady Casey DeSantis.

Adding to the 2026 speculation factory, we also expect Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to announce his gubernatorial bid this week. As a Democrat, his imminent announcement will up the ante for former Republican Congressman-turned Democrat David Jolly, who has been barnstorming the state in his bid for Governor.

There is also the possibility that we may soon learn whether state Rep. Kevin Steele will enter the race for Chief Financial Officer to challenge incumbent Blaise Ingoglia, as the Donald Trump administration reportedly encouraged him to do.

There are even bigger things on the way in Florida communities, with significant elections this week in Miami, Orlando, and other cities throughout the state, with electors set to choose a Mayor and two City Commissioners in Miami and a race in Orlando for a City Commission seat that hasn’t been open in two decades.

Nothing is on the ballot this year in St. Petersburg; we already know former Republican Governor and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist is mulling a bid for Mayor next year, to challenge incumbent Ken Welch, and we’ve gotten a whiff of something potentially brewing for his potential political comeback.

And let us not forget the aforementioned political ripple effects. With statewide elections this week in New Jersey and Virginia, Florida Democrats are hoping to find some hope for the Midterms. Virginia, in particular, is a major bellwether, and Democrat Abigail Spanberger has been consistently polling well above her Republican opponent, current Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

Given all that, buckle up, because Florida politics aren’t ready to break for the holidays just yet.

___

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has been named to Time magazine’s 2025 “TIME100 Next “list, recognizing the world’s most influential emerging leaders. The profile describes Donalds as “gun-owning, liberty-loving, pro-life, politically incorrect” — a defining voice for the next generation of conservative leadership. Time credits the Florida Republican for shaping national debates on parental rights, border security, economic growth and faith-driven governance.

At the TIME100 Next dinner in Manhattan, Donalds brought his mother as his guest — a gesture he called a moment of gratitude.

“Without my mom, none of this would be possible,” he shared on social media. Growing up in Brooklyn, Donalds said Time magazine was delivered to their home, making the recognition “especially meaningful.”

Now considered the front-runner in Florida’s 2026 Governor’s race with Trump’s endorsement, Donalds’ inclusion on the global list underscores his rapid rise from Congressman to national figure.

TIME editors say honorees are “leaders driving change across politics, business, technology and culture.”

Donalds, they note, embodies “bold, America-first leadership” that resonates far beyond his District — positioning him as one of the GOP’s most prominent and influential voices heading into 2026.

___

“Want more Florida Politics in your Google News feed? There’s a new tool for that.” — Google News has launched a new “preferred sources” feature, allowing users to customize their “Top Stories” feed to display content from their favorite publications prominently.

For followers of Florida’s political landscape, this tool is a game-changer, ensuring they receive timely, in-depth reporting on the Governor’s office, the Legislature, and high-stakes campaigns.

By selecting Florida Politics as a preferred source, readers can prioritize its indispensable coverage, ensuring they see the latest headlines on key issues, such as property insurance and the state budget, first. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to enable the feature. Don’t forget about other ways to connect, such as through our breaking news text messages, following @Fla_Pol on X, and signing up for newsletters like Last Call, Takeaways from Tallahassee and The Delegation.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Truth, truth:

Tweet, tweet:

—@JayneZirkle: Ted Cruz BLASTS Kevin Roberts’s Tucker Carlson defense: “Now is a time for choosing. If you sit there with someone who says Adolf Hitler was very cool and that their mission is to defeat ‘global Jewry,’ and you say nothing, then you are a coward, and you are complicit in that evil.”

—@RonDeSantis: A company that hasn’t yet turned a profit is now being described as Too Big to Fail due to its being interwoven with big tech giants.

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@MDixon55: Two days after Halloween and Christmas decorations going up at the grocery store. Your resistance is futile

— DAYS UNTIL —

Miami Beach City Commission Elections — 1; Cruz to keynote Miami-Dade GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner — 8; ‘Landman’ season two premieres on Paramount+ — 13; ’Wicked: For Good’ premieres — 18; ’Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 23; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 25; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 30; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 30; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 36; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 39; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ six-episode docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 39; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 44; ’Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 46; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 52; Legislative Session begins — 71; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 71; The James Madison Institute’ 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 72; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 76; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 88; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 94; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 95; last day of the Regular Session — 130; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup/Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 142; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 143; Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 154; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 163; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 163; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 168; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 172; F1 Miami begins — 179; ’Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 200; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 211; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 217; State Qualifying Period ends — 221; FIFA World Cup begins — 220; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 243; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 248; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 253; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 255; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 259; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 276; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 278; Primary Election Day 2026 — 288; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 312; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 316; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 320; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 325; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 332; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 336; Early Voting General Election Mandatory period begins — 355; 2026 General Election — 365; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 410; Another untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 410; Tampa Mayoral Election — 484; Jacksonville First Election — 505; Jacksonville General Election — 561; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 579; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 641; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 697; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 774; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 984; U.S. Presidential Election — 1100; ’Avatar 4’ premieres — 1500; ’Avatar 5’ premieres — 2231.

