Takeaways from Tallahassee — Easter is brought to you by …

Peter Cottontail is expected to deliver a bumper crop for retailers this Easter, with shoppers projected to spend a record $24.9 billion nationwide as the holiday arrives April 5, according to the Florida Retail Federation and the National Retail Federation.

That would top the previous high-water mark of $24 billion set in 2023 and put a little extra in plenty of Easter baskets well beyond the chocolate-and-marshmallow variety.

According to the NRF survey, 80% of consumers plan to celebrate Easter in some fashion this year, with 92% purchasing candy, 90% buying food for the holiday, 64% picking up gifts, 53% springing for decorations and 51% spending on clothing.

Even with economic uncertainty lingering in the background, families are still willing to open their wallets for a holiday built around sweets, brunch and pastel-colored excess.

More than half of shoppers — 55%, according to the NRF survey — plan to do at least some of their Easter buying at discount stores. That’s welcome news for Target and Walmart, where the shelves are already filling up with plastic eggs, chocolate bunnies and that inexplicable plastic grass everyone throws away exactly 14 seconds after opening the basket.

And with checkout lines stretching longer than an outdoor Easter sunrise service, once the pastor finds his rhythm, neither retailer has time to keep tabs on what’s moving through the Capitol. That’s why they have people for that.

Target’s Tallahassee team includes in-house advocates Molly Cagle and Jessica Kraynak, alongside Carlecia Collins, Joe Salzverg and Jason Unger of GrayRobinson. Walmart, meanwhile, is represented by Mike Corcoran, Matt Blair, Jacqueline Corcoran, Jeff Hawes, Will Rodriguez, Carlos San Jose and Andrea Tovar of Corcoran Partners, as well as in-house lobbyist Bethany McAlister.

Of course, Easter moves around the calendar like the Black Fortress in Krull, never seeming to land in quite the same place twice. Thanks to the celestial Rube Goldberg machine that pegs it to the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, the holiday falls on April 5 this year.

If ecclesiastical ersatz astronomy isn’t exactly on your agenda this week, that’s what calendar apps are for.

Google, of course, powers one of the most widely used calendar platforms in the world, helping millions keep track of birthdays, brunch reservations and the occasional movable feast.

Its Tallahassee roster includes in-house advocates Amanda Ball, Taylor Ferguson and Leah Popoff, along with Claudia Davant of Adams St. Advocates, Chris Moya of Jones Walker, Cissy Proctor of LSN Partners and Bill Rubin and Heather Turnbull of Rubin Turnbull & Associates.

Of course, not everyone leaves their Easter plans to Google. Plenty will turn instead to Apple, whose famously bitten logo feels especially on-theme for a holiday centered on redemption from humanity’s first ill-advised crunch.

In Florida, Apple leans on the reigning champs in Florida Politics’ lobby firm rankings, with The Southern Group once again finishing atop the list after hauling in a decidedly Cupertino-sized $44.24 million last year. The roster includes George Anderson, Brian Bautista, Rachel Cone, Chris Dudley, Paul Mitchell, Erin Rock, Monte Stevens, Sheela VanHoose, Nelson Diaz, Mercer Fearington, David Hagan, Nicole Kelly, Karis Lockhart and Clark Smith, alongside in-house advocates Ryan Mahoney and Caleb Williamson.

Of course, apples themselves have their own strange history. Before modern cultivation, they were often far closer to the French idea of “pomme de terre” — literally “apple of the earth” — with a taste profile said to land somewhere between loam and Scotts Turf Builder.

Thankfully, the University of Florida’s agricultural researchers have done rather better by the fruit in the centuries since. UF’s sprawling academic and research footprint keeps plenty of advocates busy, including former state Rep. Chuck Clemons, who now leads the university’s governmental affairs operation after terming out of the House.

The university’s broader orbit also keeps several firms in the mix. Capital City Consulting represents both the University of Florida Foundation and the University of Florida Student Government Association, led by co-founders Nick Iarossi and Ron LaFace, alongside Megan Fay, Scott Ross and Chris Schoonover. Ballard Partners also has a role through the UF Foundation and UF Health, including Monica Rodriguez.

The foundation’s roster also includes SBM Partners, with firm President Jeff Hartley and partner-owners Teye Carmichael and Lisa Hurley, as well as Metz Husband & Daughton, including Allison Liby-Schoonover, a past INFLUENCE Magazine Education Lobbyist of the Year honoree whose credentials are especially on-brand for one of the nation’s top public universities.

For those keeping score, yes, the state’s flagship university has five of Florida Politics’ Top 12 lobby firms on retainer.

