___<\/p>\n A special top-of-Burn birthday shoutout to the Congressman from Florida\u2019s 2nd District, our friend Jimmy Patronis.<\/p>\n \u201cWishing my wonderful husband, Jimmy Patronis, a very special birthday today. He has been working tirelessly for the people of NW Florida by fighting for common sense in Washington, D.C., since being elected last year. He is also an amazing husband and father to our two boys \u2014 one of which graduates this year! Time flies! Please join me in telling him Happy Birthday today!\u201d \u2014 Katie Patronis.<\/p>\n We couldn\u2019t have said it better ourselves.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Congratulations to Jean and James Uthmeier, who are expecting their fourth child later this year!<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n What this descendant of Hungarian immigrants is reading \u2014 \u201cEarthquake in Hungary: Viktor Orb\u00e1n defeated after 16 years in power<\/a>\u201d via Zachary Basu of Axios \u2014 Hungarian voters have ended Prime Minister Orb\u00e1n\u2019s 16-year rule, electing opposition leader P\u00e9ter Magyar in a high-turnout election that signals a major political shift. Magyar, a former ally who broke with Orb\u00e1n, built a broad coalition of disillusioned conservatives and opposition voters to secure victory. The result follows years of corruption allegations, economic strain and tensions with the European Union under Orb\u00e1n\u2019s leadership. Orb\u00e1n conceded defeat, according to Magyar, after aides had earlier alleged fraud. The outcome carries global implications, potentially reshaping Hungary\u2019s relationships with the United States, Russia and the E.U., while raising questions about whether Magyar can secure enough power to reverse Orb\u00e1n-era constitutional changes.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Lauren Book is on the move! Today, the Walk heads to Pasco County, starting with a morning school visit and then a community walk. She\u2019ll be joined by U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, the local child advocacy center, the sexual assault treatment center Pasco Kids First, Sunrise of Pasco, and many others. You can follow along, watch live, or sign up to walk at LaurensKidsWalk.org.<\/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 anyone following Florida politics, this tool is a game-changer. It helps you get timely, in-depth reporting on the Governor\u2019s office, the Legislature, and major campaigns.<\/p>\n If you choose Florida Politics<\/a> as a preferred source, you\u2019ll see its top stories first, including updates on property insurance and the state budget. Here\u2019s a simple step-by-step guide<\/a> to set it up. You can also stay connected through our breaking news text messages<\/a>, follow @Fla_Pol on X,<\/a> or sign up for newsletters like Last Call, Takeaways from Tallahassee<\/a>, and Delegation<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS \u2014<\/p>\n Tweet. tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@magyarpeterMP: Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n has just called to congratulate us on our victory.<\/p>\n \u2014@vonderleyen: Ma este Eur\u00f3pa sz\u00edve er\u0151sebben dobog Magyarorsz\u00e1gon. Europe\u2019s heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight.<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@RealDonaldTrump: James Blair, my Deputy Chief of Staff, is one of the brightest political minds in the Country who has done tremendous work to prepare Republicans to DEFY LONGSTANDING HISTORY AND WIN the Midterms, just as he helped me do in 2024, BY A LANDSLIDE. James never wavered from the fight because he is a Political WARRIOR! Now, James will be taking a short leave of absence to lead the charge from the outside against the Radical Left, Country Destroying Democrats. He will do a fantastic job, and then, after the Election, return again to the White House, so we can finish the job and KEEP AMERICA GREAT!<\/p>\n \u2014@EndWokeness: Rep. Mar\u00eda Salazar (R) goes mask off: The real goal of her \u201cDignity Act\u201d is to keep the illegals here so that they\u2019ll eventually receive citizenship. Primary anyone who votes for this<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@BSFarrington: How drastically have things changed at @AP<\/a>? In February 2020, before the COVID shutdown, I asked for a Friday and Monday off during the Legislative Session to see my dying father. They said no, I was too critical for our Florida Statehouse coverage. I never got to say goodbye to my father in person. This year, AP decided they don\u2019t need anyone in Tallahassee at all, not during Session and apparently not ever. My 27+ years at AP were mostly wonderful. Now, it\u2019s just sad to see how upper management is destroying one of the most important news organizations in our country\u2019s history.<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@RJWile: Blowing up the lux resort to build an even luxier resort \u2026 Miami continues to cement itself as ground zero for hypercapitalism<\/p>\n \u2014 DAYS UNTIL \u2014<\/p>\n Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins \u2014 2; MLB Jackie Robinson Day \u2014 2; \u2018Jerry West: The Logo\u2019 premieres on Amazon Prime \u2014 3; First Qualifying Period begins (U.S. Senate) \u2014 7; FAMU President Marva Johnson\u2019s investiture \u2014 8; Florida Housings Solutions Summit \u2014 9; NFL Draft begins \u2014 10; Federal Qualifying Period ends \u2014 11; F1 Miami begins \u2014 18; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Disney World \u2014 20; \u2018The Punisher: One Last Kill\u2019 premieres on Disney+ \u2014 29; \u2018Yellowstone\u2019 spinoff \u2018Dutton Ranch\u2019 premieres \u2014 32; \u2018Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu\u2019 premieres \u2014 39; new mission for \u2018Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run\u2019 premieres at Disney World \u2014 39; Marvel\u2019s \u2018Spider-Noir\u2019 arrives on Amazon Prime \u2014 44; MLB Lou Gehrig Day \u2014 50; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit \u2014 51; \u2018Masters of The Universe\u2019 premieres \u2014 53; \u2018Cape Fear\u2019 series premieres on Apple TV \u2014 53; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) \u2014 56; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City \u2014 59; Steven Spielberg\u2019s \u2018Disclosure Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 60; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices \u2014 60; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 \u2014 62; Flag Day \u2014 62; President Donald Trump\u2019s 80th birthday \u2014 62; \u2018Toy Story 5\u2019 premieres \u2014 67; \u2018Supergirl\u2019 premieres \u2014 74; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates \u2014 74; live-action \u2018Moana\u2019 premieres \u2014 79; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 82; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 87; MLB All-Star Game \u2014 92; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline \u2014 94; Primary Election voter registration deadline \u2014 98; \u2018Spider-Man: Brand New Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 109; Primary Election ballot request deadline \u2014 115; Early voting period begins \u2014 117; Primary Election Day \u2014 127; NFL regular season kicks off \u2014 149; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia \u2014 150; Yankees host the Mets for 9\/11 anniversary \u2014 151; MLB Roberto Clemente Day \u2014 155; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 159; General Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 164; Domestic General Election VBM deadline \u2014 171; General Election voter registration deadline \u2014 175; Early Voting General