Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.3.26

Wake up to Sunburn, your first glance at Florida politics and policy. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Monday morning. First in Sunburn — The Advocacy Partners is joining PPHC (Nasdaq: PPHC), an international strategic communications platform with operations across the U.S. and abroad. The deal will be announced this morning. The Tallahassee-based firm, founded more than 25 years ago, will keep its name, leadership and team while picking up new muscle in federal government relations, peer states such as Texas and California, strategic communications, digital advocacy, research and analytics. The Advocacy Partners joins PPHC, keeping its name while adding global muscle for clients. "This merger is not about changing who we are," said co-founder Slater Bayliss. "It is, very purposefully, about expanding what we can do for the clients and colleagues who have placed their trust in us over the past quarter century." Co-founder Stephen Shiver said the decision came down to culture: "We share a core belief that relationships matter, culture matters, and reputation is earned over decades, not transactions." "Our name is staying the same because who we are is staying the same," Bayliss added. "That will continue to define us for the next 25 years." Washington-based PPHC was founded in 2014 and is dual-listed on the Nasdaq and the London Stock Exchange's AIM market. The platform includes 11 member firms and more than 450 professionals worldwide, serving over 1,500 clients — including nearly half the Fortune 100 — across government relations, public affairs and strategic communications. ___ SPOTTED at Citi Field in New York City, where the Mets fell 6-2 to the Marlins on Saturday: Sen. Nick DiCeglie, Pinellas Tax Collector Adam Ross, Diana Ferguson, Jeff Johnston and Amanda Stewart of Johnston & Stewart, Ron LaFace of Capital City Consulting, Ron Pierce of RSA Consulting, Stephanie Smith of TECO, Sarah and Alan Suskey, Monte Stevens of The Southern Group, and J.D. White of Shumaker Advisors.

Situational awareness   —@realDonaldTrump: The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II. Despite this, we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to. This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL. The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! —@RonDeSantis: (Tarik) Skubal to the Dodgers increases the likelihood of a lockout in 2027. —@MarkGlaeser4: More than 50% of @davidjollyfl campaign for Governor cash-on-hand has come at the expense of Florida taxpayers Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet:

Days until   ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 2; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 3; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 5; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 13; Primary Election Day — 15; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 25; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 29; NFL regular season kicks off — 37; Republican National Midterm Convention — 37; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 38; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 39; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 43; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 47; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 48; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 52; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 59; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 60; General Election voter registration deadline — 63; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 67; Optional General early voting begins — 77; 'Six Kings Slam' on Netflix — 79; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 79; General Election ballot request deadline — 80; Mandatory General early voting begins — 82; General Election — 92; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 95; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 95; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 100; 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' starring Johnny Depp premieres — 102; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 106; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 109; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 114; ‘Madden’ premieres — 115; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 137; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 137; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 137; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 175; Grammys — 188; Super Bowl LXI — 195; Tampa Mayoral Election — 211; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 214; Oscars — 223; Jacksonville First Election — 232; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 254; Jacksonville General Election — 288; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 306; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 368; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 368; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 424; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 501; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 539; Oscars — 580; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 662; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 683; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 711; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 827; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 865; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 903; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,227; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,267; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,958.

Top story   "'The boss wants this money': Inside Donald Trump's unprecedented fundraising operation" via Josh Dawsey, Dana Mattioli, Annie Linskey and Emily Glazer of The Wall Street Journal — Almost every night in the White House, President Trump calls his fundraiser, Meredith O'Rourke, for an update. Trump asks O'Rourke which companies and donors have cut checks and which haven't, and for how much. Trump has called her the "princess of darkness" because she is such a "killer" with donors, according to people who have heard his comments. All told, the second-term President has raised more than $800 million since returning to office, according to an updated Wall Street Journal analysis. SoftBank donated $50 million toward Trump's presidential library. Apple cut a check for around $25 million toward his White House ballroom project, while Microsoft gave around $10 million and Amazon chipped in around $5 million, according to people familiar with the contributions. Meredith O'Rourke keeps Donald Trump's fundraising operation humming, one donor call at a time. Image via Instagram. O'Rourke, a well-known fundraiser in Florida, was part of Trump's 2016 and 2020 operations. In the 2024 cycle, she was tapped to lead fundraising for the whole campaign. She opted to drive six hours between the Trump campaign headquarters in Palm Beach and her home base in northwestern Florida instead of flying so she could spend the time on back-to-back calls with donors. "She's a combination of tough but charming, and she absolutely has the President's 100% trust and respect," said Brian Ballard, a top Washington lobbyist who first worked with her in Florida in the 1990s. "She literally is the most talented fundraising professional I've dealt with, and I've dealt with a ton of them." The White House referred requests for comment to Danielle Alvarez, an outside spokesperson for Trump and O'Rourke, who said the President is the "most successful fundraiser in modern political history." "One thing has never changed. President Trump can't be bought," she said.

