Ron DeSantis floats ‘insurrection’ meme when talking illegal immigration

The Governor also offered a warning to lawmakers looking to ‘virtue signal’ about ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’
3 3min

Last Call for 7.10.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

A digest of the day’s politics and policy while the bartender refreshes your drink.
0 14min

Legislative, Influence & Policy


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.
1 4min

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 […]
0 5min

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

Graddy previously worked as Communications Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health.
0 3min

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.
0 5min

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 […]
0 3min

Greg Steube backs Ron DeSantis’ push to end property taxes

The Congressman says DeSantis’ proposal would be ‘great for the economy.’
2 4min

Porn industry drops challenge to Florida’s age verification law

But Pornhub still won’t allow Florida users to access content.
2 4min

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

Shutts & Bowen partner exits to launch First Amendment Clinic at FSU law school

‘Her commitment to constitutional principles will greatly benefit the law school and the broader legal community.’
0 3min

FloridaCommerce now accepting applications for state funding to enhance military communities

Military installations in Florida communities are estimated to generate 865K jobs in the state.
0 4min

Gov. DeSantis signs ‘Emily Adkins Family Protection Act’ to better screen, track deadly blood clots

‘Aggregating all of this data and setting it up so the best and brightest minds can work on it is going to save lives.’
6min

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.’
0 7min

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

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

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

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

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

Donald Trump’s first 100 days: Steamrolling government, strong-arming allies and igniting trade wars

Norms have been sidetracked as Donald Trump seeks to leave his personal stamp on the United States in the early going of his second term as President.
12 51min

Immigration Enforcement


Ron DeSantis floats ‘insurrection’ meme when talking illegal immigration

The Governor also offered a warning to lawmakers looking to ‘virtue signal’ about ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’
3 3min

Key West Mayor: Vote to nix ICE agreement was about legality, not policy

‘Let me be clear: I have no intention of breaking state law or undermining lawful immigration enforcement.’
1 4min

Federal prosecutors get sentence for Pensacola convicted felon who possessed a firearm

U.S. Attorney for Northern Florida says plea deal was part of crack down on crime designed by Donald Trump.
4min

George Moraitis adds $119K in Q2 toward CD 23 bid

He received 99 outside donations, averaging $1,200 apiece.
0 4min

Erin Huntley nears $200K raised in bid to unseat Leonard Spencer

The incumbent raised nearly nothing in the second quarter due to a fundraising moratorium.
0 4min

August Mangeney adds $41K in first 40 days running for HD 93

Like many of her peers in the Legislature, the incumbent reported no fundraising.
0 5min

Dan McDow sets eyes on HD 33 as he resigns as Brevard Dem Chair

His House campaign’s priorities are focused on ‘pragmatic solutions, economic fairness, and restoring trust in public service.’
0 4min

Federal


‘Boo hoo’: Randy Fine refuses to apologize for calling Ilhan Omar a ‘Muslim terrorist’

Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders called Fine’s rhetoric ‘unhinged, racist and Islamophobic.’
7 4min

Will Congress backpedal on change to gambling deductions?

Senate language in the ‘Big Beautiful’ package cuts the amount of losses that gamblers can deduct in their taxes.
0 4min

South Florida


Brian Ehrlich adds more than $100K for Miami Beach Commission bid

He’s one of 7 candidates running in a jam-packed open contest.
0 5min

‘Beyond the classroom’: Erica Whitfield launches bid for Palm Beach County Commission

‘I’m committed to a Palm Beach County where people are proud to live, raise their families, create a business, and give back to the community that supports them.’
0 5min

‘Difficult decision’: Joe Peduzzi ends bid for Palm Beach County Commission

He says he wants to focus on his responsibilities as a City Commissioner.
1 4min

Culture Wars


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

Florida defunds ‘academic boycotts’ of Israel

The Governor signs off on a bill overwhelmingly supported in the House and Senate.
4 2min

Budget conference: People convicted of weed crimes could lose medical cards

An often-revised 1970s law governing illicit substances will likely be invoked.
4min

Foreign Affairs


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

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.
0 4min

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

Gov. DeSantis celebrates ‘very successful’ rescue mission from Israel

Though hostilities have quelled, the state could do this again if needed.
3min

Education


Student loan cancellation program could become Donald Trump retribution tool, some advocates fear

Trump ordered changes to the program in March, declaring it had ‘misdirected tax dollars into activist organizations’ that harm national security.
9min

UF trustees push back on lawmakers’ criticism of presidential search

‘I did not come to Florida to bring DEI back — I came to make sure it never returns.’
4 4min


#FlaPol

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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.

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