Election begins \u2014 194; General Election \u2014 204; \u2018Godzilla Minus Zero\u2019 premieres \u2014 207; \u2018Dune: Part 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 249; \u2018Avengers: Doomsday\u2019 premieres \u2014 249; untitled Star Wars movie premieres \u2014 249; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas \u2014 287; Super Bowl LXI \u2014 307; Tampa Mayoral Election \u2014 323; 2027 Oscars \u2014 335; Jacksonville First Election \u2014 344; Jacksonville General Election \u2014 400; \u2018Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse\u2019 premieres \u2014 418; \u2018MIAMI VICE\u2019 reboot premieres \u2014 480; \u2018Bluey The Movie\u2019 premieres \u2014 480; \u2018The Batman 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 536; \u2018Avengers: Secret Wars\u2019 premieres \u2014 613; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans \u2014 651; 2028 Oscars \u2014 692; \u2018Lilo & Stitch 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 774; \u2018Incredibles 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 795; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony \u2014 823; U.S. Presidential Election \u2014 939; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa \u2014 1,015; Avatar 4 premieres \u2014 1,339; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami \u2014 1,379; Avatar 5 premieres \u2014 2,070.<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP STORY \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cJames Blair to temporarily depart White House for Donald Trump\u2019s political operation<\/a>\u201d via Adam Wren, Alex Gangitano and Dasha Burns of POLITICO \u2014 White House deputy Chief of Staff Blair will take a temporary leave to run Trump\u2019s political operation ahead of the Midterm Elections, Trump announced Friday.<\/p>\n The move allows Blair to keep his White House position while directing campaign strategy and spending externally, according to people familiar with the discussions.<\/p>\n Chief of Staff Susie Wiles called Blair \u201ca most valuable political asset,\u201d saying the decision reflects a \u201ccommon sense\u201d effort to position Republicans for Midterm success.<\/p>\n Trump praised Blair as \u201cone of the brightest political minds in the country,\u201d crediting him with helping deliver a 2024 landslide and preparing Republicans to \u201cdefy long-standing history.\u201d<\/p>\n Blair has already been leading the party\u2019s 2026 Midterm strategy, making the shift a formal expansion of his political role.<\/p>\n Before joining the White House, Blair worked for Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans, later earning Trump\u2019s public praise as \u201cBrilliant James.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 2026 \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cPoll: Byron Donalds at 50% in GOP Governor\u2019s Primary as most voters support federal AI framework<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 U.S. Rep. Donalds holds a dominant lead in Florida\u2019s Republican Primary for Governor, capturing 50% support in a new poll from The Tarrance Group. That places him far ahead of rivals like James Fishback at 9% and Jay Collins at 6%, with 27% of voters still undecided. Donalds\u2019 support has grown since January, boosted by regional gains and increased awareness of Trump\u2019s endorsement, now recognized by 53% of GOP voters. The poll also found strong backing for federal regulation of artificial intelligence, with 64% favoring congressional oversight. Support is also high for Trump\u2019s National AI Policy Framework, particularly among Republicans, as the crowded race continues to take shape.<\/p>\n \u2014\u201dDonalds: Regime change is imminent in Cuba<\/a>\u201d via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics <\/p>\n \u201cAfter Florida Special Election wins, this Democrat raked in cash<\/a>\u201d via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 David Jolly saw a major fundraising surge after Democrats flipped two Republican-leaning legislative seats in the March Special Elections, bringing in more than $900,000 in a single week. The former Republican-turned-Democrat said the wins energized donors and voters, with supporters feeling \u201cmore enthused than ever to turn out and to win elections.\u201d Jolly, now nearing $5 million in raised funds, holds a commanding lead over Primary rival Jerry Demings, who has collected about $650,000. A $500,000 donation from hedge fund executive Donald Sussman boosted Jolly\u2019s totals. Still, Jolly cautioned against overconfidence, saying Democrats must \u201cprove ourselves worthy\u201d to a newly emerging coalition ahead of November.<\/p>\n Ted Yoho backs Paul Renner for Governor \u2014 Former U.S. Rep. Yoho has endorsed former House Speaker Renner for Governor, praising his conservative record and leadership. \u201cPaul Renner is a tried-and-tested conservative fighter,\u201d Yoho said, adding he has delivered on priorities such as tax cuts, school choice, tort reform and public safety. Yoho, who served North Florida in Congress from 2013 to 2021, also credited Renner\u2019s role as Speaker in advancing the agenda of DeSantis, saying he was a key partner in maintaining Florida\u2019s \u2018Free State\u2019 status. Renner welcomed the endorsement, calling Yoho\u2019s support an honor and praising his \u2018principled leadership,\u2019 while pledging to continue fighting to lower costs, protect constitutional rights and keep Florida leading nationally.<\/p>\n Happening today \u2014 Renner will host a stop on his \u2018affordability now tour\u2019 in Crawfordville, holding a roundtable with local business owners, homeowners and community stakeholders to discuss rising costs, including property taxes, utility bills, insurance premiums and health care: 12:30 p.m. ET, Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce, 23 High Drive. RSVP at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014\u201dJames Uthmeier gets endorsement from Florida Police Benevolent Association<\/a>\u201d via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics<\/p>\n \u2014 ELECTIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014\u201dHere are 5 federal fundraising reports that already turned our heads days from the Q1 deadline<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics<\/p>\n Brice Barnes posts $100K first-day haul in CD 2 bid \u2014 Barnes launched her campaign for Florida\u2019s 2nd Congressional District with more than $100,000 raised in the first 24 hours, drawing contributions from nearly 100 Florida donors and signaling early momentum. The Tallahassee-based candidate said the response reflects growing demand for new leadership as families face rising costs for \u201cgroceries, gas, health care, and housing.\u201d Barnes called the support \u201cincredible\u201d and said it shows voters \u201care ready for a representative who understands their concerns and will fight for them in Congress.\u201d She pledged to focus on lowering costs, protecting Panhandle industries, and expanding access to affordable health care.<\/p>\n \u201cAaron Baker wants Dan Bilzerian to switch districts, but the \u2018King of Instagram\u2019 has sights set on Randy Fine<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 Bilzerian is doubling down on his bid for Florida\u2019s 6th Congressional District, rejecting Baker\u2019s suggestion to run instead in the open 16th District. Baker argued Bilzerian would have \u201can easier time winning\u201d elsewhere and questioned his viability, saying he hasn\u2019t raised enough to defeat U.S. Rep. Fine. But Bilzerian said his candidacy is singularly focused: \u201cIt\u2019s about unseating Randy Fine. I think that needs to be done.\u201d He also criticized both Fine and Trump, calling Trump \u201ca total disaster.