![\"\"](\"https:\/\/floridapolitics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Christian-Ulvert-scaled-copy.jpg\")
<\/a>Christian Ulvert expands EDGE Communications into West Palm Beach \u2014 deepening Palm Beach County political footprint.<\/p>\nChief of Staff David Cruz Ramos will lead the new office, calling the expansion \u201ca natural next step\u201d as the firm strengthens relationships with clients and community leaders.<\/p>\n
Founded by Ulvert, EDGE has built a reputation for campaign strategy and communications, highlighted by its work on Eileen Higgins\u2019 Miami mayoral campaign, which earned national recognition.<\/p>\n
Local leaders welcomed the move. Sen. Mack Bernard said the firm has a \u201cstrong reputation across Florida,\u201d while Palm Beach County State Attorney Alexcia Cox called the team \u201ctrusted partners\u201d who \u201cdeliver results.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg described the expansion as \u201ca great addition for Palm Beach County,\u201d and former Boynton Beach City Commissioner Christina Romelus said the firm \u201cshows up, does the work and gets results,\u201d as EDGE establishes a presence in a key political region.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
Capital Resources, a full-service fundraising and political consulting firm serving Republicans, has added Makayla Paggio to its team as Client Experience Coordinator.<\/p>\n
Paggio is a former Legislative Aide to Rep. Josie Tomkow, who is facing term limits this year. In her new role, Paggio will oversee client fundraising events from planning through execution.<\/p>\n
Paggio has served with Tomkow since mid-2024, giving her firsthand experience into the high-stakes political operations at play in Tallahassee and beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cMakayla is a rising star in Florida Politics. Her maturity and work ethic served me well, and will be a huge addition to Capital Resources,\u201d Tomkow said of her former staffer.<\/p>\n In addition to working with Tomkow, Paggio also served as a program analyst in the Executive Officer of the Governor and was an intern in the Office of the Speaker of the U.S. House. She also previously helped the Republican Party of Florida plan the Republican National Convention.<\/p>\n Paggio will work directly with clients and donors throughout the event planning process and will be responsible for proactive communication, logistics coordination and execution from start to finish.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Lauren Book is on the move! Today\u2019s Walk heads to Naples, where Lauren and the team will trek alongside Project HELP, the Children\u2019s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, ACT, Team Kathleen Passidomo, state Rep. Yvette Benarroch, Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell, and Naples Chief of Police Ciro Dominguez to raise awareness and support survivors across Southwest Florida. The Voices Project continues to travel with the Walk, capturing powerful survivor stories along the way. Follow along, watch LIVE, or register to walk at LaurensKidsWalk.org<\/a>!<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Here are a few items are on my radar:<\/p>\n \u26be\ufe0f \u2014 I enjoyed Opening Day at the Trop. Now you can enjoy this Q&A with Ken Babby: As the Rays return to Tropicana Field, I spoke with Babby, the Rays\u2019 new CEO, about fan experience, new stadium talks and the future of the franchise. Check it out here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f \u2014 Mark your calendar for a lively statewide conversation: Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins, a 2026 candidate for Governor, and Florida Attorney General candidate Jos\u00e9 Javier Rodr\u00edguez will be featured at The Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida luncheon on Friday, April 17 at the Citrus Club in Orlando from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to discuss their campaigns and vision for Florida under a new Governor as Ron DeSantis reaches term limits. More information and tickets can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa7 \u2014 Dara Kam chats with newly-elected Sen. Brian Nathan: What does it take to flip a seat blue despite a huge funding disadvantage? That\u2019s the topic Kam addresses in her podcast, \u201cBetween the Lines with Dara Kam.\u201d In this week\u2019s episode, Nathan breaks down the strategy that got him across the finish line \u2014 by just over 400 votes \u2014 and issues he found resonated most with voters this election cycle. The two also address what Nathan\u2019s victory \u2014 along with that of Emily Gregory in President Donald Trump\u2019s own backyard \u2014 means for this Midterm Election year. Listen here<\/a>. <\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n \u201cWant more Florida Politics in your Google News feed? There\u2019s a new tool for that.<\/a>\u201d \u2014 Google News has launched a new \u201cpreferred sources\u201d feature, allowing users to customize their \u201cTop Stories\u201d feed to display content from their favorite publications prominently. <\/p>\n For followers of Florida\u2019s political landscape, this tool is a game-changer, ensuring they receive timely, in-depth reporting on the Governor\u2019s office, the Legislature, and high-stakes campaigns. <\/p>\n By selecting Florida Politics<\/a> as a preferred source, readers can prioritize its indispensable coverage, ensuring they see the latest headlines on key issues, such as property insurance and the state budget, first. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide<\/a> to enable the feature. Don\u2019t forget about other ways to connect, such as through our breaking news text messages<\/a>, following @Fla_Pol on X<\/a>, and signing up for newsletters like Last Call, Takeaways from Tallahassee and The Delegation<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS \u2014<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@NASA: A new milestone for humankind: The crew of Artemis II is now the farthest any human has ever traveled, reaching a maximum distance of 252,752 miles from Earth. This surpasses the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by about 4,102 miles.<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@Yampeleg: The dumbest person you know is being told \u2018you are absolutely right\u2019 by some LLM right now.