Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.2.26

Good Thursday morning.

Byron Donalds keeps adding to an endorsement roll that already reads like a who’s who of Florida’s Republican establishment.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia is backing Donalds for Governor, adding a sitting statewide officeholder’s stamp to a campaign that has spent months rolling up the Republican establishment behind the President Donald Trump-endorsed front-runner.

“Byron Donalds has a rock-solid conservative record in the Florida House and Congress, and his time in the private sector makes him well-qualified to tackle issues like affordability and the insurance market in Florida,” Ingoglia said. “I am proud to endorse Byron to be Florida’s next Governor: he will defend and advance our conservative gains and soundly defeat the radical Democrats who are trying to destroy the Sunshine State we all know and love.”

The two go back to their days in the Florida House, a shared history Donalds nodded to in accepting the nod.

“I’ve known Blaise since our time serving together in the Florida House,” Donalds said. “I’m honored to have his endorsement and proud to have him in this fight. Florida’s best days are still ahead of us, and together we’ll continue building an economy that works for families, protecting the freedoms that make our state exceptional, and delivering the conservative leadership Floridians expect.”

Ingoglia’s support slots into an increasingly crowded endorsement roster. Attorney General James Uthmeier, incoming House Speaker Sam Garrison and Senate President-designate Jim Boyd are already in Donalds’ corner, part of a wave of conservative leaders consolidating behind him well ahead of the Primary.

That consolidation has tracked with the money. Donalds posted a record $22 million quarter to open the race, a fundraising haul that has left would-be rivals staring at a steep climb.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@RealDonaldTrump: BIG NEWS! For the first time ever, the Republican Party will hold a MIDTERM CONVENTION. It will be in Dallas, Texas — One of my favorite places in the world. It will be fantastic! It has never been done before, and will be a truly historic event. We are going to celebrate the GREAT AMERICAN COMEBACK, and the incredible successes of the American people who transformed our country through the America First Agenda — NO TAX ON TIPS, NO TAX ON OVERTIME, NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY, STRONGER BORDERS, SAFEST EVER COMMUNITIES, LOWER COSTS AND REAL AFFORDABILITY, MORE JOBS, AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE, AND SO MUCH MORE! Oil Prices are dropping sharply, even as we Denuclearize Iran. We are delivering on the promises that politicians talked about for decades, but never got done. At the event, we will have hardworking Americans, our Great Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, First Responders, and Job Creators who are powering our nation’s Golden Age, and proving that America’s best days are still ahead of us. We will also have lots of Great Entertainment — It will be a RALLY like none other! America’s 250th birthday is approaching, and together, we are building the foundation for the NEXT 250 YEARS of American Greatness. Dallas will take center stage on Sept. 9 and 10 as we celebrate our nation, our achievements, and our bright future. THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICA HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!

—@SusieWiles47: Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is the undisputed winner in the AI race. My gratitude to companies across industries who continue to work closely with the White House to implement the President’s EO: “Promoting Advanced AI Innovation and Security.” This includes excellent work around advanced model access and guardrail testing and security. The government and private sector have worked together in a way we have never seen before and this foundation of America First is unprecedented. Our shared priority remains: get the best tech deployed as quickly and safely as possible.

—@SlaterBayliss: In baseball, a 5-tool player is a unicorn. In Florida, we have 2 @ByronDonalds &@JamesUthmeierFL — They’re among the brightest stars of the next generation of GOP leadership, with the talent, work ethic, compassion, conviction & instincts to make a significant impact

—@StasiKamoutsas: The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded Florida an almost perfect score of 97.73% on the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report for special education. This is Florida’s highest score in at least five years. This report measures performance for students with disabilities from ages 3 to 21 on 18 federal indicators, including student achievement, educational environments, and dispute resolution. Florida serves over 2.8 million students in public schools, and over 15% (448,966) are students with disabilities. And while we have a significant history of supporting students with disabilities, including services that have resulted in positive secondary transition and post-school outcomes, we will not rest on our laurels. Florida remains committed to building on our successes to strengthening educational opportunities for all students.

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— DAYS UNTIL —

Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 2; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 7; 2026 Florida Python Challenge — 8; MLB All-Star Game — 12; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 14; ‘The Odyssey,’ directed by Christopher Nolan, premieres — 15; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 18; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 29; ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 premieres — 34; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 35; Early Voting period begins — 37; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 45; Primary Election Day — 47; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 57; 2026 Republican national Midterm Convention — 69; NFL regular season kicks off — 69; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 70; New York Yankees host the New York Mets for the Sept. 11 anniversary — 71; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 75; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 79; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 80; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 84; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 91; ‘Digger,’ starring Tom Cruise and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 92; General Election voter registration deadline — 95; ‘The Social Network’ sequel starring Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison premieres — 99; Early Voting for the General Election begins — 114; General Election — 124; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 127; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 127; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 132; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 141; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ starring Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 146; ‘Madden’ premieres — 147; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 169; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 169; Untitled Star Wars film premieres — 169; College Football Playoff national Championship Game in Las Vegas — 207; 69th Annual Grammy Awards — 220; Super Bowl LXI — 227; Tampa Mayoral Election — 243; 2027 Oscars — 255; Jacksonville First Election — 264; Jacksonville General Election — 320; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 338; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 400; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 400; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 456; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 533; College Football Playoff national Championship Game in New Orleans — 571; 2028 Oscars — 612; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 694; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 715; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 743; U.S. Presidential Election — 859; College Football Playoff national Championship Game in Tampa — 935; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,259; College Football Playoff national Championship Game in Miami — 1,299; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,990.

— TOP STORY —

“Byron Donalds tops $90M as campaign accelerates” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Donalds has surpassed $90 million in total fundraising in Florida’s race for Governor, including $23 million raised during the second quarter, further cementing his position as the Republican front-runner. The haul includes $10 million in his campaign account and $80 million in the Friends of Byron Donalds political committee, fueled by contributions from roughly 37,000 donors.

