Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.20.26 — Burnin’ today: Book, Amendment 3, Uthmeier, DeSantis, Jolly, Donalds, Nixon & Primetime

Before your second cup of joe — grab Florida's first read of politics and policy ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Thursday morning. Ron Book gets paid to persuade Legislators. His fellow lawyers didn't need the pitch. The Hollywood-based lawyer-lobbyist, founder, President and CEO of Ronald L. Book, P.A., has been named to the 33rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations Practice, one of the profession's oldest peer-reviewed honors. The nod comes days after Book was announced as an inaugural 2026 Miami Titan 100 honoree, a distinction reserved for the region's top CEOs and C-suite executives. Ron Book adds another honor to a résumé already running out of shelf space. "I've been fortunate to spend my career doing work that I love alongside extraordinary clients, colleagues, and friends," Book said. "To be recognized by the legal profession and the business community in these ways is an honor I don't take lightly. I'm grateful for the trust so many people have placed in me over the years, and I remain committed to delivering the results and advocacy they deserve." There is no application for Best Lawyers and no fee. The rankings rest on a peer-review process that has been in place for more than 40 years, in which leading attorneys confidentially evaluate the competition. Roughly 5% of practicing U.S. lawyers make any given edition. The inaugural Miami Titan 100 class spans real estate, healthcare, construction, IT, financial services and nonprofits. Per the program, honorees' companies collectively generate more than $45 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 156,000 people across South Florida and beyond. Book collects that hardware at the Nov. 19 awards event at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, whose permanent exhibits cover sharks and hurricanes. For one night, the collection gains a third force of nature. ___ The planners are worried — Professionals whose job is managing Florida's growth say Amendment 3 could take away the money that makes it possible. The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association is raising concerns through a new campaign, What's at Stake, warning that the property tax amendment would leave communities with fewer resources to manage growth and protect quality of life. Florida welcomes nearly half a million new residents a year, APA Florida notes, and it's local planning — funded in large part by the property tax base Amendment 3 would shrink — that keeps pace with them: safer roads, shorter commutes, reliable emergency response, parks and neighborhood spaces, protection of natural resources, and disaster resilience. Amendment 3 promises property tax relief, but planners warn local budgets could hit a few potholes. "As proposed, Amendment 3 would significantly reduce a source of local revenue without identifying a sustainable replacement to fund infrastructure, public services, and responsible growth," the group said in its position statement. APA Florida isn't calling for an outright "no" vote. But it won't get to "yes" without a plan for what comes next: "Until a comprehensive tax plan is established that ensures local governments have the required funding to meet the needs of their communities today and in the future, APA Florida cannot support the amendment in its current form." The planners have numbers on their side. The Revenue Estimating Conference, via the House's final bill analysis, pegs the hit to local non-school property tax revenue at $4.95 billion in fiscal year 2027-28, rising to $11.86 billion in recurring revenue. Amendment 3 would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 next year and $250,000 in 2028. It needs 60% approval in November — and one more professional association keeping its distance along the way. ___ There’s a lesson here somewhere for anyone who has ever won a lawsuit and then wished they hadn’t. Opponents of the above-mentioned Amendment 3 went to court arguing that the Legislature’s ballot language read less like a description and more like a campaign flyer. A Leon County judge agreed. Attorney General James Uthmeier was handed the red pen and told to try again, this time in something resembling plain English. New numbers from Sachs Media suggest the challengers may have just done the amendment a favor. Amendment 3 gets a red-pen rewrite, and voters appear to like the cleaner copy. The firm’s Breakthrough Research division surveyed 800 Florida voters on Aug. 18, splitting the sample between the original and rewritten language. The Legislature’s version — “Save Our Homes” and all that protecting-small-businesses garnish — drew exactly 60% support, the threshold needed to pass. Uthmeier’s plainer version? Sixty-five percent. Overall support sits at 63%, essentially where it’s been all Summer. But the movement underneath is more interesting: Nonpartisans jump from 63% to 71%, while Democrats climb from 36% to 42%. Republicans slip from 89% to 86%. In plain language: The summary written to persuade did its worst work among the people who still needed persuading. Karen Cyphers of Sachs Media cautions that the five-point gap remains within the margin of error, but the political significance is worth watching.

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: —@KKlondik: Crystal Ball Senate rating change FL-SEN moves from Likely R to Safe R after Angie Nixon upsets Alexander Vindman in the Dem Primary. Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@SLRoss528: @j_fishback is a fraud. He proved to be a fraud, and not one poll he pitched was remotely close. To the people who propped him up with his dangerous rhetoric, like @ChristinaPushaw, you made the world less safe for kids like mine. You should be ashamed. —@VoteRandyFine: I wasn’t running against a political opponent in my Primary. I was running against pure evil. And last night, after they spent millions against me, I kicked Nazi Dan Bilzerian’s butt. Hope the Hammer tasted good. —@JaredEMoskowitz: I want to thank the voters of District 25 for continuing to have the faith in me to deliver results for Florida. I want to thank my wife and kids, who I have spent a lot of time away from. My dad died of cancer 4 years ago. He would have enjoyed all of this. I miss him. Onward! —@SpencerPratt: Wait. How did Florida count all their votes already? I was reliably informed democracy takes 5 weeks.

