Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.3.26

Good Friday morning.

Every 4th of July, we urge Florida Men and Women to be safe during the holiday weekend.

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Here are a few 4th of July links worth clicking on:

🥘 — America is a melting pot, and there are backstories: Ever wonder why Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek food? Or why there’s a huge Portuguese population in New Bedford, Massachusetts? It’s no secret that the U.S. is a melting pot of different cultures. A new map from The New York Times highlights just how true that is, offering some trivia-worthy explainers on why, 250 years after our nation’s founding, communities are still clustered in the areas their ancestors inhabited so long ago. Check it out here.

— On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, go spend a few minutes with George Washington: In our national memory, Washington is a mythic figure, “cast in metal, carved in stone.” But at historical parks from Virginia to Seattle, a small fraternity of men works to bring him back to life — one has Washington’s exact dimensions “by some strange quirk of genetics,” one is his second cousin nine times removed, and one calls him “just a dude.” Photographer Martin Schoeller shot 13 of these interpreters in full uniform, and the portraits are stunning. If America is, at least in part, an idea, then keeping that idea alive is an act of interpretation — and no one takes the job more seriously than these men. Consider it your patriotic duty before the fireworks tomorrow: click through to this New York Times photo essay and meet the men behind the myth.

🔢 — When did it happen? You might know about major events in U.S. history, but can you place some of the biggest in chronological order? That’s what a New York Times quiz tests, with 25 events, one per decade since the U.S. founding, in a Flashback quiz that allows you to get just three incorrect guesses. It starts out easy enough, with a slide about John Adams’ hope that there would be a celebration of America’s birth every year, with parades and fireworks on July 2, placed on a timeline. From there, the quiz pivots to other major events. As more and more slides are revealed, it becomes harder and harder to get the slides in the right place. Try your hand here.

— How well do you know Florida’s role in American history?: Have any idea when Florida joined the Union? Did you know the British once ruled Florida? How about the capital of East Florida when it was a colony? The Tampa Bay Times has compiled a quiz to test Florida-specific knowledge of U.S. history, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The questions, provided by the Dunedin History Museum and the Tampa Bay History Center, are hard. See how you stack up here.

👙 — What Google search trends reveal about Tampa Bay plans for the Fourth: The Tampa Bay area is the top U.S. metro for searches for “July Fourth pool party,” and leads the state in searches for “Independence Day” and “beach.” In Sarasota, Siesta Beach is the top trending beach search related to the Fourth of July, a hint to expect traffic if that’s where you’re headed. And wherever Tampa Bay area residents are headed, they want to look good. Statewide, Floridians are searching for Independence Day “outfits” four times as often as they are for recipes. Read more insights here.

🔥 — Beware of wildfire risk: Right now, when someone talks about wildfires, they think of areas like Colorado and Arizona, where active wildfires are laying waste to tens of thousands of acres. But there’s plenty of risk in the Sunshine State, too. With burn bans in place in Charlotte, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties due to extreme drought conditions, officials are also banning the private use and discharge of fireworks and other incendiary devices, such as sparklers, according to Gulf Coast News. The Associated Press outlines precautions to take in areas where fireworks are still permitted, including keeping a bucket of water on hand and attending a professional display rather than hosting one privately.

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Ashley Moody, Byron Donalds join forces at the top of the GOP ticket — U.S. Sen. Moody and U.S. Rep. Donalds, the presumptive Republican nominees for Florida’s top statewide offices, are joining forces to campaign together across the Sunshine State, trading endorsements in a show of party unity ahead of November.

In the coming weeks, the two will begin joint campaign appearances and grassroots events designed to energize voters, highlight conservative accomplishments and draw a sharp contrast with their Democratic opponents.

“Floridians deserve strong, principled leadership that puts our state first. I am proud to endorse my friend Byron Donalds,” Moody said. “He is a proven conservative leader who will fight to make Florida safer, healthier, and more affordable as Governor. I have worked with Byron in Tallahassee and in Washington to cut taxes, stop illegal immigration, lower the cost of prescription medicines, and hold government accountable. I look forward to working alongside Byron to defeat the Democrats in November and deliver common sense solutions for Floridians.”

Donalds returned the favor, calling Moody “a fighter” who has delivered for Florida families.

“Since becoming a Senator, Ashley has worked tirelessly alongside conservatives to advance America First priorities — securing the border, protecting law and order, and delivering results for Florida families,” Donalds said. “Her proven leadership as Attorney General and now as a United States Senator makes her the right choice to continue serving our state. I am proud to endorse Sen. Ashley Moody for re-election to the United States Senate. Let’s keep her fighting for the Free State of Florida!”

The joint appearances will emphasize public safety, education reform, economic growth and protecting Florida’s seniors and families from what the campaigns describe as federal overreach — a united front both candidates say will deliver strong victories up and down the ballot this Fall.

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Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is endorsing Donalds for Governor, completing a sweep of the Florida Cabinet for the Naples Republican’s campaign.

Simpson, who has led the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services since 2023, joins Attorney General James Uthmeier and CFO Blaise Ingoglia in backing Donalds, saying the Congressman has stood with the state’s farmers and rural communities from the start.

“Byron Donalds is a trusted conservative who will always put Floridians first. Byron stands with our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” Simpson said. “He recognizes the importance of lowering costs, creating good jobs, protecting our land and water resources, and ensuring Florida families have access to fresh, healthy food. I look forward to working alongside Byron to keep Florida the best state in the country, and I am proud to endorse him for Governor.”

“Wilton Simpson is a proven fighter for Florida agriculture, our rural communities, and the conservative values that make this state great — I’m honored to have his support,” Donalds said. “He understands what it takes to keep our agricultural industry strong and our rural communities thriving. Together, we will keep Florida the freest, most prosperous state in the country.”

Simpson’s endorsement adds to a list that includes President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Charlie Kirk, Elon Musk, Florida’s incoming House Speaker and Senate President, and more than 75% of Florida House Republicans.

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Be sure to check out my relaunched podcast, now branded “Schorsched Earth.” The podcast features my own commentary and analysis — unscripted, without spin and unafraid to name names — alongside the movers and shakers in Florida politics, from strategists and lobbyists to the hard-hitting journalists that make up Florida’s Capitol press corps.

In my first episode, I sit down with pollster Steve Vancore and ad guru Brad Herold to confirm that, yes, dead people do vote in Florida’s elections, though perhaps not for the reason you might think, and to make the argument that the Governor’s race isn’t much of a race at all.

The podcast, published on Substack, can be listened to in the Substack app, on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.

What makes the podcast unique is its goal not just to tell listeners what is happening, but to dive into how, why and what it means in the broader political landscape.

Take the discussion about dead people voting as an example. It would have been enough to share an interesting but sad anecdote about how sometimes people pass away between the time they drop their ballot in the mailbox and when it’s received at the Supervisor of Elections office. But we take it further, evaluating what that means for the campaign calendar in a state where vote-by-mail has long been the norm.

As for the Governor’s race, we could stop at simply explaining the dynamics — a GOP Primary in which no one not named Donalds has gained traction in a state where a Democrat is unlikely to play. Yet there’s more. Even though the race is all but decided, and has been for about a year, the GOP jockeying paints an interesting portrait of a GOP in a position of strength, but also with divisive actors who find a platform despite poor polling.

It all comes together as a digestible way to play insider baseball, without having to be insider baseball.

Listen here.

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The bottom is falling out for Ken Welch.

A new St. Pete Polls survey finds former Gov. Charlie Crist with nearly 28% support in the St. Petersburg mayoral race — more than 12 percentage points ahead of the incumbent Mayor and more than 17 points clear of the rest of the field.

The trend lines are what should worry Welch. When leaners are included, Crist climbs to nearly 30%, a more than 4-point gain, while Welch inches up less than a point to 16%. In March, the same pollster had the race at 23%-19%. Crist is rising; Welch is sinking.

Welch’s job approval tells the same story. In March, he was 7 points above water. Now he’s 5 points under, at 35% approval to 40% disapproval.

Most alarming for the city’s first Black Mayor: his support among Black voters has cratered from 55% in March to 42%, while Crist gained 14 points with that demographic and now trails by just 12.

City Council Member Brandi Gabbard was the only other candidate to reach double digits, at 10%. Former St. Pete Fire Chief Jim Large, jail administrator Maria Scruggs and former Shore Acres Neighborhood Civic Association President Kevin Batdorf all posted single digits.

Head-to-head, Crist leads Welch 40%-32% — up from a 5-point edge in March. But if the slide continues, Welch may never get that matchup: with nearly a third of voters undecided ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary, another candidate could surge past him into a runoff.

And the poll was taken before voters saw a new ad hammering Welch over a Tampa Bay Times report that he showed up to City Hall just 34% of workdays during his first eight months in office. Crist, sitting on a $1 million fundraising lead, has the resources to keep that message on the air.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

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—@MarcACaputo: A year ago, I wrote that Byron Donalds was “an early front-runner and odds-on favorite” in Florida’s GOP Primary for Governor. Now he’s the likeliest open-seat R nominee since Jeb (Bush) in 1998. He’s endorsed by the FL Cabinet, the incoming FL House & Senate leaders & most importantly, Trump

—@ALevine014: Happy to see my friend and fellow member of @SUS_Florida Board of Governors, Ken Jones, tapped for this important role supporting our nation’s defense. We share the distinction of both losing the same House seat back-to-back in 1994-96. But I’d say he’s done quite well since! Great pick by @SecWar!!!

— FACTS ABOUT THE FOURTH —

As you celebrate July Fourth, remember that it was yesterday, July 2, that got the shaft. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress of the 13 American colonies formally voted to separate from Great Britain (New York abstained). On that occasion, John Adams, a future President of the renegade United States, wrote to his wife, Abigail, “The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” Continued Adams: “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.” It was not to be.

Two days later, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was written by a showoff named Jefferson. (Psst! Look over here!) Ahem … The rest is history. So, Happy Independence Day, otherwise known as the Fourth of July. Just remember, it’s Adams who eventually got the HBO miniseries.

