Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 9.3.26 — Burnin’ today: Trump, Donalds & DeSantis, Nixon, Amendment 3, Flock, Uthmeier & the U.S. Open

Before the meetings, before the headlines, before the political chatter — there’s #Sunburn. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Thursday morning. A top of the ‘burn birthday shoutout to our friend, Ambassador Kevin Cabrera. Keep up the good work. Kevin Cabrera gets a birthday nod from the ‘burn and another candle for the diplomatic portfolio. ___ Floridian Partners is opening a Panama City Beach office and has hired Cole Davis to run it and lead the firm's expansion across the Panhandle. It's the second new office for the Tallahassee-based lobbying and consulting firm since late July, when it expanded into Tampa under Samantha Greer. Cole Davis gives Floridian Partners a Panhandle address and a familiar face to run it. Davis is a Panama City Beach native with nearly 20 years of experience representing businesses, local governments, and public institutions before the Legislature, the Governor's Office, and state agencies. A founding member of DMW Law Group, he serves as City Attorney for Panama City Beach and General Counsel to the Panama City-Bay County Airport and Industrial District, the Bay County Tourist Development Council, and the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Cole is an exceptional addition to our team. His knowledge and relationships throughout the region will be a tremendous asset to our firm and the clients we serve," said Managing Partner Charlie Dudley. Founded in 2000, Floridian Partners is a regular in the lobbying compensation rankings. The Panama City Beach office follows a string of additions in Tallahassee, including Hawk Hawken, Meredith Snowden, and Daniela Herrera. It gives North Florida businesses and local governments experienced representation close to home, backed by the firm's teams in Tallahassee, Miami, and Tampa. "We are thrilled to welcome Cole to the Floridian Partners family. We've worked together for many years, and there is nobody better to lead our expansion throughout the Panhandle," added Senior Partner Jorge Chamizo. ___ Florida’s third-grade reading scores are continuing to inch upward, according to a new report from the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Business Alliance for Early Learning. The 2026 State of Third Grade Reading Proficiency in Florida report shows the state reached 60% in the 2025-26 school year, up from 57% last year and 55% two years ago. Of the 208,417 third graders tested, 125,050 read at or above grade level. Another 83,367 did not. Third graders turn the page on Florida reading scores, with plenty of chapters still ahead. While the measure is heading in the right direction, the Chamber cautioned that fewer third graders were tested in 2026 than in previous years and that changes in the size and composition of the tested population should be considered when comparing results across years. “As I’ve said before, if we fix early learning, we fix other things,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson, adding that “60% is not the finish line.” The improvement was geographically broad, though not universal. Forty-nine of Florida’s 67 counties improved, 14 declined and four remained unchanged. Some of the largest gains occurred in small rural districts, led by Madison County, up 18 percentage points; Glades County, up 14 points; and Gilchrist County, up 13 points. Hitting 100% is one of the Chamber’s long-standing goals and a key component of its 2030 Blueprint, a plan launched in 2018 aimed at bringing Florida’s economy into the Top 10 if measured as a country — the state’s $1.8 trillion GDP would currently place in the low- to mid-teens, just behind South Korea. “Third grade reading is more than an education issue. It is a workforce issue,” said Corrie Melton, vice president of Talent Development for Future of Work Florida at the Florida Chamber Foundation. “The good news is that we are seeing progress across Florida, including significant gains in rural communities and among English language learners. Now we need to build on that momentum.” ___ Artificial intelligence is reshaping Florida's economy, workforce, and public policy. To explore what comes next, The Moore Agency and FloridAI have partnered to launch FloridAI Next, a video series of conversations with leaders from across the state. The series is built to be accessible rather than technical. Each episode brings together voices from business, government, education, and technology to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and implications of AI for Florida's future. In the debut episode, Moore President and COO Terrie Ard sits down with Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson to discuss how Florida is positioning itself to win with AI, why a futurist mindset matters, and how emerging technologies can serve as force multipliers for economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. To watch the episode, please click the image below: Terrie Ard and Mark Wilson put Florida’s AI future on the agenda for FloridAI Next.

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: —@SusieWiles47: President (Donald) Trump announced that America just experienced an extraordinary Summer of travel. There’s something special about seeing Americans out enjoying this beautiful country: traveling with their families, visiting our National Parks, and supporting communities and small businesses along the way. This Summer’s travel numbers are another sign of growing confidence in our economy and excitement about America’s future. Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@MattDevittWX: IT'S OFFICIAL! 🥵 Summer 2026 in Florida was one of the hottest on record. If you thought it felt warmer than normal, you were right! Fort Lauderdale, West Palm and Miami all had their #1 hottest Summer, with data going back over 100 years. Orlando and Sarasota at #2 hottest. The good news is Fall and Winter will be here soon to help cool us off! Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet:

