![\"\"](\"https:\/\/floridapolitics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/suskey-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Happy birthday to Alan Suskey, celebrating another trip around the sun.<\/p>\n___<\/p>\n
Former U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, a longtime Space Coast lawmaker whose political career stretched from local government to Congress, is dead at age 78. His death Saturday prompted an outpouring of tributes from Florida and national leaders who praised his decades of public service and deep ties to the communities he represented.<\/p>\n
Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who succeeded Posey in Florida\u2019s 8th Congressional District, called him a leader who served \u201cwith integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public service.\u201d Haridopolos said Posey viewed public office as \u201ca solemn responsibility to serve others honorably, faithfully, and effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
Posey served in the Florida House from 1992 to 2000 before moving to the Florida Senate and later winning election to Congress in 2008. He remained in Congress until retiring in 2025, becoming the person most closely associated with Space Coast priorities, fiscal conservatism and the nation\u2019s space program.<\/p>\n Born in Washington, D.C., Posey moved with his family to Brevard County in 1956 during the early years of America\u2019s space program. He later worked for McDonnell Douglas and served on the Rockledge City Council before launching his legislative career.<\/p>\n Tributes poured in from figures including Sen. Ashley Moody, Reps. Byron Donalds, Laurel Lee and Mike Johnson, all of whom highlighted his devotion to Florida, conservative values and his family.<\/p>\n Johnson called Posey \u201ca devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant,\u201d while Moody described him as \u201ca Florida legend who left our state better than he found it.\u201d Posey\u2019s cause of death was not released.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n May is Jewish American Heritage Month. It could be the last.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not saying that to get attention. I\u2019m saying it because someone needs to sound the alarm.<\/p>\n What started as a rise in antisemitism has become a full-blown crisis, especially on Florida\u2019s college campuses. And some people are actively working against the progress Florida has made as a national leader in fighting extremism.<\/p>\n Some are calling it the Fishback-Sabatini \u201cRace to the Bottom.\u201d<\/p>\n The Legislature still has a chance to lock in what\u2019s been built by funding the Florida Hillel Jewish Student Safety Initiative, sponsored by Sen. Alexis Calatayud and Rep. Allison Tant.<\/p>\n The proposal expands a first-in-the-nation, research-backed pilot from three campuses to seven, bringing the effort to UF, FSU, and USF (where it began) and adding FIU, FAU, UCF, and the University of Miami.<\/p>\n The request is $2.3 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It combines proven security upgrades with the harder work of building campus environments where Jewish students aren\u2019t singled out.<\/p>\n Trickle-down hate: the blast radius of extremism touches us all<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t just a Jewish issue. People who fixate on Jews as villains rarely stop there. The same worldview that treats harassment as \u201cspeech\u201d eventually justifies something far worse. Those who buy into anti-Jewish conspiracies are more likely to hold anti-American, anti-social views that erode democratic norms.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s target isn\u2019t the last. If you want safer spaces for everyone, you start by refusing to tolerate extremism anywhere.<\/p>\n Florida, to its credit, has largely done that.<\/p>\n After Oct. 7, 2023, universities across the country became case studies in moral confusion. Administrators were slow. Rules were unevenly applied. Jewish students were told to stay home and try not to provoke anyone.<\/p>\n Florida took a different approach.<\/p>\n The 2025 pilot was more than funding. It was a data-driven, two-part plan: security upgrades alongside real work on relationships, training, incident response, and campus life. The results show action makes a difference. After just one year of funding, Florida is outperforming the national average for Jewish students, even though challenges remain.<\/p>\n Specifically, 47% of Jewish college students surveyed on Florida campuses reported being targeted, excluded, or harassed in the last 12 months, compared with 83% nationally. In a short time, Florida has also become a destination for Jewish students.<\/p>\n From cosplay in kaffiyehs to larping with \u201cgoyim\u201d tropes<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t just about the usual left-wing campus activists. Some use phrases like \u201cfrom the river to the sea\u201d to signal their views, even though it\u2019s a call for Jewish genocide. Gov. Ron DeSantis may have the right policies, but the same poisonous ideas are showing up on the other side, too.<\/p>\n Gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, congressional candidate Anthony Sabatini, and their supporters run a playbook that\u2019s basically a copy of the same tactic, just with different slogans.<\/p>\n Same poison, different dog whistles. The left cosplays in kaffiyehs, while the right larps with \u201cgoyim\u201d tropes.<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t been paying attention, here\u2019s the short version: a slice of the political right has decided it\u2019s more profitable to be provocative than responsible, more lucrative to be conspiratorial than conservative, and more rewarding to stoke resentment than to solve problems.<\/p>\n Fishback and Sabatini lean on two main tactics, both lifted straight out of far-left playbooks:<\/p>\n \u2014 Build a brand by flirting with the ugliest corners of online politics and call it \u201cspeech.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Convince people they\u2019ve been victimized and promise to \u201cscalp\u201d the scapegoat.<\/p>\n The biggest danger isn\u2019t whether these men win their next election. The real threat is the audience they\u2019re building online and on campuses, where young people can easily spread propaganda. Friends in the state university system tell me young Republicans are no longer strongly behind MAGA or supporting gubernatorial front-runner U.S. Rep. Donalds. They\u2019re drifting toward Fishback\u2019s camp.<\/p>\n Antisemitism in America now comes from both political extremes, and both sides are targeting Jews \u2014 not just \u201cZionists\u201d or \u201cIsrael,\u201d but everyday American kids who feel more pressure than ever to hide their identity or face punishment.<\/p>\n If we want to stop the next wave of extremism, we must give young people better information in the places they\u2019re most likely to see it. That\u2019s what this initiative aims to do.<\/p>\n A record Florida should protect<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s political leaders have spent years showing up for the Jewish community \u2014 not with lip service, but with hard policy. DeSantis has done it. So have Attorney General James Uthmeier, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.<\/p>\n So have gubernatorial candidates Donalds, David Jolly, Jay Collins, and Paul Renner. And so has nearly every sitting member of Florida\u2019s congressional delegation.<\/p>\n The Legislature took responsible action by launching the nation\u2019s first initiative of its kind with the Florida Hillel Jewish Student Safety Initiative. Now the Legislature has to decide whether to protect that record or let it get chipped away by people who profit from stirring up outrage.<\/p>\n If Florida wants to remain a leader in policy innovation, there\u2019s a simple test: expand what works. Fund the initiative and stop acting as if antisemitism is somebody else\u2019s problem.