Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 2.27.26

Good Friday morning.

A new survey suggests Byron Donalds is approaching majority territory in Florida’s GOP gubernatorial contest, even before President Donald Trump’s name is mentioned.

The poll of likely Republican Primary voters shows Donalds at 44% on the initial ballot in a four-way field. His most formidable opponent is “unsure,” followed by James Fishback (5%), Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (4%) and former House Speaker Paul Renner (2%).

In a fragmented Primary, 44% already represents a commanding advantage, and the breakdown of which voters are backing him only strengthens it.

The poll by American Promise, a group directed by Ryan Tyson, shows Donalds with 51% support among self-identified “Very Conservative” voters; 59% among voters who say they watch Fox News “a lot,” and 51% among heavy users of X.

He also sits at 49% among high-propensity “3-of-3” Primary voters and 48% among voters over 55 — groups that, by definition, are reliable and dominate Republican Primary turnout, respectively.

While the findings suggest Donalds is consolidating the party’s base on his own, they also evaluated the impact of Trump’s endorsement. After voters are primed with the information, Donalds jumps 18 points to 62%.

“The race for second may prove to be the most competitive aspect of this Republican primary, especially as the impact of President Trump’s endorsement continues to be undeniable,” the polling memo reads.

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The James Madison Institute’s latest statewide survey reveals that Florida voters are feeling the pressure of rising costs, are concerned about national division and are largely receptive to policy changes regarding property taxes, education, and energy.

The poll indicates that 92% of Florida voters have noticed an increase in their living costs, with insurance (24%) and taxes (22%) identified as the top contributors to housing affordability challenges. Housing supply follows at 19%.

Property taxes, in particular, are becoming a significant issue. More than half of respondents (54%) report paying more to the county tax collector than they did previously and a substantial majority of voters (77%) support some form of reform. This includes 42% who favor moderate changes, 35% who advocate full elimination, and 7% who prefer maintaining the status quo.

In the 2026 Governor’s race, Donalds leads the Republican field with 33% support, followed by Collins at 15% and Renner at 9%; 40% of voters remain undecided. On the Democratic side, former U.S. Rep. David Jolly leads Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, 31%-23%, with 44% uncertain.

Beyond elections, the poll underscores the divided national sentiment. More than seven in 10 respondents believe the country is extremely or very divided, and 44% feel unsafe sharing their political views. However, 73% recognize the ongoing importance of the U.S. Constitution, although this figure drops significantly among voters aged 18 to 34.

Regarding policy, voters express broad support for expanding energy generation (72%) and show strong backing for voter ID requirements (76%). There is also a majority support for education flexibility, with 62% in favor of “unbundling” — allowing home-school students to enroll in individual courses for a fee.

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— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

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— DAYS UNTIL —

‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 2; World Baseball Classic begins — 6; F1 Season Opener — 7; Boca Raton Mayoral referendums and City Council Elections — 11; last day of the Regular Session — 14; The Oscars — 16; March Madness Opening Weekend — 20; ‘Peaky Blinders’ movie premieres on Netflix — 21; Special Election for SD 14, HD 87, HD 51 and HD 52 — 25; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 26; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 26; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 35; NCAA Final Four begins — 36; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 38; ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ sequel series ‘The Testaments’ premieres — 40; The Masters begin — 41; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 47; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 47; First Qualifying Period begins (U.S. Senate) — 52; 2026 Florida Housings Solutions Summit — 54; NFL Draft — 55; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 56; F1 Miami begins — 63; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 84; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 84; Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir’ live-action series with Nicolas Cage arrives on Amazon Prime — 89; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 95; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 101; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 104; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 105; Qualifying Period ends for Federal (U.S. Reps. in Congress), Governor, Cabinet Offices (Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture & Chief Financial Officer), State Sens. (even numbered districts), State Reps., County Offices and Special District Offices — 105; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 112; Florida GOP’s statewide debates for the Primary in its ‘Sunshine State Showdown’ — 119; Mexico will face live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 124; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 127; Primary Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 132; MLB All-Star Game — 137; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 139; Primary Election: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 143; Primary Election: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 160; Primary Election: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 162; Primary Election Day — 172; Yankees host the Mets to mark the anniversary of 9/11 — 196; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 200; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 204; General Election: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 209; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 216; General Election: Deadline to register to vote — 220; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 239; General Election — 249; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 252; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 294; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 294; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 294; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 332; Super Bowl LXI — 352; Tampa Mayoral Election — 368; Jacksonville First Election — 389; Jacksonville General Election — 445; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 463; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 525; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 581; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 658; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 696; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 868; U.S. Presidential Election — 984; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,060; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,384; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,424; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2,115.

