Politics
Takeaways from Tallahassee — Big beautiful birthday
How do you like to celebrate your birthday? Maybe it’s quality time with friends and family, a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant, a celebratory drink, and of course blowing out some candles.
There are millions of ways to mark a trip around the sun — some more joyful than others. But Tallahassee Democratic Rep. Allison Tant’s annual tradition takes the cake.
Each year, the third-term lawmaker and former Florida Democratic Party Chair hosts a service project for a local nonprofit in her district. This year, she partnered with Big Bend Hospice to help families reach the bedside of their loved ones and say their final goodbyes — removing logistical or financial barriers that often make such moments out of reach.
“Every birthday (and Christmas), I choose a local nonprofit to highlight, to seek donations for, and to celebrate. This year I chose Big Bend Hospice for my birthday service project. BBH curated a wish list of needed items for their patients and created a donation link for folks who want to make financial donations,” Tant said.
“Hospice just launched a new program that captured my heart — to help families who may not make it in time or lack the resources to be able to say their last goodbyes, along with helping with special patient needs that are not funded through Medicare or other programs.”
All wish list items were shipped directly to BBH, and all financial contributions went directly to the organization. Tant focused specifically on helping cover costs that often fall through the cracks — things like gas cards, phone minutes, or travel expenses to make that final call or bedside visit.
Nearly 200 people attended the birthday bash, raising more than $13,000 and contributing an additional $1,500 worth of wish list items.
While the Representative’s birthday proper has passed, if ever there was a good reason to make it a “birthday week,” this is it — so, to the stragglers who want to chip in, BBH accepts direct donations here and you can find Tant’s official Birthday Wish List here.
“We make sure all potential financial barriers are eliminated for these families,” said Dena Strickland, President of the Big Bend Hospice Foundation. “Actions such as Representative Tant’s are majorly needed. We help lift them up in their darkest times. We inspire hope here at Big Bend Hospice.”
Tant has herself been one of those lifted up during a dark time, making this year’s service project especially meaningful.
“At some point most of us will experience hospice care whether for ourselves, or for loved one. Having experienced hospice care for my father 20 years ago, I know how compassionate and invaluable that care is and I was honored to play a small part in helping them launch a new initiative,” she said.
Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout, Andrew Powell and the staff of Florida Politics.
But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
—Take 5—
The pick — Defying President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed his close ally, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, to the vacant Chief Financial Officer position. DeSantis confirmed the news about the key Cabinet appointment during a press conference in Tampa, touting Ingoglia’s record as a “warrior” and “the most conservative Senator in the state of Florida” Ingoglia, who called getting the job an honor, vowed to be a fiscal watchdog. DeSantis was not swayed by Trump, who has been pushing for Sen. Joe Gruters to get the job. Rumors had been swirling that Ingoglia was going to be named CFO. Ingoglia, 54, a Republican from Spring Hill, backed DeSantis in his failed 2024 GOP presidential Primary instead of supporting Trump.
Finally done? — The Florida Supreme Court has upheld a controversial congressional map drawn by DeSantis and approved by the Legislature. A majority of Justices ultimately said the Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute and other plaintiffs failed to prove racial discrimination or a need to preserve a North Florida district previously represented by a Black Democrat. In a majority opinion, the group stated that the map will stand, thereby ending any questions about whether congressional district lines will change in the 2026 Midterms or for the remainder of the decade. “This was always the constitutionally correct map — and now both the federal courts and the FL Supreme Court have upheld it,” DeSantis said on social media following the ruling.
To the courts — The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups are suing over due process violations and deprivation of legal counsel at ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ The case, filed in the Southern District of Florida, lists as defendants the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Director of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie. The plaintiffs (Michael Borrego Fernandez, J.M.C. and E.R.) allege that lawyers have been frustrated in their attempts to meet with clients on site, and their clients have been thwarted in their attempts to file motions that could lead to their release from the extraordinary ad hoc prison located on the edge of the Everglades. The suit says attempts to phone the facility have proven fruitless, while an email provided to plaintiff lawyers allegedly leads to bounced back messages.
More ‘Alligator (Alcatraz)’ wrestling — Florida’s Supreme Court won’t immediately hear a dispute about ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ the state’s high-profile illegal immigrant internment camp. Instead, Justices sent the case down to be heard by a lower court. Democratic lawmakers — Sens. Shevrin Jones and Carlos Guillermo Smith and Reps. Anna Eskamani, Angie Nixon and Michele Rayner — sued the DeSantis administration last week over “denial of unannounced access” to the site, which they called “blatantly unconstitutional” after they were refused entry on July 3. The DeSantis administration said the lawsuit is “frivolous” and “dumb.”
