Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 12.17.25
Good Wednesday morning.
Eliminating homestead property taxes in Florida would cause steep and uneven revenue losses for municipalities statewide, with smaller, residentially dependent cities facing the greatest strain, according to a new study from the Florida League of Cities.
The analysis by Wichita State University researchers found that while statewide averages suggest a loss of roughly one-third of municipal property tax revenue, those figures mask wide regional, geographic and socioeconomic disparities. In many communities, particularly along Florida’s coastal and metropolitan corridors, losses would be far deeper, threatening funding for police, fire protection, infrastructure and other core services.
Median losses across Florida’s eight regions range from about 24% to more than 46% under full homestead elimination. Central East Florida showed the steepest median decline, followed by Central Florida and the Southeast, where homesteaded residential property dominates local tax bases.
North Central Florida, the Panhandle and Southwest Florida, meanwhile, would experience smaller median losses due to more diversified tax bases and greater reliance on state-shared revenue.
The study also found sharp variation within regions. Some municipalities could lose more than half, and in extreme cases nearly all, of their property tax revenue. Smaller cities with narrow tax bases are particularly exposed, raising concerns about sustaining basic services.
Geographic mapping highlighted clusters of high-impact municipalities in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier and Lee counties, where high property values and widespread homestead use amplify the potential revenue shocks. Inland and Panhandle communities face smaller percentage losses but often lack fiscal flexibility.
Breaking down impacts by population, housing values and income, researchers found small and mid-sized cities would face unpredictable outcomes, while higher-income communities would experience the largest proportional losses.
The study urged policymakers to consider equalization measures, such as state offsets or targeted flexibility, as lawmakers weigh property tax reforms.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@realDondalTrump: My Fellow Americans: I will be giving an ADDRESS TO THE NATION tomorrow night, LIVE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE, at 9 P.M. EST. I look forward to “seeing” you then. It has been a great year for our Country, and THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
—@SusieWIles: The article published early this morning is a disingenuously framed hit piece on me and the finest President, White House staff, and Cabinet in history. Significant context was disregarded and much of what I, and others, said about the team and the President was left out of the story. I assume, after reading it, that this was done to paint an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative about the President and our team. The truth is, the Trump White House has already accomplished more in eleven months than any other President has accomplished in eight years, and that is due to the unmatched leadership and vision of President (Donald) Trump, for whom I have been honored to work for the better part of a decade. None of this will stop our relentless pursuit of Making America Great Again!
—@Daniel_PerezFL: When others may waver, @SusieWiles remains steadfast and loyal. Her commitment and professionalism are unparalleled. Any criticism or sensationalized claims to the contrary should be disregarded entirely. There is simply no one better.
—@BrianStelter: How did @VanityFair get this White House access? Why did Susie Wiles talk? The answer is in who she talked with: Chris Whipple, who literally wrote the book on how chiefs of staff define presidencies. Whipple knows all the former chiefs. He’s a human encyclopedia on this subject.
—@LauraLoomer: @JayCollinsFL, this is not yours to take credit for. The person who introduced this in the Legislature is my friend @megforflorida Meg Weinberger, who was endorsed by President Trump. “MAGA Meg,” as we call her, introduced this legislation back in May of this year. How do I know? Because I have the original sign for “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard” in my studio for my show, and it was gifted to me by Rep. Meg Weinberger, who gave me the original sign ever made to introduce this bill. You should be giving her credit. Not taking credit for what she put on the national map.
—@PaulFox13: Still 9 days away, but looks like we will make a run at 80° on #Christmas day.
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 2; ‘ELWAY’ documentary premieres on Netflix — 5; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 8; ‘Industry’ season four premieres — 25; 2026 Australian Open begins — 26; Special Primary Election for HD 87 — 27; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 27; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 27; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 27; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 28; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 32; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 44; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 50; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 51; Special (General) Election for HD 87 — 68; ‘Paradise’ season two premieres on Hulu — 68; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 74; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 83; last day of the Regular Session — 86; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 97; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 98; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 99; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 107; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 110; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 119; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 119; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 124; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 128; F1 Miami begins — 135; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 156; A new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ ride premieres at Disney World — 156; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 167; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 173; South Africa in the FIFA 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico City — 176; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 177; State Qualifying Period ends — 177; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 184; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 196; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 199; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 204; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 209; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 211; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 215; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 232; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 234; Primary Election Day 2026 — 244; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 268; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 272; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 276; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 281; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 288; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 292; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 311; 2026 General Election — 321; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 366; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 366; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 366; Tampa Mayoral Election — 440; Jacksonville First Election — 461; Jacksonville General Election — 517; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 535; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 597; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 653; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 730; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 940; U.S. Presidential Election — 1056; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1456; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2187.
—TOP STORY—
“New poll shows Byron Donalds maintains front-runner status in GOP Primary” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Donalds remains the clear Republican front-runner in the race for Governor, according to a new survey from The American Promise, a Florida-based polling firm. The poll shows Donalds with a commanding lead over a crowded and largely unsettled field.
