July 8, 2025
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HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
Peter Schorsch

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.8.25

Sieze the day with Sunburn — your go-to tipsheet for all things Florida politics!
0 55min
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
Staff Reports

Last Call for 7.7.25 – 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
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Peter Schorsch

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

News & Trending

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HeadlinesInfluence
July 8, 2025 Drew Wilson

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

0 3min 0
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
July 8, 2025 Peter Schorsch

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.8.25

0 55min 0
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
July 7, 2025 Staff Reports

Last Call for 7.7.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 14min 0
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
July 7, 2025 Peter Schorsch

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

1 4min 0
EducationHeadlines
July 7, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

South Florida school districts again earn top grades as post-pandemic statewide scores surge

0 4min 0
EducationHeadlines
July 7, 2025 Associated Press

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

0 9min 0
FederalHeadlines
July 7, 2025 Associated Press

Doctors, public health organizations sue RFK Jr. over vaccine policy changes

0 3min 0
EducationHeadlines
July 7, 2025 Drew Wilson

UF trustees push back on lawmakers’ criticism of presidential search

1 4min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

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.’
0 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Health care bill that carried parts of ‘Rural Renaissance’ package falls to Governor’s veto pen

The Governor nixed legislation for imposing too many restrictions on workforce education.
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis signs measure putting FSU Election Law Center into statute

The Center, in existence since 2023, will study everything from election integrity to redistricting.
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

Executive at Gunster law firm named among ‘elite’ legal eagles in Florida

Bill Perry receives top honor for lawyers in management positions for the third straight year.
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

FloridaCommerce offers $1.52M for local development and technical projects

Florida’s Community Planning and Technical Assistance program has provided more than $7M to local projects since 2019.
0 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Florida TaxWatch applauds $56M in budget vetoes, notes other cuts Gov. DeSantis missed

More than half the individual appropriations DeSantis vetoed were included in Florida TaxWatch’s ‘Budget Turkey’ report.
1 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis vetoes restrictions on Trustee appointees, prohibition on administration politicking

The legislation responded to criticism of the Governor’s staff and appointees.
1 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

‘The honor of a lifetime’: Mike Redondo wins race to be House Speaker for 2030 term

‘I’m excited for us to work together over the coming years to keep Florida on the right track.’
1 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

Florida Public Service Commission seeking replacements for 2 open seats on regulatory board

The deadline to apply for the positions is Aug. 4.
3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Black history, minority teacher scholarships, Black Men feel brunt of Gov. DeSantis’ veto pen

A number of efforts at lifting up Florida’s marginalized communities faces resistance from the Governor.
9 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Ryan Nicol

Citrus growers revel over ‘record-breaking’ $140M for industry in Florida’s budget

‘Research is more critical for the industry than ever before.’
4min

New Administration

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HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Republicans urge Donald Trump, Elon Musk to end their feud

‘I really like both of them.’
4 6min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Jesse Scheckner

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
HeadlinesNew 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
HeadlinesNew 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
HeadlinesNew Administration
A.G. Gancarski

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
A.G. Gancarski

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

POTUS weighs in on Saturday’s premiere sporting event.
4 3min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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

Are more changes imminent?
3 6min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Poll: Only about half of Republicans say Trump has focused on the right priorities

 Many Americans do not agree with President Donald Trump’s aggressive efforts to quickly enact his agenda, a new poll finds, and even Republicans are not overwhelmingly convinced that his attention has been in the right place. Americans are nearly twice as likely to say Trump has been mostly focusing on the wrong priorities as to […]
12 3min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Elon Musk to spend less time in Washington, more time running Tesla after profit plunges

The billionnaire said the ‘major work of establishing Department of Government Efficiency is done,’
6 8min

Immigration Enforcement

VIEW ALL
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Peter Schorsch

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
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Drew Dixon

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.
0 4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

Judge briefly blocks immigrants’ deportation to South Sudan, but legal path eventually cleared

A Trump priority’s roadblock is removed
0 3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ brings Republican foes together to promote Donald Trump immigration agenda

Ron DeSantis, Byron Donalds, Wilson Simpson and Joe Gruters were among those at the facility.
7 6min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis say ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could be model for detention centers across country