Days until   NFL regular season kicks off — 6; Republican National Midterm Convention — 6; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 7; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 8; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 12; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 16; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 17; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 21; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 28; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 29; General Election voter registration deadline — 32; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 36; Associated Industries of Florida one-on-one conversations with five top-of-ticket Republicans — 39; 'VisionQuest' premieres — 41; Optional General early voting begins — 46; 'Six Kings Slam' on Netflix — 48; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 48; General Election ballot request deadline — 49; Mandatory General early voting begins — 51; General Election — 61; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 64; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 64; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 69; 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' starring Johnny Depp premieres — 71; 'Paper Tiger' starring Adam Driver premieres — 71; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 75; New legislator training sessions — 75; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 75; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 78; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 83; ‘Madden’ premieres — 84; Committee Week #1 — 88; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 106; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 106; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 106; Committee Week #2 — 123; Committee Week #3 — 130; 'Ahsoka' season 2 premieres — 139; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 144; Committee Week #4 — 151; Grammys — 157; Committee Week #5 — 158; Super Bowl LXI — 164; Committee Week #6 — 165; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 180; Tampa Mayoral Election — 180; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 183; Oscars — 192; Jacksonville First Election — 201; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 203; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 203; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 223; Jacksonville General Election — 257; 'Star Wars: Starfighter' premieres — 267; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 275; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 316; 'The Bluey Movie' premieres — 337; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 337; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 372; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 470; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 506; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 508; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 516; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 523; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 530; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 533; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 537; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 544; Oscars — 549; 'X-Men' premieres — 610; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 631; 'Days of Thunder' sequel with Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 638; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 652; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 680; 'Ghost Rider' premieres — 694; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 796; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 834; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 872; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,196; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,236; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,927.

Top story   “Once a powerhouse, Moms for Liberty poised to lose influence on Florida School Boards” via Trinity Webster-Bass of The Florida Trib — Moms for Liberty’s once-formidable influence over Florida School Boards appears headed for a significant contraction after an election cycle in which the parental-rights organization backed far fewer candidates than in previous years. Eleven Moms for Liberty-backed candidates advanced to November runoffs, but the organization endorsed only 15 School Board candidates this cycle after funding more than 50 campaigns in previous elections. Its Florida PAC provided no financial support to School Board candidates this year. Moms for Liberty finds fewer School Board seats at the table heading into November. The retreat comes four years after Moms for Liberty helped establish what it called “parental rights majorities” in Miami-Dade, Sarasota, Brevard, Duval and Clay counties. By November, conservative majorities associated with the movement are expected to remain only in Brevard and Clay. Culture-war battles that fueled the organization’s rise also appear to be losing traction. Duval candidate Donovan Bradley, seeking to replace Moms for Liberty-backed April Carney, says voters are more focused on District performance and student opportunities than the organization’s involvement. University of Southern California education policy researcher Huriya Jabbar said some members elected on Moms for Liberty platforms discovered that alleged school indoctrination was not occurring as they expected. Sarasota could also shift politically after years as a center of education culture-war disputes. Moms for Liberty rejects suggestions that its movement is fading. Co-founder and CEO Tina Descovich says its mission extends beyond School Boards to parental-rights advocacy at every level of government. The group has increasingly aligned itself with Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, suggesting its political ambitions may be shifting from local education battles toward state and federal politics.

2026   “As Donald Trump throws a Midterm party, some vulnerable Republicans send regrets” via Annie Karni, Michael Gold and Luke Broadwater of The New York Times — Trump’s first Midterm convention is intended to rally Republicans before November, but some of the party’s most vulnerable candidates are keeping their distance. Florida U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar remains undecided about attending the Sept. 9-10 Dallas gathering, saying she wants to remain with her South Florida constituents. Republicans face a difficult calculation: Trump remains important for motivating the GOP base, but his low approval rating and unpopular policies create risks in competitive Districts. Speaker Mike Johnson predicts strong convention attendance, while several endangered Republicans plan to skip it. For candidates fighting for political survival, campaigning at home may be more valuable than sharing Trump’s stage. Donald Trump’s Dallas Midterm party draws RSVPs, regrets and some strategic calendar conflicts. “At long last, Byron Donalds gets endorsement from Ron DeSantis in Governor’s race” via Curt Anderson of the USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida — DeSantis has given Republican gubernatorial nominee Donalds his full endorsement after conspicuously withholding one during the Primary. At a Tampa leadership forum, Donalds pledged to continue DeSantis’ “Free State of Florida” agenda and warned Democrats would unwind the Governor’s work. The Republican statewide ticket also backed Amendment 3, continued immigration enforcement and additional AI regulation. Donalds supports an “AI bill of rights” that protects children and parental control while leaving decisions about hyperscale data centers to local governments. DeSantis warned Republicans against complacency despite their 1.5 million-voter registration advantage, telling supporters that maintaining GOP dominance depends on turning out in November. "Young Republicans launch Operation Ground Game to elect Donalds, full GOP ticket" via Florida's Voice — The Florida Young Republicans announced Operation Ground Game, a coordinated statewide volunteer campaign to elect U.S. Rep. Donalds as Governor and the rest of the Republican ticket in the Nov. 3 General Election. "Young Republicans don't wait for someone else to knock the door. Operation Ground Game is our commitment to show up in every region of this state, every week from Sept. 5 through Nov. 3, until Byron Donalds is Governor and our entire Republican ticket is elected," Florida Young Republicans Chair Brandon Ludwig told Florida's Voice in a statement. "Florida stays free because young conservatives do the work." “Erika Donalds wants more AI in Florida classrooms and fewer laws slowing it down” via Austin Horn of the Miami Herald — Erika Donalds, a charter school executive heavily involved in education policy whose husband, Byron, is the GOP nominee for Governor, said Wednesday she thinks artificial intelligence can help Florida students and teachers thrive. In many cases, she added, AI will “be the best teacher” available to students. Erika Donalds, speaking at an event focused on AI in Miami, said that she thinks rulemaking around the technology should be limited. “I think guardrails are incredibly important in this space, but it has to be balanced. What I mean by that is that the state has a responsibility to protect children from harm, not protect children from parental decisions and preferences,” she said. Happening today — Donalds makes a diner drop-in: 9 a.m., Dee's Place, 138 N. Ridgewood Drive, Sebring. "Angie Nixon's rise tests Florida Democrats' big-tent strategy" via Dara Kam of State Affairs Florida — For some Florida Democrats, progressive candidate Nixon is the spark the party needs to energize voters to end decades of Republican dominance in statewide races. Nixon, a state representative from Jacksonville, gained national prominence when she handily won a U.S. Senate Primary that placed her at the top of the Democratic ticket in November. But Nixon's affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America presents a stress test for the "big tent" party: while progressive allies view her victory as a way to energize the base, skeptics warn Republicans will weaponize the label. “‘It threatens everything’: Daniella Levine Cava launches campaign against tax cut” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Although lower tax bills might be tempting, voters also need to consider the consequences of a sharp cut in revenue for local police departments, ambulance providers, and the bus and parks systems, Miami-Dade’s Mayor said as she launched a campaign opposing a state referendum to cut property taxes. “It threatens everything from public safety and emergency response to our roads, parks, our libraries,” Mayor Levine Cava, a Democrat, said during a news conference taking aim at Amendment 3, the tax-cut proposal backed by Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature. “These are not luxuries. These are basic, essential services that protect our lives, our families and our neighborhoods.”