<\/p>\n \u2014 DAYS UNTIL \u2014<\/p>\n Handmaid\u2019s Tale sequel series \u2018The Testaments\u2019 premieres \u2014 1; The Masters begin \u2014 2; Jonah Hill\u2019s \u2018Outcome\u2019 premieres on Apple TV \u2014 3; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins \u2014 8; MLB Jackie Robinson Day \u2014 8; \u2018Jerry West: The Logo\u2019 premieres on Amazon Prime \u2014 9; First Qualifying Period begins (U.S. Senate) \u2014 13; Florida Housings Solutions Summit \u2014 15; NFL Draft \u2014 16; Federal Qualifying Period ends \u2014 17; F1 Miami begins \u2014 24; \u2018Yellowstone\u2019 spinoff \u2018Dutton Ranch\u2019 premieres \u2014 38; \u2018Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu\u2019 premieres \u2014 45; new mission for \u2018Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run\u2019 premieres at Disney World \u2014 45; Marvel\u2019s \u2018Spider-Noir\u2019 arrives on Amazon Prime \u2014 50; MLB Lou Gehrig Day \u2014 56; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit \u2014 57; \u2018Masters of The Universe\u2019 premieres \u2014 59; \u2018Cape Fear\u2019 series premieres on Apple TV \u2014 59; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) \u2014 62; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City \u2014 65; Steven Spielberg\u2019s \u2018Disclosure Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 66; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices \u2014 66; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 \u2014 68; Flag Day \u2014 68; Trump\u2019s 80th birthday \u2014 68; \u2018Toy Story 5\u2019 premieres \u2014 73; \u2018Supergirl\u2019 premieres \u2014 80; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates \u2014 80; live-action \u2018Moana\u2019 premieres \u2014 85; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 88; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 93; MLB All-Star Game \u2014 98; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline \u2014 100; Primary Election voter registration deadline \u2014 104; \u2018Spider-Man: Brand New Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 115; Primary Election ballot request deadline \u2014 121; Early voting period begins \u2014 123; Primary Election Day \u2014 133; NFL regular season kicks off \u2014 155; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia \u2014 156; Yankees host the Mets for 9\/11 anniversary \u2014 157; MLB Roberto Clemente Day \u2014 161; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 165; General Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 170; Domestic General Election VBM deadline \u2014 177; General Election voter registration deadline \u2014 181; Early Voting General Election begins \u2014 200; General Election \u2014 210; \u2018Godzilla Minus Zero\u2019 premieres \u2014 213; \u2018Dune: Part 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 255; \u2018Avengers: Doomsday\u2019 premieres \u2014 255; untitled Star Wars movie premieres \u2014 255; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas \u2014 293; Super Bowl LXI \u2014 313; Tampa Mayoral Election \u2014 329; Jacksonville First Election \u2014 350; Jacksonville General Election \u2014 406; \u2018Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse\u2019 premieres \u2014 424; \u2018MIAMI VICE\u2019 reboot premieres \u2014 486; \u2018Bluey The Movie\u2019 premieres \u2014 486; \u2018The Batman 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 542; \u2018Avengers: Secret Wars\u2019 premieres \u2014 619; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans \u2014 657; \u2018Lilo & Stitch 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 780; \u2018Incredibles 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 801; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony \u2014 829; U.S. Presidential Election \u2014 945; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa \u2014 1,021; Avatar 4 premieres \u2014 1,345; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami \u2014 1,385; Avatar 5 premieres \u2014 2,076.<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP STORY \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cRon DeSantis again declines to endorse a candidate for Governor<\/a>\u201d via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Gov. DeSantis declined to say whether he will endorse a candidate in the Republican Primary for Florida Governor, keeping his plans unclear as the race develops.<\/p>\n Asked directly, DeSantis signaled he would not rush a decision, saying, \u201cWhen I\u2019ve got something on my mind \u2026 people know,\u201d adding that observers can \u201cstand by and just watch.\u201d<\/p>\n His comments mirror earlier remarks in January, when he avoided committing to Lt. Gov. Collins, though he described Collins as \u201ca good guy\u201d who \u201cserved this country admirably.\u201d<\/p>\n Collins, now a candidate for Governor, said he is working to earn support and pointed to DeSantis\u2019 past praise and appointment as signals of backing \u201cin actions and words.\u201d<\/p>\n Former House Speaker Paul Renner is also seeking support, while Trump has endorsed Byron Donalds, who leads in early polling and fundraising.<\/p>\n Polling shows DeSantis maintaining strong approval ratings, with more than half of respondents approving of his performance, compared to about 46% for Trump, underscoring his continued influence in the Primary.<\/p>\n \u2014 2026 \u2014<\/p>\n Gubernatorial candidate Donald\u2019s \u201cDefending the Florida Dream\u201d tour will swing into Melbourne this week. There, the Naples Republican will hold a roundtable with Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and House Majority Leader Tyler Sirois on public safety.<\/p>\n The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at Carroll Distributing.<\/p>\n The tour, which kicked off Monday in The Villages, will bring Donalds, now a U.S. Representative, around the state for a series of policy-driven events, rooted in the agenda pillars of affordability, achievability and accountability. Other events will focus on health care, education, and expanding economic opportunities in the state.<\/p>\n Donalds\u2019 campaign said that as affordability becomes the defining issue for voters in the 2026 Midterms, he will position himself as the candidate for Governor with a forward-looking vision plan to \u2018protect and strengthen the Florida dream.\u201d<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n A former Democratic Primary opponent to Senate candidate Alex Vindman is endorsing him. In turn, he\u2019s backing Hector Mujica\u2019s challenge to U.S. Rep. Carlos Gim\u00e9nez.<\/p>\n Both Democrats previously challenged Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, but Mujica just entered a potentially competitive U.S. House race. Vindman and Mujica offered mutual support in their respective federal campaigns.