Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.20.26 — Burnin’ today: A new tropical system

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Monday morning. Breaking last Sunday — "Odds up to 80% tropical system will form off Florida coast, hurricane center says" via Richard Tribou of Orlando Sentinel — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) gave a Gulf system off Florida's coast a high chance of developing into the season's next tropical depression or storm. The NHC said the area of low pressure continues to become better defined while its shower and thunderstorm activity has been increasing. "Continued gradual development is expected, and a tropical depression is likely to form … as the system moves slowly northward or northwestward," forecasters said. The NHC warned that people in the northern Gulf coast from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana should monitor the progress of this system. The NHC now gives the system an 80% chance to develop in the next two days. — A new University of North Florida survey finds Republicans Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody with single-digit leads in Florida's marquee 2026 races, while support for a proposed constitutional amendment to slash homestead property taxes collapses the moment voters hear what it might cost. In a hypothetical November matchup, Donalds took 46% to Democrat David Jolly's 41%, with 5% choosing someone else, 2% saying they wouldn't vote, and 6% undecided. That five-point edge is narrower than the double-digit margins Republicans have posted in recent statewide cycles, and it sits just outside the survey's margin of error. The U.S. Senate picture looked much the same. Against Democrat Alexander Vindman — the retired Army lieutenant colonel and National Security Council whistleblower whose testimony figured in President Donald Trump's first impeachment — Moody drew 50% to Vindman's 40%, a 10-point lead, with 7% undecided. Swap in state Rep. Angie Nixon, the Jacksonville progressive, and Moody again posted 50% to Nixon's 42%, an eight-point margin. UNF polling shows Ashley Moody and Byron Donalds with single-digit leads in the state's marquee races. "These races are notably closer than we've seen in recent election cycles, somewhat unsurprising given that the party that controls the presidency usually struggles in Midterm Elections," said Sean Freeder, Ph.D., PORL's faculty Director. The poll's most striking finding came on the property tax amendment headed to the Nov. 3 ballot, which needs 60% approval to pass. Told a plain description — that it would phase out homestead property taxes other than those funding schools and limit local governments to spending property tax revenue on core public services — 61% of respondents supported it and 32% opposed. Then pollsters added a number: estimates that the change would open an $11.8 billion hole in city and county budgets over two years. Support fell 16 points to 45%, with 47% opposed. That $11.8 billion figure, notably, is conservative next to official projections. A House staff analysis pegged the annual revenue loss at roughly $8.4 billion if the measure passes, and other estimates run higher still. "These numbers show how important the final ballot language will be in determining the outcome of this amendment," Freeder said. "When told about the budget impact, likely voters decisively reject the amendment. Without that language, the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, it just barely exceeds the 60% threshold required for adoption." The poll from UNF's Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) surveyed 848 likely midterm voters and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. — The poll also measured Florida voters' approval of four national Republican figures — President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance — and the two Floridians came out well ahead of the two in Washington. DeSantis led the group at 57% approval to 41% disapproval, with 42% strongly approving. Rubio followed closely at 56% approval and 42% disapproval. Both stayed above water with independents — DeSantis at 57% to 41% among no-party voters, Rubio at 54% to 43% — and both drew strong marks from the Republican base. Trump posted the lowest numbers of the four in the survey: 48% approval against 51% disapproval, with 46% strongly disapproving. Vance landed just ahead, at 49% approval to 48% disapproval, though 40% strongly disapproved. The two Washington figures were underwater with independents, where Trump drew 55% disapproval and Vance 51%. Even inside the GOP, 18% of registered Republicans disapproved of Trump and 14% disapproved of Vance.

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@ASBaird: Holy shit: 1 - that was the shortest 3-hour movie I’ve ever seen. I was totally captivated the whole time. 2 - Every casting decision that the anti-woke dipshit brigade complained about worked extremely well. 3 - This was one of the most conservative (small c) movies I’ve seen in years. The entire movie emphasized respect for tradition, the tenuous foundations of civilization and our need to conserve them, the importance of bonds between people, and the dangers of anarchy and chaos. It’s darkly and hilariously ironic that the people who scream the loudest about conservative principles will miss out on this movie because they’re so mad about Zendaya. 4 - Robert Pattinson is literally the smarmiest bastard I’ve ever seen on screen and I was thrilled to watch him die.

Days until   Primary Election voter registration deadline — 0; Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida hosts Orange County Mayor debate — 11; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 11; Optional Primary early voting begins — 14; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 16; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 17; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 19; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 27; Primary Election Day — 29; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 39; NFL regular season kicks off — 51; Republican National Midterm Convention — 51; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 52; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 53; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 57; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 61; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 62; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 66; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 73; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 74; General Election voter registration deadline — 77; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 81; Optional General early voting begins — 91; General Election ballot request deadline — 94; Mandatory General early voting begins — 96; General Election — 106; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 109; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 109; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 114; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 120; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 123; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 128; ‘Madden’ premieres — 129; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 151; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 151; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 151; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 189; Grammys — 202; Super Bowl LXI — 209; Tampa Mayoral Election — 225; Oscars — 237; Jacksonville First Election — 246; Jacksonville General Election — 302; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 320; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 382; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 382; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 438; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 515; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 553; Oscars — 594; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 676; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 697; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 725; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 841; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 917; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,241; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,281; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,972.

