Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.27.26

Good Friday morning.

Jon Maples expected to run in November with House GOP blessing — If (or, more likely, when) Maples files for the General Election in House District 87, he will have artillery support from the House GOP. Sources close to the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee — the chief campaign arm for Republican state House campaigns — told Florida Politics that the committee will stand firmly behind Maples if he mounts another campaign. Maples was the Republican nominee in the Special Election earlier this week, narrowly losing to Democratic nominee Emily Gregory. While the result energized Florida Democrats, whose struggles up and down the ballot have only intensified during the Ron DeSantis Era, holding onto the Palm Beach County flip will take a herculean effort if the deep-pocketed FHRCC wades into the race.

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St. Pete voters haven’t heard of incumbent advantage, according to a new poll of the Mayor race.

The survey, conducted by St. Pete Polls, shows Charlie Crist out front in what’s looking to be a crowded race to lead the Sunshine City.

The former Governor and U.S. Representative is the pick for nearly a quarter of those polled, with incumbent Ken Welch four points back at 19% — just inside the poll’s 4.2 percentage point margin of error.

In a head-to-head, Crist’s advantage notches up by a point, 36%-31%. The other third is undecided, with less than five months until the Aug. 18 election.

Crist has not formally entered the race, though speculation has pointed to a run for months. He’s currently expected to announce a campaign sometime in April.

While he’s been mulling a bid, several other contenders have thrown their hat in the ring — City Council member Brandi Gabbard, Maria Scruggs, former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large and former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf.

Thus far, none are showing any traction with voters. Among that set, Gabbard polls highest at 6%, and would lose a one-on-one against Welch 32%-24% if the election were held today.

The poll, conducted March 25-26 by St. Pete Polls, surveyed 538 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

The St. Petersburg Municipal Election is scheduled for August, with a November runoff to follow if no candidate secures a majority.

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“Under Live Local, communities must engage to shape projects or risk being left out entirely” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A growing number of development proposals across South Florida are being shaped not by local planning Boards or community meetings, but by a powerful state law that is rapidly changing how growth happens at the neighborhood level. Under Live Local, projects can receive administrative approval without public hearings, Advisory Board input, or votes from local elected officials, effectively overriding community zoning decisions and eliminating what many residents consider meaningful engagement. And developers are taking notice. Across Fort Lauderdale, several major proposals are moving forward under Live Local, particularly in areas where prior projects faced strong neighborhood opposition. In many cases, developers who once sought community input are now opting to bypass that process entirely.

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

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

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

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

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—@ACYN: Trump: I think I did very well with the gay vote, OK? I even played the gay national anthem as my walk-off. No Republican got the gay vote like I did. Perhaps it’s because I’m from NYC.

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— DAYS UNTIL —

New season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 7; NCAA Final Four begins — 8; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 10; Handmaid’s Tale sequel series ‘The Testaments’ premieres — 12; The Masters begin — 13; Jonah Hill’s ‘Outcome’ premieres on Apple TV — 14; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 19; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 19; First Qualifying Period begins (U.S. Senate) — 24; 2026 Florida Housings Solutions Summit — 26; NFL Draft — 27; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 28; F1 Miami begins — 35; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Dutton Ranch’ premieres — 49; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 56; new mission for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run premieres at Disney World — 56; Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir’ arrives on Amazon Prime — 61; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 67; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 73; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 76; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 77; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices — 77; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 — 79; Flag Day — 79; President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday — 79; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres — 84; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates — 91; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 96; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 99; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 104; MLB All-Star Game — 109; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 111; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 115; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 126; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 132; Early voting period begins — 134; Primary Election Day — 144; 2026 NFL regular season kicks off — 166; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 167; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 168; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 172; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 176; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 181; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 188; General Election voter registration deadline — 192; Early Voting General Election begins — 211; General Election — 221; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 224; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 266; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 266; untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 266; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 304; Super Bowl LXI — 324; Tampa Mayoral Election — 340; Jacksonville First Election — 361; Jacksonville General Election — 417; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 435; ‘MIAMI VICE’ reboot premieres — 497; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 497; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 553; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 630; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 668; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 791; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 812; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 840; U.S. Presidential Election — 956; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,032; Avatar 4 premieres — 1,356; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,396; Avatar 5 premieres — 2,087.

