![\"\"](\"https:\/\/floridapolitics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Gavel-e1657813397921.jpg\")
<\/a>A pile of races were decided without contest.<\/p>\nBallots will be distributed on March 1, and voting will close on March 15. Any necessary runoff elections will be held in April, and newly elected Board members and officers will begin their terms in June.<\/p>\n
The 52-member Board of Governors serves as the governing body of The Florida Bar, overseeing policy for one of the nation\u2019s largest mandatory bar associations. As of Dec. 1, the Bar reported 115,196 members statewide, with just over 97,000 eligible to practice.<\/p>\n
In other words, the machinery is moving, the calendar is set, and the real campaigning won\u2019t begin until after the New Year, which feels about right for the last stretch of December.<\/p>\n
___<\/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
\u2014Take 5 \u2014<\/p>\n
Saving throw?<\/a> \u2014 March for Our Lives, the Florida League of Women Voters and several pro-gun control groups are urging Senate President Ben Albritton to shut down a push to lower the minimum age to buy guns from 21 to 18. The legislation (HB 133) has already passed through two House committees and is ready for the House floor. If it becomes law, the measure will repeal portions of protections the Legislature put in place after the Parkland school shooting. \u201cPresident Albritton, we urge you to use your authority as Senate President to prevent HB 133 from becoming law. Remember the promises made after our state\u2019s darkest day. Remember those who buried their loved ones because a teenager could access a gun. Honor the bipartisan commitment lawmakers made in 2018: never again. Refuse to file a companion bill to HB 133, as you have done in previous years,\u201d read the letter that 12 organizations signed. The letter argued the evidence against HB 133 is \u201coverwhelming\u201d since individuals between 18 and 20 years old are more likely to commit suicide or shoot others than are older adults. The message also cited the threat that young people face from school shootings.<\/p>\n Reality check<\/a> \u2014 Eliminating homestead property taxes in Florida would trigger steep, uneven revenue losses for municipalities statewide, with smaller and residentially dependent cities facing the most significant fiscal strain, a new Florida League of Cities<\/a> study<\/a> found. The analysis found that while statewide averages suggest a loss of roughly one-third of municipal property tax revenues, those figures mask wide regional, geographic and socioeconomic disparities. In many communities, particularly along Florida\u2019s coastal and metropolitan corridors, the revenue hit would be far deeper and threaten the stability of local budgets that fund police, fire protection, infrastructure and other core services. Median revenue losses across Florida\u2019s eight regions range from about 24% to more than 46% under a complete elimination of the homestead tax. Central East Florida would suffer the steepest median decline, followed closely by Central Florida and the Southeast. These regions tend to have high concentrations of homesteaded residential property, leaving cities especially vulnerable if that tax base disappears.<\/p>\n No worries<\/a> \u2014 Gov. Ron DeSantis is again pushing back against the idea that a \u201cone rule\u201d executive order from President Donald Trump protecting the artificial intelligence industry will limit Florida from passing laws against the industry. During a roundtable at Florida Atlantic University, DeSantis said he was confident that much of what he wants to do falls within what is permissible under Trump\u2019s order. And he also believes that the state would prevail if Attorney General Pam Bondi took legal action against Florida for going too far. \u201cThe President issued an executive order, and some people were saying, \u2018Well, no, this blocks the states from doing it.\u2019 It doesn\u2019t,\u201d DeSantis said. Trump\u2019s order, issued Thursday, compels Bondi to \u201cestablish an AI Litigation Task Force (Task Force) whose sole responsibility shall be to challenge State AI laws inconsistent with the policy set forth in section 2 of this order, including on grounds that such laws unconstitutionally regulate interstate commerce, are preempted by existing Federal regulations, or are otherwise unlawful in the Attorney General\u2019s judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n Out front<\/a> \u2014 U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds\u2019 gubernatorial campaign has reported raising $40 million since launching earlier this year. In a memo outlining accomplishments in 2025, Rapid Loop Consulting President Ryan Smith argued the Naples Republican will enter the election year as \u201cthe most dominant gubernatorial candidate in Florida history.\u201d Outside of money, Donalds\u2019 campaign boasts endorsements from President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, House Speaker Mike Johnson and outsized political supporters such as billionaire Elon Musk, golf legend Phil Mickelson and, months before his political assassination, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The memo also notes the support of Florida Sheriffs, now 27 of them, and from 17 members of Florida\u2019s congressional delegation and 63 total members of the U.S. House.