Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.10.26
Good Monday morning.
The political committee backing Byron Donalds for Governor is spending seven figures on its final ad of the Primary, and it’s aimed at Democrat David Jolly.
The Friends of Byron Donalds PAC spot, called “Agenda,“ is running statewide on TV, streaming and digital. It plays clips of Jolly in his own words on gender-affirming care for minors, which the ad calls ”child sex change surgeries,” and on transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports.
“David Jolly. Radically liberal, radically wrong,” the ad states.
Donalds closes the spot with a message of his own: “The only way you defeat crazy is you stand up to it.”
“Byron Donalds will protect Florida children. David Jolly will put radical left politics first,” said Ryan Smith, who chairs the committee. “Byron Donalds has supported common-sense measures to protect our kids, including banning taxpayer funding for child sex change surgeries and keeping boys out of girls’ sports and locker rooms.”
Smith argues Jolly’s weekend response to the ad proves it landed. “Radical Liberal David Jolly is upset about our ad — and he should be,“ he said. ”It’s ‘shameful’ that he would support putting radical agendas ahead of Florida’s children.”
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
— @RealJennaEllis: It’s really incredible how @JayCollinsFL is embarrassing himself by not simply bowing out of the race after (Gov. Ron) DeSantis refused to endorse him and chose Paul Renner.
— @JamesUthmeierFL: The WNBA knows better than to play games down here in Florida, because I’ll be charging people with assault.
Tweet, tweet:
— @TheTennisLetter: Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz will both show up to the U.S. Open without having played in Canada or Cincinnati. Since the beginning of the Masters format in 1990, no man has ever won the U.S. Open without playing at least one of these two events. It’ll be interesting.
— DAYS UNTIL —
‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 6; Primary Election Day — 8; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 18; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 22; NFL regular season kicks off — 30; Republican National Midterm Convention — 30; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 31; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 32; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 36; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 40; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 41; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 45; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 52; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 53; General Election voter registration deadline — 56; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 60; Optional General early voting begins — 70; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 72; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 72; General Election ballot request deadline — 73; Mandatory General early voting begins — 75; General Election — 85; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 88; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 88; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 93; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 95; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 99; New legislator training sessions — 99; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 99; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 102; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 107; ‘Madden’ premieres — 108; Committee Week #1 — 112; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 130; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 130; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 130; Committee Week #2 — 147; Committee Week #3 — 154; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 168; Grammys — 181; Committee Week #5 — 182; Super Bowl LXI — 188; Committee Week #6 — 189; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 204; Tampa Mayoral Election — 204; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 207; Oscars — 216; Jacksonville First Election — 225; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 247; Jacksonville General Election — 281; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 299; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 361; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 361; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 494; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 532; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 557; Oscars — 573; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 655; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 676; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 704; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 820; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 858; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 896; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,220; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,260; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,951.
— TOP STORY —
“Voting by mail has declined sharply in Florida, latest data show” via Elijah Lott of the Florida Trib — The number of vote-by-mail requests for Florida’s August Primaries is sharply lower than in previous election cycles, likely reflecting increased partisan attitudes about mail ballots and the effects of tighter restrictions state lawmakers enacted in 2021.
The number of vote-by-mail requests has been cut in half since 2022’s Primaries, from over 4 million to 1.9 million this cycle, according to an analysis of the latest available data. The decline in mail ballots is notable given the historically significant role mail ballots have played in Florida elections, a trend that often benefited Republican candidates.
Sean Freeder, Director of the University of North Florida’s public opinion research lab, says there are several reasons for the decline, including the effect of the political rhetoric surrounding them in recent years from Republican leaders, and especially President Donald Trump, who has called mail ballots “inherently corrupt.”
Freeder says this kind of language could be influencing Florida’s GOP voters to avoid the practice.
“Republican voters hearing someone at the top of their party say over and over again that this is a problem, they might take that at face value, and they may voluntarily decide to move away from mail-in voting,” Freeder said.
He also attributed the decline to Florida’s tighter restrictions on voting by mail.
— 2026 —
“‘Completely false’: Byron Donalds campaign blasts James Fishback’s ‘baseless and defamatory sideshow’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Fishback has spent much of his run for Governor in courtrooms. Now he claims, without proof, that Donalds is the one who deserves legal scrutiny. Fishback survived a legal challenge to his claim of Florida residency last month, but only after admitting he voted in D.C. in 2020 and held a homestead exemption there at the time. The allegations are grave. But given the source and the timing, less than two weeks before the Aug. 18 Republican Primary, they are hard to take seriously without corroboration. The Department has since gone further than declining comment, with a spokesperson telling News 6 Orlando: “This claim is not true. Congressman Byron Donalds is not under investigation.“ ”We will not be distracted by this baseless and defamatory sideshow, and neither should you,” said spokesperson Gates McGavick.