— TOP STORIES —

“Donald Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuke tests as food benefits set to expire for millions” via HuffPost — Trump wrapped up a tense week abroad with a “truly great” meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, capping a tour of Asia even as the United States remained crippled by a government shutdown now stretching into its second month. While Trump hailed diplomatic progress overseas, the impact at home has been severe.

Democrats, who have successfully framed the fight as a showdown over health care access, are facing their own political test. Federal food assistance for millions of Americans is set to lapse Saturday, leaving vulnerable families caught in the middle of Washington’s stalemate.

The effects of the shutdown are spreading fast. With the Federal Aviation Administration short-staffed, travelers are bracing for longer flight delays. Thousands of federal workers continue to labor without pay, and food banks are preparing for another surge in demand.

Meanwhile, Trump has turned his attention toward military readiness, instructing the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing to “keep up with rivals.” “With others doing testing, I think it’s appropriate that we do also,” he told reporters after leaving South Korea.

On the foreign front, tensions are mounting in South America. Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro accused Washington of “fabricating a new eternal war,” as U.S. sanctions tighten.

“Voters broadly disapprove of Trump but remain divided on Midterms, poll finds” via Scott Clement, Dan Balz and Andrew Ba Tran of The Washington Post — Americans broadly disapprove of how Trump is handling his job, and a majority say he has gone too far in exercising the powers of his office. There is little evidence that negative impressions of Trump’s performance have benefited the Democratic Party, with voters split almost evenly in their support for Democrats and Republicans. Overall, 41% of Americans approve of the job Trump is doing, while 59% disapprove. That level of disapproval is the highest since January 2021. Trump’s support among self-identified Republicans remains strong at 86%, while 95% of Democrats disapprove. Among independents, Trump’s approval rating is 30%, while his disapproval mark is 69%.

— STATEWIDE —

“Twenty-eight Floridians rescued from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation” via Devoun Cetoute of the Miami Herald — As Jamaica slowly recovers from the most catastrophic hurricane to hit the country, more than two dozen Floridians stranded there have been rescued and returned home Saturday afternoon, officials said. Hurricane Melissa killed at least 19 people in Jamaica and left thousands in the country without power, water or internet. It leveled entire neighborhoods, including multiple hospitals. Amongst the wreckage, 28 Floridians were caught in the storm and left stranded. Around 3 p.m. Saturday, DeSantis posted on X that a rescue flight had landed in Tampa with those Floridians who had been in Jamaica. The Florida Division of Emergency Management and other officials have been devising a plan to rescue the 28 since they learned of their presence in Jamaica on Thursday.

“‘Huge sticker shock’: Floridians get first look at Obamacare price hikes” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — Millions of Floridians are facing higher Obamacare prices with the start of open enrollment Saturday. Costs are rising due to the expiration of enhanced subsidies enacted in 2021 that helped many people pay for health insurance — and are now at the center of the federal government shutdown dispute. The Sunshine State has about 4.7 million people enrolled in ACA plans, and it’s estimated that as many as a third could drop their coverage given higher prices. Rates will vary based on a person’s age, income, coverage plan and location. Obamacare is meant to make health insurance more affordable and accessible to people who do not get insurance through an employer, and about 97% of Florida enrollees receive income-based discounts that lower their premiums.

“Ron DeSantis declines to declare emergency over SNAP benefit delays” via Cody Butler of WCTV — Gov. DeSantis said he will not declare a state of emergency to address food insecurity as nearly 3 million Floridians face missed November SNAP payments amid the federal shutdown. All 43 Democratic lawmakers urged him to act, saying an emergency declaration would allow the state to bridge the gap for struggling families. Speaking in Tampa, DeSantis dismissed the request and blamed Democrats for the impasse, asking, “Did those Democrats write a letter to Chuck Schumer asking him to stop filibustering the spending? Come on.” The Florida Department of Children and Families said recipients will receive their benefits once the federal government reopens. Still, many families now face uncertainty over how to feed their households as the shutdown drags on.

