The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.9.26 — Burnin’ today: Turnbull, Cleary, DeSantis, Collins, Simpson, Green & Pythons

Sunburn: Your morning brief from the Sunshine State ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises Good Thursday morning. A top o' Burn birthday shoutout to 2025 Golden Rotunda award winner for Lobbyist of the Year, INFLUENCE 150'er, incredible aunt and pet lover extraordinaire, Heather Turnbull of Rubin Turnbull & Associates. Happy birthday to award-winning INFLUENCE 150er, incredible aunt and pet lover Heather Turnbull. ___ Kevin Cleary is taking his talents to SBM Partners. The firm is announcing today that Cleary, a veteran with more than 15 years of experience in Florida's legislative, executive and political arenas, has joined as a Partner, bringing with him a deep network of relationships with key legislators and influential private-sector leaders. "We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Cleary to SBM Partners," said Jeff Hartley, the firm's president and Partner-Owner. "Kevin has spent his career in the rooms where Florida's biggest decisions get made. His addition deepens the expertise we offer the businesses that count on SBM to advance their priorities." Cleary cut his teeth at the Republican Party of Florida, leading grassroots and campaign strategy efforts during a stretch that saw Republicans sweep the Florida Cabinet, gain four U.S. House seats, win a U.S. Senate race and secure a two-thirds majority in the Legislature. He managed Senate President Ben Albritton's first campaign for the Florida House and later served as his legislative aide. Kevin Cleary joins SBM Partners after years advising Florida leaders and statewide clients. From 2016 to 2020, Cleary served as Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, helping pass major environmental legislation — including the Clean Waterways Act — and securing historic levels of state funding for the department's grant programs under Govs. Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. He went on to join Gunster as a Government Affairs Consultant and, most recently, served as vice president of Government Relations at Allegiant Strategies Group, where he consulted on statewide campaigns and lobbied for Fortune 500 companies, business associations and government entities on issues ranging from agriculture and water policy to affordable housing and technology. "Kevin has earned a reputation in Tallahassee as someone who does things the right way," said Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd. "His years of experience and deep bench of relationships mean he knows this process inside and out; anyone who has worked with Kevin knows SBM Partners is getting one of the best in the business."

Situational awareness   Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@AngieNixon: I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party, which has always stood on the front lines in the fight for economic and social justice – values that I have fought for my entire life and keep at the heart of my campaign. Tweet, tweet:

Days until   2026 Florida Python Challenge — 1; MLB All-Star Game — 5; Primary Election domestic ballot send deadline — 7; ‘The Odyssey,’ directed by Christopher Nolan, premieres — 8; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 11; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 22; Optional Primary early voting begins — 25; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 27; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 28; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 30; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 38; Primary Election Day — 40; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 50; 2026 Republican National Midterm Convention — 62; NFL regular season kicks off — 62; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 63; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 64; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 68; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 72; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 73; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 77; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 84; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 85; General Election voter registration deadline — 88; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 92; Optional General early voting begins — 102; General Election ballot request deadline — 105; Mandatory General early voting begins — 107; General Election — 117; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 120; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 120; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 125; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 134; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 139; ‘Madden’ premieres — 140; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 162; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 162; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 162; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 200; 69th annual Grammy Awards — 213; Super Bowl LXI — 220; Tampa Mayoral Election — 236; 2027 Oscars — 248; Jacksonville First Election — 257; Jacksonville General Election — 313; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 331; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 393; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 393; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 449; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 526; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 564; 2028 Oscars — 605; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 687; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 708; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 736; U.S. presidential election — 852; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 928; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,252; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,292; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,983.

Top story   "Forecasters further downgrade hurricane season to 'well below-normal'" via Martin Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — "After months of predicting a 'below-normal' hurricane season, weather researchers at Colorado State University further downgraded their forecast on Tuesday and now expect even fewer tropical storms than average to form in the Atlantic this year." "Forecasters now anticipate nine named storms, including four hurricanes and one major hurricane, during the season which runs through Nov. 30. That's a reduction from last month when CSU predicted the season would see 11 named storms, including five hurricanes and two major ones. An average hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major ones." Hurricane clouds loom over Florida ahead of another Atlantic storm season. "Researchers cited an emerging El Niño in the Pacific Ocean that is expected to intensify over the next few months and become unusually strong during the peak of hurricane season from mid-August through mid-October as the reason for the 'well below-normal season.'" "According to the CSU report, there is a 17% chance that a major hurricane will strike the U.S. coastline. That probability was reduced from last month's 24%. During an average season, the probability is 43%. There also is a 10% chance that a major hurricane will strike the Gulf Coast between Cedar Key and Brownsville, Texas." "Tropical Storm Arthur — a mostly disorganized system that brought flooding to southern states in mid-June — has been the only Atlantic storm this hurricane season." Still, forecasters urge residents to prepare as if it were an average season: "As with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make an active season. Thorough preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity."