Landmark deal — DeSantis on Friday announced Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have reached a deal to speed up Everglades restoration by completing the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir early as the state takes more control of the project. DeSantis called it a landmark deal that will leave a major impact on tourism, the economy and the environment as he spoke at a press conference in Marco Island. “What this means is that there’ll be projects in the EAA that will be completed by the state of Florida on behalf of the Army Corps. It will be using the allocated federal funds, and it will allow us to accelerate the commitment and the investment in the project to ensure that we’re not waiting till 2034,” DeSantis said.
— Reservoir Dogs —
With the spotlight on the Everglades turning sour — thanks to headline-chasing antics from Attorney General James Uthmeier and the husband of a certain would-be 2026 candidate, Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Cabinet needed a win.
Ask, and you shall receive.
This week, the Governor announced the official opening of the Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir, a 10,000-acre project designed to improve water quality, protect the local ecosystem, and expand the state’s long-term water storage capacity. It’s one of the largest Everglades restoration projects in Florida history.
“This project will have an impact far beyond the Caloosahatchee. The C-43 Reservoir is a landmark achievement in our broader mission to restore the Everglades, expand Florida’s water storage capacity, and leave this state better to God than we found it,” said DeSantis.
Since 2019, Florida has invested nearly $8 billion in Everglades restoration. South Florida’s water storage capacity has now tripled — with the ability to hold 176 billion gallons.
“Today I was excited to join the Governor for this major milestone in restoring Florida’s Everglades with the startup of the C-43 Reservoir,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.
“Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, we’ve invested more toward restoration and are seeing meaningful results — on time, under budget, and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers.”
The C-43 pump is up and running — capable of moving up to 650,000 gallons per minute.
More of this, please. And less time trying to impress ICE hardliners and Epstein-list deniers.
— Slow Ride, Take It Easy —
Look, we all understand the occasional five over in town, 10 over on the interstate — or “going with the flow,” whatever that means. But the truth is, speeding is dangerous, and it puts more than just you at risk — your passengers and everyone else on the road pay the price too.
That’s why the Florida Department of Transportation, along with law enforcement agencies in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, launched the annual “Operation Southern Slow Down” campaign this week. Running from July 14, the initiative focuses on reducing speed-related crashes and raising awareness about the dangers of unsafe driving.
“Florida’s transportation system is meticulously engineered to maximize safety — it’s woven into every design plan, every education campaign, and every traffic safety law enforced by our law enforcement partners,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “Operation Southern Slow Down is a strong example of how each of these facets works together to create safer roadways. We encourage communities to join our efforts in creating a safer transportation future by recognizing the risks of unsafe driving behaviors, like speeding.”
According to FLHSMV data, speeding and aggressive driving contributed to 13% of all traffic fatalities in Florida in 2023. The long-term goal? Zero traffic-related fatalities or serious injuries.
“Operation Southern Slow Down is a united effort to reduce dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious crashes on our roadways,” said Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II. “Through increased enforcement and proactive education, FHP and our partners are working across state lines to save lives and move closer to our shared vision of zero traffic deaths.”
Bottom line: better to arrive late than not at all.
When in doubt, remember: S.T.F.D. — slow the f** down*.
— Signal boost —
FloridaCommerce is opening the floodgates on broadband expansion with more than $970 million now available through the BEAD Deployment Program.
The funding, part of a federal initiative to bring high-speed internet to the state’s remaining unserved and underserved areas, will support projects targeting homes, farms, small businesses and community anchor institutions.
Since 2020, 85% of broadband infrastructure grants have gone to small cities and rural communities. Licensed Florida internet service providers are eligible, and collaborative proposals are encouraged to stretch the dollars further.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 4, via the state’s Broadband Application Portal. A recent webinar offers a full walk-through for interested applicants.
—Instagram of the Week—
— The Week in Appointments —
Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit Court — DeSantis has appointed Leon County Court Judge Jones to a judgeship on Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit Court. Jones has been on the Leon County bench since 2020 and was previously General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. Jones fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Wheeler.
Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit — DeSantis appointed Aaron Hubbard to Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit Court. Hubbard has served as a Judge on the Pinellas County Court since 2022 and was previously an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Lee County Court — The Governor named Javier Pacheco to the Lee County Court. Pacheco is a Partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where he has worked since 2015. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Okaloosa County Court — Gov. DeSantis appointed John Reed to the Okaloosa County Court. Reed has served as a General Magistrate in Florida’s 1st Judicial Circuit since 2023 and was previously a Partner at Remol Reed PA. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a law degree from the University of Florida.
— ‘A’ for Anastasios —
It’s been a big few weeks in the education world — and the news isn’t slowing down. This week, the State Board of Education welcomed Anastasios Kamoutsas to his first meeting as Florida’s new Education Commissioner.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as Florida’s Commissioner of Education. I look forward to continuing the great work of this Board and keeping the momentum moving forward to preserve Florida’s status as the top state for education,” said Kamoutsas.
“Florida has laid the blueprint for other states to follow on education, and I will continue that success by expanding workforce education, keeping our students safe, and ensuring that we are educating our students to be successful adults.”
He also took a moment to recognize the outgoing Board Chair: “I want to thank Ben Gibson for his service to the students of Florida over the last eight years. He has been a steadfast leader on the Board and made a meaningful difference for Florida’s children.”
In his first week on the job, Kamoutsas is set to host the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year Roundtable. The Board also named Ryan Petty as its next Chair, succeeding Gibson at the end of his second term, with Esther Byrd tapped to serve as Vice Chair.
At this week’s meeting, he also recognized several statewide honorees, including
— Joseph Mikulski, Principal of the Year (Golden Gate High School, Collier County)
— Dr. Bryan Alvaré, Assistant Principal of the Year (Yulee Middle School, Nassau County)
— Kelsie Rodriguez, School-Related Employee of the Year (VPK Paraprofessional, Summers Elementary School, Columbia County)
A big congratulations from TFT crew to these outstanding educators.
— Scratch Off Week —
This week marked National Lottery Week, and the Florida Lottery took the opportunity to reflect on its mission — especially its role in supporting education and Bright Futures, which many Florida college students rely on.
“National Lottery Week is a time to celebrate the meaningful difference lotteries make in communities across the country, and nowhere is that more evident than right here in the state of Florida. Every ticket purchased in our state is more than just a chance to win — it’s a direct investment in education, economic growth, and opportunity,” said Florida Lottery Secretary John Davis.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together with our players, partners, and public education leaders.”
The Florida Lottery continues to focus on expanding educational contributions — championing the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, K-12 initiatives, and classroom enhancements. Since 1988, the Lottery has contributed more than $48 billion to education in Florida, helping more than 1 million students pursue some form of postsecondary education in the state.
Davis emphasized the Lottery’s ongoing commitment to innovation and growth, aiming to deliver life-changing impacts for Florida students — National Lottery Week or not.
And while we at Florida Politics would never condone gambling (wink), we also know Post Malone’s going to sell you a Hard Rock Bet App commercial before you can change the channel. So, if you do decide to buy a scratch-off, just say it’s for a good cause — and maybe you’ll hit big while helping a future student do the same.
—’Marching 100’ land $50K—
FSU holds plenty of sway in this town — and it excels at dozens of things as an academic institution (less so as a sports icon these days). But as great as The Marching Chiefs are — and as much as folks love doing the Tomahawk Chop (not all of us at FP, but a good chunk) — FSU doesn’t have the best collegiate band in town.
As much as the Chiefs might huff and puff to claim otherwise (and we know we’re treading on thin ice with some readers here), just ask Prince who the best band is. We all know the answer.
Strike, strike, and strike again.
This week, FAMU alumna Sharon Lettman-Hicks made a $50,000 personal commitment to the legendary “Marching 100” as part of the Beyond the Uniform: 100 for 100 Campaign — the band’s annual effort to raise $900,000. That funding would provide a $3,000 scholarship to each of the 300+ student musicians who bring the Marching 100 to life.
“The Marching ‘100’ has always been one of the most consistent and relevant ambassadors for FAMU. No matter how much turmoil may be happening around our beloved Mother FAMU, the Marching ‘100’ brings pride and joy that is hard to describe. It’s not just entertainment. It’s Excellence with Caring,” said Lettman-Hicks.
Her hope is that the gift will inspire fellow alumni, colleagues, and friends of the University to step up and support one of Tallahassee’s greatest institutions — and one of the most powerful, unifying forces in American marching music.
“As someone who has had the honor of being part of The Marching ‘100’ family for over four decades — as a student, trumpet section leader, and now director — I can say without hesitation that this $50,000 gift means the world to our students,” said Shelby Chipman, Director of Bands. “It acknowledges not just their talent on the field, but their grit, discipline, and commitment off the field.”