According to NRF, nine out of 10 shoppers plan to purchase candy on Easter. Obviously, candy is packed with sugar. Less obvious, U.S. Sugar probably has a hand in the healthy stuff you pile into your shopping cart — the company grows enough fruit and vegetables to feed millions of Americans each year.

They have dozens of lobbyists in their corner, including the team at TSG and Ballard Partners. And, for good measure, U.S. Sugar has deals in place with one of the best mid-majors in the biz — The Mayernick Group.

And while the holiday is no stranger to sweets, it also comes with a long tradition of sacramental pours and Sunday-evening nightcaps. For that, the Florida Independent Spirits Association can point celebrants in the right direction, with David Ramba and Ramba Consulting Group helping keep the state’s adult-beverage industry well represented in Tallahassee.

Of course, the Easter story doesn’t exactly unfold without the justice system playing a starring role. If only Alan Suskey and the team at Shumaker Advisors had a time machine, perhaps the skills they’ve honed representing the Florida Public Defender Association could have had the Son of God released on his own recognizance pending appeal.

But don’t go handing Suskey the keys to the DeLorean just yet — had that level of legal talent been available 2,000 years ago, humanity might still be waiting on its salvation.

The religious impact of resurrection doesn’t stop after the savior rolled a rock — it carries forward into the promise of return. That’s the very idea embedded in the word Advent, which points to expectation, arrival and what comes next.

America, of course, has its own rich tradition of groups convinced that arrival is imminent, stretching from the Great Disappointment of the Millerite era and its handful of direct-to-video sequels to last year’s TikTok-fueled rapture predictions that burned hot for 48 hours before quietly getting a revised release date.

Rather than simply waiting around for the Second Coming, the folks at one of Florida’s largest hospital networks have been a bit more productive. AdventHealth, which is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventists, has grown into a key cog in the state’s health care system, doing the decidedly earthly work of stitching cuts, setting bones and getting Floridians back on their feet.

Keeping elected leaders in Tallahassee familiar with that work is a bipartisan-worthy bench of advocates, including Jon Johnson, Travis Blanton, Marnie George, Stefan Grow and Darrick McGhee Sr. of Johnson & Blanton, alongside Ron Pierce, Melody Arnold, Matthew Herndon and Natalie King of RSA Consulting Group.

Hopefully, your Easter weekend does not require a visit to one of AdventHealth’s facilities. More likely, it will involve a different sort of endurance test: traffic, TSA lines and the slow crawl back home after the baskets are emptied and the leftovers are packed.

While Sunday may be full of egg hunts and hearty meals, it’s sandwiched between lengthy travel days for many celebrants. Those within a couple of hours of their family’s gathering place will take a deep breath and grit their teeth as they pump their conveyance full of $4-a-gallon gas.

When you head to the pump, there’s a decent chance it’ll be a RaceTrac. The Atlanta-based company operates 581 gas stations nationwide, and nearly half of them are in the Sunshine State. With a vested interest in Florida, they’ve tasked Lori Killinger and Chris Lyon of Lewis Longman & Walker and Stephen Winn of Stephen R. Winn & Associates to keep an eye on things in the Legislature.

If the drive is a little long, it might be better to snag a last-minute plane ticket (good luck with that). And many of those who choose to take off rather than roll out will find themselves aboard an American Airlines or Delta flight.

American Airlines has Jeff Johnston, Amanda Stewart and Anita Berry of Johnston & Stewart Government Strategies in the jump seat. At the same time, Delta Air Lines’ Tallahassee flight crew includes the team at Capital City Consulting.

However, you plan to celebrate, enjoy the time with family and take advantage of the chance to catch your breath before the final stretch of Session.

Happy Easter!

___

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 and the staff of Florida Politics.

But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:

— Take 5—

Papers, Please — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the “Florida Save Act” at a news conference in The Villages. The new law requires voters to prove their citizenship status when they register to vote and makes changes to the list of valid voter IDs. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027, so they would not impact the 2026 Election cycle. Republicans said the measure upholds Florida’s election integrity. “Our constitution in the state of Florida says only American citizens are allowed to vote in our elections. And so, we need to make sure that that is the law,” DeSantis said before he signed the measure passed during the 2026 Legislative Session. “I am excited to be able to sign this. This is a big deal, but it isn’t as big a deal in Florida because of all the hard work we’ve done over many, many years.”

Final Stretch — DeSantis is being more precise on his timeline for the Legislature finalizing the budget, approving a new congressional map and agreeing to ballot language to allow voters to potentially phase out homestead property taxes. Speaking in The Villages, DeSantis said: “Hopefully, by the end of April, all the work that the public expects from them will have been completed.” The budget timing jibes with what legislative leaders have eyed to resolve the $1.4 billion divide between the House’s $113.6 billion budget and the Senate’s $115 billion plan. The Special Session on congressional redistricting is set for the week of April 20, even as incumbent congressional Republicans worry an aggressive map could put their seats in play. Meanwhile, the property tax Special Session is still a somewhat more aspirational goal.

