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<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cFor the second year in a row, the Florida House has led the charge in passing a budget that reduces spending while continuing to invest in public safety, education, environmental protection, healthcare, and infrastructure. We\u2019ve maintained strong reserves, protected taxpayers, and ensured Florida remains in a strong financial position for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The budget indeed reduces spending, both in adjusted dollars and in the raw total \u2014 the final budget is roughly $600 million below the current year\u2019s spending plan and maintains more than $8.6 billion in unallocated General Revenue reserves, alongside another $5.7 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best thing we can do to keep Florida affordable is to keep taxes low, limiting the financial burden taxes and regulations place on Florida\u2019s families and businesses. To keep taxes low, the state government has to live within its means, pay down debt, and save for the future. The Senate, House and Gov. Ron DeSantis share these key principles and reflect the sound financial stewardship Floridians expect and deserve,\u201d said Senate President Ben Albritton.<\/p>\n \u201cFloridians are counting on us to maximize the use of their tax dollars by responsibly investing in key functions of government in a meaningful way, chief among these are education, healthcare, public safety, as well as our environmental, transportation, and clean water infrastructure. Through this budget, we are holding the line on spending, living within our means and striking the right balance between spending and saving.\u201d<\/p>\n As Republicans hammered the fiscal responsibility message, Democrats echoed familiar criticisms over high spending on school vouchers and a lackadaisical approach to addressing the needs of families struggling to remain afloat as costs rise.<\/p>\n Another cloud hanging over Sine Die: lawmakers will need to wait another week before heading home.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, DeSantis called a Special Session starting Monday centered on advancing a ballot measure that could dramatically reshape the ways and means of local governments by ratcheting up the homestead limit over the next two years, before the Legislature would be \u201ccommanded<\/a>\u201d to create a schedule to eliminate homestead property taxes.<\/p>\n Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida\u2019s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout and the staff of Florida Politics.<\/p>\n But first, the \u201cTakeaway 5\u201d \u2014 the Top 5 stories from the week that was:<\/p>\n \u2014 Take 5 \u2014<\/p>\n Special Session F?<\/a> \u2014 Lawmakers will convene next week to consider a ballot amendment that would make sweeping changes to the state\u2019s property tax system. DeSantis called the Special Session, which starts Monday, to consider his long-awaited proposal to curb and eventually eliminate homestead property taxes in the Sunshine State. Under the plan he outlined, the initial break for taxpayers would be raising the homestead limit to $150,000, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Then by the beginning of 2028, the limit would be raised to $250,000. The Special Session, which is expected to run until June 3, will not include a call for new taxes to offset the decrease in collections local governments can count on.<\/p>\n 6% off guns<\/a> \u2014 The Legislature has approved a sales tax holiday for gun purchases and other items, but Democrats argued Floridians would prefer a break at the gas pump instead. The tax bill package (HB 7031-E), providing $272 million in relief, was approved by the House with an 88-11 vote and by the Senate with a 29-6 vote during the Special Session. Republicans said the bill was \u201cbuilding on the historic tax relief passed over the last several years that offers broad-based tax relief for families and seniors with a focus on tax-free essentials.\u201d The state\u2019s gas tax is roughly 40 cents per gallon, and gas prices recently hit an average of $4.23 per gallon in Florida. Meanwhile, the bill waives sales tax on hunting, fishing and camping items from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. The bill also changes the dates for the permanent back-to-school sales tax holiday, setting it to run July 20 to Aug. 20 so families can shop before school starts.<\/p>\n Musical chairs<\/a> \u2014 The Legislature will be missing a few familiar faces \u2014 and likely welcoming some back \u2014 next term. This week, Sens. Shevrin Jones and Tina Polsky both confirmed they will not seek re-election, with Jones seen as a likely entrant<\/a> into the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who announced she will not seek re-election in Florida\u2019s 24th Congressional District. Already, Rep. Ashley Gantt has filed<\/a> to fill his northeast Miami-Dade seat. Polsky didn\u2019t indicate whether she would seek another office in her exit announcement<\/a>, though shortly after her Palm Beach- and Broward-based seat came on the market, former Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book announced she would launch a bid<\/a>. She may face a challenger in Coral Springs Rep. Dan Daley, who said he has long planned to run for SD 30 and is now taking a \u201cserious look\u201d at it.<\/p>\n Reimbursements inbound<\/a> \u2014 DeSantis said he has no doubt the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to pay Florida back for housing suspected undocumented immigrants at Alligator Alcatraz. \u201cWe\u2019re now already seeing reimbursements flowing down, and so that\u2019s going to happen,\u201d DeSantis said in Davie. While Florida has been approved for $608 million in reimbursement, only $58.2 million has been disbursed so far. \u201cWe\u2019ve gotten some, we\u2019ll get more. And so that whole talking point will just vanish,\u201d DeSantis predicted. DeSantis doesn\u2019t expect the media to report the reimbursements, the slow pace of which he attributes to the \u201ctimetable\u201d when \u201cdealing with FEMA,\u201d which can take years to pay back money fronted by state governments for emergency response.