<\/p>\n To put it plainly, Fishback, Sabatini, and their supporters have figured out that antisemitism can be used the way other candidates use fundraising lists. The troubling truth is that this kind of talk spreads when people reward it.<\/p>\n Without a strong response from institutions, there will be political consequences \u2014 or worse \u2014 before some people even realize there was a problem.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n Congrats \u2014 \u201c\u2018The best in history\u2019: Susie Wiles honored as IWF Woman of Valor<\/a>\u201d via Michelle Vecerina of Florida\u2019s Voice \u2014 Wiles, the first female White House Chief of Staff in American history, was honored Thursday eveningas the recipient of the Independent Women\u2019s Forum, or IWF, Barbara K. Olson Woman of Valor Award at the Waldorf Astoria. The gala served as a dual celebration of Wiles\u2019 historic career and her personal resilience. During a video message, President Donald Trump revealed that Wiles has been \u201cwinning a battle with cancer\u201d following an early diagnosis, describing her toughness as \u201cinspiring\u201d to the entire administration. \u201cNot only is Susie the first female Chief of Staff in American history, she\u2019s also one of the best White House Chiefs of Staff ever in history,\u201d Trump said. \u201cI say the best. We owe her a tremendous debt.\u201d IWF Chair Heather Higgins praised Wiles as a strategist who \u201cchanged the course of history\u201d quietly from behind the scenes. \u201cShe is, hands down, in my opinion, the best Chief of Staff of my lifetime,\u201d Higgins said. \u201cShe is tough, but the kind of tough that is about getting the best out of people, which is exactly the kind of woman that this award was meant to recognize.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014@CNN_Oppmann: US intelligence-gathering flights are surging off Cuba, following a pattern similar to lead up to military operations in Iran and Venezuela.<\/p>\n \u2014@RapidResponse: @POTUS<\/a> on NFL broadcasts: \u201cThey could be killing the golden goose \u2026 They\u2019re making a lot of money; they could make a little bit less. You have people that live for Sunday. They can\u2019t think about anything else, and then all of the sudden they have to pay $1,000? It\u2019s crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014@JamesBlairUSA: Two weeks ago people were dooming and asking wAs rEdIsTrIcTiNg wOrTh iT? \u2026 16 net seat swing to GOP \u2026<\/p>\n \u2014@ChrisLaCivita: Always initiate contact \u2014 never wait for it to come to you \u2026 a maxim too few Republicans understand \u2014 but those who do pave the future.<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@ThierrryBorgeat: Costco spots a recession before economists do. When members shift from beef to chicken, then to canned tuna, something in the economy is bending. You don\u2019t need a model. You need a checkout counter and millions of members with long memories.<\/p>\n \u2014@BurtMaclin_FBI: Caught my wife doing laundry and stopped her immediately. I said, \u201cBabe, it\u2019s Mother\u2019s Day. You don\u2019t do chores today. Go sit down and relax; these clothes will still be here tomorrow.\u201d I\u2019m such a good husband.<\/p>\n \u2014 DAYS UNTIL \u2014<\/p>\n \u2019The Punisher: One Last Kill\u2019 premieres on Disney+ \u2014 1; \u2019Yellowstone\u2019 spinoff \u2019Dutton Ranch\u2019 premieres \u2014 4; French Open begins \u2014 10; \u2019Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu\u2019 premieres \u2014 11; new mission for \u2019Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run\u2019 premieres at Disney World \u2014 11; Marvel\u2019s \u2019Spider-Noir\u2019 arrives on Amazon Prime \u2014 16; Rafa Nadal documentary \u2019Rafa\u2019 premieres on Netflix \u2014 18; MLB Lou Gehrig Day \u2014 22; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit \u2014 23; \u2019Cape Fear\u2019 series premieres on Apple TV \u2014 25; \u2019Masters of the Universe\u2019 premieres \u2014 25; 2026 Florida Chamber Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit \u2014 28; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) \u2014 28; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City \u2014 31; Steven Spielberg\u2019s \u2019Disclosure Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 32; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices \u2014 32; Flag Day \u2014 34; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 \u2014 34; Trump\u2019s 80th birthday \u2014 34; \u2019Toy Story 5\u2019 premieres \u2014 39; The final season of \u2018THE BEAR\u2019 premieres \u2014 45; \u2019Supergirl\u2019 premieres \u2014 46; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates \u2014 46; live-action \u2019Moana\u2019 premieres \u2014 51; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 54; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 59; MLB All-Star Game \u2014 64; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline \u2014 66; Primary Election voter registration deadline \u2014 70; \u2019Spider-Man: Brand New Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 81; \u2019Ted Lasso\u2019 season 4 premieres \u2014 86; Primary Election ballot request deadline \u2014 87; Early voting period begins \u2014 89; Primary Election Day \u2014 99; NFL regular season kicks off \u2014 121; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia \u2014 122; Yankees host the Mets for 9\/11 anniversary \u2014 123; MLB Roberto Clemente Day \u2014 127; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 131; General Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 136; Domestic General Election VBM deadline \u2014 143; General Election voter registration deadline \u2014 147; Early Voting General Election begins \u2014 166; General Election \u2014 176; \u2019Godzilla Minus Zero\u2019 premieres \u2014 179; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit \u2014 184; \u2019The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping\u2019 premieres \u2014 193; \u2019Avengers: Doomsday\u2019 premieres \u2014 221; \u2019Dune: Part 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 221; untitled Star Wars movie premieres \u2014 221; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas \u2014 259; Super Bowl LXI \u2014 279; Tampa Mayoral Election \u2014 295; 2027 Oscars \u2014 307; Jacksonville First Election \u2014 316; Jacksonville General Election \u2014 372; \u2019Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse\u2019 premieres \u2014 390; \u2019Bluey the Movie\u2019 premieres \u2014 452; \u2019MIAMI VICE\u2019 reboot premieres \u2014 452; \u2019The Batman 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 508; \u2019Avengers: Secret Wars\u2019 premieres \u2014 585; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans \u2014 623; 2028 Oscars \u2014 664; \u2019Lilo & Stitch 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 746; \u2019Incredibles 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 767; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony \u2014 795; U.S. Presidential Election \u2014 911; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa \u2014 987; Avatar 4 premieres \u2014 1,311; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami \u2014 1,351; Avatar 5 premieres \u2014 2,042.<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP STORY \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida budget battle spills beyond dollars and cents<\/a>\u201d via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida \u2014 Florida lawmakers are returning to Tallahassee for a Special Session after failing to complete the constitutionally required state budget during the Regular Session, continuing a pattern of budget turmoil that has now stretched across two consecutive years. Leaders expect to finalize the 2026-27 spending plan after Memorial Day, but negotiations have been slowed by political tensions among the House, Senate and Gov. DeSantis, as well as disagreements over key spending priorities.