Peter Schorsch
Good Thursday morning.
Registration for the 2024 Florida Automated Vehicles Summit is open, and the sooner you sign up, the less you’ll pay.
The FAV Summit brings together experts from around the world to discuss the automated, connected, electric and shared (ACES) technologies central to the future of the autonomous vehicle industry.
“Our mission is to gain insight into what Florida is doing to create the ideal climate for the implementation and deployment of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies,” event organizers said.
In addition to speakers, the summit will feature live demonstrations of cutting-edge AV technology from a host of industry-leading companies.
The summit will be held Sept. 4-6 at the Tampa Waterside Marriott. Earlier registration is $650. On Saturday, the price will increase to $700.
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First in Sunburn – Supporters of a proposed referendum in Hillsborough County that would provide an estimated $177 million per year for the state’s third largest School District are planning to kick off their “Vote Yes for Students” campaign this Thursday, despite lingering questions about the ballot initiative’s fate on the ballot this year.
The extra funding, which would come through a new property tax assessment of $1 per $1,000 in taxable property value, would boost teacher, faculty, and administration pay to ensure competitive salaries to attract and retain quality education staff.
Initiative organizers plan to officially launch the campaign Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association headquarters, located at 3102 N. Habana Ave. in Tampa.
The campaign is supported by the Hillsborough Students Deserve Better political action committee.
But even as organizers prepare for the campaign ahead, its fate is unclear after Hillsborough County Commissioners – all Republicans in the Board’s majority – voted earlier this month to postpone the referendum. The county sued and, on Wednesday, received word that the judge on the case would not be setting a hearing and instead would issue a ruling by Monday.
While that’s a setback for those who oppose the referendum and a win for supporters who need certainty by Aug. 20 to make printed ballots, it still leaves a question mark over whether the measure will proceed or be forced to land on a later ballot, likely in 2026, as opposing Commissioners had suggested.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is among detractors, arguing the Hillsborough Schools district should instead live within its existing fiscal means.
– SITUATIONAL AWARENESS –
Tweet, tweet:
–@BFriedmanDC: Trump just had his Biden debate moment. He performed so poorly that his team literally pulled him off the stage with 36 minutes remaining in the interview. As withdrawing is no longer an option, the campaign will need to limit their candidate to friendly outlets moving forward.
–@Timodc: This NABJ interview is a great example of why the people who demand that we deplatform Trump are wrong. People should see this! A grumpy, cruel, hard-of-hearing, race-baiting, asshole having to actually answer for his track record in an environment outside of his comfort zone.
–@GeorgeConway: I wish to personally express my sincerest gratitude to whomever it is on the Trump campaign who convinced Trump it was a good idea to have him appear before the @NABJ. Whoever you are, you are a true patriot, and your country is in your debt.
–@ndrew_Lawrence: in an attempt to distract from accusations of being “weird,” Donald Trump and Republicans have pivoted to race science
–@TheJewishDream: I don’t think many people are prepared for how ugly and racist this is going to get. I also don’t think many people are prepared for how hilariously stupid this is going to get, too.
–@Fineout: Fla @GovRonDeSantis will be the keynote speaker (tonight) in Monterey, California for a fundraiser for a super-PAC supporting former President Donald Trump. Tickets for a VIP reception & speech are $1k. Tickets for a private dinner afterward are $5k per person
Tweet, tweet:
– DAYS UNTIL –
‘Alien: Romulus’ premieres – 15; Democratic National Convention begins – 18; ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ begins streaming on Peacock – 18; Florida Primary – 19; FBHA’s annual conference, BHCon, begins – 20; second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins – 23; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin – 24; UCF opens the season by hosting New Hampshire at FBC Mortgage Stadium – 28; Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday begins – 32; 2024 NFL season kicks off – 37; Packers will face Eagles in Brazil – 37; ‘The Old Man’ season two debuts – 42; ‘The Penguin’ premieres – 49; Vice-Presidential Debate – 56; Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stops in Miami – 80; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum – 87; Florida TaxWatch’s 45th Annual Meeting – 95; 2024 Presidential Election – 96; second half of Yellowstone season five premieres – 100; Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Landman’ premieres – 108; Legislature’s 2025 Organizational Session – 110; Las Vegas Grand Prix – 110; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit begins – 123; ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ premieres – 127; MLS Cup 2024 – 129; College Football Playoff begins – 142; Fiesta, Peach, Rose & Sugar Bowls – 153; Orange Bowl – 161; Sugar Bowl – 163 ‘Severance’ season two debuts – 169; ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ premieres – 197; the 2025 Oscars – 218; Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session begins – 220; 2025 Session ends – 280; ‘Moana’ premieres – 327; ‘Thunderbolts’ premieres – 361; ‘Fantastic Four – First Steps’ premieres – 361; ‘Blade’ reboot premieres – 468; ‘Avatar 3’ premieres – 506; ‘Avengers 5’ premieres – 642; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres – 659; FIFA World Cup 26™ final – 679; FIFA World Cup 26™ final match – 717; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres – 792; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres – 870; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres – 1,010; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres – 1,969; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres – 2,690.