Days until   ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 8; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 12; NFL regular season kicks off — 20; Republican National Midterm Convention — 20; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 21; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 22; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 26; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 30; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 31; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 35; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 42; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 43; General Election voter registration deadline — 46; ‘The Social Reckoning,’ with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 50; ‘VisionQuest’ premieres — 55; Optional General early voting begins — 60; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 62; General Election ballot request deadline — 63; Mandatory General early voting begins — 65; General Election — 75; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 78; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 78; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 83; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,’ starring Johnny Depp, premieres — 85; ‘Paper Tiger,’ starring Adam Driver, premieres — 85; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America,’ releases — 89; New legislator training sessions — 89; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 89; ‘Madden’ premieres on Prime Video — 90; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 92; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 97; Committee Week #1 — 102; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 120; ‘Dune: Part Three,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 120; Committee Week #2 — 137; Committee Week #3 — 144; ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 premieres — 153; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 158; Committee Week #4 — 165; Grammys — 171; Committee Week #5 — 172; Super Bowl LXI — 178; Committee Week #6 — 179; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 194; Tampa Mayoral Election — 194; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan, premieres — 197; Oscars — 206; Jacksonville First Election — 215; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener vs. New York Mets — 217; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener vs. Baltimore Orioles — 217; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 237; Jacksonville General Election — 271; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 281; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 289; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 330; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 351; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 351; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 386; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 484; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 520; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 522; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 530; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 537; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 544; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 547; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 551; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 558; Oscars — 563; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 624; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 645; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 666; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 694; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 708; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 810; ‘Black Panther 3,’ directed by Ryan Coogler, premieres — 848; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 886; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,210; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,250; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,941.

Top story   “With Primary over, Florida voters face consequential property tax choice” via John Kennedy of the USA Today Network — Florida voters will decide in November whether to approve Amendment 3, a sweeping property tax proposal that would sharply expand the homestead exemption while potentially reshaping local government finances. The constitutional amendment needs 60% approval, a threshold polling suggests remains within reach. The measure would raise Florida’s $50,000 homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, excluding school taxes. Homeowners must have lived in Florida for five years to qualify. Non-homestead assessment increases would be capped at 5%, down from 10%. Ron DeSantis keeps property tax relief front and center, with Amendment 3 now in voters’ hands. Outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis, who once pushed for eliminating most property taxes on primary residences, now supports the Legislature’s proposal. After opponents challenged its original ballot language, Attorney General Uthmeier rewrote the title and summary to remove language a judge deemed misleading. State economists estimate cities and counties could lose $5 billion next year and almost $12 billion by 2031. Police, firefighters, and local governments warn that shrinking revenue could lead to service cuts, new fees, or higher tax burdens on businesses and rental properties. Supporters counter that property tax collections surged as home values climbed. Florida TaxWatch says collections reached $55 billion in 2024, double the total a decade earlier. Shelton Weeks of Florida Gulf Coast University says the amendment could fundamentally change local government operations. Polling shows voters’ understanding may determine the outcome. A University of North Florida survey found that support fell from 61% to 45% after respondents learned about budget effects; a James Madison Institute poll showed a similar decline. With 60% required, November’s decision remains consequential.

2026   “David Jolly launches General Election with ‘Broken’ politics pitch” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Jolly is opening the General Election with a seven-figure ad campaign portraying himself as the candidate who can repair Florida’s political divisions. The Democratic nominee’s “Broken” spot features Jolly speaking from his front yard about housing, healthcare, food, gas, schools, crime and data centers before asking voters for support. The initial $1 million broadcast and digital buy comes as Republican Byron Donalds works to define Jolly as outside Florida’s mainstream, including through an ad highlighting his LGBTQ+ advocacy. Mark Riddle, Jolly’s senior adviser, says the campaign enters the General Election with momentum and points to an internal Democratic poll showing Jolly narrowly ahead, fueled by Republican crossover support. To watch the ad, please click the image below: David Jolly takes the General Election pitch straight to voters in his first TV ad. —"Jolly, Angie Nixon share the top of the Florida Democratic ticket. Can they co-exist?" via Churchill Ndonwie of the Miami Herald —"Seven takeaways: Democratic socialists win big statewide with Nixon, but fail to unseat South Florida incumbents" via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun Sentinel —"Who is Nixon, the Jacksonville DSA candidate challenging Ashley Moody?" via Amanda Rosa of the Miami Herald “Ron DeSantis mocks Nixon, stays cautious on Byron Donalds” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis is weighing in on Florida’s post-Primary landscape, mocking Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Nixon as a “socialist” while reserving judgment about Republican gubernatorial nominee Donalds. Nixon scored Tuesday’s biggest upset by defeating Vindman and now faces Republican U.S. Sen. Moody in November. DeSantis used his first post-Primary comments to emphasize the ideological contrast in that race. His assessment of Donalds was more restrained, declining to predict what kind of Governor the Republican nominee would be. Donalds won a competitive GOP Primary and now faces Democrat Jolly. DeSantis, whose second term ends in January, has frequently clashed with Donalds despite their shared Republican politics. "Dems scramble to regroup after Nixon upset" via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Progressive Nixon's stunning upset in Florida's Senate race has many Democrats in the state spiraling. The Jacksonville lawmaker's Primary victory on Tuesday night over retired Vindman jolted a state that few thought would hold any surprises. But it also rattled Democrats, who worry about her chances against GOP Sen. Moody in a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2012. They're concerned about Nixon's ability to team up with other candidates and fundraise for down-ballot hopefuls — as Vindman appeared poised to do with his "resistance movement," President Donald Trump-impeachment-era fundraising network. They're also worried about her more contentious positions, including her decision to join the Democratic Socialists of America in June, in a state where Republicans have 1.5 million more registered voters than Democrats. Angie Nixon turns a low-budget Primary campaign into Florida Democrats’ biggest Election Night surprise. “The James Fishback campaign has ended. What about the movement behind it?” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix — Fishback’s Election Night watch party at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore was dominated by young White men, the demographic that responded most enthusiastically to his unconventional, anti-establishment campaign. Jake Hoffman, executive director of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans, attributed Fishback’s appeal to the fact that Americans, and not just Republicans, “are still searching for disruptive candidates that give a middle finger to the political establishment.” Like several people the Phoenix spoke to Tuesday night, 20-year-old Corey Griffore said he won’t vote for Donalds and may in fact vote for Jolly in November. “The reason being, if we always just blanket vote for who our party puts up front, well then how are we going to get real change?” he said. Happening today — U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Democratic CFO nominee Annette Taddeo, Attorney General nominee José Javier Rodríguez and other Democratic candidates and elected officials will attend the opening of the LGBTQ+ Get Out The Vote Center. 4 p.m., 2000 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors.

