Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.10.25
Good Thursday morning.
For most Floridians, Summer kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, featuring delicious barbecues and spectacular fireworks displays. It’s a symbol that’s as American as apple pie.
But for those in The Process, there’s a different symbol synonymous with the season: a white hankie.
For those who work in Florida politics, Summer doesn’t really start until at least Sine Die, and more likely after the budget is signed.
Most of the time, those two things largely align. But not this year.
As you all know, the Legislative Session that was supposed to end at the beginning of May dragged on until mid-June. The budget wasn’t signed until the end of June. For reporters, lobbyists, lawmakers and legislative staff, Summer really didn’t get going until Fourth of July Weekend.
As much as we thank everyone in The Process for their diligence, our postponed vacations do not. And our usually extended reprieve has now been cut to a matter of mere weeks, with Committee weeks just around the corner in September to prepare for the January Session.
Nevertheless, the extended Session left us with much to celebrate in what is my personal favorite season. The latest edition of INFLUENCE features a recognition of one of the state’s preeminent consulting firms, Consensus Communications, alongside our annual Golden Rotundas, an extensively discussed, debated and researched accounting of the best of the best in Florida’s lobby corps.
YOU CAN READ ALL OF THE GOLDEN ROTUNDA AWARD WINNERS here.
I’m especially proud of this year’s class of honorees, as more individuals are being recognized for the first time now than ever before. That’s due in part to seeking out untold stories of legislative victories. However, it’s also primarily due to a wide array of lobbying powerhouses whose influence has finally taken hold.
Many of this year’s first-time honorees are being recognized for work that took years to bear fruit. And their recognition, along with that of some whose names we often see on lists like these, is especially important for its role in shaping the Influence 150.
We also know that many of our honorees proudly display these awards on their websites and résumés and we take that responsibility, as the ones bestowing the honor, very seriously. We consult with legislative leadership and top lobbyists in Florida to identify potential honorees and refine them after extensive consideration and scrutiny, making the Golden Rotundas a truly peer-driven award.
And to keep it light, we’ve added some insights from political savant Rick Wilson, with tidbits from an interview that, not surprisingly, was peppered with colorful language and blunt remarks.
And what would Summer be without debating the pros and cons of pickleball, even from a tennis purist? We also have a fun story about a consultant who owns a Philly cheesesteak chain. And we feature one of our favorite consultants, Josh Cooper, who, when he’s not whipping votes in the Legislature, is busy gathering awards and various accolades as a barbecue legend.
As always, INFLUENCE offers something for everyone. As you read it, we hope you are well into enjoying your Summer, or at least whatever is left of it.
Check out the latest edition of INFLUENCE, available here.
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The James Madison Institute has hired Emma Rose Graddy as its new Media Relations Manager.
In her new role, Graddy leads strategic communication efforts, manages media relations, develops engaging content to elevate the Institute’s mission and initiatives, and identifies opportunities to expand JMI’s reach across various media platforms.
Before joining JMI, Graddy worked at the Florida Department of Health, first as Social Media Manager and later as the Communications Coordinator.
“We are pleased to welcome Emma Rose Graddy as our new Media Relations Manager. As JMI grows and expands our presence both in Florida and beyond, we look forward to having Emma Rose’s expertise in communications to continue to build upon our brand growth and media engagement,” said Logan Padgett, senior vice president of The James Madison Institute.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
Tweet, tweet:
—@RealDonaldTrump: The FBI, under the direction of Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, is back to the basics: Locking up criminals and cleaning up America’s streets. We have the Greatest Law Enforcement professionals in the World, but “Politics” and Corrupt Leadership often prevented them from doing their job. That is no longer the case, and now, they have been unleashed to do their jobs, and they are doing just that. Keep it up — MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!
—@RepJamesComer: Joe Biden’s top enablers can no longer hide behind the power of the presidency. Americans are fed up with the lies about Biden’s obvious decline. @GOPoversight is bringing the truth to light. We won’t tolerate obstruction. Joe Biden’s doctor must appear tomorrow.
—@RepFine: The Hamas Caucus is upset. Boo hoo. I guess they weren’t listening when I said the Hebrew Hammer was coming.
Tweet, tweet:
—@MayorKenWelch: Too often uninformed, knee-jerk responses stifle innovation and progress in city and our nation. It’s critical that we think about the redevelopment of the Historic Gas Plant District based on facts, not hysterics.
Tweet, tweet:
—@Deggans: Can’t believe I have to break it down this much, but Superman is a fictional character who is often used as a metaphor for many different ideas. One of them is the challenge someone who was born in one culture but raised in another faces in reconciling those two things. Which is often the immigrant experience.
— DAYS UNTIL —
James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ premieres — 1; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premieres on Netflix — 15; ‘Fantastic Four – First Steps’ premieres — 15; Florida Freedom Forum — 23; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 27; Florida Chamber Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 33; The 13th Annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Summit — 33; Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begins — 36; Special Election for Senate District 15 — 54; Cowboys-Eagles open NFL season — 56; the Emmys — 66; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 69; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 70; Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio premieres — 78; Florida TaxWatch Annual Board Meeting — 88; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 109; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 134; ‘Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 139; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 141; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 146; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 146; ‘Knives Out 3’ premieres — 155; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 160; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 162; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 168; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 211; F1 Miami begins — 295; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 316; 2026 FIFA World Cup™ begins — 336; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 526; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 526; Tampa Mayoral Election — 600; Jacksonville First Election — 621; Jacksonville General Election — 677; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 813; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 890; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1100; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1216; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1616; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2347.
— TOP STORY —
“Federal judge blocks part of Florida law that restricts ballot initiatives” via Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida — A federal judge has blocked a key part of a new law that imposed additional restrictions on the state’s ballot-initiative process, saying a ban on non-Florida residents and non-U.S. citizens collecting and delivering petitions “imposes a severe burden on political expression that the state has failed to justify.”
U.S. District Judge Mark Walker’s ruling, however, allowed several other parts of the law to remain in effect, including a requirement that people who gather more than 25 signed petitions register with the state and a moratorium on Elections Supervisors processing petitions from July 1 through Sept. 30.
Florida Decides Healthcare, a political committee sponsoring a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding Medicaid coverage, filed the court challenge in May after the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. DeSantis approved the law. Smart & Safe Florida, a committee behind a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow recreational marijuana, is also a plaintiff in the case. A committee proposing a measure aimed at ensuring access to clean water has also joined the challengers.
Walker’s ruling came after the committees requested a preliminary injunction to block parts of the law, which took effect July 1.
The restriction on who can collect and deliver petition signatures went too far in limiting the committees’ activities, the Judge said.
The state “has great leeway in regulating the ballot-initiative process,” Walker acknowledged.
“But here, the state has categorically barred entire classes of people from participating in the core political speech that is central to this process. Moreover, the state has failed to demonstrate that this severe burden on speech is narrowly tailored to furthering its compelling interest in investigating and combating fraud in the petition initiative process,” he added.
—STATEWIDE—
“Susie Wiles praises ‘good Governor’ Ron DeSantis, says feud in ‘rearview mirror’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Wiles, Donald Trump’s Chief of Staff, says her past friction with DeSantis is now in the “rearview mirror,” telling the New York Post that any personal differences are long forgotten. Wiles, who was pushed out of DeSantis’ circle after his 2018 win, diplomatically attributed his failed presidential bid to Trump’s overwhelming strength and established political apparatus. Her comments signal a broader thaw in the relationship between the two leaders. Trump himself recently described his bond with DeSantis as a “10,” despite some “wounds.” While online supporters may still clash, the official narrative from Trump’s camp is that the conflict has been resolved and the two are now aligned.
“Florida lawmakers invited to tour ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid reports of dire conditions” via Kimberly Leonard, Bruce Ritchie and Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has invited state and federal lawmakers to tour the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention facility this Saturday, just a week after denying entry to a group of Democratic legislators. The invitation comes amid mounting public scrutiny and a Miami Herald report detailing poor conditions. While some lawmakers, including Democrats Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Jared Moskowitz, plan to attend, others like Rep. Anna Eskamani are skeptical, calling the scheduled 90-minute tour a poor substitute for the unannounced oversight visits they are legally entitled to. The facility, built rapidly in the Everglades to support Trump’s deportation efforts, also faces legal challenges from environmental groups concerned about its impact on the fragile ecosystem.
“Darkness is crucial to Everglades habitat. Could Alligator Alcatraz threaten it?” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — The new “Alligator Alcatraz” immigrant detention facility is creating significant light pollution, threatening the internationally recognized “dark sky” status of the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve. DarkSky International, the group that grants the designation, says the facility’s constant glow “directly threatens” the preserve and its nocturnal wildlife, including the endangered Florida bonneted bat. Conservation photographers and NASA satellite imagery have captured the glow from over 15 miles away, which critics say resembles “Yankee Stadium” in the otherwise dark wilderness. This issue has prompted a lawsuit from environmental groups, who argue the light pollution, also reported by detainees, could jeopardize the preserve’s prestigious status and harms the fragile ecosystem.
“In a first, DeSantis lets non-compete bill become law sans signature” via Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network — For the first time since he took office in 2019, DeSantis allowed legislation to become law without his signature. Three bills became law without DeSantis’ explicit approval at midnight July 3. One of them, HB 1219, is a measure pushed by big businesses, including GOP megadonor Ken Griffin’s Citadel hedge fund. The new law, named the Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality, and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act, strengthens the enforcement of non-compete and “garden leave” clauses in employment contracts. Groups of free-market think tanks, labor law activists and professors spoke out against the bill and urged DeSantis to veto it.
— MORE STATEWIDE —
“Supreme Court won’t let Florida enforce controversial immigration law” via Maureen Groppe of USA Today — Florida can’t enforce a controversial new law targeting undocumented immigrants entering Florida, the Supreme Court said on July 9 in rejecting an emergency appeal from the state. The decision leaves in place a lower court’s pause to the law while it’s being challenged. The law, which made it a felony for certain immigrants to enter Florida, was passed to help carry out Trump’s immigration policies. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier told the Supreme Court the law is needed to protect residents from “the deluge of illegal immigration.” “If a state’s police powers are powers at all, they allow a state to criminalize harms destructive to the community,” he wrote in the appeal. Seventeen states told the Supreme Court they’re backing Florida’s position, as did the Trump administration.
Happening today — Rep. Adam Anderson, Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez and other leaders will hold a news conference celebrating DeSantis signing HB 907, the Sunshine Genetics Act, with a ceremonial bill presentation with Sunshine Genetics Consortium partners Florida International University, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and University of Miami, highlighting their work to advance pediatric rare disease research. No mention of whether DeSantis will attend: 11 a.m., Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, 3100 S.W. 62nd Ave., Miami.
“Planned Parenthood’s Florida merger will allow it to serve all 67 counties” via Cindy Krischer Goodman of the Miami Herald — Planned Parenthood’s two Florida affiliates will merge to form a single, unified statewide organization. The new organization, Planned Parenthood of Florida, will offer expanded services, more telehealth options and extended hours and days of operation at some of its combined 17 health centers in the state. After a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, states are allowed to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. However, Michelle Quesada, vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood of Florida, said the two Florida affiliates — Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida and Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida — have been operating in a hostile political climate for several years and do not receive any state money.
