Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.16.26
Good Thursday morning.
Boa sorte, Mr. Speaker — Daniel Perez goes before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday for his confirmation hearing to become U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. President Donald Trump tapped the Miami lawmaker for the post in June, and it’s easy to see why: the Republican — just the third Cuban American to hold the gavel — has been one of the most consequential Speakers in recent memory, from a Special Election win in 2017 to steering the House through two eventful Sessions. He’s fluent in Spanish; the Portuguese will come.
Good luck, Mr. Ambassador.
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Breaking overnight — “Fabian Basabe is found liable by jury in sexual harassment case” via Aaron Leibowitz of the Miami Herald — A jury found Rep. Basabe liable Wednesday in a Tallahassee civil trial accusing him of sexual harassment, battery and defamation. An attorney for the plaintiffs told the Miami Herald after the verdict was read that the total amount the jury awarded in damages was $450,000. Basabe’s net worth at the end of last year was over $3.7 million, according to a financial disclosure form filed in June. The case involved allegations by a former legislative aide and a former intern for Basabe, a Miami Beach Republican. “They have been vindicated,” Cynthia Myers, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told the Herald. “This is what happens when things are fair and when justice is allowed to take its course.”
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Introducing FP Boost: Put Florida Politics’ reach behind your best coverage
With one month until the Primary and early ballots already on the street, Florida Politics is launching a new service for campaigns that want their best moments in front of more voters: FP Boost.
Here’s how it works. When a story publishes on Florida Politics — a candidate lands a key endorsement, posts big fundraising numbers or is leading in a poll — you can ask us to boost it across Florida Politics’ social media channels.
Spend whatever fits your race, but we recommend at least $250 a day for legislative and congressional contests and $100 a day in smaller races. Facebook also recommends boosting for four days. Florida Politics charges a 15% markup, and every campaign receives a report on how the promotion performed.
The value is simple: third-party validation. A story boosted by Florida Politics carries a credibility your campaign’s own ads can’t match. Voters see coverage from an established news outlet — not a message from a candidate asking for their vote.
One thing to be clear about: FP Boost comes with no editorial input. None. You cannot commission a story, shape a story, or influence what we publish. This service applies only to stories that have already run. If you like what’s been written, you can put it in front of more people. That’s it.
And let me let you in on a little secret: you can also boost the negative. If your opponent has been taking hits on television or in direct mail, or has a scandal breaking, you can amplify that too — pushed out by us, not attributed to any campaign.
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To get started, contact [email protected].
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First in Sunburn — Florida’s fire chiefs are lining up against Amendment 3.
The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association announced its opposition to the property tax referendum slated for November’s General Election ballot, a position formally ratified at the group’s July 9 Board of Directors meeting.
“The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association believes Florida taxpayers deserve thoughtful tax policy and dependable public safety. Tax relief and reliable emergency services are not mutually exclusive, but both require responsible long-term planning,” the association said in its position statement. “As currently proposed, Constitutional Amendment No. 3 creates substantial uncertainty regarding the future funding of fire protection, emergency medical services, and disaster response without identifying a sustainable replacement revenue source.”
Until a funding plan is established that preserves local governments’ ability to provide those services, the association said, it “cannot support the amendment in its current form.”
“Public safety is on the line with Amendment 3, and Florida’s highly respected fire chiefs understand that without a plan to backfill lost revenue, crippling cuts to critical services like fire protection are in Florida’s future,” said Edie Ousley, spokesperson for Vote No On Amendment 3.
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The Florida Chamber of Commerce is with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
The Chamber announced it is endorsing Simpson for a second term as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“The Florida Chamber of Commerce fully endorses Wilton Simpson to continue serving as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson.
“As Commissioner, Wilton Simpson has been a champion for Florida’s vital agricultural community and for supporting Florida farmers and consumers alike. A past recipient of the Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator award during his time in the Florida Senate, Wilton Simpson has taken the lessons of being a local business owner and applied them to improving the business climate for free enterprise in Florida throughout his time in public service.”
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of my longtime partners at the Florida Chamber of Commerce,” Simpson said. “We’ve worked together for years to strengthen Florida’s economy, support local business, and keep our state the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. I’m grateful for their confidence and look forward to continuing our work together.”
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Bracket season comes early this year.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce announced the Top 32 products advancing in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition, following a statewide public vote that showcased the strength of the state’s manufacturing industry.
The finalists emerged from a field of 100 products representing manufacturers in all 67 counties. The bracket-style competition celebrates the products, companies and workers driving economic growth — and supports the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030. The sector employs more than 430,000 Floridians, pays an average annual wage of $86,405 and makes products sold across the nation and around the world.