The President toured the facility Tuesday.
1 4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis says Donald Trump ‘very excited’ by ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ahead of visit Tuesday

The President wants other states to follow Florida’s lead, the Governor says.
3 3min

2026

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2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis doubtful that Elon Musk’s new party will do any good

‘I don’t think it would even move the needle.’
3 4min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Jane Aman jumps into battleground race against Susan Plasencia in HD 37

The UCF lecturer already boasts endorsements from Maxwell Frost and Carlos Guillermo Smith.
0 5min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Carlos David Gamez files to challenge Jennifer Canady in HD 50

The Democrat plans to focus on homeowners insurance needs.
0 4min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Will a nasty 2018 State Attorney Primary bring professional consequences for lawyers seeking Florida office?

The Florida Bar tried to suspend Chris Crowley over campaign rhetoric. The Florida Supreme Court will decide soon if his words were protected free speech.
7 17min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Byron Donalds adds to haul for Governor’s race, bringing total raised to $22M

He amassed another $10M in the second quarter of 2025.
2 3min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis says Florida ‘gypped’ out of congressional seat, wants another census and redistricting

‘My Legislature will redistrict those lines, we’ll get it to where it’s fair.’
6 4min

Federal

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FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Doctors, public health organizations sue RFK Jr. over vaccine policy changes

‘This administration is an existential threat to vaccination in America, and those in charge are only just getting started.’
0 3min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Elon Musk says he’s forming a new political party after split with Donald Trump over tax cuts law

Last month, he threatened to try to oust every member of Congress that voted for Trump’s bill.
1 6min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Jeffrey Epstein ‘client list’ doesn’t exist, Justice Dept. says, walking back theory Pam Bondi promoted

The client list hubbub began when Bondi was asked in a Fox News interview whether the department would release such a document. She replied, ‘It’s sitting on my desk right now to review.’
0 10min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Texas officials face scrutiny over response to catastrophic and deadly flooding

The National Weather Service had extra staff on hand to help warn Texans about the impending floods.
7 8min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Tropical Storm Chantal brings heavy rains as it moves across northeastern South Carolina

2 to 4 inches fr rain are forecast to shower down on the Carolinas.
0 2min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Donald Trump says he didn’t know he used antisemitic language

President Donald Trump says he didn’t know the term “shylock” is considered antisemitic when he used it in a speech to describe unscrupulous moneylenders. Trump told reporters early Friday after returning from an event in Iowa that he had “never heard it that way” and “never heard that” the term was considered an offensive stereotype […]
20 2min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
A.G. Gancarski

Randy White clears 6 figures in early fundraising for Duval County Tax Collector

0 3min

Police Commander Deborah Wesley launches bid for Jacksonville City Council

Gov. DeSantis vetoes $250,000 for life-skills training for Jacksonville’s ‘urban youth’

Budget conference: MOSH money likely to continue flowing for ‘Genesis Project’

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

First Coast manufacturing survey shows 5 straight months of significant contraction for most sectors

0 3min 0

North Florida Land Trust urges property owners to seek a cut of $1.7M in land management funding

Gov. DeSantis vetoes Gainesville public safety center, Doyle Connor renovation

Budget conference: Northeast Florida Builders close in on priorities

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

Disney World releases Epcot concert lineup for Food and Wine Festival’s Eat to the Beat

6min 0

Anna Eskamani raises nearly $100K in 2 weeks for Orlando Mayor bid

Ron DeSantis says Disney World ‘has to up the game’ after Universal opens Epic Universe

Orange County suspends DEI business program under Donald Trump’s order

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Ryan Nicol

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

3min

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

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

Ben Diamond message tests possible run against Ken Welch for Mayor

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW 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

HeadlinesTampa Bay
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Orlando Gudes doesn’t meet residency requirements for Tampa City Council Special Election, records show

0 6min 0

Naya Young enters Tampa City Council District 5 race, now among nearly a dozen candidates

G-strings attached: Strip club offers Carolina Amesty $250K for her legal defense — with a catch

Claims bill paying $1.2M to Pasco man maimed in school bus crash gets Gov. DeSantis OK

