___<\/p>\n
We start by turning over the top to our friend, Steve Vancore, who shakes a whole lot of salt on the Change Research poll, which is being heavily touted by Democratic statewide candidates David Jolly and Alex Vindman.<\/p>\n
Every poll that drops into a Florida political inbox gets the same first question from anyone who knows what they\u2019re doing: How did they build this thing?<\/p>\n Change Research\u2019s<\/a> new \u201cDeep Dive into Florida\u201d from Freedom Project USA has some genuinely interesting topline findings<\/a> \u2014 President Donald Trump underwater with no-party voters (no surprise); Democratic voter motivation up (no surprise); Jolly leading Byron Donalds (surprise); and Vindman and Jos\u00e9 Javier Rodr\u00edguez both leading (shock).<\/p>\n Before anyone runs to the betting markets, let\u2019s shake some salt on the methodology.<\/p>\n Two things stand out.<\/p>\n Problem 1: \u201cWill you vote?\u201d is a notoriously bad question<\/p>\n The survey splits its 2,070 respondents into those who \u201csay they will likely vote\u201d \u2014 and that self-reported screen becomes the foundation for the most consequential numbers in the memo, including the Jolly-Donalds head-to-head.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the problem: asking people whether they plan to vote is one of the least reliable questions in survey research. It is a textbook example of what social scientists call socially desirable response patterning<\/a>.<\/p>\n The concept is straightforward. When a pollster asks, \u201cWill you be voting in the upcoming election?\u201d most respondents know the \u201ccorrect\u201d answer. Voting is a civic virtue. Saying no is like telling your doctor you haven\u2019t exercised for three months \u2014 technically honest, socially uncomfortable. So, people say yes. Consistently. Across every demographic. In volumes that bear no resemblance to who actually shows up.<\/p>\n And at a time when the President\u2019s numbers are underwater, of course, Democrats are more likely to say they will vote. Many of them probably will. But intention isn\u2019t the best yardstick for turnout \u2014 the voter file is.<\/p>\n This is not a small distortion. In a typical Midterm, 35% to 45% of registered voters don\u2019t cast a ballot. But self-reported \u201clikely voters\u201d in pre-election surveys routinely run 70%, 80%, or even higher. The people inflating that number aren\u2019t lying. They intend to vote. They just don\u2019t. Life intervenes. Motivation fades. The enthusiasm they felt when they answered the survey doesn\u2019t survive a Tuesday in November.<\/p>\n Problem 2: The voter file solves this \u2014 and it wasn\u2019t fully used<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the good news: Florida has one of the richest voter files in the country, and it contains something far more valuable than self-reported intentions \u2014 actual voting history.<\/p>\n Did this person vote in 2022? In 2020? In the last three Primaries? That behavioral record is the gold standard for modeling who will turn out. A registered voter with a consistent Midterm history is categorically different from one who showed up once in 2020 and hasn\u2019t voted since. The file knows the difference. Self-reported enthusiasm does not.<\/p>\n Change Research notes<\/a> in its methodology that it recruited some respondents via text messages sent to cellphone numbers on the voter file \u2014 so the file was in the room. That, in our view, is a missed opportunity. When your likely voter screen is built on \u201cI think I\u2019ll vote\u201d rather than \u201cthis person has voted in four of the last five comparable elections,\u201d your likely voter universe is softer than it looks.<\/p>\n Partisan breakdown<\/p>\n Kudos to Change Research for a +12 GOP model, but two concerns.<\/p>\n Respondents were recruited using \u201ctargeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram, as well as across the web via Facebook\u2019s ad platform\u201d and \u201ctext messages sent, via the Switchboard platform, to cellphone numbers listed on the voter file for individuals who qualified for the survey\u2019s sample universe, based on their voter file data.\u201d<\/p>\n The second method is great. The first is the kind of methodology that rewards enthusiasts for raising their hands. The gold standard is the pollster reaching out to the respondent, not the other way around. Ad-based recruitment lets respondents self-select, and self-selection skews.<\/p>\n The bottom line<\/p>\n None of this means the findings are wrong. The issue environment Change Research describes \u2014 cost-of-living stress, insurance anxiety and no-party voters hostile to Trump \u2014 matches what other data sources show. The directional story is in line with other current polling.<\/p>\n But the specific margins, and especially the enthusiasm gap numbers, deserve scrutiny. A survey that built its likely voter screen on behavioral voter file history rather than self-reported intention would give those findings a far more durable foundation. These methodology choices are likely the reason this poll is the outlier showing a top-of-the-ticket Democratic sweep.<\/p>\n About the pollster<\/p>\n It should come as no surprise that, while well-regarded, Change Research is a left-leaning shop that represents Democrats and progressive causes. This isn\u2019t an attack \u2014 but it may shed some light on the findings.<\/p>\n Read this one with a shaker in hand.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n A few other items for your radar:<\/p>\n \ud83e\udd16 \u2014 From The Eddy: What I\u2019m learning about the intersection of AI and politics: As many of you now know, I, along with Janelle Irwin Taylor and Drew Wilson, have launched a Substack evaluating the pros and cons of AI utilization in the newsroom \u2014 what works, what doesn\u2019t and how do we create our own internal AI policies that maximize efficiency while still protecting journalistic integrity and the art our journalists diligently create day-in-day-out? Those are the questions I tackle in \u201cThe Eddy,\u201d where I take a break from my own implementation to read what others are thinking. You can review my takeaways from various dialogues<\/a> on AI trends and share your thoughts here as well. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf0 Disney erased FiveThirtyEight<\/a> \u2014 Everyone in media, politics, or anything adjacent should read Nate Silver\u2019s postmortem on what Disney did to FiveThirtyEight. Last week, ABC News quietly auto-redirected the entire archive to its homepage \u2014 roughly 200,000 hours of work down the drain. Silver\u2019s piece is part business school case study, part lament: a corporate parent that never bothered to monetize a property it owned, repeatedly turned down a paywall pitch that could have cleared seven figures, then ran the brand into the ground after he left in 2023. A cautionary tale about what happens when a niche product gets swallowed by a company that only thinks in billions.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf0 This independent magazine publisher doubled down on print<\/a> \u2014 Sound familiar? Simon Owens profiles Krista Faist, the Toronto founder of Twenty Two Media Group, whose two free lifestyle magazines \u2014 Foodism and Escapism \u2014 still pull roughly half their ad revenue from print a decade in. Her thesis: premium print works as brand-building for affluent, targeted readers, not as mass media chasing CPMs. She bootstrapped from a laptop, landed Loblaw before the first issue was printed, pivoted to direct-to-home distribution during COVID, and survived a 100%-plus spike in paper costs that gutted competitors. A worthwhile read for anyone watching INFLUENCE Magazine\u2019s trajectory.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n A top-of-the-\u2018burn birthday shoutout to Ashley Chambers, Communications Director for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.<\/p>\n \u2014 SITUATIONAL AWARENESS \u2014<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@LaurenMeloFL: May is Military Appreciation Month, and for me it\u2019s deeply personal. My son Dare bravely served in the U.S. military and now is a member of our law enforcement. There is no way to describe what it feels like to watch your child go to war for this country. The sacrifices of our SWFL military families will never go unnoticed by me and my family.