“The response to this year’s competition demonstrates just how much interest Floridians have in the products made right here in our state,” said Wilson. “The manufacturers advancing to the Top 32 represent the innovation, craftsmanship, and skilled talent that continue to strengthen Florida’s economy. As we work toward making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030, these companies are creating opportunities, investing in their communities, and helping secure Florida’s future.”
From here, it’s a head-to-head, single-elimination bracket, with public voting deciding which products advance. Round one runs July 15-28, with the field narrowing through the fall — Top 16, Top Eight, Top Four — before final voting Oct. 12-23. The Chamber and FloridaCommerce will also visit the two finalist manufacturers during National Manufacturing Week in October to spotlight their facilities and workforce.
The winner will be crowned Oct. 28 at the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum and Annual Meeting in Orlando.
View the Top 32 bracket and vote at CoolestThingMadeInFlorida.com.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: The men and women of ICE are doing a GREAT job, one that has to be done. CRIME IS WAY DOWN IN AMERICA, in many cases with numbers that haven’t been seen in decades. The Open Border Policy of Sleepy Joe Biden allowed 25,000,000 people to pour into our Country, unchecked and unvetted. Many were Criminals, and we have to get them out. In order to do this, we must be strong, tough, and smart, and we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP! Once we do, we are playing right into the criminal’s hands. The Radical Left Dumocrats would like to see this done, but it won’t happen on my watch. I.C.E., be judicious, fair and smart, and go back and do your very important job. Keep those Crime Stat Records coming! Remember, you are loved and respected in America.
Tweet, tweet:
Tweet, tweet:
—@AngieNixon: My heart breaks for the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life this morning in St. Johns County. This tragedy is a direct result of an out-of-control agency terrorizing our communities and our state. Abolish ICE.
Tweet, tweet:
—@ErikDavis: Massive cheers and applause out of the NYC premiere for #TheOdyssey. A second watch is essential imo. Found myself overwhelmed by emotions the second time through. Lots of tears. Leaned into the details, lost myself in Ludwig’s incredible score. I feel confident in saying this is Nolan’s best film to date. Epic, ridiculously engrossing and cinema at its absolute finest. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore, but this exists so maybe they still do!
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘The Odyssey,’ directed by Christopher Nolan, premieres — 1; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 4; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 15; Optional Primary early voting begins — 18; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 20; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 21; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 23; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 31; Primary Election Day — 33; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 43; NFL regular season kicks off — 55; Republican National Midterm Convention — 55; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 56; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 57; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 61; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 65; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 66; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 70; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 77; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 78; General Election voter registration deadline — 81; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 85; Optional General early voting begins — 95; General Election ballot request deadline — 98; Mandatory General early voting begins — 100; General Election — 110; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 113; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 113; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 118; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 124; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 127; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 132; ‘Madden’ premieres — 133; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 155; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 155; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 155; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 193; Super Bowl LXI — 213; Tampa Mayoral Election — 229; Oscars — 241; Jacksonville First Election — 250; Jacksonville General Election — 306; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 324; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 386; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 386; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 442; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 519; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 557; Oscars — 598; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 680; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 701; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 729; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 845; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 921; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,245; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,285; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,976.
— TOP STORY —
“What Florida’s tax rollback looks like through the eyes of one small town” via Kate Payne of The Florida Trib — When Floridians go to the polls in November to decide whether to cut themselves a break on property taxes, they may well be deciding to cut the lifeline of one of the state’s endangered species: its small towns.
If 60% of voters approve the proposed constitutional amendment to raise the homestead exemption to $250,000, it could save individual homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars — and effectively erase much of the tax base in communities that have vanishingly few ways to recoup the funds that help keep police on patrol, garbage trucks on the street and water flowing out of the tap.
In Bowling Green, an hour and a half southeast of Tampa in rural Hardee County, 98% of homesteaded properties fall below the $250,000 threshold — meaning the measure would effectively eliminate non-school property taxes on homesteads, knocking out a quarter of the town’s taxable value. Current county estimates show just 20 homesteaded properties would remain on the tax rolls. “I don’t know if we can survive that,” said Marc McKinney, a retired federal worker who moved to Bowling Green from Orlando. “We need that money.”
Bowling Green Mayor Sam Fite, who earns $4,800 a year in his post, said his town is a far cry from the rich, coastal communities with flush city budgets — and shouldn’t be punished for the excesses of others. “This city is not one of the offenders that’s causing this property tax issue,” Fite said. “Correct the offenders.” He calls the measure “a power grab” aimed at “getting more centralized government and central control” in Tallahassee.
The proposal — hustled through a Special Session by the Republican-dominated Legislature after term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis trumpeted it ahead of a widely expected 2028 presidential run — would cost cities and counties roughly $5 billion in the first year, more than $8 billion in the second, and nearly $12 billion a year by 2031, according to state economists’ analysis released after lawmakers had already signed off. More than 100 cities would see at least 90% of their homesteaded taxable value wiped off the rolls, per the Florida League of Cities.