<\/p>\n Explosive end<\/a> \u2014 Blue Origin\u2019s New Glenn rocket exploded at Kennedy Space Center this week, with reports stating nobody was hurt in the blast. The rocket belonging to Amazon owner Jeff Bezos blew up Thursday night, shaking homes and turning the sky orange, The Associated Press reported. Blue Origin said its New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine-firing test conducted ahead of a satellite launch planned for next week. \u201cIt\u2019s too early to know the root cause, but we\u2019re already working to find it,\u201d Bezos said via X. \u201cVery rough day, but we\u2019ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It\u2019s worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 History lessons \u2014<\/p>\n This week, DeSantis recognized the winners of the America250FL art and essay contest, honoring students whose work highlighted Florida\u2019s contributions to the nation ahead of next year\u2019s 250th anniversary of American independence.<\/p>\n The contest invited students to submit original artwork and essays centered on the theme \u201cCelebrating Florida\u2019s Contributions to America.\u201d Six elementary school students won scholarships through the art competition, while eight middle and high school students received scholarships through the essay contest.<\/p>\n At a reception at the Governor\u2019s Mansion, DeSantis praised participants for demonstrating creativity and an appreciation for Florida\u2019s history.<\/p>\n \u201cI was proud to recognize these outstanding students for their hard work commemorating our nation\u2019s semiquincentennial,\u201d DeSantis said. \u201cThe creativity and thoughtfulness of these entries embody the very best of Florida\u2019s students.\u201d<\/p>\n Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoustas added, \u201cAmerica\u2019s 250th anniversary of our nation\u2019s independence is a time to honor and celebrate all that our country has accomplished. I commend the students who participated in the America250FL art and essay contests. Their submissions thoughtfully captured the ideals and vision of America\u2019s Founding Fathers. I am proud to congratulate the winners on their outstanding work.\u201d<\/p>\n The contest is one component of Florida\u2019s broader America250FL initiative, which is organizing events and educational programming leading up to the nation\u2019s 250th birthday in 2026. Winning entries highlighted topics ranging from tourism and agriculture to inventors, entrepreneurs and historical figures who helped shape both Florida and the country.<\/p>\n \u2014 A deep bench \u2014<\/p>\n DeSantis put four of his appointees on judicial benches across Florida this month.<\/p>\n Cary A. \u201cBo\u201d Hardee III of Madison was named to serve as a judge on Florida\u2019s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court in North Florida. Hardee has operated his own law firm since 2011 and was previously a partner at Caminez and Hardee.<\/p>\n Hardee is filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Leandra Johnson.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, DeSantis appointed Brian Toti of The Villages to serve as a judge on Florida\u2019s 5th Judicial Circuit Court. Toti is filling a newly created judgeship established by legislation passed by the Legislature in 2025 (SB 2508), which expanded the number of circuit court judges statewide.<\/p>\n Toti has served as an assistant state attorney in the 5th Circuit since 2023. He previously served as a prosecutor in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.<\/p>\n DeSantis also made two appointments to county courts. Shelby Senn of Wildwood was appointed to serve on the Sumter County Court bench.<\/p>\n Senn has been an assistant state attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 2017. Her appointment is also tied to the judicial expansion approved by lawmakers.<\/p>\n And Alicia Carothers of Panama City was appointed to serve on the Bay County Court. She is replacing Judge Shane Vann, who retired in late 2025.<\/p>\n Carothers has served as Bay County\u2019s Deputy County Attorney since 2024 and previously worked as a prosecutor in Florida\u2019s 14th Judicial Circuit.<\/p>\n \u2014 Treasure Coast crackdown \u2014<\/p>\n Three men are facing multiple charges in connection with a retail theft crime ring that originated on the Treasure Coast.<\/p>\n Attorney General James Uthmeier announced this week that multiple law enforcement agencies broke up a theft ring that targeted hardware stores hit by smash-and-grab burglaries in Martin County. The crimes later expanded to other counties.<\/p>\n \u201cThis group of criminals carefully orchestrated thefts across at least thirteen counties to turn over illicit proceeds as quickly as possible,\u201d Uthmeier said in a news release. \u201cIn Florida, our Organized Retail Theft Task Force will dismantle theft rings, keep retail costs low for consumers, and protect hard-working Floridians.\u201d<\/p>\n Uthmeier and other law enforcement agencies launched the Task Force in November.<\/p>\n Johnny Batista, 19, Roberto Hernandez-Castro, 39, and Roberto Aldana Ferrera, 31, are all suspected of orchestrating the crime ring. Batista is being held in the Palm Beach County Jail, while Ferrera was arrested in Georgia on unrelated charges and will be extradited to Florida when those cases are resolved. Hernandez-Castro is at large.<\/p>\n Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said while the thefts originated in his county, they spread to hardware stores in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Orange, Polk, Brevard, Seminole, St. Lucie, Indian River, Duval, Sarasota and Pinellas counties. The burglaries largely focused on stealing high-end tools.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to the relentless work of our detectives, what began as a local hardware store burglary investigation quickly uncovered a much larger criminal operation tied to more than 30 cases across the state of Florida,\u201d Budensiek said.<\/p>\n Most of the stolen goods were transported to Miami-Dade County, where they were sold. The suspects are facing charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, burglary causing more than $1,000 in damage, multiple counts of grand theft and other burglary-related charges.