In an age when universities are under political pressure and late-night hosts vanish after criticizing corporate overlords (we’ll miss you, Stephen Colbert), protecting the First Amendment feels more vital than ever.
Enter Florida State University College of Law, which is launching the first and only First Amendment Clinic in Florida — a new academic and legal initiative designed to shape high-impact constitutional litigation.
Professor Denise M. Harle, a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP, will lead the clinic and guide students in defending First Amendment rights across speech, religion, assembly, association, and press freedom.
“The excitement surrounding the launch of this clinic is a testament to both the need for this work and the caliber of leadership guiding it. We are deeply grateful to Professor Harle for bringing her nationally recognized expertise and unwavering commitment to constitutional advocacy to FSU Law,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, Dean of FSU College of Law.
“Under her leadership, the clinic will provide our students with an exceptional opportunity to engage in meaningful, real-world work at the intersection of law, public service, and democratic values.”
Students will take part in weekly seminars exploring First Amendment law, core advocacy skills, and the ethical and societal stakes of free speech — all while working on real cases defending rights across a variety of institutions and platforms.
“This clinic is about real impact — for students and for the country,” said Harle. “We’re creating a space where law students can learn by doing, and where the rights of everyday Americans are protected through dedicated, principled advocacy. I’m excited to begin this new chapter and help equip the next generation of lawyers to thoughtfully engage with one of the most dynamic areas of law.”
Operations are expected to begin later in the 2025 academic year, and the clinic will offer pro bono legal representation to individuals and organizations who believe their First Amendment rights are at risk.
Have you — or a friend, family member, or loved one — ever wanted to break into acting but didn’t know where to start? Feel like you’ve got what it takes to be the next Pedro Pascal (AKA, the blockbuster star we just can’t escape)? Well, look no further.
The Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts (CMPA) has just launched “Close-Up” — a new actor directory to help student filmmakers cast talent in their projects.
The CMPA previously used a system called “Action,” but it had grown outdated and cluttered with inactive profiles. Close-Up is designed to make casting faster, easier, and more connected to current local talent in Tallahassee and surrounding areas.
“Whether you’re a veteran character actor or yet to step in front of a camera, we want you in our casting pool. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your acting career, be part of the creative process, and showcase your talent,” said Erika Stone, actor-in-residence at CMPA.
If you had a profile in Action, it did not transfer over — so you’ll need to create a new one. Signing up is quick and straightforward, and once you’re registered, student filmmakers at CMPA can reach out to cast you in roles of all sizes.
And you never know who you might be working with — the CMPA boasts alumni like blockbuster director Wes Ball (Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) and Oscar winners Barry Jenkins and Adele Romanski (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, Mufasa).
“Close-Up is a game-changer for our students. It provides them with a comprehensive resource to discover and connect with talented actors, enhancing the overall quality of their films,” said Andrew Syder, Associate Dean of CMPA.
As the overused and cliché (yet stupidly true) expression goes: The Earth without art is just “eh.” Sometimes clichés become clichés for a reason.
Tallahassee State College — or TSC, if short on time — celebrated the opening of a new summer exhibition from the Artists’ League of the Big Bend on Friday with a public reception from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event offered guests a chance to meet the featured artists and enjoy an evening of community, conversation, and creativity.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the vibrant work of the Artists’ League of the Big Bend to our Fine Art Gallery. This summer exhibition celebrates the rich diversity of creative voices across our region and embodies Tallahassee State College’s commitment to fostering community connections through the arts,” said Donmetrie Clark, Dean of Communications and Humanities at TSC.
Now in its fifth year, the annual summer exhibition features a wide-ranging collection of two- and three-dimensional work — including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, clay, and sculpture.
Missed Friday’s festivities? You’re in luck. The exhibit remains on display through the end of August. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and both admission and parking are free.
Take a break from the heat — and see what the Big Bend’s finest creatives have to offer.
—You Down With OIG?—
Red tape and bureaucracy are part of life — and while not ideal, you at least hope the folks running your city know how to navigate it. Fortunately, Tallahassee continues to show it does — especially when compared to the rest of the Panhandle.
The Office of the Inspector General (for the City of Tallahassee has earned full reaccreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) — a major accomplishment that reflects the city’s continued commitment to integrity, accountability, and high-quality public service.