—“Independence Day comes only once a year, or does it?” via Brent Batten of the Naples Daily News

“Getting the facts straight about the Founding Fathers” via PolitiFact — Invoking the Founding Fathers on Independence Day to celebrate our nation’s birth is fine. Invoking them to score political points? Watch out. Take, for example, a Facebook post about Benjamin Franklin that circulated in May 2014, a post that was actually aimed at making fun of Tea Party favorite Rep. Michele Bachmann. The meme quotes Bachmann as saying, “This country could use a President like Benjamin Franklin again.” Of course, Franklin was never President. And we think Bachmann also knows that because she never actually said the quote. We rated the fabricated Facebook meme Pants on Fire. It’s not just claims on social media. Pundits and politicians get things wrong repeatedly when they use the Founding Fathers to support their political views. Over the years, PolitiFact has found numerous errors about what the Founding Fathers supposedly said or did, especially regarding constitutional issues and civil rights.

—“Fathers in chief” via Tevi Troy of the Weekly Standard

—“The 7 most badass Founding Fathers” via Dave Forsmark of PJMedia.com

—“5 forgotten Founding Fathers” via Daniel Holzel of Mental Floss

—“4 more forgotten Founding Fathers” via Erik Johnson of Mental Floss

—“A nostalgic look at Independence Days of yesteryear” via Stephen Hiltner and Tariro Mzezewa

“Even George Washington had to fight fake news” via Angie Drobnic Holan of the Tampa Bay Times — Forged letters from before his presidency claimed to show in his own words that he privately sympathized with the British monarchy and thought the American cause was doomed. The letters also suggested that Washington thought Americans weren’t ready for democracy. The letters were clever forgeries, but they dogged Washington. They circulated in pamphlets during both the American Revolution and Washington’s presidency — until Washington grew tired of hearing about them and issued an adamant fact-check of his own. Whoever forged the letters worked to make them believable, including details about Washington’s life as a Virginia farmer. The letters were immediately recognizable as fakes to Washington’s inner circle.

The truth about Paul Revere’s ride is brought to you by the Florida Medical Association — “The FMA wishes Sunburn readers a happy Independence Day! We hope you’ll celebrate safely. We also encourage all Floridians to thank our nation’s veterans and their families for protecting the freedoms upon which our country was founded. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out this fascinating Revere factoid involving a doctor (on message!) — a young physician was most likely the only Patriot who reached Concord during the famous “midnight ride” of Paul Revere.

The History Channel tells us that “Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1861 poem about Revere’s ride got many facts wrong. For one thing, Revere was not alone on his mission to warn John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and other patriots that the British were approaching Lexington on the evening of April 18, 1775. Two other men, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, rode alongside him, and by the end of the night, as many as 40 men on horseback were spreading the word across Boston’s Middlesex County. Revere also never reached Concord, as the poem inaccurately recounts. Overtaken by the British, the three riders split up and headed in different directions. The British temporarily detained Revere at Lexington, and Dawes lost his way after falling off his horse, leaving Prescott — a young physician who is believed to have died in the war several years later — with the task of alerting Concord’s residents.”

“10 U.S. historical facts to rain on any July 4 party” via Florida Politics — Every party has a pooper; that’s why some people go to Fourth of July parties armed with trivia that casts doubt on conventional wisdom — especially in American history. When partygoers are lighting fireworks, exclaiming “Isn’t America beautiful?” these historical fact-checkers rain the truth on their parade. Here are 10 “truth firecrackers” to liven up (or put a quick end to) any Independence Day festivities: 1. Baseball, the “All-American” sport, likely came from England; 2. Apple pie is British, too; 3. The melody of the American National Anthem comes from an old English drinking song; 4. The Pledge of Allegiance was created for one reason — to sell more flags; 5. Canadians own the Mall of America; 6. Bald eagle screeches are much weaker than the iconic sound, which is actually from the red-tailed hawk; 7. Settlers didn’t tame the American frontier; it was already pretty tame; 8. Hot dogs on the Fourth? Lewis, Clark and the “Corps of Discovery” ate over 200 dogs during the trip; 9. Speaking of wieners … President Lyndon Johnson would frequently pull his out his own “Johnson”; and 10. Independence Day is actually July 2 (see above).

— DAYS UNTIL —

Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 1; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 6; 2026 Florida Python Challenge — 7; MLB All-Star Game — 11; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 13; ‘The Odyssey,’ directed by Christopher Nolan, premieres — 14; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 17; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 28; ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4 premieres — 33; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 34; early voting period begins — 36; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 44; Primary Election Day — 46; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 56; 2026 Republican National Midterm Convention — 68; NFL regular season kicks off — 68; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 69; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 70; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 74; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 78; Tampa Bay Buccaneers opener against Cleveland Browns — 79; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 83; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 90; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 91; General Election voter registration deadline — 94; ‘The Social Network’ sequel with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison premieres — 98; early voting for the General Election begins — 113; General Election — 123; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 126; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 126; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 131; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 140; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 145; ‘Madden’ premieres — 146; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 168; ‘Dune: Part Three,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 168; untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 168; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 206; 69th annual Grammy Awards — 219; Super Bowl LXI — 226; Tampa Mayoral Election — 242; 2027 Oscars — 254; Jacksonville First Election — 263; Jacksonville General Election — 319; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 337; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 399; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 399; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 455; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 532; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 570; 2028 Oscars — 611; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 693; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 714; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 742; U.S. Presidential Election — 858; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 934; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,258; College Football Playoff national title game in Miami — 1,298; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,989.

— TOP STORY —

“How America gave up on its own history” via Yoni Appelbaum of The Atlantic — Unable to agree on how to interpret the American story, the country’s schools, universities and political institutions have stopped trying to tell it at all. Appelbaum opens with a 2019 gathering of jurists, professors and theologians convened to find a shared national narrative — where his suggestion of the word “patriotism” landed like “a live grenade”: one participant flinched, one woman said the word made her feel excluded, another said it connoted violence and racism, and the facilitator declined to write it on the easel.

Americans have long defined their nation by commitment to a common creed — of equality, rights and opportunity. But lately, that has become a vulnerability: “A nation defined by blood and soil — built around a shared religion or ethnicity — can survive divergent narratives. To a country built on an idea, though, and bound together by a shared understanding of our history, the inability to tell a common story might well prove fatal.”

The traditional American story has come under sustained attack from both flanks — the left redefining the U.S. as “exceptional mostly for its flaws and crimes,” the right glossing over those sins on behalf of “heritage Americans.” The hours devoted to social studies are shrinking, survey courses in American history are vanishing from campuses, and “the signature event of the nation’s 250th birthday might prove to be not a keynote speech or a patriotic pageant, but a no-holds-barred UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House.” As Appelbaum puts it: “It’s our 250th birthday, and no one seems to know what we’re celebrating.”

Historian Johann Neem identifies three competing versions of the story: the “mainstream” school, which treats America as a work in progress; a “post-American” left that finds “only a litany of sins requiring atonement”; and a “hyper-American” right casting the founding as providential. Neem sees a strange convergence — both far right and far left agree American history is defined by whiteness. “I’ve seen a change on both ends that makes it harder for someone like me to be an American,” said Neem, who arrived from Mumbai as a toddler in 1976.

There are signs of hunger for something better. Harvard’s Jill Lepore wrote “These Truths,” the kind of sweeping single-volume national history no prominent scholar had attempted in generations. Even Nikole Hannah-Jones, whose “The 1619 Project” drew fire from critics and Trump alike, says researching it marked “the first time I ever felt I could see a path to patriotism.” Large majorities of Americans prefer history that challenges what they know, and they overwhelmingly agree on the importance of learning about past harms, even when doing so makes them uncomfortable.

Asked whether the U.S. can cohere without a common narrative, Lepore was blunt: “Everything ends, and this could be a part of what unravels it.” Neem was more hopeful: “Realizing what we’re losing might enable us to remember the America we want.”

— 2026 —

“Incoming legislative leaders endorse Blaise Ingoglia, Wilton Simpson, James Uthmeier” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — As they prepare to take gavels in their respective chambers, Senate President-designate Jim Boyd and House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison agree on which Cabinet members they want to work with under a new Florida administration. They both are backing Ingoglia, Simpson and Uthmeier, who are all on the ballot this year. Simpson is seeking re-election. Ingoglia and Uthmeier are running to keep posts they took by appointment last year. Their endorsements of Ingoglia, Simpson and Uthmeier come one day after they jointly endorsed Donalds to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis as Governor. “His tireless efforts and proven record in identifying fraud, waste, and abuse at both the state and local level make him the only choice this November,” Garrison said. “I proudly endorse his bid for a second term.”

“Texts from James Fishback committee hint his opponents want political violence” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A political committee tied to gubernatorial candidate Fishback sent a text message blast inferring his political opponents want him shot. The texts, from Florida First PAC, contain a photo of Fishback edited to appear in the view of sniper rifle sights. “Jay Collins and Byron Donalds may have their disagreements, but both men agree that Fishback must be stopped at all costs,” the message states. At least one recipient, Dave Ball, reported the matter to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. “When you say they are trying to assassinate you, and they are coming at you ‘at all costs’ and you’re a terrorist, now it’s like you are looking for some wacko to take action on this,” Ball said.

“Alex Vindman memo maps possible path past Moody” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Democrat Vindman’s campaign is arguing Florida’s U.S. Senate race is more competitive than Republicans want to admit, with a new strategy memo calling incumbent Sen. Moody “undefined and untested.” The memo leans on Global Strategy Group polling showing congressional Republicans underwater with Florida voters and Trump weaker than he was in 2018, when Democrats last won a statewide race. Moody still leads Vindman 46% to 43%, but the campaign says Vindman moves ahead 47% to 45% once voters learn his background. The campaign also cites Democratic Special Election overperformance, including wins by Emily Gregory and Brian Nathan, as well as movement among Hispanic voters, as evidence that Florida is difficult but not out of reach.

— MORE ELECTIONS —

Farm Bureau FedPAC backs Ben Butler in CD 9 — Republican Butler, a ninth-generation Floridian, dairy farmer and cattle rancher running in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, announced the support of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC, one of the state’s leading agricultural political organizations. “Ben Butler has dedicated his life to agriculture, conservation, and serving Florida’s rural communities,” Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb Smith said. “His unwavering commitment to the issues that matter most to Florida agriculture has earned our respect, and our Florida Farm Bureau Federation FedPAC is proud to support his campaign for Congress.” Butler, a member of the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, said agriculture “isn’t just my profession — it’s my family’s way of life.” He added: “In Congress, I’ll fight to protect Florida agriculture, strengthen America’s food security, defend private property rights, and ensure Washington never forgets that our farmers and ranchers are essential to our nation’s future.”

