Good Thursday morning.
St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell and veteran water policy expert Henry Dean have joined Converge Public Strategies as partners.
Their arrival deepens Converge’s footprint in the region, joining existing partners Deno Hicks, Carlos Cruz and Tim White.
Rumrell, active in both the Florida League of Mayors and the Florida League of Cities, has built a record of leveraging public-private partnerships to spur local economic development. In his professional work, he’s helped direct millions in Recovery Zone bonds for private investment, infrastructure improvements and job creation.
St. Augustine Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell and Henry Dean join Converge Public Strategies as new partners.
Dean, referred to in some circles as the “Godfather of Florida Water Management,” brings decades of experience in environmental and government affairs. He previously led both the St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts, where he helped design and launch the state’s Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program.
“Henry and Dylan are recognized leaders in Florida whose expertise will serve our clients in the Sunshine State and beyond,” he said. “Henry’s deep understanding of water and land issues complements Dylan’s ability to merge private investment with the public interest,” said Converge Chair Jonathan Kilman.
Carlos Cruz, who helped recruit both to Converge, said the pickups cement the firm’s regional stature and provide the “expertise needed to provide unmatched support for anyone seeking to make an impact here.”
The hires also earned praise from influential elected officials representing the region.
“My experience with the Converge team spans many years, and their integrity and work ethic have always stood out. By welcoming Henry and Dylan, they’ve assembled a truly exceptional group of professionals under one firm,” said Sen. Tom Leek.
U.S. Rep. John Rutherford added, “Henry and Dylan are truly exceptional Florida leaders. As Converge continues to build a reputation for leading in policy and innovation, they could not have found better additions to the firm.”
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As the federal government shutdown nears the one-month mark, a new Florida Chamber of Commerce statewide poll found Floridians are losing faith in Washington but maintaining confidence in the Sunshine State.
Just 41% of voters said America is heading in the right direction, while 54% said it’s on the “wrong track.” Yet, nearly half of respondents (48%) said Florida is moving in the right direction, outpacing the 45% who said otherwise.
Floridians lose faith in Washington but remain optimistic about state leadership, according to a Florida Chamber poll.
Shutdown finger-pointing is evenly distributed with 37% faulting Republicans and 36% blaming Democrats; the remaining 26% say the major parties are evenly culpable. General frustration with government extends deeper: 54% of voters believe it is “too broken” to solve major national problems.
Despite the pessimism toward Washington, support remains steady for Florida’s top Republicans. A 51% majority approve of Donald Trump’s performance as President, while 52% back Ron DeSantis as he approaches his final year as Governor.
The poll also found continued support for the 2023 torts law rewrite — a cornerstone victory for the Florida Chamber — with only 12% saying the changes went too far and nearly three times as many wanting further litigation reform. Meanwhile, the pot legalization push still holds majority support but is short of the 60% threshold for passage, even when accounting for the poll’s margin of error.
On artificial intelligence, Floridians are split — 37% say AI makes life better, 38% say it makes life worse. Notably, the results are most closely correlated with gender, not party affiliation, with men leaning toward the positive and women showing greater skepticism.
The survey release included an update on voter registration metrics showing Florida’s Republican shift is continuing unabated. As of Sept. 30, there were 1.39 million more Republican voters than Democratic ones statewide, with the GOP’s share of the electorate increasing in all counties at the expense of Democrats.
The Florida Chamber poll, conducted Oct. 16-25 by Cherry Communications, surveyed 608 likely voters and carries a margin of error of +/- 4%.
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Happening today — Ghosts, goblins and a touch of presidential pageantry will take over the South Drive as President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump host “Halloween at the White House.” The annual celebration transforms the nation’s most famous residence into a spooky showcase of pumpkins, lights, and laughter, welcoming families, costumed guests, and media to witness the spectacle. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.; the event promises all the Halloween tradition — with a dash of Washington showmanship — set against the glow of the Executive Mansion.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@SecRubio: The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean.
Tweet, tweet:
—@RogerJStoneJr: Laura Loomer praises the DeSantis butt boi who stole $10 million from Medicare that was earmarked for the poor elderly and the handicapped and transferred it to Ron and Casey DeSantis’ political fund. Laura is a whore for money
—@ReeseJGorman: News: House staffers, who are paid once a month, just got an email saying their paycheck due on Oct. 31 will not come. Their first missed paycheck.
—@Fineout: Chair of @floridagop @EvanPower is at Tiger Bay today. Notes GOP voter reg advantage & substantial fundraising edge & says @NikkiFried keeps trying to reinvent Fla Dems. Said he hopes Dems keep Fried leader as long as possible…
Tweet, tweet:
— DAYS UNTIL —
Miami Beach City Commission Elections — 5; Ted Cruz to keynote Miami-Dade GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner — 12; ‘Landman’ season two premieres on Paramount+ — 17; ’Wicked: For Good’ premieres — 22; ’Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 27; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 29; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 34; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 34; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 40; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 43; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ six-episode docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 43; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 48; ’Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 50; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 56; Legislative Session begins — 75; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 75; The James Madison Institute’ 2026 Red, White & Bluegrass event — 76; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 80; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 92; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 98; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 99; last day of the Regular Session — 134; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup/Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 146; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 147; Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 158; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 167; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 167; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 172; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 176; F1 Miami begins — 183; ’Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 204; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 215; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 221; State Qualifying Period ends — 225; FIFA World Cup begins — 224; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 247; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 252; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 257; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 259; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 263; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 280; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 282; Primary Election Day 2026 — 292; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 316; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 320; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 324; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 329; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 336; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 340; Early Voting General Election Mandatory period begins — 359; 2026 General Election — 369; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 414; Another untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 414; Tampa Mayoral Election — 488; Jacksonville First Election — 509; Jacksonville General Election — 565; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 583; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 645; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 701; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 778; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 988; U.S. Presidential Election — 1104; ’Avatar 4’ premieres — 1504; ’Avatar 5’ premieres — 2235.
