April 3, 2025
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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
Phil Ammann

Last Call for 4.3.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics. First Shot The Legislature budgeted $160 million for the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in 2023 to cover a Medicaid disallowance, but the state agency spent that money in other ways instead. The federal government says AHCA still must settle the […]
0 13min
HeadlinesInfluence
Gabrielle Russon

House passes bill adding more hurdles for citizen-led ballot initiatives

Republicans and Democrats sparred over a bill that to require citizen-led ballot initiative sponsors to pay a $1M bond and add other new rules.
3 7min
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

Daniel Perez describes Ron DeSantis as ’emotional and upset,’ but says relationship has been ‘cordial’

The Governor has had a lot to say this week. The Speaker wonders why so much of it is on video.
3 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Florida Phoenix

Florida Supreme Court nixes Michael Flynn’s defamation claims against Rick Wilson

‘It is gratifying to know that it’s all over.’
0 5min

News & Trending

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
April 3, 2025 Phil Ammann

Last Call for 4.3.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 13min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
April 3, 2025 Gabrielle Russon

House passes bill adding more hurdles for citizen-led ballot initiatives

3 7min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
April 3, 2025 A.G. Gancarski

Daniel Perez describes Ron DeSantis as ’emotional and upset,’ but says relationship has been ‘cordial’

3 4min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
April 3, 2025 Florida Phoenix

Florida Supreme Court nixes Michael Flynn’s defamation claims against Rick Wilson

0 5min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
April 3, 2025 A.G. Gancarski

What’s in a name? House wants ‘Gulf of America’ in statute, schoolbooks

10 5min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
April 3, 2025 Associated Press

Democrats take hope in flipping a county in a ruby red corner of the Florida Panhandle

14 11min 0
HeadlinesSt. Pete
April 3, 2025 Janelle Irwin Taylor

St. Pete City Council OKs $22.5M for Tropicana Field roof repairs

0 5min 0
EducationHeadlines
April 3, 2025 Drew Dixon

University of West Florida gets $500K endowment from prominent lawyer John W. Merting

1 3min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Gabrielle Russon

House passes bill adding more hurdles for citizen-led ballot initiatives

Republicans and Democrats sparred over a bill that to require citizen-led ballot initiative sponsors to pay a $1M bond and add other new rules.
3 7min
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

Daniel Perez describes Ron DeSantis as ’emotional and upset,’ but says relationship has been ‘cordial’

The Governor has had a lot to say this week. The Speaker wonders why so much of it is on video.
3 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Florida Phoenix

Florida Supreme Court nixes Michael Flynn’s defamation claims against Rick Wilson

‘It is gratifying to know that it’s all over.’
0 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

What’s in a name? House wants ‘Gulf of America’ in statute, schoolbooks

The bills are positioned for a Senate vote.
10 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Associated Press

Democrats take hope in flipping a county in a ruby red corner of the Florida Panhandle

Even some Republicans they got nervous about races that were closer than expected in Florida Congressional races.
14 11min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Senate passes bill cracking down on ‘dangerous’ abandoned boats

Bad boaters beware.
1 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Staff Reports

Legislation moves to address costly pesticide lawsuits targeting farmers

The bill has 2 more stops ahead.
0 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Senate passes bill banning geoengineering, weather modification

‘The bill really comes from concerns, a lot of concerns.’
6 10min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

After cross-aisle talks, amendment, Tom Leek’s ‘Officer Jason Rayner Act’ passes unanimously in Senate

The amendment preserves a standard that officers must act in ‘good faith.’
0 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

House committee shows bipartisan support for free medical marijuana cards for military vets

Similar bills in the Senate have yet to get a committee hearing.
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

Personnel note: Aaron Sampson joins Ballard Partners as Senior Adviser on African Affairs

Sampson has more than two decades of experience in international affairs, diplomacy, and political analysis.
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Gift card fraud bills charged for floor votes

Pricier crimes carry heavier punishment under the twin proposals.
17 5min

Budget

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BudgetHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

AHCA got $160M to cover a Medicaid discrepancy, then spent it elsewhere. Now the agency wants more

The funding issue further complicates already tense negotiations around the state budget this year.
1 8min
BudgetHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Gov. DeSantis says hotel taxes could fill budget holes once property tax phased out

The Governor says 100% of Floridians would back his proposals. But is it viable?
17 4min
BudgetHeadlines
Mike Wright

House, Senate budgets a mixed bag for Citrus County

Citrus projects total $1.4M in the House and $8.9M in the Senate.
0 6min
BudgetHeadlinesTampa Bay
Janelle Irwin Taylor

