Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.5.26 — Burnin’ today: Early voting, Amendment 3, Donalds, Butler, Rutland, Uthmeier & Delaney

First coffee, then the best in Florida politics — Sunburn ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Wednesday morning. Over half a million Floridians have already sent in their vote-by-mail ballots before the Aug. 18 Primary, but the latest figures make clear the real contest has only just begun. According to the Florida Division of Elections, 566,263 voters have so far mailed in their ballots throughout the state. That includes 246,372 Democrats, 219,862 Republicans, 89,037 voters who have no party affiliation, and 10,992 voters from minor parties. Although Democrats currently lead in ballots returned, both parties still face a difficult task reaching voters who have not returned ballots before Election Day. The state data indicates that 1,312,481 requested vote-by-mail ballots are still outstanding; 575,073 of these are Democratic, and 443,088 are Republican. There are also 264,133 ballots in the possession of voters who have no party affiliation — a group that could decide the outcome in closely contested local elections and in Primaries where turnout, rather than persuasion, often determines the winner. Florida voters are returning vote-by-mail ballots as the Aug. 18 Primary enters its final stretch. Early in-person voting is just beginning. By Tuesday, 9,057 Floridians had voted early, with Republicans holding a slight 4,542-to-3,740 advantage over Democrats. Another 696 non-party-affiliation voters and 79 minor-party voters also voted early. The figures are expected to rise rapidly as more counties set up early voting locations in the coming days. Most outstanding vote-by-mail ballots are concentrated in Florida’s largest counties, with Pinellas leading at 145,540 ballots still outstanding, Miami-Dade coming next with 137,905, Hillsborough with 102,184, Palm Beach with 90,020, and Broward with 83,998. Together, those five counties account for a considerable share of the statewide vote-by-mail ballots still outstanding. For campaigns, the figures signal a shift from persuasion toward execution. While television advertisements and candidate events are still important, the actual work involved now consists of locating supporters, following up with voters who have not yet cast ballots, and getting people out to vote. Since there are statewide, congressional, and local elections on the ballot on Aug. 18, each returned ballot narrows the universe of voters still in play. The next two weeks will be the most important stretch of the Primary season.

Situational awareness   —@ClayTravis: The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones just hit new record all-time highs this morning. Congratulations to all who invest in America; your 401(k)s and stocks have never been more valuable. Stocks are now up over 50% since April of 2025 when the “experts” told you the economy was collapsing. —@JohnMorganEsq: The two-party system prevents compromise. The national debt has skyrocketed out of control since Bill Clinton. A crash is inevitable. What goes up must come down. In the coming days, there will be more announcements from the Common Ground party. Changes coming to Florida and then America. —@JeffreyBrandes: Today, the court drew a line. The ballot box is not a place for political advertising. This case was never about whether property taxes should be lower. It was about whether the government can MARKET a constitutional amendment instead of HONESTLY explaining it to voters. The court said NO. No matter how you feel about Amendment 3, every Floridian should agree on one principle. Ballot language should inform voters, not persuade them. Facts, not slogans. Truth, not marketing. The debate over property taxes will continue, as it should. But from this point forward, that debate should be based on an honest description of what’s actually in the amendment. Today wasn’t just a win for the plaintiffs. It was a win for every Florida voter. Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet:

Days until   Primary Election ballot request deadline — 1; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 3; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 11; Primary Election Day — 13; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 23; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 27; NFL regular season kicks off — 35; Republican National Midterm Convention — 35; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 36; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 37; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 41; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 45; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 46; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 50; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 57; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 58; General Election voter registration deadline — 61; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 65; Optional General early voting begins — 75; 'Six Kings Slam' on Netflix — 77; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 77; General Election ballot request deadline — 78; Mandatory General early voting begins — 80; General Election — 90; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 93; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 93; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 98; 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' starring Johnny Depp premieres — 100; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 104; New legislator training sessions — 104; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 104; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 107; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 112; ‘Madden’ premieres — 113; Committee Week #1 — 117; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 135; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 135; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 135; Committee Week #2 — 152; Committee Week #3 — 159; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 173; Grammys — 186; Committee Week #5 — 187; Super Bowl LXI — 193; Committee Week #6 — 194; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 209; Tampa Mayoral Election — 209; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 212; Oscars — 221; Jacksonville First Election — 230; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 252; Jacksonville General Election — 286; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 304; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 366; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 366; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 499; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 537; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 562; Oscars — 578; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 660; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 681; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 709; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 825; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 863; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 901; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,225; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,265; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,956.

Top story   "Florida judge slams property tax amendment as defective" via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — A state judge ruled late Monday night that Florida's proposed property tax overhaul contains political slogans and misleads voters, sending it back to the state Attorney General for a rewrite before it heads to the November ballot. Circuit Court Judge David Frank's decision is a blow to both the Republican-controlled Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, since the Governor first proposed some of the wording that drew the judge's fire. The most immediate question is whether the state seeks to keep the court battle going through appeals courts or opts to have Attorney General James Uthmeier start working on a new version of Amendment 3. Gov. Ron DeSantis continues pushing his property tax overhaul. "Today is a victory for every Florida voter," former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, one of those who had challenged the amendment, said in a text message. "This was never about whether you support lower property taxes. It was about whether the government tells voters the truth." Lawmakers, at the urging of DeSantis, signed on to a sweeping proposed constitutional amendment that would "supersize" the tax break offered to Florida residents for their primary homes. If 60% of voters voted yes, it would ultimately reduce tax collections for cities and counties by as much as $12 billion a year. Frank, in an 18-page ruling, cited several state Supreme Court rulings to conclude that the wording of the amendment — titled "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" — was filled with "improper" political jargon designed to "elicit an emotional response." "The title of the ruling is more akin to a political slogan," Frank wrote. "It is not fair or neutral. … Simply put, the proposed ballot title does not state the basic legal purpose of the amendment; it endorses and diverts voters from its actual effect." Under Florida law, amendments proposed by the Legislature cannot be removed from the ballot but can be ordered rewritten. Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Uthmeier did not immediately respond to questions about whether the state will appeal Frank's ruling.

