Good Monday morning.

A top of the ‘burn shoutout to the Rick Steves of bad hotel rooms, Steve Schale of The Advocacy Partners.

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🎙— Coming and going from Tally, and what comes next: I haven’t taken a trip up to Tallahassee in a while, so for my visit last week, I met up with the esteemed Matt Dixon, who is about to leave for D.C. So, what better time for a last hoorah, of sorts, on Dara Kam’s podcast, Deeper Dive? Tune in here as we cover all things 2026 Legislative Session, the Midterms and get to the bottom of what the heck was on Matt’s shirt.

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One day only — The Workmans are in the capital today snapping photos for the D.C. edition of INFLUENCE. If you’ve got a Florida Man connection in Washington and want to line up a photo, this is your chance — send a message to [email protected] ASAP.

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The 2026 Governor’s race is still wide-open, according to fresh polling from the James Madison Institute.

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds starts with a clear edge over former House Speaker Paul Renner, leading 29% to 9% in a head-to-head matchup.

However, the story unfolds in a broader context. If First Lady Casey DeSantis were to jump in, she would take 26% support compared to 23% for Donalds, while Renner, Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson trail in the single digits.

In either scenario, most GOP voters — 62% in the two-way race and 39% in the expanded field — say they remain undecided.

The numbers suggest opportunity not only for Republicans still weighing bids, but also for Democrats. Former Republican-turned-MSNBC commentator David Jolly polls within the margin of error against either Donalds or Renner, despite Florida’s Republican registration advantage.

Independent Jason Pizzo draws about 4%, enough to play spoiler in a tight race.

Perhaps the most striking takeaway: more than a quarter of voters remain undecided about the Governor’s race, and nearly one in three describe themselves as “politically homeless.” The polling memo said the sentiment “signals a ripe opportunity for candidates to engage disaffected moderates and independents.”

The JMI poll, conducted Sept. 16-18, has a sample size of 1,200 voters, including 43% who self-identified as Republicans, 32% as Democrats and 25% as independents. The margin of error is +/- 2.77%.

“Floridians favor school choice, JMI poll finds” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The James Madison Institute poll reveals strong support for school choice among Floridians, with 65% favoring alternatives to traditional public schools, primarily private options. This preference for parental control extends to academics, with 74% believing schools should require 90% proficiency to earn an ‘A’ grade. The majority also supports allowing homeschool students to take individual courses at public schools for a fee. However, this support for choice does not extend to public health mandates. The same poll found that a significant 62% of Florida voters oppose a state proposal to eliminate all vaccine requirements for public school students, such as those for measles and polio, showing a clear distinction between educational and health policies.

“Most Floridians are against removing all vaccine mandates, JMI poll says” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The JMI poll reveals that 62% of Florida voters oppose Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to eliminate all vaccine mandates for public schoolchildren, with only 29% supporting the measure. The survey, however, shows a nuanced perspective on immunizations. Nearly half of voters (49%) would support a streamlined schedule, mandating only the MMR and polio vaccines while making others optional. This public sentiment emerges as the Governor and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo push to make Florida the first state to eliminate all school vaccine requirements for diseases such as measles and polio. The controversial plan has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who warn it will endanger children’s health.

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First in Sunburn — The Republican Attorneys General Association is putting its weight — and money — behind Attorney General James Uthmeier as he gears up for election to a full term.

Uthmeier, appointed by DeSantis earlier this year, has quickly emerged as one of the nation’s most combative conservative AGs. His office touts more than 1,000 arrests in sex crimes cases, the rescue of nearly 100 missing children, and major busts of human- and drug-trafficking networks.

He has also been at the center of high-profile fights, from pitching and defending the “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility to supporting President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, to challenging corporate ESG practices and launching a new Office of Parental Rights.

Now, with RAGA committing a seven-figure investment in his campaign, Uthmeier enters the 2026 cycle with a powerful national GOP apparatus at his back.

