More families struggling with cost of food, No Kid Hungry Florida poll says

HEADLINES Floridians are facing tough choices as they struggle to afford groceries.


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The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 5.26.26 — Burnin’ today: INFLUENCE, Glorioso, DeSantis, affordability, budget deal, sloths & UFC flag

unburn: Your morning brief from the Sunshine State ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Tuesday morning. Housekeeping — With the end of the 2026 Legislative Session finally in sight, some housekeeping is in order. I’d like to finish off the post-Session edition of INFLUENCE Magazine; we have about 5 or 6 ad slots in the magazine still up for grabs. If you are interested, please let me know at Peter@FloridaPolitics.com. We’re still looking for a few Golden Rotunda nominations and suggestions for our overall Winners and Losers list. Send your nominations and suggestions to me off the record at Peter@FloridaPolitics.com. ___ Florida’s Capitol press corps is about to get smaller — Three reporters who have shaped state government coverage are heading out, led by two of the journalists at the center of the Hope Florida saga. Alexandra Glorioso, a state government reporter at the Miami Herald, is joining the investigative unit jointly operated by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, the organizations announced Friday. She starts on May 26, based in Austin, doing statewide political and healthcare investigations. Glorioso was part of the team that uncovered how Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration steered $10 million in public funds to the Hope Florida Foundation, the nonprofit championed by Casey DeSantis as a welfare alternative — reporting that showed more than $35 million funneled from state coffers into political committees and prompted a criminal grand jury investigation. She and her collaborators were named finalists for the 2026 Goldsmith Prize. Alexandra Glorioso joins ProPublica and The Texas Tribune after Hope Florida investigative reporting. Where Glorioso goes, so goes her reporting partner. Lawrence Mower, the Tampa Bay Times’ Tallahassee correspondent and one of her chief Hope Florida collaborators, posted that he and Glorioso — who are married — are relocating to Austin in August. You may have been on the other side of their reporting, but, watching from afar, especially during Glorioso’s battle against cancer, it’s clear they make an incredible couple. In a separate departure, Cody Butler, who launched Gray’s Florida Capital Bureau in 2023, said his last day was Friday; he’s headed to WHIO in Dayton, Ohio, to anchor. ___ A new poll shows 4 out of 5 Floridians are struggling to afford food as the cost of groceries outpaces their income. The survey found that families are hit hard by the affordability crisis, with about 47% saying they choose between buying nutritious food and paying for gas, car repairs, or transportation. About 38% say they were forced to decide between making a rent or mortgage payment or feeding their household. New polling shows Floridians struggling with rising grocery costs and broader household affordability pressures. Aspect Strategic conducted the poll on behalf of No Kid Hungry Florida, surveying 1,021 Floridians 18 and up. The survey, taken April 14-22, had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points. “I’m alarmed by these results, but I’m not surprised,” said Sky Beard, director of No Kid Hungry Florida. “The cost of food and essentials remains stubbornly high, and Floridians are really struggling. Florida families deserve better.” The appetite for action crosses party lines: about 74% of Republicans, 89% of Independents, and 98% of Democrats say they want Florida elected officials to do more to make sure children aren’t going hungry. Some parents shared personal stories of living paycheck to paycheck. “We now are in the red every month and using savings to stay afloat,” one St. Lucie dad said. The poll found that 70% said their financial situation has worsened in the past year due to food prices, while 49% said they have taken on more debt due to food costs. More than a quarter have used “buy now, pay later” plans such as Afterpay or Klarna to cover food costs. On policy, 57% opposed federal SNAP funding cuts, with nearly half strongly opposed.

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@MarcACaputo: This is so true about @j_fishback. I’ve never seen a more talented troll run for office in FL. Dude knows how to create heat. He’s made something outta nothing. He’s not going to win due to his lack of big $ in a TV state w/an older TV-watching electorate. But he entertains —@StefKunkel: Florida budget staff this holiday getting the final budget docs on the desk for passage. The true heroes of the legislative process. Tweet, tweet: — @AshleyRickards: Uhm. (Stephen) Colbert could save PBS. Please have your NEW show on PBS. We will buy all the tote bags. PLEASE.

Days until   Marvel’s ’Spider-Noir’ arrives on Amazon Prime — 1; Rafa Nadal documentary ’Rafa’ premieres on Netflix — 3; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 7; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit — 8; ’Cape Fear’ series premieres on Apple TV — 10; ’Masters of the Universe’ premieres — 10; 2026 Florida Chamber Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 13; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) — 13; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 16; Steven Spielberg’s ’Disclosure Day’ premieres — 17; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices — 17; Flag Day — 19; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 — 19; President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday — 19; ’Toy Story 5’ premieres — 24; The final season of ‘THE BEAR’ premieres — 30; ’Supergirl’ premieres — 31; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates — 31; live-action ’Moana’ premieres — 36; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 39; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 44; 2026 Florida Python Challenge — 45; MLB All-Star Game — 49; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 51; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 55; ’Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 66; ’Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 71; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 72; Early voting period begins — 74; ’Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 82; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 82; Primary Election Day — 84; NFL regular season kicks off — 106; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 107; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 108; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 112; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 116; Tampa Bay Buccaneers opener against Cleveland Browns — 117; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 121; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 128; General Election voter registration deadline — 132; Early Voting General Election begins — 151; General Election — 161; ’Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 164; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 169; ’The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 178; Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth, his Academy-award winning role, in a film directed by David Fincher, written by Quentin Tarantino — 183; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 206; ’Dune: Part 3’ premieres — 206; untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 206; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 244; 69th annual Grammy Awards — 257; Super Bowl LXI — 264; Tampa Mayoral Election — 280; 2027 Oscars — 292; Jacksonville First Election — 301; Jacksonville General Election — 357; ’Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 375; ’Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 437; ’MIAMI VICE’ reboot premieres — 437; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 493; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 570; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 608; 2028 Oscars — 649; ’Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 731; ’Incredibles 3’ premieres — 752; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 780; U.S. Presidential Election — 896; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 972; Avatar 4 premieres — 1,296; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,336; Avatar 5 premieres — 2,027.

