Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.9.26

Good Thursday morning.

We’re gonna start today’s Sunburn by turning it over to our friend Steve Vancore to shake some salt on the latest polling in the Senate race.

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A new Public Policy Polling survey shows Ashley Moody leading Alex Vindman 43% to 40%, with 17% undecided, a margin within the poll’s ±4.1% error range that suggests a competitive race — at first glance.

The poll’s release by the Vindman campaign calls for a more careful reading of both the data and its underlying assumptions.

The campaign memo goes beyond the topline, arguing that undecided voters — who view President Donald Trump negatively — will break against Moody. That is a projection, not a measured finding, and Florida’s undecided voters rarely move as a single bloc.

The methodology raises additional questions. The survey sampled 574 registered voters using a hybrid text and landline approach but relied on recollections of the 2024 Presidential vote rather than the state’s voter file to model the electorate.

That reliance on recall introduces potential distortion. Voters often misremember past behavior, and “bandwagon bias” can skew results, making the sample less reliable than one weighted to actual registration and turnout history.

Independent polls from UNF and Emerson College, using likely voter screens, show Moody ahead by wider margins, underscoring how different modeling choices can shift results by several points.

The “salt-shaker” rule applies here: a campaign-sponsored poll showing a narrow margin, built on a softer model and diverging from independent data, is best treated as one data point with a return address — informative, but not definitive.

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Lauren Book is on the move! Today’s Tampa leg of the 1,500-mile statewide trek begins in the classroom with prevention education lessons — joined by Hillsborough County School Board Member Patti Rendon, Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, and Tampa City Council Member Luis Viera — followed by a community walk alongside the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, joined by Lauren’s former colleague, Senator Darryl Rouson. Follow along, watch LIVE, or register to walk at LaurensKidsWalk.org!

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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 —

—@RealDonaldTrump: The United States will work closely with Iran, which we have determined has gone through what will be a very productive Regime Change! There will be no enrichment of Uranium, and the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear “Dust.” It is now, and has been, under very exacting Satellite Surveillance (Space Force!). Nothing has been touched from the date of attack. We are, and will be, talking Tariff and Sanctions relief with Iran. Many of the 15 points have already been agreed to. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

—@SenRickScott: It’s concerning to see Florida losing so many private-sector jobs in today’s report. Florida must stay focused on creating an environment where our state remains the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family, and that starts with creating more jobs.

Tweet, tweet:

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— DAYS UNTIL —

Jonah Hill’s ‘Outcome’ premieres on Apple TV — 1; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 6; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 6; ‘Jerry West: The Logo’ premieres on Amazon Prime — 7; First Qualifying Period begins (U.S. Senate) — 11; FAMU President Marva Johnson’s investiture — 12; Florida Housings Solutions Summit — 13; NFL Draft begins — 14; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 15; F1 Miami begins — 22; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Disney World — 24; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Dutton Ranch’ premieres — 36; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 43; new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ premieres at Disney World — 43; Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir’ arrives on Amazon Prime — 48; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 54; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit — 55; ‘Masters of The Universe’ premieres — 57; ‘Cape Fear’ series premieres on Apple TV — 57; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 60; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 63; Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ premieres — 64; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices — 64; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 — 66; Flag Day — 66; Trump’s 80th birthday — 66; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres — 71; ‘Supergirl’ premieres — 78; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates — 78; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 83; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 86; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 91; MLB All-Star Game — 96; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 98; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 102; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 113; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 119; Early voting period begins — 121; Primary Election Day — 131; NFL regular season kicks off — 153; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 154; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 155; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 159; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 163; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 168; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 175; General Election voter registration deadline — 179; Early Voting General Election begins — 198; General Election — 208; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 211; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 253; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 253; untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 253; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 291; Super Bowl LXI — 311; Tampa Mayoral Election — 327; 2027 Oscars — 339; Jacksonville First Election — 348; Jacksonville General Election — 404; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 422; ‘MIAMI VICE’ reboot premieres — 484; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 484; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 540; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 617; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 655; 2028 Oscars — 696; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 778; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 799; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 827; U.S. Presidential Election — 943; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 1,019; Avatar 4 premieres — 1,343; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,383; Avatar 5 premieres — 2,074.

— TOP STORY —

“Court filings show James Fishback used fake accounts, paid engagement to shape coverage” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Fishback’s campaign for Governor is unfolding alongside mounting scrutiny tied to court filings that detail his efforts to shape media coverage and online narratives. A federal exhibit in an ongoing lawsuit with Greenlight Capital shows Fishback directing aides to plant stories, boost social media engagement and counter criticism using anonymous accounts.

