Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.31.26

Good Monday morning.

Breaking late Sunday —“Florida back in the cone as Dolly remnants approach” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly could bring unsettled weather to Florida later this week as the National Hurricane Center tracks the system moving westward through the Caribbean. Forecasters say the tropical wave, producing showers and thunderstorms from Puerto Rico across the Virgin Islands and the northern Leeward Islands, currently lacks a closed circulation and has only a 20% chance of redeveloping over the next seven days. The system could skirt South Florida as it continues west-northwest. Meanwhile, another low-pressure system west of the Panhandle has become better organized and carries a 50% chance of development within 48 hours before reaching Texas. Florida has experienced a relatively quiet hurricane season so far, with Tropical Storm Bertha producing the state’s most notable impacts in July.

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Before we get to the news, some news about the people who bring you the news: three Florida Politics writers were honored at the 2026 Sunshine State Awards, presented by SPJ Florida on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale.

Andrew Meacham was a finalist in Obituary Reporting for “Louis Betz, lobbyist and leader for many, dies,” his remembrance of the longtime lobbyist.

Mike Wright was a finalist in Small Town & Rural Reporting for “Citrus County won’t play Sandman for Suncoast Parkway.”

Jacob Ogles was a finalist in Blog, Newsletter & Digital-First Writing for “Delegation,” his weekly report on Florida’s congressional delegation.

Congratulations to all three. The full list of winners is here.

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— After 40 years of following the Stadium Saga, from stapling recall petitions in 1987 to sitting through Friday’s votes, I’m calling the balls and strikes on who won and who lost the Rays stadium deal. There’s also a confession in there about the campaign I led 17 years ago that I deeply regret.

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Rubin, Turnbull & Associates is adding two professionals to its Tallahassee office as the firm continues to grow its state, local, and federal practices.

Logan McFaddin joins the firm as Chief of Staff and Director of Operations, and Emily Miller joins as a Governmental Consultant.

“Logan and Emily represent exactly the kind of talent we want to continue attracting as our firm grows,” said Founding Partner Bill Rubin. “Logan brings an extraordinary depth of experience, leadership and understanding of Florida government, while Emily is part of an impressive new generation of professionals who already have meaningful experience in both campaigns and the legislative process. We’re excited to welcome them both to Rubin Turnbull.”

McFaddin, a Tallahassee native, brings 20 years of legislative, government, and private-sector experience to the firm. She began her career in state government under former Gov. Jeb Bush and went on to serve as Legislative Affairs Director and Budget Director for three state agencies, as well as for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. She then spent more than a decade with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, most recently as the national insurance trade group’s Vice President of State Government Relations, leading its advocacy in Florida.

As a member of Rubin Turnbull’s senior leadership team, McFaddin will oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations while helping advance strategic initiatives across its local, state, federal, and political practices.

“As our firm continues to grow across Florida and at the federal and local levels, it’s important that we continue investing in great people and building the infrastructure to support our clients and our team,” said Managing Partner Heather Turnbull. “Logan brings tremendous experience and leadership to our senior management team, and Emily brings energy, strong political instincts and firsthand knowledge of the legislative process. Both will be great additions to our Tallahassee office and to the firm as a whole.”

Miller, a Miami native, joins the firm with firsthand experience in Florida campaigns and the legislative process. She began her career as an intern in the office of House Speaker Daniel Perez before managing Rep. Vicki Lopez’s successful 2024 re-election campaign in House District 113. Most recently, she served as a legislative aide to Rep. Mike Redondo, the Speaker-designate for the 2030 term.

As a Governmental Consultant, Miller will represent Rubin Turnbull clients before the Legislature and state agencies, advocating on a range of legislative, regulatory, and policy priorities.

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First in Sunburn — Three of Jacksonville’s biggest names are putting the city’s 2027 field on notice.

Michael Ward, Hank Coxe, and Warren Jones have launched Integrity for Jacksonville, a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) that will run its own polling and review public records, candidate backgrounds, and voting records ahead of the 2027 city elections. Everything it publishes will be sourced and available to voters. It won’t endorse candidates, screen them, or oppose anyone. It will share the records of the people asking for the job and get out of the way.

“Servant leadership is not a slogan. It is a job requirement,” Ward said. “As voters, we ask a lot of our elected leaders, and therefore the public is entitled to know who they are hiring.”

The timing isn’t an accident. The 2027 cycle puts the Mayor’s office and all 19 City Council seats on the same ballot and is on track to draw more money into Jacksonville’s municipal races than the city has ever seen. The first election is March 9, with the General Election following May 18, and the Mayor’s race is already drawing polls and challengers.

Ward, who served as Chair and CEO of CSX Corporation, will Chair the group. Coxe, a Jacksonville attorney and past president of The Florida Bar, and Jones, a former City Council President and former Chair of the Duval County School Board, will sit on the Board.

“We are not here to run anyone’s campaign or carry anyone’s water,” Ward said. “We are here to make it easier for good people to serve and harder for bad behavior to go unnoticed.”