Top story   "Federal judge demands evidence showing Alligator Alcatraz is closed for good" via Churchill Ndonwie of the Miami Herald — Gov. DeSantis may have announced that Alligator Alcatraz is closed and the tents are gone, but that's not enough for civil rights lawyers or a Florida federal judge. Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation want the state and feds to confirm in federal court that the controversial immigration detention center hastily erected in the Everglades has permanently closed and will not reopen. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell sided with the civil liberties group, denying the state and federal governments' request to pause all future proceedings in a lawsuit brought on behalf of immigrants who were held at the facility. The court wants confirmation the detention center is permanently closed. "At this juncture, beyond counsel's briefs, the Court has seen no evidence from a State or Federal official with authority to declare Alligator Alcatraz permanently closed," Polster Chappell wrote. The Fort Myers judge ordered state and federal officials, within four days, to present "such evidence" or a timeline for when they expect to do so — and to explain why the court should find the case resolved, beyond them saying so. Lawyers for the state and federal governments filed a notice with the court last week, saying that because DeSantis announced in June that the detention center was closed, there was no point in continuing the lawsuit. The ACLU filed the suit last year on behalf of immigrants held at the center, who claimed their First Amendment rights had been violated and were seeking unrestricted access to their lawyers. The civil rights lawyers said the government had "failed to provide Plaintiffs with any concrete information about what is happening with the Facility, besides pointing to publicly reported, contradictory statements from various officials." For the case to be resolved, they said, they need "actual evidence that the facility is permanently closed," and if there are plans for the facility to reopen, then "there remains a live case and controversy." "We requested court action because vague hand-waving assurances of 'just trust us' from Florida officials and ICE just don't cut it," said Carmen Iguina Gonzalez, deputy director for immigration detention with the ACLU's National Prison Project. "We will remain vigilant until we are sure this horrific facility is gone, once and for all."

2026   "Dems rally in Orlando amid worries top candidates aren't diverse enough" via Shauna Muckle and Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times — More than 1,000 Democrats gathered in Orlando for the party's annual Leadership Blue gala facing their most favorable environment in eight years, yet some fret they're about to blow it. The worry centers on a ticket topped by two white men without deep ties to Florida Democrats: gubernatorial front-runner David Jolly, a former Republican, and U.S. Senate candidate Alexander Vindman. Progressives call them milquetoast, corporate-friendly alternatives at a moment when firebrands are in demand. State Rep. Dotie Joseph, who filed for Governor last month, said Black voters feel "taken for granted," while activists note Senate hopeful state Rep. Nixon, a Black woman, hasn't drawn Vindman's establishment money. Asked if she'd back Vindman as nominee, Nixon demurred. Still, Democrats voiced real hope down-ballot, eyeing gains on county commissions, school boards, and their legislative superminority. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost fired up the room: "When we organize, we win." The Primary is Aug. 18. Some Democrats worry David Jolly and Alex Vindman aren't the candidates for the moment. Image via Gabrielle Russon. "Pete Buttigieg's message to Florida Democrats: 'No such thing as a permanently red state'" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — "I'm here to remind you that there is no such thing as a permanently red state," keynote speaker Buttigieg said at the Leadership Blue conference, held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Buttigieg, the former U.S. Transportation Secretary under President Joe Biden, slammed Republicans as unfit to lead. "You need healthcare? They give you a culture war. You need better infrastructure? They give you a boat parade," he told the crowd of 1,000 elected officials and Democratic supporters. "The problem is they want to be put in charge of the government but they're bad at government. That affects everyday life for us and for our families." "David Jolly rallies Democrats, attacking Byron Donalds at Leadership Blue" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Jolly energized a crowd of Florida Democrats as he attacked Republican front-runner U.S. Rep. Donalds and insisted Democrats can win the Governor's race in November. "I'm telling you, folks, if the election were tonight, we would win this race," Jolly said at the Florida Democratic Party's Leadership Blue conference at Disney World, drawing cheers. Jolly, a former U.S. Congressman who is running for Governor as a Democrat, criticized Donalds for being beholden to special interests and accused him of supporting data centers and for-profit schools. Jolly and his running mate Gwen Graham spoke for about 15 minutes to supporters during the three-day conference. “Alex Vindman still mulling over Angie Nixon Primary debate” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Vindman says he hasn’t decided whether he’ll debate Nixon, his opponent in the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate. “I think we’ll make a decision that’s going to be in the best interest of delivering a Democratic win for the state of Florida,” Vindman said when asked whether he would debate Nixon ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary. Vindman spoke with journalists Saturday during a gaggle at the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, where he said he is weighing how best to build momentum heading into the General Election. Nixon has challenged Vindman to a one-on-one debate, previously calling it a “job interview with the voters.” “Alex Vindman launches advertising campaign in U.S. Senate race against incumbent Ashley Moody” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A Vindman news release said he’s not shying away from his U.S. military service that homes in on his “courage.” The campaign advertising “spotlights Vindman’s immigrant story and U.S. Army service, as well as his Florida First Agenda to fight corruption and lower costs.” “On the heels of blockbuster fundraising, our campaign is on offense against corrupt politician Ashley Moody who is a weak campaigner and remains largely undefined,” said Vindman spokesperson Albert Fujii. “From now until Election Day, we are going to ensure every voter in Florida knows how corrupt Ashley Moody is, including trading more than $2 million in stocks with access to information only Congress gets. Alex, on the other hand, is not a career politician and is laser-focused on cutting costs and fighting the corruption in D.C. that is raising costs for Florida families.” "How Ron DeSantis turned Florida's Governor race into a Republican family feud" via Steve Contorno of CNN — The GOP primary for Governor has curdled into one of the nastiest fights of the midterm season. Christina Pushaw, a longtime DeSantis adviser still on the state payroll, and other allies accused Lt. Gov. Jay Collins' wife, Layla, of running anonymous accounts trashing the Governor's staff, an accusation she denied as the two camps warred on X for days. A senior administration official called the second couple a "constant source of drama" and predicted "the potential end of Jay's political career." Collins has sued to knock insurgent James Fishback off the ballot over residency, though Fishback and Paul Renner note Collins himself barely clears the seven-year bar. Fishback, hit last month with a $1 million-plus judgment owed to his old hedge fund, was physically confronted at a Rep. Donalds event last week. Looming over it all is DeSantis, who has refused to bless front-runner Donalds, President Trump's pick, but backed no alternative. A growing list of Republicans, including AG James Uthmeier, have endorsed Donalds anyway, leaving DeSantis isolated.

