Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 12.4.25

Good Thursday morning.

Rep. James Buchanan has released a powerful new launch video for his state Senate campaign — one that feels as if it was lifted straight from the world of “Friday Night Lights.” Produced by Republican political consultant Max Goodman, the film blends scenes from Buchanan’s days on the gridiron with his work in Tallahassee, drawing a clear line between the discipline, grit, and teamwork forged on the football field and the leadership he brings to the state Capitol.

You can view the launch film, “Trenchwork,” here:

___

A series of panels will be held for a policy summit in Washington, held by close advisers to U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The Rescuing the American Dream (RAD) conference kicks off on Capitol Hill with opening remarks from the Naples Republican himself at 8 a.m.

At the event, poll results gathered by the RAD nonprofit on a series of issues will be presented, leading into panels and presentations by high-profile lawmakers and members of President Donald Trump’s administration.

An updated list of speakers includes U.S. Sens. Jon Husted of Ohio, Mike Lee of Utah, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Some will participate in panels moderated by Scott on health care, blockchain technology, foreign policy and supporting veterans. But other moderators will include David Drucker of The Dispatch and Jessica Anderson of the Sentinel Action Fund.

Some Florida House members will also participate, including U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds and Randy Fine, both allies who served together in the Florida Legislature when Scott was Governor. U.S. Reps. Andy Harris, House Agriculture Committee Chair, and Jim Jordan, House Judiciary Committee Chair, will also be part of panels, as will U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican.

Two Floridians-turned-Ambassadors will also participate: Kevin Cabrera, the sitting Ambassador to Panama, and Dan Newlin, the nominee for Ambassador to Colombia. There will be a conversation with Carlos Trujillo, who served as Ambassador to the Organization of American States during Trump’s first term. Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, will appear on the panel.

___

Tucker Knott is joining Ballard Partners as a Partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.

Knott arrives at the firm after serving as Chief of Staff to North Carolina U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, the latest role in a decadelong Capitol Hill career that included senior posts in both chambers.

“Tucker is a phenomenal addition to our team and brings with him a wealth of high-level legislative experience,” firm President and founder Brian Ballard said. “His established relationships in both the House and Senate will be invaluable to our clients navigating complex policy challenges.”

Budd praised his outgoing Chief of Staff, calling Knott’s guidance “invaluable” to members of the North Carolina delegation.

“His strong moral compass, political instincts, and personal relationships on and off the Hill were critical to the success of our office over the last three years,” Budd said.

Before joining Budd’s office in 2023, Knott spent six years as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Rep. George Holding, also of North Carolina, where he helped shape Committee priorities and oversaw day-to-day congressional operations. His background also includes two years in the private sector as a senior director with Pfizer, where he worked on federal government relations.

“I am excited to leverage my experience in the Senate and House, as well as my time navigating complex corporate policy issues, to help our clients achieve their goals. I look forward to beginning this new chapter with Brian and the entire Ballard team,” Knott said.

___

The Florida Chamber shifts from planes, trains and rockets to premiums, reinsurance and fraud tomorrow as the 2025 Annual Insurance Summit opens its two-day run in Orlando.

The first marquee session, titled “There’s a New Chief in Town,” features Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia in his debut address to the industry in that role. Soon after, attendees will hear from Attorney General James Uthmeier.

The agenda features panels covering most aspects of the insurance industry — Michael Carlson of the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida will moderate a panel on the auto market; Capital City Consulting Partner Ashley Kalifeh will guide a discussion on Florida’s “Fraudemic”; and Rob Henderson, of counsel at the Meenan law firm, will moderate a discussion titled “The Future of AI in Insurance.”

The afternoon block will feature a dive into medical malpractice insurance. The topic intersects with Florida’s health care worker crunch and, as seen with the veto of last Session’s “Free Kill” repeal, the market’s direction has tangible impacts on state policy as well. Florida Justice Reform Institute President William Large will moderate the segment.

Day One wraps with a presentation on home hardening impacts with Catastrophe Risk Consulting lobbyist Jack Nicholson guiding a panel that includes representatives from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the USF College of Marine Science, Florida International University and the Florida Institute of Built Environment Resilience at UF.

View the full agenda here.

___

“Americans sharply divided on Israel’s intentions in Gaza, FSU survey shows” via Florida State University – A new national survey from FSU’s Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) finds Americans deeply divided about Israel’s intentions in Gaza. In its report, “Perceived Intent: How Americans View Israel’s Actions in Gaza,” public opinion splits into three nearly equal camps: 24% believe Israel seeks to harm civilians, 24% say it tries to avoid harm, and 27% aren’t sure. Women and Floridians stand out in their responses, highlighting demographic and regional differences. The survey offers a more nuanced picture than broader polls, revealing how Americans reason through complex global issues. IGC Director Ryan Owens says understanding these divisions is central to the institute’s mission of preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens who can reason carefully about difficult civic questions.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@mattdizwhitlock: This is one of the biggest flashing red light warning signs we’ve seen yet for Republicans. If every House district in the country shifted left by this same amount—about 15 points—we would be looking at a blue wave far worse than 2018, with an estimated 43 seats flipping.

