Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.20.26
Good Monday morning.
Capital City Consulting is adding to its ranks, announcing that Matt Floyd has joined the firm as a partner.
Floyd brings a background in government affairs across both the public and private sectors. He most recently held roles with The Mosaic Company and Port Tampa Bay, where he worked on policy, stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts in Tallahassee and beyond.
“Our firm has consistently set itself apart from others in the industry by relentlessly working on behalf of our clients, and a key part of that is having a team that is a step above the rest,” said co-founder Nick Iarossi. “I know that Matt will be a seamless addition to the firm and an asset to our clients.”
Co-founder Ron LaFace added, “Matt is an exciting new addition to our firm and will focus on serving clients in the Tampa Bay and Tallahassee markets. Matt knows how to navigate complex issues and build meaningful relationships to deliver results. I have no doubt that Matt will hit the ground running, strengthening our firm and helping to advance our clients’ goals.”
Floyd, a past Florida Politics “30 Under 30 Rising Stars” honoree and former USF Bulls QB, also worked as a legislative aide to former Sen. Dana Young. At CCC, he will bolster the Top 3 firm’s foothold in the Tampa Bay market while also serving clients in Tallahassee. He bolsters the firm’s deep bench of advocates in the Tampa Bay area and will also assist in the Tallahassee region.
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Lauren Book is on the move! Over the weekend, the Walk reached North Florida with strong community support. Today, Lauren continues prevention education efforts with students in Gainesville before the team prepares for the Panhandle swing. Follow along, watch LIVE, or register to walk at LaurensKidsWalk.org!
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🏠 — Housing policy meets reality in St. Pete: The Florida Policy Project’s third annual Housing Solutions Summit takes place Wednesday at the James Museum of the American West, bringing together lawmakers, developers, and policy experts for a substantive housing conversation. With Florida struggling to close the gap between income and housing costs, this aims to turn policy papers into actual units. Founder Jeff Brandes focuses on accountability and outcomes, not just ideas, with an agenda that includes financing, zoning, supply constraints, and data-driven solutions. Expect a strong push for smaller lots, more flexible zoning, and market-driven fixes that can scale statewide. Read more here.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship and a Freighter from the United Kingdom. That wasn’t nice, was it? My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations. Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it. They’re helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million Dollars a day! The United States loses nothing. In fact, many Ships are headed, right now, to the U.S., Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to load up, compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be “the tough guy!” We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL, it will be my Honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years.
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—@JimRosicaFL: The @ABCWineSpirits in midtown Tallahassee, torn down and replaced by a new store in 2017, now is undergoing a complete inside remodel. It’ll remain open during the work, with aim to be done by start of football season. The Florida-based chain turns 90 this year.
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— DAYS UNTIL —
Florida Housing Solutions Summit — 2; NFL Draft begins — 3; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 4; Special Session on redistricting begins — 8; F1 Miami begins — 12; ‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ premieres on Disney+ — 22; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Dutton Ranch’ premieres — 25; French Open begins — 31; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 32; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 32; Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir’ arrives on Amazon Prime — 37; Rafa Nadal documentary ‘Rafa’ premieres on Netflix — 39; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 43; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit — 44; ‘Masters of the Universe’ premieres — 46; ‘Cape Fear’ series premieres on Apple TV — 46; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 49; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 52; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 53; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices — 53; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 — 55; Flag Day — 55; President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday — 55; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres — 60; ‘Supergirl’ premieres — 67; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates — 67; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 72; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 75; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 80; MLB All-Star Game — 85; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 87; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 91; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 102; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 108; Early voting period begins — 110; Primary Election Day — 120; NFL regular season kicks off — 142; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 143; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 144; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 148; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 152; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 157; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 164; General Election voter registration deadline — 168; Early Voting General Election begins — 187; General Election — 197; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 200; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 214; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 242; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 242; untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 242; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 280; Super Bowl LXI — 300; Tampa Mayoral Election — 316; 2027 Oscars — 328; Jacksonville First Election — 337; Jacksonville General Election — 393; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 411; ‘MIAMI VICE’ reboot premieres — 473; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 473; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 529; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 606; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 644; 2028 Oscars — 685; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 767; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 788; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 816; U.S. Presidential Election — 932; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,008; Avatar 4 premieres — 1,332; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,372; Avatar 5 premieres — 2,063.
— TOP STORY —
“House, Senate getting ‘closer’ on top-line spending figures, but big gaps remain” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida lawmakers appear to be inching toward a budget deal, but deep divisions remain as negotiations drag on past the regular Legislative Session. State Sen. Ed Hooper said Friday the House and Senate are “closer” to agreeing on top-line spending, a key step before drafting a final budget.
The Republican-controlled chambers adjourned in March without passing a spending plan for the second straight year, underscoring persistent disagreements over priorities and overall spending levels.
During the Session, the Senate approved a roughly $115 billion budget, compared to the House’s $113.6 billion proposal. Hooper said the Senate has since significantly reduced its position, while criticizing the House for not adjusting its numbers.
House budget chief Lawrence McClure pushed back, saying he does not recognize the figures Hooper cited and noting the two have not spoken directly since March 13.