Blame Game — DeSantis isn’t taking the blame for two high-profile Democratic wins in legislative Special Elections last week. DeSantis, speaking in Tampa, focused his remarks primarily on the SD 14 race, which filled the vacancy created by Jay Collins’ appointment as Lieutenant Governor. DeSantis strongly suggested that Tomkow’s loss came down to how she and other legislative Republicans lost the plot when they started bucking the Governor’s agenda. “I was not involved at all in that race. The reality is, when I get behind a candidate, I’m telling voters that this is somebody who shares my values and who shares our goals for the state of Florida. If you have a candidate that does not do that, I am not going to be supporting them, and that’s what happened in that race,” DeSantis said.

You’re Fired — President Donald Trump has fired Pam Bondi as Attorney General. He confirmed in a social media post that the Tampa Republican would no longer lead the Justice Department. “Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900. We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much-needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.” White House sources had confirmed Bondi’s ouster to Florida Politics and said she would now return to the private sector. The development happened amid growing rumors that Trump was displeased with her handling of releasing documents in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

RIP — An outpouring of shock and sadness followed news this week of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen’s killing, allegedly at the hands of her husband, who now faces a first-degree murder charge. Elected officials and public figures at all levels of government expressed sorrow and condolences, with many sharing personal stories and sentiments about how Metayer Bowen touched their lives. A rising star in the Democratic Party, Metayer Bowen was an environmental scientist by trade who worked mostly in public sector jobs before winning a seat on the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District. In March last year, the Florida Democratic Party named Metayer Bowen its Vice Chair of Haitian American Voter Engagement.

— Predator roundup —

A day after DeSantis signed legislation increasing penalties for child sex offenders, officials involved in a multiagency operation announced the arrest of 16 suspected child predators in Central Florida.

The undercover operation involved law enforcement officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Cloud and Kissimmee Police Departments. Christopher Blackmon, Sheriff of Osceola County, said investigators posed as minors online, and many of the suspects traveled from afar to meet them.

“They contacted minors … to meet children to have sex,” Blackmon said. “We have strong evidence, including jet logs and travel records.”

Attorney General James Uthmeier said the latest operation reflects a commitment by him and other law enforcement leaders to get child predators off the streets. Since he was appointed to the office a year ago, Uthmeier said the state has arrested about 1,400 suspected child predators.

“That is the greatest threat to our families in Florida, it is pure evil,” Uthmeier said during Wednesday’s news conference.

Uthmeier added that another 30 suspected child predators were arrested in similar operations in other areas of Florida in recent days.

Most of the arrests stemmed from leads developed on social media. The suspects traveled to meet their potential victims for sex and instead were met by law enforcement officials.

Uthmeier added that while the suspects in these cases are “grotesque,” he is emboldened by HB 1159, signed by DeSantis on Tuesday.

The measure covers offenders who possess pornographic images of children younger than 12 that involve “sadomasochistic abuse” of a child, “sexual battery” or “sexual bestiality” involving a child, as well as any film, video or computer-generated images involving children.

— NFL kicks James Uthmeier —

Attorney General Uthmeier’s warning that the NFL needs to suspend the so-called “Rooney Rule” has not fazed the league’s leadership.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said this week that the league has no intention of changing the rule requiring franchises to interview at least two minority candidates before finalizing hires for head coach and other executive positions. The policy was instituted in 2003 and has undergone several modifications.

NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo reported this week that Goodell remains unyielding on the league’s rule.

“One thing that doesn’t change is our values … The Rooney Rule is not a hiring mandate,” Goodell said, according to Garafolo’s account.

Goodell added that the Rooney Rule helps “identify a diverse set of candidates” and that clubs “hire the best talent … That’s how we get better.”

It marks the first official reaction from the NFL since Uthmeier sent a letter demanding the rule be suspended. He said the league has until May 1 to respond formally.

Uthmeier said the league is violating the Florida Civil Rights Act, enacted in 1992.

Uthmeier was asked about the standoff with the NFL during an unrelated event on Wednesday in Osceola County.

“The NFL’s had this rule where they require teams to interview minorities before they make a decision,” Uthmeier said. “It’s wrong. If they want to continue to break Florida law, we will enforce the civil rights law.”

— Land ho! —

Putnam and Madison counties just got a big boost in protected farmland.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced this week that about 1,450 acres of working Florida agricultural land have been set aside and protected from encroaching development. The state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program allows officials to preserve farmland and limit future development to protect crop cultivation.