— “Donalds slams likely Dem opponent as ‘Trojan horse’ for radical left” via Fox News
“Joy Reid attacks Black conservatives: ‘You have to humiliate your own people’ to get ahead” via Sean James of Mediaite — Reid claimed Black Republicans are self-loathing fame chasers who are willing to sell out their fellow Black Americans to get ahead in the conservative movement. A moment earlier, she said Rep. Donalds is one of those self-hating Black Republicans. “In order to get that boost from the right, you have to humiliate your own people,“ Reid said. She said Donalds has claimed Black Americans were “better off during slavery and Jim Crow,” which is not true. Donalds later pushed back on critics like Reid who said he argued Black Americans were better off under slavery and Jim Crow. ”They’re trying to say that I said Black people were doing better under Jim Crow. I never said that. They are lying,” Donalds said.
“Byron Donalds attacks nonpartisan Revenue Estimating Conference” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Donalds is questioning whether advertised impacts of this year’s property tax amendment are exaggerated. State economists estimate that a total of $11.86 billion would eventually be extracted from local budgets per year if Florida voters opt to increase homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. But Donalds, a supporter of this year’s Amendment 3, is questioning the assessment of nonpartisan state economists. In fiscal year 2027-28, local governments could expect nearly $5 billion less revenue should the amendment pass. Larger urban counties would face the biggest hit in raw dollars. “The Revenue Estimating Conference has been estimating revenue in our state for 30 years. They’re often wrong,” the Naples Congressman said in Jacksonville.
“David Jolly rallies voters in The Villages” via Villages-News.com Staff — Jolly headlined a candidate meet-and-greet hosted Saturday by The Villages Democratic Club at Colony Cottage Recreation Center. More than 300 audience members gathered to speak directly with Jolly, the leading candidate in the Democratic Primary for Florida Governor, as he outlined a platform focused on economic affordability, property insurance relief and public education reform. Jolly, a former Republican congressman who switched to the Democratic Party, emphasized his bipartisan appeal to independent voters across Sumter County and the state ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary. “Floridians across every community, regardless of party, are feeling the squeeze of skyrocketing housing costs and insurance premiums,“ Jolly said during his remarks. ”Our state needs solutions that lower everyday costs and protect public schools, not partisan division.”
“Paul Renner throws Hail Mary pass in Flagler as Governor’s race enters final days” via Danielle Anderson of Flagler News Weekly — Former Florida House Speaker Renner returned to familiar political ground in Flagler County as the race for Governor entered its final days on Saturday, using the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee’s Lincoln Day Dinner to make a closing argument centered on affordability, leadership, Republican unity and the future of Florida. Renner, who previously represented Flagler County in the Florida House and later served as House Speaker, acknowledged the Primary battle while urging Republicans to unite once it is over. “One of the most tragic things on the campaign trail [is] to see a person who’s lived here for 30 and 40 years, contemplating leaving our state because they can no longer afford the taxes, the insurance, the electric bills,“ Renner said. ”It’s become unaffordable.”
— MORE ELECTIONS —
“Inside the Florida congressional campaign running through a crypto wallet” via Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald — South Florida entrepreneur Michael Carbonara has been investing most of a massive self-funded campaign account into cryptocurrencies, shuffling money between cash and digital currencies while pushing against the legal limits of federal campaign finance laws. Carbonara’s novel campaign investment methods have given his campaign some windfalls: He invested about $95,000 into the cryptocurrency ethereum in June of last year, and two months later it was liquidated into campaign cash at a value of $170,000, marking an almost $75,000 return. But the $2.2 million his campaign has reported in digital currency investments has also created questions of self-dealing since he’s using a company where he was once CEO to process all his transactions.
“Austin Rogers leads GOP field in new CD 2 poll” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Rogers is battling a crowded Republican Primary field to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn. Panama City lawyer Rogers holds a 6-percentage-point lead over seven GOP rivals in the Republican Primary, according to data released amid a new slate of congressional polls from Victory Insights. The survey found Rogers with 21.4% support, followed by veteran and businessman Keith Gross at 15.8%. Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power has 10.8% support, Gulf County Schools Superintendent Jim Norton registers at 9.9%, and 7.9% of respondents back veteran and motivational speaker Luke Murphy. The remaining candidates are below 1%, and nearly a third of respondents — 32.7% — are undecided.
— “Steve Scalise weighs in on 2 key Florida races, endorsing Rogers, Scott Singer” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Kevin Steele adds Tallahassee firepower for the CD 14 homestretch” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Steele is closing out the Republican Primary in Florida’s 14th Congressional District with fresh backing from the Legislature’s Tampa Bay bench. The Steele campaign announced endorsements from state Sen. Danny Burgess and state Reps. Lawrence McClure and Karen Gonzalez Pittman ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary, with early voting already underway across the District. Steele has all three Cabinet members in his corner, with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, CFO Blaise Ingoglia and Attorney General James Uthmeier lined up behind him, per Florida Phoenix reporting, and the retired health care technology executive has put $2.5 million of his own money into the race. “Kevin’s background in business and his understanding of the importance of agriculture to our local and state economy is unparalleled in this race. I’m certain he will be a solid vote for Trump’s agenda in Congress,” McClure said.