Among likely Republican voters, Donalds posts 38% support, far ahead of Lt. Gov. Jay Collins at 9%. Azoria CEO James Fishback draws 2%, while former House Speaker Paul Renner registers 1%. Nearly half of voters, 49%, remain undecided, underscoring how early the contest still is.
The poll was conducted Dec. 8-9 and carries a 3.46-percentage-point margin of error. Pollster Ryan Tyson said the survey followed the launch of a multi-week television campaign backing Collins, run by the Florida Fighters political committee and estimated to cost between $5 million and $6 million.
The advertising appears to have lifted Collins slightly. A November baseline poll showed him at just 1% support. Even so, Donalds’ 27-point advantage suggests the paid media effort has not dented his front-runner status, which he established after launching his campaign in March.
Donalds’ position strengthens further when voters are informed of Trump’s endorsement. With that knowledge, Donalds’ support jumps to 50%, while Collins slips to 7%. Fishback and Renner remain at 1% each.
Tyson noted that while some candidates have sought to align themselves with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ legacy, the Governor has not endorsed anyone. “If he does, our informed ballot will reflect that new information in future tracking,” Tyson wrote.
— STATEWIDE —
“Muslim rights group sues Ron DeSantis over ‘foreign terrorist’ label” via Mike Schneider of The Associated Press — A leading Muslim civil rights group in the U.S. has sued DeSantis over his order designating it and another organization as a “ foreign terrorist organization,” saying the directive was unconstitutional. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, known as CAIR, has more than 20 chapters across the United States and its work involves legal actions, advocacy and education outreach. The lawsuit was filed late Monday by the CAIR Foundation and CAIR-Florida, its affiliate in the state. The suit asked a federal judge in Tallahassee to declare DeSantis’ order unlawful and unconstitutional and prevent it from being enforced. “He has usurped the exclusive authority of the federal government to identify and designate terrorist organizations by baselessly declaring CAIR a terrorist organization,” the lawsuit says.
“Florida gets green light to enforce anti-drag show law” via Stephany Matat of USA Today Network — Florida can now enforce a law meant to prevent children from going to “sexually explicit” drag shows. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a lower court order that had suspended enforcement of the state law for the last two years. The latest order, issued Dec. 15, allows the state to enforce the 2023 law on venues across Florida except for Hamburger Mary’s, the venue that challenged the law’s constitutionality. The reason was because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June, which limited universal injunctions, meaning court orders that apply to anyone, even if they’re not involved in the case.
“Florida seeks to head off challenges to law suspending local growth limits” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — With a judge slated to hear arguments this week, the state is trying to short-circuit constitutional challenges to a new law that blocks cities and counties from approving “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to growth plans. Attorneys for state officials argued in two motions that Leon County Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey should dismiss challenges filed by 25 cities and counties, the growth-management group 1000 Friends of Florida and an Orange County resident. The prohibition on growth-plan changes was included this Spring in a wide-ranging bill (SB 180) that lawmakers said would help the state recover from the 2024 hurricanes. The law effectively freezes local land-development regulations and comprehensive plans through Oct. 1, 2027, and was made retroactive to Aug. 1, 2024. The cities and counties filed a lawsuit in September, and 1000 Friends of Florida and Orange County resident Rachel Hildebrand followed with another lawsuit.
“Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson awards $25M in farm projects for water quality, conservation” via Michelle Vecerina of Florida’s Voice — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Simpson announced $25 million in grant funding Tuesday to support large-scale agricultural projects aimed at improving water quality, conservation and wildlife habitat statewide. The funding, awarded through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agricultural Regional Projects Program, targets priority efforts in the Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin and the Lake Okeechobee Basin. Projects focus on reducing agricultural nutrient runoff through science-based infrastructure upgrades, water storage and treatment systems, and legacy nutrient removal. Initiatives include dairy wastewater improvements, irrigation efficiency projects, wetland treatment technologies and large-scale storage basins tied to basin management action plans. State officials said the investments demonstrate that environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity can advance together through collaborative regional partnerships involving farmers, water management districts, local governments and conservation groups.
“Biologist’s lawsuit gets go-ahead after her firing over Charlie Kirk social-media post” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — A federal judge refused to dismiss most of a First Amendment lawsuit filed by a former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist who was fired because of a social-media post after the murder of conservative leader Kirk. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker dismissed part of the lawsuit in which biologist Brittney Brown sought monetary damages against Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young. But he otherwise allowed Brown to continue pursuing the lawsuit against Young and Melissa Tucker, a Commission division director, over the firing. Walker, in a nine-page order, wrote that Brown’s “detailed factual allegations plausibly allege that she has suffered and continues to suffer an injury in fact based on her allegedly wrongful termination in retaliation for protected speech, which is traceable to defendants Young and Tucker.”