“I am pleased the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation once again found the OIG to be 100% compliant with all its investigative standards. This reaccreditation is a strong affirmation of the excellent work done by the OIG’s professional staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every issue is handled with care and diligence,” said Dennis Sutton, Inspector General for the City of Tallahassee.
The CFA found the OIG to be fully compliant with every applicable investigative standard — with no improvements recommended. That perfect score came after a rigorous review of policies, procedures, and operations.
The reaccreditation puts Tallahassee’s OIG in an elite club — think the “Five-Timers Club” of government accountability — and reaffirms the city’s place among Florida’s top-performing agencies.
A big hip-hip-hooray to Sutton and the whole OIG crew.
— Tally Summer Cool Down —
Hot tamale, we are sweating — and so is the rest of Tallahassee, with summer highs hitting 92 (before humidity). Fortunately, the City of Tallahassee, alongside the Tallahassee Police Department, is back with the fourth annual installment of its popular summer event: “HERE for You: Summer Cool Down.”
The goal? To bring the community together in a cool — literally and metaphorically — space that fosters meaningful conversations and positive connections with friends, neighbors, and local law enforcement.
“Being present and available to the community we serve is essential to building trust. This event is one of my favorites because it gives our officers and residents a chance to interact outside of a crisis or critical incident, in a positive space where relationships can grow. Events like this remind everyone that we are truly HERE for You — not just in emergencies, but every day,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.
The event takes place today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tom Brown Park’s Amphitheater Area — possibly as you’re reading this.
It’s free and open to the public, with something for all ages: snow cones and food (while supplies last), water games and activities for kids, giveaways, and music to keep the vibes high while the temps stay low.
To learn more, visit talgov.com/TPD and follow TPD on social media for updates.
Stay cool, Tallahassee — this one’s for the whole family.
—The Best of TV—
We’re shaking things up this week and pivoting from film to focus on television — specifically, the Emmy nominations, which dropped this week. But first, a quick rundown of the box office and what’s new in theaters.
“Superman” soared into theaters with full punk-rock energy, opening to $125 million — the second-best debut for director James Gunn, just behind his 2017 hit “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” ($146 million). Meanwhile, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” continued to stomp the box office with $40 million, and “F1: The Movie” is still drifting along at $13 million. New openings include a remake of the ‘90s cult horror “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (38% on Rotten Tomatoes, 5.8 IMDb); Ari Aster’s COVID-western-satire “Eddington” (66% RT, 6.6 IMDb); and a new animated Smurfs film starring Rihanna (20% RT, 4.7 IMDb).
Now, onto the contenders for the best of the best in television.
Leading the charge is Apple TV+’s workplace sci-fi thriller “Severance”, backed by Ben Stiller. The show earned 27 nominations — including Best Drama Series, Lead Actress (Britt Lower), Lead Actor (Adam Scott), three Supporting Actor nods (Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro), Supporting Actress (Patricia Arquette), Best Director (Stiller), and Best Writing. Operation Cold Emmy is officially underway.
Season 3 of HBO’s “The White Lotus” also had a stellar showing with 23 nominations, including Best Drama, Writing, and Directing for creator Mike White. The cast earned serious love: three Supporting Actor nods (Walton Goggins — widely seen as the frontrunner — Jason Isaacs, and Sam Rockwell) and four Supporting Actress noms (Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, and Aimee Lou Wood). Meghann Fahy, a breakout from Season 2, also scored a Lead Actress nomination for her new limited series “Sirens,” which earned four nods overall.
Hulu’s “Paradise” surprised with four nominations, including Best Drama, Best Actor (Sterling K. Brown), Supporting Actress (Julianne Nicholson — double-nominated for Hacks), and Supporting Actor (James Marsden).
But keep your eyes on HBO’s “The Pitt,” which landed 13 nominations, including Best Drama, Best Actor (Noah Wyle — considered the favorite), Supporting Actress (Katherine LaNasa), and Best Directing and Writing. Despite missing key editing categories, the popular 15-episode medical drama is a serious contender.
Also from HBO: DC Comics spinoff “The Penguin”, a gritty follow-up to The Batman (2022), earned the second-most nominations of any limited series. Standouts include Best Limited Series, Lead Actor (Colin Farrell), Lead Actress (Cristin Milioti), and Supporting Actress (Deirdre O’Connell, as Oz’s mother).
Netflix’s “Adolescence”, written, directed, and produced by Stephen Graham, is another standout. The viral tragedy scored 13 nominations, including Lead Actor (Graham), Supporting Actor (15-year-old breakout Owen Cooper and co-star Ashley Walters), and Supporting Actress (Erin Doherty and Christine Tremarco).
