Politics
Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics — Week of 6.29.25
Appointment watch for long-vacant Cabinet positions is finally on.
No, seriously. We know it’s been more than four months since Jeanette Nuñez left as Lieutenant Governor to take over at Florida International University and more than three months that the Chief Financial Officer position has been open following Jimmy Patronis’ resignation to run for Congress.
Those wondering who would step into those roles have been left waiting as various names have been shuffled around. But Gov. Ron DeSantis says those replacements are “next on our agenda” now that the budget is signed and Session is a wrap.
Speaking last week, he said those moves would wait at least through the holiday weekend. But when we get back on there, that’ll be something that we’re going to do,” DeSantis added.
The Lieutenant Governor replacement, though nominally a technically more prestigious role, is the less interesting of the two. Like the Vice President, it’s often a less powerful role than that of Cabinet members who can actually carry out policy initiatives.
DeSantis might try to put in an ally like Sen. Jay Collins to prep a potential run for Governor in 2026. But holding that position isn’t much of a springboard, especially when favorite Byron Donalds continues to stack cash uncontested thus far and with the backing of President Donald Trump.
The CFO move, however, could have significant 2026 implications. Sen. Joe Gruters, a longtime Trump ally, threw his hat in the ring long ago. And Trump World has pushed him to replace Patronis as well.
But DeSantis likely wants his own guy in there, and Sen. Blaise Ingoglia has long been rumored for the post. Putting Ingoglia in could set up a significant 2026 GOP Primary between Ingoglia, a quasi-incumbent at that point, and Gruters.
Whichever direction the Governor wants to go, it looks like we’ll finally find out here soon.
Now, it’s onto our weekly game of winners and losers.
Winners
Honorable mention: Disney Dream team. A story that could have concluded tragically instead had a fairy tale ending thanks to the rescue team of the Disney Dream cruise ship.
This past week, a 5-year-old girl fell overboard as the ship was on its way back to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas. In a desperate effort to save his daughter, the girl’s father then jumped in the water after her.
Miraculously, he was able to find her and stay afloat. But sitting in the open seas nevertheless could have spelled trouble for both of them. But as crew members were alerted that someone had fallen overboard, the rescue team sprang into action.
Within 20 minutes, the father and daughter were rescued.
“We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes,” Disney said in a statement. “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”
Bravo for giving this family a happy ending.
Almost (but not quite) the biggest winner: James Uthmeier. As Trump visited the opening of “Alligator Alcatraz” this week, much of the political analysis was focused on his dynamic with DeSantis.
The two have had a hot-and-cold relationship since the 2024 Presidential Primary, to put it mildly. So it’s natural that political observers were zeroed in on their dynamic.
But in terms of pure politics, Uthmeier may have gotten the most out of Trump’s visit and subsequent roundtable.
Uthmeier reportedly contacted the Department of Homeland Security to pitch the idea. And his efforts reportedly got the attention of Trump.
“You do a very good job. I hear good things,” Trump told Uthmeier during the event. “I hear good things about you from Ron, too. No, you really do. He’s even a good-looking guy. That guy’s got a future, huh? Good job, James, I hear you. You’re really, really fantastic.”
That’s important for Uthmeier not just in a general sense to build credibility with the base via support from the leader of the Republican Party, but because Uthmeier is running to keep his job in 2026 after being appointed to the post by DeSantis.
Uthmeier is also using merchandise themed off the facility to raise money for that contest.
Of course, politics isn’t the only thing that matters here. And columns like these are tricky sometimes because there are many angles for stories like these.
If we’re discussing “Alligator Alcatraz” as a concept, it’s got plenty of concerning faults. There’s the flooding, which state officials say they’ve fixed. But the facility was rushed, leaving questions as to whether it’s up to snuff structurally.
There’s also the divisive and callous language used to describe sending human beings to a facility in the middle of the swamp, and the indifference to their suffering. We readily acknowledge that the Joe Biden administration was far too lax with securing the border, but we’re slingshotting way too far here with the recklessness by which people are being removed.
But the reality of politics today is that the extremes are catered to far more than those of us in the middle. Trump, DeSantis and Uthmeier — agree or disagree with the method of what they’re doing — are making a play here to rally support with the base and trying to appear as tough guys on the immigration front.
