Takeaways from Tallahassee — The first of many

Sunshine Genetics uses whole-genome sequencing to screen newborns for nearly 900 rare genetic conditions. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises A milestone for Florida State University: The first families have been enrolled in the Sunshine Genetics pilot program at its Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases (IPRD). The program uses whole-genome sequencing to screen newborns for nearly 900 rare genetic conditions. Early identification of these conditions empowers families with knowledge about their newborn, reduces diagnostic delays and accelerates the path to treatment or specialized management. “Two years ago, this was an idea we were fighting to make a reality. Today, Florida families can enroll their newborns in a program we once could only imagine. This remarkable progress is a testament to the doctors, researchers and industry leaders, as well as the hospitals and universities across Florida and around the country, who believed in this vision and worked to make it possible,” said Rep. Adam Anderson, who helped champion the legislation that established both the IPRD and Sunshine Genetics Act. Anderson also delivered a keynote address at the International Consortium of Newborn Sequencing (ICoNS) this week at Harvard Medical School before an international collection of experts in the field. He was joined by IPRD and Sunshine Genetics leadership as well as leaders from many of the program’s partners. IPRD administers Sunshine Genetics, with guidance from its steering committee and support from Baylor Genetics, GeneDx, Nest Genomics and Amazon Web Services. “Enrolling our first families enables us to begin the carefully coordinated approach to implementing a statewide genomic newborn screening program responsibly,” said IPRD Director Pradeep Bhide. “The steering committee and participating organizations have worked together to establish the governance, clinical and laboratory workflows, quality safeguards and lines of accountability needed to support every stage of the program, from enrollment and consent to sequencing, interpretation, results disclosure and recommendations for follow-up care.” GeneDx was one of IPRD’s first major industry partners. Its contributions to efforts to find cures for rare pediatric genetic diseases include strategic and operational guidance during the lead-up to the Sunshine Genetics launch. The first Sunshine Genetics Pilot Program families and their newborns enrolled. Image via Chris Condon/FSU College of Medicine. The program’s gene list is also derived from the BRIDGES-NBS program, developed in partnership with GeneDx. “We believe genomics should be a starting point for health, not a last resort after years of searching for answers,” said Linda Genen, chief medical officer at GeneDx. “We’re proud to bring our deep clinical and genomic expertise to help guide programs like this, ensuring they are designed to deliver meaningful, actionable information for clinicians and families. Florida is demonstrating what’s possible when state leaders, academic institutions and genomic experts work together to thoughtfully integrate genomics into care and give more families a clearer path forward from the very beginning.” Although Sunshine Genetics will create a data resource to support research, discovery and innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric rare diseases, the program is also committed to keeping families’ and participants’ data private and not shareable. The program says it is committed to protecting participant privacy while developing a research data resource. AWS is helping make the database secure and scalable so it can collect and store genomic and clinical data that will accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric rare diseases. AWS will also help turn that data into actionable insights that could fuel discovery and drive innovation. A new era of precision medicine could be here, thanks to FSU, IPRD, and the partners and sponsors who make it a reality. “The Sunshine Genetics pilot is unique in the United States as the only project initiated and funded by the state Legislature, with the express goal of generating evidence to determine whether this should be expanded to benefit all 225,000 babies born each year in Florida,” said David Ledbetter, IPRD’s senior associate director of precision medicine. “We are excited to be working with our outstanding genetics and newborn screening expert colleagues at the University of Miami, University of South Florida, University of Florida, children’s hospitals in the state and our world-class industry partners.” For more information about this program, visit the Sunshine Genetics website or Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases website. ___ Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida's capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout and the staff of Florida Politics. But first, the "Takeaway 5" — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:   Take 5   Hunker down — Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin at 9:30 p.m. Friday as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 105 mph, bringing dangerous storm surge and flooding threats to Florida’s Panhandle. The hurricane weakened from Category 3 strength earlier Friday but remained capable of driving damaging winds inland into Alabama. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flash flooding, possible tornadoes and rainfall totals reaching 15 inches in parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend. Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded Florida’s state of emergency to 27 counties, with about 5,000 National Guard personnel mobilizing and 6,000 utility linemen staged for recovery. The storm’s center was expected to cross Alabama before reaching the Tennessee Valley over the weekend, with flooding risks extending across the Southeast. Expunged — The leaked grand jury report in the high-profile case involving alleged misappropriations by the Hope Florida Foundation has been ordered to be fully expunged by the 1st District Court of Appeal (DCA). The 1st DCA found that the grand jury erred by publicly excoriating people who were not indicted and that the report’s premature leak breached confidentiality. The controversy involved $10 million steered into political committees from a Medicaid settlement between Centene and the Agency for Health Care Administration during the 2024 campaign cycle. Despite insufficient evidence to charge anyone, the report was leaked to the media, making it a major talking point for Democrats this campaign season. Now, with less than four weeks until the election, that report is fully sealed. And DeSantis and his allies are thrilled. Toss-up — The clock is ticking. The pool of undecided voters is shrinking. But Florida’s race for Governor hasn’t moved. Republican Byron Donalds drew 44.7% support to Democrat David Jolly’s 44.6% in a new St. Pete Polls survey for Florida Politics — exactly the same one-tenth-point margin the pollster found three weeks earlier. Both candidates gained 1.2 percentage points since the mid-September survey, which showed a 43.5%-43.4% race, with Donalds ahead. The difference came from voters backing neither candidate. Undecided voters fell from 8.9% to 6.9%, while the share choosing someone else slipped from 4.3% to 3.9%. Together, 10.8% of voters now back neither major-party nominee, down from 13.2% in September, with fewer than four weeks remaining before Election Day. The shifts remain within the surveys’ margins of error. But the new poll shows a race that hasn’t separated, even as both candidates draw support from a narrowing pool of uncommitted voters. Ridiculous — DeSantis wasted little time suspending Mike Caruso as Palm Beach County Clerk in August after Caruso, whom he appointed, was arrested on child sexual abuse charges. Now, he’s wasting little time bashing the Republican Party of Palm Beach County for listing Caruso among the nominees to win back the Clerk’s job — a move the party has since reversed. “It was ridiculous,” DeSantis said during a Tuesday news conference in West Palm Beach. “Party (loyalty) is fine, but it’s not the end-all-be-all. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing, and the right thing in this position is not to be 'endorsing' a candidate under potential, very serious charges.” Party Chair Carl Cascio said the guide listed Republican nominees under what the party described as a legal requirement and was not an endorsement. See you in court — The Seminole Tribe is suing online gambling company DraftKings, arguing that the sportsbook infringes on the Tribe’s exclusive control of sports betting in Florida by operating without a state license. The suit was filed in Broward County. The Tribe, which operates Hard Rock Bet, alleges that DraftKings is violating state law and the 2021 Seminole Compact. The plaintiff seeks an injunction blocking operation, restitution, disgorgement of profits, and legal fees and costs. The 72-page complaint alleges that DraftKings’ Florida platform is essentially the same as in other states where the company is not legally barred from offering online betting, and that the company sued to undermine the Compact so it could operate without encumbrance in Florida.   Bracing for Isaias   Storm footing. DeSantis placed 27 Florida counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Isaias as Florida assembled personnel, equipment and supplies for storm response. The Governor signed the initial declaration Tuesday, when Isaias was still Tropical Depression Nine. A Wednesday amendment added Citrus and Levy to the 25 counties originally covered. The original order authorizes activation of the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard as needed, gives emergency officials authority to coordinate response and recovery, and makes public facilities available for emergency shelters. In a Thursday update, the Governor’s Office reported that more than 6,000 linemen and restoration personnel were standing by to help restore power after the storm. The State Emergency Response Team is working hard. Image via @FLSERT. Nearly 400 Florida State Guard soldiers had been deployed for missions including search and rescue, damage assessments and debris clearance. The National Guard was preparing to mobilize about 5,000 members by Friday. The Department of Transportation had staged 260 pieces of heavy equipment, nearly 1,000 generators and 100 pumps. Workers were clearing drainage systems, while bridge inspectors were positioned for assessments after the storm. The Department of Law Enforcement was coordinating the staging of two urban search and rescue teams in Tallahassee and arranging first responder refueling locations along Interstate 10. The Department of Health was coordinating special needs shelters in seven counties. Children and Families’ preparations included more than 140 pallets of food, 48 pallets of water and coordination with hot meal providers. Residents can find county emergency management contacts at FloridaDisaster.org/Counties and check FL511 for road and bridge closures.   The Highwaymen   Hey Alexa, play the Kraftwerk album “Autobahn” from start to finish. This week, DeSantis, recently spotted at the Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees playoff game, made his way to the Vero Beach area to celebrate the opening of a new Interstate 95 (I-95) interchange at Oslo Road in Indian River County. This major project is opening to drivers one year earlier than expected, thanks in part to Florida’s commitment to accelerating transportation project delivery. “Today, I was proud to announce that the new I-95 interchange at Oslo Road in Indian River County has been completed a year ahead of schedule,” said DeSantis. “Floridians cannot wait years while needless bureaucratic delays stall important infrastructure projects. This new interchange is an investment in congestion relief and public safety. Oslo Road commuters will see their drive times cut in half, and emergency response times along I-95 will be reduced by up to 56%.” The gold scissors arrived ahead of schedule. This new interchange will provide direct access to I-95 for the first time from this corridor and is Indian River County’s first new interchange in more than 50 years. The cherry on top? Oslo Road was also widened from two to four lanes for additional capacity and provides enhanced interstate access, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. “Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has championed the use of innovative measures to deliver projects even faster while bringing the most value for our communities. Opening this interchange one year ahead of schedule reflects this commitment and will bring major benefits to the Treasure Coast, from local residents and supply chain partners to Florida’s protected species,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. In theory, the new interchange and widening of Oslo Road will improve emergency response times by up to 56% for incidents along I-95, provide an additional evacuation route, strengthen freight movement and supply chain efficiency, and allow for the creation of a gopher tortoise habitat — the only relocation site in southeast Florida.   