<\/p>\n Tweet, tweet:<\/p>\n \u2014@BFawkes20: Just in: @CircaSports<\/a> announces $20 million guarantee for NFL Survivor contest, largest legal sports betting contest in U.S. history<\/p>\n \u2014 DAYS UNTIL \u2014<\/p>\n French Open begins \u2014 1; \u2019Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu\u2019 premieres \u2014 2; new mission for \u2019Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run\u2019 premieres at Disney World \u2014 2; Marvel\u2019s \u2019Spider-Noir\u2019 arrives on Amazon Prime \u2014 7; Rafa Nadal documentary \u2019Rafa\u2019 premieres on Netflix \u2014 9; MLB Lou Gehrig Day \u2014 13; Florida Tech & Innovation Summit \u2014 14; \u2019Cape Fear\u2019 series premieres on Apple TV \u2014 16; \u2019Masters of the Universe\u2019 premieres \u2014 16; 2026 Florida Chamber Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit \u2014 19; Second Qualifying Period begins (State) \u2014 19; South Africa in the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City \u2014 22; Steven Spielberg\u2019s \u2019Disclosure Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 23; Qualifying Period ends for Federal, Governor, Cabinet, State and local offices \u2014 23; Flag Day \u2014 25; the Octagon on the White House South Lawn: UFC Freedom 250 \u2014 25; Trump\u2019s 80th birthday \u2014 25; \u2019Toy Story 5\u2019 premieres \u2014 30; The final season of \u2018THE BEAR\u2019 premieres \u2014 36; \u2019Supergirl\u2019 premieres \u2014 37; Florida GOP Sunshine State Showdown debates \u2014 37; live-action \u2019Moana\u2019 premieres \u2014 42; Primary Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 45; Primary Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 50; 2026 Florida Python Challenge \u2014 51; MLB All-Star Game \u2014 55; Domestic Primary Election VBM deadline \u2014 57; Primary Election voter registration deadline \u2014 61; \u2019Spider-Man: Brand New Day\u2019 premieres \u2014 72; \u2019Ted Lasso\u2019 season 4 premieres \u2014 77; Primary Election ballot request deadline \u2014 78; Early voting period begins \u2014 80; \u2019Lanterns\u2019 premieres on HBO \u2014 88; \u2019Lanterns\u2019 premieres on HBO \u2014 88; Primary Election Day \u2014 90; NFL regular season kicks off \u2014 112; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in first-ever NFL regular season game in Melbourne, Australia \u2014 113; Yankees host the Mets for 9\/11 anniversary \u2014 114; MLB Roberto Clemente Day \u2014 118; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline \u2014 122; Tampa Bay Buccaneers opener against Cleveland Browns \u2014 123; General Election domestic ballot deadline \u2014 127; Domestic General Election VBM deadline \u2014 134; General Election voter registration deadline \u2014 138; Early Voting General Election begins \u2014 157; General Election \u2014 167; \u2019Godzilla Minus Zero\u2019 premieres \u2014 170; 2026 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit \u2014 175; \u2019The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping\u2019 premieres \u2014 184; \u2019Avengers: Doomsday\u2019 premieres \u2014 212; \u2019Dune: Part 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 212; untitled Star Wars movie premieres \u2014 212; College Football Playoff national title game in Las Vegas \u2014 250; 69th annual Grammy Awards \u2014 263; Super Bowl LXI \u2014 270; Tampa Mayoral Election \u2014 286; 2027 Oscars \u2014 298; Jacksonville First Election \u2014 307; Jacksonville General Election \u2014 363; \u2019Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse\u2019 premieres \u2014 381; \u2019Bluey the Movie\u2019 premieres \u2014 443; \u2019MIAMI VICE\u2019 reboot premieres \u2014 443; \u2019The Batman 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 499; \u2019Avengers: Secret Wars\u2019 premieres \u2014 576; College Football Playoff national title game in New Orleans \u2014 614; 2028 Oscars \u2014 655; \u2019Lilo & Stitch 2\u2019 premieres \u2014 737; \u2019Incredibles 3\u2019 premieres \u2014 758; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony \u2014 786; U.S. Presidential Election \u2014 902; College Football Playoff national title game in Tampa \u2014 978; Avatar 4 premieres \u2014 1,302; College Football Playoff national title games in Miami \u2014 1,342; Avatar 5 premieres \u2014 2,033. <\/p>\n \u2014 TOP STORY \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDrought could dampen July 4 fireworks in Florida<\/a>\u201d via Jim Turner for the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 Florida officials are warning residents that if drought conditions persist, Fourth of July fireworks could sharply increase wildfire risks as the state approaches the most dangerous stretch of an already severe fire season. With drought affecting about 90% of Florida, Cabinet members said caution is critical heading into Summer holidays.<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office will pursue legal action when reckless behavior leads to destructive fires. \u201cIf you start some big bonfire with these drought conditions, and the wind blows, and all of a sudden the neighborhood is on fire, you will be held accountable,\u201d he said. He urged residents in burn-ban counties to take restrictions seriously.<\/p>\n Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson warned fireworks could become especially dangerous if heavy rains do not arrive before Independence Day celebrations. \u201cYou could put the entire state on fire in one evening,\u201d Simpson said, pointing to the risk posed by widespread fireworks use during dry conditions.<\/p>\n Simpson said Florida remains locked in severe drought and needs major rainfall to recover. \u201cIt\u2019s going to take at least a foot of rain to get us out of severe drought conditions in most counties,\u201d he said, later adding, \u201cThis is as bad as it gets.\u201d<\/p>\n Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, who also serves as state fire marshal, urged residents to use \u201ccommon sense\u201d before lighting bonfires or burning debris. He said recent rain has not been enough to saturate the ground or reduce fire risks.<\/p>\n Florida has recorded 2,101 wildfires this year, burning 136,584 acres. Burn bans remained active Tuesday in 15 counties. Simpson urged homeowners to clear debris, protect their property and prepare evacuation plans, saying, \u201cWe will get through this, but we need residents to pay attention.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 2026 \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDavid Jolly adds top strategists to Governor\u2019s campaign as home stretch nears<\/a>\u201d via Michael Van Sickler of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Democratic gubernatorial front-runner Jolly is strengthening his campaign team with three veteran political and policy operatives as he heads deeper into the 2026 race. Joe Trippi, a nationally known Democratic strategist with four decades of experience, joins as senior adviser after helping lead major campaigns, including Howard Dean\u2019s 2004 presidential bid and Doug Jones\u2019 2017 Senate upset in Alabama. Kimberly G. Jackson, an attorney, educator and executive director of the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College, will serve as policy adviser, bringing experience in evidence-based policymaking and civic engagement. Christian Ulvert, a longtime Florida strategist and founder of Edge Communications, also joins as senior adviser, adding expertise in statewide political infrastructure, coalition building and bilingual voter outreach. The hires bolster Jolly\u2019s campaign as Democrats prepare for a competitive statewide race.<\/p>\n \u201cByron Donalds rolls out 25-plus Pinellas County endorsements in Governor\u2019s race<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 Republican gubernatorial front-runner Donalds is adding more than 25 endorsements from elected officials in Pinellas County, reinforcing his political strength in a key Florida battleground. The backing includes a broad mix of local leaders such as County Commissioners, Mayors, the State Attorney, Public Defender, Clerk of Court, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and a School Board member. Supporters highlighted Donalds\u2019 conservative credentials, fiscal priorities and statewide visibility, with Pinellas County Tax Collector Adam Ross saying, \u201cI know Byron will be a great leader for the next chapter of our state.