2026   Property appraisers from across Florida back Byron Donalds — U.S. Rep. Donalds is adding a slate of county property appraisers to his endorsement list in the race for Governor, his campaign announced Tuesday. "I am honored to receive the support of these respected property appraisers from across our state," Donalds said. "They understand the challenges facing Florida homeowners and taxpayers because they serve them every day. As Governor, I will work alongside local leaders to keep Florida affordable, protect taxpayers, and ensure government remains accountable to the people." Endorsing Donalds are Lee County's Matt Caldwell, Brevard County's Dana Blickley, Citrus County's Cregg Dalton, Gulf County's Mitchell Burke, Indian River County's Wesley Davis, Lake County's Mark Jordan, Manatee County's Charles Hackney, Nassau County's Kevin Lilly, Pasco County's Mike Wells, Putnam County's Clay Davis, Santa Rosa County's Greg Brown II, Sarasota County's Bill Furst and Seminole County's David Johnson. Ashley Moody joins Byron Donalds on the campaign trail. Image via X. Happening today — Donalds hosts a Get Out the Vote rally: 10 a.m., Mallards, 2439 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Crystal River. Media check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. "Payroll disclosure raises questions in Angie Nixon campaign" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Nixon’s U.S. Senate campaign amended its federal finance reports after questions arose about more than $241,000 in payroll expenses that were initially reported only as payments to payroll software provider Intuit QuickBooks, obscuring the identities of recipients. The revised filing identified staff members and consultants, including Progressive Caucus of Florida President Matthew Grocholske and campaign digital manager Sara Mahmoud, both of whom publicly supported Nixon’s candidacy. Campaign spokesperson Eunic Ortiz attributed the omissions to an export error and said the campaign is focused on investing in field operations rather than advertising. The amended disclosures arrived less than two weeks before the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, prompting renewed scrutiny over campaign transparency and financial reporting practices. Happening today — Nixon holds a town hall alongside state Rep. Michele Rayner and St. Petersburg City Council member Richie Floyd: 6 p.m., Allendale United Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Road N., St. Petersburg. RSVP here.

More elections   “Washington leaders line up behind Austin Rogers in open CD 2 Primary” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Republican congressional candidate Rogers announced several significant endorsements as he runs to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn. The Panhandle native is getting support from a member of House leadership and prominent national figures as an Aug. 18 GOP Primary nears. U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, a Pennsylvania Republican serving as House Chief Deputy Whip, announced his endorsement Tuesday. “I’m proud to endorse Austin Rogers for Congress because he’s exactly the kind of proven conservative we need to grow and protect our House Republican majority,” Reschenthaler said. “As a committed fighter for President (Donald) Trump’s America First Agenda, Austin will go to Washington ready to keep our border secure, rein in spending, and stand up for hard-working Florida families. I’m proud to endorse him for Congress and look forward to serving with him in the Republican conference.” “I am grateful for Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s endorsement. "Ben Butler's new CD 9 ad finds jackasses 'a lot more honest' than Washington" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Republican congressional candidate Butler is making his latest argument against Washington with help from a few actual jackasses. The dairy farmer's new ad in Florida's 9th Congressional District race, titled "Honesty in Washington," shows him paying a visit to a group of donkeys. "Folks told me that if I wanted to learn more about Washington, that I should surround myself with a bunch of jackasses," Butler says in the ad. "After meeting these guys, I owe them an apology. They're a lot more honest than the jackasses in Washington." Butler runs Butler Oaks Farm, a dairy and cattle operation in Lorida. Butler is one of seven Republicans running for the seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. Watch the ad here: Ben Butler compares Washington politicians to jackasses in his latest campaign ad.  "Poll shows James Pericola leading CD 11 Dem field, in potential dead heat with Joe Strada" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Internal polling from Democratic candidate Pericola's campaign shows him leading the field ahead of the Primary in Florida's 11th Congressional District. The same survey finds Pericola and Republican front-runner Strada tied, while Trump faces unfavorable ratings in a District that includes The Villages. According to polling conducted by MDW Communications for Pericola's campaign, 33% of likely Primary voters back the Orlando Democrat. Looking toward the General Election, the poll points to a potentially competitive race in a District long held by retiring U.S. Rep. Dan Webster. Although over 57% of voters supported Trump for President in 2024, the survey found that 49% now view him unfavorably, including 46% who hold a very unfavorable opinion. Grady Judd endorses Strada in CD 11 — Polk County Sheriff Judd is endorsing Strada in the race for CD 11. "Joe Strada has dedicated his life to building a business that's created good jobs and opportunities for countless folks here in Florida and across 13 states," Judd said. "He's spent decades helping hard-working Americans build their very own American Dream and supporting the law enforcement officers who keep them safe. I am proud to endorse Joe Strada for Congress because he is a conservative we can trust to always put our families and our communities first, and I know he will always fight for the resources and policies our men and women in uniform need to safely do their jobs." "Super PAC targets out-of-state candidates with AI-generated 'clown car' ad in CD 19" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A super PAC active in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Donalds has a new artificial intelligence-generated ad that puts three out-of-state candidates in a clown car headed for Florida's 19th Congressional District. The spot from Southwest Florida First, set to an original song, shows former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins of New York behind the wheel. He picks up Illinois Republicans Jim Oberweis and Catalina Lauf on the way south. "Together, the three head to Southwest Florida looking for a new Congressional District, a fresh set of voters and another chance to reinvent themselves as conservatives," the committee said in a statement announcing the ad. "The ad is satire. Unfortunately, the candidates are real," the committee added. Watch the ad here: An AI-generated ad mocks out-of-state candidates in Florida's 19th Congressional District.  “Hendry County leader latest to endorse Michael Carbonara in CD 22” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Campaigning in a coast-to-coast District has meant congressional candidate Carbonara explored a lot of the Florida heartland. Now he has picked up an endorsement from a city leader there. Hugo Vargas, a LaBelle City Commissioner, put his support behind the fintech mogul in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. That marks the first time any Hendry County official has weighed in on the battleground contest ahead of an Aug. 18 Republican Primary. “I hear every single day what families here are up against. Groceries, gas, insurance, and a government that does not listen,” Vargas said. “Carbonara talks about those problems like a man who actually intends to solve them, because he has spent his life building things that work.” "Dan Franzese enters last 2 weeks of GOP Primary strongly positioned to win in CD 25" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — As the home stretch of the Republican Primary for Florida's 25th Congressional District nears, businessman Franzese is strongly poised to win it. The new figures show Franzese likely to take 28% of the vote on the Primary ballot — 5 percentage points more than former state Rep. George Moraitis and 9 points more than former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, whom the Franzese campaign has targeted with negative messaging. An endorsement from Trump would sway the contest further toward Franzese, increasing his support to 46% and all but cratering Moraitis' second-place standing. Notably, polling over the last several months shows Franzese's favorability has skyrocketed as the CD 25 race continues, rising 33 percentage points from 9% in May. "This is impossible to overcome in a Primary, never mind a General Election," a McLaughlin memo said.

