Good Monday morning.

Florida Politics’ Q3 lobbying firm rankings show another quarter of stability at the top.

The Southern Group once again dominated the field, booking nearly $11 million in median earnings between July and September. With $6.6 million in legislative earnings, $4.4 million in the executive and well over 400 clients, Paul Bradshaw and the TSG team are the gold standard for Q3.

Ballard Partners held firm in the No. 2 position, clearing $9.6 million in the third quarter. The Brian Ballard-led firm continues to post some of the highest legislative and executive totals in the state, reinforcing its long-standing status as one of Florida’s premier firms. And, while there’s plenty of daylight between the top two finishers this quarter, Ballard Partners isn’t slipping — it’s rocketed to the top in the federal lobbying rankings.

Once again, Capital City Consulting showed up as a strong No. 3. Last quarter, co-founders Nick Iarossi and Ron LaFace led a team that tallied nearly $8 million across 300-plus contracts, extending a run of solid quarter-over-quarter growth and virtually guaranteeing another record-breaking year.

The next few rungs are familiar, but there has been some shuffling since the Q2 rankings. The biggest mover: Ron Book. After sliding out of the top five for a quarter, his small-but-mighty firm placed at a decisive No. 4. Book’s $3.6 million quarter is about $500,000 ahead of the next closest firm — and there was a photo finish for that slot.

Rubin Turnbull & Associates and GrayRobinson have been neck and neck in the rankings for several quarters. Rubin Turnbull took this round, reporting a $3.14 million haul, but GrayRobinson was only $102,000 behind at $3.04 million.

The back half of the Top 10 remained essentially unchanged. Corcoran Partners stayed steady at No. 7 with $2.47 million, followed by The Advocacy Partners at No. 8 ($2.35 million) and Greenberg Traurig at No. 9 ($1.9 million). All three continue to post consistent quarters and remain firmly entrenched in the upper ranks.

The Top 10 did get a bit of a shake-up, however, with the addition of SBM Partners. After hovering just outside the list for several cycles, a $1.79 million Q3 pushed the firm over the threshold.

The next round of reports is due on Valentine’s Day.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@realDonaldTrump: To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

—@JuanPorrasFL: If President @realDonaldTrump liberates Venezuela, Republicans will win Miami-Dade and FL for another decade.

Tweet, tweet:

—@PaulFox13: Done. Finished. That’s a wrap on the 2025 hurricane season. No hurricanes made landfall in the U.S. for the first time since 2015. It was a season of “quality” instead of “quantity.” There were three Category 5 hurricanes: Erin, Humberto & Melissa. Only one other season tops that — 2005 which had four Cat 5 hurricanes: Emily, Katrina, Rita & Wilma.

—@Corey_Clark: The last time Florida State lost every road game it played for two straight years was… Never. This is the first time.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 2; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 2; JMI, Floridian Partners, and Red Hills Strategies host the holiday ‘Capital Young Professionals Gathering’ — 2; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 8; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 11; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 11; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 16; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 18; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 24; ‘Industry’ season four premieres — 41; Special Election for HD 87; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 43; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 43; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 43; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 44; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 48; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 60; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 66; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 67; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 90; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 99; last day of the Regular Session — 102; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 113; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 114; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 115; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 126; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 135; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 135; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 140; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 144; F1 Miami begins — 151; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 172; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 183; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 189; State Qualifying Period ends — 193; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 200; FIFA World Cup begins — 192; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 212; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 215; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 220; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 225; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 227; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 231; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 248; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 250; Primary Election Day 2026 — 260; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 284; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 288; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 292; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 297; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 304; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 308; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 327; 2026 General Election — 337; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 382; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 382; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 382; Tampa Mayoral Election — 456; Jacksonville First Election — 477; Jacksonville General Election — 533; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 551; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 613; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 669; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 746; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 956; U.S. Presidential Election — 1072; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1472; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2203.