Top stories   “Lawmakers reach budget deal in Special Session” via Gray Rohrer of the News Service of Florida — House and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late May 24, the last step in an extended process that required a Special Session to complete for the second year in a row. The spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 will be nearly $115 billion, less than the Senate’s preferred budget but more than the $113.6 billion plan preferred by the House. Speaker Daniel Perez had insisted on larger cuts to the existing budget, fearing projected deficits in future years if spending wasn’t curtailed. Legislators plan to approve the budget on May 29 and send it to Gov. DeSantis. Lawmakers reached a nearly $115 billion budget deal after a Special Session. On education, after clashing during the Regular Session over the state voucher program, the chambers agreed to keep the $4.5 billion for homeschool and private school scholarships inside the main K-12 funding formula. They also approved a provision to prevent deep cuts to School Districts seeing declining enrollment. They signed off on transferring control of the University of South Florida’s Manatee-Sarasota campus to New College of Florida, which the House wanted, but the Senate resisted until late. Healthcare saw its own fights. The Cancer Innovation Fund championed by First Lady DeSantis landed at $20 million after the Senate sought $30 million and the House resisted funding it at all. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which helps HIV patients get prescriptions, will receive $75 million after emergency funding earlier this year was set to lapse on June 30. The deal also includes $514 million for Everglades restoration — which budget chiefs said should satisfy DeSantis, who had threatened a veto — along with $4 million for the families of the Groveland Four and $4.5 million in grants to county Supervisors of Elections for post-election audits. “Lawmakers strike budget deal with targeted tax cuts, no gas tax break” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Lawmakers finalized a nearly $150 million tax cut package that focuses on targeted consumer relief while leaving out a broader gas tax suspension backed by some Democrats and left open by DeSantis. The tax package includes a camping and fishing sales tax holiday, a temporary exemption on sales taxes for hurricane-resistant windows and doors, and adjustments to the state’s back-to-school tax holiday. It also includes tax relief on certain firearm accessories during the outdoor recreation window. The absence of a gas tax suspension stood out as a major policy decision after debate over whether savings would meaningfully reach consumers. The package reflects a narrower tax-cut approach centered on seasonal and issue-specific relief.

Special Session   “$50M emerges in state budget for Hillsborough College after Rays MOUs” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Just days after Tampa and Hillsborough officials approved nonbinding memorandums of understanding tied to a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal, lawmakers added $50 million in Public Education Capital Outlay funding for Hillsborough College, where part of the broader redevelopment is planned. The PECO allocation would support campus improvements at the Dale Mabry campus, which are tied to the larger stadium district vision, though Senate budget leaders cautioned that the money is not finalized. The timing has drawn attention because the funding surfaced immediately after local governments signaled support for nearly $1 billion in public financing tied to the $2.3 billion project. While state leaders stress that the money would go to college infrastructure rather than the Rays, the move underscores how tightly linked the project’s public-funding pieces have become. “House and Senate strike land deal on USF transfer to New College” — via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The House and Senate reached a late-night Sunday budget deal to transfer University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s classrooms, dorms, and property to New College of Florida. New College — the small Sarasota liberal arts school that DeSantis took over in 2023 — will inherit 32 acres of land, new residence halls, and a laboratory under construction. The budget language directs New College to assume full liability by Dec. 31 for any outstanding debt as of July 1 and to send monthly payments to USF for debt service. The biggest concern for lawmakers stemmed from money, not land. The House had originally asked for $22.47 million to be transferred from USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College as part of the campus transfer pushed by DeSantis. That money was cut from the state budget as negotiations ended Sunday night. New College of Florida is set to take over the USF Sarasota-Manatee property and facilities. “Lawmakers may buy more land from same donor tied to $83M deal” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Lawmakers are advancing new budget language that could authorize another Okaloosa County land purchase benefiting Louisiana developer and GOP donor Robert Guidry, whose companies were also tied to last year’s controversial $83 million Destin acquisition. Property and corporate records suggest the latest proposal could encompass parcels near the Gulf Islands National Seashore owned by Guidry-linked entities. The report also highlights lobbying activity by Brian Ballard and Chris Dorworth, who represent another Guidry company on issues related to beach preservation and land acquisition. Campaign finance records show Guidry-affiliated companies have also contributed to Republican political committees in Tallahassee. The proposal is drawing scrutiny because it could again redirect funding originally intended for the Florida Wildlife Corridor. “State worker pay raise now dead for 2026-27, top lawmaker says” via James Call of USA Today Network — In state budget talks, what sounds promising can die a quick death in a matter of hours. At a state budget meeting on May 22, as lawmakers neared finalizing a new state budget, a 2% pay raise for state workers seemed at least possible, if not likely. After a subsequent meeting later in the day, Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper appeared to drive a nail through the possibility of any pay raise being built into the spending plan for 2026-27 for rank-and-file office workers. “To my knowledge, there’s no general wage increase across the board,” Hooper told reporters after the meeting. “State prosecutors, public defense lawyers to get pay bumps and more jobs, but there’s a huge disparity” — via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Senate has met the House on its budget offer for new positions for Assistant State Attorneys and Assistant Public Defenders, but the addition of full-time-equivalent jobs is disproportionate. That could create recruitment issues in Public Defender Offices and potential backlogs throughout the state justice system. The Senate has adopted the House’s plan to spend about $4.4 million to create 40 FTE positions in State Attorney Offices, while earmarking just $1.8 million for eight new FTE positions in Public Defender Offices. Public Defenders had sought 38 positions and $7.3 million. The Senate has also accepted the House position on pay raises, with a $10,000 pay bump for state prosecutors, and just $3,500 for public defense lawyers. “Lawmakers steer millions toward South Florida projects” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — State lawmakers are directing millions of late-stage budget allocations toward South Florida universities, healthcare systems, infrastructure and social service initiatives through the annual sprinkle list process. Some of the biggest beneficiaries include Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, the Miami Transplant Institute and Nova Southeastern University, along with transportation, water and resilience projects across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. The funding also supports healthcare access, science programming, veteran services, school operations and flood mitigation. Because sprinkle list appropriations do not require matching approval in both the House and Senate, projects can stack funding across chambers, though some may still face veto scrutiny. The allocations underscore how regional priorities continue to shape final budget negotiations, especially in education, infrastructure and healthcare. “Tampa Bay projects land millions in sprinkle list funding” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Tampa Bay projects are poised to receive roughly $13 million in supplemental budget funding through House sprinkle lists, with major investments spanning law enforcement, culture, housing, healthcare and youth services. The largest item is $4 million for a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office regional training and leadership center, while $2.5 million would support a new African American arts and cultural center. Additional funding includes $2 million for advanced water metering upgrades, $1.5 million for digitization of Moffitt Cancer Center pathology, $1 million for youth mental wellness, housing dollars for Habitat for Humanity, and support for Tampa Theatre restoration and anti-trafficking services. The funding reflects end-stage budget priorities, though final allocations remain subject to vetoes from Gov. DeSantis.