More elections   "M3 Strategies feels lift after successful exit polling in Primary" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — For pollster Matthew Podgorski, success in Florida's Primary wasn't based on which candidates won, but on how closely he called margins. M3 Strategies nailed outcomes in Republican Primaries for Florida's 2nd and 16th Congressional Districts. In the 19th Congressional District, the firm wrongly predicted that Catalina Lauf would best Jim Schwartzel for the GOP nomination, a race Schwartzel ultimately won. But M3 accurately predicted Lauf would win Election Day votes and said Schwartzel's chances would hinge on the early vote. Considering all the polls had a 3.4-percentage-point margin of error, the final results all show a win for M3. "That's where the science meets art," Podgorski said. Jim Schwartzel and Catalina Lauf give pollsters another reminder that Election Day grades the homework. "DeSantis endorses Ryan Elijah, citing trust earned as a local broadcast journalist" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — DeSantis offered his support for Elijah a day after the Sanford Republican defeated U.S. Rep. Cory Mills in a GOP Primary. He cited Elijah's broadcast career and the trust voters place in local journalists. The rapid endorsement of Elijah came after DeSantis publicly refused to back Mills as he seeks a third term. The Governor noted that First Lady Casey DeSantis worked in local news in Northeast Florida before his own election to Congress in 2012. He said voters certainly should trust Elijah. "A lot of the national media isn't trusted, but people still do like a lot of their local people, because they're not, I don't think, as agenda-driven as the D.C. and New York reporters are," DeSantis said. “Cory Mills threatens scorched-earth exit after crushing Primary loss” via Marianna Sotomayor of Puck — Mills may not leave Congress quietly after losing his Republican Primary by more than 13 points. Two fellow lawmakers say Mills privately threatened Republican leaders and Trump administration officials that he would tank the party’s agenda if they opposed him before the Primary — and do the same if he lost. Trump now says he had urged Mills to quit the race, though he didn’t publicly oppose him before Election Day. Mills has denied allegations against him, including accusations of domestic abuse. Republican leadership aides aren’t dismissing the possibility of defections, though September may offer few consequential party-line votes. One lawmaker predicts Mills “will try to burn the House down on his way out.” “Mike Haridopolos helped engineer Mills’ Primary downfall” via Reese Gorman of NOTUS — Haridopolos quietly worked to defeat fellow Republican Mills, believing the scandal-plagued Congressman threatened the GOP’s chances of holding CD 7. Haridopolos recruited former television anchor Elijah, alerted House leaders to his plans and sought support within Florida’s congressional delegation. Anna Paulina Luna ultimately joined him publicly. Mills faced allegations involving sexual misconduct and domestic violence, questions about his military record and campaign finance issues, with House Ethics and Justice Department investigations pending. Despite GOP leadership and White House support for Mills, Elijah won by 13 points. Haridopolos says replacing Mills leaves Republicans better positioned to defend the R+5 District without spending millions against Democratic nominee Bale Dalton. Anna Paulina Luna, Mike Haridopolos and Ryan Elijah prove congressional Primaries can make interesting alliances. “Jared Moskowitz dunks on the DSA” via Will Steakin, Adam Wren and Dasha Burns of POLITICO — “Florida is known for hurricanes,” he told Playbook moments after dispatching Oliver Larkin by nearly 30 points, “and so the DSA is a disaster area in Florida — and there’s no federal reimbursement coming to help these people.” The pro-Israel Dem, typically quick to respond to critics, ignored Larkin’s attacks and the DSA chatter around the race in the run-up to Tuesday, betting that engaging his little-known challenger would only give him oxygen. Now Moskowitz plans to seize the role of chief counterweight among House Democrats and make his former challenger the first of many targets.