—TOP STORY—

“Donald Trump’s pick to replace Ron DeSantis faces a Republican pile-on in Florida” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — The Republican Primary for Governor in Florida was supposed to be a coronation for Rep. Byron Donalds after securing Trump’s endorsement. Instead, the race is spiraling into a messy, unpredictable fight, with DeSantis’ shadow looming over every move and fueling fresh speculation about his behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Donalds entered the race with every advantage: Trump’s backing, strong support from GOP leaders, millions banked and a dominating lead in early polling. But the field isn’t clearing. Instead, new challengers are jumping in, many aligned with DeSantis, and they’re attacking harder than expected.

Investor James Fishback joined the race by immediately blasting Donalds, even using racially charged language that drew condemnation from Trump advisers. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins appears close to launching a campaign as well, boosted by a mysterious $3.5 million ad buy from “Florida Fighters.” Collins has sharpened his criticism of Donalds but still lacks a firm commitment of support from DeSantis.

Former House Speaker Paul Renner is also running, rolling out policy ideas while avoiding the harsh attacks leveled by others. Donalds’ team has responded by framing all rivals as anti-Trump Republicans who will be “crushed” by the base.

Polling shows Donalds with a commanding lead that widens further when voters are reminded of Trump’s endorsement. Still, DeSantis’ quiet resistance — including attempts to recruit donors to back an alternative — is keeping the field unsettled.

For now, Donalds remains the clear frontrunner, but the intraparty brawl suggests Florida Republicans aren’t ready to concede the race just yet.

— STATEWIDE —

What Paul Renner is reading — “Appeals court gives Florida the OK to enforce child social media restrictions” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida can now enforce its 2024 law restricting social media access for children after a divided federal appeals court lifted a June injunction that found the policy likely unconstitutional. The 11th Circuit’s majority ruled that the law is likely content-neutral and does not improperly curb First Amendment rights, allowing the state to begin requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds and to ban most platforms for children under 14. The decision is a significant win for Republicans who pushed the crackdown despite opposition from major tech firms, which argue the law censors protected speech. NetChoice criticized the ruling, while DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier celebrated the decision as putting “parents and kids first.”

“Higher ed tensions grow amid new DOGE inquiry” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) is putting public university courses under scrutiny with a massive request – and a December deadline. Earlier in November, a Florida DOGE request came from the Governor’s office for all undergraduate courses taught in this year’s Spring, Summer and Fall terms – including lectures, discussions and lab courses – as well as syllabi for all the classes.

—“Q&A with CFO candidate Kevin Steele” via Tristan Wood of WFSU

“AG vows to investigate Campbell’s after claims of ‘lab-grown meat’” via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida Attorney General Uthmeier said he plans to investigate Campbell Soup Company over allegations it uses “lab-grown meat” in soups — a claim the company vehemently denies. The investigation comes after a TV station in Detroit reported Monday on an audio recording of a Campbell’s vice president criticizing the company for using “bioengineered meat” and saying that he didn’t want to “eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer.” “Florida law bans lab-grown meat. Our Consumer Protection division is launching an investigation and will demand answers from Campbell’s,” Uthmeier wrote. In a statement posted to the company’s website, Campbell’s denied the claims, saying it uses chicken from “long-trusted, USDA-approved U.S. suppliers” in its soups.

“Supreme Court: Florida needs 25 additional judges” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — DeSantis could appoint up to 25 more judges in his final year if lawmakers approve a new request from the Florida Supreme Court. DeSantis has already reshaped the judiciary, naming five of the court’s seven justices and installing conservatives who reversed prior abortion rulings. With Justice Charles Canady stepping down in January, DeSantis will fill that vacancy as well. The court this week certified the need for 13 new circuit judges and 12 county judges, primarily driven by caseload growth in southwest Florida and major counties like Duval, Miami-Dade and Orange. It is the second straight year the court has made a significant request, following last year’s 50-judge recommendation. New positions require legislative approval and gubernatorial appointments.