Medicaid fraud, meet your maker   DeSantis said Tuesday that Florida’s push to catch Medicaid fraud before paying claims is delivering results. Back in June, DeSantis announced that the state was shifting away from a “pay-and-chase” model toward preventing fraud before any money is spent. In turn, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) strengthened its provider screening and oversight, expanded data analytics and claims monitoring, and imposed enrollment moratoriums on certain high-risk provider categories. “Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration’s Medicaid integrity initiative is delivering results,” DeSantis said. “This year, we announced the most significant Medicaid integrity initiative in the history of our state, and today, I was proud to announce some of the results from these efforts.” Ditching 'pay-and-chase' is producing results. Since January, AHCA has conducted more than 400 provider site visits as part of its heightened program integrity efforts, focusing on areas where data and billing patterns have identified heightened risk — Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Durable Medical Equipment, and Adult Day Care. AHCA’s work also identified suspicious billing practices, such as providers billing Medicaid for excessive hours of service, including consecutive days of service for months, as well as weekends and holidays. “Protecting Medicaid means protecting the people it was created to serve,” added AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris. “For children, pregnant women, the disabled, and our seniors, it means making sure they have access to high-quality care while ensuring taxpayer dollars are not lost to fraud or abuse. AHCA will continue taking decisive action to strengthen program integrity, hold bad actors accountable and safeguard these critical services for Floridians.”   Network down   Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a civil lawsuit against TP-Link, a Wi-Fi router manufacturer. The legal action alleges the company misled Florida consumers about its products' security and its ties to China. "TP-Link sold Floridians the digital front door to their home network while misrepresenting how secure it was, how separated the company was from China, and what could happen to their data," Uthmeier said in a post on X. Uthmeier filed the 59-page lawsuit in Polk County, in Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit. In a recorded video statement, he said TP-Link falsely claimed that its routers and its HomeShield security service covered every security scenario and offered 100% protection. "Those claims are not true, and we are bringing the lawsuit against TP-Link," Uthmeier said. "Chinese state-sponsored hackers exploited TP-Link routers sitting in American living rooms. Many of those models cannot update themselves automatically, and TP-Link has stopped supporting them." Have you considered Netgear? Perhaps D-Link? "They also told Floridians they had split from China and that they build U.S. products in Vietnam. That is fiction. Research and manufacturing remain rooted in China. Less than 1% of the parts in that Vietnam plant actually come from Vietnam." Those practices leave consumers' internet connections at risk, the lawsuit states, and turn consumers into unwitting participants in malicious campaigns carried out on behalf of foreign governments. "We will not allow families to be misled into handing their personal data to the Chinese Communist Party. We are seeking an injunction, restitution for Florida consumers and the penalties under Florida law," Uthmeier said. The TP-Link suit is the latest in a series Uthmeier has filed against technology companies over the past year.   Instagram of the week     Real big fish   Uthmeier announced 10 people are facing poaching-related charges following a years-long investigation into illegal fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast. He said the suspects are accused of illegally catching about 23,000 pounds of fish, including red snapper and gag grouper. Those arrested are believed to have sold fish, shrimp, and sea turtles worth more than $150,000. Uthmeier, flanked by multiple law enforcement officials, made the announcement at a news conference in Franklin County. "This was a large-scale operation from Bay County to the Big Bend and all the way down to Pinellas County," Uthmeier said. The Attorney General hit the bag limit on illegal anglers. He added the investigation began in 2022, when undercover officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) were approached by a suspected poacher who wanted to sell them illegally caught fish. The officers went along with the scheme to infiltrate what grew into a ring of suspected poachers. FWC Executive Director Roger Young said the scale of the operation was serious. "Poaching is not a victimless crime. This is stealing opportunities," Young said. "Poachers are behind the scenes stealing and robbing from those who do it the right way." Three suspects — Terry Carrington, Anthony Folsom and Jordan Neylan — face charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, unlawful possession or sale of marine turtles, unlawful use of a two-way communication device and cheating. The five sea turtles sold were three adults and two hatchlings TO SEEMORE TAKAWAYS FROM TALLAHASSEE CLICK HERE