The records include text exchanges in which Fishback coordinated with campaign Treasurer Alex Munguia to send tips to journalists and promote favorable coverage. In one instance, a fabricated Tesla investor email was used to criticize Greenlight founder David Einhorn and attempt to generate press interest.

Other messages show Fishback encouraging outreach to media outlets, praising his own work and pushing for additional coverage. He also directed efforts to inflate engagement on social media posts and respond to critics using multiple anonymous accounts, underscoring a strategy focused on amplifying his public profile.

The filings also reveal an aggressive tone toward critics and former colleagues, with repeated attempts to challenge narratives about his role at Greenlight. These efforts came as Fishback sought to reframe negative coverage as bias while elevating his own claims through coordinated tactics.

Beyond the communications, Fishback faces broader challenges, including legal setbacks, financial strain and questions about the viability of his campaign. He has raised comparatively little money and trails Republican Primary opponents by wide margins in both fundraising and polling.

Additional controversies surrounding past allegations, rhetoric and eligibility questions have added further complications. As the race develops, these issues continue to shape perceptions of Fishback’s candidacy and his prospects in a competitive Republican Primary.

— 2026 —

“David Jolly to speak at National Action Network Convention, punctuating national momentum for Dems” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Democratic candidate for Governor Jolly will speak Thursday at the 2026 National Action Network Convention in New York City. Jolly is the only candidate for Florida Governor invited to speak at the convention, which runs through Saturday. His inclusion is meaningful and speaks to the momentum Democrats have gained in recent weeks in what is now a ruby-red Florida. While there are several Democratic candidates for Governor, Jolly’s top Primary opposition is Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who was not included in the event’s lineup. Jolly will be introduced by the Rev. Al Sharpton, the national Action Network’s founder and president. And Jolly is part of an all-star lineup of politicians from across the nation, including a slate of possible 2028 Presidential candidates such as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and more. Former Vice President Kamala Harris will also speak at the convention.

Happening today — Paul Renner continues his statewide “Affordability Now Tour” with a stop in Oldsmar, where the gubernatorial candidate will meet with business owners and community stakeholders to discuss rising property taxes, insurance costs and cost of living pressures, highlighting affordability as a central campaign issue; RSVP for media to [email protected]: 11:30 a.m., Friend’s Plumbing, 325 Mears Blvd., Oldsmar.

Florida Police Benevolent Association endorses Ashley Moody — The state’s largest professional law enforcement association is backing Moody’s campaign for U.S. Senate. “As a steadfast champion of law enforcement, Ashley has consistently fought to protect and support our members. We need someone in Washington who understands the sacrifices made every day to keep Florida safe — and with Ashley Moody, we know we have that leader,” Florida PBA President John Kazanjian said. Moody responded, “Florida’s exceptional law enforcement officers are the secret to our success as the freest, most prosperous state in the nation. … Having the support of the largest law enforcement association in our state means we are doing something right.” Moody, a Republican, was appointed to the U.S. Senate last year and is running to serve out the remainder of Marco Rubio’s 2022 term.

First in Sunburn — National Association of Police Organizations backs Blaise Ingoglia for CFO — A national coalition of police unions and associations is offering its endorsement to appointed incumbent CFO Ingoglia. “Throughout his career, Ingoglia has demonstrated strong, consistent leadership and a long-standing commitment to supporting the men and women of law enforcement,” National Association of Police Organizations President Michael McHale said in a statement endorsing the Springhill Republican. “His record reflects a deep understanding of the challenges officers face and a dedication to ensuring they have the resources and backing needed to keep communities safe.” Ingoglia called the endorsement a “tremendous honor,” adding, “As CFO, I remain committed to ensuring Florida continues to support and strengthen public safety.”

Happening today — Ingoglia will host a news conference in Bradenton with additional details provided upon RSVP to [email protected]: 3 p.m., Bradenton.

— STATEWIDE —

“State budget talks remain wait and see” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Florida lawmakers remain at a standstill on the state budget, with House and Senate leaders confirming negotiations will not begin next week and offering no clear timeline for talks. The delay stems from ongoing disagreements over key spending allocations, a required first step before formal budget conferences can begin. The House and Senate have passed separate proposals totaling about $113.6 billion and $115 billion, respectively, but have yet to reconcile differences. Leaders say discussions are ongoing and progress is being made, though details remain unclear. The uncertainty comes as lawmakers prepare for a potential Special Session on redistricting, raising questions about whether budget negotiations could be folded into that timeline.

Happening today — Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Leonard Spencer will host a town hall meeting in Celebration, engaging residents on legislative issues and community priorities: 6 p.m., The Inn at Celebration, 700 Bloom Street, Celebration.