—@AlexAndradeFL: When did @RonDeSantis become such a whining, bloviating, narcissistic grifter? He wasn’t always this way. Losing to @realDonaldTrump in Iowa must’ve really broken him.

Tweet, tweet:

—@MDixon55: If they do an April special, can argue the courts can’t do anything because it’s too close to the election Can be challenged in future, but whatever maps pass would be the Midterm maps Learn Purcell principle, nerds

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@NateMonroeTU: All these years in Jax and it will never cease to amaze me that we allow trains to come to complete stops for extended periods of time — during commuting hours — across multiple intersections, cutting off access to a major hospital.

— DAYS UNTIL —

Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 5; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres on Netflix — 8; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 8; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 13; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 15; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 21; ‘Industry’ season four premieres — 38; Special Election for HD 87; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 40; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 40; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 40; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 41; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 45; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 57; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 63; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 64; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 87; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 96; last day of the Regular Session — 99; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 110; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 111; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 112; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 120; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 123; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 132; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 132; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 137; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 141; F1 Miami begins — 148; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 169; A new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ ride premieres at Disney World — 169; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 180; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 186; State Qualifying Period ends — 190; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 197; FIFA World Cup begins — 189; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 209; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 212; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 217; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 222; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 224; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 228; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 245; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 247; Primary Election Day 2026 — 257; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 281; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 285; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 289; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 294; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 301; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 305; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 324; 2026 General Election — 334; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 379; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 379; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 379; Tampa Mayoral Election — 453; Jacksonville First Election — 474; Jacksonville General Election — 530; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 548; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 610; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 666; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 743; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 953; U.S. Presidential Election — 1069; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1469; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2200.

—TOP STORY—

“Ron DeSantis says Florida ‘will be forced’ to redistrict because of pending U.S. Supreme Court decision” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Democrats and voting rights groups are blasting DeSantis’ push to redraw Florida’s congressional map in a 2026 Special Session, calling it an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander under the state’s Fair Districts rules. DeSantis rejects that charge, saying lawmakers “aren’t allowed to use partisan data” and insisting the map must be revisited because of expected fallout from a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act.

Florida’s current map, engineered by DeSantis after he vetoed the Legislature’s proposal in 2022, survived both state and federal court challenges despite eliminating a North Florida district designed to elect a Black representative. DeSantis now argues that population shifts and a Republican surge in voter registration justify mid-decade redistricting.

He also claims Florida was shortchanged a congressional seat in the 2020 Census, though his push for a federal recount has stalled. The Governor acknowledged Wednesday that any census update is unlikely but insisted the state’s districts are no longer “well apportioned” after significant population growth.

The call for a Special Session complicates the House’s own redistricting plans, set to begin this week, and DeSantis offered no clarity on whether their work would matter. He added that his staff is not drafting maps.

Meanwhile, Rep. Daryl Campbell filed a resolution to end partisan gerrymandering by creating independent Redistricting Commissions, saying voters deserve fair representation free from political insiders.

“DeSantis doesn’t have a new congressional map ready yet. But he could be ‘forced’ to craft one” via Florida Politics — Despite intervening the last time Florida redrew its congressional map, DeSantis is leaving it up to the Legislature to take the lead on what a potential mid-decade redraw might look like. For now. “There’s nothing that anyone on my staff has done with respect to actually doing a map,” DeSantis said in Tampa. But that doesn’t mean a product isn’t coming soon. “We’re going to be forced to do it, I think, because the Supreme Court’s (Voting Rights Act) decision is going to impact the current map. So just no matter what else happens, that is going to have to be addressed,” DeSantis added, alluding to a potential ruling in Louisiana v. Callais this year that could overturn prohibitions against racial gerrymandering and invalidate districts drawn to protect minority access.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Ben Albritton says there’s ‘no ongoing work’ in Senate regarding mid-decade redistricting” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Senate President Albritton signaled Wednesday that the Senate is not preparing for mid-decade redistricting, noting the Governor wants to address the issue during a Spring Special Session. In a memo to Senators, he warned that any new maps would likely face litigation and reminded members that the Florida Supreme Court has limited legislative privilege in redistricting cases. His comments follow national pressure on red states to redraw maps to maximize Republican gains and DeSantis’ call for a 2026 Special Session focused on redistricting. Albritton said the Senate’s stance could shift depending on legal developments. The House Congressional Redistricting Committee meets Thursday at 1:30 p.m., with opponents, including the League of Women Voters, expected in force.

