Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 6.8.26 — Burnin’ today: Mears, Qualifying Week, DeSantis, Collins, Trump & Mario Bros.

Good morning. Here’s what’s moving Florida politics. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Monday morning. A top of Sunburn birthday shoutout to the best in The Process and the best aunt anyone could ask for, Kathy Mears. ___ With Qualifying Week here, it's worth noting that 25 Florida House district races remain uncontested by one of the two major political parties. That means each race has either only Democrats or Republicans running, with, in some cases, a third-party challenger with little to no shot of winning. That arrangement is understandable in 80% of those contests, where one party has such an edge with the electorate that, for now, running candidates to flip those seats would be a waste of money and resources. Five competitive Florida House districts sit uncontested at the time of our reporting. But in five House districts (two Republican-controlled, three Democrat-led), the voter divide is narrow enough that the absence of a challenger from the opposing party is eye-raising at best and confounding at worst. They range from a Palm Beach County District that sided with Kamala Harris in 2024 by just 1 percentage point, based on 2024 state presidential vote analyses by Matt Isbell of MCI Maps, to an Orange County District that Harris won by 11 points. That’s roughly the same margin by which President Donald Trump won in House District 87, which Jupiter Democratic Rep. Emily Gregory flipped in a national news-making March upset that has bolstered hopes of further such returns in November. The other three races — set in Duval, Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties — have even smaller divides between Democrats and GOP voters. Yet none are contested. Of four uncontested Senate races, just one — SD 36 in Miami-Dade County — is remotely close. Incumbent Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia is on track to win the seat she won in 2020 by 34 votes and kept two years later by 18 points. Voters there picked Trump over Harris by a 16-point margin. You can read the list of the competitive House seats that are currently uncontested here.

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@EchoesofWar: General Omar Bradley called it the most dangerous mission of D-Day. He was not wrong. At 6:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944, 225 Army Rangers approached a 100-foot sheer cliff face on the Normandy coast called Pointe du Hoc. Their mission: climb it. The cliff was vertical. The Germans were at the top with full visibility of everyone below. As the Rangers fired grappling hooks upward, the Germans cut the ropes. Shot the men hanging on them. Dropped grenades over the edge onto the climbers beneath. The Rangers kept climbing. It took roughly 40 minutes. Men fell. Men were shot off the ropes. The ones behind them grabbed the ropes and kept going. They reached the top. Then came the gut punch: the massive 155mm artillery guns they had been sent to destroy were gone. The Germans had moved them inland before the invasion. The entire mission had been sent to destroy guns that weren't there. Most commanders would have regrouped and called it done. The Rangers fanned out. Two miles inland, they found the guns, hidden in an orchard, already aimed at Utah Beach and loaded to fire. They destroyed every one with thermite grenades. Then they dug in. Cut off, with almost no ammunition, no reinforcements, and no resupply, 225 men held Pointe du Hoc against relentless German counterattacks for two full days. When relief finally arrived, only 90 Rangers could still stand and fight. Their names are carved on a memorial in Normandy. Most Americans today cannot name a single one. —@InsidePolitics: President Trump turns 80 next week — as Democrats pounce on videos that appear to show him sleeping in meetings. "If you look at his true social feed, he's up at 12 o'clock in the morning. I'm asleep by then. I'm 53, he's turning 80," @MarcACaputo said to @mkraju —@FoxNews: "I was told the food was bad, so I sat in the cafeteria right along with the detainees." Border czar Tom Homan says he made a surprise lunch visit to an ICE detention facility after hearing complaints about the food. He says he had spaghetti and meat sauce, green beans, rolls and butter, and a fruit drink, but skipped the cake for dessert. "I couldn't finish it all," he said during an interview with @LaraLeaTrump. —@DannyBurgess: This is why language matters. When we start to call abortion "abortion care," we sanitize the act and shield ourselves from its reality. Comforting words make difficult truths easier to ignore. The sterilization of language is often the first step toward the normalization of acts that would otherwise trouble our conscience. —@GossettSeidman: This seems like an opportunity for the State worth exploring! If hundreds of thousands of books remain inside Haslam’s, could Florida’s educational, library, and preservation communities work together to save this collection and put it back into the hands of readers? A bookstore may close. Florida’s literary heritage shouldn’t. Tweet, tweet:

Days until   Gov. Ron DeSantis joins Dave Rubin, Ben Shapiro, Jillian Michaels and Adam Carolla for ‘Florida Man’ at The Fillmore Miami Beach — 3; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City — 3; Steven Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' premieres — 4; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices — 4; Flag Day — 6; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 — 6; Trump's 80th birthday — 6; 'Toy Story 5' premieres — 11; House of the Dragon season 3 premiere — 13; The final season of ‘The Bear’ premieres — 17; 'Supergirl' premieres — 18; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates — 18; live-action 'Moana' premieres — 23; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 26; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline — 31; 2026 Florida Python Challenge — 32; MLB All-Star Game — 36; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline — 38; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 42; 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' premieres — 53; 'Ted Lasso' season 4 premieres — 58; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 59; Early voting period begins — 61; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 69; Primary Election Day — 71; NFL regular season kicks off — 93; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia — 94; Yankees host the Mets for 9/11 anniversary — 95; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 99; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 103; Tampa Bay Buccaneers opener against Cleveland Browns — 104; General Election domestic ballot deadline — 108; Domestic General Election VBM deadline — 115; General Election voter registration deadline — 119; Early Voting General Election begins — 138; General Election — 148; 'Godzilla Minus Zero' premieres — 151; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 156; 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' premieres — 165; Brad Pitt returns as Cliff Booth, his Academy-award winning role, in a film directed by David Fincher, written by Quentin Tarantino — 170; 'Avengers: Doomsday' premieres — 193; 'Dune: Part 3' premieres — 193; untitled Star Wars movie premieres — 193; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas — 231; 69th annual Grammy Awards — 244; Super Bowl LXI — 251; Tampa Mayoral Election — 267; 2027 Oscars — 279; Jacksonville First Election — 288; Jacksonville General Election — 344; 'Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse' premieres — 362; 'Bluey the Movie' premieres — 424; 'Miami Vice' reboot premieres — 424; 'The Batman 2' premieres — 480; 'Avengers: Secret Wars' premieres — 557; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans — 595; 2028 Oscars — 636; 'Lilo & Stitch 2' premieres — 718; 'Incredibles 3' premieres — 739; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 767; U.S. Presidential Election — 883; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa — 959; Avatar 4 premieres — 1,283; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami — 1,323; Avatar 5 premieres — 2,014.