“James Uthmeier: Cold Case Task Force will solve past crimes, including missing and unidentified persons” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Attorney General Uthmeier says Florida is establishing a Cold Case Task Force in hopes of finally closing many unsolved crimes. The Task Force is partnering with Othram, a forensic technology company specializing in DNA-based human identification. Othram, a forensic genomics technology firm that has solved numerous cases in Florida with both state and local agencies, will apply advanced DNA-based methods to generate investigative leads, even in cases without a suspect or a direct database match. Othram’s Senior Director of Commercial Operations, Danny Hall, said many cold cases haven’t been resolved mainly because evidence wasn’t fully analyzed due to technical limitations.

“Conservation groups sue feds over Florida panther protections” via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — Environmental groups are suing federal agencies over approvals tied to the proposed Rural Lands West development in Collier County, arguing the project would threaten already fragile Florida panther populations. The lawsuit claims the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Army Corps of Engineers violated the Endangered Species Act by permitting a 10,264-acre mixed-use project in critical habitat. Advocates, including the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity, say thousands of acres could be impacted, even as fewer than 230 adult panthers remain statewide. Federal officials previously concluded the project would harm no more than two panthers, a finding critics dispute as dangerously flawed. The suit seeks to halt development, warning that continued habitat loss could push the species closer to extinction.

“Judge rejects bid to dismiss AIDS program records lawsuit” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — A Leon County judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the Florida Department of Health of violating public records law in a dispute tied to proposed cuts to HIV and AIDS services. Judge Joshua Hawkes ruled there was enough evidence that the agency’s response was “unreasonable,” particularly its estimate that producing records could take seven to eight months. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation filed the suit seeking documents explaining planned reductions to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which were later halted by $30.9 million in stopgap funding. Despite paying a $54,682 invoice and narrowing its request, the foundation said the department failed to produce any records, prompting the ongoing legal challenge.

—“Intact but not in use: Florida’s AIDS drug formulary advisory panel” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix

“Court backs denomination in church property fight” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — A state appeals court has sided with the United Methodist Church in a major property dispute with breakaway congregations, ruling local churches must follow denominational rules and pay to retain property after disaffiliating. The 1st District Court of Appeal upheld dismissal of a lawsuit brought by churches seeking to avoid those costs, citing the long-standing “hierarchical deference doctrine,” which limits court involvement in internal church matters. The dispute stems from divisions over LGBTQ issues, with some congregations seeking to join the Global Methodist Church. While many churches have settled, the ruling reinforces denominational authority. The panel also asked the Florida Supreme Court to weigh in, calling the issue one of “great public importance.”

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Pam Bondi still on the hook for Jeffrey Epstein testimony, Oversight panel says” via Hailey Fuchs of POLITICO — House Republicans indicated they will continue to seek sworn testimony from Bondi on the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein case, even after her ousting as Attorney General. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Bondi for an April 14 deposition, but that date was never confirmed by Bondi, and the panel said in a statement that it will continue to seek a date for her testimony. “The Department of Justice has stated Pam Bondi will not appear on April 14 for a deposition since she is no longer Attorney General and was subpoenaed in her capacity as Attorney General,” a spokesperson for Oversight Republicans said in a statement.

“Top drug lobbyist to depart PhRMA at year-end” via Amanda Chu, David Lim and Lauren Gardner of POLITICO — Stephen Ubl will step down as head of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America at year’s end, opening a leadership vacuum at a pivotal moment for the drug industry as it faces mounting political and regulatory pressure. Ubl said, “I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished,” and will remain until a successor is named. His departure comes as policymakers push aggressive drug pricing reforms, including efforts tied to the Inflation Reduction Act and renewed proposals from Donald Trump. Industry influence has also been challenged by direct White House negotiations with drugmakers and rising scrutiny from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Congress. One lobbyist said the industry “needs to start fresh” after recent setbacks, underscoring the stakes for PhRMA’s next leader.

— ELECTIONS —

“Alexander Vindman boasts of funneling cash to elect radical Democrat Governors” via Frank Kopylov of Florida’s Voice — Vindman openly bragged in a recent speech about directing massive resources through his organization, VoteVets, to elect Democratic Governors Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, actions Republicans say are bankrolling policies that shield criminal illegal aliens, burden working families with higher taxes and push men into women’s sports and locker rooms. “My organization, VoteVets, is involved in scores and scores of different elections. Those two gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey were a VoteVets project. Those were VoteVets candidates […] we put massive resources into their campaigns,” Vindman said. VoteVets spent $500,000 on Spanberger in Virginia and $579,000 to support Sherrill in New Jersey.