—“Darryl Campbell, Shevrin Jones file proposal for independent Redistricting Commission” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

“Blaise Ingoglia offers new proposals to stem access to privileges for undocumented migrants” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Ingoglia is proposing legislation to deal with undocumented migrants who are in the state illegally and prevent them from receiving driver’s licenses, workers’ compensation coverage and other privileges. Ingoglia held a news conference in St. Augustine, where he detailed the proposed measures. “It’s about time we put our foot down and continue to put our foot down,” Ingoglia said. “A lot of times we’re oblivious, and we were ignorant as to the havoc illegal immigrants were causing in our communities.” Ingoglia said he’ll propose legislation to lawmakers that would close “loopholes” for migrants in the state who have no legal documentation.

“House again nears full vote on raising payout caps for lawsuits over government negligence” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation to raise Florida’s long-stagnant sovereign immunity caps is heading back to the House floor after the Budget Committee advanced HB 145 in a 22-2 vote. The bill would boost the payout limits for government negligence cases to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident, with the limits rising again in five years, and give victims the same timeframe to file claims as in private cases. It would also allow governments to settle above the caps without a claims bill and prevent insurers from withholding payments. Supporters argue the current caps, unchanged since 2010, leave victims shortchanged and offer little incentive for governments to fix dangerous conditions. Local governments and major associations oppose the bill, warning of higher costs and more lawsuits. HB 145 now heads to House Judiciary ahead of Session.

“LaVon Bracy Davis, RaShon Young file legislation to compensate Groveland Four families” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Sen. Bracy Davis and Rep. Young have filed legislation requiring the state to compensate the families of the Groveland Four — the young Black men falsely accused of rape in Lake County in 1949. “The story of the Groveland Four is one of unimaginable injustice that echoes within Florida’s history,” Young said in a statement. The bills filed by the two Central Florida Democrats (SB 694, HB 6523) don’t specify how much the families would be paid, stating that the funds from the Department of State’s General Revenue would be specified in the General Appropriations Act. “The truth is simple: you cannot put a price on a life, especially when the state was responsible for taking it,” Bracy Davis said.

“Keep gas leaf blowers legal: Farm bill passes first Senate Committee” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix — From leaf blowers, commercial driver’s licenses, and door-to-door salesmen, this year’s Florida farm bill addresses a range of issues. The omnibus 2026 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill passed its first Committee stop, the Senate Committee on Agriculture. SB 290 is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Keith Truenow, a Republican from Tavares and Chair of that chamber’s Committee on Agriculture. The bill must also make it through the Fiscal Policy and Rules committees. “There’s always a lot of things going on in the state of Florida and we got to try to figure out how we make it better every day, and this is the tool we’re going to use to get there,” Truenow said.

“Chase Tramont doesn’t want Florida schools marking down students based on faith” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Rep. Tramont has proposed a constitutional amendment (HJR 583) focused on expressions of faith within public schools. The measure would protect students, including their beliefs in coursework and art produced in school and as part of assignments. “As a pastor and former educator, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for students to feel free to boldly live out their faith on their campus,” Tramont said. “The Constitution does not relax when a student walks onto a school campus. This amendment ensures that Florida’s students and teachers will never have to check their faith upon entering the schoolhouse door.”

“Flamingo bill gets new wings as House panel backs state bird swap” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — A fresh attempt to ground the mockingbird and elevate the American flamingo gained new wings as a House Committee advanced legislation after a playful debate filled with regional pride and a few pointed questions. Islamorada Republican Rep. Jim Mooney presented the bill (HB 11) to the House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee, telling members the flamingo has earned its place after years of restoration work in the Everglades and Indian River Lagoon. He argued the bird is iconic, marketable and increasingly visible as populations rebound. “It’s time for the flamingo to be the state bird,” Mooney said, noting that five other states also use the mockingbird. He added that the flamingo “represents a milestone in restoration” and is now found in the Indian River Lagoon, Merritt Island, Bonita Springs, Tampa Bay and St. Marks areas and throughout South Florida.

— LEG SKED. —

8:30 a.m.

— House Health & Human Services Committee: Room 17, House Office Building.

9:30 a.m.

— Florida Gaming Control Commission: Joseph P. Cresse Hearing Room 148, Betty Easley Conference Center, Tallahassee.

11 a.m.

— House Justice Budget Subcommittee: Room 314, House Office Building.

— House Student Academic Success Subcommittee: Room 102, House Office Building.

1 p.m.

— Joint EDR: Social Services Estimating Conference: Room 117, House Office Building.

1:30 p.m.

— House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting: Room 102, House Office Building.