Whether any of that moves a single vote is anyone’s guess. But Jacksonville is going to hear a lot more about the people on its 2027 ballot before it casts one.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

—@FLStormChasers: UPDATE: The Canadian run is now also suggesting that the remnants of Tropical Storm #Dolly could strike the west coast of #Florida within the next week. We’ll need to keep a close eye on it when it enters the Gulf! #flwx

—@MaggieNYT: The self-described most transparent administration has restricted specific journalists from major mainstream news outlets from attending the G20 finance meeting in N.C. next week

—@GwenGraham: Talk about a full-circle moment. Years ago, my dad, Gov. Bob Graham, stood alongside Rep. Marie Woodson in support of Florida’s Haitian community. Today, I had the honor of standing alongside Rep. Woodson in North Miami, continuing that same commitment. The years may change, but the work continues. Grateful for Rep. Woodson’s leadership and dedication to Florida’s Haitian community

—@Alevine014: @ByronDonalds was in the Legislature supporting our efforts to address the problems at FAMU, and supported our efforts, which have led to FAMU’s current success. You have never mentioned FAMU until you used it in a political ad. We’ve been hard at work on this. And we’d welcome your support of our approach to higher education. Otherwise, we’d prefer not to have our universities hijacked for a political campaign.

—@JamesUthmeierFL: We’re building the dream team! Excited to have a real pro joining us in @FBSaunders as we keep achieving record wins in our fight to keep Florida safe, strong, and free.

Tweet, tweet:

—@Juarez_Brock: It is sad what has happened to FSU football. Just sad.

—@LivCaputo: Absolutely amazing to see FSU’s Ethan Pritchard down on the field. He’s walking, talking, and smiling when less than a year ago, he was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the head. So inspiring to see this. Modern medicine is incredible. Proud to be a Nole!

—@JoePompliano: Scottie Scheffler has won $10 million at the Tour Championship, which means he has also officially passed Tiger Woods to claim the top spot on the PGA Tour career money list. 1. Scottie Scheffler: $130 million 2. Tiger Woods: $121 million. Woods held the top spot for 26 years.

— DAYS UNTIL —

NFL regular season kicks off — 8; Republican National Midterm Convention — 8; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 9; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 10; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 14; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 18; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 19; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 23; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 30; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 31; General Election voter registration deadline — 34; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 38; Associated Industries of Florida one-on-one conversations with five top-of-ticket Republicans — 41; ‘VisionQuest’ premieres — 43; Optional General early voting begins — 48; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 50; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 50; General Election ballot request deadline — 51; Mandatory General early voting begins — 53; General Election — 63; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 66; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 66; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 71; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 73; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 73; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 77; New legislator training sessions — 77; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 77; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 80; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 85; ‘Madden’ premieres — 86; Committee Week #1 — 90; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 108; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 108; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 108; Committee Week #2 — 125; Committee Week #3 — 132; ‘Ahsoka’ season 2 premieres — 141; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 146; Committee Week #4 — 153; Grammys — 159; Committee Week #5 — 160; Super Bowl LXI — 166; Committee Week #6 — 167; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 182; Tampa Mayoral Election — 182; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 185; Oscars — 194; Jacksonville First Election — 203; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 205; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 205; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 225; Jacksonville General Election — 259; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 269; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 277; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 318; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 339; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 339; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 374; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 472; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 508; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 510; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 518; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 525; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 532; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 535; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 539; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 546; Oscars — 551; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 612; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 633; Days of Thunder’ sequel with Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 640; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 654; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 682; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 696; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 798; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 836; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 874; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,198; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,238; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,929.

— TOP STORY —

“Hope Florida report leaked weeks before voting starts. Will it change the election?” via Liv Caputo and Michael Van Sickler of the Miami Herald — Facing long odds heading into election season, Florida Democrats on Thursday seized on a bombshell grand jury report that found the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis misused taxpayer dollars for political purposes. “My opponent is a criminal,” said former Democratic state Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, referring to Attorney General James Uthmeier. “He’s a criminal who should turn himself in.”

The leaked report found $10 million from a Medicaid settlement had been funneled through a charity aligned with Hope Florida, a key initiative of First Lady Casey DeSantis — but although taxpayer money was “misappropriated” and “misused for political purposes,” there wasn’t enough evidence to bring criminal charges.

The administration is maintaining that it’s a politically motivated hoax and all is above board. “There was no diversion of any Medicaid funds,” DeSantis said Thursday. Both he and Uthmeier, who chaired the political committee that eventually received the funds, doubled down on the claim that the only crime committed was the anonymous leaking of the report. Ashley Moody, who signed off on the settlement as Attorney General, distanced herself, saying her office played no role in how the money was spent.

Democrats weren’t the only ones suggesting a deeper investigation was warranted. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott called the report “deeply concerning,” while former state Sen. Jeff Brandes compared witnesses’ apparent amnesia to a game of Clue: “Maybe it was one of them. Maybe it was all of them. But it’s hard to believe nobody knew.”

— 2026 —

“Florida mail voting on track despite Donald Trump’s attempt to limit method” via Curt Anderson of the USA Today Network — Florida’s vote-by-mail system should operate normally for the Nov. 3 General Election despite President Trump’s executive order seeking new restrictions. A federal judge has blocked the order, which would limit Postal Service delivery and require bar codes on ballot envelopes. State spokesperson Gretl Plessinger says Florida’s system remains unaffected, with safeguards already in place. Ballots must reach Supervisors of Elections by 7 p.m. Election Day, while Oct. 22 is the request deadline. More than 1.2 million Floridians voted by mail in the Aug. 18 Primary. Florida Republicans have also promoted mail voting, including U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis. Since 2023, voters must renew their ballot requests every two years and provide identifying information.

