The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.23.26 — Burnin’ today: Ericks, Ballard, Ingoglia, Mills, Vindman & Nolan

Your morning intel on all things Florida politics and policy. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Thursday morning. Celebrations of life set for Dave Ericks in Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee — Friends, family and colleagues of Ericks will gather twice this Fall to remember the longtime lobbyist, former Broward County police officer and proprietor of Clyde's & Costello's, who died July 5 at 77 of heart failure at Walloon Lake, Michigan. Dave Ericks and Candice Ericks share a moment together; his lasting legacy will be celebrated this Fall. The first celebration of life is scheduled for Aug. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale — fitting for a man who spent more than two decades as South Florida's man in Tallahassee, carrying a client list that ran from local governments and hospital districts to AT&T and Florida Power & Light. The second is set for Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Governors Club, 202 S. Adams St. in Tallahassee, a few steps from the bar Ericks owned and operated for 34 years and where, as more than one member of The Process has noted, an outsized share of Florida's political business actually got done. Ericks was a pioneer member of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists and built Ericks Consultants into a family firm alongside his daughter, Candice Ericks. ___ Anyone who still thinks Ballard Partners’ rise to the No. 1 spot on K Street was just a Trump bump hasn’t seen the Q2 rankings. A decade after Brian Ballard bet that Donald Trump would become President, the return on that wager keeps getting bigger. Ballard Partners once again lapped the field, hauling in $33.2 million in federal lobbying revenue and finishing nearly $11.5 million ahead of No. 2 firm BGR Group. Brian Ballard continues leading the nation’s highest-grossing federal lobbying firm. The Florida-founded firm has now spent a full year atop the national rankings, posting a nearly vertical growth curve — Ballard’s quarterly revenue has grown fivefold since 2024, when it closed out the year with a $6.1 million quarter. Florida’s influence didn’t stop there. BGR, which in late 2024 teamed with Tallahassee powerhouse Capital City Consulting co-founder Nick Iarossi, finished second with $21.8 million in revenue. Miami-based Continental Strategy, co-founded by former Florida state Representative and U.S. Amb. Carlos Trujillo, continued its rapid climb into the national Top 10 with $11.8 million, while Tampa-based law firm Holland & Knight landed at No. 7 with a $13.8 million rake. Meanwhile, the companies fueling Washington’s lobbying boom continue to skew heavily toward Big Tech and AI. The Q2 top-spenders included Meta, Amazon and Google, while AI leaders OpenAI and Anthropic each reported record in-house lobbying spending as policymakers weigh nationwide AI regulation. Ballard itself has expanded its AI portfolio, adding Anthropic to a client roster that already spanned energy, finance, manufacturing and foreign interests. ___ Blaise Ingoglia has spent a year telling Florida's local governments that someone is finally auditing them. Now he's telling the voters. The Chief Financial Officer's campaign is out with "Watchdog," the first TV spot of his bid for a full term, backed by what the campaign calls a seven-figure buy on broadcast, cable, and streaming. It began airing statewide July 21. The 60-second ad runs through the record Ingoglia has built since Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him in July 2025, crediting him with "locking up illegals who steal your tax dollars," imposing record fines on insurance companies, and taking on corrupt politicians in "BOTH parties." DeSantis appears in it himself, in footage from the appointment announcement, calling Ingoglia "the most conservative Senator in Florida." "I don't care if they're Democrats or Republicans. I only care about stopping corrupt politicians who waste your money," Ingoglia says in the spot. Watch the ad here:

Situational awareness   —@RealDonaldTrump: From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran. Thank you for your attention to this matter! —@StasiKamoutsas: Congratulations to Dr. @HenmackIII on his well-deserved appointment as Florida's Commissioner of Education! Dr. Mack's distinguished record demonstrates the vision and expertise necessary to lead our state's education system, and I am positive that he will ensure Florida remains positioned as the national leader in education and workforce development. —@BallardFirm: To be among so many respected firms on K Street is one of our greatest honors. We wouldn't be here without the trust of our clients and the tireless work of our partners and staff. Almost 30 years in, we’re more committed than ever and excited about our next chapter. —@AndySlater: $100 turned into $1 MILLION if you bet the Boston Red Sox to win every game during their 15-game winning streak.

Days until   Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida hosts Orange County Mayor debate — 8; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 8; Optional Primary early voting begins — 11; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 13; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 14; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 16; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 24; Primary Election Day — 26; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 36; NFL regular season kicks off — 48; Republican National Midterm Convention — 48; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 49; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 50; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 54; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 58; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 59; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 63; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 70; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 71; General Election voter registration deadline — 74; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 78; Optional General early voting begins — 88; General Election ballot request deadline — 91; Mandatory General early voting begins — 93; General Election — 103; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 106; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 106; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 111; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 117; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 120; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 125; ‘Madden’ premieres — 126; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 148; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 148; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 148; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 186; Grammys — 199; Super Bowl LXI — 206; Tampa Mayoral Election — 222; Oscars — 234; Jacksonville First Election — 243; Jacksonville General Election — 299; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 317; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 379; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 379; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 435; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 512; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 550; Oscars — 591; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 673; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 694; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 722; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 838; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 914; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,238; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,278; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,969.

Top story   "DOJ investigation adds to Cory Mills' legal troubles" via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel — Mills is facing a new federal challenge as reports indicate the U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the Central Florida Congressman, adding to a growing list of legal and political controversies surrounding his re-election campaign. The scope of the investigation remains unclear. According to reports, the FBI contacted at least one individual last year regarding Mills' finances, allegations of misconduct and people associated with him. Mills said he was unaware of any Justice Department investigation when contacted. Cory Mills faces DOJ scrutiny again while campaigning for another term in Congress. The reported probe comes as Mills is already under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and continues to face allegations involving his military record, business dealings and personal conduct. Mills has denied wrongdoing in each instance and suggested the new inquiry is unrelated to campaign finance issues previously reviewed by the Federal Election Commission. The latest development immediately drew political repercussions. Republican Primary challenger Ryan Elijah argued the combined weight of the Justice Department and House ethics investigations makes it impossible for Mills to represent the District effectively and called on him to end his campaign. Mills is seeking a third term representing Congressional District 7, which includes all of Seminole County and southern Volusia County. The Republican Primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, with Mills facing multiple challengers. The reported federal investigation adds another layer of uncertainty to an already turbulent campaign, leaving one of Central Florida's most closely watched congressional races overshadowed by questions that extend well beyond traditional campaign politics.