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Peter Schorsch

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

5 5min

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

Gov. DeSantis reappoints Adam Kissel to UWF board after Senate rejects him

Gov. DeSantis appoints longtime Panhandle civic player to Florida Housing group

Tallahassee

HeadlinesTallahassee
Gabrielle Russon

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

4min 0

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

Budget conference: No funding for FSU Election Law Center

Senate offer funds Legislative Support Services at $57M

Communities

CommunitiesHeadlines
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

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HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis vetoes bill aimed at ending Miami Gardens-North Miami Beach water dispute

‘It is not the role of the state to referee such a dispute.’
0 8min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Associated Press

Scientists transplant crossbred corals to help save Miami’s reefs from climate change

‘We were able to cross the spawn from those corals, the sperm and the eggs, to produce babies.’
1 4min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis deletes funding for veteran transit passes in Palm Beach County

It’s one of several vetoes he made of local funding projects for veteran-focused programs.
3 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Coral Gables Commission rejects repeal of city election shift, censures sponsoring member

Commissioner Melissa Castro said voters should have a say in whether to move the election. Her peers questioned why she didn’t say the same about giving herself a big raise in 2023.
9min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jacob Ogles

James Uthmeier threatens Key West leaders with removal from office for voiding ICE agreement

Florida’s southernmost municipality this week nixed a deal for police to cooperate in apprehending undocumented migrants.
5 6min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Drew Dixon

Elliman Report: Broward, Miami-Dade see slide in June home sales

Condo transactions remain sluggish in most areas of South Florida in June as well.
3min

Culture Wars

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Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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

Could the mayoral candidate be farther left than a Squad member?
8 2min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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 WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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 WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Florida defunds ‘academic boycotts’ of Israel

The Governor signs off on a bill overwhelmingly supported in the House and Senate.
4 2min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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

An often-revised 1970s law governing illicit substances will likely be invoked.
4min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

‘Adam Sandler, the hairdresser’: Jimmy Patronis takes shot at New York mayoral candidate

He made the comments Thursday morning on Fox Business.
4 3min

Foreign Affairs

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Foreign AffairsHeadlines
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.
0 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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

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

Donald Trump ceasefire falters as Israel says Iran launched more missiles

Israeli officials have ordered a strike on Iran in response.
8 5min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis says Joe Biden’s policies could lead to Iranian attacks

‘Who knows who they sent across the southern border?’
11 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

U.S. signals a willingness to renew talks with Iran and avoid a prolonged war

Vice President Vance says military strikes on Iran provides an opportunity for negotiations.
2 8min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Secretary of State Rubio warns Iran about response to U.S. bombing of nuclear sites

U.S. State Departments advises non-essential American personnel in Lebanon to leave that country.
6 4min

Emails & Opinions

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.8.25

Sieze the day with Sunburn — your go-to tipsheet for all things Florida politics!

Last Call for 7.7.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Ron Sachs: Envisioning a brighter future by empowering tomorrow’s changemakers

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.7.25

Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics — Week of 6.29.25

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

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

Waters near the Hernando-Pasco lines will join other areas that have opened up.
APoliticalHeadlines

Florida’s new unemployment claims tick up by nearly 6% to close out June

Initial jobless claims also showed a modest increase across America for the week ending June 28.
APoliticalHeadlines

Florida gas prices jump 12 cents from last week

APoliticalHeadlines

FWC officials urge Floridians to be a ‘beach hero’ for wildlife during July 4 coastal events

Jimmy Patronis dons his old Florida Fire Marshal cap in Fourth of July advisory

Tech

HeadlinesTech

Wilton Simpson warns Floridians not to ‘take the bait’ in subscription-oriented phishing scams

Simpson’s Office offered 5 tips for spotting phishing scams.
HeadlinesTech

Gov. DeSantis wants state action on ‘very dangerous’ AI

‘We can’t just turn the reins over to a bunch of tech overlords.’
HeadlinesTech

AI and automation report struck down by gubernatorial veto

HeadlinesTech

Supreme Court affirms Texas age verification law. Will Pornhub block Florida users forever?

Budget conference: $15M dedicated to laser-assisted mapping of Florida terrain

Education

VIEW ALL
EducationHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

South Florida school districts again earn top grades as post-pandemic statewide scores surge

‘We’re continuing to see statewide improvements.’
0 4min
EducationHeadlines
Associated Press

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.
0 9min
EducationHeadlines
Drew Wilson

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.’
1 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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