Major sticking points remain, particularly funding for economic development, transportation, and environmental and agricultural programs. Everglades restoration — a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis — is also a key source of tension.
Lawmakers face a July 1 deadline to pass a budget, but negotiations must first produce agreed-upon allocations before the appropriations process can begin.
A final deal may require an extended Special Session, adding to an already contentious year marked by internal disputes, public criticism among GOP leaders and ongoing pressure from the Governor to reach an agreement.
— 2026 —
“Byron Donalds brings ‘Defending the Florida Dream Rally’ to Pensacola” via John Blackie of the Pensacola News Journal — Republican gubernatorial candidate Donalds held a “Defending the Florida Dream” rally in Pensacola, drawing supporters to The Fish House as he continues to build momentum in the 2026 race. The event featured remarks from Donalds and local leaders, including Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, and highlighted Donalds’ outreach in the Panhandle. Photos from the rally show Donalds engaging supporters and family members, underscoring a campaign focused on grassroots energy and regional visibility as the field for Governor begins to take shape.
Happening today — Donalds will make a Sarasota stop on his Defending the Florida Dream Tour, highlighting his campaign message and engaging local supporters as part of a broader statewide push, with media access available upon RSVP via [email protected] or [email protected]: 11:30 a.m., Raffurty’s Bar and Grill, 1888 Main Street, Sarasota.
“Jay Collins says if he were dropping out of the Governor’s race, he’d come out and say it” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Lt. Gov. Collins is pushing back forcefully against rumors he plans to drop out of the Governor’s race, calling the speculation “nonsensical” and insisting his campaign remains active and competitive. Collins said he would publicly announce any exit, emphasizing, “I’m in this to win it,” while highlighting an aggressive campaign schedule that included more than 50 events in a single week. Still, his candidacy faces clear headwinds, including limited fundraising, largely driven by a single donor, low polling numbers and the absence of an endorsement from DeSantis. Collins argues that increased voter engagement will shift momentum, maintaining that he is uniquely positioned to succeed DeSantis despite mounting skepticism.
Unforced errors pile up for James Fishback — The Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections hit a PAC tied to Fishback with a $150 fine after its Q1 treasurer’s report was filed three days late, according to an April 14 notice sent to Florida First PAC Chair Emma Wright. The report was due April 10 but wasn’t submitted until April 13, automatically triggering the penalty, with 20 days to pay or appeal. The filing itself was minimal — just four donors — but the optics aren’t great. Layer on a separate financial stumble, with Fishback failing to claim a homestead exemption on his personal residence for multiple years, and it starts to look like a pattern of missteps at a moment when campaigns typically aim to project discipline. (H/t to Mark Glaser).
“In Orlando, David Jolly promises insurance, education reforms” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Former U.S. Rep. Jolly, now running for Governor as a Democrat, framed Florida as economically strained and politically fatigued during an appearance in Orlando, arguing voters are ready for a shift after years of GOP leadership. Speaking in rival Jerry Demings’ backyard, Jolly outlined sweeping proposals, including a state-run catastrophic insurance fund that would remove hurricane coverage from the private market and reduce premiums significantly. He also pitched a decade-long overhaul of public education, funded in part by tourism dollars, alongside investments in health care, housing and social services. Jolly criticized current immigration policies and state leadership but acknowledged DeSantis’ caution on artificial intelligence, while expressing confidence Democrats can compete statewide in 2026.
—”Jolly says he can rally both Democrats and frustrated Republicans to turn the state blue” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics
Kudos for showing up! — “In Tampa, James Uthmeier faces critical inquiries before bipartisan Tiger Bay crowd” via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times — In a cavernous Ybor City dining hall, Uthmeier stood before a bipartisan crowd Friday and faced a battery of critical questions — about the Hope Florida scandal, about his hefty university teaching salary, and his position on LGBTQ+ rights. “I believe in the rule of law,” he said. “My job is to enforce the law.” Uthmeier, who is running to keep the office to which he was appointed last year, was the featured speaker in a lunchtime meeting of the Tampa Tiger Bay Club. The gathering of civic leaders, politicians and politicos grilled the state’s chief legal officer on a range of controversies.
“José Javier Rodríguez calls Uthmeier the ‘most corrupt Attorney General we’ve ever had’” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A Democrat seeking to oust Uthmeier says Uthmeier has turned the statewide office into political theater instead of fighting for everyday Floridians. “My opponent is the most corrupt Attorney General we’ve ever had … and he’s the least independent we’ve had,” Rodríguez said. “The job is not to be the Governor’s personal lawyer. The job is to be an independent advocate for the people of the state.” Also in attendance at the Tiger Bay panel was Democrat Jolly, who is running for Governor. If elected as Attorney General in November, Rodríguez said his priorities include lowering residents’ electric utility rates, bringing insurance relief, protecting the minimum wage and going after bad corporate landlords.