“Fewer Canadians are searching for homes in Florida, data shows” via Abigail Hasebroock of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Living in Florida has long been enticing for Canadians, but a new analysis shows fewer of them are considering it as a destination. The number of Canadians seeking a home in Miami and Orlando decreased by about 30% in each region year over year in May, with Fort Lauderdale experiencing a 21% decline. And “fewer Canadians are searching for homes in the United States than they were at the start of 2025, before the U.S. instituted steep tariffs on Canada and relations between the two countries started suffering,” Redfin said. The number of Canadians searching for homes in the U.S. started to drop significantly in February, shortly after the Trump administration implemented 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. Some real estate experts believe the overall suffering relationship between Canada and the U.S. may also be contributing to the decrease.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Donald Trump, Elon Musk had ‘very troublesome ending,’ Wiles tells ‘Pod Force One’” via Ryan King of the New York Post — White House chief of staff Wiles has called Trump’s falling-out with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk “very troublesome” but ultimately a “little hiccup” for the administration on the latest episode of “Pod Force One,” out Wednesday. Wiles agreed with Post columnist Miranda Devine’s contention that the South Africa-born billionaire “almost … had a sort of fatherly fixation with Donald Trump that I guess inevitably was going to blow up at some point.” “The President was very, very kind to him, and Elon had so much to offer us,” Wiles responded. “He knew things we didn’t know. He knew people and technologies that we didn’t know. It was a great thing when it was a great thing, and had a very, I think, a very troublesome ending.”
“Immigration, Jeffrey Epstein, Ukraine: Trump’s moves roil MAGA base” via Natalie Allison of The Washington Post — Even as Trump celebrates the passage of his sweeping legislative package, frustration and anger have roiled some of his most loyal supporters, who fear he is going back on promises crucial to his MAGA movement. Trump is advocating a new policy that would spare swaths of migrant workers from deportations. Top administration officials, who long promised to expose hidden truths about Epstein, the wealthy child sex offender who died in 2019, suddenly conceded this week that they had nothing more to share about the case. And Trump said he would send more weapons to Ukraine, just days after leading MAGA figures cheered the Pentagon’s decision to halt the shipments.
“Pam Bondi hanging on by her fingertips amid MAGA firestorm” via Sarah Ewall-Wice of the Daily Beast — Attorney General Bondi is facing a furious backlash from MAGA loyalists and prominent conservative voices demanding her resignation or firing over her handling of the Epstein case. The outrage ignited after the Justice Department announced it had no further information to release and denied the existence of an Epstein “client list,” contradicting what supporters had previously felt Bondi had promised. Critics like Laura Loomer, Jack Posobiec, and Megyn Kelly have accused her of incompetence and of misleading the public, particularly after a “Phase 1” release of largely public information. While Trump has not yet turned on his key ally, his frustration was visible during a recent Cabinet meeting, and his silence on Bondi in a subsequent social media post has fueled speculation about her future.
“Confronted over Epstein files, Trump and Bondi tell supporters to move on” via Glenn Thrush and Stuart Thompson of The New York Times — Trump and Bondi are facing a fierce backlash from their own base after the Justice Department definitively closed the Epstein case, declaring “no further disclosure would be appropriate.” At a Tuesday Cabinet meeting, a visibly frustrated Trump dismissed the topic, asking, “You still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” while Bondi reiterated he “committed suicide.” The finality has enraged influential MAGA figures like Loomer and Tucker Carlson, who are now accusing Bondi of a cover-up and demanding her resignation. The outrage, fueled by Bondi’s earlier unfulfilled promises of a “client list,” marks a significant fissure between the administration and its most ardent supporters, who feel lied to.
“The ‘Trump pump’: How crypto lobbying won over a President” via David Yaffe-Bellany and Kenneth Vogel of The New York Times — Initially a harsh crypto critic, Trump was swayed by a massive, well-funded influence campaign from the digital currency industry. Led by executives like David Bailey, the industry pitched Trump on mobilizing voters and offered immense financial support. This courtship culminated in Trump’s post-election reversal of anti-crypto policies. Companies like Ripple spent millions on donations and high-powered lobbyists, including the firm run by Brian Ballard, to gain direct access and shape policy. The intense jockeying for influence led to the creation of a national crypto reserve and the loosening of regulations, a remarkably successful operation that enriched both the industry and the Trump family, transforming him from a skeptic into crypto’s most prominent supporter.
“Trump appointees have ties to companies that stand to benefit from privatizing weather forecasts” via Brian Slodysko and Michael Biesecker of The Associated Press — As commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick oversees the U.S. government’s vast efforts to monitor and predict the weather. The billionaire also ran a financial firm, which he recently left in the control of his adult sons, who stands to benefit if Trump’s administration follows through on a decadelong Republican effort to privatize government weather forecasting. The deadly weekend flooding in central Texas has drawn a spotlight to budget cuts and staff reductions at the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, two agencies housed within the Department of Commerce that provide the public with free climate and weather data, which can be crucial during natural disasters.
“The fight between Musk acolytes and the White House for control of DOGE” via Shalini Ramachandran, Scott Patterson and Katherine Long of The Wall Street Journal — Musk has left the government, but his clout at DOGE lives on. Weeks after the billionaire left his role at the Department of Government Efficiency amid his feud with Trump, a small band of Musk loyalists is fighting to preserve the legacy — and power — of the office that slashed government spending. Current and former officials close to DOGE say that in closed meetings, staffers have been quizzed on questions of their loyalty: Trump or Musk? Some current and former DOGE officials say allies of Musk want to complete the work they started and usher in a DOGE 2.0 focused more on revamping government websites and information technology systems than cutting government workers.
“Ashley Moody, Rick Scott urge Secretary of State to press for release of Americans held in Venezuela” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Sens. Moody and Scott are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intensify pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for the release of at least eight American hostages. In a joint letter, they called on Rubio to launch a robust campaign against Maduro’s “oppressive regime” and criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration designated a terrorist group. The Senators also advocate for designating Venezuelan government-linked groups, such as Cartel de los Soles and DGCIM, as terrorist organizations. Praising Trump’s firm stance against “tyrannical dictators,” they implored the State Department to use all available measures to secure the safe return of all unjustly detained Americans in Venezuela.
“Top Democrats demand apology from Florida Republican over attack on Ilhan Omar” via Nicholas Wu of POLITICO — House Democratic leaders slammed Rep. Randy Fine and called on the Florida Republican to apologize after he insinuated that Rep. Omar was a terrorist. In an unusual joint statement, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar called Fine’s comments “unhinged, racist and Islamophobic” as well as “bigoted and disgusting.” “We are just weeks removed from heinous acts of political violence targeting elected officials in Minnesota for assassination,” they said. “This is an incredibly difficult time for our nation and Members of Congress should be solving problems for the American people, not inciting violence. Randy Fine must apologize immediately.”
“‘Boo hoo’: Randy Fine refuses to apologize for calling Omar a ‘Muslim terrorist’” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — An X post from U.S. Rep. Fine calling U.S. Rep. Omar a “Muslim terrorist” drew condemnation from House Democratic leadership. U.S. House Minority Leader Jeffries, Minority Whip Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Aguilar issued a statement slamming the Republican, who represents a stretch of Florida’s eastern coast. “The unhinged, racist and Islamophobic comments made by Randy Fine about Rep. Ilhan Omar are bigoted and disgusting,” the Democratic statement reads. Democrats referenced the recent alleged political assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Randy Fine must apologize immediately.” Fine did not. “The Hamas Caucus is upset. Boo hoo,” Fine posted on his official account. “I guess they weren’t listening when I said the Hebrew Hammer was coming.”
“James Comey tracked by Secret Service after post critical of Trump” via Michael S. Schmidt and Eileen Sullivan of The New York Times — The Secret Service had the former FBI Director Comey followed by law enforcement authorities in unmarked cars and street clothes and tracked the location of his cellphone the day after he posted an image on social media in May that Trump’s allies said amounted to a threat to assassinate the President. Comey and his wife, Patrice, were tailed by the authorities as they drove from the North Carolina coast, where they had been vacationing, through Virginia to their home in the Washington area, the officials said, describing the details of the surveillance on condition of anonymity because they did not want to be identified discussing a federal investigation. At the same time, the Secret Service was receiving information showing the location of Comey’s phone while federal authorities were stationed at his home waiting for him to return, the officials said.
“Will Congress backpedal on change to gambling deductions?” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Some House members are slamming a Senate-driven change in how gamblers are taxed as a bad beat. Within days of Trump signing the “Big Beautiful Bill” that exempts tips and overtime from taxes, U.S. Rep. Dina Titus filed legislation to restore a tax deduction that’s been reduced in the new law. The Fair Accounting for Income Realized from Betting Earnings Taxation (FAIR BET) Act would restore a 100% deduction for gambling losses.
“Over 2,000 senior staff set to leave NASA under agency push” via Sam Skove of POLITICO — At least 2,145 senior-ranking NASA employees are set to leave under a push to shed staff, potentially spelling trouble for White House space policy and depriving the agency of decades of experience. The 2,145 employees are those in GS-13 to GS-15 positions — senior-level government ranks that are typically reserved for those with specialized skills or management responsibilities. The losses are particularly concentrated at higher levels, with 875 GS-15 employees set to leave. Those 2,145 employees, in turn, comprise the bulk of the 2,694 civil staff who have agreed to leave NASA under a slate of offers that falls within broader administration efforts to trim the federal workforce.
“Most Canadians now see U.S. as a ‘threat,’ study reveals” via Ferdinand Knapp of POLITICO — Never mind Russia, North Korea and Iran, a majority of Canadian citizens now see the neighboring United States as the “greatest threat” to their country. Fifty-nine percent of Canadians view the U.S. as a major risk, as Trump continues to suggest that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. Trump’s maverick foreign policy has included antagonizing Canada and threatening tariffs on allied nations worldwide. While more than half of Canadian respondents to the survey still consider the U.S. to be their most important ally, the poll offers a striking glimpse into changing perceptions of America in the Trump era.
— ELECTIONS —
“Recreational pot petition for 2026 ballot passes 600K signatures” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Supporters of legalizing recreational cannabis in Florida have taken a major step toward placing the issue back on the ballot, submitting more than 600,000 verified petition signatures for a proposed 2026 constitutional amendment. State records show that as of this week, the political committee Smart & Safe Florida has submitted 613,206 valid petition signatures. While the committee still needs to reach the 880,062-signature threshold to appear on the statewide ballot, it has already surpassed the minimum required to trigger mandatory review by the Florida Supreme Court and the Financial Impact Estimating Conference.
“Dan McDow sets eyes on HD 33 as he resigns as Brevard Dem Chair” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — McDow is stepping down as Chair of the Brevard County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) to mount a campaign in House District 33. McDow is seeking to challenge Republican Rep. Monique Miller. “It’s time to double down on solutions to bring down skyrocketing insurance rates and address the deeper issues driving Brevard’s high cost-of-living,” McDow said as he seeks to unseat Miller, who was elected in 2024. “We also need a real plan to counter the current and future budget cuts that threaten our schools, seniors, veterans, and children — those who rely most on a government that works for everyone.” McDow’s resignation from the county’s Executive Committee will take effect after the group’s July 23 meeting.
“Kristen Truong raises $40K in first two months of HD 71 campaign” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Bradenton Republican Truong has raised more than $40,000 for her bid to succeed Republican Rep. Will Robinson. Truong has amassed a significant haul since launching her campaign in April. The fundraising is largely split between her campaign account and her political committee, Sun Coast Conservative Alliance. “Our campaign message of lowering insurance premiums, reducing the cost-of-living and fighting for conservative values is resonating with the residents of Manatee County,” Truong said. “The level of enthusiasm from voters across the district is nothing short of inspiring and I will continue to work every day to earn their trust and support.”