2026   "Alex Vindman looks past Angie Nixon, says focus is turning out independents in November" via A.G. Gancarski for Florida Politics — Vindman is keeping his attention on the General Election rather than the Democratic Primary, arguing that winning over no-party-affiliated voters will determine whether Democrats can defeat Ashley Moody in November. Despite declining to engage extensively with Primary rival Nixon, Vindman says his campaign's endgame centers on reaching independent voters, particularly along the I-4 corridor. Polling, however, suggests Nixon holds slight advantages with Democratic, Black and female voters, while both candidates perform similarly among NPAs in hypothetical General Election matchups. Vindman maintains his fundraising and coalition-building efforts, including attracting Republican and independent donors, position him for a competitive statewide campaign if he secures the Democratic nomination. Alex Vindman's endgame does not include Angie Nixon. Happening today — Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds will make a policy announcement during a stop on his Defending the Florida Dream Tour in Clearwater. The event begins at 10 a.m. Friday at The Karol Hotel, Princess K Ballroom, 2675 Ulmerton Road. Media check-in starts at 9:30 a.m. RSVP to skylar@byrondonalds.com. "Local governments could lose $12B under property tax plan" via Nina Moske of Tampa Bay Times — As November nears, state economists are forecasting steep losses for local governments if voters approve Florida's sweeping property tax amendment. Cities and counties across the state could lose nearly $12 billion annually by 2031. For months, DeSantis has pushed to largely eliminate property taxes, pointing to surging housing costs and ballooning tax rolls. In June, the Republican-led Legislature passed a less expansive version of his proposal, which will appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment in November. "These are not small changes in the way we do business," Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen said during a meeting last month. "This isn't some carefully targeted program. This is something that will completely upend the way that governments are funded in our state." "Jay Collins courts GOP voters in Lakeland stop" via Gary White of Lakeland Ledger — Collins emphasized his military background and his connection to DeSantis during his unscripted address to an audience of more than 100. He discussed his impoverished childhood in Montana and his service as an Army Green Beret, which continued even after a combat injury forced the amputation of his left leg. "Do you know how many people in the history of our nation have my background as a Lieutenant Governor?" Collins said. "Or as a Governor? Zero. There are exactly zero people like me who have been Lieutenant Governor. As Governor, it would be the same thing." "Annette Taddeo lands endorsement of Central Florida Democrats" via Gabrielle Russon for Florida Politics — Taddeo has secured endorsements from a slate of prominent Central Florida Democrats as she campaigns to become Florida's next Chief Financial Officer. Backing her bid are Kristen Arrington, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Anna Eskamani, Vic Torres and Linda Stewart, who praised Taddeo's record on accountability, transparency and challenging entrenched interests. Taddeo said the endorsements reflect a shared commitment to restoring trust in state government and ensuring taxpayers come before special interests. The Democratic candidate is seeking to become the first member of her party to be elected CFO in two decades. She is expected to face Ingoglia, who was appointed to the office by DeSantis last year and will seek his first statewide election victory. “GOP retains cash lead ahead of Midterms, but Democrats narrowed the gap” via Isaac Arnsdorf of The Washington Post — Republicans are heading into the Fall campaign season with a lopsided cash advantage across their flagship committees and super PACs, but Democrats narrowed the gap with stronger fundraising by individual candidates. The latest campaign finance reports showed the GOP’s wealth concentrated in the hands of Trump and his advisers, as super PACs and party committees they control dominated the party’s fundraising. Democrats, by contrast, spread their contributions across individual congressional candidates, making them better equipped than their head-to-head opponents. GOP super PACs and party committees had $478 million more than their Democratic counterparts, according to a Washington Post analysis of the latest disclosures. But Democratic candidates held a combined $141 million edge over their opponents, and Democrats also had more in other PACs, such as fundraising committees and unions.

More elections   "'Blowing up in their faces:' DCCC pounces after poll shows Kathy Castor leading top Republicans" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is seizing on recent polling to argue that Republicans' effort to redraw Florida's 14th Congressional District may be backfiring. The DCCC called the new District a "dummymander" after a St. Pete Polls survey commissioned by Florida Politics found Democratic U.S. Rep. Castor leading the top Republican contenders. Castor led former state Rep. Mike Beltran 46% to 38% and state Rep. Kevin Steele 46% to 39%. "Republicans thought they could rig the game and hand themselves this seat. Instead, their dummymander is blowing up in their faces. Tampa voters are sticking with Kathy Castor because she delivers and is the fighter Floridians deserve. She's on track to continue serving them in Congress this November," DCCC spokesperson Anna Elsasser said. —"CD 5 candidate Mark Kaye argues AI-generated campaign ads level the playing field for candidates" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics “‘The original Trump conservative’: Chris Collins calls voter ID ‘common sense’ in new ads” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Former U.S. Rep. Collins is taking to Southwest Florida airwaves with two advertisements promoting voter ID and the SAVE America Act as part of his campaign for the GOP nomination in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. The Collins campaign said the 30-second and 15-second spots are running across broadcast and streaming platforms. Both pledge support for the SAVE America Act, a federal voter ID requirement and measures intended to ensure only U.S. citizens vote. “The overwhelming majority of Americans support requiring an ID to vote — and it’s common sense, considering you need one to drive a car or board an airplane,” Collins said in a press release. “In Congress, I’ll fight alongside President Trump to pass the SAVE America Act and secure our elections for good. No more cheating, no more illegals in our elections — protect every single American vote.” Watch the ad here: "Florida GOP sues to block Libertarian in key House race" via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — The Republican Party of Florida and three GOP candidates have gone to court to block a Libertarian from running in a redrawn South Florida Congressional District that will be a major battleground in the November elections. The party and Congressional District 25 candidates Dan Franzese, George Moraitis and Scott Singer filed the lawsuit last week in Leon County circuit court, contending Libertarian candidate Peter Jassenoff improperly used a personal check — rather than a check from a campaign account — to pay his qualifying fee. "The account holder whose name is printed in the top left-hand corner of the check that Jassenoff submitted is 'PETER JASSENOFF' — not his principal campaign committee, Peter Jassenoff for Congress," the lawsuit says. "The check number — 138 — confirms that the check is not associated with a newly opened campaign account."