\u201d With the ability to self-fund up to $1 million, Bilzerian is positioning himself as a serious, if unconventional, challenger in a growing GOP Primary field.<\/p>\n First in Sunburn \u2014 Maxwell Frost posts $660K Q1 haul powered by small donors \u2014 U.S. Rep. Frost\u2019s re-election campaign raised more than $660,000 in the first quarter without accepting corporate PAC money, reporting over 24,000 contributions and $1.4 million cash on hand. The campaign said 13,260 unique donors fueled the effort, with an average contribution of $26 and more than half coming from small-dollar donations under $200. Finance Director Jennifer Khosla said the totals reflect \u201ca people-powered movement\u201d driven by grassroots support. The campaign is investing heavily in year-round organizing, including voter outreach and youth training programs, logging nearly 100,000 voter contacts and expanding a fellowship pipeline for young organizers across Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cMar\u00eda Elvira Salazar raises nearly $1M in three months as she gears up for re-election<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 U.S. Rep. Salazar raised nearly $1 million over the past three months to defend a Miami-Dade battleground District. Salazar shared exclusively with Florida Politics that her re-election campaign and leadership committee, the Salazar Victory Committee, raised just shy of $949,000 in the first three months of 2026. \u201cWith nearly $1 million raised in the first quarter alone, South Florida is sending an unmistakable message: voters stand firmly behind Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar,\u201d reads a statement. That\u2019s more than the $922,000 Salazar raised over the course of 2025 and brings her total haul for the election cycle north of $1.87 million. She closed 2025 with more than $1.7 million in her account, and the formal filing will likely show even more cash on hand. \u201cIn FL-27, they know Congresswoman Salazar is a relentless advocate who delivers results and never backs down from fighting for her community,\u201d the campaign statement reads. \u201cThat confidence is driving the overwhelming support reflected in a quarter in which she outraised her opponents nearly 3 to 1.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFentrice Driskell continues to outpace Michele Rayner in cash race for SD 16<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 House Democratic Leader Driskell\u2019s campaign account brought in more than $22,000 during the first quarter of 2026, pushing her campaign\u2019s total to just under $160,000 since launching her bid. She has spent about $104,000, leaving about $56,000 in cash on hand. The Fentrice for Florida PC raised about $12,200 in the first quarter and has about $167,260 available for the ongoing campaign. Rayner\u2019s campaign, meanwhile, raised just over $5,100 in the first quarter of this year. Her campaign has raised about $71,500 in total but has already spent about $64,500 \u2014 leaving about $7,000 in cash on hand. Her affiliated PC, Florida Always and Forever Ours, brought in $9,600 during the quarter and has roughly $22,400 on hand.<\/p>\n Mitch Rosenwald endorses Luis Salazar for HD 64 \u2014 Salazar\u2019s campaign for House District 64 has picked up an endorsement from Rep. Rosenwald. \u201cLuis Salazar represents the very best of grassroots leadership,\u201d said Rosenwald. \u201cHe\u2019s earned the trust of his community by showing up, building bridges, and fighting for people who too often feel unheard. I\u2019m confident he will be a strong and effective voice for District 64.\u201d Rosenwald\u2019s endorsement follows a recent endorsement from newly elected state Sen. Brian Nathan.<\/p>\n \u201cJennifer Winkler grows campaign coffers to $150K in bid for open HD 74 seat<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 Winkler has raised $150,000 in her bid for Florida House District 74, emerging as a well-funded contender in a crowded Republican Primary to replace term-limited Rep. James Buchanan. Winkler reported raising about $42,000 in the first quarter, with additional funds boosting her total and leaving more than $140,000 in combined cash on hand. Thanking supporters, Winkler said, \u201cSarasota needs a strong and experienced voice in Tallahassee who will fight to lower insurance premiums\u201d and improve affordability. She faces several GOP opponents, including Nick Pachota and Kelly Ann Walker, in a race likely to decide the seat in the heavily Republican District.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Overwhelming support\u2019: Wayne Richter raises $82K in first month running to flip HD 85<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Democratic lawyer Richter had a successful opening round of fundraising in his bid to flip the Treasure Coast\u2019s House District 85 blue in November. Between when he launched his campaign in late February and March 31, Richter amassed more than $82,000 through a blend of personal checks and business contributions \u2014 mostly from the legal profession \u2014 and a $4,000 self-loan. He also spent close to $15,000 on fundraising event costs, campaign signs, donation-processing fees, bank fees and a $2,000 donation to Emily Gregory, who became the first Democrat this century to win nearby House District 87 last month. Richter entered April with roughly $69,000 on hand between his campaign account and political committee, Restore Our Community.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Strong support\u2019: Ashley Litwin Diego reports $50K haul in Q1 for HD 106 bid<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Litwin Diego has turned in another solid round of fundraising, which says she amassed more than $50,000 last quarter toward flipping House District 106. That haul, combined with prior gains, would put her total fundraising since she launched her campaign in October at more than $160,000. Litwin Diego\u2019s campaign credits her fiscal standing to \u201cstrong grassroots support\u201d and a \u201cbroad network of community members who believe in her vision of compassion, fairness, and common sense solutions.\u201d Official campaign finance reports for local and state-level races are due by the end of Friday. As of press time, none of the three candidates in the HD 106 race had submitted reports. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly grateful for the strong support behind our campaign, because it reflects what I\u2019m hearing from families every day: people are ready for someone who will listen, show up, and fight for them,\u201d Litwin Diego said.<\/p>\n \u2014 STATEWIDE \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cLegislative budget panel poised to sign off on World Cup, rural health care money<\/a>\u201d via Gary Fineout of POLITICO \u2014 State lawmakers remain deadlocked on a new Florida budget, but the Legislative Budget Commission will meet April 17 to approve more than $3 billion in amendments directing funds to nursing training, rural hospitals and security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move is notable after House and Senate Republicans disagreed on convening the panel, which last met in September. A key proposal would allocate nearly $210 million in federal rural health grants tied to the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act,\u201d aligning with Senate President Ben Albritton\u2019s stalled rural priorities. Other items include Medicaid funding shifts, cancer hospital payments and emergency transport support. The panel will also weigh workforce and residency funding. Lawmakers have not set a date to finalize the next fiscal year\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n \u201cNew specialty license plates approved for 2026 after Ron DeSantis signs bill into law<\/a>\u201d via Malcom Harvey of First Coast News \u2014 DeSantis has approved new specialty license plates under SB 246, expanding options while tightening financial oversight. Beginning Oct. 1, plates honoring groups such as the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Christopher Columbus High School, UFC, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, Miami Dade College, Florida Film Legacy and St. Petersburg College will be available, along with an updated Endless Summer design. Proceeds will continue supporting scholarships, charitable programs and community initiatives tied to each group. The law also requires sponsoring organizations to submit five-year financial projections within 60 days and to comply with audit requirements. Noncompliance could lead to deauthorization, with funds redirected. The state must also publish an annual financial transparency report.