The fundraising milestone coincides with a string of high-profile endorsements that continue to consolidate Republican support behind Donalds. Incoming Senate President Jim Boyd, House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison and Attorney General Uthmeier have all lined up behind the Naples Congressman in recent days, adding to the backing he previously secured from Trump.

With Gov. Ron DeSantis term-limited, Republicans are competing for an open Governor’s Mansion for the first time in eight years. Donalds faces 10 GOP Primary opponents, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, investment manager James Fishback and former House Speaker Paul Renner, but continues to hold commanding leads in public polling.

The campaign has also begun deploying its financial advantage. Donalds recently unveiled a $20 million statewide television and digital advertising campaign while reporting more than 180,000 voter contacts through door-knocking efforts.

Critics have questioned Donalds’ decision to skip Primary debates, but the campaign argues its focus remains on direct voter outreach and building a statewide organization ahead of voting.

Republicans will choose their nominee in the Aug. 18 Primary, with Donalds entering the final stretch backed by a fundraising operation that has eclipsed $90 million and positioned him as the candidate to beat in the race for Governor.

—“James Uthmeier endorses ‘proven’ Donalds for Governor” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

— 2026 —

“Alex Vindman lands Miami healthcare union’s endorsement in Senate bid” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Vindman is banking another labor endorsement in his uphill Senate run — this one from the nurses and doctors who staff South Florida’s busiest public hospital. SEIU Local 1991, the Miami union representing thousands of healthcare workers across Jackson Health System, is backing Vindman’s Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate, the campaign announced. It’s the second union to line up behind him in short order, following the Southern Regional Council of Carpenters, one of Florida’s largest trade unions. The pitch, from the union’s side, is as much about character as it is about healthcare. “Florida deserves leaders with the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult,” said Martha Baker, president and Executive Director of SEIU 1991.

“Wilton Simpson’s re-election bid takes further root with nursery growers’ backing” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Agriculture Commissioner Simpson is adding FNGLA-PAC to his re-election support, giving him the backing of the political arm of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. The group represents more than 1,700 member businesses and thousands of professionals in the nursery and landscape industry that generates $41.9 billion in economic impact and supports more than 279,000 jobs statewide. FNGLA CEO Tal Coley called Simpson a reliable partner for Florida agriculture, citing his work on disaster recovery after hurricanes and severe weather, equipment-choice policies and responsiveness to industry concerns. Simpson welcomed the endorsement, saying the nursery and landscape sector remains vital to Florida’s agricultural economy and local communities.

“Control of the Senate is up for grabs, Times/Siena polls find” via Shane Goldmacher, Ruth Igielnik and Camille Baker of The New York Times — Winning the Senate remains a stiff challenge for Democrats. Republicans hold 53 seats, meaning Democrats would need to flip at least 4 seats while defending all their own vulnerable seats. … the six states that are considered to be the Democratic Party’s best shots at flipping Republican-held seats: Alaska, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. The surveys found that while all six states are close enough to be competitive, if the election were held today, Republicans would be favored in enough states to keep control of the Senate. The Times/Siena polls show Democrats with a slim edge in Maine and a more substantial lead in North Carolina. Republican candidates lead narrowly in three states: Alaska, Iowa and Ohio. Texas is tied.

— PROPERTY TAX BATTLE —

“Beware the hidden risks lurking in property tax cuts” via the Bloomberg editorial board — Property tax cuts may be politically tempting, but poorly designed reforms can distort housing markets, weaken local budgets and reduce local control. Florida is a warning sign: surging population growth has helped drive home prices and property taxes sharply higher, giving politicians an easy opening to promise relief. But cutting or capping property taxes without a serious replacement plan shifts the pressure elsewhere, often through reduced services, higher fees or new burdens on renters and businesses. Longtime homeowners may benefit most, while communities still need to fund schools, roads, public safety and infrastructure. Tax relief deserves a real debate, but the fine print matters. The dream of a lower bill can hide costly structural damage.

“Poll: Property tax amendment has 64% voter support, but partisan divide is sharp” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A proposed property tax amendment backed by DeSantis would likely pass if the election were held today, with 64% support statewide, according to Sachs Media polling. But the measure splits sharply by party: 87% of Republicans support it, compared with 62% of independents and 35% of Democrats. The amendment would exempt the first $250,000 of homestead value from most local levies if approved by 60% of voters. Supporters say it offers overdue tax relief as home values rise. Critics warn it would drain local governments, forcing cuts to public safety, libraries and services, with state economists projecting nearly $12 billion in annual revenue losses.

— MORE ELECTIONS —

“Mark Kelly offers stellar support to Darren McAuley, Bale Dalton in efforts to flip Florida seats“ via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Two Democrats aiming to flip Florida congressional seats just landed a stellar endorsement. U.S. Sen. Kelly threw his support to Dalton’s effort to unseat GOP U.S. Rep. Cory Mills and to McAuley’s effort to defeat U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Dalton was recently named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program as he seeks to unseat Mills, a New Smyrna Republican in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. McAuley, meanwhile, is running in Florida’s 12th Congressional District seeking to challenge 20-year incumbent Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican. “Veterans understand what it means to put country before self,” Kelly posted. “These leaders did it during their time in service, and now they’re answering the call again to fight for their communities in Congress. I’m proud to endorse them.”

