January 13, 2025
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HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

December First Coast home sales report is a mixed bag, but shows some positive trends

The Jacksonville home sales market looks strong, but inventory is much higher than last year.
1 4min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Aaron Baker blames Susie Wiles for Donald Trump’s Randy Fine endorsement

Will voters side with the President’s pick or the long-shot challenger?
0 4min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis cool on Cory Mills’ interest in Senate seat amid slim GOP House majority

‘I don’t want you to be sand in the gears.’
1 6min
APoliticalHeadlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Duke Energy taps Harry Sideris as new CEO, will replace retiring CEO Lynn Good

‘Harry’s nearly three-decade-long record of extraordinary accomplishments makes him uniquely qualified to lead Duke Energy.’
0 6min

News & Trending

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HeadlinesNE Florida
January 13, 2025 Drew Dixon

December First Coast home sales report is a mixed bag, but shows some positive trends

1 4min 0
HeadlinesSpecials
January 13, 2025 A.G. Gancarski

Aaron Baker blames Susie Wiles for Donald Trump’s Randy Fine endorsement

0 4min 0
HeadlinesSpecials
January 13, 2025 A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis cool on Cory Mills’ interest in Senate seat amid slim GOP House majority

1 6min 0
APoliticalHeadlines
January 13, 2025 Janelle Irwin Taylor

Duke Energy taps Harry Sideris as new CEO, will replace retiring CEO Lynn Good

0 6min 0
HeadlinesSpecials
January 13, 2025 A.G. Gancarski

Governor blames faulty ‘resign to run’ law for lack of elections to replace Randy Fine, Joel Rudman

3 5min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
January 13, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis calls for Special Session to address post-Surfside condo safety costs

1 6min 0
HeadlinesTallahassee
January 13, 2025 Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis wants amendment petition changes after failed abortion rights initiative

4 4min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
January 13, 2025 Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis calls Special Session to crack down on illegal immigration

3 12min 0

Transition

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HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

JD Vance says Jan. 6 participants who committed violence ‘obviously’ shouldn’t be pardoned

JD Vance argues some Jan. 6 rioters should be pardoned as Donald Trump promised, but violent protesters won’t.
4 5min
HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks are set for Senate hearings. Here’s the schedule

After weeks of controversy over many Cabinet nominations, Congress begins hearings over Donald Trump’s appointments.
2 15min
HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

Donald Trump can still vote after sentencing, but can’t own a gun and will have to turn over DNA sample

The case is over but the fallout continues.
30 8min
HeadlinesTransition
A.G. Gancarski

Report: Kevin Guthrie to lead FEMA

Florida’s Director of Emergency Management is battle-tested. Will he be the White House pick?
3 4min
HeadlinesTransition
Jacob Ogles

Pam Bondi confirmation hearings scheduled before Senate Judiciary Committee

The former Florida Attorney General will appear before the committee on Jan. 15 and 16.
12 4min
HeadlinesTransition
Jacob Ogles

Confirmation hearings scheduled for Marco Rubio, but delayed for Pam Bondi

Senators cannot schedule Bondi’s hearing until an FBI background check is done.
10 4min
HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

Judge temporarily blocks release of Special Counsel report on Donald Trump cases amid simmering court fight

The clash continues ahead of Trump’s inauguration.
7 8min
HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

Donald Trump lawyers move to block hush money sentencing

The President-elect plans an appeal.
7 3min
FederalHeadlinesTransition
Jacob Ogles

Erika Donalds to lead AFPI’s Education Opportunity Center and its Florida chapter

The OptimaEd founder plans to expand the organizations influence in Tallahassee and Washington.
2 4min
HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

Lawmakers brace for Donald Trump’s promised Jan. 6 pardons. Some are urging restraint

Even some Republicans are expressing reluctance to possible pardons for many Jan. 6 rioters.
8 13min
HeadlinesTransition
Associated Press

Judge sets Donald Trump’s sentencing in hush money case for Jan. 10, but signals no jail time

The hush money saga is coming to an end.
9 8min
HeadlinesTransition
Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump predicts Democrats will try to stall confirmation. Will that impact his Florida picks?