2026   "Byron Donalds wants NASA headquarters in Florida, more space jobs" via Sara-James Ranta of the Orlando Sentinel — U.S. Rep. Donalds, the Republican front-runner for Governor, unveiled his plans for the state's space industry Friday, pledging that if elected he would fast-track permitting for aerospace projects, expand training in space-related trades and lobby the federal government to move NASA's headquarters to Florida. Donalds, 47, of Naples, has led the GOP Primary field by double digits since entering the race in early 2025 with Trump's endorsement. Donalds pledged, as he has in the past, to press Washington to relocate NASA's headquarters to Florida and to build what he called a "world-class space force military academy" in the state – proposals that would require federal cooperation. "If all the action is here, then why is NASA sitting in Washington, to do what exactly?" he said. Byron Donalds pitches Florida as NASA's next headquarters, because Washington apparently lacks enough space. "What Byron and Erika Donalds' gospel of school choice could mean for Florida" via Kate Payne of The Florida Trib — Byron and Erika Donalds are a Florida power couple if ever there was one. Long before the Republican Congressman from Naples became a rising star in the GOP and a go-to cable news surrogate for Trump, he and his wife both made their political names opening the door to Florida's explosive school choice industry. Now, the couple is poised to ascend to their greatest positions of authority yet, with Byron the Republican front-runner to become the state's next Governor, and Erika at the culmination of a yearslong mission to "break the public school monopoly." Happening today — Donalds will host a veterans roundtable Monday in Jacksonville, bringing together veterans to discuss issues affecting the military community: 10 a.m., Five Star Veterans Center, 40 Acme St., Jacksonville. “Jay Collins pollster defends poll after Salt Shaker Test scrutiny” via Florida Politics — David Wolfson, pollster for Collins, is defending the methodology behind the campaign's latest Republican gubernatorial Primary survey after it was questioned in Florida Politics' Salt Shaker Test. Wolfson argued the poll reflects a typical late-campaign consolidation of support, noting Collins rose from 20% to 23% while Donalds increased from 36% to 40% as undecided voters declined sharply. He also defended the survey's use of a forced-choice question for undecided respondents, calling it standard industry practice. Citing decades of Republican polling experience, Wolfson said his reputation depends on accurately measuring public opinion and urged critics to give the data "a fair shake." “Scholarship lawsuit adds new legal challenge for James Fishback” via Florida Politics staff reports — Briana Whatley, a former national champion in Fishback's Incubate Debate program, is suing Fishback and Incubate Foundation Inc., alleging they still owe her $8,000 in scholarship money promised upon her high school graduation. The Broward County lawsuit claims breach of contract against the foundation and fraud in the inducement against both defendants, alleging Fishback delayed payment, cited an unwritten installment policy and ultimately stopped communicating. Court filings include text messages in which Fishback acknowledged, "I totally dropped the ball on this." Whatley seeks the remaining scholarship balance, interest, attorney's fees and court costs. Fishback has not publicly responded to the lawsuit's allegations. “Democrats weigh electability against enthusiasm in Senate Primary” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times — Angie Nixon is gaining endorsements and grassroots enthusiasm in Florida’s Democratic U.S. Senate Primary, fueling debate over whether progressives or better-funded moderates offer the party its strongest chance against Ashley Moody. Backers point to support from Maxwell Frost, Anna Eskamani and Michele Rayner, along with polling showing Nixon performing competitively. Alex Vindman retains a commanding fundraising advantage, national profile and broad donor network, while emphasizing pragmatic leadership and experience. The contest also highlights divisions over campaign strategy, establishment support and Israel. With the Aug. 18 Primary approaching, Democrats face another test of whether ideology, fundraising or grassroots energy ultimately carries greater weight with voters.