“‘Difficult decision’: Joe Peduzzi ends bid for Palm Beach County Commission” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Less than six months after launching his campaign for the Palm Beach County Commission, Peduzzi is dropping out of the race, citing the demands of his current job as a West Palm Beach City Commissioner. Peduzzi, who coasted back into office last year after no one filed to run against him, announced the move in a short press note. Notably, he did not endorse either of two other candidates — Rep. Joe Casello and Palm Beach County School Board member Erica Whitfield, both fellow Democrats — still competing for the open District 2 seat. “The time commitment it would take for me to run a successful campaign would interfere with my current responsibilities as City Commissioner and the important community and city initiatives I want to focus on during my last term on the City Commission,” Peduzzi said in a statement.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Trump hails ‘important’ road named after him near Mar-a-Lago” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Trump celebrated a “wonderful honor” after Florida officially renamed a four-mile stretch of Southern Boulevard near his Mar-a-Lago resort as “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” In a social media post, he thanked DeSantis and state lawmakers for the gesture. The change, part of a larger transportation bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Meg Weinberger, marks the second road in the state recently named for the former President, following a similar designation in Hialeah. Additionally, state lawmakers recently passed a law to preempt local control over the construction of Trump’s future presidential library in Florida, ensuring the project is managed by Tallahassee to prevent potential local interference.
“Brian Mast may seek help from other federal officials to back Fort Pierce amid FEC lawsuit” via Wicker Perlis of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Little more than a month after Florida East Coast Railway filed a federal lawsuit against Fort Pierce, city leaders may be getting help from federal allies of their own. U.S. Rep. Mast, a Fort Pierce Republican, has continued to put pressure on the railroad, City Commissioner Michael Broderick told fellow Commissioners, and Mast soon may bring in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson for conversations with the company. “He was very encouraging to our initiatives here locally to try to deal with these issues. He’s going to pull another card. He’s going to try to get ahold of the ambassador to Mexico,” Broderick said.
“Miami-Dade agrees to transport ICE detainees from local jails to deportation centers” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade County’s jail system has agreed to drive local immigration detainees to federal detention centers — an arrangement that could include trips to the state-run facility in the Everglades branded as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The administration of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava quietly signed the updated agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month. It requires correctional officers trained in ICE procedures through the 287(g) program to transport detainees for the federal agency. The one-page update does not include details, but a source familiar with the arrangement said the update requires Miami-Dade jail staff covered by the existing ICE agreement to transport detainees when ICE requests a relocation trip.
“11th Circuit upholds Miami-Dade’s firing of former media aide over anti-LGBTQ column” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Former Miami-Dade media aide John Labriola is no fan of the LGBTQ community, but he just took a big L himself. A federal appeals court this month sided with the county in its 2021 firing of Labriola, ruling that the government’s interest in maintaining an efficient, inclusive workplace outweighed his claim that his free speech and religious rights were violated when he was terminated for writing a transphobic and anti-gay opinion column. In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Labriola’s First Amendment lawsuit, finding that his inflammatory piece — which described transgender individuals as part of a “tranny tyranny” and “homosexual pedophile(s) in a dress” — disrupted office operations and undermined his working relationships with colleagues.
“‘Powered by everyday Miamians’: Emilio González raises $69K in first three months of Miami Mayor bid” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — González has collected more than $69,000 toward his bid to be the city’s next Mayor, benefiting from the support of nearly 150 people and businesses, an overwhelming share of which are local. “Miami’s political establishment is rattled by my common-sense approach to tackling the city’s pressing issues — skyrocketing property taxes, inadequate transportation, and rising crime — challenges they’ve failed to address despite being elected to do so,” González said. “This campaign is powered by everyday Miamians who are ready to take their city back, and that terrifies the political elite.”
“School Board divided: Should Martin County District sue Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube?” via Colleen Wixon of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Joining a successful “mass-action” national lawsuit against social media companies could help pay for mental-health programs and get students away from social media such as TikTok and Snapchat, some School Board members argued at a workshop. Other Board members, however, were unconvinced, saying suing large corporations to pursue “free money” is unlikely to create real change. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, names the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube as defendants. It claims that social media companies used algorithms and addictive mechanisms targeting children.
Smart move — “Reversing course, Key West Commissioners agree to cooperate with ICE agreement” via David Goodhue of the Miami Herald — Key West City Commissioners reversed course from a vote last week to declare an agreement with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) void — instead opting to cooperate with the agency in the Trump administration’s mass deportation effort. The decision angered the dozens of people who packed City Hall, urging Commissioners to either stick with their initial vote to end the agreement with ICE or wait until a judge decides if municipalities must comply with such agreements. The city of South Miami filed a lawsuit in Leon County court in March against the DeSantis administration seeking a judge’s opinion on whether the city is required to take part in so-called 287(g) agreements.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Stephanie Murphy declares candidacy for Orange County Mayor” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Former U.S. Rep. Murphy, a Democrat who forged a reputation for bipartisanship during her tenure in Congress, declared her candidacy today to succeed Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, likely becoming the front-runner to lead Florida’s fifth-largest county. Murphy said she has the experience and leadership skills to navigate a bitterly divided political landscape. Murphy is “quite well known and she’s obviously won a congressional race multiple times, so she has the ability to raise money and run a winning campaign,” said Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida.
“DACA recipient from Orange County among those at Alligator Alcatraz, attorney says” via Ryan Gillespie and Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — One of the first transfers from the Orange County Jail to Alligator Alcatraz is a 36-year-old who is legally in the United States and was picked up for driving with a suspended license, his attorney told the Orlando Sentinel. The man is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, a 2012 program that shields undocumented people who arrived here as children from deportation. Josephine Arroyo, his Orlando-based attorney, declined to name her client, fearing retaliation against him at the Everglades facility. “It’s not a detention facility that is going to be up to par with the requirements necessarily, so yeah, it’s horrible,” she said. “Never in a million years did I think our client would be there, especially given his legal status and his charge of driving with a suspended license.”
“Carolina Amesty’s legal defense fund claims she’s the victim” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — When former State Rep. Amesty decided to hire the brother of U.S. Attorney General Bondi to help her with her most recent criminal problems, it probably seemed politically savvy. Amesty, after all, had just settled state-level charges related to notary-fraud accusations, which ended with her completing community service and taking a financial crimes course. She certainly didn’t want to take any chances with this next round of prosecutors eyeing her, this time for pandemic-relief fraud at the federal level. So, the 30-year-old Republican from Windermere brought out the big guns by hiring the AG’s brother … to see if he could get the AG’s office to back off. The move certainly earned attention. But it was also probably expensive. And apparently, Amesty could use help paying her bills. As the Sentinel reported last week, a legal defense fund has been established, urging those who believe in “freedom” and “biblical principles” to contribute.
“Winter Park narrows proposed protest ban at library after some Commissioners panned it” via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — Winter Park is narrowing significantly its proposed restrictions on protests near public buildings after some City Commissioners balked at a broader ban. An updated ordinance reduces the no-protest zone from the entire Winter Park Library and Events Center campus to only the buildings and a limited area around them. City staffers say some restrictions are needed to prevent disruption to private events in those facilities. Protests would be permitted on the remaining property at the corner of West Morse Boulevard and Harper Street. However, it’s unclear whether the revisions will be sufficient to satisfy a City Commission with at least two members — one a criminal defense attorney — who expressed concerns about infringing on free speech rights during an initial discussion two weeks ago.
“Lawmakers talk cities’ home rule, Volusia line-item vetoes at Republican forum” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Three Representatives from Volusia County at a public forum defended their votes in favor of a new law that aims to protect homeowners rebuilding after hurricanes, but which critics say is an attack on home rule. They didn’t get into some of the most bruising episodes of the 2025 Legislative Session — there was no talk of House Republicans’ investigation into the Hope Florida-Medicaid settlement or the prolonged budget fight over tax cuts — but Republican Reps. Webster Barnaby of Deltona, Richard Gentry of Astor and Chase Tramont of Port Orange took questions at a meeting hosted by the Republican Club of West Volusia at The Center in Deltona.
“Brevard settles legal dispute over access to beach land owned by Commissioner Thad Altman, family” via Dave Berman of Florida Today — Brevard County will pay County Commissioner Altman and his family $121,721 to settle a long-running legal battle over access to beach land the Altmans own off State Road A1A, north of Indialantic. County Commissioners approved the settlement by a 3-1 vote, with Altman abstaining and County Commission Chair Rob Feltner voting “no.” The county needed an easement on the beach land behind the Altman property at 1225 N. State Road A1A so it could be reimbursed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for work on a beach renourishment project in the Mid Reach section of the beach.
“Orlando is giving out free sandbags for precautionary hurricane prep” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Orlando is taking precautionary measures and giving out free sandbags to residents this week to prepare for future hurricanes. “With Summer underway and hurricane season in full swing, now is the time to prepare — before a storm appears on the radar,” the city said in a press release. The free sandbags will be available at the City of Orlando’s Streets and Stormwater facility, located at 1010 Woods Ave. Residents will be allowed to get up to 10 sandbags per vehicle. City staff will be available to assist people with loading the bags. The city is utilizing its sandbag-filling machine.
“Flagler Beach lifeguards rescue deer from ocean as sharks lurk nearby” via Frank Fernandez of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Chase Hunter, a senior lifeguard with Flagler Beach Ocean Rescue, said he initially didn’t think a deer was floating out in the waves. Ocean Rescue and the Flagler Beach Fire Department were responding to a call of a deer spotted in the water on the south end of the beach. “At first, I didn’t really believe there was a deer out there,” Hunter said. He soon witnessed the four-legged animal struggling in the surf. And the deer wasn’t the only thing in the water: A large shark was taking an interest in the situation. But Hunter got on his board that afternoon and paddled out to the deer anyway.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Kathy Castor demands Bondi reinstate prosecutor handling Leo Govoni case” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Castor is urging Attorney General Bondi to reinstate the prosecutor overseeing the case against Govoni. Bondi last week dismissed Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon. The decision was made amid a purge of prosecutors who handled charges against individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Castor, a Tampa Democrat, sent a letter to Bondi asking that Gordon be reinstated. “The victims of Govoni’s alleged fraud number in the thousands — each with painful and personal stories,” Castor wrote. “Mr. Gordon’s removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy. Equally alarming is the dismissal of a highly regarded Department of Justice prosecutor for purely politically vindictive reasons.”
“Govoni victims slam Bondi for political firing of lead prosecutor” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — The memo terminating Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon was sent the day after Theresa Schlosser watched Gordon successfully argue that Govoni remain in jail until his trial, an unusual step for a non-violent crime. She fears it will set the case back. “I’m so frustrated with it, I can’t hardly think,” Schlosser said in a telephone interview from her Fort Myers home, where she cares for her daughter Sarah Schlosser. “We are not proud of Bondi, not for what she’s done.” Schlosser and other victims are calling on Bondi to reinstate Gordon.