More Special Session   “’Today, history moved forward in Florida’ as House agrees to Groveland Four compensation” — via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The families of the Groveland Four are now closer to receiving $1 million each, nearly 80 years after the tragic events in Central Florida. Both the House and Senate have agreed to provide $4 million to the families of Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas, marking what many consider a historic moment in the Legislature. “Today, history moved forward in Florida,” Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis told Florida Politics late Friday night. “This moment is about more than dollars. It’s about acknowledging the truth, honoring the pain these families have carried for generations, and taking a real step toward justice.” Bracy Davis’s bill to compensate the families did not pass during the 2026 Regular Session, but the Senate brought her proposal back during this month’s budget talks. The Groveland Four: (L to R) Jailer Reuben Hatcher, Walter Irvin, Charles Greenlee, Samuel Shepherd and Lake County Sheriff Willis McCall. Image via Gary Corsair/Orlando Sentinel. House pitches AI eligibility check for food stamps — During the weekend’s budget negotiations, the House introduced new procurement language that would task artificial intelligence with determining who is eligible to receive food stamps. The provision would set aside $4 million in nonrecurring general revenue that the Department of Children and Families, which administers Florida’s federal SNAP implementation, would use to secure an “electronic data analytics solution” for SNAP eligibility checks. The language specifies that the vendor “must be capable of providing large-scale analyses of eligibility determinations using machine learning,” including by “identifying and correcting erroneous determinations, identifying root causes of erroneous determinations, and recommending operational improvements to avoid future errors.” “Lawmakers agree on tab for Donald Trump airport renaming” — via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Lawmakers have agreed on how much taxpayers should pay to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Trump. Newly released documents in the ongoing budget Special Session show the House has dropped its initial $5.5 million proposal for the rebranding, the full sum Melbourne Sen. Debbie Mayfield sought in a February appropriation request. The Senate countered with a $2.75 million offer, which the House matched Friday evening. The nonrecurring funds will go toward campus-wide signage replacements, along with equipment and vehicle rebranding, uniform and marketing updates, and technology upgrades. PBI, soon to be rechristened Donald J. Trump International Airport, serves roughly 8.6 million passengers annually and sits approximately four miles from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate —“House, Senate align on 5 Tampa Bay area road projects” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politic “Atlantic Beach water projects prioritized by Kiyan Michael funded” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The state is set to chip in nearly $2 million for three priorities of Atlantic Beach, as Senate and House budget negotiators come closer to a final deal. Sherman Creek Dredging is poised to get $650,000, the Dora Drive Stormwater Mitigation Pond is slated for $212,500, and Marshside Septic Tank Elimination Phase 2 is in line for $200,000. These projects are priorities of Rep. Kiyan Michael, who is friends with DeSantis, so it’s hard to imagine them getting vetoed. The dredging will remove “accumulated muck and debris from Sherman Creek” and provide “littoral planting to help stabilize creek banks and beneficial reuse of dredged material,” per the Appropriations request. “Democrats push back on arts funding cuts during Orlando Fringe, budget talks” — via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — A group of Orange County Democrats rallied against cuts to statewide arts funding during the Orlando Fringe Festival. Rep. Anna Eskamani, Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, and U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost spoke at a panel during Saturday’s festival, even as top budget negotiators meet behind closed doors to decide the state's spending plan. In the latest offers, the House lowered its $23 million for cultural and museum grants to $20 million to counter the Senate’s $11.8 million. DeSantis vetoed the line item entirely in 2024. The House is asking for the first $12.5 million to go to arts groups recommended by Secretary of State Cord Byrd, which Smith called “cherry picking” to appease DeSantis and prevent another veto. “Central Florida Zoo could get $750,000 while caring for rescued sloths” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens may receive $750,000 in the new state budget to update exhibits, bathrooms, signage, gardens, generators and other facilities tied to its 50th anniversary. The Sanford-based zoo also hopes the upgrades will help maintain accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The money is not final until DeSantis signs the budget. The funding comes while the zoo cares for surviving sloths from the failed Sloth World attraction, where more than 50 animals died. Some rescued sloths were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized, and care now costs up to $2,000 a day. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is caring for rescued sloths from the failed Sloth World attraction. “House, Senate aligned on $1M for off-world data backups” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Lawmakers are advancing a Space Florida pilot program that would test storing backup state government data on orbital hardware as part of a broader push to strengthen disaster recovery and cybersecurity resilience. Under the latest Transportation and Economic Development budget offer, House and Senate negotiators have aligned to provide $1 million for the initiative, which would contract with a Florida-based aerospace company to deliver active orbital data storage services for up to five executive branch agencies. The proposal excludes federally regulated criminal justice data and requires agencies to test system integration and report findings by March 2027. Separately, lawmakers also settled on $3 million for Space Florida launch pad infrastructure, reinforcing continued investment in aerospace and innovation projects. “Pinellas Science Center lands $350K, but it’s a fraction of what was sought” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Pinellas Science Center secured $350,000 in the state budget after House and Senate negotiators aligned on funding, though the amount falls far short of the $2.5 million sought by Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Berny Jacques. The funding supports ongoing efforts to revive the long-shuttered St. Petersburg facility, which closed in 2014 after decades as a hub for STEM education, field trips and hands-on science programming. Local leaders hope to transform the site into a center focused on emerging technology, science education and workforce preparation tied to artificial intelligence and innovation. While the appropriation is modest, it keeps momentum alive for a broader $25 million redevelopment project already backed by public and private investment. —”Florida State nets $174M in PECO funding” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics —”House, Senate agree on operating money for UF Health” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