10 de octubre Cápsula de oración

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October 10 Prayer Pod

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – NIV

We all want to pray but sometimes we find it difficult to begin our prayer.  Many Pastors and Ministers suggest you begin your prayer by praying back God’s words from Scripture.

These daily prayer PODs are constructed to help you in your prayer life.

October 10 
Pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord hear Your words John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Lord hear my request: (Say your needs, wants, fears, thanksgivings) -  In Jesus name I pray – Amen. 

READ THE NEW TESTAMENT IN A YEAR….
Today’s Reading for October 10 Philippians 4:3-23

To learn more about accepting 
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior click here: SALVATION CONNECTION

 

  

 

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Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 10.9.26 — Burnin’ today: Donalds & Jolly, Moody & Nixon, Amendment 3, Uthmeier, Seminole Tribe, DeSantis, data centers & DraftKings

Your morning must-read of the people and policy that make up Florida politics ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises  Good Friday morning. A new St. Pete Polls survey commissioned by Florida Politics has every statewide race within the margin of error and Amendment 3 moving away from the 60% it needs to pass. The survey of 836 likely voters was conducted Oct. 5-7 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. Here are the top lines. Florida’s statewide races are headed for a photo finish, with pollsters offering sharply different snapshots. Governor: Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly are tied at 45%, with 4% picking someone else and 7% undecided. A tenth of a point separates them before rounding, with Donalds on top. Both gained about a point since the pollster's mid-September survey, which had Donalds at 44% and Jolly at 43%. U.S. Senate: U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody leads Democrat Angie Nixon 47% to 45%, with 2% for someone else and 6% undecided. The September survey had them tied at 45%. Attorney General: James Uthmeier leads Democrat José Javier Rodríguez (45% to 43%), with 12% undecided. He was up 43% to 42% in September. CFO: Blaise Ingoglia leads Democrat Annette Taddeo 44% to 42%, with 14% undecided. St. Pete Polls had not tested the race before. Amendment 3: The $250,000 homestead exemption has 42% support, with 35% opposed and 23% undecided. It needs 60%. Support was 45% in September, and opposition was 30%. ___ If you don't like those numbers, here is another set. A new poll released overnight by The James Madison Institute has Republicans ahead by about 10 points in four statewide races and Amendment 3 above the 60% it needs. Donalds leads Jolly 52% to 42% for Governor, with 3% undecided. Moody leads Nixon 52% to 42% for U.S. Senate. Uthmeier leads Rodríguez 50% to 40% for Attorney General, and Wilton Simpson leads Joey Mendoza Atkins 50% to 39% for Agriculture Commissioner. The CFO race is the exception. Ingoglia and Taddeo are tied at 43% among likely voters, with 10% undecided. Among all registered voters, Ingoglia leads 40% to 38%. Blaise Ingoglia and Annette Taddeo find themselves in a tight contest for Florida’s next CFO. Amendment 3, the homestead exemption increase, has 63% support, with 21% opposed and 15% undecided. It draws 66% of Republicans, 52% of Democrats, and 54% of independents. Amendment 2 is at 57%, and Amendment 1 is at 42%. Fuel prices and healthcare tied for the top issue at 36% each, followed by housing affordability at 30% and taxes and government spending at 29%. Eighty percent of voters say fuel prices have changed their household spending, and 39% say their finances are worse than a year ago, while 16% say they are better. After hearing a description, 78% of voters support requiring voter approval before a local government can raise total property tax revenue above an annual limit, including 83% of Republicans, 72% of Democrats, and 76% of independents. "Affordability remains top of mind, and voters are expressing strong views on property taxes, education, and important technology issues," said JMI President and CEO Robert McClure. ___ —"The Salt Shaker Test: Mason-Dixon's Byron Donalds-David Jolly poll leaves the shaker in the cupboard" via Steve Vancore of Florida Politics —"How political polling went astray and became a partisan tool" via John Pacenti of Palm Beach Daily News