Even more elections   "Lauren Book notches endorsements from 4 LGBTQ+ organizations in SD 30 bid" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Former state Sen. Book is adding major LGBTQ+ organizational support to her Senate District 30 campaign, with endorsements from Equality Florida Action PAC, Dolphin Democrats, SAVE Action PAC and the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach County. Collectively, the organizations support roughly half a million members statewide, plus thousands more across South Florida. Leaders from each group explained why they believe Book is the best candidate to represent SD 30, which covers parts of Boca Raton in Palm Beach County and several communities in northeast Broward. "As politicians continue attacking fundamental freedoms and using vulnerable communities as political targets," she said, "I'll keep showing up, speaking out, and fighting for a Florida where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law." "Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet lands teachers union, Florida AFL-CIO endorsements" via Gabrielle Russon for Florida Politics — Sousa-Lazaballet has added endorsements from the Florida AFL-CIO, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association and several advocacy organizations as he continues to build momentum in the race for House District 42. The Democratic candidate, who is seeking to succeed term-limited Anna Eskamani, has also secured backing from the Florida National Organization for Women, Save Split Oak, the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rainbow Democrats and MomsRising Together. Sousa-Lazaballet has raised nearly $275,000 and continues an aggressive door-knocking campaign after qualifying through petition signatures. He will face Bonnie Jackson in November for the Orlando-area seat after the Aug. 18 Primary. Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet builds solid union support in the House District 42 campaign. "'Knows what it means to meet a payroll': Mike Twitty, Ken Burke back Melissa Rutland for HD 60" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Two Pinellas County constitutional officers are supporting Republican Melissa Rutland in her bid for House District 60. Clerk of Court Ken Burke and Property Appraiser Mike Twitty, both also Republicans, have endorsed the local real estate professional in her race to flip the St. Petersburg-based District red. Rutland is running to replace incumbent Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross, who is not seeking re-election. Rutland will face Democrat Lindsay Polega-Quigley in the November General Election. Burke echoed that praise, noting that as Comptroller he must "account for every tax dollar Pinellas County spends." "Melissa is a businesswoman who knows what it means to meet a payroll, and she will bring that discipline to Tallahassee. She will work with both parties and demand accountability for every taxpayer dollar spent." Save the date: ___ "Poll: Ashley Litwin Diego close behind Lucia Báez-Geller in HD 106 Primary" via Jesse Scheckner for Florida Politics — Litwin Diego has pulled even with Báez-Geller in a new internal poll released by her campaign, suggesting the Democratic Primary for House District 106 remains highly competitive less than a month before Election Day. The MDW Communications survey found both candidates at 39.4% support after respondents received campaign messaging, with about 21% still undecided. Both Democrats continue to significantly outraise Republican incumbent Fabián Basabe, who recently was found liable in a civil lawsuit involving two former House employees. The Miami-Dade District remains one of Florida's most competitive legislative battlegrounds, setting up a closely watched Primary to determine who will challenge Basabe in November.