“Mike Klein hosting Fourth of July concert in Gainesville to formally announce his candidacy” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Independent congressional candidate Klein plans to formally kick off his campaign Saturday with a public concert celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The “Defending Democracy” Independence Day concert will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville, and will feature live music, speakers, voter registration efforts and food trucks. Performances will include Creative Vibes, a Gainesville-based funk, R&B and soul band led by the grandson of legendary singer and guitarist Bo Diddley, for whom the venue is named. Another Gainesville-based group, the Thomas Allain Band, will be the main act.

“‘Incredible support’: Bernard Taylor campaign announces $563K raised in Q2 for CD 21” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Democratic first responder Taylor enjoyed a strong second quarter of fundraising. Taylor’s team announced that he stacked just under $563,000 in Q2, with more than 25,000 individual donations averaging $22 apiece. Taylor, an EMT/paramedic running to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Mast in the 21st Congressional District, said the Q2 haul reflects a donor base of modest contributors rather than wealthy interests. His campaign said it declined all corporate PAC money and special-interest donations. “I’m humbled by the incredible support we’ve received from thousands of people who believe it’s time for new leadership in Washington,” Taylor said. “These contributions are coming from working families, retirees, veterans, teachers, first responders, and neighbors who want a representative who understands their challenges and will fight for them every day.”

“Florida AFL-CIO endorses Pia Dandiya for CD 22” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida’s largest labor federation wants Democrat Dandiya in Congress, citing her commitment to workers’ rights, fair wages and retirement security. The Florida AFL-CIO, which represents more than 500,000 active and retired workers through affiliated local and international unions, just endorsed Dandiya for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. The endorsement, announced Thursday morning, adds organized labor to an already substantial coalition backing Dandiya, a first-generation American, former high school principal, White House Fellow and Apple strategy manager who shifted her campaign to CD 22 in May after the new congressional map took effect. “Pia Dandiya understands that Florida’s economy is strongest when working people have a seat at the table,” said Rich Templin, the organization’s Director of Politics and Public Policy.

“Palm Beach police union offers backup for Belinda Keiser” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association is endorsing Keiser‘s campaign for the open seat representing CD 22. “Belinda Keiser is a strong law and order conservative who understands the importance of protecting and supporting the men and women who keep our communities safe,” said John Kazanjian, president of the PBA. “I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Palm Beach Police Benevolent Association,” Keiser said, promising to fight to ensure law enforcement has “the resources, training and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.” Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University, is one of seven Republicans who qualified for the seat, a battleground left with no natural incumbent under the new map enacted by DeSantis. About 55% of CD 22 voters backed Trump in 2024.

“Steven Horsford backs Kendrick Meek Jr. in CD 24 race, joins local effort on TPS” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A Congressional Black Caucus leader is adding his national profile — and Caribbean advocacy — to Democrat Meek’s campaign for the 24th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Horsford of Nevada, Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Black Caucus, is endorsing Meek for CD 24. He’s also joining Meek in the District on Thursday to discuss efforts to extend temporary protected status (TPS) following the Supreme Court’s decision last week that allowed Trump to end the designation. Both Horsford and Meek are of Caribbean descent, a press release from Meek’s campaign noted. “Whether defending fundamental rights or creating pathways to true economic mobility, Kendrick does not back down from tough fights,” he said. “He has the experience, the heartbeat of his community, and a track record of action that South Florida needs right now.”

— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —

“Meet Melissa Rutland, the Republican running to flip HD 60 with a pledge that ‘solutions aren’t partisan‘” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics – Rutland is attempting to flip a House seat that a Republican hasn’t held for years, and doing so in a year that’s not expected to be friendly to her Republican Party. But Rutland is banking on her robust background as a small-business owner and leader, and as a devout member of the St. Pete community who has been appointed to numerous positions by elected officials on both sides of the aisle, to overcome what are expected to be challenges for the GOP nationwide this year. And she’s got something else on her side: numbers. House District 60 has been trending away from Democrats in recent years and is now essentially split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, with 35% of the vote each.

“Erin Huntley’s HD 45 bid catches fire with Reedy Creek firefighters” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The union represents the firefighters, paramedics, 911 communicators and fire-prevention staff who protect the Walt Disney World-area District now known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. “We’ve met with Erin to discuss the issues that matter most to our firefighters, 911 communicators, and fire-prevention personnel,” said Jon Shirey, president of the association. “Those conversations gave us confidence in her willingness to engage with our concerns going forward, and we are pleased to offer her our support. Erin is committed to strengthening public safety and standing firmly with our law enforcement officers and firefighters.”

— DESANTIS LEGACY —

“Inside Ron DeSantis’ legislative legacy: Eight years, more than 2,000 bills” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Gov. DeSantis, arguably one of the most powerful Governors in state history with enormous sway over the GOP-controlled Legislature, wrapped up work this week from his final Regular Session and signed and vetoed the last remaining bills from this year.

During his eight-year stretch, DeSantis saw his relationship with Republican legislative leaders go from near-complete domination right before his unsuccessful run for President to repeated clashes with House Speaker Daniel Perez over the past two years.

The numbers: Since 2019, the Legislature has held eight Regular Sessions and 13 Special Sessions covering everything from a new gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to vaccine policy, property taxes and immigration. DeSantis signed 2,078 bills into law and vetoed 68 during his two terms. The most productive year was 2023 — right before he announced his campaign for President — when he signed 341 bills during that Regular Session.

The low-water mark, 390, came during his first two years in office, when House Speaker José Oliva — who said he wanted to pass as few bills as possible — and Senate President Bill Galvano ran the Legislature.

Amid a superheated feud over immigration, the Legislature in January 2025 overrode a DeSantis budget veto of $57 million for legislative support services — making him the first Republican Governor since the GOP gained control in the late ’90s to have the Legislature override any of his actions. Perez would later quip that the Senate “left them out on the beach” when it refused to take up additional overrides.

But DeSantis, who leaves office in early January, contends he may yet again engage with the Legislature, especially if voters sign off on a proposed property tax overhaul: “My view on it is, I’m going to run through the tape here in Florida all the way through January of 2027. We’ve got more irons in the fire. … We’re going to have a bunch of stuff that we’re going to be doing over these next months.”

— STATEWIDE —

“DeSantis’ veto math leaves priorities open to question” via the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial boards — DeSantis trimmed roughly $810 million from Florida’s budget while preserving projects the editorial argues were less deserving, raising questions about whether his spending priorities match his stated fiscal goals. The piece praises funding for HIV medications, Everglades restoration and larger state reserves but faults vetoes affecting homelessness programs, elder care, pedestrian safety and services for vulnerable Floridians. It also questions the elimination of the expansion of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which supporters say saves taxpayer money while helping seniors remain in their homes. The editorial further criticizes spending on artificial intelligence initiatives and the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport while rank-and-file state workers received no across-the-board raises. It concludes that inconsistent veto decisions and limited public explanation left taxpayers with little transparency about how the Governor reached his final budget choices.

“CAIR sues over Florida’s domestic terrorist law” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — The Council on American-Islamic Relations and CAIR-Florida have filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s new law authorizing state officials to designate domestic terrorist organizations, arguing it violates First Amendment and due process protections. The legal challenge came hours after the law took effect and after DeSantis announced plans to designate CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood and antifa under the new statute. The lawsuit contends the organizations have never been charged with terrorism-related crimes or designated by the federal government and argues the law would effectively cripple their operations by restricting fundraising, employment, legal representation and other activities. The case follows a federal judge’s earlier injunction blocking DeSantis’ executive order targeting CAIR. Plaintiffs are seeking an injunction to prevent enforcement of the new law.

“Florida history museum remains shuttered without reopening timeline” via James Call of USA Today Network — Florida’s official history museum has now been closed for nearly four years, with no reopening date despite the state’s America 250 celebration and Tallahassee’s recent bicentennial. The Museum of Florida History, housed beneath the R.A. Gray Building near the Capitol, has been closed since September 2022 while crews repair the plaza above its galleries. More than 47,000 artifacts remain inaccessible as officials say they cannot be reinstalled until construction is complete. The Department of State has offered few specifics on the remaining work or funding, but indicated that a reopening announcement could come in October. What began as a structural repair project has evolved into a broader museum redesign, with plans for updated exhibits and interactive features. In the meantime, traveling exhibits are bringing portions of the museum’s collection to communities statewide through the Florida Freedom Tour.

“Florida’s history debate reflects a larger fight over patriotism” via Hanna Rosin of The Atlantic — Florida’s new alternative to Advanced Placement U.S. history has become a flashpoint in the national debate over how America’s past should be taught. The curriculum emphasizes patriotic education and recommends a textbook by historian Wilfred McClay, who argues students should first develop an affection for their country before confronting its deepest flaws. In an extended interview, McClay defended presenting America as a nation of imperfect but well-intentioned leaders while acknowledging slavery and other injustices. Rosin countered that omitting difficult episodes risks sanitizing history and diminishing the experiences of women, minorities and Indigenous Americans. Their exchange highlights a broader philosophical divide over whether civic education should primarily inspire national pride or challenge students to confront uncomfortable truths about the nation’s past.

“Regulators weigh Duke Energy’s data center power plan” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Florida regulators will consider whether Duke Energy Florida’s proposed framework for serving data centers should move forward under a new state law aimed at protecting other customers from higher electric bills. The Office of Public Counsel and Florida Rising want the proposal dismissed, arguing it lacks specific rates required for a tariff. Public Service Commission staff disagreed, recommending the case proceed to a full hearing so regulators can sort through factual and legal questions. The law, passed as Senate Bill 484, comes as artificial intelligence and hyperscale data centers are driving major increases in national power demand. Duke, the only utility to file under the law, says its proposal would use existing rate structures until the issue is addressed in a broader rate case.

“Florida student athletes get a Second Chance as heart screening law takes effect” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Second Chance Act, which took effect July 1, requires all high school student athletes to receive a medical evaluation — including an electrocardiogram (EKG) — before participating in school-sanctioned sports. The law is named for Chance Gainer, a star athlete at Port St. Joe High School who collapsed and died from sudden cardiac arrest during a rivalry football game. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student athletes, accounting for roughly 75% of student athlete deaths. Research shows 1 in every 300 students could have an undiagnosed, potentially life-threatening heart condition — and for 80% of them, cardiac arrest is the first symptom.