<\/p>\n Ratchet down<\/a> \u2014 Some major news from this week has a massive Florida connection. President Trump\u2019s push to reschedule pot from Schedule I to Schedule III is drawing praise from Florida\u2019s biggest cannabis company. \u201cThis bold and historic direction from President Trump represents long overdue change and a major milestone in cannabis reform,\u201d said Trulieve CEO Kim Rivers. Trump\u2019s decision to urge Attorney General Bondi to change policy would mean marijuana would be treated less like a dangerous drug and more like something with medical benefits. Schedule I includes hard drugs, such as heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote. Schedule III includes drugs with a \u201cmoderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence,\u201d like products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.<\/p>\n \u2014The farmer\u2019s Governor\u2014<\/p>\n A lot of agricultural stories in this week\u2019s Takeaways, so be braced and prepared.<\/p>\n Big news for fans of agricultural land acquisition: This week, Gov. DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved 21,500 acres of conservation and farming lands for protection, including properties under the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs.<\/p>\n The acquisitions total a $27.4 million investment aimed at preserving family-owned agricultural lands and protecting the state\u2019s natural and rural landscapes for future Floridians and farmers.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom day one, my administration has recognized the importance of preserving Florida\u2019s environment for future generations. By protecting the right lands in the right places, we\u2019re securing clean water, supporting military readiness, strengthening rural economies, and preserving the natural heritage that makes Florida a world-class destination,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n The land acquisitions include two conservation easements totaling 10,996 acres in the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor (Collier and Hendry counties), 7,437 acres in the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project (Escambia County), 2,060 acres at Tilton Farm (Putnam County), and 1,059 acres at the Siboney Ranch Project (Okeechobee County).<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida Forever continues to deliver transformative conservation outcomes for our state. The Governor and Cabinet\u2019s ongoing support ensures we can continue safeguarding vital ecosystems, water resources, working lands, and the landscapes that define Florida,\u201d said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert.<\/p>\n DeSantis is recommending $115 million for the Florida Forever Program \u2014 the state\u2019s primary land conservation initiative \u2014 in the proposed 2026-27 budget.<\/p>\n \u2014 Codify this \u2014<\/p>\n The Chief Financial Officer wants his work codified and not treated as a fleeting political stunt.<\/p>\n This week in Tampa, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that his top legislative priority this Session is to boost local government transparency and formally establish the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight (FAFO) in state statute.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter exposing more than $1.86 billion in wasteful and excessive spending by local governments, it is clear that taxpayers are demanding accountability and transparency from their local governments. Floridians are suffering because of rising property taxes and the ever-increasing cost of government,\u201d Ingoglia said.<\/p>\n \u201cMy legislative proposal will codify much-needed reforms that will positively impact future generations. Government grows when people stop watching and bureaucrats stop caring. Through my proposal, we will ensure that someone is always watching how your hard-earned tax dollars are spent.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond codifying FAFO, the proposal would require state and local governments to complete FAFO training, grant government employees whistleblower protections related to waste, and require local governments to upload contracts into the state\u2019s FACT system or a similar platform.<\/p>\n \u201cEnsuring that local governments are accountable to the people they serve is vital. Reckless government spending is negatively impacting Florida families, but through the CFO\u2019s legislative proposal, we will bring accountability back to the checkbooks of local governments,\u201d said Sen. Nick DiCeglie.<\/p>\n \u201cI thank CFO Ingoglia for his leadership, and I look forward to getting this legislation passed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 $25M 4 H20 \u2014<\/p>\n Water and Florida are just as iconic a duo as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, milk and cookies, naughty and nice \u2014 and, of course, reindeer and sleighs (yes, we\u2019re leaning into the Christmas theme).<\/p>\n So, let\u2019s give it up for water \u2014 and make sure it\u2019s protected.