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited to endorse Hector Mujica for Congress. I met Hector out on the campaign trail, and one thing was clear right away: Hector\u2019s not a career politician, he\u2019s someone who saw what was happening in his state and stepped up to fight for his community,\u201d Vindman said.<\/p>\n \u201cWashington politicians have only made Florida harder to live in. Costs are through the roof, and corruption is rampant. Families are feeling it every single day. Hector won\u2019t back down from fighting for working families. He understands what people are up against and he\u2019s focused on actually delivering results and bringing costs down for Floridians.\u201d<\/p>\n Mujica said Vindman is the best candidate in the statewide race.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the joys of running for office is getting to know new people and making new friends. For the past several months, while running for the U.S. Senate, I\u2019ve gotten to know a patriot and dedicated leader, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman,\u201d Mujica said.<\/p>\n \u201cAlex, a combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, served his country with distinction for over 20 years. When he saw corruption at the highest level, he called it out and stood up for what was right. Now he is standing up to serve Floridians in the United States Senate. As I make my own transition to running for Congress in Florida\u2019s 28th District, I am honored to endorse Alexander Vindman for the U.S. Senate, and even more honored to call him a friend. I hope you will join me in making sure Alexander Vindman is the next Senator from the great State of Florida!\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 STATEWIDE \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDeSantis signs domestic terrorist bill that Democrats fear will lead to crackdown on college liberals<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 DeSantis has signed legislation that gives him new authority to designate domestic terrorist organizations and allows colleges to expel students involved in those groups. DeSantis signed HB 1471 during a news conference in Tampa. \u201cThis will help the state of Florida protect you. It\u2019ll help us protect your tax dollars. It\u2019ll help us protect things that should not be happening in the United States of America, but certainly shouldn\u2019t be happening in the free state of Florida,\u201d DeSantis said, calling the new law \u201ca big deal\u201d that \u201cspans finance, spans political, spans culture.\u201d DeSantis added that \u201cthe federal government does this all the time.\u201d \u201cWe need to be doing that here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida communities with highest climate change risk face new Tallahassee hurdles<\/a>\u201d via Kylie Williams of POLITICO \u2014 More than a dozen cities and counties statewide have committed to bold net-zero or fully renewable energy policies, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Most of these communities are coastal, directly facing sea-level rise, damaging hurricanes and sunny-day flooding. But a bill that passed Florida\u2019s Legislature and is expected to be signed by DeSantis would impose a sweeping ban on limiting greenhouse gases \u2014 a move some local governments say could undo years of progress. \u201cI wish Tallahassee would let us do the business of running government,\u201d said Raquel Regalado, a Republican Miami-Dade County Commissioner.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeed cameras in Florida school zones work. Critics are missing the point<\/a>\u201d via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Speed cameras aren\u2019t a solution in search of a problem. The state\u2019s roads are dangerous, with one of the highest crash rates per mile driven. Several of its metro areas rank among the deadliest for pedestrians, including Miami and Tampa Bay. Speeding is a leading cause. Speed cameras are proven to work. They helped reduce crashes by up to 39% and fatalities by up to 68% in a study of thousands of camera sites in England, Scotland and Wales. A study in Fort Walton Beach found that speeding violations in school zones fell by 95% after cameras were installed. Fewer than 10% who received a violation reoffended. Drivers will change their behavior. They just need clear incentives.<\/p>\n \u201cStep Up For Students says school choice voucher applications are up despite concerns<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 A rising number of students are seeking the taxpayer-funded school choice vouchers, with 500,000 already applying for next school year since the window opened Feb. 1, Step Up For Students said. Voucher popularity continues to rise even as lawmakers have raised concerns about transparency and missing money in the state\u2019s booming voucher program. Despite concerns, the Legislature failed to pass any major reforms in the 2026 Session. A record-breaking 200,000 applications were submitted during the first three days of the application period, according to Step Up For Students, the nonprofit in charge of administering many of the vouchers.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida Bar, Supreme Court discipline eight lawyers for misconduct<\/a>\u201d via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics \u2014 The Florida Bar and Florida Supreme Court have disciplined eight more lawyers after misconduct findings. The most severe penalty was imposed on Michael Stephen Stanfield, a Jacksonville lawyer whose license was revoked. A Florida Bar news release said Stanfield had four disciplinary cases centered on client neglect and a misdemeanor conviction for reckless driving. The earliest he can reapply is 30 days following the revocation order. Six lawyers were suspended after a review of their cases involving misconduct. The final lawyer, Max Richard Price Jr. of Miami, received a public reprimand for a dispute over a co-counsel legal fee in a civil case settlement.<\/p>\n \u2014 D.C. MATTERS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAt Easter Egg Roll, Donald Trump tells the children about the war<\/a>\u201d via Maura Judkis of The Washington Post \u2014 Trump mixed policy remarks with tradition during the White House Easter Egg Roll, speaking about both rising global tensions and domestic issues. Addressing the rescue of a downed U.S. pilot in Iran, he said such missions are rare because \u201cyou lose 200 in order to pick up one,\u201d highlighting the risks involved. Trump also pointed to economic concerns, noting egg prices \u201ccame down 40%, 50%\u201d after last year\u2019s spike. On foreign policy, he warned, \u201cwe\u2019re never going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon,\u201d even if Americans must \u201cpay a little extra for fuel.