More elections   "Poll: L.J. Holloway holds 30-point edge in CD 4 Democratic Primary" via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — A Tyson Group survey found Holloway out in front with 41% support among likely Primary voters, compared to just 11% for Michael Kirwan and 4% for Brit Robinson, with 43% undecided. Holloway's advantage appears rooted in familiarity — 3 in 5 CD 4 Democrats said they had heard of her, and those who knew enough about her to have an opinion broke positive 36%-3%. Holloway's edge is strongest among Black voters, who back her over Kirwan 51%-5%. Kirwan's only edge was among White voters, who broke his way 23%-20%. New polling shows L.J. Holloway with a firm lead in the CD 4 Democratic Primary. "Central Florida congressional candidates loan millions to own campaigns" via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — Political newcomer Joe Strada has loaned his campaign $5 million and already committed at least $1 million on a TV ad campaign called "Full of Crap," giving him more to spend than most U.S. House candidates across the country. Strada is running in Florida’s 11th Congressional District, now open after U.S. Rep. Dan Webster announced he is not seeking re-election. Dan Green, running in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, loaned himself $1 million. Green's GOP opponent Thomas Chalifoux has also loaned his campaign significant sums, including $750,000 in May and $2 million in 2025. "Bale Dalton surpasses $1.2M in fundraising to flip Cory Mills' seat" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Dalton, a former NASA Chief of Staff, reported over $509,000 in total money collected over the last three months, bringing his total fundraising haul north of $1.2 million, making him the top fundraiser in the field. Mills closed the quarter with just $81,000 on hand. "If needed, I will put into my race without hesitation," Mills told Florida Politics. Dalton still faces a Democratic Primary on Aug. 18, but has six times the cash of any other Democratic candidate, including former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, who raised just over $34,000 in the quarter. "Steve Scalise endorses Joe Strada, who put down $5M to dominate CD 11 field" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A key member of U.S. House leadership wants Strada joining Republicans ranks in Washington. Majority Leader Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, endorsed the Lake Mary Republican to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dan Webster. "Strada is a strong conservative Republican who will stand with Trump to help us deliver on the America First agenda for hard working families in Central Florida and across the country," Scalise said. "Joe Strada has my full endorsement because as a businessman, Joe knows first hand what it takes to solve problems, create jobs and empower those who are willing to work for their piece of the American Dream." He announced plans to put $5 million out of pocket toward the campaign. He is now one of five Republicans running in Florida's 11th Congressional District. “Darren Soto reports $732K in new funding, more than last quarter but less than other embattled Dems” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Soto raised more than $732,000 in the second quarter of 2026. That marks a significant acceleration from prior quarters, allowing the Kissimmee Democrat to start July with nearly $1.3 million in cash on hand. But his opponents quickly noted he raised less than other embattled Democratic incumbents in the Sunshine State. And while he has been added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Frontline program defending Democrat-held seats, Soto received few financial transfers from party leadership. Over the course of the campaign cycle, Soto through the end of June had raised almost $1.99 million. Over the course of the last three months, he saw $310,000 from individual donors and nearly $418,000 from PACs. But he also saw less than $1,500 come in from political party committees. Bea Valenti leads field in individual fundraising — New campaign finance reports show Bea Valenti raised more than $202,000 without candidate loans or self-funding, leading the field in dollars raised from actual donors — 217% more from individuals than Kevin Steele and 69% more than Mike Beltran. "Campaign finance reports should measure enthusiasm, not personal bank accounts," said Derek Dufrense of Ascent Strategic, general consultant to the campaign. "The strongest campaigns earn support one donor at a time. Bea isn't funding her campaign herself; people are investing in her because they believe she's the right person to represent Hillsborough County." By comparison, more than 94% of the money reported by the other leading campaigns came from self-financing, the campaign says. "The momentum behind Bea's campaign is real," Dufrense added. "When people choose to invest in a campaign, they're doing more than making a donation; they're building the organization that wins elections." “Anna Paulina Luna reports $690K haul, closing June with $1.45M on hand” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Luna pulled in almost $690,000 during the second quarter of 2026. That means the Pinellas Republican closed June with more than $1.45 million cash on hand as she again gets targeted by House Democrats. The quarterly fundraising was less than some targeted incumbents in the state including Democratic U.S. Rep. Soto, but more than some colleagues dealing with scandal, such as Republican U.S. Rep. Mills. More significant, she raised more than Leela Gray, the Democratic frontrunner challenging her re-election. Gray announced early this month that she had just passed the $1 million mark last quarter, closing June with $750,000 on hand. Luna’s net contributions over the course of the campaign now near $1.92 million as she seeks a third term representing Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Anna Paulina Luna finished the second quarter with $1.45 million on hand. Steny Hoyer endorses Leela Gray in CD 13 — Retired Brig. Gen. Gray is adding the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Hoyer of Maryland — the longest-serving Democrat in the U.S. House and a two-time former House Majority Leader — to the coalition behind her campaign to flip CD 13. "Leela Gray is as tough as she is principled, as experienced as she is ready," Hoyer said. "She spent 30 years serving this country in uniform, rising to Brigadier General not because of who she knew, but because of what she delivered. … I am proud to endorse Leela Gray, and I have no doubt she will serve Pinellas and Pasco counties with the same distinction she has demonstrated throughout her life." Gray said Hoyer's support "means a great deal to me, not just because of his experience, but because of what he represents: a Congress that gets things done for the people it serves." “NRCC doubles its Florida target list, adding Kathy Castor and an open South Florida seat” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The political arm of House Republicans now counts Florida's 14th Congressional District, which Castor represents, among its offensive targets. It also intends to flip the open seat in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District from blue to red this Fall. That brings the number of Florida seats in the NRCC's sights from two to four. The party already considered Democratic U.S. Reps. Jared Moskowitz and Darren Soto vulnerable before a new congressional map put both in greater peril. With new lines crafted by DeSantis' office and approved by the Florida Legislature, Republicans in Washington like their chances in the Sunshine State. "Florida is ground zero for Republicans to grow our House majority in November," said NRCC spokesperson Maureen O'Toole. "Jim Jordan endorses Sydney Gruters in CD 16 Republican Primary" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, is endorsing Sydney Gruters in the Republican Primary for Florida's 16th Congressional District. "Sydney Gruters has spent decades serving Southwest Florida, where she has earned a reputation as a results-driven problem-solver who puts Southwest Florida first," Jordan said. "Sydney will fight to lower costs, secure our borders, and defend the conservative values that matter. Now more than ever, we need leaders like Sydney Gruters in Congress." Gruters thanked Jordan and said they share priorities surrounding affordability, border security and conservative policies. “I am honored to have the support of Congressman Jim Jordan,” Gruters said. "'You are lying': Hostility boils over in fiery Democratic Primary for CD 20" via Anthony Man of South Florida Sun Sentinel — After failing to persuade U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz not to run for re-election in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, and unable to coalesce around a single opponent, several of her Democratic Primary competitors are frustrated. Dale Holness, one of the candidates, protested Wasserman Schultz's decision to seek re-election in CD 20. "Having her come to this seat is really a slap in the face to our people," he said. Joining the fray moments later, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick told Wasserman Schultz that "you never cared about" the residents of the district — until she decided to run there. Wasserman Schultz said she has secured funding and sponsored legislation on projects and issues important to the African American and Caribbean American communities. "Facing tough election campaign in new congressional district, Jared Moskowitz raises big campaign money" via Anthony Man of South Florida Sun Sentinel — Moskowitz, a Democrat facing a tough path to winning re-election in a newly crafted, toss-up district, has turned into a fundraising powerhouse. Moskowitz raised more in the latest fundraising quarter than any other Democratic or Republican incumbent or challenger in South Florida, newly filed campaign reports show. He took in $947,000 during April, May and June — far more than he reported on any of the 16 previous quarterly reports since he first ran for Congress in 2022. The only Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach county candidates who reported taking in more cash in the quarter are wealthy candidates who are pouring millions of dollars of their own money into their efforts to get to Congress. "Poll shows two man race in CD 24 between Oliver Gilbert, Shevrin Jones" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A new poll shows a two-man race between Gilbert and Jones in the Democratic Primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson. A St. Pete Polls survey commissioned by Florida Politics shows Gilbert, an outgoing Miami-Dade County Commissioner, with support from 27% of likely Democratic voters in Florida's 24th Congressional District. About 24% support Jones, a sitting state Senator — a gap inside the survey's margin of error of 5.6 percentage points. No other candidate cracks 10% of the vote, though Kendrick Meek Jr., the son of former U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, comes just shy of that mark. The poll shows more than a third of voters, 36%, remain undecided in the race. It also shows 28% of men favoring Jones to Gilbert's 25%, while almost 29% of women favor Gilbert compared to 21% who prefer Jones. Polling commissioned by Florida Politics shows Shevrin Jones and Oliver Gilbert in a two-man race for CD 24. "Belinda Keiser attacks Michael Carbonara and Casey Askar as GOP congressional race heats up" via Javier Manjarres of The Floridian — Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University, has drawn first blood in her contested GOP primary, hitting rivals Carbonara and Askar in a recent campaign text message. The contest has boiled down to a three-way race among the businesswoman, Carbonara, and Askar, a businessman and U.S. Marine veteran. With no public polling, the race is considered a toss-up, and the White House is paying close attention. The attacks arrive amid a rush of outside fire: an anonymous website traced to foreign actors targeted Askar over his past divorce and 2020 primary run againstDonalds, while a Super PAC has hit Keiser over past support for Democrats and business ties to China. Carbonara, a lifelong independent who Keiser says has "never voted in a Republican primary," has so far escaped attack.