–TOP STORY –
“Republican Joe Gruters backs Florida marijuana legalization amendment” via Owen Girard of Florida’s Voice – Sen. Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, expressed his support for Amendment 3, a measure seeking to allow recreational marijuana use across the state, which will be voted on in November. “Amendment 3 is about personal freedom; but it is also about creating a safer, more regulated recreational marijuana market and generating much-needed revenue for critical public services like our law enforcement,” Gruters said on social media. “By legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, we can give Floridians access to safe products, generate significant revenue for critical public services and create new job opportunities for Floridians,” he said in a statement posted by Smart & Safe Florida, the organization sponsoring the amendment.
– 2024 – PRESIDENTIAL –
“With dueling ads, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump both try to define her as a candidate” via Reid J. Epstein and Nicholas Nehamas of The New York Times – The race to define Harris began in earnest on Tuesday, with both her campaign and Trump’s team unveiling television advertisements that aim to explain her biography to voters in battleground states. Harris’ new ad, her first since becoming the party’s de facto nominee, labels her as “fearless” while leaning into her time as a local and state prosecutor. “She put murderers and abusers behind bars,” a narrator states. “Kamala Harris has always known who she represents.” Trump’s new ad, meanwhile, attacks her as being weak on the border. It suggests that she is responsible for millions of border crossings and a quarter-million deaths from fentanyl, which the ad says occurred “on Harris’ watch.” It closes with a new Trump tagline for Harris: “Failed. Weak. Dangerously Liberal.”
“Poll: About 8 in 10 Democrats are satisfied with Harris in stark shift after Joe Biden drops out” via The Associated Press – Harris appears to have energized Democrats in the early days of her candidacy, with the surge in warm feelings extending across multiple groups, including some key Democratic constituencies that had been especially tepid about Biden. About 8 in 10 Democrats say they would be somewhat or very satisfied if Harris became the Democratic nominee. In a separate poll, taken before Biden dropped out but after his debate against Trump, only about 4 in 10 Democrats said they were somewhat or very satisfied that he was the Democratic Party’s likely nominee for President.
Trump campaign ad bashes Harris as ‘dangerously liberal border czar’ – Trump-Vance 2024 is airing a new ad in battleground states calling Harris “dangerously liberal” and asserting if she is elected that a wave of undocumented immigrants will come across the U.S.-Mexico border. “Border Czar Kamala Harris’ failure has made America less safe: migrant crime is up, terrorists have entered through her open border, fentanyl deaths are exploding, and human trafficking is impacting every state. Harris is dangerously liberal and Americans are paying the price,” Trump campaign Senior Adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a news release announcing the ad.
To watch the ad, please click the image below:
“Autoworkers union endorses Harris for President” via Nicholas Nehamas and Noam Scheiber of The New York Times – The United Automobile Workers endorsed Harris on Wednesday, giving her the support of one of the nation’s most influential unions after it was delayed to assess her approach to key issues, including the war in Gaza and U.S. investments in manufacturing jobs. The UAW’s endorsement throws the union’s powerful organizing muscle behind Harris, who faces a tight race against Trump. The union has about 370,000 members, with large presences in key battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin. A person familiar with the UAW Board’s deliberations said that the union’s president had attempted to contact Biden during the week-and-half before Biden abandoned his re-election campaign, to urge him to consider doing so.
“UAW endorses Harris, giving her blue-collar firepower in industrial states” via Tom Krischer and Josh Boak of The Associated Press – The United Auto Workers on Wednesday endorsed Harris for President, giving her union firepower for the likely contest this November against Trump. UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement that the union’s “job” in this year’s election was to defeat Trump. The union has more than a million active and retired members with a strong base in what the Democrats call the “blue wall” states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. “We can put a billionaire back in office who stands against everything our union stands for, or we can elect Kamala Harris who will stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our war on corporate greed,” Fain said.
–“More than 100 Silicon Valley investors pledge to support Harris” via Theodore Schleifer, Mike Isaac and Erin Griffith of The New York Times
“As JD Vance takes heat, Trump fans rally to his side” via Elizabeth Findell of The Wall Street Journal – In the two weeks since Vance was nominated by the GOP as Trump’s running mate, he has been seen by many voters as a lightning rod for controversy. But the Nevadans who turned out Tuesday to hear Vance saw him as something else: Trump’s hand-picked heir. “I came to see what the future of the GOP looks like,” said Kate Marsh, 38 years old, a local property manager. “Vance is who Trump picked to carry us on after he’s gone.” Vance has been seeking to define himself on the campaign trail since Trump chose him at the start of the Republican convention. The decision, which came before Biden announced he would step out of the race, has since been second-guessed by some Republicans, as Vance is seen as a populist, right-wing messenger who appeals to Trump’s MAGA base but might not to the voters needed to win a close race in swing states such as Nevada.
“Trump allies Believe Kellyanne Conway is badmouthing Vance,” via The Bulwark — Trump’s 2024 Presidential Campaign is facing its biggest stress-test yet. And already the pressure is widening subterranean cracks of mistrust and rivalry. The fault lines emerged rapidly as Trump’s VP pick, Vance, struggled and reports emerged that “Trump allies” were second-guessing the selection. At the center of the friction is the familiar face of Conway—Trump’s longtime political adviser who has as much a reputation for tactical brilliance as for strategic leaking.