More elections   —"Daniel Webster's retirement leads to packed race for his seat" via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel "Internal poll shows Austin Rogers with slight lead on Keith Gross in CD 2" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — An internal poll shows congressional candidate Rogers with a slight lead over Gross as the Republican Primary nears. The poll, conducted for Rogers' campaign, suggests a two-person race on the GOP side in Florida's 2nd Congressional District. The survey, conducted by Guidant Polling and Strategy, shows 21% of likely Republican Primary voters favor Rogers, a former U.S. Senate staff counsel, while 17% plan to vote for Gross, an attorney and former U.S. Senate candidate. Rogers' lead falls within the poll's margin of error of 4.9 percentage points. The poll was conducted July 29-31. It found 9% support Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power, while 8% favor Gulf County Superintendent Jim Norton. "Austin Rogers enters the final weeks of the Primary in the driver's seat with a lead and clear momentum," a polling memo reads. Austin Rogers claims a narrow polling lead, leaving plenty of room for the margin of error. "Sydney Gruters pulled an '8 Mile' move on Eddie Speir, but that didn't stop him from throwing barbs" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Gruters opened Friday's Republican congressional forum by borrowing a page from B-Rabbit. Gruters did the same thing to Speir on Friday, except he fired back anyway. Before Speir had spoken a word, Gruters predicted he would talk about her husband, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters. She also predicted he would bring up her donors and say developers controlled her because she attended an event for gubernatorial candidate Donalds. Speir would spend the next 45 minutes proving her right. Speir painted Gruters as the product of a Republican establishment that rewards political connections, major donors and party loyalty throughout the event. "You can't go up there and just say, 'I'm going to burn the whole place down.' It doesn't work that way," Gruters said. "Michael Carbonara says he opposes local data center, but his actions say otherwise" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Carbonara, a Republican candidate for Florida's 22nd Congressional District, is defending data centers and bitcoin mining operations even as he rejects a local data center project. The project, on a 202-acre site, has drawn pushback from locals, and the County Commission hit the pause button over concerns about noise pollution, environmental impacts and safety. But despite that opposition, he broadly defended data centers, noting that he has built one, just not for artificial intelligence. "I have built a data center, but it's not an AI data center. It's actually a bitcoin mining operation," he said at the forum. "I've been attacked by the George Soros and the No Kings people … so it's been quite a ride because they want to attack innovation." "Carbonara, 18 months into campaign, says he will keep positive message through Aug. 18 Primary" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The campaign trail to Congress has changed a good deal since Carbonara first announced his candidacy. Originally a challenger to Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in a District that no longer exists, Carbonara ran a race with little attention, one his own party had written off despite his seven-figure investment. Now, he finds himself in a competitive GOP Primary, bracing to run in a battleground seat targeted by Democrats and Republicans alike. He also did not know redistricting would put him in a race for Florida's 22nd Congressional District, an expansive District stretching from Weston in Broward County west to Marco Island in Collier County. "I jumped into this fight almost 18 months ago when this District was a D+5 District against Debbie Wasserman Schultz. And when I jumped in, I mean, all the odds were against me," he said. "Interfaith Coalition defends Scott Singer after Dan Franzese slams attendance at 2019 mosque event" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association (BRICA) is rebuking Republican congressional candidate Franzese over political attacks on GOP Primary opponent Singer. Both are candidates in Florida's 25th Congressional District. "We are disturbed about the false narrative being spread by political candidate Dan Franzese, who is running for U.S. Congress and sent a mailer saying that an attendee of one of our interfaith events did not support Judeo-Christian values," a joint statement from BRICA leaders’ states. The pushback came after Franzese attacked for attending a meeting at a local mosque when he was Mayor of Boca Raton. The event was an interfaith conference convened in the wake of mass shootings at a New Zealand mosque by White supremacists. Dan Franzese and Scott Singer turn an interfaith gathering into campaign-season ammunition. "Jared Moskowitz widens Primary lead in CD 25 as mail voting gets underway" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Moskowitz is pulling further ahead of Democratic Primary rival Oliver Larkin in Florida's 25th Congressional District. Colorado-based Beacon Insights, which has surveyed the race twice before this cycle, polled 532 likely Democratic Primary voters by text message on July 22 — days after vote-by-mail ballots began reaching voters across the coastal Palm Beach-to-Miami-Dade seat. On an initial ballot test, Moskowitz drew 55.6% support to Larkin's 19.9% — a 35.7-percentage-point spread, with 24.5% of respondents undecided. That marks an improvement over Beacon's June benchmark, which gave Moskowitz a 32-point edge at 51.2% to 19%. Among 21.2% of respondents who reported having already voted by mail, Moskowitz led Larkin 75.3% to 19.3% — a 56-point advantage. Nearly 68% of likely Primary voters view Moskowitz favorably against 22.2% who don't, netting him a plus-45.7 rating.

Even more elections   “Rural boundary emerges as defining issue in Seminole state Senate race” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — Protecting Seminole County’s rural boundary has become the central divide in the Senate District 10 race, with both Democratic candidates arguing the long-standing growth line remains vulnerable after legislation sought to weaken local control over development decisions. John Lowndes calls the boundary an environmental safeguard and smart-growth success, while H. Alexander Duncan says it remains under constant pressure from political and development interests. Beyond land use, both candidates criticize the erosion of home rule, arguing Tallahassee has increasingly stripped authority from local governments. Their campaigns also emphasize government accountability, environmental preservation and protecting communities from state policies they believe undermine local decision-making. "Lauren Book dusts GOP foes with $1.3M raised so far for SD 30" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Former Senate Democratic Leader Book is a veritable shoo-in to win the race for Senate District 30, but that hasn't stopped her from fundraising as if she's facing deep-pocketed, politically well-positioned opponents. In May, Book raised a respectable $59,000 in her first 10 days running. Between June 1 and July 24, the last date from which campaign finance figures are available, she stacked $1.24 million, bringing her total haul since shifting to the SD 30 contest to nearly $1.3 million. Two Republicans in the race, Hector Rivera and Jerusa Zitta, have raised a comparatively minuscule $13,000 combined. Her biggest single gain was a $50,000 contribution from real estate magnate Stephen Ross. Lauren Book raises $1.3 million, making her opponents' combined haul look like pocket change. —"Chamber endorses Xavier Monroe for open HD 21 seat" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics

Statewide   "Florida targets Catholic schools' vaccine exemption policy" via Dara Kam of State Affairs — Catholic schools refusing to accept unvaccinated students could risk losing state voucher funds, James Uthmeier warned bishops. In a letter to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Uthmeier said Catholic schools are refusing to grant "religious exemptions" to vaccination requirements for the upcoming school year, which begins Aug. 10 in most parts of the state. However, Catholic schools — which overwhelmingly serve students receiving state-funded vouchers — do not allow such a religious exemption. "But as a Catholic, I am confident that the teachings of the Catholic Church do not require Catholic schools to compel students to take vaccines derived from the tissue of aborted children against the sincerely held religious objections of their parents," Uthmeier, the father of three young children, wrote. James Uthmeier challenges Catholic schools over vaccine exemptions, opening another front in Florida's policy wars. "Hope Florida Foundation hires firm linked to pro-Ashley Moody Super PAC" via Claire Heddles of Tampa Bay Times — The Hope Florida Foundation has moved its financial records and documents out of Tallahassee and into the same nondescript Alabama building as the super political action committee backing Moody's re-election campaign, new tax filings show. Crosby Ottenhoff Group helps a wide set of conservative political committees ensure they don't run afoul of state and federal campaign finance laws from a building in the wealthy Birmingham suburb of Mountain Brook. The Hope Florida Foundation previously housed its records in the state's Department of Children and Family Services headquarters, according to an older tax return. The main super PAC backing Moody, called Stronger Safer Nation, has paid Crosby Ottenhoff Group $38,000 for campaign finance consulting services. "Fabián Basabe's campaign kept paying former lawyer's firms through $450K sexual harassment verdict" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Although Rep. Basabe represented himself in the sexual harassment, battery and defamation case he lost this month, his campaign continued making payments to his former lawyer and the lawyer's firms through the day jurors rendered their $450,000 verdict. State records show Basabe, who is seeking re-election in House District 106, paid his ex-lawyer Gus Harper's Tallahassee law firm, Gardner Bist King & Wood, $25,000 during the 2024 Election cycle and $28,674 this cycle. Basabe's campaign also reported two $10,000 payments to the Harper Law Firm, which Harper owns, on July 9 — the day jury selection began — and July 15, when jurors found Basabe liable. Altogether, Basabe's campaign reported paying the two firms $73,674 across the two election cycles reviewed. Neither the timing of the payments nor Harper's prior representation of Basabe establishes that the money paid for work on the civil case. "Tony Smith, Lisa Pridgeon appointed to School Boards of Charlotte, Gulf counties" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Two School Boards in Southwest Florida and the Panhandle each have a new member following appointments Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office announced. DeSantis named accountant Smith to the Charlotte County School Board and businesswoman Pridgeon to the School Board of Gulf County. Smith, a Punta Gorda resident, replaces Kim Amontree in District 2, who has been running for the Charlotte County Commission since April. She fills a District 3 vacancy DeSantis created in February, when he appointed then-Charlotte School Board member Matt Terry to serve as County Clerk. But she was also the only candidate to qualify for the District 3 race, county records show, and celebrated her default win June 12 on Facebook. She holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Florida State University. "Fix for insurance crisis puts more risk on homeowners" via Olivia Raimonde of Bloomberg — Lawmakers knew they had a billion-dollar insurance problem. The state is a magnet for hurricanes, and the cost of damages from extreme weather has risen sharply over several decades. Worried about who would be left to insure Floridians, the Legislature passed laws in 2023 that changed the way property insurance works there. Florida changed how the legal system applies to insurance companies, making it more onerous for homeowners to use the courts to challenge denied claims or low payouts. That has emboldened insurers to limit payouts on claims. Raymond Powers, a trial attorney in Florida who represents property owners, is seeing more claim denials and lower payouts since the new laws went into effect. "The pendulum has swung way too far in the other direction," he says.

