Florida Politics

Emails & Opinions Headlines

July 14, 2025

Staff Reports

Diagnosis for 7.14.25: Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy

0 13min 0

Emails & Opinions Headlines

July 14, 2025

Staff Reports

Last Call for 7.14.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 15min 0

Headlines Orlando

July 14, 2025

Orlando doesn’t plan to increase property tax rate next year

0 4min 0

2026 Headlines

July 14, 2025

Jacob Ogles

Vern Buchanan posts $415K in second-quarter fundraising for re-election in CD 16

0 3min 0

Headlines Tampa Bay

July 14, 2025

Report: Tampa Bay Rays sale could be final as soon as September

0 7min 0

Federal Headlines

July 14, 2025

Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio battle for second place in 2028 GOP poll

1 3min 0

2026 Headlines

July 14, 2025

Jacob Ogles

Landlord sues Cory Mills over missing rent payments on Washington apartment

0 4min 0

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

July 14, 2025

Florida Supreme Court kicks ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ case to lower court

0 7min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

Headlines Influence

DOGE sprouts in red states, as governors embrace the cost-cutter brand and make it their own

It’s not just Ron DeSantis.

2 8min

Headlines Influence

Gov. DeSantis chooses Layla Collins for Board of Education

Is the Governor tipping his hand regarding an even more high-profile appointment?

0 2min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

Personnel note: Sunrise Consulting Group brings on education veteran Danielle Thomas

‘Danielle is poised to be an indispensable asset to Sunrise Consulting.’

1 4min

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Florida TaxWatch report shows getting child care increasingly challenging for working parents

The analysis calls on Florida employers to provide better child care for workers, and pushes the child care industry to pay employees better.

2 4min

Headlines Influence

Peter Schorsch

Now live: The latest edition of INFLUENCE Magazine — featuring the Golden Rotundas to honor the Florida lobby corps

For most Floridians, Summer kicks off Memorial Day weekend with delicious barbecues and spectacular fireworks displays. It’s a symbol that’s as American as apple pie. But for those in The Process, there’s a different symbol synonymous with the season: a white hankie. For those who work in Florida politics, Summer doesn’t really start until at […]

5min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

Personnel note: JMI welcomes Emma Rose Graddy as Media Relations Manager

Graddy previously worked as Communications Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health.

3min

Headlines Influence

Wilton Simpson’s ‘Operation Safe Summer’ seizes 85K hemp products in statewide crackdown

Retailers violating state standards may face administrative penalties, including fines, product seizures and license suspensions.

5min

Headlines Influence

Drew Wilson

AIF poll: TDT debate simmers, but voters strongly back status quo

While lawmakers waged a behind-the-scenes war over how Florida’s lucrative tourist development tax funds should be spent, voters across the political spectrum are already sold on the current system. New polling from the AIF Center for Political Strategy shows overwhelming bipartisan support for Florida’s existing TDT structure. Eighty-one percent of voters say they back the […]

3min

Headlines Influence

Susie Wiles praises ‘good Governor’ Ron DeSantis, says feud in ‘rearview mirror’

Let the healing begin.

3 3min

Headlines Influence

Greg Steube backs Ron DeSantis’ push to end property taxes

The Congressman says DeSantis’ proposal would be ‘great for the economy.’

3 4min

Headlines Influence

Jacob Ogles

Porn industry drops challenge to Florida’s age verification law

But Pornhub still won’t allow Florida users to access content.

2 4min

Headlines Influence

Drew Dixon

Florida TaxWatch: State consumers will see higher prices as a result of Donald Trump’s trade tariffs

TaxWatch analysts concluded that Floridians could see grocery bills increase by 10% to 15% if new trade tariffs are imposed.

2 6min

New Administration

Headlines New Administration

State Department fires 1,300 employees as part of mass reorganization

Marco Rubio said some cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacated because of buyouts.

2 9min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump comes to Pam Bondi’s defense amid uproar over Jeffrey Epstein files

‘I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this.’

7min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump sets 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, new import taxes on 12 other nations

Some tariffs appear to be an attempt to box China in from trading to the U.S> through partner nations.