2026   “Trump’s self-indulgence deepens GOP fears in Midterms” via Shane Goldmacher and Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times — A little more than five months ahead of the Midterm Elections, Trump seems to be focused on virtually anything other than keeping Republican control of Congress. He endorsed a MAGA challenger over Texas’s senior Republican Senator, ignoring warnings that he could endanger the seat. He has boasted almost daily about his expensive and expansive new White House ballroom. He has minimized rising gas costs, waving off spiking prices at the pump as “peanuts” last week compared to what he is pursuing in Iran. And even as he engaged over the weekend in negotiations to end the Iran war that he began, Trump has made plain that he prioritizes his record abroad above domestic affordability, which he has dismissed repeatedly as a Democratic “hoax.” For many, a new jaw-dropper came last week when Trump created a $1.8 billion fund to pay people who say they have been victims of “weaponization and lawfare,” including those who attacked the Capitol and law enforcement officers there, on Jan. 6, 2021. Donald Trump’s Midterm focus is raising new concerns among Republicans about control of Congress. “David Jolly proposes an Office of Civil Rights in the Governor’s Office if elected” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — Jolly says that if he’s elected in November, he would establish an Office of Civil Rights within the Governor’s Office. Speaking in Fort Myers Sunday during a gathering hosted by the Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus, the former U.S. representative from Pinellas County reflected on the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakening Section 2 of the 1965 U.S. Voting Rights Act, which has permitted southern states to redraw congressional maps to eliminate Democratic districts and dilute the influence of Black voters. “I don’t think that the disparate impact of prejudicial and racist policies of the last 100 years has now expired and now we’re a moment of great equality and equity, I don’t,” he said. “I think the disparate impact is still real today.” To contend with that, he says Florida “deserves an Office of Civil Rights.” He said it would look at voting rights, access to healthcare, and ensure everyone is getting a “high quality education” as outlined in the Florida Constitution, among other aims. “Byron Donalds defends ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ as unselfish act by Trump” via Cheyanne M. Daniels of POLITICO — Rep. Donalds is defending the Justice Department’s controversial $1.776 billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ arguing it stems from a settlement tied to the IRS dispute involving Trump and was meant to help others who believe they were politically targeted. Donalds, who is leaving Congress to run for Governor, said Congress should have oversight in determining how the fund is ultimately used. The program has drawn bipartisan backlash, with critics raising concerns over accountability, taxpayer exposure and whether Jan. 6 defendants could qualify for payouts. Even some of Trump’s closest Republican allies have demanded more details or moved to block the initiative, turning the fund into a flashpoint over executive power, political grievances and federal spending. “Child Protection Faith Summit elevates Donalds at summit in Washington, D.C.” — via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The Northwest Florida Health Network, along with the Jack Brewer Foundation, held a National Child Protection Faith Summit, and gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Donalds was featured prominently. The event was held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. and drew lawmakers, clergy, policy experts, and other advocacy organizations from across the country. It focused on protecting vulnerable children while advocating for strengthening families with faith-based solutions, as child welfare is strained in the U.S. “America’s children are under attack spiritually, culturally, and physically, and we cannot continue outsourcing the responsibility of protecting them,” said Jack Brewer, former NFL star and founder of the nonprofit foundation in his name. Many of those attending offered prayers for the Naples Republican in his race to be the GOP nominee for Governor in the Aug. 18 Primary. “James Fishback faces questions after surprise wedding reveal” via Cameron Adams of The Daily Beast — Fishback is pushing back after social media scrutiny over his surprise wedding sparked questions about the rapid shift in his personal life during his gubernatorial campaign. After posting altar photos and joking online that he met, got engaged and married his bride within days, Fishback later said the timeline was sarcasm and that the couple had dated for months before marrying in a Catholic ceremony. The episode fueled fresh online criticism and renewed attention on Fishback’s often provocative online persona and past controversies, adding another unpredictable twist to a campaign where he remains far behind Trump-backed Donalds in the Republican Primary race for Governor next year, while drawing headlines for style, spectacle and sharp reactions from critics and supporters. Happening today — Lt. Gov. Jay Collins will hold a news conference at 9 a.m. at the iconic Citrus Tower in Clermont to announce his “Farming. Florida’s Future” plan on food security, national security, and the future of Florida agriculture. The plan focuses on strengthening Florida agriculture, supporting growers and ranchers, protecting working lands, rebuilding citrus, workforce development, and treating food security as national security. The event is at 141 N. Hwy. 27. Media must RSVP to press@jayforflorida.com.

More elections   —”5 races we’re watching after redistricting” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times Jorge Martinez launches bid to unseat Darren Soto in CD 9 — Martinez, a Cuban immigrant, longtime Central Florida resident and small-business owner, has entered the race for Florida’s 9th Congressional District, positioning himself as a Republican challenger to Democratic U.S. Rep. Soto. Martinez said his campaign will focus on lowering living costs, border security, reducing federal spending and advancing Trump’s America First agenda. He framed his candidacy around his family’s immigration story and decades of business experience, arguing Washington needs stronger fiscal discipline. Martinez is entering a District reshaped by redistricting and targeting Soto, who has represented the area in Congress since 2017. The launch sets up another high-profile Central Florida congressional contest as the 2026 cycle accelerates. Jorge Martinez launched a CD 9 campaign against U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. —“4 Sheriffs back Ben Butler in CD 9 challenge to Soto” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics “Future Speakers line up behind Kevin Steele in CD 14” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — All three Republicans next in line to lead the House are endorsing Steele in his bid for Florida’s 14th Congressional District. Speaker-designate Sam Garrison, who succeeds Perez in November, backed Steele alongside Jennifer Canady, set to take the gavel in 2028, and Mike Redondo, slated for the post in 2030. Together, they represent the next six years of House leadership. “Kevin Steele is a true Florida success story. His entrepreneurial spirit, business experience, and proven leadership will allow him to hit the ground running on Day One and deliver real results for the people of Tampa in Congress,” Garrison said. Canady called Steele “a fighter for our values,” while Redondo described him as “a die-hard conservative who will have President Trump’s back and won’t bend or break when he gets to Congress.” “I am truly humbled by their support,” Steele said. — ”Elijah Manley slams decision by Debbie Wasserman Schultz to run in CD 20” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics “Redistricting shuffle: James Martin stays put as new money leader in CD 21” — via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Democratic candidate James Martin will continue seeking to challenge U.S. Rep. Brian Mast in Florida’s 21st Congressional District. “I remain laser-focused on defeating Brian Mast in November,” Martin said of the Stuart Republican. “He is failing Florida families like mine, and Florida is ready for a new generation of leadership,” Martin told Florida Politics he will stay put after Democratic Primary opponent Pia Dandiya shifted her candidacy to run in an open race for CD 22, which has no incumbent under a new map approved by DeSantis. Mast’s District shifts little under the cartography, even as several surrounding seats represented by Democrats were completely redrawn. As of the end of the first quarter, Martin had raised nearly $307,000 for the run and started April with more than $160,000 in cash on hand. “Redistricting shuffle: Pia Dandiya shifts candidacy to open CD 22, leaving Brian Mast challenge behind” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — “I’m deeply grateful to the thousands of supporters throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast who have believed in this campaign from the very beginning,” Dandiya said. The move came after DeSantis approved a mid-decade redistricting plan that significantly realigns congressional boundaries throughout South Florida. Dandiya will run with the endorsement of Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. The top fundraiser challenging Mast, she closed March with $1.17 million in cash on hand. “Voters are looking for leaders who understand the challenges working families face and who are focused on delivering real solutions,” Fried said. Pia Dandiya shifted her congressional campaign to the newly redrawn open CD 22. “Associated Industries of Florida endorses Mike Suarez in HD 64” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is endorsing Suarez in the 2026 Democratic Primary for House District 64. “Mike brings decades of leadership experience, deep community roots, and a strong understanding of the issues impacting Florida’s job creators and working families,” said Brewster Bevis, AIF president and CEO. “Through his service on the Tampa City Council, numerous community Boards and his professional career as an insurance agent, Mike has consistently demonstrated a commitment to economic growth, smart infrastructure investment, and policies that help communities thrive.” Suarez faces fellow Democrats Luis Salazar and José “Dante” Sánchez-Sánchez in the Primary for the open seat, which is being vacated by term-limited Republican Rep. Susan Valdés.