D.C. matters   “Trump faces narrowing options as Iran digs in over Hormuz” via Megan Messerly, Myah Ward, Alex Gangitano and Scott Waldman of POLITICO — Trump faces mounting pressure as Iran insists on retaining control over the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ending hostilities, leaving the White House with few attractive options. Administration officials, including Marco Rubio, oppose any agreement recognizing Iranian control, warning it would weaken sanctions and establish a dangerous international precedent. Meanwhile, continued attacks by Iran and its proxies, rising fuel prices and concerns over U.S. military resources have complicated the administration's strategy. Former officials say Tehran believes it has gained leverage and is resisting concessions, increasing the likelihood of a prolonged conflict without a clear diplomatic or military resolution. Donald Trump confronts Iran over Hormuz, where every available option comes with expensive consequences. Image via Associated Press. "DOJ drops Reflecting Pool charge, citing 'botched' work and contradicting Trump" via Dan Diamond and Jasmine Golden of The Washington Post — Federal prosecutors moved to drop a criminal charge filed against a former Olympian who had been accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool, suggesting that the damage was instead due to a "botched" and rushed installation. Prosecutors said they would dismiss an indictment against David Hearn, an Olympic canoeist, whose arrest last month drew national attention amid questions about why the pool's new blue liner was peeling. Trump — who had ordered that officials install the new liner and make other changes to the pool — repeatedly blamed vandals after pieces of the refurbished liner started drifting to the surface. "The Trump administration's case against Davey Hearn should have never been brought," Hearn's lawyers, Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin, said in a statement. “Jeanine Pirro’s reversal exposes cracks beyond the Reflecting Pool” via Glenn Thrush of The New York Times — Pirro’s decision to drop felony vandalism charges against Hearn exposed a contradiction inside the Trump administration. Pirro said newly obtained records showed the Reflecting Pool’s damaged lining resulted from flawed installation and a rushed renovation, not deliberate vandalism. Trump publicly rebuked her, insisting vandals caused the damage, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended his department’s evidence. The reversal also highlighted broader concerns about politically driven prosecutions, rushed charging decisions and the Justice Department’s weakening credibility with judges and juries. Hearn’s lawyers say the government ignored evidence that cracks and leaks predated his visit and are considering legal action. Pirro’s retreat may have ended the case, but it intensified questions about accountability, evidence and presidential pressure. “Senate moves early to avoid election-season government shutdown” via Kevin Freking of The Associated Press — Senate leaders have reached agreement on a short-term spending bill that would keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11, aiming to avoid a shutdown during the height of campaign season. The measure generally maintains current funding levels while incorporating several negotiated provisions, including blocking the Trump administration from implementing a new federal grant review policy during the extension. Democrats also highlighted the omission of a White House request for $1 billion in funding for "Trump-class" battleships and language preventing transfers of funds to the Border Patrol. Congressional leaders hope the early action will provide time to negotiate full-year spending bills while avoiding another politically damaging government shutdown before November's elections. “Todd Blanche confirmation falters over anti-weaponization fund dispute” via Max Rego of The Hill — Sen. John Kennedy is casting doubt on Blanche’s confirmation as Attorney General, saying he “wouldn’t bet my house” on the nomination advancing. The Louisiana Republican said John Cornyn and Thom Tillis remain opposed while they press the Justice Department over the now-abandoned $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. Their resistance forced Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley to cancel a Committee meeting on Blanche’s nomination. Kennedy also rejected giving Trump a “blank check” to recreate the fund, especially if taxpayer money could reach people convicted of assaulting police officers on Jan. 6. Trump says Blanche will remain acting Attorney General while the standoff continues. Tillis called Blanche qualified but said the administration’s reversal leaves confirmation unlikely unless the fund issue is resolved soon.

Local: S. FL   “Ron DeSantis names seven judges across South Florida and beyond” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — DeSantis appointed seven judges to vacancies across Florida, with most of the selections filling seats in South Florida courts. Christopher Green and Alicia Priovolos were elevated from the Miami-Dade County Court to the 11th Judicial Circuit, while Gustavo Losa and Johanna Benedi were named to the Miami-Dade County Court. Autumn Gurrola and Jeffrey Martz will serve on the 15th Judicial Circuit Court. Outside South Florida, Andrew King was appointed to the Second Judicial Circuit, James Chandler to the 20th Judicial Circuit and Kristan Burns to the Lee County Court. The appointments continue DeSantis' reshaping of Florida's judiciary through judicial vacancies. "Appeals court clears Parkland victims' lawsuit against Broward Sheriff's Office for trial" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) is headed to trial over its deputies' response to the 2018 Parkland massacre, an appellate panel ruled. The 4th District Court of Appeal rejected the agency's argument that sovereign immunity shields it from a consolidated civil suit more than 50 victims and family members brought. That decision clears the final significant hurdle before what is now the only unresolved litigation arising from the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Broward Chief Administrative Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, who had penciled in an August start while awaiting the appellate ruling, has set jury selection for March 17. David Brill, who represents plaintiffs, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel he believes the agency is running out the clock. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School remains central to the last unresolved litigation from the 2018 massacre. “Printing error prompts Monroe elections office to reassure Spanish-speaking voters” via Above The Fold — Monroe County election officials are working to reassure Spanish-speaking voters after a printing error placed the wrong election date on Spanish-language sample ballots for the Aug. 18 Primary. Sherri Hodies said both the English and Spanish versions were approved with the correct date before printing, but the mistake occurred inside the printing company. The Supervisor of Elections Office is using social media and community outreach to emphasize the correct election information, including polling hours and assigned precincts, while encouraging residents to share the updated details. Officials expressed regret for the confusion and urged voters with questions to contact the Elections Office directly for assistance and accurate voting information.