Even more elections   First on #FlaPol — Florida Realtors PAC announces endorsements in 48 legislative races — The political arm of Florida Realtors has announced its first round of 2026 endorsements, backing candidates in 48 legislative races across the state. The slate includes incumbents, local elected officials and candidates from both major parties. Florida Realtors PAC Chair of Trustees Scott Steger said the endorsements reflect the organization’s “commitment to electing leaders who understand the importance of protecting private property rights and expanding opportunities for current and future property owners.”

Statewide   "Shuttered 'Alligator Alcatraz' leaves complicated legacy in Florida" via Kylie Williams and Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Nearly a year after it rose in the Everglades, "Alligator Alcatraz" has been torn down, but its aftermath lingers.DeSantis calls the project a success, but behind the scenes Republicans quietly question a price tag reaching as high as $1 billion. State Sen. Ileana Garcia said the money could have upgraded Florida's beleaguered prison system. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe are pressing ahead with litigation, with the Center for Biological Diversity's Elise Bennett promising "fact-finding on many fronts." Florida still hasn't recouped most of the $600 million-plus the feds pledged. The future of the nearly 24,000-acre site remains in flux: Miami-Dade County is seeking to repossess the land, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wants to pursue a sale to the National Park Service, and Uthmeier, the plan's original architect, says he'd like to see it protected. "Ron DeSantis taps Henry Mack for Education Commissioner" via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — DeSantis recommended Mack, a Trump administration official and former senior Chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, to become state Education Commissioner. The State Board of Education is expected to consider the recommendation during a meeting this week in Orlando. Mack was confirmed in December by the U.S. Senate to serve as an Assistant Secretary overseeing the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. "I am confident Dr. Mack will build on Florida's record of success in education," DeSantis said. "He shares our commitment to parental rights, school choice, eliminating radical ideologies from the classroom, and preparing every student for success in the workforce and in life." Henry Mack is the Governor's pick for Education Commissioner. "DeSantis criticizes Zohran Mamdani's 'Rental Ripoff' event" via Amethyst Martinez of USA Today Network — DeSantis took aim at New York City Mayor Mamdani's Rental Ripoff event after a speaker at the event referred to eviction as violence. Mamdani held a news conference in which he released a "Rental Ripoff" report after tenants from across the city aired their grievances with landlords in multiple hearings earlier this year. One speaker at the event, a member of a tenant's union, sparked backlash over statements they made. "Our city is turning the corner on tenant power," the member said. "The Mamdani administration is emboldening us so that we no longer tolerate the violence of evictions as a matter of business as usual." In response, DeSantis wrote on X: "Theater of the absurd." “James Uthmeier is trying to help Elon Musk's Tesla get out of a $243M verdict" via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Attorney General Uthmeier is trying to help Musk's Tesla Inc. avoid paying $243 million to victims of a fatal car crash involving the company's Autopilot driving technology. Uthmeier wants an appellate court in Atlanta to overturn a jury in Miami that found Tesla responsible for an April 2019 crash in which a 44-year-old finance executive driving a Tesla Model S on Autopilot blew through a stop sign in Key Largo at 60 miles per hour and crashed into another car, killing a 22-year-old college student and seriously injuring her friend. Jurors ordered the electric vehicle manufacturer to pay nearly $43 million in compensatory damages and another $200 million in punitive damages following a three-week trial last Summer. "D.C. event reveals extremist ties in Florida DOGE's national push" via Michael Barfield of Florida Trident and Alice Herman of Suncoast Searchlight — Standing in front of a pair of American flags, Florida's Department of Government Efficiency — DOGE — Director Eric Soskin and a collection of organizational "partners" offered up a pitch. "It's very important to Gov. (Ron) DeSantis that the frontier of state DOGE and state conservative governance does not end in Florida," said Soskin, "but that it is something that can be replicated and continued and made even better all across the 50 states." The event, which a reporter attended with a ticket, came a little more than a year after DeSantis launched Florida's DOGE initiative. The D.C. event on Tuesday revealed how Florida's DOGE initiative has leaned heavily on right-wing think tanks and AI to audit local governments' spending — and has ties to figures on the fringes of the far right.