<\/p>\n This week, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced $25 million in grant funding through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services\u2019 Agricultural Regional Projects Program. The funding will support regional, collaborative agricultural water-resource solutions to improve water quality and quantity and environmental outcomes.<\/p>\n The project focuses on sustainability efforts in the Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin and the Lake Okeechobee Basin.<\/p>\n \u201cProtecting Florida\u2019s water resources is essential to our state\u2019s future, and Florida\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and growers are central to that mission,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n In the Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin BMAP, funded projects include Full Circle Dairy, North Florida Dairies, Shenandoah Dairy, Southern Cross Organics and Energy, and the Suwannee River Water Management District.<\/p>\n \u201cBy funding large-scale, regional projects that are rooted in sound science and real-world practices, we\u2019re proving that environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity go hand in hand,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n In the Lake Okeechobee Basin BMAP, awarded projects include Evans Properties, Lykes Brothers Inc. (Harney Pond), Cypress Chapter Inc. of the Izaak Walton League of America, and the South Florida Water Management District.<\/p>\n More information on the projects is available via FDACS<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Application time \u2014<\/p>\n Hey farmers, listen up! It\u2019s time to get that paperwork going because the state of Florida is looking to help you out. It\u2019s the biggest news since the launch of FarmersOnly.com.<\/p>\n This week, Agriculture Commissioner Simpson announced that the application cycle has opened for landowners seeking to participate in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Think of it as a college application window \u2014 but for conservation easements.<\/p>\n The program partners with farmers and ranchers to place protection easements on working lands, helping preserve agricultural operations and the contributions they make to Florida\u2019s economy and food supply.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s working agricultural lands are not just undeveloped fields and pastures \u2014 they sustain our economy, support our wildlife, nourish our communities, and protect our natural resources. Our working agricultural lands are increasingly threatened by development, and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with our farmers and ranchers to ensure these lands are protected and remain productive for generations to come,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n \u201cI encourage landowners to apply and join us in safeguarding Florida\u2019s agricultural future.\u201d<\/p>\n Established in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved 224,000 acres of working lands \u2014 158,000 of which were protected under Simpson\u2019s tenure.<\/p>\n The program prioritizes land threatened by urban development, and since 2022, the state has invested $700 million into the initiative.<\/p>\n So what are you waiting for? Don\u2019t miss out because procrastination won. Applications are available online<\/a> through Jan. 23, after which the Department will review submissions for eligibility.<\/p>\n \u2014 Farming it up \u2014<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a very, very busy week for the Agriculture Commissioner \u2014 and it doesn\u2019t stop here. Simpson is putting up numbers like another Wilton \u2026 Chamberlain, to be specific.<\/p>\n This week, Simpson announced that he, along with Gov. DeSantis and the Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, approved the preservation of more than 3,000 acres of working Florida agricultural land \u2014 the Siboney Ranch and the Tilton Family Farm.<\/p>\n Both properties will be protected from future development, recognizing their essential contributions to Florida\u2019s economy and their roles in food and timber production.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is a smart investment for the state and for Florida taxpayers. We\u2019re protecting critical agricultural lands from development without putting new maintenance costs on the state, while strengthening our food security, conserving natural resources and wildlife habitat, and supporting Florida\u2019s farmers and ranchers,\u201d Simpson said.<\/p>\n The Siboney Ranch is a cattle ranch located on 1,162 acres in Okeechobee County. The property has been family-owned since 2003 and is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices program, and the entire property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Its easement had a $9.85 million price tag.<\/p>\n Tilton Family Farm, located in Putnam County, spans 2,406 acres and was preserved for $5.564 million. The farm, which has been family-owned since 1973, operates as both a cow-calf breeding operation and a honey and fresh produce business. This farm, like Silboney Ranch, is enrolled in the FDACS Best Management Practices program and is located in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.