— A FLORIDA FOURTH —

—”As America turns 250, here’s what Floridians say about patriotism” via Christopher Spata, Camila Jose Gomez and Paige Stevens of the Tampa Bay Times

“Florida pavilion, Florida House offer taste of Sunshine State history at nation’s capital” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The most explicitly Florida celebration of America’s semiquincentennial arguably sits on the northern boulevard of the National Mall inside the fair. Bryan Griffin, president and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said the pavilion was a combined effort of several state agencies, including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Department of State and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The promotion’s success has exceeded expectations, Griffin said. “The point of the Great American State Fair, and all the 250 efforts that we’re doing from VISIT FLORIDA and from the state of Florida, is to celebrate our country,” he said.

This is a lie! — “What are the most patriotic states in the U.S.? Not Florida” via Brandon Girod of Pensacola News Journal — The most patriotic day in the U.S., July 4. WalletHub studied which states are the most patriotic. Florida, surprisingly, ranked among the lowest. WalletHub compared metrics surrounding two key dimensions: military engagement and civic engagement. The study found that Florida ranked 46th most patriotic in the country, placing it alongside New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Arkansas.

“Florida was off center stage in American Revolution despite some important events” via Kevin Derby — As the nation celebrates this Fourth of July … Floridians can look back at their state’s strange and almost entirely forgotten role in the American Revolution. After nearly 200 years of Spanish rule, the English gained Florida in the 1763 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years’ War. People in the U.S. call it the French and Indian War. Dividing the peninsula into East Florida and West Florida, the British attempted to develop plantations in their new holdings but generally used the Floridas for military purposes. The strong military presence helped ensure that the Floridas would not join the 13 colonies to the north in rebelling against George III. … Rebellious Americans looked at the Floridas as a threat since the British could launch attacks into Georgia and South Carolina from the south. Colonists loyal to the British Crown fled to the Floridas and helped form military units, such as the East Florida Rangers, to fight against American forces. While they did not play a leading part in the American Revolution, Florida and Floridians provided some dramatic moments. James Grant, who served as Governor of East Florida from 1764 until 1771, played a crucial role in the British capture of New York and later captured St. Lucia from the French during the war. American prisoners were held in St. Augustine — including Arthur Middleton and Edward Rutledge, two South Carolinians who signed the Declaration of Independence. One recent Florida politician with a keen interest in his state’s role in the American Revolution was longtime U.S. Rep. Charles E. Bennett … who represented the First Coast in Congress from 1949 until his 1993 retirement. Bennett wrote several books on the Revolution, including a book on battles and a biography of Robert Howe with Donald Lennon.

“AAA projects record Fourth of July travel for Floridians” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A record number of Floridians are expected to hit the road, board planes and set sail during the extended Fourth of July holiday, with AAA projecting 4.62 million residents will travel between June 27 and July 5. More than 4 million are expected to drive despite elevated fuel prices, while hundreds of thousands will fly or use other transportation. Debbie Haas said Independence Day travel remains a cherished tradition, with many families continuing to prioritize vacations. Nationally, AAA forecasts 72.2 million travelers, another record. Florida will be a major destination, with Orlando ranking as the nation’s second-most popular holiday spot, while Miami and Fort Lauderdale also place among the top travel destinations.

“Florida Clerks highlight jury service during America’s 250th” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Florida Clerks of Court are using America’s semiquincentennial to remind residents that jury service is not just a courthouse obligation, but a foundational civic duty. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers campaign points to the Declaration of Independence, which accused King George III of denying colonists the right to trial by jury, a principle later secured in the Sixth Amendment. FCCC President Gregory Harrell said jury service remains among the most important responsibilities entrusted to citizens. Across Florida, Clerks oversee the machinery behind that promise, from summoning qualified jurors to managing attendance, compensation and fair selection, keeping citizen participation central to self-government.

“Where are America’s flags actually made? Inside the massive South Florida operation you might not know exists” via Lois K. Solomon of South Florida Sun-Sentinel — On the nation’s 250th anniversary, let’s celebrate American flags: They are still mostly made in the United States. And one of the largest flag-making operations is in Miami, operated by Goodwill South Florida, which employs more than 900 people to cut and sew each Stars and Stripes and make sure every single one is made with attention and precision. Although many garments today are manufactured abroad, the Flag Manufacturers Association of America reports that about 94% of U.S. flags are made domestically. Hallandale Beach resident Iris Perez, 67, a seamstress who works on the flags’ stars section, said she gets a special thrill every time she sees an American flag on the street. “I wonder if that was a flag I made,” said Perez, who has worked at Goodwill for 19 years.

— DECLARATION —

“Five words that changed America” via Jamelle Bouie of The New York Times — As Thomas Jefferson wrote it, the Declaration was less an affirmation of human equality than a pointed claim about the nature of political authority and a powerful assertion of the right of revolution. But those outside the circle of belonging — women, Natives, landless laborers and, most starkly, Black Americans, both free and enslaved — understood it as a radical statement of principle for the present. It was their Declaration that would come to supplant Jefferson’s historical and metaphysical one as the linchpin of America’s civic ideal. It is this Declaration that is under assault from a political movement that rejects the credal vision of the American Republic in favor of an exclusionary racial nationalism.

—”Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by U.K. National Archives in papers of captured U.S. ship” via Danica Kirka of The Associated Press

“Why the nation’s founding document is marred by stains, a mysterious handprint” via Karen Tumulty of The Washington Post — Every year, a million people wander through the temple-like rotunda of the National Archives and peer through a thick glass case to glimpse the document upon which this country was founded. They are struck by awe — and also by the toll that time and negligence have taken on the Declaration of Independence. The ink, including Hancock’s defiantly oversized signature, has faded to near invisibility. It is further disfigured by creases, water stains, and a grimy handprint covering part of its lower corner. The mysterious handprint and other finger marks appeared sometime between 1912 and 1924, and National Archives historian Jessie Kratz hopes to crack the century-old cold case with help from the FBI’s historic fingerprint database.

“How Poland’s fate drove the Declaration” via David Armitage of The Washington Post — With 250 years of hindsight, it might seem inevitable that the Continental Congress would declare independence in July 1776. But there were less well-known arguments that propelled the push for independence in the Summer of 1776. Perhaps the most surprising was anxiety about a territorial partition of North America. For Americans in 1776, partition evoked the fate of one country above all: Poland. In 1772, barely four years before the United States declared independence, Austria, Prussia and Russia used force and law to dismember the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. “There was reason to believe that Britain would endeavor to make a European matter of it, and rather than lose the whole, would dismember (America), like Poland,” Thomas Paine later recalled.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Washington is fenced in for the 4th as Donald Trump ‘beautifies’ the capital“ via Katie Rogers of The New York Times — In his drive to “beautify” the nation’s capital, Trump seems to have turned portions of the city into either a construction zone or an armed camp as he seeks to prove that he alone can improve a city he interacts with primarily from his armored limousine or presidential helicopter. He originally said that resurfacing the pool would cost only $1.8 million, though the cost of that work has since ballooned to $14.7 million in taxpayer money. Timothy L. O’Brien, a biographer of Trump, said that what was happening now was consistent with how Trump had behaved for much of his life, in business and in politics. “It’s a vivid example of him overestimating his own abilities, the nature of the problem, thinking his magic powers could overcome everything.”

“Has Trump undersold his fireworks show? A visual exploration.“ via Alyssa Fowers of City Cast D.C. — Trump claimed on Truth Social that this Fourth of July fireworks show would be 10 times bigger than anything the country has ever seen. This year’s show on the National Mall, put on by the company Pyrotecnico and commissioned by Freedom250, will feature more than 850,000 fireworks, potentially breaking the current world record for most fireworks in a single show. So, if Trump meant 10 times bigger than what D.C. usually sees on the National Mall, then yes, he’s underselling the show. But that’s a far cry from 10 times the world record. The current record was set 10 years ago in the Philippines, with 810,000 fireworks going off as the New Year began. The planned show, with 850,000 fireworks, will beat that record if all goes as planned … by about 5%.

“This surprised us about the merchandise at Trump’s state fair” via Michelle Del Rey of USA Today Network — Great American State Fair attendees searching for Trump’s visage on official merchandise will strike out, as none of the event’s items feature Trump. USA Today visited the fair on Tuesday, June 30, and found T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, scarves, bags and beach towels primarily featuring the emblem for Freedom 250, the group coordinating the event. Freedom 250 is tied to Task Force 250, a public-private partnership created by the White House to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary in tandem with federal agencies. Trump’s face may not be on merch at the Great American State Fair; however, the President will appear on limited-edition U.S. “patriot passports,” gold coins and more. Just last week, Trump unveiled a new rendering of the special commemorative U.S. passport bearing his portrait, marking America’s 250th anniversary.

— “I went to the Great American State Fair, and I may never sleep again” via Alexandra Petri of The Atlantic

“Donors were misled by Trump-backed Freedom 250, House Democrats allege” via Ben Binday and Dan Diamond of The Washington Post — Some donors who intended to give money to a bipartisan effort to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary were, instead, steered to a White House-backed initiative under false pretenses, House Democrats allege in a report, citing whistleblower interviews and newly obtained documents. The donors meant to give money to America250, a congressionally chartered initiative to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial. They instead were given routing and account numbers that directed their funds to Freedom 250, which Trump established last year to organize anniversary events, the report says. “I’m a lawyer, and I know better than to pronounce that a crime has been committed,” said Rep. Jared Huffman of California, who oversaw the report as the committee’s top Democrat. “But I do know the elements of fraud, and there is evidence of all those elements here.”

“Tucker Carlson says he will help launch third party” via Tim Balk of The New York Times — Carlson says he plans to help build a new political party after breaking with Republicans over Trump’s handling of the war with Iran. The conservative commentator told the Columbia Journalism Review he has no interest in running for office but believes the country needs an alternative to what he described as a two-party system that offers too little distinction on issues such as war and finance. Carlson, who recently left the Republican Party after decades as a supporter, said he favors ending all immigration and argued the GOP has strayed from “America First” principles. Once a close Trump ally, Carlson said he has not spoken with the President since the conflict with Iran began and is no longer interested in doing so, though he insisted he is not seeking political power himself.