The land designated for protection includes a tract known as Etoniah Creek, with about 390 acres of cattle and timber operations in Putnam County. The property is near the State Forest of the same name and is estimated to be valued at $1.13 million.

Another tract, known as the Palustris Partners property, includes about 430 acres of timberland in Madison County. The property’s value is $583,000.

The final tract comprises about 626 acres in the MAS Pines area of Madison County. The land’s value is estimated at $589,000.

— Two for one —

Secretary of State Cord Byrd has named Avon Park Main Street and Tarpon Springs Main Street the Florida Main Street Programs of the Month for March.

The designations recognize the renewed push in both communities to blend economic development with historic preservation, with state officials highlighting efforts to build foot traffic, support local businesses and preserve each city’s historic core.

In Avon Park, the Main Street program was reinstated in October and has since launched community events, including Hometown Hangout, Movies on Main and other downtown programming aimed at rebuilding momentum in the city’s historic center.

Meanwhile, Tarpon Springs’ reorganized downtown district is leaning on signature events such as The Longest Table, Music Fest and seasonal family programming as it works to strengthen the city’s business corridor and preserve its historic architecture.

“By reorganizing their Main Street programs, both Avon Park and Tarpon Springs have embraced their historical assets and community charm,” Byrd said. “We look forward to working with Avon Park and Tarpon Springs Main Streets as they begin their journeys to revitalize their downtowns through economic development and historic preservation.”

The Florida Main Street program, overseen by the Department of State, works with local organizations on downtown revitalization strategies centered on economic vitality, preservation and community engagement.

— Instagram of the week —

— Party foul —

The Florida Highway Patrol says its joint Spring Break operations with local agencies in Miami Beach and Panama City Beach produced thousands of traffic stops, citations and warnings last month as officials worked to keep the peace in the popular Spring Break destinations.

Working alongside local law enforcement, troopers focused on traffic enforcement, DUI patrols and crowd-management efforts throughout the season, with Executive Director Dave Kerner highlighting the partnership as central to the state’s public safety push.

“This year’s Spring Break operations showcased the strength of our partnership with local law enforcement as we worked together to curb dangerous driving, prevent impaired driving, and support crowd‑management efforts in our most popular Spring Break destinations,” Kerner said. “Our combined efforts reinforced Florida’s reputation for refusing to tolerate lawlessness and ensured a safe, enjoyable environment for those visiting our state.”

In Panama City Beach, FHP deployed 40 troopers who issued nearly 2,000 citations and 1,300 warnings, along with seven DUI arrests. In Miami Beach, 20 troopers issued more than 150 moving citations, more than 200 warnings and made four DUI arrests.

State officials also said more than 2,500 DUI-related citations were issued statewide during March, historically one of the busiest months for drunken driving and open-container violations.

— Safety first —

Florida’s school safety model was in the spotlight as the Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation hosted the second annual National Summit on School Safety in Tallahassee, drawing representatives from School Districts across Florida and 19 other states.

The three-day event brought together education leaders, law enforcement officials, policymakers and school safety specialists to share best practices and examine Florida’s approach to campus security. Families of victims from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting were also in attendance.

John Newman, Chief of Security and Emergency Management for Hillsborough County Public Schools, was named the 2026 School Safety Specialist of the Year. Newman has served with the district’s security team since 2014, following a 29-year career with the Tampa Police Department, and was appointed by DeSantis in 2023 to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission.

“Florida continues to lead the nation with innovative policies that safeguard our schools, students and staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with partners across the country to share Florida’s approach to school safety,” Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said.

“Congratulations to Chief Newman on being named this year’s School Safety Specialist. With more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement and emergency management, he has made a profound and lasting impact on school safety in Florida.”

— We’re in the money —

The Florida Lottery not only offers big cash prizes to players but also generates significant revenue for the state.

Lottery officials said this week that the gaming system has now generated $50 billion for the Florida Educational Enhancement Trust Fund since its founding in 1988. That funding supports public schools, higher education and scholarship programs such as Florida Bright Futures.

“Reaching this $50 billion milestone is a testament to the dedication of our players,” said Florida Lottery Acting Secretary Reginald Dixon. “This success would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis over the past seven years, whose commitment to Florida’s students and families continues to inspire our mission. Every ticket purchased helps fund classrooms, scholarships, and programs that empower students to reach their full potential.”

Lottery officials said about 99% of lottery revenue goes back into the state’s economy through the 13,600 retailers located throughout the Sunshine State. The Lottery has paid out more than $104.8 billion in prizes through its various games.