“Mark Kelly, potential VP pick, plans to be in Arizona next week” via Jared Mitovich of POLITICO – Sen. Kelly says he’ll be in his home state of Arizona next week as speculation swirls around which running mate contender Harris will pick to join her on the ticket and an upcoming swing state tour. “I’m not going to get into any of that,” Kelly said. “I am going to be focused on making sure that Kamala is the next President. … I’m going to be traveling across the country tirelessly. Next week my plan right now is to be in Arizona.” Democrats are looking at Kelly closely for how he messages on immigration and the border – issues that he’s comfortable talking about, but which have plagued Harris since she was assigned as Vice President to address the root causes of migration to the United States from Central America.
“Byron Donalds says Trump faced ‘hostile environment’ at Black journalist conference” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics – U.S. Rep. Donalds said Trump faced a hostile environment at a National Association of Black Journalists conference. The speech gained instant attention when the Republican presidential nominee questioned the racial identity of Harris. But Donalds, a Black Republican recently considered for Trump’s running mate, said Trump also communicated a record that benefited all Americans. “Today, President Trump entered a hostile environment, highlighted his historic accomplishments, and spoke directly to the issues that matter: Securing the border; Reducing Biden-Harris inflation; Restoring energy independence,” Donalds posted on X.
“Maya Rudolph to play Harris on ‘Saturday Night Live’ through 2024 Election” via Nellie Andreeva and Peter White of Deadline – “Mamala” is getting back to work, as Rudolph will reprise her Emmy-winning role as Harris on Saturday Night Live this Fall as the NBC late-night comedy program covers the final stretch of the 2024 presidential campaign. Rudolph’s impersonation of Harris has been so popular, the moment the Vice President emerged as the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee after Biden dropped out on July 21, fans had been urging her to clear her schedule for an SNL return. And she has. Pre-production on Season 3 of Rudolph’s Apple TV+ comedy series Loot, which was scheduled to begin filming on Aug. 26, has been paused.
– 2024 – FLORIDA –
“Police groups oppose Florida recreational weed. Supporters say prohibition drains money” via Douglas Soule of USA Today Network-Florida – As law enforcement groups come out against Florida’s recreational marijuana ballot measure, supporters say the current prohibition has far too great “cops and courts” costs. The Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Sheriffs Association announced their opposition on Tuesday. But Smart & Safe Florida, the group pushing the amendment, denies their claims. It says marijuana arrests are a strain on those chiefs’ time and resources. “This November, Floridians have a choice: More individual freedom and money for police and schools, or less freedom than a majority of Americans and money left on the table,” said Morgan Hill, its spokesperson, in a Monday statement.
– 2024 – DOWN-BALLOT –
“Florida builders endorse six legislative candidates” via Robert Haughn of Florida Politics – The Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Chapter (ABC-FEC) is weighing in on six different Florida House races, backing five Republicans and one Democrat. The one Democratic candidate, Mitch Rosenwald, is seeking to succeed Rep. Patricia Hawkins-Williams in House District 98, which covers the Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale areas. In the Brevard County area, the ABC-FEC announced two endorsements. One was Republican Sen. Debbie Mayfield, who is running for the open House District 32 seat against former U.S. Rep. Dave Weldon in the Primary. The other endorsement went to Republican candidate Mike Limongello, who is running in the House District 33 Primary against candidates Logan Luse, Monique Miller, and Erika Orriss.
“‘The kind of shake-up our state needs’: SAVE Action PAC backs Emily Rodriguez for HD 98” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics – Former legislative aide Rodrigues’ bid to represent Broward County in the House now has the emphatic support of South Florida’s longest-serving organization for championing LGBTQ rights. SAVE Action PAC, associated with Miami-based SAVE, confirmed it is backing Rodrigues this week in a glowing endorsement. The SAVE Action PAC nod joins others Rodrigues received since she entered the race in January. Three Democratic lawmakers – Miami Gardens Sen. Shevrin Jones, Boynton Beach Rep. Joe Casello, and Orlando Rep. Rita Harris – have endorsed her, too. So have Ruth’s List Florida, SEIU Florida, Run For Something, Moms Demand Action, NOW PAC and the Broward Young Democrats. Primary voters will choose between her and U.S. Army veteran Keith Abel, small-business owner Shelton Pooler and Oakland Park Mayor Rosenwald.
– 2024 – DOWN-BALLOT 2 –
“Democrat sues opponent for defamation after he notes she called Rick Scott a ‘friend’” via Max Greenwood of the Miami Herald – Former Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief is suing one of her rivals in the Democratic Senate District 35 Primary, alleging that he defamed her by implying that she and her health care company defrauded Medicaid. The lawsuit, filed in Broward County court, argues that Miramar Democrat Rodney Jacobs knowingly slandered Sharief with a campaign ad tying her to U.S. Sen. Scott, the former Florida Governor whose health care company was implicated in a sweeping Medicare fraud case more than two decades ago. The 40-second ad features the text, “Tell us who your friends are, and we’ll tell you who you are, Barbara Sharief.”