“David Jolly defends Casey DeSantis amid Hope Florida fallout” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jolly is siding with Gov. DeSantis on one piece of the Hope Florida controversy: He doesn’t believe First Lady Casey DeSantis was responsible for the $10 million Medicaid settlement money routed through the foundation and ultimately used against 2024’s marijuana legalization amendment. Jolly says Casey DeSantis was “used” as a distraction from what he describes as a broader plan involving the money. He argues that others benefited afterward, pointing to Attorney General Uthmeier’s appointment and John Guard’s judgeship. Jolly wants the investigation reopened, while DeSantis and Uthmeier are focusing on the leak of the grand jury report, which closed without criminal charges.

“Byron Donalds says he’ll respect local data center bans” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Republican gubernatorial nominee Donalds says local governments that ban or pause data center development won’t face interference from his administration if he becomes Governor. Donalds says counties and cities have responsibility for permitting and planning facilities within their communities, even as he continues making the case for expanding Florida’s data center industry. Numerous local governments have enacted bans or moratoriums amid concerns about electricity, water and development impacts. Donalds says the state should provide residents with better information about mitigating those concerns and has advocated nuclear power and closed-loop water systems. Democratic opponent Jolly supports a moratorium. Donalds previously insisted statewide data center bans weren’t coming.

—“Donalds weighs in on Lindsay Clancy trial, Jed York arrest on ‘Real Time’“ via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

Happening today — Donalds tours TECO alongside power lineworker apprentices: 11:30 a.m., TECO, 1006 E. Bearss Ave., Lutz. Media check-in begins at 11 a.m.

“Florida affordability crisis hits voters on all levels as election looms” via John Kennedy of USA Today Network-Florida — Florida’s affordability problems are top talking points for candidates up and down the ballot from both parties, with property insurance and taxes the chief targets. But the state’s cost-of-living woes run much deeper; for many Floridians, homeownership costs aren’t an immediate concern since they’re already priced out of the housing market. “Housing affordability is just the tip of the iceberg, especially for those in the lower end of the income bracket and for families struggling near minimum wage,” said Sam Staley, a professor of applied economics and urban policy at Florida State University.

First on #FlaPol — “Voting rights activist Desmond Meade withdraws from Governor’s race” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Meade, a noted voting rights activist running a long-shot no-party campaign for Governor, has withdrawn from the race, citing insufficient funds to keep pace with some of the contest’s financial heavy hitters. As Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, he led a successful ballot initiative in 2018 to restore the voting rights of more than 1.4 million state residents with felony convictions. Through Aug. 21, he raised more than $160,000 in outside contributions, a paltry sum compared to the $111 million Republican Donalds collected through mid-August and the $10.6 million Democrat Jolly amassed.

“Nikki Fried says Democrats united behind Angie Nixon after clash” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida Democratic Party Chair Fried says Democrats remain united behind U.S. Senate nominee Nixon despite reports of a heated discussion over Nixon’s Democratic Socialists of America membership. Fried declined to say whether Nixon should leave the organization, arguing Republicans have labeled Democrats socialists for years and voters are more concerned about economic pressures. She pointed to Democratic-backed victories in School Board and local races as evidence of momentum, while acknowledging Republicans maintain a sizable voter-registration advantage. Fried expects economic anxiety to dominate the Midterms and believes Democrats can compete across party lines. She also expressed confidence in congressional incumbents Kathy Castor, Jared Moskowitz and Darren Soto despite challenging districts.

— MORE ELECTIONS —

“Amanda Marie Green consolidates support after contentious CD 2 Primary“ via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Since pulling out a narrow victory in a crowded and contentious Primary for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, Democratic nominee Green has wasted no time consolidating support within her party. Green now has the endorsement of Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Richardson, and both mayoral candidates, Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and former state Sen. Loranne Ausley. The Democratic Primary for the seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn drew four candidates. Green, a former foreign aid worker, received 33% of the vote, which was enough to come out on top. The General Election will be an even greater challenge for Green.

“Catalina Lauf continues airing grievances after CD-19 Primary defeat as Jim Schwartzel turns focus to November“ via Staff of Florida’s Voice — Republican congressional nominee Jim Schwartzel says Southwest Florida voters settled the GOP Primary on Aug. 18 and it is time to move forward, as former rival Catalina Lauf continues airing grievances about her defeat and has yet to rally behind the GOP nominee. Lauf entered the final days of the crowded Republican Primary for Florida’s 19th Congressional District with one of the most coveted endorsements in Republican politics: Trump’s. “I’m not going to spend any time relitigating the Primary,” Schwartzel said. “Voters in Southwest Florida settled it on Aug. 18, and my job now is to earn the trust of every Republican in this District, including the ones who voted for someone else.”

— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —

Happening tonight:

Happening tomorrow:

Save the date:

— STATEWIDE —

“James Uthmeier’s absence from Hope Florida grand jury raises questions” via Claire Heddles and Grethel Aguila of the Miami Herald — Attorney General Uthmeier wasn’t called to testify before the Hope Florida grand jury despite appearing 17 times in its report and being described as having authority over people involved in redirecting $10 million toward political activities. Former prosecutors say that omission could indicate investigators considered Uthmeier a potential target and wanted to avoid granting him immunity. Uthmeier maintains he was never a target, while his office calls that interpretation speculation. The grand jury concluded that taxpayer money was misappropriated but found insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges after witnesses repeatedly failed to identify who decided to send settlement funds to the Hope Florida Foundation. DeSantis has dismissed the controversy as a “hoax.”