— “Greg Steube backs Mike Beltran in heated CD 14 contest” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Ryan Elijah says he’s lived in Florida for 20 years, but he ran for Congress in Indiana in 2010” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The newscaster worked as a Fort Wayne journalist in 2010, but tells Florida Politics he lived in Florida at the time. Republican congressional candidate Elijah has touted 20 years of living in Florida as he challenges U.S. Rep. Cory Mills. But he ran for Congress in Indiana 16 years ago. Elijah opened a Federal Election Commission account in June 2010 to run in a Special Election in Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. His paperwork at the time listed him as a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana. His campaign website, though, stresses that Elijah raised his family in Seminole County and has been a Florida resident for 20 years.
Kendrick Meek raises $658K in CD 24 race — Kendrick Meek’s congressional campaign says it has raised more than $658,000 since its June 12 launch and has $115,000 cash on hand heading into the Aug. 18 Primary, collecting more than 2,900 individual donations along the way. “The incredible energy behind Kendrick’s campaign in less than two months proves that South Florida voters are ready for a new generation of leadership and the era of electing the same career politicians who haven’t delivered is over,” said campaign spokesperson Drew Hammill. “To see such a massive surge in grassroots support and individual donors as we close out this pivotal fundraising deadline demonstrates that Kendrick’s message is resonating deeply across the District. This momentum ensures he will have the robust financial strength, the grassroots backing, and the sustained resources required to win this campaign.”
— “He’s never backed down: 16 more state lawmakers back Shevrin Jones for CD 24” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics
— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —
“Meta pumps money into Florida politics as AI fight intensifies” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Meta is pouring money into Florida politics as the Facebook parent seeks lawmakers friendly to artificial intelligence and data centers. The company created Forge the Future Project, a political committee already advertising for Republican Rep. Mike Redondo, a future House Speaker whose leadership team helped kill an “AI bill of rights” and weaken data-center regulations. Meta also contributed $25,000 to incoming Senate President Jim Boyd and $10,000 each to future legislative leaders Jay Trumbull, Tom Leek and Jennifer Canady, among others. Democrats aren’t entirely excluded: Kristen Arrington and Fentrice Driskell received $2,500 each. Nationally, Meta is spending more than $65 million on state legislative elections this year.
“Michele Rayner decries ‘dirty, dark money’ behind SD 16 attack mailer” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Rep. Rayner links funding for the mailer to AI data-center interests. A newly formed political committee is telling Democratic voters that Rayner “votes like a Republican,” placing her alongside images of Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DeSantis in a mailer despite her liberal track record. The advertisement brands Rayner as “a real Republican” and claims donors who gave more than $1 million to Trump and DeSantis also contributed to her. Rayner — who is running against House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary for Senate District 16 — condemned the claims as “dirty, dark money campaigning,” and her campaign linked more than $50,000 of the committee’s funds to data-center interests.
“HD 10 candidate’s ties to White nationalist group span years” via Florida Politics — Republican HD 10 candidate Marshall Rawson has a yearslong record of appearing at events and promoting messages associated with the League of the South, a White nationalist and Southern secessionist organization designated a hate group by watchdog organizations. Rawson appeared as a featured speaker at the group’s 2021 Florida Freedom Conference alongside its leaders, despite the local Republican Party publicly repudiating the event. Earlier material also placed him at League gatherings and showed posts advocating secession. More recent screenshots show Rawson supporting a “national divorce” and criticizing Martin Luther King Jr. Rawson, a former aide to Secretary of State Cord Byrd, faces Chase Brannan in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary.
“Democrats battle for HD 47 after Paula Stark misses ballot” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Democrats Anthony Nieves and Jorge Figueroa are competing for an open House District 47 seat after Republican Rep. Stark failed to qualify, leaving no Republican or independent candidate on the ballot. The Aug. 18 Primary Election winner automatically takes the Orange-Osceola District. Nieves, making his third run, narrowly lost to Stark in 2022 and emphasizes affordable housing, renter protections and insurance accountability. Political newcomer Figueroa is campaigning on workforce housing, property insurance reform and small-business growth while confronting questions about a 2006 DUI and numerous traffic violations. Both support teacher raises and addressing affordability. Figueroa has raised $28,000, while Nieves has raised $8,373 and lent his campaign $14,000.
“Kevin Steele abruptly resigns HD 55 seat after voting outside his District” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida House noted that Steele had resigned his House District 55 seat. His District falls entirely within Pasco County. He was not seeking re-election and instead filed this year to challenge U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, in Florida’s 14th Congressional District. On Aug. 3, he posted a photo of himself at a voting location in Hillsborough County, the first day of early voting in the Republican Primary in the county. “It’s early voting time! Had a great time voting with the family at Jann Platt Library. Send in Steele! August 3rd to 16th. Polls open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.!” Steele wrote on X.