“Term limits, insurance converge for Debbie Mayfield, Dave Weldon in Florida HD 32 Primary” via Jim Waymer of Florida Today – Term limits are one reason state Sen. Mayfield and former U.S. Rep. Weldon are in the House District 32 race. Another reason: Through-the-roof insurance rates that seemingly have no limits these days. Fellow Republican Thad Altman of Indialantic, who currently holds the House District 32 seat, is term-limited out, so he’s running for the District 5 seat on the Brevard County Commission. Mayfield can’t seek re-election, either, to her Senate District 19 seat, because of term limits. HD 32 includes parts of Central and South Brevard: Rockledge, Viera, Suntree, Melbourne, Indian Harbour Beach and Indialantic.
Save the date:
“‘Invested in fighting for an authentic democracy’: Florida for All backs Debra Tendrich for HD 89” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics – A statewide coalition of progressive organizations is getting behind Tendrich’s bid for House District 89. Tendrich’s campaign this week announced an endorsement from Florida for All, whose members include SEIU Florida, Florida Rising, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Faith in Florida, Jobs With Justice and the Dream Defenders. “We recognize that you are investing in fighting for an authentic democracy in our communities and will continue to advocate for housing, education, health care, and criminal justice systems that work for everyone,” the group said in a statement. Tendrich said she is grateful for the support. “Their confidence in my campaign energizes me, and I will take actionable steps toward addressing the needs of our community,” she said. “I am determined to roll up my sleeves and work tirelessly to create meaningful change for everyone in District 89.”
“Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics – State Attorney Gladson is endorsing McClain for another term in District 3 of the Marion County Commission. Gladson was elected State Attorney for Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit in November 2020. He is a former law enforcement officer and career prosecutor with over 20 years of trial experience. As State Attorney, Gladson leads a team of more than 250 workers who serve the citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. “Matt McClain is in the best position to continue leading and serving Marion County on the Board of Commissioners,” Gladson said. “Since his appointment by Gov. DeSantis, Matt has worked hard to earn the trust of the community by putting resident safety first, supporting local law enforcement and protecting our conservative values.”
“Doug Broxson backs Sam Parker for Santa Rosa County Commission” via Florida Politics – Sen. Broxson is endorsing Parker for re-election to the District 1 seat on the Santa Rosa County Commission. An experienced business owner and Pensacola native, Broxson was first elected to serve the Florida Panhandle in the House in 2010. He ascended to the Senate in 2016 and served as the chamber’s Budget Chief for the past two Sessions. “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Sam Parker on several occasions to address local issues important to the Santa Rosa County community,” Broxson said. “Every time, Sam approached the situation with common sense and a resolve to best serve the interests of the county.”
—”‘Exceptionally qualified’: 27 Sheriffs endorse Rosie Cordero-Stutz for Miami-Dade Sheriff” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics
–”Five people seek seats on Seminole School Board, debate mental health, teacher pay, politics” via Lauren Brensel of the Orlando Sentinel
Breaking late Wednesday – Florida seeks an injunction on Title IX ruling – Following a U.S. District Court decision ruled against plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging new Title IX protections prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, Florida joined Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina in asking the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily block the rule. The request is for an administrative injunction to stop the rule – which goes into effect Aug. 1 – from being enforced while plaintiffs formulate a request seeking a longer hold. The new rule, the states argue, would let schools accepting federal money permit transgender students to use bathrooms that do not align with their assigned sex.
“Ethics Commission drops probe into Mori Hosseni’s donation of golf simulator to Ron DeSantis” via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal – DeSantis will not face a Florida Ethics Commission sanction over a golf simulator donated to the Governor’s Mansion. The Ethics Commission announced that it found no probable cause to pursue further investigation of the simulator provided by Ormond Beach megadonor Hosseini in 2019, the year DeSantis – who previously represented the Daytona Beach area in Congress − took office in Tallahassee. During a closed-door session Friday, the panel also found no probable cause that DeSantis failed to report as a gift the free air travel provided by Hosseini. The Ethics Commission did not explain its findings.
“DeSantis vies to dismiss challenge on suspension of former State Attorney Monique Worrell” via Eric Daugherty of Florida’s Voice – State lawyers want a federal court to dismiss an ongoing legal challenge to DeSantis’ suspension of former Orlando area State Attorney Worrell in 2023. A legal battle is ongoing between parties David Caicedo, Rajib Chowdury and Florida Rising Together, Inc., who filed the suit in November 2023. The two are Orlando residents, and Florida Rising is a political group. The suit alleges that DeSantis’ executive order to suspend Worrell violates their 14th Amendment right to due process and First Amendment right to freedom of association and political expression, per the court filing. DeSantis had then moved to dismiss the complaint for “lack of standing and failure to state a claim,” and was successful.
“Jimmy Patronis bars Financial Department from using ‘censorship, blacklisting services’ like NewsGuard” via Owen Girard of Florida’s Voice – Chief Financial Officer Patronis issued a directive barring the Department of Financial Services from using “censorship and blacklisting services” like NewsGuard. The company has come under fire after “credibility ratings” to news sources. “This directive is aimed at holding censorship and blacklisting groups accountable,” Patronis said in a statement. “This year we’ll be launching media campaigns on protecting the public from insurance fraud and educating Floridians on the services DFS provides, and we need maximum returns on those dollars.”