D.C. matters   "Trump officials met with business leaders amid spike in immigration arrests" via Lauren Kaori Gurley of Washington Post — The Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Markwayne Mullin is cultivating a relationship with business groups whose concerns about losing workers to aggressive immigration enforcement had been rebuffed by former secretary Kristi L. Noem. Mullin brought Senate staffers with ties to the business community to DHS, business lobbyists said, and his staff quickly set about trying to mend relations. "It's important to note that Mullin comes from the business community," said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of National Immigration Forum, which represents Fortune 500 companies on Capitol Hill and was not part of the July meeting. "Under his leadership the agency does seem much more open to working with businesses and industry to focus on how their enforcement priorities and worksite compliance efforts can be better aligned not negatively impact American businesses and the economy." “Federal Judge bars Trump administration from using obscure clause to make huge funding cuts” via Michael Casey of The Associated Press — Twenty-three states had a filed a lawsuit last year accusing the administration of using the clause to make cuts to everything from crime prevention to food security to scientific research. They were concerned that it would be used to cancel current and future grants. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani granted a summary judgment preventing the administration from relying on the clause to make cuts and denied a motion by the government to dismiss the case. “Defendants’ interpretation of the Termination Clause is not clearly supported by the text of the provision, runs counter to the regulatory scheme, receives no support in the rulemaking history, and would violate the Spending Clause’s requirement that conditions be imposed unambiguously,” Talwani wrote. "Trump preparing a new attack on Head Start" via Jonathan Cohn of The Bulwark — The Trump administration is contemplating radical and potentially destructive changes to one of America's most famous anti-poverty programs, according to several people familiar with internal administration deliberations and one with direct knowledge of them. The program is Head Start, which provides free, specially enhanced childcare to more than 700,000 low-income preschoolers, toddlers, and infants. Officials have drafted a regulation that would eliminate most of the rules for how individual Head Start providers operate. One of the most important changes under consideration would be a new prohibition on enrolling children if they don't have at least one parent who is either a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a "qualifying" immigrant. “Marco Rubio rallies countries to confront ‘resurgence’ of far-left political violence” via Laura Kelley of The Hill — Rubio convened officials from more than 60 countries to raise alarm over what the State Department is warning is a resurgence of far-left political violence globally. Rubio called for an “international response” to the issue at the summit, which marks an expansion of Trump’s focus on treating left-wing political violence as the priority terrorist threat facing the U.S. Civil rights group argue it’s a tactic to silence domestic opposition. Rubio attacked those criticisms as a “partisan fiction” and said that such “ideological prejudice” has left a blind spot in global counterterrorism efforts. In November, the administration designated four leftist groups in Europe as foreign terrorist organizations and offered a $10 million reward for information on their financing. Marco Rubio is warning of a resurgence of left-wing political violence worldwide. Image via AP. "RFK Jr. lands in Lakeland to deliver Florida citrus growers a sweeter Brix standard" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared in Lakeland to announce that the Food and Drug Administration has officially lowered the required ratio of sugar and solids in not-from-concentrate orange juice, known as the Brix standard. Kennedy said the move is part of a broader effort under Trump to ease burdensome regulations that disadvantage American farmers. He appeared alongside Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and members of Florida's congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody and U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack and Laurel Lee. The Brix standard had gone unchanged since 1963, but the rule change cuts the floor to 10 degrees and permits up to 15% Citrus reticulata (mandarin/tangerine) juice or hybrid juice by volume. "Congressional bill aims to help NASA solve infrastructure problems" via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, Chair of the U.S. House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, filed the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would launch a pilot program letting NASA partner with public and private entities to improve shared infrastructure at NASA centers including Kennedy Space Center. A Senate version was previously filed by U.S. Sen. Moody. A NASA Office of the Inspector General audit recently outlined issues at KSC, forecasting the Space Coast will be near capacity for supporting launches by 2028 or 2029. "We can't be No. 1 on Earth if we're No. 2 in space," Haridopolos said. "GEO Group's immigration detention windfall follows millions in pro-Trump political spending" via Dan Christensen of Florida Bulldog — The GEO Group is profiting lavishly in 2026 off the misery of thousands of immigrants who continue to be swept up by the busload into detention centers GEO contracts to run for the Trump administration. Federal election records reviewed by Florida Bulldog show that company founder, executive chairman and prime mover and shaker George Zoley has led an influence campaign that since the start of the 2024 presidential campaign has funneled more than $5 million to Trump, Trump-affiliated super PACs and Republican allies and their political committees. In a May 27 letter to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Acting Director-Designate David Venturella, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA noted that GEO's "rapid expansion" and "immense profit" has "coincided with the Trump Administration's persistent revolving door and corruption concerns. Numerous high-profile U.S. officials formerly worked for GEO Group." “Justice Department activates untested court for ‘alien terrorist’ deportations” via The Associated Press — The Trump administration has filed a first-ever petition to a secretive and dormant court created 30 years ago to consider government requests to deport so-called “alien terrorists” from the United States. The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was established in 1996 but had never received a petition until this past Wednesday, when the Justice Department filed an application seeking the removal of an individual whose name is withheld from the single-page document posted on the court’s website. The chief judge of the five-member court, Joan Ericksen, said in a written response to the petition that a hearing was held on Thursday during which the court had “questions about the nexus that the government alleges between the actions of the respondent and the specific sections and subsections it invokes with respect to those actions. “The answers persuaded the Court that the Government could benefit from the opportunity for more thoughtful consideration,” wrote Ericksen, a federal judge in Minnesota.