Even more elections   "Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo focuses on affordability in SD 34 campaign" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Olivo says restoring the middle class is the driving force behind her Democratic campaign for Senate District 34, where she is competing to succeed term-limited Shevrin Jones. Olivo is promoting an "Economic Dignity Agenda" that includes expanding affordable housing, increasing childcare assistance, improving access to telehealth and creating emergency financial assistance for struggling families. She also supports reviving Florida's film tax credit to attract high-paying jobs while opposing Amendment 3, arguing eliminating property taxes would undermine funding for schools, first responders and other local services without addressing the state's affordability challenges. She faces Ashley Gantt and Shannan Ighodaro in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary. Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo is campaigning for Senate District 34. "Delinquent campaign finance filings abound in HD 10 race" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Multiple candidates in House District 10 are having trouble filing their campaign finance reports properly and on time, begging the question: If they can't keep track of their comparatively meager funds, how can they hope to help steer Florida's $117.6 billion budget? Take Republican Marshall Rawson, a farmer, business owner, Florida State Guard member and former aide to Secretary of State Cord Byrd. He has repeatedly been tardy in filing reports, including an Aug. 2 filing that showed a $500 contribution but no source for the money. He has also received three audit letters from the Department of State warning him of erroneous reports. Democratic candidate Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson also received three audit letters from the Department of State. "Marcus Hyatt pitches affordability, local control in HD 38 race" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Hyatt is centering his Republican Primary campaign for House District 38 on affordability, arguing Florida needs policies that prioritize workers over special interests. The former prosecutor and Orlando police officer says the Legislature should focus on lowering property taxes, reducing homeowners’ insurance costs and preventing hyperscale data centers from driving up utility bills. Hyatt also backs Amendment 3, saying tax relief can be implemented while preserving core government services, though nonessential spending may need to be reduced. Running to succeed term-limited Rep. David Smith, Hyatt faces Emily Duda Buckley in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary, with the winner advancing to face Democrat Michelle DeJesus in November. Happening Saturday: "'Strong commitment to public safety': Bob Gualtieri backs Melissa Rutland for HD 60" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Sheriff Gualtieri is endorsing Republican Rutland for House District 60. Rutland is running in the open race to replace outgoing state Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Democrat who chose not to seek re-election. Rutland faces Lindsay Polega-Quigley in the November General Election. Gualtieri, also a Republican, has served as Pinellas County's top cop since 2011, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott. "Melissa Rutland understands Pinellas County and the issues that matter to the people who live here," Gualtieri said. "She is a common sense leader with deep roots in this community, real-world business experience, and a strong commitment to public safety. I trust Melissa to stand with law enforcement, support safer neighborhoods, and fight for Pinellas families in the Florida House. I'm proud to endorse her campaign." Save the date: "GOP-linked money boosts Democrat in HD 64 race" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Republican-aligned political money is flowing into the Democratic Primary for House District 64, where a political committee funded through a network of conservative-backed organizations is promoting Luis Salazar while attacking opponent Mike Suarez. State campaign finance records show Social Justice PAC received $100,000 from Greater Florida Foundation after the foundation collected nearly $2.5 million from committees with Republican ties. The filings do not establish coordination between the PAC and Salazar's campaign, but Suarez's consultant argues Republican interests view Salazar as the weaker General Election opponent. The race also drew renewed attention to Salazar's past DUI convictions as Democrats compete for the Aug. 18 nomination in the Tampa-area District.

Statewide   "Federal appeals court revives Florida drag show law" via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — A sharply divided federal appeals court upheld Florida’s law restricting minors from attending drag shows with “lewd” performances, reversing years of legal setbacks for the state. In an 8-5 decision, the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the measure is a constitutional regulation of obscenity rather than a broad ban on drag performances. The challenge, brought by Hamburger Mary’s, argued the law was so vague it chilled protected speech and forced cancellation of family-friendly shows. DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier hailed the ruling as a victory for protecting children, while dissenting judges warned the decision undermines First Amendment protections by leaving speakers to guess whether their performances could trigger criminal penalties. A federal appeals court revived Florida's law restricting minors from certain drag performances. “James Uthmeier says team is taking a ‘hard look’ at court demand for revised property tax amendment language” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — AG Uthmeier is speaking out after a legal setback for a constitutional amendment that would raise homestead exemptions to $150,000 next year and $250,000 the year after. A Leon County Circuit Judge declared the ballot title and summary for Amendment 3 “clearly and conclusively defective.” While the amendment will stay on the ballot, Uthmeier has 10 days to revise it. Uthmeier acknowledged that Frank believes the amendment is “unlawfully written under Florida law” and that the language must be rewritten to be “consistent with Florida law.” But he didn’t give any other indication on next steps. "Uthmeier calls for wildlife poachers to face felony charges" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Uthmeier is intent on reducing poaching of wild game in Florida, a practice he says has gone on for too long. Uthmeier says he is drafting a bill to increase penalties for poaching. The measure, which would go before lawmakers during the 2027 Legislative Session, would make it a felony to commit a newly designated criminal charge of aggravated illegal taking of wildlife. "Poachers who unlawfully discharge firearms near Florida homes are not just stealing our wildlife, but endangering families and neighborhoods," Uthmeier said. "This legislation would give prosecutors a powerful new tool to hold these reckless criminals accountable with second-degree felony charges, permanent loss of hunting privileges, and forfeiture of their weapons. Floridians deserve to feel safe in their communities, and our natural resources must be protected for future generations." “Catholic school parents’ complaints compelled Uthmeier to challenge vax mandate” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Uthmeier says his office decided to threaten Catholic schools with a loss of voucher and scholarship money due to their vaccine mandates because people demanded it. “Where there are vaccine mandates, there need to be exemptions for those things unless it’s going to violate that school’s religious teaching. The challenge that was raised to our office. We had hundreds, probably thousands, of complaints at this point,” he said in Panama City. “A lot of Catholic families were expressing that it violated their religion to take some of these vaccines. And ironically, the Catholic schools were not granting any exemptions for religion or health.” “Behind the anger and scientific brawl over Florida’s Atlantic red snapper season” via Nicolás Rivero of The Florida Trib — Bedlam broke out before sunrise on May 22 alongside the Canaveral Princess, a 90-foot charter boat that runs offshore fishing trips for groups of up to 75 anglers out of Port Canaveral. It was supposed to be the first day of Florida’s biggest Atlantic red snapper season in years. Since 2010, recreational anglers had only been allowed to keep red snapper a day or two a year to give the population a chance to recover from overfishing. This year, DeSantis announced the season would stretch for 39 days — “an increase of more than 1,800%,” he boasted in a press release. But around 10 p.m. the night before the snapper bonanza was set to start, the NOAA Marine Fisheries Service announced the season was canceled, citing a last-minute injunction from a federal judge in a lawsuit brought by commercial fishing companies. Atlantic red snapper remains at the center of a legal and scientific dispute. "PSC leaves utility incentive programs intact" via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — Florida regulators voted unanimously to preserve the incentive programs available to investor-owned utilities, ending a review of “asset optimization” mechanisms without imposing new statewide rules. The Public Service Commission rejected calls from the Office of Public Counsel and consumer advocates, including Florida Rising, to add guardrails they argued would help restrain electric rates and utility profits. Utilities, including Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy and Tampa Electric, countered that the current framework saves customers money while rewarding companies for improving performance. Commissioners agreed the existing system provides incentives to pursue efficiencies, though they left open the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future as concerns over affordability and utility profits continue. "Consumers more pessimistic about economic outlook for fifth month in a row" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Consumer sentiment among Floridians saw yet another slide in July as the war with Iran cast a pall over the economy. The report shows consumer confidence among residents has dropped for five straight months. Consumer sentiment in July posted an index reading of 69.3, down 2.1 points from the June figure of 71.4. The decaying consumer outlook in the Sunshine State is the worst among UF surveys in years. "With July's decline, consumer sentiment has reached its lowest reading since December 2023, following five consecutive months of deterioration. The last time confidence declined for such a prolonged period was in 2022, when consumer sentiment fell for seven consecutive months as inflation accelerated rapidly and ultimately reached its highest level since 1981," said Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the Economic Analysis Program at the UF Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