Local: C. FL   "Orange County gets a surprise new Commissioner" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Late Friday, DeSantis appointed Mike Crabb to the Orange County Commission District 2 seat, vacant since late April, when Christine Moore resigned to run for Apopka Mayor unsuccessfully. The appointment makes Crabb an incumbent — if only on a technicality — less than three weeks before the Aug. 18 Primary, where he is already on the ballot as one of five candidates for the District 2 seat. Crabb, an Ocoee resident, said he was "super-excited" about the appointment and "thankful" to fill the seat. Crabb, a Lieutenant in the motorcycle unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, said he works 40 hours a week and campaigns on nights and weekends. When asked whether he suddenly holds an advantage heading into the Primary, Crabb said, "I'm out knocking doors, meeting with voters, so nothing's changed." Mike Crabb gains an incumbent's title weeks before voters decide whether he keeps it. “Orange School Board race turns on leadership, literacy and culture wars” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Angie Gallo and Alicia Farrant are offering sharply different visions as they compete to become Chair of the Orange County School Board, a role that will include leading the search for a new Superintendent. Gallo emphasizes teacher recruitment, public school innovation and expanded learning models, while Farrant focuses on literacy, career education and what she calls wholesome, foundational instruction. The campaign has also become a flashpoint over library books, parental rights and public education's future amid declining enrollment and school choice expansion. With a largely new School Board taking shape, voters' decision could shape Orange County Public Schools' direction for years to come. "State law forces Orange County vote on controversial 1,400-acre Sustanee site" via Sarah Kinbar of GrowthSpotter/Orlando Sentinel — The developers behind the Sustanee project are making a renewed push for their repeatedly rejected plan to build a housing subdivision in rural east Orange County, using a new state law to declare their planned 1,800-home community an "agricultural enclave" that local officials would have limited ability to control. The Orange County Commission will hold a first public hearing on the issue Aug. 25. The hearing is narrowly focused on whether two parcels in Commission District 5 totaling 1,400 acres qualify as Agricultural Enclaves under SB 686. If certified, state law will eliminate the need for local comprehensive plan amendments and rezoning votes. “Palm Coast layoffs expose fallout from rollback budget push” via FlaglerLive — Palm Coast's cost-cutting effort took a dramatic turn as seven employees were laid off or resigned, including longtime Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman and veteran Animal Control officer Heather Priestap. City officials tied the restructuring to the City Council's directive to prepare a rollback-rate budget, eliminating roughly $700,000 in payroll and warning additional service reductions could follow. The abrupt departures, with employees escorted from City Hall, drew criticism from staff and residents who questioned the process despite acknowledging budget pressures. City Manager Mike McGlothlin said employees were treated professionally, while officials indicated no further layoffs are planned, though additional departmental efficiencies remain under review. "John Mitten again returns to Hernando Commission, courtesy of DeSantis appointment" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Mitten is returning to the panel he led for two years, courtesy of an appointment by DeSantis. Mitten, a self-described "appreciative entrepreneur" who owns a Chick-fil-A franchise in Brooksville, is heading back to the Hernando County Commission, which he chaired from 2018 to 2020. Rick Scott appointed Mitten to the Hernando Commission in 2017 to serve during then-Commissioner and current state Rep. Jeff Holcomb's military deployment. DeSantis appointed him to the Hernando Commission once more Friday, nearly four years after appointing Mitten to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, where he still serves. He fills a vacancy in District 2 created by the resignation of Brian Hawkins, who announced plans in June to resign to run for Holcomb's House District 53 seat. John Mitten returns to the Hernando County Commission, proving some government comebacks come by appointment. “STEM partnership creates seamless path from Polk State to Florida Poly” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have launched the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway, expanding opportunities for students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees. The agreement guarantees Polk State students admission to 10 Florida Poly bachelor's programs after completing an Associate in Arts degree, strengthening a partnership first established in 2019. Leaders from both institutions said the initiative removes barriers to higher education while helping meet Florida's growing demand for career-ready STEM professionals. The pathway includes fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, physics and applied mathematics. Officials say the collaboration will strengthen the state's workforce pipeline while providing students with a clearer route to high-demand careers in technology and engineering.

Local: TB   "Neither Ken Welch nor Brandi Gabbard raised funds to their political committees in most recent period" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Neither incumbent Mayor Welch nor current St. Petersburg City Council member Gabbard raised any funds to their respective political committees supporting their campaigns for Mayor. Welch raised just $1,200 to his campaign account during that period, records show. Gabbard's finance report for her campaign account has not yet been posted. Charlie Crist, the fundraising and polling front-runner in the race, also has not yet posted finance reports, which are due by the end of business Friday. Gabbard previously told Florida Politics she was not raising funds through her committee, Forward Together PC. However, she has accepted a $10,000 check this month from another political committee, and $2,500 from a local developer. Welch has been actively raising funds through his committee, St. Petersburg Progress. Ken Welch and Brandi Gabbard report quiet fundraising periods while St. Petersburg's mayoral contest stays noisy. “Gabbard faces scrutiny over $730K Flock camera contract” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A review of St. Petersburg’s adoption of Flock Safety license plate readers argues city leaders approved a $730,250 surveillance contract with little public discussion. The analysis contrasts growing national concerns about misuse of automated license plate readers with support from law enforcement, while noting the technology has become an issue in Florida’s Governor’s race. It recounts how the city accepted a free pilot program before approving a five-year contract on a consent agenda without debate. The analysis contends voters deserve answers from Gabbard and Ken Welch about the program’s approval, costs, oversight and privacy implications before expanding or continuing the system. "Charlie Crist posts, then edits Facebook video of St. Petersburg High visit" via Camila Jose Gomez of Tampa Bay Times — On July 27, Crist walked through the halls of St. Petersburg High, his alma mater. He said he was there to bring his soon-to-be stepson to football tryouts. Crist, who is less than one month away from the Mayoral Primary, said he encouraged the football team, for which he once played quarterback, to work hard. The final product was posted Thursday to Crist's Facebook, which is rife with campaign material, from endorsements to telephone town hall notices. Crist said the video was updated at the request of the Pinellas County School Board, whose policies prohibit the use of school property "for advertising or otherwise promoting the interests of any commercial, political, or other non-school agency or individual organization." Even though Crist followed the Board's direction, he said he didn't know if he had to. When asked why, he said, "Three words: Freedom of speech." "Duke Energy's agreement with St. Petersburg lapses today" via St. Pete Catalyst — St. Petersburg's 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy expires today, ending the utility's long-standing contract to use city rights of way, though electric service will continue uninterrupted for customers. City officials are still evaluating whether to negotiate a new agreement or eventually pursue a municipal electric utility, with a $590,000 feasibility study reportedly underway.