<\/p>\n The Senate approved a proposed $115 billion budget earlier this year, while the House backed a smaller $113.6 billion version. Under normal circumstances, conference Committees would have negotiated the differences before the scheduled end of Session. Instead, talks stalled entirely, forcing lawmakers into overtime. Former Senate President Don Gaetz said the breakdown has been driven more by personalities and politics than by major disagreements over numbers.<\/p>\n House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton eventually reached an agreement on roughly $51.98 billion in general revenue allocations covering areas such as healthcare, education and criminal justice. Still unresolved are disputes over issues including Everglades restoration funding, which remains a major priority for DeSantis and Senate leaders.<\/p>\n The final budget will exceed $100 billion and shape funding for schools, hospitals, prisons and local projects statewide. Legislative leaders say the plan will reduce overall spending while maintaining reserves and keeping taxes low. Once negotiations conclude, lawmakers must comply with a required 72-hour review period before passing the budget and sending it to DeSantis, who holds line-item veto authority.<\/p>\n \u2014 2026 \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cRedistricting shuffle: Thomas Chalifoux ready for a rematch with Darren Soto in CD 9<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 Congressional candidate Thomas Chalifoux wants a rematch with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto. And this time, he\u2019s likely running on friendly ground. The Kissimmee Republican confirmed he will continue running in Florida\u2019s 9th Congressional District under a new map approved by DeSantis. The former Osceola School Board member also just pledged $3 million in self-funding for the race. Chalifoux won the Republican nomination in 2024 in CD 9 but went on to lose to Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, in the General Election. But the District has a very different makeup under the new map. The District now spans from Kissimmee southward into a large area of the Florida Heartland, shedding the urban areas of Orlando and greater Kissimmee to take in rural areas as far south as Moore Haven, while also picking up Indian River County.<\/p>\n \u201cRedistricting shuffle: Darren McAuley shifts to fight Gus Bilirakis in CD 12<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 McAuley will drop a bid to challenge U.S. Rep. Lee and instead seek to oust U.S. Rep. Bilirakis. \u201cThe lines on the map may have changed, but my mission has not: I\u2019m running to lower costs, make healthcare more affordable, and stop the corruption in Washington so hardworking Floridians have a fair shot at the American Dream,\u201d McAuley said. A former Veterans Affairs physician and Florida\u2019s State Air Surgeon, McAuley originally announced his candidacy in Florida\u2019s 15th Congressional District in July. At that point, that seat was considered a battleground seat, and it primarily covered inland counties.<\/p>\n \u201cDan Franzese running for revised CD 25 in South Florida<\/a>\u201d via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics \u2014 Republican Franzese has entered the increasingly crowded race for Florida\u2019s newly redrawn Congressional District 25, positioning himself as an \u201cAmerica First\u201d ally of Trump while targeting longtime Democratic stronghold territory in South Florida. Franzese previously ran twice against Lois Frankel in Congressional District 22 before shifting his focus to CD 25 following Florida\u2019s latest redistricting overhaul. The District is currently represented by Debbie Wasserman Schultz, though she is expected to pivot her campaign to District 22 after boundary changes reshaped the seat along Florida\u2019s southeast coast. Franzese joins a crowded Republican Primary field that includes Scott Singer, George Moraitis, Joe Kaufman, Raven Harrison and Jared Gurfein ahead of the 2026 Election cycle. <\/p>\n \u201cSt. Petersburg and Wauchula are in the same Congressional District. We drove it<\/a>\u201d via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Florida\u2019s newly redrawn Congressional District 16 is emerging as one of the state\u2019s most geographically and politically complicated districts, stretching from urban St. Petersburg to the rural cattle country of Arcadia and Wauchula. The map signed by DeSantis reshapes the region into a sprawling District combining Democratic-leaning coastal neighborhoods, fast-growing suburban communities and deeply conservative inland farming towns with vastly different priorities. Residents and local officials across the District are already questioning whether a single member of Congress can effectively represent such competing interests, ranging from public transit and redevelopment in St. Petersburg to agriculture, flooding and growth management deeper inland. Critics also argue the map weakens community representation by splitting Tampa Bay\u2019s urban centers across multiple districts while strengthening Republican political advantages heading into future congressional elections.<\/p>\n \u2014 MORE ELECTIONS \u2014<\/p>\n First in Sunburn \u2014 \u201cDaniella Levine Cava endorses five Miami-Dade Democrats for Legislature<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is throwing her support behind five fellow Democrats running for seats in the Legislature, including three incumbents and two first-time state candidates competing in contested Primaries. The nods represent the first endorsements Levine Cava has given for state-level races in the 2026 Election cycle. All five candidates \u2014 Senate Democratic Leader-designate Shevrin Jones, Reps. Kevin Chambliss and Ashley Gantt and House candidates Ashley Litwin, Diego and Gloria Romero Roses \u2014 are running in Miami-Dade districts. In statements shared first with Florida Politics, the twice-elected Mayor of Florida\u2019s most populous county explained why she was backing each of them.<\/p>\n \u201cGriff Griffitts steps back, Tricia Berry steps up in HD 6<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 Rep. Griffitts announced he will not seek re-election in House District 6, closing out a legislative tenure focused heavily on hurricane recovery, property insurance and economic issues affecting Florida\u2019s Panhandle. The Panama City Beach Republican said the decision followed significant thought and prayer as he shifts attention toward family, business and community service. Griffitts, who previously led Bay County through Hurricane Michael, COVID-19 and major wildfires, recently became president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach after a unanimous Board vote. Republican Tricia Berry has already entered the race to succeed him, positioning herself as a conservative focused on affordability, business growth and protecting Florida\u2019s political direction in a deeply Republican District likely to remain under GOP control.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo Southwest Florida Sheriffs back Liesa Priddy for HD 82<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 Priddy continues building serious momentum in the Republican Primary for House District 82, adding endorsements from Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden. The backing strengthens her standing with law enforcement and reinforces a campaign already supported by a wide range of agriculture, business and conservative organizations across Southwest Florida. Priddy has centered her campaign on public safety, agriculture and conservative leadership, while highlighting her experience as a rancher and former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner. The Immokalee Republican is seeking to succeed Lauren Melo in a District that strongly favors GOP candidates. With no Democrats filing and Melo having previously won nearly 70% of the vote, the race is shaping up as a competitive Republican contest, with establishment support carrying major weight.