\u201d The endorsements build on Donalds\u2019 growing statewide coalition, which already includes support from members of Florida\u2019s congressional delegation, sheriffs and much of the House Republican caucus. The show of support also comes as Donalds posts strong fundraising totals and maintains a commanding position in early GOP polling.<\/p>\n \u201cJos\u00e9 Javier Rodr\u00edguez adds major union endorsement to Attorney General campaign<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 A major healthcare and service workers union has endorsed Democrat Javier Rodr\u00edguez in his bid to become Florida\u2019s next Attorney General. SEIU Florida announced its backing of Rodr\u00edguez at a news conference with workers and union members in South Florida this week. The union, which represents more than 80,000 active and retired healthcare professionals, cited Rodr\u00edguez\u2019s record on worker protections and consumer advocacy, as well as his years working in labor law, as key to earning its support. \u201cFlorida\u2019s workers are tired \u2014 tired of a state government led by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Uthmeier that has consistently failed working families and made life harder for workers across our state,\u201d SEIU Florida District Director Helene O\u2019Brien said. <\/p>\n \u201cDCCC steps in to defend Darren Soto\u2019s redrawn Orlando seat<\/a>\u201d \u2014 via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 The fundraising arm for Congressional Democrats said it plans to steer additional resources to Rep. Darren Soto, whose Central Florida seat is imperiled after Florida leaders redrew the heavily blue District into one that strongly favors Republicans. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said it has selected the CD 9 race for its Frontline program, which funnels support to re-elect Democrats in competitive races. Soto, in office since 2017, will have an uphill climb given how Republican leaders redrew the state\u2019s congressional map. He represents one of four Democratic-leaning districts redrawn into Republican-heavy ones last month, as state lawmakers approved new maps pushed by Gov. DeSantis.<\/p>\n \u201cCop cachet: Kevin Steele lands support from Chad Chronister, Chris Nocco<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 Republican state Rep. Steele has earned support from two prominent Tampa Bay area Sheriffs in his bid for Florida\u2019s 14th Congressional District. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chronister and Pasco County Sheriff Nocco are endorsing Steele. The endorsements \u2014 both from fellow Republicans \u2014 are important in what will be a competitive GOP Primary. With their endorsements for Steele, both Chronister and Nocco have snubbed former state Rep. Mike Beltran, who has also jumped into the CD 14 race. \u201cAs a proud Tampa native and unwavering supporter of law enforcement, Kevin Steele is the right choice to represent our community in Congress,\u201d Chronister said.<\/p>\n \u201cCasey Askar jumps into increasingly competitive CD 22 contest<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics \u2014 Askar just launched a bid in Florida\u2019s 22nd Congressional District. That thrusts him into a race to represent a nearly coast-to-coast District under Florida\u2019s new congressional map, entering a potentially competitive Primary and General Election. \u201cWashington is broken, and I know how to fix it. I\u2019m a patriot who loves our country and a business leader with the skills to fix what\u2019s broken in Washington,\u201d Askar said. \u201cToday, I employ thousands of Floridians across the 22nd Congressional District and South Florida. They\u2019re my extended family. I worry about the health of their financial futures if we don\u2019t fix the mess in Washington.\u201d Askar previously ran for Congress in 2020, coming in third in a Republican Primary to current U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Hector will fight\u2019: Hector Mujica bid for CD 28 nets endorsement from California Congressman<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Mujica just scored an endorsement from a fellow Democrat he hopes to serve alongside in Congress with a win in Florida\u2019s 28th Congressional District this year. U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz of California, an emergency physician and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said he\u2019s supporting Mujica because of the candidate\u2019s emphasis on healthcare access and affordability. \u201cI know healthcare is personal \u2014 and no family should struggle to afford the care they need,\u201d said Ruiz, the son of farmworkers who rose through public education to reach Congress. \u201cHector will fight to lower costs, protect the Affordable Care Act, strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for working families.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 MORE ELECTIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cJudge weighs new redistricting plan amid challenge to 2022 maps<\/a>\u201d via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida \u2014 A federal court fight over Florida\u2019s 2022 redistricting maps remains active as judges weigh whether a newly approved congressional map and recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could reshape the legal challenge. Plaintiffs argue that three Miami-Dade state House districts and a former Congressional District were drawn using unconstitutional racial considerations to favor Hispanic candidates, while state attorneys maintain that legal requirements and municipal boundaries shaped the districts. The dispute now includes questions over whether Florida\u2019s 26th Congressional District, redrawn last month after DeSantis called a Special Session, should remain part of the lawsuit. House attorneys argue the issue is moot because the District no longer exists, while challengers say it should remain on hold in case state courts strike down the new map and restore the old one. The broader case highlights ongoing legal battles over race, fairness and political power in redistricting.<\/p>\n \u201cJohn Morgan\u2019s $100K political party contest starts now<\/a>\u201d via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics \u2014 Morgan is moving forward on naming a new third party he plans to create, and he\u2019s offering $100,000 to the person who comes up with the best name. The Orlando lawyer announced last month he was not running for Governor but decided to create his own independent party instead. \u201cAfter running two very successful constitutional amendment campaigns, I\u2019ve learned that once we drop the \u2018D\u2019 and the \u2018R,\u2019 most of us agree on most issues,\u201d Morgan said. \u201cThe two-party system \u2014 the extremes to the right and the extremes to the left \u2014 is freezing us up. What we need is a third political party that can compromise with the left and the right to provide real solutions to the people. I\u2019m ready to build it, and I need people\u2019s help to name it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBradenton icon Gene Gallo throws weight behind Melton Little in HD 71 race<\/a>\u201d via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics \u2014 Little is adding another piece of Manatee County political muscle to his House District 71 bid. The Republican leading the GOP money race in HD 71 announced the endorsement of longtime Bradenton City Council member Gallo, a hometown fixture whose decades of public service make him one of the most recognizable names in local Republican politics. \u201cMelton Little is the kind of leader who shows up, listens, and gets things done. He understands our community\u2019s needs and has the work ethic to deliver real results in Tallahassee. I\u2019m proud to support him for the Florida House,\u201d Gallo said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnthony Bonna gets AIF nod in HD 85<\/a>\u201d via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics \u2014 The Associated Industries of Florida is endorsing Republican Bonna in the race to succeed term-limited Rep. Toby Overdorf in House District 85. \u201cFrom helping deliver tax relief and economic growth in Port St. Lucie to advocating for policies that support small businesses and job creators, Anthony understands what it takes to keep Florida competitive and prosperous,\u201d said AIF President and CEO Brewster Bevis. \u201cThroughout his service to his community, Anthony has demonstrated a commitment to responsible leadership and a pro-business approach that will help create opportunities for Florida families and employers alike. Associated Industries of Florida is proud to endorse Anthony Bonna for Florida House District 85.