Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 6.23.26

Good Tuesday morning.

The Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2026 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit kicks off today.

The all-day event, which will focus on strengthening the state’s talent pipeline from early learning through career placement, will emphasize aligning education, workforce development and employer needs as Florida pursues broader economic competitiveness goals.

Opening sessions will examine data-driven workforce planning and strategies to better connect education policy with employer demand, followed by discussions with speakers such as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Henry Mack, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Education Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas and Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, alongside presidents of Florida colleges, business executives and workforce development leaders.

The summit will also highlight topics including artificial intelligence in education, work-based learning, manufacturing and aviation workforce needs, childcare access, second-chance hiring and expanding career opportunities for Floridians.

A lunchtime keynote from Donalds will focus on building “America’s best workforce to compete in the global economy,” while afternoon sessions will shift toward strengthening K-12 education, early learning and postsecondary innovation as the foundation for Florida’s future workforce.

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Allegiant Strategies Group has hired Benjamin Melnick as vice president of Strategy and Operations, adding tech-transformation and AI advisory muscle to the Tallahassee-based government affairs and lobbying firm as it positions clients for a rapidly evolving landscape.

“Ben brings something rare: a mix of deep operational leadership, fluency in how Florida state government works, and hands-on experience with how technology is transforming it all,” said Allegiant CEO David Clark.

Melnick brings more than a decade of senior leadership in state government, most recently serving simultaneously as COO of the Florida Digital Service and Special Policy Counselor at the Department of Management Services, where he oversaw operations across data, security, and program management and helped architect the state’s AI policy and community of practice.

He previously served as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Economic Opportunity (now Commerce) and as Director of the Division of Water Resource Management at the Department of Environmental Protection. He began his career as a law clerk at the Office of the Attorney General and holds a law degree from Florida State University College of Law.

“After 15 years in public service, I knew the best way to continue serving the great state of Florida would be joining the team here at Allegiant,” Melnick said.

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Jenn Meale is rejoining Tallahassee-based communications firm Sachs Media as Director after spending the past five years building and leading her own consultancy.

Meale brings more than 25 years of communications experience spanning state government, public affairs and crisis management. During her career, she has served as communications director for a Florida Attorney General, a Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and a statewide executive agency, while advising elected officials, businesses and nonprofit organizations on high-profile policy and reputation issues.

“Jenn understands how issues evolve and how communications can influence outcomes,” Sachs Media President and Partner Drew Piers said.

“She has earned the trust of leaders across Florida through decades of thoughtful counsel and steady leadership. Her experience in state government, agency leadership, and public education will create tremendous value for our clients, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to the Sachs Media team.”

In her new role, Meale will provide senior strategic counsel to clients and help lead the firm’s expanding portfolio of state government and public education work. Her responsibilities will include advising organizations navigating policy, regulatory and reputation challenges, as well as supporting integrated communications campaigns.

“Sachs Media has built an exceptional reputation for helping organizations tackle important issues and tell meaningful stories,” Meale said. “I’m excited to rejoin a team that combines strategic thinking, creativity, and a genuine commitment to client success. I look forward to helping clients navigate new challenges and opportunities in an increasingly complex communications environment.”

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Here are a couple of other items on my radar:

— I layer caked Jacob Engels, and I’m sorry: To be clear, my apology is not to him, but to you, dear reader, and the countless friends who have checked in on me after this second-rate never has been came at me with an unnecessarily long documentary hit piece. Upon reflection, I may have invited Engels’ ire. Don’t get the layer cake reference? Check out more here.

⭐ Worth a stop, not a star — In my latest apolitical column, I argue that chasing a Michelin star in St. Pete is a fool’s errand in a town built for grouper sandwiches and sunsets. Drawing on a 2022 COVID layover, I spent haunting Claude Bosi’s Bibendum in London, I reckon with why no Pinellas restaurant has earned a star — and where VISIT FLORIDA’s statewide gamble actually paid off, dragging anonymous inspectors into Panhandle towns that never registered before. Read it here.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

—@PeterSchiff: Alan Greenspan, the architect of the 2008 financial crisis and author of the playbook that all successive Fed Chairs followed, died today at age 100. Even that ripe old age didn’t allow him to live long enough to see the final economic crisis his policy mistakes made inevitable.

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@MikeAlfred: I’m in Miami right now, and there is a roving army of Scottish football supporters going bar to bar, cleaning out all the kegs. I just saw them completely empty all the beer from 7 bars near the beach. The group appears to be growing in numbers. Not sure who to call to help. Insane

—@MattDevittWX: SAHARAN DUST IS BACK! 🐪 Get ready for several large plumes of dust across Florida and the Gulf over the next 5-10 days. Remember, the dust can weaken or suppress tropical activity in impacted areas and bring vibrant sunrises and sunsets too!

