Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.11.26 — Burnin’ today: Florida Chamber v. Mamdani, Miami-Dade, Donalds, DeSantis & Obsession

Pour a cup and catch up on Florida’s movers and shakers. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Tuesday morning. The Florida Chamber of Commerce is taking its favorite economic argument to Times Square — and Zohran Mamdani gets the starring role. The Chamber launched a billboard Monday naming the New York City Mayor Florida’s “Economic Developer of the Year,” thanking him for the jobs, businesses and residents the organization says New York’s policies are helping send south. Florida Chamber targets New York City with a Times Square billboard touting Florida’s economic growth. Image via New York Post. But Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson told Florida Politics the billboard is only the opening act of a broader national campaign aimed at contrasting Florida’s economic model with states pursuing higher taxes and more expansive government. “We can argue about socialism versus free enterprise, but why don’t we look at the results of what’s working and what’s not?” Wilson said. The Chamber’s Free Enterprise Florida campaign points to IRS migration data showing Florida gaining about $2.4 million in net taxable income every hour while New York loses about $1.1 million. The Chamber also says Florida gains a net 551 residents per day while New York loses 115. Wilson said the effort grew out of the Chamber’s long-running work toward making Florida one of the world’s 10 largest economies by 2030. Florida recently moved up to No. 14, prompting the Chamber’s research team to take a closer look at how the state compares with places losing population, businesses and taxable income. New York was an obvious target. The Times Square billboard, located at Broadway and West 43rd Street, declares, “Thanks for the jobs!” while bestowing the tongue-in-cheek economic development honor on Mamdani. Wilson told Florida Politics that Washington, Illinois and California are among the states that could become future targets as the Chamber expands the campaign. The broader aim, he said, isn’t simply to celebrate businesses and wealth moving into Florida. The Chamber wants other states to adopt policies it credits for Florida’s growth, including lower taxes, less government spending and greater economic freedom. “They can keep pushing people out and pushing businesses out and keep raising taxes. And Florida will be the big winner if they do that,” Wilson said. “But at the end of the day, our country would be better off if they adopted policies that help the private sector grow and shrink the government impact on our lives.”

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@MearKat00: I can’t wait until August 19. Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet:

Days until   ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 5; Primary Election Day — 7; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 17; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 21; NFL regular season kicks off — 29; Republican National Midterm Convention — 29; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 30; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 31; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 35; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 39; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 40; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 44; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 51; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 52; General Election voter registration deadline — 55; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 59; Optional General early voting begins — 69; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 71; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 71; General Election ballot request deadline — 72; Mandatory General early voting begins — 74; General Election — 84; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 87; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 87; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 92; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 94; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 94; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 98; New legislator training sessions — 98; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 98; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 101; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 106; ‘Madden’ premieres — 107; Committee Week #1 — 111; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 129; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 129; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 129; Committee Week #2 — 146; Committee Week #3 — 153; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 167; Grammys — 180; Committee Week #5 — 181; Super Bowl LXI — 187; Committee Week #6 — 188; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 203; Tampa Mayoral Election — 203; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 206; Oscars — 215; Jacksonville First Election — 224; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 226; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 226; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 246; Jacksonville General Election — 280; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 298; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 339; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 360; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 360; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 395; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 493; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 531; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 556; Oscars — 572; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 654; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 675; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 703; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 819; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 857; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 895; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,219; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,259; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,950.

Top story   Nearly 100,000 Miami-Dade voters have already cast ballots for the Aug. 18 Primary, and Democrats are showing up at a pace they haven’t managed there in years. Registered Democrats have cast about 46,000 of the 98,000-plus ballots returned through Sunday, or 47%, according to a turnout tracker built on Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections data. Republicans have cast roughly 33,500, or 34%, a 13-point gap. No-party and minor-party voters make up the remaining 19%. Miami-Dade voters return ballots ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary Election. Most of that lead came in by mail. Four of every five ballots so far are vote-by-mail, where Democrats lead by nearly 15 points, roughly 37,000 ballots to 25,000. Early in-person voting, open since Aug. 3, has added about 19,500 more, with Democrats ahead there too. That’s a sharp turn from the past two cycles. Democrats led Primary turnout by 5 points in 2022, then lost the lead outright in 2024, when Republicans finished a point ahead. Their 47% share this cycle is up from about 44% in 2022 and 40% in 2024, while the Republican share has slipped to 34%. There is still plenty of voting left. The votes already in amount to about a third of the total cast in each of the past two Primaries, both of which landed near 288,000 (2022, 2024). Republicans can point to one bright spot. In the county’s daily early voting reports, the only numbers it posts as they come in, the in-person margin has moved their way over the past week, from an 8-point Democratic lead on Aug. 3 to a slim Republican edge by Sunday. It hasn’t been enough to dent the overall 13-point Democratic lead, which rests on mail. No demographic breakdown is available yet for 2026. Hispanic voters were a majority of the Primary electorate in both prior cycles, about 55% in 2022 and 58% in 2024, and how much of the Democratic cushion survives to Election Day depends on whether that bloc keeps showing up. Republicans have eight days to close the gap in person. The problem with that plan is that four-fifths of the vote is arriving by mail, and those ballots are already in the bank.

