Another $300 million for rural and family lands conservation makes it into House budget
That’s $50 million more than the Senate currently has set aside.
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4min
Hemp, THC regulations to hit Senate floor a year after veto
Legislation hits the Senate floor on Tuesday.
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8min
House wants to spend less on Hometown Heroes, affordable housing grants
The lower chamber budgeted a third as much as senators want to spend on the Hometown Heroes program.
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3min
House budget makes play to increase veteran teacher pay
The lower chamber wants to direct $100 million to increase teacher salaries, which are now among the lowest in the nation.
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3min
News & Trending
March 31, 2025
Jacob Ogles
Jacob Ogles
House wants to spend less on Hometown Heroes, affordable housing grants
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March 31, 2025
Peter Schorsch
Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.31.25
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101min
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Guest AuthorLegislative, Influence & Policy
Another $300 million for rural and family lands conservation makes it into House budget
That’s $50 million more than the Senate currently has set aside.
0
4min
House wants to spend less on Hometown Heroes, affordable housing grants
The lower chamber budgeted a third as much as senators want to spend on the Hometown Heroes program.
0
3min
House budget makes play to increase veteran teacher pay
The lower chamber wants to direct $100 million to increase teacher salaries, which are now among the lowest in the nation.
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3min
House budget unveiled at $4.4 billion less than Senate, cuts revenues by slashing sales tax
Daniel Perez wants to spend less than the Governor or Florida Senate have called for with their own hawkish budgets.
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5min
A.G. GancarskiGov. DeSantis, Casey DeSantis hail Florida heroes
‘These individuals have gone above and beyond to serve others.’
5
9min
Ron DeSantis credits stacked Supreme Court with State Attorney removals
Liberals prefer ‘legislating from the bench,’ but conservatives ‘apply the laws as written,’ according to DeSantis.
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9min
Andrew PowellLegislation to help save students from cardiac arrest ready for House floor
‘Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student athletes, but it’s also the overall leading cause of death on school campuses.’
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6min
Janelle Irwin Taylor$18B proposed in Senate budget for transportation, economic development
Disaster funding and housing initiatives feature prominently.
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5min
Senate budget puts millions toward agriculture, backing up ‘Rural Renaissance’ promise
The budget includes millions for preserving and restoring Florida’s citrus industry, a priority for Ben Albritton.
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4min
Gabrielle RussonSenate releases leaner $117B budget proposal
‘These investments benefit current and future generations of Floridians.’
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4min
Promoted: Workforce education bill ready for the House floor
Shoaf said the bill would bring uniformity to Florida’s workforce education programs.
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6min
Capitol gets a dose of fun on STEM Day
This year’s event comes after an unprecedented time of cuts for Florida’s museums and science centers.
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3min
Budget
House budget makes play to increase veteran teacher pay
The lower chamber wants to direct $100 million to increase teacher salaries, which are now among the lowest in the nation.
0
3min
House budget unveiled at $4.4 billion less than Senate, cuts revenues by slashing sales tax
Daniel Perez wants to spend less than the Governor or Florida Senate have called for with their own hawkish budgets.
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5min
Ryan NicolSenate proposed budget slots $8.7B for higher ed
‘We know students are best served when education is linked to the realities and opportunities of the economy and the job market.’
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7min
$18B proposed in Senate budget for transportation, economic development
Disaster funding and housing initiatives feature prominently.
2
5min
Senate budget puts millions toward agriculture, backing up ‘Rural Renaissance’ promise
The budget includes millions for preserving and restoring Florida’s citrus industry, a priority for Ben Albritton.
0
4min
Senate releases leaner $117B budget proposal
‘These investments benefit current and future generations of Floridians.’
1
4min
New Administration
Associated PressDonald 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.
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21min
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 […]
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9min
White House withdraws Elise Stefanik’s nomination for U.N. Ambassador over tight GOP House margin
‘We must be unified to accomplish our Mission.’
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3min
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.
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4min
Drew DixonDonald 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.
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3min
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.
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6min
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.
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4min
‘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.
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4min
Elon Musk, DOGE tries to slash government by cutting out those who answer to voters
How will Congress respond?
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9min
Donald Trump administration withdraws nomination of David Weldon for CDC director
The nominee faced questions about his controversial opinions on vaccines.
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3min
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
Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports go into effect
Canadians prepare retaliatory tariffs in escalating trade war.
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9min
Immigration Enforcement
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.
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9min
‘Not discretionary’: James Uthmeier warns Donna Deegan not to veto Jacksonville illegal immigration law
Deegan’s response? ‘No comment.’
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4min
Police union backs Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act
Law enforcement continues to fall in behind this proposal.
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2min
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.
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8min
Problems with rulings? Ron DeSantis suggests eliminating Judges
If Congress had courage, rogue Judges could be reined in.
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6min
Ron DeSantis wonders why ‘young people’ aren’t doing immigrants’ jobs
The Governor suggested undocumented immigrants are taking teenagers’ jobs.
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3min
Specials
Bernie Sanders backs Josh Weil in CD 6, top Democrat targets Florida
Votes are counted Tuesday. And this endorsement is no April Fools’ joke.
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4min
Fresh Take FloridaDemocratic leader descends on Florida in races for 2 members of Congress in Special Elections Tuesday
Democratic National Committee Chair to help stump for Josh Weil in St. Augustine Sunday.
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9min
‘Too close for me’: Jimmy Patronis says he’s in trouble against Gay Valimont
‘She’s even chasing Republican potential voters.’
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2min
Democrats outraged at Donald Trump’s changes pour millions of dollars into 2 Special Elections in Florida
‘These are races that should not under ordinary circumstances be on anyone’s political radar.’