\u201d First Lady Melania Trump emphasized the event\u2019s significance, calling it \u201ca very special Easter Egg Roll\u201d tied to the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n \u201cTrump renews threat of attacks on Iran bridges and power plants<\/a>\u201d via Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Erika Solomon and Richard P\u00e9rez-Pe\u00f1a of The New York Times \u2014 Trump escalated pressure on Iran as a new 10-point proposal emerged through mediators, calling it \u201ca significant step\u201d but insisting \u201cit\u2019s not good enough\u201d ahead of a looming deadline. The proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions and outlining reconstruction terms, though key details remain undisclosed. Trump reiterated demands for \u201cfree traffic of oil\u201d and warned of severe consequences if no deal is reached. Iran signaled it seeks a permanent end to hostilities and guarantees against future attacks. Analysts note that the gap between the two sides remains wide, with negotiations continuing under tight timelines. The latest development underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts even as military threats persist and tensions remain high.<\/p>\n \u201cTrump says God supports U.S. cause in Iran war as he threatens wider bombing<\/a>\u201d via Natalie Allison of The Washington Post \u2014 Trump is increasingly framing the war with Iran in religious terms, saying he believes divine support backs U.S. actions. \u201cI do, because God is good,\u201d Trump said, adding that \u201cGod wants to see people taken care of,\u201d even as he acknowledged, \u201cGod doesn\u2019t like what\u2019s happening.\u201d His comments come as he renews threats to expand strikes, including targeting infrastructure, while offering shifting explanations for the conflict\u2019s goals. Critics, including religious leaders, have pushed back, with some calling the rhetoric a \u201cdangerous escalation.\u201d Trump also pointed to past diplomacy, saying ending conflicts \u201cmakes me much happier than what we\u2019re doing right now,\u201d underscoring tensions between military action and stated preferences for peace.<\/p>\n \u201cPete Hegseth likens Easter rescue of U.S. airman to resurrection of Jesus Christ<\/a>\u201d via Chris Cameron of The New York Times \u2014 Defense Secretary Hegseth likened the rescue on Easter Sunday of a missing American airman shot down over Iran to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Minutes later, speaking at the same news conference describing the military operation, Trump asserted that God supports the Israeli-U.S. war against Iran, which has killed thousands, including many civilians. Trump said, \u201cGod doesn\u2019t like what\u2019s happening. I don\u2019t like what\u2019s happening. Everyone says I enjoy it. I don\u2019t enjoy this.\u201d In his account of the rescue operation, Hegseth drew parallels between the airman\u2019s ordeal and the account of Christ\u2019s death and resurrection given in the Bible. The F-15E fighter jet, he noted, was \u201cshot down on a Friday \u2014 Good Friday.\u201d That is the day Jesus was crucified.<\/p>\n \u201cCory Mills meets with Syrian President in Damascus<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 U.S. Rep. Mills made a solo trip to meet with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus. That marks at least the second unofficial trip in the last year to meet with the new Syrian President, who previously fought for an al-Qaeda-tied faction in the region. Al-Sharaa\u2019s Office promoted the meeting on its own social media. \u201cPresident Ahmad Al-Sharaa received, today at the People\u2019s Palace in Damascus, U.S. Congressman Cory Lee Mills,\u201d reads a post on X, accompanied by photos of the Syrian leader with Mills. \u201cDuring the meeting, discussions took place on the current regional and international situations, as well as a number of issues of common interest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 ELECTIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDavid Jolly says FL Dems can\u2019t presume they\u2019ve won \u2018hearts and minds\u2019 after recent wins<\/a>\u201d via the Florida Phoenix \u2014 The two upset legislative victories by Democrats in Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties last week came in part because the candidates received considerable support from independents and Republicans who crossed party lines. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jolly says that\u2019s the only way he can win in November, so he\u2019s actively courting those voters in his bid to become the first Democrat to sit in the Governor\u2019s mansion in Tallahassee in nearly three decades. \u201cLet\u2019s not fool ourselves. As Democrats, we need to lead a coalition strong enough to bring in independents and Republicans in a moment when people are screaming for change and begging for change,\u201d Jolly said in front of several hundred enthusiastic supporters at La Teresita restaurant.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Jolly riding an offshore blue wave? His Q1 fundraising suggests momentum is building<\/a>\u201d via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics \u2014 Florida gubernatorial candidate Jolly has raised $1 million since two Special Election wins last month that saw Democrats upset favored Republicans. Throughout the first quarter of 2026 and a short portion of April, Jolly\u2019s campaign raised $2 million. Jolly has now raised $5 million total since he entered the race in June. The $5 million total pales in comparison to Jolly\u2019s likely Republican opponent should he win the Democratic nomination. GOP front-runner Donalds has raised more than $67 million for his race, including more than $22 million in the first quarter. But while it\u2019s a much lower number, Jolly\u2019s most recent haul signals momentum for the Democrat. \u201cFloridians are hungry for leadership focused on lowering costs and bringing people together to solve Florida\u2019s urgent problems. This outpouring of support shows that donors across our state and the country recognize Florida is in play and that we are building a formidable campaign capable of winning this race,\u201d Jolly said.