More elections   “Ethics complaint filed against Ryan Elijah over financial disclosure omissions” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Elijah ousted U.S. Rep. Cory Mills after campaigning against the incumbent’s ethics troubles. Now Elijah faces scrutiny himself. Oviedo resident Sarah Austin filed an ethics complaint alleging Elijah failed to disclose underlying investments in retirement accounts valued at up to $5.1 million. Elijah reported Fidelity and Charles Schwab accounts but did not itemize their holdings, which Austin says House rules require. The omission covers roughly 98% to 99% of his reported portfolio’s value. End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller accused Elijah of hypocrisy after emphasizing ethics during the Primary. The Republican now faces Democrat Bale Dalton in CD 7, which national Democrats consider competitive. Ryan Elijah discovers ethics scrutiny can follow candidates onto both sides of the campaign trail.

Even more elections   "Democrats push to mobilize Haitian American voters ahead of Midterm Elections" via Anthony Man of South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Democrats are attempting to mobilize U.S. citizens with Haitian ancestry in Florida — home to more Haitians than any other state in the country — to vote in the Midterm Elections, hoping a strong showing could help power their candidates to victories. The effort is being led by state Rep. Marie Woodson of Hollywood, who was appointed by the state Democratic Party as Vice Chair for Haitian American voter engagement. "I'm ready to do it. I understand my community. I understand my people," she said. "I make it my mission not only to vote, but to make sure that everybody who is capable of voting votes. We can never get comfortable." Marie Woodson takes Florida Democrats’ Haitian American voter outreach from the Capitol to the campaign trail. Image via Colin Hackley. "Melissa Rutland continues to outraise Lindsay Polega-Quigley in tough fight for HD 60" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — As Democrats fight to hold on to a House seat they've long controlled, a Republican is presenting a credible challenge in a District where Democrats' voter registration advantage has been shrinking in recent years. Democrat Polega-Quigley is running for House District 60 to replace fellow Democrat Lindsay Cross. With the seat open, Republican Rutland entered the race, and Republicans are eyeing a pickup opportunity they might have otherwise counted out had an incumbent — one known for working collegially with Republicans — been on the ballot. As of Aug. 21, the most recent date for which financial reports are available, Rutland had about $25,000 more on hand between her political committee, Friends of Melissa Rutland, and her campaign. Save the dates: and and

Statewide   "DeSantis sends more than $15M to rural communities for economic and infrastructure development" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — DeSantis has approved nearly $15.6 million for infrastructure improvements and development plans in small and rural communities in Florida. Some 23 rural areas across the state will receive a share of the funding to support community projects and other essential infrastructure improvements. "Florida's success begins with strong communities," said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Under Gov. DeSantis' leadership, Florida is investing in projects that improve critical infrastructure, strengthen local economies and create new opportunities for Florida families, job seekers and job creators to thrive — getting communities the resources they need to support long-term economic growth and build an even brighter future." Ron DeSantis opens the funding spigot for rural Florida infrastructure projects. "Florida Division of Emergency Management announces key leadership appointments" via the Alachua Chronicle — FDEM Executive Director Jared W. Perdue, P.E., announced key appointments to the Division's leadership team, including Chief of Staff and Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration, State Emergency Response Team (SERT) Chief, and Acting Bureau Chief of Response. "Just like disaster response, FDEM does not wait. Emergency management requires experienced leaders who can make decisions quickly, work across agencies, and remain focused on serving Floridians," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Jared W. Perdue. "Flock sells fear. Government buys power. Citizens lose." via Abigail R. Hall of Tampa Bay Times — As controversy grows over law enforcement's abuse of Flock Safety's Automated License Plate Readers and camera networks, law-enforcement officials and some lawmakers are vigorously defending their widespread use. Perhaps the strongest defender of these surveillance tools is the company itself. Flock CEO Garrett Langley, for example, recently stated, "When people talk about just one of these, privacy or safety, they're prioritizing the wrong thing, and what we have to prioritize as a country is compromise."