Top story   "'Scare tactics' and 'survival mode': Battle looms on Florida property tax vote" via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Now that Floridians will decide in November whether to approve a historic property tax overhaul, both sides are bracing for an expensive fight, and the rhetoric has already taken on a new level of specificity and "an air of desperation." The amendment, proposed by DeSantis and approved by the Legislature, would expand the current $50,000 homestead exemption on non-school taxes to the first $150,000 of a home's assessed value starting Jan. 1, then to $250,000 in 2028, with school revenue shielded. Proponents say the average homeowner would save $2,000 — a Sentinel analysis pegs the range from $2,300 in Orlando to about $1,500 in unincorporated Lake County. Ron DeSantis sells his property tax overhaul at another Florida news conference. Image via the Orlando Sentinel. DeSantis, who has pushed relief for more than a year, casts local governments as overspenders sitting on surpluses, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia dismisses their warnings as "scare tactics" from "apologists for big government." Cities and counties counter that the cuts would gut money for police, fire, libraries, parks, healthcare, and veterans services, and complicate payments on existing municipal bonds. Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann says even shuttering "every single park" wouldn't balance his budget: "It will be survival mode." Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, who voted against the measure, warns that "dangling that carrot of $2,000 cash" ignores what residents would have to give up. Supporters need 60% approval, a bar homestead measure has cleared before, but also missed — a 2018 push to lift the exemption to $75,000 drew 58%, and a 2022 carve-out for public servants also fell short. West Orange cities Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Garden, where homestead revenue makes up 30% to 40% of budgets, are already drafting plans to consolidate services if voters say yes.

Property tax battle   "Northeast Florida leaders say tax cut would hit 'everyday services'" via David Bauerlein of the Florida Times-Union — Duval and neighboring St. Johns, Clay, Nassau and Baker counties would face a combined $500 million per year loss of property taxes if voters slash tax bills by boosting the homestead exemption, an outcome local officials say will hurt everyday services used by residents. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan launched the sharpest attack on the proposed constitutional amendment by branding it a "Tallahassee takeover" and warning that it could shutter some libraries, community pools and parks. The measure, placed on the November ballot at the urging of DeSantis, would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, then $250,000 in 2028. More than 60% of voters would need to approve it. Local officials warn tax cuts may also cut things people actually use. “Property tax plan could save homeowners thousands annually” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Homeowners could save more than $1,000 a year under a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 beginning in 2028 if approved by at least 60% of voters this Fall. An Orlando Sentinel analysis found homeowners in Orlando could save about $2,328 annually, while those in unincorporated Lake County would see savings of roughly $1,473. The proposal leaves school taxes untouched but would significantly reduce revenue that currently funds local services such as police, fire protection, parks, libraries and roads. Supporters, including DeSantis, argue the measure offers meaningful relief from rising housing costs. Critics warn local governments may be forced to cut services or seek alternative revenue sources to offset billions in lost property tax collections. "Anti-tax Republicans have talked themselves into a big mistake in Florida" via Shevrin Jones for MS NOW — Sen. Shevrin Jones warns that DeSantis’ proposed homestead property tax overhaul would shift costs rather than solve the state’s affordability crisis. The measure, approved for the November ballot, would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with a path toward eliminating homestead property taxes. Jones argues the plan would disproportionately benefit wealthier homeowners while leaving renters, seniors and working families with no direct relief. He warns local governments could lose billions now used for police, fire protection, infrastructure, public health and community programs. “When you eliminate a tax base, someone else pays,” Jones writes, calling the proposal political theater disguised as tax relief.