On the comedy front, Apple TV+’s insider-Hollywood satire “The Studio” leads with 23 nominations. The series earned nods for Best Comedy, Lead Actor (Seth Rogen, who also directs, writes, and produces), Supporting Actor (Ike Barinholtz), Supporting Actress (Kathryn Hahn and Catherine O’Hara), and multiple guest star nominations for real-life directors Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Zoë Kravitz playing themselves.
Defending champ HBO’s “Hacks” remains strong, with nominations for Best Comedy, Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Writing and Directing.
Although it missed the Best Comedy Series list, HBO’s “The Rehearsal” did land Writing and Directing nods for creator Nathan Fielder. His surreal docu-comedy “The Miracle of the Mojave” is now Emmy-nominated — and strangely relevant, given real-world FAA drama this year.
Fan favorites like “Abbott Elementary” and the category-blurring FX foodie cult hit “The Bear” continued their nomination dominance. And in fun trivia: Harrison Ford and Kristen Bell both scored their first Emmy nods for the comedy series “Shrinking” and “Nobody Wants This”, respectively — both of which also received Best Comedy Series nods.
HBO leads the overall tally with a record 142 nominations, followed by Netflix (120) and Apple TV+ (81).
There’s your watch list — happy binging!
— “The White Lotus”
— “Abbott Elementary”
— “Nobody Wants This”
— “Only Murders in the Building”
— “What We Do in the Shadows”
— “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
— “The Penguin”
—Mystifying Gulf—
It will be a tricky weekend at Gulf Coast beaches along the northern stretch of Florida from the Big Bend to the Alabama state line, as a broad low-pressure system remains over the area and any potential surf is somewhat challenging to predict.
The National Weather Service marine forecast for the northern Gulf Coast is even watching for possible development of that low, though forecasters say it’s likely to move west toward Louisiana. Remnants of the system will likely generate showers into the weekend, and even late this week the NWS was posting rip current warnings — noting there could be strong currents just off the beach, and beachgoers should be careful. Even experienced surfers can have trouble with those currents.
Given everything going on in the Gulf, NWS is still calling for seas to be 3 feet or less, with winds out of the southeast to south at 10 to 15 knots. That’ll mean onshore flow for Gulf beachgoers — and if there’s any surf (maybe knee-high, if we’re lucky), it’ll be choppy.
Overall, probably not a great weekend for getting on the water near Gulf Coast beaches. Even kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders are in for a bumpy ride. Given the iffy — and frankly unpredictable — conditions, it’s definitely worth checking NOAA buoy 42036, about 112 miles northwest of Tampa, for the latest data on swell heights and winds.
Strange forces surrounding this Gulf Coast weekend. Be careful on the water.
—Capitol Directions—
Ron DeSantis — Up arrow — If Wally B. were two inches shorter and had a vindictive streak, he’d have drawn it himself.
Transparency — Down arrow — We’re fresh out, would you settle for translucency?
Byron Donalds — Up arrow — Can we just write the donut already?
James Uthmeier — Down arrow — You’re at 14:59. Don’t push it.
Blaise Ingoglia — Up arrow — This is going to be better than an Action Dan v. Moneymaker sequel.
Joe Gruters — Crossways arrow — Trump card in his pocket and a chip stack to match.
Jay Collins — Crossways arrow — He’s still in the mix for something … (he is still in the mix for something, right?)
Ralph Massullo — Up arrow — The doctor is in.
Paul Renner — Down arrow — Who?
Allison Tant — Up arrow — It’s her birthday, but Tally’s getting all the presents.
Everglades — Up arrow — We’re glad it’s what’s blooming this summer.
Florida Highway Patrol — Up arrow — The black and tan may not get headlines, but it does get up arrows.
Brightline — Down arrow — When’d Dave Pirner enter the transpo biz?
Ron Book — Up arrow — The PBC Ethics Commission violated the gift ban by handing him the W on a silver platter.
Gwen Marshall Knight — Down arrow — Inspiring someone to write eight pages outside of an AP Lit test is impressive in all the worst ways.
Kim Leonard — Up arrow — Two years of scoops that make Tally wince. Cheers.
Susan Miller — Up arrow — Three months without a captain and the ship didn’t sink. That’s skill.
Joe Casello — 
— Please beat the odds, Rep.