“‘Instagram king’ Dan Bilzerian jumps into race against Randy Fine, controversy follows” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A social media influencer with a history of antisemitic comments online has filed paperwork to challenge U.S. Rep. Fine. Bilzerian, a Tampa resident, said last month he was considering a run against Fine. On Tuesday, he officially opened a Federal Election Commission account, indicating he may fund his own campaign. The address on his campaign paperwork is also used by a law firm that represents Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini. Bilzerian founded Ignite International Brands, a cannabis and vaping company, in 2018. On Wednesday morning, danbilzerian.com linked to the company’s website, but by the afternoon, the link was inactive. The same happened with Bilzerianforcongress.com, his official campaign site.

—“Bilzerian: ‘Yeah, I called my congressional opps ‘fat Jew’ … I’ll drop the n-word, too,’” via TMZ

—“Gasps as Republican drops racist slur during heated live interview with TMZ” via Nicole Charky-Chami of Raw Story

“‘Fed up’: Brice Barnes becomes latest Democrat seeking to flip Neal Dunn’s seat” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Barnes has spent years advocating for her family members with disabilities. Now, she says she is ready to run for Congress. The Democrat from Tallahassee has announced her campaign to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Dunn in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. “I’m fed up with the chaos in Washington, like so many other families,” Barnes told Florida Politics, “and talking to them across North Florida, people know it’s just not working for families like ours.” Barnes joins a crowded group of Democrats who had planned to challenge Dunn, a Panama City Republican first elected in 2016. In her campaign announcement, Barnes highlighted her background, which she believes will connect with voters from Tallahassee to Panama City.

“Chris Collins puts more than $900K toward CD 19 campaign” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Former U.S. Rep. Collins put a $900,000 loan toward his effort to return to Congress, this time representing Florida. The New Yorker-turned-Marco Island resident, one of several Republicans looking to succeed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, teased a run for much of 2025 but only formally filed his candidacy in Florida’s 19th Congressional District in January. His current federal committee, Collins for Congress, was organized in June with his wife, Mary Sue Collins, as Treasurer. Now, he has reported $905,000 in fundraising for the race, all of it out of pocket. In addition to the $900,000 loan to the campaign from Chris Collins, he also donated $5,000 cash.

“After election loss, Ron DeSantis’ snub, can Josie Tomkow revive career?” via Gary White of the Lakeland Ledger — For years, former Rep. Tomkow seemed on track to continue Polk County’s tradition of producing prominent lawmakers. But then Tomkow unexpectedly lost a close race in the Special Election for the Senate District 14 seat. Suddenly, Tomkow’s bright future seems a bit clouded. She has a chance to avenge her loss to Democrat Brian Nathan and has already filed to run in the November General Election for SD 14. “So, you’ve got this oddity in her as a candidate, in that she is, on the one hand, still very young and still very capable of having a future in Florida politics — and I, frankly, hope she does,” said Bruce Anderson, a political science professor at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

“Caryl Shuham stacks endorsements as Broward County Commission race in District 6 takes shape” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Hollywood Commissioner Shuham is adding a bundle of political support to her campaign for Broward County Commission, rolling out 23 new endorsements in the open District 6 race. The backing comes from a mix of state and local Democrats, with Sen. Shevrin Jones at the top of the list. “I’m proud to endorse Caryl Shuham because she understands what it means to lead with integrity and put people first,” said Jones, who will take over as Senate Democratic Leader in 2028. “At a time when our communities are demanding leadership that actually lowers costs and brings people together, Caryl is the kind of leader who will step up and deliver. She brings the experience, the compassion, and the determination we need to move Broward forward.”

— LOCAL: S. FL —

Happening today — Rep. Robin Bartleman will host a legislative town hall in Weston, offering residents an opportunity to discuss local and state issues: 6:30 p.m., Weston City Hall, 17200 Royal Palm Blvd., Weston.

“Delay Project Tango data center vote, civic leaders urge county” via Valentina Palm of The Palm Beach Post — School officials, elected leaders and residents of Palm Beach County’s western suburbs gathered on Monday, April 6, to oppose Project Tango, a data center proposed off Southern Boulevard near Arden. The complex would cover 200 acres and house a data center designed to support hyperscale artificial intelligence workloads. It would give its clients a network of powerful computers capable of handling substantial amounts of data and computing tasks, a critical capacity in today’s high-tech economy. It would also sit within 1,500 square feet of Saddle View Elementary School and 800 feet from the nearest homes. Gordan Longhofer, president of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, said that placement didn’t make sense.