2026   "Byron Donalds works Palm Coast, presses GOP to unite behind him" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Donalds brought his Defending the Florida Dream tour to Palm Coast, working a Flagler County crowd on affordability while pressing his party to coalesce behind him as the front-runner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Donalds, who has raised $81 million, cites his "COMPLETE and TOTAL endorsement" from Trump — along with backing from Donald Trump Jr., Charlie Kirk, Elon Musk, the majority of Florida Sheriffs, and more than 75% of Florida House Republicans — and a lead of more than 40 points in public polls. He says he'll skip the debate stage for town halls and door-knocking, arguing that continued GOP infighting only helps Democrats with two months until the Aug. 18 Primary. Byron Donalds campaigns in Palm Coast, urging Republicans to skip the family feud. — "Donalds speaks out after death threats, warns that irresponsible rhetoric emboldens people with 'real mental health issues'" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics "Donalds defends Donald Trump’s Iran policy" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Donalds is backing Trump’s argument that military action against Iran does not contradict his campaign pledge to avoid new wars. Appearing on Newsmax, Donalds said Iran’s pursuit of weapons-grade nuclear material required action and argued the regime presents a unique threat to the United States and its allies. Donalds rejected comparisons to prolonged foreign conflicts, echoing Trump’s assertion that the situation is not an “endless war.” He also contended Iran has misrepresented the capabilities of its ballistic missile program and cannot be trusted to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Donalds said Trump made the right call to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. "Jay Collins keeps pushing for Donalds debate" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Lt. Gov. Collins is intensifying calls for a debate with U.S. Rep. Donalds as the Republican Primary Election for Governor enters a critical stretch. Appearing on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Collins argued that front-runners should defend their records and engage opponents directly, accusing Donalds of avoiding scrutiny despite his commanding position in the race. Donalds has countered that Republicans should unite behind his candidacy rather than spend resources on intraparty battles. Collins rejected that argument, saying voters deserve a competitive contest. The debate dispute comes as Donalds continues to dominate fundraising and polling, with roughly $81 million raised and substantial leads over Collins and former House Speaker Paul Renner. Collins takes his "Live Florida" pitch to The Villages — Collins holds a news conference in Lady Lake to roll out "Live Florida," an initiative aimed at keeping Florida's seniors financially secure, safe, and independent. Collins will touch on affordability, elder fraud prevention, cybersecurity threats targeting retirees, consumer protection, and public safety measures for the state's growing senior population. The event runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at McCall's Tavern, 997 Alverez Ave., with media arrival set for 9:30 a.m. "Florida Home Builders back Ashley Moody" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Florida Home Builders Association is endorsing U.S. Sen. Moody as she seeks election to the seat she was appointed to last year by DeSantis. “I am honored to earn the endorsement of the Florida Home Builders Association,” Moody said, highlighting her work on housing reform and affordability. The builders' group previously backed Moody in both of her successful Attorney General campaigns. Moody enters the election cycle with a substantial financial advantage, reporting $8.2 million raised through March. While she faces Republican Primary opposition, no challenger has come close to matching her fundraising. The winner in November will serve the remaining two years of the Senate term vacated by Marco Rubio. Happening today — Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo will make a "major announcement about Florida's future" at 10:30 a.m. in Miami, with her camp telegraphing a likely launch of a Chief Financial Officer campaign against incumbent Ingoglia. A recent Ruth's List Florida poll found Taddeo would enter the race with a narrow lead — 39% to 38% in a head-to-head, growing to 45% to 41% after voters hear biographical details on each. Taddeo, a Colombian American businesswoman and the first Latina Democrat to serve in the Senate, was Charlie Crist's 2014 running mate. The event is at Second Baptist Church, 11111 Pinkston Drive. Dan Green launches CD 9 campaign — War veteran and former Trump administration appointee Green is running for Florida’s 9th Congressional District, entering the race with backing from the War Veterans Fund and a $1 million personal contribution. Green, an active drilling reserve officer in the U.S. Navy, has 23 years of service and served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. “I didn’t fight radical extremists overseas just to stand by and watch left-wing extremists attack our freedoms here at home,” Green said. A Vero Beach resident and graduate of Vero Beach High School, Florida State University and George Washington University, Green says he will campaign on affordability, federal spending and support for Trump. "Carey Baker files to run for Dan Webster's open CD 11 seat" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Former Lake County Property Appraiser Baker has filed to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Webster in CD 11, setting up a contested GOP Primary. The 63-year-old Eustis Republican represented much of the Central Florida District in the House and Senate before winning a countywide office; his father also served the area in the House. Baker lost his 2024 re-election after a write-in gambit collapsed but raised roughly $233,000 that year. CD 11 stays safely red — more than 57% there backed Trump in 2024. On the Democratic side, repeat candidate Barbie Harden Hall suspended her campaign citing health issues, exiting as the field's presumptive front-runner. Carey Baker runs for Dan Webster’s seat, because open districts never stay quiet long. Image via Facebook. "Kevin Steele rolls up Florida's elected Cabinet in his bid to retire Kathy Castor" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Kevin Steele has the backing of all three of Florida's elected Cabinet officers in his campaign to unseat Kathy Castor. Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson have endorsed the Pasco County state Rep. in what is becoming a competitive Republican Primary for the redrawn CD 14. Gov. Ron DeSantis' new map took Castor's reliably Democratic Tampa seat — one Kamala Harriscarried by about 7 points in 2024 — and reshaped it into a district Donald Trump would have won by roughly 10. Steele lent his campaign $2.5 million, but isn't alone: former state Rep. Mike Beltran, former White House staffer Bea Valenti, and others crowd the field. "Pia Dandiya adds wave of Broward endorsements in CD 22 bid" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A slate of Broward County elected officials is getting behind Democrat Dandiya less than two weeks into her campaign in the newly drawn Florida's 22nd Congressional District. Dandiya, a former educator, White House fellow and Apple strategy manager, announced endorsements this week from Broward Mayor Mark Bogen, County Commissioners Nan Rich and Steve Geller, Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan, Plantation Mayor Nick Sortal, Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons, Coconut Creek Commissioner Josh Rydell and former state Sen. Jeremy Ring. “For decades, I’ve fought alongside Democrats across the state for Florida’s children, families, and the most vulnerable. Pia Dandiya carries those same values into this race,” Rich said. "Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert is running to succeed Frederica Wilson" via Claire Heddles and Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade Commissioner and former Miami Gardens Mayor Gilbert has filed to run for Congress to succeed Rep. Wilson after her 15-year run, entering one of the rare safe Democratic federal seats in South Florida with no incumbent in the race. He brings a financial edge: his committee Common Voices has more than $1 million in the bank for a short Primary cycle. The field also includes former state Sen. Shevrin Jones, Rudy Moise, and Christine Sanon-Jules. In 2020, Gilbert narrowly beat Sybrina Fulton, mother of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, who had endorsements from Hillary Clinton, Cory Booker, and Elizabeth Warren. Florida's Primary is Aug. 18.