“Property-tax cuts, FEMA cuts could cripple hurricane recovery” via Curt Anderson of USA Today Network — The proposed property-tax reductions coupled with potential cuts in federal disaster aid could be a financial “perfect storm” that would threaten hurricane recovery. The property-tax measure, constitutional Amendment 3, is on the ballot in November. It would cut about $12 billion from local governments across the state when fully implemented and would require approval from 60% of voters. Meanwhile, a Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, established under orders from Trump, recommended in May that the reimbursement rate under its public assistance program be reduced from 75% to 50%. That would shift a greater share of the cost burden to Florida local governments for tasks such as clearing storm debris and repairing damaged infrastructure, including public buildings, roads, parks, and bridges.

“DeSantis vows to clear Flock cameras from state rights-of-way“ via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida will be clipping the wings of at least some Flock automated license plate reader cameras in the state. “Our agencies that had a few of them are bringing them down. We’re going to clear the state right-of-ways,” DeSantis told Eric Bolling Friday. While the Governor estimated that “98%” of the roughly 7,500 LPRs in Florida are local, his promise would cover controversial cameras used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Highway Patrol. “They can make some money producing cameras. The real money they make is by selling your data and making a fortune off that,” he said.

“Schools to start using Trump’s ‘Lake America’ ‘immediately’” via C.A. Bridges of USA Today Network — Florida leaders are already on board with “Lake America.” Soon after Trump issued an executive order to rename Lake Ontario, Education Commissioner Henry Mack said on X that he has directed the Division of Public Schools to update the state’s academic standards and instructional materials to reflect the change “immediately,” although ordinarily such a name change in the U.S. requires a review process.

“Groups sue over Department of Energy order to keep Florida coal plant running” via Lesley Clark of Politico — The Trump administration has used emergency directives to keep coal-fired units open past their retirement dates. Public interest groups are suing to block the DOE from keeping a coal-fired power plant in Florida operating. The lawsuit, filed in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals by groups including the Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, and Florida Rising, follows DOE’s July decision to reject the groups’ challenge to a June emergency order. “Central Florida families and businesses shouldn’t be forced to pay for an uneconomic coal plant they don’t need and can’t afford,” said Ted Kelly, lead counsel with the Environmental Defense Fund.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“U.S. strikes Iran, ending monthlong lull in military action” via Konstantin Toropin, Cara Anna and Ben Finley of The Associated Press — U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers along the Strait of Hormuz after observing Revolutionary Guard forces preparing rockets carrying sea mines, marking America’s first military action against Iran in a month. Iran reported casualties and retaliated by firing ballistic missiles toward U.S. bases in Jordan, where authorities said eight missiles were intercepted. The escalation follows a six-month conflict and comes days after the Trump administration emphasized economic pressure over military action. Trump had paused strikes Aug. 1 at Gulf allies’ urging. The renewed fighting rattled energy markets, pushing U.S. crude up 1.8% and Brent crude 1.9%, while commercial traffic through the strategically vital strait remains sharply reduced.

“Treasury bars some reporters from G20 finance meeting” via Benjamin Mullin of The New York Times — The Treasury Department denied credentials to specific reporters from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News for next week’s G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina. Times economic policy reporter Alan Rappeport, who has covered nearly a dozen G7 and G20 meetings since 2017, was among those excluded. The Times and Bloomberg criticized the restrictions as undermining independent journalism and public accountability. Treasury says nearly 300 journalists from about a dozen countries will attend and noted another Times reporter received credentials. Washington bureau chief Dick Stevenson asked Treasury to reconsider Rappeport’s exclusion. The dispute follows earlier Trump administration restrictions on journalists, including a Pentagon press policy later ruled unconstitutional.

“Trump’s Venezuela oil deal raises questions over sovereignty, transparency” via Samantha Schmidt and Helena Carpio of The Washington Post — Trump announced what he calls the “biggest oil deal in world history,” giving the U.S. a long-term controlling stake in nearly one-quarter of Venezuela’s untapped reserves. The agreement calls for a U.S. joint venture with a private company and could bring nearly $100 billion in investment. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez backs the arrangement but disputes U.S. descriptions, saying it lasts 25 years rather than 100 and preserves Venezuelan ownership of its resources. Details remain scarce, including taxpayer costs and Venezuela’s proceeds. Critics question the lack of public bidding and involvement of businessman Alejandro Betancourt, whose company will partner with the U.S. Analysts warn the opaque agreement could undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and democratic transition.

“María Elvira Salazar reverses course on Trump’s Venezuela oil deal” via Adry Torres of the New York Post — U.S. Rep. Salazar abruptly changed her tune on Trump’s oil agreement with Venezuela, deleting social media posts criticizing the pact before returning about an hour later to praise it. Salazar initially wrote that any deal with Venezuela’s interim government would expire when Trump leaves office, continuing her long-standing criticism of Venezuelan President Rodríguez. She then removed both English- and Spanish-language versions of the post. When Salazar returned to X, her message had shifted sharply, calling the agreement “a great deal” for both the United States and Venezuelans. The reversal drew attention given Salazar’s outspoken opposition to Venezuela’s government and its leaders.