— STATEWIDE —
🧩— Redistricting push fades as reality sets in: DeSantis had been hinting for months that Florida would jump into the national redistricting battle, but now it looks like things are stalling. There’s a lot of legal uncertainty and political risk involved. The Governor was relying on a U.S. Supreme Court decision that would make it easier to change protections for minority districts, but that hasn’t come through yet, leaving lawmakers stuck. A planned Special Session was canceled once, and even though there might be another one, insiders aren’t too hopeful anything significant will come out of it — especially since there’s no draft map and no one is really in charge of the process. Consultants are questioning whether a redraw would even help politically, especially after the recent Special Election results showed it’s a tougher environment for Republicans, plus Florida’s Fair Districts rules make things even trickier legally. Bottom line: the push for new district lines is losing steam, and there’s growing doubt that it will happen at all. More here.
“Ron DeSantis admin hits Florida city over hyperscale data center proposal” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — The DeSantis administration is escalating its opposition to a proposed hyperscale data center in Fort Meade, warning the project is “fundamentally flawed” despite local approval. Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly criticized the plan’s projected economic benefits, lack of key permits and potential strain on water and energy resources, raising concerns about long-term impacts on residents. The Polk County City Commission unanimously advanced the project following public opposition, though approvals remain contingent on regulators, including the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which must sign off on water use that could reach 50,000 gallons daily. State officials also flagged unresolved utility cost issues and environmental permitting gaps, signaling that the project faces significant regulatory hurdles and ongoing scrutiny.
A society should be judged not by how it treats its outstanding citizens but by how it treats its criminals — ‘“Beatings and pepper bombs: Conditions worsen at Alligator Alcatraz, detainees say” via Garrett Shanley and Churchill Ndonwie of the Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau — Detainees at the Everglades immigration facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” describe worsening conditions marked by alleged abuse, inadequate food and limited medical care, according to accounts from families, attorneys and advocates. Reports include late-night beatings, the use of pepper spray in confined spaces and unsanitary living conditions, with detainees citing weight loss, illness and restricted access to communication. While state and federal officials maintain the facility meets detention standards and deny claims of mistreatment, recordings, complaints and interviews suggest ongoing gaps in oversight and care. Members of Congress and advocacy groups have raised concerns, calling for investigations and greater accountability as scrutiny intensifies over the treatment of immigrants held at the remote site.
“Florida colleges join state universities in downgrading sociology” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — The Board of Education has voted to remove introductory sociology from general education requirements at state colleges, making it an elective and aligning policy with earlier changes in the university system. The decision, backed by state education leaders including Anastasios Kamoutsas and supported by DeSantis, reflects ongoing efforts to curb what officials describe as ideological bias in coursework. Critics argue the move diminishes a key discipline that helps students understand social systems and behavior. The change stems from broader higher education reforms targeting diversity, equity and inclusion. The Board also advanced the Florida Advanced Course and Test program, expanding state-developed college-level courses as alternatives to Advanced Placement offerings.
“Florida sits on millions in unspent funds for disability care while thousands wait via Craig Patrick of Fox 13 — Thousands of Florida children and adults with severe developmental disabilities are qualified to receive home-based services but wait years for the support to arrive. In previous years, Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has attributed the multi-year backlog to a lack of dedicated funding. However, state financial records reveal a massive rolling surplus of $456 million in unspent funds allocated for home-based services. According to Jim DeBeaugrine, who directed the agency under former Govs. Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist, with the federal match combined, the unspent total reaches approximately $1.06 billion.
“Developer-backed law continues to hamstring local planning” via John Kennedy of USA Today Network — After striking out with the Legislature and having legal challenges scaled back by a court, opponents of a developer-backed law freezing local planning decisions are facing a grim reality. The restrictive measure has derailed everything from major planning changes to small-scale measures like neighborhood limits on roosters and tree-protection ordinances. And it’s likely to stay on the books for a while. “We’ve tried with the courts. We tried lobbying during the Session. We’ve tried to ignore it and move forward with impact fees and other items. None of that worked,” said Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse, a Republican frustrated by the actions of the GOP-dominated Legislature.
— MUST-READ OUT OF D.C. —
“D.C. police sought to arrest Cory Mills after assault call, records show” via Paul Schwartzman and Kadia Goba of The Washington Post — Body-camera footage and newly released documents show that U.S. Rep. Mills was on the verge of arrest by Washington, D.C., police in February 2025 after a woman accused him of assault, adding a significant layer of scrutiny as he pursues re-election.
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an alleged domestic incident, where the woman presented visible injuries, including bruises on her arms and marks on her face, which were documented by police on the scene.
The responding officer indicated there was probable cause for an arrest under D.C. law, which generally requires officers to detain a suspect in cases involving alleged domestic violence and physical injury.
However, the situation shifted after the woman appeared to speak with Mills by phone and subsequently recanted elements of her initial account, offering alternative explanations for the injuries, including prior activities.
A supervising lieutenant then instructed officers to classify the case as a “family disturbance,” effectively halting the arrest despite the responding officer’s disagreement and concerns about the decision.
The following day, police reversed course and sought a warrant for Mills’ arrest, but the request was ultimately denied by then-interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, leaving no charges filed.
The incident is now part of a broader House Ethics Committee investigation into Mills, which also examines alleged gifts, campaign finance questions and other personal conduct matters he has denied, as legal and political pressure continues to intensify around his tenure.