— DAYS UNTIL —

The final season of ‘The Bear’ premieres — 2; ‘Supergirl’ premieres — 3; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates — 3; 2026 Florida Statewide Finals – National Civics Bee — 7; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 8; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 11; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 16; 2026 Florida Python Challenge — 17; MLB All-Star Game — 21; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 23; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 27; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 38; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 43; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 44; Early voting period begins — 46; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 54; Primary Election Day — 56; NFL regular season kicks off — 78; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 79; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 80; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 84; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 88; Tampa Bay Buccaneers opener against Cleveland Browns — 89; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 93; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 100; General Election voter registration deadline — 104; ‘The Social Network’ sequel with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison premieres — 108; Early Voting General Election begins — 123; General Election — 133; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 136; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 141; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 150; Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth, his Academy-award winning role, in a film directed by David Fincher, written by Quentin Tarantino — 155; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 178; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 178; untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 178; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 216; 69th annual Grammy Awards — 229; Super Bowl LXI — 236; Tampa Mayoral Election — 252; 2027 Oscars — 264; Jacksonville First Election — 273; Jacksonville General Election — 329; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 347; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 409; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 409; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 465; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 542; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 580; 2028 Oscars — 621; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 703; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 724; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 752; U.S. Presidential Election — 868; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 944; Avatar 4 premieres — 1,268; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,308; Avatar 5 premieres — 1,999.

— TOP STORY —

“State officials roll out additional emergency rules on 7-OH” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — Officials overseeing the state’s regulation of kratom products made with high levels of 7-OH announced another round of emergency rules after the Legislature failed to act on the issue this year. Kratom naturally contains 7-OH, a compound believed to provide the same effects as a powerful opioid painkiller, and it has been added to thousands of products sold in gas stations and convenience stores. Attorney General James Uthmeier referred to the compound as “gas station heroin” when he announced a new emergency rule limiting its concentration during a news conference at Tampa General Hospital.

Uthmeier’s office issued two other emergency rules last year, one of which rescheduled 7-OH to the state’s list of illicit drugs and was followed by a heavy enforcement campaign led by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Those rules came after the Food and Drug Administration recommended 7-OH for placement on the federal list of illicit drugs last July. The latest rule, filed after the news conference, closed loopholes discovered in the earlier order that had severely limited the concentration of 7-OH allowed in products.

“The reality is, evildoers will try to skirt the system,” Uthmeier said. “They will come up with ways to dodge, deviate and come up with new ways to put profits over public safety.”

Uthmeier was joined by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who said his enforcement teams have removed more than 23,000 products from store shelves since they began patrolling in August. Simpson’s office filed an update requiring manufacturers to list the 7-OH concentration on product labels, to be followed by another rule tightening limits later this week. “This is a tragedy when our society can have one more different compound, or one different chemical, and make it a completely different product that is killing people,” Simpson said.

— 2026 —

“Byron Donalds says property tax amendment needed fiscal impact study before legislators approved it” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Gubernatorial candidate Donalds, a former member of the Florida House, says legislators should have had more information on the homestead exemption increase before advancing it to the November ballot. “They moved it very, very quickly. I think that they needed to have a fiscal impact study before it left Tallahassee, but that’s not how it works,” Donalds said on “This Week in South Florida.” A June 13 Revenue Estimating Conference found that lifting exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 under HJR 1-F would eventually pull $11.86 billion per year from local budgets. Donalds, noting the question is now “in the hands of the voters,” said local governments could have avoided cuts by rolling back millage rates as property values rose.

Happening today — Donalds makes a joint “announcement” with the Florida Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay at noon — and all signs point to an endorsement. Donalds will appear alongside Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson, with media availability to follow. Neither camp is saying the word, but the state’s most powerful business lobby doesn’t stage a sit-down like this to stay neutral.

“Donalds says GOP gubernatorial opponents aren’t viable because voters don’t back them” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — With less than a week to go before the Republican Party of Florida’s “Sunshine State Showdown,” Donalds is again dismissing the opponents clamoring to debate him. Asked whether Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and former House Speaker Paul Renner were viable, Donalds flatly said no. “Viability is just not having a title. Viability is having support of the voters of Florida,” the Naples Congressman said on “This Week in South Florida.” He has the receipts: his campaign and committee have roughly $65 million to spend, against less than $6 million for Collins, under $3 million for Renner, and about $200,000 for James Fishback. Donalds says he’s “at 50% in the polls and climbing” while “these other candidates are in single digits.” Gov. Ron DeSantis has called the lack of a debate a “farce,” but the state’s power structure looks ready to move on.

Jay Collins talks workforce, healthcare on Southern Tech Orlando visit — Collins toured Southern Technical College–Orlando, trying his hand at the welding program and touting career-focused training in high-demand fields such as welding, electrical, HVAC, and healthcare. In a Q&A with National Honor Society students, veterans, and faculty, he flagged sepsis prevention as a critical healthcare priority and pitched telemedicine to widen access and ease emergency room strain. Collins also fielded questions on data centers and hyperscalers, calling for “clear guardrails” — reliable, clean energy; protection of water resources and aquifers; and local visibility into projects that affect surrounding communities. He capped the visit with an economic development roundtable. “Southern Technical College is proud to provide students with practical, career-focused training that prepares them to contribute immediately in the fields that are driving Central Florida’s growth,” said Sami Fanek, Executive Director of Southern Technical College–Orlando.