D.C. matters   "Todd Blanche clears Committee despite GOP opposition" via The New York Times — Blanche moved one step closer to becoming U.S. Attorney General after the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination on a party-line vote, but his confirmation fight remains unsettled. Sen. Susan Collins announced she will oppose Blanche’s nomination, citing concerns that his actions have weakened the Justice Department’s independence. With Sen. Mitch McConnell expected to miss the floor vote because of illness, Blanche can afford to lose only two Republican Senators if Democrats remain united in opposition. Other GOP Senators, including Lisa Murkowski, have not announced their positions, leaving the outcome uncertain as Blanche’s nomination heads to the full Senate for consideration. Todd Blanche advanced another step toward confirmation as U.S. Attorney General. Image via The Associated Press. “Inside Donald Trump's AI framework” via Maria Curi of Axios — The White House is excluding open models from its framework to test advanced AI capabilities, sources familiar with the matter told Axios. The voluntary framework will determine how the Trump administration reviews advanced AI models before release, but the White House isn't making it public. The AI framework reviewed on Tuesday defines a covered frontier model as closed source with state-of-the-art capabilities and national security risks, multiple sources briefed on meetings held at the White House said. There is no clear definition of what is considered state-of-the-art or a national security risk. Open models are excluded, and the framework explicitly says nothing in it should be interpreted as restricting open models once they've been released. "Hormuz negotiations remain clouded by conflicting claims" via Karen DeYoung of The Washington Post — The Trump administration says negotiations with Iran could soon reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran insists no direct talks with Washington are taking place, underscoring the deep mistrust surrounding the six-month conflict. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said an agreement could come “today or tomorrow,” while Trump claimed Iran had sought renewed negotiations. Iranian officials flatly denied those assertions, saying discussions are limited to Oman over maritime security. The uncertainty comes as regional allies press both sides to de-escalate and restore commercial shipping through the vital energy corridor. Intelligence assessments suggest Iran is unlikely to shift its negotiating position soon, leaving the conflict and any diplomatic breakthrough in limbo. "Missile shortages raise Pentagon readiness concerns" via Zachary Cohen, Jim Sciutto and Haley Britzky of CNN — America’s arsenal of key missile interceptors is being depleted at a pace that is beginning to shape military strategy. Nearly 80% of the nation’s THAAD interceptors, roughly half its Patriot missiles and a significant share of its Tomahawk cruise missiles have been expended during operations tied to the conflict with Iran, raising concerns about the Pentagon’s ability to sustain future combat. Those shortages reportedly helped convince Trump to delay planned strikes on Iran after military advisers warned inventories were running dangerously low. Administration officials maintain the U.S. retains more than enough firepower to meet its strategic objectives, but defense analysts caution that rebuilding stocks of high-end munitions could take years, leaving long-term readiness under increasing scrutiny. “Pentagon: National Guard in D.C. to cost another $1.43 billion” via John M. Donnelly of Roll Call — The Trump administration’s planned deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., through the end of his presidential term will cost $1.43 billion, or $51 million a month, in addition to the amount spent so far, according to a new Pentagon estimate. The new estimate of the costs from now on was contained in a written response by Jules Hurst III, the nominee for Pentagon comptroller, to a question for the record from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a member of the Armed Services Committee. Hurst’s estimate covers the period beginning with the Oct. 1 start of fiscal 2027 and ending in January 2029. The Congressional Budget Office projected in January that the D.C. deployments, which began one year ago this month, were costing about $55 million per month. “Marco Rubio gives update on Venezuela election timing” via Leonardo Feldman, Jesus Mesa of Newsweek — Secretary of State Rubio said Venezuela's path back to elections remains a work in progress and that the transition would take months and weeks rather than years — roughly six months after Nicolás Maduro was removed from power. "It's a process, and they have to happen," Rubio told Newsweek after a meeting with Paraguayan Vice President Pedro Alliana in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. "Obviously there's a lot of work that has to happen to lay the groundwork for an election. " Rubio laid out conditions he said would need to be in place before a vote. "You have to have true freedom of the press. You have to have multi-party participation. You have to have national reconciliation. You have to have an electoral Commission that will accurately count the votes," he said. "Judge dismisses Jan. 6 Oath Keepers prosecutions" via Andrew Goudsward of Reuters — A federal judge reluctantly granted the Justice Department’s request to dismiss the remaining Jan. 6 criminal cases against members of the Oath Keepers militia, vacating the seditious conspiracy convictions of Stewart Rhodes and other members. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said he strongly disagreed with the decision but concluded prosecutors had the legal authority to abandon the cases. All the defendants had already been released under Trump’s sweeping clemency order covering nearly every Jan. 6 defendant. In a sharply worded opinion, Mehta wrote that the dismissals diminish the gravity of the Capitol attack, undermine the work of prosecutors and law enforcement, and erase accountability for actions that threatened the peaceful transfer of presidential power. "Lab-leak advocate poised to lead NIAID" via Simon J. Levien and Tim Röhn of POLITICO — Steven Quay, a physician, pharmaceutical executive and prominent proponent of the theory that COVID-19 originated in a Chinese laboratory, is nearing selection to lead the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, according to multiple people familiar with the process. The appointment would place Quay in charge of roughly $6.5 billion in federal research funding and mark a sharp departure from decades of scientific leadership at the agency. Quay has sharply criticized Anthony Fauci and argued that parts of the scientific community covered up the pandemic's origins. The selection aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s broader effort to reshape federal public health agencies and oversight of high-risk pathogen research. Steven Quay is poised to lead the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Image via DrQuay.com. “UFC parent company lost $30M on White House fight” via Max Rego of The Hill — An executive from TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC, said Monday the firm lost roughly $30 million from its June event at the White House. “With regards to UFC Freedom 250, we incurred significantly higher-than-normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory,” Andrew Schleimer, the chief financial officer of TKO, told investors during a Monday earnings call. Schleimer said the event’s “financial profile” resulted in a roughly $30 million loss, which the company “anticipated” beforehand. UFC spent about $60 million in production costs for the event.