2026   “Byron Donalds reminds voters he backed Ron DeSantis in 2018” via Florida Politics — Donalds is reminding Republican voters his relationship with DeSantis stretches back to the Governor’s first statewide campaign. At a Niceville get-out-the-vote rally, Donalds recalled serving on DeSantis’ 2018 debate-prep team alongside Richard Corcoran and Matt Gaetz as DeSantis faced Democrat Andrew Gillum. After winning, DeSantis encouraged Donalds, then a state lawmaker, to seek the Republican Party of Florida Chair. Their relationship has since cooled, with DeSantis questioning Donalds’ role in Florida’s conservative victories and criticizing the lack of gubernatorial Primary debates. Still, DeSantis has declined to endorse Donalds or any of his Republican opponents. Donalds, meanwhile, says he looks forward to eventually campaigning alongside the Governor. Byron Donalds recalls helping Ron DeSantis prepare for debates during the 2018 Governor’s race. Happening today — Donalds hosts two Get-Out-the-Vote rallies along the Gulf Coast: 1:30 p.m. at Indian Rocks Beach VFW Post 10094, 14450 Walsingham Road in Largo; 4:30 p.m. at 392 Beverly Court in Spring Hill. Joshua Wostal endorses Jay Collins in Governor’s race — Lt. Gov. Collins has picked up the endorsement of Hillsborough County Commissioner Wostal, a 10-year Navy veteran and logistics entrepreneur. “I am proud to support Lt. Governor Jay Collins to be the next Governor of the Great State of Florida,” Wostal said. “Jay Collins is day one ready to lead Florida as our next Governor.” Collins welcomed the nod: “Conservative leaders like Commissioner Wostal know that it takes a battle-tested leader to keep Florida great. Voters deserve a Governor who shows up and leads from the front.” “James Fishback wanted a scandal. He got one.” via Will Sommer of The Bulwark — Fishback tried to shake up Florida’s Republican Governor’s Primary by accusing Byron Donalds of being under a Justice Department investigation, but DOJ publicly said Donalds was “not under investigation.” Even some Fishback allies questioned the evidence. Meanwhile, Fishback faces his own problems: former student debater Briana Whatley sued, alleging she was still owed $8,000 of $11,000 in promised scholarship winnings. Fishback acknowledged missing the payment and says the matter has since been resolved. Separately, a federal judge ruled Fishback owes former employer Greenlight Capital $1.3 million in legal fees and penalties, bringing his reported obligation to roughly $1.5 million. A former campaign staffer also says she reported Fishback to FDLE, though whether any investigation exists remains unclear. First in Sunburn — Mark Kelly endorses Alex Vindman for U.S. Senate — U.S. Sen. Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy combat pilot and astronaut, is endorsing fellow combat veteran Vindman in the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate. “Alex Vindman has never backed down from a tough fight, and I know that in the U.S. Senate, he will be a fearless advocate for Floridians. As a fellow veteran, I am proud to endorse Alex Vindman for U.S. Senate,” Kelly said. “Alex is ready to challenge the status quo and weed out the corruption in D.C.” Vindman, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who served 21 years, welcomed the backing: “I am honored to have the support of Sen. Mark Kelly, a fellow veteran and model public servant. My opponent, appointed Sen. Ashley Moody, was handed a Senate seat by the political elites, which is why it’s no surprise she’s spent her time in D.C. delivering for Big Pharma, homeowners’ insurance monopolies, and utility companies. I’m not a career politician – I will be an independently minded fighter for everyday Floridians who are working harder than ever, but falling further and further behind.” Manny Diaz endorses Vindman — Former Miami Mayor Diaz is backing Vindman in the U.S. Senate race, announcing his endorsement in a Miami Herald op-ed. “U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Alex Vindman deserves our support,” Diaz wrote. “His career reflects a steady commitment to country over self, service over celebrity and constitutional duty over political convenience.” Diaz wrote that the choice “is not about ideology” but “a commitment to cut costs for Florida families and confront the corruption that lets insiders profit while ordinary citizens pay the bill.” “Florida does not need another career politician,” he added. “We need a Senator who will ask hard questions, challenge both parties, and keep faith with Floridians.” “Angie Nixon campaign amends report after $241K in payroll lacked recipients” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Nixon’s Senate campaign amended its federal disclosure after questions about roughly $241,000 in payroll expenses that initially failed to identify who received the money. More than $263,000 — 54% of the campaign’s Q2 itemized spending — went toward payroll, with most initially listed as payments to Intuit QuickBooks. Eunic Ortiz said an export error caused the problem and defended the spending as part of a people-powered field operation. The amended filing identified recipients, including Matthew Grocholske, President of the Progressive Caucus of Florida, which endorsed Nixon before he joined the campaign, and Sara Mahmoud, a Palestinian American activist who serves as Nixon’s digital manager. The disclosures emerged shortly before the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary. Angie Nixon amends her Senate campaign report after roughly $241,000 in payroll expenses initially lacked named recipients. “Uthmeier: Law enforcement should have been involved in property tax exemption proposal“ via Florida’s Voice — Uthmeier said the rollout of the ballot title and summary for a proposed constitutional amendment expanding Florida’s homestead property tax exemption should have included greater transparency and input from law enforcement leaders. Uthmeier’s comments come after a Leon County circuit judge ordered the state to rewrite the title and summary that voters will see for the proposed amendment on the November ballot. The ruling does not remove the proposed amendment from the ballot or change the amendment itself. “The amendment could certainly have been rolled out with greater transparency and the meaningful involvement of key stakeholders, including our law enforcement agencies,” Uthmeier said. “No one wants to defund our incredible sheriffs, yet there were no discussions to involve them in this process.”