“Florida bear hunt to take place next month after judge rejects injunction” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — A state judge refused to halt Florida’s first bear hunt in 10 years, clearing the way for the 23-day season to begin Dec. 6. Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey denied a conservation group’s request for an injunction, ruling they were unlikely to prevail and noting the hunt is more conservative than the 2015 season that was upheld in court. Bear Warriors United argued the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission relied on outdated data, but FWC officials testified the science remains sound and that population studies always lag. The state plans to allow hunters to remove 172 bears across four regions. Public opposition is overwhelming, according to surveys, and the broader lawsuit challenging the hunt will continue.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“DeSantis unveils legislative agenda to protect puppies” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — DeSantis is rolling out plans to protect animals from abuse, including cracking down on puppy mills and other negligent breeders, he announced at a news conference at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Grove. His administration is asking lawmakers to draft legislation for the upcoming Legislative Session, which begins in January, to end inhumane breeding practices by working with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s office to develop best practices “so that we have ethical dog breeding in the state of Florida.” Additionally, DeSantis is requesting legislation that would increase penalties against individuals who abuse or torture animals in front of a minor, something DeSantis said could “very much scar the minor and potentially cause harm going forward for them.”

“After quiet 2025 hurricane season, Florida coastal counties seek beach funds for 2024 storm damage” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — Florida’s coastal counties are seeking significant funding increases to repair beaches eroded by a busy 2024 hurricane season as the Legislature faces a tight budget in January. Local governments estimate $242 million in recovery costs from hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association wants annual state funding raised from $50 million to $75 million. Supporters warn that the fiscal outlook is grim, citing projected revenue deficits. Tourism leaders argue that beach renourishment is vital to Florida’s economy and coastal protection, noting past studies showing strong returns on investment. Officials caution that failing to repair storm damage could push more coastline into “critically eroded” status, further straining limited state resources.

“Insurance Commissioner wants to oversee companies’ AI use” via the News Service of Florida — As Florida lawmakers dig into issues involving artificial intelligence, state Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky wants to make sure regulators can properly oversee AI use by insurance companies. “Responsible AI governance is crucial,” Yaworsky told the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee last week. “I’m not an opponent of AI, but I do think it needs to be responsibly deployed. There are some companies that I think are doing it in a much more responsible manner than others.” Rep. Hillary Cassel filed a bill (HB 527) to ensure humans make decisions about insurance claim denials. Cassel’s bill is identical to a measure (SB 202) filed in October by Sen. Jennifer Bradley.

“School zone speeders face a crackdown under new state law, but legislative guidance is still needed” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — State law allows local governments to place automated speed cameras in school zones to ensure drivers are reducing their speed accordingly, to keep kids safe as they travel to and from school. But talk across the state is heating up over the issue, with some local governments seeking clarification of exactly where the cameras must be placed. It seems simple enough — set up a camera to observe driving activity in school zones and use that footage to issue citations to drivers who are not obeying the posted speed limit — but questions have arisen about signage and camera placement; enforcement can be tricky given that enforcement times vary from school to school.

“Carlos Guillermo Smith wants to prevent children from drowning” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — So far this year, 112 children drowned in Florida — a terrible record already pacing ahead of last year’s deaths. Sen. Guillermo Smith filed a package of bills that he hopes will help keep kids safe in a state known for its ocean beaches, lakes and pools that attract millions of tourists every year. The state’s data showed 65% of the children who drowned this year were between the ages of 1 and 3. “Florida’s tragic distinction as the nation’s leader in child drownings is a crisis we have the power—and the responsibility—to confront. Every one of these deaths is preventable, and the solutions are right in front of us: stronger education, safer environments, and consistent standards that protect families no matter where they live or visit,” Smith said. “We cannot accept another year of record-setting child drownings. These bills are about prevention, accountability, and doing everything possible to make sure Florida’s children come home safely.”

— LEG. SKED. —

10 a.m. — House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell and Policy Chair Kelly Skidmore will take reporters’ questions this morning on issues affecting Florida as the state heads into December. Reporters can join via Zoom, while the public can watch live on The Florida Channel, which will also archive the event for later viewing.

1 p.m. — Security & Threat Assessment Committee: Room 12, House Office Building.