— Recover and rebuild —

FloridaCommerce is directing more than $1.5 million to eight communities for long-term storm recovery projects tied to the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons and last year’s North Florida tornadoes.

The funding comes through the Rebuild Florida 2023 and 2024 Storms Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program and is designed to help local governments cover the required 25% match for FEMA hazard mitigation grants, with projects focused on generators, flood reduction and other critical infrastructure upgrades.

Among the recipients are Baker, Charlotte, Gilchrist, Lake, Taylor and Wakulla counties, as well as Howey-in-the-Hills, with several of the largest awards going to Taylor County flood-risk reduction projects and hardening work at the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office saferoom.

FloridaCommerce noted that $25 million was allocated to the broader mitigation match program in 2025 through HUD disaster recovery funds for communities in the most impacted and distressed areas.

“Under Gov. DeSantis leadership, Florida communities are getting the support they need to fortify critical infrastructure — making them more resilient in the face of future storms,” said Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly. “Through these investments, Florida is ensuring these communities recover and build back stronger, supporting business growth and helping families thrive.”

— Dragnet —

A four-day compliance operation in Columbia County led to the arrests of 17 registered sex offenders and predators accused of violating Florida’s registration laws, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The sweep, conducted alongside the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Lake City Police Department, Florida Department of Corrections and the State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit, involved contact with 264 registrants residing in the county.

Authorities said the operation resulted in the arrest of 13 sex offenders and four sexual predators on charges that include failure to report changes in residence, vehicle information, employment, email addresses and internet identifiers.

Investigators also identified eight individuals who had absconded from their registered addresses, while one additional arrest involved an out-of-state warrant from Wisconsin.

All suspects were booked into the Columbia County Jail, with prosecutors in Florida’s 3rd Judicial Circuit overseeing the cases.

— Dragnet, part deux —

A joint operation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of two registered sex offenders in Monroe County for alleged violations of Florida’s registration laws.

Dubbed Operation Low Tide, the compliance sweep involved contact with 17 registered offenders and predators across the county, with investigators from FDLE’s Enforcement and Investigative Support Bureau and the Key West Field Office conducting verification interviews.

Authorities said Joshua Roland, 40, and Manuel Herbert, 44, both of Key West, were arrested on charges related to failing to report changes in residence and employment, among other violations. Both were booked into the Monroe County Jail.

Investigators also identified four offenders who had absconded from their registered addresses, and the FDLE is asking the public to provide any information on their whereabouts. Deliver tips via 888-357-7332.

FDLE also reminded Floridians they can access the state’s Sex Offender Registry by downloading the FDLE Mobile App and searching the online registry.

— And Fruitland, too —

Authorities have arrested a former City of Fruitland Park employee accused of improperly using the city’s sales tax exemption certificate for personal purchases.

FDLE said Christee Yoder, 49, of Tavares, faces one count of fraudulent claim of exemption. Yoder had worked for Fruitland Park for 13 years and most recently served as Parks and Recreation Director.

The investigation, launched in November with the Florida Department of Revenue and Fruitland Park Police Department, found that Yoder allegedly used the city’s Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption while making personal purchases through the municipality’s Amazon business account.

According to investigators, more than $24,000 in personal items were purchased between May 2021 and February 2026 using Yoder’s personal credit card, allowing her to avoid roughly $1,580 in sales tax. Authorities said the total financial exposure rises to $4,730 when the mandatory 200% penalty is included.

Yoder surrendered at the Lake County Jail on March 19. The State Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case for Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit.

— WildQuest goes live —

Florida’s public lands are getting the scavenger-hunt treatment later this month as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rolls out Florida WildQuest, a statewide, app-based adventure running April 25 through May 3.

Open to residents and visitors of all ages, the event sends participants onto Wildlife Management Areas across the state to complete photo, video and prompt-based challenges through the GooseChase app, turning a day outdoors into a competition with a prize drawing at the finish line.

Players can join by downloading the app and entering game code EBN6F2 before heading out to a nearby WMA. Missions range from wildlife and nature-themed tasks to other interactive challenges designed to get people exploring Florida’s conservation lands.

The event is free, though some WMAs may require a daily-use permit, and FWC is urging participants to pack the usual Florida survival kit: sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and plenty of water. All missions must be submitted by midnight on May 3, with winners selected at random on May 12 after completing at least 10 missions and a final survey.

— Bar-B Ranch locked in —

The state has added another piece to its long-running land-conservation map, securing a 1,668-acre conservation easement over the Bar-B Ranch in Martin County through the Florida Forever Program.

The deal preserves the property as a working cattle ranch while permanently blocking future development, allowing agricultural operations to continue alongside environmental goals tied to Everglades restoration. Located near the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area and Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area, the ranch currently supports about 250 head of cattle.