Local: S. FL   “‘Animal in a zoo.’ Venezuelan woman describes South Florida immigration detention” via Milena Malaver of the Miami Herald — After being picked up by immigration agents at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in July and transferred between two South Florida immigrant detention facilities, Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone, a Venezuelan immigrant, is now a free woman following her family’s pleas for her release and intervention from U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Rodriguez Caglianone was released Monday evening, but she said her heart remains with the people still locked inside the detention centers. The 29-year-old, who recently earned her master’s degree from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, was moments away from boarding a flight to North Carolina when she was detained. She entered the United States in 2017 on a tourist visa, applied for asylum within six months and was granted Temporary Protected Status in 2023. Her asylum case is still pending. Claudia Carolina Rodriguez Caglianone was released after immigration detention. Image via the office of Debbie Wasserman Schultz. "Miami-Dade schools prepare to tighten belt as vouchers surge in popularity" via Austin Horn of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade's public School District is moving forward with a $7.36 billion budget, marking a 3.6% reduction in operating expenses compared to last year, citing a historic jump in private school vouchers, rising costs and not enough funding from the state to match that increase. The budget documents also included projections for the first-ever decline in charter school enrollment in Miami-Dade County. Meanwhile, the number of students in the county claiming the state's private school voucher — averaging more than $8,000 per student in Miami-Dade — has skyrocketed. At 82,500, a projected increase of more than 10,000, almost as many students are projected to get a private school voucher as attend charter schools. “Sunrise lawyer didn’t tell client he was dismissing hurricane damage case. He’s disbarred” via Rafael Olmeda of the Tampa Bay Times — A Sunrise lawyer has been disbarred after the Florida Supreme Court determined he voluntarily dismissed a lawsuit without telling his client, whose insurance company was refusing to cover some of his damages from Hurricane Irma in 2017. The dismissal was without prejudice, leaving the client able to refile if he chose. Mariano Ramon Gonzalez Jr. told Florida Bar investigators that he intended to refile the complaint after the dismissal in early 2023, but he noticed in court records that the client had already hired a new lawyer. Believing himself to be relieved of duty, he stopped working on the case, according to a referee’s report. The client told the Florida Bar that had he not learned independently that the case was dismissed, he would have lost his opportunity to refile. "Florida officers disciplined in handling of domestic violence case" via Will Greenlee of Treasure Coast Newspapers — One Stuart Police Officer was suspended and another reprimanded in connection with how investigators say they handled a domestic-related case, according to recently obtained records. Officer Devon Taylor received a 36-hour suspension, while Officer Ashley Montoya was reprimanded. Both were to get re-training in matters related to domestic violence investigations. The discipline stems from a Feb. 8, 2026, case for which another police employee said a report wasn't completed. A review of bodycam footage determined one person in the domestic case said, "She started punching me, hitting me, slapping me," records show. Investigators determined Taylor and Montoya did not provide a victims' rights pamphlet; a proper investigation wasn't conducted; and no report was written. “Cuban-born Alfonso Fanjul, who built a sugar empire in Florida, dies in Palm Beach” via Luisa Yanez and Sarah Moreno of the Miami Herald — “Alfy” Fanjul Jr., the Cuban-born billionaire who fled Fidel Castro’s revolution, rebuilt his family’s sugar fortune in Florida and helped transform Florida Crystals into one of the nation’s most powerful agribusiness empires, died Monday in Palm Beach. As co-Chair and chief executive of Florida Crystals, Fanjul and his three younger brothers transformed a family business rebuilt in Palm Beach County after the Cuban revolution into one of the nation’s largest privately held sugar and real estate empires. Along with siblings José, Alexander and Andrés, the older brother led the amassing of a fortune estimated in the billions through sugar production, refining, real estate, renewable energy and international investments. The family’s wealth, political influence and dominance of the sugar industry also made the Fanjuls one of Florida’s most powerful — and controversial — family business dynasties.

Local: C. FL   “Joel Greenberg asks Trump for presidential pardon” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — Greenberg — the disgraced Seminole County tax collector convicted of using taxpayer funds to pay for sex, steal identities, stalk a political rival and traffic a minor in one of Florida’s most stunning cases of political corruption — is asking for a pardon from Trump. Greenberg, who pleaded guilty in May 2021 in federal court, is currently serving an 11-year sentence at a low-security prison in Miami, including time served since his arrest. He’s scheduled to be released in August 2030, according to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons. “Whatever wrongs I’ve done, I have more than paid for in the nearly 6 years of incarceration,” Greenberg said in a message to the Sentinel sent through the federal prison system. “This has been an extremely difficult time for me and my family.” In his clemency plea, Greenberg, 41, said he did “everything to help Trump” win the 2016 presidential election and served “the MAGA movement with everything I had.” Joel Greenberg is seeking a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Image via The New York Times. “Orange County Commission wants new regulations to stop another Sloth World tragedy from happening” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Warning that what happened at Sloth World “has cast a dark shadow on the tourism industry,” Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said that “we need to make sure that we’re correcting that and really signaling that we’re not going to let that happen again.” The County Attorney’s Office plans to review and help develop land-use and code compliance regulations. Currently, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is in charge of statewide regulations for exotic wildlife, but Wilson argued the county can add more local oversight. "No sample ballots mailed to Orange voters' homes for August Primary" via Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County's in-person voters won't be mailed sample ballots for the upcoming Primary. This shift has upset some voters and election advocates. Primary voters can view and then print a sample ballot via a QR code, which was provided on a mailer sent to their homes. But, in a shift from past elections, no paper sample ballots will be sent to those who didn't register to vote by mail, said Blake Summerlin, a spokesperson for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. However, for the November General Election, the county will move back to traditional paper samples, as it has in the past, Summerlin added. "Orange tourist tax ends record string of growth" via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County's prodigious tourist-tax collections ended a record run of 14 months in June, Comptroller Phil Diamond said. Revenues totaled $33.5 million for the month, a strong performance but about $140,000 less than June 2025. The end of the streak, which began in March 2025, comes as a mayoral task force hears pitches for uncommitted future TDT revenues. Those appeals include a $975 million request to build a baseball stadium near SeaWorld, $750 million to expand the campus of the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and $523 million for another expansion of the Orange County Convention Center. Despite the June dip, collections remain on pace to shatter fiscal-year totals and burst through a $400 million ceiling by Sept. 30, when Fiscal Year 2025-26 ends. "June's tourism performance showed a mix of positive and negative trends across key travel metrics," said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “DOJ: Orlando ‘porn fraud’ scammers stole over $2 million from elderly” via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — Three Chinese citizens living in the United States illegally are accused of operating a fraud ring out of Orlando that stole over $2 million by targeting elderly victims in as many as 17 states — including by telling them they had been victim of “porn fraud.” Yongbo Li, 36, Huashan Lu, 62, and Yuxiang Zhao, 60, were recently arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in the scheme. Authorities are still seeking to apprehend three others in China after a months-long investigation by the Orlando Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. The scheme was based in Orlando and Winter Park, where members kept several post office boxes to which their victims would send cash, checks and money orders through the mail, according to the DOJ. While some victims were from Florida, others lived as far away as New York and Arizona, records show. “Apopka residents receive notice of proposed utility rate increases” via Massiel Leyva of Spectrum News 13 — Apopka residents are receiving letters about proposed utility rate increases for water, sewer, reclaimed water, and garbage service, with a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 2 at Apopka City Hall. The letter, dated Aug. 3, says the city is considering a 6% increase for water, reclaimed water and sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2027. It also lists a 6.5% increase for garbage rates for Fiscal Year 2027. According to the letter, the proposed changes follow a study of the city’s water and sewer utility systems, including expected operating and capital expenses and ongoing cost increases. The issue began under the city’s previous administration. Mayor Nick Nesta, who was a Commissioners at the time, voted against it. "Volusia School Board District 1 rivals make cases to voters" via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — The District 1 Volusia County School Board race features a two-term incumbent running on a record that includes two consecutive District A grades and a continuing expansion of career-tech programs in high schools. But Jamie Haynes’ two opponents say the District is not producing enough graduates who are proficient in English and math, and the Volusia District needs to pare back its administration in favor of hiring more teachers. Businesswoman and former Volusia County teacher and administrator Brenda Beery and DeLand-area super-volunteer Jaclyn Carrell argue they can help the Volusia School District serve its community better, and hope to unseat Haynes by winning the election. Haynes, first elected in 2018, is grandfathered into a previous 12-year term limit. "Flagler County Commission approves $34M Phase 2 of beach restoration efforts" via Brenno Carillo of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — Nearly two years after completing Phase 1 of its five-phase beach restoration project, Flagler County is taking the next major step. The County Commission unanimously approved a $34 million contract with Weeks Marine for dune restoration along 5.5 miles of the coast. The work will be part of the project's second phase, also referred to as Reach 2. Construction is set to start in November and take between four and six months to complete, according to county staff. The bulk of the funding is from the Department of Environmental Protection's Hurricane Recovery Reimbursement Grant Program — $19.7 million. According to Hamid Tabassian, the county's engineer, the local government has $10 million in hand to start the project. “Cape Canaveral weighs tax hike to close multimillion-dollar deficit” via Devin Martin of Spectrum News 13 — Cape Canaveral city leaders are considering a significant property tax rate increase as they work to address a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, rebuild depleted reserves and balance the city’s budget. At a City Commission meeting on Monday, City Manager Keith Touchberry said the city has engaged in deficit spending for the last 15 years, exhausting its unassigned fund balance, which serves as the city’s reserves. A proposal under consideration would increase the local property tax rate to 10 mills for Fiscal Year 2026-27. City officials said that rate is the maximum allowed and would be more than a 200% increase from the current millage rate. Cape Canaveral officials are weighing a significant property tax increase. "Daytona lift station among $200M in projects to mitigate flooding" via Sheldon Gardner of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — An interactive dashboard detailing over $200 million in stormwater projects and other efforts to mitigate flooding in Volusia County — including property buyouts and new lift stations to prevent sewage overflows — is now live. So far, the Volusia Stormwater Resilience Dashboard has information on 28 projects and 28 watershed studies across the county. In Daytona Beach, lift station replacements are planned that could spare thousands of residents from sewage overflows, according to the dashboard. One project will replace Lift Station No. 18 at 708 Washington St. in Daytona Beach. The lift station, which the city owns, was built in 1950. The four projects are estimated to cost over $9.5 million, with over $7 million of that coming from federal funds.