More elections   Happening today — The Capital Tiger Bay Club hosts a debate with CD 2 Democratic candidates Yen Bailey, Brice Barnes, Amanda Marie Green and Nic Zateslo, moderated by James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat. Noon-1 p.m., Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St., Tallahassee. “Pop-up PAC hits Austin Rogers on deportation remarks in CD 2 homestretch“ via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A new group calling itself Freedom Against Federal Overreach PAC is airing a 30-second TV spot casting Rogers as soft on deportation and a career Washington staffer. The committee says the ad is running on Panhandle TV and digital. The ad leans on Rogers’ own words. Asked about mass deportation in an April interview with The Floridian’s Grayson Bakich, Rogers said: “I think in terms of the resources that we have, it is not feasible to get every single illegal alien out of this country.” The full interview reads differently. Rogers praised Trump’s border crackdown and rejected amnesty. To watch the ad, please click the image below: Austin Rogers faces a late attack ad questioning his immigration stance and Florida ties. “Attack ad targeting CD 2 GOP candidate Keith Gross removed from air” via James Call of USA Today Network — A political committee operated by relatives of Rogers has withdrawn a television advertisement attacking rival Gross as a former Georgia Democrat who is married to a man. Gross announced on Aug. 10 that Panhandle Patriots PAC removed the ad from television after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from his campaign attorneys. Attorneys for the PAC informed Gross’ legal team on Aug. 5 that the advertisement was no longer on the air. The letter goes on to say Panhandle Patriots “does not concede the allegations and reserves all rights, claims, and defenses.” The dispute has sparked a broader debate among Republican voters over whether Gross’ years as a Georgia Democrat should weigh against him in a Republican Primary and whether references to his same-sex marriage cross a line. “Leaked poll shows Mike Beltran with narrow edge over Kevin Steele in GOP field in CD 14” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Beltran finds himself leading a Republican Primary field. The poll from Catalyst Research shows Beltran winning with 29% support among likely Republican Primary voters. His closest Primary opponent, Steele, boasts 26% support, within the poll’s 4.4-percentage-point margin of error. The poll was taken from Aug. 6 through 8, as early voting kicked off in Florida’s 14th Congressional District. The poll was also taken as Steele made headlines resigning his state House seat after casting an early vote in Hillsborough County, outside his legislative District. “Despite being outspent by nearly an order of magnitude, and a flurry of false and illegal hit pieces financed by my opponent, our grassroots campaign, based upon my long service to Hillsborough County, continues to have the support of the voters,” Beltran said. “Super PAC’s new CD 19 ads warn voters: Don’t let Catalina Lauf ‘Illinois our Florida’“ via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — In the Republican Primary to succeed U.S. Rep. Donalds, “Illinois” is now a verb. A week after loading three out-of-state candidates into an AI-generated clown car, Southwest Florida First is back with ads aimed at just one of them: Lauf. The committee’s new television and radio spots ask what Lauf has done in Southwest Florida, reaching for a clip from her last campaign: “Hi guys, we’re a little under two weeks from the Illinois 14th election.” The committee says Lauf has lived in Southwest Florida for barely two years, never owned a home or held a job there, and never voted in a Republican Primary in the state. To watch the ad, click the image below: Catalina Lauf faces a Southwest Florida First attack ad questioning her ties to Florida. “Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan line up behind Jim Schwartzel in CD 19 Primary dogfight“ via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Congressional candidate Schwartzel just secured some significant support from sitting members of the U.S. House. Both Majority Leader Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, and U.S. Rep. Jordan, the Ohio Republican chairing the House Judiciary Committee, endorsed the Lee County Republican. “Jim Schwartzel is the America First patriot Florida’s 19th Congressional District needs,” Scalise posted on X. “He’ll be one of Trump’s strongest allies, fighting to make the SAVE America Act law, keep our southern border secure, and defend the freedoms that make our country the greatest on earth. He’s a businessman and the only true conservative in this race from Southwest Florida. He has my complete and total endorsement.” Jordan, a popular figure with the Republican base, has also become increasingly vocal about who he supports. “Aaron Bean, Jimmy Patronis rally behind Belinda Keiser in CD 22” via Florida Politics — Keiser is highlighting endorsements from Bean and Patronis as the crowded Republican Primary for CD 22 enters its final stretch. Bean calls Keiser a “fighter” who puts America first, while Patronis describes her as a trusted leader with decades of experience in higher education. Keiser is among seven Republicans seeking to succeed Donalds, with polling showing her narrowly leading Casey Askar and Michael Carbonara but within a statistical tie. More than 41% of Republican voters remained undecided in the recent survey. Keiser also has endorsements from Vern Buchanan, Neal Dunn and Randy Fine, giving her significant congressional backing ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary. To watch the endorsements, click the images below: Aaron Bean endorses Belinda Keiser in the crowded CD 22 Republican Primary. Jimmy Patronis backs Belinda Keiser in the race to succeed Byron Donalds in CD 22. “Black Men Vote PAC endorses Shevrin Jones for CD 24, vows to stir support for him“ via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A national PAC focused on amplifying Black men’s voices in politics has endorsed state Sen. Jones for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, citing his legislative record supporting education, health equity, economic opportunity and voting rights. Black Men Vote PAC — the political arm of a Washington nonprofit dedicated to registering and mobilizing Black male voters — announced its endorsement this week, adding to a growing list of backers lining up behind Jones ahead of the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary. Michael Bland, the organization’s Executive Director, said Jones “has shown up, listened, and fought for people whose voices are too often ignored in the halls of power.”