3:30 p.m. — Joint Administrative Procedures Committee: Room 412, Knott Building.

3:30 p.m. — Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight: Room 314, Mashburn Hall, House Office Building.

3:30 p.m. — Joint Legislative Auditing Committee: Room 102, Reed Hall House Office Building.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Trump says he is canceling Joe Biden executive orders signed with Autopen” via Alyssa Lukpat of The Wall Street Journal — Trump said he was revoking all executive orders Biden signed with an Autopen, escalating his battle with his predecessor over the use of the signature proxy device. “I am hereby canceling all Executive Orders, and anything else that was not directly signed by Crooked Joe Biden, because the people who operated the Autopen did so illegally,” Trump wrote on social media on Friday. “Joe Biden was not involved in the Autopen process and, if he says he was, he will be brought up on charges of perjury,” Trump added without providing evidence of his claim. Biden has previously denied that his aides used an Autopen to sign pardons and commutations without his approval.

“More than 220 judges have now rejected the Trump administration’s mass detention policy” via Kyle Cheney of POLITICO — The Trump administration’s bid to systematically lock up nearly all immigrants facing deportation proceedings has led to a fierce — and mounting — rejection by courts across the country. That effort, which began with an abrupt policy change by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 8, has led to a tidal wave of emergency lawsuits after ICE’s targets were arrested at workplaces, courthouses or check-ins with immigration officers. Many have lived in the U.S. for years, and sometimes decades, without incident and have been pursuing asylum or other forms of legal status. At least 225 judges have ruled in more than 700 cases that the administration’s new policy, which also deprives people of an opportunity to seek release from an immigration court, is a likely violation of law and the right to due process. In contrast, only eight judges nationwide, including six appointed by Trump, have sided with the administration’s new mass detention policy.

“Inside lobbying efforts to make the Mar-a-Lago foreign worker visa a staple of MAGA” via Diana Nerozzi of POLITICO — As Trump fends off an intraparty fight over visas, a trade group with Mar-a-Lago ties is pushing for seasonal worker visas to be expanded — and hoping to slip under the radar of MAGA ire over immigrants. The Seasonal Employment Alliance, which represents agricultural and resort interests among others, has for some time been pushing to raise the nation’s cap on a type of seasonal work visa called the H-2B. And now, it’s banking on Trump’s own extensive use of the visas, along with a few key hires, to help its case.

“Embattled Cory Mills used campaign funds to party at beachfront resorts, charter private jets” via Robert Schmad of The Washington Examiner — Rep. Mills has blown through tens of thousands of dollars given to him by donors to fund stays at beachfront resorts, casino trips, limousines, and flights on private jets. The re-election campaign for Mills, who faces myriad allegations ranging from domestic abuse to soliciting prostitutes, spent nearly $80,000 on fine dining, luxury lodging, private jets, and limos between February 2023 and December 2024. In addition to his campaign spending, Mills, who has an estimated net worth of over $20 million, took advantage of an optional program intended to help less well-off members of Congress afford the high cost of maintaining a second residence in D.C., billing taxpayers for over $15,000 in lodging and meal expenses during the first half of 2025.

— ELECTIONS —

“Family feud: Amy Mercado, father Victor Torres split on Dems’ Governor nominee” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County Property Appraiser Mercado’s support of former GOP Congressman David Jolly to be the Democratic nominee for Governor puts her at odds with some other key county Democrats — including her father, Victor Torres, a former state Senator from Central Florida. Torres said he is backing Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings as their party’s pick in the Governor’s race. Mercado on Monday announced she’ll be co-Chair of the Jolly Campaign. “Theirs will be an interesting Thanksgiving, I suppose,” quipped Dick Batchelor, a Democrat political stalwart in Central Florida and a longtime elections consultant who spoke favorably of Jolly and his campaign but has publicly supported Demings’ bid for Governor. Mercado and Torres, both Democrats, will celebrate Thanksgiving together on Thursday at Torres’ home. Each brushed aside political differences in separate interviews, saying the holiday is about family and good food.