2026   "With GOP Primary looming, Ron DeSantis-Jay Collins ties fray in Florida" via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — "While on the campaign trail, Lt. Gov. Collins has tried to bill himself as the natural successor to DeSantis. But the last few days may have strained his relationship with the Governor to the breaking point." Top aides to both DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier have hammered Collins over whether his wife, Layla Collins, was behind "burner" X accounts that trashed DeSantis for failing to endorse Collins — assertions the Collinses deny. A senior administration official said Collins has "proven to be a constant source of drama and toxicity." Collins fired back: "I know for a fact that some of his staff have actively worked against me and my wife to stain our names and reputations." It all comes just over a month before the Aug. 18 Primary, with polls showing Byron Donalds holding a healthy lead. Collins insists: "We have a lane. … I will not be scared off by swamp monsters who lie and cheat to get ahead." Jay Collins tests whether swamp monsters make better campaign villains than old allies. Florida Faith and Freedom endorses Byron Donalds for Governor — The Naples-based conservative group, which mobilizes people of faith on issues including protecting the unborn, religious liberty and family values, is throwing its support behind Donalds' gubernatorial bid. "Byron Donalds is a man of faith and conviction who has never wavered in his commitment to protecting the unborn, defending religious liberty, standing with law enforcement, and upholding the God-given rights of parents to raise their children according to their values," Chair Kurt Kelly said. "He has earned the trust of conservative leaders across our state and nation, and he has earned ours." The group is calling on people of faith across Florida to join the campaign. Donalds welcomed the nod: "Faith and freedom are at the very heart of why I am running to be Florida's next Governor. … In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.'" Donalds reaps Ben Albritton endorsement in race for Governor — Senate President Albritton is throwing his weight behind Donalds' bid for Governor, calling the Naples Republican "a proven conservative, a trusted problem-solver, and the right leader to build on our state's success while keeping Florida safe and free." The fifth-generation Wauchula farmer is the latest in a string of GOP heavyweights consolidating behind Donalds, joining U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, the entire Florida Cabinet and the incoming House Speaker and Senate President. "From standing up for our farmers and rural communities to fighting for taxpayers, Byron has consistently led with conviction," Albritton said. Donalds, who also holds the Florida Farm Bureau PAC endorsement, returned the praise: "Ben's experience and support will be critical as we fight to defend Florida's agricultural community, deliver for rural Floridians, and make sure the Florida Dream is accessible for all." "Wilton Simpson hits the air with first re-election ad, 'Done'" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Simpson is on the air. The Agriculture Commissioner this week released the first ad of his 2026 re-election campaign, a spot titled "Done" that began running statewide. The ad leans on Simpson's central pitch to voters: that he has delivered on the issues that matter most to hard-working Floridians. Rather than making promises, the spot frames a first term defined by results — a record his campaign argues speaks for itself. Simpson has plenty to point to. Since taking office in 2023, he has overseen a dramatic expansion of farmland preservation through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, increasing permanently protected acreage from roughly 60,000 acres to more than 240,000 acres. Watch the ad here:

More elections   "Dan Green debuts 'Conservative Warrior' ad, touts $1.14M haul in CD 9" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Green is putting his military biography front and center in his first television ad, now airing across the District. "President (Donald) Trump needs proven fighters, like conservative warrior Dan Green," the ad's narrator says. "He witnessed the devastation of 9/11 firsthand, then he took the fight to America's enemies. Five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Appointed by President Trump to the Department of War. Now, Dan Green's running for Congress to secure our border, lower costs, and to always put America first." Green's campaign launched the ad after announcing a $1.14 million fundraising haul over two weeks. Watch the ad here: Pete Buttigieg endorses Darren McAuley in CD 12 — Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg is endorsing Col. McAuley, Florida's State Air Surgeon and former VA physician, in his Democratic bid against longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. "A physician who has taken care of our veterans and served six tours in Iraq and Syria, Darren McAuley has shown exceptional commitment to his community and to our country," Buttigieg said. "Darren would be a fierce representative of his community, and I am proud to stand with him." McAuley called Buttigieg "a fellow veteran and a national leader who understands that public service is about solving problems, not serving yourself," adding the endorsement is "another clear sign that we're building the momentum we need to take on my D.C. establishment opponent and win." It's McAuley's second high-profile national endorsement in as many weeks, following U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly; the campaign also recently released polling showing him within 2 points of Bilirakis. Chris Collins launches new TV ads in CD 19 Primary — Chris Collins for Congress has launched its second television ad buy in Florida's 19th Congressional District, with 30- and 15-second spots running across streaming and broadcast platforms. The ads, titled "A Few Things in Common," lean into shared traits between Collins and Trump — Diet Coke, well-done steak and "delivering America First policies." "I was the first Member of Congress to endorse President Trump in 2016 because we have a lot in common," Collins said. "We're both businessmen who built successful companies, brought jobs back to America, and delivered America First policies like cutting taxes and securing the border. I helped him get the job done once before, and I'll do it again as the next Congressman for the 19th District." Watch the ad here: Pia Dandiya raises more than $515K in Q2, crosses $2M in CD 22 race — Dandiya, a former high school principal and educator, announced her campaign for Florida's 22nd Congressional District raised more than $515,000 in the second quarter — her strongest fundraising quarter to date — pushing her total haul past $2 million in the race for the open swing seat. The campaign enters the third quarter with more than $1.3 million cash on hand. More than 11,000 individual donors have powered the effort, with 94% of contributions coming from donors giving less than $100. "I'm so grateful to everyone who has put their confidence in this campaign," Dandiya said. "This incredible outpouring of support sends a clear message that people are ready for a new generation of leadership focused on solving problems." Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall endorses Kendrick Meek Jr. in CD 24 — Longtime Miami-Dade educator and School Board member Bendross-Mindingall is backing Meek in the race for Florida's 24th Congressional District. "My bond with the Meek family runs incredibly deep, spanning decades of shared fights for civil rights, public education, and true economic opportunity in our community," she said, adding that Meek is "ready on Day One to fight for our public schools, defend our fundamental rights, and bring real resources back home to South Florida." A former teacher and principal, Bendross-Mindingall has represented District 2 on the Miami-Dade School Board since 2010 and served in the Florida House from 2000 to 2008. "I am deeply proud to have the endorsement of Dr. Bendross-Mindingall, a legendary educator and public servant who has spent her entire life unlocking doors of opportunity for families across Miami-Dade County," Meek said. "Jared Moskowitz reports $925K raised in Q2 toward re-election in CD 25" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Democratic U.S. Rep. Moskowitz raised $925,000 in the second quarter, bringing his campaign's cash on hand to $1.9 million as he seeks re-election in the newly redrawn CD 25, one of the nation's top battleground seats. "Every dollar raised is a vote of confidence from the people of this community, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly," Moskowitz said, adding that the campaign is building resources to "win in November and take back the House majority." The haul comes just over a week after a Beacon Insights poll showed him with a 32-point lead in the Democratic Primary. "Broward Republican congressional candidate: 'You cannot be born gay. That's impossible.'" via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Rod Joseph, a Republican congressional candidate in a Broward District home to large numbers of LGBTQ residents, believes everyone is "born straight" and some people become LGBTQ by choice. "You cannot be born gay. That's impossible biologically," he said. The other Republican candidates, Brent Andersen and Lateresa Jones, disagreed. "I do not know how God made people," Jones said. "I pray that we become a nation where we embrace people for who God created them to be and who they are." The District includes Wilton Manors, the unofficial capital of the LGBTQ community in South Florida.