Statewide   “Florida’s proposed ’Panhandle Pokey’ no longer happening, DHS says” — via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Plans for a new immigration detention center in the Panhandle, dubbed the “Panhandle Pokey” by DeSantis, are on hold, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Amid speculation that Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz center will close soon, the department told the Tampa Bay Times in a statement that “this facility is no longer being proposed.” In January, DeSantis said at a news conference at Deportation Depot that the “Panhandle Pokey” would be located in Northwest Florida, but he said he was waiting for approval from Homeland Security. DeSantis made the offer because U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not have enough detention space, he said. In September, DeSantis also mentioned during a news conference that he was talking with local officials in Panama City about building a center there. Federal officials say the proposed ‘Panhandle Pokey’ immigration detention center is no longer moving forward. “Lawyers say Alligator Alcatraz detainee transfers are ramping up” via Juan Carlos Chavez of the Tampa Bay Times — Immigration lawyers and advocates say detainees at Alligator Alcatraz are being moved unusually fast to other locations amid reports the detention center in the Everglades could shut down as soon as next month. Immigration attorney Laura Quintero, who has clients in Central Florida and Tampa, said she heard of detainee relocations happening in less than a week. “At this time, we have not been given any official explanation as to whether these movements are related to the facility’s closure or are part of an internal operational transfer,” Quintero said. “But this is a pattern we are actively seeing and monitoring.” Happening today — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost will hold a news conference outside Alligator Alcatraz at 1 p.m., ahead of a state-approved tour of the facility. “Ron DeSantis signs legislation strengthening protections against domestic, dating violence” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Starting in July, Florida will have significantly stronger safeguards on its books for victims of domestic and dating abuse. DeSantis has signed legislation (HB 277) to hike punishments for repeat domestic violence offenders, improve the state’s protective policies and test the efficacy of electronic monitoring in deterring future crimes. The measure, which passed unanimously in both chambers of the Legislature this year, was the passion project of Rep. Debra Tendrich, a domestic violence survivor. Rep. Danny Nix served as the co-prime sponsor for HB 277. Sen. Alexis Calatayud sponsored its upper-chamber companion (SB 682). “DeSantis signs legislation allowing pay bumps for high school coaches” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — DeSantis signed two bills that reshape how high schools can support coaches and student athletes, including a long-sought measure allowing booster-funded salary increases for coaches. The new law allows districts to establish local policies on outside donations to supplement pay, a move backers say could help Florida compete with neighboring states that offer significantly higher compensation. DeSantis also signed the so-called Teddy Bridgewater Act, allowing coaches to provide limited financial support for food, transportation and health-related needs without triggering state sanctions. The law requires disclosure and parental approval, creating guardrails after last year’s high-profile punishment involving Teddy Bridgewater at Miami Northwestern. Both measures, which take effect July 1, aim to give schools more flexibility while recognizing the broader role coaches play beyond athletics. “Florida’s famed agriculture industry faces bumper crop of natural disasters” — via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — Florida’s worst drought in two decades has parched crops and spiked watering costs. Wildfires have burned more than 135,000 acres statewide. And a Winter storm earlier this year slammed the Sunshine State with below-freezing temperatures, wiping out entire crops and leaving plants with lasting damage. Less than six months into the year, Florida’s agriculture industry is searching for relief after severe weather events have caused billions of dollars in damage and created an uncertain future for farmers. “I mean, it’s a disaster. There’s no doubt about that. It’s an economic disaster to agriculture,” said Jeb Smith, president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. In February, the state’s agriculture department estimated that Winter storms Ezra and Gianna caused more than $3.1 billion in agricultural damage. “Florida’s jobless rate increases to 4.8%” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Florida’s unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in April, continuing a yearlong upward trend that now places the state above the national average of 4.3%. The latest figures show 532,000 Floridians were unemployed out of a labor force of 11.15 million, up from 408,000 a year earlier. Most counties also remain above the statewide average, underscoring broader labor strain as inflation and rising gas prices weigh on household finances. Of the state’s 25 metro areas, nearly half lost jobs over the past year, while seven of 10 major industry sectors posted declines. Miami-Dade County recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1%, while Taylor County posted the highest at 8.4%, highlighting uneven economic pressure across the state.