— TOP STORY —
“Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to ‘pull the plug’ on Florida universities using H-1B visas to hire foreigners” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Gov. DeSantis is taking aim at Florida’s universities over their use of H-1B visas, calling for an immediate end to hiring international employees under the program. Speaking at the University of South Florida, DeSantis said he has urged the state’s Board of Governors “to pull the plug,” arguing that Florida’s colleges should prioritize American workers.
“We can do it with our residents in Florida or with Americans,” he said. “And if we can’t, then we need to really look deeply about what is going on with this situation.”
Ron DeSantis urges Florida universities to stop using H-1B visas and hire American workers.
The move would most affect the University of Florida, Florida State University and USF, which together sponsor nearly 300 H-1B visa holders. UF alone employs 156 — the fifth-highest number of any organization in the state, according to federal data.
Standing beside DeSantis, UF interim President Don Landry struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging that the visa system needs review but defending its limited use in academia. “Sometimes a bright light might be good enough for the faculty,” Landry said. “We’ll try and retain the person into whom we’ve invested so much.”
DeSantis singled out two examples — a policy professor from China and a swim coach from Spain — to question whether such hires are necessary. “Are you kidding me?” he said. “We can’t produce an assistant swim coach in this country?”
The Governor’s latest demand follows years of clashes with higher education over “woke” culture, tenure reform and diversity initiatives. The Board of Governors meets Nov. 5-6 to discuss next steps.
—”Higher ed leaders warn that removing H1-B visas will hurt Florida’s universities” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics
— LEGISLATIVE —
“Byron Donalds is ‘supportive’ of DeSantis’ desire to cut property taxes, wants more details” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Gubernatorial candidate Donalds supports DeSantis’ plan to eliminate homestead property taxes but insists that essential services such as law enforcement, fire rescue and road maintenance remain fully funded. Speaking on the “Clay and Buck” show, Donalds said he looks forward to reviewing DeSantis’ detailed proposal, which he expects soon. The Governor wants a single ballot measure this Fall, while the Florida House, led by Speaker Daniel Perez, has floated eight potential constitutional amendments for 2026. Those include phased or immediate property-tax eliminations and exemptions for seniors. DeSantis dismissed the House’s proposals as “milquetoast half-measures,” warning he’ll call a Special Session if lawmakers don’t deliver a full repeal during the 2026 regular Legislative Session.
Byron Donalds backs Ron DeSantis’ property-tax repeal plan but urges protection of essential public services.
Water is wet — “Lobbyist wrote proposal directing Florida to buy pricy 4 acres in Destin” via Max Chesnes and Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — Florida politicians, including prominent Republicans, expressed outrage and confusion over a fast-tracked state purchase of 4 acres of sandy land in Destin for $83 million last month, raising questions about how the unusual deal bypassed typical safeguards for conservation buys. Newly obtained public records provide an answer: The proposal that led to the purchase came from a lobbyist representing the property owner who stands to profit. Rhett O’Doski hand-delivered an early version of the state budget language to the aide for Panama City Republican Sen. Jay Trumbull in March, email records show. O’Doski represents Pointe Resort LLC, one of the two companies listed as owners of the property.
“More public records exemptions filed for 2026 Session” via Stephanie Matat of USA Today Network — The run-up to the next Legislative Session brings with it, as it always does, a new round of proposed exceptions to Florida’s open government laws, generally regarded as among the best in the nation. Specifically, lawmakers have filed bills for the 2026 Session to shield more information from public view, bringing the total number of exemptions to the public records statute to over 1,000.
“Ileana Garcia champions coastal protection with nature-powered bill” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — Sen. Garcia wants to establish a framework to protect Florida’s coastlines. Garcia filed legislation (SB 302) that would implement nature-based infrastructure strategies to better protect coastlines from the effects of flooding, erosion and storm surge. The bill further aims to promote ecological restoration and economic resilience in the wake of significant storm events. Nature-based strategies to protect coastal communities and restore natural habitats include beach renourishment, dune reinforcement and wetland restoration. This would also involve encouraging living seawalls, shoreline planting, and the use of economically sound building materials.