“DeSantis administration hit with second lawsuit over pot initiative” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Organizers behind a renewed push to legalize marijuana are contending top state election officials are improperly trying to block the initiative from the ballot. Smart & Safe Florida, the political committee sponsoring the measure, filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court that maintains the DeSantis administration has “failed to follow an indisputable legal duty.” The lawsuit against Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Division of Elections Director Maria Matthews centers on the process set out in state law that triggers the state Supreme Court’s review of proposed initiatives. If the court does not sign off on the amendment by April 1, there are questions as to whether it can make the ballot.

“James Uthmeier’s brief tenure at GrayRobinson raises potential ethical issues” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Uthmeier, DeSantis’ former Chief of Staff and current Attorney General, briefly worked for the influential law firm GrayRobinson while managing DeSantis’ 2023 presidential campaign — a move raising ethical and legal concerns. Financial disclosures show Uthmeier was employed there from September 2023 to January 2024, when the firm represented clients including Meta, Disney and Centene, which was later involved in a $67 million Medicaid settlement now under investigation. Experts warn that his overlapping roles blur the lines between public service and private interests, particularly given that GrayRobinson has received more than $140 million in state contracts. Uthmeier denies wrongdoing, but critics say his dual ties to state government and a lobbying powerhouse create potential conflicts that call into question Florida’s revolving-door ethics.

“Florida revives McCarthyism, anti-communism with classroom guidelines” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida high school students could soon be taught a Cold War–era view of communism that echoes the rhetoric of that time under social studies standards proposed for classrooms statewide. Among the lessons up for instruction: John F. Kennedy’s “forbidding” of anti-communist speech in the military; how terms such as “McCarthyism” and “Red Scare” were used to delegitimize right-wing movements; and “the dangers of pro-communist views in entertainment and media.” The proposal, scheduled for the State Board of Education to consider on Nov. 13, comes after bipartisan 2024 legislation was passed that aimed to revisit how Florida schools teach about communism. If the Board votes to approve the lessons in mid-November, they would be taught in classrooms statewide starting next Fall.

“Florida Gaming Control Commission announces new executive director, Alana Zimmer” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Zimmer has administrative experience in her professional portfolio. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Kansas City Automotive Museum. In her role at that organization, she spearheaded a capital campaign valued at an estimated $30 million. In addition to her duties there, she has additional experience as a Commissioner with the Kansas Lottery, where she served from 2016 to 2019, according to a news release from the FGCC. “Alana has shown outstanding leadership throughout her career, and I am confident she will work hard to eliminate illegal gambling and support Florida citizens and businesses,” said FGCC Vice Chair Julie Imanuel Brown.

Happening today — The Florida Transportation Commission holds a public meeting: 10 a.m., 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee. For more information, contact the FTC at (850) 414-4105 or [email protected].

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Broward hospital systems again seek the state’s blessing for closer cooperation” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System are again asking the Legislature for authority to increase cooperation between the two government-run hospital systems, arguing that closer collaboration would enhance efficiency and improve health care. If enacted, the proposal would allow the two organizations, which between them operate 11 hospitals in the county, to do more together — without running afoul of antitrust laws prohibiting anticompetitive behavior. By declaring such activity in the public interest and state policy supervised by the state, the Legislature’s blessing would permit the public hospital systems to act in ways that otherwise could be considered anticompetitive.

Happening today — The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee meets: 3:30 p.m., Room 102, House Office Building. The agenda includes an appearance by the City of Daytona Beach to address a long-term uncorrected audit finding, a presentation of the Auditor General’s operational audit of the Town of Greenville, followed by the town’s response, and consideration of the Committee’s report required under the Transparency Florida Act, section 215.985, Florida Statutes.

— D.C. MATTERS —

—“Kennedy Center ticket sales have plummeted since Trump takeover” via Travis M. Andrews, Jeremy B. Merrill and Shelly Tan of The Washington Post

“JD Vance and Sean Duffy warn Thanksgiving travel ‘could be a disaster’ if shutdown barrels on” via Alayna Treene and Kit Maher of CNN — Their comments came after Vance hosted a roundtable of aviation, travel and union leaders at the White House, during which they aired their concerns with the current state of the industry and worked out potential, temporary solutions to ease the strain on Federal Aviation Administration employees who are being forced to work without pay to ensure Americans can fly safely, two White House officials told CNN. “Look, it could be a disaster. It really could be because at that point you’re talking about people who have missed three paychecks. They’ve missed four paychecks. How many of them are not going to show up for work?” Vance said.