<\/p>\n \u201cEliott Rodriguez reports $312K raised in 21 days for CD 27<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Democrat Rodriguez amassed $312,000 over his first 21 days running for Florida\u2019s 27th Congressional District, according to preliminary figures from his campaign. The veteran Miami TV news anchor announced his candidacy for CD 27 on March 10. Over the next 21 days, he stacked more than $100,000 per week, his camp said, adding that the total came from \u201chundreds of individual donors.\u201d March 31, the last day of the first quarter, was Rodriguez\u2019s strongest fundraising day to date \u2014 a sign, his camp said, of \u201caccelerating support.\u201d \u201cThis is what consolidation looks like,\u201d Rodriguez\u2019s campaign strategist, Fernand Amandi, said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cRichard Lamondin expected to pivot from congressional run to SD 38 challenge<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Democratic entrepreneur Lamondin is expected to be announcing soon that he\u2019s exiting the race for Florida\u2019s 27th Congressional District and will instead seek the similarly Republican-held seat representing Senate District 38. The move \u2014 which Lamondin hinted at on X that he\u2019ll announce Tuesday \u2014 would come nearly a year to the day he first teased his inaugural run for public office. It\u2019s also relatively lateral; much of SD 38 sits in CD 27, and Lamondin has been engaging voters across the Miami-Dade County District since early April 2025. If he indeed switches to SD 38, he will challenge Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud, who flipped the seat red in 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cAnnette Taddeo weighs run for her old Senate seat as Dems seek to build on recent wins<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Former state Sen. Taddeo is strongly considering another run at elected office, this time for a very familiar post. Multiple sources have said that Taddeo plans to run for her old seat representing what is now Senate District 38, which she left to run for Congress in 2022. Several elected officials, consultants and politicos have been encouraging Taddeo to run, reasoning that her relatively strong name recognition, personal background, fundraising track record and proven ability to win in the District would make her a strong challenger to her Republican successor, Alexis Calatayud.<\/p>\n \u201cFelipe Sousa-Lazaballet raises $183K, gets new endorsements for HD 42 race<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 Sousa-Lazaballet has raised more than $183,000 in his campaign for House District 42 and continues to gain endorsements as he seeks to replace term-limited Rep. Anna Eskamani. The Democrat is running in a District covering Orlando, Winter Park and Maitland and is expected to face Republican Bonnie Jackson. His campaign said fundraising includes both his official account and the Thriving Together political committee. Recent endorsements include Shevrin Jones, Kevin Chambliss, Jervonte Edmonds and Ashley Gantt. Chambliss said Sousa-Lazaballet\u2019s work was \u201cdemonstrative of the kind of critical leadership he will provide.\u201d Sousa-Lazaballet said, \u201cI am so honored\u201d by the support as he builds a grassroots campaign focused on affordability concerns.<\/p>\n \u201cLori Berman, Fentrice Driskell lead flood of Dems endorsing Samuel Vilchez Santiago in HD 43<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 Vilchez Santiago says he has won the support of a majority of the Florida Democratic lawmakers in his bid for House District 43. Vilchez Santiago is a Democrat vying for the seat currently occupied by Rep. Johanna L\u00f3pez, who is not seeking re-election and is running for Orange County Board of Commissioners. He is currently set to face Republican Robert Prater, who unsuccessfully ran for the Orange County School Board in 2018 and the House in 2019. Senate Democratic Leader Berman and House Democratic Leader Driskell are backing Vilchez Santiago, according to his latest campaign press release. \u201cWe need leaders who will stand firm in protecting our rights and advancing policies that support families,\u201d Berman said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cMichael Holderness eyes HD 71 bid to replace Will Robinson after Kristen Truong withdraws<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 Businessman and former Fire Commissioner Holderness is weighing a run for the House after Truong withdrew from the race to succeed term-limited Bradenton Republican Rep. Robinson. That opens the door for a reshaped GOP Primary for House District 71 in Manatee County. Holderness, a conservative business leader, said he is \u201cseriously considering\u201d entering the contest in response to Truong\u2019s departure. Holderness said he will meet with key stakeholders over the coming weeks to thoroughly evaluate the impact his candidacy could have on the race. \u201cKristen Truong\u2019s departure creates a profound opening in this race, and it\u2019s one that I believe requires a strong, conservative voice rooted in our community,\u201d Holderness said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome to Miami: America\u2019s most ICE-besieged city<\/a>\u201d via Adrian Carrasquillo of The Bulwark \u2014 Miami is leading the nation in Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests, with roughly 9,900 detentions from December through March, a pace Mayor Higgins described as \u201cquieter, but there is more of it.\u201d The surge reflects policy shifts targeting immigrants whose legal protections expired, including those under temporary protected status. \u201cAt midnight, they became undocumented,\u201d Higgins said, noting authorities already know \u201cwhere they live, where they work.\u201d The crackdown is fueling fear across South Florida and raising concerns about economic fallout, particularly in health care, where thousands of workers face deportation. \u201cWe are scared here, people are scared,\u201d Higgins said, warning that the impact extends beyond immigrants to entire communities and essential services.<\/p>\n \u201cEmily Gregory to be sworn in for HD 87 seat Tuesday at Palm Beach Gardens City Hall<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Gregory, whose upset Special Election victory last month helped to invigorate talk of a November blue wave, will be sworn in to her House District 87 seat Tuesday afternoon. Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara Pariente will officiate the 4 p.m. swearing-in ceremony, held in the Council Chambers of Palm Beach Gardens City Hall. Community members, elected leaders and supporters will be in attendance, according to a media advisory from Gregory\u2019s Office. \u201cFlorida Democrats are on the right side of the issues, and we have the momentum,\u201d Gregory told CNN News Central, adding that candidates should lean into affordability issues, though not in a one-size-fits-all fashion.<\/p>\n \u201cBallots cast Tuesday, counted later: Surfside Mayoral Runoff results pushed to April 28, Judge rules<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 A Runoff for Surfside Mayor that was to be decided this week won\u2019t be finished until the end of the month, Miami-Dade Judge Lourdes Simon decided, ruling that administering the election during Passover would disenfranchise voters. Voters will still go to the polls on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., as originally planned, to choose whether they want former Mayor Shlomo Danzinger or Vice Mayor Tina Paul to take over as the town\u2019s top elected official. But results from that day won\u2019t be released until after 7 p.m. on April 28, through which vote-by-mail ballots for the contest will be accepted.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: C. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cNick Nesta\u2019s push to charge Apopka Mayor\u2019s wife in 2024 \u2018poking\u2019 incident impacts mayoral race<\/a>\u201d via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 An Apopka mayoral candidate once filed a police report against the incumbent Mayor\u2019s wife for allegedly pushing him \u2014 a move that nearly two years later, amid an already heated campaign, has led the Mayor to endorse another candidate as his successor. Apopka Commissioner Nesta, then 34, told police in July 2024 that Deborah Nelson, the then-66-year-old wife of Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson, had twice pushed him on the chest while the two spoke at a local event, according to a police report. Nelson told police she had poked Nesta once with her finger. No charges were filed.<\/p>\n \u201cFebruary was the 11th record month for tourist taxes. Will war end the run?<\/a>\u201d via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 Orange County\u2019s record run of tourist tax collections stretched to 11 consecutive months with February\u2019s receipts totaling $38.1 million, the most ever for a February, Comptroller Phil Diamond announced. The total was $2.68 million better than in February 2025, said Diamond, whose office tracks collections and spending revenue from the Tourist Development Tax. Collections are considered a key gauge of the local tourism industry\u2019s health. But these numbers were tallied before the United States\u2019 war with Iran, which has significantly pushed up gas prices. More expensive visits to the gas pump could affect visits to the region and, in turn, tax receipts in the next reporting period.<\/p>\n \u201cBrevard County to weigh AI tax breaks, $66M sewer funds<\/a>\u201d via Jim Waymer of Florida Today \u2014 Sewage and AI data centers are among the key environmental issues on Tuesday\u2019s Brevard County Commission agenda. Commissioners will consider a plan to pursue more than $66 million in state funding for South Beaches sewer projects, followed by a measure to stop any future artificial intelligence data centers from receiving property tax breaks. Tuesday\u2019s meeting includes a discussion of more than $66 million in loans from the State Revolving Fund for South Beaches sewer projects. As part of the State Revolving Fund process, a public hearing is required to explain the proposed projects, the capital costs and the long-term financial impact on customers and to give the public a chance to participate in evaluating the project alternatives.<\/p>\n \u201cFlagler appoints interim county admin, Heidi Petito\u2019s out April 11<\/a>\u201d via Brenno Carillo of the Daytona Beach News-Journal \u2014 A month after the Flagler Board of County Commissioners approved a mutual separation agreement with County Administrator Petito, the Board appointed her temporary replacement. Adam Mengel, the county\u2019s growth management director, will take over as interim County Administrator starting April 11, which will also mark Petito\u2019s last day. Petito has faced criticism from a majority of Board members since the end of 2025, culminating in the mutual separation agreement on March 2. Part of the agreement established that she could stay until no later than July, but with the possibility of an earlier departure. With former Deputy County Administrator Percy Sayles\u2019 resignation days before Petito announced her departure, Mengel had been serving in that role since March 11.<\/p>\n \u201cBartow voters to decide Commission race, charter overhaul Tuesday<\/a>\u201d via Paul Nutcher of The Ledger of Lakeland \u2014 Bartow voters head to the polls April 7 to choose a City Commissioner for Seat 4 and weigh four charter amendments that would shift municipal elections from April to November to boost turnout and reduce costs. Incumbent Gary Ball faces challengers Randy Niles and Eric Wells in the at-large race, while candidate Molly O\u2019Bryant withdrew after qualifying but remains listed on the ballot. Ball, a first-term Commissioner, points to experience in public safety and infrastructure planning, while Niles campaigns on preserving community character and managing growth. The Seat 5 East District race is uncontested, with Leo E. Longworth retaining his seat. All voting will take place at the Bartow Civic Center.<\/p>\n \u201cOrlando lawyer versus the NBA over a partnership deal with Emirates Airline<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 An Orlando lawyer is going up against the NBA as he represents a California businessman accusing the basketball league of icing him out of a partnership deal with Emirates Airline. Paul Edalat, an American-Iranian executive in the pharmaceutical industry, claims he was asked in 2014 to facilitate a partnership between the NBA and Emirates to help expose U.S. professional basketball to the Middle East. Edalat accused the NBA of going behind his back years later to approve the 2024 deal and taking advantage of Edalat\u2019s previous work and contacts, according to his federal lawsuit against NBA Properties, the NBA\u2019s marketing, merchandising and licensing arm.