Statewide   "‘NOT what people voted for …!’ Ron DeSantis calls out new federal bill" via Anthony Talcott for News4JAX — DeSantis is criticizing proposed federal legislation that would overhaul the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, arguing it amounts to "de facto amnesty" for undocumented farmworkers already employed in the industry. The Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act of 2026 would expand H-2A eligibility beyond seasonal jobs, broaden the scope of qualifying agricultural work, stabilize wage calculations, modernize program administration and allow certain unauthorized workers to apply for legal status under the program. Supporters say the measure addresses chronic labor shortages facing farmers and ranchers, while opponents contend it rewards illegal immigration. The proposal does not include a pathway to citizenship and remains under consideration in Congress. Ron DeSantis criticizes proposed changes to the federal H-2A guest worker program. "Thousands more Relativity Space jobs headed to Florida as part of expansion plans, DeSantis says" via Richard Tribou of Orlando Sentinel — Another big rocket is set to take shape in Florida with the announcement that Relativity Space will expand production facilities in the state, bringing with it thousands of high-paying jobs in the next decade. For Relativity Space, which has been pushing to launch its new Terran R rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 16, the agreement with the state means a commitment to expand Space Coast operations with "substantial capital investments" that would create "thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs for Floridians" by 2034. "Expanding our capacity in Florida enables our ability to scale the Terran R program to support commercial, scientific and national security missions," said Eric Schmidt, Executive Chair & CEO for Relativity Space in the release. "Henry Mack returns to lead Florida education" via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Mack is returning to the Florida Department of Education as Education Commissioner after a unanimous vote by the State Board of Education, capping a stint in the Trump administration as assistant secretary of Labor. Tapped by DeSantis, Mack is expected to be the final Commissioner of the Governor’s administration and pledged to continue its focus on parental rights, school choice, workforce development and eliminating what DeSantis has called radical ideologies from classrooms. Mack previously served in several senior Education Department posts before leaving in 2023 and later worked in higher education, including pursuing college presidencies and a stint at The Southern Group. Supporters praised his leadership and experience bridging education and workforce policy. "Extra credit: Anne Gerwig's persistence gave back-to-school tax holiday an earlier start" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida's back-to-school tax holiday looks a little different this year, thanks to Wellington Republican Rep. Gerwig. The school sales-tax holiday began in 1998 as a seven-day exemption for clothing and footwear priced at $50 or less, enacted under the Florida Family Tax Relief Act to ease the financial strain of outfitting kids for the classroom. Lawmakers had to reauthorize it through annual tax packages, with its length, spending caps and covered items shifting from year to year. "We did a good thing by making the tax holiday permanent. But we got it a little bit wrong," she said. "My mom friends were saying, 'Hey, this is great, but I don't want to wait 'til Aug. 1 to buy school supplies. They're all wiped out by then.'" "Education department may force School Districts to establish AI rules" via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The Florida Department of Education is poised to direct all School Districts to incorporate rules regarding artificial intelligence in their internet safety guidelines. DOE will discuss the proposed rule change at a workshop on Aug. 5. The department cites Florida laws that require adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and protect private student information. Florida law prohibits an "operator" of an internet website "used primarily for K-12 purposes" from knowingly collecting and sharing student data. That data includes biometric information, disabilities, socioeconomic information, food purchases, political affiliations, religious information, text messages, documents, student identifiers, search activity, photos, voice recordings or geolocation information. The state Senate attempted to pass an AI Bill of Rights this year, but the measure failed after the House blocked multiple attempts to get it to DeSantis' desk. “‘The No. 1 killer of kids’: Inside Florida’s child drowning crisis” via Shira Moolten, Cindy Krischer Goodman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Child drownings have long been a tragic reality in Florida, but the crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Florida is now hurtling toward its deadliest year on record, driven by a tide of Summer tragedies that safety advocates are struggling to halt. As of mid-July, 74 children have drowned in Florida this year — a distressing trajectory coming off 2025’s record-high total of 120 fatalities. Drowning has now cemented itself as the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in Florida and the entire U.S., surpassing all other causes, both accidental and intentional. Florida leads the nation in child drowning deaths. The unrelenting crisis this year has come despite decades of public education campaigns and localized prevention efforts. Now, grief-weary advocates and medical professionals are left grappling with a daunting question: Why — in a state hyperaware of water safety — do young lives continue to slip away? And what will it take to finally curb this devastating trend? Pool safety remains a critical concern amid Florida’s rising child drowning deaths. “Do Florida prison guard shortages fuel violence, inmate deaths?” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — Little inside a prison happens without corrections officers. Mealtime, programs, medical care and recreation all depend on corrections officers — and how many are on guard. Experts say a lot of the realities about life and death behind bars can be traced to how staffed or understaffed an institution is. "When there aren't enough COs, all of those little things that require a CO presence break down," said Wanda Bertram, communications strategist for the Prison Policy Initiative. "And those things I think have an indirect impact on people's mental health and their well-being, and that contributes to violence.” A Tallahassee Democrat review of jail and prison mortality data found that most homicides reported between 2016 and 2019 were at prisons that later received aid from the Florida National Guard in 2022 because of how critically understaffed they were. "From deepfakes to data centers: Six things AI advocates want Florida lawmakers to get right" via FloridAI — Florida lawmakers face competing pressures on artificial intelligence: protecting residents from its clearest dangers without imposing broad or unstable rules that stifle innovation. That's according to panelists at the Build American AI panel in Tampa, moderated by Florida Politics publisher Schorsch. The panelists agreed that guardrails are necessary, particularly around deepfakes, child sexual abuse material, deceptive political content, and companion chatbots. But they also urged lawmakers to keep the rules predictable and focused on demonstrated harms, while making sure Florida has the infrastructure to compete in an AI-driven economy. Adam Basford, vice president of Government Affairs at Associated Industries of Florida, said businesses are used to complying with regulations. "Companies aren't scared of regulation," Basford said. "Property insurance claims and lawsuits drop dramatically in 2025" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Property insurance lawsuits in Florida dropped dramatically last year, reaching their lowest numbers in the past decade. The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) published its semiannual Property Insurance Stability Report showing the number of property insurance claims in the state fell sharply in 2025. "The legislative reforms, among other things, eliminated the guaranteed one-way attorney fees for plaintiffs that provided a gross incentive to sue, with fees in some cases that were five or six times greater than the claim amount itself. We've all been paying for the excessive and often frivolous litigation that resulted," said Lisa Miller, a former Florida Deputy Insurance Commissioner who is a recognized disaster insurance and recovery expert and consultant. "I applaud the Legislature and the Governor for protecting Florida consumers' interests and helping ensure a stable property insurance marketplace."