Local: S. FL   "Miami-Dade Commissioner's PAC got $38K in World Cup tix from county tourism bureau" via Douglas Hanks of Miami Herald — A political action committee supporting the chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission secured a gift of $38,500 worth of soccer tickets from the county's tax-funded tourism bureau in the days ahead of two sold-out World Cup matches in Miami Gardens. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) was listed as the in-kind donor of the tickets for a fundraiser for A Bolder Florida, the PAC for Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez. The bureau confirmed the gift, saying it consisted of 11 tickets to a World Cup match. "We were asked by Chairman Rodriguez for tickets to one of the World Cup matches," David Whitaker, chief executive of the GMCVB, said in an email. Anthony Rodriguez's committee received the tickets as an in-kind contribution. "Miami-Dade's brushfires helped reveal that ICE violated over 100 court orders in South Florida" via Daniel Rivero of WLRN — As brush fires swept the Everglades area in western Miami-Dade County last month, the Krome Detention Facility, used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was evacuated. Hundreds of immigrant detainees were put on buses and planes, and temporarily shipped as far as Louisiana and Colorado while the fires burned nearby. The incident has opened a can of worms in federal court after a federal judge was notified that 47 of those detainees were shipped outside the Southern District of Florida in direct violation of court orders. When Miami-based Judge Michael Moore was alerted to the 47 violations, he ordered a deeper look into how often ICE had violated similar court orders in recent months. "If I had to be on Polymarket I know what side of the bet I'd like to be on," said Moore. "'Treating them like animals': Migrant detainees face grim conditions in Miami federal jail" via Syra Ortiz Blanes and Churchill Ndonwie of Miami Herald — In cramped, scorching-hot cells, the men sleep in their underwear to keep cool. They watch vermin scuttling through their cells amid the smell of feces and urine overflowing from broken toilets. Those are some of the harsh conditions that detainees in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody described experiencing in recent weeks at the Federal Detention Center, a Bureau of Prisons facility located in a concrete tower in downtown Miami. The grim circumstances have continued, according to the accounts of five immigrants detained there, their lawyers and loved ones. An employee at the prison also confirmed to the Herald poor conditions — including roaches so widespread that some officers don't want to work in certain units. "Broward County budget: Sheriff's Office is offered 5.3% funding increase" via Rafael Olmeda of South Florida Sun Sentinel — Broward County's new proposed budget offers the Broward Sheriff's Office a 5.3% increase over last year's outlay, less than the 12.4% requested by the agency but higher than the 3.1% increase that was passed a year ago. The Broward Sheriff's Office accounts for about half of the county's roughly $2 billion operating budget, the portion paid for mainly by property tax revenues. With other income sources and funding responsibilities taken into account, the county budget for fiscal year 2027 is about $9 billion. "This budget has been developed with careful consideration of evolving fiscal conditions and uncertainties," said County Administrator Monica Cepero, noting that the Governor is looking for a statewide property tax cut. "Fort Lauderdale pride flag disappears as state begins removing street art" via Shira Moolten of South Florida Sun Sentinel — Much of Fort Lauderdale's street art — including its rainbow pride flag — had disappeared as state workers began covering it over following a settlement agreement with the city. The pride flag painted along Sebastian Street was among the first to go, according to City Commissioner Steve Glassman, while the painted intersections on Breakers Avenue are also now covered in blacktop. Soon, the decorative work along the Las Olas corridor will need to be removed as well, a project that could require shutting down the street entirely. The state is paying for the removals, city officials said. The removals were agreed upon as part of a settlement city officials reached with the state last month, concluding a lengthy legal battle.

Local: C. FL   "Orange County hotel tax revenue could hit $400M in 2027" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Orange County's 6% hotel tax revenue projections were disclosed during a County Commission budget workshop, with officials saying the fund could exceed $400 million by conservative estimates in 2027. The hotel tax is already up 10% in the 2026 fiscal year, fueled by Orange County Convention Center business and the arrival of the Epic Universe theme park. Framing the ongoing budget discussion is local officials' concerns over property funding cuts if voters approve the November ballot initiative. Faced with a potential shortfall, the Orange County Public Library could cut hours, Orange County Fire Rescue might nix plans to build new fire stations, and some programs addressing homelessness and mental health might be at risk. Orange County's hotel tax revenues are already up 10% this fiscal year. —"Orange TDT task force receives $3B in proposals for stadiums, theaters, museums and more" via Ryan Gillespie and Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel and Sarah Kinbar of GrowthSpotter "New Smyrna Beach considers fire assessment fee amid concerns over potential property tax revenue losses" via ClickOrlando — New Smyrna Beach city leaders are considering a new fire assessment fee as they prepare for the potential loss of millions of dollars in property tax revenue if a proposed statewide constitutional amendment is approved by voters in November. The city estimates it could lose nearly $13 million over the first two years. Resident Debbie Bell, who has lived in New Smyrna Beach since 2003, said she plans to ask city leaders for more details about the city's finances before any decision is made. "I'd like to find out why and where it goes," Bell said. "Budget. To see where the money comes in, the money goes out. I've heard that from many of my friends as we've discussed it, and they wonder where all the money is going." “Governor taps Rita Pritchett for return to Brevard County Commission” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — DeSantis has appointed Rita Pritchett to the Brevard County Commission, sending the Titusville Republican back to the District 1 seat she held for eight years. Pritchett fills the vacancy created when Katie Delaney resigned effective May 2, citing a "life-changing" opportunity taking her family out of state. Delaney, a first-term Republican, had succeeded Pritchett in the North Brevard seat after Pritchett was term-limited in 2024. The seat is expected to go before voters in November for the remainder of Delaney's term. The appointment is a homecoming for Pritchett, who was first elected to the Commission in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, serving as Vice Chair before leaving office. Before joining the Commission, she served as a Titusville City Commissioner. "'Photo enforced': Speeding drivers to face tickets in Orange school zones" via Sara-James Ranta of Orlando Sentinel — If you drive past an Orange County school this fall, a camera may be recording your speed, and in coming months you could face a $100 ticket if you're going too fast during school hours. The county will be using a new school zone ticketing system at 12 campuses and plans to expand it by 32 more in coming years. County commissioners approved a contract last month — one that could cost up to $103 million over 10 years — for the technology, agreeing to set up a surveillance system that has prompted controversy in other parts of the state for fear it will be used for wider purposes, including immigration enforcement. But Orange officials say their cameras, put up at public schools in unincorporated parts of the county, will be used only for the narrow purpose of catching school zone speeders. "Will anyone clean up Central Florida's filthy Lake Jesup?" via Martin E. Comas and Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp of Orlando Sentinel — Lake Jesup, one of Central Florida's largest water bodies, is also one of its sickest. Urban runoff filled with a noxious brew of fertilizers, stormwater and sewage has flowed into the Seminole County lake from as far as Orlando, Winter Park and Altamonte Springs for decades. A permanent sign at one of the lake's boat ramps warns of blooms. But longtime residents who have advocated for a healthier Lake Jesup say the government's latest effort "has promise," but it's merely a "drop in the bucket" in getting the 25-square-mile lake in better shape. "It looks good. It sounds good. But this isn't a solution," said Robert King, 66, who has lived his entire life in the Black Hammock along Lake Jesup. "It's almost insignificant."