Even more elections   "Five Senate Democrats back Michele Rayner in SD 16 race against Fentrice Driskell" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Five Senate Democrats are endorsing Rep. Rayner for Senate District 16, giving her support from the chamber she aims to join as she campaigns to replace term-limited Sen. Darryl Rouson. Sens. LaVon Bracy Davis, Shervin Jones, Rosalind Osgood, Barbara Sharief and Carlos Guillermo Smith are backing Rayner's bid for the Senate against House Democratic Leader Driskell. Rayner, a St. Petersburg Democrat and civil rights lawyer, was first elected to the House in 2020 and became the first openly queer Black woman elected to the Legislature. "I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these respected leaders and future colleagues," Rayner said. "Together, we've fought to protect our freedoms, expand opportunity, and put people over politics. I'm ready to continue that fight in the Florida Senate and deliver results for every family in our community." Fentrice Driskell and Michele Rayner battle for Senate support, with endorsements doing the early punching. Samuel Vilchez Santiago banks a dozen union endorsements in HD 43 bid — Vilchez Santiago, the Democrat running for House District 43, has locked up endorsements from 12 labor unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers, his campaign announced. The list is headlined by the Florida AFL-CIO, Central Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, the Florida Education Association and the Orange County Fire Fighters Association and rounds out with UFCW Local 1625, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the United Auto Workers, IBEW Local 606 and LiUNA! Local 517, the SMART Transportation Division PAC and ATU Local 1596. "These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future," Vilchez Santiago said. Johanna Lopez, Democratic Hispanic Caucus endorses Luis Salazar in HD 64 — Democrat Salazar is expanding his endorsement list in the House District 64 race, announcing new support from Orlando Rep. Lopez and the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida. "Leadership is about showing up, listening, and serving others with integrity," Lopez said. "Luis Salazar has demonstrated that commitment through his service to our country as a Navy veteran and through his continued work in our communities. … I know he will bring that same dedication to Tallahassee," Salazar said. The endorsements "represent the trust that leaders and organizations have placed in our campaign and our vision for a stronger future for House District 64." Campaign manager Nick Biscardi said momentum keeps building: "Every week, more community leaders, organizations, and voters are joining this campaign." "'A new-generation candidate': Jayden D'Onofrio lands Latino Victory Fund backing for HD 102" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — D'Onofrio has landed an endorsement from Latino Victory Fund in his bid for House District 102, adding a national nod to the list of backers getting behind D’Onofrio. In a statement accompanying the endorsement, the organization's President and CEO, Katharine Pichardo, called D'Onofrio "a new-generation candidate focused on issues that resonate with younger voters and working families, including housing affordability, quality public education, and healthcare access." D'Onofrio, in turn, said he is "incredibly honored" by the group's support. "As a proud Puerto Rican, I believe it is critical that Latinos have real power here in the Sunshine State as we work to confront a crushing affordability crisis, unparalleled government corruption in Tallahassee, and a free-falling public education system," he said.

Statewide   "Proposed property tax cuts rely on a population boom that has slowed dramatically" via Matt Brooks and Karin Brewster of The Conversation — In early June 2026, the state Legislature approved a ballot initiative for November aimed at reducing property taxes for homeowners. Supporters of the tax cut argue that continued inflows of new residents would offset reduced tax revenue. If Floridians vote for this exemption in November, the state's continued population growth would be vital to maintaining local and state government budgets. Our data shows that Florida's population was still growing in 2025, but at an annual rate of just 0.9%. This pales in comparison to Florida's peak growth rate of 2.5% in 2022 and is also much lower than the five years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our calculations show that population growth in Florida, particularly from out-of-state migrants, has nearly stopped. "DeSantis calls overruling of 'Stop WOKE Act' 'judicial overreach'" via Jay Waagmeester of Florida Phoenix — DeSantis called the 11th Circuit's blocking of the "Stop WOKE Act" a "clear and unfortunate example of judicial overreach," reacting to the second ruling this week against his "anti-woke" agenda. In a social media post about 24 hours after the ruling, the Governor made clear his displeasure with the federal appeals court's 2-1 decision. "Florida was correct to bar CRT [Critical Race Theory] and DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion]. We also have a right to do so. We've seen so many institutions corrupted by ideology, and universities have perhaps been the most common. The Constitution does not block us from fighting back against these ideological fads and from ensuring that our institutions stand on a solid intellectual foundation. This is a clear and unfortunate example of judicial overreach," DeSantis concluded in his social media remark. Ron DeSantis defends the Stop WOKE Act after another court delivers the syllabus. "Florida's OpenAI lawsuit moves to federal court — and gets assigned to Aileen Cannon" via Andrew Atterbury and Hassan Ali Kanu of POLITICO — "Florida's high-profile lawsuit fighting OpenAI, founder Sam Altman and its ChatGPT bot has been moved to federal court and assigned to Cannon, the Trump-appointed judge who threw out a criminal case charging Trump with retaining classified documents." OpenAI argues the suit relies in part on a federal statute; by luck of the draw, the case landed with Cannon in Fort Pierce — "another layer of intrigue" given OpenAI's pursuit of a federal investment and its proposal to give the administration a 5% stake. Cannon can decline jurisdiction, and Attorney General Uthmeier could still fight the transfer. OpenAI must respond by Aug. 24 to Florida's claims that ChatGPT poses a "litany of harms" to children. "Florida said it couldn't fix confusing Medicaid notices. Under court order, it only took months" via Sharmila Venkatasubban of The Florida Trib — For years, Florida's lawyers told a federal judge that fixing its Medicaid termination notices — letters the court found so confusing they violated the Constitution — would be difficult and costly. But within months of a court order requiring the fix, the state sent out nearly 1 million corrected notices by Spring. "If they could generate the corrective notices with relative speed," said Lynn Hearn, legal director of the Florida Health Justice Project, "why couldn't that coding or technology also be used to fix the notices on a more permanent basis?" Florida is continuing to fight the ruling in court, with oral arguments set for August. "Transgender teen drops out of Irish dance meet in Orlando" via Stephen Hudak of Orlando Sentinel — The transgender teen whose success in girls' divisions of Irish dance contests led Florida's Attorney General to threaten legal action against the competition's governing bodies withdrew from regional championships which concluded Tuesday at an I-Drive hotel in Orlando. She was slated to compete on Tuesday in the girls' 17-and-under division but did not, according to online contest results. Maggie McKneely, a former Irish dance competitor and now government relations director for Concerned Women for America, said her socially conservative organization had alerted Uthmeier about "a boy competing as a girl." "Your policy of forcing women to compete against biological men who identify as women in your women's categories deprives women of the full and equal enjoyment of fair competition…" he wrote. “AT&T to end Florida landline service. Here's why, when” via C.A. Bridges and Samantha Neely of USA Today Network — Say goodbye to your landline phone. In 2024, AT&T announced plans to eliminate its traditional landline phone service across nearly all U.S. states, including Florida, by 2029. Customers will be transitioned to newer services such as cellular networks or fiber options. AT&T officials said that customers will not lose voice or 911 service. An AT&T spokesperson said in a July 7 email that the change was necessary because aging copper-based technology was unreliable and expensive to repair, and few people were still using it.