D.C. matters   "House passes $1.15 trillion defense bill, tees up billions more for Iran war" via Noah Robertson, Jarrell Dillard and Mariana Alfaro for The Washington Post — The House approved a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill and advanced a separate measure providing $73 billion in additional funding for the Pentagon and intelligence agencies, much of it tied to the expanding war with Iran. The votes exposed a widening partisan divide, with Democrats arguing Congress is failing to exercise meaningful oversight of the administration's military actions while Republicans defended the spending as essential to national security. The Senate's version of the defense bill remains stalled, clouding prospects for final passage. Pete Hegseth warned lawmakers the conflict could cost $37.5 billion by September and jeopardize military readiness without additional funding. "Marco Rubio emphasizes dialogue with China ahead of Donald Trump-Xi meeting in September" via John Hudson of The Washington Post — Secretary of State Rubio struck a cordial tone with China's top diplomat on the sidelines of a conference of Southeast Asian countries in an apparent bid to ease relations with Beijing ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected visit to the United States in September. Rubio, once one of the most hawkish voices in Washington on China, has had to juggle his long-standing views on blunting Beijing's rise with Trump's drive to deepen relations with Xi and establish mutual spheres of influence in the world. This year's host, the Philippines, is particularly incensed over China's actions in the contested South China Sea. "Look, these are the two most powerful countries in the world," Rubio said. "It would frankly be reckless and irresponsible for the U.S. and China not to have a relationship." Marco Rubio promotes continued U.S.-China dialogue ahead of a potential leaders summit. “Ashley Moody bill would increase penalties for staging bogus wrecks with commercial vehicles” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — U.S. Sen. Moody is proposing legislation that would increase penalties for motorists who fake accidents seeking to get money from bogus insurance claims. Moody introduced the Staged Accident Prevention Act this week. The measure would establish federal criminal penalties for anyone who intentionally stages a wreck involving a commercial vehicle. Moody acknowledged that the bill is largely aimed at stopping people from taking advantage of commercial trucking operations. “With over 450,000 trucking jobs in Florida, it is safe to say that truck drivers keep the economy moving. Unfortunately, there are crazed and dangerous fraudsters out there who would rather put people’s lives in danger for a quick payday instead of making an honest living putting in a hard day’s work,” Moody said in a press release. "18 days in Minnesota: How immigration agents killed 2 U.S. citizens" via Jake Tapper of CNN — This is the story of the 18 days between the killing of Good and Pretti, the highly questionable ways the Trump administration handled immigration enforcement and the shootings, and the atmosphere of aggression and mendacity that continues to mark its enforcement operations. The HSI agent's fears about the unprecedented surge of DHS personnel proved prophetic. Tom Calhoun-Lopez, then the chief of the Violent and Major Crimes section for the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office, told CNN that time and again, from the beginning of the Trump administration's immigration surge in Minnesota, what the Justice Department told his office to do was "antithetical to principles of law enforcement. I could not reconcile what I was being asked to do with my duty to the law and to the Constitution of the United States." “Jared Moskowitz bill honoring Nancy Metayer cleared for House floor vote” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Moskowitz announced that his bill to rename a U.S. Postal Service facility at 3255 NW 94th Avenue as the “Nancy Metayer Post Office Building” advanced through the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, setting the measure up for a full chamber vote. Moskowitz, a fellow Broward Democrat, previously honored Metayer on the House floor April 21, just under three weeks after she was shot and killed in a domestic violence incident first reported by Florida Politics. “Nancy Metayer devoted her life to serving Coral Springs and making South Florida a better place,” Moskowitz said. “She was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and, most importantly, a deeply kind person who advocated for everyone. We are now one step closer to ensuring Nancy’s legacy is permanently recognized in the community she loved and served.”

Local: S. FL   "Miami FOP backs Ralph Rosado 16 months before his name hits a ballot" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Miami Fraternal Order of Police is backing City Commissioner Rosado for re-election. Voters in his District 4 will not get a say until November 2027. Lodge 20 President Felix Del Rosario wrote to Rosado that he has been "a steadfast supporter of the men and women of law enforcement, consistently recognizing the importance of public safety and the sacrifices made every day by those who protect our community," and that "you can count on the full support of our organization in return." Rosado said the officers "deserve leaders who listen to them, stand with them, and give them the support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively." Ralph Rosado earns early re-election backing from the Miami Fraternal Order of Police. “Miami-Dade leaders say state’s anti-DEI law is so confusing they may have to sue” via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald — Miami-Dade County may go to court over Florida’s new anti-DEI law, which bars local funding of groups or services tied to gender, race or sexual orientation. County leaders say the legislation is sweeping enough to make Miami-Dade rethink countless spending decisions, from staffing the current Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board to awarding a tourism grant to a gay-pride parade to sponsoring a festival celebrating Haitian Americans. “I think it’s important to get some clarification,” County Commissioner Vicki Lopez, a former Republican member of the Florida House, said Tuesday before the Board authorized Miami-Dade lawyers to explore legal action against the state law. “Oftentimes, the only way to do that is to go to the courts.” “It's now more expensive to live in Miami than in New York City” via Sarah Perkel of the USA Today Network-Florida — The Miami area's cost of living surpassed that of New York, according to the most recent regional price comparison data available from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The report, which analyzes 2024 data, compares differences in "price levels across states and metropolitan areas" — though both regions had price levels above the national average, the Miami area beat New York in overall expense. Regional price parities, which the report uses to compare area price levels, have a national average set at 100. If an area's RPP is 120, for instance, then price levels there are 20% higher than the U.S. average. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan statistical area had an "all items RPP" of 114.155 — a value that includes all "consumption goods and services," and also covers "housing rents." The New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan statistical area, by contrast, had a lower "all items RPP" value of 112.563. "Pier House sale marks end of an era" via Above The Fold — The iconic Pier House Resort & Spa in Key West is under contract to sell for $190 million, with corporate records linking the buyer to global investment firm Sixth Street Partners, which manages more than $75 billion in assets. The deal values the 142-room property at roughly $1.34 million per key, more than double what Braemar Hotels & Resorts paid in 2014. The story traces the resort’s remarkable history, from David Wolkowsky’s vision that helped transform Key West into a tourism destination to the Chart Room bar, where Jimmy Buffett launched his career. The report also notes that the buyer’s LLC, "Last Mango Owner," references Buffett’s Last Mango in Paris, fueling speculation about the property's future while emphasizing that no Margaritaville plans have been announced.