<\/p>\n \u201cDeSantis pushes ahead on redistricting, despite opposition<\/a>\u201d via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 The tide seems to be turning against a gambit by DeSantis to redraw Florida\u2019s congressional districts, a move made at the behest of Trump to help Republicans maintain control of Congress. Nonetheless, DeSantis is pushing forward, having called the Florida Legislature back to Tallahassee for a Special Redistricting Session starting April 20. However, neither his office nor legislative leaders have released plans on how they want to redraw the state\u2019s congressional maps. DeSantis claims the state\u2019s population growth means those maps need to be redone in a rare mid-decade move, but there is plenty of opposition. Recent polling by Emerson College show 56% of Florida voters don\u2019t want congressional districts redrawn, and key Florida Congressional Republicans are warning that redistricting could have the unintended consequences of turning red seats blue at the same time Trump\u2019s approval ratings are plummeting.<\/p>\n \u201cUthmeier warns Miss America on men in \u2018women-only\u2019 pageant<\/a>\u201d via Kennedy Owens of Florida\u2019s Voice \u2014 Uthmeier issued a letter to Miss America IP, Inc. and its state affiliate, Miss Florida Scholarship Program, Inc., on Friday, stating that they could violate Florida\u2019s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by requiring female competitors to compete against biological men. According to the Attorney General\u2019s office, both Miss America and Miss Florida promote their programs as competitions for women, with eligibility language on their websites stating that contestants must be female. Uthmeier argued that any discrepancy between those representations and actual participation rules could mislead applicants.<\/p>\n \u201cWar over college accreditors hits a pivotal test at the 11th Circuit<\/a>\u201d via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida \u2014 Florida urged a federal appeals court to revive a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the accreditation system for colleges and universities, arguing that Congress delegated too much authority to private accrediting agencies. The case was dismissed in 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra. Florida filed the lawsuit after disputes with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a longtime accrediting agency for colleges and universities in the state. During a hearing Friday in Miami, state attorney Nathan Forrester asked a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn Becerra\u2019s ruling and allow the case to move forward. Accreditation of colleges and universities is important, in part, because it helps determine whether students qualify for federal financial aid. <\/p>\n \u201cAppeals court says hospital, doctor, nurse shielded in sexual assault lawsuit<\/a>\u201d via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida \u2014 In a case hinging on whether it involved medical malpractice, an appeals court Friday said a Southwest Florida hospital system, a doctor and a nurse are shielded from a lawsuit filed by a patient who alleges she was sexually assaulted after seeking emergency care. A three-judge panel of the 6th District Court of Appeal overturned a circuit judge\u2019s ruling that the case involved claims about sexual assault, not medical malpractice. The distinction is critical because plaintiffs must comply with notice requirements before filing medical malpractice lawsuits. The appeals court concluded that the case involved malpractice claims and that Lee Health System, physician Keith Burley and nurse Shannon Rice did not receive proper notice before it was filed. As a result, it said they should be dismissed from the case. The lawsuit alleges that the woman, identified as Jane Doe, was sexually assaulted by physician assistant Marten Karlsson in 2023 after she went to the Cape Coral Hospital emergency room because of a problem with a catheter following a hysterectomy.<\/p>\n \u201cPolice use Flock license plate cameras for ICE surveillance<\/a>\u201d via Jack Lemnus of Treasure Coast Newspapers \u2014 Florida law enforcement agencies share hundreds of thousands of license plate records with other agencies around the country each month, including immigration-related surveillance, police records show. Most agencies use AI-powered license plate reader cameras made by the private company Flock Safety. Its cameras record everything from tag numbers to bumper stickers to car colors. Police do not need a warrant to track drivers, and the data can be stored for weeks. Flock says its cameras help small police departments find missing people or stolen cars. But an analysis of over 5 million Flock searches in Florida shows that its cameras are increasingly being used to track down suspected undocumented immigrants. Three Treasure Coast agencies have said they don\u2019t actively participate in immigration enforcement, but they ran at least 25 searches for immigration reasons in 2025<\/p>\n \u2014 D.C. MATTERS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cTrump was watching a UFC fight in Miami while Iran talks collapsed<\/a>\u201d via Katie Rogers of The New York Times \u2014 As Vice President JD Vance took a podium in Pakistan and said no deal had been reached to end the war in Iran, Trump was in Miami watching a mixed martial arts fight. The political reality facing Trump is grim, just as the economic reality facing Americans appears to worsen. It was unclear whether the President knew that negotiations had failed by the time he entered the arena for the UFC event to a Kid Rock song and thunderous applause. He wasn\u2019t tapping away on his phone \u2014 he left that to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who at one point leaned over to show the President his screen \u2014 and he didn\u2019t betray disappointment or anger. He offered tight smiles for the cameras instead, and a thumbs-up for the winners.<\/p>\n \u201cTrump promises mass pardons to staff before leaving office<\/a>\u201d via Josh Dawsey of The Wall Street Journal \u2014 Trump has repeatedly promised his top administration officials pardons before he leaves office. \u201cI\u2019ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval,\u201d Trump said in a recent meeting to laughs. That radius appears to be expanding as the President repeats the line. Another person who met with Trump earlier this year said the President quipped about pardoning anyone who had come within 10 feet.