— TOP STORY —

“AG James Uthmeier tells NFL to end ‘Rooney Rule’” via Nicolas Villamil of the Tampa Bay Times — Attorney General Uthmeier is escalating his campaign against diversity policies, this time targeting the National Football League over its long-standing Rooney Rule.

In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Uthmeier demanded the league stop enforcing the rule for Florida teams, arguing it violates state law. He set a deadline for May 1, 2026, for compliance.

“The Rooney Rule and its offshoots are illegal in Florida,” Uthmeier wrote, calling the policy a form of prohibited discrimination based on race and sex under the Florida Civil Rights Act.

The Rooney Rule, adopted in 2003, requires teams to interview minority candidates for top positions. It has since expanded to include executive roles and women, with current rules requiring at least two diverse candidates for key openings.

Uthmeier also criticized related NFL initiatives, including the Coach and Front Office Accelerator Program and the Mackie Development Program, which aims to increase diversity in leadership pipelines.

His challenge comes amid broader state and federal efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including actions backed by Trump and DeSantis targeting DEI spending and policies.

Uthmeier warned that failure to comply could trigger civil rights enforcement, framing the issue as one of merit-based hiring, while signaling a potential legal clash between Florida officials and the NFL.

— STATEWIDE —

“Byron Donalds says GOP must ‘redouble efforts’ after Special Election debacle” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Donalds, a Republican candidate for Governor, said his party must refocus on traditional campaign strategies following recent Democratic wins in Florida Special Elections. Speaking in a campaign-circulated interview, Donalds emphasized voter outreach and turnout, saying text messages and television ads alone are not enough. He urged Republicans to avoid internal disputes he described as “podcast wars” and instead prioritize direct engagement with voters. His comments came after Democrats Brian Nathan and Emily Gregory won legislative races in Senate District 14 and House District 87. DeSantis, who did not weigh in directly on the results, said candidates who diverge from his approach could face challenges in future Primaries and General Elections.

“Spring Break, honeymoons, golf trips: Ron DeSantis believes free Cuba could be American playground” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis said Cuba could see significant economic and tourism growth if it transitions to a government that respects rights and the rule of law, describing the island as having strong long-term potential. Speaking on Wednesday in West Palm Beach, DeSantis said a future Cuban government aligned with the United States could create new opportunities for travel and investment. He added that people connected to Cuba, including exiles, should help rebuild the country locally rather than migrate to the U.S. DeSantis also addressed Venezuela, saying the removal of Nicolás Maduro could be a positive step but cautioned that the country’s future remains uncertain depending on how a new government operates.

“‘Who knows how all this stuff evolves?’: DeSantis coy on future political plans, warns 2026 will be tough for GOP” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis said he is not committing to another presidential run, emphasizing uncertainty in national politics and saying conditions can shift quickly. DeSantis said it would be premature to make firm plans, noting how rapidly issues evolve. He acknowledged Republicans face challenges heading into the Midterm Elections, describing the environment as difficult but manageable. DeSantis also said congressional Republicans have produced limited legislative results despite holding majorities, urging more action to improve public perception. He warned that political momentum can change quickly and suggested that candidates who diverge from his policy approach may struggle with voters. DeSantis made the remarks during a public appearance at the DeSantis Family Chapel.

“Leaked ICE documents show feds earmark $149 million for law enforcement agencies” via Syra Ortiz Blanes and Garrett Shanley of the Miami Herald — The Trump administration appears to have allocated some $149 million to dozens of law enforcement agencies across Florida for participating in immigration enforcement partnerships to round up undocumented immigrants across the state. The ledger, obtained by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein and attributed to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, does not immediately make it clear whether the money has been disbursed or whether the figures are preliminary numbers from the federal government.

“Immigrant advocacy group backs Sheriffs’ call for reform, opposes expanded enforcement deals” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A statewide immigrant advocacy group is backing Florida Sheriffs who recently called for a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement. In a letter published this week, the We Are Florida Coalition expressed support for comments made during a recent State Immigration Enforcement Council meeting, where several Sheriffs urged policymakers to move beyond sweeping deportation strategies. The coalition, organized by the Florida Immigrant Coalition and comprising more than 50 community organizations, faith groups and advocacy networks, said the Sheriffs’ remarks reflect the need for “protection-based solutions grounded in human dignity,” including opportunities for undocumented immigrants to regularize their status.