2 13min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump judicial nominee denies advising Justice Dept. lawyers to ignore court orders

Testifying during a separate hearing Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the whistleblower’s timing ‘suspect.’

1 10min

Headlines New Administration

Republicans urge Donald Trump, Elon Musk to end their feud

‘I really like both of them.’

4 6min

Headlines New Administration

Former SCOFLA justices accuse Pam Bondi of ethical misconduct in Florida Bar complaint

The Department of Justice called them less intelligent or original ‘than sheep.’

6 6min

Headlines New Administration

Jacob Ogles

Brian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff

He isn’t the only new NASA leader with strong ties to Florida.

4min

Headlines New Administration

Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump taps Bernie Navarro as the next Ambassador to Peru

The Benworth Capital founder is a long-time friend and ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

4min

Headlines New Administration

Donald Trump issues edict against ‘useless’ water conservation standards

The President rolls back a 20th century law in his fight against the ‘green’ agenda.

15 2min

Headlines New Administration

Horse sense: Donald Trump talks Kentucky Derby and the ‘Golden Age’

POTUS weighs in on Saturday’s premiere sporting event.

4 3min

Headlines New Administration

Mike Waltz ouster adds to tumult in Trump’s national security team but consolidates power in fewer hands

Are more changes imminent?

3 6min

Headlines New Administration

As Elon Musk gained power in Washington, his popularity has fallen, an AP poll finds

DOGE efforts by Musk have many starting to wonder if the Tesla entrepreneur knows what he is doing.

10 9min

Immigration Enforcement

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Florida Supreme Court kicks ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ case to lower court

The Democrats’ case will be heard in Leon County, far away from the outdoor Everglades prison for pre-deportees.

0 7min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Nursing homes struggle with Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown

Elderly care facilities are quickly losing employees due to new immigration policies.

1 11min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Democrats call for closure of controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

‘They’re abusing human beings here.’

23 4min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

All FDACS officers now certified in 287(g) program

The battle to keep the state free of people here who shouldn’t be is now being fought in the farms and fields.

4 3min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Big viewership for The Lincoln Project’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ad shows American disgust, group says

‘You’ve built this, MAGA, and some of you will enjoy the view from inside the wire.’

7 6min

Headlines Immigration Enforcement

Ron DeSantis likens illegal immigration to ‘insurrection’

The Governor also offered a warning to lawmakers looking to ‘virtue signal’ about ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’

10 3min

2026

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Vern Buchanan posts $415K in second-quarter fundraising for re-election in CD 16

The Longboat Key Republican worked with Donald Trump on the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’

0 3min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Landlord sues Cory Mills over missing rent payments on Washington apartment

His rent payments run $20K per month, and a landlord said he didn’t pay for March through July.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Medicaid expansion effort raises another $1.65M to put measure on 2026 ballot

Almost all of the funding went immediately back into a petition-gathering effort.

0 4min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Richard Lamondin brings in $250K to challenge María Elvira Salazar in CD 27

The Democrat filed in May to challenge the incumbent, who once again is targeted by House Democrats this cycle.

0 3min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Poll shows Joe Gruters as overwhelming GOP favorite over Blaise Ingoglia for Chief Financial Officer

St. Pete Polls ran a head-to-head with Blaise Ingoglia, who many expect DeSantis to appoint to the post.

1 4min

2026 Headlines

Jacob Ogles

Poll: Byron Donalds emerges as early favorite for Governor over Casey DeSantis

And his lead only gets bigger if Jay Collins runs as Gov. DeSantis’ natural successor instead.

3 4min

Federal

Federal Headlines

Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio battle for second place in 2028 GOP poll

Will either man get traction closer to voting time?

1 3min

Federal Headlines

‘Transformative’: Pam Bondi issues guidance on Donald Trump order making English official language

‘Agencies should determine which of their programs, grants, and policies might serve the public at large better if operated exclusively in English.’

2 3min

Federal

Boys & Girls Club programs threatened by Donald Trump grant freeze serve thousands of families

Of the top 100 school districts impacted by frozen grants, half are in four states: California, West Virginia, Florida and Georgia.