Uthmeier is currently the only major Republican running for the statewide seat, although White House officials have reportedly urged House Speaker Daniel Perez to enter the race. Former Sen. José Javier Rodríguez is the lone Democrat to enter the race so far.

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Grimes Galvano is adding another familiar name to its roster.

The Bradenton-based firm announced that William S. Galvano has joined as an associate attorney, working alongside his father, firm partner and former Senate President Bill Galvano.

William, who was sworn into the Florida Bar in September, will focus on general civil litigation. He recently earned his law degree from Ave Maria School of Law, graduating at the top of his class. He completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State University.

“The firm is excited to welcome William to the firm, and, as his father, I am proud to have him join our team of esteemed legal professionals,” Bill Galvano said in a statement. “In addition to now having two generations of the Galvano family at the firm, William represents the next generation of attorneys joining the legal professional world, and I know that he will serve our clients and our community well.”

For his part, the younger Galvano said he is eager to begin his career in the family firm.

“I am honored to begin my legal career at Grimes Galvano and to be able to work with and learn from their well-respected and talented group of attorneys,” he said. “This firm has a long history of excellence and community service, and I am excited to grow as an attorney here and, hopefully, one day be able to contribute to that legacy, alongside my father.”

— DAYS UNTIL —

Special Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 1; Taylor Swift’s new album ’The Life of a Showgirl’ drops — 4; Regular Session Committee Weeks begin — 7; Florida TaxWatch Annual Board Meeting — 7; ’Tron: Ares’ premieres — 11; ‘Six Kings Slam,’ featuring six of men’s tennis’ best players in the world, premieres on Netflix — 16; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Fall Board Meeting and Gala begins — 21; NBA returns to NBC, with 2025-2026 season Opening Day tipoffs including the Houston Rockets visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder — 22; ’Mayor of Kingstown’ season four premieres — 27; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 28; Miami Beach City Commission Elections — 36; ‘Landman’ season two premieres on Paramount+ — 48; ’Wicked: For Good’ premieres — 53; ’Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 58; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 60; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 65; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 65; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 71; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 74; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 79; ’Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 81; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 87; Legislative Session begins — 106; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 106; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 130; last day of the Regular Session — 165; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup/Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 177; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 178; Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 189; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 198; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 203; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 207; F1 Miami begins — 214; ’Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 235; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 246; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 252; State Qualifying Period ends — 256; FIFA World Cup begins — 255; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 278; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 283; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 288; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 290; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 294; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 311; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 313; Primary Election Day 2026 — 323; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 347; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 351; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 355; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 360; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 367; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 371; Early Votion General Election Mandatory period begins — 390; 2026 General Election — 400; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 445; Another untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 445; Tampa Mayoral Election — 519; Jacksonville First Election — 540; Jacksonville General Election — 596; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 614; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 676; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 732; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 809; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1019; U.S. Presidential Election — 1135; ’Avatar 4’ premieres — 1535; ’Avatar 5’ premieres — 2266.

— TOP STORY —

“FBI’s Kash Patel clarifies role of hundreds of agents on Jan. 6, says Christopher Wray lied to Congress” via Brie Stimson of Fox News — The FBI has responded to a report that 274 plainclothes agents were at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The news drew criticism from Trump and FBI Director Patel, who accused former Director Wray of concealing the Bureau’s role.

Officials clarified that agents were sent for crowd control only after a riot was declared. They stressed this mission falls outside FBI protocol, as agents lack such training. There is no evidence that agents were present before the riot began.

Patel called the deployment a “failure of a corrupt leadership,” stating Wray misled Congress. He said sending agents for crowd control violated FBI standards and vowed to pursue complete transparency and accountability.

On Truth Social, Trump demanded Wray explain if agents acted as “agitators.” He contrasted the report with Wray’s testimony and defended his supporters who faced charges, calling for an investigation into the matter.

Wray previously testified that the riot was not an FBI-orchestrated operation. A Justice Department report found no evidence of undercover employees inciting violence, but confirmed informants were present and agents were sent to assist Capitol Police.