“Testimony: Florida wrongly cut people from Medicaid due to ‘computer error,’ bad data” via Charlie McGee of The Tributary – A “computer error” and bad data from third-party vendors led Florida to wrongfully strip Medicaid coverage from residents, including new mothers who were denied postpartum care, federal testimony revealed. Will Roberts, a government operations consultant in the unit of Florida’s Department of Children and Families that decides if people are eligible for new or continued Medicaid coverage, confirmed some widespread problems that led the state to wrongly deny insurance to eligible Floridians. Plaintiffs relied on Roberts’ testimony, the second so far in a bench trial overseen by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard, in their class-action challenge alleging Florida violated patients’ rights when it removed medical coverage from millions of Floridians without proper notice.
“Audit shows FloridaCommerce staff had access to confidential information, IT systems without being screened” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics – A new audit zinged the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce) and the now-shuttered Enterprise Florida for its oversight of employees who had access to confidential business information and department IT systems. Some of the findings in the latest audit from the Office of Auditor General had been cited in previous audits, which prompted auditors to look at those areas again. One of the current findings showed that both FloridaCommerce employees and those working for an independent third party did not go through criminal background screenings before they were granted access to information from businesses seeking incentives. FloridaCommerce was formerly known as the Department of Economic Opportunity. The name change occurred last year.
“Florida hospitals on the brink of blood shortage after cyberattack” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics – A hack targeting one of the top blood suppliers in the state has put Florida hospitals on the brink of a critical blood shortage. Florida hospitals have had to cancel optional surgical procedures to help maintain their future blood supply after a cyberattack on OneBlood, the not-for-profit blood center serving more than 250 Florida hospitals. “We have implemented manual processes and procedures to remain operational,” OneBlood Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Susan Forbes said in a prepared statement. “Manual processes take significantly longer to perform and impact inventory availability. In an effort to further manage the blood supply we have asked the more than 250 hospitals we serve to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and to remain in that status for the time being.”
– D. C. MATTERS –
“Matt Gaetz accuses Facebook, Google of censoring info on Trump assassination attempt” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics – U.S. Rep. Gaetz said some of the nation’s top tech companies suppressed information about the assassination attempt on Trump. And he’d like the Homeland Security Department to do something about it. The Fort Walton Beach Republican sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas accusing Facebook and Google of censoring information. “Numerous news outlets have reported various irregularities in search results and homepages,” Gaetz said. “For example, Facebook has acknowledged that it censored an authentic photograph of Donald Trump as ‘false information’ and Google has acknowledged that it excludes and does not autocomplete results for searches relating to the Trump assassination attempt.”
“New report reveals Havana Syndrome case numbers. More than 300 Americans treated” via Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald – Spies, active-duty military, FBI agents, diplomats and at least 15 children are among the 334 Americans who have qualified to get treatment for Havana Syndrome in specialized military health facilities – numbers that conflict with an earlier assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies minimizing the problem. The new data was published Monday in a study conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which examined the challenges patients face accessing care in the military health system and whether the Department of Defense has facilitated it, as required by federal law. The office concluded that Americans affected by these still unexplained cases of what the government refers to as “anomalous health incidents” struggled to get proper care, confirming earlier reports by the Miami Herald that some had been denied medical treatment by their agencies and suffered retaliation.
– LOCAL: S. FL –
“November ballot will ask Miami-Dade voters if they want countywide Wi-Fi” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics – Miami-Dade voters this year will be able to weigh in on the prospect of expanding public internet access to all corners of the county. Commissioners this month voted for a resolution by Kionne McGhee to place a nonbinding question on the Nov. 5 ballot asking whether the county should extend its free Wi-Fi program countywide. The yes-or-no query will read: “Should Miami-Dade County take action to expand free public Wi-Fi access countywide, including advocating for any necessary changes to state or federal law?” The measure passed unanimously (12-0) without comment just three days after McGhee filed it.
“Sheriff’s deferred costs may mean big hit to taxpayers next year” via Mike Diamond of the Palm Beach Post – Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has crafted an election-year budget that defers an unprecedented $84 million of spending on improvement and replacement projects into the fiscal 2026 budget. By doing so, Bradshaw, a five-term incumbent, kept the fiscal year 2025 budget percentage increase to under 10%, and the spending plan itself to under $1 billion. The proposed $952 million 2025 fiscal year budget will not include a penny for new police cars, patrol boats or other spending designed to improve the efficiency of the law-enforcement agency, according to the budget document filed with the county. Bradshaw said much of the fiscal year 2025 increase comes from salary increases negotiated with the Police Benevolent Association.
“Controversial former Miami City Attorney named state’s municipal ‘Attorney of the Year’” via Tess Riski of the Miami Herald – A Florida organization honored former Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez as the state’s best municipal lawyer of 2024 – a year in which the City Commission effectively fired Méndez from her job at City Hall, the Florida Bar continued an investigation into allegations against her and an appeals court denied Méndez’s effort to be dismissed from a lawsuit accusing her of conspiring with her husband to defraud a Little Havana homeowner. At its annual seminar, held in Naples over the weekend, the Florida Municipal Attorneys Association named Méndez the 2024 Attorney of the Year, an award given to the state’s “most outstanding municipal attorney.”