“FBI ousts leader as Kash Patel fumes over attention to agency jet use” via Ben Penn of Bloomberg — The FBI forced out a senior official overseeing aviation shortly after Director Patel grew outraged about revelations of his publicly available jet logs indicating he’d flown to see his musician girlfriend perform, said three people familiar with the situation. Steven Palmer, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, became the third head of the critical incident response group — which includes FBI pilots — to be fired or removed in Patel’s short regime, adding to a year filled with retributive terminations. His exit was made official on Friday, and a replacement to head the bureau’s crisis management operations, including hostage rescue and bomb detection, has already been posted on the FBI’s website.

“Randy Fine calls Tucker Carlson ‘the most dangerous antisemite in America’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Fine singled out Carlson as leading a “dark force rising on our side,” calling him the “most dangerous antisemite in America” during a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition. “He has chosen to take on the mantle of leader of a modern-day Hitler Youth, to broadcast and feature those who celebrate the Nazis, those who call for the extermination of Israel, to defend Hamas, to even criticize President Trump for stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Friends, make no mistake. Tucker is not MAGA. Tucker’s fall from grace has been one of the most extraordinary implosions in political history,” Fine claimed.

🎧— Jimmy Patronis spills the tea: U.S. Rep. Patronis is a guest this week on Dara Kam’s “Deeper Dive” podcast, where he discusses everything from the ongoing government shutdown and partisan stalemate in D.C. to state issues surrounding DOGE and property taxes. Speaking from his mom’s living room — she turns 90 this week! — Patronis also dishes on potato salad and deep-fried turkey. Listen here.

— ELECTIONS —

“Florida GOP eyes total control of state’s 28 U.S. House seats” via James Call of USA Today Network — Trump’s push to secure and increase the Republican majority in Congress has Bill Helmich thinking of ways to claim all of Florida’s 28 congressional seats for the Grand Old Party. Helmich, executive director of the Republican Party of Florida, told the Capital Tiger Bay Club on Oct. 29 that if the Florida Legislature were to call on him to help with redistricting, he could “sit down over a weekend and draw a map where there’s not a single Democratic member of Congress from Florida.” DeSantis supports redrawing congressional maps. And House Speaker Daniel Perez formed a Select Committee to create new congressional lines. Party Chair Evan Power and Helmich said if Florida were to apply the same redistricting rules used by California, Illinois, or Virginia, he could draw “Democrats out of existence over a weekend, easy as pie.”

“GOP crypto exec challenging Debbie Wasserman Schultz defends his businesses against multiple lawsuits” via By Noreen Marcus and Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog — Republican Michael Carbonara, a Cooper City bitcoin entrepreneur who wants to replace Democratic U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz, is campaigning on his business acumen. Yet Carbonara is entangled in three civil lawsuits that may raise questions about his judgment. Two of the suits target him and his Miami-based fintech firm, Ibanera LLC, claiming he condoned the sexual assault of an employee, and the company kept at least $18 million it was supposed to transmit to a Bahamian bank. The third alleges a Michigan bitcoin mine he controls is a noisy public nuisance.

First on #FlaPol — “House Republicans back Jon Maples in HD 87 Special Election” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Florida House Republican Campaign Committee (FHRCC) is endorsing Maples in the Special Election for House District 87. House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison, who chairs the FHRCC, called Maples “an America First patriot and a principled conservative leader who will champion Republican values of low taxes, responsible spending, and opportunity for all.” “I look forward to supporting his candidacy, and our Committee will be actively engaged in ensuring his success in both the Primary and General Elections,” Garrison said in a statement announcing the endorsement. Maples said he was grateful for the support.

“An open seat in Orlando’s District 3 attracts a crowded field for Tuesday’s election” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — In Tuesday’s election, five candidates are vying to replace Commissioner Robert Stuart, who is not seeking a sixth term on the Orlando City Council. Samuel Chambers, Roger Chapin, Chris Durant, Kimberly Kiss and Mira Tanna are competing to represent District 3, which covers Baldwin Park, Audubon Park, College Park, Rosemont and other neighborhoods. Chapin and Tanna are emerging as two candidates to watch. Chapin, the son of former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, has raised the most money by far with a war chest of more than $214,000 and won the endorsements of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association and the Orlando Sentinel’s editorial board.