<\/p>\n \u2014 Now: Not later \u2014<\/p>\n The University of Miami Hurricanes may have had a good year, and Florida largely dodged major hurricane impacts last year. Still, luck isn\u2019t something residents can count on when it comes to either football or the weather.<\/p>\n This week in Fort Lauderdale, CFO and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia made the fourth stop on his hurricane preparedness tour, sharing safety tips with residents ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, which begins Monday and runs through Nov. 30.<\/p>\n \u201cWith only one week to go until hurricane season starts, Floridians should take the time now to prepare their homes and their families before a storm appears on the radar. Taking proactive steps today can make all the difference when a storm is on the horizon,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n For the past several weeks, the Department of Financial Services\u2019 Division of Consumer Services has traveled across the state, distributing preparedness information to Floridians and reaching more than 4,000 households.<\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot control the path or direction of a hurricane; however, you can control how prepared you are when the storm arrives. Do not wait until the last minute to be prepared. This can make all the difference when a hurricane shifts toward your region,\u201d added Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.<\/p>\n Before a storm strikes, officials encourage Floridians to review their home and flood insurance coverage, compare policy options, conduct a home inventory using photos and video, safeguard important documents in a waterproof container and keep cash on hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThe time to prepare is before the sky darkens. Stock up on supplies and resources now so you and your loved ones are ready when the storm comes,\u201d said Clay Pacheco, Broward County\u2019s Emergency Manager.<\/p>\n \u2014 School scheme stopped \u2014<\/p>\n Just a reminder that in Florida, authorities take fraud seriously \u2014 and eventually, it catches up with you.<\/p>\n This week, Chief Financial Officer Ingoglia announced the arrests of Tamesha Smith and Amanda Tyson for allegedly receiving fraudulent reimbursements through the Step Up For Students Scholarship program. The program, administered through the Florida Department of Education, provides funding to eligible families for educational and therapeutic needs.<\/p>\n The Department of Financial Services\u2019 Criminal Investigations Division (CID) arrested the two women after uncovering more than $21,000 in fraudulent claims.<\/p>\n \u201cThose who try to manipulate scholarship programs aren\u2019t only breaking the law, they are stealing opportunities from families and hard-working students wanting to strengthen their future. Florida scholarships are not a personal bank account; my office will continue to protect the taxpayers and ensure that greedy criminals are put behind bars,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n According to investigators, the CID Office of Fiscal Integrity found that Smith altered 12 receipts for tuition and training reimbursements after her son had already been withdrawn from school, fraudulently obtaining $13,390.<\/p>\n Investigators also determined that Tyson altered receipts for nine reimbursement requests and forged a doctor\u2019s note to make her child eligible for a scholarship, resulting in $7,591.58 in improper payments.<\/p>\n Smith was arrested on May 5 and charged with grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, uttering a forged instrument and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Tyson was arrested on May 4 and faces the same charges.<\/p>\n Ingoglia also released a video<\/a> on social media discussing the case.<\/p>\n \u2014 Jobless jab \u2014<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s unemployment rate ticked up for the fourth straight month in April.<\/p>\n The jobless rate rose to 4.8% last month, according to FloridaCommerce, the state\u2019s economic development bureau. That\u2019s up slightly from the March figure of 4.7%.<\/p>\n The increase is part of a recent trend in Florida, with every month in 2026 bringing a rise in the unemployment rate.<\/p>\n Another notable development this year: Florida posted a higher unemployment rate than the national figure for the first time in about five years. The state\u2019s April unemployment rate exceeded the national rate of 4.3%.<\/p>\n April\u2019s jobless rate also marked a significant year-over-year increase. The April 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7%, 1.1 percentage points below the latest figure.<\/p>\n In total, 532,000 Floridians were out of work in April. The state has an estimated workforce of 11.15 million people, FloridaCommerce officials said.<\/p>\n About 10.03 million Floridians held jobs in nonagricultural industries. That\u2019s an increase of about 40,500 jobs over the past month and 15,800 compared with April 2025.<\/p>\n But seven of Florida\u2019s 10 major industries posted negative job growth over the past year. The finance industry saw a 1.6% decline, losing 10,900 jobs. Government employment fell by 0.7%, a loss of 8,100 positions. The trade, transportation and utilities sector recorded a 0.2% decline, shedding 3,800 jobs.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 DEI throwdown \u2014<\/p>\n A Florida lawmaker is calling out a message posted on social media by the University of Florida that criticized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.<\/p>\n Fort Lauderdale Democratic Rep. Daryl Campbell sent a letter to UF interim President Donald W. Landry and assistant vice president for government relations Chris Emmanuel, raising questions about a message posted on the university\u2019s official X account on May 22.<\/p>\n \u201cDEI is discriminatory by design, antithetical to the purpose of a university, and incompatible with the pursuit of truth,\u201d the social media post stated. \u201cThe University of Florida has already acted on that conviction.\u201d<\/p>\n The message was directed at U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who wrote on X that \u201cFlorida has led the fight to get discriminatory DEI out of our schools and universities.