<\/p>\n \u2014 Instagram of the week \u2014<\/p>\n \u2014 Historical knick-knacks \u2014<\/p>\n America\u2019s 250th birthday is coming into view, and Florida is getting an early jump on the patriotic mood.<\/p>\n This week, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Florida\u2019s History Shop will begin offering commemorative gicl\u00e9e prints featuring reproductions of key documents and images from the state\u2019s past.<\/p>\n The prints come from the Department of State\u2019s Division of Library and Information Services. They are designed to showcase pivotal moments in Florida history alongside foundational pieces of the broader American story.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough these products, we are making history tangible,\u201d Byrd said. \u201cThese reproductions of key documents in Florida\u2019s history help citizens connect with the moments that forged Florida and the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n Available items include a 1582 map of La Florida, an 1836 map titled \u201cTanner\u2019s Florida,\u201d and historic versions of the Florida Constitution preamble from 1838 and 1885. The collection also features Gideon\u2019s Writ of Habeas Corpus, tied to the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s landmark Gideon v. Wainwright decision.<\/p>\n The gicl\u00e9e prints are available for purchase at the Florida History Shop and at retail locations inside the Florida Capitol and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Each purchase includes a certificate of authenticity and a letter from Byrd.<\/p>\n Proceeds from sales will support the Division of Library and Information Services and educational programs at the Museum of Florida History, the state\u2019s official history museum.<\/p>\n For those who prefer the originals to the reproductions, the whole collection is available online through Florida Memory<\/a>, which houses the State Library and State Archives\u2019 historical records.<\/p>\n \u2014 License to celebrate \u2014<\/p>\n As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is rolling out a commemorative license plate for motorists statewide.<\/p>\n The nation will officially mark the \u201csemi quincentennial\u201d on July 4, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Beginning this week, Floridians can purchase the commemorative plate and display it on their vehicles.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is honored to give Floridians a meaningful way to participate in our nation\u2019s 250th anniversary,\u201d said DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. \u201cThis commemorative plate reflects our shared pride in America\u2019s history and is a symbol of our state\u2019s connection to America\u2019s past.\u201d<\/p>\n The license plate features a white background with blue lettering in the \u201cFlorida\u201d state banner, along with the standard identifying letters and numbers. At the center is an arch with red, white and blue stripes and stars, with \u201cAmerica 250, Florida\u201d as the plate\u2019s focal point.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s rich history continues to shape the American story,\u201d said Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who also serves as Chair of Florida\u2019s Semiquincentennial Commission.<\/p>\n \u201cThe America250FL license plate is a public way for Floridians to honor this legacy and participate in the America250FL celebration. Visit America250FL.com<\/a> and follow America250FL on X<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a> to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Internet crimes conference \u2014<\/p>\n Protecting children is a shared priority for ensuring safety and decency across Florida and the nation. That requires staying informed about the evolving ways predators target children.<\/p>\n This week in Orlando, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with the Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces, the Child Abduction Response Team, and Sexual Offender Registration and Enforcement, hosted the Internet Crimes Against Children Conference.<\/p>\n It was the largest conference to date, drawing 1,200 participants from 300 law enforcement agencies across 40 states and three countries \u2014 all united by one goal: protecting children.<\/p>\n \u201cCrimes against children happen online and cross state lines in seconds, which is why Florida is aggressive, unapologetic, and relentless in protecting our kids. Through FDLE and ICAC task forces, we are investing in the people and partnerships needed to hunt predators before they can harm a child. Protecting children isn\u2019t just a job, it\u2019s a calling,\u201d said Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.<\/p>\n The three-day event featured specialized training and covered various topics, including investigative and prosecutorial practices, emerging trends in human trafficking, online exploitation, and computer forensics.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida law enforcement is committed to using every resource to protect children from exploitation. By bringing together experts from across the country, we are advancing our techniques, strengthening our partnerships, and sharpening our ability to confront these crimes,\u201d said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.