“Citizens proposes first rate drop in 10 years. Is Florida insurance crisis over?” via Anne Geggis of The Palm Beach Post — The state’s insurer of last resort is proposing its first rate decrease in 10 years — big enough that its customers in some of the most historically storm-battered parts of the state will see average premium costs drop by hundreds of dollars. Statewide, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is recommending an average 2.6% rate decrease across all its noncommercial property insurance lines, even as its leaders say it has reached another milestone that indicates the bad old days of Florida’s insurance crisis are well in the rearview mirror.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“Lawmakers look to expand ‘guardian’ program after FSU, Brown shootings” via Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network — On Dec. 12, a pair of Florida lawmakers filed legislation to allow trained employees to carry firearms on college campuses. The next day, someone killed two people and injured nine others at Brown University in Rhode Island. The incident was just the latest mass shooting at an American college. State lawmakers were in Session in the Capitol last April when a gunman killed two people and injured five others at Florida State University, just blocks away.
“Bills would expand stuttering coverage, authorize dry needling for occupational therapists” via Michelle Vecerina of Florida’s Voice — Lawmakers have filed two bills for the 2026 Legislative Session that seek to expand health care access and occupational scopes of practice by mandating insurance coverage for stuttering treatment and authorizing occupational therapists to perform dry needling. SB 914 seeks to explicitly authorize licensed occupational therapists to perform dry needling by defining the practice and establishing mandatory minimum training and supervision standards set by the Board of Occupational Therapy. HB 785 requires health insurance policies and Medicaid to provide comprehensive coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative services, devices, and speech therapy for the treatment of stuttering in Florida, while removing standard coverage limits.
“Democrats file legislation to standardize U-visa process for immigrant victims of violence” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Victims who help Florida police solve violent crimes could soon face fewer bureaucratic hurdles regarding their legal status under legislation introduced this month. Sen. Tina Scott Polsky and Reps. Johanna López and Marie Woodson filed twin bills (SB 310, HB 599) to clarify and standardize how Florida law enforcement agencies certify U-visa applications for immigrant victims who cooperate in criminal investigations. U-visas are a federal immigration tool designed to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and gang-related offenses.
— LEG. MISC. —
9 a.m.
— EDR: Self-Insurance Estimating Conference: Room 117, Knott Building.
— Florida Citrus Commission: Florida Department of Citrus, 605 E. Main Street
Bartow.
— Meeting of the Governor and Cabinet: Cabinet Meeting Room, Lower Level.
10 a.m.
— EDR: Self-Insurance Estimating Conference: Room 117, Knott Building. Topic: State Employees’ Health Insurance Enrollment.
— Gadsden County legislative delegation: Board of County Commissioners Chambers, 9 E. Jefferson Street, Suite B, Quincy.
3 p.m.
— New College of Florida Board of Trustees: Sudakoff Conference Center, 5845 General Dougher Place, Sarasota.
5 p.m.
— Florida Supreme Court Justice application deadline: Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission deadline to apply for the vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Charles Canady. Applicants must reside in Florida’s Second Appellate District. Applications must be submitted electronically in searchable PDF format, including both unredacted and redacted versions, to all Commissioners by 5 p.m. Interviews are expected Dec. 29 in Tampa. Applicants selected will be notified on Dec. 19.
___
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Rob Bradley, Oak Strategies: Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, KPMG, NAMI Jacksonville Florida
Steve Bahmer: LeadingAge Florida
Caroline Dixon, Capital City Consulting: Palm Beach County
Darrick McGhee, Johnston & Blanton: The Carrier Pigeon
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, criticizes Pam Bondi and opines on Donald Trump in Vanity Fair” via Michelle L. Price, Darlene Superville and Bill Barrow of The Associated Press — Wiles, Trump’s understated but influential chief of staff, criticized Attorney General Bondi’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case and offered an unvarnished take on her boss and those in his orbit in interviews published Tuesday in Vanity Fair that sent the West Wing into damage control. The startlingly candid remarks from Wiles, the first woman to ever hold her current post, included describing the President as someone with “an alcoholic’s personality,” and Vice President JD Vance as a calculating “conspiracy theorist.” The observations from Wiles, who rarely speaks publicly given the behind-the-scenes nature of her job running the White House, prompted questions about whether the chief of staff might be on her way out. Wiles pushed back after the piece’s publication, describing it as a “hit piece” that lacked context, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the “entire administration is grateful for her steady leadership and united fully behind her.”
“Florida Republicans rally around Wiles after controversial Vanity Fair profile” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — After Wiles called the article a “hit piece,” many longtime associates said she still deserves the confidence of Trump. “Susie Wiles has been a close friend of mine for years. I’ve been proud to fight alongside her in support of President Trump since we started serving as Florida co-chairs of his campaign back in 2015,” posted Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters, who served in 2016 as co-Chair of the Florida arm of Trump’s campaign. “Nothing can derail the great work President Trump and his team, led by Susie, have done to get America back on track. It’s not going to work. Anyone who knows Susie knows that she is a patriot, tough, and brilliant. She is the best White House Chief of Staff I’ve ever seen.”
