Politics
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.25.26
Good Tuesday morning.
Breaking late Monday — “Supreme Court upholds Donald Trump’s order to overhaul mail-in ballots” via Josephine Walker and Avery Lotz of Axios — President Trump can move ahead with an executive order restricting mail-in ballots just months before the Midterm Elections after the Supreme Court ruled states lacked standing to challenge it at this stage. The unsigned order said the directive did not itself regulate state voter-registration systems, though the justices cautioned that future implementation measures could still be challenged. Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, arguing the constitutional questions remain unresolved. The order directs federal officials to create a list of eligible citizen voters and limits Postal Service acceptance of ballots to voters on that list. Separate litigation continues, leaving the final impact on November’s elections uncertain.
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Byron Donalds’ campaign is leaning heavily on its “Special Announcement” banner, but so far, the candidate is keeping the details under wraps. Three stops, three media markets, all packed into a single day, and the deadline to name a running mate is just days away.
The Republican gubernatorial nominee’s Tuesday itinerary, billed as “Defending the Florida Dream”:
— Miami: 10 a.m., doors at 9:15, Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College, 600 Biscayne Blvd.
— Sanford: 1:45 p.m., doors at 1, Rotor Blade Repair Inc., 512 Dauntless Pt.
— St. Pete: 6 p.m., doors at 5:15, 11300 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.
For now, we wait to see exactly what the campaign is ready to unveil.
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My latest for FloridAI: Florida’s parties have switched sides on AI, and almost nobody caught it.
Sachs Media repeated its 2024 survey on AI in government. The headline numbers barely changed, but the underlying data told a different story.
Two years ago, Republicans were the most skeptical group in Florida when it came to AI. Now, they are the most optimistic. Democrats, meanwhile, have grown more cautious about using AI in government, investing in the technology, and seeing benefits at the local level. Republican concern about AI bias dropped by 20 points, while Democratic concern about AI’s impact on jobs rose by 12 points.
If your assumptions about AI messaging are based on where the parties stood in 2024, it is time to update them.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
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—@JayCollinsFL: Good talking with Forrest Saunders today about the future of Florida, what we learned traveling this state, and why the fight for the people who call Florida home doesn’t stop after an election. I’m proud of the campaign we ran, grateful to every Floridian who stood with us, and more committed than ever to keeping Florida strong, free, and focused on the people who live here. More to come.
—@Sporaticus_: In a world of dumb press conferences, this (Gov. Ron) DeSantis public assistance press conference may be the dumbest. One noteworthy item — he’s tried to tout Hope Florida several times, but clearly has been advised not to say “Hope Florida,” so he’s just referring to it as “the CarePortal”
—@ScottforFlorida: Florida should never be down in tourism, and it being down for the second quarter in a row is concerning — it means less jobs and less revenue for Florida families. Good thing our next Governor, @ByronDonalds, cares deeply about this issue! Make sure to vote for him and encourage your friends and family to do so. Florida has the best beaches. The best amusement parks. The best fishing. The best views. We gotta get back on track, and Byron will be the Governor to do that.
—@JonMartinEsq: We can’t even go tech-free in many cities and government parks around the state. You have to have a credit card and a smartphone in order to be able to park your car or take your family to the park. And the apps that the government requires you to download (in order to use facilities paid by your tax dollars) are collecting your private information.
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— DAYS UNTIL —
‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 3; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 7; NFL regular season kicks off — 15; Republican National Midterm Convention — 15; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 16; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 17; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 21; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 25; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 26; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 30; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 37; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 38; General Election voter-registration deadline — 41; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 45; Associated Industries of Florida one-on-one conversations with five top-of-ticket Republicans — 48; ‘VisionQuest’ premieres — 50; Optional General early voting begins — 55; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 57; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 57; General Election ballot request deadline — 58; Mandatory General early voting begins — 60; General Election — 70; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 73; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 73; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 78; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 80; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 80; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 84; New legislator training sessions — 84; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 84; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 87; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 92; ‘Madden’ premieres — 93; Committee Week #1 — 97; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 115; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 115; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 115; Committee Week #2 — 132; Committee Week #3 — 139; ‘Ahsoka’ season 2 premieres — 148; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 153; Committee Week #4 — 160; Grammys — 166; Committee Week #5 — 167; Super Bowl LXI — 173; Committee Week #6 — 174; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 189; Tampa Mayoral Election — 189; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 192; Oscars — 201; Jacksonville First Election — 210; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 212; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 212; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 232; Jacksonville General Election — 266; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 276; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 284; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 325; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 346; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 346; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 381; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 479; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 515; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 517; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 525; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 532; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 539; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 542; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 546; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 553; Oscars — 558; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 619; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 640; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 661; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 689; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 703; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 805; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 843; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 881; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,205; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,245; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,936.