“Former DOGE official becomes top Marco Rubio aide” via Carmen Paun of POLITICO — Jeremy Lewin was in charge of foreign aid at the State Department after helping dismantle the Agency for International Development. A top State Department official who was part of billionaire Elon Musk’s team that dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development last year is now a top adviser to Secretary of State Rubio. Lewin is now the director of policy planning at the State Department, leading the “development, coordination, and articulation of the Secretary’s strategic and diplomatic priorities across the Department,” according to his updated bio. Lewin’s new role is focused on the Western Hemisphere, and he will help implement Rubio’s policy toward Cuba and Venezuela.

“Google Maps renames Lake Ontario ‘Lake America’ for U.S. users” via The Associated Press — Google Maps is rolling out “Lake America” as the name for Lake Ontario for users in the United States following Trump’s order renaming the lake. Canadian users will continue seeing “Lake Ontario,” while users elsewhere will see both names. Google says the change follows its policy of using names assigned through the U.S. Geographic Names Information System. The move comes amid an escalating U.S.-Canada trade war and echoes Google’s response when Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America in 2025. The lake order drew mockery and indifference on both sides of the border. Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded with a shoreline message declaring: “Lake Ontario. Now and forever.”

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Alexis Wilkins nears settlement in $5 million ‘honeypot’ lawsuit” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, is nearing a settlement with right-wing podcaster Elijah Schaffer in her $5 million federal defamation lawsuit. Wilkins sued after Schaffer reposted a thread about Israeli intelligence operatives alongside a photo of Wilkins and Patel, which she says falsely portrayed her as an Israeli “honeypot” sent to manipulate the FBI Director. The two sides reported reaching a tentative agreement and asked a South Florida federal judge to pause proceedings while they finalize it. Terms remain undisclosed. Wilkins has pursued similar claims against three others who promoted allegations that she is an Israeli intelligence agent. One case was recently dismissed on jurisdictional grounds without addressing the underlying defamation allegations.

“Broward school closures collide with expanding Schools of Hope” via Amanda Rosa of the Miami Herald — Broward County Public Schools’ effort to cut costs by closing underused campuses faces a complication from Florida’s expanded Schools of Hope law. Superintendent Howard Hepburn proposed closing 10 schools as the District grapples with more than 60,000 empty seats after losing 11,000 students this year. But KIPP Public Schools plan to occupy part of William Dandy Middle beginning in 2027-28, potentially complicating savings if the District closes the campus. Board member Jeff Holness wants clarity on Broward’s continuing financial obligations before acting. Four proposed closures could qualify for use by Schools of Hope. Board members also debated whether the District is moving too quickly, with Adam Cervera calling for more financial data and community input before additional campuses are shuttered.

“Palm Beach County seeks remaining $2.75M from Florida for Trump airport renaming“ via Abigail Hasebroock of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Palm Beach County officials say they’re working with the state to obtain an additional $2.75 million for airport upgrades tied to its renaming after Trump. Legislators approved only half the requested funds for the airport’s renaming, leaving county and airport officials seeking additional funds to fill the gap. On Aug. 25, the county’s Legislative Affairs Director Alessandro Marchesani told the County Commissioners, “We’re working on the other half. … Since the budget was signed, we have worked with the Governor’s Office and the (state Department of Transportation) on securing the other $2.75 million.” In March, DeSantis signed a bill that led to the airport being renamed “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

“Spirit Airlines’ data auction draws privacy, ownership objections” via Vinod Sreeharsha of the Miami Herald — Bankrupt Spirit Airlines’ liquidation is moving beyond planes and airport assets to a potentially lucrative trove of internal data. Google won an auction with a $10 million bid for emails, calendars, chats, documents and other workplace information that could help train AI models. Google and Spirit say a third party would remove personally identifiable information before transfer. But the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA argues that former employees remain vulnerable, noting that the records include payroll, tax, training, and workplace communications. The union’s objection prompted a bankruptcy judge to postpone approval until Sept. 9. AI company micro1 is preparing a $12.5 million bid, while Springshot separately argues Spirit is attempting to sell intellectual property that Spirit doesn’t own.

“New Key West Commission inherits packed agenda, lingering controversies” via Above The Fold — Key West’s newly configured City Commission begins work Thursday with Mayor Sam Kaufman and Commissioners Mark Rossi and Chris Massicotte joining the dais — and several contentious issues awaiting them. Rossi has placed City Attorney Mayanne Downs’ contract status on the agenda as the city approaches one year of paying the Orlando attorney $495 an hour under a temporary agreement. Commissioners also face $640,000 in proposed Waste Management contract increases, renewed questions about harbor water testing and decisions surrounding the city’s takeover of Higgs Beach. The agenda also revives a zoning dispute involving Happy Landings Marina and a proposed $4.67 million Workday technology agreement. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at City Hall.