“Pentagon plan calls for major power shifts within U.S. military” via Dan Lamothe, Tara Copp, Noah Robertson and Alex Horton of The Washington Post — Senior Pentagon officials are preparing a plan to downgrade several of the U.S. military’s primary headquarters and shift the balance of power among its top generals, in a significant consolidation sought by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. If adopted, the plan would usher in some of the most important changes at the military’s highest ranks in decades, in part by following through on Hegseth’s promise to break the status quo and reduce the number of four-star generals. It would reduce in prominence the headquarters of U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command by placing them under the control of a new organization known as U.S. International Command.
“Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth refuse release of ‘double-tap’ strike footage after Congress briefing” via Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald — Rubio and Hegseth insisted they won’t release the full video of the Sept. 2 strikes on an alleged drug boat and controversial second strike on survivors after briefing members of Congress on military action in the Caribbean. “In keeping with long-standing Department of War policy, Department of Defense policy, of course, we’re not going to release a top secret full, unedited video of that to the general public,” Hegseth told reporters after Tuesday’s briefing with Senators. His office has released dozens of other videos of boat strikes on social-media. “Appropriate Committees will see it, but not the general public,” Hegseth said. Tuesday’s meetings came amid growing criticism from Democrats and from human-rights groups accusing the United States of carrying out dozens of extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, and as Trump talks about potential land strikes.
“Trump officials restrict top ratings for staff across federal agencies” via Jake Spring and Hannah Natanson of The Washington Post — The Trump administration is pushing to limit how many federal workers receive top ratings in annual performance reviews in agencies across the government, according to almost two dozen federal employees, a move experts say is illegal and could allow for agency staff to be more easily fired. The efforts to restrict performance ratings have reached agencies including the Commerce, Justice, Energy and Interior departments as well as the General Services and Small Business administrations, according to the employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.
“Ashley Moody says more Americans have died from fentanyl than have died in wars” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — A new phase of federal drug policy is taking shape as President Donald Trump backs an executive order declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, a move U.S. Sen. Moody says reflects the drug’s staggering death toll. Speaking on “Fox & Friends First,” the Plant City Republican argued fentanyl now kills more Americans annually than many U.S. military conflicts, calling it a coordinated assault by sophisticated criminal organizations. More than 48,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses last year, according to federal data. Trump’s order links illicit fentanyl trafficking to national subversion and warns of its potential use in mass terror attacks. Moody cited Florida law enforcement encounters and research suggesting even minimal airborne exposure could be lethal, underscoring the drug’s unprecedented danger.
“Ilhan Omar wants Randy Fine expelled for ‘genocidal’ rhetoric against Muslims” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Omar’s campaign is calling for the expulsion of U.S. Rep. Fine following remarks it describes as Islamophobic and genocidal. The Minnesota Democrat’s campaign cited comments Fine made during a House Committee hearing, suggesting “mainstream Muslims” should be “destroyed,” along with subsequent social-media posts advocating a Muslim travel ban, deportations and citizenship revocations. The statements drew condemnation from national organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which urged House leaders to demand Fine’s resignation. Omar’s campaign circulated a petition and fundraising appeal arguing that Fine’s rhetoric threatens Muslim elected officials, including Omar. Fine, a Jewish lawmaker and vocal supporter of Israel, rejected the criticism, responding online with insults and dismissing Omar’s call for disciplinary action.
“Protecting America Initiative continues 6-figure ad campaign warning against Chinese-made medical devices” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Protecting America Initiative (PAI) is launching a new ad calling for an end to the use of Chinese-made medical devices in American health care. The six-figure ad buy will run on digital platforms in select markets nationwide, with increased emphasis on Florida and Texas. The ad highlights how Chinese-manufactured medical devices threaten doctors’ oaths to protect patients. It is appropriately titled “Do No Harm,” a reference to the Hippocratic Oath doctors take on the same principle. “Americans rely on their doctors who take an oath to keep us safe, and first, do no harm. But when Chinese companies make critical medical devices, that puts our safety at risk,” said Chad Wolf, a former Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary and a senior adviser to PAI.
— ELECTIONS —
“Paul Renner campaign launches ‘Women for Renner Coalition’ with steering committee” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Former House Speaker Renner is formalizing his push for the Governor’s Mansion with a new organizing arm focused on women voters. Renner’s campaign just announced the creation of a statewide steering committee for its “Women for Renner Coalition,” assembling dozens of conservative activists, educators, business leaders and faith-based advocates to amplify women’s voices supporting his gubernatorial bid. The coalition, the campaign said, is designed to mobilize women across political and professional lines around issues. Among them: parental rights, public safety, faith, economic opportunity and what the campaign describes as “principled leadership.”
“Democrat Angie Nixon is still ‘strongly considering’ a run for U.S. Senate” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix — Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Nixon brought her “Awake the State” listening tour to the Tampa Bay area this weekend as she gears up to run for another elected position — possibly the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Moody. “We have the opportunity to build a new vision,” Nixon told a gathering at a brewery in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. “A spanking new vision, where all families have stability, all workers have dignity, and all children have the opportunity to actually reach the American dream that we have been taught about in schools. But we have to make sure that we get involved, right?”