Situational awareness   —@RealDonaldTrump: We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran. I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, with Oil flowing in Record Numbers of Barrels through the Hormuz Strait (22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!), we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be held in the United States on November 3rd. IRAN WILL NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! —@atrupar: Q: How do you define socialism personally? JD VANCE: I think in reality what it actually means in the American context is you want to replace American workers with foreign workers, and you want boys to play in girls' sports —@MattGaetz: Florida LG Candidate @BryanAvilaFL was scheduled to appear on my @OANN program tonight but just canceled as his National Guard unit is being mobilized to respond to the forthcoming storm. This is a reminder of how Floridans operate. We come together, and we take care of one another. Senator Avila is a patriot and a true servant. Florida will be stronger because he will be among those available to lend a hand. We pray for our first responders, guardsmen, line crews and our neighbors. Hurricanes are tough. Floridians are tougher. Godspeed to Senator Avila and all who are serving. —@TheDaraKam: "We're certainly not gonna let the bastards grind us down on any of it." — @GovRonDeSantis blasts reporting/leaking on #HopeFlorida #Medicaid settlement with @Centene —@NateM_Tributary: Judges can’t erase time and alter reality. Reality: a grand jury convened and issued findings. Those findings say what they say. The judges in this case happened to disagree. Nothing about any of this calls any reporting into question. Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet:

Days until   Associated Industries of Florida one-on-one conversations with five top-of-ticket Republicans — 3; 'VisionQuest' premieres — 5; 'The Diplomat' season 4 premieres — 6; Optional General early voting begins — 10; 'Six Kings Slam' on Netflix — 12; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 12; General Election ballot request deadline — 13; Mandatory General early voting begins — 15; General Election — 25; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 28; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 28; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 33; 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' starring Johnny Depp premieres — 35; 'Paper Tiger' starring Adam Driver premieres — 35; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 39; New legislator training sessions — 39; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 39; ‘Madden’ premieres — 40; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 42; ‘The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres in IMAX — 47; Committee Week #1 — 52; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 70; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 70; Committee Week #2 — 87; Committee Week #3 — 94; 'Ahsoka' season 2 premieres — 103; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 108; Committee Week #4 — 115; 'Remain,' directed by M. Night Shyamalan, premieres — 119; Grammys — 121; Committee Week #5 — 122; Super Bowl LXI — 128; Committee Week #6 — 129; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 144; Tampa Mayoral Election — 144; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 147; Jacksonville First Election — 151; Oscars — 156; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 167; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 167; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 187; Jacksonville General Election — 221; 'Star Wars: Starfighter' premieres — 231; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 252; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 280; 'The Bluey Movie' premieres — 301; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 336; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 434; 2028 South Carolina Democratic Presidential Primary — 470; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 472; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 480; 2028 New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary — 487; 2028 New Mexico Democratic Presidential Primary — 494; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 497; 2028 Michigan Democratic Presidential Primary — 501; 2028 Virginia Democratic Presidential Primary — 508; Oscars — 513; 'X-Men' premieres — 574; ‘Miami Vice '85’ reboot premieres — 588; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 595; 'Days of Thunder' sequel with Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 602; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 616; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 644; 'Ghost Rider' premieres — 658; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 760; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 798; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 836; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,169; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,897.