“‘Alligator’ Ron Bergeron gets another term steering South Florida water policy” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — DeSantis is reappointing Bergeron, better known as “Alligator Ron,” to another four-year term on the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board. The 83-year-old Broward businessman has served on the panel since 2019 and was previously reappointed in 2022. Bergeron, a longtime real estate developer and Everglades advocate, also served two terms on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Rick Scott and DeSantis. His first SFWMD appointment was subject to an ethics review because his company held a $25 million District contract, but the Florida Commission on Ethics unanimously found no violation. The nine-member Board oversees flood control, water supply, water quality and Everglades restoration across 16 counties serving roughly 9 million Floridians.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Mike Caruso to be freed from jail after Orange County judge points to investigation flaws in child abuse case“ via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — An Orange County Circuit judge dealt a blow to prosecutors in the child sexual abuse case against former state Rep. Caruso, ordering his release from jail and noting holes in law enforcement’s investigation of him. Judge A. James Craner, however, disagreed and, after more than two hours of arguments, set a $160,000 bond. Caruso was expected to be released from the Orange County Jail later Friday and is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 8. “Facts may develop over time, but at this time, I cannot say that there’s a substantial probability that the defendant committed the offenses that are the subject matter of this pre-trial detention motion,” Craner said.

“Orange County Commissioner candidates clash over tourist tax flexibility” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Several Orange County Commission candidates expressed a hesitancy toward major tourist development tax reform, while others were more supportive as they debated one of the closely followed political issues in Central Florida. Victor Torres was the most ardent supporter of the state freeing up spending from the hotel tax, citing Amendment 3 and its potential to cut property-tax revenue, as he advocated tapping the fund to run SunRail light rail seven days a week. Kamia Brown countered that she was against freeing up the tax at all, comparing it to the state raiding the Sadowski Fund for affordable housing. Mike Crabb said he was open to changes only if the tourism industry supported them.

“Orlando’s tourism industry gets a boost from staycationers“ via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Even as some warily watch Florida’s tourism visitation numbers amid the economic uncertainty and world politics, Orlando’s industry is still busy. “We’re still seeing that we’re either on pace month by month or at an increased pace compared to last year,” Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej told Florida Politics in a recent interview. “We’re positioned quite well. We’re a desirable destination.” Visit Orlando won’t release its 2026 annual numbers until May 2027, but the organization said hotel demand is up 1% over last year through June. At Grove Resort, located six miles from Disney World, guests are paying attention not only to the price but also to overall value and included amenities, said marketing director Sharon Rodriguez.

“Easily elected, Nick Nesta finds tackling problems far tougher“ via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — Apopka’s new Mayor, Nesta, won the job by a wide margin and looks to have most of the City Commission on his side as he seeks to overhaul a city bureaucracy he thinks still operates like a small town. But four months into his four-year term, his proposals sparked controversy and raised questions, even among some supporters. “So I’m not going to be a popular Mayor, but I’m going to be one that 10 years from now they’re going to say, ‘Thank God he did what he did, thank God he took the beatings that he did because he did what was right’,” Nesta said in an interview about his first months on the job.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Ken Welch picks Magellan Housing for Deuces redevelopment project” via Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Mayor Welch selected Magellan Housing to redevelop the three-acre Commerce Park site along the Deuces, marking his second rejection this year of a proposal backed by ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood. Magellan’s Deuces Rising plan calls for 126 housing units, including 120 income-restricted apartments for residents earning between 30% and 80% of area median income, plus six townhomes and 6,000 square feet of retail. The developer will receive a 99-year lease starting at $55,000 annually and is seeking $1.2 million in city subsidies. Wood-backed HP Capital proposed 320 mixed-income units, a $5 million land purchase and no direct city subsidy. Any final agreement requires City Council approval.

— Sour grapes don’t make palatable wine. It’s difficult to feel bad for a billionaire, but Wood has now been snubbed twice — and the second time looks personal. Welch passed over Wood’s HP Capital pitch for the Deuces in favor of a proposal sources say was the weakest of all seven, one offering 126 housing units to HP Capital’s 320 and a 99-year lease instead of a $5 million purchase. That’s a curious call from a Mayor trailing Charlie Crist by 15 points with less than $57,000 on hand, especially after Wood steered $69,000 toward Crist following snub No. 1. My full analysis of why the Deuces decision looks like retribution — and what it could cost Welch in November.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“FSU Board OKs Richard McCullough’s raise, evaluation, ‘tough’ goals” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida State University President McCullough’s annual salary is getting bumped up to approximately $1.35 million, which comes as he has his work cut out for him with what he described as “inspirational stretch goals” for next year. From the push for a higher retention rate of 97% to efforts for the FSU Foundation to reach a $200 million fundraising goal, he admitted during the FSU Board of Trustees’ Aug. 28 meeting at the Turnbull Conference Center on campus that the quantitative goals he set out for the university are quite challenging. “We really try to push ourselves on some of these,” McCullough told trustees. “Some of these goals are gonna be pretty tough to reach, but we’re trying to do everything that we can to get there.”

—“FSU sets Florida record with 82% four-year graduation rate” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics

“Donna Deegan’s budget includes record $209M payment for police and fire retirement debt” via Molly Farrar of The Florida Tribune — The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee signed off on a record $209 million payment toward the police and firefighters’ pension fund’s nearly $3 billion debt, as the fund’s financial health has deteriorated to one of its worst-ever states. That payment, in addition to Mayor Deegan’s proposed billion-dollar police and fire budget, means that costs for police services, fire protection, and public-safety retirement make up more than 63% of the city’s $2 billion general fund. With the threat of Amendment 3 looming, the City Council’s Finance Committee has called for cuts, but no Committee members have suggested reducing the city’s massive public-safety expenses.