“‘He’ll be a strong advocate’: Ben Butler lands firefighter endorsement in CD 9” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Butler is picking up the kind of endorsement that tends to travel well in a Republican Primary — the men and women who run toward danger. The Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Okeechobee, IAFF Local 2918, is backing Butler in his bid for Florida’s 9th Congressional District, adding a first-responder stamp to a hometown-heavy list of supporters as he works to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. “First responders need leaders who respect the sacrifices made by firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMTs every day,” a representative of the local said. “Ben Butler has demonstrated that commitment throughout his career, and we know he’ll be a strong advocate for those of us who protect our communities.”

Leela Gray tops $1M mark in bid to unseat Anna Paulina Luna — Democratic congressional candidate Leela Gray has raised more than $1 million since launching her campaign five months ago against Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna in CD 13. The Pinellas Democrat’s campaign said 90% of donations came from small contributions of less than $100, and the retired Brigadier General closed the second quarter with $750,000 cash on hand.

“Kathy Castor posts $1M quarter as she prepares to defend redrawn CD 14“ via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Castor raised $1 million in the second quarter as a new congressional map forced her into a battleground seat. That means the Tampa Democrat has raised more than $2 million as she seeks an 11th term in Congress. She closed June with $1.3 million in cash on hand. But under the new lines, crafted by DeSantis’ Office in a rare mid-decade redistricting, the District shifts eastward into rural southeast Hillsborough County. The move prompted the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to add Castor to its Frontline program, which defends incumbents in battleground seats. “Kathy Castor has never backed down from a tough fight, and this fundraising report shows the overwhelming strength of her community standing behind her, even when extreme Republicans unfairly redraw District lines,” said Castor Campaign Manager Sarah Green.

“Candidates for Frederica Wilson’s seat make their pitches to residents at town hall“ via Raisa Habersham of the Miami Herald — At least 400 residents packed the Lou Rawls Center for Performing Arts at Florida Memorial University to hear from seven of the 10 candidates vying for the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Wilson. Candidates at the forum largely focused on affordability and education, often agreeing with each other on matters like increasing the federal minimum wage and the need for access to quality affordable housing. “We have a President who can implement tariffs whenever he wants, and pretend we’re not the people who are actually going to pay for that,” said former Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert. “Hold the President accountable.”

— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —

“Democrats want to intervene in Paula Stark’s legal fight to get back on the ballot“ via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee and Democratic candidates Jorge Figueroa and Anthony Nieves are fighting to join Republican Rep. Stark’s lawsuit to get back on the ballot. But Stark filed a response this week opposing the Democrats’ motion to intervene in her lawsuit. Stark argued the two Democrats have “no direct interest in Plaintiff’s qualifying paperwork.” “While the Proposed Intervenors allege that declaring Plaintiff as a qualified candidate will substantially affect their candidacies, they offer no explanation as to how their candidacies will be legally affected,” Stark’s filing said.

“Jennifer Winkler reports $230K total haul in race to succeed James Buchanan“ via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Republican Winkler is reporting more than $230,000 raised in her bid for House District 74 to replace term-limited Republican Rep. Buchanan. The total includes money raised through her campaign account and her affiliated political committee, Friends of Jennifer Winkler. It marks another step forward for Winkler, who reported $190,000 in combined fundraising last month. Winkler is running in a Sarasota County-based District where the GOP nominee will be heavily favored. She faces Les Nichols, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota and Kelly Ann Walker in a competitive GOP Primary. Her campaign has also rolled out endorsements from Sen. Tom Leek, the Sarasota MAGA Patriots, and Pastor Tom Laipply of Foundation Church in North Port. “As we pass 50 days to go in this election, I am honored by the continued support for our campaign from the local community,” Winkler said.

— STATEWIDE —

“Long live the king: Ron DeSantis vetoes sovereign immunity bill“ via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — After multiple failed attempts, lawmakers this year approved a modest increase to caps on damages payable in court settlements to people harmed by government negligence, without those people having to seek legislative action. This week, DeSantis vetoed the measure (HB 145). HB 145, sponsored by Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland, focused on Florida’s sovereign immunity statutes, which restrict how people can seek compensation for government carelessness, and for how much. McFarland’s measure, to which Lake Mary Republican Sen. Jason Brodeur filed a companion (SB 1336), would have increased the caps to $350,000 per person and $500,000 per incident. “When you raise the cap, you are going to generate more unmeritorious lawsuits,” he said. “I have no question or doubt that would happen. So, we’ll veto that.”

“Cold shoulder: DeSantis freezes out Keys college AC upgrades for second straight year“ via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — DeSantis has vetoed $3.5 million for air conditioning infrastructure upgrades at the College of the Florida Keys for the second consecutive year, again denying state funding for a project the school says is increasingly urgent as Summers grow hotter and longer. The appropriation, sought by Doral Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Islamorada Republican Rep. Jim Mooney, would have gone toward modernizing and expanding the chiller plant system that serves as the backbone of the college’s Key West campus’s cooling operations. School officials warned that without upgrades, the aging system — already strained beyond its capacity — risks campus shutdowns during the hottest months, typically May through September, forcing class cancellations at the height of the Keys’ brutal Summer heat. “Our current infrastructure is increasingly unable to meet the growing demand for cooling services,” the college’s request said.

“Uthmeier issues civil subpoena to FICO credit ranking company” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Attorney General Uthmeier has launched a civil investigation into Fair Isaac Corp., issuing a subpoena to the company behind the widely used FICO credit score as part of a probe into possible anticompetitive practices. Uthmeier said the investigation will determine whether FICO violated Florida’s Antitrust Act through alleged monopoly abuse, including predatory pricing, product bundling, exclusionary contracts and efforts to block competitors. The inquiry builds on an ongoing federal antitrust case and concerns raised by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley. Uthmeier is seeking pricing histories, licensing agreements, market analyses and internal antitrust records. FICO has until Aug. 5 to respond to the state’s civil investigative demand.