Local: TB   “Will U.S. deny entry to 12-year-old Venezuelan earthquakes survivor?” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Their effort to find a humanitarian pathway comes amid widespread calls for the Trump administration to reinstate immigration relief for Venezuelans, known as Temporary Protected Status. Such relief is granted to immigrants who cannot safely return to their home countries. The White House revoked the protection for thousands of Venezuelans last year. “We want to explore every possible option to bring Isabella here because Venezuela is a country she barely knows,” said the girl’s aunt, Mariela Gari. “She grew up here in the U.S., and without her parents, life in Venezuela would be very difficult for her.” Immigration attorney Laura Quintero said even though it’s a compelling case, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would evaluate the totality of the circumstances involved. "Rays CEO says August deadline critical for stadium deal or team's future at risk" via Emma Behrmann of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Rays CEO Ken Babby said it is critical that the stadium funding deal be voted on in August. "If we're not able to do that, we're not going to be able to hit that April 2029 date, and that really risks not only the future of baseball in Tampa Bay, but the future of the Rays in our region," Babby said. He added the team has not engaged with other cities that want a Major League Baseball franchise. "Some that probably would offer even greater public funding should they be given an opportunity," he said. "Seven or eight cities or communities are chomping at the bit," County Commission Chair Ken Hagan added. "Residents ask Hillsborough to stop funding Israeli business nonprofit" via Lizzy Alspach of the Tampa Bay Times — About 10 community members urged Hillsborough County Commissioners to reconsider funding for the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA), a nonprofit that supports bringing Israeli companies to Hillsborough County. The nonprofit has helped 11 companies establish offices in Hillsborough and is set to receive $37,500 in Fiscal Year 2027. "Every county dollar invested in FIBA is re-invested right back into Hillsborough County," said co-Executive Director Pam Miniati. Residents cited the nonprofit's connection to Xtend, a company that manufactures drones for military operations used in Gaza. The nonprofit also received $300,000 in the state budget this year. "Charlie Crist's political committee unloads $286K as St. Pete Mayor's race enters final stretch" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The political committee backing Crist poured about $286,000 into the St. Petersburg mayoral race in a single week as the campaign enters its final stretch. The committee, St. Pete Shines, raised $61,000 and spent $286,000 from July 4-10. Its largest expenditure was a $220,000 payment to Waterfront Strategies for media production, followed by $30,000 to Dynamic Media Strategies for television consulting. The spending blitz came after St. Pete Shines reported roughly $1.18 million on hand at the end of the previous reporting period. Accounting for its latest fundraising and spending, the committee retains about $950,000. Meanwhile, Mayor Ken Welch's political committee is also putting money to work — though on a smaller scale. Charlie Crist's political committee has amped up spending in the St. Pete Mayor race. "How is USF St. Pete's Marine Science Lab doing 2 months after catastrophic fire?" via Michaela Mulligan of Tampa Bay Times — On May 2, the Marine Science Lab's roof caught fire, sparking one of the larger blazes in St. Petersburg's recent history. The inferno halted vital research, from unraveling sea level rise to hurricane rapid intensification, and left one of the largest marine research hubs in the Southeast in limbo. Lightning is the likely cause. But smoke engulfed lab instruments, vials containing samples that are millions of years old and servers hosting precious research. Tom Frazer, the College of Marine Science dean, was working earlier that day in the Knight Oceanographic Research Center, next door to the lab. "People spend their entire careers here — decades — so it was important for us to try to recover those items, and do it in a safe way," Frazer said. "St. Pete approves temporary dock for Tampa Bay ferry" via Breanne Williams of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — The upcoming ferry service connecting St. Petersburg to Tampa has cleared a significant hurdle as the St. Pete City Council approved a series of agreements to install a temporary dock in downtown. Council's approval will greenlight the lease and installation of a $324,000 temporary dock in the North Yacht Basin by the Vinoy Resort. The permanent ferry dock is expected to be built off the St. Pete Pier and in service by mid-to-late 2028. Fares are expected to start at $10 for one-way trips, with seniors receiving a 50% discount.

Local: N. FL   “Governor names Andrew King Circuit Judge in Big Bend” via Jim Rosica of the Tallahassee Democrat — A Tallahassee-based administrative law judge is the Big Bend's newest circuit judge. DeSantis on July 17 appointed King to replace Lance Neff, now a judge on the 1st District Court of Appeal, also in Tallahassee. King graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in 2016 and was admitted to practice law that year, Bar records show. He previously worked for DeSantis in a number of legal roles, including as his deputy general counsel. His appointment means the latest loss for Sarah Kathryn Dugan, the Tallahassee prosecutor on the Dan Markel murder case. She has now been a finalist for a state judgeship three times, including this one. "'We didn't know that was coming': Krista Joseph caught flat-footed by massive development push unleashed by new law" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — On July 1 — the day SB 686 took effect — the Davis family filed an application to certify 4,462 acres of family land north of Nocatee as an "agricultural enclave," a new designation that lets qualifying farmland bypass the rezoning and Comprehensive Plan amendment process. Within eight days, the county had six enclave applications in hand. St. Johns County Commissioner Krista Joseph, who has campaigned on watching the developers, admitted she never saw it coming. "We didn't know that was coming," Joseph said. Her first public response came after the bill had become law, when she proposed firing the county's lobbyist and suing the state. Krista Joseph said she didn't see the flood of applications coming