“The GOP’s dirty little secret about the SAVE America Act” via Meredith Lee Hill of POLITICO — House conservatives bristled this week over the Senate’s refusal to pass the SAVE America Act — the GOP elections bill that Trump has called his “No. 1 priority” in Congress — and shut down the floor in protest. Their outrage has obscured an inconvenient truth for the Republicans locking arms with the President to push for the bill: It can’t even pass the House — at least not the version Trump is pushing. Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged as much this week, appearing to concede he does not have the votes to move forward with a drastic crackdown on mailed ballots that Trump has repeatedly demanded this year. Instead, Johnson and other House leaders have stuck with an older version of the SAVE America Act that focuses on proof-of-citizenship requirements but otherwise lets states run their elections as they see fit. “I’m going to do everything I can with the vote tallies that we have,” he said.

“Olympian is indicted after arrest at Washington’s Reflecting Pool“ via Campbell Robertson and Alan Feuer of The New York Times — A former Olympic canoeist who had been arrested in June on charges that he had vandalized the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been indicted. He is charged with “destruction of property $1,000 or more,” a felony. Trump blamed vandals for the problems following a quick and costly makeover of the pool, and the canoeist, David Carter Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was among the first to be charged. Hearn was not charged with doing either of those things. He is accused of pulling up a piece of the liner after the liner had already started to peel. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney in Washington, said in a news briefing that prosecutors had “tremendous evidence” underpinning the indictment, and she condemned what she called “unchecked vandalism and civil disorder.”

“‘Horrific’: Lawmaker denounces conditions at Miramar ICE office as detentions ramp up” via Vera Lucia Pappaterra and Syra Ortiz Blanes of the Miami Herald — An Immigration Customs Enforcement office in Miramar where immigrants go for routine appointments, but which has been a hotspot of detentions under Trump, is so overcrowded that conditions are “horrific,” a lawmaker who visited the facility on Thursday said. After an unannounced visit to the field office, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said that people are spread across four holding rooms inside, and that she estimates she saw more than 150 men and women detained in the administrative office, which is not designed to be a long-term holding facility. Officials have obtained a waiver allowing ICE to hold people there for up to 72 hours, instead of the usual 12.

“Congress targets North Miami Beach Mayor over Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick investigation” via Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald — The U.S. House Ethics Committee is recommending that North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph be held in criminal contempt of Congress — and wants those charges referred to the Department of Justice — for not helping with its investigation into Cherfilus-McCormick. The Ethics Committee is asking for a full House vote on whether Joseph should be “found to be in contempt of Congress for his failure to comply” with subpoenas for documents and testimony about Cherfilus-McCormick. The House is currently in recess and will return in mid-July, when Speaker Mike Johnson could put the matter to a vote. If the House approves the Committee’s recommendation and the Department of Justice decides to pursue charges, Joseph could face a fine of up to $100,000 and prison time for up to a year.

Happening today — U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack hosts a Veterans Town Hall, joined by special guest U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell of Texas, a decorated Navy SEAL. The two will sit down for a fireside conversation on the issues facing veterans, followed by an audience Q&A. The program will open with a presentation of the Colors, a reading of “Old Glory,” the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of local veterans. The event is free and open to the public: doors open at 5:15 p.m., with the program running from 6-7:05 p.m. at the Harvey R. Klein Conference Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala.

— ‘MERICA —

“Foreign pressure helped America confront its founding ideals” via Alice Baumgartner of Foreign Policy — America’s long struggle to fulfill the promises of the Declaration of Independence was shaped not only by its own citizens but also by pressure from foreign governments and immigrants demanding equal treatment. Mexico’s abolition of slavery offered refuge to enslaved people fleeing the South, weakening the institution before the Civil War. Decades later, Mexican officials challenged discrimination against their citizens in the United States through diplomatic and legal channels, exposing injustices that domestic institutions often ignored. International scrutiny also highlighted contradictions between America’s democratic ideals and its treatment of racial minorities. Rather than undermining the nation’s founding principles, foreign voices repeatedly pushed the United States to better uphold them, demonstrating that liberty and equality have often advanced through outside pressure as well as internal reform.

“America is mighty — but becoming less dominant” via The Economist — Economically, militarily and technologically, America is richer, stronger and cleverer than ever. However, its relative position is not what it was. America’s economy is smaller than China’s when adjusted for local prices but is still by far the world’s largest at 2025 exchange rates, with a gross domestic product of $32.4 trillion, 55% larger than China’s. In 1945, America produced about half the world’s manufactured goods; by 2024, it accounted for about 15%. In a Nira Data poll of 46,667 people in 85 countries, respondents ranked America as the world’s fifth-most-disliked country, more abhorrent than even Russia or China. America may have near-zero net migration in 2025 and 2026.

“American pride falls to 25-year record low” via Megan Brenan of Gallup — As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, 33% of U.S. adults say they are “extremely proud” to be an American, the lowest reading in Gallup’s trend dating back to 2001. The latest figure is down eight percentage points from last year and is tied for the largest year-over-year change in the trend. Currently, 70% of Republicans, 28% of independents and 14% of Democrats say they are extremely proud to be American. The current 56-point gap between Republicans’ and Democrats’ reported extreme pride is similar to last year’s 57-point difference, the highest on record. Extreme pride has fallen sharply among women since last year, down 13 points to 26%, while men are essentially unchanged at 42%.

—”Fanfare, golf and boos have marked July Fourth for U.S. Presidents” via The Associated Press

“The long, ongoing debate over ‘All men are created equal’” via Hillel Italie of The Associated Press — Few words in American history are invoked as often as those from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, published nearly 250 years ago. And few are more difficult to define. The music and the economy of “all men are created equal” make it both universal and elusive, adaptable to viewpoints — social, racial, economic — otherwise with little or no common ground. How we use them often depends less on how we came into this world than on what kind of world we want to live in. It’s as if “All men are created equal” leads us to ask: “And then what?”

“Misunderstood ‘patriotic’ songs for the Fourth of July” via Maeve McDermott of USA Today — “Born in the USA,” Bruce Springsteen: Perhaps the most famous song to be widely mistaken for a patriotic anthem, Springsteen’s famous 1984 single has been used by political candidates from Presidents Ronald Reagan to Trump. Yet, listen past the song’s booming chorus, and its lyrics tell the story of a young American kid sent against his will to fight in Vietnam, only to return home to a country arguably as hostile. “Fortunate Son,” Creedence Clearwater Revival: The song has been similarly treated as a patriotic working-class anthem but listen past its star-spangled opening lines — “Some folks are born made to wave the flag/Ooh, they’re red, white and blue” — for John Fogerty‘s anti-establishment storytelling about how the poor were sent to fight and die in Vietnam while the wealthy were spared. “This Land Is Your Land,” Woody Guthrie: It wasn’t intended as such when the singer-songwriter, irritated by radio stations playing Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” on a constant loop, wrote the song in 1940.

“The case for a Fourth of July Seder” via Alan Burdick and Eliza Byard of The New Yorker — Independence Day should be restful, yes, but it could also be more purposeful. What the Fourth of July needs, we think, is a Seder. For those unacquainted with it, the Seder is the meal served at the beginning of Passover. This Jewish holiday commemorates and celebrates the Israelites’ flight from bondage in ancient Egypt. It is a ceremony replete with symbolic foods (bitter herbs, invoking the bitterness of slavery; matzo, the bread of affliction) and ritual acts (handwashing, blessings over wine). It’s also an adaptable holiday, responsive to its audiences through the ages and to changing historical tides. What would a good Fourth of July Seder look like? One core ritual, easily conducted in 10 minutes, should be to read the Declaration of Independence aloud. It’s a declaration; let’s declare it. And one more thing: a proper Seder requires you to invite a stranger to your celebration, someone wandering alone in the desert, beyond the borders of your community. That shouldn’t be hard to find.

“The Statue of Liberty” via Miss Cellania of Neatorama.com — The statue’s story begins with the American Civil War. When fighting broke out in 1861, the rest of the world watched with rapt attention: Could the grand experiment in democracy survive? The United States had inspired the French, who were locked in a cycle of extremism, swinging between bloody democratic revolutions and imperial autocracy. The French were crushed when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 15, 1865. More than 40,000 grieving citizens contributed to a fund to award Lincoln’s widow a gold medal … It was in this climate, in the Summer of 1865, that a group of prominent Frenchmen was discussing politics at a dinner party given by Edouard René de Laboulaye, a prominent historian and law professor … He proposed that France give America a monument to liberty and independence in honor of her upcoming centennial. After all, tens of thousands of Frenchmen had just contributed to a medal for Mary Todd Lincoln — how much harder could it be to pony up for a statue? Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, an up-and-coming sculptor … wanted his monument to be just as inspiring, and his sketches leaned on the popular imagery of the time-broken chains, upheld torches, crowns meant to represent the rising sun … Bartholdi didn’t want “Liberty Enlightening the World” to be just a tribute to American freedom. The statue had to send a pointed message to France that democracy works. Bartholdi didn’t take long to perfect his vision for the sculpture. However, getting the statue built was another matter … Given the statue’s message, backing from the French government seemed unlikely … Laboulaye had an idea: What if he and Bartholdi pitched the project as a joint venture between the two countries? As a show of their shared friendship, France could provide the statue and America the pedestal … Bartholdi’s workers started by creating a 4-foot model. Then they doubled the size. Then, they quadrupled it to create a 38-foot-tall plaster model. The workers then broke down the structure into 300 sections, taking each piece and enlarging it to precisely four times its size. The result? A full-scale model of the final statue — in pieces! On Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was finally ready. New York held its first-ever ticker-tape parade for her unveiling. And while hundreds of thousands cheered from Manhattan, only 2,000 people were on the island when she was finally opened to the public — a “tidy, quiet crowd,” an officer on duty told The New York Times.

“Forget plain ketchup: Try making these nine condiments for your Fourth of July cookout” via Michelle Stark of the Tampa Bay Times — Kranch. Mayocue. Mayomust. Three “new” condiments introduced by Heinz are all kinds of weird until you really think about it. We won’t defend the names, but mixing classic condiments is a no-brainer. If you squint, Kranch resembles Russian dressing. In fancier circles, Mayomust might be called “mustard aioli.” We are going all-in on condiments for this year’s Fourth of July food spread. Keep the food simple. Heat a grill, cook up some meat and veggies. And ahead of time, whip up some accompanying creations. We’ve broken it down into three of the most common condiments, bases onto which you can build: ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.