“Major projects flowing toward PortMiami” via Kelly Sanchez of Miami Today — PortMiami is undergoing major upgrades and expansions, including building new cruise terminals, adding a third berth to MSC Cruises’ Terminal AA, buying more ship-to-shore cranes and completing the second phase of its electric rubber tire gantry cranes program. The projects will involve both the cargo and cruise sides of the industry. The seaport has secured more than $97 million in combined state and federal grants over the last five years to assist with its Capital Improvement Program. Among these grants are $19.5 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help fund Berth 10, and $19.7 million from the Florida Department of Transportation, and $2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help fund the shore power program that was launched in June 2024.

“WLRN Board Chair resigns amid dispute with Miami-Dade School District” via Aaron Liebowitz of the Miami Herald — Richard Rampell, the Board Chair at South Florida’s flagship NPR station, has resigned amid a legal battle with the Miami-Dade County School Board, which holds the station’s broadcasting license. Rampell, the Chair of South Florida Public Media Group, resigned Tuesday in a strongly worded letter to his fellow Board members overseeing WLRN, accusing the School Board of attempting to negotiate a settlement with the station that would “emasculate our journalistic independence and steal our money.” “I resigned of my own accord because I do not want to be an accomplice to the sellout of our station,” Rampell said.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Freeze has Orlando trash haulers collecting ‘hurricane volumes,’ officials say” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Homeowners across Central Florida have been frustrated to find their piles of dead leaves, branches and plants — victims of February’s hard freeze — still sitting on their curbs because waste haulers haven’t picked them up on time. In Orlando, crews said they’ve collected about 1,200 more tons of yard waste so far this spring than last year, totals surpassing those of hurricanes. Teams aboard trucks are working 12-hour shifts, six days per week — longer hours and more days than normal — to get it all picked up. This week was the first since the uptick that crews have completed their routes of roughly 1,200 homes in a 12-hour shift, said Alan Morrison, the city’s Solid Waste manager. But as fast as they pick it up, residents are pulling out more bags of debris to the curb. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” he said. “I’m thinking we’re at the tail end of it.”

“Not just blowing smoke: Orange County takes aim at vape shops” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — The smoke shop bearing the name of a Star Wars hero may soon find it needs to be, if not far, far away, at least farther away. Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who represents the west Orange County District where the Skywalker Smoke & Vape Shop and nearby Olympia High School are close neighbors, cited the business as an example of a danger lurking conspicuously in plain sight. “If you get a chance, go look at the marketing on this building: bright neon signs with what looks like candy wrappers right behind the glass,” Wilson said. Liquor stores can’t be closer than 1,000 feet from a school, and Wilson thinks similar buffers for smoke shops make sense. Other Commissioners seemed to agree, though the Board took no vote Tuesday. County staff are drafting new regulations for the Board to consider, however. Vaping tends to lead to tobacco use, Wilson said, citing a warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— LOCAL: TB —

Happening today — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor will announce $850,000 in federal funding for a workforce training lab at St. Petersburg College, highlighting efforts to expand advanced manufacturing education and economic opportunity in South St. Petersburg; RSVP to [email protected]: 6 p.m., St. Petersburg College Midtown Campus, 1048 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg.

“How Hillsborough College is planning for potential Rays stadium construction” via Lucy Marques of the Tampa Bay Times — Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus could look very different by the end of the year. If the city and county approve a deal for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium in Tampa — which could happen next month — construction could start in the Fall, Rays CEO Ken Babby has said. As bulldozers take down the college’s buildings, where does that leave students? According to the college and Rays leadership, a temporary campus made of portable trailers. The makeshift campus, which the Rays and college officials have called “The Nest,” will offer the same programs and accommodate the same number of students, Hillsborough College Board Chair Greg Celestan said.

“Brandi Gabbard launches St. Pete mayoral bid with focus on infrastructure, housing, energy, and critique of Ken Welch” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Gabbard launched her St. Petersburg mayoral campaign with a sharp critique of what she called “reactionary leadership,” positioning herself as a proactive alternative to Welch. “Our city stands at a crossroads,” she said, arguing that residents “deserve a City Hall that will match their energy.” Gabbard highlighted her dual experience in business and government, adding, “I don’t need a learning curve.” Her platform centers on affordability, infrastructure and resilience, including faster permitting, expanded housing options and exploring municipal energy. She also emphasized food access and community-driven development while pledging to revisit the Gas Plant District plan. “My goal is not to halt progress,” she said, “it is to fulfill it.”

