Drew WilsonPersonnel note: Sunrise Consulting Group brings on education veteran Danielle Thomas
‘Danielle is poised to be an indispensable asset to Sunrise Consulting.’
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4min
Peter SchorschSunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.11.25
Sunburn serves it hot — the best in Florida politics.
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87min
A.G. GancarskiRon DeSantis floats ‘insurrection’ meme when talking illegal immigration
The Governor also offered a warning to lawmakers looking to ‘virtue signal’ about ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’
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3min
Jesse Scheckner‘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.
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8min
News & Trending
Staff Reports
Gabrielle Russon
Drew DixonLegislative, Influence & Policy
Personnel note: Sunrise Consulting Group brings on education veteran Danielle Thomas
‘Danielle is poised to be an indispensable asset to Sunrise Consulting.’
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4min
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.
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4min
Peter SchorschNow 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 […]
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5min
Personnel note: JMI welcomes Emma Rose Graddy as Media Relations Manager
Graddy previously worked as Communications Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health.
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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.
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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 […]
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3min
Susie Wiles praises ‘good Governor’ Ron DeSantis, says feud in ‘rearview mirror’
Let the healing begin.
3
3min
Greg Steube backs Ron DeSantis’ push to end property taxes
The Congressman says DeSantis’ proposal would be ‘great for the economy.’
2
4min
Jacob OglesPorn 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.
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4min
New Administration
Associated PressDonald 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.’
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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.
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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
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
Brian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff
He isn’t the only new NASA leader with strong ties to Florida.
4min
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
Horse sense: Donald Trump talks Kentucky Derby and the ‘Golden Age’
POTUS weighs in on Saturday’s premiere sporting event.
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3min
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.
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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.
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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
Democrats sue for access into ‘Alligator Alcatraz’; Governor’s Office calls their complaint ‘dumb’
The lawmakers were stopped July 3 from entering the facility for ‘safety reasons.’
1
4min
Byron Donalds draws line in sand against ‘mass amnesty’ for undocumented immigrants
‘I know that’s not something I could support.’
2
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
2026
Rob Long taps real estate, food service industries to raise $35K in Q2 for HD 90 bid
The haul pushed him past the $50K mark in gains this cycle.
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8min
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.’
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4min
AIF poll: Florida GOP holds edge on the issues and at the ballot box
Republicans are up by 5 points on the generic ballot.
1
4min
Federal
Donald Trump taps Sean Duffy as interim NASA Administrator
What does that mean for attempts to move NASA’s headquarters to Florida?
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4min
A surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts divided
Donald Trump has promised a review of the ‘Johnson Amendment’ for years.
1
12min
Democrats in Congress planned an unannounced visit to ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Then Florida scheduled a guided tour.
‘This sanitized tour is not real oversight.’
2
3min
‘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.
1
4min
Poll: Majority of Republicans, MAGA supporters want Congress to extend enhanced premium tax credits for health care
2 million Floridians will lose private health insurance if the credits expire.
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2min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
Janelle Irwin Taylor
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Tallahassee
Communities
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.
0
8min
Monique Pardo Pope reports over $105K raised in Miami Beach Commission campaign
Not all of that is reflected in her latest campaign finance report.
0
5min
‘Energized’: Eileen Higgins camp reports raising nearly $350K in first 3 months of Miami Mayor bid
‘I’m honored and energized by the overwhelming support we’ve received from the community.’
0
5min
Ryan NicolBrian 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
Preview of 2028? Gavin Newsom knocks ‘anti-Black’ laws pushed by Ron DeSantis
The battle keeps going and going.
5
3min
Ron DeSantis vows to defend Floridians against ‘communist’ Zohran Mamdani
Could the mayoral candidate be farther left than a Squad member?
8
2min
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
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
Rick Scott supports Donald Trump decision to wax Brazil with tariffs
The tax will be reciprocated.
1
3min
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.
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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
Donald Trump ceasefire falters as Israel says Iran launched more missiles
Israeli officials have ordered a strike on Iran in response.
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5min
Emails & Opinions
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.11.25
Sunburn serves it hot — the best in Florida politics.
Apolitical
July starts with sharp drop in new unemployment claims in Florida
The Sunshine State bucked the national trend, which saw a 4.3% hike in first-time jobless filings.
NFIB: Small-business optimism holds steady in June despite concerns over taxes, inventories
Taxes remain the top issue for small-business owners, though they’re feeling more optimistic after state lawmakers eliminated business rent taxes last month.
Tech
Google to add global subsea fiber cable system landing in Palm Coast
Google project slated for Palm Coast is part of a bigger expansion of the company for 42 ‘cloud’ regions around the world.
Study: Florida poorly positioned to win the AI race
Businesses use the technology. But Florida schools aren’t preparing students for it.
Education
South Florida school districts again earn top grades as post-pandemic statewide scores surge
‘We’re continuing to see statewide improvements.’
4min
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.’
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4min