USF, Moffitt big winners in House proposed budget

Other education initiatives and organizations in Hillsborough County are also well-funded in the proposed House budget.
1 13min
BudgetHeadlinesSt. Pete
Janelle Irwin Taylor

House proposed budget funds education, water projects, road improvements in Pinellas

Pay raises are also in order for experienced teachers and law enforcement officers.
1 10min
BudgetHeadlines
Ryan Nicol

House budget slots $55M for facility repairs, maintenance amid justice system spending cut

Budget priorities continue to come into focus.
0 3min

New Administration

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HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump roars down multiple paths of retribution as he vowed. Some targets yield while others fight

Prominent law firms to universities are being seen as capitulating to the President’s will.
17 21min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump leans on SCOTUS as judges block his agenda

As losses mount in lower federal courts, President Donald Trump has returned to a tactic that he employed at the Supreme Court with remarkable success in his first term. Three times in the past week, and six since Trump took office a little more than two months ago, the Justice Department has asked the conservative-majority high court to step […]
9 9min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

White House withdraws Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.N. Ambassador over tight GOP House margin

‘We must be unified to accomplish our Mission.’
9 3min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Gabrielle Russon

Donald Trump nominates UCF’s ‘space czar’ for NASA job

‘Space is the most important thing to happen in at least half a millennia,’ said UCF’s space czar as he was nominated to be NASA’s CFO.
0 4min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Drew Dixon

Donald Trump nominates Flagler School Board member and transportation expert for top federal trucking post

Derek Barrs has a long history of trucking and transportation experience in Florida.
1 3min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Peter Schorsch

Donald Trump Co-Campaign Manager Chris LaCivita sues The Daily Beast for defamation

LaCivita says the outlet ‘maliciously’ and wrongly reported that he had earned $22M from the campaign.
4 6min
HeadlinesNew Administration
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis keeps pushing for Joseph Ladapo to take over CDC. Could he be confirmed?

Florida’s Top Doc’s views would be heavily scrutinized if Donald Trump advances him.
21 4min
HeadlinesNew Administration
A.G. Gancarski

‘Like a beggar’: Revived Donald Trump quotes offer reminders of feud with Ron DeSantis

A new book reminds us of how things were a couple of years ago.
15 4min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Elon Musk, DOGE tries to slash government by cutting out those who answer to voters

How will Congress respond?
13 9min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump administration withdraws nomination of David Weldon for CDC director

The nominee faced questions about his controversial opinions on vaccines.
2 3min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

CDC nominee Dave Weldon is likely to be pressed on his vaccine views at Senate hearing

Former U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon from Florida has years of questionable stances on vaccinations.
9min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports go into effect

Canadians prepare retaliatory tariffs in escalating trade war.
14 9min

Immigration Enforcement

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HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Donna Deegan lets Jax illegal immigration bill become law without her signature

Deegan predicts lawsuits are coming once the bill becomes law.
14 4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

‘Illegals don’t drive very well’: Ron DeSantis says lax border enforcement drives up car insurance rates

DeSantis says bad drivers are being deported.
14 2min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

U.S. immigration officials look to expand social media data collection

U.S. officials could use AI to track down illegal immigrants on social media platforms.
2 9min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

‘Not discretionary’: James Uthmeier warns Donna Deegan not to veto Jacksonville illegal immigration law

Deegan’s response? ‘No comment.’
18 4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Police union backs Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act

Law enforcement continues to fall in behind this proposal.
5 2min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

Fort Myers approves police agreement with ICE days after shooting it down

The change of heart happened after James Uthmeier threatened members with removal for failing to follow a new state law.
5 8min

2026

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2026Headlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Will Atkins approaches 6 figures in less than 2 months on HD 67 campaign trail

His fundraising announcement comes a day after the race got competitive.
1 4min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Mike Johnson backs ‘principled conservative leader’ Byron Donalds for Governor

The 2 men once competed for the role of House Speaker.
0 4min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Randy Fine dismisses Ron DeSantis’ criticism of his CD 6 campaign

‘A bright star gets very shiny before it goes out.’
0 2min
2026Headlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Emily Duda Buckley becomes third Republican in HD 38 race to replace David Smith

‘It’s time for us to shrink the cost of government and return the savings to the taxpayers in order to strengthen Florida families.’
0 5min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Nikki Fried says Special Election overperformance lays groundwork for future Dem success

The state party leader sees potential benefits for Democrats in 2026 even if candidates fell short Tuesday.
7 6min
2026Headlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Luis Viera to run for House, officially debunking mayoral rumors