“When you can’t support yourself, we all know then you don’t really get to make the rules anymore. In life and in politics,” said Christa Wolfe, a fourth-generation Bowling Green resident. Fite, for his part, plans on staying put: “I am not giving up. I’m still optimistic. I’ll still say I’m optimistic when we lock the front door” of city hall for good.
— 2026 —
“Ashley Moody boasts north of $14M in total fundraising across committees” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Moody added another $3.6 million to her campaign coffers in the second quarter of 2026, bringing her total to $12 million raised as she prepares to stand for election in November. Across all committees in her control, Moody’s campaign reports she has collected $14 million, with $10.3 million in cash on hand. That falls short of the $16.7 million raised by Democratic challenger Alex Vindman, who announced at the start of the month he had raised $8.5 million in the quarter. “Our campaign has the momentum and the resources to deliver a win for working Floridians and send Ashley Moody packing this November,” Vindman said.
“Angie Nixon leans into trespassing trial to spark long-shot Senate bid” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — State Rep. Nixon is trying to use a Leon County Court appearance to spark her long-shot Democratic U.S. Senate Primary campaign against Lt. Col. Vindman. Nixon was arrested in May for a sit-in protest of congressional redistricting in the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis; she faces two counts, trespassing and resisting an officer without violence, with trial set for the week of Sept. 21. “Let me make one thing crystal clear today. If they think the threat of a trial is going to make me back down, they picked the wrong woman,” she said in a video that concluded with her campaign branding. She has formidable competition in Vindman, who raised about $16.7 million through the end of June; Nixon last reported about $200,000 on hand. A virtual rally Tuesday — with Roland Martin and Killer Mike among the speakers — raised roughly $5,000. “I am being out-fundraised, but we will not be outworked,” the Jacksonville Democrat said.
“Block out the noise: Byron Donalds takes political lessons from Donald Trump” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Long before Trump endorsed him, Donalds was crisscrossing the country selling Black men on the Republican nominee — and taking notes. In an interview with Joe Mullins, the Congressman said riding shotgun on the 2024 campaign taught him to block out the noise, master the little things and outwork the field. “You have my endorsement, and people think that’s the end, but it’s just the beginning,” Trump told him. Donalds says he’s replicating the playbook — and won’t “elevate” Primary rivals by debating them.
—“Florida Citrus Mutual backs Donalds’ gubernatorial bid” via Frank Kopylov of Florida’s Voice
José Javier Rodríguez raises more than $1.5M in Attorney General race — Democrat Rodríguez’s campaign for Attorney General has crossed the $1.5 million mark, a milestone the campaign says reflects growing momentum across the state. “Floridians are ready for an Attorney General who will work for them, not powerful political interests,” Rodríguez said. “This reflects the strength of the coalition we are building across the state and the growing demand for a People’s Lawyer who will keep us safe, stand up for working families, protect consumers, and restore integrity to the office.”
“Daniella Levine Cava, Jerry Demings endorse Annette Taddeo for CFO” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Miami-Dade County Mayor Levine Cava and Orange County Mayor Demings are supporting former state Sen. Taddeo in her campaign for Chief Financial Officer. Demings praised Taddeo for challenging powerful interests and standing up for working families. “Floridians deserve a Chief Financial Officer who will be an independent watchdog for taxpayers and consumers, not someone who simply goes along with the status quo,” Demings said. “For too long, homeowners have watched their insurance costs climb while Tallahassee has failed to provide the oversight and accountability they deserve. Taddeo has never been afraid to ask tough questions, challenge powerful interests, and stand up for working families. I am proud to endorse her campaign.”
— MORE ELECTIONS —
“Republicans debate over who’s best to replace Neal Dunn in Congress” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — Five Republican candidates seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Dunn presented themselves to members of the Capital Conservatives Club as supporters of Trump’s agenda, finding little daylight on policy issues and instead seeking to distinguish themselves through their backgrounds. Iraq War veteran Luke Murphy, lawyer Austin Rogers, businessman Keith Gross, Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power and retired law enforcement officer Audie Rowell all praised Trump’s leadership, supported tougher immigration enforcement and called for rolling back DEI initiatives. Power said he attended a Democratic candidates debate and that “the things the Democrats said was absolutely crazy.” “I’m running for Congress because Washington has too many talkers,” Power said. “They don’t have enough fighters.”