More elections   — “Benjamin Sandlin launches another bid for HD 12” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics Darren Soto backs Samuel Vilchez Santiago in HD 43 — Vilchez Santiago is touting an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Soto as his House District 43 campaign reports more than $160,000 raised, over 700 contributions and more than $110,000 cash on hand. Soto praised Vilchez Santiago’s work, “uplifting our community,” and said his public service and local roots are what the Florida House needs. Vilchez Santiago said he was “incredibly honored” by the endorsement and warned that “partisan gerrymandering” threatens Latino representation in Central Florida. The campaign also launched a five-figure organizing Fellowship Program to expand voter contact, community engagement and turnout work, building on recent support from SEIU Florida, IBEW Local 606 and LiUNA Local 517. Samuel Vilchez Santiago touts endorsements and fundraising in HD 43. "Tom Leek backs Jennifer Winkler in open HD 74 race" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Sen. Leek is backing Winkler in House District 74, giving the Sarasota Republican support from a former House budget chief as she works to break through in a competitive Primary for the open seat. "I am proud to endorse Jennifer Winkler in her campaign bid for Florida House District 74. Jennifer's a strong Second Amendment supporter, a fiscal conservative and a proven business and community leader who will represent the people of Sarasota from Day One," Leek said. Winkler is running to succeed term-limited Republican Rep. James Buchanan in a Sarasota County-based District where the GOP nominee will be heavily favored. Toby Overdorf endorses Anthony Bonna for HD 85 — Rep. Overdorf is backing Port St. Lucie City Council member Bonna to succeed him in House District 85, praising his Republican Party work and public service in St. Lucie County. “Anthony Bonna has been a consistent force for the Republican Party of Florida and the people of St. Lucie County,” Overdorf said. Bonna, a former St. Lucie County Commissioner, said he was honored by the endorsement and pledged to build on Overdorf’s work on taxes, human trafficking and natural resources. The endorsement adds to support from Americans for Prosperity, Associated Industries of Florida, Florida Realtors, Florida Right to Life PAC, the Police Benevolent Association, Sheriff Richard Del Toro and State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl. Exclusive — "Jon Maples has big lead over Jonathan Rubin in HD 87 GOP Primary, and he's got room to grow" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Former Lake Clarke Shores Town Council member Maples leads his opponent, Rubin, by a wide margin in the GOP Primary for House District 87, a new poll obtained by Florida Politics reveals. The poll, from Miami-based pollster Inquire, LLC, finds Maples leading Rubin 53% to 10%, with 37% undecided. Maples performs even better among seniors (58%), high-propensity voters (60%) and voters who identify strongly as MAGA (64%). Rubin, meanwhile, has a similar unfavorable rating of 5%, but his favorability is just 15% because most voters aren't familiar with him. The Inquire poll was taken May 26-28 among 257 likely GOP Primary voters. It has a margin of error of 6.1 percentage points. Jon Maples leads an HD 87 poll, with plenty of room for voter confusion. "Linda Julien drops Miami-Dade Commission bid one week after launching it" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — One week after announcing her candidacy for the Miami-Dade County Commission, Miami Gardens Council Member Julien has opted to stay put. Julien announced she will not seek the District 1 seat being vacated by Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, who filed to run for Congress. Her exit leaves Miami-Dade School Board Member Steve Gallon as the only candidate in the District 1 race with one week remaining before the June 12 qualifying deadline. She has served on the Miami Gardens City Council since 2020 and previously sat on Miami-Dade's Affordable Housing Board. "After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with residents, community leaders, and those who have supported my journey, I have decided to remain on the Miami Gardens City Council and not seek a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission," Julien said Friday.