— TOP STORY —
“Oh, Canada! Florida tourism numbers dip as Canadian backlash deepens” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — Florida tourism slipped for a second straight quarter as inflation pressures persisted and Canadian travel fell sharply amid trade tensions with the United States. An estimated 34.01 million people visited in the second quarter, bringing first-half visitation to 73.5 million, down 1.4% from 2025.
Travel to Florida from domestic, overseas, and Canadian visitors all slipped slightly between April and June. The state is still outpacing its pre-pandemic tourism numbers — except when it comes to Canada — and continues to build on the records set since 2022. Still, the pace is slowing as tighter household budgets and changing travel habits start to show up in the numbers.
Canada stands out as the biggest weakness. About 721,000 Canadians visited Florida in the second quarter, down 4.2% year over year. First-half Canadian visitation fell 13.9% to 1.68 million, well below 2019 levels, as Canadian travelers increasingly avoided U.S. destinations.
The pullback comes as Trump’s rhetoric about Canada and renewed trade disputes continue straining relations. Statistics Canada reported an 11-month streak of year-over-year declines in return border crossings from the United States, the deepest sustained drop outside the pandemic era.
Florida economists also warned that inflation has outpaced wage growth, increasing reliance on credit while tourism growth slows. Domestic visitors totaled 31.08 million in the second quarter, while overseas visitation slipped 3.7% for the quarter but remained up 2.2% for the year.
State officials are now promoting rural destinations, historic sites, and America 250 tourism opportunities in response. Florida’s visitor economy remains massive, but the latest numbers make it clear that maintaining the record pace is getting tougher as economic pressures and international tensions shape where travelers go.
— 2026 —
“Byron Donalds lowers the bar: Don’t expect a Ron DeSantis-sized margin against David Jolly” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Republican gubernatorial nominee Donalds is tempering expectations for November, acknowledging that the political environment could make it difficult to match the landslide margins Republicans posted in recent cycles. Public polling has shown Donalds leading Democrat Jolly by about 6 points on average, while Democratic polling has shown a much tighter race. Donalds says the path to victory runs through housing, insurance and workforce issues rather than nationalizing the contest around Trump, whose support helped propel him through the Primary. He also says conversations with DeSantis have been productive, though he stopped short of saying DeSantis will campaign with him.
”Donalds PAC ads slam ‘Liberal David Jolly’ for backing higher taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security” via Florida Voice — Friends of Byron Donalds PAC launched two new television and streaming advertisements that frame the November gubernatorial race as a choice between affordability under Republican nominee Donalds and higher costs under Jolly. The ads, titled “Keep It” and “More For It,” began airing across television and digital platforms. The PAC said it underscores Donalds’ plan to cut taxes, lower insurance rates, and reduce prescription drug costs, while accusing Jolly of opposing tax relief for working families and seniors. In “Keep It,” Donalds appears on camera and recounts growing up in a household where his mother worked two jobs to raise three children. Narration states that Jolly wants higher taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security. Friends of Byron Donalds PAC Chair Ryan Smith said the ads present a clear choice. “Byron has a plan to help Florida families keep more of what they earn. Liberal David Jolly has a plan to take it,” Smith said.
To watch the ad, please click the image below:
”Donalds’ ad deceptively edited Jolly clip on gender-affirming care” via Samantha Putterman of PolitiFact — Ahead of U.S. Rep. Donalds’ win in Florida’s Republican Gubernatorial Primary, he launched an attack ad against Jolly over transgender issues. The ad’s text says Jolly supports “gender changing surgeries on kids” and plays a clip of Jolly saying, “We embraced it, the medical pathways, the gender-affirming care.” Did Jolly say he supports surgeries for children to affirm their gender? No, the ad twists Jolly’s words from a 2025 podcast interview. In context, Jolly was quoting someone else when he made the comment about gender-affirming care — a broad term that isn’t limited to surgery. When asked by reporters about medical care for trans youth, Jolly has said he supports families making medical decisions with a doctor. We rate this statement False. “I do not know what further statement you need when he says it pretty plainly himself,” Donalds spokesperson Skylar Swanson said.
”Jolly responds to pro-Donalds ad, denies supporting taxing Social Security” via Michael Costeines of The Floridian — Jolly is pushing back on the accusation that he’s for taxing Social Security, claimed in an ad released by a pro-Donalds political committee. In addition, Jolly set the record straight on claims from the ad that he wants to tax tips and overtime. The ad follows another from Friends of Byron Donalds attacking Jolly on transgender issues earlier this month. Jolly served in Congress as a Republican in Congressional District 13 from 2014 to 2017. He later became an independent before finally switching his affiliation to the Democratic Party in April 2025 to run in the gubernatorial election. Both Jolly and Rep. Donalds are competing for the Governor’s seat on Nov. 3. Jolly is looking to become the first Democrat elected Florida Governor since 1994. “So, let’s lay it out there. I don’t support taxing Social Security. And I think it’s fair to tax wages however they’re earned but would support relief for tips above the standard wage rate,” Jolly wrote.