D.C. matters   “Postal Service work to comply with Trump’s executive order is rushed and sloppy, whistleblower contends” via Nicholas Riccardi of The Associated Press — A whistleblower says the U.S. Postal Service is rushing an error-prone computer system that could disrupt mail voting before the Midterm Elections. The system is intended to implement Trump’s executive order restricting mail ballots to voters appearing on federal citizenship lists. The disclosure, released by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, says a project that would normally require a year or more is being built in three months. A single scanning error could potentially block tens of thousands of ballot envelopes. The administration disputes those concerns, while litigation has temporarily halted implementation. More than 29% of voters cast ballots by mail in the 2024 Election. Mail voting faces a potential delivery problem before ballots even reach the mailbox. “Heads or tails? $1 coin with Trump’s face, gold finish to go on sale” via The Associated Press — Trump’s face is headed to legal tender with a new gold-finished $1 coin celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The U.S. Mint began selling the coins Wednesday, featuring Trump on one side and the Great Seal of the United States on the other. The unusual design drew criticism because federal law generally prohibits depicting a living President on U.S. currency, though the Treasury Secretary can authorize special coins. A 25-coin roll will cost $61, while bags of 100 will sell for $154.50. The Mint also randomly inserted special coins struck July 4, 2026, into rolls and bags, giving collectors another reason to flip for one. "DOJ says states must report undocumented immigrants or risk funds" via CNBC — All states going forward must report undocumented immigrants known to be in a state to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or risk losing federal funding for programs meant to aid low-income individuals, the Department of Justice said in a new legal opinion. "Congress wrote this requirement plainly," Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser of the DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel said in a statement. "When a state chooses to participate in TANF, it accepts the obligation to report illegal aliens in the United States," Gaiser said. "Tax dollars intended to help vulnerable Americans should not perversely encourage illegal entry into the United States, but rather should reinforce our laws and our borders." The Justice Department puts states on notice over immigration reporting and federal funding. "New suit says proof-of-citizenship voting law conflicts with National Voter Registration Act" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A third federal lawsuit is targeting Florida's recently passed proof-of-citizenship voting law, and this one leans on a federal statute the first two didn't invoke. DeSantis signed HB 991 on April 1, prompting immediate lawsuits from the American Civil Liberties Union and NAACP. Tianna Mays, Legal Director for the Democracy Defenders Fund, described HB 991 as "a political ploy to determine who wins our elections by picking who votes." "This scheme targets Black and Brown communities by erecting barriers to voting for hundreds of thousands of eligible voters, including naturalized citizens and other Floridians who don't have a passport," she said. "We will not let this assault on our democracy stand." "Maxwell Frost wants to make sure the next Alligator Alcatraz isn't used to detain the homeless" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Frost was among the chief critics of Alligator Alcatraz before the migrant detention facility shuttered. The Orlando Democrat unveiled his No Homeless Detention Centers Act, which would bar the use of any federal funding to gather and house homeless arrested for vagrancy or to force individuals into labor. "There's a growing effort in this country to treat homelessness like a crime instead of what it is — a housing crisis," Frost said. "Homelessness is a housing issue."