Local: TB   "Tampa proposes $2B budget with a cautious eye on looming property tax changes" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Tampa is proposing a $2.04 billion budget that keeps city services and infrastructure work moving while preserving a larger financial cushion ahead of a potential property tax overhaul that could cost the city as much as $40 million the following year. Officials are approaching the budget with restraint as Amendment 3 looms large. Tampa estimates the changes would reduce its property tax revenue by between $35 million and $40 million in Fiscal Year 2028. The projected annual loss grows to between $60 million and $65 million the following year and could reach between $71 million and $74 million by Fiscal Year 2032. Water Department Director Rory Jones warned Council that costs would continue to climb. "We're past the days of cheap water," Jones said. "It befuddles me that we're coming to Council for a budget meeting to run a $2 billion operation and not have this," Council Chair Alan Clendenin said. Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin discusses the city's proposed budget. Image via the Tampa Bay Times. “Tampa immigration group takes rights education direct to neighborhoods” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — For six hours over two days, people shared stories like these at a recent Tampa program called Barrio Walk, a door-to-door effort to give residents, families and local business owners tips for handling ramped-up immigration enforcement. The initiative was organized by the Tampa Immigrants Rights Committee, a group that has led protests outside Tampa City Hall and the University of South Florida. Vicky Tong, a community activist and organizer, said the group aims to help neighbors understand their constitutional rights, prepare for encounters with federal agents and find free legal help. Tong and about a dozen volunteers gathered on a recent Sunday and Monday at Harvest Hope Park near the intersection of Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. They walked through apartment buildings and strip malls. "St. Pete officials prepare for millions in lost tax revenue" via Matthew Reed of St. Pete Catalyst — Months before Florida voters decide whether to approve Amendment 3, city administrators are preparing to hire a consultant to develop a fire assessment, one of the few legal ways the city could replace lost property tax revenue if the constitutional amendment passes. The move would not immediately create a new fee. Instead, it will allow the city to begin the work needed if voters approve a measure administrators estimate could reduce St. Petersburg's General Fund revenue by $33 million in Fiscal Year 2028 and another $21 million the following year. Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz said she requested the discussion because officials needed to begin planning before voters decide the measure's fate. “Lakeland city officials approve vote on data center moratorium” via Spectrum News Staff of Bay News 9 — City Commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the pause on data centers. Some Commissioners who voted against the measure said they were concerned about the ordinance language affecting other business development. Data centers in the Bay Area and beyond. The move follows weeks of pushback against a huge center that was dubbed “Project Swan.” The center was a planned 600,000-square-foot facility that officials said could use up to 100 megawatts of power. According to reports, the center was planned for a facility near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road, just west of downtown. “St. Pete Beach Commissioners want more resident input before ruling out a property tax increase” via Trei Johnson and Gulfport Gabber of Creative Loafing Tampa — St. Pete Beach Commissioners left the door open to a potential property tax increase during their July 28 meeting by setting a tentative maximum millage rate for Fiscal Year 2027, but they did not approve a tax hike. The Commission directed staff to advertise a tentative rate of 3.6715 mills, up from the current 3.0913 mills. The advertised rate is the highest the city can adopt later this year, but Commissioners may lower it during September budget hearings. At the proposed ceiling, the City would generate nearly $3 million more in gross property tax revenue than under the current rate. After accounting for the City’s estimated 95% collection rate, officials expect to collect about $2.85 million of that additional revenue. “Tarpon Springs approves affordable townhome project near downtown” via Jeff Van Sant of Bay News 9 — The City Commission recently unanimously approved a 32-unit townhome project on Mango Street near Disston Avenue. Commissioners say the development is intended to provide affordable housing and help address what they describe as a growing housing affordability problem in both the city and across the state. The vacant lot where the homes will be built is expected to become a new opportunity for affordable housing in Tarpon Springs. City leaders say they hope the project will attract more young families to the area.