\u201d Bonna is currently in a head-to-head with Thomas Colter for the Republican nomination for the seat, which covers parts of Martin and St. Lucie Counties<\/p>\n \u2014 STATEWIDE \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cRoger Goodell says the NFL is cooperating with Florida AG after receiving subpoena<\/a>\u201d via Rob Maaddi of The Associated Press \u2014 NFL Commissioner Goodell says the league is cooperating with Attorney General Uthmeier after receiving a subpoena tied to an investigation into whether the Rooney Rule and other diversity-related hiring programs violate civil rights laws. Speaking during league meetings in Orlando, Goodell said, \u201cWe\u2019re engaging with the Florida Attorney General and will continue to. We\u2019ll share everything we\u2019re doing with them.\u201d He added the NFL believes its programs are \u201cwithin the law\u201d and \u201csomething very positive.\u201d Uthmeier has argued that the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minority candidates for key positions, amounts to discrimination. The subpoena seeks documents tied to hiring data and diversity initiatives, including the NFL\u2019s accelerator program, which Goodell defended by saying participants are \u201cthe best of the best\u201d and are being given broader opportunities.<\/p>\n Happening today \u2014 Attorney General James Uthmeier hosts the annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony in Havana. The awards ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy Conference Center, 85 Academy Drive. Credentialed media must RSVP to [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>, with arrival set for 8:30 a.m.<\/p>\n \u201cLegislators drop funding for project mentioned in Shiela Cherfilus-McCormick probe<\/a>\u201d via Gary Fineout of POLITICO \u2014 Lawmakers have dropped plans to direct taxpayer money to a tablet program tied to the Figgers Foundation, a nonprofit that surfaced in a congressional probe involving former U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick. The House and Senate had previously proposed funding ranging from $350,000 to $1 million for the Broward-based program. Still, they eliminated it during Special Session budget negotiations after questions resurfaced about prior federal funding. Senate budget chief Jay Trumbull said lawmakers would not move forward, citing earlier reporting on the controversy. A January congressional report examined $2.2 million in federal funding that went to the foundation in 2022, raising questions about whether the program benefited for-profit businesses linked to Freddie Figgers and whether it could create future telecom customers. Figgers has denied wrongdoing, while the funding controversy remains tied to broader scrutiny surrounding Cherfilus-McCormick\u2019s legal and ethics troubles.<\/p>\n \u201cHouse budget offer floats $6M for new statewide criminal intelligence platform<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics \u2014 A late House budget proposal would steer $6 million toward building a new statewide criminal intelligence data platform, potentially expanding how Florida law enforcement agencies share and analyze investigative information. The proposal would fund a third-party provider to create a system capable of integrating, deduplicating, searching and analyzing disconnected data across multiple systems while meeting criminal justice security requirements. But key details remain unresolved, including which agencies would participate, what records would be connected, whether local involvement would be mandatory and what oversight or access controls would apply. The plan follows failed legislation earlier this Session that sought to create a Statewide Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism Unit within FDLE. While the budget language does not explicitly revive that effort, both proposals reflect a broader push toward centralized intelligence coordination and statewide law enforcement data-sharing as lawmakers continue budget negotiations.<\/p>\n Happening today \u2014 Sen. Shevrin Jones hosts \u201cTHE TRUTH: Voting Rights, Florida\u2019s New Maps & What Comes Next,\u201d a town hall on how the new maps could affect Black and Brown communities, the ongoing legal challenges, and how residents can organize to protect voting rights. The SD 34 Democrat is convening the conversation with Equal Ground, Florida Rising, NAACP, Equality Florida, Human Rights Campaign, and SAVE, alongside Reps. Ashley Gantt and Angie Nixon and Jasmine Burney-Clark. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami. Media RSVP: [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cBiologist fired over Charlie Kirk post gets cash payout<\/a>\u201d via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida \u2014 A former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologist who was fired after a social media post following the assassination of conservative activist Kirk will receive a financial settlement after suing state officials over alleged First Amendment violations. Brittney Brown reached an agreement with FWC officials Roger Young and Melissa Tucker, ending a federal-court case scheduled for trial in June. The lawsuit centered on Brown\u2019s firing after a reposted Instagram message drew backlash from conservative social media accounts. The case also raised questions about sworn testimony from Tucker, after a federal magistrate found her affidavit contained inaccurate and knowingly false statements about public complaints and agency disruption. While a judge had imposed sanctions against Tucker and her attorneys, those penalties were later vacated as part of the settlement, which also resolved attorney fee disputes tied to the litigation.<\/p>\n \u201cAI \u2018news\u2019 site with fake reporters is just latest news scam in Florida<\/a>\u201d via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel \u2014 The collapse of an AI-generated \u201cnews\u201d outlet in South Florida is being held up as a warning about how easily fake journalism can mimic credibility while spreading confusion, spin and manufactured authority. The outlet used fabricated reporters, fake bios and AI-created content to present itself as legitimate local journalism, underscoring how misinformation can now arrive dressed like trusted reporting. But the broader concern extends beyond artificial intelligence to politically connected or anonymously funded \u201cnews\u201d sites that blur the lines between advocacy, propaganda and journalism. Similar Florida outlets have faced scrutiny for serving powerful interests, attacking established media, or quietly promoting political agendas while appearing independent. The deeper lesson is that credibility still depends on transparency, sourcing and real accountability. In an era of AI-generated content and agenda-driven platforms, readers who fail to question who is producing the news risk mistaking polished fiction for legitimate reporting.<\/p>\n \u2014 D.C. MATTERS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cDonald Trump escalates Cuba pressure, building case for potential military action<\/a>\u201d via Nora G\u00e1mez Torres of the Miami Herald \u2014 As Cuban leaders reject reforms and talks with the U.S. stall, the Trump administration appears to be building a case to justify potential military action in Cuba if diplomacy and sanctions don\u2019t prompt major changes on the island, military experts and former U.S. officials told the Miami Herald. Only a few days ago, there were few signs that military action was high on the list of U.S. policy options to try to change the trajectory of Cuba, a country Trump initially labeled a \u201cfailing nation\u201d that would fall on its own. The administration had threatened Cuba\u2019s oil suppliers, leaving the island with no more fuel than what it can produce domestically, and it sanctioned the military conglomerate GAESA and its head, along with several members of the government and the military.