“House call: Florida’s doctors back Conrad Schupay in HD 63” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Florida Medical Association PAC, or FMA PAC, is endorsing Democrat Schupay in the race for House District 63, the Tampa seat Democratic Rep. Dianne “Ms. Dee” Hart-Lowman must give up to term limits. “The FMA PAC endorses Conrad Schupay for the Florida House. His impressive military career combined with his local community involvement allows him to hit the ground running in the House, and we look forward to working with him on behalf of Florida physicians,” said FMA PAC President Andrew Borom. Schupay said he was “honored to be endorsed by the Florida Medical Association PAC“ and shares its ”objective to promote public health at the highest standards while enhancing the quality and availability of healthcare for Floridians.”
— STATEWIDE —
“Ron DeSantis administration ‘significantly delayed’ access to Medicaid records” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — The DeSantis administration slowed down state auditors reviewing how Florida conducted its Medicaid eligibility determinations following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, a state Auditor General report found. It took DCF eight months to respond to a follow-up inquiry regarding 135 cases of recipients whose Medicaid coverage was terminated “and additional inquiry regarding unwinding data and continuous eligibility coverage.” The auditors initially asked for the information on May 23. DCF provided partial responses in August and September but didn’t give auditors all the information requested until more than eight months later, on Jan. 22, 2026, the office said. “The Department respects the responsibility bestowed upon the Auditor General’s Office to promote accountability, transparency, and advance the quality of service provided to Floridians,” DCF Deputy Secretary Kathryn Williams wrote.
“Democrats press DeSantis administration for details about AI contract for SNAP” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — Democrats want to know how the state plans to use artificial intelligence to lower its error rate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show Florida’s SNAP error rate for fiscal year 2025 was 12.97, putting the state on track to contribute nearly $1 billion to the program next year. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and other members of the Florida Democratic congressional delegation sent a letter to Florida DCF Deputy Secretary Kathryn Williams and DeSantis, pressing for details about the use of AI. SNAP provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low incomes. “Floridians have received little information about how that vendor will be selected or what safeguards will be in place,” they wrote.
“New wetlands law trades local losses for distant gains” via Gil Smart of the Tampa Bay Times — Wetlands are crucial to the ecological health of the Sunshine State, absorbing floodwaters, filtering out pollutants to improve water quality, providing habitat for wading birds and more. But a recent story on wetlands “mitigation banking” noted how a new law that took effect last Summer changed the rules, making it easier for developers to pave or fill crucial wetlands so long as they pay to restore them somewhere else. The Tampa Bay Times reported that more than 32 acres of wetlands in Hillsborough County have been destroyed under the new law; more will follow as wetlands once protected by a lack of available local credits are suddenly in play. A region that loses a disproportionate share of its wetlands may be more susceptible to flooding and water quality problems.
“Jeff Brandes selected for Transportation Hall of Fame” via Michael Connor of St. Pete Catalyst — For former Florida Sen. Brandes, transportation has been a consistent focus in both his legislative work and personal endeavors. Last month, the Center for Urban Transportation Research announced that Brandes will be inducted into Florida’s Transportation Hall of Fame during the 2026 CUTR Transportation Achievement Awards. In 2012, Brandes sponsored legislation that made Florida one of the first states to permit autonomous vehicle testing on public roads. “Sen. Jeff Brandes has been one of Florida’s most visionary transportation leaders,” said CUTR Advisory Board member Ram Kancharla in a prepared statement. “His willingness to embrace innovation, challenge conventional thinking and champion emerging technologies has transformed the way we approach mobility in our state. His leadership has left a lasting legacy, making him truly deserving of this recognition.”
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Donald Trump thought opening the Strait of Hormuz was imminent. Iran had other plans” via Alexander Ward of The Wall Street Journal — Trump’s hoped-for exit from the Iran war is getting harder as Tehran demands major concessions before reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran wants billions in payments, U.S. forces withdrawn, sanctions lifted, frozen assets released and Washington’s naval blockade ended. Trump had considered declaring victory if commercial traffic resumed, even without a nuclear agreement, but Iran’s leverage over the vital waterway has complicated that strategy. Gas averages $4.02 a gallon with the Midterm Elections approaching, adding political urgency. The White House insists U.S. military objectives are complete and keeps military options open, but Iran’s escalating demands suggest the grinding conflict may not provide Trump the quick off-ramp he wants.
“Senate bows to reality, leaving Trump’s voting bill undone” via Michael Gold of The New York Times — Senate Republicans left Washington for summer recess without passing Trump’s SAVE America Act, acknowledging they lack the votes for his sweeping election restrictions. The proposal would require proof of citizenship to register; mandate voter identification nationwide and sharply restrict voting by mail. Majority Leader John Thune repeatedly warned that Senate math wasn’t there, while Mike Lee, a leading advocate, conceded Republicans couldn’t pass it. Leaders floated using budget reconciliation to bypass a Democratic filibuster but postponed that effort until September. A narrower nationwide voter ID measure also failed along party lines. With just three scheduled Senate weeks remaining before the Midterm Elections, Republicans face a rapidly shrinking window to deliver Trump’s election overhaul.
