Personnel note: Jim Anderson joins Mercury, Lisa Kauffman promoted
‘We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Mercury team.’
0
3min
Peter SchorschSunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.24.24
Make a good morning great with ‘Sunburn,’ your daily Florida tip sheet.
0
83min
Staff ReportsLast Call for 4.23.24 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics
A digest of the day’s politics and policy while the bartender refreshes your drink.
3
15min
S&P Global upgrades Miami-Dade Water and Sewer bond ratings
‘To be recognized by such a renowned rating agency is a testament to the responsible fiscal leadership at WASD.’
1
3min
News & Trending
April 24, 2024
Drew Wilson
Drew Wilson
Personnel note: Jim Anderson joins Mercury, Lisa Kauffman promoted
0
3min
0
Jesse Scheckner
Jacob Ogles
Legislative, Influence & Policy
Personnel note: Jim Anderson joins Mercury, Lisa Kauffman promoted
‘We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Mercury team.’
0
3min
Gov. DeSantis announces investments in Wildlife Corridor, red tide mitigation
For the second day in a row, DeSantis focused on environmental investments.
1
4min
Anne GeggisNew database sorts Florida public and charter schools by grad rates, student absenteeism
New database aims to make data more uniform and easier to compare so leaders can see what’s working.
25
4min
Transcript from Christian Ziegler sex video details decision not to pursue rape charge
Other records released by police show conversations about the threesome years before the investigated encounter.
35
8min
A.G. GancarskiGov. DeSantis grants patriotic organizations and chaplains access to public schools
‘Satanists’ won’t make the cut, but other preachers and groups will be in schools next year.
45
7min
Gabrielle RussonFDACS inspectors find nearly 200,000 hemp products targeting kids in search
In Florida, the hemp industry is among the biggest in the nation.
8
3min
2024 – Presidential
Joe Biden in Tampa blames Donald Trump for ripping away women’s abortion rights
He visited Florida a week before a strict abortion plan goes into effect in the Sunshine State.
9
7min
Joe Biden to spotlight threat to Florida abortion rights during Tampa campaign stop
Democrats expect the issue to deliver Florida’s electoral votes for the President in November.
9
6min
Associated PressProsecutors to make history with opening statements in hush money case against Donald Trump
Colorful figures like Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen expect to testify in the case.
9
8min
Joe Biden sees a $35 price cap for insulin as a pivotal campaign issue. It’s not that clear-cut
The cost of insulin has been capped under the President but that achievement might not be resonating with voters.
9
13min
12 jurors have been picked for Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Selection of alternates ongoing
The Judge also scheduled a hearing on the prosecution’s request for contempt sanctions for Trump.
7
11min
First 6 jurors are chosen for Donald Trump’s hush money criminal trial; 12 more still needed
‘I will not tolerate any jurors being intimidated in this courtroom.’
24
13min
2024 – Initiatives
Gray RohrerGroup backing recreational pot amendment touts support from veterans coalition
‘Many of our brave veterans across the country and here in Florida have been strong advocates for the freedom to access a legal, regulated cannabis market.’
5
3min
FAU poll: Just 47% support recreational pot measure, with 18% undecided
The referendum needs 60% support to pass.
15
3min
Ron DeSantis slams marijuana amendment again, warns of ‘toking up’ near schools
‘That is not good for families, that is not good for the elderly.’
19
4min
Ron DeSantis urges reporters to ask Donald Trump where he stands on Florida abortion rights initiative
The Governor once hammered Trump on reproductive rights. Now both abortion and the former President are on the November ballot.
7
6min
Like Florida, Arizona voters could decide abortion rights in November
‘This is an issue that people are eager to see on the ballot,’ said an Arizona abortion rights advocate.
0
4min
Abortion rights supporters rally in Orlando to kick off Yes on 4 campaign
Activists had their say Saturday in Central Florida.
23
4min
2024 – Down Ballot
Senate candidate Randy Fine wants college students to start carrying guns
‘It’s time for Jewish students to start carrying.’
7
3min
Janelle Irwin Taylor‘Grit and passion’: Latino Victory backs Sabrina Bousbar in CD 13
‘She supports policies that will help resolve the affordability crisis and strengthen the economy, key policy issues that will help working Americans and underserved communities.’
0
5min
Florida tabloid publisher will testify how he helped kill negative stories about Donald Trump
Prosecutors will ask David Pecker about a ‘catch and kill’ plan during the 2016 election.
8
13min
EMILY’s List backs 3 incumbent House Democrats
EMILY’s List operates one of the most significant independent expenditure operations for Democrats.
1
3min
Rick Wells latest Sheriff to endorse Vern Buchanan for re-election
The Manatee Sheriff weighed in shortly after Chad Chronister also endorsed the Congressman.
5
3min
Culture Wars
New federal rule bars transgender school bathroom bans, but it likely isn’t the final word
In recent years, transgender people have gained visibility and acceptance in the U.S. — and some conservative officials have pushed back.