Even more elections   “Florida House incumbents run the table in Primary contests” via Jim Turner of the News Service of Florida — All 16 Florida House incumbents facing Primary challengers survived Tuesday, sending most legislative races toward the General Election. Mike Redondo, in line to become House Speaker in 2030, easily dispatched Marco Insua, while 12 other Republican incumbents also advanced. Democratic Reps. Kim Daniels, Jose Alvarez and Mitch Rosenwald likewise prevailed, with Daniels and Rosenwald among three incumbents already assured of returning because they lack November opponents. Elsewhere, Fentrice Driskell defeated Michele Rayner for an open Senate seat and will advance unopposed, while James Buchanan won the Republican Primary for Joe Gruters’ seat. House Speaker-designate Sam Garrison says Republicans will campaign aggressively across the state over the next 11 weeks. “John Lowndes wins Democratic Primary in SD 10, turns attention to Jason Brodeur” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Lowndes won resoundingly in the Senate District 10 Democratic Primary, setting up an intriguing matchup in November as he challenges incumbent Sen. Brodeur. Lowndes, the current Maitland Mayor, dominated Tuesday's election, capturing 71% of the vote over H. Alexander Duncan. “Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, donated, and believed in this campaign,” Lowndes said on social media after his victory. “Now, let’s get to work and flip SD 10 blue in November!” Duncan did little fundraising this cycle. He ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in 2020, where he made controversial remarks promoting guns for Black Floridians. John Lowndes wins the Democratic SD 10 Primary and now gets the harder assignment: Jason Brodeur. —“Jacquelyn Randall beats out 4 opponents to win HD 21 Primary” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics “With no GOP challenger, Mitch Rosenwald re-elected to HD 98 after winning Dem Primary” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Oakland Park Rep. Rosenwald won a second term in House District 98 on Tuesday, turning back fellow Democrat Keith Abel for the second consecutive time in a Primary open to every voter in the District. The Oakland Park Democrat took 56.55% of the vote and won by a 2,439-ballot margin. Because no Republican or third-party candidate filed, the contest was run as a universal Primary, and the seat was settled outright. It was the only Broward partisan race this cycle in which party registration didn’t govern who could participate. Rosenwald teaches social work at Barry University, where he directs doctoral studies. Before the House, he spent four years on the Oakland Park City Commission, rising to Mayor. “Mike Friend, Mery Lopez-Palma advance to HD 102 showdown” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Friend and Lopez-Palma won their respective Primaries and will square off in November for the open HD 102 seat. Friend, a Davie dentist, defeated Gen Z political organizer Jayden D’Onofrio for the Democratic nomination after campaigning on affordability, healthcare and pragmatic leadership. Lopez-Palma, an attorney, prevailed in the Republican contest over Jason Smith. The winner will succeed Democratic Rep. Michael Gottlieb, who is leaving the Broward County-based District. Friend entered the Primary with endorsements from several Democratic officials and organizations, while Lopez-Palma had established herself as a strong Republican fundraiser. Their General Election matchup will determine whether Democrats retain the seat or Republicans add it to their South Florida targets. "Mike Redondo thumps Primary foe, advances to HD 118 General Election against cash-strapped Dem" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Rep. Redondo dispatched his Primary challenger by nearly 70 percentage points Tuesday, clearing the way for a General Election race he is heavily favored to win. The future Speaker took close to 85% of the vote in House District 118 over educator Marco Insua. Redondo now faces Democrat Armando "A.C." Castillo in the Nov. 3 General Election. Beyond enjoying the advantage of incumbency and $29,000 worth of staffing support from the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee, he has raised $2.45 million this cycle through his campaign account and political committee. Insua, meanwhile, raised $8,100, all but $100 of it self-loans, of which he spent $6,000. Happening tonight: and

Statewide   “Wildlife agency says these messages justify searching people’s private info. Do they?” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — In defense of searching the personal data of outspoken environmentalists, Florida’s wildlife agency on July 24 provided reporters with a list of threats made on social media against regulators and hunters. “Whoever came up with this plan should be shot,” wrote one user in an undated post on an unknown platform. “I would shoot him,” wrote another. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had redacted the usernames of the online commenters, but agency officials said the violent threats were a reason why staffers used a state database to search sensitive personal data of more than two dozen environmental critics under the label of a criminal investigation. “Taking threats seriously is common sense and requires preparedness and planning,” the agency said. Black bear hunt protesters keep pressure on FWC while questions grow over the agency’s database searches. “Leesburg woman convicted of stealing $350K from elderly victim” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Attorney General Uthmeier announced the conviction of a Leesburg woman accused of exploiting an elderly victim for roughly $350,000 and using the money to purchase property. Kathleen “Kathy” Horne was found guilty of exploitation of an elderly person involving $50,000 or more following an investigation and prosecution by state authorities. Prosecutors said Horne gained the victim’s trust and access to her finances before diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars for her own benefit. Uthmeier said the conviction sends a message that Florida will aggressively pursue people who prey on vulnerable seniors. Horne now faces sentencing for the first-degree felony, with restitution and other penalties potentially following the conviction.