”Florida Democrats, Angie Nixon present united front after intraparty ‘dust-up’ steals headlines” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Reports that the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) is split after state Rep. Nixon earned the U.S. Senate nomination last week are exaggerated. The FDP says it is uniting ahead of the General Election “with a dynamic ticket, a renewed sense of possibility, and an opportunity to build the broad coalition it will take to win.” Interestingly, given Axios’s reporting on a call between FDP Chair Nikki Fried and Nixon, the FDP’s statement of unity gave Nixon the first full paragraph. Nixon acknowledged the “little dust-up” happened but downplayed its lasting importance in exclusive comments to Florida Politics. “We are uniting to take on these folks,” the third-term legislator from Jacksonville said, referring to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody and the Florida Republican Party. “It’s like sisters,” Nixon explained. “I am the Black progressive sister. She is the White moderate sister.”
”Charles Burkett courts DeSantis for the No. 2 job on his long-shot Governor’s ticket” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Former Surfside Mayor Burkett wants outgoing DeSantis as his running mate in a long-shot bid to succeed him. The term-limited Republican Governor wasn’t consulted about the prospect and — by Burkett’s own admission — may want no part of it. Burkett, who has no party affiliation, extended the invitation during a news conference outside Surfside Town Hall, where he served three separate stints as Mayor. Burkett made clear he doesn’t know whether DeSantis is interested. The clock is running down. Under state law, each gubernatorial candidate must name a running mate in writing to the Department of State by 5 p.m. on the ninth day after the Primary — this Thursday — or forfeit a spot on the November ballot. “If he says yes, I’d like him in the office next to mine. If he says no, I’ll have him on speed dial,” he said, adding that he has “other extraordinary Floridians in mind who possess many of the same qualities.”
— MORE ELECTIONS —
”After redistricting, DeSantis hedges bets on who will win 4 new red seats” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis led the charge this Spring to redo Florida’s congressional map, making four seats held by Democrats red-leaning. But in an election cycle that’s expected to favor Democrats, DeSantis was cautious about Republicans’ ability to flip all four of those U.S. House seats. “This year they’re winnable, but I think it’s going to require some effort,” he said. Trump’s approval rating is deep underwater, and Democrats lead the generic ballot by almost 7 points. U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor of Tampa and Jared Moskowitz of South Florida are the two imperiled Democratic incumbents with the best chances of holding on to their seats, according to Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
”Anna Paulina Luna, an insider trading ban supporter, slammed by House Dems for investment hypocrisy” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — House Democrats just dropped five figures on a digital ad accusing U.S. Rep. Luna of insider trading hypocrisy. The static ad from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) shows Luna beside a pile of cash, with the headline “Anna Paulina Luna invested up to $500,000 in her donor’s company.” It cites a 2025 NBC News report showing that, even as Luna pressured House leadership to enact an insider trading ban, her financial disclosures showed she invested between $250,000 and $500,000 in America First Natural Resources, a company founded by donor Bruce N. Rosenthal. Because she owns equity in the firm, it would not be subject to restrictions she supports on members of Congress owning or trading stocks. That news story quoted Donald Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, criticizing the investment. “You don’t need to be an ethics expert to see the problem with a member of Congress investing in a donor’s company that could likely be affected by the decisions of one of her committees,” Sherman said.
— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —
“Dennis Lemma backs Jason Brodeur for re-election” via Florida Politics — Seminole County Sheriff Lemma is endorsing Sen. Brodeur for re-election in Senate District 10, praising the Republican’s work on public safety and the opioid crisis. Lemma said Brodeur has secured resources for treatment and recovery while addressing the needs of law enforcement officers protecting Florida communities. Brodeur, the Senate President Pro Tempore, called Lemma a trusted law enforcement leader and said he was grateful for his support and partnership in keeping Central Florida safe. The endorsement adds another prominent Seminole County official to Brodeur’s coalition as he campaigns for another Senate term. Brodeur represents portions of Seminole and Orange counties and previously served in the Florida House.
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— STATEWIDE —
“Florida becomes first state to tighten TANF spending rules” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Florida is seeking federal approval to restrict how low-income families can use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits, becoming the first state to pursue limits on what DeSantis called “inappropriate and non-essential purposes.” The proposed rules would block TANF debit-card purchases for cigarettes, tobacco, adult material, video games, entertainment tickets, tattoos, tanning beds and fortune-telling services. DeSantis said Florida expects swift approval from the Trump administration and argued the changes will better direct taxpayer dollars toward essential needs and self-sufficiency. Interim Department of Children and Families Secretary Kate Williams said implementation details are still being worked out. More than 24,000 Floridians are expected to use TANF this fiscal year.
“Wife of arrested DeSantis ally stands by him, calls child abuse allegations ‘false’” via Brittany Wallman and Shirsho Dasgupta of the Miami Herald — Tracy Caruso, the wife of suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts Mike Caruso arrested last week on child sex abuse charges, said Monday she believes in his innocence and will “stand firmly beside him as he faces these serious allegations and works to clear his name.” Caruso said she is resigning from public Boards “to devote my attention and energy to standing with him through the fight ahead.” DeSantis appointed Tracy Caruso to the Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. She was also appointed locally to the Palm Beach County Housing and Finance Authority and serves as Chair.