Alan Williams endorses Brice Barnes in CD 2 — Former state Rep. Williams, who represented Gadsden and Leon counties before serving in the Biden administration, is backing Barnes in the Democratic Primary for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. “North Florida is overdue for bold, reliable leadership in Congress. My friend, Brice Barnes, has the grit and experience to hit the ground running for us — and she’s the only Democrat who can flip this seat. I’m proud to support her,” Williams said. Barnes called Williams “a longtime public servant who understands the stakes of this moment” and said the campaign is about “fighting for lower costs, expanding access to healthcare for every family, and finally cleaning up the corruption that’s eroded people’s trust in government.”
“Mike Haridopolos brings total fundraising past $2.3M as he seeks second term in CD 8” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Haridopolos tallied more than $680,000 in fundraising in the second quarter. That brings the freshman Congressman’s total fundraising to more than $2.3 million. “I’m incredibly grateful for the confidence our supporters continue to show in this campaign,” said Haridopolos, an Indian Harbour Beach Republican. “People aren’t obligated to give — they choose to because they believe in our record and our vision. Even in a district widely recognized as safely Republican, we’ve worked hard to build a campaign that helps more than just our own race.” The high fundraising in the last three months came after a new congressional map made the incumbent’s district more competitive and he drew a prominent challenger in Democrat Jennifer Jenkins.
“Embattled incumbent Cory Mills closes quarter with just $81K” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Targeted by Democrats and under ethics investigation, U.S. Rep. Mills closed the quarter with just over $81,000 on hand. The New Smyrna Beach Republican collected under $60,000 over the last three months. That brings the two-term incumbent’s total haul for the election to nearly $806,000, but much of that has been depleted, with the campaign having spent more than $1.1 million in the cycle to date. That means even the cash he has in the bank is chiefly left over from prior campaigns. But the shortage of funds comes as Mills faces both Republican Primary and Democratic opposition sensing vulnerability. The bulk of support for Mills has come from individuals, with the campaign reporting nearly $32,000 in small donations and another nearly $28,000 in itemized ones.
“Carey Baker campaign flyer raises questions over use of military uniform imagery” via Brendon Leslie of Florida Voice News — Republican congressional candidate Baker‘s campaign mailer highlights his military service with multiple images of him in uniform, while a Department of Defense, now known as the Department of War, directive outlines restrictions on how military imagery may be used in political campaign materials. Four of the five images featured on the flyer show Baker in uniform. The directive also states that candidates may not use “photographs, drawings, and other similar media formats of themselves in uniform as the primary graphic representation” in campaign media, including brochures, flyers, websites and television commercials. Baker said: “My service, and the service of my family throughout our nation’s great history, are a fundamental part of who I am and who I’ll be as the next public servant representing District 11. My communications to voters share the story of that service.”
Darren McAuley launches first ad hitting Gus Bilirakis on healthcare cuts, rising costs — Democrat McAuley, Florida’s State Air Surgeon and a former VA physician, is out with “Up Here,” the first ad of his campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Bilirakis in Florida’s redrawn 12th Congressional District. The spot features the Air Force colonel and flight surgeon narrating from the cockpit as it contrasts his military and medical service with Bilirakis’ vote for healthcare cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which the campaign says are projected to strip coverage from more than 1 million Floridians and more than double insurance premiums for Florida families. “Even from up here, you can see the damage that Gus Bilirakis has done in Congress: skyrocketing costs and utility rates, cuts to Medicare and Medicaid,” McAuley says while taking to the skies. The ad began running Wednesday on MS NOW and Meta, with a larger six-figure television and digital buy planned after the Primary.
“Kelly Kirschner posts $224K in first quarter, says he’s ready to battle Sydney Gruters in CD 16” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Democratic congressional candidate Kirschner reported raising almost $224,000 in his first quarter running to flip Florida’s 16th Congressional District. The Democrat in comments to Florida Politics directly contrasted his tally with that of Sydney Gruters, the Republican front-runner for the open seat. The former Sarasota Mayor also suggested he’s the only candidate in the field with experience fighting a political machine led by Gruters’ husband, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters. Sydney Gruters’ campaign announced she raised nearly $1 million before the close of the quarter. “We have close to double the number of unique donors as Gruters, while raising less than half of her haul, evidencing where grass roots support across this district lies,” Kirschner said.
Linda Sánchez endorses Kendrick Meek in CD 24 — Democrat Meek is adding the backing of U.S. Rep. Sánchez of California, a former Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the first Latina to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, in his bid for Florida’s 24th Congressional District seat spanning northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward counties. “Kendrick has spent his career fighting for economic dignity on the ground, and I know he will go to Washington to lower costs, protect hard-earned wages, and give families the relief they desperately need,” Sánchez said, adding that Meek “has the backbone needed to fight to fix our broken immigration system, ensuring we create a fair, humane, and orderly process that honors our values.” Meek called the endorsement from “a relentless fighter for working people and a trailblazing voice for immigration reform” a “tremendous honor.” “South Florida families are tired of the same old political games while the cost of living skyrockets and our immigration system remains broken,” Meek said. “They want leadership that knows how to push back, build coalitions, and win real results.”