—“As sexual misconduct allegations rock Congress, some push for new rules” via Anna Liss-Roy and Mariana Alfaro of The Washington Post
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Donald Trump’s approval rating hits second-term low as Americans sour on the economy and Iran war” via Ben Kamisar and Bridget Bowman of NBC News — Trump’s job approval rating has sunk to a new low as Americans express growing concerns about rising costs and the war with Iran. Overall, 37% of adults approve of Trump’s performance as President. In comparison, 63% disapprove — including 50% who said they disapprove strongly — putting his job rating at the lowest point of his second term in NBC News Decision Desk polling. Two-thirds of respondents also disapproved of Trump’s handling of inflation and the Iran conflict. While the President still commands the overwhelming support of his base, Republican support softened compared to the last Decision Desk poll conducted in late January and early February. In the new poll, 83% of Republicans gave Trump a positive approval rating, down 4 points from earlier this year. And the share of Republicans who strongly approve of Trump’s job performance has dropped 6 points, from 58% to 52%.
“Trump approval plummets among Latino voters — except in Florida, new poll finds” via Natalia Jaramillo of the Orlando Sentinel — Latino voters across the country — a surprising part of Trump’s coalition in 2024 — are now extremely dissatisfied with the President and his policies, a new poll shows. But that is not so much true in Florida, where Cubans remain a bastion of GOP support. In a nationwide survey of Latino voters conducted by Florida International University’s Latino Public Opinion Forum, 67% of respondents disapproved of Trump and nearly the same amount said the country is on the wrong track, with three major concerns rising to the forefront: cost of living, immigration and health care costs. Trump’s net approval rating among Latino voters is negative 36 percentage points, the survey found.
“Trump loyalist being dispatched to lead DOJ’s controversial probe” via Alexander Mallin of ABC News — The Justice Department is set to dispatch Joe diGenova — a Trump loyalist attorney who assisted Trump’s failed legal effort to overturn his 2020 Election loss — to help lead a controversial investigation targeting Trump’s perceived political foes. The installation of diGenova follows the removal of a top career prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Southern Florida, Maria Medetis Long, from the politically charged probe, after sources told ABC News she had expressed concerns about a rushed effort to bring criminal charges against former CIA Director John Brennan. DiGenova served in the 1980s as the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., but hasn’t served as a prosecutor for decades and, in recent years, has been a vocal ally and confidant of Trump. In frequent media appearances, diGenova has echoed many of Trump’s grievances — including conspiracy theories — about the investigations targeting the President, dating back to his first term in office.
Pam rocks! — “Pam Bondi market bullish even after Trump pushed her out as AG: Her ‘potential is unlimited’” via Geoff Earle of the New York Post — Former U.S. Attorney General Bondi is preparing a return to the private sector following her abrupt April exit from the Department of Justice, with allies saying her earning potential remains strong despite controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, is expected to rejoin her prior law firm, pursue corporate Board roles and leverage her extensive network tied to Trump. Supporters describe her as well-connected and positioned for lucrative opportunities, even as questions linger about her tenure and potential congressional testimony. While House investigators still seek her appearance over the Epstein matter, Bondi’s next chapter appears focused on capitalizing on her political and legal experience in high-level advisory and lobbying roles.
— MORE ELECTIONS —
“House Democrats buy ads spotlighting gas prices and targeting four Florida incumbents” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is launching a new Spanish-language digital ad campaign targeting several Florida Republicans over high gas prices, expanding its battleground strategy ahead of November. The ads focus on U.S. Reps. Carlos Giménez, Laurel Lee, Cory Mills and María Elvira Salazar, marking the first time this cycle that the DCCC included Giménez’s district. The effort follows comments from Hakeem Jeffries about broadening the electoral map after recent Special Election wins. The ads, part of the “Our Power, Our Country” initiative, feature gas pump imagery blaming incumbents and aim to reengage Latino voters, a key demographic the party hopes to win back after shifts toward Republicans in recent elections.
“Watchdog blogger accuses Keith Gross of being part of franchise scheme hurting Florida veterans” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Business blogger Sean Kelly, through his initiative Franchise Truth For Veterans, has publicly accused Florida congressional candidate Gross of involvement in a franchise scheme that allegedly defrauds veterans. Kelly’s “GrossInjustice” campaign claims that Gross, a Republican running for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, benefited from predatory business models like DonutNV. Gross has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that he has no ownership in the flagged brands and that his law firm’s involvement is limited to representing an unrelated client suing Kelly for defamation. The candidate characterizes the accusations as a retaliatory personal attack intended to exploit his political profile. Despite the high-profile nature of the claims, Kelly’s fundraising efforts for the investigation have reportedly seen little financial traction while Gross continues to maintain a significant campaign fund.
💰— CD 27 cash race tightens quickly: Fundraising reports in Florida’s closely watched battleground show incumbent Salazar still leading, but not without caveats. While she raised $451K last quarter, more than half came from committee transfers rather than direct donor support — something strategists monitor closely. On the Democratic side, Robin Peguero and Eliott Rodriguez are already in striking distance, with Rodriguez posting $312K in just weeks. With big-name donors, local power players, and even a celebrity cameo or two appearing in reports, this Primary is shaping up to be competitive — and expensive — much earlier than expected. More here.