Statewide   "2026 Sessions deliver wins for homeowners as budget heads to Governor" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — With the state budget headed to DeSantis' desk, Florida's real estate industry says the 2026 Legislative Session and the budget Special Session will deliver for property owners, homebuyers, and the broader real estate market. "Florida Realtors applauds Florida lawmakers for concluding the 2026 budget Special Session with a spending plan that continues to support housing affordability, protect property owners and safeguard the natural resources that make our state a place so many people want to call home," said Chuck Bonfiglio, Florida Realtors 2026 president. Housing investments lead: lawmakers added $50 million to the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which helps teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and other eligible first-time buyers with down payments and closing costs. Chuck Bonfiglio says lawmakers delivered wins for homeowners, a rare Tallahassee applause line. "Ron DeSantis promised anglers a 'God-given right to fish.' It ran into a 25% kill rate and a Washington injunction" via Joshua Goodman, Helen Wieffering and Shelby Lum of Fortune — Miles from shore, Chris Kemp pumps and reels as he battles a fish 150 feet below. Eventually, it gives up, and the 10-pound red snapper is hauled aboard the Jodie Lynn II. Recreational fishermen like Kemp are pitched against commercial fishermen and environmentalists in a legal dispute that has halted what was expected to be the longest snapper season in years, reflecting broader tensions over the Trump administration's efforts to loosen fishing rules and deregulate the seas. Starting last year, DeSantis led a charge with officials in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to take over management of the recreational Atlantic snapper fishery, casting the effort to guarantee anglers' "God-given right to fish." The conflict landed in court just before the season was about to begin, May 22, and U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras issued an injunction based in part on environmental concerns. "It's tricky because this is a rebuilding fish stock," said Meredith Moore, a program director at Ocean Conservancy. "James Uthmeier seeks end to Florida gun waiting period" via Steve Patterson of Jacksonville.com — Attorney General Uthmeier is asking a federal judge to strike down Florida’s three-day firearm waiting period, arguing the requirement violates the Second Amendment. Uthmeier, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass and state attorneys filed court documents supporting a judgment that would declare the law unconstitutional and permanently block its enforcement. The waiting period, first adopted for handguns through a 1990 constitutional amendment and expanded to all firearms after the 2018 Parkland shooting, requires buyers to wait at least three days before taking possession of a firearm. Uthmeier said government exists to protect “God-given rights,” while supporters of the challenge argue law-abiding citizens should not face delays in exercising constitutional freedoms. "Byron Donalds, Jared Moskowitz urge hurricane readiness" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — U.S. Reps. Donalds and Moskowitz are putting partisanship aside to encourage Floridians to prepare now for the 2026 hurricane season. The Republican and Democratic lawmakers stressed the importance of assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation plans and staying informed before storms threaten the state. Both warned that waiting until a hurricane is approaching can leave families scrambling for essentials and facing shortages. Their message comes as forecasters predict another active season and emergency officials continue urging residents to take preparedness seriously. Donalds and Moskowitz said planning can help protect lives, reduce stress and improve recovery efforts when severe weather strikes Florida communities. "Kat Cammack honors latest Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductees" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Cammack joined Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass in Tallahassee to honor five new members of the Florida Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Cammack presented American flags to inductees and their families while praising the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the state. The 2026 class includes Larry Corgin, Mick McHale, the late O.L. Raulerson, the late Harrel Reid and Daniel Slaughter, all recognized for distinguished careers in policing and public safety. Established by the Legislature in 2014, the Hall of Fame recognizes exemplary service by Florida law enforcement professionals. Inductees are nominated by statewide law enforcement organizations and approved by the Governor and Cabinet. Kat Cammack honors Florida law enforcement inductees with a ceremony and flags included. Image via Cammack's office. "GOP overhaul of higher education reaches every corner of campus life" via Michael Vasquez of The Florida Trib — Florida’s Republican leaders have spent years reshaping the state’s university system, directing millions of taxpayer dollars toward policies and governance changes that align higher education with conservative priorities. The transformation has affected everything from campus speech and academic programs to faculty hiring and presidential searches, which critics say have become increasingly political and opaque. DeSantis has installed conservative allies on Governing Boards, backed new academic centers and championed efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Supporters argue the changes are correcting years of ideological imbalance on college campuses, while faculty members describe an atmosphere of uncertainty and self-censorship. The ongoing University of Florida presidential search has become the latest flashpoint, reflecting broader tensions over who controls the direction of public higher education in Florida.

D.C. matters   "Trump rejects criticism over Iran war" via The Associated Press — Trump is pushing back on claims that the conflict with Iran contradicts his campaign message of avoiding new wars, saying he never guaranteed there would be no military conflicts if he returned to office. In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Trump argued the operation against Iran was necessary to prevent the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon and distinguished it from the prolonged foreign conflicts he has long criticized. Trump also defended his withdrawal from the Obama-era nuclear agreement and maintained that military action was justified. Donald Trump talks with Kristen Welker, briefly testing television’s patience. "Trump says Iran has ‘no choice’ but to deal" via Alexandra Marquez of NBC News — Trump says Iran’s leaders have yet to agree to a deal ending the conflict because they are “strong” and “proud,” but argued they ultimately “have no choice” but to reach an agreement with the United States. In an interview with NBC News, Trump defended the pace of negotiations, saying, “It takes years to do these things,” while rejecting criticism that the administration is moving too slowly. Trump also claimed U.S. and allied forces have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities, estimating the country retains just “21%-22%” of its missile arsenal. Still, he acknowledged Iran continues to possess missiles and drones capable of conducting attacks. "Trump cuts NBC interview short after clash" via Cheyanne Daniels of POLITICO — Trump abruptly ended a “Meet the Press” interview after a contentious exchange with Welker over his claims of election fraud and California’s ongoing vote count. Pressed repeatedly for evidence supporting allegations that elections were being “rigged,” Trump accused NBC and other major networks of being “crooked” before ending the conversation. The interview also covered the war with Iran and a proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” tied to litigation involving Trump’s tax returns. As Welker challenged several of his assertions, Trump grew increasingly frustrated, insisting there was “tremendous evidence” of election wrongdoing. The President ultimately cut off the interview and criticized the media’s coverage of his administration. “Judge ends Trump freeze on immigration applications of Cubans, Haitians, Venezuelans” via Syra Ortiz Blanes of the Miami Herald — A federal judge lifted a freeze on the immigration applications of more than a million Haitians, Cubans, and Venezuelans in a ruling that struck down cornerstones of the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Chief Judge John J McConnell, Jr, of the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, ruled that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services overstepped its authority, made decisions without providing the necessary explanations, and used national security as a pretext for making decisions based on anti-immigrant sentiments. The judge struck down several U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policies issued across three memos in late 2025 and early 2026. They include a freeze on all applications for asylum and withholdings of removals across all nationalities and a hold on pending immigration applications from 39 countries, including Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela. Those applications are for work permits, family-based green cards, employment visas, citizenship and more. "Raúl Castro reemerges after U.S. indictment" via The Associated Press — Former Cuban President Castro made his first public appearance since U.S. prosecutors charged him in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro appeared at a Havana event celebrating his 95th birthday alongside Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other senior officials. The appearance comes weeks after the Trump administration unveiled murder and conspiracy charges tied to the deaths of four people in the decades-old incident. Cuban officials have denounced the indictment as politically motivated, while U.S. officials have framed it as a long-overdue effort to hold senior Cuban leaders accountable. Castro retired from formal leadership in 2021 but remains an influential figure in Cuba. “Flesh-eating pest threatens beef prices, ranchers warn” via Grace Yarrow of POLITICO — A confirmed case of the New World screwworm in South Texas is raising alarms across cattle country as officials scramble to contain a parasite capable of killing livestock and driving up already record-high beef prices. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the outbreak appears isolated, but state and industry leaders fear wider spread could shrink cattle supplies and increase costs for producers and consumers alike. Texas officials have imposed quarantine measures while deploying sterile flies, the primary tool used to eradicate the pest. Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing to accelerate construction of a new Texas production facility, warning the state cannot endure a second Summer of unchecked spread. The outbreak adds another challenge to Republican efforts to ease grocery costs ahead of the Midterm Elections. Officials battle the New World screwworm because livestock prices needed another villain. “Why California can’t count votes quickly” via Eli McKown-Dawson and Nate Silver of Silver Bulletin — California’s notoriously slow vote-counting process is under renewed scrutiny after several major Primary races remained uncalled days after Election Day. While state officials argue that accuracy matters more than speed, critics note that California consistently ranks last in the nation in reporting results despite years of election reforms. The state’s generous mail ballot deadlines and heavy reliance on vote-by-mail contribute to delays, but other states with similar systems, including Florida, report results far more quickly. Prolonged counting fuels voter confusion, misinformation and conspiracy theories while undermining confidence in elections. Even supporters of expansive voting access acknowledge improvements are needed. California’s problem is not a choice between speed and accuracy, but a failure to adequately fund, modernize and streamline election administration in the nation’s most populous state.