<\/p>\n First on #FlaPol \u2014 \u201cIn a fight to end GOP supermajority, Joe Saunders will lead Equality Florida Action PAC<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 Saunders has been named the Executive Director of the Equality Florida Action PAC, Florida\u2019s largest LGBTQ political committee. \u201cFlorida is home to one of the country\u2019s largest LGBTQ communities, but too often, politicians are building their brand on our backs. In 2026, we need to swing the pendulum, and we have a plan to do exactly that,\u201d Saunders said. \u201cPro-equality voters are poised to make the difference in critical elections up and down the ballot. We\u2019re going to build the bench of LGBTQ electeds, break the anti-LGBTQ supermajorities in Tallahassee, and deliver pro-equality majorities in our local and School Board races. Champions who fight for us are going to get the support they need to win, and those who attack us get to look for new jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 STATEWIDE \u2014<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Full armor of God\u2019: Ron DeSantis hails Ave Maria University while addressing its graduating class<\/a>\u201d via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics \u2014 DeSantis used his commencement address at Ave Maria University to urge graduates to defend faith, liberty and traditional values against cultural and political pressures he said are reshaping American institutions. Praising the Catholic university for resisting \u201cthe spirit of the age,\u201d DeSantis contrasted Ave Maria with what he called faith-based schools that have abandoned their moral foundations in pursuit of ideological trends. He encouraged graduates to embrace truth even when unpopular and framed Florida\u2019s political battles over COVID restrictions, parental rights, education and abortion as part of a broader effort to preserve freedom. DeSantis also tied the message to the state\u2019s America 250 celebration and warned against allowing artificial intelligence or \u201cthe almighty algorithm\u201d to replace human judgment, morality and religious faith in public life.<\/p>\n \u201cDeSantis says \u2018I was ready to sign\u2019 ivermectin bill \u2014 his own party killed it<\/a>\u201d via Mohd Haider of Yahoo News \u2014 DeSantis confirmed that he was prepared to sign an over-the-counter ivermectin bill, after House Republicans blocked legislation the Senate had already passed 23\u201315. \u201cThe ivermectin bill was passed by Republicans in the Florida Senate but then killed by Republicans in the Florida House. I was ready to sign it,\u201d DeSantis wrote on X, responding to a user. Florida\u2019s stalled effort is part of a broader national wave. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 25, legislation authorizing the sale of OTC ivermectin, in August 2025, making Texas the fifth state to approve OTC ivermectin, following Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, and Tennessee.<\/p>\n \u201cDeSantis signs \u2018FIRE Act\u2019 targeting \u2018birth tourism,\u2019 foreign and terrorist influence<\/a>\u201d via Michelle Vecerina of Florida\u2019s Voice \u2014 DeSantis signed the \u201cForeign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act,\u201d or \u201cFIRE Act\u201d on Friday, a sweeping legislative package designed to curb the influence of hostile foreign governments and designated terrorist organizations within Florida. The legislation, HB 905, targets a broad array of international interactions ranging from business ties with Cuba to surrogacy contracts involving foreign nationals. \u201cWe have worked together [\u2026] for many, many years to combat pernicious foreign influence in Florida institutions,\u201d DeSantis said. \u201cMore and more foreign countries with agendas are trying to influence different American institutions.\u201d \u201cChina ships people here for birth,\u201d DeSantis said. \u201cThey\u2019re coming here for a month, having birth, and then going back to China. Why would we let that happen and grant citizenship under those circumstances?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeware last-minute policy in budget, superintendent warns<\/a>\u201d via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Legislative leaders sent out their official declaration of a budget Special Session, laying out what\u2019s up for consideration when lawmakers return to Tallahassee. They set the appropriations bills on the table when the Regular Session ended in March as the baseline. Each also advised that the process requires new vehicles for the budget, as well as implementing and conforming bills. The latter two have school officials across the state on notice. \u201cThe area that concerns me the most is the policy aspects of the budget Session,\u201d Pasco Schools Superintendent John Legg, who previously served in both the House and Senate, told his School Board.<\/p>\n \u201cIn budget Session, lawmakers set to tackle Medicaid hospital cuts, AIDS drug funding<\/a>\u201d via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO \u2014 Lawmakers return to Tallahassee next week facing high-stakes healthcare budget fights involving billions in Medicaid funding, hospital reimbursements and HIV treatment programs. While House and Senate leaders previously agreed on roughly $52 billion in healthcare spending, major disagreements remain over a Senate proposal to cut hospital Medicaid reimbursements by 3%, a move hospital leaders warn could reduce care for children, seniors and disabled patients. Florida Hospital Association CEO Mary Mayhew sharply criticized the proposal, noting hospitals already receive reimbursement rates far below actual costs. Meanwhile, nursing facilities are pushing lawmakers to preserve current Medicaid rates as operational costs continue rising statewide. Legislators must also address a more than $110 million shortfall in Florida\u2019s AIDS Drug Assistance Program after federal Affordable Care Act funding cuts created major budget gaps affecting HIV patients and access to medications such as Biktarvy.<\/p>\n \u2014\u201cStudy says free phone calls in prison help recidivism \u2014 budget won\u2019t address it this year<\/a>\u201d via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix<\/p>\n \u201cJames Uthmeier says surrogacy is human trafficking, with big implications for families<\/a>\u201d via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Last August, a married couple went before a Broward County court in what was expected to be a routine surrogacy case. The couple, two men living in France, had contracted with a Florida woman in December to carry their child. As her due date approached, the fathers-to-be petitioned for early parental rights. While the judge did grant the order, his opinion \u2014 and the involvement of Florida\u2019s Attorney General \u2014 set off a chain of events that could result in a dramatic reshaping of not only surrogacy law, but a range of reproductive issues in Florida. Judge Marlon Weiss, going beyond what is typically required in such a case, suggested in his order that surrogacy may be unconstitutional. His ruling holds that if unborn children are entitled to personhood \u2014 which he implies is correct, citing legal articles in favor of that view \u2014 those children cannot be subject to an ownership contract. In November, roughly 24 hours after the fathers told the court about the baby\u2019s birth, AG Uthmeier began pushing to intervene in the case.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy Erin Grall broke with GOP on DeSantis-backed congressional map<\/a>\u201d via Lawrence Reisman of TCPalm \u2014 Sen. Grall emerged as one of only four Senate Republicans willing to oppose DeSantis\u2019 aggressive congressional redistricting plan, arguing the proposal conflicted with Florida\u2019s Fair Districts constitutional protections and moved too quickly for proper public scrutiny. The Vero Beach Republican said lawmakers were given insufficient time to fully evaluate the highly technical map, which could expand the GOP\u2019s congressional advantage from 20-8 to 24-4. Grall also pointed to testimony from the mapmaker acknowledging partisan data was considered during the process, something Florida\u2019s constitution explicitly prohibits. While supporting the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais regarding race-based district considerations, Grall argued the decision did not erase Florida\u2019s separate constitutional ban on drawing districts to favor political parties or incumbents.