— TOP STORY —

“Is the Florida redistricting process delayed — or dead on arrival? Even Republicans aren’t sure” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida is poised to join Trump’s mid-decade redistricting push, but legal challenges and political tensions threaten to derail the effort ahead of a planned April 20 Special Session.

The White House is pressing for a more Republican-friendly map, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled he wants new lines drawn, potentially setting up friction between the term-limited Governor and Trump allies.

Qualifying for congressional races has already been moved to June, but a pending Florida Supreme Court challenge questions whether DeSantis can declare 2026 a redistricting year, raising the risk of court intervention.

Republican strategists are split. Some predict the GOP could gain up to four seats. Others warn that the process could be blocked or backfire in a volatile political climate.

Democrats argue the Governor overstepped his authority, while Republicans counter that adjusting election timelines is routine.

Nationally, several states have already redrawn their maps, intensifying pressure on Florida, the largest holdout.

Potential targets under new lines include Democratic U.S. Reps. Jared Moskowitz, Darren Soto and others, though redrawing could also endanger GOP incumbents.

With retirements and crowded open-seat races already underway, uncertainty over the map is freezing donors and candidates as campaigns brace for a possible last-minute scramble.

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis leans into AI skepticism, seeking a contrast with JD Vance” via Matt Dixon and Henry J. Gomez of NBC News — DeSantis is staking out a skeptical position on artificial intelligence as he weighs his political future, contrasting with Trump, Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have embraced the industry. DeSantis warns that massive data centers could raise energy costs, displace workers and harm communities, and he has pushed for state-level regulations. Polling shows many Americans worry AI will reduce jobs and negatively affect the economy. The White House and pro-AI groups have lobbied against Florida regulations, favoring federal standards instead. Allies say DeSantis sees an opportunity to appeal to voters uneasy about rapid AI expansion and its local impacts.

“White Rose Society honors DeSantis for standing with Jewish community” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — DeSantis accepted the White Rose Award from The White Rose Society, which honors non-Jewish allies who stand with the Jewish community. Founder Linda Selig said the award reflects moral leadership, especially after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The Society’s name references the Weiße Rose resistance movement in Nazi Germany. DeSantis highlighted efforts to rescue Floridians stranded in Israel and cited legislation signed during his tenure addressing antisemitism in public education and on college campuses. Measures include HB 187 and HB 1109, which define antisemitism in state law and enhance security for Jewish day schools. Executive Director Julie Rau said the Society seeks to build a network of advocates committed to confronting antisemitism and supporting Jewish communities.

“Advocates say School of Hope changes aren’t enough” via Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times — The Florida Board of Education voted to revise rules tied to the Schools of Hope law, narrowing which charter schools can co-locate in underused public schools, limiting the number of proposals operators may submit and requiring charters to share some added costs with districts. State officials said the changes respond to concerns raised by local school systems and noted co-location occurs nationwide. Education advocates argue the revisions fall short and are pushing for full repeal, citing unfunded mandates and diversion of public funds. The Florida Coalition for Thriving Public Schools and the Florida Policy Institute criticized the move as incremental. Lawmakers have two weeks left in Session to revisit the issue.

“How Florida property insurers keep secrets from policyholders — with the state’s help” via Ron Hutibise of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Florida property insurers are increasingly using trade secret laws to shield records on rate setting, claims handling and financial relationships, limiting what homeowners and the public can see. Industry-friendly statutes and court rulings have allowed companies to block access to county-level policy data, rate filings, catastrophe models and internal claims documents. A South Florida Sun-Sentinel review found insurers have prevailed in dozens of court challenges over the past 15 years. Critics, including attorney Chip Merlin and some lawmakers, argue the secrecy hides strategies that reduce payouts and undermine transparency in a mandatory market. The Office of Insurance Regulation says it reviews confidential filings but does not decide on trade secret claims. Several bills this Session seek to narrow insurers’ ability to withhold financial and affiliate transaction records.

— BIG BILL OF THE DAY —

“State Senate, House advance Florida data center regulatory bills amid DeSantis concerns” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — The Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 484 on Thursday, advancing legislation to regulate data centers and sending the measure to the House. Lawmakers amended the bill to require economic development agencies to disclose that a proposed data center is planned, while allowing the company’s identity and exact location to remain confidential for 12 months.

Sponsor Bryan Avila said communities must know a project is coming, even if specific details are withheld. The bill passed 37-0, though several Senators voiced lingering concerns about transparency.

The House Commerce Committee advanced FL HB 1007, the chamber’s companion, despite bipartisan pushback. The House version bars data centers within 5 miles of schools or residential areas but allows developers to submit studies showing compliance with emissions and noise standards.

Both bills direct the Florida Public Service Commission to create new electricity rates for large-load customers using 50 megawatts or more and shield other ratepayers from added costs.

