Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.24.26 — Burnin’ today: Deegan, DeSantis, Amendment 3, Donalds, Nixon & Moody, Caruso, data centers & Ridley Scott

Sunburn — your morning double espresso shot of Florida politics. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Monday morning. Donna Deegan should like what she sees in the first public poll of the 2027 Jacksonville mayoral race. The incumbent takes 53% head-to-head against either Republican, tested in a new St. Pete Polls survey conducted for Florida Politics: 53% to 33% over Rep. Wyman Duggan and 53% to 31% over former Mayor Lenny Curry. In a city where clearing 50% in the March unitary election means winning outright, no May runoff required, the topline matters as much as the 20-point margins. Donna Deegan has the early numbers; Lenny Curry still has plenty to say. The survey also waded into the running feud between Deegan and Curry, asking voters which administration they believed was the most corrupt, regardless of their vote. Curry’s terms took that one, 43% to 26%, with 32% unsure. The splits ran along party lines: Democrats named Curry’s terms 62-11, Republicans named Deegan’s 41-24, and independents leaned toward Curry’s by 13 points. St. Pete Polls surveyed 618 likely Jacksonville voters Aug. 19-20; the margin of error is about 4 percentage points. Full story on Florida Politics. ___ Floridians weighing the pros and cons of November’s property tax ballot item can rely on Florida TaxWatch’s new website for an informed perspective. The Florida Property Tax Resource Center offers what the group calls “independent, data-driven research to make informed decisions related to Amendment 3.” The ballot measure, which requires 60% support to pass, would raise homestead exemptions to $250,000 by 2028. The organization, which is dedicated to fiscal discipline, notes on its splash page the hard choices it would impose on local governments closest to the voters and their immediate needs. Florida TaxWatch brings receipts to the property tax debate — because somebody has to do the math. “Amendment 3 would cut local property taxes by an estimated $45.8 billion over five years,” the website warns. TaxWatch also provides county-by-county impacts on a graphical map, including a ranking of fiscal impacts per county. “Our Property Tax Resource Center provides legislators, policymakers, voters, and members of the media with unbiased and nonpartisan information regarding how this measure impacts Florida homeowners and their local government,” said Chair David Casey. Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Jeff Kottkamp, a former Lt. Gov., said, “Some voters may be unclear what they are voting on.” While TaxWatch wants property tax reform, it believes the current product was rushed through and that the proper mechanism would be the Florida Taxation and Budget Review Commission. That group meets every 20 years, but will come together next year. Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds says he will urge the panel to consider property tax changes even if the current proposal falls short in November. The TaxWatch microsite comes just after Attorney General James Uthmeier created a court-ordered revision of ballot language to remove sloganeering promotion of the proposal. Ironically, a survey by Sachs Media shows that voters prefer the new product. ___ The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) has added Jesse Christian to its growing Governmental Affairs team as Director of Legislative & Political Affairs, strengthening the organization’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Florida’s CPA profession. Christian joins the FICPA from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), where he served as Director of Special Projects and worked closely with Secretary Melanie Griffin and the agency’s executive leadership on regulatory, licensing and legislative issues affecting licensed professions, including CPAs. Christian previously worked in legislative affairs and lobbying at Rutledge Ecenia. Jesse Christian takes his Tallahassee résumé to FICPA’s Governmental Affairs team. “Jesse’s experience working directly with the CPA profession at DBPR and his extensive legislative and political résumé make him an ideal fit for our team,” said Jason Harrell, FICPA’s Chief External Affairs Officer. “As we continue advocating for policies that strengthen and protect the profession, his experience will help ensure CPAs have a strong voice in Tallahassee.” “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the CPA profession throughout my career and have seen firsthand the important role CPAs play in Florida’s economy,” Christian said. “I’m excited to join the FICPA team and help advance the profession’s legislative and advocacy priorities.” FICPA also announced expanded responsibilities for Legislative and Political Affairs Manager Brayden Harrell, who will take on a larger role supporting political strategy and stakeholder engagement, and Communications & Public Affairs Manager Nick Menta, who is joining the Governmental Affairs team. “Together, Jesse, Brayden and Nick bring a unique combination of legislative, political and communications expertise that will strengthen our advocacy efforts and help us better serve Florida’s CPA profession,” Harrell said. ___ Associated Industries of Florida will bring the five top-of-ticket Republicans together in Orlando this Fall for a forum centered on the state’s business climate. The lineup includes U.S. Rep. Donalds, who is running for Gov.; Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who is seeking re-election; and three appointed incumbents seeking election in their own right: Uthmeier, CFO Blaise Ingoglia and U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody. The program will feature separate one-on-one conversations between AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis and each candidate who has received AIF’s endorsement. Byron Donalds, Wilton Simpson, James Uthmeier, Blaise Ingoglia and Ashley Moody talk business with AIF. The pro-business lobby said the conversations will focus on workforce development, infrastructure, insurance, energy and regulatory policy, giving business leaders a closer look at how the candidates would approach issues affecting employers and the state economy. “Florida’s continued success depends on leaders who understand the needs of employers, entrepreneurs, and job creators,” Bevis said. “This forum will give our members and the broader business community the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about how they plan to keep Florida competitive, attract investment, and create opportunities for businesses of every size.” The AIF Center for Political Strategy Statewide Candidate Forum will be held at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on Oct. 12, a day ahead of AIF’s Fall Political & Policy Retreat. More information and registration details are available here.