<\/p>\n Happening today \u2014 Leadership from the Florida House Democratic Caucus will hold a media availability to discuss legislative priorities and answer reporters\u2019 questions on issues impacting the state. The online event comes as lawmakers return to Tallahassee for budget negotiations and ongoing debates over healthcare, education and other major state policy matters. Remarks are expected from House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Kelly Skidmore, who serves as the caucus\u2019 Policy Chair: 10 a.m., Zoom link<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 D.C. MATTERS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cInside the unlikely reunion between Donald Trump and DeSantis<\/a>\u201d via Alex Leary of The Wall Street Journal \u2014 DeSantis is quietly rebuilding his relationship with Trump while leaving open the possibility of another White House run after his term as Governor ends. Despite their bitter 2024 Republican Primary battle, the two now speak regularly and have golfed together multiple times, with Trump reportedly telling DeSantis after the race, \u201cRon, you should have hit me harder.\u201d DeSantis said he cannot rule out another presidential campaign, noting, \u201cI\u2019m in my mid-40s, so I couldn\u2019t say I would never do it.\u201d Allies have floated him for Cabinet posts or even the Supreme Court, though some Trump advisers remain deeply skeptical. DeSantis says his focus remains on helping conservatives nationally while continuing Florida\u2019s transformation into a reliably Republican state.<\/p>\n \u201cPresident is said to sign off on firing FDA Chief<\/a>\u201d via Christina Jewett and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times \u2014 Reports that Trump approved plans to fire Marty Makary underscore growing tensions inside the administration over vaping policy, abortion regulation and biotech drug approvals. Makary, who built a high public profile as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, tried balancing pro-business priorities with the health-focused agenda pushed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Make America Healthy Again supporters. But his resistance to approving certain flavored e-cigarettes, delays surrounding reviews of the abortion pill mifepristone and aggressive rejection of some biotech treatments created enemies across multiple political factions. Anti-abortion activists, tobacco interests and biotech investors all intensified pressure against him. Despite speculation about his future, Trump publicly denied any knowledge of plans to dismiss him while leaving his standing within the administration in continued uncertainty.<\/p>\n \u201cMarco Rubio\u2019s Vatican tour could unlock more Cuba aid<\/a>\u201d via Daniella Cheslow and Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing of POLITICO \u2014 Secretary of State Rubio and Pope Leo XIV may have found some common ground this week beyond ironing out a spat with the White House: humanitarian aid for Cuba. Speaking to reporters in Rome, Rubio said the U.S. had provided $6 million in aid to Cuba distributed by Caritas, the Catholic Church\u2019s relief agency. He added that Washington had offered $100 million more, which the government in Havana refused to distribute. \u201cSo we discussed that, and we hope we can do it because we do want to help the people of Cuba who are being hurt by this incompetent regime that\u2019s destroyed the country and the economy,\u201d Rubio said.<\/p>\n \u201cSusie Wiles cracks down on leaks<\/a>\u201d via Ben Johansen and Sophia Cai of POLITICO \u2014 In late March, White House Chief of Staff Wiles sent a blunt message to staff across the Executive Office of the President: Stop leaking to the press. Wiles warned that \u201cno staff member within the Executive Office of the President is permitted to speak with members of the news media without the explicit approval of the White House Communications Office,\u201d and that \u201cunauthorized leaks will not be tolerated and are subject to sanction up to and including termination.\u201d The directive marked one of Wiles\u2019 clearest moves to crack down on leaks that might interfere with official White House messaging, as the West Wing has grown increasingly frustrated with staff bypassing formal channels and carrying disputes or decision-making battles into the press.<\/p>\n \u201cJames Blair\u2019s badly needed victory<\/a>\u201d via Leigh Ann Caldwell of Puck \u2014 Trump\u2019s successful effort to punish Indiana Republican lawmakers who opposed mid-decade redistricting delivered a blunt warning to GOP officials nationwide: crossing the White House now comes with political consequences. White House political director Blair celebrated the victories after five of the seven targeted Republican state Senators lost, giving Trump\u2019s operation a desperately needed win following setbacks in California, Virginia, Texas and Florida redistricting fights. But the triumph came at a staggering cost, with the Club for Growth and Sen. Jim Banks spending more than $13 million on races that typically attract far less money. Even with Trump\u2019s influence looming large, local factors still mattered. Longtime incumbents faced voter fatigue, retirements and difficult District dynamics, while State Sen. Greg Goode survived after mounting an aggressive, well-funded defense campaign.<\/p>\n \u201cWhite House ally returns to NASA<\/a>\u201d via Audrey Decker of POLITICO \u2014 Brian Hughes, a Florida political operative and White House ally who previously served as NASA Chief of Staff, is returning to the agency in an unusual move. Hughes will take on the role of senior director of launch operations based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to a workforce note viewed by POLITICO. He will have direct responsibility for that center and the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. \u201cHe will help bring together all the stakeholders of NASA spaceports, working with industry, local leadership, and other government agencies to enable launch rate for NASA and execute the President\u2019s National Space Policy to ensure American space superiority,\u201d the workforce note said.<\/p>\n \u201cBooz Allen moves to toss Rick Scott tax leak lawsuit<\/a>\u201d via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida \u2014 U.S. Sen. Scott is facing pushback in his federal lawsuit against Booz Allen Hamilton over the leak of confidential IRS tax records tied to a massive data theft scheme. The contractor is asking a federal judge in Fort Myers to dismiss Scott\u2019s lawsuit, arguing that former employee Charles Littlejohn acted alone when he stole taxpayer information and shared it with media organizations, including ProPublica and The New York Times. Booz Allen contends Scott waited too long to sue under the applicable statute of limitations and says Littlejohn intentionally bypassed security systems to conceal the crimes. Scott\u2019s lawsuit argues the company failed to properly supervise Littlejohn and allowed sensitive taxpayer information to be repeatedly accessed and removed without detection, leaving victims concerned that additional private records could still surface publicly.