DeSantis has warned that data centers could strain water supplies and raise electric bills. Senate President Ben Albritton said the chamber supports the policy.

FL SB 1118, a related disclosure bill, remains on second reading as negotiations continue.

— LEGISLATIVE —

“Florida charts its own course on data centers” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Florida Senate passed SB 484, establishing new restrictions on hyperscale data centers, including limits on nondisclosure agreements and stricter water permitting standards, even as Trump pushes to accelerate federal data center development. The House advanced its companion, HB 1007, despite debate over economic impact, rural tax bases and national security concerns. Supporters cite job creation and billions in projected economic activity, while critics warn construction limits could hinder military installations and push data storage overseas. Business groups have touted major investments like Amazon’s $12 billion Louisiana project. The debate has created unusual political alignments, with progressive lawmakers backing restrictions as Florida Republicans diverge from the White House’s pro-expansion stance.

“House passes citizenship requirements for voting” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times — The House passed legislation that would require voters to verify their citizenship, a move that could result in thousands of Floridians being removed from the rolls. HB 991 would require new voters and those who update their registration to prove their citizenship with a birth certificate, passport or similar federal ID. It would also require the Secretary of State to audit registered voters to check their citizenship status. New driver’s licenses and state ID cards would also be updated to state the person’s citizenship status starting next year. The bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. It still must pass the Senate, where its version has been fast-tracked and is set for a floor vote.

“Unanimous Committee votes propel major anti-domestic violence bills to House floor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Three bills that would significantly strengthen protections against domestic violence in Florida are nearing passage, following unanimous votes to advance them to the House floor. One bill (HB 269) would expand legal protections for dating violence victims by including them in Florida’s address confidentiality program and require a feasibility study on a specialized 911 alert system that is faster, safer and more discreet than what is now broadly available. A companion bill that also advanced (SB 298) would expand public-records exemptions to protect dating violence victims’ confidential address information. The House Judiciary Committee also voted Thursday unanimously for HB 277 by Rep. Debra Tendrich and Rep. Danny Nix. That measure would enhance penalties for domestic violence, strengthen enforcement of protective injunctions, increase victim relocation assistance, and create an electronic monitoring pilot program in Pinellas County.

“House panel supports bill to improve cybersecurity for local governments” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A bill to help protect local governments from cybersecurity threats cleared its final Committee stop and is ready for the full House vote. “We know how slow government procurement can go. But I think with the changes that we’re making to this legislation, we can hopefully get that money out the door faster and have good protection from cybersecurity software for our local government,” said Rep. Monique Miller, sponsor of the bill. Miller also works as an information technology and cybersecurity executive. Miller presented the bill (HB 1085) before the House State Affairs Committee. Under the legislation, the University of South Florida would be the home of the new Local Government Cybersecurity Protection Program. USF’s Florida Center for Cybersecurity would administer the program.

“Police chiefs defend school zone camera enforcement” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Law enforcement leaders defended Florida’s school zone speed camera program during debate on House Bill 543, citing sharp drops in violations and crashes since lawmakers authorized the technology. Robert Bage, president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, told the House State Affairs Committee that Fort Walton Beach has seen a 95% reduction in speed violations and a 50% decline in traffic crashes since partnering with RedSpeed USA. Drivers exceeding limits by 11 mph or more receive citations, with nearly 80% of $100 fines reinvested in schools and public safety. Florida ranks second nationally for pedestrian accidents, and speed factors into half of fatal crashes. Chiefs argued that the cameras change behavior and improve safety for students crossing busy roads.

— MORE LEGISLATIVE —

“Excess DOGE? Or informing the public? House panel debates local government budget bill” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A third and final House Committee advanced a bill that Republicans believe will make local governments more transparent, while Democrats say the measure will add new levels of bureaucracy. The House State Affairs Committee advanced HB 1329 with a 17-6 vote Thursday in the bill’s last Committee stop before going to the full House floor. “Every citizen should be able to find whatever they’re looking for regarding budgets in their cities and counties,” said Rep. Yvette Benarroch, a Marco Island Republican sponsoring the bill. Benarroch framed her bill as important in the ongoing debate over whether Florida should abolish property taxes.

“Bill could allow college, university staff to carry guns on campus” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — Faculty at Florida’s colleges and universities may soon be able to carry guns on campus as part of state lawmakers’ planned expansion of the school guardian program. Lawmakers first created the program after the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in which a shooter killed 17 people, including students and faculty. Under the program, select staff or an employee hired for security can be trained to carry weapons for school defense. State lawmakers this year are moving forward with legislation to expand that program to colleges. The measure is in response to the April 2025 shooting at Florida State University that left two people dead.