—”John Rutherford surpasses $500K raised for congressional re-election” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—”Jessica Baker brings in $20K for HD 17 re-election as Democratic challenger, who doesn’t live in the district, sees fundraising flatline” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—”Kim Kendall now at over $140K raised for re-election campaign” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—”Sam Greco stretches advantage over cash-strapped Democratic opponent in HD 19” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Ex-model, arrested by Aventura police and deported, causes White House stir” via Julie K. Brown and Grethel Aguila of the Miami Herald — In 2023, Amanda Ungaro, a Brazilian model who was brought to the United States on Epstein’s plane when she was 16, was trying to build a new life in South Florida with her teenage son, far removed from the modeling world she had grown up in New York. Two years later, Ungaro, 41, was bound in handcuffs and thrown into an immigration detention center in Miami-Dade, where she spent three months of misery before being abruptly transported to Louisiana and then deported back to Brazil.
“Billionaires want more private schools. So they’re building their own.” via Deborah Acosta of The Wall Street Journal — Not long after real-estate developer Jeff Greene moved from California to this exclusive Florida enclave, he noticed something sorely lacking: private school openings for all the wealthy families streaming in. So, the billionaire set out to create his own pre-K through 12th-grade campus. At the private Greene School in West Palm Beach, students have two teachers per class and continue with school activities until they are summoned to line up for dismissal in a precision-timed digital queue. The property feels more like a tech campus than a stuffy private school, with classes in 3D printing and another with flight simulators. One group of students is building a small airplane from scratch, which they say will be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. In other ways, the campus resembles a Summer camp with a tennis academy and sailboats.
“Coral Gables voters face final days to decide eight charter amendments in all-mail election” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Coral Gables voters have just days left to return ballots in a citywide, vote-by-mail election that will decide eight proposed changes to the city’s charter, including a closely watched plan to shift municipal elections to November. Ballots must be received — not postmarked — by 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, and can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections office in Doral. There are no polling places or early voting sites. As of last week, more than 7,000 residents — about 23% of eligible voters — had already cast ballots, suggesting a relatively small share of the electorate could determine the outcome in an election with no candidates on the ballot. The low-profile contest could nevertheless bring some of the most significant changes to Coral Gables’ government in years, with measures affecting election timing, oversight, budgeting and how officials are held accountable.
“Build or buy? Fort Lauderdale Commissioners spar over $268 million city hall plan” via Amanda Rosa of the Miami Herald — City of Fort Lauderdale Commissioners are at odds over what to do about a new city hall: spend $268 million on new construction or a fraction of the price on an existing building? The Commission will vote on whether to sign an interim agreement with the developer behind the futuristic design of the proposed new building at next Tuesday’s meeting, which a majority of the Commission seems poised to support. But Commissioner Ben Sorensen is sounding the alarm on what he says is too high a cost: the new building will cost taxpayers $24 million a year, adding up to over $724 million over 30 years. “I’m not saying stop the negotiating with the builder. I’m not saying never build,” Sorensen said. “I’m saying to just evaluate the options. And they are saying, ‘Absolutely not. We are not going to evaluate anything.’”
What Meg Weinberger is reading — “Developer allegedly diverts taxpayer funds from a Pahokee affordable housing project to other sites” via Ethan Stein of the WPTV — A developer allegedly diverted money earmarked for a taxpayer-supported affordable housing complex in Pahokee to other projects. The Everglades Townhomes, which were still not completely built by April, were scheduled to be finished about four months ago. They received incentives from multiple government agencies to build 60 housing units with rents tied to 60% of the area’s median income and a day care center. This includes a $3 Million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture, a five-acre piece of property from the City of Pahokee for about $60,000 less than its assessed value, and around $1.2 Million from Palm Beach County.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Central Florida’s Dreamers lose Obama-era protections, then lose their jobs” via Natalia Jaramillo and Camila Gomez of the Orlando Sentinel — Lucas Da Silva was born in Brazil but came to the United States as a baby. His first language was English. He speaks Portuguese but only at home. “I’m as American as apple pie, as American as the American flag on July 4.” But Da Silva, a 37-year-old Orlando resident, is not a U.S. citizen. And the benefits he had under an Obama-era program — one that protected him from deportation and allowed him to legally work — lapsed in December. Da Silva is a so-called Dreamer. Under a program Barack Obama created as a way to help young people who are now “Americans in their heart,” he was able to obtain a work permit, get a Florida driver’s license and live free of the fear of deportation as long as he went to school, worked and avoided run-ins with the law. As of September, there were more than 500,000 active recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Those DACA recipients must submit a renewal application every two years to retain those protections, and that process has now tripped up Da Silva and others. DACA renewals used to take 30 to 60 days, with the new approval regularly coming before the old one lapsed.