<\/p>\n \u2014\u201cMaria Elvira Salazar says military invasion of Cuba unlikely, but end of Castro regime still imminent<\/a>\u201d via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics<\/p>\n \u201cDOJ official told GOP ally that big payouts were coming for Jan. 6 defendants<\/a>\u201d via Ryan Reilly of NBC News \u2014 New details surrounding the Justice Department\u2019s controversial $1.776 billion \u201cAnti-Weaponization Fund\u201d have intensified scrutiny over whether people charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot could ultimately receive taxpayer-funded compensation. The fund was created as part of a settlement with Trump, who dropped claims tied to lawsuits against the federal government, including the release of his tax returns and prior investigations. The report highlights comments allegedly made by former Trump administration official Ed Martin, a vocal supporter of Jan. 6 defendants, who reportedly predicted financial payouts for pardoned rioters well before the fund was announced. Justice officials say anyone claiming a \u201cweaponized\u201d government targeted them can apply, though payouts are not guaranteed and will be decided by a Commission. Critics say the fund deepens concerns about political revisionism, accountability and whether federal money could be used to benefit individuals tied to the Capitol attack.<\/p>\n \u201cTrump AI executive order seeks early government access to advanced models<\/a>\u201c via Ashley Gold of Axios \u2014 The White House plans to release its much-discussed executive order on cybersecurity and AI safety as soon as this week. In its current form, the order seeks to bolster cybersecurity around advanced AI models and outlines plans for a voluntary framework for AI developers to inform the government about new releases. The draft calls for a \u201cvoluntary framework\u201d under which AI labs would share their models with the government at least 90 days before public release and also give access to certain critical infrastructure providers. Cybersecurity was not initially a high priority for the administration, but recent cyber-capable models have raised alarm bells both inside and outside government due to their ability to find and exploit software vulnerabilities with unprecedented speed.<\/p>\n \u201cMarco Rubio offers \u2018new relationship\u2019 to Cuban people<\/a>\u201c via Marc Caputo of Axios \u2014 Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked Cuban Independence Day with a Spanish-language video message to the people of the island that blamed their \u201cunimaginable hardships\u201d on their communist leadership. This is the first time Rubio has addressed the Cuban population directly as secretary of state. It\u2019s part of the Trump administration\u2019s multi-layered pressure campaign targeting Havana. Rubio\u2019s speech focuses on the Cuban military business conglomerate known as GAESA \u2014 which has an estimated $18 billion in assets and controls 70% of Cuba\u2019s economy through its control of hotels, construction, banks, stores and cash remittance from the U.S. \u201cCuba is not controlled by any \u2018revolution.\u2019 Cuba is controlled by GAESA,\u201d Rubio says.<\/p>\n Happening today \u2014 The U.S. Justice Department is scheduled to make an announcement in Miami alongside a ceremony honoring victims of the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue killings. Participating officials include Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Qui\u00f1ones, FBI Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia, U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody and AG Uthmeier. The event is set for 1 p.m. ET and signals a high-profile federal presence around one of the most politically and historically significant tragedies in South Florida\u2019s Cuban exile community. <\/p>\n \u201cAshley Moody steers $1.5B in federal funding to Florida for disaster recovery reimbursements<\/a>\u201d via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics \u2014 Moody says she has helped secure more than $1.56 billion in FEMA reimbursements for Florida disaster recovery projects, funding aimed at covering costs tied to hurricanes, fires, drought, freezes and other weather-related damage. The money will reimburse more than 500 state and local projects, including debris removal, infrastructure repairs, power restoration, stormwater improvements and shoreline protection. Moody said the funding had been delayed in federal channels and credited her work in Washington for helping move it forward. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised her efforts, saying, \u201cSen. Moody has been a great partner in our efforts to slash bureaucracy, strengthen accountability, and ensure rapid, effective recovery for Floridians.\u201d Major reimbursements include projects in Sarasota, Tallahassee, Brevard County, Clearwater, Dunedin and other communities still recovering from past disasters.<\/p>\n \u201cRFK Jr. taps Haridopolos as temporary Surgeon General<\/a>\u201c via Jessica Nix and Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Bloomberg News \u2014 Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. enlisted Stephanie Haridopolos \u2014 a Satellite Beach physician married to U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, the former Senate President \u2014 to temporarily take on some of the responsibilities of the U.S. Surgeon General, he said in an email. Before her federal move, Haridopolos led the 2023 push to expand Florida KidCare eligibility and was heavily involved in lobbying for the state\u2019s pill mill law. The Trump administration has not had a confirmed surgeon general because two nominees for the role were pulled before confirmation votes in the Senate. In her new role, she will promote public health actions, advisories and guidance until the new nominee is confirmed.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: S. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cFIU free speech lawsuit over group chat messages dismissed \u2014 for now<\/a>\u201d via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO \u2014 A federal judge dismissed a free speech lawsuit against Florida International University brought by four students facing discipline over alleged antisemitic, racist and threatening messages in a group chat, but left open the possibility the case could return to court. U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga found the students appear to have standing to raise First Amendment claims, yet ruled federal courts should avoid intervening. At the same time, FIU\u2019s disciplinary and appeal process continues. Two students, Abel Carvajal and Dariel Gonzalez, have already been suspended through May 2028, while two others await hearings. Attorney Anthony Sabatini appealed the decision, arguing the ruling only delays the case. The dispute is one of two high-profile Florida university cases testing how schools balance campus safety concerns with student free speech protections.<\/p>\n \u201cShould Miami-Dade keep a tax for teacher pay, school security? Voters will decide<\/a>\u201d via Douglas Hanks of the Miami Herald \u2014 Miami-Dade voters will decide this Fall whether to keep a property tax that boosts teacher pay and provides extra dollars for school security. The tax is one of three that property owners pay to fund the Miami-Dade school system, which includes charter schools. Voters have approved the extra tax twice before, in 2018 and 2022. Miami-Dade Commissioners unanimously granted a request by the School Board to ask voters to retain the tax for another four years through 2031. Superintendent Jos\u00e9 Dotres said the voter-approved tax has allowed Miami-Dade to keep teacher salaries on par with the national average, between $60,000 and $70,000.