\u201d<\/p>\n Campbell was not impressed by the exchange.<\/p>\n \u201cThe University of Florida\u2019s random attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion raises serious questions about why a taxpayer-funded institution is meddling in politics instead of focusing on its mission,\u201d Campbell said in a news release.<\/p>\n \u201cFor years, we\u2019ve seen Florida\u2019s government get more politicized while leaving the people further behind. UF\u2019s statement is deeply disturbing, including its clear implication that those who succeed with the help of these programs don\u2019t do so on their own merits.\u201d<\/p>\n In his letter, Campbell demands that university leaders explain the attack on DEI programs and disclose whether state resources were used to support the university\u2019s public stance.<\/p>\n \u2014 Read to research \u2014<\/p>\n This week, Sen. Barbara Sharief and Rep. Lisa Dunkley celebrated after DeSantis signed legislation aimed at strengthening Florida\u2019s uterine fibroid research database.<\/p>\n HB 327, sponsored by Dunkley in the House and carried by Sharief in the Senate, strengthens the state\u2019s uterine fibroid research database by improving data collection, transparency and long-term research related to a condition that affects millions of women.<\/p>\n \u201cToday marks an important step forward for women\u2019s health in Florida. HB 327 helps ensure the uterine fibroid research database is properly implemented while supporting meaningful research, greater awareness, and better health outcomes for women across our state,\u201d Sharief said.<\/p>\n Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, typically during a woman\u2019s reproductive years. While some women experience no symptoms, others may experience pelvic pain or pressure, difficulty urinating, abdominal swelling and heavy or painful menstrual periods.<\/p>\n The bill takes effect July 1.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, Florida took an important step forward in prioritizing women\u2019s health and expanding access to better healthcare outcomes for women across our state. HB 327 establishes the Uterine Fibroids Research Database to strengthen research, improve early detection and treatment options, and help address the disparities that have impacted far too many women for generations,\u201d Dunkley said.<\/p>\n \u201cI am proud to have sponsored this legislation alongside Rep. Susan Vald\u00e9s and Sen. Barbara Sharief to ensure women and families have access to better information, better care, and a stronger healthcare future in Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Big bucks for Florida Poly \u2014<\/p>\n Florida Polytechnic University is set to receive $29 million in the newly approved state budget, with lawmakers directing funding toward student success initiatives and continued campus expansion.<\/p>\n The funding package includes $19 million to support growth at the state\u2019s youngest public university, helping Florida Poly expand programs and services to improve student outcomes as enrollment continues to climb.<\/p>\n Another $10 million is earmarked for the university\u2019s planned Student Achievement Center, bringing total legislative support for the project to nearly $28 million. Once completed, the center will serve as a one-stop hub for academic support, career planning, professional development and student engagement services.<\/p>\n The proposed facility will span 138,400 square feet and carry an estimated price tag of $85 million.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida Poly has become an important driver of student success and economic development in our region,\u201d said Sen. Colleen Burton, whose district includes part of Polk County. \u201cThe Student Achievement Center will strengthen that role by providing students with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in today\u2019s fast-changing world.\u201d<\/p>\n The funding is among the higher-profile higher education projects included in the 2026-27 spending plan approved by lawmakers Friday.<\/p>\n \u2014 Fuzzy math \u2014<\/p>\n As lawmakers prepare to return to Tallahassee next week for a Special Session on property taxes, Sen. Brian Nathan is warning that DeSantis\u2019 proposal could squeeze local governments while failing to take any weight off working families\u2019 shoulders.<\/p>\n The Tampa Democrat characterized the Governor\u2019s plan as \u201cvague\u201d and \u201crushed,\u201d arguing it was crafted more for political messaging than for addressing the financial pressures facing homeowners. Nathan said eliminating or reducing property taxes without a clear replacement revenue source would leave local governments scrambling to fund schools, public hospitals and emergency services.<\/p>\n \u201cThis hasty proposal creates a massive funding hole for the local services our communities rely on, like public hospitals, first responders, and schools. That does not lower costs for families. It shifts the burden onto our local communities and leaves working Floridians facing higher bills when they are struggling to get by,\u201d Nathan said.<\/p>\n The Legislature is expected to take up the Governor\u2019s property tax proposal during next week\u2019s Special Session, kicking off a five-month sprint that could fundamentally reshape local governments throughout Florida.<\/p>\n \u2014 Hillsborough wins \u2014<\/p>\n With the state budget headed to DeSantis\u2019 desk, Rep. Danny Alvarez is highlighting more than $62 million in funding he helped secure for projects in Hillsborough County and across the state.<\/p>\n Among the largest appropriations is $25 million for the University of South Florida\u2019s planned College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing facility, a project supporters say will help strengthen Florida\u2019s technology workforce and expand research opportunities in emerging fields.