A distinction between “plainclothes” and “undercover” personnel may explain the report. Agents reportedly arrived after 2:30 p.m. to aid police in a chaotic, unplanned mission for which they were unprepared and untrained.

— STATEWIDE —

—“Gov. Ron DeSantis signs death warrant for modern-era record 15th execution this year in Florida” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida

“Lawmaker revives bill to repeal Florida’s ‘free kill’ law after DeSantis veto” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Just four months after DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have repealed a contentious law that blocks some families from suing for pain and suffering after medical malpractice deaths, Rep. Dana Trabulsy is bringing the issue to the Legislature again. The Fort Pierce Republican refiled legislation identical to the version that passed this past Spring with overwhelming bipartisan support, only to have the Governor reject it. At issue is a 35-year-old carve-out in Florida’s Wrongful Death Act that prevents parents of adults over 25 from recovering noneconomic damages, such as grief and loss of companionship, if a hospital or doctor’s error kills them, and bars adult children over 25 from doing the same if their parents die under similar circumstances.

“Advocate for hands-free distracted driving bill calls out state lawmaker” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — An advocate for legislation that would have banned drivers from operating a motor vehicle while using a cellphone lashed out at a state legislator, claiming that she prevented the measure from advancing in the Florida House of Representatives and potentially becoming state law earlier this year. Tallahassee resident Demetrius Branca’s 19-year-old son, Anthony, died in 2014 when a distracted driver hit him as he rode his motorcycle to Tallahassee State College. In 2023, distracted driving resulted in the deaths of 3,275 people. Appearing during the Pinellas County legislative delegation meeting on Wednesday, an angry Branca called out Pinellas County Republican Linda Chaney, who sat with her colleagues on a stage at St. Petersburg College’s Clearwater campus. “You stopped it cold,” he said to her. “After all the work, all the testimony, all the grieving parents who begged you to act. You chose not to let it through. That was not leadership, that was political cowardice, and I’m standing here to look you in the eye and tell you to your face.”

Happening today — Rep. RaShon Young will be sworn in to House District 40: 3:30 p.m., Bethune-Cookman University’s Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Chapel, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach.

“$4M or bust: State agency says it needs that much to keep Canadian Rx importation efforts alive” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix — The DeSantis administration may ask the Legislature for an additional $4 million to maintain a warehouse in Lakeland for the state’s Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) seeks support in its legislative budget request for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Florida law requires agencies to submit spending requests that serve as a preview of what the Governor will include in his recommended budget for the upcoming year. Without the annual $4 million bump, “AHCA would be unable to implement the program as directed by the Legislature and no longer have the infrastructure required to support the Program,” the agency wrote in its budget request.

“Bear hunt applicants face 1-in-1,000 chance of winning a December hunting permit” via James Call of USA Today Network — After a flood of applications, would-be Florida bear hunters have a one-in-a-thousand chance – the same as cracking open a double-yolk egg – of winning the lottery for a permit. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission received more than 163,000 applications for tags and $815,000 to participate in this December’s bear hunting season, the state’s first in a decade, by the Sept. 22 deadline. It is unclear how many individuals want to hunt bears because a significant number of opponents of the hunt paid the $5 application fee with the hope of keeping the tags, which entitle the holder to harvest one bear, out of the hands of legitimate hunters.

Appointed — Slater Bayliss and Adria Starkey (both reappointed) to the Florida Prepaid College Board.

“Making Florida more flood resistant is forcing hard choices for homeowners” via Kate Selig and Anastasia Economides of The New York Times — In Gulfport, an artsy waterfront city of about 12,000 in Pinellas County, downed trees and piles of debris line streets that were once neatly flanked by modest pastel homes. Residents are still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many have been ordered to completely rebuild damaged homes instead of repairing them, upending their lives and changing the small-town feel of a place that was unique in the condo-packed state. In communities participating in the federal flood insurance program, any home that has been “substantially damaged” must be rebuilt to the latest flood-resistant standards or demolished. The rule is meant to make cities and towns along the water more resilient. But in Gulfport and other storm-torn coastal communities, it has forced thousands of hard decisions throughout the past year. The cost of compliance was simply too high for some residents, so they sold, often at a loss.