… Speaking of Meek — the other news out of that campaign is money. Meek Jr.’s CD 24 operation says it raised more than $485,000 in the 18 days between its June 12 launch and the close of Q2, with $419,000 of it still in the bank. The total came from more than 1,850 individual donations averaging $260. “To raise nearly half a million dollars from over 1,800 individual donors in such a short window proves Kendrick’s message is resonating deeply,” said campaign spokesman Drew Hammill.
— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —
“Greg Steube backs former staffer Kelly Ann Walker in HD 74 GOP Primary” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Steube wants a former staffer to carry the America First banner into the Florida House. The Sarasota Republican is endorsing Walker in the four-way Republican Primary for House District 74, the open Sarasota County seat that has drawn one of the most competitive GOP contests in the region. “Kelly Ann Walker is the only candidate I trust to carry President Trump‘s America First agenda forward and strengthen Florida’s conservative legacy,” Steube said. “She represents the next generation of MAGA leadership, and I hope my constituents will embrace her energy, conviction, and passion for public service by sending her to the Florida Legislature. I have complete confidence that Kelly Ann will serve HD 74 with distinction, and I am proud to give her my full endorsement.”
“Jennifer Winkler closes gap in HD 74 money race led by Nick Pachota” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Winkler is gaining ground in the money race for House District 74 in Sarasota County, but Venice Mayor Pachota still enters the final stretch before the Republican Primary with the most cash on hand. Winkler, founder of The Peeples Insurance Agency, raised nearly $34,000 across the newest reports available for her campaign and affiliated political committee, Friends of Jennifer Winkler. The campaign reports cover the June 13 through June 26 reporting period, while the committee’s newer filings extend through July 3. That topped the $15,000 raised by former congressional staffer and Sarasota-Manatee Young Republicans Secretary Walker and the $3,200 raised by Pachota across their newest available reports. Republican real estate professional Les Nichols and Democrat Ryan Neill reported no new contributions during the period.
Happening Saturday:
— STATEWIDE —
“Florida healthcare, children’s services to be hit under property tax plan” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — Hospitals and children’s health groups say a proposal to cut property taxes could hit them hard — and comes as the need for care in Florida is only growing. They say the property tax plan, if passed, could force groups to cut services like labor and delivery, children’s literacy programs and school nurses. Hospitals could lose around 32% in tax-collected revenue annually, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida’s 13 children’s councils, which are voter-approved and provide a variety of services, could lose anywhere from around $3 million to around $33 million annually, depending on the county, according to the head of the statewide alliance. Those numbers could grow.
“Florida falls slightly in CNBC business rankings” via Alayna Alvarez and Martin Vassolo of Axios — Florida fell five spots to No. 8 in CNBC’s annual Top States for Business rankings, slipping from No. 3 last year. Florida fell the furthest in the infrastructure category, from 16th to 32nd, after CNBC made it the most heavily weighted measure for 2026. Florida’s brightest spots were workforce and access to capital, where it earned an A-plus and A, respectively. The state’s worst score was a D-minus for cost of living, ranking 48th out of 50 states. Ohio claimed CNBC’s top spot this year, followed by North Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Minnesota.
“Former judge Kevin Emas presses high court on DeSantis appointment delays” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs — Describing DeSantis’ delays in appointing judges as a “slap in the face to the judiciary,” a former appellate judge has urged the Supreme Court to send a message about following a law on judicial picks. Emas, who served 16 years on South Florida’s 3rd District Court of Appeal before stepping down in March, filed a petition June 30 at the Supreme Court alleging that DeSantis had not complied with a May deadline to appoint a replacement. DeSantis’ office responded July 10 by saying the case was moot because the Governor had appointed Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Thomas Rebull to succeed Emas. Under the Florida Constitution, judicial nominating commissions interview applicants for judgeships and send lists of candidates to the governor, who is supposed to make appointments within 60 days.
“Morgan & Morgan representing 2 victims of FSU mass shooting in lawsuits against OpenAI” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Two women have filed civil lawsuits against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman after they were injured in the mass shooting at Florida State University last year. Prominent law firm Morgan & Morgan said the lawsuits argue that the OpenAI program ChatGPT helped the accused shooter, Phoenix Ikner, to plan the April 17, 2025, attack that ended with two fatalities and six injuries. “Ikner allegedly used ChatGPT several times in the days and hours leading up to the shooting, asking questions and allegedly receiving detailed and helpful answers on topics such as how to obtain maximum media attention for the heinous act he was planning, how to operate the weapons he ultimately used and the busiest times at the campus building he targeted,” a Morgan & Morgan news release said.