Days until   ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 4; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 8; NFL regular season kicks off — 16; Republican National Midterm Convention — 16; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 17; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 18; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 22; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 26; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 27; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 31; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 38; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 39; General Election voter registration deadline — 42; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 46; ‘VisionQuest’ premieres — 51; Optional General early voting begins — 56; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 58; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 58; General Election ballot request deadline — 59; Mandatory General early voting begins — 61; General Election — 71; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 74; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 74; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 79; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 81; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 81; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 85; New legislator training sessions — 85; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 85; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 88; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 93; ‘Madden’ premieres — 94; Committee Week #1 — 98; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 116; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 116; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 116; Committee Week #2 — 133; Committee Week #3 — 140; ‘Ahsoka’ season two premieres — 149; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 154; Committee Week #4 — 161; Grammys — 167; Committee Week #5 — 168; Super Bowl LXI — 174; Committee Week #6 — 175; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 190; Tampa Mayoral Election — 190; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 193; Oscars — 202; Jacksonville First Election — 211; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 213; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 213; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 233; Jacksonville General Election — 267; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 277; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 285; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 326; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 347; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 347; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 382; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 480; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 516; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 518; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 526; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 533; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 540; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 543; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 547; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 554; Oscars — 559; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 620; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 641; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 662; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 690; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 704; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 806; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 844; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 882; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,206; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,246; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,937.

Top story   “After quiet Primaries, Ron DeSantis emerges to bolster GOP — and his legacy” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Gov. DeSantis stayed neutral during Florida’s Republican Primaries, declining to endorse a successor and skipping the party’s post-Primary rally. But with the November election approaching, Republicans expect him to campaign and raise money for GOP candidates while highlighting his role in turning Florida from a swing state into a Republican stronghold. Ron DeSantis sat out the Primaries; now Republicans expect him back on the field. That shift began after the Primary Election. DeSantis called gubernatorial nominee Donalds, whom he had previously criticized, and quickly endorsed Ryan Elijah after Elijah defeated U.S. Rep. Cory Mills. DeSantis later said he would support Donalds and other Republican nominees. The political calculation extends beyond party unity. Helping Republicans could reinforce DeSantis’ legacy, rebuild strained relationships within the party and give him credit for protecting gains made during his two terms. His mid-decade congressional map could also help Republicans gain as many as four U.S. House seats. DeSantis has repeatedly emphasized the transformation of Florida’s electorate. Republicans now hold roughly a 1.5-million-voter registration advantage, a dramatic reversal from when he first won statewide office, and he argues that GOP candidates now enjoy opportunities unavailable to earlier generations. His own political future remains unsettled. A 2028 presidential campaign appears less likely amid attention on Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though DeSantis has noted that he is young enough to wait. For now, DeSantis says governing remains his priority through January. But he has also made clear that finishing his term aggressively does not prevent him from becoming involved in Republican campaigns this Fall.

2026   Florida Realtors PAC backs Byron Donalds, Cabinet candidates — The political arm of Florida Realtors is backing Congressman Donalds for Governor and endorsing Ingoglia, Uthmeier, and Simpson in their 2026 campaigns. The endorsements were announced during the Realtor Party Town Hall at the 2026 Florida Realtors Convention in Orlando, where Donalds, Ingoglia and Simpson addressed hundreds of Realtors from across the state. Florida Realtors PAC Trustees Chair Scott Steger said the endorsements reflect priorities including private property rights, housing affordability, insurance market stability and land-use policy. The announcement follows a round of legislative endorsements unveiled in July, when the PAC backed candidates in 48 legislative races statewide. Florida Realtors puts its political muscle behind Byron Donalds and the Republican Cabinet ticket. ”Donalds details affordability plans, defends Donald Trump economy in interview” via Sergio R. Bustos of WLRN Public Media — The Republican gubernatorial nominee talked about his plans to make Florida more affordable and defended President Donald Trump’s economic and foreign policy during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press NOW. Donalds said he wants to tackle Florida’s high property insurance rates by focusing on tort reform and “supercharging some of our home hardening programs” for properties built before 1992, when Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida. He said he would also revisit property tax cuts if Florida voters rejected Amendment 3 in November, and would boost the supply of homes and lower prices by reducing the costs of construction permits. ”Ashley Moody looks to set up ‘stark contrast’ with Angie Nixon, takes no questions” via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Speaking to a small room of supporters in Doral, the GOP nominee for Senate in Florida delivered a speech criticizing her opponent, state Rep. Nixon. GOP Sen. Moody brought an anti-socialism message to the heart of Florida’s Venezuelan community, sharply criticizing Nixon following her surprise Primary victory. Moody, a former state Attorney General, took her message to Doral — home to a diaspora that fled the country’s socialist dictatorship. The event, organized by the Miami-Dade GOP, had been billed as a news conference; Moody spoke for five minutes to thank supporters and bash Nixon, then left without calling on reporters. “Moody brands Nixon a ‘master of chaos’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — U.S. Sen. Moody is framing November’s Senate race as a stark choice, portraying Democratic nominee Nixon as a radical whose politics favor disruption over debate. Appearing on Fox News, Moody cited Nixon’s arrest during a sit-in at DeSantis’ office and her use of a bullhorn during congressional redistricting proceedings. Moody called Nixon a “master of chaos” and linked her politics to broader progressive protests and riots. She also accused Nixon of supporting big government, open borders, abolishing prisons, defunding police and the military, and non-citizens voting. Moody said voters will ultimately choose between her record on public safety and Nixon’s approach when they vote in November. ”While other progressives lost in Florida, Nixon won. Why?” via Shauna Muckle of Tampa Bay Times — Nixon won the Florida Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate, defeating retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman by 12 points despite being outraised by about $18 million. Two weeks before the Primary, Nixon posted a timeline on Instagram depicting how long she had lived in Florida compared to Vindman — her roots stretching back 42 years to his three. In Duval County, Nixon got 80% of the vote, while Vindman got 20%. Nixon was the outlier among Florida progressives: two South Florida progressives, Oliver Larkin and Elijah Manley, each lost by more than 20 points to incumbents Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Angie Nixon beat the money, the expectations and Alex Vindman. November is the considerably bigger test. ”Stop gaslighting me!: Nixon, Nikki Fried have heated call over socialism” via Holly Otterbein, Marc Caputo and Andrew Pantazi of Axios — “Nikki wants her to back away from DSA, from socialism,” said one person who spoke with Nixon. “She’s listening to other people saying that they’re afraid, they’re scared — the Jewish members and the Hispanic caucus. But to Angie, Nikki doesn’t want Angie to be who Angie is. Angie has already done the backing-away.” On the call, Nixon told Fried, “You never gave a care about me from the beginning, and now you’re telling me how to run my campaign?” according to the source. At one point, the source said, Nixon yelled, “Stop gaslighting me!”