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Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Did Christina Pushaw break the law by asking gubernatorial candidate James Fishback to delete text messages the two exchanged in recent months?
Maybe.
Pushaw, who earns a $179,000 tax-funded salary as a senior management analyst for Gov. Ron DeSantis, all but confirmed the authenticity of texts between her and Fishback in which she appears to have written, “I need you to confirm that you deleted everything with my name on it.”
The exchange has raised questions about whether she solicited the destruction of public records, which would be illegal if the messages involved her government duties, but likely not if they were strictly campaign-related, as she says.
Fishback posted a screenshot of the exchange following a public blowup between the two after they, according to Pushaw, spoke “frequently” since October about Fishback’s campaign.
On X, Pushaw accused Fishback of deception, writing: “Thanks for proving my point that you have no qualms about lying and revealing private messages. I truly believed that we were friends, and I feel sickened and violated by this betrayal.”
Pushaw, who has worked for DeSantis as both a campaign and government staffer, says she was never paid for advising Fishback and never told the Governor about her communications with Fishback.
In a brief phone interview on Monday, she said none of her messages with Fishback touched her state job.
“I never talked to him about government business,” she said. She declined to explicitly confirm the authenticity of Fishback’s screenshots, including one that referenced her government position.
Read more on Florida Politics.
Evening Reads
—“Donald Trump ties Greenland takeover bid to Nobel Prize in text to Norway leader” via Ellen Francis and Steve Hendrix of The Washington Post
—”Trump’s letter to Norway should be the last straw” via Anne Applebaum of The Atlantic
—”Trump’s Greenland move is one of the dumbest political decisions I have ever seen” via Chris Cillizza of So What
—”The race to build the DeepSeek of Europe is on” via Joel Khalili of WIRED
—”Three maps tell a tale of the 2026 Midterms.” via Ashley Cai and Shane Goldmacher of The New York Times
—”Orlando Sentinel 150: Remembering MLK’s only visit to Orlando in 1964” via the Orlando Sentinel
—“Jeff Brandes: Six ideas Legislature can’t afford to ignore in 2026” via Jeff Brandes for Florida Politics
—”The Indiana-Miami CFP game is the Hollywood tangle we didn’t know we needed” via Steven Zeitchik of The Hollywood Reporter
—”‘It shaped my DNA’: The very Miami story of Mario Cristobal” via Andrea Adelson of ESPN
—”Two other Hoosiers from Miami are coming home, too — and could play a big role” via David J. Neal and Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald
Quote of the Day
“I didn’t vote for this weather.”
— Marc Caputo on a frigid morning in Miami.
Put it on the Tab
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Even though it’s booze-free, the Duval delegation could use a Cortisol Cocktail to calm their nerves after a bomb threat landed in their inboxes.
Disney and Universal are getting an Investigators Rite, courtesy of Central Florida Democrats, who are requesting they look into a company that operates independent restaurants on their properties.
Someone should’ve sent an Out of Office for Attorney General James Uthmeier, because he picked an odd day to drop his latest opinion.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
Miami plays for national title at home
The Miami Hurricanes try for the program’s first national championship since 2001 when they face top-seeded Indiana at Hard Rock Stadium tonight (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Miami entered the College Football Playoff as the 10th seed and knocked off Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss to reach the finals. The Hurricanes (13-2) have benefitted from a defense that has limited opponents to 14 points per game this season. Defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. was named the ACC defensive player of the year and is a likely Top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.
Indiana (15-0) has enjoyed the greatest season in program history. In the second season under Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have not only won more games than they ever have in a season, but also more than the program ever did in two consecutive seasons combined before Cignetti’s arrival.
The Hoosiers are led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The two programs have met twice in history, with Indiana winning the first meeting in 1964 and the Hurricanes taking the return match in 1966. The two programs have not met since.
The last time a college football team won the national championship by winning a game on its home field was the Hurricanes, who won the Orange Bowl following the 1987 season to win the program’s second of five national championships.
___
Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
Gubernatorial candidate James Fishback’s legal woes are deepening.
A federal magistrate Judge has ordered Fishback, the founder and CEO of Azoria Capital, to turn over company stock certificates and a slate of luxury purchases to the U.S. Marshals Service by the end of the month as payment on a $229,000 judgment to his former employer, Greenlight Capital.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Fitzpatrick of the Northern District of Florida granted two unopposed motions by Greenlight after Fishback failed to respond by a court-ordered deadline.