“James Uthmeier announces charges against 4 people accused of running cocaine trafficking conspiracy” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office is charging four people in connection to an interstate cocaine trafficking ring. Uthmeier announced the arrests of the suspects who are accused of running the drug from El Paso, Texas, to the Tampa area. The alleged cocaine trafficking conspiracy involved 60 kilograms of the drug. A news release from Uthmeier’s Office said Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detectives on July 11 working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) through the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program monitored drug trafficking activity. Freightliner semi-trucks were used to move the drug on a monthly schedule, according to Uthmeier. “This operation dismantled a dangerous cartel pipeline flooding Florida communities with cocaine,” Uthmeier said.
“On mass timber, the Florida Building Commission can’t see the forest for the trees” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — During development of the 2026 Florida Building Code, the Commission’s Fire and Structural Technical Advisory Committees recommended approval of 22 of 29 mass timber proposals. Those provisions would have added Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C construction to the statewide code — clear rules for height, area, fire resistance, inspection and enforcement. The Commission rejected them anyway at its December meeting. This is not a bet on unproven technology. The tall mass timber provisions are already the law in 44 states, either statewide or through local adopting jurisdictions — 38 of them statewide. And the projects are already here.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Marco Rubio’s disappearing Signal chat” via Michael Scherer, Missy Ryan, Nancy A. Youssef and Shane Harris of The Atlantic — The State Department told a court last year that Rubio “does not use the auto-deletion functions in third party messaging applications when sending communications that may include federal records.” But about two months later, Rubio changed the settings in a Signal chat about administration matters with other senior officials so that the messages would automatically delete after a set amount of time, a person familiar with the exchange told The Atlantic. When The Atlantic reached out for comment, the official who responded contested the idea that Rubio has made a practice of turning on disappearing messages but said he could not address the specific instance.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Miami-Dade leaders canceled D.C. trip, then attended Raúl Castro indictment. Cost: $32K” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — On the day the Trump administration announced the indictment of Castro to a packed house of local political leaders in Miami, Miami-Dade’s Mayor and most county commissioners were scheduled to be in Washington, D.C., to lobby for transit funding and other county priorities. But the Mayor and commissioners ended up attending the May 20 Freedom Tower event anyway, thanks to a last-minute cancellation of the two-night D.C. trip for about 30 people. The county’s accounting staff said the abrupt change in travel plans came from the office of Anthony Rodriguez, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). It cost taxpayers about $32,000 in nonrefundable hotel stays, catering expenses and ground transportation costs for a trip that didn’t happen.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Mike Crimi reports spending $51K in latest 2-week reporting period” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Marion County Commission candidate Crimi spent more in the latest two-week financial reporting period than either of his two GOP Primary opponents have raised since the start of their campaigns. Crimi, a physician assistant and businessman who owns Express Care of Belleview and Leesburg, is running for the District 2 seat being vacated by incumbent Republican Commissioner Kathy Bryant, who has held the seat since 2010. Crimi spent $51,000 between June 13 and June 26, including $4,900 on billboards and $46,000 on mailers. By contrast, Marion County legislative manager Matt Cretul has raised $35,850 and spent a little less than $24,000. Business owner Brien Weidemiller has raised just under $31,000 and spent $26,660.
— LOCAL: TB —
“As Tampa’s Rays deal unfolds, Orlando boosters seek funds for stadium” via Emma Behrmann and J.C. Carnahan of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The Orlando Dreamers submitted a $975 million Tourist Development Tax funding request to Orange County on July 13 to partially finance the construction of a $2 billion stadium. … “We’re very confident we’re going to have a Major League Baseball franchise here,” said Dreamers co-founder and COO Jim Schnorf. “We don’t know if that’s one of the two expansion slots or if it’s the relocation of an existing franchise, but we’ve got the private side covered.”
“Hillsborough advances school zone speed camera expansion” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously to begin drafting an ordinance that would expand the county’s school zone speed camera program. Chair Ken Hagan presented the proposal during a Hillsborough County Commission meeting, asking the County Attorney’s Office to work with county staff, the Sheriff’s Office and other stakeholders on an amendment to Hillsborough’s existing school zone speed enforcement ordinance. The action, requested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, does not immediately authorize new cameras. The proposal comes as Tampa considers its own expansion of school zone speed cameras through a contract piggybacking on Hillsborough County’s agreement with RedSpeed. “Today is the first of three separate meetings, if we ultimately approve the item,” Hagan said.