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Florida gets $28M from Donald Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ to cover immigration enforcement costs” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Florida is receiving about $28 million, with local law enforcement agencies getting an additional $10 million, to help pay for illegal immigration enforcement. The funding comes from Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” “This is funding that can go straight to equipment, to the work that’s being done out on the street, and to other supplies and resources that our officers need,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. The boost in funding will help reimburse statewide and local law enforcement agencies that signed 287(g) agreements this year, giving them the authority to work alongside ICE and enforce federal immigration laws. Sheahan said, “Florida has truly put up historic numbers of support,” with more than 4,700 law enforcement officials getting involved to help.

“Trump’s new $100K visa fee for foreign workers could impact Florida universities” via Syra Ortiz Blanes and Clara-Sophia Daly of the Miami Herald — An astronomical hike on visa fees for highly-skilled workers will impact an important industry in Florida: higher education. When Trump announced last week that applying for an H-1B visa would now cost $100,000, much of the focus was on the tech industry, which heavily relies on this category of foreign workers. But federal data shows that in Florida, universities, colleges and schools in the state employ thousands of workers on H-1B visas. That includes professors, researchers and staff. An analysis of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data revealed that over the last five years, Florida universities and schools have employed 2,589 workers with H-1B visas in the educational services category.

“Cory Mills grilled by ex-girlfriend’s attorney in restraining order case” via Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel — U.S. Rep. Mills faced blistering cross-examination Friday in a Lake City courtroom, where ex-girlfriend Lindsey Langston — a GOP Committee member and reigning Miss United States — is seeking a restraining order, accusing the Central Florida Republican of threatening to release intimate videos and harm future partners. Mills, still legally married and living with another woman, denied the allegations, stating that the two had discussed reconciliation and that he had even assisted her family with their taxes. Text messages entered into evidence included one reading “strap up, cowboy.” Mills’ attorney argued Langston failed to prove harassment, while her lawyer attacked his credibility. Both sides delivered closing arguments, and Judge Fred Koberlein will rule after receiving proposed judgments by Thursday.

“Kristi Noem fast-tracked millions in disaster aid to Florida tourist attraction after campaign donor intervened” via Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott and Alex Mierjeski of ProPublica — Homeland Security Secretary Noem is facing accusations of political favoritism after records show she personally expedited over $11 million in FEMA disaster aid to Naples, the wealthy Florida tourist community. The move came just weeks after Naples’ Mayor sought help from one of Noem’s major campaign donors, cardiologist Sinan Gursoy, to break a monthslong bureaucratic logjam for funding to rebuild a historic pier damaged in 2022. Emails and texts obtained by ProPublica reveal the project was immediately put on “warp speed,” with a FEMA representative citing “leadership instruction.” Noem, who has been criticized for personally signing off on all large FEMA expenses and creating aid bottlenecks, later flew to Naples on a government plane and dined with the donor.

They’re big Jay Collins donors, too — “Florida’s GEO Group plays central role in Trump’s mass deportation plan” via Shirsho Dasgupta of the Miami Herald — A five-story blue-and-white office building overlooking an LA Fitness in Boca Raton is a key cog in Trump’s mass deportation plan. It’s the home of GEO Group, a 40-year-old company that operates more than four dozen immigrant detention facilities and prisons across the country. The firm, founded by a Greek immigrant who entered the United States through Ellis Island, has cultivated relationships with top figures in the Trump administration, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and immigration czar Tom Homan. Few companies have made a bigger killing from the administration’s turbocharged efforts to detain and deport undocumented migrants.