Local: S. FL   "Lawmakers describe Miami-Dade as the poster child for wasted tax dollars" via Garrett Shanley and Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Facing the potential loss of hundreds of millions in annual revenue, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava isn't just battling DeSantis' property tax overhaul. She's also facing hits from Republican lawmakers who represent her own backyard — and who say the county's spending habits help make the case for the proposal. As Senators debated the constitutional amendment, two Miami-Dade Republicans pointed to Commissioners' taxpayer-funded security details as Exhibit A. "Many of them have, essentially, a full-time sergeant-at-arms in a Grand Wagoneer," said Sen. Bryan Avila, the bill's sponsor. Sen. Ileana Garcia called the sergeants-at-arms "bodyguards" and "Uber Eats." Independent Sen. Jason Pizzo joined the pile-on: "I think it's pathetic what Miami-Dade spends on." Daniella Levine Cava takes heat over Miami-Dade spending, Tallahassee’s favorite punching bag. "Miami-Dade Mayor forces out top deputies over port fuel depot mess" via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Levine Cava is forcing out Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales and PortMiami Director Hydi Webb as her administration faces fallout from a failed 2024 bid to secure a privately owned Fisher Island fuel depot critical to port operations. The county passed on buying the property, allowing developers to purchase it for $180 million and propose replacing the fuel operation with luxury condos. Miami-Dade is now reportedly nearing a $400 million deal to buy the site, drawing national attention and local criticism. Morales said he and the Mayor differed over the transaction but defended the proposed agreement. Levine Cava named Frederick Wong interim port director and elevated Roy Coley to first deputy Mayor. "Daniella Levine Cava OK after appearing to get light-headed during groundbreaking ceremony in Miami-Dade" via NBC 6 South Florida — Levine Cava is OK after she appeared to get light-headed during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Video shows Levine Cava appearing to get light-headed during her speech, but she still delivered remarks. In a social-media post, she said it was a hot day, and she needed to cool down. She also thanked Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for helping her. The new headquarters for the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department will be located off Northwest 41st Street near the county jail. Once it's completed, the facility will serve as the county's centralized intake and release facility. "In Fisher Island fuel-depot shakedown, Miami-Dade taxpayers are the victims" via Joe Garcia of the Miami Herald — It is worth establishing a fact frequently omitted from this story: the PortMiami fuel depot had been operating on Fisher Island for decades before the island's first luxury club was built in 1987." Chicago-based HRP Group bought the 9.6-acre site for $180 million, then, on May 28, "HRP and Miami-Dade had quietly negotiated a $400 million agreement — $200 million up front plus another $200 million over 20 years, covered by taxpayer money." Garcia's math: "HRP bought the property for $180 million. The county will pay them $400 million. Net profit: $220 million in a matter of months, without laying a single brick. “Port Canaveral juggles requisite space duties amid cruise juggernaut” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — The cruise business remains king at Port Canaveral, but the burgeoning space industry has muscled its way into the duties performed by the port authority. Despite the port having already passed a 2019 resolution supporting that industry, several commercial launch providers lobbied to add it to the port’s charter, a move codified into law in 2024. Now the port is required to hold regular public hearings on it. “They don’t pay the bills around here,” said Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray. For fiscal 2025, the port hit a record of nearly $220 million in operating revenue, with about $182 million credited to cruise-related operations, including parking. Cargo, which includes space, came to $24.5 million. Of that, SpaceX and Blue Origin combined to shell out more than $4.2 million, a big jump from previous years, but still only 2% of total revenue. Port Canaveral juggles cruises and space because one cash cow was not enough. Image via Orlando Sentinel. “Mall at Wellington Green braced for 'teen takeover' that didn't happen” via Valentina Palm and Emmy Bailey of The Palm Beach Post — A "teen takeover" of the Mall at Wellington Green didn't materialize on Friday, June 5, despite a publicized social-media call for one to happen. A takeover is a new trend where young people gather for events across the U.S. in spaces like malls, beaches and parks. The crowds of people they draw can number in the hundreds. Some takeovers have led to fights and even shootings, raising concerns among authorities and parents. The shooting of a teenager in Florida, a death in Illinois and multiple arrests in states such as New Hampshire and Virginia led many families in the Wellington area to post warnings on social media this week.