D.C. matters   “Trump deals major blow to legal migration, forcing most green-card seekers to leave U.S.” — via Syra Ortiz Blanes of the Miami Herald — The Trump administration has announced a new policy that requires most people seeking permanent residency in the U.S. to return to their home countries to apply, one of the biggest blows Trump has dealt to legal migration since returning to the White House. In a memo issued Thursday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services told its officers that “adjustment of status is a matter of discretion... not designed to supersede the regular consular processing.” That means the spouses and relatives of U.S. citizens, professionals, and students already legally here will have to go abroad to apply for lawful permanent residency through U.S. consulates unless they meet very narrow exceptions. Consular processing of visas and green cards can take months to years to complete. A new Trump administration policy could force many green-card seekers to apply from abroad. “Marco Rubio tries to tackle a trust deficit between Washington and Delhi on first official India trip” via The Associated Press — Secretary of State Rubio used his first official visit to India to stabilize a relationship strained by tariffs, geopolitical friction and growing distrust between Washington and New Delhi. Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the strategic importance of U.S.-India ties, even as both openly framed policy through national-interest lenses — ‘America first’ and ‘India first.’ Trade, energy diversification, maritime security and the Quad alliance remain central to cooperation, while tensions over Russian oil, Pakistan, China and shifting regional alliances continue to complicate diplomacy. The visit highlights how both countries still view each other as critical strategic partners, even as competing priorities and political realities test a relationship built over two decades. —“South Florida native Rubio moves closer to decades-long goal of transforming Cuba” via Edward Wong of The New York Times —“Rubio gains ground as 2028 GOP chatter grows” via Peter Hamby of Puck —”Out of gas, Cubans cook with charcoal and wood to survive” via Ed Augustin and Lisette Poole González of The New York Times “Faster FEMA aid ahead?” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — With hurricane season approaching, state emergency management chief Kevin Guthrie says long-standing federal disaster funding delays may finally be easing after changes at the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Guthrie said Florida has seen more recovery money move in the last six weeks than in the previous 16 months, offering optimism after years of FEMA bottlenecks that slowed storm recovery and infrastructure repairs. Even with forecasts calling for a quieter season, officials say preparation remains critical after recent hurricanes, wildfires, drought and freezes strained both rural communities and agriculture. Guthrie, along with Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, stressed the state’s experience, coordination and urgency in restoring power, infrastructure and economic stability after disasters. “Jimmy Patronis cheers on transportation improvement bill funding up to $580B” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Patronis is cheering on the preliminary approval of a congressional bill that would fund about $580 billion in transportation expenditures. Patronis said he’s encouraged by the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development (BUILD) for America’s 250th Act that was cleared by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday and heads to the floor for full consideration. The bill is an extensive funding package designed to modernize many roads and other infrastructure across the county. The funding would pay for the projects over the next five years. The bill would fund a litany of transportation projects, including rail and other modes. The roadway improvements would include not only thoroughfares but also bridges and would establish grant programs earmarked for local transportation projects. “Former White House official Taylor Budowich to lead new Kalshi-backed group” via Declan Harty of POLITICO — A new advocacy group backed by prediction market giant Kalshi is entering the growing political and legal fight over how the industry should be regulated, with former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Budowich taking a strategic advisory role. Americans for Fair Markets says it will push back against critics ranging from casino interests to state officials and conservative groups that argue prediction markets should be treated more like traditional gambling. The fight centers on whether firms such as Kalshi should remain under federal oversight through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or face tighter state-style gambling regulation. Budowich’s hiring underscores how the dispute is becoming increasingly political, with both sides deploying prominent Republican and Democratic figures as the battle over market access, oversight and industry legitimacy escalates.

Local: S. FL   “Governor signs measure to ease housing developments on contaminated South Florida land” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Legislation pre-empting South Florida zoning that restricts residential development on contaminated lands, such as brownfields, is now law. DeSantis has signed the measure (SB 1434), which requires local governments to permit the development of qualifying parcels for housing. The parcels must be at least five acres and be adjacent to residentially zoned properties in counties with more than 1.475 million residents and at least 15 municipalities. Today, that description applies exclusively to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Sen. Alexis Calatayud, the bill’s sponsor, said SB 1434 is meant to incentivize redevelopment of “environmentally challenged properties,” with the goal of increasing the amount of housing stock available and, consequently, lowering the cost of living in the state’s more populous areas. Rep. David Borrero carried the measure’s House companion (HB 979), which was broader, more preemptive and encountered repeated Democratic opposition at its three stops in the chamber. “Newly named Trump Airport in West Palm Beach gets $10M boost from Trump administration” via WLRN — The newly named President Donald J. Trump International Airport is getting $10 million from... the Trump administration. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $10 million to the Donald J. Trump International Airport, previously known as the Palm Beach International Airport. It officially changes its name in July, formally rebranding the airport near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The multi-million-dollar grant will be used to expand the airport’s terminal to include new restrooms, dedicated mother’s rooms, and a brand-new sensory room designed to assist families traveling with neurodivergent children, said USDOT officials. The newly named President Donald J. Trump International Airport received a $10 million federal boost. “Anti-DEI law will end public funding for Haitian Heritage Month, other events” via Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald — On the first day of this month, well-heeled members of South Florida’s Haitian community gathered under a colorfully decorated tent in the sweltering heat in North Miami-Dade County, enjoying rum punch and conch while dancing to Konpa and Haitian roots music. In the audience was a who’s-who of South Florida’s diverse community, mingling with local politicians, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commissioner Keon Hardemon and County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, whose office sponsored the opening reception celebrating the culture and cuisine of her native Haiti. “Lawsuits, whistleblower filing accuse North Miami Beach City Manager of retaliation, abusing authority” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Less than half a year after North Miami Beach hired him, City Manager Darvin Williams is facing multiple accusations that he abused his authority, retaliated against employees and elected officials, and suppressed or manipulated internal government processes. Three women who worked under or dealt with Williams have filed documents alleging his misconduct. They describe a workplace environment where employees and officials who questioned or challenged his decisions faced demotions, investigations, humiliation or reputational attacks. The alleged incidents span from Summer 2024, while Williams was serving as City Manager of Opa-locka, through May 2026, roughly three months after North Miami Beach Commissioners approved his employment agreement. “South Florida teachers unions fight for survival under new state law” via Scott Travis of the Miami Herald — Anna Fusco is known as a fighter, often pulling out a pair of boxing gloves inside the Tamarac office of the Broward Teachers Union, the group she has led for the past decade. She’s now preparing for one of the biggest fights facing teachers’ unions in Florida: the fight for survival. This year, the state Legislature passed, and DeSantis signed a tough new state law that makes it far harder for unions representing teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and many others to remain active, forcing live-or-die votes as early as this Summer.