— STATEWIDE —

“DeSantis warns GOP that Donald Trump-specific voters may not show up in 2026” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis is warning Republicans that many voters who backed Trump in 2024 may not turn out in next year’s Midterm Elections, pointing to a Special Election in Tennessee where the GOP underperformed Trump’s margin by double digits. DeSantis said these “Trump-specific voters” reliably support Republicans only when Trump is on the ballot, creating turnout risks in 2026 nationally and in Florida. He argued that recent Special Elections have consistently swung 10 to 15 points toward Democrats and suggested Florida House Republicans could lose their supermajority if current trends hold. DeSantis cited multiple races, including U.S. Rep. Fine’s underperformance, as evidence that Republican voters appear less motivated while Democrats remain energized.

“DeSantis defends pricy $83M purchase of 4 acres in Panhandle” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — Gov. DeSantis defended spending more than $20 million per acre for a 4-acre Destin waterfront parcel, arguing the $83.3 million purchase prevents condo development and was mandated by lawmakers, even as conservation experts and top Republicans question the price and the land’s actual environmental value. The seller, Louisiana businessman Robert Guidry, has political ties to the state, and his lobbyist pushed last-minute budget language that made the land the state’s top conservation priority while allowing the use of owner-provided appraisals. Critics note the land isn’t part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and could be vulnerable to rising seas, and they say the same money could have preserved far more sensitive acreage. Despite his veto power, DeSantis allowed the deal to stand, leaving the DEP facing a massive backlog of parks.

“DeSantis says $112M in state grants will help clean up waterways” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis has announced $112 million in grant money to help Florida’s Gulf Coast and other waters around the state. DeSantis announced the projects at a news conference in Tampa, teasing that he would soon release his budget recommendations. The new grants will do everything from improving rivers and springs to fighting red tide. About $50 million of that funding will be coming from 14 different alternative water supply grants to benefit the St. Johns River, the Suwannee River and other waterways. DeSantis called the projects “really significant,” adding that they will eventually produce 94 million gallons of water per day once they are fully operational.

“DeSantis administration: We need another $50M to cover SNAP costs” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — Florida needs to pony up another $50.6 million to help administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, members of a House health care spending panel were told this week. The additional money is needed as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill and Congress’ decision to reduce spending on the SNAP program by $156 billion over a decade. To help accomplish that goal, Congress reduced the federal government’s share of the program’s administrative costs from 50% to 25% effective Oct. 1, 2026. Congress increased the states’ share of administrative costs from 50% to 75% resulting in the need for an additional $50.6 million.

“Tech industry groups seek to speed up ruling on Florida’s social-media law” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — After a ruling last week allowed Florida to begin enforcing a 2024 law designed to prevent children from having access to specific social-media sites, tech industry groups asked a federal appeals court to quickly hear arguments about whether the law violates First Amendment rights. The groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association filed a motion requesting that the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals “expedite” oral arguments and a decision on the constitutional issue. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction in June to block the law (HB 3), agreeing with the industry groups that it likely violated the First Amendment. The state appealed Walker’s decision, and a panel of the Atlanta-based appeals court last week approved a stay of the preliminary injunction.

“Florida Chamber 2020 Census study says state missed $11.4B in federal funding due to miscount” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A new analysis by the Florida Chamber Foundation says hundreds of thousands of Florida residents were not counted during the federal census five years ago, resulting in the state missing out on billions of dollars in federal funding. The Florida Chamber Foundation Undercount Study concluded that the 2020 U.S. Census missed approximately 750,000 residents in the state, costing Florida $11.4 billion. The study provided breakdowns for estimated lost federal funding for each of Florida’s 63 counties. That funding could have been used to support schools, health care, roads and community programs, Florida Chamber officials contend.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Trump returns to gasoline as fuel of choice for cars, gutting Joe Biden’s climate policy” via Lisa Friedman, Maxine Joselow and Jack Ewing of The New York Times — Trump threw the weight of the federal government behind vehicles that burn gasoline rather than electric cars, gutting one of the country’s most significant efforts to address climate change and thrusting the automobile industry into greater uncertainty. Flanked by executives from major automakers in the Oval Office, Trump said the Transportation Department would significantly weaken fuel efficiency requirements for tens of millions of new cars and light trucks. The administration claimed the changes would save Americans $109 billion over five years and shave $1,000 off the average cost of a new car. The Biden administration’s stricter efficiency standards were designed to get more Americans to go electric.