“Orange Commissioners could further limit ICE’s access to jail next week” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County leaders may make a big change to the county’s deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement next week — one that would potentially keep fewer immigrant detainees in local custody for a shorter period of time. Some County Commissioners are signaling they’ve lost patience with key terms in the controversial current agreement, which essentially establishes the Orange County jail as a regional detention center — and does so at great expense, since the federal government refuses to pay what the county contends it costs to house the apprehended immigrants. “Why are our taxpayers paying for detainees that came out of other counties?” asked Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad, who is trying to convince her colleagues to back a new form of agreement that, she says, “stops that from happening.”
“Seminole school district budget crisis prompts cuts to staff, field trips” via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — Parents and students at Seminole County Public Schools have been largely shielded from the district’s financial woes this year. Cuts have been marginal, no schools have closed and teachers have mostly stayed put. But Seminole’s $26.4 million budget deficit became real for many people this week, as a recent district email said it would no longer approve out-of-state and overnight student field trips due to associated costs. Students travel out of state for many reasons, such as athletic and academic competitions that are critically important to participants and their families. Oviedo High School’s color guard team, for example, traveled to Dayton, Ohio, earlier this month and won a gold medal at the Winter Guard International World Championships. “These trips are not extras. They’re real-world education. They expose students to professional environments, higher levels of competition, experiences that shape their future in ways a classroom simply cannot,” said Jennifer Devine at the meeting.
“Altamonte Springs embraces AI technology to save taxpayer money, City Manager says” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — City Manager Frank Martz is spearheading a digital transformation in Altamonte Springs, integrating advanced artificial intelligence to streamline government operations and slash taxpayer costs. The police department has fully deployed AI-powered Axon body cameras that provide real-time translation and automated report drafting, yielding a 14% return on investment. Internally, an AI bot named “Herman Resources” now handles 40% of a full-time employee’s workload by answering staff inquiries 24/7. Most significantly, the city has revolutionized urban planning; AI-driven site plan reviews have plummeted from three weeks to just 30 minutes. Despite ongoing state-level debates regarding AI regulation, Martz asserts that exploiting this technology is a fiscal responsibility that ensures local government remains both efficient and economically competitive.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Tampa Bay immigrants take issue with Uthmeier targeting census changes” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Tampa Bay immigrants say they should continue to be included in the U.S. census, criticizing a petition from Attorney General Uthmeier that seeks to exclude noncitizens and immigrants without permanent legal status. María Victoria Abio, a Cuban mother in Zephyrhills, said leaving immigrant families out of the count would directly harm communities where they live, as well as the services and programs they rely on. Some of Abio’s family members are in the process of getting permanent legal status. “The census is vital for many things,” Abio said. “I know there is a lot to say about it, but I think it should include everyone.”
“Misconduct cases at Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office spur culture questions” via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has had problems. In the last nine months, Sheriff Chad Chronister’s agency has seen six members of its command staff mired in an academic cheating scandal, a string of deputies accused of domestic violence and, earlier this month, a long-tenured major fired after he was found to be drunk on duty. Are these repeated troubles indicative of a cultural problem within the agency? “The answer is no,” the sheriff’s office said. In the wake of the latest dustup, the office insisted that its response to each episode reflects a commitment to high standards and a willingness to take action when those standards are not met.
What David Jolly is reading — “St. Petersburg trust fund theft victims must wait another year for trial” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — More than 2,000 injured and disabled people will have to wait until at least next year to see if the Clearwater entrepreneur indicted for the theft of $100 million from their medical trust funds will face a jury. Federal Judge Hernandez Covington approved a delay in the trial of Leo Govoni until at least February to give his public defenders more time to sift through an estimated 52.7 million pages of evidence shared by the federal prosecutors. U.S. marshals have also transferred Govoni to a jail in Charlotte County after his public defender complained that the electronic tablets available to his client in the Hernando County jail did not have sufficient memory to review the evidence.
“North Greenwood blindsided as company seeks key Clearwater property” via Colbi Edmonds of the Tampa Bay Times — For six years, a local food company has worked on a proposal to purchase the formerly state-owned National Guard Armory in Clearwater’s North Greenwood neighborhood. The business, Yo Mama’s Foods, lobbied the state for support last year, records show. And its CEO, David Habib, said at a meeting this week that it spent more than $150,000 on predevelopment costs for the project. But people in the community didn’t know it was happening. Though residents have fought for years to secure greater input into the neighborhood’s redevelopment, they say they only recently got word of the plan on the eve of a critical vote.
“Republican Party of Florida hits Donna Deegan with election law complaint over re-election launch” via Michelle Vecerina of Florida’s Voice — RPOF announced it is filing a formal complaint against Jacksonville Mayor Deegan’s re-election campaign, alleging the Mayor violated state election laws during her campaign launch. The complaint, filed with the Florida Elections Commission, claims Deegan’s campaign violated Chapter 106 of the Florida Statutes by accepting in-kind contributions and authorizing expenditures before legally opening a campaign account. “Donna Deegan started her re-election campaign the same way she’s failed to lead Jacksonville — lawless, reckless, and completely out of touch,” Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power said.