D.C. matters   "Iran's gutted ranks leave loyalists filling critical posts — with one glaring problem," via Efrat Lachter of Fox News — Iran is rebuilding the upper ranks of its military and security establishment after months of wartime losses by turning largely to familiar veterans — figures whose careers in some cases stretch back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War and previous domestic crackdowns. The appointments follow the deaths of several senior Iranian commanders in U.S.-Israeli strikes since the war began Feb. 28, The National reported Aug. 11. Former American prisoner Morad Tahbaz, who was detained in Iran in 2018 and freed in a U.S.-Iran prisoner exchange in September 2023, said he views the latest appointments as evidence of Tehran's continued dependence on longtime loyalists. "They keep rotating the same old people, most of whom are fairly inept but are loyal to the Khamenei father and son," Tahbaz told Fox News Digital. “Kim Jong-un’s sister casts doubt on Donald Trump’s claims of secret U.S.-North Korea talks” via Andrew Roth of The Guardian — Trump has said he is planning to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong-un later this year, though the reclusive leader’s younger sister cast doubt on their communications and dampened hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough between them. Trump, who also claimed North Korea had 57 nuclear weapons, had suggested he and Kim were holding secret negotiations on Tuesday after announcing the U.S. would downgrade its participation in military exercises held by South Korea, a U.S. ally. Asked whether Kim had responded to his request for a conversation, Trump said, “Yeah, he has.” The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Trump was pushing aides to set up an in-person meeting with Kim, potentially during a trip to Asia in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump keep the diplomatic guessing game alive. Image via The Associated Press. "Colleges sign onto Trump admin's higher education 'Call to Action'" via Lucy Marques of Tampa Bay Times — Florida became the first state to respond to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon's "Call to Action." DeSantis announced at a Tuesday roundtable event at New College of Florida that all public college and university presidents signed onto the joint statement. In a letter earlier this month, McMahon asked all university presidents and Governing Boards to address a series of questions and "describe to the American public your commitments to rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research and national service." Some free-speech groups say McMahon's letter is out of line because it asks universities to make changes that the federal government has no power to enforce. "It may not be the lightest reading, but this will give you an overview of an amazing amount of reforms done in the free state of Florida," DeSantis said. “María Elvira Salazar faces immigration squeeze in battleground CD 27” via Myah Ward, Ben Johansen and Sophia Cai of POLITICO — Salazar cruised through her Republican Primary, but immigration could complicate her General Election fight against Democrat Eliot Rodriguez. Salazar has Trump’s endorsement while distancing herself from parts of his deportation agenda, a balancing act in a District that is 70% Latino. Miami labor canvassers found working-class Latino voters describing immigration enforcement with anger and disappointment. Salazar has pressed the administration to protect immigrants who entered legally through humanitarian parole and continues promoting her bipartisan Dignity Act, which would provide work authorization and deportation protections for qualifying undocumented immigrants. She says Republicans must embrace Hispanic voters and reconsider enforcement policies that risk driving them away. "David Morens pleads guilty to concealing COVID-related records" via Rachel Carlson and Rob Stein of NPR — Dr. Morens, a former senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci during the COVID-19 pandemic, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Morens, who worked under Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was accused of concealing federal records related to coronavirus research. He was indicted in April for allegedly trying to hide email exchanges about that research by using his personal email instead of his government email. Morens, who is 78 years old, could face five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced in November. "By pleading guilty today, Dr. Morens has taken responsibility for what he did, and he will continue to do so," his legal counsel, Tim Belevetz, said.

Local: S. FL   “Suspended PBC Clerk of Courts denied bond on child abuse charges” via Shira Moolten of the Orlando Sentinel — Caruso, the suspended Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts who was arrested on child sexual abuse charges on Tuesday, made his first appearance in court on Wednesday morning. Wearing prison garb and shackles and represented by attorney Jason Weiss, he briefly appeared before Circuit Judge Donald Hafele to hear the charges. Hafele denied Caruso bail, stating that the allegations are a “no-bond matter.” Caruso will be extradited to Orange County, Florida. He is facing five felony counts related to the abuse of a young family member: kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse (mental injury). The sexual abuse began in 2024 and continued until at least August 2025. Mike Caruso appears in a booking photo after his arrest on child sexual abuse charges. ICYMI — “Cathy Higgins wins GOP Primary for HD 89 in Palm Beach County” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Lake Worth Beach Democratic Rep. Debra Tendrich now knows her November opponent: Higgins, who took two-thirds of Tuesday’s Republican Primary vote in House District 89 to clinch her spot on the General Election ballot. Higgins, a former Mayor of Atlantis, took more than 67% of the vote to defeat Jeff Buongiorno. Exactly 1,508 votes separated the candidates. Higgins grew up in the District. She was born in West Palm Beach, raised in Lake Worth and spent a dozen years on the Atlantis City Council, three of them as the city’s first woman Mayor. She and her husband, Tim, run two local businesses, she says, that employ close to 400 people, and she built a dance program at The King’s Academy. “Linda Cothiere, Katrina Wilson advance to Miami-Dade School Board runoff” via Florida Politics — Cothiere and Wilson are headed to a November runoff for the District 1 seat on the Miami-Dade County School Board after neither candidate secured enough support to win outright in Tuesday’s election. Cothiere, a teacher-turned-radio host, and Wilson, a former Miami Gardens Council member, emerged from the field and will now face each other in the General Election. The contest will determine who represents District 1 on the Board overseeing Florida’s largest School District and one of the nation’s biggest public-school systems. With the first round settled, both candidates now have roughly 11 weeks to consolidate support, sharpen their education messages and persuade voters before the Nov. 3 runoff. “Miami voters move city elections to even years, back Marine Stadium deal” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami voters cleared two city referendums, resetting the municipal election calendar and greenlighting a private operator for a derelict waterfront attraction. A proposed charter change shifting the city’s General Election and Runoff Elections to even-numbered years carried just short of 60% support — well over the simple-majority threshold required for city referendums to pass. Nothing changes for sitting officials. Commissioners representing Districts 1, 2 and 4 still go before voters in 2027, and the Mayor’s Office and Districts 3 and 5 follow in 2029. Those winners serve four years. Winners in the next round — 2031 and 2033 — get three-year terms instead, a one-time trim that counts fully against the lifetime caps voters imposed in November. That lands the seats on even-year ballots, beginning in 2034 and 2036.