More elections   Democratic Gadsden County Sheriff endorses Blaise Ingoglia for Chief Financial Officer — The endorsement from Democratic Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young comes just days after Ingoglia clinched the Republican nomination in the Florida Primary and underscores the message that public safety should rise above partisan politics. “Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia understands that supporting law enforcement isn’t a partisan issue; it’s about the safety of our communities,” Young said. “He has stood with law enforcement every step of the way, providing key funding to ensure that deputies and officers across the state have the tools they need to keep Florida safe. Blaise Ingoglia is the only choice for Florida Chief Financial Officer.” Morris Young crosses party lines to back Blaise Ingoglia for CFO. ”Recount declared in GOP Primary to succeed Dan Webster in CD 11” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — With a first count done, Joe Strada leads Carey Baker by 393 votes. Secretary of State Cord Byrd says the Republican Primary in Florida’s 11th Congressional District will go to a machine recount. With all votes tabulated, business owner Strada held a lead over former Lake County Property Appraiser Baker of 393 votes out of 81,777 votes cast. That puts the margin at around 0.48 percentage points, just within the 0.5-point margin to trigger an automatic machine recount. That means Supervisors of Elections in Lake, Orange and Sumter counties will run all ballots cast by CD 11 voters through tabulation machines again. The current margin is at the upper edge of the recount threshold, so it remains statistically unlikely that a recount will alter the standings. “Trump endorsement came too late for Catalina Lauf” via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News — Trump’s endorsement gave Lauf a late Election Day boost, but Jim Schwartzel had already banked an insurmountable advantage in Florida’s 19th Congressional District Republican Primary. Schwartzel entered Election Day with a 7,130-vote lead from mail and early voting after Trump endorsed Lauf just five days before the election. Lauf won Election Day voting districtwide, 8,217 to 7,513, but Schwartzel still prevailed by 6,426 votes, taking 29.14% to Lauf’s 21.98%. The race also became a referendum on local roots: Naples-born Schwartzel emphasized his Southwest Florida ties while Lauf, a former Illinois congressional candidate, defended her move to Bonita Springs and argued that newcomers can fight just as fiercely for Florida.

Even more elections   “DeSantis promises rural relief if Amendment 3 passes” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis says fiscally constrained counties won’t be left holding the bag if voters approve Amendment 3, which would expand Florida’s homestead exemption. The Governor says the state would backfill revenue losses for smaller counties that lack the tax base to absorb them. The proposed constitutional amendment would increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with future increases tied to inflation. DeSantis argues rural communities shouldn’t have to choose between property tax relief and maintaining essential services. Instead, the state budget would absorb the burden for qualifying counties, allowing homeowners statewide to receive the larger exemption without disproportionately squeezing local governments with limited resources. Ron DeSantis promises rural counties a backstop if Amendment 3 leaves local budgets lighter. ”Florida TaxWatch lambasts Amendment 3’s property tax reform as a rush job” via John Pacenti of USA Today Network-Florida — Florida TaxWatch says the Legislature rushed Amendment 3, the property tax reform initiative. It says there is a great opportunity for the Legislature to get it right in the next few years. Florida TaxWatch, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization, said it would be better if voters defeated Amendment 3, a major property tax cut for homeowners, asserting it fails to keep municipal spending in check and hurts vulnerable Floridians. The Legislature will have a greater opportunity next year when the 25-member Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission convenes to review the state’s overall tax structure, Florida TaxWatch President Jeff Kottkamp said. Florida Realtors backs Amendment 3 property tax measure — Florida Realtors is backing Amendment 3, adding the state’s largest professional trade association to supporters of the property tax measure heading to Florida voters in November. The association’s Board of Directors voted to support the proposed constitutional amendment during its Governance Meetings following the 2026 Convention & Trade Expo. Florida Realtors say Amendment 3 would give voters an opportunity to deliver meaningful property tax relief while reinforcing the state’s commitment to attainable homeownership. The organization is encouraging Floridians to educate themselves about the proposal and ultimately vote “Yes” when Amendment 3 appears on the General Election ballot. The endorsement puts the influential statewide real estate organization squarely behind the measure as the November campaign takes shape. “Meet Anthony Nieves, the new progressive Democrat in HD 47” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Badly outraised, Nieves ran his House District 47 campaign the old-fashioned way: connecting with voters by knocking on their doors. “There isn’t a street, there isn’t a road, there isn’t a subdivision that we have not canvassed,” Nieves said after he and supporters knocked on 15,000 doors while working six or seven days a week for the past six months. It paid off. Nieves was elected as the next Representative for HD 47, flipping the seat to Democrats. Entering this election cycle, few could have predicted how it would happen.