“Leon Co. pursues ‘historic harms’ charter amendment, with focus on all people” via Arianna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Leon County Commission has asked staff to take their controversial DEI charter amendment and start entirely from scratch on a version that is “state legislative proof,” that is, able to withstand new anti-DEI laws. At their April 14 meeting, Commissioners voted 6–1, with Commissioner Brian Welch in dissent, to have staff bring back yet another agenda item with new language focused on righting long-standing historical wrongs, but on all people rather than a specific race or demographic. The Commission was locked in an hour-and-a-half discussion, going back and forth on the semantics of diversity, equity and inclusion, the specifics of what the amendment actually intends to do and the fears of potential state government retribution.
“School closures, staff cuts likely reality for Escambia Schools” via Mary Lett of the Pensacola News Journal — Closing and consolidating schools, reducing staff and putting off big projects are the realities facing Escambia County Public Schools, Board members acknowledged Thursday. During a School Board workshop on April 16, Terry St. Cyr, assistant superintendent of finance and business for Escambia County Public Schools, painted a dire picture of the finances. A massive decline in student enrollment over the past decade, which has been widening each year, has led to a funding crisis in the district.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
Morning must-read — “The invisible debris: how Hurricane Ian’s trauma still haunts SW FL” via Mickenzie Hannon of the Naples Daily News — More than three years after Hurricane Ian, many Southwest Florida residents continue to struggle with lasting trauma and a mental health crisis that has outlived the storm itself. Survivors describe navigating recovery systems as overwhelming, with bureaucratic delays and funding hurdles compounding stress. Local officials acknowledge a shortage of mental health professionals, leaving many without consistent care as demand grows. While counties have committed funding and long-term solutions are in development, gaps remain in access and capacity. For many, recovery is less about rebuilding homes and more about coping with anxiety, grief and instability. Community organizations have stepped in to provide support, but for thousands, the emotional toll continues to shape daily life long after the floodwaters receded.
“Naples Airport Board plans special meetings to address city fight” via J. Kyle Foster of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — A showdown over the Naples Airport is brewing, thanks to legislators and DeSantis. DeSantis signed into law on April 6 legislation that changes the Naples Airport Authority Board of Commissioners from appointments by the City Council to an elected body by both Collier County and Naples residents. This, despite loud and numerous objections by the City Council.
— TOP OPINION —
“And Augustine wept” via Andrew Sullivan of The Weekly Dish — Invoking religion to justify violence risks corrupting both faith and politics at their core. Drawing on the moral clarity of Reinhold Niebuhr and the witness of Pope Leo XIV, Christianity is not presented as pacifist, but as profoundly cautious about war, grounded in restraint, humility and moral seriousness.
The easy claim that modern conflict fits neatly within just-war doctrine does not withstand scrutiny. That tradition demands strict conditions — necessity, proportionality, legitimate authority and last resort — none of which can be casually assumed or retroactively justified.
Measured against those standards, the case for this war collapses. It lacked clear legal and moral authorization, was not undertaken in response to an imminent threat, and bypassed diplomatic pathways that had previously mitigated danger.
Even its defenders cannot point to meaningful success. The region remains unstable, adversaries are strengthened rather than weakened, and the immense human and economic toll continues to grow.
But the most troublesome failure is moral. Leaders who invoke divine sanction for acts of violence depart from Christianity’s central message — one rooted not in vengeance or dominance, but in sacrifice, mercy and deep moral introspection.
As Abraham Lincoln recognized in his own time, no nation can claim perfect righteousness. The line between good and evil runs through every human heart, demanding humility rather than certainty from those who wield power.
What emerges is a warning against hubris disguised as moral clarity. The fusion of nationalism, religion and unchecked force risks distorting both governance and belief and calls for renewed vigilance, accountability and a recommitment to principles that restrain power rather than sanctify it.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“The Pope bedevils Trump” via Maureen Dowd of The New York Times — Disillusionment with the Catholic Church, rooted in years of covering abuse scandals, gave way to a renewed sense of faith as Pope Leo emerged as a moral counterweight in a volatile political moment. His emphasis on humility, unity and peace stands in stark contrast to the aggressive rhetoric of Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have framed global conflicts in increasingly religious terms. Leo has pushed back forcefully, warning that faith must not be used to justify domination or violence. As political leaders invoke God to defend war and power, the pope has insisted on dialogue, restraint and the sanctity of life. The clash underscores a deeper tension over morality, leadership and the proper role of religion in public life.
“We forget about ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ at our peril” via Adrian Carrasquillo of The Bulwark — When Trump, Kristi Noem, DeSantis, and local Florida officials opened the Everglades detention center last Summer, its harsh location and cavalier nickname — “Alligator Alcatraz” — gave rise to a lot of brutal joking about what awaited detainees at the facility, especially any who might try to escape. But the jokes and the nickname weren’t funny to the native Miccosukee tribe, whose lands are adjacent to the detention facility grounds. They have joined lawsuits against state and federal authorities alleging that construction was greenlit without a tribal consultation or an environmental impact study, thereby overlooking important lawful requirements for such a project at the site, they argue.