<\/p>\n \u201cJared Moskowitz\u2019s Broadcom trade raises ethics concerns over self-dealing<\/a>\u201d via Frank Kopylov of Florida\u2019s Voice \u2014 U.S. Rep. Moskowitz, a Democrat who has faced criticism over his role in Congress, is facing fresh accusations of self-dealing after disclosing a well-timed stock purchase in a major artificial intelligence chipmaker that stands to benefit from legislation he helped shape. Moskowitz reported buying between $1,001 and $15,000 worth of Broadcom Inc. shares on March 30. The transaction came just days after Broadcom secured a $970 million contract with the Air Force and Space Force. Moskowitz sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, which recently passed the AI Overwatch Act, granting the United States greater oversight of advanced chip sales, an area directly affecting Broadcom, one of the nation\u2019s leading AI chip companies. Since his purchase, Broadcom\u2019s stock has soared 43%, delivering an immediate paper profit on the Democrat\u2019s investment.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: S. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cQuestions intensify over stalled A3 Foundation audit in Miami-Dade<\/a>\u201d via Jim DeFede of CBS Miami \u2014 Questions surrounding the A3 Foundation and its ties to Miami-Dade Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez continue growing as auditors and prosecutors examine how millions in public funds were spent. CBS News Miami confirmed the Miami-Dade State Attorney\u2019s Office is conducting a criminal investigation involving subpoenas and witness interviews, though no charges have been filed, and the organization denies wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Clerk and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin said his office is conducting a broader audit of roughly 15 community-based organizations rather than focusing solely on A3, despite mounting scrutiny of the nonprofit\u2019s management of Country Fest at Tropical Park. Fernandez-Barquin acknowledged concerns about perceived conflicts because of his longtime relationship with Rodriguez but insisted that the review remains impartial. The prolonged timeline, staffing shortages and lack of clear answers have fueled growing demands for greater transparency and accountability.<\/p>\n \u201cAlix Desulme launches re-election bid for North Miami Mayor, says \u2018the work isn\u2019t finished\u2019<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 Mayor Desulme is officially running again. Desulme is launching his re-election campaign, pitching voters on what he described as a record of fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, and public safety upgrades in Miami-Dade County\u2019s sixth-largest city. \u201cNorth Miami\u2019s progress is real, and it\u2019s everywhere you look \u2014 but the work isn\u2019t finished,\u201d Desulme said. \u201cI\u2019m running for re-election to keep building the city our families deserve.\u201d Desulme, a son of Haitian immigrants and a former classroom teacher with a doctorate in Educational Leadership, has been a fixture in city politics for nearly two decades. The city he leads is home to the largest Haitian American community in Florida.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida pulls funding for Key West Pride events because of new anti-diversity law<\/a>\u201d via John Russell of LGBTQ Nation \u2014 LGBTQ+ destination Key West will no longer receive state funding for its Pride events beginning next year. In a letter to the Key West Business Guild, a senior assistant county attorney for Monroe County specifically cited the state\u2019s SB 1134, an anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) law signed by DeSantis last month. The law, which does not take effect until 2027, bans local governments in Florida from \u201cfunding or promoting or taking official action as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion\u201d using taxpayer dollars. Critics of SB 1134 say its intention is to defund events like local Pride celebrations, dealing a major blow to LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in many communities across the state. But as Gay Key West Visitor Center Executive Director Rob Dougherty explained, one of the law\u2019s unintended consequences will be its economic impact on places like Key West.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: C. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cCommissioner says data center makes Fort Meade a \u2018political pawn\u2019<\/a>\u201d via Gary White of the Lakeland Ledger \u2014 Fort Meade officials are pushing back after DeSantis called a proposed hyperscale data center \u201cnot viable,\u201d arguing the project has increasingly become a political flashpoint in Florida\u2019s emerging battles over AI infrastructure and growth. Commissioners unanimously approved a 20-year development agreement with Stonebridge despite months of public opposition from residents concerned about environmental and quality-of-life impacts. Commissioner Jim Watts defended the city\u2019s authority to make local decisions, while Commissioner Matthew Taylor suggested statewide political figures are using the controversy to energize voters ahead of future campaigns. The debate intensified after DeSantis signed SB 484, legislation establishing new rules for data centers, while Lt. Gov. Collins and gubernatorial candidate Fishback also criticized the Fort Meade project. Despite growing political pressure, city officials say the permitting process remains ongoing, and no final outcome has been determined.<\/p>\n The nurse was branded \u2018a danger to public health\u2019 in Maryland. <\/a>She is still licensed in Florida.<\/a>\u201d via Annie Martin of Orlando Sentinel \u2014 The Orlando newspaper is continuing to investigate the shortcomings in Florida\u2019s nursing industry after the state loosened requirements for nursing education. The Sentinel\u2019s latest expose tells the story of a nurse who was prohibited from working in the state of Missouri after one of her patients died in 2023. However, in Florida, the nurse is still licensed to practice healthcare. It\u2019s an example of the problems following the rise of private, for-profit schools educating nurses.<\/p>\n \u201cLake Eola swans to be moved elsewhere as Orlando \u2018pauses\u2019 program after flu outbreak<\/a>\u201d via Ryan Gillespie of Orlando Sentinel \u2014 It\u2019s a swan song for the swans. The iconic swans of downtown Orlando\u2019s Lake Eola are going away \u2013 at least for the time being. The swans have been hit hard by avian flu, a disease with no cure, leading to public concerns about the birds\u2019 well-being. The city announced it will find new homes for the swans. \u201cMy hope is that there will be a shot or an inoculation or an injection to cure the avian flu,\u201d said Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who has been a longtime supporter of the swan program. \u201cIt\u2019s sad for everyone. I know there\u2019s going to be a lot of people who are going to be upset by this decision; it\u2019s not one we\u2019ve come upon lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: TB \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cTampa\u2019s stadium debate is starting to sound a lot like St. Pete\u2019s<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 For months, Mayor Ken Welch has taken political heat for the collapse of a deal to keep the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, with critics accusing him of fumbling what was supposed to be a transformational redevelopment project for the city. But as Tampa and Hillsborough County officials now wrestle publicly with their own proposed Rays stadium agreement, the debate across the Bay is beginning to sound strikingly familiar. The same questions that plagued a Rays\u2019 deal in St. Petersburg for years before one was finally struck are now surfacing in Tampa: How much public risk is too much? And, perhaps more importantly, if redevelopment is the true prize, does it truly require a $2.3 billion ballpark attached to it? It\u2019s worth noting that the deal that was ultimately reached failed after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field and the team decided to play its next season in Tampa, causing delays to the deal that ultimately killed it.