<\/p>\n The Hillsborough Republican also pointed to funding for water infrastructure, veterans services, workforce development programs, public safety initiatives and behavioral health programs, as well as support for agriculture and emergency management efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cThis budget proves you can govern conservatively while still delivering real results for your community,\u201d Alvarez said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe protected taxpayers, funded core priorities, and secured more than $62 million for projects that strengthen our economy, support veterans and first responders, improve infrastructure, expand educational opportunity, and invest in the future of Hillsborough County. Florida continues to lead because we stay focused on the basics: fiscal discipline, public safety, economic freedom, and delivering for the people we represent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Raising the stakes \u2014<\/p>\n Practicing engineering without a license is becoming a bridge too far in Florida, where repeat offenders will soon be subject to a fine schedule with a substantially sharper gradient.<\/p>\n DeSantis has signed SB 800, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Mayfield and Rep. Lauren Melo, after the measure received broad bipartisan support during the Regular Session. The legislation increases penalties for repeat violations, with fines rising from $10,000 for a second offense to $25,000 for a fifth violation.<\/p>\n Supporters argued the change will help protect public safety by ensuring engineering work is performed by qualified professionals subject to state licensure requirements.<\/p>\n \u201cLicensed engineers have a direct impact on public safety and quality of life across our state. By increasing penalties for unlicensed practice, this legislation reinforces the importance of professional licensure and helps ensure critical infrastructure projects are entrusted to qualified professionals,\u201d Mayfield said.<\/p>\n The bill was a priority for the Florida Engineering Society and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, which argued that stronger penalties were needed to discourage unlicensed practice.<\/p>\n \u201cPassage of SB 800 signals the Legislature\u2019s and Gov. DeSantis\u2019 commitment to the public health, safety and welfare of all Floridians by increasing the penalties for practicing engineering without a license,\u201d said FES President David Keough. \u201cWe commend the sponsors, Sen. Mayfield and Rep. Melo, for moving this legislation forward this year.\u201d<\/p>\n The new law takes effect July 1.<\/p>\n \u2014 Gaetz glory \u2014<\/p>\n The budget is the talk of the town, and one lawmaker \u2026 well, several \u2026 made sure to carve out room for local projects.<\/p>\n The $115 billion state budget awaiting final legislative approval contains funding for 22 local projects sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz.<\/p>\n The largest beneficiary is the University of West Florida, which is slated to receive $8 million for infrastructure improvements supporting campus buildings, $1 million for cybersecurity initiatives and $250,000 to develop a digital credential program.<\/p>\n \u201cIn addition to obtaining increases in funding for public School Districts and parental empowerment scholarships and significant needed transportation projects, this $30 million for local initiatives is deeply gratifying. At a time when state spending is reduced for the second year in a row, I am very thankful that Senate and House negotiators saw the value in our proposals to benefit Northwest Florida,\u201d Gaetz said.<\/p>\n Other projects highlighted by Gaetz include Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, which received $750,000 to support recidivism reduction efforts; the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, which secured $1 million; Crestview Robotics, $250,000; the National Flight Academy, $650,000; Pensacola Veterans and Families Mental Health, $750,000; Historic Pensacola, $250,000; and Pensacola Little Theatre, $646,000.<\/p>\n Gaetz also announced that Pensacola State College received $5 million for the South Santa Rosa Health Science and Nursing Center and $500,000 to expand military and veteran educational services.<\/p>\n Gaetz noted that local funding requests only make it into the budget with support from fellow lawmakers. He credited Sen. Jay Trumbull and Reps. Alex Andrade, Nathan Boyles, Patt Maney and Michelle Salzman with helping to secure funding for the projects.<\/p>\n \u2014 Double-checking \u2014<\/p>\n Just making sure the adults around kids are who they say they are.<\/p>\n This week, DeSantis signed HB 1069, a measure sponsored by Rep. Dana Trabulsy and Rep. Christine Hunschofsky aimed at modernizing Florida\u2019s background screening process and strengthening protections for children participating in youth sports.<\/p>\n And it does pretty much what the title suggests.<\/p>\n The bill updates Florida\u2019s background screening laws by expanding access to criminal history checks for additional youth sports organizations and requiring coaches and other athletic personnel to undergo Level 2 background screenings.<\/p>\n \u201cThis bill is about continuing to close gaps and strengthening safeguards. Background screening laws exist to ensure that those placed in positions of trust meet the highest standards. If there\u2019s a weakness in that system, it\u2019s our duty to fix it, because the people at risk don\u2019t get to choose who has access to them,\u201d Trabulsy said.<\/p>\n Hunschofsky added, \u201cWhen parents sign their children up for sports, they should have confidence that strong safeguards are in place. These should be safe places for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Strong and consistent background check requirements are an important part of protecting our kids.\u201d<\/p>\n The law takes effect July 1.<\/p>\n \u2014 Healthy budget \u2014<\/p>\n The Florida Hospital Association is praising the Legislature\u2019s approval of nearly $49 billion in healthcare funding in the 2026-27 state budget, saying the spending plan will strengthen access to care and support the state\u2019s healthcare workforce.<\/p>\n The association spent much of the Session advocating for many of the funding priorities included in the budget and applauded state leaders for supporting workforce development, rural health initiatives, maternal health programs and services for vulnerable Floridians.