—”Christine Hunschofsky files bill to curb AI use in clinical settings” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics
— STATEWIDE —
“DeSantis won’t comment on Hope Florida probe” via Florida Politics — DeSantis declined to comment Wednesday on the widening investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, which received $10 million from a Medicaid settlement with Centene. Reporters asked about a grand jury convening in Tallahassee to examine how the funds — part of a $67 million settlement — were distributed. Still, DeSantis refused to answer, saying only, “I’m not going to comment.” The foundation later directed $5 million each to two political committees, Secure Florida’s Future and Save Our Society from Drugs, for public awareness and substance abuse initiatives. Subpoenas have since been issued to members of DeSantis’ staff and affiliates tied to the groups. Leon County prosecutors confirmed earlier this year that a criminal probe into the foundation remains active.
Ron DeSantis declines to comment on grand jury probe into the Hope Florida Foundation funds.
“‘We can’t produce that?’: DeSantis decries visa ‘abuse’ amid university DOGE probe” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — DeSantis on Wednesday directed state officials to “pull the plug” on how Florida universities hire faculty and staff on H-1B visas, a move with the potential to affect hundreds of employees. As the Trump administration seeks to impose hefty new fees on the visa, DeSantis is calling for Florida to crack down on what he described as a “troubling and disappointing” trend of universities hiring foreign workers instead of Americans. The GOP Governor took issue with several positions currently filled by H-1B recipients, such as an athletic department assistant, who, to him, demonstrates “an abuse of this whole idea.”
“‘They think you’re stupid’: DeSantis renews criticism of House property-tax bills” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Less than a week after he bashed a package of proposed ballot questions House Republicans filed to lower or eliminate property taxes, DeSantis unleashed a longer, more detailed criticism of the measures. Speaker Perez this month unveiled eight potential constitutional amendments that, if OK’d in the Legislature in the coming Session, would go directly to voters for possible approval in the 2026 Election. None of them is any good, DeSantis said, and they have no chance of passing unless the House can distill the best parts of each into a single, clearly written, broadly appealing proposal.
“DeSantis wants Florida universities to ‘pull the plug’ on H-1B staff from foreign countries” via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis said he wants to “pull the plug” on H-1B visas at state universities, arguing the program meant to recruit top talent from foreign countries wrongly takes jobs away from Floridians. Almost 400 employees from foreign countries currently work at Florida public universities under that visa program. DeSantis said he plans to direct the state’s higher education Board to end the use of the visas. In doing so, he wades into an issue that has long been controversial nationwide, with businesses primarily in technology fields arguing that employing highly qualified foreign workers is critical to U.S. competitiveness. Still, critics say employers use the H-1B program to hire cheaper immigrants rather than qualified Americans. “We need to make sure our citizens here in Florida are first in line for these job opportunities,” DeSantis said. Individual states do not have the authority to revoke visas, and it is illegal to fire employees based on their immigration status.
“Florida accuses California of unfairly taxing out-of-state business revenue, files complaint with SCOTUS” via Anita Padilla of Florida’s Voice — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the state has filed a bill of complaint with the U.S. Supreme Court against California, alleging that the state’s corporate tax policies violate the U.S. Constitution and unfairly harm Florida’s economy. In the filing, Florida argues that California’s “special rule” for calculating taxable income on multi-state corporations discriminates against businesses operating across state lines. The rule allows California to exclude certain large transactions, such as property sales, from its tax formula, effectively increasing the tax burden on companies that operate or relocate outside the state.
“Florida targeted millions in college grants amid state DOGE efforts” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — DeSantis announced that Florida’s state colleges and universities have repurposed or canceled more than $43 million in federal grants tied to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, reinforcing the state’s crackdown on “woke” initiatives in higher education. The move follows a probe by DeSantis’ DOGE task force, which reviewed federal funding for DEI links. The University of South Florida and Florida State University were among those affected, losing grants for programs promoting inclusive classroom cultures and anti-racism curriculum development. DeSantis defended the cuts as necessary to eliminate “political slop” and align schools with his administration’s DEI ban. Redirected funds will now prioritize financial background over race, as the Board of Governors prepares to review the findings next week.
“Blaise Ingoglia backs off on claims Seminole is overspending tax money” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — In the latest salvo between Seminole County and Florida’s chief financial officer, it appears Ingoglia is backing off his accusations that the Republican-led county is overspending by tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer money every year. “We appreciate your openness, cooperation and dialogue in an effort to better understand the details of your expenditures, both recent and historical,” Ingoglia said in an Oct. 24 letter to Seminole Commission Chair Jay Zembower. “No further action is needed on your part. Please continue looking out for the taxpayers of Seminole County.” It was a surprising turn following Ingoglia’s blistering news conference in Sanford three weeks earlier, in which he angrily blasted Seminole for raising property taxes to finance what he called “a large, bloated budget.”
“Nikki Fried says Donald Trump’s trade policies hurt Florida farmers” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida Democratic Party Chair Fried says Trump’s current trade policies are severely hurting Florida’s farmers. “As someone who’s worked side by side with Florida’s farmers, I know how much pride they take in their work and how much they’ve endured,” Fried said. “Now, Donald Trump’s reckless trade wars and economic chaos have left too many of them wondering whether they can even keep their farms.” Agriculture producers issued rare statements this month that were heavily critical of Trump’s trade policies. In particular, a plan to import beef from Argentina, which Trump announced following talks with conservative Argentine President Javier Milei, drew scorn from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. “The administration’s plan to import more Argentinian beef to lower prices threatens American cattle producers,” reads a statement the group issued on its Facebook page.