“FBI fires agents seen kneeling in iconic photo during George Floyd protests five years ago” via Evan Perez of CNN — The FBI has fired 15 agents associated with a 2020 incident in which agents were photographed kneeling with demonstrators at the height of protests over the police killing of Floyd. The latest round of dismissals at the Bureau came at the end of a monthslong review targeting 15 agents who were associated with the kneeling incident. Some agents who were present at the incident but didn’t kneel were not fired. The FBI Agents Association stated that 15 agents were dismissed and criticized FBI Director Patel’s leadership, claiming the dismissals “violate the due process rights” of the agents. “Patel’s dangerous new pattern of actions are weakening the Bureau because they eliminate valuable expertise and damage trust between leadership and the workforce and make it harder to recruit and retain skilled agents — ultimately putting our nation at greater risk,” the organization said.

“Latinos sour on Trump over tariffs, the economy, immigration raids” via Russell Contreras of Axios — Trump made historic gains for the GOP among Latino voters last year, but polls and other indicators suggest their support for him is falling amid growing anger over his handling of the economy and immigration. Latinos’ rising discontent could mean trouble for the GOP heading into the 2026 Midterm Elections and undermine Republican redistricting efforts — particularly in Texas — partly aimed at capitalizing on the party’s recent gains among these voters. Trump’s tariffs have South Texas farmers on edge as crop sales decline, while Latino small-business owners — from bootmakers to small retailers — say their costs are rising. Grocery prices are up in most categories, and border ports, which are key sources of economic activity in the American Southwest, face financial uncertainty.

“Trump administration detains hundreds of Venezuelans with TPS despite court order” via Verónica Egui Brito and Syra Ortiz Blanes of the Miami Herald — Three days after a federal judge upheld the extension of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans through 2026, immigration authorities detained Jeferson Pacheco Cruces during a routine immigration check-in appointment. According to his partner, he presented documents showing he was protected under TPS for Venezuelans, but immigration agents told him it wasn’t valid. When a San Francisco federal judge “ruled in favor of the Venezuelans, I was so happy—it felt such a relief,” said Karina Pino, Pacheco’s partner. Lawyers and Venezuelan advocates tracking detained TPS holders said hundreds of Venezuelans have been arrested across the United States in the past four months. Most of the detained Venezuelans belong to a group designated for TPS in 2023. That group experienced a protection gap between May 19, when the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end TPS, and Sept. 5, when a judge ruled on the merits of the case, upholding the extension of the protections through October 2026.

—“Trump fired a U.S. attorney who insisted on following a court order” via Heather Knight and Hamed Aleaziz of The New York Times

“Kevin Marino Cabrera spotlights U.S.-Panama partnership during medical mission” via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — U.S. Ambassador to Panama Cabrera traveled to Chiriquí province to cap off a U.S.-Panama joint medical mission and launch a series of visits highlighting American investment and cooperation in the region. Cabrera attended the closing ceremony of Amistad 2025 at José Domingo de Obaldía Hospital in David. The two-week humanitarian effort brought together U.S. military specialists and Panamanian medical teams from the Ministry of Health and Social Security Fund to deliver care to more than 1,000 patients in Veraguas, Herrera and Chiriquí. “The joint humanitarian mission Amistad was possible thanks to the expanded security cooperation framework between the United States and Panama,” Cabrera said.

— ELECTIONS —

“Chase Brannan adds 3 new endorsements in race to replace dad Chuck Brannan in HD 10” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Chase Brannan is boasting new support in his race for House District 10 in North Florida as he campaigns to replace his dad, Chuck Brannan. Columbia County Property Appraiser Jeff Hampton is adding his support, along with High Springs City Commissioner Chad Howell and former Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey. Gainey called Brannan a “conservative champion” who will represent the district well in Tallahassee. “I know Chase will stand up for the law enforcement community and deliver real results,” Gainey said. “It’s an honor to earn the support of former Sheriff Gainey,” Brannan said of the latest nod.