Even more elections   “Meta backs Fentrice Driskell with late mail in SD 16 Primary” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Driskell is getting eleventh-hour help from Meta Platforms in her Democratic Primary against Michele Rayner for Senate District 16. Meta is funding mailers through a political committee called Making Our Tomorrow as part of a national effort to elect state lawmakers viewed as friendly to artificial intelligence. The ads do not mention Meta, AI or data centers, instead focusing on healthcare and democracy. Rayner helped sponsor a 2024 law restricting social media access for children under 16, giving Meta a clear policy stake in the race. Another committee attacking Rayner recently received $31,500 from the developer behind a proposed Polk County AI data center. With no Republican candidate, the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary will effectively decide the seat. Fentrice Driskell gets eleventh-hour help from Meta in the Senate District 16 Democratic Primary. “North Florida Dems call out 14 officials who backed candidate tied to White nationalist group“ via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — On the heels of a Florida Politics report detailing House District 10 candidate Marshall Rawson's yearslong engagement with a White nationalist secessionist group, Democratic leaders in the District are calling for accountability from the local officials who endorsed him. The Democratic Executive Committees of Alachua and Baker counties said in a joint statement this week that at least 14 current elected officials — Mayors, City Commissioners and County Commissioners across four of the District’s five counties — have backed Rawson, a Republican. “Every one of these officials swore to serve their whole community. They owe their community an answer: Do they stand behind Marshall Rawson’s extremist and divisive views, or will they serve everyone they represent, regardless of race, party, or religion?” said Tyler Foerst, Chair of the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee. “All in the family: Florida’s doctors endorse Dan Weldon in HD 64“ via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Florida Medical Association PAC, or FMA PAC, is backing the Republican in the Primary for House District 64, the Hillsborough County seat opening up as term limits catch Rep. Susan Valdés. “The FMA PAC endorses Dan Weldon for the Florida House. He brings a unique perspective into healthcare, having come from a family of physicians,” said FMA PAC President Andrew Borom. Weldon kept it in the family too. “I am proud to be endorsed by the Florida Medical Association PAC. I have seen the incredible advocacy that FMA has done regarding doctors and ensuring patients have access to the highest quality of medical treatment,” Weldon said.