‘I have never backed down from a fight. I’m ready to bring that same dedication and energy to the Florida State House.’
2 5min

Federal

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FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Dow drops more than 1,200 as US stock market leads a worldwide sell-off following Donald Trump’s tariff shock

World markets spooked as new U.S. tariffs escalate trade war.
12 10min
FederalHeadlines
Peter Schorsch

AFP-FL hosts congressional roundtables to extend tax relief for Florida families and businesses

‘We need everybody to be pushing for this.’
0 5min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Wisconsin and Florida elections provide early warning signs to Trump and Republicans

In Wisconsin, voters say billionaire Elon Musk tried to interfere with the election too much.
9 12min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Mike Johnson fails to squash Anna Paulina Luna’s proxy voting effort from new moms

The Speaker’s push failed on a 206-222 vote.
4 7min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Pam Bondi says Luigi Mangione execution will ‘Make America Safe Again’

The accused killer has not been convicted of a capital crime yet.
5 3min
FederalHeadlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Anna Paulina Luna resigns from House Freedom Caucus after new parent proxy vote dustup

‘This was a modest, family-centered proposal.’
2 7min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
A.G. Gancarski

Donna Deegan defends embattled Jax General Counsel, rejects calls for him to step down

3 2min

Veto coming? Donna Deegan worries Jacksonville illegal immigration crackdown may have ‘unintended consequences’

Jax City Council gives no confidence vote to General Counsel

JEA adds an increase to utility costs for Jacksonville customers

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

Army Corps gets ready for $20M beach restoration project in Nassau County

2 3min 0

James Uthmeier honors Jared Bridegan widow for ‘Bexley’s boxes’

A 16th-century Spanish explorer claimed St. Augustine, now it’s a remote work hot spot

UNF survey: First Coast manufacturing flattens out in February after recent expansion

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

SeaWorld, Disney and Universal festivals draw Spring Break crowds in Orlando

2 6min 0

Geraldine Thompson and Harris Rosen could get Orange County road tributes

Lawsuit outlines salacious sexual harassment allegations at Holly Hill Police Department

Disney employee fired after panic attack during labor talks, a pill found, lawsuit says

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Janelle Irwin Taylor

St. Pete City Council OKs $22.5M for Tropicana Field roof repairs

0 5min

House proposed budget funds education, water projects, road improvements in Pinellas

Pinellas County Commission OKs short-term rental ordinance, increased accountability

Pinellas County Commission tables Palm Harbor Library ‘sexual identity’ display ban

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW Florida
Fresh Take Florida

Fort Myers reverses course, will cooperate with ICE

2 8min 0

James Uthmeier calls Fort Myers ‘sanctuary city,’ warns City Council risks removal

Gov. DeSantis appoints Amanda Levy-Reis, James Stewart to 20th Circuit Court bench

Steve Branham wins Longboat Key Town Commission seat

Tampa

BudgetHeadlinesTampa Bay
Janelle Irwin Taylor

USF, Moffitt big winners in House proposed budget

1 13min 0

Prominent Florida law firm adds new partner well-versed in employment litigation

Tampa General Hospital is working to improve health care access in rural Palm Beach County communities

Ron DeSantis says MLB commish wants Rays to stay in Tampa area

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Drew Dixon

Jimmy Patronis makes appointment to key Gulf Coast Board before he heads to Congress

2 3min

Panhandle NPR affiliate WUWF gets new Executive Director

Okaloosa businessman Jay Odom seeks disqualification of Beggs & Lane in legal battle

Historic ship completes first leg of journey to become world’s largest artificial reef on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Tallahassee

HeadlinesTallahassee
Peter Schorsch

John Dailey, Tally City Manager are taking local government dysfunction to a whole new level with TMH debacle

2 7min 0

Say hello to FSU Health

Republicans dog Democrats in Tallahassee drink-slinging duel for pet charities

Three illegal gambling houses shut down in Leon County bust this month

Communities

CommunitiesEmails & OpinionsHeadlines
Guest Author

Jena Antonucci: Preserving Florida — an agricultural triumph

1 6min 0

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

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

South Florida

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HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Claims bills to pay settlement balance over drowned Miami Beach rec leader await floor votes

The incident happened less than three years ago.
0 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

‘Keep Boca moving forward’: Andy Thomson files to run for Boca Raton Mayor

He’s proven a deft fundraiser in past races.
0 3min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Eileen Higgins enters Miami Mayor’s race, vows to ensure city ‘works for everyone’