“Centrist group backs Luis Salazar in HD 64” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Salazar has earned support from the Hillsborough Society, a centrist group that attracts and supports political candidates, in his bid for Florida House District 64. Salazar, a Navy veteran and community advocate, is the current president of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party’s LGBTQ+ Caucus. “Rarely do we see a candidate so perfectly suited to represent a District,” Hillsborough Society Board member Stephen Shaiken said of the group’s support. The Hillsborough Society touts itself as a truly centrist organization that does not follow one party line. The support from such a group could go a long way in a District currently represented by a Republican, but that elected a Democrat. Salazar is running to replace term-limited Republican Rep. Susan Valdés.

Happening tomorrow:

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Miami Dade College to hold new vote on presidential library, amid legal fight” via Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald — Miami residents will have a chance to weigh in on Trump’s plans to build a billion-dollar high-rise legacy project adjacent to the Freedom Tower after Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees decided Tuesday to take a new, publicly noticed vote on transferring its land for the project. The college’s attorneys had been fighting in court for the last two months against a new hearing, arguing that its original Sept. 23 vote to transfer the prime downtown property to the state was sufficiently publicized under Florida’s Sunshine Law. Historian and activist Marvin Dunn has been suing the college, accusing the trustees of violating the state’s public transparency laws by failing to advertise the land they were voting on or its intended purpose as Trump’s presidential library. “We won,” Dunn said. “This is what we wanted them to do. Re-notice this and give the public a chance to appear and express our views, so we won. They caved.”

“Manager of Miami’s Sexy Fish restaurant is running to topple the Carollo dynasty” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — A political newcomer and general manager of an opulent Japanese-inspired, underwater-themed restaurant in Brickell is facing off against a veteran City Commissioner in the race for Miami’s open District 3 seat. If Rolando Escalona wins the Dec. 9 Runoff Election against Frank Carollo, he will break the Carollo family’s 16-year streak representing District 3, which includes Little Havana, East Shenandoah and The Roads. Frank Carollo held the seat from 2009 to 2017, after which his older brother, Joe Carollo, was elected, and then re-elected, as the District’s Commissioner. Joe Carollo, who is now termed out, will leave office in December.

“After a hot run, Miami housing prices are cooling down, real estate index shows” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — A closely watched real estate index released new numbers this week showing housing prices in South Florida still off their recent peaks. In September, prices of existing homes selling in the “Miami” market — from Miami to West Palm Beach — were about 1% below where they were a year ago. That’s a modest dip, but also a rare one for real estate. The Case-Shiller index last showed a year-over-year dip in the Miami market in September 2011. Sun Belt metropolitan sellers are feeling the pinch more than most, said Nicholas Godec, an analyst with S&P Dow Jones Indices. “Markets that were pandemic darlings—particularly in Florida, Arizona, and Texas—are now experiencing outright price declines,” he said.

“State says wait times down at Broward driver’s license offices. Customers, lawmakers say not so fast” via Jeff Weinsier of Local 10 — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says its driver’s license offices in Broward County are operating more efficiently than ever. But customers standing in long lines ― sometimes for hours ― and several state lawmakers are challenging that claim. FLHSMV Deputy Executive Director Robert Kynoch recently told legislators that wait times at Broward driver’s license offices are now “20 minutes or less.” The findings were discussed at a Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee meeting in Tallahassee. “The vast majority of customers are being served in 20 minutes or less,” Kynoch said, adding that in the videos, photos and social media posts he sees, “it’s very positive of where we are today.” He even cited a 98% customer approval rating.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“In Orlando’s District 3, Roger Chapin has a unique edge” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Orlando’s District 3 runoff offers two strong contenders, but Chapin stands out for experience, balance and broad community trust. With City Hall approaching a generational shift and Anna V. Eskamani’s rising influence reshaping Orlando politics, Chapin provides a counterweight that keeps the city’s long-standing business, civic and nonprofit coalitions engaged rather than alienated. His deep roots, decades of civic service and endorsements from unions, major industry groups and community leaders signal a steady hand at a pivotal time. Mira Tanna is an appealing choice for those seeking faster, more progressive change, but Chapin’s proven ability to bridge Orlando’s competing interests makes him the better fit to guide the city through its next transition.