“James Fishback ignores court demands for information on exorbitant spending” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Gubernatorial candidate Fishback has continued to ignore demands from a federal judge to disclose financial information. The delays come months after Fishback, in a civil case with ex-employer Greenlight Capital, was ordered to turn over company stock certificates to the U.S. Marshals Service, along with details on a slate of luxury purchases. U.S. District Judge Martin Fitzpatrick ordered Fishback, a Madison Republican, to provide information by June 18 on a Cartier watch bought for about $7,500, a Tesla Model 3, and two bank accounts — but nothing was filed by the deadline. Fitzpatrick is now expected to act on the matter, having warned the “Court may grant a motion ‘by default’” if Fishback fails to comply. Fishback, who has not filed anything in the dispute, did not respond to Florida Politics’ request for comment.

“Angie Nixon presses Alex Vindman for televised debates” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Nixon is challenging fellow Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Vindman to join her on the debate stage ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary, arguing voters deserve a direct comparison of their competing visions for Florida. Nixon, a Jacksonville legislator, has agreed to appear in debates hosted by WJXT and WESH and says she is ready to make her case on issues ranging from affordability to economic opportunity. Whether Vindman will participate remains unclear. The retired Army lieutenant colonel has dominated fundraising, reporting nearly $6.5 million cash on hand compared with Nixon’s roughly $175,000. Nixon maintains she is the strongest Democrat to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody in November.

— MORE ELECTIONS —

Frederica Wilson backs Oliver Gilbert to succeed her — U.S. Rep. Wilson is throwing her support behind Oliver Gilbert III in the race for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, handing the Miami-Dade County Commissioner the most significant endorsement of the contest. Wilson has held the South Florida seat for 15 years, following earlier stints as an educator, School Board member and state legislator — a tenure that makes her blessing a powerful signal in a district she has long defined. The endorsement lands as the campaign sharpens around cost-of-living concerns, from rent and healthcare to transit and wages, the issues anchoring Gilbert’s run. “This is the most meaningful endorsement I could ask for. Congresswoman Wilson has fought for this community for decades, the last 15 years in Congress doing the hard work to move our community and country forward, and she does not give her word lightly,” Gilbert said. “She knows better than anyone what’s needed in Washington. I grew up right here in South Florida, in Miami Gardens. I know what families here are up against because I have lived it.”

“Internal poll shows Eliott Rodriguez topping 50% in CD 27” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — An internal survey commissioned by Rodriguez’s campaign shows the former Miami television anchor opening a sizable lead in the Democratic Primary for Florida’s 27th Congressional District. The Bendixen & Amandi poll found Rodriguez at 54%, ahead of former federal prosecutor Robin Peguero at 28%, with 18% undecided. The campaign says Rodriguez leads across key demographic groups and has built momentum through endorsements from more than 60 elected officials and community leaders. Peguero, meanwhile, has emphasized his fundraising strength, reporting that he has raised more than $900,000 from roughly 6,500 donors. The Aug. 18 Democratic Primary winner is expected to face Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar in one of the Democrats’ top congressional targets.

Brian Nathan endorses Nic Zateslo in CD 2 — Democratic congressional candidate Nic Zateslo picked up the backing of state Sen. Brian Nathan, a Tampa Democrat, union electrician, and Navy veteran, in the race for CD 2. Nathan praised Zateslo’s “practical, data-driven approach” to the property insurance crisis and the rising cost of housing. “His commitment to single-issue legislation and functional oversight provides the exact discipline required to restore accountability in Washington. I fully endorse his campaign for Congress,” Nathan said. Zateslo, an Eagle Scout and entrepreneur, said the two built the relationship in person. “Brian and I didn’t just meet on a stage. He’s come out to two of our Meet and Greets … So, when he says this campaign is the real deal, it’s because he’s watched our work up close,” Zateslo said.

— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —

“Fentrice Driskell lands trove of labor, environmental group endorsements” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — House Democratic Leader Driskell is rolling out a new round of endorsements in her race for Senate District 16. The most significant is from the Florida AFL-CIO, one of the state’s largest and most impactful labor unions, representing about 1 million union members across a network of 500 local unions. Driskell faces fellow Democrat Michele Rayner, a member of her current House caucus, in an open Primary this August, so the group’s support for Driskell over Rayner is particularly notable. Other union backing comes from Tampa Firefighters Local 754, the Suncoast Police Benevolent Association, and the Teamsters Local Union 79. The Suncoast Sierra Club is also backing Driskell.

“Firefighters line up behind Lauren Book in SD 30 comeback bid” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Former Senate Democratic Leader Book has picked up the endorsements of the Florida Professional Firefighters and Metro-Broward Professional Fire Fighters Local 3080 in her bid for Senate District 30, bringing thousands of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and emergency personnel into her corner across Broward and Palm Beach counties. “Lauren Book has always understood that supporting first responders means more than simply thanking them for their service — it means showing up and fighting for them when it matters,” said Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska, president of the Florida Professional Firefighters. Formed in 1944, the Florida Professional Firefighters represents more than 30,000 firefighters and EMS personnel statewide.