Top story   “Seminole Tribe sues DraftKings in high-stakes fight over Florida sports betting monopoly” via Brody Wooddell of WFTV — Florida’s multibillion-dollar sports betting monopoly faces a new legal test as the Seminole Tribe sues DraftKings, accusing the gambling giant of illegally taking wagers under the guise of prediction markets and fantasy contests. The lawsuit threatens to redraw the boundaries of Florida’s tightly controlled sports betting industry. Filed Thursday in Broward County Circuit Court, the 72-page complaint names DraftKings, CEO Jason Robins, and GUS III LLC, which operates as DraftKings Predictions. The Tribe alleges Florida customers can wager on game outcomes, point spreads, player performances and other sporting events through the company’s app. DraftKings faces a legal showdown over where fantasy contests end and sports betting begins. The Tribe argues those offerings are conventional sports bets disguised as fantasy contests or event contracts. Its five-count complaint alleges illegal gambling, racketeering, deceptive trade practices and unfair competition. Robins is accused of personally directing the expansion of the disputed products. DraftKings maintains Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy sports product, and its other offerings are prediction markets. The company says its traditional sportsbook and casino remain unavailable in Florida. The allegations have not been proven in court. The Tribe wants an injunction shutting down the disputed offerings, a ruling declaring them illegal and the surrender of profits. The Tribe would use recovered money to prioritize consumer protection and problem-gambling programs. The financial stakes extend beyond DraftKings. Florida’s 2021 Gaming Compact gives the Tribe exclusive online sports betting rights through Hard Rock Bet, with at least $2.5 billion guaranteed to the state over five years. A court ruling could determine whether prediction markets can operate outside that arrangement.

2026   “Donalds walks Donald Trump tightrope as Florida Governor’s race intensifies” via Cheyanne M. Daniels and Dasha Burns of POLITICO — Republican gubernatorial candidate Donalds insists his relationship with President Trump remains strong despite removing prominent references to Trump from his campaign website. In a POLITICO interview, Donalds said the changes were designed to focus on Florida voters, particularly undecided voters, rather than distance himself from the President. “I’m allowed to have my own viewpoint,” he said, acknowledging policy differences. One involves artificial intelligence and data centers, where Donalds favors local control and requiring developers to shoulder costs. Trump has advocated expanding data centers and limiting state regulation. Donalds also defended Trump’s handling of the Iran war and credited him with helping advance his political career. Donald Trump and Byron Donalds navigate a relationship that keeps Florida’s Governor’s race in the spotlight. “Donalds makes emotional closing pitch alongside Rick Scott in Pinellas” via Evan Axelbank of FOX 13 Tampa Bay — Republican gubernatorial candidate Donalds delivered an emotional campaign speech in Largo, reflecting on his journey from poverty to potentially becoming Florida’s next Governor. Joined by U.S. Sen. Scott, Donalds pledged to represent all Floridians, not just the voters needed to win. With Election Day approaching, competing polls show a tightening contest against Jolly, including one survey showing a 45%-45% tie. Donalds touted his campaign’s million-door canvassing effort, while Scott emphasized Republicans’ 1.5 million-voter registration advantage. Scott acknowledged economic concerns, including rising unemployment and affordability challenges. Donalds maintains an 8-to-1 fundraising advantage, providing substantial resources for the campaign’s final weeks. “Donalds expands outreach to Black voters across Florida” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Donalds is highlighting efforts to reach Black voters through a statewide coalition of clergy, elected officials, educators and business leaders. Speaking in Pinellas County, Donalds said his campaign wants to engage communities traditionally overlooked by Republican candidates and govern beyond the narrow majority required for election. The Florida Coalition of Black Leaders for Donalds plans outreach at churches, barbershops and college campuses before Election Day. Its membership includes Democratic officials such as Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young and Gainesville Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut. Jolly has assembled his own coalition of Black supporters. Donalds could become Florida’s first Black Governor. The campaign’s outreach strategy offers a distinct storyline beyond horse-race polling. Happening today — Donalds and Sen. Jim Boyd make a campaign retail stop: 9 a.m., Popi’s Place IV, 3911 U.S. 301, Ellenton. “Al Lawson backs Jolly and questions Donalds’ record” via James Call of the Tallahassee Democrat — Former North Florida U.S. Rep. Lawson endorsed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jolly and criticized Donalds’ congressional voting record. Lawson, who spent decades representing Tallahassee and surrounding communities, questioned Donalds’ positions on Medicaid, food assistance and voting rights. The endorsement comes as both campaigns court Black voters in the final weeks before November’s election. Donalds recently announced support from a coalition of Black elected officials and community leaders, including Tallahassee Republican Sen. Corey Simon. Lawson previously expressed reservations about Democrats nominating Jolly, a former Republican, but now says Jolly is focused on affordability and housing. Lawson plans to campaign with Jolly across North Florida, where his long-standing political relationships could help expand the nominee’s outreach. “Jolly details insurance overhaul and data center restrictions” via Kristine Bellino of 104.5 WOKV — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jolly outlined proposals on homeowners insurance, immigration and development during a Jacksonville radio interview. The former Republican Congressman wants Florida to expand its hurricane fund, potentially using taxes on insurance company profits and other revenue to cover more storm losses. Jolly claimed the approach could eventually reduce homeowners insurance costs by 60% to 70%, though that projection remains unverified. He also proposed pausing new large data center projects while assessing environmental and infrastructure effects. On immigration, Jolly favored greater local discretion in cooperating with federal authorities. He called for improved access to primary healthcare and support for veterans awaiting federal services. Donalds was invited to appear on the program. —"Leon Sheriff Walt McNeil endorses José Javier Rodríguez for Attorney General" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