Playmaker profile   "How Tallahassee launched a lobbying powerhouse" via Dara Kam of State Affairs — "Brian Ballard, the architect of one of the nation's most potent lobbying empires, has an unusual approach to brand identity: He isn't afraid to be the punchline of a joke, provided he's the one who crafted it." Case in point: the April Fools' announcement that Ballard Partners was opening an office in Antarctica to complete a "Seven Continents Strategy." The prank highlights a central truth about the firm: "It is undeniably expansive. With offices from Tallahassee to Los Angeles and a global footprint including Tel Aviv, Istanbul, Lagos and Riyadh, the firm has become a primary destination for corporate titans and foreign heads of state looking to navigate Washington or resolve complex crises." Brian Ballard proves the lobbying empire business still rewards a good joke and better access. Arriving in Tallahassee in 1986 as a young aide to Gov.-elect Bob Martinez, Ballard found Republicans were, in his words, "nobody." Four decades later, he has advised a succession of Florida GOP Governors — from Martinez to Scott to DeSantis — "cementing his status as one of America's most influential lobbyists." U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart credits Ballard's success to a unique mix of honor, integrity and doggedness: "The guy is a machine. He will not lie to you. … There are a lot of firms out there. There are some that are nice — they're good, but they don't really get things done. Ballard, they get things done." Then there's the Trump connection, dating to the 1980s and sealed when Trump cold-called him — and, when Ballard hesitated over client conflicts, threatened: "If you can't do it … I hear [lobbyist] Ron Book is better than you anyway." Ballard's admiration is unvarnished: "I believe that Donald Trump is the most impactful President, clearly in my lifetime, and maybe in American history, short of Lincoln or Washington." Democratic consultant Steve Schale says Ballard's proximity to Trump offers an edge competitors lack, and Charlie Crist calls him "extraordinary at raising funds" — Ballard has served as finance Chair for every GOP presidential nominee since John McCain in 2008. Ballard's own summary is simpler: "I believe the fundraisers are the guys that put fuel in the plane, not the guys that fly the plane. … I know my role, and I'm pretty good at it, and my clients trust me."