Local: C. FL   “Christina Hollerbach wins contest to be Sanford’s next Mayor” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Hollerbach, whose name is synonymous in Sanford with German beer and schnitzel, clinched the mayoral race, winning with about 51% of the vote in Tuesday’s election. Hollerbach, whose family owns the popular Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in downtown Sanford, beat insurance agency owner Charles Davis, who received nearly 46% of the vote. A third candidate who dropped out before the election still received nearly 3%. “Sanford, we did it. I am incredibly honored to be your next Mayor. Thank you to every person who voted, volunteered, donated, knocked doors, shared a post, had a conversation, challenged me, believed in me, and showed up for this city,” Hollerbach wrote on social media after her victory. “I love this city. I’m ready to get to work.” Christina Hollerbach turns Sanford familiarity into a trip to City Hall after winning the mayoral race. "Sloth World Sheriff's probe finds no evidence of crimes in animal deaths" via Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp of Orlando Sentinel — The Orange County Sheriff's Office concluded its investigation into Sloth World, finding no criminal activity linked to the deaths of at least 55 sloths at the never-opened tourist attraction on International Drive. However, FWC earlier determined that a fuse trip left sloths in an unheated warehouse during Winter for at least one night, causing some deaths. Rep. Anna Eskamani, who is running for Orlando Mayor, blames state wildlife laws and argues they need to be strengthened. "Dozens of sloths were captured, shipped across the world, and died, and under Florida law as it exists today, no one is held accountable," Eskamani wrote. "That is not a failure of the investigators. It is a failure of our statutes and our rules."

Local: TB   💭 — 5 things I think I think: Former Gov. Charlie Crist wiped the floor with a slate of candidates Tuesday night in the race for St. Petersburg Mayor. Like any election, there are takeaways, analysis, and general Wednesday-morning quarterbacking. So here are five things I think about the St. Pete Mayor’s race, and one of them is a biggie. “After election loss, Kevin Batdorf backs Charlie Crist for Mayor” via Florida Politics — Batdorf, a local businessman who previously served as president of the Shore Acres Neighborhood Association, earned nearly 2,000 votes in the race, votes that are now in play for Crist. Batdorf’s vote share was more than 3%. Batdorf largely attributed his decision to back Crist to the current administration’s past storm response and what he describes as general mismanagement. “After recent hurricanes exposed the lack of planning for recovery, the current Mayor had an opportunity to step up. Instead, he said, ‘all is well, we did a great job.’ That’s what gaslighting looks like. In fact, the Mayor failed at every turn. Toxic Welch piles sat for months and services were denied! The failing infrastructure became evident,” Batdorf said. Kevin Batdorf backs Charlie Crist after exiting the St. Petersburg Mayor’s race, putting nearly 2,000 votes in play. —"What just happened? Brandi Gabbard, Jim Large defy polls" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics “Tampa Bay voters send five judges to the bench in Hillsborough, Pinellas” via Alexa Coultoff of the Tampa Bay Times — Tampa Bay voters sent five judges to the bench across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Perhaps the most closely watched race was between incumbent Pinellas Circuit Judge Elizabeth Jack and family law attorney Oxalis Garcia. Support for Garcia was fueled by unhappy litigants who sought to have Jack removed from their cases. Despite the criticism, Jack garnered support from over 100 local attorneys and public officials, raising $120,000 to fuel her campaign. “Separated by 2 votes, Pinellas School Board race heads to a recount” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Pinellas County residents wanting to know who won the District 6 School Board seat representing south-central county will have to wait until at least Friday. The race between former Board member Nancy Bostock and political newcomer Amanda Lord is headed to an automatic recount after a nail-biter of a race that’s closer than anyone can recall in recent history. With more than 42,000 votes cast, Bostock held a two-vote lead as of Wednesday morning. The question is, will that margin stand after the Friday morning review? “I’ve never seen an election so close,” Lord said Wednesday morning, after watching the tallies shift in her favor and against her overnight. “Now we have to let the elections office follow their recount process.” "Bill Carlson draws red lines as Rays stadium deal heads toward Tampa, Hillsborough votes next week" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal is moving toward pivotal votes next week, even though some of the financing changes that helped revive the proposal may not be formally adopted for months. If that happens — emphasizing "if" — Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan said he plans to move quickly to schedule a County Commission vote, likely later that same day or the following morning. Hagan said changes Tampa City Council member Carlson is seeking to Tampa's Community Redevelopment Areas cannot be completed in time for next week's stadium vote. "If it's not in there, then I don't vote 'yes,' or I ask them to delay it until they change it," Carlson said. "The Downtown CRA is mandatory for me. If that's not included and required, then I can't support it." "Treasure Island staff pulled into City Manager dispute" via Matthew Reed of St. Pete Catalyst — Treasure Island's investigation into allegations against City Manager Charlie Van Zant has raised an uncomfortable question inside City Hall: How freely can employees speak when the complaint involves the person at the top of the city's administration? City emails show three Commissioners sought to interview employees about Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez's complaint against Van Zant, while the city was separately arranging for an outside attorney to investigate. The request prompted one employee to tell city attorneys she was uncomfortable, referring to an effort to seek whistleblower protection. The outside review remains unresolved, and the records released so far do not establish whether Vasquez's allegations are substantiated. "Somebody's got to speak up," she said.