—”Lawanna Gelzer, Regina Hill and Shan Rose battle for Orlando’s District 5 race” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—”Jim Gray fights to keep his seat from challengers Tom Keen and Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

Save the date:

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Former Secret Service agents say recent Mar-a-Lago security changes make sense” via Kristina Webb of The Palm Beach Daily News — A new traffic signal. New flight restrictions. New signs to warn of stronger punishments for trespassing. As Palm Beach’s season begins, residents and visitors will see a raft of new security measures around Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club. Some of those measures in Palm Beach may worsen traffic congestion or create more noise in neighborhoods that have long enjoyed peace outside Palm Beach International Airport’s flight paths, officials have said. But former U.S. Secret Service agents who served on presidential protection details said the agency is doing what is necessary to protect Trump. Because Mar-a-Lago is Trump’s permanent residence, there will be visible signs and ongoing changes around the estate.

“Governor appoints Jonathan Lott to 4th District Court of Appeal” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After serving on the Family Court bench in Broward County for less than a year, Judge Lott is getting another promotion. DeSantis this week named Lott to a judgeship at the 4th District Court of Appeal, which serves Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. “It is my pleasure to appoint you,” DeSantis wrote in a letter to Lott. “Your appointment is evidence of my utmost confidence in your ability to serve with excellence and distinction. Congratulations and thank you for your willingness to serve the people of Florida.” DeSantis first appointed Lott to the bench on Nov. 25, 2024. Lott assumed the bench Jan. 1.

“Miami has a mayoral election. Bring on the drama.” via Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times — In Miami, ballots should come with family trees. Tuesday’s election features three mayoral candidates from political dynasties. One candidate, Joe Carollo, is on the ballot along with his brother, Frank Carollo, who is running for City Commission. Another, Xavier Suarez, is the father of the current Mayor, Francis X. Suarez. And the complicated ties do not end there. Joe Carollo, 70, and Xavier Suarez, 76, are both former Mayors themselves. They ran against each other in 1997, in an infamous election that ended with a judge invalidating Suarez’s victory and declaring Carollo the Mayor after finding widespread voter fraud.

—”The race for Miami Mayor is crowded. Here’s a look at the top six candidates” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—“With one more win, Carollos could control same Miami Commission seat for 20 years” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald

—”Voters in Miami, Homestead and Surfside will consider four ballot questions each in November” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

“Guns at the public library? Miami-Dade adjusts to Florida’s open-carry era” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Days after a Florida appeals court legalized the open carry of firearms statewide, a library manager in Miami Beach realized that would probably mean having to welcome visibly armed visitors to libraries. “Here is my understanding of the law as it currently stands in light of the ruling. Neither Miami-Dade County nor [its library system] may prohibit open or concealed carry of firearms on library property,” Bryant Capley wrote in a Sept. 15 email seeking confirmation that open-carry rights would also apply to public libraries. That email triggered a response from county attorneys laying out the limited exceptions to Florida’s new open-carry rules, as one of the state’s largest local governments rushed to determine where visible guns would be allowed.

“Marathon voters to pick three City Council members in at-large election” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Voters in Marathon, Monroe County’s third-largest municipality by population, will head to the polls Tuesday to fill three City Council seats. Seven candidates are competing in an at-large election, where each voter can cast up to three votes, one for each seat that’s up for grabs. The three candidates with the most votes will win three-year terms on the five-seat panel, which dictates local policies for the city of roughly 10,100 residents. Incumbents in each of the three seats are running for re-election. Four candidates hope to deny them. In answers to a questionnaire from the Florida Keys Free Press, the incumbents — G. Lynn Landry, Jeff Smith and Robyn Still — cited their accomplishments while in office.