Nikki Fried blasts Donald Trump’s trade war, saying Florida farmers can’t pay bills with cheap beef.
“Hospitals push back on Florida proposal for organ-transplant program approvals” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida — High-profile Florida hospitals are lining up to battle over a new state proposal about approving organ-transplant programs. Nemours Children’s Hospital last week moved to intervene at the state Division of Administrative Hearings to support a proposed transplant-programs rule issued in August by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. That came after Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County and AdventHealth Orlando intervened to support the proposed rule. Tampa General Hospital, UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami filed challenges last month to the rule, alleging it does not include adequate safeguards for quality of care. Administrative Law Judge Joshua Pratt has scheduled a three-day hearing, starting Dec. 17, to consider the consolidated challenges.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Fed trims rates again but future cuts uncertain” via Andrew Ackerman of The Washington Post — The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday for its second consecutive meeting, seeking to steady the economy amid a weakening labor market as a monthlong government shutdown has clouded its view. Wednesday’s widely expected move lowers the Fed’s benchmark interest rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, the lowest level in about three years. Fed policies influence what households and businesses pay for mortgages, credit cards and other loans. Employment risks “rose in recent months,” the Fed said. The decision, however, exposed divisions among policymakers over how much further the central bank should go in supporting growth, underscoring uncertainty about the path ahead.
Jerome Powell announces another Federal Reserve rate cut amid growing economic uncertainty and labor market risks.
“With every boat strike, Trump exploits a power asymmetry” via Nahal Toosi of POLITICO — To be a Caribbean leader in the age of Trump is to be a portrait of powerlessness — and a harbinger of the unvarnished might-makes-right global order the U.S. President is shaping. Trump is building up America’s military presence in the Caribbean, blowing up alleged drug boats as part of an anti-cartel campaign in the region, and threatening regime change in Venezuela. Charred bodies are washing up on Caribbean shores. Tourism, fishing and other parts of the regional economy could suffer if this campaign drags on. Caribbean officials also worry about the impact on migrant flows, even though some publicly support the U.S. efforts. Yet, many Caribbean leaders can barely get U.S. officials to talk to them about their plans, much less heed such long-term fears. The relatively few conversations held have been more akin to notification than consultation. Caribbean representatives are privately urging U.S. officials to do what they have to do “but to do it quickly,” with the hope that speed will cause less instability.
“White House finds 11th-hour shutdown workaround to pay troops — for now” via Marc Caputo of Axios — Trump’s budget team raided three different financial accounts to make sure U.S. troops are paid Friday as the government shutdown continues. As long as military personnel are paid, Trump isn’t planning to budge on the nearly month-old shutdown, even with as many as 42 million people set to lose food stamp benefits Saturday. Earlier in the week, it was unclear whether the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) could find roughly $5.3 billion to make the military’s payroll by Friday. Still, two White House officials tell Axios the money was found at the last minute. $2.5 billion from a military housing fund specified in Trump’s “big beautiful bill” to continue paying housing allowances for military personnel.
“DOJ places on leave two prosecutors who said ‘mob of rioters’ carried out Jan. 6 attack” via Katherine Faulders and Alexander Mallin of ABC News — Two federal prosecutors were informed Wednesday that they will be put on leave after filing a legal brief that described the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as being carried out by “thousands of people comprising a mob of rioters.” The two prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, were locked out of their government devices and informed on Wednesday morning that they would be placed on leave, just hours after they filed a sentencing memorandum in the case of Taylor Taranto, the sources said. Valdivia and White were furloughed due to the government shutdown and were informed they would be placed on administrative leave following its conclusion.
“White House fires Arts Commission expected to review Trump construction projects” via Dan Diamond of The Washington Post — The White House fired all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency that had expected to review some of Trump’s construction projects, including his planned triumphal arch and White House ballroom. “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately,” reads an email. Joe Biden appointed the six sitting Commissioners to four-year terms, several of which would have extended through 2028.
“When this reporter comes calling, the White House insults go flying” via Erik Wemple of The New York Times — Trump and his aides have regularly bad-mouthed the press and many journalists over the years, turning to disparaging terms like nasty, dying, disgusting and fake. They show less restraint in their pushback against Shirish Dáte, accentuating his somewhat lonely professional existence — reporting for a progressive publication in a building increasingly populated by right-wing outlets supportive of the current administration. After the flare-up over the Budapest question, for example, Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, told Dáte via text that he was a “far left hack who nobody takes seriously, including your colleagues in the media; they just don’t tell you that to your face.” As he reported on a story this Fall about Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s top aides, Dáte received an expletive-laden text from Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, chiding his physical stature and his masculinity, according to a text chain Dáte provided.
“Jimmy Patronis predicts federal shutdown will last at least through November’s elections” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Patronis doesn’t expect the federal shutdown to end until off-year elections take place Nov. 4. The Panama City Republican is blaming Democratic politics. “It’s kind of gross that that’s the motivation, but it is what it is,” Patronis said. While there aren’t regular federal elections this year, the first Tuesday in November is when voters in Virginia, New Jersey and New York will decide nationally watched elections. Patronis said that due to hatred of Trump, too many Democratic voters now frown at any bipartisan effort to reopen the government. “If those Democrats reach across the aisle and work with Republicans, their hardcore base gets upset and their intensity could get blunted,” Patronis said.