“No sparklers for these folks” via Alyson Krueger of The New York Times — Some Americans, especially younger people, are rethinking whether they want to celebrate Independence Day. A survey by YouGov found that 56% of American adults planned to join in the festivities this year. Some Americans are trying to accept that the Fourth of July is no longer a unifying, communal day. Still, there are many traditions, new and old. The Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest will crown a champion, and Walt Disney World is going all-out with a red, white and blue fireworks display at many of its parks. Isaac Norbe, 40, who works in marketing in Seattle, understands why some people may feel down on America this year. “It is very challenging going into the Fourth of July due to the Supreme Court decisions,” he said. “They also came down on some tough decisions at the same time last year, and it made it very difficult to celebrate.”

“Florida fireworks are legal, but only under these rules” via Lianna Norman and C.A. Bridges of USA Today Network — Floridians can legally set off fireworks on the Fourth of July, but the holiday comes with limits. State law allows fireworks on only three days each year: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and July Fourth. Smaller items such as sparklers, fountains, ground spinners and party poppers are legal year-round, but local ordinances, beach rules and preexisting HOA restrictions may still apply. Counties under active burn bans will prohibit fireworks altogether, though state officials stopped short of a statewide ban. Buyers must be 18, and fireworks generally cannot be used before or after the holiday unless they fall under narrow agricultural or fish hatchery exemptions. Old or unused fireworks should be soaked, bagged and thrown in the trash, not recycling.

—“Watching Fourth of July fireworks from a boat? Know these Florida laws, safety tips” via Ed Killer of Naples Daily News

“Fireworks! The science and psychology of fireworks” via PBS — NOVA presents the colorful history of pyrotechnics and reveals how high-tech firing systems are transforming public displays into a dazzling, split-second science. Here’s what you’ll find online: Name That Shell … Watch video clips of fireworks bursting in air and find out how well you know your chrysanthemums from your peonies, your Roman candles from your palm trees. Anatomy of a Firework … Where you see brilliant light and vivid color, a pyrotechnician sees a successful lift charge, a black powder mix, a time-delay fuse, a bursting charge, and other essential ingredients. Pyrotechnically Speaking … Dr. John Conkling, adjunct professor of chemistry at Washington College and former executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, describes what it is about fireworks that gets him, well, all fired up. On Fire (Hot Science) … This virtual laboratory lets you explore the basics of combustion, including how a fire ignites, what a flame is made of, and how burning molecules rearrange themselves.

“’They think they’re going to die’: How to keep dogs safe and calm during Fourth of July celebrations” via Jorge Ortiz of USA Today — It’s not too hard to tell your dog is scared if you know what to look for. Shivering, shaking, panting, salivating, yawning, and trying to hide are some of those indications. Frightened dogs may also lick their lips repeatedly or get stiff. Depending on the pitch, fireworks that may seem distant can still elicit stress. Music, preferably classic or reggae, can block some offending sounds. Familiar surroundings would also provide a sense of comfort. It’s best to leave pets behind in a secure place. If they’re outside, a leash is advised. The ASPCA points out that alcoholic drinks can poison pets, which may get weak and depressed or even go into a coma after ingesting alcohol.

—“Photos: Pet costumes to get your friend in the spirit of July 4” via Jennifer Sangalang of the Ocala StarBanner

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“South Florida lights up America’s 250th with fireworks, parades and drones” via Kari Barnett of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — South Florida is marking America’s 250th anniversary with an expansive lineup of Independence Day celebrations stretching across Broward and Palm Beach counties, featuring everything from traditional parades and patriotic festivals to synchronized drone shows and waterfront fireworks. Communities including Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Plantation, Sunrise and Hollywood are hosting daylong events with live entertainment, family activities, food vendors and evening fireworks. Palm Beach County cities such as Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Wellington and Boynton Beach are offering similar celebrations, with several incorporating concerts, laser shows and interactive attractions. Many municipalities are also commemorating local milestones alongside the nation’s semiquincentennial, including Weston’s 30th anniversary and Westlake’s 10th anniversary. While most festivities culminate with fireworks displays Saturday evening, several cities begin celebrations before July 4 with community picnics, pool parties, ribbon-cuttings and drone performances, giving residents and visitors multiple opportunities to celebrate the nation’s historic milestone throughout the holiday weekend.

“Delray Beach rolls out a star-spangled salute for America’s 250th” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The city’s Fourth of July Celebration — a family-friendly tradition for more than 50 years that draws upward of 20,000 people to the Village by the Sea — is an official America250 partner event, one of dozens of Florida entries on the national calendar. At 5 p.m. on the Main Stage at A1A, the city will crack open a 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule — a half-century message from the Americans who celebrated the nation’s 200th birthday to those marking its 250th. At 6 p.m., a 60-foot flag rises at Atlantic Avenue and Seabreeze Avenue alongside the National Anthem and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by the Delray Beach Historical Society.

Breaking late Thursday — “Rickelle Williams resigns as Fort Lauderdale City Manager” via Susannah Bryan of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Williams is stepping down as Fort Lauderdale City Manager after a turbulent 15-month tenure marked by public criticism from City Commissioners and growing concerns about leadership and spending. Commissioners approved a mutual separation agreement Thursday that provides 20 weeks of severance, while Deputy City Manager Chris Cooper will serve as acting City Manager. Williams, the first Black woman to hold the position, drew praise from supporters and several Commissioners for her professionalism and integrity, despite a contentious May performance review that denied her a merit raise. Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioners John Herbst, Pamela Beasley-Pittman, Ben Sorensen and Steve Glassman thanked Williams for her service, as residents urged her to reconsider leaving City Hall.

“FIU threatens diplomas over silent anti-ICE protest” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida International University is threatening to punish students and withhold diplomas after they stood silently during a school event wearing anti-ICE T-shirts, a move critics say tramples basic free speech rights. The protest, as described by constitutional experts and defenders, was silent, nonviolent and political — exactly the kind of expression public universities are supposed to protect. Instead, FIU is putting students’ academic futures at risk over a message administrators apparently did not like. The case raises broader questions about whether Florida’s public universities still function as places for dissent, or whether students can now face career-altering consequences for peacefully expressing views the state finds inconvenient.

“Miami was forced by state law to OK 82 new projects. It’s fed up — and may sue” via Andres Viglucci of the Miami Herald — Alarmed by an avalanche of high-density development projects prompted by a developer-friendly state law, Miami Commissioners have ordered the city attorney to look into challenging the controversial legislation. The resolution, approved 4-0 by the Commission, comes as Miami officials grapple with the potentially far-reaching impact of 82 projects they say the city has been forced to approve so far under the Live Local Act. The 2023 law was ostensibly designed to encourage the development of affordable housing by overriding local zoning controls, allowing developers to supersize projects without public review.

“‘We can’t afford to stay put’: Eileen Higgins plans for climate action despite pushback” via Alex Harris of the Miami Herald — Higgins finds herself in an unusual position as the first Democrat Mayor of Miami in decades: she’s being asked to improve upon a Republican’s fairly good track record on climate change. In a city plagued with rising seas and temperatures — whose woes were once immortalized by Rolling Stone in a cover story declaring “Goodbye, Miami” — it made headlines when Republican Mayor Francis Suarez declared sea level rise a crucial issue and directed his administration to spend hundreds of millions addressing flooding. Last week, Higgins was one of three U.S. Mayors to attend London Climate Week, where one of the main topics of conversation was how to move the ball forward despite pushback. “If all you do is say ‘they won’t let me,’ then you’ll stay put. And we can’t afford to stay put,” she said. “I never think I can’t do something; I just go do what we’re allowed to do, and what we’re allowed to do is quite a lot.”

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Fourth of July in Orlando: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with fireworks, events” via Patrick Connolly of the Orlando Sentinel — Altamonte Springs brings its larger-than-life fireworks display, Red Hot & Boom, to Cranes Roost Park for its 29th year on July 3, with live music from Blue Stone Circle, Wish Radio and Chris Lane before the 9:30 p.m. display; a beer garden with included food, one drink and a dedicated viewing area runs $45 per person. Also on July 3, Mount Dora’s Freedom on the Waterfront pairs a drone show at 9:10 p.m. with fireworks at 9:20 p.m. on the shores of Lake Dora. On the Fourth, Orlando’s Fireworks at the Fountain features a patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band synchronized with the fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. above Lake Eola Fountain. Star Spangled Sanford brings music, food, street performers and a kids zone to the RiverWalk and Fort Mellon Park, with fireworks over Lake Monroe at 9:15 p.m. Kissimmee’s Monumental Fourth of July offers live music and food trucks at Lakefront Park ahead of a 9 p.m. show, and Ocoee features Paul Revere riding horseback along Lakeshore Drive announcing, “The British are coming!”

—@DrewDisneyDude: The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing will fly over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT beginning at 10:30 a.m. on July 4.

“Ocala, Marion County throw a star-spangled bash for America’s 250th” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Ocala and Marion County are going big under the banner of Marion Celebrates 250. The centerpiece is fireworks — four of them. Marion County will stage synchronized displays at four sites, each stepping off at 5 p.m. with live entertainment, food vendors and family activities before the sky lights up at 9 p.m. sharp. The locations: Veterans Memorial Park (2601 E. Fort King St., Ocala), Wrigley Fields (405 E. Highway 316, Citra), Dunnellon High School (10055 SW 180th Ave. Rd., Dunnellon) and the Belleview Sportsplex (6501 SE 107th St., Belleview).

“Universal CFO, 2 others reappointed to Valencia College Board of Trustees” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A Universal Orlando executive is among three people DeSantis tapped for another term on the Valencia College Board of Trustees. Universal Orlando Chief Financial Officer Tracey Stockwell was reappointed as a Trustee. The other two reappointments were Blair Bradley and Sean Milligan. Milligan is president of Gatlin Mill, a supply chain design company. Bradley is a former analyst for North American Reserve, an environmental, geologic and mining consulting company. In 2021, Bradley gave $160 to the Empower Parents PAC, which previously was the Friends of Ron DeSantis committee. The Senate must confirm DeSantis’ appointments. Valencia College stands out as the 45th-largest college or university in the country. Enrollment is about 75,000 students, who take classes online or at the school’s Orange and Osceola campuses.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Where to celebrate America’s 250th in Tampa Bay” via Neha Seenarine of the Tampa Bay Times — The city of Tampa is taking Miley Cyrus’ anthem “Party in the U.S.A.” to heart with Liberty by the Bay at Julian B. Lane Park, a free waterfront celebration running 4 to 9:30 p.m. with food trucks, a kid zone, a beer garden and a Patriotic Pet Show hosted by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Closing remarks from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor aren’t the end of the night — a drone show featuring 250 drones and a fireworks show will dazzle the crowd as the grand finale. Across the bay, the sixth annual “The Fourth” celebration at the St. Pete Pier runs 4 to 10 p.m., kicking off with the annual St. Pete Pier Run, a patriotic costume contest and a pie-eating contest before fireworks at 9 p.m. Clearwater’s Coachman Park is doubling up: a laser light show Friday, fireworks Saturday. At BayCare Ballpark, the Clearwater Threshers will have a fireworks display after both nights’ games.