“Legislature approves measure easing rules on student volunteers at polling places” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Senate has passed the House version of a bill that would relax rules for students who volunteer at polling places. HB 461, sponsored by Rep. Kiyan Michael, says the ban on privately funded election-related expenses would not bar high school students who are registered or preregistered to vote from voluntarily helping poll workers in exchange for community service hours that apply to Bright Futures scholarships. Students can preregister to vote once they turn 16. The bill would take effect July 1, meaning that eligible students could begin participating in the process during the August Primaries this year if it becomes law.

“Far narrower politics-on-campus bill moves to House floor as its Senate companion sits unheard” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A significantly pared-down version of legislation meant to crack down on hyper partisanship on college and university campuses is bound for a House floor vote after clearing its second and final Committee hurdle. But while the bill (HB 725) appears poised for approval in the lower chamber, its Senate companion remains unheard — imperiling the likelihood it’ll pass this Session unless it’s absorbed into other legislation with more bicameral success. Members of the House Education and Employment Committee voted 19-1 for HB 725, which would require Florida’s public colleges and universities to provide clearer guidance on free speech and political activity.

“House Committee advances evolving local DEI ban” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The House Commerce Committee advanced HB 1001 by Rep. Dean Black, a proposal to bar counties and cities from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, with revisions added through a strike-all amendment. Black said the measure targets “the behavior of DEI” and includes exceptions protecting religious celebrations and Black History Month. The bill defines DEI as efforts to influence workforce composition based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation beyond compliance with anti-discrimination laws. Democrats criticized the proposal as vague and overbroad, with Rep. Michele Rayner and Rep. Felicia Robinson voicing strong opposition. The Senate companion, SB 1134 by Sen. Clay Yarborough, is on second reading, and DeSantis has praised the effort.

“Delighting public safety advocates, Legislature OKs Veterans Treatment Courts expansion” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that aims to expand the state’s Veterans Treatment Courts. The Senate voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 199) from Rep. Patt Maney. Maney is a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council and former judge of the 1st Judicial Circuit. The measure cleared the House earlier this month on a 110-0 vote. The bill would allow courts, working with a multidisciplinary team, to determine eligibility for veterans treatment programs while still requiring judges to consider State Attorneys’ recommendations and a defined set of factors, including the nature of a given offense, the defendant’s history, victim input and treatment resources.

“Legislature passes bill to crack down on party switchers” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — The Florida Legislature has passed HB 91, a measure aimed at preventing last-minute party switching and candidate name changes before qualifying. The Senate unanimously approved the bill on Thursday after House passage a day earlier. The legislation allows courts to remove candidates from the ballot if they switch parties, including to no-party affiliation, less than a year before qualifying, and bars name changes within a year of qualifying, except for marriage or divorce. Lawmakers cited inconsistent enforcement of existing law following a 2022 court ruling involving Rebekah Jones’ congressional run. Supporters say the bill strengthens transparency and prevents abuse. The measure now heads to DeSantis for consideration.

“House floor vote prepped for autism ‘blue envelope’ proposal, but another Senate vote is needed” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A bill to improve police interactions with motorists on the autism spectrum is one vote from passing in the House after clearing its final Committee hurdle this week, though it’ll need to bounce back to the Senate for a final OK. The measure (HB 365), which would establish a statewide “blue envelope” program and require additional law enforcement training, advanced through the House Judiciary Committee with uniform support. But it also was amended to include new language extending the program to all willing Florida residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), not just those behind the wheel of a vehicle. That change means that even with approval on the House floor, the measure would have to return to the Senate, where its upper-chamber companion (SB 418), sponsored by Sen. Shevrin Jones, passed 38-0 last week.

“House to take up bill designed to boost aerospace industry” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The House is now set to take up a bill designed to support the space industry and stay ahead of other states seeking to nab more aerospace contracts. The House Commerce Committee is the latest panel to approve the bill (HB 1177). The measure already cleared two other Committees and now heads to the House floor. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Tyler Sirois, proposed an amendment during the Committee meeting that was approved. It was a technical wording adjustment, but it bolsters the bill’s intent by adding stipulations clarifying that all spaceport hubs are covered. It also “creates a section for economic development of spaceports.”

“Florida history series is close to shouting ‘action’” via Rosanne Dunkelberger of Florida Politics — Supporters gathered at the Historic Capitol to mark the launch of a television adaptation of “A Land Remembered,” with filming set to begin in March and the first two episodes premiering this Summer. Tampa filmmaker Todd Wiseman Jr. secured the rights and helped land a $500,000 state appropriation sponsored by Rep. Danny Alvarez, matched by Film Tampa Bay, toward a projected $25 million first season. Based on Patrick D. Smith’s 1984 Pulitzer-nominated novel, the series will trace the MacIvey family’s multigenerational role in Florida’s growth. Backers say the project will highlight the state’s agrarian roots and produce educational materials. Wiseman has pledged to film in Florida and hire local talent.