Statewide   “DeSantis ally supported death penalty for child abusers. He could now face it.” via Claire Heddles and Grethel Aguila of the Miami Herald — A former Republican state lawmaker and close ally of DeSantis could face the death penalty if he’s convicted of allegations that he sexually battered a child under a controversial law he supported in 2023. But secret grand jury proceedings would have to happen before he’s charged. Under Florida’s rules of criminal procedure, capital criminal charges — those carrying a death penalty — can only be brought through a grand jury indictment. Mike Caruso, whom DeSantis appointed as Palm Beach County’s clerk of courts and comptroller last year, was arrested on sex abuse charges related to a young child. He has been charged with kidnapping, molestation, lewd and lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse. Mike Caruso faces allegations carrying consequences far beyond the political arena. “Property tax plan was DeSantis’ idea, so why isn’t he campaigning for it?” via Curt Anderson of USA Today Network — For months, DeSantis pushed hard for a constitutional amendment that would drastically change the state’s property tax system. The GOP-led state Legislature went along, passing a proposal that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. But unlike his high-profile campaigns that successfully defeated amendments legalizing recreational marijuana and boosting abortion rights, DeSantis isn’t taking a lead role on the tax amendment. Without DeSantis in the bully pulpit and organized opposition growing, it’s like the property tax amendment is out on an island alone. “Measures typically perform better when there’s a campaign to support them,” said Craig Burnett, political science Chair at Florida Atlantic University. “Not having elected officials support the measure does make it something of an orphan.” ”Florida regulators to weigh data center moratoriums in Duke case” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — The state Public Service Commission will consider data center moratoriums approved by nine counties and cities as it weighs a high-profile Duke Energy Florida proposal to provide electricity to data centers. Commissioner Gary Clark, who is overseeing preliminary matters ahead of a hearing, issued an order granting a request from the state Office of Public Counsel to consider the moratoriums, while denying another request to consider potential moratoriums in five other counties. Duke had objected, arguing the moratoriums were irrelevant, but Clark’s order indicated they could be relevant to the Commission’s evaluation of Duke’s proposal. “AI data center critics get the water argument wrong” via Dace Potas for the Miami Herald — Data centers can deliver substantial tax revenue, jobs and public investment, and communities shouldn’t rush to restrict them. Quincy, Washington, shows the potential: more than two dozen facilities pay over half the city’s property taxes, helping fund schools, public safety, and other amenities, while poverty has fallen sharply. Environmental objections, particularly over water, are often overstated. U.S. data centers account for just 0.14% of annual water consumption, and major operators increasingly use closed-loop cooling systems that recirculate water. Electricity demand is a tougher challenge, but predictable growth gives utilities time to expand capacity. The better response is to make it easier to build necessary energy infrastructure rather than blocking data centers and sacrificing their economic benefits. Florida’s data center debate has plenty of heat. The fight over water is only getting started. ”Employers could see a 7.4% average reduction in workers’ comp costs” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — Employers could see another round of decreases in the costs of their workers’ compensation insurance. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recommends reducing workers’ compensation rates by an average of 7.4% beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The reduction is largely driven by a decrease in the frequency of “lost-time claims” resulting from employees missing work due to injuries. If the proposed reduction (or a modified reduction) is approved, it would be the 10th consecutive year in which workers’ compensation rates have fallen for Florida employers. “That means workplaces are safe. That’s a great thing for employees,” Florida Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Government Affairs Carolyn Johnson said. “And that’s a business’ greatest asset, its employees. So having safer workplaces, that’s just fantastic news.” ”Florida unemployment falls but remains above national rate” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Florida’s unemployment rate inched down in July for a second consecutive month, but remained above the national rate, according to a report from the state Department of Commerce. The Florida rate was 4.6%, down from 4.7% in June and 4.8% in May, but up from 3.9% in July 2025. The national rate in July was 4.1%, down from 4.2% in June. The decrease came despite many Florida consumers continuing to worry about the economy: A report from the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research said consumer sentiment declined for a fifth consecutive month in July.

D.C. matters   ”Iran finds new natural gas as war hits energy sector” via AFP of CBS News — Iran said on Sunday it had discovered more than 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas, months into the Middle East war that has hit the country’s energy infrastructure and production. “New gas reserves were discovered in the south of Fars province,” Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told state television, adding that over 160 billion cubic meters could be extracted from the field. He described it as sweet natural gas, which has very little of the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide, resulting in lower operating and development costs. Any new production from the site would likely be years away. Iran says it found a massive natural gas reserve. Turning discovery into production is another matter. “What Canadian goods will take Trump’s 50% tariffs? Some pretty strange items.” via Ian Austen of The New York Times — Anoraks and suit jackets. National flags. Some Christmas ornaments. And 36 different kinds of plywood. The lists of hundreds of goods from Canada subject to new 50% tariffs by the United States are long and seemingly randomly organized. The Trump administration imposed the tariffs, which took effect on Saturday, after Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada called off trade negotiations with the United States that had lasted nearly a month. “They asked too much and offered too little,” Carney said. Carney has promised to retaliate “dollar for dollar” against the new tariffs, which join previous tariffs of up to 50% that Trump put on Canadian aluminum, steel and autos last year. Lumber has tariffs that predate Trump’s return to office; he nevertheless increased them last year. “Trump’s ICE pick is stuck in the Senate — and DHS officials are relieved” via Eric Bazail-Eimil and Myah Ward of POLITICO — Trump’s nominee to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement is stalled in the Senate. That’s just fine with many at ICE. Some officials inside the Department of Homeland Security, which houses ICE, question Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer’s qualifications to lead the agency. And they also prefer acting director Dave Venturella, an ally of border czar Tom Homan, who is viewed as a familiar and steady set of hands, according to interviews with six officials and others familiar with conversations inside the department. ”Most GOP politicians now talk negatively about data centers, data shows” via Jeremy B. Merrill of The Washington Post — Sen. Jon Husted once promoted data centers as all upside for his state of Ohio. “Data centers are essential to our digital lives,” the Republican said in 2024, praising a planned Google project that he claimed would establish “central Ohio as an important tech hub in America.” In the past six months, Republicans’ public statements about data centers have turned sharply negative, according to a Washington Post analysis of thousands of social media posts and newsletters from hundreds of politicians from both major parties since April 2024. That shift follows a similar one made by Democrats, who have mostly focused on the negative effects of data centers since early last year, the Post analysis found.