Miami leads the way as WhatsApp hits huge milestone – Last week, WhatsApp reached 100 million users in the United States and Miami is leading this growth for the platform. Americans are adopting WhatsApp for its end-to-end encryption that keeps private messages private, and its cross-device functionality. Over 62% of Floridians believe there is a divide between iPhone and Android users due to the lack of compatibility of their technology. With WhatsApp, Floridians are circumventing the blue-versus-green bubble message divide and finding an easy connection with their peers. WhatsApp’s users and messages continue to grow by double-digits daily. One of the biggest drivers of growth is the Summer Olympics in Paris. As Olympians head to Paris, their family and friends across the globe are using WhatsApp to stay connected.
“Why did Miami Beach Mayor resign from federal job? He’s mum – and agency says it’s secret” via Aaron Leibowitz of the Miami Herald – Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner has yet to explain why he resigned from a lucrative position with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), more than one month after he left his job as an enforcement attorney there amid a human resources investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against him. The Herald reported earlier this month that Meiner, who serves as Mayor in a part-time capacity, had left the SEC after 17 years at the agency’s Miami office. Meiner did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment at the time but wrote on social media hours after the story first published that he was “thrilled” to announce a new job at a small company.
“Miami Beach to crack down on homeless residents sleeping outside in August” via Catherine Odom and Luena Rodriguez-Feo Vileira of the Miami Herald – At a news conference, Meiner introduced Operation Summer Relief, a one-month homelessness initiative that drew criticism from some advocates who argue city and state laws are unfairly criminalizing unhoused people. Officials said Miami Beach’s initiative aims to keep individuals from living on public property during the month of August, a period when average temperatures reach their highest. To do so, the city is partnering with homeless outreach services, shelters, health care providers and Miami Beach police. Meiner stressed compassion and empathy in the city’s approach to homelessness, which includes providing social services such as shelter placement, family reunification and identification assistance.
“Delray Beach residents will get a property tax cut, but city services will take a hit” via Jasmine Fernández of The Palm Beach Post – Delray Beach residents will be getting a break on their taxes after the City Commission voted 3-2 to trim the property tax rate, but some argue the cost of that will come with a significant price. The good news is residents in the city of 67,536 – the fourth largest in Palm Beach County – will save approximately $67 a year per $300,000 in taxable property value. The bad news is there will be budget cuts for the city’s parks and recreation, public works, fire rescue and police departments. That didn’t sit well with Deputy Vice Mayor Rob Long, who, along with Commissioner Angela Burns, were the two dissenters.
– LOCAL: C. FL –
“Orange lets voters decide: Should the county more closely guard its rural areas?” via Lauren Brensel of the Orlando Sentinel – Concluding a hard-fought, monthslong debate over how to control growth in rural areas, Orange County Commissioners unanimously agreed to let voters decide whether to draw boundaries restricting urban development in the region. But the end of one process is the start of another, as a high-stakes campaign is expected before the ballot in November. And it remains to be seen if the rural growth measure will be joined by a second, related measure asking voters to impose new restrictions on cities’ annexation of county lands.
“State Attorney won’t pursue charges against Mike Horner after altercation with Jon Arguello” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics – The Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office won’t prosecute Osceola County lobbyist Horner. The former state Representative was arrested in May at a fundraiser for appointed State Attorney Andrew Bain on a charge of assaulting an elected official. That happened after an altercation with Osceola County School Board member Arguello, a Republican candidate for state Senate. But last week, the State Attorney’s Office filed a notice with the court that it does not intend to pursue charges. The case was closed on July 25. “The state of Florida, by and through the undersigned Designated Assistant State Attorney, hereby gives notice to the Court that the State does not intend to file an Information, at this time, on the charges only in the above-styled case number,” reads a brief filed by Assistant State Attorney Stacey Straub Salmons.
“Orange County dangles $3 million in bid for another NFL Pro Bowl” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel – Orange County is waiting on the NFL to decide where it will stage its Pro Bowl Week after the 2024-25 season, but County Commissioners decided today to dangle $3 million in tourist-tax cash to persuade the football league to pick Orlando one more time. If Orlando scores again, it will mark the sixth time in eight years that the City Beautiful has hosted the game since the league moved it stateside from Hawaii, where the game was played for all but two years between 1980 and 2016. Orlando’s tourism rival, Las Vegas, hosted the 2021-22 game. “That’s a testament, I think, to where Orlando stands in people’s minds in the neutral-site world,” Steve Hogan, chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Sports, said last month when he asked the Tourist Development Council to recommend his request for bid money.
“God, guns and grades: Brevard School Board candidates discuss issues pre-August Primary” via Finch Walker of Florida Today – God, guns and student grades: These were just a few of the topics discussed by the Space Coast’s School Board candidates from both District 3 and District 4 at a forum in Suntree. John Thomas, with a background in law enforcement and school administration at the K-12 and post-secondary level, and Amber Yantz, a mom and Realtor, are vying for the District 3 seat, currently held by Jennifer Jenkins. In District 4, incumbent Matt Susin is facing off against mom and active-duty Navy member Avanese Taylor, former teacher and business owner Keith Schachter, and recent Viera High graduate Max Madl.
