Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
An amendment on SB 290 would narrow and clarify a long-standing agricultural disparagement statute, after concerns were raised that existing language could be interpreted too broadly.
The amendment revises Section 865.065, Florida Statutes — a law in place for roughly 30 years — which allows agricultural producers to bring civil action over the willful or malicious dissemination of false information about the safety of agricultural food products. Sen. Keith Truenow sponsors SB 290.
The amendment reframes the statute to apply specifically to “real perishable agricultural food products,” aligning the definition more closely with federal agricultural commodity classifications. Language that could be read as extending the law to food “processing” has been removed, a change supporters say is intended to clarify that the statute applies to agricultural products themselves, not to processed foods or to public debate over farming practices, chemicals, or food safety.
The legal standard for bringing a claim remains unchanged. A producer must still show that false information was knowingly or maliciously disseminated, was not based on reliable scientific facts, and resulted in actual damages. The amendment does not expand who may bring a claim, alter available remedies, or change the statute of limitations.
The revision is part of Truenow’s SB 290, an omnibus agriculture and consumer services bill that spans dozens of statutory changes. The measure includes provisions that pre-empt local restrictions on gasoline-powered farm and landscape equipment; revise land-use rules for certain environmentally designated parcels; adjust biosolids and pest control regulations; expand agricultural loan and grant programs; update agritourism protections; and make numerous technical and conforming changes across Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services statutes.
SB 290 also includes provisions on food labeling, fair association governance, agricultural education facilities, and the creation of new programs to support food distribution and veterinary medicine for food animals.
While most of the bill advanced earlier in the process with limited controversy, the agricultural disparagement language drew renewed scrutiny late in Committee review, prompting the amendment as a clarification rather than a policy expansion.
The amendment is expected to be taken up in the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, as SB 290 continues its path through the chamber. It is on the Committee’s Tuesday agenda.
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Sen. Tracie Davis will hold a news conference Tuesday to call for stronger and more reliable support for Floridians with developmental disabilities, with a focus on the state’s iBudget Waiver program.
The event coincides with Developmental Disability Awareness Day and will highlight how delays or gaps in waiver services can leave individuals and families without critical daily support related to safety, independence, and basic care.
The iBudget Waiver allows individuals with developmental disabilities to remain in their homes and communities rather than institutional settings. Advocates argue that inconsistent access to services increases stress and risk for families who rely on the program.
Before entering elected office, Davis worked as a special education teacher, an experience she has cited as shaping her focus on family stability and child safety.
“Children with disabilities deserve to grow up safe in their homes and supported in their communities,” Davis said. “Our systems must work for families when they need them.”
The news conference is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Feb. 10 on the 4th Floor Rotunda of the Florida Capitol and will include disability advocates alongside Davis.
Evening Reads
—”Legality of Donald Trump’s $400M in private funding for White House ballroom at issue” via Dan Diamond, Aaron Schaffer and Jonathan Edwards of The Washington Post
—”Trump has a plan to steal the Midterms. It will probably fail.” via Eric Levitz of Vox
—”Trump’s oil grab in Venezuela shatters an American taboo” via Michael Crowley of The New York Times
—“Mr. Sarandos goes to Washington” via William D. Cohan of Puck News
—”Casey DeSantis returns to the spotlight. Is a campaign in the cards?” via Alexandra Glorioso and Garrett Shanley of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times
—”Q&A: Florida’s nonprofits step into the policy arena” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
—”Donna Deegan slams James Uthmeier’s ‘fishing expedition’ into Jacksonville’s approach to illegal immigration” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—”Does a shocking election result in Texas mean anything in Florida politics?” via Mitch Perry of the Florida Phoenix
—”Inside Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl halftime show” via Angela Watercutter of WIRED
—”How one prediction-market trader played the Super Bowl — and lost $100,000” via Kevin T. Dugan of The Wall Street Journal
Quote of the Day
“Tampa has already proven we can host championship moments. Now, we have the chance to build for the next generation of them. We are Champa Bay, always.”
— Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, backing the Tampa Bay Rays stadium plan.
Put it on the Tab
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Blaise Ingoglia is serving Red Handeds to six state employees involved in filing bogus property insurance claims.
Send a Launch to Linda Bokland, who is announcing a campaign for Lake County Commission District 4.
The comments section for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Black Heritage Night jerseys is deserving of something Fantastically Gross.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
Magic look to keep winning streak alive
The Orlando Magic tries to extend a two-game winning streak as they host the Milwaukee Bucks tonight (7:30 p.m. ET, Peacock).
Orlando (27-24) enters tonight’s game in seventh in the NBA’s Eastern Conference standings. If the season ended today, the Magic would have to earn their way into the main playoff field via the play-in tournament. Seeds seven through 10 earn the chance to advance to the main field, while the top six seeds get automatic spots in the playoffs. With 31 games remaining in the regular season, there is still plenty of time to improve positioning, but the Magic must win games like tonight’s contest.
Milwaukee (21-29) is two and a half games out of the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference entering tonight’s game. They have won three straight but lost six of the last 10 games overall. Home games against teams trailing in the standings are must-win games if the Magic want to improve their postseason chances.
After wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz at home, the Magic try to run the home streak to three in a row. Against the Jazz, the Magic overcame a 17-point deficit to earn the victory. Paolo Banchero scored 23 points in the game to lead Orlando.
After tonight’s game, the Magic will host Milwaukee again on Wednesday before beginning a four-game West Coast road trip.
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.