“Big Storm Brewery addresses victims of owner’s alleged fraud” via the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Big Storm Brewing will likely be sold to a new owner unless it can secure new investment. That’s the conclusion bankruptcy experts have drawn after the Clearwater craft beer brewery posted an unsigned statement to its website, stating that the business would be placed in a special trust to ensure all profits go to victims of the alleged fraud committed by its former owner, Govoni. Govoni has been charged with embezzling nearly $90 million from a local nonprofit that managed funds for disabled people. Reputational damage and strained relationships with suppliers resulting from the scandal have severely impaired the brand’s value. The value for a potential investor lies in Big Storm’s remaining assets. However, before any talks of a sale can proceed, the brewery must pay its creditors and resolve approximately $23 million in debt on its books.
“Rays’ St. Petersburg stadium deal will be officially over with vote” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — St. Petersburg officials want to make the city’s divorce from the Tampa Bay Rays official and move on. A key document governing a deal to build a $1.3 billion stadium expired on March 31, as the Tampa Bay Rays decided not to move forward with those plans. While that meant that other project terms automatically ended on that date too, city attorneys have drafted a termination agreement between St. Petersburg, the Rays and the project’s development partner, Hines. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the formal split on July 24. If approved, it would, by law, dissolve plans relating to the redevelopment portion of the stadium project, which would be recorded in the Pinellas County Clerk’s office.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Sam Garrison continues to deliver for Clay County” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Fleming Island Republican Rep. Garrison worked closely with fellow members of the Clay County legislative delegation to provide much-needed funding for roads, schools, parks and emergency services in the state’s Northeast region. In what will serve as a warehouse for emergency response equipment and a public safety administration and training facility, Garrison has secured $2 million to be used for the first stage of construction of the Clay County Public Safety Complex. The facility will serve as a regional resource center for the state, Camp Blanding, NAS JAX and other partners, improving operations and response capabilities during man-made and natural disasters. Road and transportation projects were also priorities for the Chair of the House Rules and Ethics Committee.
“Leon County turns the tide with big wins in 2025 Session” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — After years of watching other Florida counties bring home the bacon, Leon County finally had a breakout moment during the 2025 Legislative Session. Leon County brought on The Southern Group, Florida’s largest lobbying firm, in late January on a trial basis. TSG, led by veteran lobbyists Brian Bautista, Chris Dudley and Nicole Kelly, wasted no time delivering measurable results, securing $2.8 million in state appropriations for two long-stalled infrastructure and environmental projects. One of the county’s wins this Session was locking in $2 million to widen two sections of State Road 369, also known as U.S. 319, a project that’s been on the wish list of the Capital Regional Transportation Planning Agency since 1990.
“Circle of Chains: Florida’s remarkable tribute to enslaved workers rises at Capitol” via James Call of USA Today Network — It is a visibly striking piece of art. Steven Whyte’s Circle of Chains, the State of Florida’s Memorial to the Enslaved, depicts men, women, and children held in chains. The bronze sculptures of six individuals encourage interaction and engagement. People can walk around it. Stare into vacant eyes. Feel the weight of the chains. A woman barely clothed stands in front of the restored antebellum Union Bank building, shackled at the ankles, wrists, and neck, waiting to be auctioned. A man bound in iron writhes on the ground; his eyes fixed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
“North Florida Land Trust eradicates submerged fencing in waters of Smith Lake Preserve” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) has overseen the removal of a massive string of fencing that posed serious obstacles to wildlife, boaters and swimmers in the Smith Lake Preserve. The fencing ran through 1.5 miles of wetlands that the organization oversees in Clay County within the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor. The Smith Lake Preserve covers 463 acres of conservation property. The fencing on Smith Lake was originally installed in the early 2000s before the NFLT acquired the land. The fencing helped to control livestock grazing when the lakebed was actually above water following severe drought conditions. Since then, water levels have returned to their natural levels, and the fencing has become submerged. It has been an impediment to not only boaters and swimmers, but to aquatic species such as fish, turtles and alligators, disrupting population growth and damaging the ecological balance.
Happening tonight — Who We Play For (WWPF), a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating preventable sudden cardiac death in the young, will host a celebration of the Second Chance Act news conference followed by a community screening event: 4 p.m., Port St. Joe High School, 100 Shark Drive, Port St. Joe.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Sarasota County still looking for locations to build new $18M records facility” via Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota County is still exploring where to build a new records center for the County Clerk’s Office, a project currently projected to cost $18 million. A memo from Carolyn Eastwood, director of Capital Projects, stated that the current records facility at the Northgate Center is in constant need of maintenance and is not prepared to withstand major storms. “A new records center will ensure the safekeeping of the county’s vital records and will facilitate the retention, retrieval, and disposal of those records in the future,” Eastwood wrote. The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller is responsible for maintaining a variety of records.
“Sarasota County reallocates $10M in stormwater funding as new department created” via Christian Casale of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota County has reallocated $10 million of stormwater funds to focus on Phillippi Creek drainage improvements, amid a delay of a major flood mitigation project and a hurricane season well underway. County Commission Chair Joe Neunder referred to the funding shift the Board approved as “triaging” stormwater funds — reallocating priorities as hurricane season nears its peak in August and September. A memo from Spencer Anderson, director of the county’s Public Works Department, noted that the 2024 hurricane season exacerbated “existing vulnerabilities in Sarasota County’s stormwater infrastructure.” Commissioner Mark Smith asked if the funding change could impede the dredging of Phillippi Creek; Anderson responded that it would not.
“Anna Maria gets $1.25M to help rebuild City Pier. When will it reopen?” via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — The City of Anna Maria has set an “aggressive” timeline to reopen its City Pier thanks to $1.25 million in funding from state officials. Hurricanes Helene and Milton decimated the pier’s walkway and damaged the building at the end of the pier. While the building can be repaired, the walkway needs to be rebuilt entirely, according to the City of Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short. DeSantis signed the state’s budget and, with it, granted $100 million in appropriations for Manatee County projects, including the funds for the City of Anna Maria. The main structure of the pier housed the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center and the City Pier Grill and Bait Shop.
“Marco Island Finance Director resigns day after heated audit discussion with City Council” via J. Kyle Foster of the Naples Daily News — Marco Island’s Finance Director, Guillermo “Gil” Polanco, resigned a day after disagreeing with the City Council Chair about the results of the annual financial audit. The audit, submitted to the city by independent auditors CliftonLarsonAllen, showed material weaknesses and deficiencies in some internal controls. City Council Chair Erik Brechnitz said the audit, therefore, wasn’t clean, something that hasn’t happened in his five years on the Council. Polanco disagreed and said the audit was clean. “I take offense to that,” Polanco said during the City Council meeting.
— TOP OPINION —
“H. Elon Perot” via Tom Nichols of The Atlantic — If you’re old enough, you’ve seen this movie: an eccentric billionaire, full of bile and nursing grudges against the incumbent Republican President, decides to shake up the system by creating a third party. In 1992, it was H. Ross Perot attacking George H.W. Bush. Today, it’s Musk announcing his new “America Party,” an organization with a vague goal of stopping wasteful government spending but a much clearer purpose of aggravating Trump. Trump’s initial reaction was panic, calling third parties a source of “DISRUPTION & CHAOS,” before trying to spin the move as helpful.
But Trump is wrong: if Musk’s party has any impact at all, it will likely hurt Republicans more than Democrats. Musk is deeply unpopular, but what support he enjoys comes heavily from the GOP. The real concern for Republicans is that Musk will attract small but crucial numbers of voters from two key groups. First are the swing voters who dislike Trump but have stuck with him; another celebrity movement might sway them. More worrisome, however, is that Musk will corner the crackpot vote — the MAGA fringe obsessed with conspiracies like the Epstein files, who now feel betrayed by administration officials like Attorney General Bondi.
Ultimately, this project is likely to go nowhere. Third parties rarely gain traction in America’s winner-take-all system, and even Perot at his peak won zero electoral votes. Musk, who cannot run for President himself, is even less of a threat. While it may be tempting to see a party that siphons off some of Trump’s most conspiratorial supporters as a net positive, another party headed by another billionaire who understands neither the Constitution nor democracy itself is not the path to a healthier nation.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Becoming a U.S. citizen no longer enough to escape Trump immigration crackdown” via the Miami Herald editorial board — The de-naturalization of foreign-born U.S. citizens isn’t new and has been done under both Democratic and Republican Presidents. However, the Trump administration’s latest guidance, instructing federal prosecutors to “prioritize” such cases, raises a significant question: How will this new priority be defined? Will it be stretched to go beyond obvious cases of immigration fraud to become a political weapon deployed in service of the President’s goal to deport an ever-expanding group of foreigners? Think of how the administration has gone after students with visas or green cards who have protested in support of Palestinians, or how Republicans are calling for the de-naturalization of Democrats born abroad. Florida Attorney General Uthmeier, for example, has called for the deportation of U.S. Rep. Omar, who was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen, after she criticized Trump’s military parade.
“Majority of Republicans, MAGA supporters want Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits for health care” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — With the “Big Beautiful Bill” now law, Congress now shifts focus to other priorities it must address before year’s end. Key among them is the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. The tax credits are scheduled to expire at the end of the year. If Congress does not extend them, premiums will skyrocket for millions of Americans on private health care coverage, forcing many to lose coverage. A KFF Health Tracking Poll conducted last month reveals robust support across party lines for extending enhanced premium tax credits. In fact, 77% of all adults, including 63% of Republicans, back the move.
“Voters should be skeptical about Florida Governor candidate’s abortion stance” via Anna Hochkammer for the Miami Herald — David Jolly, the former Republican Congressman now running for Governor as a Democrat, is facing intense scrutiny over his commitment to abortion rights. While Jolly claims to support the “Roe standard” following the passage of Amendment 4 — which was backed by a majority of Floridians — critics argue his past actions contradict this new stance. Jolly insists his “values haven’t changed,” alarming pro-choice advocates who point to his 2016 efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and support for fetal personhood legislation that would criminalize all abortions. Opponents argue that Jolly was absent during the recent fight for Amendment 4 and that his history of championing extreme anti-abortion policies, combined with his claim that his core values remain the same, should give Democratic Primary voters serious pause.
“Industry pros: ‘Governor, $32 is not too much for a local grouper sandwich’” via Amy Drew Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel — Is $32 too much for a Florida-caught grouper sandwich? DeSantis thinks it is. Local seafood pros beg to differ. The Governor’s recent remarks at the Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar in Santa Rosa Beach, which he visited last month to sign a measure into law regarding beach access in Walton County, seemed to push back on the pricing for the eatery’s offerings. “I know this is a great place to visit. I know there’s a lot of folks that come down, and I’m looking at this sign, $32 for a grouper sandwich. Those are definitely getting those tourists to pony up,” DeSantis said. “I don’t know that I would pull the trigger on $32. I love grouper sandwiches. I don’t know if I can pull the trigger on $32.” Local seafood costs have been steadily rising due to several factors, including inflation and climate change, not to mention the cost of doing business for local fishermen, adds Mike Lombardi, whose grandfather founded Winter Park’s Lombardi’s Seafood in 1961.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
The only story that matters — “TSA to allow shoes to stay on for airport security screening” via Allison Pohle and Alison Sider of The Wall Street Journal — Millions of fliers traveling through U.S. airports every year have had to take off their shoes as they go through screening. The nearly 20-year-long shoe-removal era is about to end. The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out new procedures to allow passengers to keep their shoes on while passing through standard airport screening checkpoints. The change, which was earlier reported by Gate Access, a travel newsletter, hasn’t been formally announced. “TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels,” TSA said. TSA is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Happy birthday to U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, former Sen. Rene Garcia, former Rep. Gary Aubuchon, and Beth Gosnell.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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One man’s tax cut is another man’s socialism.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is embracing wealth redistribution as part of his final budget proposal as a way of sweetening his pitch to eliminate homestead property taxes.