—“Police release 2013 report on Caruso molestation allegations” via Hannah Phillips of the Palm Beach Post
”July unemployment rate comes in at 4.6%, the second straight month of decline” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Florida’s unemployment rate dropped for the second month in a row in July. The jobless figure came in at 4.6% last month. That’s a decline from June’s rate of 4.7%. Florida hasn’t seen an increase in the jobless rate since April, when it ticked up to 4.8%. Miami-Dade County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state in July at 2.5%, followed by Monroe County at 3.3%. Taylor County recorded the highest figure at 8.4%, followed by Sumter County’s 7.9%. In July, there were about 515,000 people without jobs in the state. The labor force stood at about 11.12 million people. The state gained 41,000 jobs when compared to the same month in 2025. The jobless rate in the U.S. in July was 4.1%, down 0.1 percentage point from June.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Trump calls it ‘a mistake’ for communities to reject data centers” via Kinsey Crowley and Greta Cross of USA Today Network — Trump said communities rejecting data centers are “making a mistake” in an interview that aired Aug. 23. Data centers have become a political flashpoint in local elections across the country, and Trump has defended them while touting their benefits. Proponents praise their economic benefits and role in technological innovation, while critics warn of environmental impact. While speaking with his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, Trump touted his achievements as President before touching on the AI race with China. “I’m letting them build their own power plants,” Trump said. “Frankly, communities that don’t take a data center, they’re making a mistake because there’s plenty of communities that want them. Because it means jobs and tremendous tax revenue coming into the towns and cities that take them. So, you know, it’s like the smart ones are saying, ‘I want them so badly.’”
“Trump quietly asserts control over Postal Service amid plans to overhaul voting” via Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Adam Sella and Nick Corasaniti of The New York Times — Four weeks before Trump signed an executive order seeking to restrict mail voting, he filed four nominations for vacancies on the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service. All four were Republicans. Three have expressed doubts about who won the 2020 Presidential Election and the security of voting. The selections broke with a long-standing practice of nominating Board members in bipartisan pairs. Two of those nominees are on a fast track for approval and could reach a full Senate vote when the chamber returns from recess in September. If confirmed, their appointments would effectively tip the Board into a majority loyal to Trump. The quiet attempt to restructure the leadership of the Postal Service comes as the President and his allies are trying to transform the 251-year-old agency into a central player in their quest to overhaul the nation’s elections. Last year, Trump took an unusually active role directing the Board of Governors to select the current postmaster general, David Steiner.
“Gavin Newsom says California will sue Trump administration again to block ‘Orwellian rules’ meant to curb mail-in voting” via Robert Mackey of The Guardian — Newsom said his state would sue the Trump administration again to block federal changes to mail voting, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a previous suit was filed too early in the process by his state and 22 others. “California will be suing AGAIN to block these Orwellian rules from being implemented,” Newsom posted. Newsom also highlighted two new proposed state laws that would make it a crime to interfere with the delivery of mail ballots. In a press release, Newsom added that he and the California Legislature “are doubling down to ensure California continues to defend democracy as new threats from Donald Trump and his election-rigging allies emerge.” One of the laws would prohibit anyone “from seizing or causing the seizure of ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before election results are certified,” and would block “any person with authority from directing someone in their supervision to do the same.”
”Trump administration proposes $103,000 fee for H-1B visas after legal setback” via Ted Hesson and Lauren Kaori Gurley of The Washington Post — The Trump administration plans to charge employers seeking skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa program a $103,265 fee, a proposed regulation posted on Monday says. Revenue from the fee would be used to run the legal immigration system, the document says, including funding for federal immigration courts and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Trump tried to implement a similar $100,000 fee last year through a presidential proclamation, but a federal judge invalidated it in June. The H-1B program, created by Congress in 1990, provides employers with visas for 65,000 skilled foreign workers annually, with an additional 20,000 visas available to workers with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. The proposed regulation contends the new fee would make employers “less likely to hire an H-1B worker over a qualified and highly-skilled American.” “This is again an illegal tax,” said Charles Kuck, who practices immigration law in Atlanta.