DEP says the site plays a strategic role in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan by helping store and filter water before it moves downstream toward the St. Lucie River Estuary, Indian River Lagoon, Lake Okeechobee and the broader Everglades system.

The easement also keeps the land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor intact, preserving habitat connectivity across the region while reinforcing the state’s pitch that ranching and restoration can coexist.

The acquisition, previously approved by DeSantis and the Cabinet, is the latest Florida Forever move as the state notes more than $1.5 billion has been committed to the program since 2019, with more than 500,000 acres conserved during that span.

— ‘Political stunt’ —

House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell is ripping into DeSantis for signing HB 919, which paves the way for renaming Palm Beach International Airport for Trump.

In a statement following the signing, the Tampa Democrat said Republicans chose “a political stunt” over addressing affordability concerns facing Floridians, arguing the Legislature should have focused on lowering household costs during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Driskell also aimed at the reported $5 million cost tied to the change.

“Your money is being misused to celebrate the man who caused gas prices to rise to over $4 a gallon, grocery costs to shoot up, and health care prices to spike,” she said in a statement.

“Republicans are out of touch when it comes to the real issues impacting Floridians. The people of Florida did not ask for this. It’s clear Tallahassee Republicans care more about political stunts than they care about your wallet.”

The airport bill, sponsored by Rep. Meg Weinberger, makes the name change contingent on Federal Aviation Administration approval and a commercial-use agreement with Trump. Under the new law, the facility would be rechristened the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

The measure also pre-empts the naming of major commercial airports to the state, though Palm Beach’s is the only immediate change.

— Problem solved —

Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson is pointing to state and university findings to reassure residents in her Gainesville-based district that concerns about suspected toxic contamination at Joseph Williams Elementary School have been addressed.

According to summaries from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, the site was previously affected by petroleum contamination tied to former underground heating oil tanks. More than 3,500 tons of contaminated soil were removed during remediation work in 2017 and 2018.

Officials said follow-up reviews found no ongoing health risks from soil or groundwater, while indoor and sub-slab air monitoring tied to vapor concerns has generally remained below safety thresholds for students and staff. A passive ventilation system installed in 2021 has further reduced subsurface vapors, with recent testing through January showing no detected naphthalene.

Hinson said she asked for the reports after a postcard circulated in the area raised concerns about alleged toxins and landfill waste at the school, which she attended.

— Cooling commercial market —

Tallahassee’s commercial real estate market is cooling.

The NAI TALCOR annual Market Update released this week shows business property sales in the Capital City are stagnating. According to the report, the market remains steady, but it is not growing.

“No major lease transactions above 10,000 square feet have occurred this year,” presenters noted during a presentation on Monday. Analysts pointed to a lack of job growth and rising construction costs as key constraints.

Retail space, however, appears to remain in relatively high demand. That sector continues to lead Tallahassee’s commercial real estate market, particularly in the city’s northeast areas and Midtown corridors such as Carriage Gate and Miracle Plaza.

Restaurants are also helping drive activity, with that sector dominating leasing. Fitness centers and service retail also remain relatively strong in the city’s commercial real estate market.

Brian Proctor, a commercial adviser for NAI TALCOR, said the market remains stubborn.

“We’re still seeing strong demand for land, but there’s just not enough supply, and that’s driving prices up,” Proctor said. “Because of that, buyers — especially those with cash — are starting to look outside Leon County into places like Gadsden County and even southern Georgia for better value.”

— It all adds up —

No one can take anything away from a group of middle school students in Gainesville.

A team from the Frazier School in Gainesville won Florida’s statewide math competition for the second year in a row. The “mathletes” from the school snagged top honors at the MATHCOUNTS competition again and edged out students from around the state.

(Editor’s note: If you’ve ever wondered why FlaPol copy involving polling, percentages or trend lines reads so cleanly, credit longtime Gainesville educator and Frazer School founder Will Frazer, who taught this writer statistics at Buchholz.)

The Florida Engineering Society and the Florida Engineering Foundation organize the MATHCOUNTS competition. About 2,100 mathletes were competing, who represented about 218 Florida middle schools. Four individual competitors will represent Team Florida in the national competition, including:

— First Place, Jason Zhang of The Frazer School in Gainesville.

— ­Second Place, Arcel Ieuan Garcia of Sanford Middle School in Sanford.

— Third Place, Hardit Tayal of Orlando Science Middle School Charter in Orlando.

— Fourth Place, Ian Lam of Archimedean Middle Conservatory in Miami.