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: TB \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cCharlie Crist-aligned political committee launches first TV ad<\/a>\u201d via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics \u2014 Celebrating Opening Day for the Tampa Bay Rays, a political committee aligned with Crist is running an ad on local channels featuring the former Governor celebrating the rich history of baseball in St. Pete. The ad comes as Crist is expected to announce a run for Mayor soon, challenging incumbent Mayor Ken Welch. The ad briefly touches on the politics behind baseball in St. Pete, which hosts the Tampa Bay Rays\u2019 current home at Tropicana Field. Previous Rays leadership backed out of its agreement with the city of St. Pete and Pinellas County to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, where Tropicana Field is located. Now, the team is planning to move across the Bay to Tampa, a move that has frustrated some in St. Pete. \u201cOur community is facing important decisions about the future of baseball. It\u2019ll be important that we have leaders with the right vision,\u201d Crist says in the ad before pivoting away from politics. \u201cToday, let\u2019s put that aside and cheer on our team,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cplay ball!\u201d<\/p>\n To watch the ad, please click the image below<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cBrandi Gabbard kicking off campaign Tuesday as St. Petersburg mayoral candidates build early war chests<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 Gabbard\u2019s campaign will host an April 7 kickoff at 5:30 p.m. at 15th Street Farm in St. Petersburg, according to a digital invitation circulating online. The event aims to rally early supporters and donors as candidates look to build financial momentum ahead of first quarter campaign finance reports due April 10. The event comes just after the March 31 fundraising cutoff, meaning totals from the kickoff itself won\u2019t appear until the next reporting period. The kickoff marks one of Gabbard\u2019s first organized campaign events. Gabbard has focused her campaign on long-term planning and proactive governance.<\/p>\n \u201cBob Buckhorn continues fundraising momentum; hits $1.8M banked<\/a>\u201d via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics \u2014 Buckhorn will have plenty of cash available for an eventual mayoral bid, with another strong fundraising quarter for his affiliated political committee, Friends of Bob Buckhorn. The PC raised another $400,000 in the first quarter of 2026, bringing the total banked to $1.8 million. The strong showing comes after Buckhorn\u2019s PC similarly raised nearly $415,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025. \u201cI\u2019ve always believed Tampa\u2019s strength comes from its people, not its politics. The support we\u2019re receiving is about neighbors coming together around a shared vision \u2014 a Tampa for all of us, where every neighborhood is lifted up, and no one is left behind. That\u2019s what this campaign is about,\u201d Buckhorn told Florida Politics.<\/p>\n \u201cJane Castor cheers Rays return to Tropicana Field while negotiations for Tampa relocation loom<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 Tampa Mayor Castor is cheering the Tampa Bay Rays\u2019 return to Tropicana Field this week \u2014 their first game back in St. Petersburg since Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof \u2014 calling the moment symbolic of the region\u2019s broader recovery from the storms. The homecoming follows a season spent at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and has been met with strong fan enthusiasm, with tickets to Monday\u2019s opener selling out well before first pitch. Castor said the return to a fully repaired Tropicana Field is bittersweet \u2014 as the Rays move back across the bay to St. Petersburg, for now, as negotiations continue over a potential long-term move to a new ballpark in Tampa.<\/p>\n \u201cUSF, Tampa General land $2M to expand rural cancer care<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 In Florida alone, more than 662,000 residents live in non-metropolitan areas, where limited access to specialty cancer care and lagging screening rates often result in late-stage diagnoses of preventable cancers. One of those is cervical cancer, which is on the rise in rural communities. In some Florida counties, more than half of patients who are diagnosed are already in advanced stages. Too often, this results from patients\u2019 inability to access timely follow-up care after an abnormal screening result. With nearly $2 million in support from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute are working to eliminate geographic barriers to cervical cancer care.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: N. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cReggie Gaffney, Sr. launches comeback bid for Jacksonville City Council<\/a>\u201d via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics \u2014 Former Jacksonville City Council member Gaffney Sr. has filed to run for District 10 in the 2027 Election, seeking a return to the Council after serving from 2015 to 2022. He said he is running because \u201cthe people asked\u201d him to return and cited encouragement from local leaders, including incumbent Ju\u2019Coby Pittman. Gaffney had considered a state House bid but did not pursue it. The race already includes multiple candidates from different parties, while his son, Reggie Gaffney Jr., currently serves on the Council and is running for re-election. Gaffney\u2019s entry adds another experienced candidate to a crowded field and could shape the dynamics of the upcoming contest.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: SW. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cCape Coral First Amendment fight grows over logo cease-and-desist order<\/a>\u201d via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News \u2014 The city of Cape Coral is facing a legal fight after ordering residents and a local watchdog group to remove city logos from online posts. The city threatened fines and jail time. The dispute comes from a cease-and-desist letter sent to members of the Take Out The Trash Committee of Cape Coral, a group that has been critical of city leadership. The letter gave recipients 24 hours to remove city seals and logos from their website and social media, stating the images were used without authorization and warning that continued use could result in penalties, including imprisonment. Those targeted are now pushing back, arguing the city is trying to restrict political speech.