Jimmy Patronis predicts federal shutdown will drag on through November elections, blaming partisan gridlock in Washington.
Happening tonight — Patronis is being honored by the District of Columbia Society of The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America during its Evening Celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. The Order honors the enduring link between the nation’s first pioneers and their descendants who built the republic. Tonight’s ceremony recognizes Patronis alongside international dignitaries for his public service and contributions to American civic life, presented under the legacy of Admiral George Dewey, a former Founding Governor General of the Order. The event begins at 7 p.m. ET at the Army/Navy Club, 901 17th Street, NW. Washington, D.C.
“Kevin Cabrera touts economic, security relationship with Panama in San Miguelito visit” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Ambassador to Panama Cabrera visited Central American businesses using American supplies, with the former Miami-Dade County Commissioner stressing the value of a partnership between the U.S. and Panama, both economically and in fighting international crime. “I was proud to spend the day in San Miguelito, meeting the kind and hardworking people who are shaping their community’s future,” Cabrera said in a statement. “From education and public safety to clean city initiatives, the United States is committed to being a strong partner. President Trump’s vision is clear: deeper cooperation between our nations leads to shared prosperity — and visits like this remind us what’s possible when we work together.”
“The Southern Group enters Washington market with fast rise” via Kate Ackley of Bloomberg Government — The Southern Group, Florida’s top lobbying firm, is making rapid gains in Washington with its new outpost, TSG Advocates DC. Since launching in January, the firm has signed more than 60 clients, including American Airlines and Volkswagen, and seen federal lobbying revenue soar 450% to $1.8 million by the third quarter. “We recognize we’re the new kid on the block, but we’re here in D.C. to stay,” said senior managing partner Rachel Cone, adding that the firm aims to be “one of the largest, most effective teams” in the capital. Founding partner Chase Kroll called the expansion “a really exciting opportunity” to combine national reach with Florida’s political clout, as TSG positions itself for influence under Trump’s second administration.
— ELECTIONS —
“Trump advisers consider Las Vegas for rare Midterm political convention” via Alex Leary of The Wall Street Journal — Trump’s advisers are considering Las Vegas as the location for the GOP’s Midterm political convention next year, according to people involved in the discussions, as Republicans seek to preserve their narrow majority in Congress. Trump has told aides that the convention will be a forum to highlight Republican congressional candidates and incumbents, as well as his own record as President, the people said. He first pitched the idea for a Midterm political convention earlier this year, and his advisers are drawing up plans for the event. Political conventions, where party delegates from across the country formally nominate their presidential candidates, usually occur only in presidential election years. Democrats held Midterm conventions in the 1970s and 1980s, but Republicans didn’t follow suit.
“Florida GOP Chair: We could gain up to five seats in redistricting push” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power said Wednesday the GOP could gain up to five congressional seats if lawmakers pursue mid-decade redistricting, citing opportunities in Tampa, Orlando and South Florida. Speaking to the Capitol Tiger Bay Club, Power said redrawing lines would “bring us more in line to where we are in our voting population.” He acknowledged that changes might affect Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s Hispanic-majority District if the U.S. Supreme Court bans racial considerations in mapping. GOP Executive Director Bill Helmich said Florida could, in theory, make all 28 districts Republican “over a weekend,” but noted the state is “very fair.” Despite Democratic criticism, the GOP’s supermajority makes new maps likely, with Speaker Perez already forming a Redistricting Committee.
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“Two Council seats, Vice Mayor title at stake in Homestead election” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Homestead begins early voting for its Nov. 4 election on Thursday. Two Council seats and the vice mayoralty are on the ballot. So are four referendums affecting City Hall operations and bonding. For Council Seat 1, incumbent Tom Davis hopes to repel a challenge from Realtor Kim Konsky. For Council Seat 5, incumbent Erica Ávila faces Sonia Castro, a physical therapy pro. Additionally, Davis is competing against fellow Council member Jenifer Bailey for the right to replace term-limited Council member Sean Fletcher as Vice Mayor. The winners next month will each earn a four-year term.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Crypto-based prediction market bullish on Eileen Higgins in Miami Mayor’s race” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami’s election is less than a week away, and online prediction markets have Higgins as the favorite in the city’s overcrowded Mayor’s race. Higgins, a thrice-elected Miami-Dade County Commissioner, is far and away the front-runner — based on traders’ expectations — among four top candidates listed on Polymarket. In this blockchain-based prediction market, users trade shares on outcomes of future events using cryptocurrency. The platform shows that 66% of traders believe Higgins will come out on top of a field of 13 candidates competing to succeed term-limited Mayor Francis Suarez. $4,733 had been traded on Higgins winning. Former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, a fellow Democrat, sits in second place in the contest.
Crypto traders bet on Eileen Higgins to win the crowded Miami Mayor’s race, citing strong momentum.