2 11min

Federal Headlines

From tariffs to universities, Donald Trump’s negotiating style is often less dealmaking and more coercion

Critics say Donald Trump’s approach is diminishing pluralism in the United States.

8 12min

Federal Headlines

Rick Scott spotlights ‘big wins’ for Florida, Donald Trump in National Defense Authorization Act

The Senator is pleased with the committee product.

1 2min

Federal Headlines

Jimmy Patronis pushes to keep Blue Angels in Pensacola

The freshman Congressman vows that no one will take away this Panhandle perennial.

2min

Jacksonville

Headlines Jax

‘Our time is now’: Donna Deegan rolls out Jacksonville’s first $2B budget

1 4min

Northeast Florida Builders hail workforce education appropriation

Jacksonville celebrates state funding for ‘key projects’

Donna Deegan political committee raises 6 figures in second quarter

NE Florida

Headlines NE Florida

Drew Dixon

First Coast housing market continues shift in favor of buyers in June

0 5min 0

Anastasia State Park gets new accessible playground funded by donations

North Florida Land Trust eradicates submerged fencing in waters of Smith Lake Preserve

Sam Garrison continues to deliver for Clay County

Orlando

Headlines Orlando

Orlando doesn’t plan to increase property tax rate next year

0 4min 0

Plumbing biz executive with messy past gets appointed to Orlando Airport Board

Emily Duda Buckley raises $75K in Q2, $146K to date in HD 38 bid

Orlando is giving out free sandbags for precautionary hurricane prep

St. Pete

Headlines St. Pete

Indian Rocks Beach appoints Shumaker lawyer — not Anthony Sabatini — as City Attorney

5min

Lewis, Longman & Walker adds Julia Lomonico in St. Pete office

Rene Flowers selected as President-elect for Florida Association of Counties

St. Pete secures $2M in state budget for Manhattan Casino, Shore Acres resiliency

SW Florida

Headlines SW Florida

Jacob Ogles

Heidi Brandt raises $40K in 45 days for Bridget Ziegler’s School Board seat

1 4min 0

Matriarch of wealthy real estate family sues ex-employee for defamation over ‘toxic’ land claims

Fiona McFarland secures $39M in state budget for local projects

Sprinkle list: $10M flows from Senate to Caloosahatchee basin

Tampa

Headlines Tampa Bay

Report: Tampa Bay Rays sale could be final as soon as September

0 7min 0

Democrat to challenge Donna Cameron Cepeda for Hillsborough County Commission

Orlando Gudes withdraws from Tampa City Council Special Election following residency questions

Kathy Castor demands Pam Bondi reinstate prosecutor handling Leo Govoni case

Panhandle

Headlines Panhandle

Drew Dixon

Panama City man faces 2 indictments related to methamphetamine trafficking

1 3min

James Uthmeier’s office charges man accused of human trafficking with victim tampering

Thanks to Gov. DeSantis, legislators and advocates, a river still runs through it

Gov. DeSantis kills the drill, signing HB 1143 to protect Apalachicola River basin

Tallahassee

Headlines Tallahassee

Peter Schorsch

Leon County turns the tide with big wins in 2025 Session

4min 0

Ron DeSantis shows off Thomas Jefferson statue to get ready for America’s 250th celebration

First Tee–Tallahassee celebrates $300,000 in state budget to expand youth development programs

Budget conference: No funding for FSU Election Law Center

Communities

Communities Headlines

Drew Dixon

League of Cities recognizes 4 local governments for exceptional civic programs

5min 0

Jena Antonucci: Preserving Florida — an agricultural triumph

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

South Florida

Headlines South Florida

Peggy Gossett-Seidman touts $19.18M delivered for Palm Beach County projects

‘Every dollar reflects a priority we fought for.’

0 5min

Headlines South Florida

Prizes and glory await hunters, as Florida Python Challenge kicks off

The invasive slitherers will meet their match through July 20.

0 2min

Headlines South Florida

Ryan Nicol

Andy Thomson ‘humbled’ after raising $117K for Boca Raton Mayor’s race

‘This campaign is about bringing people together.’