“New law makes it easier to pave over Florida farmland“ via Nicolás Rivero of The Florida Trib — An industry-backed state law will make it easier for developers to turn farmland into suburban subdivisions over the objections of local governments and communities. The law (SB 686) paves the way for landowners to build homes and businesses in “agricultural enclaves,” tracts of farmland surrounded on 75% of their boundaries by urban development or highways. Once a landowner applies for an agricultural enclave designation, local governments must hold a public hearing and either approve or deny the request within 90 days; otherwise, the request will be approved automatically. The law expires Jan. 1, 2028, giving landowners 18 months to act.

“40-year prison system vet Richard Comerford named Florida Corrections Secretary” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Comerford will lead the Florida Department of Corrections after DeSantis tapped the 40-year agency veteran to succeed Ricky Dixon, who recently became president of the American Correctional Association. Comerford has served as deputy secretary since 2021 and has held leadership roles across prison operations, probation and re-entry programs during a four-decade career with the department. DeSantis praised Comerford’s experience overseeing one of the nation’s largest prison systems and said the promotion will provide continuity at the agency. Comerford now takes charge of a department responsible for more than 80,000 inmates and thousands of employees while continuing the administration’s focus on public safety, staffing and institutional operations.

“UF survey shows consumer sentiment drops for fourth straight month“ via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Consumer confidence is continuing to crumble in Florida. Consumer sentiment fell in the Sunshine State for the fourth month in a row in June. The consumer sentiment index fell 1.8 points from May, dropping from 72.9 to 71.1 in June. Consumers are also less optimistic when comparing their current finances to a year ago, with that metric dropping 2.1 points month-to-month, from 66.9 in May to 64.8 in June. Florida did feel a bit more confident in making big-ticket household purchases, such as furniture or appliances. “Consumer sentiment among Floridians has fallen by 8 points over the past four months, reaching its lowest level in two years, since May 2024,” said Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the Economic Analysis Program at the UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

“Meta plays ball while TikTok, Google and others ignore Florida law to keep kids safe online“ via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Most major tech companies covered under Florida’s landmark social media law aren’t complying, despite Attorney General Uthmeier winning a legal battle to enforce it. Meta stands apart — Uthmeier said last month that “Meta has suspended — at this point I don’t have a set number, but hundreds of thousands of accounts of underage kids.” Uthmeier sued TikTok in June for violating the law by allowing underage accounts to persist and failing to secure parental consent for older teens. “Roblox is a real problem. … YouTube and others, you got to wake up,” he said.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump defends Qatari-gifted Air Force One ahead of maiden flight: ‘You can low key it, or you can show it’” via Emilio Perez Ibarguen of POLITICO — Trump extolled his brand-new Air Force One, a $400 million gift from the Qatari government, and defended the cost of upgrading it to meet security standards ahead of the aircraft’s maiden voyage Wednesday. The initial disclosure of the plane last year — one of the biggest gifts ever received by the federal government — triggered ethical and legal concerns and even kicked off criticism from some of the President’s MAGA supporters. But that appeared to weigh little on the President’s mind while speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base before departing for North Dakota. Rather, Trump touted the aircraft as “a plane that the United States of America should have” and admired its aesthetics — featuring a bold red stripe along its body, a navy-blue underbelly and an American flag on its tail — a change to the plane’s livery that Trump has long sought.

“Markwayne Mullin: I ‘danced a happy dance’ when Iran got knocked out” via Sophia Cai of POLITICO — Homeland Security Secretary Mullin said that he “danced a happy dance” when Iran was knocked out of the FIFA World Cup — unusually blunt remarks from the official whose department is overseeing security at the U.S. games. “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back,” Mullin said. “I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave U.S. soil, and I might have sung a song or two, or maybe danced a happy dance.” The World Cup is no stranger to geopolitics, but his comments this week underscore just how politically fraught this tournament cycle has become.

“House to head into July Fourth recess early after GOP stalemate on elections bill“ via Jarrell Dillard and Mariana Alfaro of The Washington Post — The House left early for an extended July Fourth recess after a GOP rebellion over an elections overhaul championed by Trump stalled action on the floor, including consideration of an annual must-pass defense policy bill. After a failed attempt by House Speaker Mike Johnson to fulfill Trump’s demand to advance the Save America Act, lawmakers left Washington until mid-July. Thirteen Republicans joined with Democrats to defeat a measure that would set rules for debate. “We had some Republicans who decided that they didn’t want to advance the rule this week,” Johnson said. “What they did was they impeded and stopped the progress of the week. It is not helpful. We’re moving really important legislation for the people, and we don’t have time to waste.”

“Care system braces for a ‘shock wave’ as Haitian TPS ends“ via Dara Kam of State Affairs — A U.S. Supreme Court decision clearing the way for Trump’s administration to terminate temporary protected status for Haitian nationals could jeopardize Florida’s long-term care industry, casting uncertainty over a workforce that supports some of the state’s most vulnerable residents, industry officials say. Last week’s ruling in Mullin v. Doe affects about 350,000 Haitian nationals in the United States, including more than 130,000 people living in Florida. About 20% of Haitian nationals work in healthcare, meaning the decision could affect some 35,000 Florida employees in an industry already grappling with staffing shortages. Long-term care industry leaders warn that the expiration of TPS could have a profound impact on the workforce in a state with a growing senior population. The change will affect staffing at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health providers.

“Pete Hegseth taps Ken Jones for reorganized Defense Advisory Committee“ via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Amid a total reorganization of the Defense Advisory Committee, Defense Secretary Hegseth has announced a new lineup of members, including Florida investment leader Jones. The Committee will be chaired by former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, with former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman serving as Vice Chair. Jones currently sits on the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System, and is the founder and Chair of Keyhole Partners, a global investment firm. He previously served as chief counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. Sen. Trent Lott and worked on national security issues in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“With no fanfare, Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission ends its mandated run“ via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, formed after the 2018 mass shooting to determine what went wrong and set it right, saw its mandate expire Tuesday. “Every recommendation and the laws that came from them were written to prevent someone else from having to endure what our families experienced,” said Tony Montalto, president of Stand With Parkland. “Students, parents, and educators need to be involved and still deserve experts asking tough questions, identifying vulnerabilities, and holding systems accountable. Complacency is the greatest risk we face.”