“Daytona Beach government likely to raise taxes to help pay for additional workers” via Eileen Zaffiro-Kean of the Daytona Beach News-Journal – As Daytona Beach’s population has expanded by more than 20,000 people over the past 20 years, the city’s annual budget and property tax collections have also steadily climbed. It takes a lot of money to run Daytona Beach, a city of around 85,000 residents that’s still growing. More residents mean more of everything is needed: Police officers and precincts, firefighters and fire stations, water and sewer service, trash pickup, and more. With about 980 full-time employees on staff, a good share of the current $343 million annual budget has been going toward salaries and benefits. Now top city staff and City Commissioners are requesting an additional 17 employees and a $359 million annual budget.
“Former County Commissioner, environmental advocate Nancy Higgs dies at age 75” via Dave Berman of Florida Today – Higgs – a former Brevard County Commissioner, environmental advocate and business owner – has died at age 75 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Higgs, a longtime resident of Brevard’s south beaches area, served on the Brevard County Commission for three four-year terms, from 1992 to 2004, representing District 3 in South Brevard. But her taste for government service dates back many years before that. While attending Boone High School in Orlando, she was the president of her class, which, along with her experiences as a member and president of a YMCA-related service club in high school, fueled her interest in government.
“SeaWorld gets sued over $76,000 unpaid towel rental bill” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics – SeaWorld is being sued for $76,000 over unpaid invoices for rental towels and mats. The Ohio-based Cintas Corp. filed the lawsuit in Orange Circuit Court earlier this month. Cintas accused the Orlando-headquartered theme park company of failing to pay for the rented towels and mats after signing a contract in October 2019 and then again on March 12, 2020. “Contrary to the contract entered into between Cintas and Defendants, Defendants have failed and refused to make payment due Cintas and have failed further to honor their obligations under the contract,” Cintas, which is seeking interest, said. “Defendants’ refusal to satisfy the debt due and owing and failure to otherwise honor their obligations under the contract are clear and unequivocal breaches of the contract.”
“What the Rays stadium deal means for Tampa Bay families” via Joe Henderson of Florida Politics – Yes, a Major League Baseball franchise shouldn’t be holding out a tin cup asking for taxpayers to drop dollars in the can, but they get away with that and other communities don’t seem to mind. Having the Rays gave St. Pete something that wouldn’t have seemed possible before the much-mocked decision to build Tropicana Field without a tenant. I was among the mockers, based on the premise that a stadium was better located in the center of the market, namely Tampa. But St. Pete today is not the same city that in 1986 voted to build the Trop without a team. The Trop has taken its share of jokes (many delivered by me), but it proved that Tampa Bay – and St. Petersburg – is a proper home for a Major League Baseball franchise.
“Do new Hillsborough County Commission districts put Ken Hagan’s seat in play for Democrats?” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics – When political operatives have discussed new district boundaries in recent years, the conversation typically surrounds claims of gerrymandering to the benefit of GOP candidates. And while new district boundaries for the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners was controversial, at least one district may be thwarting that new conventional wisdom by benefiting Democrats. District 2, which covers areas around New Tampa and the University of South Florida, has been in Republican hands for years, including under incumbent Hagan since 2018. But as of June, Republicans only outnumber Democrats in the District by 500 voters. And while Republicans and Democrats both have nearly 70,000 voters each in the district, no-party voters account for nearly 59,000 more. That makes the district, at least on paper, a clear battleground.
“Campaign text gets personal, riles up Pasco School Board race” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times – About halfway through a recent Pasco County School Board workshop, nearly everybody’s phone buzzed. Few were surprised to get a political campaign text on a weekday afternoon in the middle of the Primary season. But this one raised some eyebrows. It came from School Board candidate Jessica Wright, a parent and teacher vying to oust 14-year incumbent Alison Crumbley.
– LOCAL: N. FL –
“City leaders say sentencing of former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn closes ‘painful chapter’” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union – The sentencing of former JEA CEO Zahn brought a long-awaited sense of closure for JEA employees and Jacksonville elected leaders. U.S. District Judge Brian Davis sentenced Zahn to four years in prison. Zahn was the top executive at JEA during the attempted sale of the utility in 2019. A jury convicted him in March of conspiring to steal money from taxpayers by using an employee incentive plan for potential huge paydays if the city had sold JEA.
“Ex-JEA executive Ryan Wannemacher gets job at utility with two former JEA leaders” via David Bauerlein of The Florida Times-Union – After a federal jury acquitted Wannemacher on conspiracy and wire fraud charges in March, the former JEA chief financial officer is working in the utility industry again as a treasurer for a company that operates in nine states. Wannemacher stood trial with Zahn on charges they conspired to steal from the city of Jacksonville by devising an employee incentive plan that would have generated financial windfalls for JEA employees if the city-owned utility had been sold. Two federal juries heard the testimony and evidence against them. The jury for Wannemacher acquitted him on March 15, while the other jury convicted Zahn of fraud and conspiracy.
“Jack Porter, Dot Inman-Johnson stand firm as PBA criticizes their attendance at activists’ forum” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat – The Big Bend Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association slammed Tallahassee City Commissioner Porter and former Commissioner Inman-Johnson for attending a candidate forum hosted by the activist group Tallahassee Community Action Committee. TCAC, which the Big Bend PBA describes as a “far left-wing activist group” that promotes an anti-law enforcement platform, invited City Commission candidates to participate in its July 20 forum to discuss topics like policing, LGBTQ rights, public services and the city budget. The complaint was the latest move by Porter and Inman-Johnson’s political adversaries to try to tarnish them ahead of the Aug. 20 Primary. If the two were elected, they would take over a voting majority on the City Commission along with City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow.