“New schools could be joining Florida’s college accreditation shake-up” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida university officials are advancing plans to launch the Commission for Public Higher Education, a new accreditor aimed at competing with traditional regional bodies. The Board of Governors approved a resolution allowing other state systems to join CPHE’s corporate structure, a key step toward national expansion. Jason Jewell said the group is making steady progress toward seeking U.S. Department of Education recognition, now targeting Fall 2027. Founding partners include systems in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. New members must contribute at least $2.35 million. CPHE is expected to finalize its membership framework by May and hire a CEO by July, as leaders push back against existing accreditors criticized by DeSantis and Trump.

“Florida relegates sociology to elective status at state universities” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — State university officials voted Thursday to remove sociology as a general education course for Florida colleges, relegating the subject to elective status starting this Fall. Chancellor Ray Rodrigues recommended the move after faculty objected to a new state-created textbook, saying sociology has become ‘social and political advocacy dressed in the regalia of the academy.’ The Board of Governors approved the change in Pensacola, with Kimberly Dunn and one other member dissenting. Dunn warned the removal was premature and said sociology builds the skills graduates need. The action follows a 2024 decision to drop sociology as a core course amid efforts by the DeSantis administration to restrict ‘woke’ content in higher education classrooms. Rodrigues also criticized faculty resistance and warned that schools risk potential funding penalties.

“Marion Hammer allegedly tosses water, profanity at attorney during hearing” via Lee Williams of The Gun Writer — Former NRA President Hammer became combative during a recent deposition tied to her lawsuit against the organization, with allegations she used profanity and acted aggressively toward attorney Brian Hayden. According to Law360, Hammer told Hayden, “You think you’re God. And I think you’re an asshole,” and is accused of throwing water and attempting to knock over his coffee — claims she denies. The NRA is seeking dismissal, arguing she “willfully obstructed the deposition” and engaged in “physically aggressive conduct.” Hammer pushed back, saying, “They worked me to death and didn’t pay me,” and alleging mistreatment. At 87, she is pursuing lawsuits in Florida and Virginia over unpaid compensation and contract disputes.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump says he’ll sign order to pay TSA agents as Congress struggles to reach funding deal” via Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking of The Associated Press — Trump said he would sign an emergency order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks. Trump announced his decision in a social media post, saying he wanted to quickly stop the “Chaos at the Airports.” “It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!” Trump posted. With pressure mounting, the White House had floated the extraordinary move of invoking a national emergency to pay TSA workers while Senators reviewed a “last and final” offer to end the funding impasse that has jammed airports and disrupted travel.

“U.S. Treasury plans to put Trump’s signature on new paper currency in first for sitting President” via Fatima Hussein of The Associated Press — The U.S. Treasury Department announced plans to include Trump’s signature on all new paper currency, marking a departure from the long-standing practice of featuring only the Treasury Secretary and U.S. Treasurer. Officials said the change is tied to commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s signature also remaining on the bills. The move follows other efforts to recognize Trump, including a newly approved commemorative gold coin bearing his image. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will manage production. The decision drew criticism from some Democrats, who questioned the timing amid rising consumer costs and broader economic concerns facing Americans.

“Trump administration begins investigations into three medical schools” via Michael C. Bender and Alan Blinder of The New York Times — The Trump administration has launched civil rights investigations into admissions practices at Stanford University, Ohio State University and the University of California, San Diego, expanding its scrutiny of higher education. The Justice Department is seeking extensive applicant data and internal communications, with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stating the probe will focus on “possible race discrimination in medical school admissions.” Officials warned that schools must comply or risk disruptions to federal funding. Universities said they follow existing laws, with Ohio State asserting it is “fully compliant.” The investigations, not prompted by complaints, reflect a broader push by Trump to challenge diversity policies and reshape how civil rights law applies to admissions.

“Mike Johnson, conservatives get FISA briefing at White House” via Kate Santaliz of Axios — House Speaker Johnson is struggling to secure support for reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act as conservative Republicans demand stricter limits. During a White House briefing, Freedom Caucus members pushed for warrant requirements, with Rep. Mark Harris saying, “We’ve got to continue to protect the Fourth Amendment.” Johnson, backed by Trump, is advocating an 18-month extension, arguing the surveillance tool is essential. “It’s a very important tool to keep Americans safe,” Johnson said, warning that added restrictions would be “unworkable.” House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan expressed confidence, saying, “It will be fine,” but divisions within the GOP leave uncertainty over whether Johnson can pass the measure.