He justifies it by saying he’s got the money to spend to help “rural counties” by paying to make up those lost tax revenues.
“We have 32 fiscally constrained counties. You know, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, these are powerhouses. I’m putting in my budget the revenue to totally backfill every one of those rural counties. So they’re not going to miss a single thing,” the Governor said on “Fox & Friends.”
“I’ve got a big surplus. Why would I not do that to be able to help them?”
The Governor’s budget tease is intended to support his proposal — which, so far, is only in words — to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot next year to let voters get rid of the tax on homesteaded, owner-occupied houses and condos.
It comes as four separate tax abatement proposals are moving in the House.
One measure (HJR 201) would eliminate all non-school property taxes for residents with homestead exemptions.
Another (HJR 211) would allow homeowners to transfer their accumulated Save Our Homes benefits to a new primary residence, without portability caps or restrictions on home values.
Another proposal (HJR 205) would exempt Florida residents 65 and older from paying non-school homestead property taxes. In its current form, the measure has no long-term residency requirements for beneficiaries and no income threshold.
There’s also HJR 209, which would grant an additional $200,000 non-school homestead exemption to those who maintain multiperil property insurance, a provision that proponents say will link relief to insured, more resilient homes.
The Governor and his allies are decrying the House push, saying multiple ballot items would only confuse voters.
DeSantis’ suggestion that Miami-Dade and Palm Beach should shoulder burdens for towns like Melrose and Palatka is particularly provocative given that his appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia has traveled to both big counties and alleged wasteful spending.
The executive branch budget proposal is always significantly modified in the legislative process, of course. But this pitch will force urban and suburban GOP lawmakers to decide whether their constituents should pay even more of the bills for parts of the state that haven’t figured out how to sustain themselves without state help, setting up a conflict between them and a lame-duck chief executive.
In what’s emerging as a crowded race next year, Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner has filed to run for District 7 on the Orange County Commission — one of the new districts created in a recent redistricting process.
“Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about trust. It’s about listening, preparing, and standing up for what’s right. That’s the leadership I’ve brought to Eatonville, and that’s the leadership I’ll bring to District 7,” Gardner said in a press release announcing her candidacy.
Selina Carter, Framily Support Network co-founder Aaron Lewis, real estate agent Sonya Shakespeare and former Orlando City Commissioner Vicki Vargo also are seeking the seat.
Gardner made headlines last month for angering Eatonville Town Council members who accused her of blindsiding them by siding with Orange County Public Schools to advance a sale regarding the historic Hungerford property, the Orlando Sentinel reported this Fall.
“For someone to take it upon their authority to go ahead of the Council and not discuss this among the Council members and have us walking into something blind that we did not know, that was not right,” said Councilwoman Wanda Randolph, according to Spectrum News 13, as the Council voted to limit Gardner’s powers last month.
But Gardner said she stood by her decision because it was best to advance Eatonville, the oldest black-incorporated municipality in the United States.
“I didn’t break any of the rules in the charter. And the term ‘strong mayor’ is what we are, and that’s what we have to be sometimes,” Gardner said, according to the news station. “So, I’m glad they recognized the power of that charter.”
The controversial agreement centered around OCPS getting a $1 million payment from Dr. Phillips Charities so the former 117-acre high school campus can be developed with housing, spaces for education and health care, according to the Sentinel. Some of the land would be donated back to Eatonville for a grocery store, conference center hotel and retail.
Gardner, who spent two decades teaching, highlighted her accomplishments as Eatonville Mayor in helping secure millions to improve infrastructure, build affordable housing and support small businesses.
“Across District 7, from Pine Hills, Maitland, College Park, and Fairview Shores, families are feeling the strain of rising costs, outdated infrastructure, and leadership that doesn’t always listen,” Gardner said in her press release.
“I’m running for Orange County Commission because every neighborhood deserves a leader who shows up, respects its history, and fights for its future. Together, we can build a county that works for all of us, one that champions uncompromised neighborhoods, strengthens our communities, and ensures every resident has a fair shot at a better tomorrow.”
Orange County voters approved a 2024 referendum to expand the County Commission from six districts to eight. The Mayor also serves as an at-large vote.
The boundary lines of District 7 were heavily debated before the Orange County Commission approved a new map in October.
The Commission decided against putting Winter Park in District 7, which covers Maitland, Eatonville and Pine Hills.
Good Friday morning.
🔥 — Latest hot take: I’ve been full of ‘em this week, and my latest is a must-read about none other than Senate President Ben Albritton and his memo. To the untrained eye, it was merely a smart notice to members about coloring in the lines during a proposed mid-decade redistricting process. To the trained eye, he said the quiet part out loud. Read more here.
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The Florida Chamber’s 2025 Annual Insurance Summit is underway on its second day, with a lineup that covers past reforms and the future outlook for the state’s insurance market.
Former House Speaker Paul Renner, a candidate for Governor, opens the morning with a look at how Florida’s lawsuit-abuse crackdown is performing at the three-year mark.
It was during Renner’s tenure leading the House that lawmakers passed the late-2022 insurance package aimed at stabilizing the market and the 2023 torts rewrite, which made broad changes to how insurance litigation is handled in Florida, including the elimination of one-way attorney fees.
Communications pros and industry journalists will follow with a panel on public perception and messaging, featuring Allison Aubuchon, Alia Faraj Johnson, William Rabb and Michael Peltier, who are set to dig into how insurers and media frame an industry that has at times struggled to maintain public trust.
Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky will deliver the day’s keynote on the overall health of Florida’s insurance market, a marquee session as carriers continue navigating reforms, rate filings and an insurance market that is stabilizing after years of rocky waters.
The agenda closes with an executive-level roundtable on the state’s insurance landscape moderated by Florida Chamber of Commerce VP Carolyn Johnson and featuring Mangrove Insurance CEO Steve Weinstein, Patriot Insurance CEO John Rollins, Orange Insurance CEO Don Matz and Kin Insurance CIO Angel Conlin.
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Holland & Knight is adding former senior congressional adviser Christopher Jaarda to its Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group in Washington.
Jaarda joins the firm as a partner after serving as a senior policy adviser and counsel to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. At Holland & Knight, he’ll advise clients on legislative strategy and advocacy with a focus on technology, data privacy, telecommunications and consumer protection.
“As the top policy adviser in Speaker Johnson’s office, Chris brings exceptional Capitol Hill experience and deep relationships with Congressional leadership in both houses, as well as with the (Donald) Trump administration,” said Chris DeLacy, co-leader of Holland & Knight’s Federal Government Affairs Practice.
During his tenure with Johnson, Jaarda advised on privacy, IT, homeland security, foreign intelligence, supply chain and economic policy. He helped shepherd more than 100 bills through Congress, including the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act and multiple continuing resolutions.
Johnson praised his outgoing aide, calling Jaarda “a trusted adviser whose humility, expertise and nearly 15 years of service have meaningfully advanced the work and priorities of the Speaker’s office and the Republican Conference.”
Jaarda previously served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and held senior roles with U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, the Senate Republican Policy Committee and former U.S. Sen. John Ensign.
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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Florida has tapped Richard Backa of Backer Construction to serve as its 2026 State Chair.
As State Chair, Backa will lead the state’s largest commercial construction association to advance its mission of furthering free enterprise, protecting competitive markets, and addressing growing problems facing the state’s construction industry.
ABC of Florida represents more than 2,500 general contractors, specialty contractors, associates and suppliers, and is the leading voice for commercial construction throughout Florida.
Backa has more than 43 years of experience in the concrete construction industry. He’s been a member of ABC since 2003 and previously served as Chapter Chair in 2022. His firm is behind several recognizable commercial and entertainment projects, including Raymond James Stadium, Benchmark International Arena (where the Tampa Bay Lightning play), Trump Hollywood, Gaylord Palms, the Peabody Hotel expansion in Orlando, several Disney projects, and more throughout the state and beyond.
Backa will focus directly on statewide advocacy efforts, including interacting with lawmakers during the 2026 Legislative Session.
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The Americans for Prosperity Foundation is launching a statewide mail and digital education campaign touting early signs of stabilization in Florida’s property insurance market following a series of reforms.
The organization says the materials are designed to help Floridians understand how recent legislative changes — including curbing excessive litigation, eliminating one-way attorney fees and adding consumer protections — are contributing to a more competitive market for homeowners, families and small businesses.
“Florida’s property insurance crisis called for meaningful reforms,” said Skylar Zander, state director for Americans for Prosperity-Florida.
“We are now seeing that the market has stabilized. Newer insurers are writing property insurance policies in the state and litigation costs are declining. We are even seeing many Florida homeowners receiving rate decreases to their premiums, helping to ease costs and bring some financial relief to Florida families.”
State lawmakers approved major insurance reforms in 2022 and 2023 as multiple carriers entered receivership or pulled out of Florida, litigation costs soared, and homeowners faced rapid premium increases.
AFP says its new campaign highlights how those changes are already showing results, including reduced legal expenses and more companies returning to the market.
The Foundation plans to continue its education effort, saying the reforms have fostered what it describes as a more stable and sustainable property insurance system.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
—@CSPAN: Q: “Was there a ‘kill all’ order from Secretary (Pete) Hegseth?” @SenTomCotton: “No. Admiral (Frank) Bradley was very clear that he was given no such order to, to give no quarter or kill them all.”
—@JakeSherman: @SpeakerJohnson just told me he intends to finalize a health care bill early next week and have it on the floor before the end of the year.
—@FBSaunders: Audible laugh from opponents packed into the Congressional Redistricting Committee as Chair Rep. Mike Redondo says: “Let me be very clear, our work as a Committee and as a legislative body is not directed by the work of other states or partisan gamesmanship.”
Tweet, tweet:
— DAYS UNTIL —
Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 4; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres on Netflix — 7; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 7; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 12; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 14; ‘ELWAY’ documentary premieres on Netflix — 17; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 20; ‘Industry’ season four premieres — 37; Special Election for HD 87; HD 51 Special Primary and two Boca Raton referendums — 39; 2026 Legislative Session begins — 39; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 39; The James Madison Institute’s 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 40; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 44; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 56; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 62; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 63; ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Y: Marshals’ premieres — 86; Boca Raton Mayoral and City Council Elections — 95; last day of the Regular Session — 98; Special Election for HD 51 (if necessary) — 109; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup / Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 110; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 111; new season of ‘Your Friends And Neighbors’ premieres on Apple+ — 119; Tampa Bay Rays first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 122; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 131; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 131; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 136; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 140; F1 Miami begins — 147; ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 168; A new mission for ‘Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run’ ride premieres at Disney World — 168; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 179; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 185; State Qualifying Period ends — 189; ‘Toy Story 5’ premieres in theaters — 196; FIFA World Cup begins — 188; live-action ‘Moana’ premieres — 208; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 211; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 216; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 221; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 223; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 227; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 244; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 246; Primary Election Day 2026 — 256; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 280; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 284; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 288; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 293; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 300; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 304; Early Voting General Election mandatory period begins — 323; 2026 General Election — 333; ‘Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 378; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 378; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 378; Tampa Mayoral Election — 452; Jacksonville First Election — 473; Jacksonville General Election — 529; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 547; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 609; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 665; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 742; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 952; U.S. Presidential Election — 1068; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1468; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2199.