The Miami Mayor’s race just added another notable local name.
1 6min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Drew Dixon

South Florida home sales prove dismal in March

Condo sales in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties were even worse than single-family house closings.
4 3min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Walter Fajet elected Miami Springs Mayor, joins 2 new Council members at City Hall

Each won a 2-year term.
0 14min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Stephanie Bruder, Molly Diallo re-elected to Bay Harbor Islands Town Council

The election was at-large and nonpartisan.
0 7min

Culture Wars

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Culture WarsHeadlines
Fresh Take Florida

‘Gut punch’: Opposition grows to Attorney General’s decision not to enforce law banning gun sales to buyers under 21

‘It’s sad that we continue to relitigate something that has stood up in the courts.’
2 14min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Local DEI ban in doubt as bill not heard in Senate committee stop

If the bill is revived, it will be amended.
5 3min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

‘Keep my wife out of this’: Byron Donalds responds to Jasmine Crockett attack on his marriage

‘This is the racism that occurs in the Democrat Party. I’m sick of it, tired of the BS.’
12 5min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

Miami private school owners who threatened to exclude vaxed students launch anti-cancel culture podcast

‘We’ve seen firsthand how false narratives destroy lives.’
1 5min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

‘Good riddance’: Confederate monuments bill appears to topple

A Senate committee heard testimony but declined to hold a vote on the bill.
14 5min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

Senate committee advances bill restricting preferred pronoun mandates

Stan McClain: ‘The policy of the state is that there are only two genders.’
7 5min

Foreign Affairs

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Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Danes denounce White House amid Greenland flap

VP Vance says Denmark has ‘underinvested’ in Greenland’s security.
7 2min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

After Senate hearing, Kevin Marino Cabrera strongly positioned for Panama Ambassador confirmation

He encountered minimal friction.
2 9min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis reveals Donald Trump’s role in stopping Bahamian hurricane evacuees from coming to Florida

‘And no one ever heard from this boat ever again.’
3 4min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Hamas says it will only release American-Israeli hostage if ceasefire deal is implemented

Negotiations continue.
1 2min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Marco Rubio deflects questions on Canadian statehood

POTUS has said the U.S. should annex the country. Canadians reject the premise.
9 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Donald Trump delays tariffs on most goods from Mexico for a month

The on-again, off-again battle continues.
2 3min

Emails & Opinions

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

Last Call for 4.3.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics. First Shot The Legislature budgeted $160 million for the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in 2023 to cover a Medicaid disallowance, but the state agency spent that money in other ways instead. The federal government says AHCA still must settle the […]

William Mattox: Turning schools into airport terminals (sort of)

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 4.3.25

Last Call for 4.2.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Brian Norman: With the clock ticking, Florida leaders should act now to save lives

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

Department of Labor: New unemployment claims see decline for 3 straight weeks

While Florida’s initial jobless claims dropped, the country saw a slight uptick.
APoliticalHeadlines

Lauren Book is walking across Florida in April to advocate for child abuse prevention

Get your sneakers on and join in.
APoliticalHeadlines

Insurance company agrees to pay $30M to hurricane fund after filing bogus claims 8 years ago

APoliticalHeadlines

Consumer sentiment sours among Floridians in March as national developments dim confidence

Just in time for National Donate Life Month, Florida launches first-ever organ donor registration initiative

Tech

HeadlinesTech

Deepfake crackdown advances in Senate

The bill is also moving in the House.
HeadlinesTech

Bill hiking punishment for using AirTags in dangerous crimes zips through last Senate committee

Differences between the Senate and House versions of the proposal still need to be addressed.
HeadlinesTech

Snapchat, YouTube covered under Florida’s new ban on social media for young teens

HeadlinesTech

James Uthmeier says state is ready to face down #TeslaTakedown protesters

Gus Bilirakis among bipartisan coalition calling for end to deepfake porn

Education

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EducationHeadlines
Drew Dixon

University of West Florida gets $500K endowment from prominent lawyer John W. Merting

A half-million contribution will establish a UWF office that will augment prestigious scholarships and endowments for students and faculty.
1 3min
EducationHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Randy Fine says Ron DeSantis, team ‘begged’ him to apply for FAU opening

The Governor dropped a bomb Wednesday. The new Congressman responds in kind.
3 3min
EducationHeadlines
Staff Reports

Florida Poly President named to elite European academy

‘His pioneering work is expanding our understanding of the world and continues to drive innovation.’
0 4min
#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, Liam Fineout, A.G. Gancarski, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Andrew Powell, Jesse Scheckner, Janelle Taylor, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704

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