First on #FlaPol — “Linda Stewart files to run for Orange County Commission again” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Former Sen. Stewart is running for Orange County Board of Commissioners in 2028 — a homecoming of sorts for the longtime lawmaker who started her political career at the county. So far, Stewart and four other candidates have filed for District 3, which is currently represented by Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who narrowly beat Stewart in November 2024. Uribe is presently seeking the open Orange County Mayor job to replace term-limited Demings in the 2026 Election. The other candidates for District 3 are: Nelson Betancourt, an information technology expert; Gus Martinez, a lawyer; Walker Smith IV, Curry Ford; and West Main Street District Executive Director Stephanie Ziglar. Stewart plans to launch her campaign Dec. 4 at the Social in downtown Orlando.

“Incumbent Commissioner enters New Smyrna Beach mayoral race” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Just weeks after New Smyrna Beach voters killed a plan to extend the Mayor’s term length from two to four years, the 2026 race for the job is taking shape. Incumbent Mayor Fred Cleveland was already in, having filed for re-election in September. A second candidate, little-known James Curtis Taylor, had also filed a year earlier. Now Lisa Martin, the incumbent Zone 2 City Council member, is stepping forward.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Judge: Private school accepted state vouchers for students 130 miles away” via Jay Waagmeester of Florida Phoenix — A Brooksville private school should lose access to Florida’s voucher program after its operator admitted taking state funds for students who never attended, an administrative judge ruled. Little Wings of Prayer, run by Crystal Harris, billed the state for roughly 80 children transferred from a Lake City school 130 miles away. Harris acknowledged she collected scholarship money for those students, never verified that the Lake City school was operating and shared funds with its owner. Judge Robert Telfer III called the scheme “brazen” and recommended revoking the school’s eligibility. The case follows a state audit that outlines major accountability failures in Florida’s expanded voucher system, including millions of dollars paid upfront to scholarship groups and poor tracking of student enrollment. Lawmakers, led by Sen. Don Gaetz, are pursuing reforms.

“Top Scientology donor emerges as a major contributor to Trump” via Colbi Edmonds and Kirby Wilson of the Tampa Bay Times — Before 2019, Patricia Duggan’s wallet spoke volumes — just not about politics. Her then-husband Bob Duggan said in 2016 that he had given $360 million to the Church of Scientology over the years. Since their divorce in 2017, Patricia Duggan has been hailed as the church’s largest single donor. In 2019, the church created a donation distinction just for her: “Patron of Legend.” But in recent years, Duggan has expanded her giving into a new area of patronage: conservative politics. Duggan donated at least $74,000 in the three election cycles from 2014 to 2018, listing her address at various places in Pinellas County.

“Florida Association of Community Health Centers taps USF leader as new director of health center operations” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Florida Association of Community Health Centers has hired Dr. Anna Armstrong as its new Director of Community Health Center Operations. Armstrong previously served as an associate professor of Health Promotion and Behavior at the University of South Florida, where she also held several key leadership positions, including Director of Master of Public Health Foundational Core, co-Director of Master’s programs and lead of the Health Promotion and Behavior concentration. As Director of Community Health Center Operations, Armstrong will lead efforts to maintain the organization’s status as the state’s Primary Care Association and provide necessary training and technical support to Community Health Center members.