First in Sunburn — “‘The perspective we need’: AIF backs Samantha Scott in HD 52” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is throwing its weight behind Scott for House District 52. Scott is running to replace John Paul Temple, who is not seeking re-election after being appointed president of Lake-Sumter College this Summer. Both are Republicans. “Samantha Scott knows firsthand what it takes to create jobs, grow a business, and contribute to Florida’s economy,” AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis said. “Together with her husband, she has grown a successful plumbing company that now employs more than 200 people across Central Florida. Her background running a successful business gives her the perspective we need in the Florida House to stand up and fight for Florida’s job creators.”

Happening tonight:

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Sins of the father: How Monique Pardo Pope’s past shapes her campaign” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami Beach Commission candidate Pardo Pope, who has presented herself as the daughter of a working-class Cuban family, is facing scrutiny after it was revealed her father was executed serial killer Manuel Pardo. Documentarian Billy Corben first exposed the connection. Pardo, a former police officer and Hitler admirer, murdered nine people in 1986. Pardo Pope, who was 4 at the time, has memorialized her father on social media as her “hero.” In a statement, she said she prays for the victims’ families and has forgiven her father to “move forward.” She claims her past gives her a unique perspective on public safety but has not explained why she initially omitted this critical detail from her public narrative.

“Is Commissioner’s wish for gala at Mar-a-Lago root of tension with Homeless Coalition?” via Mike Diamond of The Palm Beach Post — The Homeless Coalition is in the crosshairs of Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter, who wants to take away money already approved for the nonprofit, a move that the coalition hints is likely related to Baxter’s request to hold the coalition’s primary fundraiser at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago on Palm Beach. The issue pits Homeless Coalition President Melissa McKinlay, a Democrat and former County Commissioner, against Baxter, a Republican and strong supporter of Trump. The two have been at odds since Baxter succeeded McKinlay on the County Commission in 2022. Data prepared by the coalition shows that having the annual fundraiser, called the Mayors’ Ball, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach would cost significantly more than what it did in previous years and more than what other entities would charge for the next ball in 2026.

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“DeSantis warned Andrew Bain to run as a Democrat. Now he’s stuck with Monique Worrell” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — In a candid admission, DeSantis revealed he advised Bain to run as a Democrat in the deep-blue 9th Judicial Circuit after appointing him to replace State Attorney Worrell. DeSantis told a police union that Bain refused, leading to his predictable loss against the Democrat Worrell in a partisan, presidential election year. Now, Worrell is again drawing fire from Tallahassee, with Attorney General Uthmeier slamming her for a “non-prosecution” policy in a child predator case. While DeSantis acknowledged that he can’t remove an official for a simple disagreement, he reminded the audience of his authority to suspend officials for malfeasance or neglect of duty, signaling that he has not closed the door on removing Worrell once again.

“James Uthmeier threatens Monique Worrell, demands she prosecute suspect in masturbation case” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Uthmeier demanded Friday that Worrell criminally charge a man who allegedly masturbated in front of children at an Apopka park last month. Worrell responded that there was not enough evidence to pursue the matter and argued that Uthmeier’s demands were less about that criminal case and more about the DeSantis administration’s larger push to remove her from office again. Uthmeier and Worrell held separate news conferences in Orlando, blasting the other’s job performance, the latest in a series of public spats between the two since Worrell was re-elected as State Attorney. DeSantis removed Worrell in August 2023, stating that she had been derelict in her duties, a charge she denied. Voters then re-elected her to office in November.

“‘Protected by the sheriff’: Marcos Lopez’s double life as Osceola cop, gambling boss” via Cristóbal Reyes and Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — In the early morning of Oct. 9, 2021, then-Osceola County Sheriff Lopez saw a way to turn a murder scene into a business opportunity. A young woman had been gunned down outside a hookah lounge, and Lopez showed up at the scene, law enforcement documents say. While his deputies investigated the killing, Lopez approached the restaurant’s landlord to suggest he shut down the business. Soon after, Lopez texted the head of an illegal gambling empire — one investigators say he’d been secretly working with for the past two years. The man had been scouting, without success, for locations in Osceola where he could open a new casino, and now the sheriff thought the building that housed the Red Star Restaurant & Hookah Bar seemed perfect. “Call me right away,” Lopez wrote. “We did a raid, and I shut that place down; it’s ours.”