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s healthcare system is evolving. To continue providing outstanding care as the demand for services grows, it\u2019s vital that we invest in our state\u2019s healthcare workforce, rural and maternal health initiatives and safety-net services. We are grateful to Senate President Ben Albritton, Speaker Daniel Perez and the many Senators and representatives who have championed these critical resources for the benefit of Floridians,\u201d FHA President and CEO Mary Mayhew said.<\/p>\n Among the highlights in the 2026-27 budget are continued funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program, an additional $1.7 billion to support projected growth in Florida\u2019s Medicaid and KidCare programs and $38.4 million to expand the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).<\/p>\n \u201cFloridians should have access to timely, high-quality care regardless of where they live or the barriers they may face,\u201d Mayhew continued. \u201cThese investments strengthen the foundation of Florida\u2019s healthcare system to serve patients and improve health outcomes across Florida communities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Behavioral boost \u2014<\/p>\n The Florida Behavioral Health Association is lauding lawmakers for safeguarding mental health and substance use disorder services in the new budget.<\/p>\n \u201cWith this investment in Florida\u2019s community mental health and substance use disorder services, providers can continue to offer the full continuum of behavioral healthcare to individuals and families,\u201d said FBHA President and CEO Melanie Brown Woofter.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a tight budget year when difficult decisions had to be made, these increases to mental health and substance use services drive home the message that the well-being of all Floridians remains critically important.\u201d<\/p>\n The spending plan includes a $5 million boost for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, $7 million for Central Receiving Facilities and nearly $10 million for additional community treatment beds.<\/p>\n Lawmakers also continued directing opioid settlement funds toward treatment and recovery efforts, added $15 million for the Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program for children and approved a 5% rate increase for certain substance use treatment providers.<\/p>\n \u2014 All that jazz \u2014<\/p>\n It\u2019s time for a Rattler to take a bite out of the Big Apple.<\/p>\n 2025 Florida A&M University graduate Gamaliel Harris, a Fort Walton Beach native, recently received the email of a lifetime.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m looking at it like, \u2018Oh shoot, is this what I think it is?\u2019 My heart just sank.\u201d<\/p>\n On March 31, a day earlier than expected, Harris learned he had been accepted into The Juilliard School\u2019s graduate jazz studies program. The news quickly sparked a family FaceTime celebration.<\/p>\n And the Rattler has one school to thank: The Hill.<\/p>\n \u201cJuilliard was always a dream of mine. But I didn\u2019t think it would actually be possible until everything happened at FAMU.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2025 graduate earned a degree in pre-physical therapy and originally planned to pursue a healthcare career while keeping music as a passion on the side. But that changed after Harris and the FAMU Jazz Ensemble competed at the Jazz at Lincoln Center and Virginia Arts Festival HBCU Jazz Festival in Norfolk, Virginia.<\/p>\n Competing against performers from 11 historically Black colleges and universities, the ensemble earned top honors.<\/p>\n Harris also stood out individually, earning Outstanding Trombonist and the festival\u2019s Overall Outstanding Soloist Award. It was there that Jazz at Lincoln Center Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis offered some life-changing advice.<\/p>\n \u201cHe told me I was ready to go on the road. Then he told me I should apply to Juilliard.\u201d<\/p>\n For FAMU Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Robert Griffin, the recognition reinforced what he already knew about Harris\u2019 talent.<\/p>\n \u201cGamaliel will be an asset to any ensemble or performing situation into which he is selected at Juilliard. I have no doubt that he will achieve his goal and become successful in the music world.\u201d<\/p>\n Harris hopes his story encourages fellow Rattlers and other dreamers to keep pursuing ambitious goals.<\/p>\n \u201cBelieve in yourself and believe in your ability. Put in the work, trust the process and know that your hard work won\u2019t go in vain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Art for all \u2014<\/p>\n This reminds us of the underrated Academy Award-nominated film \u201cSing Sing,\u201d which explored the transformative power of art in prison settings.<\/p>\n Now, Florida State University Professor of Art Therapy and Director of the Institute for Arts & Art Therapy, with the Imprisoned Dave Gussak, is bringing that conversation to a new audience through \u201cCreativity Unconfined,\u201d a podcast examining how arts programs are changing the lives of incarcerated individuals.<\/p>\n Gussak said the podcast is intended to raise awareness about the impact of arts programs in prisons and encourage others to get involved.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m incredibly excited to bring together leading voices from across the field for conversations about emerging research and personal stories about the impacts of art and art therapy in prison settings. My hope for this podcast is that it can be a space that\u2019s welcoming and informative not only for therapy practitioners, but for anyone \u2014 including corrections professionals, community activists and artists, and of course, formerly incarcerated individuals and loved ones,\u201d Gussak said.<\/p>\n The podcast also features a pair of Noles behind the scenes, with Florida State art therapy graduate students Malea Burroughs and Sydney Nichols serving as producers.<\/p>\n The first eight episodes will be available May 31 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, with new episodes released on Mondays.