If noting that’s a good thing for Uthmeier is a bit too realpolitik for your taste, we get it. But it’s just a fact that if Trump continues heaping praise on Uthmeier and building up his brand, then Uthmeier is going to benefit bigly.
The biggest winner: Mike Redondo. No qualifiers needed here: Congratulations to the future House Speaker.
Redondo was chosen unanimously by his fellow class members to lead the House following the 2030 election. That’s assuming, of course, that Redondo keeps his seat and Republicans maintain control of the House. But the ongoing reddening of the state — and Redondo’s home base in Miami-Dade — makes it likely that Republicans will remain in charge and Redondo will be there to lead them.
“It sounds cliché, but this is a political family that has grown so tight and close that it was just as much enjoying each other’s company as it was coming together to elect a Speaker,” Redondo said of his class. “It was a great time.”
Of course, Redondo had a slight head start on his peers, winning a Special Election in House District 118 in 2023. That gave him a slight measure of seniority that has been an advantage for House Speakers in the past.
He’ll also be able to return to the post to a Miami-Dade lawmaker. The current Speaker, Daniel Perez, is also from the region. He’ll be followed by Sam Garrison of Fleming Island and Jennifer Canady of Lakeland before Redondo takes over.
Losers
Dishonorable mention: SelectFlorida. SelectFlorida’s job is to “attract, retain, and create higher-wage jobs for Floridians,” in part “by promoting Florida as a premier business destination and expanding the state’s economy through private-sector job creation,” according to its website.
By that metric, the organization just failed big time.
Jabil, an electronic manufacturing company, is set to build a new $500 million facility. The company unfortunately decided that the project would be built in North Carolina, bringing with it nearly 1,200 full-time jobs. A site in Florida was reportedly the other finalist, but the Sunshine State missed out.
OK, that happens. Florida isn’t going to land every project under the sun.
Except, guess where Jabil is based? In St. Petersburg, and not the one in Russia.
Yes, the company just passed up building this massive project in the very state it’s based because Florida’s incentives weren’t competitive enough.
There’s no doubt Florida’s economy has been successful in recent years when looking at certain metrics. But to achieve its full potential, we really should not be missing out on projects like this.
What gives, SelectFlorida?
Almost (but not quite) the biggest loser: Executive oversight. DeSantis unsurprisingly vetoed a bill that would have restricted various political activities by state employees that have been rampant under his administration, and that would have limited who could be appointed to university Board posts.
The measure would have criminalized state staffers soliciting political contributions, a practice DeSantis leaned on during his run for President. It would also have limited the types of political advocacy we saw — and criticized — in the 2024 cycle to motivate voters to vote against amendments legalizing recreational pot and enshrining abortion protections in the state constitution.
The bill also would have required Department heads, commission members, university Trustees and members of the State University System Board of Governors (BOG) to be a U.S. citizen and a Florida resident. In the case of university Boards, members must have also graduated from the university. For the BOG, nominees would need to have graduated from a Florida institution.
Those latter provisions targeted some of DeSantis’ education appointees in particular, who were at times from out of state or allies of the Heritage Foundation who parachuted into Florida to carry out DeSantis’ education reforms.
The Legislature here was clearly trying to rein in some of DeSantis’ authority in these areas. That’s part of lawmakers’ efforts to have a gimme after years of letting DeSantis essentially carry out his agenda unchecked.
Of course, DeSantis has the veto power and he used it here.
Interestingly, the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan majorities during this year’s Session, with just one “no” vote. That gives lawmakers plenty of wiggle room to override the veto, should they choose. But the House and Senate have declined to use that power as frequently as they could have in the past, meaning this action by the Governor will likely stick.
The biggest loser: Members whose projects were vetoed. Speaking of vetoes, the budget is finally signed after more than a month of delays. And with it came the Governor exercising his line-item veto power to strike various member projects from the budget.
Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat, saw multiple projects benefiting, and recognizing, the Black community go down. And a project from Rep. Jon Albert, a Polk County Republican, to study ketamine’s effects on struggling veterans also got the ax.
And DeSantis got some revenge on longtime nemesis Randy Fine, who is now serving in Congress. DeSantis vetoed $5 million for West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, one of the last major projects Fine sponsored before departing Tallahassee for Washington.