Local: N. FL   “Diane Williams-Cox, Dot Inman-Johnson headed to Nov. runoff” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — A race between two Tallahassee political titans, City Commissioner Williams-Cox and former Mayor Inman-Johnson, will continue in November. Williams-Cox stayed in the lead all night as votes were tabulated, closing out Election Day with 39.66% of the votes. Inman-Johnson stayed very close behind her, ending with 36.69% of the vote, and Tifany Hill ended with 23.65%. That means more than 60% of voters rejected the incumbent in a Primary Election decided by 38.65% of registered voters. Now, the two women who were friends have turned competitors and will face off again in a runoff during the Nov. 3 General Election to determine whether Williams-Cox will keep her spot on the dais or if Inman-Johnson will return to local public office. Diane Williams-Cox and Dot Inman-Johnson are headed for Round Two in Tallahassee’s November runoff. “24 vote spread means recount, runoff in crowded Seat 3 City Commission race” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — The crowded City Commission Seat 3 race is headed for a runoff — and a recount. By the end of the night, P.J. Perez was on top, and a mere 24 votes separated Tom Derzypolski from Talethia Edwards. All votes have been counted — including mail-in ballots and early voting — and Perez managed to stay in the lead all night, closing out Election Day with 29.05% of the votes. Derzypolski and Edwards stayed very close behind, until Derzypolski ultimately came out on top, just barely, with 26.33% of the vote, and Edwards with 26.27%. "Leon County School Board incumbent Marcus Nicolas re-elected" via Alaijah Cross of WFSU — Nicolas, the incumbent running for the Leon County School Board District 5 seat, was re-elected by a wide margin. Nicolas received approximately 71% of the vote against his opponent, James Reilly, a local hospitality manager. The race was Reilly's first bid for political office. Nicolas was first elected in 2022, and the re-election marks the start of his second term. The position earns an annual salary of $48,174. He was recently named president of Tallahassee-based public relations firm ESPMedia. The re-election comes as the School Board navigates financial woes amid state underfunding and rising expenses. "Every student counts, and we can't lose any students, so we have to continue to grind and push and fight for our students," Nicolas said. "Lynn Haven voters pass all five charter amendments" via WMBB News 13 — Lynn Haven voters had to vote on five amendments Tuesday that could change their city charter. Proposed Charter Amendment 1 would create a new paid position as city clerk, separating duties from the City Manager and the city clerk. It passed with 72.4% of the votes. Amendment 2 passed with 78.5% of the votes. Proposed Charter Amendment 3 would implement a formal process for appointing department heads. This passed with 84.5% of the votes. Proposed Charter Amendment 4 changes the limitations on where the Lynn Haven City Manager needs to reside. The City Manager can now live anywhere in Bay County, instead of being required to reside within city limits. Amendment 4 passed with 61.9% of the votes. Proposed Charter Amendment 5 provides more transparency on non-ad valorem items. Amendment 5 passed with 93.4% of the votes. "T.K. Waters backs Donalds but hasn't given opinion on property tax reform as other Sheriffs take a stand" via News4JAX — Hours after Jacksonville's 14th police involved shooting this year, Jacksonville Sheriff Waters appeared at a campaign victory rally in Orlando for the Republican candidate for Governor, Donalds. Notably, Donalds shouted out Waters after talking about Amendment 3, which, if passed, would mean a larger share of a home's value would be shielded from property taxes. The amendment, backed by DeSantis, has come under fire from several local law enforcement agencies and the Florida Sheriff's Association for its potential impact on law enforcement budgets and resources. "I usually stay out of legislation proposals," Waters said. "That's something for people who make those rules. Do my best to stay out of that stuff and enforce what they tell me to enforce." "JSO defends use of Flock cameras, cites murders solved, lives saved" via News4JAX — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is standing behind its use of license plate reader technology, pointing to a growing list of solved crimes and rescued victims as evidence the tools are making Duval County safer — even as the company behind the cameras faces mounting criticism nationwide and moves to overhaul its accountability measures. Over the past two years, JSO says LPRs — license plate readers — have helped investigators solve 15 murders, 17 kidnappings, 6 forcible sex offenses, nearly 100 shootings and 172 missing-persons cases. Critics argue the pervasiveness of the cameras amounts to unconstitutional warrantless mass surveillance. Amid the growing backlash, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley announced a series of changes he says will drive greater accountability across the platform. Flock is also shortening its standard data retention window from 30 days to seven.

Local: SW. FL   “Florida School Board races become partisan proxy wars” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida’s officially nonpartisan School Board races are increasingly becoming battlegrounds between Republican- and Democratic-aligned groups, with Tuesday’s elections delivering notable gains for candidates opposing conservative education policies. In Sarasota County, Beth Mayberry and Megan Tennimon won seats, ending the Board’s conservative majority, while Jimmy Glover advanced to a runoff. The SPLC Action Fund and Equality Florida’s political committee spent a combined $400,000 supporting 19 candidates, with 10 winning and seven reaching runoffs. Moms for Liberty also claimed successes: seven of its 15 locally endorsed candidates won, and four advanced. The Florida Democratic Party saw nine of its 14 endorsed candidates win, while the Florida Education Association had 18 endorsed candidates win outright and 12 reach runoffs. “Tim Moshier re-elected to Collier County School Board in District 5” via Laura Layden of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Moshier has been re-elected to the Collier County School Board in District 5. He faced one opponent in the Primary Election, a political newcomer. Moshier secured 69.9% of the vote, or 43,208 votes. After the results rolled in, Matthew Boggan, Moshier's campaign manager, said in a phone interview that, as the incumbent, his candidate was "super grateful" for such a strong showing at the polls. Tim Moshier earns another term on the Collier County School Board, skipping the runoff. "Marco Island bond referendum separated by one vote with 100% reporting on Election Night" via WINK News Digital Team — A $23 million bond referendum for transportation improvements on Marco Island was separated by one vote during the Aug. 18 Primary Election, with 100% of precincts reporting. The referendum received 2,257 votes in favor and 2,256 votes against. The measure would authorize the city to issue up to $23 million in general-obligation bonds to fund transportation and mobility improvements, including bridge replacements and roadway improvements. The City Council approved the referendum in May after deciding to pursue the $23 million option. “Bonita Springs voters approve tax increase for rail-to-trail effort” via Laura Layden of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Bonita Springs voters have approved a property tax increase to help fund the Bonita Estero Rail Trail. The proposed tax increase was put to a bond referendum on the Primary ballot. The decision came Aug. 18, with the final ballots cast for or against the measure. The referendum passed, with 68.23% of the vote in favor. There were 8,968 yes votes and 4,175 no votes. “Judge backs Lee County teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk post” via Ana Goñi-Lessan of the News Service of Florida — A Lee County public-school teacher’s suspension for a comment about slain conservative activist Kirk should be ended, and she should receive back pay, an administrative court judge has recommended. Division of Administrative Hearings Judge Andrew Manko found that a derisive remark commenting about Kirk posted on Facebook by Mariah Roller, an educator at Three Oaks Middle School in Fort Myers, caused “minimal” disruption to the Lee County School Board. “Ms. Roller’s private Facebook post on her personal Facebook page was not unethical, and it was not her action, but that of a third party, that resulted in its dissemination,” wrote Manko in the Aug. 14 ruling.