Here’s what to keep an eye on as Trump readies to take office.
5 8min

Specials

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HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Aaron Baker blames Susie Wiles for Donald Trump’s Randy Fine endorsement

Will voters side with the President’s pick or the long-shot challenger?
0 4min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis cool on Cory Mills’ interest in Senate seat amid slim GOP House majority

‘I don’t want you to be sand in the gears.’
1 6min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Governor blames faulty ‘resign to run’ law for lack of elections to replace Randy Fine, Joel Rudman

‘I think they should just chuck the whole thing.’
3 5min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Gov. DeSantis promises Senate pick will help Donald Trump ‘deliver on mandate’

The pick will ‘come soon.’
10 3min
HeadlinesSpecials
Jacob Ogles

ACLU files lawsuit demanding Ron DeSantis call Special Elections in SD 19, HD 3

Citizens have had to sue DeSantis before to urge him to call Special Elections.
0 6min
HeadlinesSpecials
Jacob Ogles

Jimmy Patronis points to partisan gerrymandering as only reason he doesn’t live in CD 1

Joel Rudman, a CD 1 opponent, called the inference ‘severely negative’ and an attack on Republicans who drew the map.
4 9min
HeadlinesSpecials
Jacob Ogles

Nathan Boyles rapidly raises more than $22K in HD 3

He amassed the money quickly in anticipation of a Special Election.
0 4min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

Lara Trump expects Gov. DeSantis to go in ‘right direction’ to fill Senate seat

The President-elect’s daughter-in-law withdrew from consideration in late December.
12 3min
HeadlinesSpecials
A.G. Gancarski

CD 6 hopeful Josh Weil talks about incident of student discipline that went horribly wrong

‘When we got down to the ground, he banged his head on the floor.’
2 8min

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis calls for Special Session to address post-Surfside condo safety costs

‘We have a responsibility to act to make sure people can stay in their condo units.’
1 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis calls Special Session to crack down on illegal immigration

DeSantis hopes that, and other issues, will be dealt with during the Jan. 27 Special Session.
3 12min
HeadlinesInfluence
Peter Schorsch

Florida lobbying powerhouse merges with Crisafulli Consulting; reveals new brand — SBM Partners

‘I am thrilled with this opportunity.’
1 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

Heather Turnbull lends considerable talent to HCA as Interim VP

She’ll remain a Managing Partner at Rubin Turnbull while overseeing HCA’s lobbying and government affairs efforts.
1 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

AARP encouraging community organizations and governments to apply for grant program

AARP Community Challenge is designed to improve community aspects for people over 50.
2 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

Florida high school students graduate at record rates for 2023-24 school year

Several key demographics saw notable jumps in graduation rates over the previous year in Florida.
6 3min

Federal

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FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

California wildfires could be leaving deeper inequality in their wake

Minority residents worry about returning to areas torched by California fires.
4 8min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Supreme Court to weigh reinstating Obamacare requirements struck down by lower court

The requirements remain in place for now, except for the eight companies who sued.
1 2min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Rudy Giuliani held in contempt

The judge was an Obama appointee.
6 2min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

‘Absolutely not’: Gov. DeSantis says he won’t appoint himself to replace Marco Rubio in the Senate

‘It’s all made up, and they’re just guessing.’
5 4min
FederalHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

‘You can’t deport them’: Mario Díaz-Balart says non-criminals shouldn’t fear Donald Trump’s expulsion plan

‘You have to start with those who we know are dangerous, and that’s going to take some time.’
7 6min
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

Joe Biden administration extends TPS for Venezuelans following request by Florida congressional leaders

The announcement came as Nicolás Maduro began another term despite U.S. officials believing he lost his election.
2 4min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
A.G. Gancarski