Local: N. FL   “James Uthmeier threatens legal action over Gainesville police search policy” via Elliot Tritto of The Gainesville Sun — Attorney General Uthmeier is demanding the Gainesville Police Department rescind a policy directing officers to conduct searches based on a detainee's gender identity or expression, arguing it violates state law and jeopardizes officer and detainee safety. In a letter to Police Chief Nelson Moya, the Attorney General said the policy improperly requires officers to ask detainees which officer they prefer for searches and could violate the Florida Civil Rights Act by placing female officers at a disadvantage. Uthmeier gave the department until Aug. 15 to confirm the policy has been rescinded or face possible legal action. A department spokesperson said officials are reviewing the policy with legal counsel. James Uthmeier threatens legal action over Gainesville's search policy. Image via the Tallahassee Democrat. “Steve Pajcic cash widens Moné Holder’s edge in Jacksonville Council race” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Pajcic has contributed another $100,000 to a political committee backing Holder, boosting his total support this cycle to $300,000 and expanding Holder's financial advantage in Jacksonville's At-Large Group 1 Special Election. Most of the money has funded television advertising promoting Holder, who also has nearly $42,000 in direct campaign fundraising. Republican Deborah Wesley has raised about $94,000, with additional support from an allied committee, but remains well behind Holder's overall spending. Libertarian Addison Patrick could complicate the race by preventing either major-party candidate from winning a majority Aug. 18, forcing the top two finishers into a Nov. 3 runoff. “JTA riders see fares rise as discount program expires” via Kiley Miller of WTLV — Jacksonville transit riders are paying higher fares after the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's six-month fare reduction program ended Aug. 1. The pilot lowered single-trip fares from $1.75 to $1 to encourage ridership and improve access to jobs, schools, healthcare and other destinations. With the program's expiration, single rides return to $1.75, while Connexion Paratransit ADA fares increase from $2 back to $3. Riders could face another increase beginning in January if the JTA Board approves proposed fare changes as part of its annual budget. Under the proposal, single-trip fares would rise to $2 while NAVI shuttle fares would remain $1. “JTA begins search for successor to longtime CEO Nat Ford” via Kiley Miller of WTLV — The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is launching its search for a new chief executive as Ford prepares to leave after more than 13 years to lead Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The JTA Board's CEO Selection Committee will hold its first meeting Aug. 4 to establish the hiring process, with applications expected through October and a final decision targeted for December. Board Chair Aundra Wallace said the process will be deliberate, intentional and transparent. Ford's departure comes as Dallas residents question his record on Jacksonville's autonomous NAVI shuttle program, which has faced criticism over costs and ridership despite JTA's continued support for the technology. “Panama City voters to decide trio of charter amendments” via Nathan Cobb of the Panama City News Herald — Panama City voters will decide three proposed amendments to the city's charter during the Nov. 3 General Election after City Commissioners approved placing the referendums on the ballot. The measures received final approval through the second reading of an ordinance at the Commission's July 28 meeting. The proposed amendments would allow residents to weigh in directly on changes to the city's governing document rather than having the revisions take effect without voter approval. Commissioners' action clears the way for the charter questions to appear before voters during the countywide election, giving residents the final say on the proposed governance changes. “Six candidates offer competing visions for Tallahassee City Hall” via Arianna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat — Six candidates seeking Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3 are presenting sharply different ideas for restoring trust and improving city government. Tom Derzypolski emphasizes transparency and collaboration, while Talethia Edwards says rebuilding public confidence begins with listening and community engagement. Maxwell Herrle argues City Hall should prioritize working people over corporate interests, and PJ Perez focuses on affordability and respectful leadership. Norm Roche highlights his government experience and calls for keeping partisan politics out of the nonpartisan office. Darryl Alfred says the city should expand economic opportunity while making Tallahassee more affordable through stronger public engagement, small-business growth and community-driven decision-making. “Tallahassee man sentenced for threatening Trump and other officials” via Cassidy Lee of WCTV — Diego Villavicencio has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after admitting to threatening Trump and other public officials through social media posts and direct messages over several months. Federal prosecutors said Villavicencio was convicted on two counts of sending interstate threats, one count of impeding or retaliating against a federal official and one count of making threats against the President. Court records include threats directed at former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell and a 4chan post referencing Mar-a-Lago. Villavicencio will serve three years of supervised release, including one year of home detention, with mental health treatment and computer monitoring.