“Bill Cassidy says his vote to confirm Todd Blanche wasn’t a ‘black or white decision’” via Kaia Hubbard of CBS News — GOP Sen. Cassidy of Louisiana said on Sunday that his decision to support Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General wasn’t “black or white,” outlining what informed his thinking ahead of casting the decisive vote. With 53 seats in the upper chamber and GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky’s continued absence, Cassidy’s opposition would have effectively sunk Blanche’s nomination. But with the announcement of his support Friday, Senate Republicans narrowly confirmed Blanche as Attorney General early Saturday morning. “As a little boy, I would read history books, and I read about these great decisions on the Senate floor,“ he said. ”The fact that I, Bill Cassidy, was able to do that, I am so privileged. And whenever I just for a second am hit by the gravity of that and the honor of that, I get emotional.”
“Todd Blanche takes over DOJ amid pressure from Trump, skeptical courts” via Jeremy Roebuck of The Washington Post — Blanche takes over as Senate-confirmed Attorney General facing pressure from Trump, increasingly skeptical federal courts and a Justice Department battered by departures and low morale. Blanche, Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer, must oversee politically sensitive investigations involving former government officials, the 2020 Election and other presidential targets while convincing lawmakers he can resist improper demands. His 50-49 confirmation followed assurances to wavering Republicans that he could tell Trump “no.” That could be tested quickly as Trump pushes prosecutors on cases involving political adversaries and revives controversial proposals Blanche had suggested were dead. Career officials once hoped Blanche would moderate Trump’s impulses, but many now question whether DOJ’s traditional independence can survive.
— “F-16s intercept two aircraft near Trump’s New Jersey golf club” via Al Jazeera
“GAO report underscores how little DOGE cut” via The Washington Post editorial board — Elon Musk said he would cut $2 trillion of federal spending with his Department of Government Efficiency. When it disbanded, the U.S. DOGE Service estimated that it had achieved $215 billion in savings. A Government Accountability Office investigation concluded that billions in supposed savings weren’t realized and a lack of transparency by the White House leaves other claims uncorroborated. Almost $35 billion of the $61 billion DOGE claimed in contract savings was either not terminated or could not be identified by the GAO because of poor record-keeping. The federal government ran a $1.8 trillion budget deficit last fiscal year and enacted tax cuts that will cost trillions more in the coming years. Musk’s months in D.C. created chaos, squandered political capital and left little appetite in either party to actually cut spending.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Judges uphold Miami-Dade House districts against gerrymandering challenge” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — A federal three-judge panel rejected claims that three Miami-Dade state House districts were unconstitutionally drawn to elect Hispanic candidates. The judges found race did not predominate when lawmakers crafted House Districts 115, 118 and 119 during the 2022 redistricting process. Britt Grant wrote that traditional, race-neutral considerations — including keeping municipalities intact, following major roads and maintaining compactness — drove the boundaries. The districts are represented by Republicans Omar Blanco, Mike Redondo and Juan Carlos Porras. The panel deferred action on a separate challenge to U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s former Congressional District 26 configuration while state litigation proceeds over Florida’s newly approved congressional map.
Happening today — Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia will hold a news conference in West Palm Beach at 1 p.m. The CFO’s office has not publicly disclosed the location.
“As Primary nears, Broward voters face another phony voter guide” via Steve Bousquet of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — With Florida’s Aug. 18 Primary Election approaching, political tactics are getting uglier. An official-looking ”Broward County Voter Guide” circulating through mailboxes and social media mimics Democratic Party materials but was not produced or approved by the party. The guide promotes congressional candidate Dale Holness, who faces U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the CD 20 Democratic Primary, along with judicial candidate Tamar Hamilton. It was funded by Our Blue Democracy Action PAC, which has received most of its money from a committee controlled by Tamarac Commissioner Marlon Bolton, an ally of Holness and Hamilton. Similar deceptive voter guides have surfaced before, making vigilance essential as ballots are cast.
“Sara Baxter counts lodging at The Breakers among campaign expenses” via Jane Musgrave and Joel Engelhardt of Stet News — In her bid for re-election, Palm Beach County Mayor Baxter has spent $10,700 in campaign cash on at least five stays at The Breakers in Palm Beach and three at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, state records show. Donors to the committee, who include uber-wealthy county business tycoons Stephen Ross and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, are helping bankroll her Republican Primary campaign against Elizabeth Accomando for the District 6 Commission seat — a race that will be decided Aug. 18. Typically, candidates use donations to buy advertisements, buttons and flyers, pay consultants or host campaign events, including news conferences and fundraisers, said Robert Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University. “No, it can’t be used for personal expenses,“ he said. ”It can’t be used to take a vacation at The Breakers.”