“Lawmakers exempted themselves from stock-trading crackdown” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — By now, you’ve probably read a lot about the voter-ID aspects of Florida’s new election law. I’m betting, though, you’ve heard much less about a little-known provision within that law that purports to crack down on stock-trading for politicians. Well, that’s probably because the Republican lawmakers who passed the law don’t want you to know that they exempted themselves from their own crackdown. Yes, they want “integrity” when it comes to stock-trading … but only for other people. The language in the “SAVE Act” states that only candidates “seeking federal office” must adhere to new rules requiring candidates to declare whether they intend to trade stocks while in office. How discerning of them.
“Free inquiry is not a threat to conservative governance. It is the point of it!” via David Rancourt for Florida Politics — A debate over the direction of New College of Florida has intensified as leaders defend sweeping reforms aimed at reshaping the institution’s academic mission. The changes follow years of declining enrollment, neglected facilities and what was described as a lack of open intellectual debate. Officials say the college now emphasizes academic freedom, free speech and civil discourse, with students encouraged to test ideas rather than conform to prevailing viewpoints. Coursework and theses, they argue, should be judged on reasoning and rigor, not agreement with conclusions. With support from Christopher Rufo, the effort is framed as a restoration of foundational principles of higher education, in which inquiry is protected and competing ideas are openly challenged in pursuit of genuine intellectual development.
“You can’t game your way to a real education” via Molly Worthen for The New York Times — Educators and researchers are increasingly questioning the widespread use of technology and gamification in classrooms, arguing it may be undermining learning rather than enhancing it. Critics say the push to make education “fun” through screens and game-like platforms has led to shorter attention spans, weaker reading comprehension and reduced critical thinking skills. Teachers report that students often prioritize completing tasks or earning rewards over engaging deeply with material. While technology was intended to improve efficiency and prepare students for modern work, studies suggest academic performance has declined alongside its rise. Experts emphasize that meaningful learning requires struggle, focus and human interaction, calling for a more balanced approach where technology supports — rather than replaces — traditional teaching methods.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“DeSantis returns to this Naples cheesesteak spot” via Kendall Little of the Naples Daily News — DeSantis continued his “Diners, Drive-Ins & DeSantis” social media series with a stop at Grouper & Chips in Naples, spotlighting the local favorite’s signature grouper sandwich while highlighting small businesses along the Tamiami Trail corridor. The visit adds to a growing list of appearances in the same strip mall, where DeSantis has also made multiple stops at nearby Vito’s Famous Cheesesteaks, including visits in February and March that drew attention on social media. While Vito’s has yet to be featured in the series, the repeat appearances suggest the Governor has taken a liking to the area’s casual dining scene, boosting visibility for several locally owned restaurants clustered near downtown Naples.
“Landmarks being lighted purple in honor of ‘Marsy’s Law’ during Crime Victim’s Rights Week” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Several landmarks and buildings throughout Florida will be lit in purple in the coming week as part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, honoring a particular movement. At least eight high-profile landmarks will be shown in the hue of purple for the week through April 25, not only for Victim’s Rights Week but also for the state law known as Marsy’s Law. “This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is particularly meaningful for us as SB 350 and HB 1113 were passed by the Florida Legislature last month, restoring the right to privacy initially afforded to Florida crime victims after a statewide vote in 2018,” said Jennifer Fennell, Marsy’s Law for Florida spokesperson. “This right had been stripped away from crime victims nearly three years ago following a Florida Supreme Court ruling.”
What John Lux is reading — “Paul Rudd, Brad Pitt, ‘R.J. Decker.’ Is Florida’s film industry back?” via C. A. Bridges USA Today Network-Florida — Is Florida getting its close-up moment again? After years of losing big-screen productions to states with lucrative tax incentives, a surge of new film and TV projects is bringing Hollywood back to the Sunshine State, from Miami’s neon-lit streets to West Palm Beach’s sunny beaches and Tampa Bay’s coastal backdrops. Rudd was filming a movie in St. Petersburg this month. In December, the Hallmark Channel brought its cameras to Disney World to shoot a holiday movie scheduled for later this year. The ABC show “R.J. Decker” shot scenes in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum were here in 2023, filming scenes for “Fly Me to the Moon” at the Kennedy Space Center.
“UF and other historians mounting St. Augustine History Festival” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — There’s no doubt the Nation’s Oldest City is a treasure trove of some of the deepest connections to antiquity. The University of Florida (UF) and local partners will be celebrating St. Augustine’s past in a festival in May. UF Historic St. Augustine and local history enthusiasts are gearing up for the Fifth Annual St. Augustine History Festival that will run from May 6 through May 10. The fest is designed to highlight the historic city, and more than 40 area historic venues will be featured as part of the event. Organizers will provide tours, lectures, workshops and other family-friendly events. Religious sites, as well as gardens and cemeteries, will also be highlighted. “Piecing together the History Festival each year is a tremendous rush as I see our historic sites and venues come together as one community,” said Roger Smith, UF’s Coordinator of the Festival and adjunct professor of History. “The best part, however, is attending as many programs and venues as possible during the five-day festival and hearing positive comments from attendees.”
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to Miami-Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, our former colleague Bill Rufty, and Justin Thames, Director of State Government Relations at TECO.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.