“Rolando Escalona to remain in Miami Commission race after Judge rules his residency is legit” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Escalona is still in a race for a Miami Commission seat after a Judge ruled that he is indeed a resident of District 3. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez found Escalona had sufficiently proved that he has rented and lived in an apartment since June 2024, as he claimed, and should not be disqualified from running for the seat, as demanded by his opponent, Denise Galvez Turros. The ruling came at the end of a roughly five-hour hearing on Wednesday, during which Escalona provided multiple items as evidence of his residency. Among them: his driver’s license, voter information card, and Amazon furniture and TV orders — all listing the District 3 apartment as his home — and the lease he signed for it on June 4, 2024.
“Former Miami lawmaker Frank Artiles to fight conviction in 2020 ‘ghost’ candidate Florida Senate race” via News Service of Florida — Attorneys for former Miami Republican lawmaker Artiles on Wednesday argued an appeals court should toss out his criminal conviction in a case involving a “ghost” candidate who helped defeat a Democratic incumbent in a 2020 Florida Senate race. In an 82-page brief filed shortly after midnight at the 3rd District Court of Appeal, Artiles’ attorneys argued, in part, that a state law about limits on campaign contributions was unconstitutionally vague as applied in the case. Artiles, a former member of the Florida House and Senate, was convicted last year of making excessive contributions, conspiracy to make excessive contributions and false swearing under oath.
“Hialeah Mayor’s home nearly doubles in size in county records after code fines” via Verónica Egui Brito of the Miami Herald — The size of Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’ home has doubled in size in county property-tax records, just days after the Miami Herald reported that she has been fined for property code violations. According to a Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s summary report, Garcia-Roves’ house, built in 1949, expanded on the documents from a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home with a living area of 936 square feet to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home measuring 1,612 square feet. The property, purchased by Garcia-Roves’ parents in 1985, was transferred to her in 2019 following her father’s death, the same year she was elected to the City Council.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Families of 2024 Orlando Halloween shooting victims sue city, Wall Street Plaza operator” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Tim Schmidt Jr., a 19-year-old UCF student, was one of the two people killed last year in a mass shooting on the streets of downtown Orlando as thousands celebrated Halloween night. Nearly a year to the day of the shooting, Schmidt and the family of Tyrek Hill, the other man killed that night, filed lawsuits against the city and the operators of the Wall Street Plaza entertainment complex, alleging the entities’ negligence contributed to the carnage last year. “I think they’ve proven [in] the past they cannot keep that area safe,” he said in an interview on Wednesday. “It’s not a venue I’d encourage people to go to.” The lawsuits, filed on Wednesday morning in Orange County Circuit Court, seek damages exceeding $50,000. Under Florida law, negligence claims against the government are capped at $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident.
Families of Tyrek Hill and Tim Schmidt Jr. sue Orlando and Wall Street Plaza over shootings.
“Orange County is helping people plan their wills and get out of medical debt” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — For the first time, Orange County government is offering free estate planning for residents who don’t have wills. Meanwhile, 49,000 more residents in the county will discover their combined $49 million in medical debt is cleared. Orange County gave an update on how it is spending grant funding and federal COVID stimulus money to help people. “Orange County takes pride in being the first local government in Florida to establish a Financial Empowerment Center, endeavoring in new and exciting ways to aid local residents grow, prosper and find financial stability,” said Lavon Williams, deputy director for Orange County Community and Family Services. “The addition of the new legacy planning service shows our county’s ongoing and dedicated commitment to helping area residents and future generations to come, realize the American dream.”
“Brevard voters will decide on continuing half-cent sales tax for schools in 2026 Election” via Tyler Vazquez of Florida Today — Brevard voters will decide next year whether to continue sales and property taxes that for the past decade have been used to fund school operations and capital projects. Both taxes will go to referendums on Brevard County ballots in the 2026 Midterm Elections, when voters will decide whether to continue the half-cent sales tax and a property tax equivalent to $1 on every $1,000 of the taxable value of a person’s home. While property-tax revenue is intended for school operations, the sales tax will fund capital expenses for Brevard Public Schools.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Tampa Bay nonprofits brace for high demand as the federal government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Tampa Bay nonprofits and charities anticipate a surge in demand for food assistance and other services in November as the ongoing federal government shutdown threatens Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The government shutdown has been ongoing since Oct. 1, forcing many federal employees who have lost their pay to turn to local nonprofits for support. Those nonprofits now expect even higher demand for assistance once SNAP benefits lose federal funding starting in November. Feeding Tampa Bay will increase support for federal employees and residents who will lose SNAP benefits in November as the government shutdown rolls on. The organization and more than 400 partners announced distributions across several counties on Wednesday afternoon. Distributions will begin on Monday, Nov. 3, and continue, as necessary.
Feeding Tampa Bay is among numerous local organizations preparing for high demand for services as the federal government shutdown drags on, threatening SNAP benefits.
“Guns, property taxes and other hot issues highlight St. Pete legislative agenda under consideration next week” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The St. Petersburg City Council will consider the annual legislative agenda next week at its regular meeting. The city’s Legislative Affairs & Intergovernmental Relations Committee signed off on the priorities earlier this month. The agenda addresses some hot-button issues, including Florida’s new open carry law, established after a Judge struck down the state’s ban on open carry, and discussions about reducing or eliminating property taxes, which in part fund local governments. The Legislature convenes for the 2026 Session on Jan. 13, and Committee weeks are already ongoing. The city’s proposed legislative agenda is broad, including priorities for hurricane preparedness and response, housing, education, arts and development, and neighborhood health and safety.