Statewide   “Amid nationwide immigration crackdown, report shows workforce among most vulnerable to disruption“ via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — As state and federal governments crack down on immigration, Florida businesses could continue to feel the squeeze. The organization’s study, titled “End the ICE Tax” and shared exclusively with Florida Politics, lists Florida among five states where immigrants make up the highest share of the labor force. Florida, California, Nevada, New Jersey and New York are home to roughly half the nation’s foreign-born population. In Orlando, restaurants have lost an estimated 40% of their revenue because of staff resignations. “Florida families are footing the bill for Trump and Stephen Miller's radical and extreme mass deportation agenda. Florida officials have embraced this administration’s mass deportation crusade, and Floridians are paying the price,” said Joanna Kuebler, Chief of Programs at America’s Voice. Florida’s immigrant workforce faces heightened disruption amid the nationwide immigration crackdown. “Florida seeks to scrutinize The New York Times’ editorial process“ via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Uthmeier is leveraging the state retirement fund’s investment in The New York Times to scrutinize the company’s editorial practices. Uthmeier demanded scores of records Monday to show how stories are reviewed at The New York Times and its Board’s involvement in news decisions. His 28-page letter contends the publication’s “editorial malpractice” could expose the media giant to costly litigation and ultimately hurt shareholders — including scores of his state’s retirees. The investigation, the Republican maintains, is “grounded in concrete corporate risk, not generalized dissatisfaction with editorial judgment.” He gave the Times two weeks to respond. “Editorial malpractice does not always kill a media enterprise,” Uthmeier wrote. “But it always sends a bill.” “James Uthmeier warns WNBA: ‘I’ll be charging people with assault’ over on-court violence“ via Florida’s Voice Staff — Uthmeier issued a sharp warning to the WNBA after Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington was ejected for a flagrant foul against Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham and later accused her opponent of benefiting from “white privilege.” The controversy erupted during a matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky when Carrington delivered a clothesline-style hook to Cunningham’s upper body and face as she was in mid-air. Rather than apologizing for the dangerous hit, Carrington stoked racial divisions after the game, taking to social media to accuse Cunningham and her teammates of benefiting from “white privilege.” “The WNBA knows better than to play games down here in Florida, because I’ll be charging people with assault,” Uthmeier declared in a post on X. “Florida fights jury trial request in congressional redistricting challenge” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Florida is asking a Leon County judge to reject an unprecedented jury trial in litigation challenging the state’s new congressional map. DeSantis’ administration argues redistricting cases traditionally belong before judges and that complicated testimony involving demographics, compactness and political boundaries is ill-suited for jurors. Voting rights groups contend the map violates Florida’s voter-approved Fair Districts standards and have alternatively requested an advisory jury. Joshua Hawkes previously refused to block the map from this year’s elections, and the Florida Supreme Court rejected another attempt. The Republican-controlled Legislature approved the DeSantis administration’s plan during an April Special Session. Republicans currently hold 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional seats, but the new boundaries could increase that number to 24. “Florida liability caps leave families turning to Legislature for compensation” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Florida lawmakers will consider 17 claim bills in 2027 seeking compensation beyond the state’s sovereign immunity limits for people injured or killed through government negligence. One proposal from Nick DiCeglie would direct Temple Terrace to pay $22.3 million to Samantha Sakowski and her family after an unmarked police vehicle struck her SUV, killing her 6-year-old daughter and severely injuring two other children. Other bills seek payments stemming from a $28 million judgment against the Department of Children and Families and the death of construction worker Oscar Cabrera. Current law generally caps government liability at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. DeSantis vetoed legislation this year that would have increased those limits.

D.C. matters   “Donald Trump is increasingly frustrated with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin“ via Michelle Hackman and Marianne LeVine of The Wall Street Journal — Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with Homeland Security Secretary Mullin after Mullin made a series of off-message remarks recently that angered many of the President’s outside allies. Trump tapped Mullin, a close ally when he served in the Senate, to take over the homeland security post after he fired Kristi Noem in March. A senior Trump administration official acknowledged that frustration with Mullin had grown but said the President had no plans to fire him. “One of my very brilliant people backstage said, ‘Don’t worry about it, sir. We can do it maybe next week,'” Trump told the crowd. “I said, ‘It doesn’t work next week. This is the big day. We want July 4. We’re not looking for July something else.’” Markwayne Mullin faces growing frustration from Donald Trump over his leadership at Homeland Security. “Marco Rubio says Trump administration ready to support Colombia after deadly earthquake“ via Florida’s Voice — Rubio said the Trump administration is closely monitoring a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia and stands ready to support the country as rescue crews search for survivors. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed at least 69 people when it struck western Colombia Monday, sending residents fleeing into the streets, collapsing buildings and leaving people trapped beneath rubble as emergency crews began searching for survivors. The hardest-hit areas included the cities of Pereira, Cali and Manizales, where officials reported deaths, injuries and structural damage. The shaking was felt as far away as Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, and in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. “The Trump administration is closely monitoring the large earthquake that struck Colombia and stands ready to support the people of Colombia and President @ABDELAESPRIELLA’s administration,” Rubio said in a post on X. “Patriot Games open with dodgeball, lots of MAGA caps and even more questions“ via Noah White of The Washington Post — The Patriot Games is an athletic competition drawing a male and female representative from every state and an assortment of territories, military bases and tribal nations as part of the White House-backed nonprofit Freedom 250’s festivities. The 120 participants were chosen from applicants aged 14 to 17. Sunday evening turned to the lazy P.E. teacher favorites, kickball and dodgeball — which didn’t seem at all weird to an athlete named Cutter Boggs. What stood out to many upon arriving in Ohio, though, was that roughly 90% of the athletes participating were White. “When we heard about this, it felt like just a great chance to help him get recruited but also represent his country. It’s only going to happen once, right?” said Chase Boggs, Cutter’s father.