“Elijah Manley fundraises off Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick fundraising off her federal indictment” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — It didn’t take Manley long to capitalize on what he sees as an unscrupulous misstep by the Congresswoman he’s running to unseat in Florida’s 20th Congressional District. Just days after Florida Politics reported that U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick is fundraising off federal charges that she stole millions in COVID funds, Manley is also asking for campaign donations while citing the report. “Yup, she tried to pull a fast one on you,” a fundraising email from Manley’s campaign said. “The thing is, we can’t count on the establishment media to get this story in front of every voter. But we can count on each other.”
“Realtors PAC throws its weight behind Bill Poteet in HD 82 GOP Primary” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — The Florida Realtors PAC is backing Poteet in the race for House District 82, adding the powerful real estate group’s support to his bid for the Southwest Florida seat. The political arm of Florida Realtors cited Poteet’s professional background, community involvement and familiarity with regional issues. Poteet is a Realtor, small-business owner and longtime resident of the district. “As a Realtor, small-business owner and longtime resident of Southwest Florida, the citizens of House District 82 would be hard-pressed to find a more effective representative for their area than Bill Poteet,” said Marilyn Pearson-Adams, Chair of the Florida Realtors PAC Trustees. “He is incredibly active in his community, serving in leadership positions in numerous local and nonprofit organizations, and his knowledge as a Realtor has given him a deep understanding of the issues facing the region. He would be an outstanding addition to the Florida House of Representatives.”
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Miami-Dade County might explain Florida might be purple again.” via Dave Trotter of Voting Trend — Miami-Dade County’s recent political history shows dramatic swings that complicate claims of permanent partisan alignment. Once considered reliably Democratic, the county delivered landslide margins for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Andrew Gillum in 2018 before shifting sharply right in 2020, 2022 and 2024, when Republicans carried the county in high-profile races. Recent developments, however, suggest potential movement back toward Democrats. The election of Eileen Higgins signaled a change in voting behavior, particularly among Cuban American voters. At the same time, public criticism of Trump’s immigration actions by Republican state Sen. Ileana Garcia highlighted growing fractures within Florida’s Hispanic electorate. Whether driven by conviction or political survival, these shifts point to volatility in Miami-Dade. Observers argue that Democrats’ path to statewide competitiveness still runs through reclaiming decisive margins in the county.
“Broward judge admits lapse in judgment over 2024 campaign” via Rafael Olmeda and Carline Jean of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Now that she’s a judge, Lauren Peffer said she realizes more acutely why she should not have cited a scandalous tell-all and a bogus recording as examples of why the Florida judiciary has lost the trust of the people. Contrite, apologetic and accepting full responsibility for her mistakes, Peffer, a Broward County Court judge, took the stand Tuesday at a hearing before a panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission. This body polices judicial misconduct and recommends whether wayward judges should be disciplined, reprimanded or removed from the bench. Peffer’s infraction came before she was ever sworn into office. In 2024, while campaigning, she cited a salacious tell-all about the 9th Circuit, which covers the Orlando area. The book was written by a disgruntled former employee who made shocking but unsubstantiated allegations about misconduct.
“County taps Ron Book as SWA lobbyist, ousting Becker firm after 18 years” via Mike Diamond of The Palm Beach Post — Palm Beach County Commissioners have selected lobbyist Book to represent the Solid Waste Authority in Tallahassee, opting to replace the Becker firm, which has been its representative since 2007. They chose Book even though his annual fee of $90,000 was $27,000 higher than Becker’s. The county staff praised Becker’s work, and the Commission overlooked its own finding that Becker’s proposal was superior to Book’s. The vote to hire Book on Dec. 10 was 4-3.
“Palm Beach issues permit for Trump’s Mar-a-Lago helipad” via Kristina Webb of the Palm Beach Daily News — Construction soon could begin on a new, larger helicopter-landing pad at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. The new helicopter-landing area will be 60 feet in diameter, 10 feet larger than the concrete pad on Mar-a-Lago’s west lawn during Trump’s first term as President. The helipad will be used by Marine One, the name of a helicopter when it carries the commander in chief. The first helipad was approved and built in 2017, then demolished in 2021 after Trump left the White House. The removal was a condition of the Town Council when the pad’s design was approved.
“A parallel system’: Miami-Dade School District to be cut out of decisions about charter schools” via Daniel Rivero and Natalie La Roche Pietri of WLRN Public Media — A significant shift in Florida’s charter school oversight could begin as early as next Spring, with Miami Dade College poised to authorize new charter schools, a role traditionally held by elected local School Boards. The move would significantly reduce the authority of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, transferring key decisions to the college’s Board of Trustees, all of whom are appointed by DeSantis. Critics argue the change conflicts with the Florida Constitution and revives legal concerns raised by a similar system struck down as unconstitutional in 2008. Supporters say college authorizers offer partnership and flexibility. Opponents warn it weakens voter accountability, accelerates privatization and risks conflicts of interest, particularly as charter expansion, vouchers and “Schools of Hope” laws intensify pressure on traditional public schools statewide.