“Pentagon report: Pete Hegseth risked endangering troops with Signal messages” via Shane Harris, Nancy Youssef, Missy Ryan, Vivian Salama and Sarah Fitzpatrick of The Atlantic — Trump-administration officials spent months insisting that national-security leaders hadn’t shared classified information in a Signal chat about U.S. strikes in Yemen. A Pentagon inspector general report now says otherwise, finding Defense Secretary Hegseth shared classified strike-timing details on an unapproved messaging app, creating potential risk to U.S. forces if the information had leaked. The report concludes Hegseth violated Pentagon policy, though he had authority to declassify information, a move his critics say he never justified. Despite the findings, the White House and Pentagon called the report an exoneration. The breach, dubbed Signalgate, exposed uneven standards inside the administration and fueled criticism of Hegseth’s leadership. The House and Senate are also probing a separate alleged verbal order tied to a deadly follow-up strike.

“Roger Stone is selling suits. Just don’t ask him where they’re made.” via Shane O’Neill of The Washington Post — Would you buy a $3,500 suit made by someone with a Richard Nixon tattoo? This is not hypothetical. Stone — who volunteered on Nixon’s re-election campaign at age 19 and eventually got the 37th President’s face tattooed on his spine — has entered the menswear business. His approach to life might be best summarized by a comment he made following his arrest in 2019: “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” Now he’s partnered with a clothing company called Tailor on Tap for a line of formal menswear bearing his name

— ELECTIONS —

Happening today — Former Congressman David Jolly will take the stage in his first joint appearance with former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, joined by leaders from across Florida, to address the affordability crisis that is crushing families across the state. Jolly and Graham will also take questions directly from voters as they discuss how Florida can restore stability and opportunity for working families: 6 p.m., NOVA 535, 535 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street N., St. Petersburg. Media can RSVP in advance with Grayson Kamm to arrange access. Due to substantial advance registrations, the event has reached capacity for the public; no walk-up entry will be permitted.

“James Fishback campaigns on the message that ‘Florida is our home’” via the Florida Phoenix — Florida has been one of the fastest-growing states in the country over the past five years. Now the newest entrant to the 2026 Republican gubernatorial race says it’s time to focus less on bringing in new people and more on improving the lives of those who already live here. “Stop inviting the whole country and the whole world to live here,” Fishback told a packed crowd during the Tampa Bay Young Republicans’ monthly meeting Monday night in Tampa, admonishing U.S. Sen. Scott’s paid aerial banners that flew over New York City this past Summer that read, “Hate socialism? Us too! Move to FL.” “Sen. Scott, we are full. We are done,” Fishback said.

“Ruth’s List Florida backs three local candidates in Sarasota and Palm Beach counties” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Ruth’s List Florida is backing three Democratic women in local races in Sarasota and Palm Beach counties, adding to what the group calls a growing slate of “pro-choice Democratic women” running across the state. The group is endorsing incumbent Sarasota City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch in the city’s at-large race, former Palm Beach Gardens Mayor Rachelle Litt in the Palm Beach Gardens City Council Group 3 race, and former Palm Beach County School Board member Erica Whitfield in the race for Palm Beach County Commission District 2. “These women embody the skill, commitment, and momentum we’re seeing from leaders across the state who are ready to fight for their communities,” Ruth’s List Florida Political Director Haleigh Hutchison said in a statement announcing the endorsements.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“‘Our choice to lead’: Miami Realtors PAC endorses Eileen Higgins for Miami Mayor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The political arm of the Miami Association of Realtors is backing former Miami-Dade Commissioner Higgins for Miami Mayor. RPAC announced its members’ endorsement of Higgins, citing her support for affordable housing and transit efforts at County Hall, which she has vowed to continue if elected Miami Mayor next week. “Eileen Higgins has consistently demonstrated the leadership, integrity, and results-driven approach Miami needs to tackle our housing challenges and support a strong, growing economy,” RPAC Chair Gus Fonte said in a statement. “Her proven record — from affordable housing to transit improvements and permitting reforms that benefit homeowners and small businesses alike — makes Eileen Higgins our choice to lead the City of Miami. We are proud to recommend her for Mayor.”

“‘Intentionally harmful.’ South Floridians react to end of TPS for Haitians” via Milena Malaver and Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald — Farah Larrieux never imagined herself leaving her native Haiti, where she had a successful career as a TV and radio personality. But life in Haiti became too much to handle, with its political instability, corruption and gang violence. She left for Miami in 2005 and built a new life in South Florida. Larrieux is now one of the hundreds of thousands of Haitians who are in an immigration limbo after the Department of Homeland Security announced last week it would end Temporary Protected Status (TPS), for Haitians.

“‘I’m a U.S. citizen.’ Agents pull woman from car in Keys. Feds said she wouldn’t show ID” via Milena Malaver and David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — A woman in medical scrubs who was driving on U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys Wednesday morning was stopped by federal immigration agents and forcibly removed from her car, despite screaming she was an American citizen. About 9:15 a.m. in Key Largo, in front of the Pink Plaza at mile marker 103.4, federal agents stopped the woman driving a white Toyota Corolla and surrounded the vehicle. A video recorded by a Miami Herald reporter shows an agent pulling the woman from her car. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and U.S Border Patrol could be seen. She can be heard screaming as agents attempted to handcuff her.