“Mass departures leave Florida Polytechnic police reliant on Lakeland PD” via Gary White of The Ledger of Lakeland — Florida Polytechnic University’s police department has unraveled after eight officers, including the chief and deputy chief, resigned since May, leaving the agency severely understaffed and dependent on Lakeland Police Department officers for overnight — and now daytime — coverage. The turmoil followed leadership clashes, a hiring freeze, budget disputes and an external review that recommended cutting positions and ending accreditation, steps the university has not taken. Former leaders accuse administrators of trying to “defund” the department, a claim Florida Poly denies, pointing to slight budget increases and higher starting pay. The agency now operates with just a handful of officers as it approaches its next accreditation review, and rebuilding the force is expected to take six to 18 months.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“‘Unthinkable’: Former Mayor Lenny Curry’s JEA lobbying revives scrutiny of failed utility sale” via Ben Becker of Action News Jax — Action News Jax is continuing to press for answers about former Jacksonville Mayor Curry’s newly registered role as a lobbyist for JEA — a move renewing scrutiny and receiving criticism of his administration’s part in the failed effort to privatize the city-owned utility nearly a decade ago. Curry filed as a lobbyist with the City of Jacksonville on November 12, just over two years after leaving office — the minimum cooling-off period required before former elected officials can lobby the government. The filing lists JEA as one of Curry’s 28 clients, which include the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Downtown Vision, Inc., VyStar Credit Union, Edward Waters University, and the Fraternal Order of Police. But the former Mayor said the listing is “clerical,” saying JEA is ultimately a client of Ballard Partners, the powerhouse lobbying firm where he now serves as a partner.

—“Resurrected lawsuit puts FPL’s past controversies back in the spotlight” via Nate Monroe of The Tributary

“Pensacola Council member Jared Moore says he will not run for re-election” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News-Journal — Pensacola City Council member Moore announced he is not running for another term on the City Council. Moore, who represents District 4, which covers parts of East Hill and Cordova Park, has been on the Council since 2018, and his seat is up for election in 2026. Moore was eligible to run for a third and final term, but during a Nov. 25 special Council meeting, he announced he would not seek that term. “My wife has been a fantastic support in choosing to pursue this office. My children have been incredibly supportive,” Moore said as his voice choked with emotion.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

Happening Wednesday — Better Together marks its 10-year milestone with a luncheon at 11 a.m. ET at Summit Church’s University Campus in Fort Myers. The nonprofit, which partners with churches, employers and volunteers to support Florida families, will highlight a decade of impact. Former pro athlete Tim Tebow, now Chair of the Tim Tebow Foundation, delivers the keynote. RSVP at bettertogether10years.rsvpify.com/.

— TOP OPINION —

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio has never looked more inept after his handling of Russia” via Charles Pierce of Esquire — Rubio’s weekend meltdown began with the running joke that he’s become the Incredible Shrinking Politician, now so miniaturized he might need an electron microscope to hold a news conference. The humor faded quickly, though, once he waded into the chaos surrounding an alleged administration plan to end the war in Ukraine by handing Moscow nearly everything it wanted.

Lawmakers said Rubio told them the circulating proposal was a Russian “wish list,” not the administration’s actual position. The State Department denied it, and Rubio then hinted the lawmakers had misheard him. That only heightened suspicions, because the proposal looked suspiciously like it had been drafted with a Cyrillic keyboard.

Senators stood together at a security forum and relayed Rubio’s comments, warning that the plan rewarded Russian aggression and undermined Ukraine. They stressed that bending to Moscow would send a dangerous message to every strongman with an eye on a neighbor’s territory.

Sen. Mike Rounds added his own barb, saying the proposal read as if it had been written in Russian. It captured the general bewilderment: nobody could explain why an American plan was tilted so heavily toward Russia’s demands.

Then came word that Jared Kushner attended a Miami meeting with a sanctioned Russian official to talk through a peace plan, which only deepened doubts about the seriousness and competence of the effort. The whole thing felt improvised, back-channel and sloppy.

Caught in the mess was Rubio, shrinking not in height but in credibility. Whether misunderstood or backpedaling, he ended up at the center of a diplomatic fiasco with no clear author, no clear purpose and plenty of political embarrassment.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Out with woke. In with rage.” via James Carville for The New York Times — The shutdown barely ended before the public stopped caring, and that silence tells the story: it won’t shape next year’s Midterms, but the economic misery that fueled November’s Democratic wins absolutely will. Voters punished the party in power because rent is impossible, homeownership is out of reach, student debt is crushing and inequality rivals the 1920s. Trump hasn’t delivered on his promises to ease the cost of living, and people have had enough. Democrats now have a rare second chance, but only if they run on unapologetic economic populism that speaks to urban, suburban and rural voters alike. Anger at a rigged economy must drive every message and every policy, from raising wages to expanding public goods. The country is ready for a seismic shift.