Local: S. FL   “Congress holds Michael Joseph in contempt over ethics investigation” via Alex Harris of the Miami Herald — The sitting Mayor of North Miami Beach, Joseph, was found in contempt of Congress as part of an ethics investigation into former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The U.S. House Ethics Committee said Joseph, an ally of Cherfilus-McCormick, didn’t help with its investigation into the former congresswoman and ignored the Committee’s subpoenas for documents and testimony. The vote was unanimous and bipartisan. As part of the investigation into Cherfilus-McCormick that led to her resignation, the Committee released a report naming Joseph as the go-between between the ex-Representative and a politically connected oil company, Petrogaz Haiti. The report accuses the congresswoman’s campaign of soliciting $810,000 from the Haitian company and funneling it, indirectly, into a now-defunct “shell company” that helped fund her 2022 campaign. Michael Joseph lands in a congressional ethics fight with bipartisan contempt behind it. "Seven Miami-Dade Mayors ask DeSantis to hit the brakes on Flock camera purge" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Seven Miami-Dade County Mayors want Tallahassee to slow down before police cameras start coming off the road. The group, led by Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, signed a letter to DeSantis and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Perdue seeking a halt to the agency's order stripping automated license plate readers (LPRs), provided by vendors like Flock Safety, from state rights-of-way within 30 days. "I am not asking the Department or the Governor to ignore legitimate privacy concerns," he wrote. "I am asking for the opportunity to solve this problem together, through accountability and oversight, not blanket removal of a tool that has helped our city solve serious crimes and bring closure to victims and families." “New Miami-Dade superintendent pauses process that put 27 schools on closure notice” via Austin Horn of the Miami Herald — On his first day on the job, new Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Rafael Villalobos said he’s pausing a process that could lead to closure or other major changes at more than two dozen under-enrolled public schools. Villalobos, in a Wednesday letter to parents, wrote that he will "fully review this process and its potential impact on our schools.” “The process will be temporarily paused while I conduct this review and ensure that our community has clear and complete information about the process, timelines, and opportunities for meaningful public input,” Villalobos wrote. Parents with children at 27 schools were informed last month by the District that their child’s school had been flagged as either “under review” or “reassessed,” with the latter indicating a closure might be imminent. "Former Florida Keys college president challenges his firing" via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — In an unusual move, the former longtime president of The College of the Florida Keys has launched a legal challenge to his firing this Summer. Jonathan Gueverra, who had served as president since 2012, was fired by the state college's Board of Trustees during a special meeting and, in a challenge filed with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, contended that the Board lacked sufficient grounds for the termination. "The Board's asserted lack of confidence was not real, honest, or genuinely held, but was feigned or supplied as a pretextual reason for his termination," Gueverra's attorneys wrote. Brittany Snyder was named interim president.

Local: C. FL   “Dozens of candidates crowd Seminole County’s November ballot” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — More than 30 candidates are seeking county and municipal offices across Seminole County in the Nov. 3 General Election. Republican Commissioner Amy Lockhart is seeking a third term against Democrat Charline Santos, while Altamonte Springs voters will choose their first new Mayor in nearly two decades after Pat Bates declined another term. City Commissioner Mike Brunscheen faces Dominique Douglas for Mayor as the city confronts potential budget cuts tied to Florida’s proposed Amendment 3. Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann faces Jesse Phillips in another closely watched contest. Several municipalities, including Lake Mary and Oviedo, avoided holding elections after candidates won seats unopposed. Amy Lockhart enters the Seminole County race as November quickly gets crowded. “Trump administration orders Orlando coal plant kept online” via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — The Trump administration is again blocking the planned shutdown of an Orlando coal-fired power plant, citing concerns about Florida’s electricity supply and growing demand from data centers. Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered the Orlando Utilities Commission to keep one unit available through Nov. 30, extending a similar emergency order issued in June. Wright argues retiring reliable generation could raise costs and threaten grid reliability. Coal supplied only about 4% of Florida’s in-state electricity generation last year, with natural gas dominating the market. Environmental groups have sued over the federal intervention, arguing the Energy Department exceeded its authority and that keeping coal plants operating could increase ratepayer costs and harm public health. "Fight held at Orlando arena draws condemnation for Nazi salutes, swastika flag" via Olivia George of The Washington Post — When the final bell sounded, the kickboxer appeared to twice give a Nazi salute from the ring. The scene unfolded Saturday night inside the Kia Center in downtown Orlando — an arena owned and operated by the city and home to the NBA's Orlando Magic. The kickboxer, Paul Miller, built an online following as "GypsyCrusader," streaming racist and antisemitic abuse at strangers. The promoter of Saturday's event, Duel Arena, booked him to fight against Ben Azoulay, a Jewish influencer who had said he was fighting for Israel and the Jewish people. Orlando Venues, the city department that runs the arena, said that it does not condone the messaging and that the flag was removed once staff saw it. "Apopka Commissioners balk at budget cuts to Christmas, Halloween, other celebrations" via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — Apopka City Commissioners spent hours poring over what Mayor Nick Nesta called a "bare-bones" budget only to raise concerns over some proposed cuts — such as funding for longtime community celebrations including Christmas, Easter and Halloween. Nesta said he slashed spending for numerous community events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. parade, Christmas parade, Halloween in the Park, Breakfast with the Bunny and Holiday Tree Lighting. Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez raised concerns about killing community events, especially the more popular ones — specifically citing those for Christmas and Halloween. "The big ones are worth keeping," Velazquez said. "Certainly the Christmas event (and) Halloween in the Park — I mean our community literally looks forward to that." "Ethics panel finds 'probable cause' of wrongdoing in Kissimmee case" via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — There is probable cause to believe businesses owned by Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa and her family illegally received funds from a city grant program, the Florida Commission on Ethics announced. The Commission's conclusion comes after Espinosa, elected in 2024, narrowly survived an impeachment attempt last month over the same allegations — that three businesses linked to her and her family collected $50,000 through Business Boost 2.0, a program funded by federal pandemic money that launched in September 2025. On Tuesday, before the Commission released its decision, Espinosa announced on social media she would be speaking out on the allegations, declaring, "So much will be revealed. Timing is our best ally, and I will finally be able to express my position."