AFL-CIO and IBEW Local 915 back Luis Salazar in HD 64 — Democratic candidate Salazar picked up endorsements from the Florida AFL-CIO and IBEW Local 915 in his bid for HD 64, the latest labor support for his Tampa-area campaign. The AFL-CIO is the state’s largest labor federation, representing more than one million union members, retirees, and their families; IBEW Local 915 has represented skilled electrical workers across the Tampa Bay region for more than a century. “The support of the Florida AFL-CIO and IBEW Local 915 sends a powerful message about the momentum our campaign is building among working people across Florida,” Salazar said. He is running on lowering costs, reforming the property insurance market, making healthcare more affordable, and strengthening public schools.

“Broward AFL-CIO backs Michael Ferguson in bid to flip HD 100” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Air Force veteran and lawyer has earned the endorsement of the Broward AFL-CIO in his campaign for House District 100, adding the muscle of organized labor to a Democratic effort to flip the coastal Broward seat being vacated by term-limited Republican Rep. Chip LaMarca. “Working families need leaders in Tallahassee who will fight for good-paying jobs, safe workplaces, and the freedom to organize,” said Andy Madtes, president of the Broward AFL-CIO. “Michael Ferguson has demonstrated a commitment to standing up for workers and putting people ahead of politics. We are proud to endorse his campaign for Florida House District 100 and know Michael will be a strong voice for Florida’s working families in Tallahassee.”

Happening today:

Happening tonight:

— STATEWIDE —

“Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center to reportedly close permanently” via Frank Kopylov of Florida’s Voice — “Alligator Alcatraz,” the temporary migrant detention facility in the Everglades, is shutting down for good, with contractors notified Monday to begin full demobilization of the site. The move marks the end of a $1.2 billion state-backed operation that opened in July 2025 as a high-capacity holding center to support federal immigration enforcement efforts. It processed and helped facilitate the deportation of nearly 22,000 migrants. Uthmeier emphasized the project’s temporary nature during a news conference on Monday but did not confirm its permanent closure. “When it was first conceptualized, the federal government had not yet devoted money and resources towards immigration enforcement,” Uthmeier said. “It was never expected to be a long-term thing.”

“Alex Andrade, still criticizing James Uthmeier, hasn’t decided how he will vote in November AG race” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — While Uthmeier won the GOP nomination without opposition, one Republican official in the Legislature continues to criticize him. State Rep. Andrade, a Pensacola Republican who spearheaded an investigation of state funding directed to campaigns managed by Uthmeier, has hammered the appointed official. Last year, DeSantis appointed Uthmeier as Attorney General, filling a post vacated when the Governor named former Attorney General Moody to a U.S. Senate seat. Certainly, Andrade isn’t endorsing the Democrat in the race. But how will he vote? On that, Andrade declined to comment. “I don’t know yet,” he said. “I haven’t decided.” “I firmly believe that anyone who steals $10,000,000 from Medicaid is incompetent to oversee Florida’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and can’t be trusted to faithfully enforce our laws.”

“Paula Stark sues to get on the ballot after qualifying mix-up” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Rep. Stark is suing to get on the ballot for re-election in House District 47 after she failed to qualify this month. Form 6 is a public disclosure of financial interests that all candidates for state office must submit during the qualifying period, which started June 8 and ran through June 12 at noon. Stark’s name appeared as “did not qualify” on the state election website later that day. If Stark is omitted from the ballot, it will be a big win for Democrats, who will automatically flip her seat since there are no other Republican candidates in the race. “The Department’s filing officer physically took possession of all three qualifying materials from the Plaintiff before the end of the qualifying period,” her lawsuit said. “More specifically, the Department’s filing officer promptly accepted the Plaintiff’s qualifying fee check and her oath of office as provided by hand from her campaign treasurer. Unfortunately, the Department’s filing officer erroneously returned the Plaintiff’s Form 6 filing to her campaign treasurer. Plaintiff’s treasurer did not question the statement by the filing officer and thought that Plaintiff’s qualification was complete.”

“$1 discrepancy on check prevents 22-year-old FAU poli-sci major from qualifying in HD 91 race“ via Fabrizio Downey of Florida Politics — Twenty-two-year-old Alexander Lambridis is off the HD 91 ballot after writing his qualifying check a dollar short: the numbers line read $1,781.82, but the written line spelled out $1,780.82. The slip clears the Democratic field for retired firefighter paramedic Luis Garcia, who greeted the news with “God is good!” Lambridis says he and his lawyer are still fighting to get on the ballot, but is taking it in stride: “This isn’t the end of the world.”

“AI usage surges despite state’s data center aversion” via Jack Randall of Treasure Coast Newspapers — While artificial intelligence has been a polarizing topic in state and local politics, Floridians appear to have embraced the technology at among the highest rates in the nation. AI use has spread across Florida at the No. 10 fastest rate. More than one-third of Floridians — 33.6% — have used generative AI such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and other AI-assisted technologies. Florida metropolitan areas have adopted AI technology at one of the highest rates in the nation, the report found. Large and vocal swaths of Floridians, meanwhile, have expressed pessimism, fear and opposition to AI technology. “I think there’s a lot of areas where AI is going to help give us opportunity,” said Kevin White, one of the Microsoft researchers involved in the study.