Local: N. FL   "Daryl Parks pitches affordability, jobs in mayoral campaign" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Parks says lowering costs and creating higher-paying jobs are the central goals of his campaign to succeed John Dailey as Tallahassee Mayor. The civil rights attorney proposes building workforce housing on underused city land, reducing utility bills through weatherization and financing programs, and launching an Economic Integration Task Force to coordinate job creation with local governments, universities and business leaders. Parks also calls for streamlining permitting, expanding startup opportunities and leveraging Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College to retain graduates. He faces Jeremy Matlow, Loranne Ausley and Michael Foust in the nonpartisan mayoral race. Daryl Parks is campaigning for Tallahassee Mayor. "D.C. Reeves touts growth, seeks second term in Pensacola" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Pensacola Mayor Reeves is seeking a second term on a platform centered on economic growth, public safety and infrastructure, arguing the city is experiencing a “golden age” under his leadership. Reeves points to major projects, including airport expansion, redevelopment of the former Baptist Hospital campus and recruitment of Birdon America, while highlighting more than $200 million in grant funding secured during his tenure. He also cites declining crime rates and pledges to protect public safety if voters approve the proposed property tax amendment, even if other city services face cuts. Reeves faces five challengers in the Aug. 18 Primary, with a November runoff if no candidate wins a majority. "Donna Deegan takes $2B budget case to voters" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Jacksonville Mayor Deegan begins a series of weekly town halls Wednesday to sell her proposed $2 billion budget directly to residents while the City Council prepares for a potentially bruising review. The plan increases spending 1.1%, with more than $1.07 billion for police and fire, along with money for roads, sidewalks, septic conversion, stormwater work and major cultural projects. Council Finance hearings begin Aug. 13, and Republicans who hold a supermajority could target Deegan priorities ahead of her 2027 re-election campaign. Looming over the debate is Amendment 3, which could sharply reduce future revenue and push lawmakers to delay or condition funding for nonessential programs. “E-bikes spin toward possible speed and age limits in Jacksonville” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union — E-bike riders in Jacksonville will face new regulations if the city enacts legislation setting age restrictions for riding the electric-powered bikes and a maximum speed for them on sidewalks. City Council member Michael Boylan began considering the legislation last Fall and filed it after DeSantis vetoed legislation that would have put rules in place statewide. Boylan said the city is experiencing a noticeable rise in e-bikes on city sidewalks and streets and that heightens the potential for dangerous collisions with motorists and pedestrians. "We anticipate that's only to grow as the popularity of the bikes grows, both with youth and adults," he said. “St. Johns County considers challenge to agricultural development law” via Noah Hertz of Jacksonville Today — St. Johns County will investigate the possibility of going to court to challenge a law that could lead to the development of local agricultural land. The new law eases the process landowners must follow to build single-family residential development on agricultural land adjacent to already-developed land — areas known as “agricultural enclaves.” In the days after the law took effect last month, the county received applications to develop more than 6,000 acres of agricultural land. The Board of County Commissioners is currently scheduled for Aug. 19 to hear applications for six proposed developments enabled by the law. Ahead of that meeting, County Commissioners said Tuesday that they want to determine whether a legal challenge against the law would be worth the time, effort and cash. “Gas station putting tanks in area where Santa Rosa gets drinking water” via Tom McLaughlin of the Pensacola News-Journal — Construction has begun on a State Road 87 gas station that is being built within Santa Rosa County's East Milton Area Wellfield Protection District. All vegetation has been cleared from a site just south of the SR 87 intersection with Ray Helms Road, where the 8,100-square-foot RaceTrac gas station and convenience store will be located. The East Milton Area Wellfield Protection District was established between 2010 and 2013 to protect an area bounded on the south by U.S. 90 and the west by State Road 87. The Fairpoint Regional Utility System and East Milton Water System operate approximately 12 wells within the area, drawing water from the Sand and Gravel Aquifer. The wells supply potable water to an estimated 91,000 Santa Rosa County residents. “Stuart Bell hires ex-Alabama executive for Florida role” via Ken Roberts of The Gainesville Sun — Chad Tindol will serve as senior vice president for administration under Bell, who was confirmed as Florida's new president July 1. "Chad brings extensive experience in strategic planning, institutional governance, enterprise risk management and executive leadership, and I am confident he will be a valuable addition to our leadership team," Bell said. Bell said Tindol will report directly to him in the newly created position, which is intended to strengthen the University of Florida's ability to advance key priorities, enhance collaboration among senior leaders and support UF's continued success. Chad Tindol joins the University of Florida leadership team. Image via the University of Alabama. “Florida postal worker faces jail time for burning 500 letters in a barrel” via the Tallahassee Democrat — Nearly 500 pieces of mail destined for north Florida residents ended up in a burn barrel instead of their mailboxes, according to federal prosecutors, leading a former postal carrier to plead guilty to a federal crime. Stacy Michelle Braxton, 39, of Marianna, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of delay or destruction of mail, U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin announced Tuesday. According to court documents, Braxton worked as a rural mail carrier for the Greenwood Post Office in Jackson County. In February 2026, investigators recovered 498 pieces of mail from her route that had been discarded in a burn barrel in Marianna.

Local: SW. FL   "Joe Neunder misled voters about the complaint against Jim DeNiro" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Sarasota County Commissioner Neunder misled voters. Sarasota County Property Appraiser Bill Furst has confirmed that an inquiry into Sarasota County Commission candidate DeNiro regarding his homestead tax exemption indeed came from Neunder. DeNiro is challenging Neunder in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary for the District 4 seat. Furst confirmed to Florida Politics that Neunder had called him to ask whether DeNiro was improperly claiming a homestead tax exemption, after Neunder declared in a July 28 video interview that the complaints were "from a third party" and that "they weren't from Joe Neunder." A formal complaint did come from a third party: known Neunder supporter Conni Brunni, who filed a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission claiming DeNiro didn't live where homestead exemption records said he did. "His wife was living in the property on Jan. 1," Furst said, explaining that the couple was "completely legal and legitimately entitled to claim homestead." Joe Neunder faces scrutiny over statements about an Elections Commission complaint. Image via YourSun. "St. Johns District 2 candidate faces residency, conflict questions" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Martin Pyszczymuka’s campaign for the St. Johns County Commission is drawing scrutiny because he filed to run for the District 2 seat while living in neighboring District 5 and because his household is pursuing litigation against the county he hopes to help govern. Pyszczymuka told Jacksonville Today he is in the process of moving into the District. His spouse, a former county employee, sued St. Johns County under the Florida Whistleblower Act after her dismissal, with a trial scheduled for 2027. The campaign also highlights Nicole Crosby’s backing of Pyszczymuka in the open-seat Republican Primary, raising questions about potential conflicts should he take office while the lawsuit remains pending. “Despite objections, New College Foundation votes to dissolve alumni association” via Francesca Abarca and Gabriela Szymanowska of the Tampa Bay Times — The New College Foundation Board voted last week to dissolve the school’s nearly 50-year-old alumni association, approving a controversial restructuring over the objections of alumni leaders. Critics and other community members argued the move would eliminate an independent alumni voice and further divide the college, which was transformed in recent years under DeSantis. The Foundation Board approved the changes on all but one vote. The lone dissenter was the current Chair of the alumni association, whose Board seat is eliminated under the new bylaws. The decision replaces the New College Alumni Association with a new Foundation-appointed Alumni Engagement Committee. "Sarasota rolls back controversial paid parking plan" via Earle Kimel of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — The Sarasota City Commission responded to public comments and rolled back its paid parking plan on a unanimous vote. That means parking is free again in downtown Sarasota and on St. Armands Circle before 10 a.m., after 8 p.m. and on Sundays. Vice Mayor Kathy Kelly Ohlrich said the Commissioners talked among themselves on the dais while deciding to change the parking fees and hours last Spring, rather than talk with stakeholders, downtown businesses and residents. "We had the best of intentions, and we thought extending the hours and keeping the rates low would be the solution," she said. City Commissioner Kyle Battie was the only one of five Board members who voted against the changes in May.