“How the Haiti TPS crisis has hit South Florida hotels and an airport” via Vinod Sreeharsha of the Miami Herald — Temporary Protected Status was created to help immigrants escape dangerous conditions. After Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, many Haitians received the status, allowing them to obtain work permits and jobs. But in July, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency in the Department of Homeland Security that oversees legal immigration, announced that work permits for TPS holders wouldn’t be valid after July 27, potentially creating a new group of undocumented workers. Since Florida follows E-Verify, where employers agree to check employees’ immigration status, they told employees they are no longer allowed to work and deactivated their badges. The changes have affected Haitian workers and South Florida’s tourism industry. Many of the people losing their work permits and status worked for area airports and hotels. About 52,000 Haitian TPS holders were in the workforce in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
“‘We listened’: Broward schools reduce district-required testing by more than half” via Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Following complaints from parents, teachers and School Board members about overtesting, the District plans to reduce district-required testing minutes for elementary students by more than 65% for the new school year, which starts Monday. The total minutes will drop from 2,385 minutes last school year to 835 minutes this coming school year. District-required testing will be reduced by 100% in kindergarten and first grade, the memo states. Board members agreed and asked Superintendent Howard Hepburn to develop a plan. “We listened to our parents, we’ve listened to our teachers, we’ve listened to our principals, and we especially have listened to our Board members about screen time and assessment concerns, and we’ve reacted accordingly,” Hepburn told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Democrats condemn political attacks against Roberta Walton Johnson in ugly Orange County Clerk of Courts race” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A lawsuit. Text message attacks. Criminal histories brought up on both sides. This race is ugly. Several Democratic lawmakers condemned text messages attacking Orange County Clerk of Courts candidate Johnson as they pledged their support in what has become a nasty, contentious fight in the Aug. 18 Primary. Johnson is battling former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh in the Clerk of Courts race. Johnson held a news conference in downtown Orlando attended by U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, state Sens. Carlos Guillermo Smith and LaVon Bracy Davis, and state Rep. Anna Eskamani, who all endorsed Johnson in the Aug. 18 election.
“Partisan politics seep into Polk’s nonpartisan School Board races” via Gary White of the Lakeland Ledger — Polk County’s officially nonpartisan School Board contests are getting an unmistakably partisan makeover. The Polk Republican Executive Committee is backing preferred candidates and using social media to target opponents, including labeling District 3 candidate Victor Sims a “Democrat Socialist” and highlighting his support for aspects of DEI. Polk Democrats cannot formally endorse candidates because of state party rules, but their voter guide highlights Sims, Kay Fields and Kasen Hampton, while the Young Democrats have endorsed Sims and Fields. Republicans are supporting Kate Wallace and Sarah Corona in District 3, Sam Neelam in District 5 and Justin Sharpless in District 6. Florida voters rejected partisan School Board elections in 2024.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Low Pinellas turnout offers clues in St. Pete Mayor’s race” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Pinellas County voter turnout remains below 9% ahead of early voting, with Democrats and Republicans returning roughly 21,000 mail ballots each. The partisan split could concern Democrats, who traditionally rely more heavily on vote-by-mail. In St. Petersburg, that may matter for Mayor Ken Welch and City Council member Brandi Gabbard, while Charlie Crist has demonstrated broader bipartisan appeal. Geography offers another wrinkle: some South St. Pete precincts are posting turnout near 14%, potentially benefiting Welch given his strength among Black voters. Still, with early voting and Election Day ahead, the numbers provide more intriguing signals than firm conclusions about the six-candidate mayoral contest.
“Ken Welch faces a far tougher road to second term” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — Welch cruised into St. Petersburg City Hall five years ago, but re-election — and even reaching November’s runoff — is no sure thing. Former allies Crist and Gabbard are challenging him as critics point to stalled projects, early-term visibility problems and the collapse of the Rays stadium and Historic Gas Plant District deal. Welch also faced blowback over his storm response and turmoil surrounding a political committee supporting him. Still, police, fire and city worker unions back the incumbent, and Welch argues his record on affordability and city investment provides a path forward. Polls suggest voters may be less convinced, turning a once-dominant political position into a fight for survival.
“Bracing for property tax reform, St. Petersburg explores fire fee” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — The city is looking for ways to plug a funding gap for the Fire Department. St. Petersburg is exploring a special assessment to help pay for fire services if Florida voters approve a ballot measure in November that would significantly cut property taxes. The city posted a request for bids from a consultant to help design a special fee for all city property owners, which could begin as early as Spring 2028 and would require City Council approval. St. Petersburg stands to lose $33 million in property tax revenue beginning in 2028 if the referendum is approved, according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. Mayor Welch has said the referendum could mean staffing cuts for parks, police and fire.