D.C. matters   “To aid aging KSC infrastructure, Ashley Moody pitches 'Space Ready Act'” via Brooke Edwards of Florida Today — With the number of launches increasing on Florida’s Space Coast while the infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center shows its age – and on the heels of a warning from NASA’s top watchdog — a Florida Senator proposed a solution to the Cape's woes. Moody visited Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on July 7 to announce the Space Ready 2.0 Act. While it will not provide new funding, the Space Ready 2.0 Act aims to give NASA a new vehicle to accept contributions from commercial partners. It would be a pilot program. “You cannot increase capacity of launches (at) that fast a rate without going back and examining how we’re going to maintain this on old infrastructure,” Moody said. Ashley Moody pitches space infrastructure help because even rockets need a maintenance plan. “Missed votes pile up as Rep. Neal Dunn is absent from Congress” via James Call of USA Today Network — U.S. Rep. Dunn has not cast a vote in the House of Representatives since mid-June. The New Republic reports that between June 11 and June 30, when Congress broke for the 4th of July holiday, Dunn missed 11 consecutive roll-call votes on issues ranging from small-business policy and consumer protection to defense legislation and congressional oversight. A prolonged absence would leave North Florida without an active voice in Congress as Republicans navigate a narrow House majority. "Carlos Giménez quits Friends of Spain Caucus, citing Madrid's treatment of Israel" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Giménez has stepped down as co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Spain Caucus, citing escalating friction between Madrid and Israel. Giménez, a Miami Republican who represents Florida's 28th Congressional District, attributed his departure to what he called Spain's "political posturing over moral clarity" in its dealings with the Jewish state under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. He accused Madrid of normalizing rhetoric that "crosses the line from legitimate policy disagreement into raw antisemitism," which he said enables movements seeking to "exterminate" Jewish people. "To bar the brave men and women of the IDF — who are fighting on the front lines against the very radical Islamic terrorism that threatens all of Western Europe — while your political apparatus simultaneously legitimizes terrorist networks and accommodationist policies, is a betrayal of Western values," he wrote. "Florida lawmakers weigh in after IOC lifts ban on Russian athletes" via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — "The International Olympic Committee has moved to provisionally lift its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, prompting reactions from Florida's federal elected officials." Sen. Scott blasted the move as a "disgraceful failure to uphold Olympic values," pointing to Russian strikes in Kyiv that have killed dozens in recent days: "Vladimir Putin is still a thug, and his forces are still committing atrocities against Ukrainian civilians. … The IOC has informed Russia and the world that you can bomb civilians one day and still proudly wave your flag at the Games the next." IOC President Kirsty Coventry argued athletes shouldn't "pay the price" for their government's actions. U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis skipped the Ukraine angle for a jab at Russian doping — and California: "California has become a drug-infested mess under Gavin Newsom, so the Russians should feel right at home for the competition." The move opens the door for Russians to officially represent their country at the Olympics for the first time in a decade.

Local: S. FL   "Parkland seeks $850K refund from School District after land sale to Broward Health" via Scott Travis of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Parkland paid $850,000 more than two decades ago to help build an elementary school that never opened. Now there are questions about whether the city will get its money back after Broward County Public Schools sold the property for $14 million. School Board member Lori Alhadeff strongly criticized the District's stance. "This is taxpayers' money that the city of Parkland had given the School Board of Broward County," she said. "They were promised to have a school. We made the decision not to build a school there. So now, as good partners with the city of Parkland, we need to give them back the $850,000." "Adam Cervera adds another first responders union nod in Broward School Board race" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Broward School Board member Cervera has notched support from another first responders' union as he runs in District 6. This week, Cervera announced an endorsement from Broward County Professional Firefighters, Local 4321. The firefighters' backing adds to the voiced support Cervera received last month from the Broward Police Benevolent Association. The organization's President, Steve Bertuccio, confirmed the nod in a July 3 letter praising Cervera's service. "I'm honored to have earned the support of Broward County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics, Local 4321," Cervera said. "These brave men and women serve and protect our community every day, and I'm grateful for their confidence in my campaign. Together, we will continue working to keep our schools safe, support our teachers, and put students first." Adam Cervera adds firefighter support, keeping the endorsement sirens going in Broward.

Local: C. FL   "Supreme Court again rejects deal for Orange judge, wants her suspended" via Sara-James Ranta of the Orlando Sentinel — The Florida Supreme Court has again rejected a proposed punishment for an Orange County circuit judge who wrote hundreds of political checks and now wants the judge suspended and fined. In late June, the court said Judge Diana Tennis should be fined for her actions, which violate the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct. Tennis made more than 900 political contributions totaling more than $29,000 while serving as a sitting judge, court records show. The court rejected the Commission's proposed sanction on June 25, saying it would impose a fine in addition to a public reprimand. One week later, the court vacated its own order and said that a suspension should also be included. The parties have until Aug. 1 to accept the new terms or tell the court they cannot agree to them. Maxwell Alejandro Frost endorses Gloria Reina O'Neal for Orange County School Board — U.S. Rep. Frost is backing O'Neal in the race for Orange County School Board District 2, her campaign announced. "Our children deserve School Board members who will champion public education and always put students first," Frost said. "I trust Gloria Reina O'Neal to lead with integrity, experience, and compassion. We need leaders who will stand up and protect public education, invest in our teachers, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed." O'Neal, a Lake Nona resident with a child in Orange County Public Schools and an OCPS graduate, holds a law degree from the University of Florida and has spent her career managing large-scale public programs. "I am incredibly honored to earn the endorsement of Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost," she said. "His leadership continues to inspire so many in our community." Gloria Reina O’Neal lands Maxwell Alejandro Frost’s endorsement, adding congressional muscle to her School Board campaign. "Diana Finegan, Stacey Worthington clash over Chamber role in Citrus County" via Mike Wright of Florida Politics — A yearslong feud between the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce leadership and Commissioner Finegan is now a dividing point in Finegan's re-election campaign. During a candidate forum, Finegan suggested that opponent Worthington's association with the Chamber is detrimental to Citrus Countians — remarks met with a smattering of boos from the 400 in attendance. Worthington, a past Chamber president, didn't bite. "I am never going to apologize for supporting local business," she said. The race is decided in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary, with no other candidates in the field.