Top opinion   "Trump’s political escape act faces its toughest test yet" via Ross Douthat of The New York Times — Trump has built a political career on surviving moments that appeared fatal, repeatedly defying predictions that controversy, legal troubles or electoral setbacks would finally end his influence. Nearly a decade later, however, the political conditions surrounding his second term are testing that resilience in ways previous crises did not. The biggest challenge is no longer domestic. A prolonged conflict with Iran has become the defining issue of the administration, driving down approval ratings while leaving the White House searching for an agreement that could end the fighting and stabilize energy markets. Any breakthrough in negotiations could quickly improve the political environment by easing pressure on gas prices and demonstrating progress where voters increasingly see stalemate. That outcome, however, depends as much on Tehran as Washington. Iranian leaders understand the approaching Midterm Elections and have little incentive to strike a deal that could strengthen Trump politically. The longer negotiations drag on, the greater the pressure on the administration to either accept significant concessions or continue a conflict that shows few signs of ending. Democrats still carry political baggage of their own. An increasingly progressive wing continues to pull the party leftward, creating openings for Republicans in closely contested states and districts. Under ordinary circumstances, those ideological divisions could blunt Democratic gains. But ordinary political rules change when a President's approval ratings fall into the 30s. In that environment, voters often cast ballots as a referendum on the White House, allowing opposition candidates to succeed even if they carry vulnerabilities of their own. Unless the administration can secure a meaningful diplomatic victory or fundamentally reshape the political narrative before November, Republicans face an increasingly difficult electoral landscape. The comeback that has defined Trump's political career may prove far more difficult to repeat this time.

More opinions   “The absurdity of the Reflecting Pool prosecutions” via The Washington Post editorial board — The shoddy paint job of the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool was a silly Summer story that should have been a relatively minor political embarrassment, at most, to Trump. Instead, the administration turned it into an appalling abuse of prosecutorial power. On Monday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro trekked to the White House to save her job as Trump fumed about her decision last week to dismiss charges against four people accused of damaging the pool’s newly installed lining. In court documents, Pirro contradicted the President’s claims that the damage was the result of vandals. Instead, she blamed it on a “rushed and botched installation” by a government contractor and accused the Interior Department of misleading her office. Trump complained to reporters that Pirro “choked” and “folded like an umbrella.” “Immigrant kids deserve to keep their lawyers” via Mary Ellen Klas of Bloomberg — On Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services ended the contract with the Acacia Center for Justice after nearly two decades, leaving more than 20,000 unaccompanied kids in legal limbo. Federal officials claim it’s a contract dispute. That’s a convenient excuse for their moral failure. Federal immigration data shows that many of these children came to this country seeking refuge from harm. Some have been tortured and trafficked. Others were separated from their parents at the border. Most seek asylum, and many want to be reunited with their families. Congress recognized such trauma in 2008 when it passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard told me the agency “remains fully compliant with its legal and regulatory obligations” under the 2008 law. But since November, its actions have defied that claim. HHS has refused to pay $65 million in overdue legal fees owed to the Acacia Center and its network of providers.

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Aloe   “Central Floridian astronaut eager for spacewalk, wouldn’t say no to moon mission” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — Rookie astronaut Luke Delaney, who was raised in Central Florida, tried to temper his excitement for the potential to go on a spacewalk during his upcoming stay on board the International Space Station. “Definitely won’t be make or break for a mission,” he said during a Crew-13 media briefing Monday. “Just launching with a crew like this and working as an expedition on board, whatever gets thrown at us is going to be exciting and totally successful in my mind, no matter what the outcome is. So, spacewalk, yes, that would be awesome but not required if it’s not in the cards for some reason.” Tapped to be pilot of the upcoming mission, he’ll be flying alongside commander and fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. NASA astronaut Luke Delaney prepares for his first International Space Station mission. “Spokane wildfires draw help from Tampa and Orlando volunteers” via Sarah Blazonis of Bay News 9 — Three volunteers from the Tampa and Orlando areas have deployed to Washington state to help people displaced by wildfires in the Spokane area, where more than 67,000 people were under evacuation orders and 700 buildings had been destroyed as of Monday. The American Red Cross volunteers are working in shelters set up for people affected by the fires, according to Duhane Lindo, regional communications manager for the Red Cross’s North and Central Florida region. “Making sure that folks are comfortable, they have a safe place to sleep, they have hot meals, water,” Lindo said. “Community rallies to renovate longtime Gainesville teacher's home” via Chelsea Long of The Gainesville Sun — When local teacher Terry, who asked that her last name not be published, returned to her Gainesville home on Aug. 3 after spending two months away, it looked nothing like it had when she left. Fresh paint, updated landscaping, new flooring, countertops and appliances, along with a working air-conditioning unit, made the home anew. The renovation, worth nearly $35,000, was organized by The Mills Group, a local real estate team, with the help of dozens of volunteers and donated labor and materials from businesses across the community. "I cannot be more grateful for the entire community coming in and volunteering their time," Terry said moments after stepping inside her northwest Gainesville home. "I don't even have the words right now to express my gratitude, but I tell you what: each and every volunteer is going to get a thank-you note from me." “How one man’s cure for loneliness started a movement” via Mathylda Dulian of The Wall Street Journal — Fin Colleton spent the early days of the pandemic like many: alone in an empty house, isolated from anyone for months at a stretch. So, he made a sign reading “How’s your day going?” walked to a Philadelphia park and waited. What could go wrong? Against the odds, strangers stopped and talked. He returned again and again, each time with a new sign bearing another conversation prompt. People kept stopping. A sign evolved into chairs; chairs evolved into a table. It became his favorite hobby, then his main source of human contact, then something closer to a calling. Colleton had become a foot soldier in the battle against what the U.S. Surgeon General has likened to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Colleton, 42, says he was looking for an unintrusive way to make real-life connections.

Happy birthday   Best wishes to Sen. Ed Hooper, Rep. Tyler Sirois and Heather Barker. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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