<\/p>\n \u201cTampa man jailed for not demolishing his guesthouse is \u2018not done fighting\u2019<\/a>\u201d via Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Michael Martin came home from the Hillsborough County jail on Friday, exhausted and 12 pounds lighter, but his words sounded strong. \u201cI\u2019m not done fighting,\u201d he said from the couch of his South Tampa home. A nurse had just hooked him up to an IV. \u201cI\u2019m really dehydrated. The water isn\u2019t very good at the jail.\u201d Martin, 62, spent nearly three weeks inside, charged with contempt of court for failing to follow a judge\u2019s order that he demolish the two-story gym and guesthouse, his pool and a pickleball court he\u2019d constructed in the backyard of his Beach Park home. Between what it originally cost to build, the $400,000 it will cost to tear it down and the hundreds of thousands of dollars he has paid to lawyers, Martin said he stands to lose nearly $2 million. \u201cI\u2019m completely perplexed about how I\u2019m here,\u201d he said, \u201cwhen I did everything by the book and the city approved the permits every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: N. FL \u2014<\/p>\n Happening today \u2014 Attorneys representing the family of Tiru Chabba, the 45-year-old father of two killed in last year\u2019s mass shooting at Florida State University, will announce a lawsuit connected to the attack that left two people dead and six others wounded. Chabba, an employee of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, was on campus April 17, 2025, when authorities say FSU student Phoenix Ikner opened fire shortly before noon. Attorneys Bakari Sellers, Amy Willbanks, J. Robert Bell III and Jim Bannister are expected to speak and answer questions from reporters following the announcement: 9 a.m., outside the Joseph Woodrow Hatchett United States Courthouse, 111 N. Adams St., Tallahassee.<\/p>\n \u201cThe \u2018race-neutral\u2019 myth and Jacksonville City Council redistricting<\/a>\u201d via A.G. Gancarski of Jacksonville Today \u2014 Term-limited Republican City Council member Rory Diamond is not ruling out running for Mayor despite much of the establishment liking House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan. Diamond says he wants local redistricting and that there is time to do just that before the 2027 elections. Jacksonville\u2019s current map maintains four districts that are intended to allow Black candidates to be elected. Diamond\u2019s \u201crace-neutral\u201d map could very easily chop up those districts. It doesn\u2019t take much imagination to figure out how that could happen, even if districts are drawn without crossing the St. Johns River. It would be easy enough to dilute them. And if your goal is partisan domination, it would be political malpractice not to.<\/p>\n \u201cThousands of cameras monitor Leon County. Here\u2019s where they are<\/a>\u201d via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat \u2014 Leon County officials say at least 4,000 public and private surveillance cameras are already operating throughout the Tallahassee area as Commissioners prepare to debate expanding school zone speed enforcement technology. The total includes cameras at schools, parks, intersections, government buildings and businesses, though officials acknowledge the actual number is likely much higher because it excludes systems operated by the Tallahassee Police Department and Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office. Concerns over privacy, artificial intelligence and license plate tracking continue to fuel debate about vendors, including Flock Safety and RedSpeed. Officials say the technology helps solve crimes and improve school safety, while critics warn the expanding surveillance network risks government overreach and misuse of personal data.<\/p>\n \u201cCouncil member Clark-Murray removed from student contact at school<\/a>\u201d via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union \u2014 Clark-Murray faces a Duval County Public Schools human resources investigation and a temporary reassignment that prevents her from having any contact with students. The School District did not provide details about the nature of the investigation into Clark-Murray. She has worked as a site coach in the Exceptional Student Education program at Alfred I. duPont Middle School. The District said in a statement that Clark-Murray \u201chas been temporarily reassigned to a role with no student contact pending the outcome of a human resources investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEducation Department probes School District over alleged antisemitism<\/a>\u201d via Isa Dom\u00ednguez of POLITICO \u2014 The Education Department\u2019s civil rights arm is kicking off an investigation into a Florida School District following reports of antisemitic harassment. The investigation stems from a complaint by the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy group, and the Akerman law firm filed against the District in February, alleging that it violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The complaint describes instances in which a Jewish student in Bay County faced antisemitic bullying and a \u201chostile\u201d learning environment. The complaint refers to incidents in which students allegedly made presentations involving antisemitic symbols, statements and gestures. But the School District did not make any systemic changes in response, the groups alleged. \u201cA learning environment that permits bullying, leaves harassment unpunished, and tolerates antisemitic hatred is not only unsafe for students \u2014 it is unlawful,\u201d Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for the civil rights office, said.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: SW. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cBusiness leaders say closing USF Sarasota-Manatee would hurt local economy<\/a>\u201d via Kerry Sheridan of WUSF \u2014 The future of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus will be decided in budget talks in Tallahassee this month, and several chambers of commerce have urged lawmakers to consider the needs of local businesses that rely on graduates in education, nursing and accounting. DeSantis has laid out a plan to transfer the southernmost USF campus to New College of Florida, a neighboring liberal arts school with about 900 students that DeSantis has made a beacon in his \u201cwar on woke\u201d in higher education. But amid its ideological transformation, New College was also singled out by a Florida DOGE report last year as the least efficient state university, with the second-lowest median salary for graduates (after Florida A&M University) and the highest per-student operating expenses. Supporters of USF Sarasota-Manatee say the proposal would amount to the eviction of a prominent educational institution, warning that a multitude of programs that feed key jobs will go away.<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP OPINION \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cRepublicans prepare for long-term redistricting domination<\/a>\u201d via David Weigel of Semafor \u2014 Republicans are increasingly signaling that the current wave of redistricting fights is only the beginning of a broader long-term effort to reshape American political power ahead of 2028 and beyond.<\/p>\n Energized by recent court victories and the Supreme Court\u2019s Callais decision weakening protections tied to majority-minority districts, GOP lawmakers in several states are preparing additional congressional map overhauls designed to further limit Democratic opportunities in the U.S. House.<\/p>\n Supporters of the strategy argue the modern Democratic coalition relies heavily on immigration patterns, Voting Rights Act protections and district configurations established after 1965. Democrats, meanwhile, are preparing for extended legal and political battles as they accuse Republicans of aggressively manipulating maps to entrench power. <\/p>\n The growing confrontation reflects a much larger national struggle over voting rights, demographic change, congressional representation and the future structure of competitive American elections.