“Pinellas sheriff fires five jail deputies in two separate inmate abuse cases” via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times — Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri fired five deputies this week over two separate incidents of misconduct in the jail. One case involved a lieutenant, sergeant, corporal and deputy who watched, took pictures and ridiculed an intoxicated woman as she struggled to urinate while handcuffed alone in a cell. The other involved a deputy who sprayed Lysol in an inmate’s face after he refused to shut a food tray slot in a cell door. Gualtieri announced the firings of all five deputies in a Wednesday afternoon news conference. Those fired in the first case are Lt. Jason Franjesevic, Sgt. Keri-Lyn Colosimo, Cpl. Emmanuel Nomikos and Deputy Katherine Cantrell. The woman, whom the sheriff did not identify due to the nature of the incident, was arrested May 15 at a Seminole bar on a disorderly intoxication charge.
“Appeals court reverses $208M judgment against All Children’s in ‘Maya’ case” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — An appeals court has reversed a civil jury trial decision that resulted in a $208 million judgment against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in the case made famous by the “Take Care of Maya” Netflix documentary. In a 48-page ruling issued Wednesday, a three-judge panel for Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that the evidence from the civil trial does not support the jury’s verdict that the hospital contributed to the 2017 suicide of Beata Kowalski. She took her own life after her 10-year-old daughter, Maya, was removed by the state and sheltered at All Children’s for three months. The lower court erred in not giving more legal protection to the hospital in its role as a state-mandated reporter of suspected child abuse, the judges said. They ruled there was no evidence to support the jury’s award of $50 million in punitive damages.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Rocky Hanna slams ‘bully’ tactics as Education Commissioner puts School Board on notice” via Alaijah Brown of the Tallahassee Democrat — Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas attended the Leon County School Board meeting and promptly criticized the Board and Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna. “I am here this evening because Leon County Schools continues to demonstrate a need for improvement in leadership,” Kamoutsas told the Board. School Board Chair Laurie Cox allowed the Commissioner to take up six minutes, double the standard three minutes allowed for public speakers. He also spent part of his speaking time condemning School Board member Darryl Jones for his comments about Charlie Kirk.
Rocky Hanna condemns Education Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas’ remarks, calling them political bullying against Leon County Schools. Image via Tallahassee Democrat.
“Leon Schools considering outsourcing breakfast and lunch options to cut costs” via Alaijah Brown of the Tallahassee Democrat — Facing rising food costs, the Leon County School District is exploring outside lunch providers to deliver meals with the same quality and staff, but at a fraction of the cost. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Sunny Chancy said the District transferred up to $700,000 from the District’s general fund to dining services to avoid a deficit last school year. Chancy said large food service management companies would have a better chance to buy food wholesale and at a lower cost, saving the District money. The District currently manages its own food purchase and vendor selection.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Manatee County residents beg for repeal of Florida planning restriction law” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — State lawmakers representing Manatee County heard harsh criticism regarding a law that critics maintain blocks local governments from regulating development now and for years to come. Senate Bill 180 received nearly unanimous approval from the state Legislature this Spring and was signed into law by DeSantis this Summer. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, was intended to help people rebuild properties damaged by major storms. But its language was substantially altered by several provisions, leading to two lawsuits being filed in state court to block it. Among those provisions is Section 18, which freezes cities and counties from adopting land-use regulations deemed “more restrictive or burdensome” than those in place before recent or future hurricanes. Section 28, which says that the new land-use laws apply in counties listed in the federal disaster declaration for hurricanes Debby, Helene, or Milton, plus “each municipality within one of those counties.”
Nick DiCeglie faces backlash as Manatee residents decry the storm recovery law turned into a developer protection act.
“How will Bradenton stop sewage spills into the river? This is the city’s plan” via Carter Weinhofer of the Bradenton Herald — Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown says the city is years ahead of a 2032 deadline to stop discharging treated wastewater into the Manatee River. However, there’s still plenty of work to do. One of the newest projects at the city’s Water Reclamation Facility is a $13 million deep injection well that, when activated, will allow the town to discharge treated water 1,600 feet below the surface rather than into the river. City officials hope to have the option available in 2028. The city has long been plagued by wastewater issues, which often cause the city’s treatment plant to bypass water and illegally discharge it into the Manatee River. Experts say those spills can negatively impact local water and fuel harmful algae blooms like red tide.
“Collier needs $305M for stormwater systems: Who will be paying for it?” via Liz Freeman of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Collier leaders are taking the plunge to resolve a $305-million shortfall for operations and improvements to the county’s aging stormwater management system. The shortfall is based on a five-year timeframe, while the immediate need for stormwater system projects for fiscal 2026 is $64 million. The Collier County Commission was presented with five long-term solutions and agreed that a sales surtax and a stormwater utility are preferred options to explore further.