“Clearwater weighs new 30-year Duke Energy agreement” via St. Pete Catalyst — The Clearwater City Council is set to consider a proposed 30-year agreement with Duke Energy after months of studying whether to create a city-owned electric utility. A feasibility study found municipalization could lower rates, but would require purchasing Duke’s infrastructure at an estimated cost of $500 million to $1 billion. Council members are expected to discuss the proposal at Thursday’s meeting before making a final decision.
“Nancy Velardi wins backing from the union she once led in Pinellas School Board race” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — For most candidates, a teachers union endorsement is a nice feather in the cap. For Velardi, it’s a homecoming. The Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association (PCTA) and the Pinellas Educational Support Professionals Association (PESPA) — which together represent thousands of Pinellas County teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and other school employees — are endorsing Velardi for Pinellas County School Board, District 2. Velardi served as PCTA President before launching her campaign, leading the union through the COVID pandemic and its aftermath. “I am deeply honored to have the support of the educators and education professionals who dedicate their lives to our students every day,” Velardi said. “Having served as PCTA President, I know the incredible commitment of the teachers, paraprofessionals, clerical staff, bus drivers, food service workers, and so many others who make our schools successful. Together, we share a commitment to putting students first, supporting those who work in our schools, and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality public education.” Velardi, a retired English teacher, spent more than 20 years in the classroom at Pinellas Park High School.
Happening Saturday:
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Jacksonville’s Tote gets $2.2B deal to manage building new Navy ships” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville-based maritime business Tote Services LLC has landed a $2.2 billion contract to oversee construction of a new line of U.S. Navy troop transport ships. The first Medium Landing Ship (LSM) from the vessel construction management agreement is expected to be completed by fall 2029, the Navy said in a July 13 release. Lockport, La.-headquartered Bollinger Shipyards will build one LSM while four more will come from Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the Wisconsin shipbuilder that manufactured Naval Station Mayport’s Freedom-class littoral combat ships. Tote “will have the flexibility to determine the best award strategy for up to three additional vessels,” the Navy said. “We’re taking a proven design and leveraging congressional authorities to move with urgency and approach shipbuilding differently,” the release quoted Christopher Miller, the head of the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Maritime, the service’s central office responsible for obtaining surface ships.
“Leon pushes back on city’s ‘petty’ power play on fire contract” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — Amid a disagreement over whether the city should hand over some of its fire stations and equipment, Leon County is making the move to terminate the two governments’ fire services agreement in hopes of securing assets they say are contractually theirs. The city is now saying it never meant to terminate the deal — a move the county believes is an attempt to avoid handing over fire stations and equipment as stipulated in the contract. Commissioner Christian Caban called out the city for continuing to “put petty politics over public safety.” The county will hold a workshop in September to weigh all options in regard to the development of its own fire department.
“Leon County Commissioners unanimously pull Flock camera funding after public pressure” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — The Leon County Commission voted unanimously to pull an agenda item that would have earmarked $440,000 to expand Flock license plate reader (LPR) cameras. The funding source came from a regional public safety grant, not local tax dollars, but numerous speakers from the packed crowd voiced their opposition to what they perceived to be a violation of their privacy rights. “Tracking thousands of innocent citizens who are just trying to drive to work, drop their kids off at school, or go to the grocery store is an overreach into our privacy,” said Devin Nobles, a computer engineer who addressed the Commission. Eventually, Commissioners motioned to pull the item. Commission Chair Christian Caban told those gathered that while he supports law enforcement, he sees Flock cameras as an invasion of privacy.
— “County unanimously objects to controversial Jeffrey Phipps land annexation” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Pensacola Councilman Charles Bare proposes AI data center ban” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — Pensacola City Councilman Charles Bare is bringing an ordinance to the Council’s July 16 meeting that would put a one-year ban on the construction of any large-scale data center inside the city limits. “I don’t think there needs to be a data center in the city of Pensacola,” Bare said. “It doesn’t provide a lot of jobs, so I just don’t think it’s something we need within the city.” The moratorium bans construction of any data center that would draw more than 50 megawatts. Mayor D.C. Reeves said he doesn’t support building data centers in the city limits and would support the moratorium if it passes the Council.