“Lisset Hanewicz calls on St. Pete Council to advance $600M bond proposal” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg City Council Chair Hanewicz is working to advance a proposed $600 million general obligation bond. She has asked the Board to send the proposal to the Budget, Finance and Taxation Committee on Thursday. City leaders are starting to discuss a major infrastructure investment package that could go to voters for approval in August. The bond proposal comes as St. Petersburg deals with aging infrastructure and increased flood risks following recent storms. The plan would address the city’s needs for resiliency and improvements to stormwater, sewers, and neighborhoods. At Thursday’s City Council meeting, policymakers will have an early chance to share their views before the proposal goes to the Committee. The Council will vote on the referendum language at a later meeting, after the Committee makes its recommendations. As the bond gets more public attention, mayoral candidates have different views on the proposal, showing how it could affect the race.

“Two I-275 ramps in St. Pete to close starting Thursday” via Bill DeYoung of St. Pete Catalyst — Two I-275 interchange ramps in St. Petersburg will temporarily close for an extended period starting Thursday night. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the ramps are: Southbound I-275 Exit 26 ramp to 54th Avenue N. and Westbound 54th Avenue N. entrance ramp onto southbound I-275. The ramps are closed for reconstruction and will remain closed through at least the Summer or Fall of 2026. This is part of the I-275 widening project from 38th Avenue to 4th Street N. There will be signage to guide drivers through the detours, but drivers are advised to plan for extra travel time.

“3 Hillsborough schools will close after Board vote” via Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times — The Hillsborough County School Board voted Tuesday to close three schools and convert a fourth one from a K-8 to a more traditional elementary. The District will close Graham Elementary and Madison Middle after the next school year, both of which have low enrollment and are under capacity. And despite emotional pleas from students, teachers, parents and community members, it will also close Pizzo K-8 and convert Sulphur Springs K-8 to a kindergarten through fifth-grade school beginning in the 2027-28 school year. It also made several other changes to schools’ boundaries.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Duval schools approve 2026-27 calendar with longer Thanksgiving break” via Kiley Miller of First Coast News — The Duval County School Board approved the 2026-27 school year calendar. Based on input collected by the District’s Calendar Committee, the Board decided to give students the entire week of Thanksgiving off from school, rather than just Wednesday through Friday. “The feedback we received overwhelmingly showed strong support for not having any instructional days during Thanksgiving week, rather than operating on a shortened two-day schedule,” said Corey Wright, Chief Officer of Accountability and Assessment, who leads this process. The Committee noted that the District has historically seen low attendance rates during that week.

“St. Johns River Water Management District reviewing Sporting JAX stadium development” via Ric Anderson of Jacksonville Daily Records — Sporting Club Jacksonville is moving forward with plans to build a mixed-use development centered on a new soccer stadium in the St. Johns Town Center area, with hopes to begin playing there by 2028. A month after the club announced its proposed development just north of the Town Center, the St. Johns River Water Management District is reviewing an application related to the project. Sporting JAX, as the club is known, said it intends to build on 150 acres of a larger site across Interstate 295 from the University of North Florida. During a March 2 announcement, team officials said a large portion of the acreage is wetlands. Michael McNaughton, president of the Sporting JAX Development Co., is listed as the applicant to the water management district. Kimley-Horn and Associates, a Jacksonville-based civil engineering firm, is the registered professional consultant, and Oneida Environmental LLC is listed as an environmental consultant.

“Loranne Ausley says broken bone won’t stop campaign for Tallahassee Mayor” via Arianna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat — Ausley says she broke her kneecap in a recent fall and is in a full leg cast. But she said it won’t stop her as she continues her campaign for Mayor of Tallahassee. In a “day in my life” video posted to Facebook, Ausley explained that she took a tumble at the RedEye Coffee in MidTown after tripping over another patron’s briefcase. “It’s a little painful, but I’ve been through pain, I’ve been through a lot over the last two years, and this is not going to stop me,” Ausley said. Ausley filed to run for Mayor of Tallahassee on Sept. 19, joining City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and civil-rights attorney Daryl Parks in a race to succeed Mayor John Dailey, who decided not to run for a third term.

“Jefferson County residents voice water, odor concerns over nearby cannabis plant” via Julia Miller of WCTV — Jefferson County residents are raising concerns about water issues they believe are stemming from a nearby cannabis facility, and now, Representatives say they’re stepping in to help. Representatives for the area, Allison Tant and Jason Shoaf, say they are working together to look into the Trulieve cannabis facility in Jefferson County after locals raised concerns. “I saw the footage on social media of the water coming from the Trulieve plant,” Tant said. “I’ve had people from around the area of Trulieve contact my office.” Tant says she reached out to several agencies after receiving calls from people worried about their water quality and possible runoff from the plant.