— SKED. —

9 a.m.

Joint Revenue Estimating Impact Conference, Room 117, Knott Building.

9:30 a.m.

FL WINS Executive Steering Committee Meeting, The Florida Channel.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“The first couple of a dysfunctional DHS” via McKay Coppins of The Atlantic — Senior Department of Homeland Security officials met privately last Winter to discuss concerns about Secretary Kristi Noem’s relationship with adviser Corey Lewandowski, as the agency faced pressure to execute Trump’s mass deportation agenda. The previously unreported meeting is detailed in Undue Process, a forthcoming book by NBC News reporter Julia Ainsley. The book portrays DHS as internally strained, with Lewandowski, hired as a special government employee, wielding broad influence over policy, contracts and detention strategies despite limited immigration experience. Noem and Lewandowski deny romantic relationships, though reports have fueled tension within the administration. Ainsley describes disputes over detention facilities, contract approvals and leadership dynamics as officials navigated an aggressive immigration crackdown.

“Judge rejects request to block Donald Trump White House from building its $400 million ballroom project” via Michael Kinzelman of The Associated Press — A federal judge rejected a preservationist group’s request to block the Trump administration from continuing construction of a $400 million ballroom where it demolished the East Wing of the White House. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the National Trust for Historic Preservation was unlikely to succeed on the merits of its bid to temporarily halt Trump’s project. He said the privately funded group based its challenge on a “ragtag group of theories” under the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution and would have a better chance of success if it amended the lawsuit.

“In tense deposition, Hillary Clinton denies knowing Jeffrey Epstein or his crimes” via Annie Karni of The New York Times — Clinton denied ever meeting Epstein or knowing anything about his crimes during a more than six-hour, closed-door deposition in front of the House Oversight Committee, which briefly devolved into chaos after a Republican lawmaker leaked a photograph of the proceedings to a right-wing blogger. Clinton arrived to testify under oath at the Center for Performing Arts in Chappaqua, New York, defiant about being compelled to participate in the panel’s investigation into Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019.

“FedEx vows to pass any tariff refunds it gets from the U.S. on to customers” via Megan Cerullo of CBS News — FedEx is pledging to return any tariff costs it charged to customers if the Trump administration refunds the delivery company for the levies. “If refunds are issued to FedEx, we will issue refunds to the shippers and consumers who originally bore those charges,” FedEx said. “When that will happen, and the exact process for requesting and issuing refunds will depend in part on future guidance from the government and the court.” FedEx said it will reimburse customers days after filing a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade demanding that the Trump administration offer a “full refund” of all payments the company made under a set of tariff policies that were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.

— ELECTIONS —

Paul Renner announces Marion County Grassroots Leadership Committee — Renner’s gubernatorial campaign announced the launch of the Marion County Grassroots Leadership Committee, a group of veterans, community leaders, small-business owners, parents, and longtime Republican activists who are supporting the former House Speaker’s campaign. “Successful campaigns are built from the ground up, powered by trusted local voices and personal relationships,” Renner said. “I thank this Committee for their support and look forward to building momentum by taking the Florida First message person by person, block by block, and precinct by precinct.” The Committee includes former Sen. Dennis Baxley, former Rep. Charlie Stone, Marion County Commissioners Craig Curry and Matt McClain, along with a half-dozen local business leaders.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Boat shot by Cuban authorities reported stolen from Florida Keys home: MCSO says” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — The boat the Cuban government says arrived in its waters carrying 10 armed men was reported stolen hours later from the Florida Keys, according to a report from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The Cuban coast guard approached the boat and shot several of the men after taking fire from people aboard, according to a statement from the Cuban government. The firefight happened about one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, off the northern coast of Villa Clara province in central Cuba. The government said all 10 people were armed and opened fire first. Authorities said they found assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms on the vessel.

“Why Palm Beach County is exploring new revenue sources” via Mike Diamond of the Palm Beach Post — Digital billboards, cellphone towers, and school-zone cameras could soon appear on land owned by Palm Beach County. County finance officials, anticipating a move by the state to either eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes, outlined alternative revenue sources earlier this month during a discussion about next year’s budget at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach. No decisions were made, but County Commissioners concluded that many of the ideas had merit but required further exploration before any were implemented. “These are all tools that could be utilized,” said Commissioner Joel Flores. “At the end of the day, we need to do what we need to do.”