Local: TB   "Vote-by-mail ballots go out this month across Tampa Bay ahead of Primaries" via Katelyn Ferral of the Tampa Bay Times — County elections offices across Tampa Bay are beginning to send ballots to domestic voters ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary. Pinellas County had more than 161,000 ballot requests as of Monday, up from more than 120,000 for the 2024 Presidential Primary. In Hillsborough County, election officials are preparing to mail more than 121,000 ballots to voters on July 16. The deadline to request a ballot to vote-by-mail in the Primary is 5 p.m. Aug. 6. Mail ballots must be returned to election offices by 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 to be counted. "'Public safety begins with strong leadership': Tampa Bay police chiefs back Bob Buckhorn" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Association is backing former Mayor Buckhorn as he runs to reclaim his old job. The endorsement builds on Buckhorn's public safety support, after previously securing support from Tampa Firefighters Union Local 754 last month. "Keeping residents safe is government's most important responsibility," Buckhorn said. "Throughout my career, I've worked hand in hand with our law enforcement officers to reduce crime, strengthen neighborhoods and build trust between police and the community. But public safety isn't something we can take for granted. As Tampa continues to evolve, we must stay ahead of emerging challenges by investing in our officers, embracing new technology, addressing recruitment and retention, and ensuring our police department has the resources it needs to protect every neighborhood." Bob Buckhorn stacks public safety endorsements while eyeing a return to City Hall.

Local: N. FL   “Greyhound track asks Supreme Court to revive gambling permit” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — A long-shuttered North Florida greyhound track is asking the Florida Supreme Court to overturn a 2021 law that stripped its gambling permit, arguing the measure violated constitutional protections. Jefferson County Kennel Club contends lawmakers improperly revoked rights tied to its pari-mutuel permit, which had allowed gambling activities despite the closure of live greyhound racing. The appeal challenges a lower-court ruling that upheld the law and claims the state impaired contractual rights while denying due process. The case could clarify the extent of legislative authority over pari-mutuel permits and gambling operations, with broader implications for other former facilities whose licenses were affected by Florida's post-greyhound-racing gambling overhaul. Jefferson County Kennel Club asks the Supreme Court whether old gambling permits ever really die. Image via Abandoned Southeast. “Katie Magbanua deal? Prosecutor leaves door open in Dan Markel murder case” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Rumors are bouncing around YouTube and social media about a new development in the Markel murder-for-hire that, if true, would see a major player in the crime get a deal for her post-conviction cooperation. And while the lead prosecutor in the Markel murder trials acknowledged such a deal was a "legal possibility” — she told the Tallahassee Democrat she has not asked the presiding judge to sign off on one. Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was shot and killed in the garage of his Betton Hills home on July 18, 2014. Five people, including his ex-wife Wendi Adelson’s brother, Charlie Adelson, and mother, Donna Adelson, were charged and convicted of his murder. “AARP grants boost Jacksonville-area nonprofits” via Beth Reese Cravey of The Florida Times-Union — Four Jacksonville-area nonprofits landed AARP Community Challenge grants for projects aimed at making Duval and Nassau communities safer, more accessible and easier to navigate for older adults. Fernandina Beach Main Street received $15,000 to help downtown businesses improve accessibility and pedestrian navigation. Timucuan Parks Foundation received $14,602 for benches, kiosks and clearer signage at Castaway Island Preserve. Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council received $10,782 to turn outdoor space at the Mary L. Singleton Senior Center into a community garden. Pillars Home Beautification and Maintenance received $2,500 for home repairs and yard work. Jeff Johnson said the projects will improve mobility, connection and quality of life.