Local: S. FL   “Broward School Board candidate omitted aggravated assault, trespass pleas from candidate query“ via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Broward School Board candidate Nicole Morst disclosed only a 2008 drunken-driving case when the South Florida Sun-Sentinel asked whether she had ever been charged with or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. But she omitted mention of an incident 10 years earlier in Georgia that led to aggravated assault and criminal trespass charges, both of which she pleaded to in exchange for probation. Court records from Clayton County, Georgia, show Morst — then going by the name Candice Nicole Ramey — was accused of entering another woman’s property without permission on Oct. 29, 1998, and assaulting her with a handgun. Broward School Board candidate Nicole Morst faces scrutiny over omitted criminal pleas from a candidate questionnaire. “Could Broward take back control of fire-rescue from the Sheriff’s Office?“ via Rafael Olmeda of South Florida Sun Sentinel — The Broward County Commission is questioning whether to wrest control of countywide fire-rescue services from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, a change that would affect delivery of services from Weston and West Park to Lauderdale Lakes. The county’s Fire Rescue Department is up for discussion during the Commission’s Aug. 20 meeting, according to a newly released meeting agenda. In recent years, some communities have gauged whether they should keep contracting with the Sheriff’s Office, arguing that the benefit of having a centralized law enforcement agency is outweighed by Sheriff Gregory Tony’s persistent requests for funding increases and a lack of control over how the money is spent. “Miami leads nation in post-pandemic ‘return to office’” via Mark Dovich of the South Florida Business Journal — There’s nearly 800,000 square feet of new offices under construction in Miami – and the developers behind those projects may have fresh evidence their big bets on the city’s office market are justified. In the first half of the year, Miami posted higher office attendance rates than any other major city in the country. While no market exceeded pre-pandemic levels for office visits, Miami came closest, with an attendance rate that was 11.5% below the city’s 2019 baseline. Compare that to the national picture, where office visits remained 31.2% lower than before COVID. New York came in second place for its post-pandemic “return to office,” with visits 15.8% lower than in the same period in 2019. Dallas, Atlanta and Houston rounded out the rest of the Top 5. “Miami Secret Service agent, two others plead not guilty in severe hazing cases“ via Ana Claudia Chacin of Miami Herald — A Miami Secret Service agent and two other men charged in a hazing incident that led to severe caning and paddling injuries of a University of Miami law student and another person have pleaded not guilty, Miami-Dade court records show. The three men — Marquez Christopher Pinder, 29, the Secret Service agent, Jared Lamar James, 26, and Elijah Delano Dyous, 29 — were arrested by Sweetwater police. They were each charged with two counts of attempted manslaughter with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and one count of hazing with a deadly weapon — all felonies.

Local: C. FL   “Four challenge Orange Commissioner Mike Scott’s District 6 re-election bid“ via Stephen Hudak of Orlando Sentinel — Incumbent Orange County District 6 Commissioner Scott faces a Primary field of mostly familiar faces to hold onto his post. Three of the four challengers — Lawanna Gelzer, Cynthia Harris and Hedder Pierre Thomas — were part of a similar cluster of candidates four years ago that led to a tight race and forced a recount of Primary Election ballots. Scott then edged Gelzer by 656 votes in a run-off in which 4,597 voters did not mark their ballot for either. “I understand what it is like to work two jobs just to be able to provide for my family,” he said. “I understand what it’s like to be on public assistance, food stamps, rental assistance and unemployment because I have experienced these challenges within the past 10 years, most recently in 2022.” Mike Scott faces four challengers in his Orange County Commission re-election bid. “Investigation finds Seminole County judge candidate misused state work email, lied about hours in office“ via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — State employee Erik Swenk, who is running for Seminole County judge, falsified his attendance sheets for his time card and misused his official state email to send campaign messages and solicit campaign funds. Swenk, an Office of Appeal Hearings Officer Supervisor at the state’s Inspector General’s Office, is running in Judges Group 6 against Alena Chaban and incumbent Judge Wayne Culver in the Aug. 18 Primary. He was paid $320 for 643 minutes he did not work from Oct. 27 to Nov. 6, the investigation found. “It is unfortunate the lengths people will go through to undermine another’s campaign. It is also unfortunate the timing of the release of this report as a potential, unfounded, and unwarranted influence over my candidacy and election as Seminole County judge,” he wrote in a lengthy statement Monday. “Flying vehicles coming to Central Florida by year’s end, Governor says“ via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Operators will be “actively testing” flying vehicles in Central Florida aerospace by the end of the year, officials said as they championed the new technology taking off in Florida. “We’re at the age of flying cars. Think about a future where you have another option on I-4 to get from Orlando to Tampa,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue. Perdue joined DeSantis and other officials at a news conference held at Auburndale’s SunTrax Advanced Air Mobility and Autonomous and Connected Transportation Testing Grounds. The SunTrax facility is also testing autonomous self-driving vehicles, which appear in Miami and Orlando as Waymo and other companies tap into the market. DeSantis’ news conference wasn’t complete without a famous line from “Back to the Future.” “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” DeSantis said.