“House Ethics panel declines delay for Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s Ethics trial” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A House Ethics Subcommittee refused a request to put off a legislative trial for U.S. Rep. Cherfilus McCormick. An attorney for the Miramar Democrat had asked for delays to protect her right to remain silent and to allow counsel proper time to prepare. William Barzee, who is also representing Cherfilus-McCormick in criminal proceedings, noted he has only been on the House Ethics case for a matter of weeks. “I need to set up interviews. We need to work on the case. We need to go through the documents and prepare responses,” Barzee said. “None of that has been done, not really. We did our best in 2 or 3 hours to put something together.” At one point, he said the legal team still needed to understand the legitimate reasons money originally given to Trinity Health Care Services, a public health company founded by Cherfilus-McCormick, ended up in her possession. He challenged the accusations in a House Ethics report, saying they were illegally funneled to her campaign.

“Dan Newlin’s nomination as Colombia Ambassador pulled — will Trump renominate him?” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — More than a year after he was first tapped, the nomination of Trump-supporting Orlando lawyer Newlin as Ambassador to Colombia appears to be in peril. Newlin, the owner and CEO of his own law firm and a former Orange County Deputy Sheriff, never received a hearing in the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which has been slow to act on many Ambassador posts. On Jan. 3, the first day of the second Session of the 119th Congress, Newlin’s nomination was sent back to Trump under Senate rules that all nominations not finalized must be returned if the Senate adjourns for 30 days. To be considered again, Newlin would have to be renominated.

— ELECTIONS —

“Trump said he voted by mail in Florida because he ‘should be’ in D.C. He cast his ballot from Palm Beach.” via Irie Senter of POLITICO — Trump said he voted by mail in Florida’s Special Elections, citing his duties in Washington, telling reporters, “I felt I should be here instead of being in the beautiful sunshine.” Trump, a frequent critic of mail-in voting, added, “I decided that I was going to vote by mail-in ballot because I couldn’t be there.” However, records show Trump was in Palm Beach when he requested and returned his ballot, during a period when early in-person voting was available. Defending his decision, Trump said, “We have exceptions for mail-in ballots … so I used a mail-in ballot.” A White House spokesperson called the issue “a non-story,” despite Trump previously labeling the practice “mail-in cheating.”

“Citing Special Election ‘history,’ Shevrin Jones goes all in for David Jolly” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Jones is endorsing Jolly for Governor following two Special Election victories this week that saw Democrats flip Republican seats. Jones said those wins suggest potential trouble ahead for Republicans in the November Midterms. “Florida just made history. We showed that by being united and mission-focused, working families can once again be the tip of the spear in shaping our future. A Democrat just flipped Trump’s own backyard — and in Hillsborough County, a vastly outspent Democrat flipped a seat by less than 400 votes. That’s not a fluke. That’s a Florida that is waking up,” Jones said.

Happening today — Gubernatorial candidate Jay Collins is scheduled to speak at the Highlands County GOP Heartland Voter Event, where he will meet with local voters and deliver remarks as part of his campaign outreach. The event features Collins, a decorated Green Beret and current Lieutenant Governor, as he continues engagement efforts across the state. Interested and credentialed media must RSVP at [email protected] in advance. The appearance is part of a broader effort to connect with voters ahead of the upcoming election cycle. 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m., 8475 Sparta Rd, Sebring.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Ex-School Board member accused of stealing public money to face trial in April” via Milena Malaver of the Miami Herald — A public corruption case filled with allegations of luxury trips, secret tracking devices and a fake pregnancy is set to reach its end as the trial for former Miami-Dade School Board Vice Chair Lubby Navarro is slated for early April. Judge Miguel de la O set the trial to start on April 7. Navarro, 50, was arrested in 2024 following a monthslong investigation into her use of district-issued credit cards. Prosecutors allege that over the course of 2022, she spent up to $100,000 on personal expenses — money that was intended to support public education. She has pleaded not guilty. According to investigators, the charges included a mix of routine retail purchases and more lavish spending.

“Broward commits up to $2M to sponsor the 2026 FIFA World Cup” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Seven games of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament will be held in South Florida, none in Broward County, but that didn’t stop the County Commission from including its name among the sponsors of the largest event in the sporting world. The Commission voted 8-0 in favor of up to $2 million in sponsorship for the World Cup, part of which will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami-Dade. Alina Hudak, President and CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 Miami Host Committee, told Commissioners that sponsoring the World Cup would be a wise decision given how much the event will do for all of South Florida, not just Miami-Dade.