<\/p>\n \u201cCity of Miami to pay Joe Carollo $770K to settle decades-old pension dispute<\/a>\u201d via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald \u2014 The City of Miami plans to make a major payout to former Commissioner Carollo to settle a pension-related lawsuit Carollo filed against the city 20 years ago. Next week, the Miami City Commission is slated to vote on a $770,000 settlement for Carollo, who was termed out of office after eight consecutive years as a City Commissioner representing the area that includes Little Havana. The payout might be a tough pill to swallow for Carollo\u2019s former colleagues, who recently voted for the city to sue Carollo over the legal fees it spent defending him in a separate high-profile lawsuit.<\/p>\n \u201cEducation, mental health pro Tiffany Bryant announces Palm Beach County School Board bid<\/a>\u201d via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics \u2014 Bryant, an education and mental health professional with experience in government work, is running for the Palm Beach County School Board, where she hopes to raise academic standards and expand parental access. Bryant said she was motivated to run after struggling firsthand to access classroom information and secure support for her children within the District. She spent the past academic year working as a substitute teacher in various roles \u2014 a choice she said she made to ground her campaign in direct experience. \u201cEvery student should have consistent access to the support they need to succeed, whether that is enrichment or additional academic intervention,\u201d Bryant said. \u201cParents deserve clear access to what is happening in their child\u2019s education and a meaningful voice in supporting their success.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida City Attorney\u2019s job in jeopardy after contract renewal vote fails<\/a>\u201d via Wicker Perlis of Treasure Coast Newspapers \u2014 City Attorney Sara Hedges\u2019 \u201cemployment is in jeopardy,\u201d acknowledged Mayor Linda Hudson \u2014 who supports Hedges \u2014 after a vote to renew the lawyer\u2019s contract for another year failed 2-3 at a City Commission meeting. Hedges\u2019 current three-year contract does not expire until Sept. 11, but it requires the City Commission to give her 90 days\u2019 notice if Commissioners do not plan to renew it. If notice had not been given by June 13, the contract would have automatically renewed on a year-to-year basis. The move to let Hedges\u2019 contract expire was spearheaded by Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, who said it was not personal but that the City Attorney\u2019s office had overstepped into the duties of City Manager.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: C. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cOrange School Board rejects adding teacher pay hikes to school property tax<\/a>\u201d via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel \u2013 A divided Orange County School Board agreed Tuesday again to put its special property tax to voters in November. Still, it rejected a proposal to use the tax money for teacher raises. Board members and the District\u2019s teachers\u2019 union clashed last week over a proposed addition to the school tax referendum that would guarantee some of the money would be spent on \u201cincreasing teacher pay.\u201d Some other School Districts, including Brevard, Lake and Miami-Dade counties, include such proposals in their school tax ballot language. The Board discussed, but did not vote on, the proposal last week. Then, on Tuesday, it voted 5-3 to put the special schools\u2019 tax on the ballot, using similar wording as has been in place since 2010. <\/p>\n \u201cBrevard County voters to decide on Indian River Lagoon tax renewal<\/a>\u201d via Jim Waymer of Florida Today \u2014 Brevard County Commissioners voted unanimously to put renewal of the half-cent Save Our Indian River Lagoon sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. Advocates of doing so say the plan is working, and that each dollar spent restoring the lagoon returns $24 to the regional economy. If renewed, the tax would generate $800 million over 10 years for lagoon cleanups, county officials said. \u201cIt provides transparency,\u201d said Mitchell Roffer, a marine scientist who lives in south beaches. He pointed to the lagoon\u2019s strong economic impact and importance to wildlife and human health. \u201cIt seems 10 years have gone by so fast, and we\u2019re barely touching the surface.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFormer \u2018pray-away-the-gay\u2019 activist charged in child sex sting, Orange deputies say<\/a>\u201d via Crist\u00f3bal Reyes of The Orlando Sentinel \u2014 The former president of a now-shuttered, anti-LGBTQ organization was arrested for seeking sex from an undercover deputy posing as a 14-year-old boy. Alan Chambers, 54, of Winter Park, was booked in the Orange County Jail without bond on charges of soliciting a minor, transmitting material harmful to minors and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. An affidavit obtained from the Sheriff\u2019s Office describes lewd text messages exchanged with the undercover deputy through the social media app Snapchat and later through text-messaging service Telegram. Chambers led a \u201cpray-away-the-gay\u201d ministry until 2013, when he shut it down and apologized to those he said had been hurt by the organization. From Feb. 10 through May 4, Chambers is accused of repeatedly seeking to meet with a teenager for sex. On Tuesday morning, detectives said they interviewed Chambers during a traffic stop on Aloma Avenue and Strathy Lane, where he confirmed the accounts he was messaging from were his but stopped the interview when he was asked about the conversations.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: TB \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAfter \u2018pizza doxing\u2019 Tampa judges, man gets nearly two years in prison<\/a>\u201d via Dan Sullivan of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 A Florida man was sentenced to 22 months in prison after admitting he sent fraudulent pizza orders to the homes of two Hillsborough County judges in what authorities described as \u201cpizza doxing,\u201d a growing form of harassment targeting public officials. Jonathan Mark Miller placed large Pizza Hut orders using judges\u2019 personal information, including directions for delivery drivers to knock loudly, prompting a criminal investigation that traced both orders to his home. Hillsborough Chief Judge Christopher Sabella said the case reflects a \u201csignificant surge\u201d in threats against the judiciary and added, \u201cIt\u2019s not a joke. This guy is going to prison over it.\u201d Judge Jessica Costello, one of the targets, called the act a weaponized threat, saying, \u201cThis is not a prank \u2026 Pizza doxing is the use of a delivery order as a weapon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter fatal Ybor City pursuit, Tampa police update policy, take back radios from FHP<\/a>\u201d via Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 The Tampa Police Department has tightened its pursuit and communications policies after an internal review of the deadly November Ybor City crash that followed a Florida Highway Patrol pursuit and left four people dead and 13 injured. The review found Tampa officers did not request or participate in the chase, but the department updated policy language to make clear officers cannot ask another agency to initiate a pursuit that Tampa police themselves are barred from conducting. The revised policy states, \u201cUnder no circumstances shall an officer request a law enforcement officer from any other agency to engage or pursue a vehicle\u201d when city rules do not allow it. Tampa also reclaimed police radios previously issued to troopers to improve \u201ctransparency and accountability.\u201d The changes followed growing scrutiny over coordination between Tampa police and FHP.