Top opinion   “Angie ascends, and Donalds has a big GOP problem” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — Nixon’s U.S. Senate Primary victory was Florida’s biggest political surprise Tuesday, transforming a Jacksonville legislator into the Democratic nominee against Republican Sen. Moody. Nixon’s economic populism connected statewide despite a campaign that lacked television advertising and money. Her opponent, Vindman, entered as the favorite but ran a lackluster campaign while sitting on millions in cash. Nixon’s win showed that message and organization can still overpower spending assumptions in a statewide race. The larger warning sign came in the Republican Governor’s Primary. Donalds, despite Trump’s endorsement, enormous fundraising, and weak opposition, failed to win a statewide majority, finishing just under 48% and losing 17 heavily Republican counties, mostly across rural North Florida. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins outperformed expectations in many of those counties, while Donalds also underperformed in larger Republican strongholds, including Polk, Bay, Okaloosa and Duval. The results suggest an enthusiasm problem inside the GOP base as the General Election approaches. Race may be one factor, though other explanations include concerns over Donalds’ support for hyperscale data centers or Trump’s weakened standing. Whatever the cause, Republicans who rejected Donalds in the Primary could stay home or consider Democrat Jolly in November. South Florida’s congressional field also came into focus. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Pia Dandiya, Lois Frankel and Moskowitz advanced for Democrats, while Brent Andersen, Casey Askar, Deborah Adeimy and Scott Singer carry Republican hopes. The broader takeaway: Florida’s Fall campaigns begin with unexpected Democratic energy and unresolved Republican fractures.

More opinions   “Nixon’s hustle delivers Primary night’s biggest surprise” via Steve Schale of Steve’s Substack — Nixon scored the night’s biggest surprise by defeating Vindman for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination through pure hustle. Vindman left millions banked while emphasizing fundraising over building a statewide presence, a bet that failed. Nixon now faces Moody, an underrated Republican who consistently racks up statewide votes. Elijah ousted Mills by a surprisingly wide margin, while Moskowitz, Wasserman Schultz and Randy Fine advanced. Several Congressional Districts now offer intriguing November matchups. Donalds’ 48% Gubernatorial Primary victory was also weaker than expected. Democrat Jolly faces difficult math, but the race isn’t over if Democratic turnout rises, independents break his way, and donors provide enough money to compete. “AI data center opponents get water use argument all wrong” via Dace Potas of USA Today Network — Data centers, the gigantic buildings that house the computing power behind the artificial intelligence boom, are wildly unpopular. A recent Gallup poll found that 7 in 10 Americans oppose one being built in their area. Most of those objections don’t hold up. In town after town, data centers have delivered real benefits to the communities willing to host them. Local officials should welcome these projects, not passing laws to keep them out. Quincy, Washington, is now home to more than two dozen data centers, which pay more than half the city’s property taxes. That windfall has bought Quincy a new high school, sports complex, hospital, library, police station, fire department and even a water park. A population of 8,500 people got all of that, plus 900 new jobs. Its poverty rate has fallen from nearly 30% in 2012 to 6.2% in 2024.

Instagram of the day

Aloe   “Chris Hansen questions Hollywood’s motives behind ‘Primetime’ portrayal” — via James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter — Former “To Catch a Predator” host Hansen is reserving judgment on “Primetime,” the new film starring Robert Pattinson as a fictionalized version of the television journalist. Hansen says filmmakers approached him only after the project was largely completed, leaving him to wonder whether his name primarily serves commercial appeal. After watching the trailer, Hansen called it “very dramatic” and questioned Hollywood’s motive, though he plans to see the full movie before reaching conclusions. He also revealed that years ago he envisioned Denis Leary playing him in a screenplay of his own. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, “Primetime” also stars Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine and opens Sept. 25. Robert Pattinson steps into Chris Hansen’s shoes in ‘Primetime,’ though Hansen has questions about the fit.

Happy birthday   Happy birthday to U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Mark Bubriski, Matt Florell, Janelle Hendren and Bethany Swonson. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

Unsubscribe Having trouble viewing this email? View in browser © 2026 Extensive Enterprises Media 204 37th Avenue North, #182 St. Petersburg, FL 33704