“Miami nonprofits prepare emergency medical aid for Cuba for when change comes“ via Sarah Moreno of the Miami Herald — Solidaridad sin Fronteras and Cruz Verde Internacional announced an initiative called “911 Cuba,” a plan to rebuild Cuba’s health system in the event of political change. “In Cuba, not only are the hospitals in ruins, but primary care is completely at zero,” said Dr. Julio César Alfonso, president of Solidaridad sin Fronteras. Nearly 100,000 surgeries have been postponed, according to the United Nations. An estimated five million people with chronic illnesses could have their medications or treatments affected, including 16,000 cancer patients needing radiation therapy and 12,400 in need of chemotherapy, according to religious organizations conducting independent humanitarian work on the island.

“Hispanic cops file suit against Miami Gardens for racial discrimination“ via Kairi Lowery of the Miami Herald — Five Miami Gardens police officers, Juan Gonzalez, Christian Vega, Francisco Mejido, Rudy Hernandez and Sgt. Pedro Valdes said they have been targets of ongoing discrimination, including random suspensions, removals and harassment, after multiple complaints to the city went ignored. “White Hispanic Male officers are subjected to heightened scrutiny, bad-faith internal investigations, written reprimands for trivial matters and arbitrary suspensions,” the 10-page suit says. They seek at least $5 to $10 million in damages or a jury trial. “We would always love for them to do the right thing, but if I were a betting man, I would bet we would have to get justice from a jury in federal court,” said attorney Michael Pizzi.

“Advocates demand inspections at Miramar ICE office after reports of crowded conditions“ via Vera Lucia Pappaterra of the Miami Herald — Immigrant-rights advocates, faith leaders and community organizers called for unannounced inspections of the Miramar field office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing weeks of reports that people have been held there for days in crowded, unsanitary conditions. “This facility was designed as an administrative office, not as a detention center,” said Jacqueline Lopez, Executive Director of Women Working Together USA. “It does not have the infrastructure or the conditions to keep people deprived of liberty.” Recently released people and family members have described detainees sleeping on concrete floors, going days without showers, receiving limited food and water and bathrooms without adequate privacy. ICE did not respond to a request for comment.

“Vero Beach could be raising water, sewer rates to pay for new plant“ via Colleen Wixon of Treasure Coast Newspapers — If the City Council approves in August, water bills would increase by about 10% in 2027 while wastewater/sewer bills increase by 15%. Reclaimed-water customers would see a 25% increase. For the average water and sewer customer, the increases translate to about $11.38 per month in 2027, from $83.54 to $94.92. Public hearings on the proposed new rates are tentatively set for Aug. 11 and 25. Vero Beach is eyeing higher rates due to increased operating costs for equipment and supplies and the increased cost of building the new wastewater treatment plant, Joe Williams, Raftelis vice president and senior manager in Raftelis’ Maitland office, told the City Council.

“Inside Fisher Island’s ‘disharmony’ over the future of the exclusive community“ via Catherine Odom of the Miami Herald — On Fisher Island, one of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the country, there’s a big HOA dispute over a real estate deal that could be worth hundreds of millions on a prized slice of the private island in Biscayne Bay. Fisher Island Club and Fisher Island Community Association filed suit in federal court in January, trying to block the county from taking the land using eminent domain. But several residents have criticized the lawsuits in WhatsApp messages obtained by the Herald. “How can a suit be filed in our name without even consulting members?” one resident wrote. “Please, dear FIC Board and FICA Board — do not treat us like children. After all, we are the ones paying dues.”

“Tenet seeks $10.5M from hospital safety nonprofit” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Tenet Health Care won a pretrial ruling forcing The Leapfrog Group to pull safety grades for five Palm Beach County hospitals, and now the for-profit hospital giant wants the nonprofit to cover $10.5 million in legal fees. Judge Donald Middlebrooks found Leapfrog’s grading methodology “has no scientific basis,” a decision Leapfrog has appealed while warning the ruling threatens First Amendment protections for ratings organizations. Tenet says the fees reflect roughly $2 million per hospital. Leapfrog says the effort is designed to drain its resources before the appeal is heard. The dispute comes as four of the five hospitals hold one-star federal ratings, while independent rankings from the Mayo Clinic’s HealthLocator remain publicly available.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Rick Singh sues to get Maribel Gomez Cordero removed from Orange Clerk of Courts ballot“ via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — A quirk in the state’s resign-to-run law could force a candidate for Orange County Clerk of Courts off the ballot if a new lawsuit is successful. In a complaint filed by former Orange County Property Appraiser Singh, he alleges that County Commissioner Cordero isn’t eligible to run for clerk – because if she wins, the final 28 days of her term as Commissioner would overlap with her swearing in to her new office. There are three Democrats, Singh, Cordero and Roberta Walton Johnson, seeking to win the Aug. 18 party Primary, which is closed only to registered Democrats. Anthony Sabatini, a Lake County Commissioner and the attorney who filed the suit, said Florida law states that Cordero should be removed from the ballot. “It’s a harsh remedy,” he said. “To me, it’s very clear. But it is unique.”