<\/p>\n \u201cTampa Bay Times raises $286,000 for the newsroom \u2026 and counting<\/a>\u201d via Mark Katches of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 The Tampa Bay Times says its sixth annual \u201cIt\u2019s Your Times\u201d fundraiser has set a new participation record, with 1,446 donors contributing $286,646 so far and putting the campaign within reach of its $300,000 goal. The weeklong drive surpassed last year\u2019s previous high of 1,158 donors, with contributions ranging from $5 to $50,000. Officials said most of the donations came from readers, with additional mailed checks and online gifts still being counted. The campaign highlighted strong reader support for local journalism and the newspaper\u2019s reporting mission, with many donors emphasizing trust, accountability and the importance of a free press. Organizers said the response underscored the value readers place on fact-based reporting and expressed gratitude for the broad support behind the effort.<\/p>\n \u201cUniversity of Florida on the hook for $2M payout after snubbing interim president<\/a>\u201d via Garrett Shanley of the Herald\/Times Tallahassee Bureau \u2014 University of Florida interim President Donald Landry is poised to receive a $2 million severance payment after not being named a finalist for the permanent presidency, thanks to an unusual clause in his one-year contract. That payout comes on top of his $2 million base salary and up to $500,000 in potential performance bonuses, bringing his maximum compensation for roughly eight months in the role to $4.5 million. Landry, recruited by DeSantis during a politically turbulent stretch in higher education, has served as interim president since September. The severance cannot be paid with public funds, though university officials have not clarified whether private donors will cover the cost. The arrangement is likely to face scrutiny given broader Republican calls for tighter oversight of university spending as UF prepares to consider former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell as its lone finalist for the permanent job.<\/p>\n \u201cMonticello City Manager faces child pornography charges<\/a>\u201d via Arianna Otero of the Tallahassee Democrat \u2014 Monticello City Manager Kurt Mackiewicz has been charged with 10 counts related to possession or promotion of child pornography, according to reports. He remained in the Jefferson County jail awaiting his first court appearance as of May 19. Investigators said they learned Mackiewicz allegedly possessed the material and intended to distribute it, prompting a broader investigation. Based on evidence gathered, authorities established probable cause for search warrants at both his home and workplace \u2014 Monticello City Hall. Law enforcement executed the warrants on May 19 and said they had uncovered additional evidence, leading to his arrest. The case remains under investigation as court proceedings begin.<\/p>\n \u201cThird subpoena zeroes in on nixed deal for $1.17M land near Yulee schools<\/a>\u201d via Nate Monroe of The Florida Trib \u2014 A canceled land deal between JEA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County Foundation has attracted the notice of State Attorney Melissa Nelson\u2019s Office, according to a subpoena that one of her veteran prosecutors sent last week to the utility, a copy of which The Florida Trib and News4Jax reviewed. It\u2019s not clear why Nelson\u2019s office is probing that land deal, which JEA ultimately called off, but the subpoena is at least the third that prosecutors have issued this year amid a tangled series of controversies swirling around JEA, Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, where Carrico is a Vice President.<\/p>\n \u2014 LOCAL: SW. FL \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cNaples fire growing quickly, moving toward buildings, Forest Service says<\/a>\u201d via Tayeba Hussein of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News \u2014 A fast-moving wildfire in Picayune Strand State Forest in east Collier County has burned about 220 acres and was 15% contained as crews worked to protect nearby homes and prepare for possible mandatory evacuations. The fire, near the Azure community in Naples, is moving toward structures, though no injuries or damage had been reported Monday afternoon. Voluntary evacuations were issued for nearby areas, and the Max Hasse Community Center opened as a pet-friendly shelter for residents leaving the area. Firefighters from multiple districts were deployed as officials said manpower was at \u201cfull force.\u201d The blaze comes just a month after another wildfire scorched more than 1,700 acres in the same forest. A second 30-acre fire nearby in the North Belle Meade Preserve was also spreading, stretching firefighting resources across the region.<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff Carmine Marceno now facing state ethics investigation tied to dropped FBI probe<\/a>\u201d via Bob Norman of the Florida Trident \u2014 The federal corruption investigation against him was terminated, but Lee County Sheriff Marceno faces a new inquiry into some of the same allegations \u2014 this time by the Florida Ethics Commission. The Florida Trident has confirmed the Ethics Commission is investigating Marceno based on a wide-ranging complaint filed by Bonita Springs jeweler Ken Romano, the Sheriff\u2019s longtime former pal who was also the chief witness in the federal investigation. Romano, whom Marceno once called his \u201cmost loyal friend,\u201d alleges he provided substantial gifts and cash to the Sheriff that went unreported on the elected official\u2019s financial disclosure forms. Florida ethics law requires public officials to disclose all gifts they receive with a value of $100 or more.<\/p>\n \u2014 TOP OPINION \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cTrump\u2019s latest scheme will go down as the most disgusting in American history<\/a>\u201d via Charles Pierce of Esquire \u2014 The Justice Department\u2019s settlement with Trump over his lawsuit tied to the leaking of his tax returns is drawing fierce criticism from those who see it as an extraordinary collision of legal power, politics and grievance-driven governance.<\/p>\n At the center of the agreement is a $1.776 billion \u201cAnti-Weaponization Fund,\u201d created to compensate people described by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as victims of \u201clawfare and weaponization.\u201d The administration has not clearly defined who qualifies, leaving major questions about how the money will be distributed.<\/p>\n Critics argue the vagueness is especially troubling because some Jan. 6 defendants have already sued the federal government, raising concerns that people convicted in connection with the Capitol riot could potentially benefit from a taxpayer-backed compensation system.<\/p>\n In exchange, Trump agreed to drop broader damages claims against the federal government tied to investigations into Russian election interference and the 2022 FBI search of Mar-a-Lago in the classified documents probe. The DOJ said Trump and his family would receive only a formal apology, with no direct financial payment.<\/p>\n Still unresolved are questions about whether the IRS made any concessions related to audits, enforcement or future tax-related claims involving Trump, his relatives or affiliated companies. Officials acknowledged the public statement represented only part of the settlement.<\/p>\n Opponents say the deal goes beyond money, arguing it reinforces long-running efforts to frame investigations into Trump, the 2020 Election and Jan. 6 as political persecution, deepening concerns about revisionism, accountability and the use of federal power to settle political scores.<\/p>\n \u2014 MORE OPINIONS \u2014<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s property tax revolution needs a kill switch<\/a>\u201d via Jeff Brandes for Florida Politics \u2014 Calls for major property tax reform in Florida are growing, but critics argue sweeping changes should come with safeguards to avoid destabilizing local governments and shifting costs onto residents in unexpected ways. With lawmakers considering major revisions to a system that funds cities and counties, the concern is that aggressive reforms could weaken one of Florida\u2019s most stable revenue sources. At the same time, housing markets, insurance costs and local infrastructure demands remain under pressure. Opponents of unchecked reform warn that Florida\u2019s dependence on property and sales taxes already creates financial vulnerability, especially without a state income tax. They also argue that one-size-fits-all tax changes may hurt communities differently, from dense urban centers to small rural towns. A sunset clause, they contend, would allow lawmakers to revisit outcomes using real data and prevent long-term damage if reforms trigger budget instability, hidden fees, service cuts or housing-related cost shifts.