”Florida cattle ranchers push back on Trump’s beef import plan” via Ana Goni Lessan of News Service of Florida — Florida’s cattle ranchers are criticizing Trump’s move to import 300,000 tons of tariff-free beef to lower prices for consumers. Trump announced the deal on social media, saying it would drop the cost of beef to 25% below current market prices. But Florida’s cattle ranchers, and ranchers across the country, are “disappointed,” said Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The Florida Cattlemen’s Association agrees. “Artificially interfering with the cattle market is not sound policy,” said John Williamson, the group’s president. Beef and veal prices are expected to increase 10.7% this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
”Trump criticism leads to rare criminal charges for Air Force officer who called for impeachment” via Davis Winkie of CNN — A U.S. airman who was arrested twice, once on the steps of the U.S. Capitol while calling for the impeachment of Trump, was officially criminally charged for his comments. Maj. Jason Watson faces charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The rare Article 88 charges are connected to the Air Force officer’s June interview with the Defenders of Our Republic Substack newsletter, his July 1 protest in uniform at the U.S. Capitol, and an August 17 CNN interview. Many low-level offenses of these rules are resolved informally, but Watson’s violations were unusually high-profile. “Not only is (Trump) a failure as President, he is flagrantly violating the Constitution, breaking the law, engaged in rampant corruption, and is killing Americans,” Watson said. “And that is unacceptable to me.”
”Trump roasts Karoline Leavitt with five-word diss on her birthday” via Jorge Solis of The Mirror U.S. — Trump roasted White House Press Secretary Leavitt on her birthday. On Aug. 24, Fox News halted its regular programming as Trump hosted a back-to-school-themed event to highlight his administration’s education policies. The event was held in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., on the same day Leavitt was celebrating her 29th birthday. In five words, Trump seemed unable to boast about Leavitt in front of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, his former White House Press Secretary from 2017 to 2019. Trump said, “Karoline has done a fantastic job. She’s been a great, great Press Secretary.” The President played jokes on her, stating, “Now, if I say you are the best of all time, I have Sarah sitting here!” “But let’s put it this way. They were both great, OK? Is that all right?” he closed.
Turkey’s defense ministry taps Ballard — Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense has retained Ballard Partners to help it navigate security issues relevant to its relationship with the U.S. Disclosures show the 12-month lobbying deal is worth $200,000 a month and went into effect Aug. 15. Brian Ballard is listed as the lead lobbyist on the disclosure alongside former U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, Thomas Boodry and Senior Partner Syl Lukis. The firm reports to Ilkay Altindag, who serves as Director General for Defense and Security at the Ministry.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
”Federal judge says FIU violated First Amendment rights of anti-ICE student protesters” via Daniel Rivero of WLRN Public Media — In a sharp rebuke to Florida International University, a federal judge has ruled that the school likely violated the First Amendment rights of students who staged a silent protest against the university’s voluntary collaboration with federal immigration authorities in March. On March 13, a group of 20 or so students sat in the audience while FIU President Jeanette Nuñez held an on-campus chat with former Major League Baseball star Alex Rodriguez. About half an hour into the program, the students stood up, unveiled shirts reading “ICE OFF FIU,” and stood silently for a few minutes. On Sunday, three days after their first court hearing, U.S. Southern District of Florida Judge Jacqueline Becerra ruled in their favor. Plaintiff Andrew Caro said he was not surprised by the ruling, but it only affirmed what the students already knew.
”Miami-Dade schools report nearly 19,000-student enrollment drop on first day, District says count is not final” via Manuel Bojorquez of CBS Miami — Miami-Dade County Public Schools are addressing reports of a significant enrollment decline on the first day of classes. A report indicates a drop of nearly 19,000 students compared to enrollment figures from last Spring. The School District pushed back against the data, saying the first-day figures are only a “snapshot” and do not represent an accurate, final tally. District officials stated that a more precise count will take place in October, and that official tally will determine state funding. The reports have raised concerns among parents regarding potential school closures or consolidations. The District has already closed or consolidated nine schools this year due to declining enrollment. Factors cited for the declines include private school vouchers, the cost of living, and immigration enforcement, which may be driving some families away from South Florida. “I’m afraid that in the following school year, the next 27-28 school year, there are going to be a lot more schools they will be looking at to possibly close or consolidate,” said Lissette Fernandez, co-founder of the advocacy group Moms for Libros, who has two children in the District.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
”Single vote determines St. Cloud Primary as Osceola recounts 2 races” via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — Osceola County election officials recounted votes this weekend in two races, with the winners remaining as they were in last Tuesday’s Primary, though one candidate watched his margin of victory shrink to a single vote. Alex Rodriguez prevailed over Jim Moore by just three votes last week for the last spot in a November runoff for St. Cloud City Council Seat 5. The recount on Saturday morning put Rodriguez ahead by just a single vote, but that was enough to put him in the November runoff against Kirk Zilke, the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections said. In the race for Osceola County School Board District 3, Alyssa Noel defeated Natalie Guzman by 29 votes, or.4%. Noel will take a seat on the School Board later this year. “This is why I tell people every vote truly matters,” he said.
”Christopher Delgado faces two government lawsuits over his Orlando Ponzi scheme” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Delgado is awaiting his Oct. 21 sentencing hearing after he pleaded guilty to running the $425 million Goliath Ventures Ponzi scheme. The scheme gave him millions of dollars to buy expensive cars and Central Florida real estate, and he funneled money to politicians, nonprofits and Orlando institutions. Now, Delgado and the failed Goliath Ventures are being sued by two different government agencies: the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Delgado ran his operation from 2023 to 2025 and projected an image of wealth and success to lure victims into his Ponzi scheme. About 1,230 victims were identified in the United States, and another 279 victims were found abroad.