“AI data center near Wellington gets icy reception at town hall meeting” via Valentina Palm of the Palm Beach Post — The developer seeking to build a 200-acre AI data center complex off Southern Boulevard plans to reduce the size of the project, dubbed Project Tango, significantly. Those gathered for a town hall meeting didn’t care. The update was met with interruptions and boos from more than 400 residents of Palm Beach County’s western communities who showed up in droves to speak against the AI data center, proposed near the Arden community in Loxahatchee. They said they didn’t want the county to approve the project at all. WPB Logistics LLC, the Atlanta-based property owner, is working with affiliates of The Hartford insurance companies to develop what would be the first data center in an unincorporated area of the county.

“Highland Towers’ $600,000 lesson in Tallahassee politics” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Retirees at Highland Towers in Highland Beach approved a $100,000 drainage stack rehabilitation they were told was code-compliant. They now face a potential $600,000 special assessment after the manufacturer denied a warranty claim, alleging the cured-in-place pipe installation used a non-compliant “gap” method. A proposed clarification to require continuous liners under ASTM standards was denied by the Florida Building Commission despite support from building officials and plumbing experts. Industry groups opposed the change, leaving the state law ambiguous. Lawmakers are now considering SB 1234 and HB 803 on construction oversight. Without a statutory fix, homeowners — not contractors or manufacturers — remain financially exposed when “code-compliant” proves open to interpretation.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Orlando Economic Partnership scrubs Goliath Ventures from website after CEO’s Ponzi scheme arrest” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The Orlando Economic Partnership removed Goliath Ventures from its website after CEO Christopher Delgado was arrested and accused of operating a $328 million Ponzi scheme. OEP had listed Goliath as a “champions” level investor, a designation for contributors of at least $200,000. Spokesperson Laureen Martinez said Goliath joined last year but was inactive and not reengaged. Federal prosecutors allege Delgado used charitable ties and investor events to lure victims, promising high returns through cryptocurrency liquidity pools while spending funds on luxury homes and travel. Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson called OEP’s ties “deeply troubling” and urged an audit. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Delgado with wire fraud and money laundering.

“SeaWorld parent company reports drops in attendance, revenue” via Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel — United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of SeaWorld Orlando, reported declines in attendance, revenue and net income for its most recent fiscal year, which ended in December. “Our fiscal 2025 results did not meet our expectations,” CEO Marc Swanson said. “While the consumer environment was uneven and our results were impacted by negative international tourism trends and volatile weather during certain peak visitation periods, we should have delivered better results, particularly on the cost side of the income statement.” Attendance was down 1.8%, about 21.2 million visitors, for the company. The report does not break out attendance figures for its 13 individual parks.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Two men on boat fired on off Cuban coast were from Tampa” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Two Tampa men were among 10 passengers aboard a Florida-registered boat intercepted amid gunfire off Cuba’s coast, according to Cuban officials. The Cuban government described the episode as a “terrorist infiltration,” saying four people were killed and six detained. Michael Ortega Casanova was killed, and Leo Enrique Cruz Gómez was taken into custody. Both had attended meetings at Casa Cuba de Tampa, an anti-communist group. Cuban authorities said Cruz Gómez was on a terrorism watch list and alleged the boat carried assault rifles and explosives. The vessel was later reported stolen in Monroe County. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Rubio, said they are investigating and have expressed skepticism about Cuba’s account.

“Hillsborough Magistrate under fire over school zone enforcement” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Hillsborough County Magistrate Tom Salantras is under fire after publicly criticizing the county’s school zone speed camera program while admitting he dismissed nearly every violation that came before him in December 2025. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office questioned his neutrality, noting his quasi-judicial duty to remain impartial. The program, authorized by the Florida Legislature in 2023, targets drivers exceeding school zone limits by 11 mph or more, with some violators recorded at 40 mph over the limit. Enforcement data shows speeding drops by more than 90%. The controversy has also revived scrutiny of Salantras’ past, including prior law enforcement terminations, resignations amid investigations and an unsuccessful campaign for Sheriff.

“Pinellas Juvenile Welfare Board is picking a new leader. It’s getting messy” via Alexa Coultoff of the Tampa Bay Times — A top candidate accused of misspending millions. A chief financial officer was quietly placed on leave. Talk of political collusion. Pinellas County’s Juvenile Welfare Board is in the midst of a search for a new CEO after Beth Houghton retired in July. The independent special district, created under Florida law 80 years ago, serves children and families with a budget of roughly $100 million in taxpayer funds a year. In January, the 11-member Board of high-ranking officials and gubernatorial appointees named its top three candidates for the job: interim CEO Mike Mikurak, Manatee County schools Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman and Glenton “Glen” Gilzean Jr., a South Florida native who has been a popular gubernatorial appointee throughout his career. The job application lists the salary range between $200,000 and $245,000.