Local: S. FL   ”Fabián Basabe strikes out on post-trial motions as appeal clock starts” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami Beach Republican Rep. Basabe continued his legal losing streak. Leon County Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh denied Basabe’s bid to vacate the $450,000 sexual harassment verdict against him, rejected Basabe’s fallback request to slash the damages and refused to step aside from the case, then entered a final judgment against the lawmaker. The final judgment awards former Basabe aide Nicolas Frevola $275,000 and former Basabe intern Jacob Cutbirth $175,000, plus statutory interest. Basabe has 30 days to file a notice of appeal, a near certainty after his recent retention of lawyer Peter Ticktin. Fabián Basabe’s post-trial options are narrowing as the appeal clock starts. Image via Miami Herald. ”Miami’s Democratic Mayor attacked in ads by immigration-advocacy group” via Milena Malaver and Tess Riski of the Miami Herald — Two billboards will go up urging Miami’s Democratic Mayor and members of the Miami City Commission to back out of the city’s agreement to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The billboards, part of a campaign launched by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, will be visible from Interstate 95 at Northwest 62nd Street and from Southwest 17th Avenue and First Street in Little Havana. The campaign also includes a Spanish-language radio advertisement dubbed “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” which criticizes Mayor Eileen Higgins for not pushing harder to end the partnership. Higgins was not yet Mayor last Summer when the City Commission entered into the 287(g) agreement. ”Billboards, radio spot press Miami officials to rescind ICE agreement” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Billboards criticizing Higgins and the Miami Commission over the city’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are going up Monday, courtesy of a five-figure ad buy by the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) that also includes a Spanish-language radio spot. Two displays press city leaders to scrap Miami’s 287(g) agreement with the federal agency, reading: “Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins and Miami Commissioners: Protect Venezuelans and Haitians losing (Temporary Protected Status)! End Miami’s police collaboration with ICE!” The initial buy is for $25,000, FLIC spokesperson Thomas Kennedy told Florida Politics. “Judge clears $80M Virginia Key marina deal for November ballot, a decade after the winning bid” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge has rejected the latest attempt to keep Miami voters from deciding the fate of an $80 million makeover of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas, a deal that has now outlasted three Mayors, two rounds of bidding and one failed referendum. The ruling by Judge Lisa Walsh of the 11th Judicial Circuit goes against Rickenbacker Marina Inc., which has operated the city-owned property since 1983 under a ground lease that expired in 2016, its affiliate, Biscayne Marine Partners LLC, and Adam Gersten, whose Gramps Getaway restaurant sits on the marina grounds. The three sued the city and the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, asking the court to declare the referendum unlawful.