“Monique Pardo Pope pushed to jail mother who complained about her guardian ad litem work” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Pardo Pope has repeatedly referenced her work as a guardian ad litem while campaigning for the Miami Beach Commission, citing it as proof of her steady temperament and inclination toward public service. Pardo Pope’s practice includes family law, though Miami-Dade County Clerk records show that about 92% of her cases involve collecting debts for banks. Of three cases in which she was appointed as a guardian ad litem, she was discharged from one this year after she asked the court to jail a child’s mother over a series of disparaging emails the woman sent about her to political organizations, the Florida Bar and elected officials.

“Miami becomes the capital of global condo buyers” via Mary Jacob of the New York Post — Foreign buyers now account for 52% of all new-construction condo sales in South Florida over the past 22 months, a surge driven overwhelmingly by Latin America, which makes up 86% of international purchases. Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina lead the wave as political instability abroad and Miami’s reputation as a safe investment draw wealth into the region. The city’s rise is global: Miami now ranks No. 4 worldwide for ultra-wealthy residents and No. 1 for second-home ownership among the super-rich. Even with high insurance costs and interest rates, $1 million still stretches far more in Miami than in Monaco, New York, or London. Most foreign buyers are paying cash, adding rare stability to a heated market.

“District-created Committee opposes some proposals to close Broward schools” via Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The majority of Broward schools targeted for closure next year should stay open, a Boundary Committee tasked with reviewing proposals to the School Board has recommended. The District’s School Boundary Committee, which consists of about 50 members, is asking the School Board to keep open five of eight schools being proposed for closure: Glades Middle in Miramar, Walter C. Young Middle in Pembroke Pines, Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines, North Fork Elementary in Fort Lauderdale and Bair Middle in Sunrise. The Committee did recommend closing three schools during a meeting Tuesday night: Plantation Middle, Sunshine Elementary in Miramar and Palm Cove Elementary in Pembroke Pines. The members of the Boundary Committee included representatives from schools that may face closure or boundary changes, as well as members of District advisory groups.

“Should Florida get rid of its yellow license plate tags? Miami-Dade’s Tax Collector says yes” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez is calling on state lawmakers and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to eliminate the physical yellow registration decal that is currently required on almost all Florida license plates. He said the change wouldn’t eliminate vehicle registration or any requirement to renew annually. It would just do away with the physical sticker, which his office says is “outdated and unnecessary thanks to modern digital verification systems used statewide.” After crunching the numbers, Fernandez determined that Miami-Dade alone would save $2.5 million annually by going fully digital.

“Palm Beach County: Cutting property taxes would seriously impair key services” via Mike Diamond of the Palm Beach Post — The Legislature’s efforts to reduce property taxes drastically statewide would cripple parts of Palm Beach County’s government, wiping out as much as 90% of some areas of its budget, a top official told Commissioners. Property owners would see a considerable decrease in their property taxes. Still, the cuts would limit new road construction and the operation of parks and libraries, and Fire Rescue would struggle to respond to emergency calls on a timely basis. Fire Rescue and the library system could each lose more than 40% of their funding. Chief Deputy County Administrator Todd Bonlarron delivered the news during a Commission meeting on Nov. 25. He discussed how different bills advancing in the Florida House would affect county government operations.

“Billionaire Nelson Peltz fined over unapproved Palm Beach padel court” via Diego Diaz Lasa of The Palm Beach Daily News — Palm Beach has hit billionaire financier Peltz and his wife, Claudia, with a daily fine because officials say the couple built a padel court on their expansive estate without the town’s approval. During the Code Enforcement Board’s November meeting, members unanimously voted to impose a $250 daily running fine retroactive to Oct. 30 until the court is either taken down or approved by the Town Council. That fine stood at $6,750 as of Nov. 25, town records showed. Nelson Peltz, the former Chair of the fast-food chain Wendy’s, co-founded investment firms Trian Fund Management and Trian Partners, which have an office in Palm Beach.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Former Volusia private school teacher sentenced to 135 years for child porn, sexual contact with an animal” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A Volusia County man who taught at a private school was sentenced this week to 135 years in prison after being convicted of possession of child pornography and sexual contact with an animal. David Robert McKeown, 47, was arrested in June by the Holly Hill Police Department after the agency received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). McKeown was a sixth grade teacher at the United Brethren in Christian (UBIC) Academy, a private elementary, middle and high school in Holly Hill. “The abuse and trauma this predator inflicted is sick, and he deserves every moment of this sentence,” said Attorney General Uthmeier.