Duval County legislators agree to carry local bill expanding Five Points drinking

5 2min

Donna Deegan says ’24/7 outreach’ ongoing to homeless population

Jacksonville braces for biting cold, advising needy to seek shelter in city centers

Northeast Florida’s top 10 stories reflect a momentous 2024

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

December First Coast home sales report is a mixed bag, but shows some positive trends

1 4min 0

St. Johns County ‘need list’ includes airport renaming, infrastructure asks

Prosecutor abandons kidnapping case against trucker days after he tries to take own life, protesting his innocence

Putnam County priorities take center stage with legislators, who warn of tightening belts

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

Ex-Disney World employee pleads guilty to hacking menu

5 4min 0

Carlos Guillermo Smith and Anna Eskamani plan to file bill over hot-button TDT

Kissimmee settles with ex-police officer fired over social media posts

LWV forum looks at immigration amid Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Kathy Castor to honor more ‘Hurricane Heroes’

1 3min

Federal government awards $173K to city of St. Pete to keep the lights on at fleet management

St. Pete City Council to consider purchasing AquaFence to protect water resources facility

PSTA to open new SunRunner station in downtown St. Pete, expanding transit access to the Pier, Beach Drive

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW Florida
Jacob Ogles

Bob Rommel campaign surpasses $200K as committee sits on $1.9M cash

1 4min 0

Carmine Marceno acknowledges FBI investigation while touting agency accomplishments

James Buchanan first to file to succeed Joe Gruters in SD 22

Sandy Modell says politics denied his family justice in 8 years since his son was shot and killed

Tampa

Tampa Bay
Mike Wright

Citrus County community heralds a ‘new day’ with Sheriff David Vincent

1 7min 0

Top U.S. lobbying firm adds Tampa office, growing its national footprint

Bob Henriquez sworn in for fourth term as Hillsborough Property Appraiser

Pinellas County opens cold weather shelters ahead of expected lows in the 40s or below

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Drew Dixon

Panhandle natural gas company gets state approval for rate hike in small Gulf Coast municipality

0 3min

Gov. DeSantis names conservative think tank members to University of West Florida Board

‘He’s ready for this fight’: MMA star Jorge Masvidal backs Gene Valentino in CD 1 race

Jason Shoaf takes workforce development, Wakulla Springs priorities to legislative committee posts

Tallahassee

HeadlinesTallahassee
Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis wants amendment petition changes after failed abortion rights initiative

4 4min 0

Governor appoints outgoing Alachua Sheriff to FAMU Board of Trustees, reappoints former member

Florida Commission on the Status of Women to host Veterans Roundtable

Dana Young announces retirement from VISIT FLORIDA

Communities

Communities
Mike Wright

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

4min 0

Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

Are Alachua Commissioners about to pay for a house of cardboard?

Governor appoints Deborah Cunningham, Adam Lee to county court judgeships

South Florida

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HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Lori Berman brings back bill to cap the cost of breast exams for state employees

An estimated 20% of patients forgo follow-up diagnostic tests if they have to pay a deductible.
2 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Donald Trump plan to build 1,500 multimillion-dollar condos in Doral faces public hearing

The project would mark South Florida’s first ongoing condo sales endeavor by a sitting President.
3 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Promise Fund names Audrey Brown as new CEO

Promise Fund serves tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties who are uninsured, underinsured or have limited or no access to health care.
0 4min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Mayor’s job, 2 City Commission seats at stake in Coral Gables election

The election comes amid deep discordance at City Hall.
1 13min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis appoints Rachael Loukonen, Trent Reichling to 20th Judicial Circuit bench

Both are first-time Judges.
1 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Monroe GOP-backed Sherri Hodies sworn in as Supervisor of Elections

‘Together, we will ensure every voice is heard, every vote is counted, and our elections remain secure, efficient, and accessible.’
1 4min

Culture Wars

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Culture WarsHeadlines
Florida Phoenix