“St. Pete Council weighs AI expansion after policy rollout” via Matthew Reed of St. Pete Catalyst — St. Petersburg officials are opening a public conversation about artificial intelligence just days after the city quietly adopted its first policy governing how employees can use the technology. The City Council unanimously voted to refer a proposed citywide AI strategy to its Public Services and Infrastructure Committee, while the Welch administration launches a public comment period and open house on the city’s future use of AI. A city employee must also review public-facing content before release. ”I really appreciate the new business item,” Council member Richie Floyd said. “The policy says everyone must review it, but I don’t think those words ‘everyone must review it’ are strong enough,“ Floyd said. ”Technical data through generative AI will have hallucinations and whatnot that will be difficult to catch.”
“Weedon Island, Shell Key preserves could lose Pinellas County funding” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — The county Parks Department is also proposing to end the seasonal lifeguard program at Fort De Soto and Sand Key parks. Two beloved Pinellas County nature preserves totaling nearly 5,000 acres of culturally and ecologically significant land could lose their funding in the upcoming county budget. The proposed 2027 budget “eliminates funding” for Weedon Island Preserve and its Cultural and Natural History Center, as well as for Shell Key Preserve. If County Commissioners approve the budget as proposed, both parks would lose funding on Jan. 1, according to an email county parks director Paul Cozzie sent to stakeholders.
“Clearwater invites rival plans for Landings Golf Course after $180M sports complex pitch” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Clearwater City Council says an unsolicited $180 million sports and recreation complex proposal for the city-owned The Landings Golf Club property is worth further consideration, but the city is also opening a 30-day window for developers to submit alternate proposals for the site. The decision does not approve the sports complex or commit Clearwater to redeveloping the golf course. The Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment LLC proposal would replace the 77-acre golf course property with a sprawling sports tourism and recreation campus built around 13 multipurpose athletic fields. The project is estimated to cost about $180 million, financed through roughly $108 million in private borrowing and $27 million in private equity.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Andrew Gillum jailed again after bond revoked in Alabama meth case” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Gillum, the former Tallahassee Mayor and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee who was arrested in July on meth possession charges in Alabama, is behind bars again. Gillum’s bond was revoked after he missed a drug screen and then tested positive for meth during an Aug. 6 court appearance, according to an order of commitment to jail signed by Baldwin County District Judge Scott Taylor. Gillum, who came within 34,000 votes of becoming Florida Governor, was booked the same day into the Baldwin County jail. The court order says, under the reason for commitment, that Gillum missed his scheduled drug test and tested positive when summoned to court.
“Escambia County Commissioners block large data centers in unincorporated areas” via Hailey Samples of WEAR — Escambia County Commissioners approved an ordinance to block large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas of the county on Thursday. In a 4-1 vote Thursday night, Commissioners banned large-scale data centers in Escambia County. That lone vote — District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. The vote came after more than 20 speakers spoke out against the facilities. The opposition to data centers is spreading throughout Northwest Florida. In July, Santa Rosa County Commissioners passed a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers. “The perception or the misperception of what this can adversely do to the health, what it can do to our water supply, what it can do to our environment, what it can do to our electrical grid, and what it can do to our land,“ May said. ”We have to explore all of those before we make decisions.”
“School zone cameras to begin enforcing speed limits again on Aug. 12” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Tallahassee Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down as school zone speed enforcement cameras will be active starting Aug. 12. Unlike last year, there will be no warning period for drivers when the new school year begins. Cameras are active throughout the entire school day and issue tickets to drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph. TPD posted a reminder for the community on social media: “School zone speed enforcement returns Aug. 12. As students head back to class, cameras will begin monitoring speeds in active school zones across Tallahassee.” A little more than 50,000 notices of violation were issued to Tallahassee drivers from the program’s inception last March to the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
“Two men charged after machete, hatchet fight outside Publix” via Eric Weiss of WEAR — Two men were charged with aggravated battery after a confrontation involving a machete and a hatchet outside a Panama City Publix. The fight happened Aug. 4 in the parking lot of the Publix at 4601 Lindsey Crossing. Panama City police identified the men as James Tristan Gay, 35, and Everette Eric Krichbaum, 52. Police said Gay then returned to his vehicle, retrieved a machete and approached Krichbaum again. Krichbaum allegedly displayed a hatchet, and the two men began struggling over the weapons. Investigators determined Gay was the primary aggressor, saying he had an opportunity to disengage but instead escalated the encounter. Gay was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Bay County Jail records reviewed for this story show Krichbaum was booked into the jail at 11:35 a.m. Aug. 7.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Joe Neunder hired a developer law firm to silence claims he’s bankrolled by developers” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — In an episode of things you just can’t make up, Sarasota County Commissioner Neunder recently authorized an out-of-town developer law firm to send his political opponent, Jim DeNiro, a cease and desist letter demanding he stop mailing materials to voters informing them Neunder was bankrolled by — wait for it — developers. What’s more, the letter came three weeks before Neunder personally asked Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst to investigate DeNiro, suggesting Neunder’s campaign of intimidation against DeNiro predated the more recent overstep. On July 15, Neunder authorized Boca Raton-based Tobin Reyes Law Offices to send DeNiro the cease and desist letter. The letter threatened litigation against DeNiro, his campaign and his political committee for libel and tortious interference.