Local: C. FL   “Orange Democrats eye Board of County Commissioners sweep” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County Democrats are aiming for a sweep of the expanded County Commission after the Primary Election set up several November contests. Democrats hold 39% of county voter registrations, compared with 28% for Republicans, and party leaders are lining up behind mayoral candidate Tiffany Moore Russell and Commission candidates Kamia Brown, Johanna Lopez, Patricia Rumph and Vic Torres. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost says Democrats will bring fundraising, canvassing and volunteers to the races. Republicans see an opening around taxes and spending, particularly Amendment 3. GOP mayoral candidate Chris Messina and party leaders contend that property tax relief provides a potent contrast as affordability dominates voters’ concerns heading into November. Tiffany Moore Russell leads Orange Democrats into November with a County Commission sweep in sight. ”Orange County’s School Board race showed this community’s values” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — A few weeks ago, Alicia Farrant — a Moms for Liberty School Board member who promoted book bans and culture wars — said if her campaign to lead the Board was successful, it would show that “God always gets the victory.” Farrant lost her race for Orange County School Board Chair in a 60-40 landslide. Veteran School Board Member Angie Gallo not only defeated Farrant by nearly 20 percentage points, but Orange County voters also rejected two other candidates who had been championed by a group that promotes discord in the name of supposedly combating “wokeness.” I believe this particular race was a defining moment for this community. “Deputies in Orange County cracking down on slow drivers in left lane” via Michelle Spitzer of USA Today Network — While driving too slowly on any Florida highway could result in a citation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media that its deputies are on the lookout for drivers holding up traffic. “The left lane is for passing only, not camping out,” one deputy said to a motorist he pulled over in a video posted on social media. The post stated that deputies often hear about these lollygagging left-lane drivers, and they are reminding motorists that they will enforce the state law. “Most people don’t realize that OCSO deputies enforce Florida’s left lane law,” according to the Sheriff’s office. “During stops like these, deputies explain why cruising in the left lane is not just frustrating for other drivers — but dangerous for everyone. The left lane is for passing. Drivers who impede traffic can and do receive citations.” ”Brightline records its first pedestrian death in Orange County” via Silas Morgan of Orlando Sentinel — Brightline’s Orange County extension — the safest portion of what has been called the country’s deadliest passenger train line — has finally suffered its first pedestrian death. A 19-year-old man from East Orlando was killed July 28 in a collision with the high-speed train along the company’s private tracks near the interchange of State Road 528 and the Central Florida GreenWay. Police records don’t mention exactly how the young man got onto the track. The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the man’s death a suicide. When the Sentinel conducted its analysis last year, using federal data on Brightline train collisions from 2018 through September 2025, Orange County was the only one of the eight counties through which Brightline runs that had zero fatalities. ”Volusia County leaders pursue permanent data center ban” via Ashley Engle of Bay News 9 — Volusia County leaders are pursuing a permanent ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, a move aimed at stopping the facilities from being built in rural parts of the county. County officials decided to pursue a permanent ban rather than a temporary moratorium. The county said that new applications for large-scale data centers will not be accepted in unincorporated areas while the proposed ban moves through the process. County officials cited several concerns related to large-scale data centers, including electricity and water use, noise, infrastructure, cooling systems and backup generators. Dan Myers, a computer science professor at Rollins College, said electricity use is one of the more significant impacts of data centers. “We’re now in the process of the biggest infrastructure build-out since the 1990s. These things are going up in a lot of places that previously did not have buildings of these types,” Myers said. ”UCF gives sneak peek to massive, $90 million Roth Tower expansion” via Matt Murschel of Orlando Sentinel — When Terry Mohajir arrived at the University of Central Florida to become the school’s next athletic director in 2021, he brought with him an ambitious plan to reinvent many of the athletic facilities. That vision included a football campus anchored by a modernized Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium. After campaigning and securing $90 million in funding from Orange County’s tourist development tax in October 2023, UCF broke ground on an ambitious project to expand Roth Tower in December 2024. Officials, boosters and donors got a sneak peek of the revamped venue ahead of the venue’s debut on Sept. 3, when UCF opens the 2026 football season by hosting Bethune-Cookman.

Local: TB   🗳️— Ken Welch only won precincts in Black neighborhoods: A Tampa Bay Times number crunch of precinct-by-precinct data found incumbent Mayor Welch winning just four precincts that are not majority- or plurality-Black, including only two north of Central Avenue. In 70% of the city’s precincts, Welch fared no better than third place. Former Gov. Charlie Crist, meanwhile, fared no worse than second place in any of the city’s 84 precincts. See the breakdown here. Ken Welch’s precinct map tells a rough story: his remaining strength is concentrated in Black neighborhoods. ”Nancy Bostock narrowly edges out Amanda Lord for Pinellas School Board after two recounts” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — At one point, the race was separated by just two votes. Bostock has narrowly defeated Lord for a seat on the Pinellas County School Board, a result that comes nearly three full days after Election Day. The results are final after the Pinellas County canvassing board conducted machine and manual recounts and tabulated the remaining mail, provisional, and cured ballots. Bostock will replace outgoing School Board Member Stephanie Meyer, who decided not to seek re-election. The race narrowed dramatically from an initial nearly 1,000-vote lead for Lord on Election Night to a final margin of just seven votes. ”Inside the Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal: From broad strokes to binding terms” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The final package reduces Tampa’s direct contribution, spells out Hillsborough’s funding sources and shifts more construction risk to the team. Hundreds of pages of definitive agreements put legal terms behind the roughly $2.36 billion ballpark project, cutting the direct local public contribution by $100 million and replacing a controversial Community Redevelopment Area contribution with a new financing structure tied to future development around the stadium. The documents also put firmer protections around that public investment: the Rays would cover cost overruns and design or construction defects, and the team must demonstrate that its own financing is available before taxpayer dollars can be released. “Rays stadium deal faces its moment of truth” via John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times — After decades of failed plans, Tampa Bay Rays fans may finally be two votes away from a permanent home. The proposed $2.3 billion Tampa stadium needs approval from Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission, with more than $900 million in combined public funding expected. But narrow votes could still derail everything. CEO Ken Babby says the new ownership group gave Tampa exclusivity through Sept. 1 because staying in Tampa Bay is the goal. Failure could reopen conversations with Orlando, Raleigh, Nashville and other cities. Fan skepticism is understandable after years of abandoned proposals, but new ownership and a Hillsborough College site have created a credible path forward. Tampa Bay has another chance to finally get to yes.