Ron DeSantis defends UWF Board nominee who criticizes women prioritizing their careers

‘What I don’t like is cherry-picking somebody saying this, and then trying to smear them.’
3 6min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis says Florida school choice should be national model

‘You don’t need the Department of Education for this.’
48 4min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis rips media double standard in soft coverage of California leadership failures

It’s clear he recognizes a political double standard at play. 
21 5min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Associated Press

Gov. DeSantis appointee says women should pick motherhood over higher ed

He’s also argued that college and universities are ‘indoctrination camps’ society should de-emphasize to make progress on ‘family matters.’
16 7min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Associated Press

Donald Trump wants to change colleges nationwide. GOP-led states offer a preview

Trump vowed during his campaign to end ‘wokeness’ and ‘leftist indoctrination’ in education.
1 13min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Associated Press

CNN defamation trial comes at a rough time for legacy media — and for the struggling network

Attorneys for a Florida company told jurors they can send a message to the entire media landscape.
2 10min

Foreign Affairs

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Foreign Affairs
Peter Schorsch

New poll shows overwhelming support among Republicans to hold foreign polluters accountable

‘High-polluting countries hold an unfair advantage.’
1 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Drew Dixon

Mike Waltz sets scene for Donald Trump approach to Ukraine and Israel

Mike Waltz promised ‘hell to pay’ if any more Americans are taken hostage in Middle East.
4 5min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Donald Trump’s words on Greenland and borders ring alarms in Europe, but officials have a measured response

Is the President-elect serious? Time will tell.
6 5min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Venezuela opposition disappointed after Nicolas Maduro sworn in

Another chapter in an all-too-familiar story.
2 5min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Mike Waltz says Greenland pivotal to Arctic security amid Russo-Chinese threats

The President-elect’s proposal surprised some, but there are strategic reasons behind it.
3 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Elon Musk to host chat with German far-right leader, adding to fears of his political meddling

The forays into politics by the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive is raising alarm across Europe.
2 6min

Emails & Opinions

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 1.13.25

Own your morning — with Sunburn!

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Blake Dowling: New year, new hacks for 2025

Delegation for 1.10.25: Maduro — confirmation — homework — oversight — DOGE

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

Florida gas prices remain steady, but oil price hike portends increase

Sanctions on Russia’s energy sector could also lead to price increases.
APoliticalHeadlines

Bucs dealing with weight of expectations as playoffs begin

Tampa Bay hosts Washington on Sunday night.
APoliticalHeadlines

Gov. DeSantis says FDEM has reached out to California to help with fire recovery

APoliticalHeadlines

Jaguars will only play 1 game in London in 2025

Opioids killed fewer people in 2023, Ashley Moody says

Tech

HeadlinesTech

Uncertainty over Donald Trump’s electric vehicle policies clouds 2025 forecast for carmakers

Trump condemned the federal tax credit for electric vehicles while campaigning for the presidency.
Tech

The ‘Worst in Show’ CES products put your data at risk, cause waste, privacy advocates say

The companies listed did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
HeadlinesTech

No more fact-checking for Meta. How will this change media — and the pursuit of truth?

Tech

From AI assistants to holographic displays, automakers showcase in-cabin experiences at CES

Meta replaces fact-checking with X-style community notes

Universities

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HeadlinesUniversities
Drew Dixon

Space Consortium promises to be a boon for space research among Florida universities

The Florida University Space Consortium is designed to bring many colleges into the fold of the space research pact.
0 4min
HeadlinesUniversities
Drew Dixon

UF researchers develop tree that could combat greening in Florida citrus

A genetically modified tree developed by UF is designed to ease damage to citrus in Florida.
3 5min
HeadlinesUniversities
Drew Dixon

University of West Florida lands top scientist as administrator overseeing research projects

The new research administrator at UWF is listed among the top 2% scientists in the world.
1 3min
#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Jesse Scheckner, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
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