Local: C. FL   "Jerry Demings gets outpouring of support from Republicans and Democrats after news of cancer diagnosis" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Many of Demings' political allies and rivals are sending him messages of goodwill and healing after Demings announced he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is suspending his gubernatorial campaign. "May the Lord watch over the Demings family, provide them with strength and comfort, and bless Jerry with a swift recovery," U.S. Rep. Donalds wrote. DeSantis, whose administration once threatened to remove Demings from office to pressure him into signing an immigration agreement, did not issue an immediate statement on social media when the news about Demings broke; instead, he commented on X about California elections. "He has spent a lifetime showing up for others, and now it's our turn to show up for him," Democrat state Sen. Shevrin Jones wrote. Jerry Demings draws bipartisan support after announcing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Local: TB   "Alan Clendenin wants Rays CRA vote delayed amid unresolved stadium talks" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Tampa City Council Chair Clendenin is pushing to delay a pending Community Redevelopment Agency discussion tied to the Tampa Bay Rays stadium proposal, saying the issue is not ready for a vote as negotiations continue. He submitted a memo last week asking that the Rays item be deferred until at least July, and possibly longer. His remarks come after Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal, one of the deal's most vocal critics, suggested the CRA could move to remove the Rays MOU from its agenda and force a broader renegotiation. Clendenin disputed that: "Josh Wostal has no idea what's happening. None. Zero." The MOU approved last month includes $80 million from the city of Tampa and another $100 million tied to the Tampa CRA. Alan Clendenin wants a Rays stadium vote delayed, proving this saga has extra innings. —"And the hits keep coming. Here’s another Rays stadium conundrum" via John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times "Temple Terrace weighs costly fix for ‘forever chemicals’" via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — Temple Terrace leaders are confronting a multimillion-dollar challenge after testing found PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in the city’s drinking water above federal limits. Consultants are recommending a roughly $72 million overhaul of the city’s aging water treatment system to address the contamination and meet federal requirements. Residents have pressed officials for answers about potential health impacts and the timeline for improvements, while city leaders are pursuing legal action and settlement funds from chemical manufacturers to offset costs. The EPA recently delayed enforcement of key PFAS standards until 2031, giving utilities more time to comply. Still, Temple Terrace officials say the issue remains urgent and will require significant long-term investment.

Local: SW. FL   "Florida arts groups face growing grant uncertainty" via Jay Handelman of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Arts organizations across Florida are bracing for financial uncertainty as questions swirl around future grant funding that many groups rely on to support performances, exhibitions and educational programs. Leaders say reductions or delays in state and federal support could force organizations to scale back programming, postpone projects or seek new revenue sources at a time when costs continue to rise. The concern extends from major cultural institutions to smaller community-based groups that depend heavily on grant dollars. While arts advocates continue pressing for stable funding, many organizations are preparing contingency plans and warning that uncertainty could have lasting effects on Florida’s cultural landscape and access to the arts. Florida arts groups face grant uncertainty, again asked to create more with less. "North Port sees Florida’s sharpest rent decline" via Michaela Galligan of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Renters in North Port are getting a rare break as the city records the steepest rent decline in Florida. The drop reflects a broader cooling in the region’s housing market as new apartment construction and increased inventory give tenants more negotiating power after years of rapid price growth. While rents remain elevated compared with pre-pandemic levels, the trend is easing pressure on residents who have struggled with affordability. Market analysts point to expanding supply and slowing demand as key factors behind the decline. Even with rents falling, housing costs remain a challenge for many households, underscoring the continuing affordability issues facing fast-growing communities across Southwest Florida.

Local: N. FL   "DeSantis names five college trustees" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — DeSantis appointed Alexandria Hill and Kevin Payne and reappointed Richard Komando, Judd Sapp and Chereese Stewart to the St. Johns River State College District Board of Trustees. The five Northeast Florida leaders bring backgrounds in law, business, local government and education to the Board overseeing the college’s campuses in Orange Park, Palatka and St. Augustine, which serve about 8,000 students. Hill is a Clay County attorney and Development Authority member, while Payne works in the health insurance industry and leads a professional association. Komando, Sapp and Stewart return to the Board with extensive experience in law, business, public service and community leadership. All appointments require Florida Senate confirmation. Alexandria Hill and Kevin Payne join the St. Johns River State College Board. “JEA plans new gas plant amid rising demand” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — JEA is seeking state approval for a $1.57 billion power plant as the Jacksonville municipal utility faces growing residential and commercial electricity demand. The utility filed a petition with the Florida Public Service Commission for a “determination of need” for St. Johns River Power Park, Unit 3, a 678-megawatt plant primarily fueled by natural gas, with oil as a backup. JEA says the project would help serve its 537,000 customers while maintaining reliable and affordable electric service. The utility considered solar but said it was not cost-effective due to project delays, land costs and transmission needs. If approved, construction would begin in 2028, with power generation starting in January 2031.