— LOCAL: TB —

“Is the Science Center issue a canary-in-the-coal-mine for Ken Welch?” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Welch just got lawyered. At a City Council meeting, member Lisset Hanewicz masterfully eviscerated the Mayor’s administration for killing the pre-arranged $1.6 million sale of the St. Pete Science Center. Hanewicz argued that a feasibility study citing a need for future water storage on the land was merely a pretext to cancel the deal, prompting a unanimous Council vote to proceed with the sale and find an alternate water site. Welch’s subsequent dismissive statement ignored the Council’s directive, highlighting a dysfunction and arrogance that could become a serious political liability for the Mayor as he faces re-election. A wrong move on this issue could be a cudgel for any would-be challenger. He should tread lightly, or else it could.

“Church accused of ‘slave labor’ in Florida still operating 24-hour miracle prayer line” via Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times — Kingdom of God Global Church founder David E. Taylor seemed to know exactly who’d be coming for him. “They’re gonna be in here with their FBI jackets on,” the man who calls himself God’s best friend allegedly told his workers in an undated meeting described in federal court records. “You don’t scare me. God’s gonna get you. … I’m going to be looking at you in hell and you are going to be having your little FBI jacket on. Who gonna save you then?” A federal grand jury in Michigan quietly indicted Taylor and his alleged co-conspirator, Michelle Brannon, in July. On Aug. 27, flashbang grenades woke residents of an upscale gated community in Ocala as FBI agents stormed a 10,000-square-foot home on a wooded cul-de-sac.

“Federal judge dismisses half of the charges against Tim Burke” via Jack Prator of the Tampa Bay Times — A federal judge this week dismissed several charges against Tampa media consultant Tim Burke, citing free speech violations — a ruling that greatly reduced the number of charges he faced after his unauthorized obtaining of video files from Fox News. Specifically, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said that it was Burke’s indictment under a federal privacy law that violates the First Amendment right to free speech from government restriction. In a 37-page order on Thursday, Mizelle weighed the merits of the government’s argument that Burke illegally obtained the files against a possible “chilling effect” on free speech.

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“Florida wants to buy four acres in the Panhandle. The price tag? $83M” via Max Chesnes and Emily Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida is set to approve a controversial $83.3 million purchase of just four acres in Destin from a major political donor, a price tag over 10 times what the landowner paid. The deal, fast-tracked by lawmakers, would expand public beach access but has alarmed conservationists, who argue the land has minimal ecological value and that the funds would be better spent on higher-priority environmental projects on the state’s Florida Forever list. The landowner, Robert Guidry, has made extensive donations to state and local officials, including those in the Panhandle county where the property is located. The proposal, which would pay roughly $20 million per acre, now awaits a final vote from DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet.

“State Attorney makes decision regarding future of embattled FAMU AD Angela Suggs” via Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat — Suggs’ future as Florida A&M’s vice president and director of Athletics remains uncertain nearly four months after her arrest on fraud and theft charges dating back to her prior job with the Florida Sports Foundation. However, Suggs has learned she may avoid trial on multiple felony criminal charges that were associated with gambling in some instances. The State Attorney’s office has agreed to close the case and offer a deferred prosecution agreement. The decision has allowed Suggs to enroll in a pretrial intervention program. If Suggs, 55, follows the rules for two years, the state will dismiss her charges. Suggs faced charges of falsifying travel vouchers and incurring $24,000 in personal expenses on a work credit card during business trips, when she visited various casinos as the foundation’s head.