”‘Inflation is a bear’: Altamonte looks to end Red, Hot & Boom, close library” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — The popular Red, Hot & Boom event — one of the largest Independence Day fireworks shows in Central Florida — has grown too expensive and too large and should be axed from the city budget, Altamonte Springs officials say. “The event has outgrown its venue” at Cranes Roost Park, City Manager Frank Martz said, noting it costs more than $900,000. In another cost-cutting move, Martz and his staff also recommend closing Altamonte’s popular library on Maitland Avenue, which costs about $750,000 to operate annually. Both proposals are part of the city’s budget plan for next fiscal year.
”Orlando shelves controversial Leu Gardens plan” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando is shelving a controversial $100 million plan to modernize the city’s famed Leu Gardens after neighbors bashed the idea as one that would commercialize the park and add traffic to local streets. An email from a city spokesperson cited resident feedback and a potential loss of property tax revenue as reasons for the city’s decision to walk back the proposal. But many remained opposed. State Rep. Anna Eskamani, who is running for city Mayor in 2027, thanked “the hundreds of community members who showed up to public meetings, to our legislative office, and to their neighbors’ kitchen tables to make their voices heard about the future of Harry P. Leu Gardens.” The garden “is a treasure, and any vision for its future has to be shaped by the people who visit, volunteer, and live alongside it, and it has to put environmental conservation and the long-term health of the Gardens first,” she said.
— LOCAL: TB —
“The coming weeks will decide the next 30 years of Tampa and St. Petersburg” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Tampa and St. Petersburg are approaching a pivotal stretch that could reshape both cities for decades. Tampa is weighing public financing for a $2.36 billion Rays ballpark and surrounding development, while St. Pete prepares to elect a Mayor as an $8.1 billion Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment moves forward. Together, the projects represent more than $10 billion in construction across more than 200 acres, creating enormous potential — and plenty of opportunity for another false start. St. Pete needs Charlie Crist, not Ken Welch, to navigate the Rays transition and keep redevelopment moving. Crist offers the dealmaking skills the moment demands. If the votes and negotiations break right, the next 75 days could set Tampa Bay’s course for the next 30 years.
”Ken Welch administration’s Flock camera program comes under scrutiny as opposition to the technology grows” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg has 50 Flock Safety cameras reading license plates on its roads. Until this month, almost nobody at City Hall had talked about them in public. Crist led with more than 35% of the vote to Welch‘s less than 21%, and the two are headed to a November runoff in which the cameras have become one of the first points of disagreement. Crist wants a moratorium on any expansion of the program until the city knows what police are doing with it. Welch called that “knee-jerk political theater that we do not need.” He said the city has privacy protections in place and that the cameras are “helping us track down people that make us less safe as a community.” “If there’s a strong enough argument that it’s such an invasion, then we can take it down,” Welch said. “I haven’t seen that.”
”Already facing a difficult path to keep his current job, Welch hints to supporters he’s eyeing Governor’s Mansion” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Swapping out the word “dress” for “fundraise” isn’t always the appropriate application, and it’s definitely not if your name is Welch, and you just finished nearly 15 points behind your re-election opponent. Welch, facing re-election as St. Petersburg Mayor after a Primary that saw nearly 80% of voters cast a ballot against him, sent a fundraising text seeking “a final $10,000” and strongly implying a future bid for Governor. That recipient is a past major donor to Welch’s 2021 campaign and a current donor to his re-election. Welch just declared to a former supporter that he might someday run for Governor. Welch’s campaign dismissed the declaration as a joke. This is a man who has an all-but-impossible path to victory. “This was a private fundraising text with an obvious joke in parentheses, not a campaign launch for Governor. Welch is focused on winning this runoff and serving St. Petersburg. If we ever announce a statewide campaign, it won’t be buried in parentheses in a private text message,” campaign spokesperson and Chair of Welch’s political committee Adrienne Bogen said in a statement.
“TPA scraps proposed TSA Gold+ model, sticks with existing security” via Breanne Williams of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Tampa International Airport will no longer move forward with privatizing its security. TPA announced that it had completed a “full evaluation” of the Transportation Security Administration’s Gold+ program and has “elected to continue its checkpoint screening operations with its existing federal TSA officers.” Earlier this year, the TSA approached TPA with the proposal to switch to TSA Gold+, which would have essentially transitioned screening operations from the federal government to a private company. Privatization ensures that, should the government shut down, security agents continue to get paid. It also allows the airport to have faster access to new technology to improve the screening process.