—TOP STORY —
“The Florida residents left in limbo among ‘zombie homes’” via Giulia Caronaro of Newsweek — Driving through Shore Acres today, the charm of this waterfront St. Petersburg neighborhood collides with the scars left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as “zombie homes” sit gutted, abandoned, or for sale in staggering numbers. Residents say the exodus is unmistakable. “Probably a third or a half of the residents either moved or are not currently back,” Brian Martin told Newsweek.
Jason Nash estimated that “approximately 40% of our neighborhood was for sale.” The storms swallowed 2,200 homes, a calamity that Shore Acres Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf said “instantly” left thousands homeless. Families returned to wrecked living rooms, ruined belongings, and what Nash described as a smell that “punches you in the face like a professional boxer.”
Home values collapsed after the storms, trapping longtime residents who couldn’t sell without devastating losses. Martin lifted his house more than 12 feet at a cost approaching $400,000, saying, “It was our cheapest option.” Many others, he warned, gave up and left.
Nash pinned his hopes on Elevate Florida, a statewide mitigation program, but said the city has made rebuilding “very difficult,” adding, “We’re not asking for handouts. We’re asking for a way to do it.” Like many families, he and his wife remain in limbo waiting for approval.
Despite the obstacles, Martin and Nash remain determined to return. “We can get through anything,” Martin said, crediting his family’s resolve. Both men say the neighborhood’s once tight-knit identity has frayed but not vanished.
Batdorf believes a rebirth is underway, with up to 150 homes set to rise through state mitigation grants. With so many properties being elevated or rebuilt, he said, “We’re talking about a place that could be at the forefront of what many areas in Florida need to do.”
— STATEWIDE —
“State’s federal Medicaid payment undermines Ron DeSantis claim about Hope Florida donation” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida’s $10 million diversion from a Medicaid fraud settlement to the Governor’s favored Hope Florida charity is facing new scrutiny after state payment records show Florida repaid the federal government based on the full $67 million settlement, contradicting earlier claims that the $10 million wasn’t Medicaid money. DeSantis had called the donation a discretionary “cherry on the top,” but the state’s 57% federal pass-through indicates otherwise. “Not only did we lose $10 million, we are still paying the feds back for it,” said Rep. Alex Andrade, who led the Legislature’s probe and argues the entire settlement “was Medicaid money.” The repayment revelation deepens a scandal that sparked investigations, fueled criticism of Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida network, and raised allegations that Medicaid funds were steered into political fights.
—“Alex Andrade questions state agency’s repayment in Hope Florida scandal” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics
“DeSantis again ducks showing support for Jay Collins’ struggling bid” via Florida Politics — Lt. Gov. Collins promoted a Wednesday night town hall “with” DeSantis, but those who joined say the Governor never showed, reinforcing that he’s still sitting out the race to succeed himself. For 14 minutes, Collins praised DeSantis while a host fed him questions, the Governor’s absence hanging over the call. DeSantis’ public schedule showed no conflict other than an 8:20 p.m. Fox News interview, and he has repeatedly refused to say whether he’ll back Collins, offering only “we’ll see.” Despite months of favorable coverage and hefty spending by Florida Fighter PAC, Collins remains stuck in single digits, and the implied support from DeSantis hasn’t budged voters.
“Human rights report, art exhibit allege inhumane conditions at Alligator Alcatraz” via Churchill Ndonwie of the Miami Herald — Alleging human rights abuses in two South Florida immigration detention facilities, Amnesty International released a 61-page report on Thursday describing inhumane conditions at Alligator Alcatraz and Krome North Service Processing Center. The report, released a day after the organization opened a related art exhibit in Miami Beach, focuses on Florida’s efforts to lead the nation in aiding Trump’s mass deportation mandate by building and operating first-of-its-kind immigration detention centers like Alligator Alcatraz, and by deputizing local and state enforcement agencies to assist in immigration apprehensions. The human rights organization accuses the federal government of “chronic medical neglect” at Krome, and the DeSantis administration of “torture and ill-treatment” of detainees being held at Alligator Alcatraz.
“‘Fraudemic 2.0’: Insurance schemes are evolving, not disappearing” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Experts at the Florida Chamber’s 2025 Insurance Summit warned that while PIP reform has finally stabilized Florida’s notorious personal-injury market, fraud rings have simply shifted to bodily injury claims, driving up costs for insurers and consumers. Panelists detailed rampant overbilling, staged accidents coordinated through WhatsApp, and increasingly extreme medical inflation schemes. Jessica Schmor of Allegiant Experts cited BI cases with charges exceeding $500,000, including procedures that aren’t medically allowed, while attorney Jordana Kahn described organized networks loading cars with fake “victims” to maximize payouts. Uber’s insurance costs per trip jumped 50% in three years, a burden passed on to riders. With fraudsters pivoting to experimental, dangerous treatments, experts warned Floridians remain at risk as schemes evolve.
“Florida TaxWatch calls on state to hire private contractors, nonprofits to reduce SNAP errors and expenses” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Florida TaxWatch released a report called “Oh Snap! Federal Policy Changes Threaten the Stability of Florida’s SNAP Program.” The analysis details issues that SNAP will face as part of the congressional approval of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act this year and how Florida’s budget responsibilities for that program could skyrocket if errors aren’t reduced. “Perhaps most significantly, one provision establishes a tiered matching fund requirement for states with SNAP payment error rates higher than 6%,” said Dominic M. Calabro, CEO and president of Florida TaxWatch. He went on to say Florida has one of the highest SNAP payment error rates in the country, at 15.13%.
— LEGISLATIVE —
“DeSantis pitches AI protections for Floridians as federal moves loom” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — DeSantis is pressing ahead with a sweeping plan to regulate artificial intelligence in Florida, insisting the state shouldn’t surrender its authority even if Congress or a future Trump administration tries to block state-level AI laws. Rolling out his long-awaited proposal, DeSantis said Florida must defend its “right” to act while avoiding what he called California’s “crazy stuff.” His plan includes an AI “bill of rights,” bans on AI therapy, stronger parental controls, disclosure requirements and protections aimed at children, seniors and businesses. He also wants limits on datacenter water use and opposes subsidies for tech companies. DeSantis blasted federal preemption as “amnesty” for Big Tech and said he’s had “productive” talks with legislative leaders, who support transparency-focused AI rules ahead of the 2026 Session.
“Blaise Ingoglia warns that tort reform could be repealed, turns heat on schools” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia warned that the state’s insurance tort reform legislation is at risk of being repealed under changing political headwinds. Ingoglia said he is working hard to keep the “historic reforms” for insurance put in place under DeSantis, then-Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and then-House Speaker Renner. “We got lucky. The stars aligned for that,” Ingoglia said during a speech at the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s annual insurance summit. “What I need everyone in this room to understand is that as much as everything was politically aligned to get tort reform, things can get politically aligned to undo tort reform, which would be a travesty here in the state of Florida. So, we need to start delivering wins to consumers here in the state of Florida, policyholders.”
“Florida’s ‘ag enclave’ bill language is back after bipartisan opposition earlier this year” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — A Republican Committee Chair is reviving a controversial push to ease development inside Florida’s agricultural enclaves, filing a new bill that closely mirrors the proposal lawmakers rejected earlier this year. Sen. Stan McClain’s measure, SB 686, adds compromise language but still expands the circumstances under which enclave projects qualify for expedited reviews and administrative approval rather than public hearings. McClain said the goal is to “drive this density to where it’s supposed to go” and curb leapfrog development, but environmental advocates remain wary. 1000 Friends of Florida said the bill is “less far-reaching” than last year’s version yet still weakens local planning authority. McClain maintains that growth laws need updating. The fight resumes when the Legislative Session begins Jan. 13.
— LEGIS SKED —
The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants drew more than 150 CPAs to Tallahassee this week for its annual CPA Day at the Capitol, marking the largest advocacy event in the organization’s history.
FICPA was at the Capitol to support the Institute’s priority legislation for 2026, HB 333 by Rep. Omar Blanco and SB 364 by Sen. Joe Gruters, who is a CPA by trade.
The bills focus on modernizing Florida’s CPA licensure system. FICPA leaders say the proposed updates would make the state’s regulatory framework more efficient and accessible while maintaining professional standards.
The legislation outlines four significant changes: creating three new pathways to licensure, establishing automatic mobility for CPAs licensed in other states, streamlining Florida’s licensure-by-endorsement process and implementing broader efficiencies aimed at strengthening the state’s position as “a leader in pro-business licensing.”
“Our priority legislation aims to make Florida into a national model for effective, efficient CPA licensure,” said Shelly Weir, FICPA’s president and CEO. “We are grateful to our bill sponsors for their leadership, and we are excited to work with both chambers to see this landmark legislation pass through the Florida House and Senate.”
SB 364 is on the agenda for the Senate Regulated Industries Committee meeting on Dec. 9. If approved, the bill would move to its second and final stop in the Senate Rules Committee. The House companion is awaiting a hearing in the Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“White House renames building the ‘Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace’” via Dan Diamond, Alec Dent and Katharine Houreld of The Washington Post — Trump is eager to be recognized as a peacemaker. His administration obliged on Wednesday by renaming the building that houses the U.S. Institute of Peace in downtown D.C. “Donald J. Trump” is now emblazoned in several places on what has often been dubbed the Peace building. A White House official said the building would now be known as the “Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.” The move comes after the President’s work to settle global conflicts this year and ahead of his plan to host leaders from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to sign a White House-brokered peace deal between the two countries. That signing is scheduled to take place at the USIP on Thursday and comes amid an uptick in fighting this week in eastern Congo, observers said.
“Diplomats support Trump’s heavy hand in Venezuela, Western Hemisphere” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida leaders tapped by Trump to lead U.S. diplomacy are championing the President’s decision to take a firm stance with Venezuela. Both Ambassador to Panama Kevin Cabrera and Ambassador to Colombia Dan Newlin support the attacks of Venezuelan boats allegedly trafficking drugs to North America. “How many boats would have made it to the United States of America, transported that cocaine, possibly laced with fentanyl and other drugs?” Newlin said. “They’re killing our Americans. Over 200,000 Americans a year die just from fentanyl overdoses. How many of those drugs on those boats would have already been filtered through into our country? All of it.” The diplomats spoke on a foreign policy panel at the Rescuing the American Dream summit, moderated by Sen. Rick Scott.
“Can Pete Hegseth’s MAGA playbook spare him again?” via Jack Detsch of POLITICO — Hegseth has given Washington a roadmap for how to succeed in the Trump administration: Attack your enemies, revamp your story and never say you got it wrong. When a Democrat ran an ad urging soldiers to disobey illegal orders, Hegseth threatened him with a court-martial. After reports emerged that the military hit wounded survivors in a second boat strike, the Pentagon chief revised his initial timeline of watching the attack and said he ducked out before it happened. As for those sensitive texts, he sent a Signal group chat about airstrikes on Yemen. Hegseth said they were not “war plans.”
“Trump tightens work permits for migrants, expanding crackdown on legal immigration” via Michelle Hackman of The Wall Street Journal — Work permits issued to immigrants who have applied for asylum or a range of other humanitarian programs will now be valid for 18 months rather than five years, under a new policy announced Thursday by the Trump administration. By forcing immigrants to renew their work permits more often, the government will have more opportunities to re-vet them, said Joe Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “It’s clear that USCIS must enforce more frequent vetting of aliens,” Edlow said. “All aliens must remember that working in the United States is a privilege, not a right.”
