Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

— First Shot —

The current Special Session isn’t over yet, but the next one is already on the horizon.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling lawmakers back to Tallahassee next week for a Special Session focused on one of his biggest long-term policy goals yet: cutting — and eventually eliminating — property taxes on homesteads.

The Governor’s Office announced Wednesday that the proposed constitutional amendment, dubbed “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” would immediately expand Florida’s homestead exemption by shielding the first $250,000 of a primary residence’s value from taxation. The proposal would also require lawmakers to establish a statutory schedule to fully phase out homestead property taxes.

The Governor’s Office argued that the move is necessary as local property tax collections continue to climb alongside rising home values and population growth.

“Property tax revenue collected by local governments has nearly doubled in the past seven years and is expected to reach an astounding $83 billion by 2032. Florida homeowners need relief. Now is the time to stand up for taxpayers, enact a historic reform, and save the home of every Floridian,” DeSantis said in a statement.

The proposal would also limit future property tax assessment increases on businesses, create a state trust fund to help local governments maintain core services and restrict the enhanced homestead exemption to residents who have lived in Florida for up to five years beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Under the Governor’s plan, local governments would be required to prioritize remaining property tax revenue toward “core public needs,” including schools, infrastructure, public safety and natural resource protection.

If lawmakers OK the Governor’s proposal during next week’s Special Session, it will go on the ballot for voter approval in November.

— Evening Reads —

—“No way to make a deal” via Jonathan Lemire and Nancy A. Youssef of The Atlantic

—“Americans don’t like either political party. We asked them why.” via Scott Clement of The Washington Post

—”Two ways Donald Trump’s Cuba standoff could end” via Peter Balonon-Rosen and Sean Rameswaram of Vox

—”A luxury survivalist community is tearing itself apart” via Joe Barrett of The Wall Street Journal

—”Drone ports and funding mayhem: Trump’s ballroom has turned toxic” via Hugo Lowell of WIRED

—“A GOP dirty tricks operation, exposed” via Judd Legum of Popular Information

—”Ron DeSantis discusses push for taxpayer-funded security after he leaves office, budget vetoes” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix

—”‘Techno-serfdom’: AI bill of rights is dead, but DeSantis’ fight continues” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—”Jay Collins says ‘opportunities’ exist for Trump to endorse him for Governor” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—”$4M for Groveland Four families comes after decades of fighting for justice” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel

— Quote of the Day —

“While one chapter of service may be coming to a close in my life, I believe another chapter may just be beginning.”

— Sen. Shevrin Jones, announcing he will not seek re-election.

— 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.

Conservative Energy Network and Cygnal’s latest poll is serving a Joltini to candidates who think energy costs aren’t a top issue.

Mike Suarez is enjoying a Badge after landing endorsements from the Tampa police and Hillsborough fire unions in his campaign for HD 64.

Don’t pour it yet, but it looks like Sen. Shevrin Jones is ready for an Upgrade to the U.S. House.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Rays try to halt losing streak

The Tampa Bay Rays try to snap a three-game losing streak as they continue a series in Baltimore against the Orioles this evening (6:35 p.m. ET, FS1).

The Rays (34-18) still lead the American League East by three games over the New York Yankees, but have fallen behind the Atlanta Braves in the chase for the best record in baseball. The Rays have been nearly unbeatable at home, winning 19 of 24 games at Tropicana Field. On the road, however, they have been just above average, winning 15 and losing 13 as visitors. 

Last night, the Orioles beat the Rays 6-1 behind Samuel Basallo’s three-run home run and the pitching of former Ray Shane Baz, who struck out nine batters in seven innings.

Tampa Bay is scheduled to send Steven Matz to the mound. Matz has won four of five decisions this season. He pitched four innings of three-hit ball last Wednesday in a 5-3 Rays win over the Orioles.

Baltimore is scheduled to counter with Trey Gibson. The rookie right-hander is looking for the first decision of his major league career. He has pitched 6.2 innings over one start and one relief stint since being called up earlier this month. Gibson, 23, is considered one of the Orioles top prospects.

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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.