“Kissimmee’s Gateway Airport looks to go international” via Martin Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — Kissimmee Gateway Airport is one step closer to welcoming international flights after receiving preliminary approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to become a designated User Fee Facility. The status would allow private and small charter aircraft arriving from overseas to clear customs at the airport rather than Orlando International, easing congestion at the region’s busiest hub. Aviation Director Shaun Germolus said the designation would boost tourism and economic development while positioning the airport as a convenient gateway near Central Florida’s convention and theme park corridor. The city must still construct a customs processing facility before international operations can begin, with construction expected to start in 2027 and finish in 2028.

“10 Central Florida state parks to visit during free-admission July 4 weekend“ via Patrick Connolly of Orlando Sentinel — In honor of America’s 250th birthday, visitors to Florida State Parks can enter almost all of the system’s 175 parks for free this Friday through Sunday. The free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees remain in effect, including tours, rentals, overnight accommodations and special events. “While every July 4 is special, we recognize this Independence Day is a significant moment in our nation’s history,” said Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “I invite all Floridians, their friends and their family to our state parks to enjoy the outdoors, make new memories and support our treasured public lands.”

— LOCAL: TB —

“Ken Welch just screwed Cathie Wood, and probably himself” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Welch’s expected selection of Blake Investment Partners’ The Burg Bid for the Historic Gas Plant redevelopment could become a campaign-defining problem. The move would sideline a competing proposal involving billionaire investor Wood, who sources say has supported Welch’s political committee, and could fuel attacks that City Hall is rewarding developers while ignoring residents. The deal still needs City Council approval after the St. Petersburg Mayoral Election, leaving open the possibility that a new Mayor could kill it. Welch has already scrapped major redevelopment plans tied to former Mayor Rick Kriseman, and this decision adds new uncertainty for developers, donors and voters watching the Gas Plant saga.

“Saint Leo University, Town of St. Leo land nearly $3M in state budget“ via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A trio of budget projects worth nearly $3 million survived DeSantis’ veto pen, delivering a significant win for Saint Leo University and the tiny Pasco County town it calls home. The funding provides $1.2 million to expand the university’s nursing program, $602,000 for its Cybersecurity and Cyberforensics Training and Education Center, and $995,000 for stormwater infrastructure supporting the Town of St. Leo’s proposed town center. Florida faces a projected shortage of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2035, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Saint Leo’s nursing program has grown quickly, jumping from 77 incoming pre-nursing students in Fall 2024 to 124 in Fall 2025, with enrollment expected to top 150 this Fall.

“Tampa Bay School Districts log best results in state grading history“ via Jeffrey S. Solochek and Divya Kumar of Tampa Bay Times — For the first time since Florida began assigning letter grades to schools and districts, all three counties in the Tampa Bay area have earned A’s, with none of their schools receiving an F. The Department of Education reported that three-quarters of schools statewide earned an A or B, up from 71% a year ago, with three in five either increasing their mark or maintaining an A. The Hillsborough and Pasco districts were two of five to rise from B in 2025 to A this year. “By keeping our focus on academic achievement and minimizing distractions, our families, students and educators have achieved remarkable academic success,” Pasco County superintendent John Legg said. “These incredible gains are a testament to what is possible when everyone works toward the same goal.”

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“DeSantis OKs $137M for Manatee in Florida budget. See what made the cut“ via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — Of the $140 million in state appropriations recommended for Manatee County and its municipalities, DeSantis vetoed only two projects totaling $3 million. Manatee County Government will receive all $12.4 million it requested, which will help fund key infrastructure projects and community services. DeSantis vetoed $2 million for Palmetto’s water meter backflow upgrades and $891,184 for the East Manatee Fire Rescue Station 9’s crosswalk beacon. Manatee County’s appropriations include the $5 million design of a Fort Hamer Road and Interstate 75 interchange, $1.5 million for the Singletary Road Bridge Replacement and $3 million for the 51st Street West Extension, which Commissioners voted to name “Charlie Kirk Memorial Boulevard.”

“Florida’s tallest flagpole will rise in Cape Coral July 4 amid dissent“ via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — The city’s “Raise the Flag” monument is scheduled for its official debut Saturday, July 4, at 2 p.m. to mark America’s 250th birthday. The 250-foot structure has become a symbol of local pride for some and a point of debate for others. The flagpole is being funded entirely through private donations, though the donor list has drawn scrutiny — notably, Andrew Sitework LLC, an active city vendor, donated $75,000 while holding multiple city contracts totaling more than $5 million. While construction was privately funded, ongoing maintenance and operating costs will range between $15,000 and $16,000 annually and will fall on taxpayers.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Board of Governors confirms Stuart Bell as University of Florida president” via Chelsea Long of The Gainesville Sun — The Florida Board of Governors voted July 1 during a special meeting to confirm Bell as the 14th president of UF, ending a nearly two-year stretch without a permanent leader. The confirmation vote had been delayed after Board of Governors Chair Alan Levine raised concerns about university governance. At Wednesday’s special meeting in Tampa, Levine appeared to put the dispute aside. After questioning Bell about his commitment to eliminating what Levine described as “insidious” diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in course offerings and faculty and staff hiring, Levine voted to confirm him. The only vote against Bell came from Aubrey Edge, president and CEO of First Coast Energy.

“Appeals court upholds conviction of Charlie Adelson” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — The 1st District Court of Appeal has affirmed the conviction of Adelson in the 2014 murder-for-hire of Dan Markel, rejecting his argument that he didn’t get a fair trial because of pretrial publicity. A three-judge panel issued its ruling July 1, less than three weeks shy of the 12th anniversary of Markel’s murder. Adelson, a once successful South Florida periodontist, was convicted in 2023 of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the 2014 murder of Markel, his former brother-in-law. Donna Adelson, Charlie’s mother, was convicted of the same three crimes in 2025.