“Collier County dedicates part of Immokalee Road as ‘Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway’” via Liz Freeman of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — The memorials to slain conservative activist Kirk keep coming from Collier leaders. Collier County Commissioners are designating a stretch of Immokalee Road from Oil Well Road to U.S. 41 as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.” The vote was 4 to 1, with Commission Chair Burt Saunders casting the ‘no’ vote because it was a divisive issue and not something the county has to do. The memorial designation, which was not a renaming of Immokalee Road, as some in the public thought, prompted Commissioners to receive hundreds of emails. The original proposal was to install up to six signs at a cost of roughly $3,000 at key locations.
— TOP OPINION —
“Trump is sleepwalking into political disaster” via Jonathan Chait of The Atlantic — Trump’s first-term blunder on health care — letting Paul Ryan lead a doomed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act — now haunts him again. The attempt backfired in 2017, making Obamacare more popular and fueling a Democratic wave in the Midterms. Yet Trump has returned to the same battlefield, this time with his One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which slashes Medicaid and ends key ACA subsidies.
The result is a looming health care crisis: 7.5 million people projected to lose coverage by 2034, skyrocketing premiums for 20 million more, and a government shutdown rooted in a partisan budget standoff over restoring those subsidies.
The political danger is obvious. Republicans were punished for this once already, and voters now directly feel the effects — higher costs and lost coverage. But Trump appears unwilling to change course.
His motives seem rooted less in policy than in pride and vengeance. He still blames others for his past failures and now surrounds himself with loyalists who won’t challenge his instincts, even when they’re self-destructive.
Republicans in Congress share the obsession, pushing the false claim that ending subsidies will somehow fix health care. Their hostility toward government programs blinds them to political peril.
Trump’s disdain for compromise ensures this stalemate will continue. Preserving the ACA subsidies would require cooperation with Democrats, which he refuses to consider. Instead, he’s drifting toward another avoidable disaster — one that threatens both his presidency and millions of Americans’ access to affordable care.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Trump’s pardons reward lawlessness” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — A glance at the George Santos case might suggest merely that the most flagrant liar in American politics simply couldn’t bear to see a fellow fabulist languish in prison. But there’s a deeper, costlier moral rot in Trump’s decision to commute Santos’ sentence after less than three months of a seven-year term. It’s a pattern. The President of the United States doesn’t believe in punishing financial crimes unless he can allege them against political foes like Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General. The onetime Congressman is small fry, however, in the constellation of offenders whom Trump has forgiven. It expanded last week when he pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who served four months in prison on account of lax controls that allowed people in sanctioned countries and terrorist groups like Hamas to move money through his firm. “If Congress does not stop this kind of corruption in pending market structure legislation, it owns this lawlessness,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.
“Where will Miami Seaquarium’s marine mammals go? They deserve a happy ending, too” via the Miami Herald editorial board — For 70 years, dolphins, sea lions and the late orca Lolita have been the stars at the Miami Seaquarium, their performances putting the theme park on the map for tourists and locals. Now that the Seaquarium has closed, its parent company is going through bankruptcy, and a $100 million commercial and marina redevelopment is planned for the site. Miami developer David Martin’s proposed project includes a baywalk promenade, a restaurant complex and an aquarium that won’t house marine mammals, the Herald reported. Those animals are expected to be relocated by the end of 2025 and plans on where exactly they will go have not been made public. The mammals gave the Seaquarium its fame — and infamy among animal rights activists — and must be treated as a priority, not just as a line item during a bankruptcy.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Studying the wrong ancient Roman ruler gets Australian high school seniors out of a history exam” via The Associated Press — Teachers at nine Queensland high schools discovered just days before a statewide ancient history exam that they had taught students about the wrong Roman ruler — Augustus Caesar instead of Julius Caesar. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek called the mix-up “extremely traumatic” and granted an exemption for the 140 affected seniors, who will now be graded based on the remaining 75% of their coursework. The error, revealed Monday, led to panic as students scrambled to study the correct material before the Wednesday exam. Parents criticized the disruption’s impact on other tests. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority said schools were notified two years ago that the topic would shift from Augustus to Julius Caesar, ending four years of focus on the former emperor.
John-Paul Langbroek calls it ‘extremely traumatic,’ but Aussie teens just scored history’s easiest exemption ever.
“Transient violinist caught smashing pumpkins at a Pinellas County Target” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Maybe he was feeling “Mellon Collie” or had a case of the “Infinite Sadness.” Whatever it was, an Indiana man appears to have taken the Halloween spirit of mayhem a little too literally at a Pinellas County Target by smashing literal pumpkins. Aaron Thompson, 31, was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 25, days after he smashed about 80 pumpkins to a pulp at the Ulmerton Road Target, turning the store’s seasonal display into a scene of utter autumnal destruction. The scene was enough to have anyone shouting, “Oh my gourd!” Security cameras captured footage of the targeted attack at about 1:16 a.m. on Oct. 21. Still, the culprit was not caught until he returned to the scene of the crime at 5:20 p.m. on Oct. 25. Thompson was charged with criminal mischief for willfully and maliciously injuring or damaging property. The pumpkins were estimated to cost $472.14, but it will cost $5,000 for Thompson to bond out of jail, if he wants to get out “Tonight, Tonight.”
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel, Aubrey Fay and Tyler Winik.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.