“Construction worker dies on site of company Times investigated” via Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Another construction worker has died on a state project built by Archer Western, a road-building company that has a history of putting its employees at high risk. Just before 4 a.m. Monday, the man fell from the overpass of Interstate 395, landing 20 feet below onto Biscayne Boulevard, according to Lt. Alex Camacho, a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol. The man died at the scene. The state highway project at that site is being built by a joint venture between two companies, Archer Western and The de Moya Group. Archer Western had eight of its employees die from 2016 to 2023 — giving it a fatality rate more than double the construction industry average, a Tampa Bay Times investigation found last year. All but one of the deaths were in Florida, and at least three of the victims were undocumented immigrants, the Times revealed.

“A post-election Boca Raton looks ahead to ‘a shared vision’ for the city” via Abigail Hasebroock of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Boca Raton is welcoming a new era of city leadership — after voters recently rejected a redevelopment measure and selected many new faces to join the City Council. When the new Council is sworn in this Tuesday, City Manager Mark Sohaney sees it as an “opportunity for a reset.” “It’s an opportunity for new faces and new leadership and new ideas to come forward,” Sohaney told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Post-election, the city still has a need for new government facilities and a new police headquarters — and city officials have a plan to address it, he said. To Sohaney, the goal is for everyone to be well-informed and up to speed on city business.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“U.S. Justice Department sues SeaWorld Orlando over rolling walker ban” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — The U.S. Department of Justice sued SeaWorld Orlando’s parent company, alleging that its theme parks’ ban on “rollator walkers” discriminates against guests with disabilities, including children and veterans. The department’s civil rights division filed the lawsuit in Orlando federal court against United Parks & Resorts Inc., which owns or licenses theme parks across the United States, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The department launched an investigation into the parks in November, questioning why “rollators,” a type of walker with wheels on its legs, a seat and a handbrake, were banned starting that month. The parks said they imposed the ban because of safety concerns, noting that other mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and electric scooters, were still allowed. But the change sparked outrage among some parkgoers, who said the other devices weren’t medically appropriate for them and were costly to rent at SeaWorld and the other parks.

“Puerto Rican parade in peril as organizers blast Orlando over costs” via Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — The Florida Puerto Rican Parade celebrates its 10th anniversary in April, but its leaders said the event may not happen in 2026 due to what they called an unfair hike in costs and fees by the city of Orlando. An anti-DEI bill set to be signed by the Governor may further hamper the parade. Parade leaders and organizers asked for donations to pay the city an estimated $53,000 to host this year’s parade along a roughly one-mile loop near Lake Eola. That number includes $28,000 for police, $7,000 for EMTs, $3,000 for parking meters, $7,000 for cleanup, $7,000 for a traffic plan and $1,000 for other permits, they said.

“Brevard County tourism grants get new rules” via Tyler Vazquez of Florida Today — Brevard County’s Tourism Development Council (TDC) changed its guidelines for marketing support for cultural events after a unanimous vote. The change in guidelines is intended to ensure that any events receiving grant money from the TDC meet certain standards to avoid the potential misappropriation of county funds while also increasing flexibility for events to use grant funds for specific needs. In addition to formal documentation guidelines, applicants for tourism grants will have to verify that no registered sex offenders will be employed at their events, in accordance with county code.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Siblings indicted after explosive found at MacDill Air Force Base” via Dan Sullivan and Katelyn Ferral of the Tampa Bay Times — Federal prosecutors have obtained indictments against two siblings in an investigation of an explosive device that was found near the entrance to MacDill Air Force Base. An indictment accuses Alen Zheng, 20, of attempting to damage government property and making and possessing an improvised explosive device. He is accused of planting the device at the MacDill visitors center. A separate indictment accuses Ann Mary Zheng, 27, of evidence tampering and being an accessory after the fact in Alen Zheng’s case. Alen Zheng has not yet been arrested. He is believed to be in China, Kehoe said. He and his sister were said to have fled there in the days after the device was planted at MacDill. Both are American citizens.

“Questions grow after Tampa police assistant chief Ruth Cate is fired” via Georgia McCarthur of WFLA — Questions are continuing to grow one day after a high-ranking leader within the Tampa Police Department was fired. Assistant Chief Cate, a nearly 30-year veteran of the department, was terminated by Police Chief Lee Bercaw. Officials have said Cate did not meet expectations for her role but have not specified what those expectations were. The lack of details surrounding her termination is raising concerns among people who have worked with her and those familiar with the department. Steve Michelini, a governmental relations consultant who represents the South Howard Business Alliance, said he has worked with Cate for nearly two decades and called the situation unusual.