Local: TB   “After RFK Jr. visit, Board members seek new policy to keep politics out of schools” via the Tampa Bay Times — A week after Health Secretary Kennedy visited two Tampa Bay schools, fielding questions about his opinions on vaccines and taking photos flanked by elected officials, some Hillsborough County School Board members want to introduce a policy to keep politics out of schools. Board member Nadia Combs said six years ago, she rarely saw prominent elected officials coming to the District. "Now every time I turn around, there's an elected official coming in here," she said. "It's great that people want to come to the District, but I think it's very, very important that it's nonpartisan discussions." Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s school visit leaves Hillsborough debating where politics belongs on campus. Image via WMNF. "Hillsborough makes short-term rental regulations into law" via the Tampa Bay Times — Commissioners on Wednesday passed a law for short-term rentals, which include Airbnbs, in unincorporated areas of the county. The law, effective Jan. 1, requires owners to register their property with the county, pay a yearly fee and pay fines if guests violate code enforcement rules. Commissioner Harry Cohen proposed the ordinance. "This really is just the beginning of the process," Cohen said. "But it's a very meaningful step forward that is going to give the neighborhoods some relief." Under the ordinance, a property owner must pay $200 to register yearly with the county to use their property as a short-term vacation rental. "Hillsborough County raises stormwater fees, adding $2.7M for maintenance" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Hillsborough County homeowners in unincorporated areas will pay a little more for stormwater service next year. The County Commission voted 5-2 to raise stormwater assessments, choosing a middle ground between holding rates flat and adopting a larger increase that was on the table earlier this year. The typical residential rate will climb from about $86.50 to nearly $92.60 a year. Robert Mendenhall said the increase adds to affordability issues. "My issue is a kitchen table issue," Mendenhall said. "Costs are going up, and every time you turn around, I get an increase. I'm a retired individual, so I have to think about how I am going to pay for these things." "Berny Jacques accuses Largo of unlawful electioneering over property tax town hall" via Florida's Voice — State Rep. Jacques accused the City of Largo of violating Florida electioneering laws by hosting a municipal town hall featuring a single guest panelist opposed to a proposed constitutional amendment that expands property tax exemptions. According to Jacques' letter, the city's scheduled panel at the new Largo City Hall consists entirely of municipal employees, with former Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes serving as the lone outside guest speaker. "Florida law prohibits cities from engaging in electioneering with the use of ' … public funds for a political advertisement or any other communication sent to electors concerning an issue, referendum, or amendment …'" Jacques wrote, citing Section 106.113 of Florida Statutes. "Pinellas residents voice concerns over immigration detentions" via the Tampa Bay Times — Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers said that she will invite Sheriff Bob Gualtieri to address concerns after residents criticized the county jail for releasing and rebooking immigrants to avoid exceeding a 72-hour detention limit. “I am not asking this Board to determine anyone’s immigration status or to take a position on immigration enforcement. I am asking a more fundamental question,” said Courtney Prokopas, a community leader and organizer with the League of Women Voters. “Does our local government follow the law and respect human rights when it exercises the power to deprive a person of liberty?” Cathy O’Gara, of Largo, said she’s frustrated by what she described as “limited accountability” for Gualtieri. "Flock crackdown hits Pinellas, forcing 29 cameras down but leaving most of the network intact" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Florida's crackdown on automated license plate readers (ALPRs) will force at least 29 fixed cameras off state roads in Pinellas County, but it will leave a much larger law enforcement network largely intact — including license plate readers mounted on every one of the Sheriff's Office's 560 patrol vehicles. Gualtieri said 23 of his agency's 73 fixed readers were installed under permits from the Florida Department of Transportation. "We live in a technological age, which means we cannot fight crime in the Stone Age," Gualtieri said. "As we cannot defund the police, we can also not detool the police either." Bob Gualtieri argues that crime-fighting should not be stuck in the Stone Age. "How a proposal to ditch Duke Energy could get on St. Petersburg ballots" via the Tampa Bay Times — The campaign to drop Duke Energy in St. Petersburg and have a city-run electric utility took a big step, as organizers announced a push to pose the question to voters on the 2028 ballot. "What we're expecting and fighting for is a Florida that works for us, not investors in North Carolina," said Cameron Driggers, the founder of the Florida Youth Action Fund. In general, publicly owned electric utilities in Florida offer lower average bills than corporate utilities. "This study makes clear a government takeover of St. Petersburg's electric service is unaffordable and irresponsible," Duke spokesperson Ana Gibbs said in a statement.