“Jeanette Nuñez lays out her vision for FIU: ‘Greatest responsibility of my career’” via Florida Phoenix — Former Lt. Gov. Nuñez took her oath of office Friday, cementing her (semi) new title: president of Florida International University. The FIU community and Nuñez’s network gathered for her presidential investiture ceremony in Miami, complete with video comments from DeSantis. She’d served at FIU on an interim basis since she left the Governor’s office in February. “To lead FIU as its seventh president, and as the first alumna, is both the greatest honor and the greatest responsibility of my career,” Nuñez said during the ceremony at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in 1994 and a master’s in 1998 from FIU, she’s not only the first graduate to preside over the institution, but also the first woman to serve.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Orlando Commissioner’s notarizing of sex offender’s form becomes campaign issue” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Just months before her election last year, Orlando City Commissioner Rose notarized a registered sex offender’s request to vacate a conviction involving a pre-teen girl. Now, Rose’s key opponent, Hill, has made that routine notary act a campaign issue, arguing Rose was attempting to get the man’s offenses “deleted from his records.” She also claims Rose is romantically involved with the man and that he was brought to city events attended by children. Rose declined to discuss whether she was in a relationship with Travis Denard Wright, while denying Hill’s claim about the events. State documents suggest Rose and Wright are in business together, and social media posts show Rose held an election victory party at a tattoo shop he apparently ran. But she said her signature and seal on Wright’s court motion was the ordinary work of a notary public that she had no cause to refuse. Hill, Rose argued, is failing to explain the facts of the 26-year-old case fully and is making the claims because she is trailing in polls as she seeks to regain her District 5 seat on the Orlando City Council.

“Estranged wife of Osceola Sheriff failed to disclose three bank accounts with thousands of dollars after racketeering arrest” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — In the weeks after Robin Severance-Lopez was released from jail on bond, she opened up three bank accounts where she moved thousands of dollars she later told a judge she didn’t have, according to an affidavit released this week. The existence of the bank accounts and the funds within them landed Severance-Lopez back in Lake County Jail last week when she was arrested at her home in Harmony in Osceola County. Facing racketeering charges for her role in an illegal gambling scheme alongside her estranged husband and co-defendant, suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, she saw her $400,000 bond revoked. Severance-Lopez was then charged with providing false or misleading information on her application to modify her bail conditions.

— LOCAL: TB —

“‘Long and difficult journey’: Over 300 Americans evacuated from Jamaica arrive in Tampa” via Sophia Fanning of WFLA — A second evacuation flight carrying more than 130 stranded Americans from hurricane-ravaged Jamaica landed safely at Tampa International Airport on Saturday night, bringing the total number of evacuees to over 300. The operation was coordinated by Grey Bull Rescue, a Tampa-based nonprofit founded by a military veteran that specializes in emergency extractions when government aid falls short. Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm and one of the strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic, devastated Jamaica and much of the northern Caribbean, leaving nearly 50 dead and widespread destruction. Evacuees described harrowing conditions — days without power, food, or communication. “It was the scariest moment of all our lives,” survivor Alyssa Lawrence said, expressing gratitude after the exhausting and dangerous ordeal.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“City of Gainesville voters set to determine fate of GRU Authority” via Elliot Tritto and Alan Festo of the Gainesville Sun — On Nov. 4, Gainesville residents who live within the city limits will head to the polls to determine who should control Gainesville Regional Utilities: the locally elected City Commission or the Governor-appointed GRU Authority. The authority was given control over the city-owned utility after the Florida Legislature passed HB 1645, a bill filed by then-Rep. Chuck Clemons. DeSantis signed the bill establishing the Governor-appointed GRU Authority Board on June 28, 2023. Many critics of the bill called it undemocratic since voters previously rejected a 2018 referendum that called for a Board. A similar 2017 bill from state Sen. Keith Perry was also previously vetoed by then-Gov. Rick Scott.

“FSU has ‘done everything it can’ to support FAMU, TSC amid hospital plans, president says” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State University is finalizing negotiations to acquire Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and transform it into an academic medical center under FSU Health. Florida A&M University has secured a non-voting seat on the future hospital’s 17-member Governing Board through a memorandum of understanding, while Tallahassee State College continues pressing for its own representation. FSU President Richard McCullough said his team is still working with both institutions to refine the governance structure. A final vote by the Tallahassee City Commission on the hospital transfer is set for December, with the city poised to hand over its $1-a-year lease and assets to FSU. McCullough said the collaboration aims to strengthen regional health care, research and education, marking a major milestone for FSU Health’s expansion.

What Jimmy Patronis is reading — “Blue Angels done for season as government shutdown cancels Pensacola Homecoming Air Show” via Benjamin Johnson of the Pensacola News Journal — Hopefully you attended the Pensacola Beach Air Show in July, because the Pensacola Homecoming Air Show onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola is canceled due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. The Blue Angels will not perform for the rest of the 2025 air show season, including the much-anticipated final show in Pensacola scheduled for Nov. 14 and 15. “Due to the current funding situation and the lead time required to secure and execute the necessary contracts for performers and support services, cancellation of the 2025 Homecoming Airshow is unavoidable,” said NAS Pensacola’s commanding officer, Capt. Chandra Newman. “This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the impact it will have on the community.”