“Weatherford Capital joins strategic investment in United Soccer League” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Weatherford Capital, a private investment firm based in Tampa and run by former House Speaker Will Weatherford, has joined strategic investment in the United Soccer League (USL), the league announced. Weatherford Capital is adding its expertise and portfolio to lead investor group BellTower. “Weatherford Capital is an ideal partner for the USL,” league CEO Alec Papadakis said. “They bring extensive experience across the sports landscape and a disciplined investment approach. Through their work with leading institutions, teams, and platforms, they understand both the business of sports and its impact in communities and are highly respected and admired in Tampa Bay. Alongside BellTower, their belief in what we’re building reinforces our vision for the league and the path we’re charting for professional soccer in the United States.”

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“PSC retains second law firm for WSRE-TV Foundation federal lawsuit” via Mary Lett of the Pensacola News Journal — Pensacola State College has hired Lawson Huck Gonzalez PLLC as co-counsel alongside Litvak Beasley Wilson and Ball LLP in a federal lawsuit filed by the WSRE-TV Foundation. The foundation, which raises funds for WSRE-TV, alleges the college is attempting to seize its donations and eliminate PBS programming, violating First Amendment protections. The lawsuit, filed in Tallahassee federal court, seeks to keep the nonprofit independent. The dispute follows the Board of Trustees’ 3-1 vote to decertify the foundation and end PBS affiliation by June 30, citing budget shortfalls after losing $1.2 million in federal grants and $370,000 in state funds. The foundation holds more than $5.5 million in assets.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Sarasota protests potential New College takeover of nearby USF campus” via Melissa Pérez-Carrillo of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — About 300 students, alumni, professors, business owners and concerned residents gathered at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to protest a potential takeover from less than a mile away, at New College of Florida. Garrett Shinn, an accounting partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, said about 20% of his firm’s workforce comes from USFSM. Despite attempts to recruit graduates from USF’s Tampa campus, he said it has been difficult to persuade them to relocate to Sarasota. “This university has been a true gem for our community and our business,” Shinn said. “Selfishly, we wouldn’t be where we are today without it.”

“Manatee leader proposes renaming ‘piece of paradise’ after late Commissioner” via Ryan Ballogg of the Bradenton Herald — A Manatee County Commissioner is proposing a special tribute to fellow Board member Carol Ann Felts, who died suddenly this week. Commissioner Amanda Ballard is asking the Board to name a portion of Crane Park, a community gathering place in Felts’ home of Myakka City, after the late Commissioner. The park offers a playground, picnic shelters and views of the Myakka River in rural East Manatee County. Last year, Commissioners voted to buy land to expand the park to around 40 acres, where the county plans to restore wetlands along the river and improve public facilities. “We hadn’t had a lot of county facilities out east until this type of purchase,” Felts said at the time.

Better Together to host fifth annual Night of a Million Dreams Gala on Feb. 27 — Better Together – a nonprofit based in Southwest Florida that unites churches, employers, and neighbors to build a volunteer-powered safety net to support Florida families in need – will have its fifth annual Night of a Million Dreams gala on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET, at the Tiburón Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. With the theme “Made to Flourish,” the evening will honor what’s possible when we come together to nurture our neighbors and help families grow strong. All proceeds from the gala will go toward Better Together’s programs across the state to support its mission of helping parents find employment and provide a loving, safe, and supportive foundation for their family and children. To learn more, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/gala.

— TOP OPINION —

“Trump said the right things on AI data centers, but Florida better follow DeSantis” via the Miami Herald editorial board — Artificial intelligence is here to stay, but so are the concerns about the massive data centers that power it. These facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, threaten to strain local grids and have sparked backlash in communities nationwide. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates data centers could use up to 9% of the nation’s electricity by 2030.

Trump said during his State of the Union address that tech companies will be required to build their own power plants, so consumers do not shoulder higher energy costs. That principle makes sense. Ratepayers should not subsidize hyperscale infrastructure.

Still, details of those federal arrangements remain unclear, and Trump has pushed for uniform national AI standards, discouraging state-by-state regulation.

When it comes to siting and utility impacts, however, DeSantis is right to seek state oversight. Guardrails are not a ban. They are a quality-of-life measure.

Sen. Avila’s SB 484 would require large power users to cover their own costs and prohibit nondisclosure agreements that keep residents in the dark. It also preserves the local planning authority. The House proposal includes a buffer between schools and homes.

With projects like Palm Beach County’s proposed Project Tango drawing opposition, lawmakers should act now. Past tech revolutions showed that waiting invites consequences.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Proposed tax break would be great for millionaires, bad for communities” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — The Florida House approved HJR 203, a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate most non-school property taxes on homesteaded properties beginning in January 2027, pending voter approval in the November General Election. Supporters frame it as relief for homeowners facing rising costs. Critics warn that the estimated $18.3 billion annual loss to local governments would force cuts or higher tax rates on renters and small businesses. The measure bars reductions in funding for law enforcement, firefighters and first responders, limiting local budget flexibility. Democrats opposed the bill, except Leonard Spencer. The proposal has no Senate companion and may be addressed during a Special Session. Opponents argue the tax shift could strain services and disproportionately impact low-income residents.