“DeSantis reappoints Nick Patronis to Northwest Florida Water Management District Board“ via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — DeSantis has reappointed Patronis to the governing Board of the NWFWMD. This is Patronis’ fifth appointment to the nine-member Board, having first been appointed in July 2011 by Gov. Scott and subsequently reappointed in 2015, 2020 and 2022. He currently serves as an at-large member representing Panama City and is also the Board’s secretary. Patronis’ older brother is U.S. Rep. Patronis, who served as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer before being elected last year to represent Florida’s 1st Congressional District. The NWFWMD is one of five water management districts created by the Water Resources Act of 1972 to manage water resources across the state.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“New College spends nearly $1 million on outside PR consultants” via Katie LaGrone of Tampa Bay 28 — New College of Florida has paid roughly $800,000 since 2023 to two outside PR consultants through no-bid contracts despite maintaining a 13-member communications team. More than $400,000 went to TMF Communications, run by former DeSantis and Richard Corcoran spokesperson Taryn Fenske, while nearly $400,000 went to Katy Saeger’s Evandr.co. The spending comes amid more than $60 million in state investment to transform New College and faculty budget cuts. Corcoran said the consultants were hired when the communications department was understaffed, and the school was under investigation. New College defended the contracts, while Integrity Florida’s Ben Wilcox questioned their political connections and appearance.

“Auditors say Sarasota tax collector’s $100,767 payout violated state law” via Michael Barfield of Florida Trident — Six days after Mike Moran took office as Sarasota County’s newly elected tax collector, another government agency he had just left paid him $100,767. The money came from the Florida PACE Funding Agency, an independent special government District Moran ran for more than five years while also serving as a Sarasota County Commissioner. Moran resigned from PACE after winning the tax collector’s race, but on his way out, the agency agreed to pay him for six months of “transition services” — and then paid the entire amount up front. State auditors now say the agreement violated Florida law and that PACE could not produce a single record showing that Moran performed any services for the money.

“Paradise lost: Growing older creates special needs among homeless” via Tayeba Hussein of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — In the past few years, many local nonprofit and for-profit businesses and organizations have partnered with the Southwest Florida Regional Coalition to End Homelessness to assist in targeted efforts to rehouse those who are 55 years or older. As a result, there has been a slight dip in the number of homeless senior citizens in the region. However, the issue continues to ravage the area, the state and the nation as a whole.

— TOP OPINION —

“What Dolly did for Tennessee is what she did for the world” via David French of The New York Times — Dolly Parton’s greatest legacy may not be the songs, movies or celebrity. It may be the millions of children who opened their mailboxes each month to find a free book from her Imagination Library, a program begun in Sevier County in 1995 and eventually expanded nationwide.

By 2018, the program had distributed 100 million books; five years later, it reached 200 million. Today, one in six American children under 5 receives a monthly book. For Tennessee families, those packages became an intimate reminder that Parton’s generosity was personal, practical and remarkably consistent.

That spirit extended far beyond literacy. Parton helped build hospitals, funded disaster relief, and gave families who lost their homes in the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires $1,000 per month, followed by $5,000 gifts. In 2020, she donated $1 million toward Vanderbilt research that helped produce Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.

Her philanthropy reflected something deeper: an instinct to answer suffering with action. Raised in Appalachian poverty, Parton understood hardship without turning that understanding into partisan identity. She could champion Black Lives Matter, express solidarity with Ukraine and remain beloved across cultural, religious and ideological divides.

That broad affection was never the product of avoiding conviction. Parton rejected Presidential Medals of Freedom from both Biden and Trump, while speaking in a language of humor, faith and compassion that rarely sounded political even when addressing political subjects.

Her death therefore lands differently, especially in Tennessee. Parton represented the South at its warmest and most generous — proof that fame and fortune need not separate someone from ordinary people. In an era defined by division, she practiced a simpler creed: see pain, respond with love, and repair what you can.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Democrats’ identity politics problem isn’t what it used to be” via Lydia Polgreen of The New York Times — Democratic Primaries are exposing an unexpected transformation in identity politics, with party centrists increasingly using race and background to defend establishment candidates against progressive challengers. That turns an old critique of the left on its head: identity can become a shield for existing political power rather than a tool for challenging it. Recent insurgent victories suggest another path, one centered on shared material concerns such as affordable housing, healthcare, childcare and grocery costs. Candidates including Zohran Mamdani and Abdul El-Sayed show how personal identity can coexist with a broader economic message without defining it. The lesson emerging from voters is simpler than ideological arguments suggest: authenticity matters, character matters, and individual candidates ultimately matter more than demographic categories.

“Amendment 3 sounds like a deal, but Floridians should look twice“ via Kim Saiswick of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Amendment 3 promises homeowners a larger homestead exemption and lower property taxes, but the savings would come at a cost felt statewide. Shifting billions from local governments would mean less money for emergency services, parks, libraries, youth programs, sanitation, policing, road repairs and stormwater management. Renters would receive no direct tax relief and could face higher costs as landlords pass along expenses. Seniors and children would be among those hit hardest as municipal programs shrink. Cities would likely turn to special assessments, fire-rescue fees, and other charges to replace lost revenue. Homeowners may see smaller tax bills, but everyone would feel the effects of reduced services. Amendment 3 gives with one hand while taking far more with the other.