Top opinion   "Florida has proved childhood poverty can be reduced. The work is not finished." via Mark Wilson of Florida Politics — Despite being one of the world's top economies, Florida still has 1 in 5 kids living in poverty. Florida's future competitiveness depends on more than economic growth alone. It depends on whether every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their ZIP code. Since the launch of the Florida Prosperity Initiative, the number of children living in poverty has declined by more than 200,000. That progress matters. But the work is far from over. The Florida Prosperity Initiative's State of Childhood Poverty in Florida report shows that 16.5% of Florida children still live in poverty, with even higher rates among the state's youngest residents. The report also highlights that over half Florida's 711,576 children living in poverty are concentrated in just 15% (152) of Florida's 983 ZIP codes. In Hillsborough County's 33612 ZIP code, 3,912 children are living in poverty, the highest concentration in the area. Meanwhile, in ZIP code 33606, only 37 children are living in poverty. At the same time, the county has seen the largest reduction in childhood poverty in Florida over the past year, with 3,971 fewer children living in poverty in 2024 than in 2023. This momentum continues at the Florida Chamber Foundation's 2026 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit on June 9 in Tampa. Reducing childhood poverty is not an issue any one organization or sector can solve alone. It requires sustained collaboration, innovation, and leadership from every corner of Florida.

More opinions   “DOGE for thee, not for DeSantis: Who’s following $1 billion immigration bill?” via the Miami Herald editorial board — The push for government efficiency shouldn’t stop at city halls and County Commissions. Florida’s leaders eagerly created the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight, or FAFO, to scrutinize local government spending and shame wasteful local spending. Yet when DeSantis and lawmakers approved a roughly $1 billion immigration enforcement package during a Special Session, many of the same transparency hawks went quiet. The measure steers hundreds of millions toward detention facilities, law enforcement reimbursements and immigration initiatives with limited public accounting. If state leaders demand accountability from local governments, they should hold themselves to the same standard. Taxpayers deserve detailed answers about where the money is going, who benefits and whether promised results are being achieved. "The Alligator Alcatraz boondoggle" via Eric Schlosser for The Atlantic — Florida’s immigrant-detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz is drawing renewed scrutiny over its costs, conditions and legal standing as reports suggest it could eventually be shut down. Built in the Everglades and operated through a partnership between the state and private contractors, the facility has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while housing immigrants awaiting civil immigration proceedings. Critics cite allegations of poor living conditions, inadequate medical care and excessive use of restraints, while questioning the use of emergency funds and no-bid contracts awarded to politically connected vendors. The piece argues that the detention center has become an expensive symbol of Florida’s immigration enforcement policies, with legal challenges and funding concerns raising questions about its future. "A firefighter backing Florida tax cuts is a conflict voters shouldn’t ignore" via the Miami Herald — State Rep. Omar Blanco’s support for increasing Florida’s homestead exemption deserves closer scrutiny because he also serves as a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue captain. Property taxes are a primary funding source for fire rescue, police, emergency medical response and other essential local services. Expanding the exemption may give some homeowners relief, but it also shrinks the tax base counties and cities rely on, potentially forcing hiring freezes, delayed equipment replacement, staffing cuts and pressure on employee pay and benefits. Tax cuts do not eliminate the cost of providing services; they reduce the resources available to pay for them. Voters deserve an honest discussion about whether short-term savings are worth the long-term impact on public safety and local government services. "Trump bullies LatAm's largest democracy; Miami's Daniel Perez tapped as messenger" via Isadora Rangel of the Miami Herald — Former House Speaker Perez played his political cards right and got a potential promotion from the Trump administration: a nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to Latin America's largest country, Brazil. Perez isn't the first South Florida Republican Trump has picked for an ambassadorship, but the stakes couldn't be higher for Perez." Perez, Rangel notes, "has been an effective, shrewd legislative leader who provided a much-needed check on the power of DeSantis, a Trump foe. He also ushered in new congressional districts last month to give Republicans an advantage in the Midterms, just as the President had asked. Now Perez is reaping the rewards. "Florida cuts childhood poverty, but work remains" via Mark Wilson for Florida Politics — Florida has proved childhood poverty can be reduced, but the work is not finished. Since the launch of the Florida Prosperity Initiative, more than 200,000 fewer children are living in poverty, yet 16.5% of Florida children still fall below that line. More than half those children are concentrated in just 15% of the state’s ZIP codes, showing why targeted, local solutions matter. Hillsborough County offers both the challenge and the proof point, with nearly 4,000 fewer children in poverty year over year. “Their ZIP code should not determine a child’s future,” and sustained collaboration on food, housing, healthcare, education, childcare and workforce barriers remain the path forward. "Florida becomes Germany’s retirement hedge" via René Rabeder for Florida Politics — More Germans are looking at Florida not simply as a vacation destination but as a long-term retirement strategy. Germany recently became the top foreign country searching for South Florida real estate online, a sign that buyers are thinking years ahead. Florida offers sunshine, space, private property and a level of government interference many Germans find manageable compared with home. Buyers often start with vacations, then purchase homes, rent them out and gradually spend more time here. The trend brings capital, supports local businesses and strengthens the tax base, but also adds pressure to housing affordability. Increasingly, Europeans are parking capital in Florida and planning their future in the Sunshine State.

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Aloe   "‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ crosses $1B globally" via Brent Lang of Variety — “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” has become the first 2026 release to pass $1 billion at the global box office, giving Universal, Illumination and Nintendo another monster hit from the video game franchise. The animated sequel cost $110 million to produce, a modest budget by studio animation standards, putting it on track for major profits. It follows “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which finished with nearly $1.4 billion worldwide. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Keegan-Michael Key and Jack Black returned for the sequel, joined by Donald Glover, Glen Powell and Benny Safdie. With Mario again delivering outsized returns, the studios are all but certain to keep the franchise moving. Yoshi, Mario and Luigi hit $1 billion, making plumbers look like Hollywood’s safest bet.

Happy birthday   Happy birthday to two highly intelligent, decent men: Chris Hand (who pens the occasional op-ed for #FlaPol) and Brad Miller, the executive director of PSTA. Also celebrating today are Rep. Kevin Chambliss and Lale Morrison. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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