“Arming Florida’s professors means more fear and more campus shootings” via Alda Balthrop-Lewis of the Tampa Bay Times — It’s been nearly a year since a 20-year-old walked onto the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee and started firing a pistol he had taken from his stepmother. When the shooter started firing, I was a few hundred yards away, in a class of 12 undergraduates who were delivering their final presentations. I was a pre-Columbine kid, so I had no idea what to do, but my students did, having been drilled in school all their lives. They pushed the podium against the door, turned off all the lights, and gathered in the corner farthest from the door while I leaned against the podium. A bill is currently moving through the legislature that would allow college professors and other school staff to carry guns on campus and serve as so-called “guardians.” The idea that college professors could do the job of the police is an insult to law enforcement.

“Boost EASE to cut costs, expand opportunity” via Albert Mosley for Florida Politics — Florida leads the nation in higher education rankings and maintains the lowest public university tuition, but that affordability comes at a high cost to taxpayers. An efficiency study by the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida finds the state spends $15,129 per student annually to subsidize in-state tuition at public universities. By contrast, the Effective Access to Student Education grant provides $3,500 per student for equivalent degrees at private, nonprofit institutions. Public subsidies also exclude major operational costs that taxpayers cover at public institutions. Expanding EASE would allow Florida to educate more students at a lower cost while strengthening workforce pipelines in high-demand fields. Lawmakers should prioritize cost-effective investments that protect taxpayers and broaden educational opportunities statewide.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: An AI and infrastructure panel with Dr. Susan MacManus breaking down the political impact of AI and WFTS’ Michael Paluska tackling water, utilities and environmental strain, plus Dr. Bo Kabala on election integrity and whether ICE could show up at the polls, energy expert Jay Young on why gas prices are climbing regardless of what happens with Iran, and financial strategist Steve Cotton answering the big question — do tariffs actually work?

Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show provides viewers with an in-depth look at politics in South Florida and other issues affecting the region.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: A discussion regarding HBCUs in Florida and educational opportunities for Black American students. Joining Walker are State Rep. Gallop Franklin and Marva Johnson, president of Florida A&M University.

Political Connections on Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday show is now a joint weeknight show airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG: Gary Yordon speaks with Rep. Allison Tant.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Dr. Sean Freeder of the UNF Public Opinion Research Lab, Nate Monroe of The Tributary and Rick Mullaney of Jacksonville University’s Haskell Public Policy Institute join the program for a roundtable on Florida politics and public policy.

This Week in South Florida with Glenna Milberg on Local 10 WPLG: The big news of the week and the newsmakers are on Sunday at 11 a.m.

— ALOE —

“Netflix backs out of bid for Warner Bros., paving way for a David Ellison takeover” via Lauren Hirsch, Michael M. Grynbaum and Benjamin Mullin of The New York Times — Netflix has withdrawn from its $83 billion agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, declining to counter a $111 billion bid from Ellison’s Paramount Skydance. Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said the deal was no longer financially attractive, calling it a “nice to have” at the right price. Warner deemed Ellison’s revised offer superior, giving Netflix four business days to respond. Instead, Netflix walked away, sending its shares up nearly 10% in after-hours trading. The potential sale faces regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and Europe. Ellison, backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison, now appears poised to control Warner Bros., HBO and CNN, pending antitrust approval.

“Tampa International Airport announces divisive new dress code rule banning this popular travel outfit” via Lara Walsh of InStyle — Tampa International Airport sparked social media buzz after posting a tongue-in-cheek announcement on February 26 declaring a ban on pajamas at the airport. In an X post, the airport said “we’ve seen enough. We’ve heard enough,” calling out daytime sleepwear as the next fashion “crisis” after jokingly touting a prior effort against Crocs. The campaign appears more playful than enforceable, as officials did not outline penalties or formal rules. Airports typically do not impose dress codes, though many airlines require passengers to be “properly clothed,” barring offensive attire or bare feet. Tampa’s message framed the move as a cultural shift rather than a mandate, urging travelers to “say no to pajamas” while keeping the tone light.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today is U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Angie Nixon, our fellow Nole Ryan Duffy of U.S. Sugar, our dear friend, former Rep. and now Pinellas Commissioner Kathleen Peters, Logan McFaddin, our former colleague Mitch Perry, and Kathleen Rohrer. It would have been former St. Petersburg City Council member Bill Dudley’s birthday. The ‘Burg misses his leadership.

___

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