“Amendment 3 won’t make fire and EMS costs disappear” via Robert Geltner of The News-Press — Amendment 3 may deliver welcome property-tax relief, but firefighters, paramedics, ambulances and fire stations still have to be paid for. Increasing the homestead exemption would remove taxable property from the tax base that supports those services, potentially forcing communities to find replacement revenue or reduce resources. A better approach would be to create a transparent Fire and Emergency Protection Assessment based on the actual cost and risk of protecting property. Insurance companies and other responsible third parties should also pay their lawful share of EMS expenses. Strong taxpayer safeguards, competitive bidding and public accounting could keep costs under control. Property taxes can fall, but Florida still needs a fair way to fund emergency services residents expect around the clock.

“New College expansion charts ambitious future for Sarasota Bay campus” via Richard Corcoran of Florida Politics — New College of Florida is beginning the most significant expansion in its history following the July 1 transfer of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. The move dramatically expands the college’s footprint while bringing new academic programs, laboratories, residential capacity and research opportunities to Sarasota Bay. The goal is clear: build the nation’s No. 1 public liberal arts college while strengthening an institution that serves the entire region. Growth means more opportunities for Florida students, more research and more graduates building careers locally. Marine science, data science, technology, classics and liberal arts will help drive that future. Done carefully and collaboratively, the expansion can make New College an even stronger anchor for Sarasota and Manatee counties for generations.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Florida TaxWatch headquarters to carry Dominic Calabro’s name” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida TaxWatch will honor longtime leader Calabro by renaming its Tallahassee headquarters after him. The organization will hold a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to recognize Calabro’s 45 years at the taxpayer research institute. He joined its predecessor organization in 1980 at age 24 and ultimately transformed it into a fixture of Florida government and policy circles. During his tenure, Calabro helped popularize the term “budget turkey” for questionable state spending projects and dramatically expanded the organization. He retired as president and CEO last year but continues leading the Florida TaxWatch Foundation. Jeff Kottkamp, David Casey and Piyush Patel are also scheduled to speak at the 6 p.m. ceremony.

— U.S. OPEN —

“U.S. Open ‘RedZone’ broadcast hopes to replicate NFL TV success” via Amy Tennery of Reuters — Tennis fans can keep an eye on 16 courts at once at the year’s final Grand Slam as ESPN launches “RedZone at the U.S. Open,” a streaming option designed to emulate one of American football’s most successful broadcast offerings. “RedZone” has been a staple for NFL fans for years, with a multi-hour broadcast shuffling between games to show highlights and live end-zone action without the filler. Amid a growing U.S. appetite for tennis content, ESPN is bringing the concept to Flushing Meadows from opening day of the singles main draw on Aug. 30 until Sept. 4, with a dedicated broadcast team directing coverage from match to match. “They’ll have access to all 16 courts and all 16 matches that are happening at a given moment,” said John Suchenski, ESPN’s senior director of programming and acquisitions. “The direction of this offering is to make sure we’re getting to the most important point.”

“Is the U.S. Open more valuable to New York than the Knicks?” via David Waldstein of The New York Times — The figure tossed around most often is $1.2 billion annually, from a study commissioned by the United States Tennis Association — and with a record 1.14 million fans last year, the U.S. Open boasts both the aristocratic spending power of a polo match and the populist volume of an NFL franchise. “This is far and away the best sporting event the city has,” said Vijay Dandapani, president of the Hotel Association of New York City. John Neill, whose firm conducted the study, said $1.2 billion could even be an undercount. Economist Andrew Zimbalist cautioned there are ways to make data fit a narrative, and Andrew Rigie of the New York City Hospitality Alliance said the World Cup and the Knicks’ championship run provided a far bigger jolt for bars and restaurants. Harvard’s Rachel Meltzer said Queens residents deserve a cut of the pie, and City Council member Shanel Thomas-Henry wants the USTA to do more: “It’s public land. And it needs a lot of T.L.C.”

“As Roger Federer enters the tennis Hall of Fame, he is finally ready to remember” via Matthew Futterman of The Athletic — Twenty Grand Slam titles. Five in a row at the U.S. Open. Still the last man to defend the title in New York. Five years after his last singles match, Federer is letting his mind roll back through the years — on Monday, he walked onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time since 2019, and five days later was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, the first of a long line of generational talents from the 1990s and 2000s to receive the honor. Rafael Nadal, Serena and Venus Williams and Novak Djokovic will have a week like this soon. “It’s nice for me to open the door quickly and peek inside of my past, of my tennis career, because I do very little of that nowadays,” Federer said. Just wait, Pete Sampras warned him years ago. It’s all going to hit you. Will he turn into a puddle once more? “The more I tried to hold it in, the more sometimes it came out.”

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Best wishes to our former colleague Joe Henderson, Michelle Dennard, Ryan Gorman, Ashley Green, Gene McGee, and Dr. Ed Moore. Belated best wishes to state Rep. Lauren Melo and my fellow Disney Cruise aficionado, the great Jon Johnson of Johnson & Blanton.

___

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 — 8.31.26 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..

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