“Pensacola Reverb Hard Rock Hotel developers want a 20-year tax break” via Jim Little of The Pensacola News Journal — Construction of the $250 million Reverb by Hard Rock Hotel and Rhythm Lofts apartments at Community Maritime Park is supposed to begin later this year, but developers are now asking Pensacola for a 20-year tax rebate to finance the project. Inspired Communities of Florida, also known as The Dawson Company, and Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI) have applied for a 20-year tax rebate that would have the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency rebate approximately $2.9 million a year for 20 years once the project is complete.

“Gainesville approves red-light cameras at two intersections” via Elliot Tritto of The Gainesville Sun — With Commissioner James Ingle casting the lone dissenting vote, the Commission approved a contract with RedSpeed Florida LLC to install cameras at the intersections of Northeast 39th Avenue (SR 222) and Northeast Waldo Road (SR 331), as well as Northwest Sixth Street (SR 20) and Northwest 23rd Avenue (CR 172). At Intersection 1 — SR 222 and SR 331 — four non-Flock cameras, each costing $3,700, will be installed, with one set in each direction. At Intersection 2, two solar-powered Flock-enabled cameras, costing $3,850 each, will be placed on CR 172, along with two non-Flock cameras on SR 20. Charged monthly, Intersection 1 will cost $14,800 per month, while Intersection 2 will cost $15,100 per month.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“No more rainbow stickers? Manatee School Board debates ‘political’ advocacy ban” via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — Manatee County School Board members are considering a policy that would restrict teachers from showing support for social movements and equality issues. At the School Board’s workshop meeting on Tuesday, Board members debated a policy that would prohibit staff from “engaging in political activism” on school grounds. The discussion centered on what teachers should be allowed to display, ranging from political candidate merch to posters that advocate for equality issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights and Black Lives Matter.

— TOP OPINION —

“Florida is not ready for hurricane season. Washington is making it worse” via Shevrin Jones for Florida Politics — Florida is entering hurricane season facing heightened risk, with emergency managers warning they must prepare for major storms with fewer resources and less certainty than in past years. As the season approaches, concerns are growing about whether current systems can manage a significant disaster.

A central issue is the weakening of federal disaster support, particularly the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has long been a cornerstone of Florida’s storm response. The state has relied heavily on federal aid in recent years, receiving billions to help communities recover and rebuild after devastating hurricanes.

That support is now in question. FEMA faces funding constraints, staffing reductions and leadership instability, raising doubts about its ability to respond effectively in a major emergency. These challenges come at a critical time, just weeks before peak storm activity begins.

At the same time, disruptions to key programs have complicated preparations. Delays in flood insurance systems, uncertainty around evacuation planning tools and changes to mitigation funding have left local officials navigating new gaps.

State leaders have suggested Florida could take on more responsibility, but the scale of federal assistance provided after recent storms far exceeds what the state can easily replace. Without that support, costs could shift to taxpayers or force cuts in other priorities.

Experts warn that reducing federal involvement could increase risks and costs for states, leaving communities more exposed during disasters.

With hurricane season imminent, Florida faces a critical test of its preparedness without the full backing of the federal government.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“JD Vance’s Hungary trip deserves bipartisan rebukes” via the Bloomberg editorial board — A growing contradiction is emerging in U.S. political rhetoric and foreign policy as leaders who warn against outside interference in American elections are now openly engaging in foreign campaigns. Mike Johnson previously said foreign nations should avoid influencing U.S. politics, yet the administration has endorsed candidates abroad, including Viktor Orban in Hungary, where Vance is visiting ahead of upcoming elections. Similar interventions have occurred in Argentina, Honduras, Japan and Poland, breaking with long-standing bipartisan norms. Critics say such actions undermine credibility, especially after past objections to foreign involvement in U.S. affairs. As one expert noted, it is highly unusual for American leaders to favor candidates overseas so explicitly, raising concerns about consistency and principle in election norms.

“Before Bondi, there was Matt Gaetz … who’s now talking about aliens” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Bondi’s political downfall has drawn little sympathy across the spectrum, with critics pointing to a troubled tenure and her replacement by Trump after initially not being his top choice. That distinction belonged to Gaetz, whose controversies — and recent claims about a bizarre alien program — underscore concerns about judgment in high-level appointments. Meanwhile, Attorney General James Uthmeier’s clash with the NFL over diversity hiring rules appears to have gained little traction, with the league signaling no intention to change course. Separately, a tech entrepreneur’s effort to strip protections from the Florida scrub-jay has sparked overwhelming bipartisan backlash online, highlighting strong public support for wildlife conservation despite broader political divides.