“Ex-Miami Beach Mayor was ‘very good friends’ with Ghislaine Maxwell” via Alex DeLuca of The Miami New Times — Back in 2015, the now-defunct news and gossip blog Gawker published New York financier and convicted pedophile Epstein’s notorious “little black book.” The heavily redacted address book contained hundreds of names and phone numbers for a wide range of celebrities and high-profile figures, from actors Alec Baldwin and Ralph Fiennes to Prince Andrew, Alan Dershowitz, and former President Bill Clinton. It also notably featured 13 different numbers for former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. A longtime pal of Clinton, one of the most powerful figures ensnared in the Epstein scandal, Levine was listed in the book alongside a handful of phone numbers with 305 area codes, including those for his office, home, two housekeepers, and at least one driver.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Tie vote ensures Deltona will keep development pause in place – for now” via Sheldon Gardner of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — On the heels of backing out of a lawsuit challenging a state law that restricts local authorities from regulating growth, Deltona City Commissioners were just one vote shy of deep-sixing a temporary development moratorium. The vote was 3-3 at the Monday, Dec. 15, meeting. The discussion came about two months after the City Commission voted 4-3 to withdraw from a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 180. The law temporarily prohibits Volusia County and other hurricane-affected local governments from enforcing growth restrictions. The law also prohibits moratoriums. The moratorium issue arose when a lawyer sent a letter threatening legal action if the city didn’t greenlight a development in Pine Ridge. The letter was from J.C. Wilson & Associates on behalf of Howland Holdings Group.
“Flagler OKs effort to protect part of Bulow Creek from new development” via Brenno Carillo of The Daytona Beach News-Journal — The Flagler Board of County Commissioners on Monday, Dec. 15, voted unanimously to apply for a Florida Forever grant, which will be used to purchase and preserve part of the environmentally sensitive Bulow Creek floodplain. The grant, available through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Forever program, would go toward acquiring approximately 153 acres of shoreland, which would act as a boundary between the floodplain and a significant housing development called Summertown. The effort was made possible primarily by a deal between the county and Sunbelt Land Management, which owns the land and is developing the Veranda Bay project.
“Rep. Monique Miller, SeaWorld, Florida Tech mull Indian River Lagoon future” via Jim Waymer of Florida Today — Is a half-billion dollars of our sales taxes well spent on the Indian River Lagoon? On Monday, scientists and lagoon advocates gave a resounding “yes” at a small lagoon summit at Florida Institute of Technology’s Vertex Applied Innovation Hub in Palm Bay. But there’s a long way to go before the lagoon heals, they said.
“Tampa Bay’s Jewish community reacts to Sydney attack” via Anthony Nicotera of the Tampa Bay Times — As families mark Hanukkah, Tampa Bay Jewish leaders say celebrations are unfolding alongside renewed fear and resolve following a deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney, Australia. Community leaders expressed outrage and sorrow over the shooting that killed 15 people, including an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, while stressing the importance of continuing public expressions of faith. Local rabbis and Jewish organizations said violence abroad reverberates quickly within a small global community already strained by rising antisemitism since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Citing recent Anti-Defamation League data showing more than half of Jewish Americans experienced antisemitism last year, leaders described heightened security as a daily reality. Despite increased costs and vigilance, they emphasized resilience, solidarity and education, pledging to keep Jewish life visible and joyful in the face of hatred.
“Clearwater City Attorney David Margolis submits resignation letter” via Colbi Edmonds of the Tampa Bay Times — Clearwater’s top attorney said he intends to leave the post after four years. City Attorney Margolis sent a resignation letter to the City Council on Friday, saying his final day of employment will be April 13. His announced departure comes amid a legal dispute with the state Attorney General over a proposed land transaction between the city and the Church of Scientology. “I look forward to finishing strong and celebrating the appointment of my successor,” Margolis wrote in his letter. “I will always be grateful to our prior and current elected officials for trusting me with this role — on the first day of service, and every day since.”
“St. Pete investor launches Gas Plant redevelopment bid” via Mark Parker of St. Pete Catalyst — Thompson Whitney Blake is preparing a new offer to purchase the Historic Gas Plant District, currently home to Tropicana Field. He also released a video that takes thinly veiled shots at the competition. Blake, founder of St. Petersburg-based Blake Investment Partners, dubbed the Gas Plant’s redevelopment “St. Petersburg 3.0” in an open letter dated Dec. 9. The accompanying video, titled “You Just Can’t Make This Stuff Up,” debuted Monday. The letter notes that the firm will submit its second bid in January. While the local development team will “spend the holidays with family and friends,” they will also be “burning the midnight oil, preparing for this very special opportunity to present to the city a pragmatic, executable proposal.” “Today, we stand at a crossroads,” Blake wrote. “The city holds a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redevelop 86 acres of publicly owned land and redefine what St. Petersburg can be. Few cities ever get a second, much less a third chance like this.”