Local: TB   “Charlie Crist’s fundraising advantage on full display with major ad buys, twice the mail as Ken Welch“ via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Former Gov. Crist continues to show his fundraising prowess, with the most recent campaign finance reports showing him significantly growing his cash advantage over his opponents in the race for St. Petersburg Mayor, including incumbent Mayor Welch. Crist raised $32,600 to his affiliated political committee, St. Pete Shines, in the most recent period covering July 25-31. The committee has raised more than $1.7 million so far, and after more than $249,000 in expenditures during the most recent period, retains more than $650,000. When looking at cash-on-hand across all accounts, Crist has nearly nine times more to work with than Welch, and a significantly stronger advantage compared to any other candidate in the race. Another $105,000 paid for mailers. Charlie Crist enters the St. Petersburg Mayor’s race homestretch with a commanding fundraising advantage. “Tampa City Council questions Jane Castor administration’s transparency” via Breanne Williams of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Several City Council members said they were vexed over years of a lack of openness from the Castor administration and began speculating on the best path forward to address their concerns. Within the first 10 minutes of the workshop, members of the Council called for a “full investigation” into the administration, with Council member Bill Carlson suggesting that the Council reach out to the Florida Attorney General and Council member Charlie Miranda threatening to sue the administration. Multiple Council members voiced disappointment over not being given access to the full budget with enough time to review it. They also said that the physical copies of the budget they received were in a very small, nearly unreadable font. Council member Lynn Hurtak said her budget package folder was physically damaged. City Council Chair Alan Clendenin called the delivery of the budget “malicious compliance.” —“Tampa Council members propose investigation into Castor’s office” via Nina Moske of the Tampa Bay Times

Local: N. FL   “‘A little bit of hell’: Audrey Gibson blasts Donna Deegan administration workplace” via Florida Politics — Gibson says her 10 months working in Jacksonville Mayor Deegan’s administration were “a little bit of hell,” blaming CFO Anna Brosche for creating an environment where Gibson felt unwanted. Gibson, now running for HD 13, left her grants administrator job after Brosche placed her on a performance improvement plan alleging absences, insubordination and a hostile communication style. Gibson disputes that characterization, saying Brosche sought to push her out after former Chief Administrative Officer Karen Bowling hired her. Deegan’s office declined to discuss personnel matters but said the Mayor remains pleased with Brosche’s performance. The dispute surfaces days before Gibson faces Leslie Jean-Bart in a Democratic Primary that will effectively determine Rep. Nixon’s successor. Donna Deegan’s administration faces workplace complaints from former city grants administrator Audrey Gibson. “Jeremy Matlow faces shadowy PAC barrage in Tallahassee Mayor’s race” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Matlow is facing a wave of outside spending from political committees trying to block his bid for Tallahassee Mayor, with money flowing through a maze of PACs tied to business groups, Republican operatives and Florida State University interests. Committees including Vote Differently, Social Justice PAC and People for Honor Project have attacked Matlow while promoting rivals Loranne Ausley and Daryl Parks. Other groups are backing Dianne Williams-Cox and Talethia Edwards in City Commission races. Political scientist Aubrey Jewett says the arrangement reflects a familiar campaign strategy: candidates stay positive while outside groups handle attacks, preserving plausible deniability when ads turn misleading or overly aggressive. “Souls to the Polls: Tallahassee voters share hopes for city’s future” via Kyla A Sanford of the Tallahassee Democrat — The sun was beaming, but that didn’t stop crowds spanning generations from flocking to Southside Shopping Plaza, which for the afternoon was transformed into a place to gather, celebrate and imagine a new day in Tallahassee. While the shopping center is home to Piggly Wiggly, shopping wasn’t at the top of the day’s agenda for this crowd. For the afternoon, the plaza became a gathering place for residents looking toward what could determine the next line of leadership in Florida’s capital city. Early voting in the Aug. 18 Primary Election began at 10 different sites across Leon County. Votes have been steady and are filtering in “as expected,” Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley said. As of Saturday evening, almost 11,500 mail ballots have been returned while the polls had seen more than 1,700 voters. That means 7.2% of the county’s 182,806 registered voters have already cast ballots. “Developer talks about changing landscape of Thomasville Road” via TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — A familiar part of Leon County’s north side has a new look, and not everyone is happy about it. Before the Ox Bottom Meadows commercial development, where now a SunStop gas station, a Starbucks and other businesses are open, the land was trees and other vegetation and a pond barely visible from Thomasville and Ox Bottom roads. Now the corner is buzzing with cars streaming in and out for this or that. Many residents preferred the undisturbed feel. They bucked at the idea of blanketing the natural landscape with concrete and what they saw as cookie-cutter businesses like gas stations, car washes and medical marijuana shops. Others feared the SunStop’s fuel would seep into the ground and contaminate the underground aquifer and natural water flow in the area over time.