“MATHCOUNTS makes math exciting and encourages students to pursue a career in STEM fields, like engineering,” said Jamie Graham, a Florida Engineering Society member and MATHCOUNTS Co-Chair. “Florida is sending one of its strongest teams to the national competition this year, and we are excited to see them showcase their skills as they represent Florida on the national stage.”

— Youth health help —

The Northwest Florida Health Network has teamed up with Capital City Youth Services to expand services across much of the Panhandle.

The new partnership will expand access to care and deepen support for vulnerable populations. It also aims to strengthen families to reduce the number of children in foster care. Another objective is to develop additional treatment options for children who require crisis care.

“We are humbled to partner with CCYS to answer the call of Florida’s children in distress. We are blessed with tremendous community support, access to the state’s leading experts, and a committed team working to bring healing and lasting resilience to the families we serve,” said Mike Watkins, CEO of the Health Network.

The network has been a leader in behavioral health in the Panhandle for years, while Capital City Youth Services focuses primarily on helping youth experiencing life crises.

— Children Coalition conference —

The annual Florida Coalition for Children Conference is drawing a high-profile speaker for the event, which runs July 19-20.

Jessica Pryce of the Florida State University Institute for Child Welfare will serve as the keynote speaker at the event this Summer. The conference typically draws about 500 child welfare professionals from across Florida and beyond. It will take place at the Sunseeker Gulf Coast Resort in Charlotte Harbor.

“We could not have found a better match for what our attendees need to hear at this moment in child welfare,” said Denise Marzullo, FCC president and CEO. “We’re excited to have Dr. Pryce help challenge and inspire our field to think differently about leadership and collaboration. Her message reinforces the importance of elevating every voice across the workforce to strengthen outcomes for children and families.”

The conference is prioritizing challenges facing the child welfare workforce. Pryce will tailor her speech to foster a united approach among workers in the field. She will also discuss power sharing, collective leadership and approaches to long-term sustainability.

Pryce serves on the Advisory Board for the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute and the Florida Dependency Court Improvement Panel.

— Best and Brightest —

Florida A&M University will spotlight student scholarship and innovation on Wednesday during its 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Lawson Center concourse.

The event, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., serves as the university’s premier undergraduate research showcase, giving students a chance to present original projects and creative work to faculty, peers and the public.

For those wondering about the lack of a STEM Week connection this year, Office of Undergraduate Research Director Tiffany Ardley said the separation underscores the university’s commitment to making undergraduate research an important part of the school year.

“The structured nature of the day, from the morning setup to the final awards, is designed to mirror professional academic conferences,” Ardley explained. “We want our students to feel the weight of their contributions and understand that their research has value far beyond the classroom.”

Organizers say the showcase will span behavioral sciences, health sciences and STEM fields, bringing together students from areas ranging from the humanities and communications to nursing, pharmacy, engineering and architecture.

The program includes poster presentations, project judging, networking opportunities and an awards session, with the event open to the broader FAMU community, alums and the public.

— Sunshine 2.0 —

Florida State University’s DeVoe L. Moore Institute has launched a redesigned version of Florida Open Gov, a public-facing data platform aimed at making state and local government information easier to navigate.

The updated site, FloridaOpenGov.com, features interactive charts, searchable datasets and maps covering K-12 education, public payrolls and government spending, with data sourced from the Florida Department of Education and other state agencies.

Developed by the institute’s faculty-mentored, student-led Data Analytics Group, the redesign adds new visualizations including district grades over time, enrollment maps, salary comparisons and graduation-rate breakdowns.

Institute officials said the revamped platform is also designed as a storytelling and policy-analysis tool, giving users a clearer way to connect raw numbers to on-the-ground impacts for Floridians.

“One of our goals moving forward with the revamp of the website is to build capacity for Florida teachers, parents and students to be able to tell compelling stories with the data in order to inform policy decisions within and across districts and schools,” said Crystal Taylor, director of research for the DeVoe L. Moore Institute at Florida State University.

FSU said the revamp reflects years of work by faculty mentors and successive student analytics teams to expand the platform’s scope, refine usability and improve visual clarity.

— Florida State goes to Washington —

The Florida State University (FSU) Election Law Center is taking its Spring 2026 Conference to the nation’s capital.

The center’s two-day event will take place in Washington, D.C., on April 16-17. The FSU event will feature election law scholars, policymakers, lawyers and election officials. The conference will examine some of the most urgent issues facing elections in the United States.

“Hosting this conference in Washington, D.C., places our students and faculty at the center of the national conversation on election law. It provides a unique opportunity for our students to engage directly with the policymakers, regulators and thought leaders who are actively shaping election law and policy,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, Dean of the College of Law.