”‘Wild, Wild West’: Tampa looks to piggyback on proposed Hillsborough vacation rental registry” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Tampa could soon move to rein in what City Council Chair Alan Clendenin calls the “Wild, Wild West” of short-term vacation rentals, using a pending Hillsborough County proposal as the blueprint for a citywide registration system. Hillsborough’s current proposal applies only to unincorporated areas, but county lawyers are expected to add a process allowing municipalities to participate. Clendenin said Tampa does not even know how many short-term rentals are operating within city limits. County Commissioner Harry Cohen has led an effort to create an annual registry for an estimated 3,000 short-term vacation rentals operating in unincorporated Hillsborough. “There’s party houses, and there’s a lot of things involved in this, and right now, it’s kind of a Wild, Wild West in the city of Tampa,” Clendenin said. “This is an attempt, along with the county, to reel that in.”
“Treasure Island starts putting a price on what it can live without” via Matthew Reed of St. Pete Catalyst — A library card became a stand-in for a much bigger question facing Treasure Island: If the city needs to cut spending, what services should residents be willing to give up? During the city’s second workshop on its proposed fiscal 2027 budget, Commissioners moved from broad calls to rein in spending to discuss what could be cut. The possibilities ranged from Treasure Island’s $166,623 annual contribution to Gulf Beaches Public Library to conference travel, recreation programs and city vehicles. Commissioners also reopened a larger and more contentious question over the cost of maintaining the city’s own police department and building a new police and fire headquarters. The discussion comes as Treasure Island prepares its next budget amid uncertainty over potential changes to Florida’s property tax system.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Recount results are in for City Commission race: Tom Derzypolski wins” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — The results are in: Derzypolski will be advancing to the November runoff for Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3. The Leon County Supervisor of Elections Office announced Aug. 24 that the machine and manual recount confirmed the top two vote-getters who were crowned on Election Night, meaning Derzypolski will go head-to-head with P.J. Perez on Nov. 3. The recount was originally triggered by a 24-vote difference between Derzypolski and Talethia Edwards, who were neck-and-neck for the second-highest vote-getter. That already narrow margin only got thinner after the Leon County Canvassing Board reviewed vote-by-mail ballots, ballots cast by voters whose eligibility couldn’t be immediately verified, and poorly marked ballots.
“Jaguars executive Tony Boselli named to NFL Competition Committee” via Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville Jaguars executive vice president of football operations Boselli was named to the NFL’s Competition Committee on Aug. 25. The 12-person Committee, in existence since the AFL-NFL merger in 1968, is one of the most influential in the league, responsible for evaluating all aspects of the game and proposing rule changes or new rules. Proposals presented to the team owners require a 75% “yes” vote (24 out of 32 teams) to pass. In a statement, Boselli said: “I have always viewed the game of football — and the institutions that support it — as sacred. I felt that way when I entered the National Football League as a player more than 30 years ago, and I feel an even greater responsibility to it today.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“New College hits 1,000-student enrollment goal amid community concerns” via Tarah Jean of USA Today Network — New College of Florida is racing to grow beyond its status as the smallest campus in Florida’s public university system – and it appears to be making headway despite concerns about the rapid expansion plan. The goal was to top 1,000 students this year, and a look at the tentative enrollment number for this Fall shows that the college hit the mark despite many community members and New College stakeholders who are pointing to several concerns – such as high spending amounts and a lack of on-campus housing – as they track the college’s efforts. The college kicked off the Fall 2026 semester on Aug. 17 with 1,015 students on campus on the first day of classes, surpassing 1,000 for the first time in its history.
”Fort Myers Beach approves powerboat races for first time since Hurricane Ian” via Bridget Bruchalski of WINK News — Roar Offshore is returning to Fort Myers Beach in September, four years after Hurricane Ian put the event on hold. The Town Council unanimously approved the final details for the powerboat racing event this morning. The Council waived the town’s noise restrictions to accommodate the racing just off the beach. During the meeting, a Council member asked whether organizers still wanted to allow open containers of alcohol across the island, which was part of the original request. The organizer clarified that it’s no longer part of the plan. That means they won’t need to bring back some of the bigger events from years past, including the boat parade that caused traffic problems along Estero Boulevard. Roar Offshore is set for Sept. 11 through Sept. 13 on Fort Myers Beach. “We don’t need open containers. But we’re not really too concerned about that target, and the reason why is that where the majority of the events are going to be held, that’s actually on closed property,” Randall Tuesdale of Roar Offshore said.
— TOP OPINION —
“James Uthmeier takes on his own church” via Larry Keefe for Florida Politics — Uthmeier’s willingness to challenge Florida’s Catholic bishops over religious vaccine exemptions says something important about how he approaches power. The Attorney General has built a record confronting major institutions when he believes ordinary Floridians are being shortchanged.
The Catholic-school dispute makes that populist instinct especially revealing. Uthmeier, himself a devout Catholic, told the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops that schools receiving state scholarship dollars should honor Florida’s religious vaccine exemptions unless doing so violates their religious tenets.
That meant confronting his own church hierarchy. At least one diocese had refused exemptions and denied enrollment to affected children. Uthmeier warned that noncompliant schools could risk eligibility for state scholarship money, prompting Miami’s Archbishop to call his letter a “not-so-veiled threat.”