And there were many, many other local projects across the state that got nixed due to DeSantis’ decisions, leaving lawmakers empty-handed.
Legislators were already coming out of a grueling extended Session, so to see your pet project eliminated after all of this work has got to hurt, especially since the budget was already slimmer than in years past.
But hey, it wasn’t all bad news last week for members — at least for one in particular. Republican Rep. Alex Andrade and his wife, Jessica, gave birth Monday to baby Amelia Grace. Congratulations to the happy parents.
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Politics
In absence of Special Election, HD 113 hopeful calls for candidate meetings on future policy
While Gov. Ron DeSantis twiddles his thumbs rather than call a Special Election for House District 113, one candidate for the post is urging his opponents to join him in planning policy.
Republican businessman Tony Diaz, one of five candidates seeking HD 113 seat Vicki Lopez vacated two months ago for a spot on the Miami-Dade Commission, believes brainstorming future legislation now will ultimately benefit voters, who are without House representation this Session.
“I propose we meet twice a month to discuss the laws we would propose, the matters we believe need fixing,” he said, adding that any actionable ideas could be sent to sitting lawmakers “who lend an ear.”
“I believe our district will be grateful and the winner of the November election will be in a better position.”
Diaz, for now, faces two Republican Primary foes: former Miami-Dade Commissioner Bruno Barreiro and real estate broker Frank Lago, both of whom have significantly outraised him in the contest so far.
Two Democrats — consultant Gloria Romero Roses and Miami-Dade Young Democrats President Justin Mendoza Routt — are also running.
In a statement Monday, Diaz lamented how the DeSantis administration and leaders in the Legislature “have forsaken” him and the four other candidates by failing to fill the empty HD 113 seat in a timely fashion.
As a “modest bandage for this amputated limb,” Diaz said he will also be establishing a “District 113 Provisional Representation Office” at 2264 SW 22nd Ave. — a property in the county’s Silver Bluff neighborhood he owns, according to the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser’s Office — for constituents to “bring a concern about our district or Florida to the attention of the State Government.”
It’ll be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday, Diaz said, but added that calling him ahead of time at 786-774-2125 “would be appreciated.”
“I will cover the expenses, field the office, and host a-political meetings here,” he said. “All information submitted by residents will be forwarded to the Dade Delegation, Speaker (Daniel) Perez, Governor DeSantis and appropriate committee chairs.”
Diaz carries endorsements from former Surfside Mayor Dan Gielchinsky, gubernatorial candidate James Fishback and Key Biscayne community activist H. Frances Reaves, according to his campaign.
Welcome back to Diagnosis, a vertical focused on the intersection of health care policy and politics.
— First-tier priority —
Florida lawmakers are entering the 2026 Legislative Session with renewed urgency around behavioral health, and Rep. Sam Garrison has made clear that the issue will remain one of his top priorities.
Speaking at the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, the Fleming Island Republican framed mental health and substance use disorders as among the most pressing challenges facing Florida, asserting it is a “first-tier” priority.
“This is, to my mind, one of the biggest challenges facing not just Florida, but America, the world, you name it,” said Garrison, who is in line to become House Speaker after November’s elections.
Garrison said behavioral health in 2026 is not a siloed issue, but something that cuts across demographic lines. He pointed to technology and social media as accelerants, particularly for younger generations.
“Phones, technology, and all the things that come with it that you and I and everybody else in this room — unless you’re really successful and vicious young executive — never had to deal with growing up,” he said to an audience of business leaders. “This is the reality of the world that we’re in right now.”
Despite the Legislature’s reputation for partisan clashes, Garrison said mental health is a rare area of broad bipartisan agreement. He credited both House and Senate leaders for engaging on the issue and vowed that it will continue through the end of his speakership in 2028, if not beyond.
“We have a model, a structure, how we handle the government side of the shop that was created in the 1970s and 1980s, and it’s a little bit different than it was back then,” he said,
“ … You’re going to see — especially in the Florida House, but I think the Senate will be there, too — a real focus on, ‘Do we have the right structure set up so that we as a government can do our part to make sure that mental health services, behavioral health services, are being provided in a manner that’s effective and with a 2026 model, not a 1976 model.’”
Recalling his time as a prosecutor, Garrison said mental health or substance use issues were present in the vast majority of serious criminal cases he handled.