Local: N. FL   “Tallahassee progressives have ‘great night’ but moderates may strike back” via Jess Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Progressive Democrats hoping to make gains at City Hall had one of their best showings ever in the Aug. 18 Primary, with City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow taking the top spot in the Mayor’s race, PJ Perez placing first in the Seat 3 contest and former City Commissioner Dot Inman-Johnson making the runoff for Seat 5. But the big question remains whether that support will hold in November, when tens of thousands more voters will show up at the polls to cast ballots in partisan races. The progressives were not able to translate Primary victories into General Election wins in 2022, when Mayor John Dailey lost to Kristin Dozier in August, only to win in November, or in 2024, when a similar scenario played out with Inman-Johnson and City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, who ultimately won. Jeremy Matlow and Tallahassee progressives had a great Primary night. November is when they’ll really get to know each other. “Here are the candidates who could be Tallahassee’s next City Manager” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — The headhunting firm hired to help search for Tallahassee’s next City Manager has narrowed its recommendations to two out-of-state candidates and one of Tallahassee’s own. City Manager Reese Goad announced his plan to retire in April and will remain at the helm of the city until Sept. 30 or until his successor is appointed, whichever comes first. The timing of the change has generated pushback, as Commissioners and community members have debated whether a new manager should be appointed before or after the November election — a key one for City Hall. “Pensacola mayoral race cost an average of $19.23 per vote” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — A vote in the Pensacola mayoral race cost an average of $19.23 in the Aug. 18 Primary. Among the six mayoral candidates, the campaigns’ total combined spending was $175,408. The number rises to $227,697 once political committee spending is included. While it may seem like an eye-popping amount for a $134,000-a-year job, the number is in line with previous mayoral campaigns. D.C. Reeves won re-election in the Aug. 18 election, where 7,483 votes were enough to give him a 53.3% share of the total votes. “Jacksonville school cancels football season after shooting near game” via Clayton Freeman of The Florida Times-Union — Young Kids in Motion Academy announced Aug. 22 that it is canceling the remainder of its high school football season one week into the 2026 campaign. The cancellation came fewer than 24 hours after a double shooting near the site of YKIM’s Aug. 21 football season opener against Joshua Christian at The Legends Center and Gymnasium on Jacksonville’s Northside. That incident left a 19-year-old woman with a gunshot wound to the leg and a 20-year-old man with a wound to the shoulder. Both were hospitalized in stable condition. Police were seeking two men in connection with the shooting. The school did not, however, specify that the cancellation resulted from the shooting, attributing the decision to “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.”

Local: SW. FL   ”Sarasota School Board flips to liberal majority after years of conservative control” via Alice Herman of the Suncoast Searchlight — The next Sarasota County School Board will see a liberal-leaning majority take control after voters rejected the conservative policies and culture wars that for years dominated the Board. Megan Tennimon and Beth Mayberry, the more progressive candidates in their respective nonpartisan races, went on to win their seats by more than 10 percentage points against candidates endorsed by the Republican Party. With School Board members Tom Edwards and Liz Barker, progressive officials will command control of the five-member Board for at least the next two years. The third School Board race for a seat representing District 1 will head to a runoff between Heidi Brandt, endorsed by the Republican Party of Sarasota County, and Jimmy Glover, supported by the Sarasota County Democratic Party. “That’s the main focus,” Mayberry said. Beth Mayberry and Megan Tennimon move from Primary night into Sarasota County’s November political calculus. ”Manatee County Commission races: Who’s moving on to the November election” via Summer Smith of WWSB — Elizabeth “Liz” Arnold finished first with 27.96% of the vote, or 3,401 votes. Arnold now advances to the Nov. 3 General Election, where she will face Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki and write-in candidate Jack May. Incumbent Amanda Ballard won the Republican Primary with 67.45% of the vote, or 3,036 votes. Ballard advances to the Nov. 3 General Election, where she will face Democrat Charles B. Smith Sr. Incumbent Mike Rahn won the Republican Primary with 67.47% of the vote, or 4,055 votes. Rahn advances to the General Election, where he will face write-in candidate Allison S. Sneed. Tara Poulton finished first with 38.27% of the vote, or 16,328 votes. Poulton advances to the Nov. 3 General Election, where she will face Democrat Reggie J. Bellamy. “Plane from Fort Myers crashes into waters near Boca Raton; no injuries reported” via Layza Pinero Resto and Sarah Mankowitz of Gulf Coast News — A small plane that took off from Page Field in Fort Myers crashed in the Atlantic Ocean near the east coast of Florida. The Airport Authority said that there was one person on board when the crash occurred, the pilot, and that they were rescued by Boca Raton Ocean Rescue. An emergency was declared en route to the plane’s destination, according to the Airport Authority, and the plane was cleared to land at South Bimini Airport in the Bahamas before landing in the ocean near 250 South Ocean Boulevard.

Top opinion   “Is GOP surge in Florida Primary turnout concern for Dems?” via John Pacenti of the USA Today Network-Florida — Florida Democrats saw a favorable political landscape heading into the 2026 Primary. Trump is at record-low approval numbers. Special Elections this year indicated a throw-the-bums-out disposition among the electorate. And yet, based on the Primary turnout numbers, the state party came up short. Republicans ended up with a 437,723-vote advantage when the dust settled. Overall turnout was down 0.8% from the 2022 Midterm. Republicans outperformed Democrats in 58 of 67 counties. But one analyst said the numbers can be deceiving and that Democrats held their ground against the GOP. One reason for the possible lack of enthusiasm for Dems is that the party didn’t really have any competitive, high-profile races. On the other hand, even though the GOP gubernatorial race was well in hand for U.S. Rep. Donalds, it also fielded well-known politicians: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and conservative firebrand James Fishback, who attracted a lot of young voters. “I think the Republicans tend to outsmart the Democrats a lot of the time,” Miami political and data analyst Vanessa Brito said. “They were really strategic about who they put on the ticket. They pushed out different pockets of their electorate.” All of this can translate into votes come the November General Election, Brito said. “That’s how you prime your base for the general,” Brito said. “Because you always know the people who come out for the Primary will almost always come out in the general, and that’s the big mistake Democrats make. They want to have their candidates kind of chosen ahead of time, but don’t do the work to prime their electorate.” It wasn’t all bad news for Dems, Brito added. They overperformed by nearly 6.5% in vote-by-mail ballots relative to their share of registered voters. “If they can increase that efficiency for November, they may be able to win some races,” she said.