Local: SW. FL   "Moody spotlights $140M in hurricane relief funds for Southwest Florida" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — U.S. Sen. Moody says about $140 million in federal money will fund multiple projects in Southwest Florida following several storms in recent years. Moody, during a news conference in Punta Gorda, announced she secured the money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The FEMA funds will support the restoration of infrastructure projects damaged in several counties from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton, Idalia and Ian. "Florida has been waiting on essential disaster assistance funds for hurricane recovery since 2017 — I've been in the Senate for less than a year and a half and have worked hard to bring nearly $2 billion (total) of outstanding FEMA funds back home to Florida. I'll continue fighting to deliver the federal support Floridians need while making the disaster recovery process more transparent, efficient, and accountable," Moody said. Ashley Moody touts FEMA money because hurricane recovery apparently needed a Senate nudge. New ad ties Joe Neunder's Hillary Clinton support to developer cash — Friends of DeNiro, the political committee backing Jim DeNiro for Sarasota County Commission District 4, is out with a new 30-second TV spot, "The Company You Keep," tying Commissioner Neunder's past support for Clinton to the developer money behind his re-election bid. The ad comes 48 hours after a Florida Politics report revealed Neunder gave $2,700 — the legal maximum — to the Hillary Victory Fund in September 2016, while Clinton was running against Donald Trump. It also spotlights roughly $95,000 in 2026 developer money connected to Neunder's political operation, including support tied to Pat Neal, Randy Benderson and Hugh Culverhouse, and turns Neunder's own 2019 forum line — "You are the company you keep" — against him. "When he told voters to look at the donors and look at the checks, he gave them the standard. So we did," said committee spokesperson Max Goodman. "By his own standard, Joe Neunder is exactly the company he keeps." Watch the ad here:

Top opinion   “Birthright citizenship fight exposes deeper ideological divide” via David French of The New York Times — The battle over birthright citizenship reflects more than a legal dispute; it reveals a growing movement on the political right that questions the nation's founding principles and democratic traditions. The debate intensified after the Supreme Court left birthright citizenship largely intact, prompting sharp criticism from Trump's allies. Adviser Stephen Miller called the ruling a blow to the republic, while other conservative voices portrayed the decision as evidence of national decline. The argument extends beyond immigration policy, centering on competing visions of American identity. Some conservatives contend that citizenship should be rooted more in ancestry and heritage than in constitutional principles, while defenders of the current system argue that the nation's founding creed remains its defining characteristic. The column traces those ideas through comments by Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and Vice President JD Vance, arguing their rhetoric reflects an increasingly pessimistic view of American democracy and liberal constitutional government. Rather than embracing the nation's historic commitment to equal citizenship under the law, the essay argues, portions of the populist right increasingly define patriotism by lineage and cultural identity. That shift, it contends, helps explain support for stricter immigration policies and skepticism toward birthright citizenship.

More opinions   “James Uthmeier scurries from cameras, now that 'Alligator Alcatraz' bills are due" via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel — Attorney General Uthmeier originally promised the facility would be an "efficient, low-cost" operation. But early estimates of $450 million gave way to estimates of more than $1 billion — with CBS Miami recently estimating $1.2 billion and daily operational costs of an astounding $3.4 million. CBS concluded the remote, tent-and-cages facility was "the single most expensive immigration detention center in the history of the United States." One staggering stat cited by the station was an estimated cost of $3,571 per inmate per day. When the CBS News team approached Uthmeier recently with questions about the final costs, he "refused to speak and was hurried away, surrounded by his security detail." "Watchdog: Hold accountable taxpayer-funded nonprofit engaged in politics" via Tate Rosentreter of The Center Square — A watchdog director questioned the government funding of a nonprofit focused on helping "immigrant workers" over its lack of financial transparency and its political advocacy funded with tax dollars. Director of watchdog group the Center to Advance Security in America, James Fitzpatrick, said: "Given the amount of government money that WeCount! receives from Miami-Dade County, it is troubling that they are not being transparent about their finances." WeCount! has received 180 disbursements from Miami-Dade County since 2008. "Illegal conduct may include organizations such as WeCount! obstructing federal immigration enforcement activities, such as when they aided the ACLU in the creation and implementation of a hotline to provide advice to illegal immigrants to evade arrest," Fitzpatrick said.

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Aloe   “Betting site takes wagers on python hunt” via C.A. Bridges of USA Today Network — Florida python hunters open the 10-day Python Challenge on July 10, chasing invasive Burmese pythons through FWC-managed areas for cash prizes and Everglades bragging rights. Now BetOnline, an offshore gambling site based in Panama City, Panama, is offering wagers on the results, including the total number of snakes caught, the professional tally and the longest python captured. Last year’s hunt produced 294 pythons, with Taylor Stanberry leading the way with 60 snakes. The legality of offshore betting remains murky in Florida, though Uthmeier is pressuring payment processors tied to unlicensed gambling. Hard Rock Bet remains the state-regulated option, with consumer protections that offshore books lack. Florida’s Python Challenge returns, now with offshore odds for the reptile-curious.

Happy birthday   Best wishes to our good friend and former colleague Bob Sparks. Also celebrating today are Patrick Berman; Ken Cashin; Trip Farmer; Farhood Hoodi; April Salter, the name partner of Salter Mitchell; and Jon Shebel. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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