Top opinion   “War with Iran risks spiraling beyond anyone’s control” via David French of The New York Times — The greatest danger is no longer whether military action against Iran was justified, but whether the conflict has grown beyond the ability of any government to contain. The argument is that initial assumptions about a quick victory have collided with the reality of a widening regional war. Rather than producing capitulation, Iran continues striking American bases and regional partners while disrupting energy infrastructure and threatening global commerce. The conflict has expanded as the Houthis intensify attacks in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia weighs broader military action, and instability spreads across the Middle East. The concern extends beyond the region. Russia and China are portrayed as increasing support for Iran, while Ukraine has struck an Iranian vessel carrying military equipment. Each new development raises the possibility that separate conflicts could converge into a far broader international confrontation. The analysis also argues the United States faces growing strategic constraints. Iran has exposed vulnerabilities in American bases, while expensive missile interceptors and advanced munitions are being consumed faster than they can be replaced. Even successful defenses carry long-term costs if stockpiles continue shrinking. At the same time, conflicting public messages from the Trump administration about military strategy and weapons inventories raise additional concerns about whether a coherent plan exists. Frequent shifts between escalation and restraint are presented as evidence that events may be dictating policy rather than the reverse. The conclusion warns that world war is neither inevitable nor the most likely outcome, but the risk is higher than at any point since the Cold War. It argues Congress should reclaim its constitutional role before a series of interconnected crises outpaces political leaders' ability to prevent a wider catastrophe.

More opinions   “Anthony Fauci hearing revives debate over pandemic accountability” via David Frum of The Atlantic — The renewed focus on Fauci asks the wrong question. The central story of the pandemic was never one scientist’s judgment but whether political leaders and public voices helped Americans confront a deadly crisis or encouraged distrust of the very tools designed to save lives. Vaccines, masking and evolving public health guidance reflected changing scientific understanding, while misinformation and partisan messaging deepened resistance that carried lasting consequences. Mistakes were made across the political spectrum, including prolonged school closures and other pandemic policies. Even so, those decisions should be weighed against a broader record in which minimizing the virus, discouraging vaccination and rewriting the history of COVID-19 had far greater consequences than the actions of any single public health official. “Amendment 3 debate centers on shrinking government, not just taxes” via R. Bruce Anderson of The Ledger — A column argues the fight over Amendment 3 is fundamentally about the size and role of government rather than simple tax relief. Drawing on the philosophies of Adam Smith and John Locke, the piece contends modern Floridians expect services far beyond the limited government envisioned by early political thinkers. While acknowledging frustration with taxes, it argues reducing local property tax revenue would inevitably force governments to scale back services residents rely upon, from parks and Summer programs to transportation and public offices. The column concludes voters should weigh the broader consequences of shrinking government before embracing promises of lower property tax bills. “We will lose so much when our Haitian nurses, chefs, artists won’t be here” via Bea L. Lines of the Miami Herald — As hundreds of thousands of our Haitian neighbors, here under Temporary Protected Status, face deportation, I can’t help but think of the fallout their leaving will have on our community. In the early years, when many Haitian immigrants risked their lives to come to America, where they believed life would be better for them (and it was), our community expanded to include them. Miriam Singer, president and CEO of Jewish Community Services of South Florida, wrote: “Haitian TPS caregivers have filled essential positions for years. They pay taxes, support local businesses, raise families and strengthen neighborhoods. Most importantly, they provide compassionate, lifesaving care that cannot be replaced overnight. Beyond the workforce implications lies an undeniable humanitarian reality: Haiti continues to endure extraordinary violence and instability, and for many TPS recipients, returning is neither safe nor realistic.”

Instagram of the day

Aloe   “‘Spider-Man’ shatters box office records with historic $355M debut” via Rebecca Rubin of Variety — Marvel and Sony's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' delivered one of the biggest opening weekends in movie history, earning an estimated $355 million domestically and $927 million worldwide. The debut ranks second only to 'Avengers: Endgame' in North American box office history and marks another milestone for Marvel Studios, which now holds the four largest domestic openings ever. The film's success comes despite not playing on IMAX screens, instead setting premium-format records for Dolby, 4DX and ScreenX. Industry analysts say the film's stand-alone story, strong reviews and renewed audience enthusiasm helped overcome recent superhero fatigue, while its performance boosts hope for a $4 billion Summer and a $10 billion theatrical year. 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' swings toward box-office history, leaving superhero fatigue tangled in its web.

Happy birthday   Celebrating today are Jay Caruso, Cody Farrill, Ryan Matthews of GrayRobinson, and Nancy Smith. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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