“Jeff Brandes launches ‘Carfax for condos’ initiative” via Fadia Patterson of Spectrum News — Former state Sen. Brandes is rolling out a new private-sector effort aimed at bringing more transparency to Florida’s troubled condominium market. The Florida Communities Certification Association will review financial records, Board minutes, inspection reports and other documents to assign ratings designed to help buyers understand a condo association’s financial health before purchasing. The program arrives as associations grapple with higher costs tied to post-Surfside safety requirements, including milestone inspections and fully funded reserves. Brandes says the voluntary certification process functions like a “Carfax for condos,” giving buyers, lenders and insurers an independent assessment of a building’s stability. Pilot participants say the effort could help distinguish well-managed associations from those struggling to meet new standards.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Tensions run high as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on three key Donald Trump priorities” via Justin Jouvenal of the Washington Post — That turbulence makes for a tense backdrop in the waning days of the Supreme Court’s 2025-26 term, as the justices prepare to rule on three signature Trump initiatives: limiting birthright citizenship, firing the heads of independent agencies and reshaping the Federal Reserve. Many legal experts believe that the justices have signaled they will rule against Trump on two out of the three, blocking his bid to deny citizenship to those who were born to parents here illegally or lacking permanent residency, as well as his effort to remove a Governor of the Fed Board. “It seems like almost 100 years since you’ve had a clash approaching this level between the President and the court,” said Jeffrey L. Fisher, a law professor at Stanford University.

“Probe into Trump clemency grant was quietly shut down” via Kenneth P. Vogel, Nicole Hong and William K. Rashbaum of The New York Times — The Trump administration halted a federal investigation examining the circumstances behind a clemency grant to convicted fraudster David Gentile, according to people familiar with the matter. Prosecutors had been looking into whether improper payments were made to help secure Gentile’s commutation after he was convicted in a $1.6 billion fraud scheme that victimized thousands of investors. The inquiry reportedly examined communications involving the Rev. Frank Mann, a retired Catholic priest and Trump ally who denied any involvement in securing the clemency. The investigation was abandoned after concerns were raised by senior Justice Department officials, prompting questions about political influence over prosecutorial decisions.

“Kat Cammack told me this story. Then she asked me not to publish it.” via Tara Palmeri of The Red Letter — Cammack reached out to talk about sexual misconduct in Congress. Instead, the pro-life Republican from CD 3 broke down describing the life-threatening ectopic pregnancy that nearly killed her — and the hospital delay that followed. “Politics has really, really endangered a lot of women’s lives,” Cammack said. Five weeks along with no detectable heartbeat and a rupture risk doctors called potentially fatal, she says she found herself reading the state’s six-week abortion law aloud to hospital administrators while asking her husband to Google “how long does it take to die if you have internal bleeding?” Cammack blames a “deliberate campaign” of misinformation by abortion-rights groups that geofenced ads around hospitals; Palmeri counters that she “saw a law that created the conditions for that fear to flourish.” Cammack says she has since received “dozens and dozens of death threats” and now has a deputy parked in her driveway 24/7. After the interview, she asked Palmeri not to publish it, citing threats to her family. Palmeri ran it anyway: “behind every policy debate is a human being.”

But why? — “Americans are wary of betting on politics” via Declan Harty of POLITICO — Prediction markets have exploded in popularity, but many Americans remain uncomfortable when the wagers involve politics. A new POLITICO/Public First survey found that 44% of respondents believe betting on election outcomes should be illegal, while similar concerns emerged over wagers tied to presidential statements and pardons. Supporters argue that prediction markets provide valuable forecasting and risk-management tools, but critics warn they could undermine public trust in democracy and create opportunities for wealthy interests to influence elections. While younger Americans appear more open to placing bets, most adults remain skeptical. The findings suggest political wagering may represent the industry’s biggest growth opportunity — and one of its most controversial fronts.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“A ‘Death Train’ is haunting South Florida” via Kaitlyn Tiffany of The Atlantic — The Brightline is a beautiful train — ultra-quiet, decorated with streaks of highlighter yellow, carrying passengers between Miami and Orlando at up to 125 miles per hour. It “restores glamour to the humble railroad.” But what it is best known for “is not that it reflects the gleam of the future” — it’s that “it keeps hitting people.” Federal Railroad Administration data shows the train has been involved in at least 185 fatalities since it began operating in December 2017; last year, it hit and killed 41 people, none of whom authorities believed were trying to harm themselves. By comparison, the Long Island Rail Road, the busiest commuter line in the country, killed six. Floridians now call it the “Death Train,” joking darkly that it must be “fed” to keep hurricanes away, while the local news sometimes calls it “Frightline.” A Miami Herald investigation found someone is killed, on average, once every 13 days. Brightline, which has not been found responsible for any of the deaths, frames the issue as “illegal, deliberate and oftentimes reckless behavior by people putting themselves in harm’s way.” But there are 331 grade crossings along its South Florida route, and as historian Richard White put it, “Fast trains and grade crossings are always a deadly combination.”