“Uthmeier wants to keep his job. Voters deserve grand jury answers” via the Miami Herald — If there is indeed a grand jury report on the investigation into a Hope Florida charity — and it certainly sounds as though there is — voters should be demanding to see it, and soon. That’s because a key figure in the investigation, Uthmeier, is running for election in November. He was appointed to the job in February by Gov. DeSantis. It’s unfair to voters to have to evaluate Uthmeier for the top law enforcement job in the state without knowing what the grand jury has uncovered. And yet there’s a legal process allowing people named in a grand jury report to keep it secret for months. How did voters get stuck in this position? Uthmeier used to be DeSantis’ Chief of Staff. When he had that job, he was in control of a political committee, Keep Florida Clean, that received $8.5 million from the charity linked to Hope Florida, a program created by Florida’s first lady aimed at getting residents off welfare.

“Why I’m taking the fight to Florida’s 28th Congressional District” via Hector Mujica for Florida Politics — My campaign is shifting from the United States Senate to Florida’s 28th Congressional District, a move rooted in a clear-eyed assessment of what it will take to win and deliver results. A prolonged Primary would only divide resources and delay progress, when what this moment demands is unity and focus. This race is winnable, with early data showing a competitive landscape and a real path to victory. The incumbent has “followed his party’s leadership off a cliff,” leaving constituents to deal with rising costs and broken promises. This is not starting over — it is building on an existing grassroots coalition and momentum to flip a seat and prove Florida is still in play.

“Violence overshadows local, national politics” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — There was a time when you could walk into any City Hall or legislative office in Central Florida without incident. That’s not the case today. Most government offices are locked down tight. Visitors are often asked to provide ID and walk through metal detectors. It’s not uncommon to see armed law enforcement standing against the wall at public hearings. And it’s not hard to figure out why. Political violence — often, in the form of threats transmitted by email or social media — is on the rise. Central Florida officials agree threats are increasing. State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani says threats have become so routine that she often knows which social media posts will attract the most vitriol — anything to do with non-Christian faiths and transgender issues will draw nakedly ugly responses and sometimes actual threats.

“Florida needs funding to fight floods” via Kate Wesner of The Palm Beach Post — Florida has long understood a basic truth: We live on a low-lying peninsula, so flooding is not a future risk; it is a present and growing reality all across our state. That is why Florida became a national leader through the Resilient Florida program, creating a reliable, transparent funding framework that helps protect communities from flooding. We must continue to invest in cost-effective solutions to protect people and property from flood damage. The Legislature should: Fund the statewide plan for flooding at $200 million and the Resilient Florida planning grants to $20 million. In 2021, the Florida Legislature passed the “Always Ready” legislation, recognizing that both coastal and inland communities face increasing risks from flooding. These risks threaten public safety, economic stability and critical infrastructure.

“An incredibly weird time to be alive” via Charlie Warzel of The Atlantic — New images from NASA’s Artemis II mission are offering a powerful reminder of Earth’s beauty and fragility, capturing rare views of the planet from deep space and prompting reflection on humanity’s place in the universe. Astronaut Christina Koch said, “You don’t see borders … all you see is Earth,” underscoring the unifying perspective known as the “overview effect.” As astronauts traveled farther than any humans before, their images sparked both awe and concern, especially amid rising global tensions, including threats tied to Iran. The contrast between exploration and conflict highlights a defining tension of the moment — the capacity for destruction alongside a shared desire to explore, understand and ultimately “choose Earth” and one another.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“FSU College of Law jumps to all-time high in U.S. News & World Report rankings” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Florida State University College of Law was rated the No. 34 law school in the country, its best showing ever in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. “These rankings reflect the extraordinary work of our faculty, students, alumni, and staff, and the momentum we continue to build as a national leader in legal education,” said FSU College of Law Dean Erin O’Hara O’Connor in a statement. “Our focus on student success, innovative programming and meaningful experiential learning is preparing graduates to excel in a rapidly evolving legal profession. We are proud to see these efforts recognized and remain committed to continuing our upward trajectory.” FSU’s law school moved up four spots from last year’s ranking. FSU now shares the No. 34 spot with several other law schools around the country, including the University of Florida.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to a great Mom, a great person, a style icon, and still our favorite Schoonover, Liberty’s Mom, Alli Liby-Schoonover of Metz Husband & Daughton. Also celebrating today are Rep. Robert Brackett, Orlando City Commissioner Tom Keen, Emily Duda Buckley, Jacksonville City Council member Matt Carlucci, Mary Katherine Delegal, Michael Moline of The Florida Phoenix, and forever a Florida Man, NBC’s Joe Scarborough.

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