Local: N. FL   "Jeremy Matlow renews call for Flock camera removal in Tallahassee" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Tallahassee City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Matlow is ratcheting up the pressure on local officials to join the growing list of jurisdictions ditching Flock and other automated license plate readers (LPRs). "These new revelations put the Tallahassee Police Department at odds with the State position and other law enforcement agencies in our community," Matlow wrote. "The city's position creates great confusion among Tallahassee residents who are subjugated to city surveillance that has been rejected by the State and County." On Aug. 31, FDOT revoked its permits for all Flock cameras along state rights-of-way shortly after DeSantis remarked that LPRs were "out of control," and set a 30-day deadline to remove them. Jeremy Matlow turns up the pressure on Tallahassee’s Flock camera network. Image via WFSU. "Campus community waiting for closure after another FSU shooting trial delay" via Lentheus Chaney of WTXL ABC 27 — The trial for the man accused of opening fire inside the Florida State University Student Union has been pushed back to June 2027, extending the wait for answers for students, faculty and families connected to the campus. Phoenix Ikner faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder. State Attorney Jack Campbell says the defense still has a lengthy list of issues to work through. "Each of these victims has a right to be able to plan their life and be emotionally ready for the trial. So, I plan on talking to each of them, and I want them to be able to plan their lives so that they can be here," Campbell said. "FAMU brings back former interim CFO as university works through financial issues" via Tallahassee Reports — Florida A&M University has brought back a familiar face to oversee its finances as the university continues addressing audit concerns and searches for a permanent chief financial officer. FAMU announced Aug. 31 that Richard W. Schweigert has been hired as interim chief financial officer and vice president for Finance and Administration. FAMU President Marva Johnson said Schweigert's previous experience at the university will help during the transition. "He understands our institution, our governance structure and the demands of operating a major public university," Johnson said. "That institutional knowledge is an asset as we strengthen the University's financial position and advance our strategic priorities." "Jaguars unveil new stadium renderings" via Cole Pepper of Florida Politics — The Jacksonville Jaguars released new renderings of the "Stadium of the Future" on Wednesday, 11 days before the team is scheduled to kick off the 2026 season in a reduced-capacity EverBank Stadium. The renderings show the entrances to the East and West clubs, planned updates to the South Field Club and newly named South Patio Club, expanded main concourses, and other interior renderings. Also featured in several renderings is the stadium roof, which provides shade. The Jaguars’ Stadium of the Future offers fans shade, clubs and plenty of renderings to study. "'From Ballots to Belonging' exhibition to open at Duval County Elections Center" via Tate Rosenberg of First Coast News — Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland announced on Wednesday that a new exhibition display is coming to the Duval County Elections Center. Democracy Starts Here: From Ballots to Belonging is a 1,200-square-foot display that showcases how "American democracy is built from the ground up, with local election offices as its foundation." Featured in the exhibition is a mechanical lever machine, a "hanging chad" display, voting systems from the 2000s to 2020s, a 1930 District map, and a 1933 Primary sample ballot. The exhibition opens on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and lasts through Friday, Oct. 16.

Local: SW. FL   "Appeals court sides with media in Ziegler records fight" via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Nearly three years after a sexual assault allegation led to Christian Ziegler losing his job as Chair of the state Republican Party, an appeals court sided with media organizations and an open-government group that sought electronic information obtained by police during the investigation. Ziegler, who was not charged with a crime, and his wife, Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler, filed a lawsuit in 2024 seeking to prevent the release of information that came primarily from Ziegler's cellphone. A three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal overturned a lower-court ruling that had blocked the release of the information. Christian Ziegler loses another round in the long-running fight over records from a police investigation. "Princeton Review recognizes New College of Florida for value, academics" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Princeton Review is recognizing New College of Florida with national distinctions for its faculty, academic quality, financial aid, value and student success. New College of Florida has been named to Princeton Review's Best 392 Colleges, Best in the South, and the 50 Colleges that Create Futures categories. The school ranked No. 2 nationally among Top Schools for Financial Aid and No. 24 among Best College Values. "The latest Princeton Review results tell a very different story from the political narrative often imposed on New College," New College President Richard Corcoran said. "Students describe a college defined by exceptional professors, academic strength, financial support, value and opportunity, not political activism nor ideological conformity." "Stephanie Garrison and Claudia Campos win confirmation votes in contentious BOCC meeting" via Mitch Maley of The Bradenton Times — At this week's Manatee County Commission meeting, Garrison was confirmed as Deputy County Administrator. Commissioner Bob McCann pointed out that she did not have a master's degree or eight years of progressively responsible public-sector experience in program management and governmental budgeting, as described in the position. Commissioner Jason Bearden, whose relationship with County Administrator Charlie Bishop has grown beyond strained, asked Bishop how many people he had interviewed for the position. "You know what's embarrassing, Charlie," shouted Bearden, "let me tell you what the hell is embarrassing …" Also during Tuesday's meeting, Campos, who was also serving in an interim capacity, was confirmed as Chief Financial Officer.

Top opinion   “Florida shrank Black representation to one seat — and expects us to accept it” via Jasmine Burney-Clark of the Miami Herald — Florida has 28 congressional seats, yet the state could emerge from the 2026 Elections with just one Black access seat despite Black Floridians making up nearly 17% of the population. That outcome is not accidental. Years of aggressive redistricting, weakened voting protections, and divided communities have steadily reduced Black voters’ ability to translate ballots into governing power. The response cannot stop at outrage. Black political power also requires sustained organization, investment and leadership development long before candidates file for office or presidential campaigns arrive. Strong Black-led civic institutions need resources between elections, while communities need coordination and candidates prepared to compete. Nixon’s Democratic U.S. Senate Primary victory demonstrates that Black political leadership remains potent and that voters will respond to candidates who speak directly to their communities. But one victory cannot obscure the broader warning Florida presents nationally. Redistricting, voting restrictions, weakened protections and insufficient political infrastructure compound over time. Black Floridians helped build Florida, powered its economy and fought to expand democracy; meaningful representation should reflect that contribution. The numbers now tell a stark story: 28 congressional seats and potentially one Black representative. The right to vote means less if communities cannot convert votes into political influence. The answer is not despair or episodic anger. It is sustained action: organize, invest, build and fight. Black political power will survive only if communities deliberately build the institutions necessary to protect it.