Police, firefighters endorse Danielle Cohen Higgins — Miami-Dade County Commissioner Cohen Higgins picked up endorsements from three first-responder groups — the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, the Metro-Dade Firefighters, and the South Florida Council of Firefighters — which cited her consistent support for officers and firefighters and her work to ensure they have the resources, training, and support to keep communities safe. “At a time when policing is increasingly complex, she has stood firmly with our officers,” said PBA President Steadman Stahl. Metro-Dade Firefighters President William McAllister said she has ensured “fire rescue professionals have the staffing, equipment, and support necessary to protect our communities,” while South Florida Council of Firefighters President John O’Brien said she “has always stood with us.” Cohen Higgins, a trial attorney elected to the Commission in 2020, called public safety “my responsibility, and I take it seriously every day.”

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Orlando pushes through changes to historic district rules amid backlash” via Ryan Gillespie of Orlando Sentinel — Orlando officials loosened the city’s rules on historic buildings, a move they hope will kick off a new era of growth in Orlando’s core business district, but one that preservationists called a potential death knell to decades of historic protections. Under the three-year moratorium, development proposals within the current historic boundaries would no longer have to go before the city’s Historic Preservation Board – a citizens’ advisory panel tasked with awarding a “certificate of appropriateness.” The four Commissioners who backed the measure, however, said Orlando’s downtown urban core desperately needs a shot in the arm amid post-COVID closures. “The moratorium is temporary, but the changes are forever,” said Scott Sidler, a former Historic Preservation Board Chair. “Once a wrecking ball swings downtown, no future Council can vote a building back.”

“NASA’s $4.3 billion planet-hunting Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope arrives in Florida” via Richard Tribou of Orlando Sentinel — The $4.3 billion Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which arrived at the turn basin near KSC’s Launch Complex 39, is named in honor of NASA’s first chief astronomer. It’s set to launch as early as Aug. 30 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. While the price tag is in the billions, it has come in under budget and ahead of schedule, with a launch about eight months earlier than originally planned. Julie McEnery, Roman telescope’s senior project scientist, is keen on Roman’s planet-finding capability, but even more so on its tackling of the mysteries of dark energy. “Current observations hint that our standard model of the universe is incorrect. Roman will be able to confirm these and set us on the path to understanding what’s right,” she said.

— LOCAL: TB —

“This Miami real estate mogul is betting on Bob Buckhorn to keep Tampa growing” via Rebecca Liebson of the Tampa Bay Times — JP Pérez, CEO of Related Group, sat down with the Tampa Bay Times to discuss the company’s plans for Manor Riverwalk, his favorite neighborhoods in Tampa and his pick for the city’s upcoming mayoral election. Related’s latest venture, Manor Riverwalk, will feature five sleek high-rises on the banks of the Hillsborough River. Pérez described the new district as an urban oasis for young professionals who value health and wellness. On the mayoral race: “We’re fully behind Bob Buckhorn. I think he’s a great leader. Look what he did with kickstarting Water Street. Years ago, he actually called us to come up there, and that’s really when we started getting back into building in Tampa.”

“Three challengers outraise Ken Welch in latest filings for St. Pete Mayor’s race” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Mayor Welch was outraised by three candidates vying to oust him in the latest round of mayoral campaign finance filings. Welch’s campaign account raised nearly $23,000 from April 1 through June 12, putting him behind former Gov. Charlie Crist, City Council member Brandi Gabbard, and former Fire Chief Jim Large. Crist led the field with nearly $71,000 via his candidate account — more than tripling Welch’s haul — followed by Gabbard’s $32,000 (including a $5,000 loan) and Large’s $29,000. Welch also spent more than he raised, leaving about $19,000 on hand. Crist’s committee, St. Pete Shines, has raised nearly $1.5 million since its launch, giving him a clear financial advantage. The Primary is Aug. 18.

“USF St. Pete lands $7.5M veterans center” via Anthony Close of St. Pete Rising — The University of South Florida St. Petersburg is moving forward with a new $7.5 million Office of Veteran Success, giving one of the state’s largest populations of military-connected students a permanent home on the downtown waterfront campus. The 7,500-square-foot facility will replace temporary space lost after the 2024 hurricanes and provide academic, career, wellness and benefits support under one roof. Todd Post, who oversees veteran services at USFSP, said the center will expand the university’s “wrap-around services” model for veterans transitioning to civilian and academic life. The project is backed by state and federal funding secured with help from Collins, Rep. Danny Alvarez and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor.