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Naples nonprofits rally to help Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa devastation.” via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica as a brutal Category 5 storm, leaving behind catastrophic damage: collapsed homes, flooded parishes and power outages that cover nearly the entire island. The storm, one of the strongest ever to hit the island, has now moved northeast, but its impact continues to ripple through the Caribbean. In Naples and across Collier County, residents and nonprofits are stepping forward to help. The Collaboratory, based in Southwest Florida, is working with Fort Myers advocate Cornell Bunting and the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency to channel aid to Jamaica. Their efforts aim to make it easy for local donors to contribute meaningfully to relief and recovery.

— TOP OPINION —

“Why Trump can do no wrong” via David French of The New York Times — The moment Trump released the transcript of his 2019 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he upended the way Americans understand political scandal. What was once a matter of cover-ups became an era of shameless exposure. Trump’s now-infamous “perfect call,” in which he asked for political favors in exchange for military aid, signaled a shift: wrongdoing was no longer denied but flaunted.

That same brazenness defines his second term. Trump openly accepted lavish gifts from foreign governments, pardoned a convicted crypto billionaire tied to his family’s business ventures, and granted security favors to allies while enriching himself and his circle. Financial and political corruption now unfold in plain sight.

His defenders have recast this behavior as “transparency.” Republican leaders argue that Trump’s visibility somehow absolves him, as though corruption ceases to exist when it’s done in public. Such logic turns accountability on its head — a bank robbery, they imply, is no crime if caught on camera.

Trump’s followers, eager to rationalize his every act, conflate shamelessness with innocence. By flaunting impropriety, he turns scandal into spectacle and defiance into virtue. His brazenness becomes proof of authenticity, his corruption, a badge of loyalty.

The tragedy is not only Trump’s audacity but America’s desensitization to it. Each open violation lowers the bar further, numbing the public to abuses of power and eroding the notion that transparency and truth are the same.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“President for life” via J. Michael Luttig of The Atlantic — Trump’s second term has transformed the presidency into an instrument of fear and control. Seizing authoritarian command of the federal government, he has purged institutions of independence, subdued the press and courts, and surrounded himself with loyalists willing to defy law and precedent. His open musings about a third term and his allies’ hints about plans to bypass the Constitution reveal a leader intent on permanent rule. Having already undermined the peaceful transfer of power once, Trump now wields greater influence over Congress, the military, and the judiciary. His defiance of legal restraints and assaults on constitutional boundaries echo the Founders’ deepest fears — that a demagogue could one day turn the American presidency into a throne.

“All it took for Trump to dismantle the Justice Dept.” via Carol Leonnig for The New York Times — The Justice Department, once a cornerstone of American democracy, has been hollowed out by political interference, fear and neglect. Under Trump, its independence was dismantled as he used the agency to target enemies and protect allies, eroding the rule of law that guaranteed impartial justice. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s hesitance to confront Trump’s actions during the Joe Biden years further weakened the department, allowing dysfunction to harden and delay accountability for the Capitol attack. Longtime prosecutors and investigators describe morale collapsing as public corruption units shuttered and careers destroyed by partisan vendettas. With experts warning that the department may never fully recover, the nation faces a grim reality: a Justice Department turned into a political weapon, its credibility shattered and its future uncertain.

“Florida families and farmers feel the strain of the Democrat shutdown” via Scott Franklin for The Ledger of Lakeland — America’s fifth week of the federal shutdown is crippling Central Florida’s economy, from farms to families. Delays in H-2A visa approvals are leaving fields unpicked and draining revenue from agricultural communities that sustain Florida’s $180 billion farm economy. Small businesses can’t access SBA loans, and families reliant on SNAP and WIC face uncertainty at the dinner table. Rural hospitals risk losing vital federal funding, while the lapse in the National Flood Insurance Program has stalled home sales across the state. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the shutdown could cost up to $14 billion. Each passing day deepens the damage, leaving Florida’s workers, farmers and small businesses bearing the cost of Washington’s political stalemate.