<\/p>\n \u201cThe dedication shown at this conference demonstrates the resolve of our officers and partners to carry that mission forward.\u201d<\/p>\n During the conference, officials announced the inaugural Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Officer of the Year award. The honor was posthumously awarded to FBI Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger for their service during a 2021 search warrant execution in Sunrise.<\/p>\n \u201cFBI Miami is humbled to learn that Fallen Agents Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger are the inaugural recipients of the Florida ICAC Officer of the Year award. It takes an incredibly special person to do this difficult and dangerous work. Dan and Laura promoted the extraordinary attributes of selfless service and courage needed to perform this challenging mission. We will always honor their ultimate sacrifice,\u201d said Brett Skiles, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Miami.<\/p>\n \u2014 Even more acreage \u2014<\/p>\n Good news for outdoor lovers, campers, and overall environment enjoyers \u2014 there\u2019s more of Florida to explore.<\/p>\n This week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced it has acquired 74 new acres along Lake Pierce as part of the Catfish Creek Florida Forever Project.<\/p>\n The newly acquired land will expand the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park and provide new attractions for visitors, including camping, fishing, hiking and expanded environmental education programs.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough Florida Forever, we focus on acquiring properties that deliver the greatest conservation benefit for our state. This addition to Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is exactly the kind of strategic investment that strengthens the Florida Wildlife Corridor and allows residents and visitors to experience what makes Florida\u2019s natural landscapes so special,\u201d said DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert.<\/p>\n The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is already home to more than 8,000 acres of rare scrub, sandhill, and flatwoods habitat, and offers more than 6 miles of unique Florida hiking trails. The 74 new acres will add more than 6,000 feet of lakefront shoreline to the already existing area. They are also acquiring the Ridge Environmental Education and Event Center, which is in the area, and this is a bonus for visitors.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery Florida State Park offers something unique, and this new addition makes Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park even more remarkable. The natural lakefront and existing facilities will help us expand recreation and education opportunities while protecting one of Florida\u2019s rarest ecosystems for the millions of people who enjoy our parks each year,\u201d said Chuck Hatcher, Florida State Parks Director.<\/p>\n Last year, Florida State Parks welcomed 28 million visitors and generated more than $82 million in revenue. So don\u2019t fret, this isn\u2019t a bad investment for the state or nature lovers at all.<\/p>\n \u2014 No hidden fees \u2014<\/p>\n Sticker shock is becoming a familiar part of Florida\u2019s housing market, especially for buyers who don\u2019t realize that ad valorem property taxes often reset sharply after a sale. A new bill aims to ensure those surprises are disclosed before anyone clicks \u201cschedule a tour.\u201d<\/p>\n Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Adam Anderson have filed companion legislation designed to require online real estate listing platforms to display estimated ad valorem property taxes tied to a home\u2019s listing price. Anderson filed HB 827 this week, which would take effect for listings beginning in 2027 if approved.<\/p>\n The issue stems from Florida\u2019s Save Our Homes assessment caps. Longtime homestead owners often benefit from significantly lower taxable values. Still, those savings disappear when a property changes hands, leaving buyers facing much higher tax bills than those shown on many online listings.<\/p>\n \u201cThis common-sense consumer protection bill ensures Floridians shopping for homes online get a realistic picture of future property tax obligations,\u201d Anderson said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to partner with Sen. DiCeglie on this effort to empower buyers with accurate information and help protect the American dream of homeownership.\u201d<\/p>\n Under HB 827, listing platforms would be required to either use standardized tax data from the Department of Revenue or provide a direct link to the county property appraiser\u2019s estimator. The goal is to give buyers a clearer sense of monthly costs before they make an offer.<\/p>\n \u201cRep. Anderson and I share a commitment to transparency in the real estate market, especially in Pinellas County, where we\u2019ve seen some of the largest tax resets,\u201d DiCeglie said. \u201cThis refined legislation incorporates stakeholder input and provides practical tools for buyers to plan ahead without surprises.