More elections   “Jared Moskowitz gains edge as Crystal Ball shifts congressional race toward Democrats” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Democratic U.S. Rep. Moskowitz received an electoral boost as Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted his contest against Republican Scott Singer from toss-up to “leans Democratic.” The University of Virginia analysis suggests Republicans may struggle to capitalize on Florida’s newly redrawn congressional districts despite boundaries designed to favor GOP candidates. Moskowitz seeks a third term in District 25, which Trump carried by nine points in 2024. Crystal Ball also revised its assessment of District 22, where Republican Casey Askar faces Democrat Pia Dandiya. The Cook Political Report still rates both contests toss-ups, underscoring uncertainty as Democrats seek to overcome Republican redistricting advantages in November’s elections. Jared Moskowitz sees a new rating in his congressional contest, but Election Day still has the final word. “Hillsborough congressional contests feature contrasts on costs and healthcare” via Yacob Reyes of Axios Tampa Bay — Hillsborough County voters will decide two congressional races in newly drawn districts as mail voting gets underway. In District 12, former County Commissioner Kimberly Overman is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Overman emphasizes prescription drug prices and reproductive rights, while Bilirakis campaigns on the cost of living, border security, and Trump’s agenda. In District 14, Republican former state Rep. Mike Beltran is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Castor highlights federal investments in Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay, as well as healthcare and energy affordability. Beltran emphasizes his record of legislative tax cuts and expanded healthcare access. The contests give Tampa Bay voters competing approaches to household costs and federal priorities. Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 1. “María Corina Machado and Everglades Trust endorse María Elvira Salazar” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Salazar picked up endorsements from Venezuelan opposition leader Machado and the Everglades Trust as she campaigns for a fourth term in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, praised the Miami Republican’s support for democracy in Venezuela, saying Salazar had remained steadfast when others hesitated. The Everglades Trust pointed to her work on ecological restoration. The endorsements show support from prominent voices on two issues important to South Florida: Venezuela's future and Everglades protection. Salazar is seeking another term in a Miami-area District where international affairs and environmental policy intersect with local political concerns. The announcements come as candidates make their final appeals before the November General Election. "More former national security officials back Phil Ehr against Carlos Giménez in CD 28" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Ehr is adding another endorsement from veterans of America's national security institutions. The Steady State — a network of more than 450 former intelligence, diplomatic, military, law enforcement and homeland security officials — announced its official support of the retired Navy Commander in his campaign to flip Florida's 28th Congressional District. "Our members know, from firsthand experience, what it costs to defend institutions under pressure. We see that same willingness in Phil Ehr," said the group's Executive Director, Steven Cash TO SEE MORE SUNBURN CLICK HERE