<\/p>\n Early guests include Chris Fausto Cabrera, an artist and activist who credits art and writing with helping him survive 21 years in a Minnesota prison, and Antonio Espinosa, a former correctional officer who became an advocate for safer prison environments through the arts after the death of his partner during a prison altercation.<\/p>\n For more information about the Institute for Arts & Art Therapy with the Imprisoned and its mission, visit AATI.fsu.edu. Supporters can also make contributions through the program\u2019s fundraising page.<\/p>\n \u2014 Emergency course \u2014<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret that living in Florida means dealing with the occasional emergency or natural disaster. Tallahassee State College is hoping to prepare the next generation of responders.<\/p>\n This week, TSC announced the launch of a new Associate of Science degree program in Emergency Administration and Management designed to prepare students for careers helping organizations and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters.<\/p>\n The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to serve in front-line and leadership roles across emergency management, public safety, homeland security and related fields.<\/p>\n \u201cThe need for skilled professionals who can lead during crises will only continue to grow,\u201d said Nick Vick, Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology at TSC.<\/p>\n \u201cThis new degree program will prepare the next generation of emergency management leaders to respond with confidence and guide organizations and communities through recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n The curriculum covers the full cycle of emergency management, including hazard analysis, disaster planning, recovery operations, interagency coordination and resource management \u2014 all critical components of effective emergency response and community resilience.<\/p>\n Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers with local, state and federal emergency management agencies, healthcare systems, law enforcement and public safety organizations, nonprofit disaster relief groups and private-sector emergency preparedness operations.<\/p>\n College officials said the program reflects TSC\u2019s commitment to developing a workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of Florida\u2019s communities and employers.<\/p>\n \u2014 Housing coalition confirmed \u2014<\/p>\n House time \u2014 but not the kind that diagnoses sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n On Friday, the Sadowski Coalition, a nonpartisan group of more than 40 statewide organizations focused on affordable housing, released a statement thanking the Florida Legislature for fully funding Florida\u2019s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs in the 2026-27 budget.<\/p>\n The coalition, founded in 1991, advocates for dedicated funding to support affordable housing efforts across the state.<\/p>\n In a statement, Mark Hendrickson, facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and Executive Director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities, said the funding commitment will help address Florida\u2019s affordability challenges.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Florida lawmakers, for fully funding Florida\u2019s successful SHIP and SAIL programs in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. By doing so, lawmakers used our state\u2019s most effective and proven programs to help address affordability, helping to keep Florida strong and competitive. This means that the $165.7 million set aside for the SHIP program and the $70.8 million set aside for the SAIL program will go directly toward creating homes that are affordable for Floridians throughout the state of Florida,\u201d Hendrickson said.<\/p>\n The statement continued: \u201cI especially want to recognize our legislative leaders, including the appropriations chairs in both chambers, for investing all the money designated for housing into these tried-and-true programs that continue to deliver for Floridians in need.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAffordability is top of mind \u2013 for families, the state\u2019s workforce, veterans, seniors, and so many others \u2013 and lawmakers this year continued to address this issue for Floridians with their continued commitment to fully funding the SHIP and SAIL programs.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information about the Sadowski Coalition, visit SadowskiCoalition.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 End of watch \u2014<\/p>\n Memorial Day was Monday, but this week Tallahassee paused to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community.<\/p>\n On Thursday, the Tallahassee Police Department held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in front of TPD headquarters on Seventh Avenue.<\/p>\n The ceremony recognizes fallen law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. As the department commemorates its bicentennial year in 2026, it also serves as a reminder of the generations of officers who have served and protected the Tallahassee community over the past 200 years.<\/p>\n \u201cThis ceremony is an opportunity to pause and remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave everything in the line of duty. As we reflect on TPD\u2019s bicentennial year, we also honor the legacy of the men and women whose commitment to this profession helped shape our department and community,\u201d said TPD Chief Lawrence Revell.<\/p>\n During the event, which was open to the public, TPD\u2019s Honor Guard lowered the flags to half-staff in remembrance of the fallen.<\/p>\n \u2014 Backrooms vs. Obsession \u2014<\/p>\n Escape time with the movies. <\/p>\n Star Wars kicked off Memorial Day weekend with \u201cStar Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,\u201d which opened domestically to $82 million \u2014 not horrible, but not what Disney was hoping for \u2026 maybe blame mediocre reviews. But what could\u2019ve taken a bigger slice of the pie was \u201cObsession,\u201d which snagged $24 million. That\u2019s a nearly 40% box office increase in week two, a feat only one other Summer release has managed. Impressive for a $1 million movie.