“If I had to give you a guess, it may not have been 100%, but it was pretty damn close,” he said, adding that he’s also seen firsthand through his wife’s work as a high school teacher that even students from well-off families are struggling.
“These kids, they lack for very little in life. But even among those kids whose folks love, whose parents are like everybody in this room — parents who have been successful — they’ve got resources. They have mom and dad, mom or dad, or some generation that cares,” he continued.
“Even with those kids, pretty darn close to 100% of them in some form or fashion — because of those phones, because of technology, because of the world we live in — have challenges related to mental health. And if those kids are struggling … extrapolate that out with the kids who are who may not have parental involvement at home, don’t have that oversight, don’t have the resources.”
Garrison said Florida spends billions annually on health care, directly or indirectly tied to behavioral health, yet the state still lacks a cohesive long-term strategy. And even in a year where leadership has signaled budget cuts are coming, he warned that relying on hospitals to provide behavioral health services as “loss leaders” or expecting providers to accept unsustainable reimbursement rates is not a viable path forward.
“We have a lot of tactics for how to attack this, but we don’t necessarily have it as a strategy. There’s a difference between tactics and strategy,” he said, adding that even though “Florida is light-years — I mean light-years — ahead of basically everyone else in the rest of the nation,” the Legislature needs to be “aggressive” and “forward thinking” on the issue.
“If you’re requiring providers to come in and do this job and lose money, that’s not a long-term strategy. The answer to all your questions isn’t always money, but in this case, a lot of it is,” he said.
— Savings for whom? —
A priority health care bill scheduled for its first Committee stop this week includes a prescription drug pricing proposal that is reviving a long-running policy debate over prescription affordability, access, and the role of international markets in setting prices.
HB 697, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Kincart Johnsson and part of House Speaker Daniel Perez’s broader “Florida’s New Frontier” health care initiative, would establish an international reference pricing framework for certain outpatient prescription drugs.
Often described as a “most favored nation” model, the approach would cap reimbursement rates in Florida based on prices paid in a select group of foreign countries. Under the proposal, drug manufacturers would be required to report international pricing data to the state, and the Agency for Health Care Administration would set a benchmark price based on the lowest price paid in comparable, market-based countries, excluding single-payer systems.
Supporters argue that tying prices to international benchmarks could rein in costs in a system where U.S. consumers routinely pay more for prescription drugs than patients abroad. Critics, however, say that may not be the case because the legislation does not require insurers or pharmacy benefit managers to pass along any savings to patients.
Florida has explored similar concepts before. During the 2024 Session, House committees examined international reference pricing proposals. They heard testimony from national policy experts, prompting bipartisan concerns about relying on foreign health systems that often limit or delay access to new medicines.
Critics, including some lawmakers, also questioned whether such models would discourage investment in pharmaceutical research and development. This industry directly employs about 43,000 Floridians and indirectly supports another 250,000 jobs in the state.
Nationally, the debate remains unsettled. Countries that use centralized price-setting models typically achieve lower prices by restricting coverage or delaying approval of new treatments. At the same time, research consistently shows that U.S. patients gain access to new medicines earlier and at higher rates.
— The doctor is in —
Legislation clarifying when nurse practitioners may use the title “doctor” in clinical settings advanced during the first week of Session.
HB 237, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, cleared its first hurdle Wednesday with unanimous approval from the House Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee. The measure would allow NPs who have earned doctoral degrees to use the title “doctor” so long as they also clearly disclose that they are nurse practitioners.
“If you’ve earned a doctorate in the medical field, you deserve to say so, just like in any other profession,” said Salzman, a Pensacola Republican. “This bill ensures patients understand the training behind their care while offering fairness and recognition to our nurse practitioners.”
Salzman and the bill’s supporters said the proposal would align Florida with other states where doctoral-level health professionals, such as pharmacists, physical therapists, audiologists and psychologists, may use the title with a similar guardrail. They also say the change could help with recruitment and retention as Florida grapples with an ongoing shortage of health care professionals.
The bill now heads to the Health & Human Services Committee. If ultimately approved by the Legislature, the measure would take effect July 1.
— TGH-LRH partnership —
Tampa General Hospital and Lakeland Regional Hospital announced an agreement linking TGH’s nationally recognized academic health system with the Hollis Cancer Center at LRH.