“Trump orders U.S. flags lowered to half-staff to honor fallen National Guard Sarah Beckstrom” via Frank Kopylov of Florida’s Voice — Trump ordered all U.S. flags flown at half-staff to honor Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard, issuing a presidential proclamation directing federal facilities across the nation and abroad to lower flags through sunset. In the proclamation, Trump called the action “a mark of respect for the memory” of Beckstrom, whose service in the National Guard was recognized by directing the half-staff observance at the White House, all public buildings, military posts, naval stations and federal properties throughout the United States and its territories. The order also extends to U.S. embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic facilities worldwide, as well as to all American military installations and naval vessels operating overseas.
“Trump’s own voters begin blaming him for affordability crisis” via Erin Doherty of POLITICO — New polling shows many Americans have begun to blame Trump for the high costs they’re feeling across virtually every part of their lives — and it’s shifting politics. Almost half — 46% — say the cost of living in the U.S. is the worst they can ever remember it being, a view held by 37% of 2024 Trump voters. Americans also say that the affordability crisis is Trump’s responsibility, with 46% saying it is his economy now and his administration is responsible for the costs they struggle with.
“White House is expected to submit plans for new ballroom to Planning Commission this month” via Gary Fields and Darlene Superville of The Associated Press — The White House is expected to submit plans for Trump’s new ballroom to a federal Planning Commission before the year ends, about three months after construction began. Will Scharf, who Trump named as Chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, said at the panel’s monthly meeting that colleagues at the White House told him that the long-awaited plans will be filed sometime in December. “Once plans are submitted, that’s really when the role of this Commission and its professional staff, will begin,” said Scharf, who also is one of the Republican President’s top White House aides. He said the review process would happen at a “normal and deliberative pace.” Separately, the White House confirmed Thursday that a second architectural firm has been added to the project.
“GOP Senators want an alternative to Obamacare. What would it look like?” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Sen. Scott kicked off a summit in Washington with a discussion of health care policy as he moves forward with his own legislation to push an overhaul nationwide. Joined by U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Roger Marshall of Kansas, Scott discussed the need for greater free-market competition to lower Americans’ costs. “Whether you’re trying to buy health care or cars or food or gas or electricity, government involvement has hurt the middle class every time,” Scott said. “What we have got to do is, we’ve got to protect the American dream.” The comments opened the Rebuilding the American Dream summit.
—“Pollster at Rick Scott summit says majority of Americans turned against Obamacare” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“House Freedom Caucus members praise Scott as their direct line to the Senate” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Leaders of the House Freedom Caucus earn a lot of press for pushing a more conservative agenda in Congress. U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said many of the ideas in President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” came from meetings at the home of U.S. Sen. Scott. “We’ve had no better partner ever than Sen. Rick Scott,” Harris said. “I’ll just tell you our leadership on both sides tries to hide the ball from us. ‘Well,’ we say, ‘what’s the Senate going to do?’ And they tell us what they perceive the Senate is going to do, or what they think they want the Senate to do. But now we have our own inside line to what the Senate’s going to do.”
“Aaron Bean strives for consensus on health care credits” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Bean convened a “Path to Consensus” summit on Capitol Hill to search for a health care affordability plan that can win broad public and bipartisan support as Congress confronts the looming expiration of pandemic-era ACA subsidies. Bean said he won’t back a straight multiyear extension “in their current form,” arguing current subsidies drive costs and inflation, but he emphasized the need for workable reforms. Health policy experts at the summit debated eligibility caps, affordability safeguards, structural changes to the ACA, fraud prevention measures, and new insurance options for small businesses. With Florida leading the nation in ACA enrollment, Bean said the state has a stake in finding solutions, while GOP colleagues signaled openness to bipartisan compromise on long-term affordability.
“Byron Donalds sees space, finance sectors growing under his watch as Governor” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Republican Donalds says Florida will grow its space sector tremendously if he’s elected Governor. And he doesn’t think any other states will be able to compete. “We now are in a position because of what’s happening in the space sector, where now commercial space is becoming viable,” Donalds said. He noted that Florida has an edge over other states in launching satellites. That offers advantages even before the fact that, as home to Kennedy Space Center, Florida has already played a long role in America’s space race. “Start looking at companies not just launching from Kennedy Space Center but actually manufacturing their rockets in Florida — North Florida in particular,” Donalds said.
“Donalds says Cory Mills should spend time in district to evaluate political future” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Donalds is suggesting that U.S. Rep. Mills should spend some time in Florida to evaluate his political situation. The remarks come amid an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation and a series of personal scandals for Mills. “When any other members have been involved and stuff like this, my advice is the same,” said Donalds, a Naples Republican. “They need to actually spend a lot more time in the district and take stock of what’s going on at home and make that decision with their voters.” The response came less than a year after Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, spoke at the launch of Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign.
“Randy Fine warns that antisemitism must be excised from Republican politics” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Fine says antisemitism serves as a “canary in the cold mine” when it comes to destructive hate. “Jews have been around for 3,000 years. In fact, we’re the oldest civilization that has existed,” Fine said, “and the antisemitism was around for most of that 3,000 years. What we have seen over that history is that every civilization that has hated Jews has not stopped at hating Jews.” Fine spoke at the Rescuing the American Dream summit alongside other allies of Sen. Scott. While calling the negotiated release of hostages from Hamas the most significant accomplishment to date of Trump’s second term, Fine also saw a need to root out hate within his own party.
“Jobless claims fell to a new recent low per Labor Department” via Matt Grossman of The Wall Street Journal — Newly filed unemployment claims last week dropped to the lowest level in three years, the Labor Department said Thursday, a reassuring signal that the economy avoided a big surge of layoffs through the first 11 months of the year. About 191,000 Americans filed for new unemployment benefits in the week through Nov. 29, a drop from 218,000 a week earlier and the fewest since September 2022. Economists anticipated 220,000 new claims. Continuing claims, which track the total size of the unemployed population, were 1.94 million in the week through Nov. 22, down slightly from the previous week. Those data lag the initial-claims numbers by a week. The continuing claims tally has gradually moved higher this year, a sign of slower hiring that has prolonged job searches.
— ELECTIONS —
“Gloria Romero Roses makes to-be-called HD 113 Special Election a 5-candidate race” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The race to replace Vicki Lopez in House District 113 is now a five-candidate contest, following the entry of Democratic real estate professional and community activist Romero Roses. Romero Roses, who mounted an unsuccessful congressional campaign more than a decade ago, filed paperwork this week to run for the vacant HD 113 seat. She joins four other active candidates: former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro and businessmen Tony Diaz and Frank Lago — all Republicans — and Democratic finance and politics pro Justin Mendoza Routt. For now, they’re officially running on the regular November 2026 Election schedule until DeSantis calls a Special Election.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“GOP electoral worries shift to Miami’s Mayoral Runoff” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Republicans are bracing for a high-stakes test in next week’s Miami Mayoral Runoff, a race they’ve controlled for nearly 30 years but now risk losing as Democrat Eileen Higgins enters with an advantage over Trump-backed Republican Emilio González. The GOP is rattled after a close Tennessee Special Election and sees Miami — a city Trump narrowly lost in 2024 — as another warning sign. Higgins led the first round with 36% and dominates in vote-by-mail as Democrats pour money and staffing into the race, while Republicans scramble with late spending and marquee surrogates. Both candidates pitch competence over flash, but the Runoff has become a national proxy fight, with each party framing Miami as a bellwether heading into 2026.
—“5 key issues to watch in the race for Miami’s next Mayor” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald
—“Marvin Dunn, Giffords PAC endorse Eileen Higgins for Miami Mayor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics
“Boca campus updates: No January election; March ballot language tweaked” via Jasmine Fernández of the Palm Beach Post — A Palm Beach County Judge’s ruling blocking two citizen-initiated charter amendments has led the city to cancel its Jan. 13 Special Election. The injunction, initially issued temporarily on Nov. 25 by Circuit Judge Joseph Curley, stems from a lawsuit filed by Boca Raton resident and retired lawyer Ned Kimmelman. It argued the city violated its own charter by scheduling the vote more than 90 days after the petitions were certified. The charter requires voter-initiated amendments to be placed on the ballot within three months of certification. The petitions were certified Oct. 2, making the deadline Jan. 2.
“Ingoglia rips Palm Beach County spending in latest round of scrutinizing municipal budgets” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Ingoglia singled out Palm Beach County for overspending by $344.62 million in the last Fiscal Year, calling it the most egregious excess he has seen in the state. It’s Ingoglia’s latest stop in a budget-bashing tour as he rails against “wasteful and excessive” spending by municipal governments. Ingoglia said Palm Beach County’s general fund budget in Fiscal Year 2024-25 came in at $878.66 million. Ingoglia has already homed in on 10 other municipal government budgets during his tour, which started in the Summer. “That is the biggest number in the state of Florida that we have seen so far this year,” Ingoglia said of Palm Beach County.
“Fighter jets intercept planes over Palm Beach with Trump at Mar-a-Lago” via Kristina Webb of the Palm Beach Daily News — Fighter jets rushed to intercept seven wayward civilian pilots who violated temporary flight restrictions during Trump’s Thanksgiving visit to Palm Beach. There were nine airspace violations, seven of which required North American Aerospace Defense, or NORAD, jets to rush to redirect the pilots between Nov. 25 and Nov. 30, a NORAD spokesperson said. This was the President’s 15th visit to his Mar-a-Lago home since taking office. Only the interception that occurred about 4:20 p.m. on Nov. 29 required fighter jets to use flares to get a pilot’s attention. The flares, which burn out quickly and pose no danger to people on the ground, may have been visible to the public, NORAD said. That pilot was escorted from the restricted airspace, NORAD said.
“Stuart preparing for City Manager search; pick won’t be internal” via Keith Burbank of Treasure Coast Newspapers — The City Commission is planning to take its first steps toward hiring a new City Manager following the firing of Michael Mortell about a month ago. “That’s something that we need to figure out, how we’re going to attack that issue,” Commissioner and former Mayor Eula Clarke told her colleagues Nov. 24. That brief discussion is expected to lead to further talks on Dec. 8. Vice Mayor Christopher Collins agreed with Clarke. “My goal is to hit the ground running for the City Manager position first of the year,” Collins said, “so, as soon as possible, if we’re not going internal,” referring to a decision not to look within the city’s ranks. “It seems like we’re not,” he said.
“Key West cites TPS expiration, notifies nine employees of potential job loss” via Ted Lund of Above the Fold — The city of Key West has identified nine municipal employees whose work authorizations are set to expire under a federal temporary protected status (TPS) program, potentially forcing their termination early next year, according to an internal city email chain obtained and reviewed by Above the Fold. The employees who work in the city’s Parking, Transit, and Port Departments hold Employment Authorization Documents that are automatically extended through Feb. 3, 2026. Without a new legal extension from the federal government, the city plans to end its employment on or around Jan. 18, 2026, to process final payouts. The situation was detailed in a series of emails between city managers and human resources officials.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Central Florida immigrants seeking legal residency thrust into limbo with Trump directive” via Natalia Jaramillo and Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — The immigration system in Central Florida has jolted to a halt after the Trump administration ordered an immediate pause on cases involving immigrants from 19 “high-risk” countries, stopping asylum claims nationwide and freezing green card and naturalization proceedings. Venezuelans and Haitians, two of the region’s largest immigrant communities, saw interviews and citizenship ceremonies abruptly canceled, leaving thousands in legal limbo. “It’s just disastrous,” attorney Ingrid Morfa said, noting her office is fielding dozens of panicked calls a day. The directive bars many from leaving the country and exposes them to the risk of raids or deportation. Lawyers across Florida report similar cancellations, while critics warn the sweeping freeze traps lawful immigrants who have waited years. A naturalization ceremony in Orlando proceeded on Thursday, but none of the affected nationalities were included. Congressman Carlos Giménez said he’s seeking details from DHS, urging case-by-case evaluations rather than blanket restrictions as the fallout continues.