3min

Headlines South Florida

‘Overwhelming support’: Fran Nachlas adds $334K in first 2 months of Boca Raton Mayor bid

The haul, inclusive of a $100K self-loan, is more than double what her lone opponent raised in 3 months.

5min

Headlines South Florida

‘Grateful’: Natalie Milian Orbis stacks $301K to defend her Miami-Dade Commission seat

Real estate companies chipped in amply, as did law and lobbying firms.

8min

Headlines South Florida

Monique Pardo Pope reports over $105K raised in Miami Beach Commission campaign

Not all of that is reflected in her latest campaign finance report.

5min

Culture Wars

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis celebrates Florida’s No. 1 rating in protecting religious liberty

‘Every citizen and business in Florida can know they have the most religious freedom protections than any other state in the nation.’

1 4min

Culture Wars Headlines

Preview of 2028? Gavin Newsom knocks ‘anti-Black’ laws pushed by Ron DeSantis

The battle keeps going and going.

5 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Ron DeSantis vows to defend Floridians against ‘communist’ Zohran Mamdani

Could the mayoral candidate be farther left than a Squad member?

8 2min

Culture Wars Headlines

People convicted of pot crimes can now lose medical marijuana cards

Charges for weed and other Schedule 1 drugs also will result in suspension of the pot privilege.

7min

Culture Wars Headlines

Funding to study ketamine use for veterans cut in last-minute vetoes

The drug is getting clinical attention, but no state money in the next fiscal year.

1 3min

Culture Wars Headlines

Florida defunds ‘academic boycotts’ of Israel

The Governor signs off on a bill overwhelmingly supported in the House and Senate.

4 2min

Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Headlines

30% tariffs on EU, Mexico announced for August start

Will POTUS follow through?

5 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

U.S. sanctions Cuban officials

Washington responds to protest suppression from 2021.

1 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Marco Rubio says U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks

‘We’re going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.’

1 12min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Rick Scott supports Donald Trump decision to wax Brazil with tariffs

The tax will be reciprocated.

2 3min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Drew Dixon

Ashley Moody, Rick Scott urge Secretary of State to press for release of Americans held in Venezuela

Scott and Moody want the Trump administration to declare elements of the Venezuelan government as ‘terrorist’ organizations.

4min

Foreign Affairs Headlines

Drew Dixon

U.S. hospital ship Comfort delivers medical assistance to Panama during five day stay

The Comfort’s crew also provided medical education and help provide other humanitarian assistance in the Central American country.

3min

Emails & Opinions

Emails & Opinions Headlines

Diagnosis for 7.14.25: Checking the pulse of Florida health care news and policy

It’s time again to check the pulse — of Florida’s health care policy and politics.

Julio Fuentes: Data centers mean jobs. But Florida needs regulatory clarity to compete.

Last Call for 7.14.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Jeff Brandes: Florida auto insurance — trapped in the ’70s, and you’re paying the price

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.14.25

Apolitical

APolitical Headlines

Better wear a helmet: Analysis finds Bay County most dangerous in Florida for bicyclists

The Anidjar & Levine study suggest Florida local governments can add more infrastructure to help protect bicyclists.

APolitical Headlines

CNBC rankings: Florida jumps 2 spots to No. 3 in best states for business analysis

The state’s overwhelming population growth and ongoing insurance crisis might be holding it back.

APolitical Headlines

July starts with sharp drop in new unemployment claims in Florida

APolitical Headlines

NFIB: Small-business optimism holds steady in June despite concerns over taxes, inventories

FWC: Summer means more availability for recreational scallop harvesting on Gulf Coast

Tech

Headlines Tech

Education

Education Headlines

Drew Dixon

Ron DeSantis appoints former Osceola School Board member to FSU Board of Trustees

Tim Weisheyer has a long history of educational and govnermental activity in Central Florida.

0 3min

Education Headlines

Board of Governors greenlights controversial new higher ed accreditor with several Southern states

The Chancellor argued for CPHE because he said it will eliminate bureaucracy in the accreditation process and modernize the process.

0 5min

Education Headlines