The two Central Florida hospitals said the agreement will result in expanded subspecialized cancer care across the region, creating new pathways for patients to access advanced cancer research, clinical trials and clinical expertise.
“I am impressed by the innovation and the dedication to the community that I’ve witnessed at Lakeland Regional Health,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center and Tampa General. “When health care professionals work together to advance research and improve outcomes for cancer patients, everybody wins.”
Through the partnership, cancer patients at the Hollis Cancer Center will gain access to TGH’s subspecialized oncology experts, cutting-edge research and advanced clinical trials, while receiving care in their own community.
“We are very excited to collaborate with the TGH Cancer Institute, which is widely recognized as a national leader in cancer care and research,” said Danielle Drummond, president and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health. “Our goal is always to provide the highest level of care to our patients close to home, and we are confident that combining our resources and expertise will offer tremendous benefits for our patients.”
The TGH Cancer Institute is one of Florida’s few cancer centers backed by academic medicine. The Institute has been ranked among the Top 10% in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. The Hollis Cancer Center has also earned national accolades for excellence in cancer care, including Gold Status Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
The collaboration builds on existing initiatives between Tampa General and Lakeland Regional, including their joint neurosciences program and the innovative Hospital at Home model, which allows patients to receive hospital-level care from the comfort of their homes.
— ROSTER —
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Gary Kompothecras and reappointed Howard Baum to the Board of Chiropractic Medicine earlier this month.
Kompothecras is the Manager of Physicians Group, LLC and is a member of the Sarasota Military Academy Foundation Board of Directors. He previously served on the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and the Space Florida Board of Directors.
Kompothecras earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of South Florida and his Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine from Life University.
Baum is a self-employed Licensed Mental Health Counselor and U.S. Army veteran, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He serves as a counseling clinician for the Tampa Bay Regional Critical Incident Team, is a counseling team member for Hope Justice Ministry, and a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers.
Baum earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Tech University, his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, and his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Argosy University.
— ICYMI —
“Thousands in Florida to lose coverage for HIV meds because of state cuts” via Ana Goñi-Lessan of USA Today Network — For thousands in Florida who rely on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), the Florida Department of Health is about to change up their medication plans or even get rid of covering them altogether, citing federal cuts as the culprit. Public health advocates warned legislators at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 14, that cutting funds would push people off their meds and separate them from their doctors, causing lower adherence rates. When lifesaving HIV medication isn’t taken daily, viral loads go up, making the virus transmissible again and putting people at risk for opportunistic infections.
“Medical malpractice, doulas, dental care: Health care nitty-gritty in the 2026 Session” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix — Florida leads the nation in Affordable Care Act enrollment, and, if the enhanced premium tax subsidies people rely on to help purchase the health insurance aren’t extended, the state could see the ranks of the uncovered rise exponentially. What, if anything, the Legislature does in the next two months to make health care more affordable and accessible to Florida residents remains to be seen. Florida legislators are expected to once again look at killing a medical malpractice law that bars adult children of single parents and parents of childless adult children from pursuing negligence lawsuits if a family member has died.
“Trump releases health policy outline” via Cheyenne Haslett of POLITICO — Trump released a health care framework that calls on Congress to codify his efforts to reduce prescription drug prices, send money to Health Savings Accounts instead of insurers via Affordable Care Act subsidies, and force more price transparency from insurance companies, hospitals and physicians. “We’re calling it the Great Health Care Plan. Instead of putting the needs of big corporations and special interests first, our plan finally puts you first and puts more money in your pocket,” Trump said in a video published by the White House on Thursday with little advance notice.
“Trump administration reinstates drug, mental health programs it cut days earlier” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — The Trump administration reinstated about $2 billion in mental health and substance abuse funding — two days after it canceled those grants and left Central Florida agencies worried about how they would manage significant cuts to the region’s limited resources. Central Florida’s largest mental health and substance abuse provider had nearly $1.2 million in payments canceled overnight on Tuesday, but by Thursday morning, it learned it would receive its funds. Both notices arrived via email from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A Kissimmee clinic, Pan-American Behavioral Health Services, also lost funding and had it reinstated within those two days, its CEO, Brendan Ramirez, said.