<\/p>\n \u201cHouse Ethics Committee to consider sanctions for Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on April 21<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 The House Ethics Committee will meet April 21 to vote on sanctions for U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, potentially including expulsion. That means a meeting that could signal the end of the Miramar Democrat\u2019s congressional career will take place just as Florida state lawmakers consider a map that could make her re-election virtually impossible. The Ethics meeting is scheduled less than a month after an adjudicating panel affirmed 25 counts violating House rules, most in connection to allegations she siphoned millions in disaster relief funding to her congressional campaign account. The meeting will mark the first time the 10 members of the evenly divided Ethics Committee will publicly discuss the allegations.<\/p>\n \u201cConservatives launch fierce attack on Salazar immigration bill<\/a>\u201d via Jamie Dupree of WLRN \u2014 While most lawmakers on Capitol Hill focused on Trump and the U.S. military strikes against Iran over the Easter break, conservative groups launched a surprise offensive against a bipartisan immigration reform bill in Congress, creating a wave of attacks against the plan introduced by U.S. Rep. Salazar. Salazar represents Key Biscayne and made her home on the island in 2024. While the timing may have been unusual \u2013 with Congress out of town \u2013 there was no surprise about the main argument made by opponents of the Salazar bill. \u201cThe \u2018Dignity Act\u2019 is just amnesty,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, as more conservative GOP lawmakers dumped on Salazar\u2019s bill via social media from all around the country. \u201cThe Dignity Act is mass amnesty and would constitute a terrible betrayal of our votes,\u201d added U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill.<\/p>\n Rick Scott touts agriculture as backbone, calls for federal support \u2014 U.S. Sen. Scott met with community leaders to highlight Florida\u2019s agriculture industry, calling it \u201cthe backbone of our state\u2019s economy\u201d and stressing its role in jobs and daily life. He said farmers\u2019 \u201chard work and resilience\u201d make it possible for families to thrive and \u201clive their American Dream.\u201d Scott acknowledged the challenges posed by storms and freezes that have strained producers, adding that the \u201cprevious administration was a disaster for farmers.\u201d He urged stronger federal partnerships to aid recovery, saying the government should \u201cshow up and partner with state, local, and community leaders.\u201d Praising Trump, Scott said policies are now \u201cfinally happening\u201d to support farmers and pledged continued advocacy alongside Florida\u2019s congressional delegation.<\/p>\n \u201cIn wake of tragedy, endowment created to honor Nancy Metayer Bowen\u2019s legacy<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Family, friends and supporters of slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen have launched a new endowment to preserve her legacy and support her loved ones following her death. The Nancy Metayer Endowment, announced this week, is intended to honor her commitment to resilience, equality and justice while also providing financial assistance to her immediate family as they grieve. Organizers said the fund will help ensure stability for her loved ones in the aftermath of what they described as an \u201cunimaginable loss,\u201d coming just months after the Metayer family endured another tragedy. Those behind the effort are also encouraging community members to contribute and to carry forward Metayer Bowen\u2019s values through acts of compassion and service.<\/p>\n \u201cNo FIU students are suspended over racist group chat yet. It\u2019s roiling campus<\/a>\u201d via Claire Heddles and Lauren Costantino of the Miami Herald \u2014 Florida International University President Jeanette Nu\u00f1ez is being sued for bringing conduct charges against students in a racist group chat \u2014 and protested on campus for not doing enough. None of the involved students has faced suspension or expulsion since the slur-filled chats became known five weeks ago, and Nu\u00f1ez announced stiff punishments were on the table. The university has been investigating the chats since last Fall, according to a federal First Amendment lawsuit filed by four of the students facing conduct charges. For at least one of the students, an attorney for FIU told a federal judge a hearing was \u201clikely to be held in mid-April\u201d to determine the consequences for the charges. But that hearing has not yet been scheduled, the students\u2019 attorney said.<\/p>\n \u201cNatalie Milian Orbis crosses $750K raised to defend Miami-Dade Commission seat<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Miami-Dade Commissioner Milian Orbis added nearly $207,000 last quarter toward defending her District 6 seat. That haul, combined with Milian Orbis\u2019 fundraising since her appointment to the seat in early May 2025, brings her total gains to more than $758,000 between her campaign account and political committee, Dade Families First. After spending close to $38,000 on consulting, voter contacts, mailers, accounting fees and merchant fees, she entered April with more than $561,000 on hand \u2014 a strong war chest, considering she\u2019s still unopposed. \u201cI\u2019m really grateful to the residents, friends, and families who continue to support our campaign,\u201d Milian Orbis said in a statement.<\/p>\n Miami-Dade GOP hosts Boris Johnson fireside chat \u2014 The Republican Party of Miami-Dade County will host former United Kingdom Prime Minister Johnson for an exclusive \u201cStatesman Fireside Chat\u201d on April 23 at 7 p.m. in Coral Gables. Johnson, who served from 2019 to 2022, is expected to discuss leadership, global politics and the challenges facing democratic nations, drawing on his time in office and transatlantic relationships. Organizers are billing the event as an intimate, thought-provoking conversation focused on the future of the United Kingdom and the United States. Due to security restrictions, the exact venue will be disclosed 72 hours before the event. <\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: C. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cA Valencia College student was leaving for work. ICE was waiting outside<\/a>\u201d via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 A Venezuelan student in Central Florida was detained by immigration authorities despite having legal status, highlighting growing concerns about enforcement tactics. A.G., who has a work permit, Social Security number and pending asylum case, said he was shocked when agents arrested him outside his apartment, telling them, \u201cI cannot go back to my country\u201d due to political persecution. He was held for days in a high-security facility before a federal judge ordered his release. \u201cI was doing everything right,\u201d he said. The case underscores fears that even law-abiding immigrants are increasingly vulnerable to detention under expanded enforcement.<\/p>\n \u201cMeet the Orange County woman fighting sprawl and DeSantis administration<\/a>\u201d via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 For a few years now, Rachel Hildebrand, an east Orange County mom of twins, has been a feisty advocate for her rural community in a never-ending legal fight against urban sprawl and mega developments. She said she never expected to be a leading voice. It all started when she naively attended a community meeting in a middle school media center to learn about a proposed development across the street from her home. Hildebrand lives on two acres along Chuluota Road with her husband, Jessup, their kids and a small menagerie of animals, including an African spurred tortoise, a miniature donkey and Lily, her lifelong pet horse. \u201cThat meeting,\u201d she recalled, \u201cwas the moment I realized I hadn\u2019t just moved into my dream home, I had stepped onto the front lines of a much bigger, long-standing issue.