— LOCAL: TB —

“José ‘Dante’ Sánchez Sanchez calls for increased teacher pay, better roads in HD 64 platform” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Sánchez Sanchez, a U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime community advocate running for House District 64, will run on a platform centered on addressing neglected community issues, including chronic flooding, battered roads and inadequate street lighting. Sánchez Sanchez is seeking the seat currently held by Republican Rep. Susan Valdés, who is facing term limits. Valdés was elected to her seat, and subsequently re-elected several times, as a Democrat. But she switched parties late last year. Now, Democrats are looking to reclaim the seat. Sánchez Sanchez is one of three Democrats vying for the seat. The other candidates are former Tampa City Council member Mike Suarez and Luis Salazar.

“Inside the repaired Trop, a field for Rays will soon be rebuilt” via Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times — The repaired and renovated version of Tropicana Field is taking shape well in advance of the Rays’ planned April 6 return. With the 24th and final panel of the new roof installed Nov. 20, the focus has now shifted to interior work, including the clubhouses, playing field, video boards and fan areas such as seating and concessions. St. Petersburg officials on Wednesday provided the media a glimpse inside the facility, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton in early October 2024 and rendered unplayable for the 2025 season. The Rays instead spent the season at Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field, the Spring and minor league home of the Yankees.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“FSU football made a ‘stealth move to poach’ Lane Kiffin as head coach” via Ehsan Kassim of USA Today Network — Florida State quietly pursued Kiffin before he accepted the LSU job, according to ESPN, which reported the Seminoles made a stealth push while Florida and LSU courted him publicly. FSU continued its behind-the-scenes effort into mid-November but backed off when it became clear Kiffin wouldn’t leave Ole Miss. The school instead announced on Nov. 23 that Mike Norvell would return for 2026 despite a 5-6 record. Landing Kiffin would have required matching his seven-year, $91 million LSU deal and paying roughly $72 million in buyouts for Norvell and his assistants. FSU’s interest wasn’t new, as Kiffin was previously considered during Norvell’s 2023 flirtation with Alabama. The Seminoles have collapsed since their 13-1 season, posting back-to-back losing years.

“Lottery Secretary John Davis gets pay hike as FAMU athletics director” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida A&M University’s incoming athletics director, Davis, will be stepping into the role with a pay boost of over $75,000 compared to what he’s making under his current title as Florida Lottery’s secretary. In a FAMU employment contract obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat on Dec. 3 after a public records request, Davis’ annual salary rate is listed as $250,000. During his time as the 10th secretary of the Florida Lottery – a role he was appointed to by DeSantis in 2020 – his annual salary has been $174,371.

“Beth Sweeny elected Mayor of St. Augustine Beach” via Florida Politics — City Commissioner and Vice Mayor Sweeny will become the next Mayor of St. Augustine Beach after winning unanimous support from her colleagues Monday. Current Mayor Dylan Rumrell nominated her without opposition, setting up Sweeny to begin a two-year term in January. She praised Rumrell as “Mr. St. Augustine Beach” and said he left “enormous shoes to fill,” adding that the role is “a challenge that I look forward to.” Sweeny currently serves as Director of External and Government Relations for Flagler College and previously held key policy roles with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Johns County School District.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Florida targeted Manatee County with DOGE budget audit. Where is the report?” via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — Nearly three months after the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team started its audit of Manatee County, there are still few results to report. On Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners heard an update that the state’s DOGE team wants to use Manatee County’s data as a pilot for a financial audit using artificial intelligence technology. At the meeting, Director of Government Relations Stephanie Garrison said the county has not received any significant updates from the audit. DeSantis announced the DOGE audit during a visit to Bradenton in July, alongside the CFO Ingoglia. At the time, both state leaders said Manatee County Government had been identified as a municipality where leaders made “excessive” spending decisions that outpaced population growth.

— TOP OPINION —

“Republicans are in trouble, but Democrats could blow it” via Marc Novicoff of The Atlantic — Trump carried Tennessee’s 7th District by 22 points in 2024, but Republican Matt Van Epps won last night’s Special Election there by just nine, a troubling sign for the GOP even as Trump declared victory. The margin suggests Democrats can make gains in 2026, but it also exposes the limits of a turnout-only strategy in low-participation contests. Democrat Aftyn Behn, a progressive with a long record of provocative statements, became an easy target for millions of GOP voters in attack ads. Her nine-point loss is an improvement over the District’s presidential baseline, but still weaker than other Democratic Special-Election performances this year.

The race has reignited the party’s internal battle between mobilization and persuasion. Progressives argue enthusiasm alone can offset GOP advantages; moderates counter that voters who show up only occasionally tend to be ideologically similar to swing voters and respond best to mainstream economic messaging, not left-flank culture-war positions.