“Brandi Gabbard calls mayoral race a ‘critical crossroads’ for St. Petersburg” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — City Council member Gabbard is calling the 2026 mayoral race a “critical crossroads” for St. Pete, and is asking for voter support this year over incumbent Mayor Welch and (potentially) a well-funded Crist. In a campaign email, Gabbard said she brings a more deliberate, forward-looking approach. “We deserve leadership that does more than just react to the challenges of today — we need a Mayor who will proactively plan for the realities of tomorrow. That is why I am officially running to be your next Mayor,” Gabbard wrote. Gabbard is among a growing field of candidates looking to unseat Welch, including former St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large, former Shore Acres Neighborhood Association President Kevin Batdorf, and perennial contenders Paul Congemi and Scruggs.

“Ground broken on St. Petersburg Fire Rescue station” via Michael Connor of St. Pete Catalyst — After years of planning, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue representatives joined city leaders Wednesday to break ground on Fire Station No. 2. The approximately $8 million facility, at 6560 26th Avenue N., will replace the existing Fire Station No. 2. It will have two bays, a fitness room, decontamination room, bunker gear storage, showers and cubes for every firefighter, Fire Rescue district chief Michael Lewis told the Catalyst. Additionally, the over 8,700-square-foot building will have a larger kitchen and dining room. The property will also have coverage for the station’s engine, which responds to medical and fire emergencies. Previously, the asset was subjected to the “elements.” A need for an additional unit in West St. Petersburg was “identified” in the mid-2010s. Lewis explained that “there was not enough time to build a new station” to address the demand. Fire Rescue leaders opted to find a temporary location that could be utilized for “three to five years while the build process occurred.”

“Rays file first construction plans for Tampa ballpark” via Emma Behrmann of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The Tampa Bay Rays are seeking approval to prepare the Hillsborough College site for redevelopment before a stadium financing deal crosses the Hillsborough County Commission dais. The Rays filed an application for an environmental resource permit with the Southwest Florida Water Management District on Wednesday, which is often the first step in the approval process for ground-up construction. The Major League Baseball team has yet to secure about $1.15 billion in funding from Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa. The Rays’ leadership has said public financing is critical to their plans. Funding could go to a vote before county and city leaders on April 15 and 16, respectively.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“It’s official: Richard McCullough gets 3 more years as FSU president” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — McCullough couldn’t help but get emotional after the Board of Governors approved a contract extension to keep him at the helm for three more years. Fighting back tears and taking a few seconds to pull himself together, McCullough expressed his gratitude for the support of his team and for being favored to continue the presidential role — a job he described as “an honor of a lifetime.” The Board of Governors’ vote comes after the FSU Board of Trustees approved the extension at a Feb. 25 meeting. McCullough — who took over the president’s post to lead FSU in August 2021 — is currently under a five-year presidential contract that expires August 31, and the three-year contract will extend it to August 2029.

“Visit Pensacola declines to renew Darien Schaefer’s contract” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — The Visit Pensacola Board voted unanimously not to renew CEO Schaefer’s contract that was set to expire on Sept. 30. Visit Pensacola Board Chair Sterling Gilliam told the News Journal that the Board felt it was in the best interest to go in a new direction and Schaefer will stay on until an interim CEO is appointed. “Darren has been very gracious to stay on as the president until we find an interim director,” Gilliam said. “The Board agreed that keeping Darren to the end of his contract in September was unfair to him. The executive committee will take on the task of finding an interim president and CEO until we can conduct a nationwide search for an expert in the field.” Gillim repeated comments he made at the Board meeting that the decision was not a “firing” of Schaefer.

“Federal ruling on UF case deals blow to state law limiting faculty dispute appeals” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A federal court has ruled in favor of University of Florida faculty, restoring their right to arbitration in workplace disputes. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker found that a key provision of a 2023 Florida law conflicts with federal law and cannot be enforced against the United Faculty of Florida’s UF chapter and its members. The ruling preserves arbitration rights guaranteed under the union’s collective bargaining agreement. At issue was SB 266, which was sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall, passed by the Legislature and signed by DeSantis. The law, in part, barred faculty from appealing employment decisions on tenure, promotion, discipline, termination and other issues after a university president weighs in on the matter. The law explicitly prohibited arbitration, replacing it with a process critics described as one-sided.