Local: C. FL   "Rick Singh lands union, public safety backing in race for Orange County Clerk" via Staff Reports for Florida Politics — Singh has added endorsements from former Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 78 as he campaigns for Orange County Clerk of Court. Singh, a former Orange County Property Appraiser, said the support reflects confidence in his record of accountability, transparency and public service. The endorsements build on previous backing from the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police and the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Political Operations Division. Singh is competing in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary against Maribel Gomez Cordero and Roberta Walton Johnson to succeed term-limited Tiffany Moore Russell. The winner advances to face independent Terrell Thomas in November. Rick Singh adds labor and public safety endorsements in the Orange County Clerk race. "Told to cut seven projects, Orange tourist tax panel reinstates six" via Stephen Hudak for Orlando Sentinel — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings' newly formed Tourist Development Tax advisory task force got an early lesson in balancing law, politics and economics as members reviewed competing requests for billions of dollars in tourism funding. Initially directed to eliminate seven proposals over eligibility concerns, the panel ultimately reinstated six after applicants were allowed to clarify or revise their submissions. Only one project, a Japanese cultural center proposed by a Lake County organization, was ruled ineligible because tourist tax dollars must benefit Orange County. With roughly $3 billion in requests competing for an uncertain pool of available funding, the task force now faces difficult decisions over stadiums, performing arts, convention center expansions and community tourism projects. "Orlando to install automated speed cameras in more than 20 school zones starting next month" via Ashley Garrett for WKMG ClickOrlando — Orlando will begin rolling out automated speed enforcement cameras in more than 20 school zones next month as part of an effort to reduce crashes and improve pedestrian safety around schools. The first phase includes Rock Lake Elementary, where officials say speeding and cut-through traffic have made the area particularly hazardous. Cameras will be installed near school-zone signs and activated by the first day of school, followed by a 45-day warning period. Beginning Sept. 25, motorists caught speeding will receive a $100 citation by mail. City leaders say the program targets corridors with histories of serious crashes and fatalities while helping protect children walking and biking to school. "Tesla expands driverless Robotaxi service to Orlando" via Baileigh Bockover for FOX 35 Orlando — Tesla has launched its autonomous Robotaxi service in Orlando, making Central Florida one of just seven U.S. markets where riders can hail a fully driverless vehicle through the company's smartphone app. The initial service area covers a 25- to 45-square-mile zone centered on the Semoran Boulevard and Lee Vista corridor near Orlando International Airport, though it currently excludes airport terminals, theme parks and downtown. Rides begin with a $3.25 base fare plus about $1 per mile. Unlike competitors that rely on multiple sensor systems, Tesla's platform uses a camera-based, vision-only approach. The rollout further establishes Central Florida as a proving ground for autonomous transportation technology. "Universal files new permit: What could it mean?" via FOX 35 Orlando — Universal Orlando has filed a new construction permit as demolition continues in the former Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure, fueling fresh speculation about the resort's next major attraction. Theme park experts say the permit confirms additional work is moving forward but offers few concrete details about what will ultimately replace the area. While fans have widely speculated about potential new themed experiences, officials have not announced any future attraction tied to the filing. For now, the permit primarily signals that redevelopment is progressing, with demolition activity continuing as Universal reshapes one of the park's oldest sections. Any conclusions about what comes next remain speculative until the company provides official confirmation.

Local: TB   "With his campaign out of money, Ken Welch is using city resources to boost ID and image" via Peter Schorsch for Florida Politics — Welch is relying increasingly on the visibility of his office as his re-election campaign struggles financially, raising questions about the optics of using official city communications during an active campaign. Examples include city-funded SPAR banners promoting resiliency projects, mayoral social media posts highlighting hurricane preparedness and voting information and heightened public messaging that closely mirrors campaign themes. While no evidence suggests illegal coordination or misuse of public funds, the pattern creates the appearance that the advantages of incumbency are being leveraged to offset limited campaign resources. With Charlie Crist holding a commanding fundraising edge, the disparity underscores a race in which Welch's official platform appears to be filling gaps his campaign treasury can no longer. “Ben Diamond, Jim Kennedy endorse Trevor Mallory for St. Pete City Council” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Former Rep. Diamond and former St. Petersburg City Council Member Kennedy are endorsing Mallory in the crowded race for the District 6 City Council seat. Both Diamond and Kennedy cited Mallory’s commitment to working families as a reason for their endorsement. “I’ve known Trevor Mallory for years, and I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about St. Petersburg and the people who call it home,” Diamond said in a press release. “He’s raising his family here, believes deeply in our community, and understands that keeping St. Pete affordable for working families is one of the most important challenges we face.” Kennedy, who represented District 2 from 2007 until 2018, is now the fourth current or former City Council member to support Mallory’s campaign. “I know firsthand what it takes to deliver for the people of St. Petersburg and Trevor Mallory is ready to serve,” he said. Trevor Mallory expands support with endorsements from current and former St. Petersburg leaders. "Tampa tests a European model for airport security" via René Rabeder of Florida Politics — Tampa International Airport is preparing to shift most TSA screening operations to a private contractor under the agency's new Gold+ program while keeping federal oversight and security standards in place. The change is intended to make checkpoint operations more resilient during federal shutdowns, provide greater flexibility to modernize screening technology and reduce dependence on Washington. Similar public-private models already operate across Europe, where governments establish security rules while private companies conduct passenger screening. The transition also raises questions about the future of TSA officers and the role of federal employment in maintaining public confidence. The rules will remain federal, but the real test is whether passengers, employees and policymakers view privately staffed checkpoints as enough to preserve the trust established after Sept. 11. "Pinellas transit agency settles $300K in Clearwater Ferry crash lawsuits" via Jack Prator of Tampa Bay Times — Pinellas County's transit agency settled 37 claims brought by passengers injured aboard the Clearwater Ferry when a private boat struck the vessel last year. The Transit Authority approved a $300,000 settlement at its Board meeting. The measure was passed without discussion as part of the agency's consent agenda and with a unanimous recommendation from its Finance Committee. One man died in the April 2025 crash. The ferry had been carrying 48 people at the time. Jeff Knight, a prominent businessperson and owner of the music venue Jannus Live, said he couldn't see the ferry's navigation lights moments before he struck the vessel with his private boat. "Ben Diamond, Jim Kennedy endorse Trevor Mallory for St. Pete City Council" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Former Rep. Diamond and former St. Petersburg City Council Member Kennedy are endorsing Mallory in the crowded race for the District 6 City Council seat. Both Diamond and Kennedy cited Mallory's commitment to working families as a reason for their endorsement. Kennedy, who represented District 2 from 2007 until 2018, is now the fourth current or former City Council member to support Mallory's campaign. "I know firsthand what it takes to deliver for the people of St. Petersburg, and Trevor Mallory is ready to serve. When Trevor officially represents the people of District 6 on the City Council, he's going to keep doing what he's already been doing for years: listening, serving, and stepping up to solve the problems he sees his neighbors facing. Please join me in supporting Trevor Mallory for St. Pete City Council," Kennedy said.