\u201d<\/p>\n Pinellas County Property Appraiser Mike Twitty also backed the proposal, calling access to accurate tax estimates \u201cessential\u201d for helping buyers understand the actual cost of homeownership.<\/p>\n \u2014 Budget hype \u2014<\/p>\n The Legislative Session is just around the corner. New Year\u2019s is sooner than you think. Say goodbye to 2025 and hope \u2014 and pray \u2014 for Sine Die.<\/p>\n But DeSantis has already been making the rounds touting his proposed 2026-27 budget, branded \u201cFloridians First,\u201d which aims to boost the Florida economy by investing in workforce development, infrastructure, \u201ctax friendliness,\u201d and quality of life.<\/p>\n All of that sounds nice. But what does it actually entail? You probably already know the answer, based on the last seven budgets.<\/p>\n Still, industry leaders are weighing in on the proposal.<\/p>\n \u201cThese efforts not only support jobs and small businesses across Florida but also bolster vibrant communities and preserve the economic advantages that make our state such an exceptional place to live, work, and visit,\u201d said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.<\/p>\n Commerce is always top of mind in Florida, so what does Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson have to say about the budget?<\/p>\n \u201cBy prioritizing investments in job creation, workforce development, infrastructure and tax relief \u2014 while also keeping the cost of living and doing business affordable for job creators and job seekers looking to succeed in Florida \u2014 this budget once again aligns with the Florida 2030 Blueprint and Florida\u2019s goal of becoming a top 10 global economy,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n And you can\u2019t have Florida without tourists \u2014 the backbone, in many ways, of the state\u2019s economy. Leaders in the tourism sector also weighed in.<\/p>\n \u201cFlorida\u2019s tourism industry is the strongest in the nation, and Governor DeSantis\u2019 proposed investment ensures we will stay at the top. This proposed funding ensures we can continue generating billions in tax revenue, supporting Florida jobs, and serving our residents,\u201d said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.<\/p>\n As always, it\u2019s worth combing through the proposed budget for your own take. Still, it\u2019s helpful to know where the major players stand.<\/p>\n \u2014 Parks record haul \u2014<\/p>\n It was a very good year for the Florida State Parks Foundation<\/a>, which notched another record in annual financial impact.<\/p>\n The nonprofit, which champions and promotes the Florida State Parks<\/a> system, generated $2.19 million in total funding impact this year. That figure includes funds from both external and internal sources allocated to projects across the state.<\/p>\n External funding \u2014 the largest share of the total \u2014 came from grants, community partners, sponsorships, and grassroots donors. Internal funding is drawn from the Foundation\u2019s annual budget allocation and typically supports recurring programs, such as Park Impact Grants, or meets grant-matching requirements.<\/p>\n The organization has now broken its funding record for four consecutive years, bringing its total financial impact to more than $8 million since 2022.<\/p>\n Foundation Board President Matt Caldwell said the funding has been well spent on preserving, protecting, and sustaining Florida\u2019s parks statewide.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an honor and privilege to serve our state parks, and we are proud to have made a major impact throughout the last 12 months,\u201d Caldwell said. \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly rewarding to look back and see the sheer volume and variety of projects, initiatives, campaigns and events that the Foundation has supported in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Rattlers combat Hurricane Melissa \u2014<\/p>\n While Floridians as a whole lucked out in the 2025 Hurricane Season, other regions were not as fortunate. That\u2019s where the Rattlers slithered in.<\/p>\n Florida A&M University\u2019s Cooperative Extension team partnered with the Venom Foundation Incorporated to organize a clothing drive for Jamaican residents impacted by a Category 5 hurricane that struck in late October and early November.<\/p>\n Angel Forde, a FAMU Extension Agent, is leading the drive.<\/p>\n \u201cThis collaboration reflects our commitment to extending a helping hand beyond borders. Every contribution helps restore hope and dignity to families who have lost so much,\u201d Forde said.<\/p>\n When the clothes arrive on the island, they will be distributed by Abundant Life Ministry Church, a relief partner currently working on the ground. The clothing is designated for especially hard-hit areas, including Bounty Hall, Wakefield, Bunkers Hill, Deeside, and Grandville, all of which were severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo of our Extension Agents lived through the hurricane while visiting the island. Each of us has a responsibility to reach out and help our brothers and sisters affected by disasters. In past years, it has been us and our loved ones needing someone to step in,\u201d said FAMU Cooperative Extension Director Vonda Richardson.