“St. Petersburg EDM festival ‘noise’ is a concern, Mayor says” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — Thousands gathered at the St. Pete Pier this weekend for We Belong Here, a two-day electronic music festival that has played in Miami and New York City. Some residents not in attendance to see ODESZA and Lane 8 offered a barbed review: They don’t belong here unless they turn it down. “The constant, rhythmic, and physically jarring ‘banging noise’ from the event was distinctly, oppressively, and overwhelmingly audible inside my residence for the entire duration of the festival,” said an email from Andrea Manson, who lives west of St. Petersburg High School in the Historic Kenwood neighborhood.
“Fields of gold” via Florida Trend — Neil Mathis still says “yes, ma’am” and “no, ma’am.” It’s part of how he was brought up — Southern manners stitched right alongside hard work and a respect for the land. His family has been raising cattle and growing timber on 600-plus acres in eastern Pasco County since the 1860s, after his ancestors “got run out of” Fernandina Beach by Union soldiers. Today, his property backs up to a 517,220-sq.-ft. Amazon distribution center. Mathis and his family could have sold the land to developers, like many of his neighbors are doing now. Instead, they worked out a deal with the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) and Pasco County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program, which divided the property into two permanent conservation easements, with the state and county splitting the $6-million tab. To date, more than 212,000 acres of working land have been protected and preserved through the program, but more than 400 landowners sit on the current waitlist and land prices keep rising.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Tallahassee aims to sell hospital campus to FSU for $109M over 30 years” via Elena Barrera, Jeff Burlew and William L. Hatfield of the Tallahassee Democrat — After weeks of negotiations, Tallahassee and Florida State University have reached a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the framework for transferring the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus to FSU, a key step toward creating a North Florida academic medical center. Under the agreement announced Dec. 16, FSU would pay the city $109 million over 30 years, invest $100 million in facility upgrades, $150 million in academic and clinical enhancements by 2034, and commit $1.7 billion in hospital investment over three decades. Charity and indigent care would remain intact. The deal, which shifts a 75-year city-ownership stake, faces votes by a divided City Commission in January and again in 2026, amid political tension and public scrutiny.
“Tallahassee City Commission to receive briefing on controversial Flock cameras” via Matt Hoffmann of WCTV — Tallahassee City Commissioners will receive a briefing from police on the use of license plate reading cameras deployed across the city after approving a unanimous motion last week seeking more information. The discussion follows confirmation that the Tallahassee Police Department entered into a contract with Flock Safety to access license plate data for criminal investigations. Police officials said the technology helps solve crimes more quickly and is accessible only during valid investigations, likening it to toll road cameras. Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have raised concerns about data sharing in other states. Flock Safety says customers retain full ownership of their data. Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the cameras were provided at no cost after they could not be used for school zone enforcement under state law.
“Triumph Gulf Coast Board approves four grant award agreements” via Stephanie Pitts of WMBB — The Triumph Gulf Coast Board on Tuesday approved four grant award agreements supporting economic development and education initiatives across Northwest Florida. The most significant award advances negotiations with the Bay County Board of County Commissioners for up to $12.8 million in support of Project Kilowatt, an advanced marine manufacturing company specializing in carbon-fiber hulls and electric-propulsion boats. The project is expected to bring the company’s international headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing operations to Bay County, representing a $37.6 million capital investment and creating 285 high-wage jobs by 2030. The Board also approved a $6.9 million grant for the Gulf County School District to fund a long-term digital tools and skills training initiative for students. Additional grant agreements were approved for projects in Escambia and Wakulla counties.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Lee County’s newest Commissioner talks on growth, other issues” via Amy Bennett Williams of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — She seemed to come from nowhere: a Realtor-turned Christian school administrative assistant-turned County Commissioner. In Lee County’s District 5, especially, residents wondered just who Patricia “Trish” Petrosky was – DeSantis’ replacement for the late Mike Greenwell, who died in October while in office. Why did DeSantis choose the 34-year-old over others who’d also applied for the $114,881-a-year job, which she’ll hold until the next General Election? When Petrosky called The News-Press the afternoon after her swearing-in, she had the chance to answer some of those questions.
“Bradenton’s City Hall site search continues. A developer may have a solution” via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — Time is running out for the City of Bradenton to find a new City Hall location. Still, the relocation might be closer than officials initially expected. Last year, the Bradenton City Council approved the $14.1 million sale of the City Hall land at 101 Old Main Street to L&L Development Group. When the sale closes in 2026, the city will need to identify a new location for City Hall, which houses city government staff and City Council offices. City officials previously considered relocating City Hall out of downtown and away from the waterfront to a site such as 14th Street West or near LECOM Park. But on Thursday, Mayor Gene Brown and city staff told the City Council that the developers of The Vias offered to scale back the planned apartments and allow the city to build a 45,000-square-foot City Hall along 10th Street West, across the street from the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
— TOP OPINION —
“For Florida, a lesson on taxes” via The Washington Post editorial board — Florida conservatives are increasingly arguing the state has a tax problem, with proposals to eliminate property taxes entirely by 2027. But the argument clashes with reality. Florida already maintains one of the most favorable tax and spending structures in the country, combining low taxes with restrained government growth.