“Darryl Rouson, Debra Tendrich propose sweeping expansion of youth mental health screenings” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Sen. Rouson and Rep. Tendrich filed companion bills (SB 1302, HB 1133) to require mental and behavioral health screenings for minors and young adults enrolled in Medicaid. The goal is to confront what they describe as a statewide youth mental health emergency. Tendrich told Florida Politics her push for reform was galvanized by personal tragedy. In 2023, her friend, Brian Hiltebeitel, was brutally killed on a Palm Beach County golf course by a 26-year-old man later deemed incompetent for trial due to mental illness and substance abuse concerns.
— RULES —
The Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists’ final rule regarding citations for disciplinary action goes into effect Jan. 26. More here.
The Board of Pharmacy’s final rule regarding the responsibilities of supervising pharmacists and supervision of more than one registered pharmacy technician went into effect on Sunday. More here.
— PENCIL IT IN —
Jan. 20
9:30 a.m. — The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee meets to consider legislation affecting child welfare and related health policy. Room 301, Senate Office Building.
10:30 a.m. — The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee meets, including a Department of Children and Families presentation on changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Room 314, House Office Building.
2 p.m. — The House Human Services Subcommittee meets to consider legislation affecting medical assistance eligibility and foster care records. Room 314, House Office Building.
3:30 p.m. — The Senate Health Policy Committee meets for an OPPAGA review of health care practitioner regulation in Florida and other states. Room 412, Knott Building.
Jan. 21
8 a.m. — The House Health and Human Services Committee meets to consider bills related to nursing practice, social work licensure, and swimming lesson vouchers. Room 17, House Office Building.
10 a.m. — The House Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee meets to consider legislation affecting occupational therapy and nursing education. Room 102, House Office Building.
4 p.m. — The House Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee meets to consider legislation related to drug prices and insurance coverage. Room 404, House Office Building.
Jan. 27
8 a.m. — Florida Dental Association Dentists’ Day on the Hill brings dental professionals to the Capitol to advocate oral health policy. Capitol Complex.
12:30 p.m. — Florida Hospital Association Hospital Days begin with a Board of Trustees meeting and legislative reception focused on hospital and health system priorities. Tallahassee.
1 p.m. — The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee meets to consider health and human services legislation. Room 301, Senate Office Building.
Jan. 28
7 a.m. — Florida Hospital Association Hospital Days continue with legislative briefings and member visits focused on hospital policy priorities. Capitol Complex.
8 a.m. — Moffitt Day at the Capitol highlights cancer research and treatment advocacy. Capitol Complex.
1 p.m. — The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services meets to consider health-related budget items. Room 412, Knott Building.
Universal and SeaWorld have announced the details on one of the best theme park deals of the year: concerts that are included in regular park admission during their annual food festivals.
Both theme parks are bringing in major artists as part of Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval and SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival.
Disney World also welcomes well-known artists and nostalgic favorites to play for theme park guests. But the Mouse has not officially released the 2026 schedule for the Garden Rocks concerts at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The festival runs March 4 to June 1.
Universal’s Mardi Gras concerts kick off Feb. 7 through March 28 on select nights. This year’s lineup features Grammy-winning DJ and producer Zedd, Bebe Rexha, and The All-American Rejects, who are returning for the second year in a row as the concert series’ finale.
The nightly concerts take place following Universal’s Mardi Gras parade featuring elaborate floats and plenty of bead throwing.
At SeaWorld, the music includes KISS rocker Gene Simmons, the Beach Boys, Flo Rida, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Fray and Boyz II Men during the concert series running on select nights from Jan. 31 to May 17.
“This is the biggest and most diverse concert lineup we’ve ever presented as part of Seven Seas Food Festival,” said SeaWorld Orlando Park President Jon Peterson in a statement. “With chart-topping artists, throwback favorites, and every concert included with park admission, we’re delivering one of the best entertainment values in Central Florida.”
The majority of the dates have been announced, although SeaWorld said a few additional acts will be announced later in the year.
Orlando has deep ties to boy band history, which you’ll find at the theme parks’ festival concerts.
You won’t see Justin Timberlake anytime soon playing behind a backdrop of roller coasters. But Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC performs Feb 22 at the Pop 2000 Tour night at SeaWorld. Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick’s former bandmate Joey Fatone teams up with the Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean at Universal Orlando Feb. 21.
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