“Escambia Schools earn A grade for first time” via Mary Lett of the Pensacola News Journal — School grades were released Wednesday and for the first time, Escambia County Public Schools districtwide earned an A from the Florida Department of Education. Escambia County schools earned 19 “A” grades, 16 “B” grades and 18 “C” grades. No ECPS schools earned a grade of D or F. “We are proud of our schools and their dedicated efforts,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “These excellent school grades reflect the commitment of our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff.” Eighty-three percent of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances, according to the School District. This also marks a third year of increases in the number of A and B schools in the District.

“Most Escambia, Santa Rosa students improved on state tests this year“ via Mary Lett of the Pensacola News Journal — English Language Arts scores increased for nearly all third- through 10th-grade students in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County public schools during the 2025-2026 school year, according to the Florida Department of Education’s release of state test scores. Escambia County Public Schools saw math grades rise for third- through eighth graders. Santa Rosa County District Schools had increases in math for third through fifth grade but saw slight dips in sixth- and seventh graders’ performance. Santa Rosa County students scored higher in English Language Arts than the state average, while Escambia County’s overall scores were below the statewide averages in English language arts and math.

“Students bring civics knowledge to Tallahassee competition” via Alaijah Cross of the Tallahassee Democrat — On behalf of their hometowns, schools and families, 12 students competed to champion the Florida Civics Bee at the Turnbull Conference Center. Araoluwakiitan A., an 8th-grader from Voyager K-8 School in St. Cloud, Florida, came out as the champion. The middle school students answered trivia questions about American government and civics, and then they answered questions about their own civics service essay, which they wrote with the intention of solving a problem in their community. Teen substance abuse, human trafficking, public transportation, redistricting and CPR were topics discussed by the students during the essay presentation of the competition.

— TOP OPINION —

“On reflection, everyone out of the pool” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Trump’s $14.7 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has become irresistible political theater: blue paint, algae blooms, alleged vandalism and a presidentially promoted “gash” whose details seem to change by the day.

But everyone should stand down. The pool fight is another example of modern politics’ gift for turning visible, tangible controversies into headline-dominating distractions while larger, harder problems get pushed aside.

Florida knows the routine. DeSantis has used the same playbook, keeping public attention on migrant flights, Everglades detention camps, drag queens and classroom culture wars while student achievement, Medicaid coverage losses and the state’s insurance crisis demand serious attention.

Democrats are right that Americans care more about groceries, housing, Social Security, debt and instability abroad than the Reflecting Pool’s condition. But endless mockery of a $15 million project also misses the scale of the problem. In Washington, that is barely a few minutes on the national debt clock.

The real story is a political ecosystem built to reward spectacle. Medicare faces pressure, Social Security is strained, deficits keep growing and interest payments consume more taxpayer dollars, yet the loudest arguments are often about algae, paint and social media outrage.

The Reflecting Pool deserves maintenance. Vandals, if responsible, should be held accountable. But nobody looks serious when the debate drags on. The pool was built to reflect the Lincoln Memorial; now it reflects a country too easily consumed by political sideshows while the problems that actually matter continue to deepen.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Property tax plan hides a fee-state trap” via Rob Long for Florida Politics — DeSantis’ property tax amendment is not real tax reform. It is a political shell game that would blow billion-dollar holes in local budgets, then force cities and counties to make up the difference through higher fees, special assessments, delayed maintenance and service cuts. Fire rescue, police, roads, drainage, parks, libraries and emergency response do not fund themselves. The ballot language sells relief while hiding the bill, and communities with the fewest backup options could pay the steepest price. Florida already has a process for serious tax reform. This rushed amendment skips the math, shifts the burden and leaves Floridians holding the bag.

“Florida state parks are opening access for all” via Paula Russo for Florida Politics — Florida’s state parks are among the best places to experience the outdoors, but for too long, people with disabilities were left behind at docks, boardwalks and trailheads while others went ahead. That is changing. Accessible river boats at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs, beach wheelchairs at coastal parks, floating wheelchairs, all-terrain chairs and new accessible boardwalks are opening more of Florida’s natural beauty to everyone. Disability Pride Month is a reminder that disability does not define self-worth, and access is not an extra. It is the difference between watching from the sidelines and creating lasting memories with family, friends and community.

“Reading should be the priority, not just book debates“ via Christina Romelus for Florida Politics — Adults have spent years arguing over which books belong in schools, but too many children are struggling simply to read them. Transparency and parental involvement matter, but they cannot replace a serious commitment to literacy. Reading proficiency shapes every subject, every future opportunity and every child’s confidence. Early intervention, evidence-based instruction and strong teachers are essential, but so is making reading enjoyable again. Students should have access to books that interest them and the freedom to choose what inspires them to read. Palm Beach County has the educators, libraries, families and community partners to spark a reading revival. The greatest challenge isn’t what’s on the shelves — it’s making sure every child can open the book.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— WORLD CUP —

Breaking late Wednesday — “U.S. men beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in round of 32 for second ever World Cup knockout round win” via CBS News — The U.S. men’s national team is headed to the World Cup round of 16 after a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, just its second knockout-stage victory in tournament history. Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute after an earlier goal was waved offside, then was sent off in the 64th minute after a challenge on Tarik Muharemović, forcing the U.S. to finish a man down. The red card means Balogun will miss the July 6 matchup against Belgium. Malik Tillman sealed the win in the 81st minute with a free kick from just outside the penalty area.

“U.S. Men’s World Cup success gives Americans ‘permission to be patriotic.” via Tim Arango of The New York Times — The U.S. men’s national team’s unexpected World Cup run is fueling a surge of national pride as Americans rally behind a squad that has advanced to the knockout stage. Foreign visitors have also embraced everyday American culture, celebrating everything from Buc-ee’s to unlimited refills at restaurants, helping create a more upbeat mood during the tournament. Sociologists say the combination of international admiration and on-field success has given many Americans renewed comfort in openly expressing patriotism across political lines. With the round of 32 coinciding with the July 4 weekend and the nation’s 250th anniversary, fans say the tournament has become a rare unifying moment in an otherwise deeply divided country.