<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP OPINION \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThe light that changed my life<\/a>\u201d via David French of The New York Times \u2014 Growing up in a strict Christian tradition meant rejecting holidays like Christmas and Easter as \u201cpagan vestiges,\u201d shaping an early but incomplete understanding of faith.<\/p>\n Some teachings never fully took hold, but without exposure to alternatives, there was little reason to question them. That changed later, when encountering broader expressions of Christianity opened the door to a deeper understanding.<\/p>\n A defining moment came during an Easter Vigil service in law school, where darkness gave way to candlelight symbolizing resurrection. The experience felt like a \u201crevelation,\u201d transforming abstract belief into something vivid and shared.<\/p>\n The symbolism pointed to a central claim: that Christ\u2019s resurrection, if true, \u201cchanges everything,\u201d offering eternal life and reshaping the meaning of existence.<\/p>\n That realization reframed how people are seen \u2014 not as temporary beings, but as individuals with eternal souls, making cruelty, especially in the name of faith, all the more disturbing.<\/p>\n At a time marked by anxiety and division, there are signs of renewed spiritual curiosity, particularly among younger people searching for purpose and meaning.<\/p>\n Memories of those lost bring that belief into focus, captured in a simple expression: \u201cWe miss you,\u201d a statement grounded in the conviction that death is not the end.<\/p>\n \u2014 MORE OPINIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cJames Uthmeier breaks precedent on nonviolent felon gun rights<\/a>\u201c via Danielle Campbell for Florida Politics \u2014 Uthmeier broke with precedent by arguing that a blanket ban on firearm possession for all felons is unconstitutional when applied to nonviolent offenders, citing Morgan v. State of Florida. He wrote that the Second Amendment allows disarming dangerous individuals, not categorically stripping rights from all felons, and applied the Supreme Court\u2019s text-and-history test in a supplemental brief. Each year, thousands are arrested under Florida statute 790.23, many tied to nonviolent offenses. That approach sweeps in people who have served their time yet return to high-crime communities without the legal ability to defend themselves. Treating minor, nonviolent offenders the same as violent criminals fuels mass incarceration and fails to improve public safety.<\/p>\n \u201cSB 1296 isn\u2019t about accountability \u2014 it silences Florida public workers<\/a>\u201d via Antonio White for Florida Politics \u2014 SB 1296 is drawing scrutiny as critics argue existing oversight already ensures accountability for Florida\u2019s public-sector unions. A recent complaint reviewed by the Public Employees Relations Commission demonstrated that \u201cthe system worked exactly as designed,\u201d with established processes addressing concerns under current law. Supporters say the bill enhances transparency, while opponents question why new requirements are needed if accountability mechanisms are already in place. The proposal would introduce additional reporting rules and administrative layers affecting a wide range of public employees. Critics also note uneven application across different unions, raising questions about consistency. As debate continues, the central issue remains whether the legislation strengthens oversight or creates new barriers for public workers operating under existing regulatory frameworks.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what will ruin public opinion polling for good<\/a>\u201d via Leif Weatherby and Benjamin Recht for The New York Times \u2014 A recent Axios report highlighted concerns about \u201cfindings\u201d on maternal health that were later revealed to be generated by artificial intelligence rather than real respondents. The practice, known as silicon sampling, uses AI models to simulate public opinion at a lower cost and faster speed than traditional polling. Supporters argue it can overcome declining response rates, but critics warn it undermines the purpose of polling, which is to measure actual human views. Experts note that even traditional polls rely on imperfect modeling, but AI-driven simulations may amplify bias. One analysis found that such systems can reflect the assumptions of their creators rather than real sentiment. As adoption grows, concerns are mounting that synthetic data could erode trust in public opinion research and distort decision-making.<\/p>\n \u2014 INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 ALOE \u2014<\/p>\n<\/a>Makayla Paggio joins Capital Resources \u2014 bringing Tallahassee experience to client fundraising and event execution.<\/p>\n<\/a>Lauren Book continues statewide walk in Naples \u2014 raising awareness and support for survivors.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a>Ron DeSantis holds off on endorsement \u2014 leaving the Florida Governor\u2019s race wide-open.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a>Byron Donalds brings \u2018Defending the Florida Dream\u2019 tour to Melbourne \u2014 focusing on public safety and affordability.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Ron DeSantis signs domestic terrorism bill \u2014 expanding state authority over organizations and campus enforcement.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Donald Trump mixes Easter Egg Roll festivities with policy remarks \u2014 blending celebration with global tensions.<\/p>\n<\/a>Ahmed Al-Sharaa receives Cory Mills in Damascus. Photo via X.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a>David Jolly urges coalition strategy \u2014 says Democrats must win over independents and Republicans.<\/p>\n<\/a>Eliott Rodriguez raises $312K in 21 days \u2014 signaling early momentum in CD 27 race.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\u2014 LOCAL: S. FL \u2014<\/p>\n<\/a>Emily Gregory to be sworn in for House District 87 \u2014 marking momentum after Special Election win.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Nick Nesta\u2019s police report resurfaces in the Apopka race \u2014 incident prompts a shift in endorsements from Bryan Nelson.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Reggie Gaffney Sr. launches Jacksonville City Council comeback bid \u2014 entering crowded District 10 race.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Cape Coral logo dispute sparks First Amendment fight \u2014 residents challenge cease-and-desist order.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n