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy I\u2019m all in for Jolly for Governor<\/a>\u201d via Christian Ulvert for Florida Politics \u2014 Backing Jolly is a conviction rooted in urgency, frustration and a belief that Florida needs a political reset after years of one-party control. While acknowledging skepticism about Jolly\u2019s past as a Republican Congressman, supporters argue that his shift is driven by substance rather than reinvention, pointing to concerns about housing costs, stagnant wages, strained public schools and a government consumed by cultural fights rather than practical solutions. The case for Jolly centers on his ability to connect with voters across ideological and geographic lines, from retirees in Pinellas County to teachers in Miami-Dade and small-business owners in Orlando. Though the path for Democrats remains steep in Florida, the argument is that rebuilding coalitions and reaching persuadable voters starts with a candidate seen as authentic, pragmatic and broadly relatable.<\/p>\n \u201cEliminating USF Sarasota-Manatee is not alignment \u2014 it is annihilation<\/a>\u201d via Laurey Stryker for Florida Politics \u2014 Calling the proposal to eliminate USF Sarasota-Manatee \u201calignment\u201d masks what is really a dismantling of a proven regional higher education asset. Shutting down USFSM would strip local students of access to undergraduate and graduate programs that allow them to live, work and study close to home, while weakening a cost-effective branch-campus model Florida has long embraced. The argument that New College of Florida or State College of Florida could replace that role ignores differences in mission, funding and academic scope. Critics also argue the move threatens a strong SCF-to-USFSM pipeline that benefits students, employers and families. With no broad public consultation involving residents, businesses or affected students, HB 5601 is framed as an unnecessary and damaging attempt to erase local educational choice and disrupt a successful institution.<\/p>\n \u201cCall the Tampa Bay Rays\u2019 bluff. Just say no<\/a>\u201d via John Dingfelder, Orlando Gudes, Linda Saul Sena, Mariella Smith and Pat Kemp for the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Critics of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium proposal are urging local leaders to reject what they describe as an outsize public subsidy for a privately owned ballpark, arguing taxpayers should not be asked to finance a deal that primarily benefits billionaire owners. They contend using public dollars \u2014 particularly Community Investment Tax funds \u2014 would divert money from priorities such as public safety, roads, sewers, affordable housing and hurricane resilience. Opponents also argue voters were not told stadium funding was part of the tax\u2019s purpose and say rushing a vote limits public input on a long-term financial commitment. They point to studies questioning whether stadium subsidies deliver promised economic gains and warn Tampa Bay could be left with debt while owners collect the profits. A rejection, they argue, would not kill a future stadium, but could force negotiations on stronger public terms.<\/p>\n \u201cTampa and Hillsborough should vote yes on the Rays proposal<\/a>\u201d via Conan Gallaty of the Tampa Bay Times \u2014 Supporters of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium proposal argue local leaders should approve the memorandum of understanding to keep alive a rare opportunity for a long-term Major League Baseball future in the region while continuing negotiations on tougher final terms. They say a yes vote is not approval of a final stadium deal or a blank check, but a chance to preserve leverage and avoid losing a potentially transformative project. Backers contend the proposed $2.3 billion ballpark and redevelopment at Hillsborough Community College\u2019s Dale Mabry campus could help drive broader economic growth if paired with infrastructure, transportation and private investment. At the same time, they acknowledge major concerns over taxpayer costs, Community Investment Tax funding, financial guarantees and public accountability. The argument is that rejecting the memorandum now could end the project entirely, while approving it allows officials to scrutinize financing, strengthen protections and negotiate a better final agreement.<\/p>\n \u2014 INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 ALOE \u2014<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pile-of-salt-Large-640x359.jpeg\")
<\/a>You\u2019ll need a giant pile of salt to digest this Florida poll.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SUNBURN-AD-On3PR-5.18.26-640x430.png\")
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<\/a>Blaise Ingoglia, Wilton Simpson and James Uthmeier warn that drought could make fireworks dangerous statewide.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/600x400.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/david-jolly-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>David Jolly staffs up.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/askar-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Casey Askar enters an increasingly crowded race for Florida\u2019s 22nd Congressional District.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/PAI_FLRepublicans_Healthcare.png\")
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<\/a>John Morgan launches a $100,000 contest to name his proposed third political party.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1777450116_779_ad-for-sunburn-sadowski.png\")
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<\/a>Roger Goodell says the NFL is cooperating with James Uthmeier\u2019s subpoena over diversity hiring policies.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Biologist_Brittney_Brown-copy-640x362.jpg\")
<\/a>Brittney Brown reached a settlement after suing over her firing, which was tied to a social media post.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/600x400-1.jpg\")
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<\/a>Donald Trump\u2019s escalating pressure campaign raises new questions about potential U.S. action in Cuba.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/051122026-FCG-Ads-02-e1778702782679.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/FIU-640x426.jpg\")
<\/a>FIU\u2019s free speech lawsuit was dismissed, but the fight over student discipline is not over.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ad-for-sunburn-shev-jones.png\")
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<\/a>Brevard County voters will decide whether to renew a tax funding Indian River Lagoon restoration.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Florida-Politics-Digital-Ad-600-x-300.jpg\")
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<\/a>Jonathan Mark Miller was sentenced after using fraudulent pizza deliveries to target Tampa judges.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Ad-DiCeglie-Delivering-Results_2.jpg\")
<\/a>\u2014 LOCAL: N. FL \u2014<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/landry-uf-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Donald Landry could receive a $2 million payout after being passed over for UF\u2019s permanent presidency.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Graphic-Abbott-Delivering-Results-600x400jpg.jpg\")
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<\/a>A fast-moving wildfire in Collier County pushed toward homes as crews prepared for possible evacuations.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UBER_DUIprevention_600X400_04292026.png\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SCHOTT-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Joe Schott rose from Jungle Cruise skipper to lead Disney World as its new president.<\/p>\n