The principle appears to resonate beyond religious lines. Karen Cyphers surveyed 1,100 Florida voters, including 308 Catholics, and found 74% agreed private schools accepting state dollars should honor state-issued religious exemptions. Majorities also supported withholding funding from schools that refuse to comply.
The theological distinction matters, too. Catholic teaching considers vaccination morally permissible, but permissible does not mean required. In Cyphers’ survey, 85% of Floridians and 86% of Catholics said permission means Catholics may receive vaccines if they choose, not that every Catholic must do so.
Reasonable people can disagree about vaccines, church authority and conditions attached to public funding. What matters politically is that Uthmeier chose a difficult confrontation he could have avoided. If he will hold the hierarchy of his own Catholic Church to Florida law, voters can expect him to hold other powerful institutions to the same standard.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Trump is losing touch with the public” via David A. Graham of The Atlantic — Trump appears increasingly disconnected from the public sentiment that once helped drive his political success. Data centers illustrate the shift: polling shows widespread opposition to nearby facilities, yet Trump remains an enthusiastic supporter, touting the jobs and tax revenue they bring. Politicians from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have responded to the backlash. Trump, meanwhile, holds fewer rallies, limiting the direct voter feedback that once helped him identify potent issues. His stance on data centers joins other potential disconnects involving affordability, fuel prices, Iran and Canada. Surrounded increasingly by advisers and technology executives, Trump may be losing the populist instincts that powered his political rise.
”I was a Republican Mayor. I’d vote for a democratic socialist” via Frank DeSantis of USA Today — I have conservative values. The DSA could win me over. I’m a former Republican Mayor from a small city I was born in, and I still have some conservative values like hard work and trying to be independent. I would vote for a democratic socialist candidate in a heartbeat if they put forward a workable plan that benefits everyone, such as healthcare or fair tax reform. I was a political science and economics major in college after serving in a combat role in Vietnam. I brought my city out of debt with disciplined spending. The Republicans became my worst nightmare because they only cared about controlling everything from inside the party.
“My daughter depends on all of us” via Kyle Huneycutt for Florida Politics — For families of immunocompromised children, school vaccine policy is not an abstract debate. After leukemia and chemotherapy wiped out Evelyn Huneycutt’s immune system, returning to school meant relying on the protection provided by the community around her. Florida is considering changes to school vaccine requirements and the scope of religious exemptions, potentially increasing the number of unvaccinated children in classrooms. That matters most for children who cannot safely receive vaccines or may not mount a strong immune response. Parents accept that much of childhood is beyond their control, but immunization is one safeguard communities can influence. Evelyn is thriving in school again. Children like her deserve the chance to focus on homework, recess and friends, not whether the classroom itself poses a health risk.
“Older American tourists give Europe’s biometric Summer a one-finger salute” via René Rabeder of Florida Politics — Europe’s new biometric Entry/Exit System is giving older American travelers an unwelcome introduction to automation. The system replaces passport stamps with facial images, fingerprints and digital records, but aging can make fingerprints harder for kiosks to capture. Florida’s 5.3 million residents aged 65 and older make the problem particularly relevant. Travelers with unreadable prints can still proceed after an officer verifies their identity, but this means abandoning automation in favor of staffed lines and potentially lengthy waits. The U.S. generally exempts foreign visitors older than 79 from fingerprint requirements, while Europe has no comparable age exemption. For Americans headed across the Atlantic, the safest strategy is simple: Allow extra time — and hope the kiosk recognizes your fingers.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
”AAA projects busy — and more expensive — Labor Day weekend travel” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Traveling during the Labor Day holiday stretch is going to cost Floridians more this year. AAA Auto Club Group of Florida says the weekend will be busy, no matter how travelers get there. Planes, cars and cruise ships will all be packed with those trying to sneak in a last trip before Fall. Among the top Labor Day domestic destinations, Orlando is ranked second in the nation. Fuel prices have jumped dramatically since the war with Iran began in February, and AAA officials say travelers should expect to pay more to get around. The club says domestic airfare will cost about 2% more than a year ago, averaging around $750 per round-trip ticket. “Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final Summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA.
”Meta brings hands-on AI training to more than 150 Central Florida small businesses” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — More than 150 Central Florida small-business owners spent the morning at NeoCity, Osceola County’s technology campus, learning how to put artificial intelligence to work in their businesses. The workshop is part of Meta’s Small Business Community Accelerator Program, which partners with local chambers of commerce to bring AI training into communities, and drew small-business owners, nonprofit and community organizations and public officials, including Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. The free, two-hour session was hands-on by design, with owners working through the mechanics of using AI: how to write a prompt that returns something useful, how to give a tool enough context to be worth consulting and how to share those practices across a team.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Best wishes to POLITICO Florida’s Gary Fineout, Skip Foster, Joshua Hicks, John Lux of Film Florida and Phillip Singleton.
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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 — 8.25.26 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..