“Schools of Hope — co-location is the right move for taxpayers, Florida families” via Anastasios Kamoutsas for Florida Politics — Florida is paying to maintain thousands of empty classroom seats. At the same time, students remain stuck in underperforming schools. Co-location through the Schools of Hope initiative tackles that waste by placing top-performing charter operators in underused public-school buildings, avoiding costly new construction and putting existing facilities back to work. When a campus operates at half capacity, taxpayers still cover full utilities, staffing and transportation. Co-location lets two schools share those expenses while giving families stronger academic options. Only six elite operators qualify, each held to strict accountability standards that require measurable results or closure. This approach restores life to aging campuses, expands opportunities in struggling neighborhoods and delivers both fiscal responsibility and better outcomes for Florida students.

“Why do Floridians continue to vote these rascals in?” via Mark Lane for The Daytona Beach News-Journal — Fifteen percent of Americans approve of Congress, according to the latest Gallup Poll, and the number drops to 5% among Democrats. Florida voters helped drag those numbers down by continually sending scandal-plagued lawmakers back to Washington. Rep. Mills has evaded censure while facing a restraining order, past assault allegations, eviction disputes, accusations of stolen valor and questions about his finances. Yet, he won re-election in 2024 and has already raised more than $600,000 for another run. Across the aisle, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was recently arraigned on charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster relief funds. Gerrymandered districts and weak congressional accountability play a role, but Florida voters keep re-electing politicians with long records of misconduct.

“The 340B drug program — accountability needed to protect patients, taxpayers” via Karen van Caulil and Doug Wheeler for Florida Politics — The 340B Drug Discount Program, originally meant to help low-income patients access affordable medications, has expanded far beyond its intent and is now widely exploited by large not-for-profit hospitals and contract pharmacies. Because federal law never defined who qualifies as a “patient,” hospitals often buy steeply discounted 340B drugs and then bill employer health plans full price, blocking rebates and driving up costs. Reports show the program now adds tens of billions in annual Medicaid spending and more than $5 billion in costs to employer-sponsored plans, including $246 million each year for Florida families. Investigations also show that most 340B benefits flow to a small group of large hospitals. Reform, advocates argue, requires congressional action and state-level accountability.

“The turkey pardon almost ruined my Thanksgiving” via Reagan Reese of State of the Day — Journalists crank out “evergreen” stories to keep sites alive on holidays, but the supposedly simple task of explaining the presidential turkey pardon quickly turns into a maze. The assignment sounds harmless enough: a light Thanksgiving post, written early and scheduled, a short break from the churn of daily politics. Then the research starts, and the whole thing unravels. The pardon’s history isn’t tidy at all. Its origins are disputed, its timeline is fuzzy, and half the tales passed off as fact fall apart under scrutiny. What should have been an easy holiday filler reveals a tradition built on myths, mixed memories and presidential improvisation, turning a basic assignment into a surprisingly thorny Thanksgiving mystery.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Children’s Movement of Florida adds Ashley Bell Barnett, Monesia Brown” via Florida Politics — The Children’s Movement of Florida is adding two new members to its Board of Directors: Bell Barnett and Brown. Bell Barnett is an education leader and community advocate who also serves on the Florida Board of Governors for the State University System and the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. Brown is a veteran policy strategist and executive consultant whose work focuses on education policy, strategic transformation and leadership development. “We are honored to welcome Ashley and Monesia to our Board,” Children’s Movement of Florida President and CEO Madeleine K. Thakur said. “Their expertise, passion, and leadership will strengthen our efforts to ensure every Florida child has access to quality early learning, health care, and nurturing family support.”

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Brian Bautista of The Southern Group, Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times, Mitch Wertheimer, and Amy Young.

___

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