“David beats Goliath: the biggest upsets of the World Cup so far” via Nick Evershed of The Guardian — Ghana and Cape Verde have delivered two of the World Cup’s biggest surprises, turning modest FIFA rankings into knockout-stage berths in North America. Ghana entered the tournament ranked 73rd, and Cape Verde 67th, but both advanced to the last 32 after results against much higher-ranked opponents. The Guardian’s chart tracks the tournament’s largest ranking gaps, counting only matches where the difference exceeded 30 places, which leaves out some notable results but highlights the sharpest upsets. Cape Verde’s run has already produced a historic matchup with Argentina, and head coach Bubista summed up the moment after qualification: his team has shown that nothing is impossible.

“Croatia coach looks beyond Luka Modric-Cristiano Ronaldo showdown to midfield battle with Portugal” via Divya Rajagopal of Reuters — Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic isn’t buying the easy superstar framing ahead of Thursday’s World Cup round-of-32 match against Portugal. He sees the game being decided in midfield, where Modric’s Croatia faces Portugal’s mix of Vitinha, Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes. Croatia recovered from an opening loss to England with wins over Panama and Ghana, while Portugal has underwhelmed despite advancing. Dalic warned that Portugal’s possession game leaves little margin for error, and the match could mark a final World Cup turn for either Modric or Ronaldo. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic praised both stars but backed Modric to keep Croatia moving.

“What is offside and how does it work at the World Cup?” via Graham Scott of The Athletic — Offside started as a simple way to stop goal-hanging, but the modern rule now runs more than 1,000 words and remains one of soccer’s most confusing calls. An attacker is in an offside position if any playable part of the body is in the opponent’s half and closer to the goal than both the ball and at least two defenders. But position alone is not an offense. The player must touch the ball or interfere with an opponent’s ability to play it. Assistant referees now delay tight flags so video review can check goals, even as lawmakers say they want more goals to stand. The result is a rule built for fairness, complexity and endless argument.

“Wisconsin man rooting for former teammate taking on Team USA in knockout round of the FIFA World Cup” via Tim Elliott of WSAW — A World Cup showdown carries personal meaning for Carson Schmoldt, a Wisconsin native and former Olympic Development Program teammate of Esmir Bajraktarević, who now represents Bosnia and Herzegovina against the United States. Schmoldt recalls first seeing Bajraktarević dominate as a youth player before the pair joined the state ODP squad in 2019, where he said the future international stood apart from an already talented roster. Born in Wisconsin to Bosnian parents, Bajraktarević chose to represent Bosnia internationally despite progressing through the U.S. youth system. Schmoldt plans to cheer for Team USA but admits he’ll also be rooting for his former teammate to shine on soccer’s biggest stage.

— USA 250 —

“On July 4, Pope Leo to offer counterpoint to Trump’s America“ via Anthony Faiola of The Washington Post — As Trump leads a pride-swelling celebration of America’s — and his own — greatness on the 250th birthday of the United States, the first U.S.-born Pope will offer a quiet, deliberate counterpoint to the nativism of “America First.” But on the landmark anniversary of American independence, Leo will journey to the Italian island of Lampedusa — the “Door of Europe” for boatloads of desperate migrants seeking sanctuary in the West. “An American Pope — the first in history — who on July 4, the national holiday of the United States, chooses not to celebrate the birth of a nation and its borders but to stand on the wounded threshold of the Mediterranean,” said the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, undersecretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education. “This, in itself, is already an unofficial statement.”

“Florida Chamber of Commerce poll shows most state voters are proud to be American” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Most Florida voters say they are proud to be American as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, according to a Florida Chamber of Commerce poll. The survey found 64% are “very proud” and another 12% are “somewhat proud,” though the numbers split sharply by party. Mark Wilson said the Chamber is celebrating America’s milestone, Florida’s national leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit that still defines the country. Republicans were far more likely than Democrats to express strong pride, 89% to 34%, while 58% of no-party voters said the same. Older Floridians were also significantly more likely than younger voters to say they are very proud.

“Florida’s forgotten Revolutionary War story deserves a place in America250” via Paul Guzzo of the Tampa Bay Times — When Americans celebrate the nation’s founding, Florida is often left out of the story. But that’s because the peninsula wasn’t one of the 13 rebellious colonies. Instead, British East and West Florida remained loyal to the Crown throughout the American Revolution, serving as a refuge for Loyalists and a strategic battleground involving Britain and Spain. As America marks its 250th anniversary, museums and historians are highlighting Florida’s overlooked role through new exhibits, maps and educational programs that challenge the traditional Revolutionary narrative. Rather than standing outside American history, Florida offers a different perspective on it — one that shows the nation’s founding was far more complex than the familiar tale of independence in the original 13 colonies.

— ALOE —

“No driver, no problem: Florida Trend spotlights autonomous tractors reshaping U.S. Sugar” via Florida Politics — Florida’s next major technology story isn’t unfolding in Silicon Valley or Tallahassee. It’s rolling through the sugarcane fields around Clewiston. U.S. Sugar has deployed the nation’s largest fleet of autonomous tractors in the sugar industry, allowing a single technician to monitor multiple machines operating around the clock. The innovation, powered by Utah-based Autonomous Solutions Inc., reflects how rapidly agriculture is embracing automation and precision technology. What once required long days behind the wheel can now be managed from a laptop. As the company prepares to expand the technology across its 250,000-acre operation, the project illustrates how Florida’s agricultural sector continues to drive innovation on a massive scale.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy birthday to Ashley Carr, James McFaddin of The Southern Group and Sandi Poreda of Bulldog Strategy Group.

___

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