More opinions   “DeSantis flipped on Flock, but only after outrage got too loud to ignore” via the Miami Herald editorial board — Americans aren’t overreacting in their anger over Flock cameras — and some Florida leaders are changing their position. Seeing that the bipartisan discontent over the Big Brother-style surveillance of our streets isn’t going away, they are saying no to the license-plate readers. DeSantis, who approved $4.6 million for local law enforcement agencies to use the cameras for immigration enforcement, is now anti-Flock. Warning about a “surveillance state,” he banned the license-plate readers on state roads on Monday. The ban does not apply to county and other local roads. “Desmond Meade’s inspiring campaign couldn’t overcome two-party politics” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Meade built a remarkable reputation leading the successful 2018 campaign to restore voting rights for former felons, but that goodwill couldn’t make an independent campaign for Governor viable. Meade withdrew after struggling for attention, money and statewide infrastructure, acknowledging that voters who want political change remain reluctant to support candidates they believe cannot win. His departure could help Democrat David Jolly, though Meade says both remaining candidates must earn his vote. The experience exposed the formidable barriers facing independents in Florida’s two-party system, from fundraising to shrinking media coverage. Meade, meanwhile, plans to continue advocating for Floridians, maintaining the optimism that has defined his public life. "Food is the mission. Stewardship is our promise" via Paul Allen for the Palm Beach Post — At a recent South Florida Water Management District meeting, Executive Director Drew Bartlett announced that farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area have far exceeded the statutory goal of reducing phosphorus in water running off the land: "The statutory goal is 25%, and they got 65% reduction from baseline for their BMP efforts in that program." Since 1996, South Florida farmers have prevented 5,111 metric tons of phosphorus from heading south, and today, 95% of the Florida Everglades meets the strict 10-parts-per-billion water quality standard required under federal law. Their contributions to the effort total more than $500 million to date. "A letter from the Gulf of America to Lake America" via Stephanie Hayes of the Tampa Bay Times — Dear Lake America: It's been more than a year since I, the Gulf of Mexico, was renamed against my will as the Gulf of America. Now I am morally called to help others through the bizarre experience of having Trump and friends change your name in a hissy fit. Lake America, you may feel isolated, like the only tide pool in the world being used as a pawn in a pointless trade war, but you are not alone, nor will you be the last icon to suffer a deeply humiliating rebrand. No one owns you, no matter how firmly the folks at Google press their lips to the President's hindquarters. “Does a contract mean anything anymore?” via Chris Ligori for Florida Politics — Florida’s homeowners insurance system has strayed from a basic free-market principle: People who pay for a promise should expect that promise to be honored. Three years after sweeping legal reforms were introduced to stabilize the market and lower costs, homeowners continue to pay extraordinarily high premiums. Insurify ranks Florida’s premiums highest nationally, while policyholders face greater obstacles to enforcing coverage they purchased. The consequences hit working families, retirees, homeowners and small businesses that have faithfully paid their premiums. A functioning market requires accountability, enforceable contracts and equal treatment under the law. Floridians who keep their end of an insurance bargain should reasonably expect insurance companies to keep theirs.

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Aloe   "Eggcitement: 5.7M eggs being delivered to food banks for underprivileged families across Florida" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that nearly 5.7 million eggs are being delivered to food banks to assist low-income households thanks to Florida's share of the settlement stemming from allegations of price manipulation by those egg producers. "Eggs are a breakfast staple, not a luxury," Uthmeier said during a news conference. "When the price of a carton goes up, working families feel it every week at the checkout line. Today 5.67 million eggs are moving to food banks and pantries in every Florida county — at no cost to households, food banks, or taxpayers. That is affordability you can measure." James Uthmeier puts 5.7 million eggs on the menu for Florida food banks. Image via Florida Attorney General’s Office.

U.S. Open   "U.S. Open tickets tumble to below $100 a seat at Arthur Ashe" via Lindsey Rupp of Bloomberg — U.S. Open ticket prices are falling sharply after soaring early in the tournament, giving fans a cheaper path into Arthur Ashe Stadium. Get-in prices dropped to as low as $69, more than 50% below levels from three days earlier, while Wednesday sessions featuring Jessica Pegula and Ben Shelton fell about 60% to roughly $90. Even Tuesday tickets featuring Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys plunged as much as 88% to about $25. Resellers, weather and Novak Djokovic’s early exit may be contributing, though demand remains strong for later rounds. Billionaire Bill Ackman has also questioned pricing practices and the influence of scalpers. Arthur Ashe Stadium suddenly offers a bargain seat after U.S. Open resale prices take a tumble.

Happy birthday   Best wishes to Bobby Carbonell, Jenna Paladino, and Christina Pushaw. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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