Local: N. FL   "Donna Deegan budget speeds up street paving among other big-ticket items" via David Bauerlein of Jacksonville Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville Mayor Deegan's proposed budget shifts street resurfacing into the next gear, adds millions of dollars for the city's first new branch libraries since the Better Jacksonville Plan, continues payments for upgrades at the UF Health Jacksonville campus and rounds out funding for downtown riverfront projects. "It's a very heavy infrastructure budget," Deegan said after delivering her budget address to City Council. She said that type of construction has been a top priority since she became Mayor in July 2023 "because I personally believe you take care of the public infrastructure, everything else follows." The city will pay $220 million as the next installment toward its $775 million share of the renovation of EverBank Stadium. Donna Deegan has big plans for major infrastructure investments across Jacksonville. —“What are the biggest items in Deegan's budget?” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union “Dallas transit agency hires JTA CEO Nat Ford as its leader” via David Bauerlein of the Florida Times-Union — The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board hired Ford as its new CEO on a 9-4 vote, three weeks after the Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced Ford was resigning as head of JTA. The DART Board members supporting him said they were convinced after hearing from Ford about "red flags" raised about his 13-year record in Jacksonville. "We've had a chance to go through every one of them," Board member Enrique MacGregor said during the Board meeting. He said that because "some of this information is sensitive," he couldn't go into detail, but they involved concerns about inappropriate spending, time in the office, transit service levels, declining ridership and a "potential conflict of interest." “$36M projects to build 2 fire stations in Gainesville set to begin soon” via Elliot Tritto of The Gainesville Sun — Gainesville leaders will invite residents to two groundbreaking ceremonies over the next two weeks as the city moves forward with the construction of new facilities for Fire Stations No. 3 and No. 9. The projects carry a combined estimated cost of about $36 million. Construction is expected to begin soon on both facilities. The new 16,773-square-foot Fire Station No. 3 will replace the city's existing station and continue serving northeast Gainesville and surrounding areas. The city will hold a ceremony for the Southwest Public Safety Center at 10 a.m. July 31. The 29,754 square-foot public safety center will serve as a hurricane-hardened facility and house Fire Station No. 9, a public works warehouse and a community meeting room. “Santa Fe College in Gainesville secures $2.5 million for art labs” via Chelsea Long of The Gainesville Sun — Santa Fe College was awarded $2.5 million in state funding that will help upgrade facilities on its northwest campus. The college has begun phase two on its renovation of the 50-year-old M building, home to the college’s visual arts program. Design plans for the space will include a new fabrication lab, a 3D studio and a wood shop. The school also plans to upgrade restrooms, reconfigure classrooms, a gallery, studio and lab space, add additional studio space and improvements to outdoor areas. The visual arts program serves about 2,500 students. Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II thanked DeSantis and the state Legislature for funding the college. Rep. Chad Johnson and Sen. Stan McClain sponsored the appropriation.

Local: SW. FL   "Conflict: Naples, airport Board to seek mediator, FAA opinion on lease" via J. Kyle Foster of Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — During a third joint meeting between the Naples City Council and Naples Airport Authority (NAA), Mayor Teresa Heitmann asked the Council to make active the lawsuit the city filed against the NAA. City Council members said they were opposed to including in a new land lease an option for the airport authority to purchase the 732 acres on which the airport sits. Heitmann made it clear that she considers the NAA and its Board uncooperative and wants to move forward with a lawsuit that has been on hold. "We haven't received meaningful support regarding the Board appointments, and those matters are very important to protecting the city's interest under this lease," Heitmann said. Naples and Airport Authority officials seek mediation in a long-running lease dispute.

Top opinion   "Creepy and improper: Florida officials investigate citizen critics" via Scott Maxwell for Orlando Sentinel — Florida's fish and wildlife officials have some explaining to do after revelations they used a law enforcement database designed to investigate criminals to look into citizens whose only apparent offense was criticizing the agency. Among those caught in the sweep was Chuck O'Neal, a longtime environmental advocate who has frequently challenged state environmental policies. The use of investigative tools against peaceful critics is not just unsettling — it strikes at the heart of government accountability. Agencies entrusted with enforcing the law should never blur the line between legitimate investigations and monitoring constitutionally protected speech. State officials insist they are reviewing what happened, but the very existence of these searches raises serious concerns about oversight and internal safeguards. Floridians should not have to wonder whether speaking out at a public meeting or opposing a government project could land them in a law enforcement database. The implications extend well beyond environmental policy. If agencies can quietly access sensitive law enforcement resources to examine critics, the chilling effect on public participation could be profound. Democracy depends on citizens feeling free to challenge government without fear of retaliation. The First Amendment protects unpopular opinions just as strongly as popular ones. Government agencies wield extraordinary authority, making restraint and transparency essential whenever investigative powers are involved. This episode demands more than an internal review. It requires full public accounting of who authorized the searches, how often similar tactics have been used and what safeguards will prevent future abuses. Floridians deserve confidence that state agencies will protect constitutional rights rather than undermine them.