<\/p>\n The horror film has picked up massive steam with younger audiences being fueled by online hype and word-of-mouth, but the big release this weekend is trying to make a move into the same space. Or a liminal one, at least \u2026 <\/p>\n \u201cBackrooms\u201d is the newest YouTuber-turned-director project directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons. The young auteur\u2019s claim to fame is \u201cThe Backrooms,\u201d an online series in which he handled everything from VFX and writing to acting, directing, and lore development. The series centers on the latent fear of being in an eerie, liminal space where you know you don\u2019t belong. Think of a transitional room, such as a hallway or a waiting room \u2014 there\u2019s nothing inherently evil or scary about them, but they can still induce some weird feelings. Whether that resonates or not, the trend is real, especially among the online horror crowd.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BudgetSpecialSession2026-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>It\u2019s Sine Die-ish.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Luis-Viera-Ads-728x90-px.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/teco_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sisson-desantis.webp\")
<\/a>Noah Sisson joins Ron DeSantis at the Governor\u2019s Mansion after winning an America250FL art and essay contest scholarship.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/trial-attorneys-640x359.jpeg\")
<\/a>Ron DeSantis restocked Florida\u2019s court benches with a round of judicial appointments.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/uber_ad.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/James-Uthmeier_House-of-Horrors_2026-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>If James Uthmeier needs another alliterative sign: Retail Roundup, Supermarket Sweep, Grab and Go (to prison).<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/img_4345-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Time to check the expiration date on those gallons of water you bought a couple of years back.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/feca_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ingoglia-arrest-announcement-May-2026-640x982.jpg\")
<\/a>What\u2019s the old CPA saying? Pigs get fat; hogs face serious prison time.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/unemployment-640x426.jpeg\")
<\/a>The economy last month said nope.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/contractors_ad.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/INSTAGRAM-18-640x1099.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SPECIAL-SESSION-2.9.23-HACKLEY-1-Large-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>What\u2019s going on at UF? Inquiring minds want to know.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/duke_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/HACKLEY-LEGIS-IMAGES-1.4.23-50-Large-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Lisa Dunkley teamed up with Barbara Sharief to get the research bill to Ron DeSantis\u2019 desk.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/060821-applicationsincrease-3-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>You don\u2019t need a graphing calculator to check this one: Florida Poly picked up some serious cash in the budget.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pmi_ad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SESSION-PHOTOS-5.1-8-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Brian Nathan is learning that Ron DeSantis prefers feels over reals to specifics.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/LEGISLATURE-PHOTOS-1.4.23-79-Large-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Danny Alvarez has some line items to add to the brag board when he heads back to Hillsborough.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/FPL_Image_StormRestoration_Eng_Display_600x400.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/mayfield-640x512.jpg\")
<\/a>Don\u2019t even think about designing a bridge without permission.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SENATE-SESSION-BATCH-3-4.29-9-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Don Gaetz is heading west with about two dozen local projects in tow.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ad-for-sunburn-sadowski-e1777661555501.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SPECIAL-SESSION-2.7.23-HACKLEY-5-Large-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>Christine Hunschofsky\u2019s bill taps into an eternal truth: it never hurts to check.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mary-Mayhew-Smile-copy-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>Mary Mayhew is hailing lawmakers for greenlighting a hefty healthcare budget.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/aarp_ad-1.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Woofter-640x360.jpg\")
<\/a>FBHA is applauding lawmakers for not bailing on behavioral health during a tight budget year.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_GamalielHarris-640x480.jpg\")
<\/a>Gamaliel Harris is taking his FAMU jazz chops to Juilliard. Image via FAMU.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Gussak-podcast-main-640x416.jpg\")
<\/a>Dave Gussak, Malea Burroughs and Sydney Nichols bring prison arts work to the podcast mic.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AdobeStock_117917484-640x556.jpeg\")
<\/a>A future master of disaster might have a TSC diploma on the wall. Stock image via Adobe.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/affordable-housing-640x457.jpeg\")
<\/a>The SHIP is about to set SAIL \u2026 on bringing more affordable housing to Florida.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/TPD_Facebook_2026_Fallen_Officers-640x427.jpg\")
<\/a>The Tallahassee Police Department honored fallen law enforcement during its annual ceremony on Thursday.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Backrooms_AP-640x360.webp\")
<\/a>Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in the big screen debut of the popular online horror universe \u2018Backrooms.\u2019 Image via AP.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CD-5.30.26-FINAL-640x1149.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n