<\/p>\n In moments of crisis and natural disasters, organizations and communities that step up together can make all the difference. FAMU continues to showcase its dominance in and out of the classroom, in and out of the country, with excellence through and through. Strike, strike, and strike again.<\/p>\n \u2014 Camera ready \u2014<\/p>\n They say a photograph can tell a thousand words. Well, what about an entire collection of millions of photographs? Maybe that\u2019s comparable to the whole Dune book series in words.<\/p>\n This week, Florida State University Libraries\u2019 Special Collections and Archives opened public access to an expansive photography collection donated by longtime Tallahassee photojournalist Mark Wallheiser, offering a visual record of decades of life in Florida\u2019s Capital City and beyond.<\/p>\n The collection includes photographic prints, negatives, film slides, and digital images documenting everything from campus life at Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College to downtown scenes, major storms, and everyday moments that defined the region over time.<\/p>\n \u201cMark\u2019s career and output are astounding. We\u2019ve rarely seen such extensive documentation of Florida and FSU history in one place. Mark\u2019s gift to the university is also a gift to the public and to posterity. I expect that we\u2019ll see a demand for these images for many years to come,\u201d said Rory Grennan, director of Archives for FSU Libraries.<\/p>\n The images span Wallheiser\u2019s 44-year career, including his freelance photography for the Tallahassee Democrat from 1981 to 2008. Over the past year, archivists at FSU Libraries have been organizing, digitizing, and uploading the materials to make them freely accessible to students, educators, researchers, and the public.<\/p>\n Wallheiser was named Florida News Photographer of the Year in 1989 by the Society of Professional Journalists and was part of the team that won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of Hurricane Katrina.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessional photographic storytelling from the 1970s through the turn of the century is critically important for its historical value and credibility,\u201d Wallheiser said.<\/p>\n More information on the collection is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2014 Avatar: SquarePants Housemaid \u2014<\/p>\n Welcome back to the movies \u2014 the last big pre-Christmas lap before everyone switches entirely into couch-and-remote mode.<\/p>\n At the box office, \u201cZootopia 2\u201d continues its strong run, pulling in $26 million over the weekend. Close behind was \u201cFive Nights at Freddy\u2019s 2,\u201d which earned $19 million and all but guaranteed another sequel. \u201cWicked: For Good\u201d remains firmly planted in the top tier as well, adding $8.5 million to its total.<\/p>\n The biggest new arrival comes from filmmaker James Cameron, whose third visit to Pandora, \u201cAvatar: Fire and Ash,\u201d leans fully into scale, spectacle, and stamina. Clocking in at three hours and 17 minutes, the sequel to 2022\u2019s \u201cThe Way of Water\u201d once again pushes visual boundaries and aims squarely at premium screens. Reviews are slightly softer than earlier entries \u2014 69% on Rotten Tomatoes \u2014 but audience scores remain strong, suggesting fans will happily settle in for another long IMAX sit. As with the previous films, Oscar chatter is already bubbling.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet added a tranche of easement lands to the state\u2019s portfolio.<\/p>\n<\/a>The one-pager, straight from the source.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>$25 million in grant funding is on the way. Image via FDACS.<\/p>\n<\/a>4G Ranch conservation easement by FDACS, presented to the Governor and Cabinet on Sept. 30, 2025. Image via Lauren Yoho\/Wildpath. @leyoho\/@wildpath.<\/p>\n<\/a>Cattle being moved on Siboney Ranch. Image via Carlton Ward\/Wildpath.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Snag them while you can! Image via Florida Department of State.<\/p>\n<\/a>There\u2019s plenty more at America250FL.com.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>FDLE had a busy week. Image via X\/@fdlepio.<\/p>\n<\/a>Catfish Creek, Florida Forever Project. Image via Lauren Yoho\/Wildpath.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Nick DiCeglie is helping Florida homebuyers avoid sticker shock.<\/p>\n<\/a>Feedback is coming in on Ron DeSantis\u2019 2026-27 budget recommendations (Florida Channel).<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>The Florida State Parks Foundation had a greater than $2 million impact this year.<\/p>\n<\/a>Dr. Angel Forde, FAMU Extension Agent (Faculty), with Venom Foundation representative picking up the donations from the FAMU Teleconference Center in Tallahassee. Image via FAMU.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Mark Wallheiser (right) with Florida Governor Bob Graham (left), now part of the newly added photographic archive in the FSU Libraries Special Collections and Archives. (FSU Special Collections and Archives)<\/p>\n