2
11min
Rick Scott threatens federal defunding of Columbia University
The school has an endowment worth upwards of $13B, but can’t ensure security for Jewish students.
4
5min
Ron DeSantis calls for feds to deal with campus antisemitism in New York City
‘The minute there’s repercussions, you will start to see a change in behavior.’
15
4min
Bill Maher says Ron DeSantis was right about Disney sexualizing kids
‘DeSantis wasn’t wrong but we’re so tribal.’
23
3min
Emergency rooms refused to treat pregnant women, leaving one to miscarry in a lobby restroom
‘They are so scared of a pregnant patient, that the emergency medicine staff won’t even look. They just want these people gone.’
5
16min
Christine Jordan SextonDon’t expect a ruling on children’s health insurance dust-up until May
U.S. District Judge and Donald Trump appointee William Jung is presiding over the challenge.
0
5min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
Fresh Take Florida
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Tallahassee
Drew Dixon
South Florida
S&P Global upgrades Miami-Dade Water and Sewer bond ratings
‘To be recognized by such a renowned rating agency is a testament to the responsible fiscal leadership at WASD.’
1
3min
Shlomo Danzinger, Surfside’s recently supplanted Mayor, seeks Miami-Dade’s top elected job
The race for Miami-Dade Mayor is now a 7-person contest.
1
6min
Carlos Giménez adds $178K to CD 28 defense war chest with boost from Majority Whip committee
About half of the personal checks Giménez received last quarter came from donors in his district, compared to just 16.5% for his challenger.
1
9min
21 Vice Mayors endorse Daniella Levine Cava for re-election as Miami-Dade Mayor
‘Our Mayor is never too busy to listen and always working to build consensus.’
0
7min
Billy Corben blasts Miami-Dade Dems leadership for refusing to move Chair vote from Passover Shabbat
‘We’re supposed to be better than this.’
2
17min
Gov. DeSantis announces $1.5B more toward Everglades, water improvement projects
‘These are really ambitious projects.’
5
7min
Federal
Ron DeSantis rips Joe Biden, Congress on abortion, Mexican border security
Florida’s Chief Executive expressed frustration with federal officials at the end of a SW Florida presser.
13
3min
Ashley Moody wants Joe Biden to explain high number of migrant flights to Florida
She referenced an analysis about a controversial administration immigration policy.
2
4min
Rick Scott rips Joe Biden for catering to ‘antisemitic base’
‘President Biden is ceding his party to radical pro-Hamas extremists.’
9
4min
Two Republicans, one Democrat in Florida’s House delegation say ‘no’ to Israeli military aid
Fourteen Republicans voted against Ukrainian aid but all Florida House Democrats voted for it.
4
6min
Rick Scott pushes for financial protections for military members
Sen. Jon Ossoff is co-introducing the legislation intended to protect those who protect Americans.
10
2min
Can cities fine unhoused people for sleeping outside?
SCOTUS will weigh in on an issue that continues to impact local and state governments.
8
5min
Foreign Affairs
Ukrainian and Western leaders laud U.S. aid package while the Kremlin warns of ‘further ruin’
The package that President Joe Biden has pledged to sign immediately heads to the Senate for a Tuesday vote.
22
11min
What’s inside the $95B House package focused on aiding Ukraine and Israel
Will this package cost the Speaker his job?
1
8min
House’s Ukraine, Israel aid package gains Joe Biden’s support, Mike Johnson fights to keep job
The aid packages will likely need Democratic votes to pass. Will retaining Johnson need the same?
4
12min
Jared Moskowitz, Tom Kean Jr. introduce bipartisan bill condemning Iran attack on Israel
‘What the world witnessed this weekend was a declaration of war.’
1
6min
Iran’s attack on Israel spurs response from Florida politicians
‘We’re looking at the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973.’
37
10min
Israel hails ‘success’ in blocking Iran’s unprecedented attack. Joe Biden seeks diplomatic response
Air Defense systems stopped 99% f incoming drones from Iran.
0
12min
Emails & Opinions
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.24.24
Make a good morning great with ‘Sunburn,’ your daily Florida tip sheet.
Apolitical
Florida’s women college graduates among most economically challenged in U.S.
West Virginia was the most affordable state in the nation for women graduating from college.
Tech
Marco Rubio glad America is ‘waking up’ to TikTok threat
However, he says ‘China won’t give up’ when it comes to similar apps designed to sway impressionable and unwary users.
Could Kennedy Space Center host 300 rocket launches a year?
Between private spaceflight, NASA and Space Force, there’s activity on the horizon.
Sign Up
Receive our team’s agenda-setting morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. Delivered straight to your inbox Monday through Friday.
Universities
Leading Dem slams offering $500 for college students to participate in politically focused state survey
The prior version of the survey had low turnout.
1
8min
Cole PepperUSF announces construction management team for football stadium project
The selections: Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon.
1
4min
Peter SchorschNew College pitches marine mammal grad program to BOG
If approved, the pieces are in place for a Fall 2024 launch.
4
4min