America Cures campaign highlights Hillsborough patient’s story — A new advertising campaign from PhRMA is spotlighting Hillsborough resident Melissa, a mother of two who relies on access to cutting-edge treatments as she battles a brain tumor. The campaign, part of PhRMA’s national “America Cures” initiative, argues that U.S. leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation gives American patients access to new medicines years before many other countries. According to the campaign, Americans can access 88% of newly launched medicines, compared with 36% in other high-income countries, and 88% of new cancer treatments are available in the U.S., compared with 41% elsewhere. The effort also highlights Florida’s stake in the innovation economy, noting the biopharmaceutical sector supports nearly 300,000 jobs statewide, generates $5.2 billion in state tax revenue, and is connected to more than 2,100 active clinical trials. The campaign comes as policymakers debate proposals that industry leaders argue could impact the nation’s ability to develop and deliver future medical breakthroughs.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus is set to transfer to New College. Now what?” via Lucy Marques of the Tampa Bay Times — The University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus is set to transfer to New College next month. On July 1, New College will take over the campus and its facilities and take on all operating and maintenance costs. Current USF Sarasota-Manatee students will be able to finish their degrees under USF faculty. No new USF students will be admitted to the Sarasota-Manatee campus after July 1. New College President Richard Corcoran said the transition represents a “forward-looking opportunity to expand New College’s capacity.” New College is waiting for the Governor to sign the budget before releasing any other updates.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“UF taps Stuart Bell as interim president amid governance dispute” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — The University of Florida Board of Trustees has approved Bell as interim president while his selection as the university’s next permanent leader remains stalled by the Board of Governors. Bell, the former president of the University of Alabama, will assume the interim role July 1 and could transition into the presidency if confirmed by state higher education leaders. The delay stems from concerns raised by Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine over governance practices and the authority granted to UF Board Chair Mori Hosseini, allegations that trustees vigorously rejected Monday. Trustees warned the uncertainty could hamper fundraising and major projects, while Hosseini insisted reviews by outside counsel and the Attorney General’s Office found no governance violations.

“Escambia stands to lose $59.2M from budget if property taxes are cut” via Mollye Barrows of the Pensacola News Journal — Escambia County leaders are taking a hard look at their budget in the event voters approve the state Property Tax Reform referendum during the 2026 General Election in November. According to Escambia County staff, projections show approximately $40.1 million in lost revenue in year one and about $59.2 million in year two in lost revenue for the county’s general fund. Last year, Escambia County’s general fund included $348 million. County Administrator Wes Moreno said county departments have been asked to cut their budgets by 10% to 15% without affecting service delivery. “As aggressively as we can and with the least amount of pain as we can, we are discussing strategies,” Moreno said.

— TOP OPINION —

“America’s Suez moment” via Andrew Sullivan of The Weekly Dish — Sullivan argues that for all the missiles and bombs the U.S. rained on Iran while demanding “unconditional surrender,” “the surrender, a few short months later, is ours.” In his telling, the Iranian regime emerges “domestically stronger than before, more radical, and more confident,” while Washington has “depleted a dangerously huge amount of our own global arsenal,” “alienated every major ally,” handed Russia a windfall and isolated Israel. The war, he writes, proved “America’s military might is useless if divorced from strategy: Vietnam all over again.”

The collapse, Sullivan contends, came the moment Iran reached for “the most bleedingly obvious tactic” — choking the Strait of Hormuz — because a blockade threatened “a global economic crash.” Trump caved, in his account, trading sanctions relief and new leverage over the strait for “up to $300 billion in unfrozen funds and reparations — six times the sum Obama delivered for a better deal.” He calls it “the greatest foreign policy disaster since Iraq” and predicts no one will be held accountable.

The “silver lining,” Sullivan writes, is that “the American public never wanted this” war and “saw right through it.” He likens the episode to the 1956 Suez Crisis, when “a very similar humiliation in the Middle East” forced Britain and France to shed “delusions of their great power.” A “certain clarity can come from losing a war of imperial overreach,” he argues, pointing to a notably chastened tone from Trump and Vice President JD Vance toward Israel as a sign the appetite for what he calls “the last war for Israel” may finally be spent.

That, for Sullivan, is the source of hope: that defeat forces “serious retrenchment,” a refocus on Asia and Russia, and “real conditions” on aid to Israel — that Trump, in the end, “did the obviously right thing. After doing the obviously wrong thing.”

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Swing voters are still mad at Republicans about abortion” via Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark — Amid all the talk of inflation, war, and artificial intelligence, people are underestimating just how important abortion could still be to this Fall’s elections. When the Democratic Party put heavy emphasis on abortion in the 2024 Elections, it didn’t pan out. That’s because voters were more motivated by economic issues. Fights around abortion moved to the states — where Republican-controlled Legislatures were passing sweeping bans — and receded from the federal level. Today, Dems may have over-learned the lesson of 2024. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard voters — even swing voters and conservatives — say some version of ‘I’m pro-life, but I believe in a woman’s right to choose.’”

“When a job list becomes a math policy argument” via Chad Aldeman for Florida Politics — Florida’s new high-demand careers tool is more than a workforce website. It is a data-driven argument for stronger math skills, showing families, educators and policymakers which jobs are growing and what skills students will need to reach them. By ranking occupations through 2033, filtering careers that meet a meaningful wage threshold and allowing users to explore regional demand, the Florida Chamber Foundation turns labor market data into something practical and public-facing. The result is useful for students, guidance counselors, community colleges and state leaders trying to align education with economic opportunity. Other states and communities should pay attention. This is what workforce research looks like when it is built to be used.