“Florida CFO’s overspending claims ignore necessity of local rule” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Over the past few weeks, a series of communications between the rightfully outraged Chair of the Seminole County Commission and CFO Ingoglia have pulled back the curtains on the state’s DOGE-and-pony show. It’s a financial sham, based on shaky numbers that never hold up and on justifications that the state accepts as valid in one county but wholly ignores in the next. This entire sorry episode carries a real risk: That Floridians will remember Ingoglia’s allegations of wasteful spending in local budgets, without understanding how budget figures were manipulated. The end goal is to hobble local leaders’ ability to levy property taxes that account for at least a third of their annual budgets. This would strip power from local officials and concentrate control in Tallahassee, clearing the way for the state’s top leaders to turn the “Free State of Florida” into a swamp of radical ideology over real problems like crowded roads, growing poverty rates and suffering schools.

“Reaching the uninsured: Expanding health coverage in North Florida” via Allison Tant and Gallop Franklin II for the Tallahassee Democrat — The 2026 ACA Open Enrollment Period began Nov. 1, bringing new challenges for thousands of Florida families as enhanced federal subsidies expire and new rules limit year-round enrollment for low-income individuals. Many residents now face higher premiums, tighter deadlines, and fewer protections — particularly in rural and underserved areas. To help, community leaders are partnering with Capital Health Plan and United Partners for Human Services to host educational town halls and mobile enrollment events across North Florida. Dr. Lynn Jones of CHP emphasized that “health coverage is more than just a financial safety net — it’s the key to better health.” Residents are urged to enroll on Healthcare.gov before Jan. 15 to secure affordable coverage and maintain access to essential care.

“Elect Rob Long to Florida House” via The Palm Beach Post editorial board — Voters in Florida House District 90 will head to the polls Dec. 9 to choose a successor to the late Rep. Joe Casello, with early voting running Nov. 29 through Dec. 7. The District, which leans Democratic and includes Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and surrounding coastal communities, features Democrat Long, Republican Maria Zack, and independent Karen Yeh. Long has extensive experience as a Delray Beach City Commissioner, a civil engineer, and an advocate for local control and environmental resilience. His record of collaboration with law enforcement and regional leaders on transportation and economic growth stands in contrast to Zack’s more ideological platform. Voters are urged to elect Long for his proven commitment to community priorities.

“Orlando should stay its course with Jim Gray, Roger Chapin” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Voters face a clear decision. They can make choices that maintain the city’s essential status quo, which, despite the sneering and posturing by state officials, is that of a healthy, modern, fiscally conservative but compassionate municipality. Or they can start setting the table for a transformation that will put the city squarely and inarguably at the forefront of more progressive policies. This isn’t the right time for that — in part because of other changes that will be playing out on bigger stages that threaten to turn The City Beautiful into a lightning rod in a brewing debate over whether Florida’s local governments should be brought to heel, forced to embrace every far-right whim that crosses DeSantis’ brain.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Progressive reveals how it plans to distribute $1 billion in refunds to auto policyholders” via Ron Hurtibise of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Progressive’s auto insurance division recently announced that it will begin paying back about $950,000 in excess profits taken in over the past three years. The average credit would be about $300, DeSantis said. “It might be a check. It might be a credit on your bill,” DeSantis said. But the company left customers confused over how that payback would take place. In a written statement later that day, a Progressive spokesperson said policyholders would receive “a credit” in 2026. On Friday, Progressive spokesperson Jeff Sibel clarified how the company plans to issue the credits. First, although state law requires that insurance companies determine whether excess profit was collected over three policy years, Progressive said the law also stipulates that only customers with active policies on Dec. 31, 2025, will qualify for the credit.

“State Farm files 10% rate cut for auto insurance customers” via Ron Hurtibise of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel —State Farm said its latest rate cut would bring down premiums for its customers by an average of 10%. Going back to October 2024, the company has cut its average rates by more than 20%, the release said. All of the cuts are saving customers more than $1 billion — an average of $400 per vehicle. Filings submitted to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation show that the company on Tuesday submitted proposed rate decreases averaging 10.2% for its State Farm Mutual Automobile product and 8.8% for its State Farm Fire and Casualty product. The rates would take effect on Jan. 2 for new policies and March 14 for renewal policies, the filing says.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to Rep. Susan Valdes, former Rep. Delores Hogan Johnson, Clay Barker, former UF President Ken Fuchs, Nicole Kelly of The Southern Group, Capital City Consulting’s Kenny Granger, and former Sen. Jack Latvala.

___

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