“Stuart Bell aims to push UF back into nation’s top five” via Chelsea Long of The Gainesville Sun — Bell, in his first statement since being appointed President of the University of Florida, said he is preparing to take the state’s flagship university to new heights. In a July 13 statement, Bell outlined his priorities for his first 100 days — filling vacant leadership positions across the university and speaking with campus stakeholders about what the university is doing well and what could be improved. The feedback, he wrote, will help shape the university’s strategic plan, a roadmap for achieving its goal of becoming one of the top five public universities in the country. UF’s Board of Trustees has made it clear that it cares — a lot — about the university’s national rankings. Florida’s public universities have an incentive to aim high. Under state law, the higher an institution ranks, the more research funding it can receive from the Legislature. Still, university leaders outside the state have openly questioned how much weight such rankings deserve, given that the formulas used to calculate them can change from year to year.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Bradenton police disperse crowd of up to 300 during ‘teen takeover’ gathering” via Kennedy Owens of Florida Voice News — Bradenton police dispersed a crowd of approximately 250 to 300 young people gathered along the Riverwalk during a planned “teen takeover” Saturday night, preventing the group from entering nearby businesses and reporting no arrests or major incidents. The Bradenton Police Department said it received information in advance about the planned gathering on July 11 and increased staffing and patrol resources in anticipation. Police said some participants crossed busy roadways, including First Street, and attempted to gather near businesses including Wawa, RaceTrac and Domino’s Pizza. Police said the gathering nevertheless posed unnecessary safety risks. “This type of behavior creates unnecessary safety risks for everyone involved and will not be tolerated,” the department said.
— TOP OPINION —
“The war behind daylight saving time” via René Rabeder for Florida Politics — The U.S. House has voted to make daylight saving time permanent. If the Senate agrees, most Americans would no longer change their clocks twice a year. Florida has pushed this for years, having already voted in 2018 to stay on daylight saving time year-round, though federal law kept the decision from taking effect. Daylight saving time entered American law as a temporary war measure — President Woodrow Wilson signed the Standard Time Act in March 1918, treating time as part of the war effort — before becoming part of ordinary administration under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. More than a century after its origins, the old coal argument has mostly disappeared.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Florida’s GOP Primary is a reminder that winning campaigns are built in the field, not just on X” via Jessica Caruso Wright for Florida Politics — After spending much of the past decade working alongside Florida’s most influential statewide elected officials and helping build political operations with grassroots organizations, I’ve had a front-row seat to what creates real momentum, what merely creates the appearance of momentum, and, ultimately, what wins elections. One lesson has remained remarkably consistent: campaigns are not won on social media. Digital platforms are indispensable communication tools, but they are still only one part of a strategy. Winning campaigns remain disciplined, investing their time and resources in the fundamentals: raising money, earning endorsements, organizing volunteers, building coalitions, voter contact, and assembling a professional operation capable of turning out supporters on Election Day. Florida’s Republican gubernatorial Primary offers a clear example of that principle in practice. Donalds’ campaign has focused on building a winning organization while his opponents prioritize online engagement, burner accounts and internal infighting.
“When the government causes the crash: Florida’s sovereign immunity debate affects more than lawyers” via Doug Burnetti for Florida Politics — DeSantis’ recent veto of HB 145 renewed debate in Tallahassee over sovereign immunity, a legal concept most Floridians won’t learn about until they need it. The veto came despite overwhelming bipartisan support in the Legislature, where lawmakers approved a compromise measure designed to raise liability caps that have remained largely unchanged since 2010. Catastrophic injuries do not become less devastating because the responsible party is a government agency. Medical expenses do not shrink. Lost wages do not disappear. For the families affected by these cases, it is far more than a legal debate. It is a question that can shape the course of their lives.
“Orlando’s newest NIMBY fight is against … teacher housing?” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County Public Schools has been trying to create nice, new apartments near schools where teachers can actually afford to live. But neighbors in the Isle of Catalina in southwest Orlando have been gearing up for war with a campaign to keep the teacher-housing out. Metro Orlando has one of the worst affordable-housing shortages in America with only 13 units available for every 100 families that need one, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “We want to add value to the community,” said Deputy Superintendent Bridget Williams. “This is for the bus driver, the custodian, the teacher. To me, this is the best neighbor you could have.”
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“ACC implements new tiebraker policy after Hurricanes miss title game” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — After a messy tiebreaker situation nearly caused the ACC to miss the College Football Playoffs last year, the conference changed its tiebreakers for the upcoming season. “You have to do everything you can to position your championship game with those two best teams,” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said at the ACC Football Kickoff on Wednesday. Five teams, including Miami, were tied for second place in the ACC at the end of the 2025 regular season. In order to pick a team to face the top team in the standings, Virginia, the conference had to go down to its fifth tiebreaker: conference opponent winning percentage. The result was that 7-5 Duke played — and beat — the Cavaliers in the conference title game. Because the Blue Devils had five losses, they did not make the College Football Playoff. Miami, which went 10-2 in the regular season, squeaked into the playoffs as an at-large team and made it to the national title game. However, the Hurricanes have not won an ACC title since joining the league in 2004. They have played in one ACC title game, losing to Clemson in 2017.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, former state Sen. J.D. Alexander, Alexis Lambert, former Hillsborough Commission candidate Todd Marks, Alix Miller of TSG Advisors, my future in-law, Ben Stuart, and Victoria Zepp.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.