“Experiences like this are central to our mission of preparing graduates with a well-rounded, practical understanding of the legal systems that underpin our democracy.”

Several government officials who work within U.S. election systems are already scheduled to speak during the event.

— Autism assistance —

About $500,000 in grants is going to the FSU Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health and Human Services, to help fund training for professionals who work with people with autism.

The funding is coming from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust and is earmarked for two faculty members at the school. Veronica Fleury, an associate professor, and Addie McConomy, a clinical assistant professor, will utilize the grants.

“Any plan to strengthen the Florida teacher pipeline must involve concerted efforts to retain teachers who enter the field,” said McConomy, who is also the program leader at the FSU college. “A key factor in retention lies in professional preparation. Funding from the Kenan Trust Foundation will allow us to provide teachers access to high-quality coursework in teacher education.”

Fleury said the funding provides substantial relief as autism research continues to advance.

“It is currently estimated that 1 in 31 children are identified with autism,” Fleury said. “This means all teachers, regardless of grade level or educational setting, will have students with autism in their classes. Educators who complete this program will be better equipped to support the varied needs of their learners, specifically the growing autistic student population.”

— Movies in the Moonlight —

Tallahassee is bringing back its “Movies in the Moonlight” series with a screening of Zootopia 2 next Saturday at Cascades Park.

The free event begins at 6 p.m. at the Adderley Amphitheater with games and activities for all ages before the movie starts at 8 p.m. City officials are also encouraging kids to come dressed as their favorite characters from the film.

Food trucks will be on-site, “serving up delicious bites, snacks and sweet treats for purchase.” Complimentary popcorn will also be available while supplies last.

For those who haven’t seen the animated mega-hit, here’s a synopsis, courtesy of the city: “In ‘Zootopia 2’, a PG-rated film, officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back on the case, but this time, the stakes are bigger and more complicated than ever. When a mysterious scaly newcomer shakes up the city, the duo is pulled into a twisting investigation that takes them into unfamiliar parts of Zootopia and challenges their partnership along the way.”

If that sounds up your alley, plan to show up early — seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can also bring a blanket and watch the movie from the grass at the back of the amphitheater.

— Act fast! —

If you’re reading TFT at release, there’s still time to get in on a pair of Easter egg hunts being put on by the city.

The morning begins with the Eggs-traordinary Easter Egg Hunt from 9 to 11 a.m. at Messer Park North Sports Complex. The special-needs-focused event features separate sessions for children with varying abilities.

A session for people with visual impairments kicks off at 9:30 a.m. — the city said participants will be able to find eggs using their ears. The 10 a.m. session is designed for persons who use mobility devices. They will be able to hunt for magnetic eggs on the rubberized field. The last session at 10:15 a.m. is for people who have sensory sensitivities and prefer to hunt for eggs in a quiet, calm environment.

Later in the day, the city’s 67th annual Easter Egg Hunt takes over Myers Park from 1 to 3 p.m., with activities for children 10 and under and the main egg hunt beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public, with families encouraged to bring their own baskets.

— Capitol Directions —

Ron DeSantis — Up arrow — This week’s campaign stop had eighteen holes with Ernie Els and no FEC filing.

Ron DeSantis, Part 2 — Down arrow — Nikki Fried finally found a surrogate who can move numbers.

Casey DeSantis — Down arrow — At some point, “not running” starts to poll like not winning.

Byron Donalds — Up arrow — Maybe the White House can borrow his statement template next time.

David Jolly — Up arrow — Five points back in a credible poll says hope is alive; fifty million back in fundraising says keep the champagne corked.

Wilton Simpson — Up arrow — In a state full of talkers, the quiet one keeps getting noticed.

James Uthmeier — Crossways arrow — Second straight week taking on the Shield. This has Dolphins December written all over it.

Ray Rodrigues — Crossways arrow — You may not learn the Hawthorne effect in core curriculum, but you can watch it in real time.

Susan Plasencia — Down arrow — The ol’ reverse jumping-on-the-bandwagon move.

Key West — Down arrow — The Western Union just got bumped from flagship to footnote.

Sydney Gruters — Up arrow — Her launch did in five hours what others hope to do by quarter’s end.

Step Up for Students — Up arrow — At this point, it’s basically the state’s largest School District with better branding.

Lauren Book — Up arrow — The first miles are on the board.

Anna Alexopoulos-Farrar — Up arrow — Sometimes the news cycle hands you a rocket.

Melissa Stone — Up arrow — Ten years later, the shingle’s still hanging.

Patrick Zalupski — Up arrow — Tallahassee’s most tired fairways are getting a second wind.

Nancy Metayer Bowen — Halo — The streets of heaven are crowded with angels.