“Gainesville High teacher to appear in court over ‘dictator’ award” via Chelsea Long of The Gainesville Sun — Lauren Watts is set to appear in court on May 27 after Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas refiled a complaint against Watts in February. A Leon County judge dismissed his initial complaint, citing a lack of due process. Kamoutsas’ initial administrative complaint against Watts was filed on Aug. 21, 2025, the day after the student’s mother, Crystal Marull, accused Watts at a state Board of Education meeting of nominating her son for the superlative. The complaint accused Watts of violating state laws related to professional conduct and being “guilty of gross immorality.” Watts already received a one-day unpaid suspension and is required to complete sensitivity training.

“Clay County nonprofit expands crisis services to Putnam County” via Beth Reese Cravey of The Florida Times-Union — Clay County Rescue Mission, which provides housing and resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, has expanded to neighboring Putnam County. Available services include rental assistance, housing support, food and security programs, utility assistance and transportation services. “Too many individuals and families face barriers to basic needs,” Executive Director Amy Houston said. “Expanding our services allows us to reach those who need it most — right where they are.”

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“National Association of Police Organizations backs Jim DeNiro’s bid for Sarasota County Commission” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is endorsing DeNiro’s bid to unseat District 4 Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder during the GOP Primary. Founded in 1978, NAPO represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, amounting to over 241,000 sworn officers nationwide. NAPO President Michael “Mick” McHale said DeNiro’s leadership was forged during a decades-long law enforcement career. “Jim DeNiro has spent a lifetime serving others and protecting the people of Sarasota County,” McHale said in a press release. “His deep public safety background, tireless work ethic, and willingness to step into difficult situations without hesitation make him exactly the kind of leader voters can trust on the County Commission.”

“Bonita Springs City Council approves land purchase for BERT trail” via J. Kyle Foster of the Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News — Bonita Springs joined Collier County and the Village of Estero in agreeing to sign a deal with Trust for Public Land (TPL) to buy land from Seminole Gulf Railway for the first phase of the trail — 11.4 miles, starting in North Naples, near Wiggins Pass Road, and running north through Bonita Springs and Estero. The Bonita Springs segment is 5.8 miles at a cost of $28.6 million; Estero’s is 4.1 miles for $19.8 million; and Collier County’s segment is about 1.5 miles for $11.6 million. The $60 million price tag is more than $10 million less than what TPL initially negotiated with Seminole Gulf Railway in 2024.

“Stone crabbers file suit as thousands of traps cut loose in SW Florida” via Chad Gillis of Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News — Vinent Montella is a stone crab and grouper fisherman who lives part-time in St. James City, and he’s part of a lawsuit filed against Lee County, the City of Bonita Springs, Weeks Marine Inc., Dawn Services and Patriot Marine. The lawsuit was filed by Montella and several other area stone crabbers, who, together, are seeking $236,000 in damages. More lawsuits may be on the way. Stone crab traps are set out here each October, and they soak in local waters until the following Spring. But this season, a special beach renourishment project related to repairing some of the destruction from Hurricane Ian … But, the execution of the project, the lawsuit says, resulted in a major loss to local fishermen.

— TOP OPINION —

“Critics have a new way to describe the Trump administration” via David Graham of The Atlantic — Critics of Trump increasingly describe his leadership as a “regime,” reflecting rising concern about the direction and stability of American democracy.

The term has gained wider use among journalists, academics and political commentators, often implying authoritarian tendencies or a departure from traditional constitutional governance.

Writers such as Michael Tomasky and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich argue the label captures what they see as a governing style driven by power and personal authority rather than institutional norms.

Still, the term “regime” remains loosely defined and is frequently used as a political critique rather than a precise analytical concept, complicating its application in the U.S. context.

Political scientists generally define a regime as the rules shaping how leaders gain power and govern, often marked by personalization and informal influence structures beyond formal institutions.

Some scholars cautiously support applying the term to Trump, citing perceived erosion of democracy and the concentration of authority, while others warn that it risks exaggerating the situation.