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“With a missing Chair, Marco Island City Council approves property tax rate increase” via J. Kyle Foster of the Naples Daily News — With only six of its seven members present, the Marco Island City Council approved a slight property tax increase for Fiscal Year 2026 after a contentious meeting marked by several tie votes. The new millage rate will be 1.267, up from 1.2400, meaning a property owner with a $1 million home will pay an additional $27 in taxes. The 4-2 vote came after months of budget workshops, the discovery of a significant accounting error, and the resignation of the city’s finance director, which fueled public distrust. A compromise was reached to place the $482,000 generated by the increase into a reserve fund, with its use for projects, such as boardwalk replacement, to be decided by the whole Council at a later date.

— TOP OPINION —

“Defending integrity: Former Miami federal prosecutors condemn partisan firings” via Bruce L. Udolf, Marcos Daniel Jimenez, Jane Moscowitz and Caroline Miller for the Miami Herald — We are alumni attorneys of the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Florida. Dozens of our former colleagues have authorized us to voice their opposition and ours to the recent firings of several career prosecutors.

Our colleagues include a former Republican-appointed U.S. attorney and senior supervisory and line assistant U.S. attorneys (AUSAs) who have served both Republican and Democratic administrations.

We strongly condemn Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s actions, actions that undermine the Department of Justice’s mission to thoroughly, fairly and impartially detect and prosecute the most serious crimes.

Firing highly experienced, ethical and effective prosecutors, for partisan reasons, harms that mission and the interests of the people of the United States.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“Don’t trust ‘Doctor Trump’ about Tylenol use” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Trump is hardly qualified to dispense medical advice, yet he’s now urging pregnant women to “fight like hell” against Tylenol, spouting from the same fount of ignorance that once suggested bleach for COVID. Whether a diversion or something more transactional, politicizing autism is shameful. He and the deeply conflicted Health Secretary RFK Jr. are pushing unproven accusations, ignoring the basic scientific principle that correlation is not causation. While they sow fear, actual medical experts maintain that Tylenol is safe when needed during pregnancy and that the risk from untreated fever is far greater. The real danger here is taking medical advice from politicians with questionable motives and zero credibility.

“The GOP must stop stalling in the case of Mills” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — For quite some time, we’ve been wondering: Exactly what will it take to get GOP leaders in the U.S. House to do something about Mills? This week may have finally produced an answer. But most of you — particularly our large local continent of rational Republicans — aren’t going to like it. It wasn’t the questions from military leaders and veterans’ groups about potential misrepresentation of the New Smyrna Beach Republican’s military record that are sparking the ire of some congressional colleagues. Nor was it the House Ethics Committee inquiry about Mills’ business dealings, which includes questions about nearly $2 million in loans he made to his congressional campaign that don’t really match up with his reported income and spending, and includes questions about how candid he was in required financial disclosures.

“Florida’s laughable DOGE team ignores Seminole’s $60M tax hike” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — For two months now, DeSantis and his newly appointed CFO have been cosplaying as angry CPAs, stomping all over the state and screaming about cities and counties where taxes are supposedly too high. But do you know where this indignant duo isn’t visiting and screaming? Places like Seminole County are actually jacking up taxes by tens of millions of dollars. Seem odd to you? Not if you understand politics. DeSantis and CFO Blaise Ingoglia, both Republicans, have been taking their tantrum tour to Democratic strongholds like Orange County and Orlando — which aren’t raising tax rates — while ignoring Republican-led Seminole County, which just voted three different times to raise three different sets of taxes by more than $60 million.

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Why many young adults turn on TV or movie subtitles, according to a new poll” via The Associated Press — A new poll reveals a significant generational divide in the use of subtitles, with younger Americans far more likely to watch TV with captions turned on. According to a survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, four in 10 adults under 45 “often” use subtitles, compared to three in 10 older adults. The primary reasons for this trend differ by age: younger viewers often use them while multitasking or in noisy environments, allowing them to follow along without having to raise the volume. In contrast, older adults are more likely to use subtitles to understand accents better or due to hearing impairments, highlighting a cultural shift in media consumption habits across different age groups.

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy birthday to former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, David Bishop, Brian Graham, Rebecca Matthews, and Zach Thorn.

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

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