More opinions   “After Amendment 3 — protect counties. Let some cities go.” via Jeff Brandes for Florida Politics — Amendment 3 could force Florida to confront what happens when municipalities can no longer afford to operate. Counties must be protected because they provide the governmental backstop when cities fail, but struggling municipalities shouldn’t automatically receive indefinite state subsidies. Florida instead needs an orderly process for cities that become financially unsustainable. Lawmakers should make shared services easier to manage, modernize dissolution laws, and establish procedures for transferring assets, liabilities, debts, employees, and services. Temporary state assistance should finance transitions, not prolong decline. A municipality can disappear without destroying its community; residents still need roads, firefighters and other services regardless of which government provides them. The real danger is waiting until years of deterioration leave county taxpayers with the bill. “Florida won’t defeat socialism with a history lesson” via Nick Weston for Florida Politics — Florida just nominated a self-described democratic socialist for the U.S. Senate, and dismissing Nixon’s victory with lectures about socialism’s failures misses the lesson. Nixon won by speaking directly to an affordability crisis that is squeezing families on housing, groceries and insurance. Her solutions — rent freezes, government-run childcare, Medicare for All, free college and debt cancellation — would create scarcity rather than prosperity. But defending free markets isn’t enough when families can’t afford homes or build secure futures. Florida needs an alternative that produces tangible results: more housing supply, faster permitting, expanded child tax credits, apprenticeships, trade schools and incentives for employers to create good-paying jobs. Socialism loses when the American dream becomes attainable again. ”Florida voters are as unpredictable as the state itself” via Stephanie Hayes of Tampa Bay Times — Pundits shouldn’t be surprised at the state’s Primary results. Florida has always changed personalities every few hundred feet; it is not one opinion, not one vibe, not one leathery-skinned meme, but a six-lane highway of contradictions. Florida is now a red state, and Republican registrations have grown under DeSantis. But remember that Florida has been gerrymandered to within an inch of its natural life, and blood-red maps are not necessarily an indicator of what everyday folks care about. Even while decisively electing Trump, a majority of Florida voters supported amendments at odds with his platform: legalizing recreational marijuana and protecting abortion rights. “Tampa Electric CEO: ‘The facts matter’ on rates, reliability” via Archie Collins for the Tampa Bay Times — Tampa Electric is delivering reliable power while working to keep customer costs under control. Residential rates dropped 11% to 12% after the storm recovery charge ended and are about 20% below the national average. Reliability stands at 99.98%, with outages shorter and less frequent since 2021, while 55% of distribution lines are underground. More than 1,250 megawatts of solar capacity have saved customers about $430 million in fuel costs since 2017, but natural gas remains necessary for dependable around-the-clock generation. The Big Bend modernization should save roughly $700 million over its lifetime. Customers facing financial difficulties also have access to assistance, payment arrangements, energy audits and Budget Billing. “Timely mental healthcare can save Florida veterans’ lives” via William Huff for Florida Politics — As suicidal thoughts among veterans rise each passing year, there has never been a more important time to ensure our nation’s veterans can access the mental healthcare they need, when they need it. When mental healthcare falls short, it isn’t only those who served who suffer. Spouses, children, parents and loved ones carry that burden too. No veteran should have to walk this path alone, and their families should never have to wonder whether the system meant to catch them will continue to fail to show up on time. Congress has a critical opportunity to close this gap by passing the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act this Fall.

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Aloe   ”Tampa Bay author Matt Lettelleir dives into St. Pete’s hospitality” via Neha Seenarine of Tampa Bay Times — “The Open Door” shares a glimpse of running the city’s oldest hotels. St. Petersburg wasn’t always the city that we know today; it was once known as a retirement destination with a sleepy downtown, an empty waterfront and a sparse arts scene. That’s what Lettelleir recalls in his upcoming book, “The Open Door,” which dives into the art of hospitality. Lettelleir writes about how his grandfather, Sam Bond, along with Sam’s brothers Bill and Nin, ran several of the city’s classic old hotels from the 1930s to the 1950s: the Ponce de Leon, the Princess Martha, the Pennsylvania and the Bond. Matt Lettelleir opens the door to St. Petersburg’s hotel history and a family legacy in hospitality. “China abruptly postpones ambitious lunar mission” via The Associated Press — China said on Sunday it was postponing its planned ambitious Chang’e-7 lunar mission, which was set to carry out explorations including searching for water ice on the moon. The Chang’e-7 spacecraft was originally set to lift off in the coming days from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on China’s southern Hainan island. The mission does not meet the launch conditions, said the China Manned Space Agency in a brief statement, and “cannot take place during the planned window this year.” The decision was made following a “comprehensive assessment,” the agency added, and was based on the principles of “prudence, reliability and absolute mission success.” It did not further elaborate on the reasons behind the decision. Preparations have been conducted at the Wenchang launch site for the Chang’e-7 mission, the seventh in the Chang’e moon exploration program, over the past weeks. It aimed at making breakthroughs in key technologies.

Happy birthday   Celebrating today are former Sen. Rob Bradley, Chair of the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board; former state Rep. Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; former state Rep. Leslie Waters, Mayor of Seminole; President and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors’ Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Steve Cona, Andrea Reilly, retired journalist Fred Grimm, Troy Kinsey, and Kim McDougal, Senior Adviser at Arrow Group. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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