Behn’s candidacy tested the mobilization theory and showed its limits, even in conditions most favorable to it.

Democrats now face the reality that off-year over-performance doesn’t guarantee Midterm success. Behn won a tiny Primary with just 28% of the vote, edging out Darden Copeland, a centrist who ran on debt reduction and modeled himself after Dick Gephardt. The General Election outcome suggests candidates like Copeland may fare better in Trump-leaning districts.

Heading into 2026, Democrats are well-positioned nationally, but their ability to capitalize may hinge on nominating candidates who can win over the middle, not just energize the base.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“A sickening moral slum of an administration” via George Will of The Washington Post — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces serious scrutiny after reports he effectively ordered the killing of two survivors from a destroyed vessel near Venezuela, a move critics say violates the laws of war and basic morality. His shifting denials, Trump’s muddled defense and the sudden departure of the U.S. Southern Command’s four-star chief have fueled deeper concerns about the administration’s conduct. At the same time, the administration’s chaotic rollout of a Ukraine “peace plan” — drafted primarily with Russian input and presented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with conflicting explanations — underscores a pattern of incoherence. Together, the incidents highlight what critics call a morally adrift government unable to confront external threats or speak truthfully to its own citizens.

“Commissioner — instead of sugar coating hostile corporate takeover, how about supporting Florida public schools?” via Andrew Spar for Florida Politics — Florida’s public schools are straining under decades of policies that have diverted funding, increased workloads and undermined support for teachers, staff and students. The state ranks last in average teacher pay, and most educational staff earn under $35,000, far below the living wage, forcing many to leave the profession or work multiple jobs. These shortages and diminished resources have contributed to declining student performance. Critics say lawmakers have intentionally underfunded public schools while steering tax dollars to unaccountable charter and voucher programs, a trend worsened by a new co-location law that allows corporate-run charters to occupy public school space without sharing costs. They argue that public schools aren’t failing but being failed, urging the Governor and Education Commissioner to invest in students rather than privatization schemes.

“Florida’s ‘Schools of Hope’ law needs to be revisited” via Sally Butzin for the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida’s “Schools of Hope” program lets charter schools move into under-enrolled public campuses while paying nothing for the space, leaving districts to cover utilities, maintenance, insurance, and security. The host schools must also share libraries, cafeterias, gyms, and playgrounds, creating daily scheduling headaches and stripping public schools of stability and identity. Parents and educators warn that co-location deepens inequities, especially when charter schools send special-needs students back to the public school, which must absorb the cost and responsibility. Critics argue the program accelerates a long effort to weaken public education by diverting students and funding. With co-location requests already emerging in Tampa, opponents are urging Sen. Corey Simon to repeal or overhaul the law before it spreads statewide.

“FSU pressuring TMH to sell isn’t the neighborly thing to do” via James McAllister for the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State University promised to fund a $330 million hospital in Panama City Beach, but that commitment has not materialized, leaving Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to cover the costs. The university now appears to be using the unfinished project as leverage to acquire TMH’s main Tallahassee hospital, an approach that threatens the community’s trust and its health care stability. This pattern fits a long history of FSU sidelining partners, from the shuttering of FAMU’s law school to attempts to edge FAMU out of the joint engineering program and redirecting public money for its own projects. Tallahassee deserves a fair, transparent process that begins with FSU honoring its existing promise in Panama City Beach before proceeding with any hospital transfer.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Disney World shares schedule for 2026 ride reopenings” via Dwayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — Walt Disney World has rolled out timeframes for its theme park attractions in 2026, including the return of two popular Magic Kingdom rides and changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The list lacks specific opening dates; we’re in a broader era where the company indicates which season to expect next experiences. “As we continue development on long-term expansions, we’re excited to debut new revitalized experiences across the resort,” WDW President Jeff Vahle said. Disney says its Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen at Magic Kingdom sometime in Spring after “full refurbishments.” The Frontierland coaster has been closed since early January. The loading area has been surrounded by construction walls for months, later joined by the former Rivers of America site.

“Laveranues Coles’ unlikely path from NFL star to Jacksonville police officer” via Dan Pompei of The Atlantic — Former Jets standout Coles has traded his No. 87 jersey for a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office badge after completing nine months of academy training and beginning probation as a new officer. The decision stunned former teammates and friends, but Coles says his difficult childhood, years of abuse and deep ties to Jacksonville shaped a sense of duty that football never could. Despite earning $42 million in the NFL, he chose a demanding, dangerous job that pays $32.92 an hour, driven partly by the example police set for him as a child and the influence of officers who once guided him. Coles hopes his lived experiences, empathy and persistence will help him change lives and restore trust in law enforcement.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy birthday to former U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, Rep. Anne Gerwig, and BayCare Health System Director of Government Relations Jason Rodriguez.

___

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