Local: C. FL   “How Orlando is keeping its major league baseball dreams alive” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — As Major League Baseball’s Rays make their latest fitful pursuit to build a new Tampa Bay home, an Orlando group is feverishly working to develop a fanbase, win political support, and perhaps gain a chunk of tourism dollars for a ballpark in the event opportunity comes its way. In recent months, the so-called Orlando Dreamers have opened office space in the heart of downtown, with a roughly 1,000-pound sign reading “Orlando baseball” fronting the northwest corner of Lake Eola Park. They’ve secured public endorsements from the region’s tourism marketing arm and one of its best-known politicians. And they’ve been a regular presence at Little Leagues and breweries across Central Florida, with an effort that in some ways resembles a political campaign. Orlando leaders are still pursuing a future Major League Baseball franchise. “Altamonte starts Center to help international businesses follow Build America, Buy America Act” — via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Altamonte Springs and its coalition of government partners have launched a new center to help international companies seeking to do business in the United States follow the Build America, Buy America Act. The Center of Excellence is the first of its kind in Florida to help boost economic development by advising companies on how to be compliant to land federal funding, said Frank Martz, the City Manager of Altamonte Springs. “Getting compliance right means access to the largest, most stable procurement market in the world. Getting it wrong means disqualification from contracts worth billions,” Martz said. The Center is run through a partnership with TSG Transportation Advisors, a branch of The Southern Group, for $8,000 a month. “State property tax reform sinks Bartow’s plans for a ‘wow factor’ pool” via Paul Nutcher of the Lakeland Ledger — Dreams of inspiring a future Olympian at a publicly run aquatics center in Bartow will have to wait. The city’s “wow factor” swimming pool project has been cut from the budget in favor of public-safety expenditures because of skyrocketing costs and fiscal constraints, according to a recent statement from City Manager Mike Herr.

Local: TB   “Remaining work on Rays ballpark deal won’t include further financial concessions” — via Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times — Rays CEO Ken Babby said there is still “a lot of work to be done” in finalizing agreements to fund construction of a new ballpark, but he made clear that work would not include any substantial changes to the financial terms laid out in the nonbinding memorandum of understanding approved this week by both municipalities. “Collectively, we are not reopening a discussion on the economics in the MOU approved by the County Commission and City Council,” Babby told the Tampa Bay Times at Yankee Stadium. The current framework of the $2.3 billion domed stadium calls for a $976 million public contribution, with $796 million from the county and roughly $180 million from the city. The numbers, Babby said, “are what they are,” with the team unlikely to make further concessions, having already cut its original request for public funding. Tampa Bay Rays officials, led by Ken Babby, say the ballpark deal will not include more financial concessions. “Burned USF Marine Science Lab’s aging roof had never been replaced” via Lucy Marques of the Tampa Bay Times — The University of South Florida Marine Science Lab that went up in flames earlier this month in St. Petersburg was up to code, inspection reports show. But while the building was in the early stages of a $10 million exterior renovation that former officials said was overdue, its aging roof had never been repaired, a spokesperson said. St. Petersburg fire officials declared the lab a total loss after lightning struck it during a thunderstorm. The lab had passed recent inspections, including one in 2023 for its sprinkler systems, which found parts of the building were not fully covered by sprinklers. Its infrastructure was aging and may have contributed to the catastrophe, former faculty and staff have said. “Rechargeable batteries torch dozens of Tampa Bay garbage trucks” via Jack Prator of the Tampa Bay Times — Hillsborough County’s solid waste department began tracking an uptick in garbage fires in 2023, when seven trucks erupted in flames and burned to a crisp. The next year, that number climbed to 10 fires. And last year, 13 trucks went up in thick, chemical smoke. In almost every case, fire marshals have investigated, and one tiny culprit was to blame: rechargeable batteries. They’re found in phones and laptops, lawnmowers and cars, disposable vapes and toothbrushes — even birthday cards that sing. When drivers suspect they’re carrying a “hot load,” they have to move quickly to find an unpopulated spot where they can dump the smoldering heap. Sometimes it’s a parking lot. Other times, it’s the side of the highway. In a best-case scenario, the trash is dumped before flames consume the truck. “JWB restarts CEO search, taps Karen Boggess as interim leader” via Aaron Styza of St. Pete Catalyst — The Juvenile Welfare Board is restarting its search for a permanent CEO after months of internal deadlock and scrutiny surrounding the organization’s previous finalists. During their May 21 meeting, the Board voted to relaunch the process through an executive search firm while appointing longtime JWB executive Boggess as interim CEO to maintain continuity during the transition. Boggess currently serves as JWB’s chief operating officer and has spent more than two decades with the organization, helping oversee operations for one of Pinellas County’s largest child welfare agencies. JWB oversees a more than $132 million impact budget and funds programs serving nearly 80,000 children and families annually across the county.

Local: N. FL   “Accused FSU mass shooter set to make first physical court appearance” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Phoenix Ikner, the accused gunman in the 2025 Florida State University mass shooting, is scheduled for his first in-person court appearance Tuesday as lawyers battle over trial deadlines in the capital case. Ikner faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder in the April 2025 shooting that killed two people and injured five others near the Student Union. Prosecutors want witness disclosure deadlines set soon, warning delays could jeopardize the October trial date, while defense attorneys argue the massive volume of evidence — including digital records, surveillance files and more than 13,000 rows of ChatGPT-related records — makes the proposed schedule unrealistic. The case remains one of Tallahassee’s most closely watched criminal prosecutions. Phoenix Ikner is set for his first in-person court appearance in the FSU shooting case. “State officials address concerns on Trulieve’s Monticello grow facility” via TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — For the second time in a month, residents crowded into Jefferson County Commission chambers to hear how local and state officials will address mounting concerns surrounding Trulieve’s gigantic indoor grow facility and its impact on the rural community. On hand were representatives with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Suwanee River Water Management District — two agencies that have put the medical marijuana titan on notice for possible permit violations linked to stormwater management, contaminants, erosion and more. They said initial results indicated there was no contamination to the water supply. James Lamb, who lives next door to Trulieve’s massive grow site, kickstarted the wave of attention when he filed complaints with the state agencies after years of seeing water discharged onto his property. When a water district management official explained that when it investigates water quality volume, residents were told it’s a matter of duration and amount that can cause impacts. “Former Gainesville City Manager Cynthia Curry named a finalist for Palatka City Manager” via Ryan Wyatt Turbeville of WCJB — Months after leaving her role as City Manager of Gainesville, Curry is now in the running to become the interim City Manager of Palatka. Palatka city officials confirmed to TV20 that Curry applied and interviewed for the position. She was identified as a finalist; however, the selection process is ongoing, and a final decision has not been made. The salary range for the City Manager position is between about $122,000 and $196,000. Curry left the Gainesville City Manager position in November 2025 after serving 4 years in the position. Andrew Persons replaced Curry. — ”Governor taps health, banking, business leaders for Northwest Florida State College Board” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics Epilogue — “Andrew Gillum’s driver’s license suspended after school zone speeding fines” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Gillum’s driver’s license was suspended on April 8 after he failed to pay two $100 tickets he got after his vehicles were caught speeding through a school zone monitored by automated city cameras. However, his license was reinstated on May 21 after he learned of the suspension from a Tallahassee Democrat reporter and paid $472 in outstanding fines and fees, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Initially, he wrote in a text, “I’m sorry I don’t have a comment to offer. I am learning about this ’suspension’ from you and am now investigating.” He later followed up by writing, “Thanks to your alert, my status should be updated in their system now.”