Local: SW. FL   “Sarasota police investigate first damaged Flock camera” via Michaela Galligan of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota Police are investigating the first known case of damage to one of the city’s controversial Flock license plate readers. Officers discovered the camera Monday on South Tuttle Avenue near Hibiscus Street after it had been offline since Friday. Both the camera and its solar panel were damaged, with repairs expected to cost about $800. Police don’t know how the damage occurred and have identified no suspects, but they are investigating it as a crime. Sarasota maintains 57 Flock cameras, with additional devices operated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics for a searchable law enforcement database. Similar systems have faced privacy concerns and vandalism nationwide, including cameras being shot, struck, cut down, painted and otherwise disabled. Sarasota Police investigate the city’s first known damaged Flock license plate reader. Image via Sarasota Herald-Tribune. “Bradenton Beach adds flood barrier after 2024 hurricane damage” via Julia Hazel of Spectrum News — Bradenton Beach is adding another layer of protection after hurricanes Helene and Milton hammered city facilities with storm surge in 2024. The city bought a $27,000 Tiger Dam system using FEMA mitigation funding to protect its public works building, where the storms caused an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in damage. The system uses large water-filled tubes positioned across building openings to keep floodwater out and can be deployed by public works crews within a couple of hours. John Chappie said the storms damaged the building, equipment and stored materials. Police public information officer ChrisAnn Allen, a Bradenton Beach native, said Helene and Milton brought impacts unlike anything she had previously experienced. The city is also pursuing grant funding for floodgates along Bridge Street.

Top opinion   “Libya could become Trump’s next strategic success” via Steve Bovo for Florida Politics — Trump has an opportunity to reset America’s relationship with Libya around practical cooperation, shared responsibility and measurable results. For too long, U.S. policy has treated Libya mainly as a counterterrorism and conflict-management problem. A better approach would help Libyans strengthen institutions, attract investment and modernize infrastructure while reducing dependence on open-ended American involvement. Economic cooperation can anchor that partnership. Libya’s position between Africa and the Mediterranean makes it a natural trade and logistics hub, while its oil, gas and solar potential could support energy security and diversification. Investments in ports, transportation, digital networks and emerging technologies could create jobs and modernize the economy. But none of that can endure without national reconciliation, trusted institutions and elections that strengthen unity rather than deepen division. Stability cannot be imposed from outside; it depends on Libyans building inclusive government, restoring public trust and creating a unified state. With Secretary of State Rubio helping shape foreign policy, Washington can pursue a relationship built on strategic partnerships, economic opportunity and shared burdens instead of heavy-handed intervention. A stronger Libya could bolster regional security, expand commerce and advance American interests across the Mediterranean and Africa. Helping Libya become peaceful, prosperous and increasingly self-reliant is not charity. It is a smart investment in America’s own future, one that can give Libyans greater confidence in their country while strengthening Washington’s position in a strategically important region for years to come.

More opinions   “Tiffany Moore Russell’s experience gives her the edge for Orange County Mayor” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Moore Russell is the strongest choice for Orange County Mayor because the job demands both executive ability and deep familiarity with local government. The former County Commissioner and current Clerk of Court has experience managing a large staff while making the courts more accessible, including expanding self-help services and helping residents resolve burdensome fines and fees. Her record shows an understanding of what Orange County residents need and an ability to work across independently elected offices. Rivals Mayra Uribe and Stephanie Murphy also bring strong credentials, while Chris Messina has worthwhile ideas but lacks comparable government experience. With a $4.4 billion county operation and increasingly complex Commission dynamics, Moore Russell’s varied experience makes her the best-prepared candidate. “Sarah Ulrich, Bale Dalton, Thomas Chalifoux Jr., Nizam Razack, James Pericola get congressional nods” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Central Florida voters should favor candidates offering experience, independence and alternatives to partisan orthodoxy. In CD 7, Republican Ulrich offers a thoughtful break from incumbent Cory Mills, whose tenure has been marked by controversies and investigations, while Democrat Dalton brings military and government experience with moderate positions suited to the District. In CD 9, Republican Chalifoux stands out in a crowded field as an independent-minded former Army colonel. CD 11 Republicans should choose Razack, a neurosurgeon and attorney whose conservative approach includes pragmatic policy solutions. Democrats have their strongest contender in Pericola, whose decades of political experience and nuanced positions distinguish him from his Primary opponents.

Instagram of the day

Aloe   “‘Obsession’ breakout Nikki joins Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights” via James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter — Universal is bringing one of 2026’s biggest horror characters to Halloween Horror Nights. Nikki Freeman, played by Inde Navarrette in the breakout film “Obsession,” will roam Universal Studios Hollywood as a late addition to this year’s event. Creative director John Murdy says guests will need a “Where’s Waldo?” mentality to spot Nikki, portrayed in her bloody, tattoo-covered appearance from the film’s finale. The choice is unusual because Nikki is the victim of the One Wish Willow’s curse rather than a traditional villain. “Obsession,” made for just $750,000, has grossed $475 million worldwide. Halloween Horror Nights begin Aug. 28 at Universal Orlando and Sept. 3 in Hollywood. Inde Navarrette’s Nikki Freeman joins Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Image via Focus Features.

Happy birthday   Celebrating today are Rep. Jose Alvarez, Brice Barnes, CBS’s Jim DeFede, Chris Hart IV, and Matt Surrency. ___ 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