Local: SW. FL   "Naples Airport appraisal says city could get lease of $8M a year" via J. Kyle Foster of Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — The city of Naples could ask for $8 million to $10.8 million a year from the Naples Airport for the lease of the city land it sits on, according to a fair-market opinion solicited by the City Council. It's a significant jump from the $99 the airport pre-paid for its 1969-2068 lease — $1 a year. Chicago-based Horwath HTL and its Managing Partner Bryan Younge conducted an "opinion of fair-market ground rent" of the airport as the Naples City Council and the Naples Airport Authority and its Board of Commissioners negotiate new lease terms. The company was "recommended by our FAA expert," City Attorney Matt McConnell told City Council members. Naples could ask for $8 million a year for the airport land lease. Image via Visit Florida. "FBI raids home, business of Westfield developer" via Alexandria Burris and Kristine Phillips of Indianapolis Star — Federal agents raided the home and business of developer James Andrew "Andy" Card, an FBI spokesperson confirmed to IndyStar. The raid took place on the same day that the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana submitted a filing for an asset forfeiture for a four-bedroom, six-bathroom waterfront home belonging to Card and his wife, Martha, on Marco Island, about 20 miles south of Naples. Forfeiture documents allege that Card fraudulently used money from the city-financed Mishawaka Fieldhouse project to help pay for the purchase of the $6.6 million waterfront home. He has not been charged with a crime.

Top opinion   “ICE’s roadside stops claimed three lives. Time to re-assess” via the Orlando Sentinel and Chicago Tribune editorial boards — Halting most such operations was a prudent first step, and one that should’ve allowed for a thorough assessment of how immigration enforcement is being carried out. Trump, of course, is not known for prudence. “We CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime Fighting tools, THE TRAFFIC STOP!” Trump posted online Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after the pause was implemented. The White House subsequently confirmed that he had overturned the temporary suspension. The pause didn't last long. How foolish. ICE didn’t begin using vehicle stops by accident. They are often an efficient way to apprehend someone without entering a home or a workplace. But when a tactic repeatedly becomes associated with fatal confrontations, responsible law enforcement has an obligation to ask whether those benefits still outweigh the risks, and whether changes can reduce those risks. The three deaths presented a moment to cool the temperature, to compile and take stock of evidence, and to exercise restraint and good judgment. A tall order and naive expectation for an administration that prefers a sledgehammer for most policy matters.

More opinions   "'We had no choice' is not leadership. St. Pete must end its partnership with ICE" via Andy Oliver of Tampa Bay Times — At a recent mayoral debate hosted by the St. Petersburg NAACP, Mayor Welch was asked whether he would direct Police Chief Anthony Holloway to end the department's 287(g) partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "It was an order from the Governor," Welch replied. "It was not a choice at the local level whether to comply with that or not." Prophetic imagination does not pretend resistance is free. Ending the agreement could provoke threats or litigation from the state. It might require St. Petersburg to defend its reading of the law in court. But leadership is not the elimination of all institutional risk. Leadership is the willingness to accept risk when human dignity and public trust are at stake. "For some students, no such thing as a free lunch" via Pat Beall for the Orlando Sentinel — Some Palm Beach and Broward schools are ending universal free lunch. We should bake one for Ms. Shiela Boyd, 81, of New York, who up until recently was receiving $298 in federal food benefits. The sex offender in chief who just wrote the $5.6 million check decided that was $274 too much. Her food benefits are now $24. As Palm Beach County's School District ramps up for the new academic year, students in about 55 schools will face a version of the crackdown Ms. Boyd did, and for the same reason: The Big Beautiful Broligarch Tax Relief Act. But a country that does not prioritize feeding its own children is not a great country. It may not even be an especially good one.

Instagram of the day

Aloe   "How the U.S. lost the World Cup — and won over the world" via Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg of The Wall Street Journal — The U.S. men's team crashed out 13 days before the final, squandering a generous draw and a golden shot at a first quarterfinal in 24 years. But in every other respect, America's World Cup was a triumph of soft power. Visitors fell for Waffle House hash browns, Buc-ee's brisket, and the Costco frozen-food aisle, then marveled at Waymo while lamenting the lack of transit. Norway's Erling Haaland was so smitten he went home with several $750 taxidermied raccoons bought in Dallas. A U.S. Travel Association study found 91% of visitors were glad they came, with nearly two-thirds leaving more favorable toward America. FIFA grew so confident it upped revenue projections from $11 billion to $15 billion. Florida wasn't spared the heat, but the AC-cooled NFL cathedrals held up. Politics intruded too: President Trump personally called Gianni Infantino urging FIFA to review a ban on Team USA scorer Folarin Balogun, drawing Belgian outrage before a 4-1 U.S. loss ended the debate. The U.S. has some off-the-field victories to celebrate. “Tate brothers arrested in Miami as U.K. authorities file new rape and trafficking charges” via Isabella Kwai, Megan Twohey, and Mack Liederman of The New York Times — Andrew and Tristan Tate, prominent influencers in the so-called manosphere, were arrested by federal marshals in Miami on Saturday in connection with new criminal charges of rape and sex trafficking in England, U.S. and British law enforcement officials said. Prosecutors in Britain said that they were seeking the brothers’ extradition. The Tates, who have British and American citizenship, were detained “pending ongoing legal proceedings,” according to a statement from the police in Bedfordshire, a county north of London. British prosecutors said the new charges against Andrew Tate, 39, include seven counts of rape; three counts of sex trafficking; three counts of assault; and 19 more charges relating to sexual images of children and “extreme pornography.” Tristan Tate, 38, faces two new charges of rape; one count of sexual assault; and three counts of sex trafficking. They were arrested with a sealed warrant, Brady McCarron, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service, said.

Happy birthday   Celebrating today are state Sen. Darryl Rouson and William Large of the Florida Justice Reform Institute. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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