“Florida’s education marketplace is working. This lawsuit would shut it down.” via Charles Caulkins for Florida Politics — Florida’s K-12 education system once operated like a monopoly, assigning families to schools based largely on ZIP code and leaving many with no practical alternatives. Over the past quarter-century, Florida changed that model by giving parents more power through charter schools, scholarship programs and other education options. The result is a competitive marketplace that has created more opportunities for students while also pushing traditional public schools to improve. Now, a lawsuit backed by the Florida Education Association threatens to unwind those gains and eliminate options for nearly 1 million students. Florida can invest in strong public schools while allowing families to choose what works for them. Returning to mandatory assignment would hurt the families who need choices most.

“Tarpon Springs Mayor defended for standing by marriage proclamation” via Conan Gallaty of the Tampa Bay Times — John Koulianos did something simple and apparently controversial: He recognized a longtime Tarpon Springs resident’s same-sex marriage. The backlash showed exactly why his decision mattered. Cities are diverse, not just demographically but morally, culturally and religiously, and no Mayor can reflect every belief held by every resident. A proclamation is not a law, mandate or demand for agreement. It is a ceremonial acknowledgment, no different in principle from the many public recognitions cities issue for religious observances, civic groups and cultural milestones. If local government can only recognize what offends no one, it can recognize almost nothing. Koulianos stood firm because acknowledging one neighbor’s milestone does not diminish anyone else’s faith.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— WORLD CUP —

“Trump’s low-profile World Cup strategy is paying off” via Ali Walker and Sophia Cai of POLITICO — Despite early fears that Trump might inject political controversy into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tournament has largely unfolded without major clashes involving the White House. Aside from issues surrounding Iran’s participation and a Somali referee’s entry into the country, the event has remained remarkably free of political drama. Trump has yet to attend a match, opting instead for a hands-off approach. At the same time, administration officials, including Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have represented the U.S. at games. Organizers and allies credit strong coordination among federal, state and local officials. For now, the World Cup has become a rare venue where sports, not politics, dominate the conversation.

“USMNT’s fast World Cup start has fans believing” via Nancy Armour of USA TODAY — The U.S. men’s national team is giving casual fans every reason to jump on the World Cup bandwagon after a 2-0 win over Australia secured a knockout-round berth. Even without Christian Pulisic, the Americans looked confident, physical and fun, scoring six goals through two games and showing the grit fans love. Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Alex Freeman, Sergino Dest, Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards all helped fuel the sense that this group has real momentum. Skeptics can argue the U.S. has not yet faced a world power but wins over Paraguay and Australia have made this run feel like something worth enjoying now.

“FIFA’s hydration breaks are worth $250 million (and likely here to stay)” via Joe Pompliano of Huddle Up — FIFA’s controversial decision to make three-minute hydration breaks mandatory during all 104 matches at this year’s World Cup — regardless of weather — has created valuable in-game advertising inventory, and Fox is monetizing it hard. According to the Wall Street Journal, Fox is charging brands $200,000 for 30-second spots during the breaks, rising to $750,000 for U.S. Men’s National Team matches. With two breaks and four commercials each across 104 matches — 832 spots — Fox could clear more than $250 million, covering over half its $485 million media rights fee. FIFA says the breaks are about player safety, but “literally not a single match at this year’s World Cup would have needed a hydration break under the initial standards FIFA implemented in 2014.” The real question: whether the breaks survive “once the heat no longer justifies them.”

— USA 250 —

“Rare founding documents land in Miami for America 250 exhibit” via Jay Jordan and Martin Vassolo of Axios — Some of America’s most precious founding documents will be on display in Miami this weekend to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. The Museum of Miami is one of eight U.S. museums to host the “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation,” a National Archives traveling exhibition open to the public from June 20 to July 5. Nine founding documents will be shown, including a secret draft of the Constitution from 1787; George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance to the Continental Army from 1778; and the Treaty of Paris from 1783, which gave the U.S. its independence. Jessie Kratz, historian of the National Archives, said she hopes the exhibition inspires Miamians to become more involved in government.

— ALOE —

“Florida gas prices see sharp drop in past 11 days as tensions with Iran ease” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — As the Fourth of July holiday stretch is approaching, there’s some good news for Floridians who plan on traveling to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The AAA Auto Club of Florida reports that prices at the pump have plummeted by about 32 cents per gallon on average over the past 11 days. “Florida’s state average is now the lowest since early March,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA of Florida. “Lower gas prices come at an ideal time for Summer travel and offer some financial relief for drivers. Still, the outlook remains uncertain.” The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida as of Monday was $3.61, significantly lower than the national average of about $3.93.

Aetna Better Health, University Area CDC reel in dads for Father’s Day — Tampa-area dads and their kids cast a line over the weekend at the third annual Reel Good Dads, a free Father’s Day celebration presented by the University Area CDC and Aetna Better Health of Florida at Harvest Hope Park. The event paired fishing poles, gear, and tutorials with family games, giveaways, food trucks, and resource tables connecting fathers to fatherhood and family services. Other partners included Impowered Minds, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, Bass Pro Shops, and Tampa Family Health Centers. Organizers framed the gathering as part of a broader effort to strengthen Tampa families.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to former Rep. Joy Goff-Marcil, Matt Killen, Danielle McGill, and Kate Wallace.

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