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13min
Mr. Telephone Man: Donald Trump dials it in for Jimmy Patronis, Randy Fine
‘The whole country’s actually watching this one.’
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5min
Donald Trump to hold telerallies for Randy Fine, Jimmy Patronis
Special Elections in CD 1 and CD 6, both Republican-leaning districts, will be settled Tuesday.
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4min
2026
Byron Donalds thinks there’s a ‘pretty good’ chance Ron DeSantis backs him for Governor
The ‘next couple of months’ (and the First Lady’s decision) will determine what happens.
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6min
‘Bold and clear’: Byron Donalds kicks off campaign for Governor from Bonita Springs
The Naples Republican laid out a five-point agenda including education, the economy and the Everglades.
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5min
Rick Scott endorses Ashley Moody in 2026 Senate race
The former Attorney General is on the ballot next year.
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6min
Erika Donalds says Casey DeSantis ‘teased a run’ for Governor, but Byron Donalds can better deal with Florida issues
‘I don’t know what she’s going to do, but I know my husband has an incredible track record.’
5
9min
EMILYs List puts 4 Florida Republicans in Congress ‘on notice’
The progressive group slammed the voting records of Aaron Bean, Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna and Cory Mills.
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6min
David Jolly, exploring run for Governor as a Democrat, says Florida has a chance to change direction
Does the former Republican have a path?
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5min
Federal
Donald Trump says he’s considering ways to serve a third term as president
There are multiple avenues to returning to another term as President, according to Trump.
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4min
Ethics report details allegations Cory Mills held contracts with federal agencies after election to Congress
The House Ethics Committee first revealed allegations were made last year.
3
7min
Department of Health and Human Services will cut 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring plan
The National Institutes for Health will also be slashing more than 1,000 positions.
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2min
U.S. cities located in states won by Donald Trump would be most hurt by Canadian tariffs, an analysis finds
Red states could pay the highest price for Donald Trump’s tariff plans.
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6min
Jared Moskowitz runs back Congressional ‘Sneaker Caucus’ to promote bipartisanship
Everyone loves a good pair of sneaks.
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5min
Tax season is a prime time for scams. IRS uncertainty could add to the issues this year
With layoffs sweeping through the IRS, experts advise to file tax returns early.
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12min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Tallahassee
Communities
South Florida
Miami Alternative Products Expo is a mecca for Chinese manufacturers to peddle illicit vapes
Lawmakers have done a lot to crack down, but it’s not enough.
2
8min
Jesse SchecknerMiami Springs voters to elect new Mayor, 2 City Council members Tuesday
Tuesday’s winners will secure 2-year terms.
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15min
3 candidates vie for 2 seats on Bay Harbor Islands Town Council
The race’s political newcomer has financial backing from a past Council candidate.
0
8min
Anthony Segrich wins runoff for Lake Worth Beach Commission
He won the seat representing District 4, which spans the city’s southeastern portion.
1
5min
Phyllis Choy wins runoff for Jupiter Town Council
She ran on a promise to improve the town ‘while preserving what we all cherish about Jupiter.’
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6min
Staff ReportsPalm Beach Zoo ‘Tiger Forest’ offers immersive experience, wildlife protection
Visits to the zoo help support conservation efforts for the Malayan Tiger.
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4min
Culture Wars
‘Good riddance’: Confederate monuments bill appears to topple
A Senate committee heard testimony but declined to hold a vote on the bill.
13
5min
Senate committee advances bill restricting preferred pronoun mandates
Stan McClain: ‘The policy of the state is that there are only two genders.’
3
5min
Randy Fine’s bill to allow guns on college campuses shot down in first Senate stop
Republican Ileana Garcia cast the pivotal ‘no’ vote.
4
8min
Despite Democratic opposition, Randy Fine’s bill to ban ‘political’ pride flags advances
‘Whether it’s political viewpoints that we agree with or we disagree with, let’s keep that stuff out of government buildings.’
6
4min
Tate Brothers return to Romania as Florida probe continues
It’s unknown when they will be back in the Sunshine State.
4
2min
Foreign Affairs
Danes denounce White House amid Greenland flap
VP Vance says Denmark has ‘underinvested’ in Greenland’s security.
5
2min
After Senate hearing, Kevin Marino Cabrera strongly positioned for Panama Ambassador confirmation
He encountered minimal friction.
2
9min
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
Marco Rubio deflects questions on Canadian statehood
POTUS has said the U.S. should annex the country. Canadians reject the premise.
9
3min
Donald Trump delays tariffs on most goods from Mexico for a month
The on-again, off-again battle continues.
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3min
Emails & Opinions
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 3.31.25
Your place for all things Florida politics — Sunburn!
Apolitical
Florida gears up for Elite 8 Matchup with Texas Tech
Tipoff nears. The winner goes to the Final Four.
Florida’s new unemployment claims drop again, reflecting trend for most of 2025
Florida’s drop in new jobless claims was in line with the national trend.
Tech
James Uthmeier says state is ready to face down #TeslaTakedown protesters
‘We will do what’s necessary.’
Gus Bilirakis among bipartisan coalition calling for end to deepfake porn
‘Detestable people are extorting children with technology, creating these images and uploading them online for the world to see.’
Education
Senate proposed budget slots $8.7B for higher ed
‘We know students are best served when education is linked to the realities and opportunities of the economy and the job market.’
1
7min
Sorry, teens. Senate passes bill backtracking on push to start school later
The House companion bill is also ready for the floor.
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4min
Bill giving greater flexibility to school districts for testing, funding ready for Senate floor
‘That’s what this bill aims do, making sure that our kids get all that they need to be successful and open up doors.’
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6min