More opinions   "The Top Gun: Maverick Theory of Pete Hegseth" via Missy Ryan of The Atlantic — Hegseth is portrayed as leading the Pentagon with the mindset of a junior military officer rather than a Cabinet official, focusing heavily on physical fitness, grooming standards, testosterone testing and military culture while the United States confronts mounting strategic threats. The comparison to Maverick from Top Gun: Maverick suggests Hegseth has never fully transitioned from tactical thinking to the broader responsibilities of senior leadership. The article also criticizes his public interventions in military disciplinary matters, including overturning or questioning investigations into low-altitude flyovers, arguing those actions undermine the chain of command. Former military leaders warn that sidelining commanders and rewarding rule-breaking risks weakening discipline, professionalism and accountability throughout the armed forces. "War by any other name" via Nancy A. Youssef and Jonathan Lemire of The Atlantic — Trump is expanding the U.S. military campaign against Iran while avoiding publicly describing it as a war, leaving Congress and the public with few details about its objectives or long-term strategy. Airstrikes have widened beyond military targets, American casualties continue to mount, and the Pentagon is seeking billions in emergency funding, yet senior officials have largely referred to the conflict as an "operation." The administration has also struggled to secure meaningful allied support as Iran adapts its military tactics and broadens regional threats. With no clear path to victory or exit, the White House faces growing political and strategic pressure as the conflict becomes increasingly difficult to contain. "Should kratom be criminalized? Follow the science." via John Cleveland for The Washington Post — Emergency scheduling should be reserved for genuine public health emergencies, not complex scientific and regulatory debates where the evidence remains unsettled. While 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, may ultimately warrant regulation or permanent scheduling, the Drug Enforcement Administration has not demonstrated the imminent danger needed to bypass the normal rulemaking process. Nearly 1 million Americans use 7-OH products, yet no documented deaths have been conclusively attributed to the substance when consumed in isolation. Many users also report using it to reduce or eliminate illicit opioid use, experiences that warrant rigorous scientific evaluation rather than dismissal. If permanent scheduling is justified, the government should make its case through a transparent administrative process that allows scientists, physicians, patients and the public to evaluate the evidence fully. "The power bargain no longer adds up" via Mark McNees for Florida Politics — For generations, communities shared the cost of electric infrastructure because everyone benefited from reliable power and economic growth. Artificial intelligence data centers have changed that equation. A single facility can consume as much electricity as a major city while triggering billions of dollars in grid investments that too often fall on ordinary ratepayers. Florida has begun addressing that imbalance through SB 484, but approving these projects still requires asking who pays for new capacity, how utility pricing is reviewed, what happens if a facility leaves and what protections exist for taxpayers. Data centers can bring opportunity but welcoming them without requiring clear financial safeguards risks leaving residents subsidizing unprecedented power demands for decades.

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Aloe   "The Odyssey shows us just how big, bold, and grown-up movies can be. Scream for more." via Sean Fennessey of Projections — Christopher Nolan has demonstrated that audiences still crave ambitious, adult-oriented filmmaking, with The Odyssey proving original vision can outperform formulaic franchise entertainment. Its blockbuster success shows moviegoers remain eager for films built on craftsmanship, practical filmmaking, literary storytelling and emotional depth rather than endless franchise serialization. The film's triumph stands in sharp contrast to the latest Avengers installment, which represents Hollywood's continued reliance on interconnected universes, digital spectacle and nostalgia. While superhero films remain commercially viable, they no longer define the highest aspirations of modern cinema. Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' showcases Hollywood’s renewed focus on practical filmmaking. Alongside Villeneuve, Nolan has shown that directors working on a grand scale can deliver commercially successful films rooted in classical storytelling, practical effects and bold artistic ambition. Their success offers a blueprint other filmmakers should follow. Studios should stop assigning acclaimed directors to corporate franchises and instead trust them with timeless stories or original ideas. History's greatest blockbusters have come from filmmakers willing to take enormous creative risks rather than simply extending existing brands. That approach is not without danger but playing it safe carries risks of its own. Formula-driven filmmaking gradually conditions audiences to expect less while eroding the theatrical experience. The Odyssey demonstrates that audiences still reward movies that feel monumental, emotionally resonant and artistically daring. Hollywood should treat its success as evidence that investing in visionary filmmakers remains the surest path to creating lasting cultural events. ___ “FSU professor, students build toy for a kinkajou at Jacksonville Zoo” via the Tallahassee Democrat — When the sun goes down, it signals bedtime for many. But for Obi the kinkajou — a nocturnal rainforest mammal that lives at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens — it's a sign for playtime. And to monitor the exotic creature's nightlife activities, a Florida State University team consisting of a professor and students has been working this Summer on what they call a "technology-enabled enrichment" for Obi to use, which will allow the wildlife park's zookeepers to monitor his engagement through an interactive feeding toy. "There are always efforts that could be made to make animals' habitats better, to make their lives closer to what it's like in the wild, to engage their brains and bodies and to advance research into animal husbandry and welfare," said FSU art professor Rob Duarte, who is working on the project. “Gators’ new coach bringing energy to upcoming season” via Cole Pepper of Florida Politics — New Florida Gators’ football coach Jon Sumrall spoke at SEC football media days, saying he was grateful for the 60 players that returned to the squad despite the coaching change. Sumrall comes to Florida after two seasons at Tulane, where he led the Green Wave to 20 wins and two postseason appearances — one a Gasparilla Bowl loss to the Gators, the other an appearance in the College Football Playoff. He will try to turn around a program that went 4-8 last season. “I’m just trying to inject an attitude we’re going to attack every day with enthusiasm. I may have some bad moments; I don’t have bad days. I got life pretty good,” Sumrall said. One of the big questions facing Sumrall is who will be at quarterback. The Gators lost 34 players in the transfer portal, including quarterback DJ Lagway.

Happy birthday   Best wishes to former Rep. Matt Willhite; Fritz Brogan, co-founder and managing partner of Mission Group and former national Chair of Maverick PAC; Michael Hoffman; former Pinellas Commissioner Charlie Justice; and Tracie Pough of Ballard Partners, former Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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