Property taxes in Florida are modest by national standards, ranking near the middle of states in per-capita collections and as a share of home values. The state also has no individual income tax and a sales tax rate below the national average, leaving Florida tied for the lowest overall income tax burden nationwide.
That light tax load is matched by tight spending. Florida’s current budget is $3 billion smaller than last year’s; state government spending is far lower than in states with similar or smaller populations; and the public workforce is the smallest per capita in the country. Strong bond ratings, low debt and healthy pensions reinforce the state’s fiscal stability.
Eliminating property taxes would upend that balance. Replacing the lost revenue would likely require either an income tax or dramatically higher sales taxes. Analysts estimate statewide sales taxes would need to exceed 15%, with some counties requiring rates above 30%.
Property taxes remain one of the most reliable revenue sources, providing transparency, stability and minimal distortion to work or investment. While rising home values have increased bills, that problem stems from policy choices rather than the tax itself.
Targeted reforms such as levy limits or modest rate adjustments could ease pressure without dismantling a system that largely works. Florida’s fiscal success comes from discipline, not radical overhauls.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Don’t import Europe’s failures” via Robert B. Blancato of Real Clear Policy — Millions of older Americans struggle every day to afford the medications they need. Too often, they make impossible choices: splitting pills, skipping doses, or forgoing prescriptions altogether because of the price. Trump recognizes the problem. His administration is weighing whether Medicare should cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, a decision that could have significant implications for access and cost. The White House has also recently worked with several pharmaceutical companies on voluntary “most favored nation” deals, which will secure more affordable access by expanding direct-to-consumer options and cutting out price-gouging middlemen. Yet some policymakers want to set aside the voluntary approach and make the MFN model mandatory on a broader scale — a move that would undermine the President’s progress. Codifying MFN into law would trigger shortages today and choke off the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
“A reckoning is coming for Miami Beach, thanks to an audit I requested” via Fabián Basabe for the Miami Herald — A state-approved operational audit of the city of Miami Beach is drawing sharp political backlash while reviving long-standing concerns about transparency and governance. The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee authorized the review last week after repeated calls for accountability, prompting city leaders to adopt a resolution denouncing both the audit and the criticisms behind it. Supporters of the audit argue it threatens entrenched systems of influence involving consultants, lobbyists and special interests, and say resistance reflects fear rather than principle. They contend years of high taxes, fees and bonding have failed to deliver adequate infrastructure, public safety or services, pointing to deteriorating roads, facilities and stormwater systems. The audit is framed as a chance to expose how public funds were used, identify neglected priorities and restore public trust.
“Audit clears Florida’s behavioral health safety net, highlights efficiency, accountability” via Natalie Kelly for Florida Politics — A statutorily required audit has confirmed that Florida’s behavioral health safety net system is operating effectively, transparently and with high efficiency, providing critical services to uninsured and underinsured Floridians statewide. The system, overseen by seven regional Managing Entities and supported by more than $1 billion in annual funding, delivers acute and long-term behavioral health care in crisis and non-crisis settings while also supporting housing, transportation and employment needs. The independent audit, required under House Bill 633 and presented last week by the Department of Children and Families, found no significant instances of Fraud, Waste or Abuse. Officials reported administrative costs remain under 3% of roughly $1.2 billion in appropriations and grants. Auditors cited strong leadership, provider support and transparency, while identifying targeted process improvements and new data reporting tools to strengthen outcomes further.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Majority plan to spend less on holiday gifts this year amid broader economic concerns” via Ben Kamisar of NBC News — A majority of U.S. adults, 55%, say they will spend less on holiday gifts this year compared with last year. Only 9% say they will spend more on holiday gifts this year, while 36% say they’ll spend about the same. The results are part of broader data showing some concern about the state of the economy. The poll found deep partisan differences in Americans’ views of the U.S. economy, with similar patterns in holiday shopping sentiment.
“Meta rolls out a new centralized support hub with 24/7 help across Facebook and Instagram” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Meta is rolling out a new centralized account support hub for Facebook and Instagram, using AI tools to speed up help for users who are locked out, hacked or need guidance on safety and settings. The hub consolidates reporting, recovery options and AI-powered answers in one place on mobile devices, reducing the need to search across multiple resources. Meta is also testing an AI support assistant on Facebook to provide real-time, personalized help with account recovery and management, with plans to expand it to other platforms. The company says recent AI-driven security upgrades have reduced new account hacks by more than 30% and increased successful account recoveries by a similar margin, while improving alerts, identity verification and protection against suspicious activity.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to Holly McPhail, Kim Rodgers, Michael Tuthill, and our friend, Andrew Wiggins.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.