Despite the debate, the resilience of American institutions, ongoing public dissent and upcoming elections suggest the constitutional system continues to function, even under significant political strain.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“A turning point in the Iran War” via Shane Harris of The Atlantic — Trump is signaling a desire to de-escalate conflict with Iran as escalating attacks threaten global energy markets and economic stability. An Iranian strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facility cut export capacity by 17%, risking $20 billion in annual losses and disrupting nearly a fifth of global LNG supply. The damage could take years to repair, raising fears of a prolonged energy crisis. Trump’s shifting rhetoric, including threats and temporary reprieves, has fueled market volatility. Energy officials warn the crisis rivals major shocks of the 1970s and 2022. Shortages are already affecting countries worldwide, while disruptions to fertilizer and helium exports raise concerns about broader economic and supply-chain fallout.

“How can America be so miserable when it’s so rich?” via David French of The New York Times — The U.S. economy has grown significantly over the past 25 years, outperforming other developed nations and raising overall living standards. More Americans have moved into upper-income brackets, while poverty rates have declined. However, many people remain dissatisfied with their financial situation. This disconnect is partly due to how wealth is distributed and spent. Higher-income households now drive a large share of consumer spending, influencing markets to cater to more expensive goods and services. As a result, everyday experiences — such as housing, travel, health care, sports and entertainment — increasingly reflect tiered pricing. This dynamic can leave middle-income households feeling excluded, even as their absolute wealth has grown compared with previous generations.

“Tallahassee asks: What affordability crisis?” via John Hill of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida lawmakers ended the Legislative Session with little progress on easing the state’s affordability crisis, despite widespread voter concern over rising housing, insurance and utility costs. Instead, the Legislature advanced policies aligned with DeSantis’ priorities, including expanded authority over “terrorist groups,” restrictions on diversity efforts and tighter voting rules. Efforts to lower property taxes, regulate insurance practices and address utility rates largely failed or stalled. Polls show affordability is the top issue for Floridians, with many considering leaving the state due to high costs. Critics argue that gerrymandered districts and special interests influence reduce accountability, leaving voters disconnected from policy outcomes and key economic concerns unaddressed.

“Network of shelters for troubled children represents a positive national model” via Stacy Gromatski of The Washington Times — The “Sunshine State” is a shining example of many wonderful things: a thousand-mile coastline with pristine beaches, world-famous theme parks, and best-in-America hurricane preparedness. A lesser-known superlative is our state’s proven safety net for children and families in crisis: The Florida Network of Youth and Family Services. Responding to a developing crisis before it becomes an ongoing catastrophe is crucial, and it is what we do every day. Our dedicated mission at the Florida Network is to protect vulnerable children and preserve families. Our providers offer shelter, counseling, and family skill building.

—WEEKEND TV—

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Dr. Susan MacManus and Yacob Reyes examine how Florida’s political and cultural influence is reshaping the nation, Vincent Curry breaks down a slowing housing market and what comes next, Ben Siegel reports on shutdown-driven disruptions from Washington, and Paul hits Tampa streets for unfiltered public reaction.

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 centered on National Nutrition Month, focusing on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and access to healthy foods. Walker speaks with State Rep. Danny Alvarez and Maureen Hawkins, Health and Hunger Strategies director at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

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 Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Government law attorney Chris Hand.

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

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Launch spotted from Cape Canaveral could be another hypersonic missile test” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — Reports of a mystery rocket seen launching from Cape Canaveral on Thursday could be another hypersonic missile test for the Department of Defense. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security had posted navigational warnings earlier this week with air and maritime space-keep-out zones, similar to those from previous hypersonic missile tests launched from the Cape. The most recent was in April 2025, when, in a joint Army and Navy operation, the long-range hypersonic weapon “Dark Eagle” was launched from Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Express Canvassing snags spot on Gator 100 — Express Canvassing, a national grassroots political firm, has been named to the University of Florida’s 2026 Gator100, which honors the fastest-growing businesses led by UF alumni. The company is led by co-founder Austin Marquette, who earned a master’s degree in mass communications from UF. Under Marquette’s leadership, Express Canvassing has expanded its operations nationwide, working with political candidates across more than 30 states. The firm also served as a sponsor of this year’s Gator100 event, with official rankings scheduled for April 10. “The University of Florida played a major role in shaping who I am,” Marquette said. “There were a lot of long days and lessons learned along the way. This recognition means a great deal to me.” View the full 2026 Gator100 honorees list here.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Today would have been Bob Levy‘s birthday. We miss you, my friend. Celebrating today are Alexandra Glorioso, Joni James, and Jarred Torres.

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