—”How hot will it get? Is rain expected? Tampa Bay’s July 4 weekend forecast” via Jack Prator of Tampa Bay Times

“Florida Aquarium celebrates America’s 250th with patriotic weekend” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The Florida Aquarium is diving into America’s semiquincentennial with a three-day “Sea to Shining Sea” celebration packed with patriotic entertainment and family activities. Beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday, visitors can enjoy themed exhibits, animal encounters, interactive performances and “Dive into Adventure” shows throughout the day. Roger Germann said the event is designed to bring the community together around animals, nature and the nation’s historic birthday. Divers dressed as Lady Liberty, Uncle Sam and Captain America will appear inside exhibits, while patriotic stilt walkers roam the grounds. Guests arriving after 2:50 p.m. receive discounted admission, and many of the special exhibits and commemorative displays will remain available through Aug. 9.

“The Rays may have a solution to the City Council’s stadium concerns“ via John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times — Under a new proposal, responsibility for the CRA would be shifted to Hillsborough County, which presumably would approve the $100 million payout while overseeing a Tax Increment Financing district in Drew Park. If the transfer of the CRA comes to pass, the city’s portion for the stadium would be reduced to an $80 million contribution from the Community Investment Tax. Council Chair Alan Clendenin seemed to foreshadow that possibility at the June meeting, although it wasn’t clear at the time. “So, the Rays’ organization, the county and the city — and our CRA attorney, I believe, has been part of the discussion — and there may be an opportunity to do this outside of what the existing agreements are and what the existing CRA is.”

“Welch officially selects Blake Investment Partners for Historic Gas Plant redevelopment” via Emma Behrmann of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Welch officially announced the team he’s selected to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District — one of the most coveted pieces of dirt in the Southeastern United States. Welch announced he chose The Burg Bid, the proposal from Blake Investment Partners, led by St. Pete native Thompson Whitney Blake, to redevelop the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant site where Tropicana Field is located. Blake’s team, which includes the Related Group and hedge fund Elliott Investment Management, is the third developer to be selected for the Trop redevelopment in six years. Blake’s team was one of two that proposed redeveloping the entire site and, ultimately, came out on top.

“Allison Tant backs Charlie Crist in St. Pete Mayor’s race” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Rep. Tant is supporting Crist’s campaign for St. Petersburg Mayor based on a decadeslong political relationship with the former Governor as he looks to return to public office. Tant notes that she has known Crist through several roles, including his time serving as state Senator, Governor and Congressman. The announcement comes days after Crist announced a larger slate of Democratic leaders who also endorsed his campaign against Welch. “I’m delighted to see him take this chance to return to public service. He shows up, he listens, he rolls up his sleeves and takes action to address the work of caring for others and his community and takes the hard, critical work of addressing the needs of the people and his community seriously,” Tant said.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“SW Florida in 1776, a ‘drowned mangrove swamp’” via Amy Bennett Williams of USA Today Network — On July 4, 1776, as delegates in Philadelphia prepared to sign the Declaration of Independence, Southwest Florida belonged to Britain’s East Florida colony. Not that it mattered much here. Sparsely governed and largely beyond the reach of colonial authorities, this remote corner of the empire was tied more closely to Havana than to the rebelling colonies to the north. Had a traveler landed here 250 years ago, they would have found no churches, courthouses, or British forts. Instead, they would have encountered a coast punctuated by the shell mounds of a vanished Calusa kingdom, plied by Cuban fishing boats and frequented by Creek hunters and traders.

“4th of July fireworks OK for Collier County after burn ban lifted” via Charles Runnells of the Naples Daily News — Let the fireworks begin! Collier County has lifted its six-month-long burn ban — just in time for this weekend’s 4th of July festivities. The county announced the good news on July 1, and the ban was officially lifted on Thursday, meaning at-home fireworks and sparklers are once again allowed throughout the county. “The decision to lift the ban came following a review by the Collier County Emergency Management Department, Florida Forest Service, Collier County Fire Chiefs’ Association, and Collier County Sheriff’s Office,” the announcement said. “The same group identified the need to issue a burning ban in January.”

—“Southwest Florida marks America’s 250th with fireworks, parades and drone shows” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

—“DeSantis vetoes Fort Myers fire station, Lee County bike path funding” via Charlie Whitehead of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“First Coast fireworks shows set for America’s 250th Anniversary” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — With America’s semiquincentennial arriving on a holiday weekend, Northeast Florida is going big on fireworks, festivals and patriotic flourishes from Jacksonville to Flagler Beach. Jacksonville’s two-day celebration includes Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain, military-themed performances, free apple pies and the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in city history. St. Augustine will lean into tradition with music at the Plaza de la Constitución and fireworks over Matanzas Bay. Flagler County adds a parade, airport festivities, a Declaration reading and warbird showcase, while Fernandina Beach, Orange Park, Keystone Heights and Palatka round out the region’s Independence Day slate with waterfront fireworks, food trucks, boat parades and hometown celebrations.

“Scallops ahoy! FWC opens recreational bay scallop harvesting season in Big Bend” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Recreational bay scallop harvesting season is open along several Big Bend area counties. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials this week formally opened the season for harvesting bay scallops in portions of Franklin, Taylor, Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties. The scallop season in those areas runs through Sept. 24. The daily “bag limit” is two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of scallop meat per person. The maximum total harvest per group is 10 gallons of in-shell scallops and half a gallon of shucked scallop meat per water vessel. While recreational harvesting is encouraged by the state, those participating in the bay scallop season need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless they are wading near shore.

— TOP OPINION —

“The Fourth of July has always been political” via David Waldstreicher of The Atlantic — In July 1776, American rebels staged celebrations of independence that were at once spontaneous and — in a strikingly modern sense — media events.

Independence had already been in the air for at least a year; the Continental Congress had already created public holidays, declaring two national days of fasting, on July 20, 1775, and May 17, 1776.

Yet when it forwarded the printed Declaration of Independence to the states, Congress did not recommend fasting, prayer, bell ringing, or any other observance. Congress would not order the nation to celebrate its own birth. Instead, many colonists devised their own celebrations to mark the event.

The trend in the early republic would be for July Fourth — and other celebrations modeled on the Fourth — to spread nationalism and, at the same time, to provide venues for divisive political expression. In this way, Americans learned both to be American and to practice partisanship without any sense of contradiction.

July Fourth and its alternatives enabled Americans to preserve the paradox of revolutionary tradition. While these nationalistic political celebrations often took on a conservative bent after the Revolutionary era, some, like the abolitionists, used the occasion to criticize American policy.

But on any Fourth of July, the real question is what version of the republic we care to advance by celebrating.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Between independence and freedom” via Elisabeth Leake of Foreign Policy — America’s founding declared independence before it fully defined freedom, creating a tension that has shaped the nation’s history and foreign policy for 250 years. While the Declaration of Independence established the United States as a sovereign nation, its promises of equality and liberty were not extended to women, Black Americans, Indigenous people or many white men without property. That contradiction echoed through westward expansion, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the civil rights movement before influencing U.S. policy abroad. Successive administrations championed independence for emerging nations while often overlooking equality and human rights. Today, debates over “America First” reflect the same unresolved divide, with competing visions of national identity challenging what freedom and American citizenship ultimately mean.

“America needs a mass movement — now” via David Brooks of The Atlantic — For the United States, the question of the decade is: Why hasn’t a resistance movement materialized here? The second Trump administration has flouted court decisions in a third of its rulings, according to The Washington Post. It operates as a national extortion racket, using federal power to control the inner workings of universities, law firms, and corporations. I am not one of those who believe that Trump has already turned America into a dictatorship. Yet the crossing-over from freedom into authoritarianism may be marked not by a single dramatic event but by the slow corrosion of our ruling institutions — and that corrosion is well under way.

“Gerald Ford’s immigration message still resonates at America’s 250th” via William Kristol, Andrew Egger and Jim Swift of The Bulwark — As Americans celebrate Independence Day, the nation’s founding ideals deserve more attention than today’s political fights. The Declaration of Independence not only proclaimed equality and unalienable rights, but it also criticized the British Crown for obstructing immigration and naturalization, reflecting an early vision of America as a nation open to newcomers. That tradition was echoed by Presidents Ford and Reagan, who celebrated immigrants as a source of the country’s strength, renewal and prosperity. Their speeches argued that welcoming those seeking freedom and opportunity enriched the nation economically, culturally and civically, reinforcing the belief that America’s future depends on remaining a country confident enough to embrace new citizens.

“Mark Twain’s warnings still echo in America at 250” via Ron Chernow of The Atlantic — At 250, America would give Twain no shortage of targets. The author who named the Gilded Age would recognize a second one in today’s billionaires, Wall Street exuberance and political vanity projects. He would admire smartphones, artificial intelligence and other technological marvels while warning against the worship of moguls and money. Congress, always one of his favorite punching bags, would draw fresh scorn for its weakness and corruption. He would defend a free press, sharpen satire against authoritarian impulses and reject blind loyalty, masquerading as patriotism. But Twain’s deepest question would remain whether America has lived up to liberty’s promise for Black Americans — and he would likely cheer the progress since 1865 while snorting at how much remains unfinished.

“Fourth of July heat wave is just another climate change hoax” via Rex Huppke of USA Today Network — The brutal heat wave searing much of the United States on this Fourth of July week is further proof Mother Nature is hell-bent on getting Americans to believe in the liberal climate change hoax. That’s right, I said it. Mother Nature is a radical leftist personification, possibly stemming from some meteorological wing of antifa, and now she’s threatening to ruin America’s 250th anniversary by melting “There Is No Climate Change!” yard signs and forcing people like me to think about things we don’t want to believe. mid-90s to low 100s. Humidity will make it feel even hotter and make it harder to cool down ‒ pushing ‘feels like’ temperatures as high as 110 degrees or more.” I’ll tell you what this “feels like.” It feels like the hippies in the environmental movement are in cahoots with Mother Nature, the Democratic Party and the lobbyists for Big Windmill. No way record-high temperatures will get me to believe in climate change.