It’s the latest escalation in a dispute between Greenlight and Fishback, a former analyst for the hedge fund who has made more headlines recently for his race-baiting rhetoric in the Governor’s race, allegations of grooming, multistate voter registration and public blowup with Gov. Ron DeSantis adviser Christina Pushaw.
Greenlight told the court that Fishback still owes it money under a June 2025 court order. The firm asked the court in late November to compel Fishback to surrender his stock or share certificates in Azoria Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation Greenlight described as founded by Fishback and controlled by him at “75% or more.”
Because Fishback did not oppose the request, the court granted it and directed him to “locate, obtain, and turn over” all Azoria stock and/or share certificates to the U.S. Marshals Service by Jan. 30.
The Marshals Service, in turn, is ordered to sell the stock for the benefit of Greenlight as the judgment creditor. Fitzpatrick warned Fishback that federal courts have inherent authority to enforce orders and cautioned that ignoring the directive could place him “in danger of being held in contempt of court.”
Fitzpatrick also granted a second motion by Greenlight seeking the turnover of personal property belonging to Fishback. The firm alleged that Fishback claimed he lacked means to pay the $229,000 judgment while making more than $37,000 in debit card purchases over 16 months through a previously undisclosed JPMorgan Chase account.
The court summarized transactions at retailers including eBay, Nordstrom, Burberry, Bucherer and others, but noted it did not know what exactly Fishback purchased. Still, Fitzpatrick described the spending as “extravagant” and found that Fishback, by not responding by the deadline, waived his chance to argue the items were exempt or not personal property.
Under the order, Fishback must turn over 43 items listed in the motion paper, along with a list, to the Marshals Service by Jan. 30. The Marshals must hold the items for 30 days, allowing Greenlight’s lawyers to retrieve and sell them as partial satisfaction of the judgment.
Fishback worked at Greenlight from 2021 to 2023, after which he and the company became embroiled in a very public dispute over how he described his role there. He said he was “head of macro” for Greenlight, while the New York hedge fund insisted no such title ever existed and that the loftiest role Fishback held was as a research analyst.
Greenlight alleged that Fishback misrepresented his position to boost credibility and attract investors for Azoria. Fishback, meanwhile, argued Greenlight’s denial harmed him with potential backers and pointed to internal communications he says support his version of events.
He did, however, admit to sharing confidential Greenlight portfolio information and agreed to pay costs to resolve a separate lawsuit.
Trustees of a white-label exchange-traded fund (ETF) under Tidal Financial Group also voted in October to liquidate two Azoria ETFs — SPXM and TSLV, which together held about $40 million in assets — after Fishback admitted to sharing the information.
Between when he launched his campaign on Nov. 24 and Dec. 31, when fourth-quarter bookkeeping closed, Fishback reported raising less than $19,000 through his campaign account and nothing through an affiliated political committee.
Fishback is seeking the Republican nomination for Governor. The race’s poll-tested front-runner, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, amassed $45 million last quarter.
Rep. Anna Eskamani says she has raised more than $1 million so far as she tries to become the next Orlando Mayor.
The Orlando Democrat says she hit the milestone last week as lawmakers returned to Tallahassee for the start of the 2026 Legislative Session.
Term-limited in the House, Eskamani is running in 2027 to replace Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who is not running for re-election.
“This campaign is powered by everyday Orlandoans who believe our city can be more affordable, more connected, and safer for everyone,” Eskamani said in a statement.
“Raising over one million dollars from thousands of grassroots donors sends a clear message: people are ready for leadership that listens, leads with integrity, solves problems, and puts community first. Together, we’re building a movement that reflects the heart of Orlando and delivers real results for working families.”
Her campaign has given out 900 yard signs and knocked on more than 33,000 doors in the city, according to a press release.
So far, no other established candidates have filed to run against Eskamani, although she has drawn her first competitor on the ballot: Abdelnasser Lutfi.
Lutfi, who filed to run for Mayor in late December, was not immediately available when reached for comment Monday afternoon.
Eskamani and Lutfi are running to replace Dyer, the longest-serving Mayor in Orlando’s history. Dyer was first elected in 2003.
Eskamani also said she is launching a podcast called “Twinning with Anna and Ida” with her twin sister.
“Every episode will unpack economic public policy issues that are critically important to everyone, but aren’t always well understood by the vast majority of people — often because they have been made intentionally opaque by politicians and the corporations who fund them to benefit from the complex system,” a press release said.
“But they will also have some fun along the way, from exposing a ‘grift of the month’ in Florida politics to exploring the punk rock scene in Orlando.”
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