<\/p>\n \u2014 MORE OPINIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cThe JD Vance-Rubio 2028 question pops up again<\/a>\u201d via Byron York of the Washington Examiner \u2014 Despite renewed media attention surrounding Rubio and possible 2028 presidential ambitions, Vance remains the clear Republican front-runner as both men navigate growing political pressure tied to the Iran war. Rubio earned praise in Washington after stepping into White House briefing duties and handling questions on diplomacy, military operations and global tensions, fueling fresh speculation about his national political future. Meanwhile, Vance took a far different approach during an Iowa appearance supporting Rep. Zach Nunn, focusing less on policy mechanics and more on the emotional toll of war after meeting Gold Star families connected to American troops killed in the conflict. The contrast highlighted two different political skill sets emerging inside the Republican Party\u2019s early 2028 landscape.<\/p>\n \u201cHispanic families, businesses benefit from expanded Gulf access<\/a>\u201d via Julio Fuentes for Florida Politics \u2014 Rising oil prices continue to squeeze Florida families and small businesses, with Hispanic entrepreneurs facing some of the sharpest pressures because of their concentration in industries heavily dependent on fuel and transportation costs. Higher gasoline and diesel prices ripple through tourism, construction and logistics, forcing businesses to raise prices, reduce operations or delay expansion plans. Expanding domestic energy production in the Gulf of America is framed as a practical way to improve economic certainty and shield consumers from volatile international markets. Supporters of broader offshore leasing argue that a stronger Five-Year Leasing Plan would protect jobs, stabilize supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign energy sources. They also contend that consistent leasing schedules help producers invest with confidence while keeping long-term energy costs more predictable for businesses and working families.<\/p>\n \u201cSB 484 is the law. Now the real fight starts at the PSC.<\/a>\u201d via Mark McNees for Florida Politics \u2014 Florida has positioned itself at the center of a growing national debate over who should bear the soaring energy costs tied to AI data centers. SB 484 establishes a legal framework requiring large-scale data centers to pay for the grid infrastructure and power they use rather than shifting costs to residential consumers. Supporters argue the measure gives Florida a first-mover advantage as other states struggle with rising utility bills driven by hyperscaler expansion. The legislation also places major responsibility on the Florida Public Service Commission, where upcoming tariff decisions will determine how aggressively the state enforces cost protections. While broader debates over transparency, land use and nondisclosure agreements remain unresolved, the bill establishes a significant precedent on utility cost allocation that lawmakers and regulators nationwide are expected to study closely.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida judge recusal raises \u2018bizarre\u2019 questions of bias<\/a>\u201d via Adam Ellis for the Tallahassee Democrat \u2014 Florida\u2019s latest congressional redistricting fight took an unusual legal turn after Cord Byrd successfully moved to disqualify J. Lee Marsh by arguing the judge could appear too favorable to the state\u2019s own attorney, Mohammad Jazil. Jazil serves on Marsh\u2019s re-election committee, donated to his campaign and helped host a fundraiser, relationships the state claimed created an appearance problem. Legal observers say the maneuver reverses the traditional logic behind judicial recusal, which typically involves concerns that a judge may favor opposing counsel over one\u2019s own lawyer. Critics called the theory \u201ctruly bizarre\u201d and warned that it could open the door to sophisticated litigants engineering the removal of judges by strategically inserting politically connected attorneys into cases, raising broader concerns about forum shopping and judicial independence in Florida courts.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s keep our promise to Florida\u2019s first responders<\/a>\u201d via Sheriff T.K. Waters for The Florida Times-Union \u2014 As an agency, we\u2019ve worked hard to train up the next generation of law enforcement officials. Our team cares deeply about our region, the people they serve and the communities they are fighting to protect. Their thoughtful service and real commitment to positive change are what have facilitated measurable reductions in crime: most recently, we\u2019ve seen a 53.91% decline in murders in 2024 and a 15.6% decrease in overall crime in 2025, including a 7.8% reduction in violent crime and a 17.4% drop in property crime in Jacksonville alone. We cannot keep delivering these types of results without a highly capable, well-trained workforce that is committed to selflessly serving their community.<\/p>\n \u201cSloths\u2019 tragic journey shows need for change<\/a>\u201d via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board \u2014 The horrifying deaths of at least 55 sloths tied to the failed Orlando attraction Sloth World are fueling growing calls for stricter laws targeting the exotic animal trade in Florida and across the United States. Wildlife investigators say dozens of sloths imported from Peru and Guyana were kept in poor conditions, improperly fed and left in an unheated storage facility before many died from infections, pneumonia and severe digestive problems. The surviving animals were transferred to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where experts continue to try to stabilize their health. Lawmakers, including Anna Eskamani and Maxwell Alejandro Frost, are now pushing for state and federal reforms to restrict the import of exotic animals and prevent unqualified operators from exhibiting wildlife for profit.<\/p>\n \u2014 INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 ALOE \u2014<\/p>\n<\/a>Bill Posey\u2019s decades of public service shaped Florida\u2019s Space Coast political and aerospace legacy.<\/p>\n<\/a>James Fishback and Anthony Sabatini turn outrage politics into a full-time Florida campaign strategy.<\/p>\n<\/a>At a recent gala, Susie Wiles was honored for a political career shaping Florida and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Don Gaetz says Florida\u2019s budget standoff became more about politics than spending. Image via Senate Majority Office.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Thomas Chalifoux sees Ron DeSantis\u2019 new congressional map as a second chance against Darren Soto.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Daniella Levine Cava backs Miami-Dade Democrats ahead of crowded 2026 legislative contests.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Ron DeSantis urges Ave Maria graduates to battle modern culture in the \u2018full armor of God.\u2019<\/p>\n<\/a>James Uthmeier\u2019s surrogacy fight could upend Florida family law and reproductive rights. Image via Orlando Sentinel.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis trade campaign scars for an uneasy Republican reunion.<\/p>\n<\/a>Trump ally Brian Hughes lands back at NASA with Space Coast launch authority.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Anthony Rodriguez faces mounting scrutiny as questions swirl around the stalled A3 Foundation audit. Image via Colin Hackley.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Jim Watts says Fort Meade\u2019s controversial data center became campaign-season political bait. Image via The Ledger.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Ken Welch watches Tampa rediscover the same Rays stadium headaches that sank St. Pete\u2019s deal.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Tiru Chabba\u2019s family seeks accountability after the deadly Florida State University campus shooting.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Florida business leaders warn Ron DeSantis\u2019 USF Sarasota-Manatee plan could damage local workforce pipelines.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n