“Can Manatee County’s anti-development wave strike again?” via Derek Gilliam of Suncoast Searchlight — Two years ago, Manatee County voters did something rare in modern politics when they rejected the candidates who spent the most money. But even longtime Manatee County political observers fear the anti-development movement has lost its momentum from the milestone 2024 victories. Contributions to candidates have fallen off a cliff, especially among grassroots challengers who now face even greater spending gaps against the more established candidates than they did in 2024. Joe McClash, who served as a County Commissioner from 1990 to 2012 and now publishes The Bradenton Times, said there’s still plenty of pent-up anger to drive voters to the polls. “The voters, I believe, will still hold them accountable for choosing developers over the citizens,” McClash said.
— TOP OPINION —
“Florida’s swampy, undignified GOP Primary for Governor” via Diane Roberts of FlaglerLive — Donalds dominates Florida’s Republican Primary for Governor, leading by roughly 40 points and carrying Trump’s Golden Ticket endorsement. Yet the front-runner keeps generating unforced errors, from botching Trump’s Jeffrey Epstein “Birthday Book“ signature defense to standing beside an ”Achieveability” sign while promoting literacy.
Donalds has also discovered Floridians dislike AI data centers. After taking substantial tech-industry campaign money, he now favors local regulation and wants facilities supplying their own water and electricity. Convenient timing? You decide.
Fishback, meanwhile, desperately needs attention and certainly knows how to get it. He has hurled racist nicknames at Donalds, echoed White supremacist Nick Fuentes and faced uncomfortable questions involving women, including allegations concerning an underage girl that he denies.
Then there’s Jay Collins, the decorated former Green Beret and fierce abortion opponent who tried unsuccessfully to remove Fishback from the ballot over Florida’s seven-year residency requirement. A Leon County judge decided voters could sort out that mess themselves.
Collins and Fishback are essentially fighting for second place. The more interesting mystery is DeSantis, who hasn’t endorsed anyone — including Collins, his own Lieutenant Governor. DeSantis’ relationship with Donalds collapsed after Donalds endorsed Trump before the 2024 Presidential Primary.
Now DeSantis publicly dismisses Donalds as having played little role in Florida’s conservative victories. Perhaps everyone prefers DeSantis staying out. Donalds, Collins and Fishback seem perfectly capable of alienating plenty of Floridians without his assistance.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“John Stemberger: In defense of Donalds” via John Stemberger of Florida Politics — I have proudly endorsed Donalds for Governor. Recently, Byron has become the target of a growing number of totally unfair criticisms and bogus online attacks. Some focus on his congressional record, suggesting he ”didn’t accomplish much” or missed too many votes (3.2%). In the final months of his campaign for Governor, DeSantis missed 43 of 80 House votes (53.8%). But Fishback is a very slick and divisive figure who is engaged in a horrible and slanderous attack on Byron and his family. I believe Byron Donalds deserves the same opportunity. I remain confident that Byron Donalds will earn the trust of Florida voters and continue the strong conservative leadership that has made our state the model for the nation.
“How to name your Florida political action committee“ via Stephanie Hayes of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida political committees may move millions, but their names often reveal almost nothing about what they actually do. Pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future has funneled money toward Donalds through American Mission Florida, while data-center developers have contributed to politicians including Uthmeier through committees with names such as Honest Leadership. Florida’s nearly 2,000 registered political committees provide plenty of naming inspiration: start with ”Friends,” sprinkle in optimistic adjectives like Better, Bolder or Stronger, add urgency with Tomorrow or Today, and avoid giving voters pesky clues about the mission. Sometimes simplicity wins. Actual Florida committees include Important Work, Do Better, Association For Serious Service, YOLO PAC, Helping You, Hey Florida and A-Ha!
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Scientists race to save coral reef as El Niño heats the ocean” via Brady Dennis of The Washington Post — The waters off the coast of South Florida were already growing warm by late June — ominously warm to Ken Nedimyer and other scientists and conservationists still scarred by a devastating 2023 marine heat wave that led to the worst mass coral bleaching event on record in the state. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned that the most intense El Niño event in 150 years is contributing to exceptionally warm waters. Already, the agency has issued an “alert level 2“ for parts of the Florida Keys, meaning there is a risk for reef-wide bleaching and mortality, particularly among heat-sensitive corals. ”The temperatures we are seeing right now are basically mimicking what we saw at this same time in 2023,” said Cynthia Lewis, director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography’s Keys Marine Laboratory. “It’s the calm before the storm.”
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today is Jack Cory.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
The post Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.10.26 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..