“Tourist tax revenue surges again in Orange County” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — The tourism industry, as measured by tourist tax collections, continues its boom in Orange County. On the heels of a record-setting 2024-25, the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) raked in $33.9 million in October, the start of the new Fiscal Year. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond said the surge out of the gate was surprising. “These collections are especially impressive because the federal government was shut down during the entire month of October,” Diamond said, noting the shutdown limited air travel, affected federal workers’ earnings and likely caused some to put off vacations. Revenues generated by the county’s 6% surcharge added to the cost of a hotel room, a home-sharing rental like Airbnb or VRBO and other short-term lodging options were up more than $4.4 million or 15% from a year ago, Diamond’s figures show.
“Daytona auditor says some city employees stonewalling financial probe” via Eileen Zaffiro-Kean of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — What began as a presentation of the internal auditor’s recent report on city employee travel expenses quickly shifted into a critique of how some employees are responding to requests for financial records. “In any organization, more important than the finding is the culture of openness, transparency and accountability,” City Internal Auditor Abinet Belachew told City Commissioners. “In some parts of the organization, there is defensiveness. Anyone who asks a question is treated as an enemy and attacked.” Standing a few feet from where City Manager Deric Feacher was sitting on the dais, Belachew asked Feacher why he didn’t tell his employees to be cooperative with the new auditor’s probes and provide the documents he needed.
“Daytona Beach could soon be under a state financial audit” via Eileen Zaffiro-Kean of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — A Committee of state legislators will meet in Tallahassee Monday afternoon and vote on a request to launch an audit of the city of Daytona Beach’s financial operations. In a letter to state Rep. Chase Tramont, a Port Orange Republican, Sen. Tom Wright requested the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee consider the audit of Daytona Beach at its Dec. 8 meeting. The meeting agenda item says it’s a request for an Auditor General operational audit of the city of Daytona Beach. “Recent developments have raised significant concerns about the city’s financial management practices, and I believe a review is appropriate and necessary to protect taxpayer confidence,” Wright, a New Smyrna Beach Republican, wrote in his one-page letter.
“Education Commissioner booed at Tampa School Board conference” via Jeffrey S. Solochek and Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas told School Board members and superintendents from around the state on Thursday to get over their complaints about Schools of Hope seeking to co-locate in underused district buildings. Then he suggested the state could look at shutting down “failing” School Districts. That’s when the boos started flying. Kamoutsas’ lunchtime remarks riled attendees at the Florida School Boards Association’s Winter conference in Tampa, the latest escalation in tensions between the state’s top education official and local district leaders.
“St. Petersburg has ideas for Al Lang Stadium, including Spring Training” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — St. Petersburg officials have changed course after getting strong pushback earlier this year against a proposal to demolish Al Lang Stadium as part of a plan to develop a portion of the city’s waterfront. Now, they’re considering making the stadium even bigger. Representatives from design firm ASD | SKY’s Tampa office gave some City Council members a presentation Thursday that included a concept to build a three-story addition at Al Lang for lockers, year-round concessions and a rooftop restaurant and bar. The stadium is the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer team. The team’s lease expires next year, and the city hopes that making the upgrades could keep the Rowdies in St. Petersburg in the long term, said Beth Herendeen, managing director of the city’s development administration.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor launches re-election bid” via Tristan Wood of WFSU — Leon County Commissioner Minor launched his re-election campaign at a holiday party at the Tallahassee Garden Club. There were rumors that Minor might run for Tallahassee Mayor, but he instead is seeking a third term representing District 3 in Northeast Leon County. The holiday-themed event featured food, a live cello played by Lauren Mulinax, and a speech from the Commissioner. He told the crowd of supporters gathered at his campaign launch party that he wants to keep fighting for them, not for political glory.
“Former Jacksonville Mayor says Trump ousted him from NTSB over race” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — Former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown has expanded his federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging he was illegally and discriminatorily removed from the National Transportation Safety Board as part of a broader pattern targeting Black leaders in independent agencies. Brown, appointed in 2024 to a term running through 2026, was forced out in May without cause, a move he says violates federal law that limits the removal of Board members to misconduct or neglect. Another ousted official, Robert Primus of the Surface Transportation Board, has added similar claims. The administration counters that the President can dismiss members at will and seeks dismissal of the cases. Brown says he’s challenging his removal to prevent such actions “in the shadows.”
“UF relaunching search for permanent president this week” via Lucy Marques of the Tampa Bay Times — Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini said during his remarks at Thursday’s Board meeting that the university will resume its search for a permanent president on Friday. He also said interim President Donald Landry will apply for the role. Landry was named interim president in September, shortly after the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state university system, rejected Santa Ono as interim president over the Summer. Ono was the UF Board’s unanimous pick and the former president of the University of Michigan. Still, it was rejected by the state over concerns about some of his stances, particularly on diversity issues.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Emergency system breached, Bradenton says. Do you need to change your passwords?” via Amaia Gavica of the Bradenton Herald — CodeRED, an emergency alert system used by the city of Bradenton, experienced a cyberattack during which personal information of users was breached. According to a press release provided by the city of Bradenton, the breached information was associated with personal accounts and included things such as names, addresses, contact information and account passwords. Some residents should change their passwords for other platforms to avoid hacking attempts, officials say. Residents who subscribed to CodeRED before March 31 of this year should change any passwords that are similar or identical to the one used for their CodeRED account, City of Bradenton spokesperson Tiffany Shadik told the Bradenton Herald.
— TOP OPINION —
“Republicans’ war on property taxes will lose them the suburbs” via Aaron Renn for The New York Times — Republican leaders in Florida and across the country are escalating calls to eliminate or sharply limit property taxes, with Gov. DeSantis proposing to abolish them for Florida homeowners and national figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene pushing for a nationwide repeal. Their argument follows a long conservative tradition that views property taxes as illegitimate, but the movement overlooks how deeply many communities rely on them.
In reality, property taxes remain a stable and appropriate way to fund local services. Suburban, college-educated voters increasingly expect strong public amenities, from parks to trail networks to well-maintained schools. These voters, including many in Florida, often approve tax measures that support their quality of life.
Examples from red states show this clearly. Republican-leaning areas in Utah, Ohio and Indiana have repeatedly backed taxes for schools, recreation and infrastructure. These communities want effective services, not bare-bones governance, and they are willing to pay for them when they trust the results.
Carmel, Indiana, illustrates the model. Long a Republican stronghold, it has paired constitutionally capped property taxes with significant investments in roundabouts, parks, events and commercial development, earning national recognition for livability. Its success depends on preserving the revenue property taxes provide.
Republicans risk alienating suburban professionals by attacking that revenue source. These voters have already trended left over the past two decades, including in places like Carmel and parts of Florida, where frustration with austerity-driven state politics has grown.
Eliminating property taxes may energize retirees seeking lower bills, but it would weaken local services, undermine thriving communities and damage the GOP’s long-term coalition. Florida’s debate shows how quickly the party could harm both governance and its political future.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“If nursing education is downgraded, Florida will suffer,” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Nurses are increasingly central to modern health care, taking on executive, clinical and community leadership roles that go far beyond bedside care. Yet, President Trump’s administration is moving to strip nursing degrees of “professional” status under its budget proposal. The change would slash graduate nursing loan caps from $50,000 to $25,000 and tighten loan-forgiveness programs that help place nurses in underserved communities, a move critics call an unjustified insult to a workforce Florida desperately needs. The state faces up to 60,000 unfilled nursing jobs within a decade, even after investing $350 million to expand training and working with hospitals to cut vacancies by tens of thousands. Florida leaders warn that Trump’s policy would undermine recent progress and devalue nurses’ essential contributions.
“It’s dying time again for black bears” via the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Barring a last-minute miracle, Florida’s black bears will be in the crosshairs of hunters on Saturday — a planned slaughter based on shoddy science and laden with potential for things to go wrong. More wrong is more like it. This hunt should never have been approved, let alone labeled an annual event that will continue until state officials come to their senses. Thousands of Floridians begged the Legislature and the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stop the hunt from going forward, citing threats to a bear population that are going to get worse as more people crowd into Florida. In August, the FWC approved a three-week hunt from Dec. 6-28, based on its own estimates that the bear population is around 4,000.
“Here’s why Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades rank an ‘F’” via Maria Morales Menendez for The Palm Beach Post — Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grades are coming under fire from hospital leaders who say the system misleads patients and punishes facilities that refuse to participate in its survey-driven business model. Although Leapfrog promotes itself as a transparency watchdog, it relies on selling self-reported hospital data and “safety grade” accolades. Hospitals that decline to complete Leapfrog’s 350-page survey are downgraded, even when independent accrediting bodies rate them highly. One Leapfrog panel member admitted penalties for nonparticipation were a “simple business decision” to keep its data profitable. Palm Beach Health Network hospitals, newly hit with poor grades, say their scores reflect a refusal to legitimize the system rather than safety issues. Critics argue hospital quality should be measured with standardized, peer-reviewed metrics, not proprietary formulas.
— WEEKEND TV —
ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: Maj. Gen. Bob Dees breaks down the Venezuela boat bombings and the chain of command between Defense Secretary Hegseth and Adm. Bradley. Political analyst Dr. Susan MacManus explains why Gov. DeSantis is pressing lawmakers to redraw Florida’s congressional maps. Sports radio host Rock Riley sizes up USF’s surge under a top-tier coaching hire and whether coaches should be allowed to bail before a season ends.
Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede on CBS 4 in Miami: The Sunday show offers viewers an in-depth look at politics in South Florida and other regional issues.
In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: In Focus will discuss law enforcement and public safety with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Political Connections on Bay News 9 in Tampa/St. Pete and Political Connections on CF 13 in Orlando: The weekly Sunday show is now a joint weeknight show airing Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.
The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG-Panama City (NBC): Veteran pollster Steve Vancore speaks with Senate President Albritton and Feeding Florida CEO Robin Safley.
This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: James Fishback, candidate for Governor; Dr. Sunil Joshi, Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer and City Council member Matt Carlucci.
This Week in South Florida with Glenna Milberg on Local 10 WPLG: Milberg covers the big news of the week and speaks with the newsmakers Sunday at 11 a.m.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Holiday hiring drives sharp drop in Florida first-time unemployment claims” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The holiday hiring bonanza is on in Florida as the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports a huge drop in first-time claims. There were 3,547 new filings for jobless benefits in the Sunshine State for the week ending Nov. 29. That’s down from the 5,946 claims recorded for the week ending Nov. 22, a drop of 2,399. That’s the biggest single-week reduction in months for Florida, and it’s one of the rare weeks when the total number of new claims fell below 4,000 this year. The latest DOL report is a sign that full holiday hiring is underway throughout the state. Businesses typically see a rush of hiring from November into January as stores prepare for shoppers to buy gifts for loved ones and friends. Usually, the low number of new claims persists because businesses rush to hire during the stretch from November into January.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Happy birthday to Carlecia Collins, Beth Herendeen and Rachel Jennings.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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