\u201d Now, following a judge\u2019s pivotal ruling in February, Hildebrand has assumed an even larger role as the last plaintiff standing in a statewide legal battle against a 2025 Florida law that curtails local communities\u2019 ability to control growth.\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cChristine Moore and Nick Nesta face off in Tuesday\u2019s Apopka Mayoral Runoff<\/a>\u201d via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 Orange County Commissioner Moore and Apopka Commissioner Nesta will face each other in a runoff just over a month after they clashed in a three-way contest with Apopka\u2019s incumbent Mayor, Bryan Nelson. Nelson, who finished last place, was eliminated from the race and endorsed Moore as his successor. Nesta came in first place with about 42% of the vote, while Moore received about 32%. Nelson, who had been seeking a third term in office, received about 27%. Moore is now hoping Nelson\u2019s endorsement will lead his share of voters to support her against Nesta. <\/p>\n \u201cNew report reveals how Delray Beach business fueled Medicare fraud using stolen patient identities<\/a>\u201d via Jamie Ostroff of WPTV \u2014 Carolyn Brovero of Hobe Sound is one of dozens of seniors nationwide who contacted me, saying she received Medicare statements from Sunshine Senior Solutions for medical equipment she didn\u2019t need. She showed me her Medicare statements, which listed thousands of dollars in charges for hundreds of catheters and five prosthetic devices. \u201cWhich I did not order, did not receive, I never heard of the doctor whose name was on it,\u201d Brovero said. Since I started looking into Sunshine Senior Solutions last year, beneficiaries who shared their statements with me reported nearly $400,000 in Medicare charges they say they never authorized. Their gap insurance flagged the charges as suspicious and did not pay the leftover balances.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: TB \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was Charlie Crist doing in Minnesota and why did he return?<\/a>\u201d via Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Former Florida Gov. Crist is re-emerging as a potential St. Petersburg mayoral candidate after a period spent partly in Minnesota, raising questions about residency and political intent. Crist acknowledged splitting time between states following his 2022 gubernatorial loss, calling that defeat \u201cnot a fun day,\u201d while navigating personal and professional setbacks. Now back in St. Petersburg, Crist said encouragement from locals and family pushed him to reconsider a run for public office, recalling his father telling him, \u201cYou\u2019d love it, it\u2019s your hometown.\u201d Though he has not formally declared, his political committee has raised more than $1.2 million, signaling serious intent as he weighs a return.<\/p>\n \u201cKen Welch brings in just under $220K in Q1, but still falls further behind Crist in fundraising<\/a>\u201d via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics \u2014 St. Petersburg Mayor Welch raised just under $220,000 in the first quarter, but much of that total came from internal transfers, leaving his campaign trailing financially. Excluding an $85,000 transfer from a previous political committee, Welch brought in about $135,000 in new money and entered April with roughly $193,000 cash on hand. His fundraising lags far behind a committee supporting Crist, which has raised more than $1.2 million and holds a sizable cash advantage. Welch\u2019s campaign said contributions reflect continued local support, though the gap underscores mounting challenges as a potentially competitive mayoral race takes shape in St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. Petersburg Council advances $600M infrastructure bond proposal to Committee<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 The St. Petersburg City Council has formally advanced a proposed $600 million General Obligation bond to its next procedural step with the city\u2019s Budget, Finance and Taxation Committee. The proposal will mainly address stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, which city officials say are urgent needs after recent hurricanes revealed weaknesses in St. Petersburg\u2019s aging systems. The bond would speed up projects already in long-term plans, though the exact priorities are still being decided. The Committee will allow some Council members to review project lists, financing options, and potential impacts on taxpayers before sharing details with the full Council to finalize the referendum language.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat have Juvenile Welfare Board members said about CEO search? Texts offer a glimpse<\/a>\u201d via Alexa Coultoff of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 As the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County zeroes in on Glen Gilzean as its next CEO, Board members have insisted during public meetings that the appointment is not political. But text messages reviewed by the Tampa Bay Times shed light on how some members of the Board sought to drum up support for Gilzean in political circles. In February, Brian Aungst Jr., a gubernatorial appointee to the Board, texted a handful of well-connected Republicans about how votes for Gilzean were \u201cgettable\u201d from county officials and that he would \u201cget it done.\u201d The welfare Board \u2014 which has a $100 million budget funded by taxpayer money \u2014 has been embroiled in the CEO search for months. Tensions have flared between county officials and gubernatorial appointees about whether the Board has shirked its responsibility to serve the county\u2019s children and families.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: N. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Historic milestone\u2019: FSU now owns TMH campus as city transfers hospital assets<\/a>\u201d via William L. Hatfield of the Tallahassee Democrat \u2014 Florida State University now effectively owns the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare campus. FSU and the City of Tallahassee announced Friday evening that the legal transfer of the city-owned hospital assets is complete, \u201cmarking a historic milestone for FSU Health, the university\u2019s academic health system,\u201d according to an FSU press release. \u201cThis partnership will expand medical education, strengthen clinical care, and grow research in Tallahassee and across North Florida,\u201d according to the release. \u201cTogether, the organizations are building an integrated academic health system designed to better serve patients while advancing discovery and training the next generation of health care professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOEV\u2019s 10-year scorecard: Few deals, conflicting numbers, little accountability<\/a>\u201d via Skip Foster of Red Tape Florida \u2014 The Tallahassee-Leon Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) turned 10 years old at the end of February. You probably didn\u2019t notice any 10th anniversary posts. There\u2019s a reason. While taxpayers have funded OEV to the tune of $20 million over the last 10 years, the list of wins provided to Red Tape Florida in response to a public records request was alarmingly short. First, a word about timing \u2014 Red Tape Florida made its public records request to OEV more than two weeks before Thanksgiving. The response came on the Thursday before Palm Sunday. That\u2019s a full college football season, and it\u2019s not acceptable. Transparency is one easy place for City and County Commissioners to demand better performance from OEV. But there are more.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: SW. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cSarasota County blocks \u2018Live Local\u2019 law, risking clash with developers<\/a>\u201d via Michael Barfield and Derek Gilliam of Florida Trident \u2014 In a unanimous vote that could set up a major legal showdown, Sarasota County Commissioners this week moved to block developers from building large apartment complexes next to rural homes and farmland, rejecting applications amid legal uncertainty over a controversial state law. At the center of the dispute is Florida\u2019s Live Local Act, a 2023 state law that lets developers bypass local zoning rules and public hearings if they include some affordable housing in their plans. In recent months, developers have used the law to propose projects with hundreds, and even thousands, of units in rural and low-density residential districts. Commissioners said they were reacting to a steady barrage of concerns from residents over the impact of the proposed developments. Among them are Lisa and Denver Miller, who told the Suncoast Searchlight they\u2019ve been writing letters to the county about a planned apartment complex near their 15-acre farm in rural east Sarasota County, which they believe would upend the character of their neighborhood.<\/p>\n \u201cEnvironmentalists warned cruise port fix would leave Terra Ceia vulnerable<\/a>\u201d via Alice Herman of the Suncoast Searchlight \u2014 While lawmakers drafted a measure to stop a cruise port in Manatee County, environmental watchdogs warned the bill could leave the door open to large-scale development in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve. Conservation groups publicly praised state Sen. Jim Boyd, who took the lead on the legislation, for his efforts \u2014 and Boyd has repeatedly emphasized his opposition to the controversial cruise port idea. But emails obtained by Suncoast Searchlight show that Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a prominent environmental group that led efforts to quash the cruise port plan, urged Boyd to strike key provisions from the measure and replace them with language to specifically restrict dredging to accommodate commercial vessels. Environmental and land use attorneys who compared the two versions of the bill at Suncoast Searchlight\u2019s request said the one that ultimately passed was weaker.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir film about New College\u2019s conservative coup heads to Florida Film Fest. Here\u2019s how they made it<\/a>\u201d via Lucy Marques of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 A student-driven documentary captures the upheaval at New College of Florida following Gov. DeSantis\u2019 2023 overhaul, blending personal footage with on-the-ground reporting. \u201cFirst They Came for My College,\u201d directed by Patrick Bresnan, follows students, faculty and families as they navigate sweeping institutional changes, including leadership turnover and shifting campus culture. Former student journalist Gaby Batista said she filmed video diaries to share \u201clittle pieces of New College\u201d outsiders wouldn\u2019t see. Filmmakers relied heavily on student-shot footage to preserve authenticity, documenting fear, confusion and resilience. College officials dispute the portrayal as \u201csensationalized.\u201d The film, already drawing strong reactions at festivals, highlights community bonds and concludes that \u201cthere\u2019s still hope and joy to be had.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP OPINION \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s embrace of ICE has come at a cost<\/a>\u201d via Mary Ellen Klas of Bloomberg \u2014 Florida has become a testing ground for aggressive immigration enforcement policies driven by Republican leadership, dramatically reshaping how federal and local authorities collaborate. The state now mandates broad participation in federal enforcement programs, embedding immigration checks into routine policing.<\/p>\n A key driver is the requirement that county sheriffs deputize officers under 287(g) agreements, effectively extending federal immigration authority statewide. This has created unmatched enforcement coverage, with nearly every jurisdiction participating in some capacity.<\/p>\n The impact is evident in arrest data. ICE\u2019s Miami field office recorded more than 41,000 arrests between January 2025 and March 2026, the highest total nationwide, reflecting the scale and intensity of Florida\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n Enforcement tactics now reach into everyday life. Minor traffic violations can trigger immigration checks, with officers using databases to determine citizenship status, raising concerns about profiling and the detention of legal residents.<\/p>\n Despite the surge in arrests, research shows little measurable impact on crime rates. Studies from other states suggest similar programs do not reduce crime and may instead strain community trust and law enforcement resources.<\/p>\n The broader consequences are increasingly visible. Immigrant communities report fear and instability, while public institutions see reduced engagement. Critics warn that the policy is eroding social cohesion, with long-term effects likely to extend beyond immigration enforcement itself.<\/p>\n \u2014 MORE OPINIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cTrump is tearing at the soul of the American military<\/a>\u201d via David French of The New York Times \u2014 Trump\u2019s threat to devastate Iran\u2019s civilian infrastructure has sparked alarm about the moral and constitutional implications for the U.S. military. The remarks raised a fundamental question for service members: whether loyalty lies with a commander-in-chief or with the Constitution and laws of war. Military doctrine is clear that orders targeting civilians or non-military infrastructure are unlawful, placing troops in an untenable position if such directives are issued. Critics warn the rhetoric risks undermining the military\u2019s ethical foundation, which is rooted in protecting \u201cthe weak and unarmed,\u201d and could trigger a constitutional crisis if unlawful orders are defied.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida shouldn\u2019t write its budget in the dark<\/a>\u201d via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board \u2014 Lawmakers remain at an impasse over the state budget, raising concerns that a rushed, opaque process could sideline public input on a plan approaching $115 billion. The House and Senate proposals differ significantly, with both seeking spending cuts but offering little clarity on final priorities. Critics warn that negotiations are unfolding behind closed doors, limiting transparency and increasing lobbyists\u2019 influence. Key programs, including health care, housing and land conservation, face potential reductions, even as millions of Floridians struggle with rising costs. Observers say lawmakers should slow the process and allow more public debate before finalizing the budget.<\/p>\n \u201cUthmeier has forgotten who he represents<\/a>\u201d via the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial boards \u2014 Uthmeier is drawing criticism for declining to defend certain state laws he personally deems unconstitutional, a move opponents say undermines his legal responsibilities and the rule of law. Critics argue his selective approach has effectively nullified policies, including firearms restrictions, by refusing to pursue appeals or defend them in court. Uthmeier has also taken controversial positions on issues such as gun rights for some felons and state funding for religious education, prompting legal and constitutional concerns. Detractors warn that his actions blur the separation of powers and of church and state, potentially reshaping Florida law without judicial review.