Local: SW. FL   “Nathan Benderson Park gets $10M for expansion” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Nathan Benderson Park is poised to receive $10 million in state funding for a major expansion that includes a planned 100,000-square-foot indoor sports complex in Sarasota County. The project, backed by Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. James Buchanan, would add space for basketball, pickleball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling, while also serving as a potential emergency shelter, recovery hub and staging site during hurricanes or other disasters. Supporters argue the facility would strengthen both recreation and regional disaster response, particularly after storm impacts in 2024 exposed infrastructure gaps. The broader public-private project also includes $20 million in local funding and $15 million from other sources. While some residents have raised concerns about expanding beyond the park’s original mission, state lawmakers are moving it forward. Nathan Benderson Park is poised to receive $10 million toward a major rowing facility expansion.

Top opinion   “For their sacrifice, troops deserve accountability” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — Capt. Cody Khork’s death in a drone strike on a U.S. operations center in Kuwait has intensified concerns about military readiness, force protection and accountability as the conflict with Iran deepens. Khork, a Winter Haven native, was among six soldiers killed in an attack that exposed vulnerabilities in drone defense systems, site fortification and emergency response capacity despite prior warnings about evolving aerial threats. Questions about whether troops were adequately protected have become central as additional casualties mount and scrutiny of Pentagon transparency grows. Framed through Khork’s sacrifice and broader losses in the war, the piece argues American troops deserve stronger safeguards, clearer leadership accountability and more serious examination of how the nation prepares and deploys service members into increasingly dangerous combat zones.

More opinions   “Going scorched earth on Donalds may backfire on Paul Renner” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Renner’s decision to launch a sharp attack ad campaign against Trump-backed Donalds is framed as a high-risk political gamble that could further weaken his standing in the Republican gubernatorial field. The criticism targets Donalds’ congressional attendance, finances and broader record, but the larger argument is that challenging a candidate closely aligned with Trump may carry steep consequences in a GOP landscape where loyalty remains a defining force. With Donalds holding dominant polling and fundraising advantages, the move is cast as a potentially self-damaging strategy for a candidate already struggling to gain traction. The broader political risk is that attacks meant to undercut Donalds could instead elevate Democratic opponents by building a public case against the GOP front-runner. “In divisive times, Blaise Ingoglia requesting security isn’t scandalous” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Scrutiny over Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia’s use of taxpayer-funded security at sporting events has sparked a broader debate over where oversight ends, and public safety begins in a volatile political climate. While questions remain about whether state investigative agents should be used for personal security and travel tied to public appearances, the central argument is that protection for elected officials should not automatically be treated as political excess. Recent attacks and threats against high-profile public figures have heightened concerns about security risks well beyond office hours. The debate ultimately centers on balancing accountability for public spending with the reality that elected officials increasingly operate in an environment where safety concerns are immediate, visible and difficult to dismiss.

Instagram of the day

Aloe   “Trump’s White House UFC event to honor America botches U.S. flag” — via Mary Papenfuss of The Daily Beast — Trump’s vision for an all-American UFC extravaganza is drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. The President’s plan to host a night of cage matches on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate his 80th and the nation’s 250th birthdays has taken an awkward turn. The American flag featured in the UFC mock-up for the event has a major glitch: It only has 48 stars to represent the nation’s 50 states. The UFC posted a rendering on X of the big event, which is being held adjacent to Trump’s paved-over Rose Garden, featuring the faulty flag, a giant platform for the contest, and a crowd of seemingly excited spectators. The flag isn’t the only potential problem — UFC CEO Dana White toured the site and was stunned by the overwhelming number of gnats and other bugs. Donald Trump’s planned White House UFC event drew criticism over a flag image with too many stripes. Duh — “Florida ranks as third-best state for Summer road trips” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Florida ranked third nationwide for Summer road trips in a new study from Steel Adams Hosman, making it the highest-ranked Southern state as Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the busy travel season. Analysts scored states based on road quality, access to repair shops, gas station availability, road fatalities and travel support services. The Sunshine State posted a 70.45 score, trailing only New Jersey and Maryland, with 87% of roads rated in acceptable condition. The report also cited strong access to auto repair shops, gas stations and outdoor recreation infrastructure. Tennessee and Virginia rounded out the South’s strong showing. The ranking reinforces Florida’s appeal as a major road trip destination as Summer travel ramps up across highways, beaches and tourism corridors. “FWC Python Challenge accepting registration for July event in Everglades” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The annual event known as the Python Challenge, designed to reduce the number of the huge snakes in Florida, is set to kick off July 10. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) made it official this month that the annual Florida Python Challenge will return this Summer. The contest season to remove nonindigenous Burmese pythons from Sunshine State landscapes will last 9 days in July. It will get underway at 12:01 p.m. on July 10 and run through July 19 at 5 p.m. Participants must register with the FWC to take part in the event. Top performers will share $25,000 in prize money. The person who removes the most pythons will win $10,000. Registration for the event opened on May 19. Those wanting to take part can continue to register until the end of the event on July 19. It’s the ninth straight year the event will take place.

Happy birthday   Celebrating today is the legendary Marian Johnson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, as well as Mark Bergin, Jason Harrell, Mike Fischer, Dan Krassner, and Dr. Jason Wilson. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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