“Agriculture remains a national priority at America’s 250th” via Ardis Hammock for Florida Politics — Two hundred and fifty years after America’s founding, agriculture remains bound to freedom, opportunity and self-reliance. On a family farm rooted near Lake Okeechobee since 1918, generations have built a sugarcane operation tied to American innovation, domestic food supply and the land itself. Modern equipment, better science and water-quality gains have helped farmers produce more with less while protecting the Everglades. But freezes, labor shortages and economic uncertainty keep testing Florida agriculture. A country that cannot feed itself risks giving up part of its independence. For farm families, growing food is not just a business; it is service, security and an American Dream worth preserving for the next 250 years.

“So long, Alligator Alcatraz. And a happy final July Fourth to you, Guv“ via Barry Golson of the Tampa Bay Times — The shutdown of Alligator Alcatraz reverberated for me beyond the final clanking of prison cage doors. Watching locally, as DeSantis waxed proudly, a bit nostalgically, about his part in the short, brutal life of the disgrace that was Alligator Alcatraz, it suddenly hit me. To those of us full-time Floridians who toughed out two DeSantis terms, we’re being offered a grace note: He’s almost outta here. But DeSantis has spent his final months as a willing executioner, zealously carrying out Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller‘s heartless, merciless deportation diktats. And more literally, racing to sign more expedited criminal execution warrants than any Governor in our lifetime. The polls say that as of this July, two-thirds of Americans are now in verbal revolt or in silent disapproval of this MAGA regime.

“Trump library may forever change how Miami’s Freedom Tower is perceived” via the Miami Herald editorial board — The Freedom Tower served as the Cuban Assistance Center from 1962 to 1974, helping more than 400,000 Cuban refugees who fled communism to rebuild their lives. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2008, it remains one of Miami’s strongest symbols of immigrant resilience. For the Cuban community especially, it is the root of a population that reshaped the entire city. Despite this, in 2025, Florida approved the immediate transfer of public land next to the Freedom Tower to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation. The new structure, then, could forever change how the Freedom Tower is perceived.

“Tampa Bay’s defense industrial base powers the warfighter with the F-35 leading the way” via Jennifer Cruise for Florida Politics — Florida’s defense manufacturing sector is far more than an economic engine; it is a critical component of America’s national security. Companies such as TRAK TECOM design and manufacture advanced communications and RF technologies that enable the F-35 Lightning II to share data, maintain situational awareness and operate effectively in contested environments. With more than 160 Florida companies supporting the program, the F-35 generates billions in economic activity while sustaining thousands of high-skilled jobs statewide. Continued investment in the aircraft and its industrial base strengthens military readiness, reinforces alliances with partner nations and ensures American manufacturers remain prepared to deliver the next generation of defense technologies for decades to come.

—WEEKEND TV —

ABC Action News Full Circle with Paul LaGrone on Channel 10 WFTS: There is no new episode this weekend. The program is preempted for a special America 250 presentation.

Florida This Week on WEDU PBS: Host and moderator Lissette Campos focuses on mental health resources for military veterans and their families, juveniles in the criminal justice system, and workplace settings. Guests include Clara Reynolds, Jamie McPherson, Lisa B. McLean and Sharon Fekete. The program airs Friday at 8:30 p.m. with a replay Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Episodes are also available online through Florida This Week, YouTube and Facebook.

In Focus with Allison Walker on Bay News 9/CF 13: A look at the 2026 Legislative Session, Special Sessions and what’s next with Florida House Speaker-Designate Sam Garrison and Incoming House Minority Leader Christine Hunschofsky.

The Usual Suspects on WCTV-Tallahassee/Thomasville (CBS) and WJHG: Gary Yordon and Bryan Desloge discuss the Vote No on 3 campaign.

This Week in Jacksonville with Kent Justice on Channel 4 WJXT: Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, discusses Florida’s economic outlook, business priorities and the state’s competitiveness. Rick Mullaney, executive director of the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute, joins the program to examine current public policy issues affecting Florida.

This Week in South Florida with Glenna Milberg on Local 10 WPLG: Milberg speaks with state Rep. Dotie Joseph, a Democrat who’s running for Governor. Plus, Milberg takes viewers beyond the headlines of this week’s political news with the reporter roundtable, featuring POLITICO’S Florida political reporter Kimberly Leonard and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel political writer Anthony Man. The big news of the week and the newsmakers are on Sunday at 11 a.m.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

and

— WORLD CUP —

“Inside the DHS World Cup nerve center” via Sophia Cai of POLITICO — Every day, FBI intelligence officials, weather forecasters, diplomats, security coordinators and people from more than a dozen federal agencies gather on a conference line for what has become one of the most unusual meetings in Washington. It’s dubbed the “WISLE call” — a soccer acronym that stands for Warning/Weather, Intent, Safety/Security, Logistics/Communications and Event Operations. And it happens every morning around 10 a.m. Eastern during the FIFA World Cup, which is about to enter its fourth week. From a secure operations floor inside FEMA’s Washington headquarters, officials spend about 30 minutes running through the day’s World Cup matches, touching on everything from extreme heat advisories and fan festivals to cartel activity in Mexico, drone threats, visa issues and stadium security.

“Telemundo expected a World Cup ratings boost, but not one this big” via Rick Porter of The Hollywood Reporter — With soccer’s biggest prize being played in North America, group stage matches of the 2026 World Cup drew 9.65 million viewers per match across all English- and Spanish-language platforms — a 105% increase over 2022’s 4.71 million. “I was expecting to see our numbers grow. Was I expecting 122% over 2022? Probably not,” said Joaquín Duro, Executive VP of Sports for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. Mexico’s June 18 match vs. South Korea drew 14 million viewers, setting a record for any Spanish-language soccer telecast in the U.S. Peacock made up 44% of the Spanish-language audience during group play; Telemundo’s on-air ratings are up 73%, which Duro calls “an incredible win” for “what is supposed to be a declining business.”

“Portugal punches above its weight — on the pitch and far beyond it” via Aitor Hernández-Morales of POLITICO — Despite Cristiano Ronaldo‘s travails, Portugal heads into Thursday’s World Cup knockout match against Croatia as a strong contender to win this year’s tournament — a victory that would “reinforce a national brand that has consolidated the Atlantic country as a powerhouse far beyond the soccer field.” Home to just over 10 million people, Portugal has placed more candidates in top EU posts than any other member country; former Prime Minister António Costa presides over the European Council, former Prime Minister António Guterres is U.N. Secretary-General, and last month Lisbon beat out Germany for a nonpermanent U.N. Security Council seat. “Being a small country is actually an advantage, because no one is afraid of us, and that makes us non-threatening interlocutors,” said former Secretary of State for Internationalization Bernardo Ivo Cruz.

— USA 250 —

“The 25 most American movies of all time” via Anthony Breznican of Esquire — What makes a movie … American? I compiled an array of titles that I thought spoke to who we are, what we strive to be, and where we fall short. Every movie on this list says something about America. I felt there should be some obvious classics but didn’t want it to be only the greatest hits. I looked for big movies and small movies, famous ones and more obscure gems. I wanted comedy, some horror, a sports movie, a worker tale, some military stories, a President or two, movies set in cities, and others in different countrysides. It includes a mix of films that variously celebrate, critique, and honor America, sometimes all at once.

“The 26 Most American Books of all time” via Esquire — In a world where short-form video rockets across the world in seconds, journalism is shifting rapidly away from written reporting to “storytelling” on podcasts, and, chrissakes, robots are doing most of the writing, it can be easy to forget that for most of this nation’s history — all of it, we’d argue — what could really command the American culture’s attention was a thing called a book. The original long form. Tens of thousands of words are ejected from an artist’s mind after a lengthy, often painful process of research, meditation, and incessant scribbling. So, for this 250th year of our great nation, Esquire has compiled a list of our Most American Books.

— ALOE —

“Milky Way gives Florida a post-fireworks sky show” via Eric Lagatta of USA Today Network — Florida skywatchers may get a cosmic encore after the Independence Day fireworks, with the Milky Way’s bright galactic center visible throughout July. The Fourth of July weekend offers a chance to spot the hazy band of billions of stars, though the moon will be more than 80% full until Sunday, making darker viewing tougher. The best opportunity comes around the July 14 new moon, when moonlight will be at a minimum. No telescope is needed, just clear skies, patience and distance from city lights. The Milky Way rises in the southeast, crosses the southern sky and sets in the southwest. Florida’s best dark-sky options include Groveland, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

“Health officials share fireworks safety tips for the 4th of July” via Collin Bestor of the Northwest Florida Daily News — Never allow children to handle fireworks; always have a responsible adult supervise firework-related activities. Never hold a firecracker or fireworks in your hand. Use a long-reach lighter to maintain a safe distance. Use fireworks in a clear, open area away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable materials. Have a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby in an emergency. Avoid using fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks or debris. Consider safer alternatives to sparklers for children, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers. Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks.

“Five tips to help you avoid a July 4 travel disaster” via Hannah Sampson of The Washington Post — The best travel times on that day are expected to be before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. The worst time to drive is Thursday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Saturday, drivers will do their best to hit the road before noon; 1 p.m. is expected to be the worst time to travel. For people planning to fly, the Transportation Security Administration expects Thursday through Wednesday to be busy, with peak crowds on Friday. In the middle of an air travel meltdown, there is no time to start getting familiar with your airline’s policies. If a flight is canceled, travelers should know if the airline’s policy is to rebook them and how quickly. Prepare for the worst, and you might have a leg up.

“Light up your Fourth of July table with a red, white and blue cheesecake” via Amy Drew Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel — I am a food writer first and a photographer second. Actually, it’s probably more like a photographer 42nd. But I’m trying. Recipes like this one make it easier, though occasionally, I need help, and for this cheesecake’s close-up, that came in the form of my neighbor, Valerie, who occasionally dog-sits but had never before been enlisted in any job-related ridiculousness until I asked her to light up this Red, White & Blue Cheesecake recipe from Food Network Kitchen.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are former state Reps. Barbara Watson and Dan Raulerson, along with Fatima Perez. Happy birthday this weekend to former Sen. Janet Cruz, Sen. Stan McClain, Rep. Michelle Salzman, Ron Barnette, Susanne Dudley, Brad Herold, our friend James Kotas, Tim Nungesser, Tim Parsons of Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, Van Poole and the legendary Tim Stapleton.

___

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