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Likely Republican\u2019 doesn\u2019t mean a safe seat for Miami Congresswoman<\/a>\u201d via Mary Anna Mancuso of the Miami Herald \u2014 A new Cook Political Report rating shift is putting Salazar on notice, moving her Miami-Dade seat from \u201csolid Republican\u201d to \u201clikely Republican\u201d and signaling a more competitive race ahead. Despite strong past wins, one analyst warned, \u201cthere\u2019s clear evidence of erosion in voter sentiment toward Trump,\u201d pointing to recent Democratic gains in Florida. Salazar remains favored, but critics say Republicans shouldn\u2019t treat the District as safe. Democrats are closely eyeing the race, with a potential matchup against Eliott Rodriguez adding intrigue. Observers note Salazar must stay focused on key issues like affordability, as \u201ccampaigns that are disciplined in their focus tend to win.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s why Congress desperately needs a stock trading ban<\/a>\u201d via Graham Brink of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Growing calls to ban stock trading by members of Congress are gaining bipartisan traction as concerns mount over conflicts of interest and public trust. Critics argue that current insider trading rules are insufficient, noting that many lawmakers legally trade assets while overseeing industries affected by their decisions. Proposed legislation, including the Restore Trust in Congress Act, would prohibit lawmakers and their families from owning or trading individual stocks. Supporters say reform is needed to eliminate both wrongdoing and the appearance of impropriety, with one proposal emphasizing that \u201cthe system shouldn\u2019t foster doubt.\u201d Advocates argue that stronger transparency and enforcement measures are essential to restoring confidence in government.<\/p>\n \u2014 INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 ALOE \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThe fight for control of an iconic Florida fish scales up<\/a>\u201d via Kylie Williams of POLITICO \u2014 In the ruby red state of Florida, another crimson symbol often swims through DeSantis\u2019 remarks: red snapper. The scarlet bottom-feeder is a prize among anglers, a coveted dish for residents and a goal for tourists hoping to experience a day of Sunshine State recreation. It\u2019s also become part of the state\u2019s cultural heritage, one DeSantis frequently revisits during news conferences around Florida. But the years-long battle over how to manage red snapper fisheries is spreading across the state and has left some commercial fishers and environmental groups worried about the future of the beloved fish. Florida has applied to take temporary control of the recreational red snapper fishery along the state\u2019s Atlantic Coast through an exempted fishing permit, or EFP. If approved, the state would clinch another victory in its push to expand control of red snapper fisheries and expand access for recreational anglers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bob-buckhorn-640x427.jpeg\")
<\/a>Bob Buckhorn files for the Tampa Mayor race, enters as early frontrunner with strong fundraising and a crowded field forming. Image via City of Tampa.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jimmy-patronis-house-640x495.jpg\")
<\/a>Top-of-Burn birthday shoutout to Jimmy Patronis \u2014 \u2018working tirelessly\u2019 for Northwest Florida, praised by Katie Patronis as husband and father.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/orban-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Hungary ousts Viktor Orb\u00e1n after 16 years, elects P\u00e9ter Magyar in major political shift.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/book-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Pasco County walk draws Ashley Moody, Mike Fasano, advocates and community partners for school visit and outreach.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SUNBURN-AD-ON3PR-FTW-4.6.26-640x427.png\")
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<\/a>James Blair steps out for Trump\u2019s political operation \u2014 temporary White House leave signals expanded Midterm role, praised by Trump and Susie Wiles.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ad-for-sunburn-rv-scaled.jpg\")
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<\/a>Byron Donalds hits 50% in GOP Governor Primary \u2014 poll shows a commanding lead, with voters also backing a federal AI framework.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03.24.26_296_298_fl_politics_ad.jpg\")
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<\/a>Brice Barnes posts $100K first-day haul in CD 2 bid \u2014 early fundraising signals momentum, focus on lowering costs and Panhandle priorities.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jennifer-winkler-copy-640x359.jpg\")
<\/a>Jennifer Winkler builds $150K war chest in HD 74 race \u2014 GOP Primary contender touts fundraising strength, focuses on insurance costs and affordability.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/thankyou-feca-v2.png\")
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<\/a>Budget panel advances World Cup, rural health funding \u2014 $3B in amendments target hospitals, training and 2026 security as budget talks stall.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PP-EMAIL-600x400-1.jpg\")
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<\/a>Donald Trump watches UFC fight in Miami \u2014 Iran talks collapse as JD Vance confirms no deal, Marco Rubio updates President during event. Image via NYT.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image0-1-Large-640x480.jpeg\")
<\/a>Rick Scott touts agriculture as the \u2018backbone\u2019 \u2014 calls for stronger federal support, praises Donald Trump policies amid challenges from storms and freezes.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/FAMU_Investiture-1-e1775673879718.png\")
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\u2014 LOCAL: S. FL \u2014<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nunez-fiu-640x336.jpg\")
<\/a>FIU racist group chat controversy roils campus \u2014 no suspensions yet as Jeanette Nu\u00f1ez faces lawsuit and protests over discipline response.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Becker-Sunburn-Ad.png\")
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<\/a>Orange County activist Rachel Hildebrand fights sprawl \u2014 legal battle escalates after court ruling challenges DeSantis administration\u2019s growth law. Image via Joe Burbank\/Orlando Sentinel.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03.24.26_199_fl_politics_ad.jpg\")
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<\/a>Charlie Crist resurfaces in St. Petersburg politics \u2014 weighs mayoral run after Minnesota stint, $1.2M raised signals serious intent.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ad-DiCeglie-Delivering-Results_2.jpg\")
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<\/a>FSU takes ownership of TMH campus \u2014 city transfers hospital assets in \u2018historic milestone\u2019 to expand care, research and medical education.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Graphic-Abbott-Delivering-Results-600x400jpg.jpg\")
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<\/a>Environmentalists warn Terra Ceia is at risk \u2014 Jim Boyd cruise port fix criticized as weaker, leaves door open to future development.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/P2-AD.png\")
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<\/a>Red snapper fight scales up in Florida \u2014 DeSantis pushes for control as fishers, environmental groups warn of long-term impacts.<\/p>\n