“St. Johns Sheriff’s campaign workers solicit support for re-election on public school grounds, violating policy” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics – Campaign workers for incumbent St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick violated St. Johns County School District policy after they were found to have been soliciting support from students on school campuses this year. A complaint was filed with the St. Johns County School District by James Kelly Harrison, a campaign worker for Jim Priester, who is running against Hardwick for Sheriff in the Northeast Florida county. Harrison leveled the complaint in an April email, claiming that two current Sheriff’s employees went to Nease High School in plain clothes seeking signatures of support for the incumbent Hardwick from students on that campus. “What is known is that once inside the school, they proceeded to solicit students, and likely school employees, to sign petitions in support of current Sheriff Robert Hardwick,” Harrison said in an email complaint to the School District.
“‘Ghost candidates’ in St. Johns Commission races?” via Noah Hertz of JaxToday – In the hotly contested races for St. Johns County Commission, four candidates with connections to one another are largely sitting on the sidelines. Their inactivity raises questions about why they’re running and whether they’re merely shadow candidates attempting to influence the election in favor of other candidates. And by running as write-ins, two such candidates have locked down their Primaries to only Republican voters. Write-in candidates Taylor Ohntrup and Fitch McGraw are running for the District 1 and District 3 St. Johns County Commission seats, respectively. Neither has a campaign website, but, according to public social media profiles and the company’s about page, they share a common tie: a St. Augustine-based marketing agency called McGraw.
“Family law workshops lining up for St. Johns County residents” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics – St. Johns County residents seeking more information on family law issues will now have an outlet to pick up that information thanks to a series of monthly workshops. Those workshops are a joint effort between the St. Johns County Clerk of Circuit Courts, Comptroller’s Office, St. Johns County Legal Aid, and the law office of Nancy Harrison. “We understand navigating the judicial system may be challenging,” said John Rundgren, Clerk Designee. “This partnership will ensure unrepresented parties in family law matters have an opportunity to receive guidance before filing pleadings with our office.”
– LOCAL: SW FL –
“Athletic Director Mariano Jimenez, please report to President Richard Corcoran’s office” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics – Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. That is clearly an adage that New College of Florida’s Athletic Director Jimenez has never taken to heart. What other reason could there be for Jimenez to publicly disparage an elected official who is in the process of steering $800,000 to the school that employs him? In a now-deleted Facebook post, Jimenez called on people to join him and nutjob congressional candidate Eddie Speir at last weekend’s Sarasota candidates rally to “confront” popular Congressman Vern Buchanan. Yes, this is the same rally where Speir ultimately humiliated himself by getting shouted down and thrown out, along with a couple of supporters wearing American Revolutionary War costumes (you can’t make this up).
“Mike Moran spent more than $30K on restaurants, hotels while running Florida government agency” via Derek Gilliam of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune – Sarasota County Commissioner Moran has spent more than $30,000 at high-end restaurants and expensive hotels in Las Vegas, New York and California while leading a government agency created to help finance energy-efficient home improvement projects for people with lower incomes, according to receipts first obtained by the Florida Trident. The Herald-Tribune has independently confirmed these expenses after the Trident shared the receipts with the newspaper. The largest single expense was for half an $8,220 dinner for 30 people at the upscale New York steakhouse Smith & Wollensky on June 6, 2023. As with the other expenses, the bill was paid by the Florida PACE Funding Agency, for which Moran serves as Executive Director.
“Sarasota School Board approves budget anticipating voucher spike, teacher position cuts” via Steven Walker of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune – Sarasota County’s School Board unanimously approved its $1.35 billion budget and an increased property tax. The tentative budget and tax increase come as the District braces for losing about $19 million in federal COVID relief funds used for some instructional positions and programs. With the budget, the District faces a spike in private school voucher usage, which pulls about $46.8 million in per-student funding from the District and to tuition for private and home-school students. The Board will have a final vote on the budget in September. The District’s total property tax rate fell from 6.18 to 6.131 mills, representing a $613 tax per $100,000 of taxable value on the property.
“Naples residents could pay a higher property tax rate in 2025” via Laura Layden of the Naples Daily News – Naples residents could pay a higher property tax rate in 2025. A majority of the City Council voted in favor of giving themselves the flexibility to increase the tax rate. A final decision isn’t expected until September, however, with the adoption of next year’s budget. The Council voted 6-1 to leave the door open for a maximum millage rate of 1.27 for the city’s general fund. That would be 0.10 mill higher than the current rate. City Manager Jay Boodheshwar said the decision he needed was only on setting the maximum to meet notice requirements for property owners. “You can lower it,” he advised the Board.
– TOP OPINION –
“Why the Paris Olympics are the perfect distraction” via Stephanie Hayes of the Tampa Bay Times – The Olympics have dropped into the universal consciousness at the perfect time, a proverbial tube of Aquaphor for our dry and cracked souls. Need I rehash all the geopolitical reasons the people need this feel-good content, the contrived unity sprinkled with the correct amount of Snoop Dogg? The proper dose of Simone Biles? The necessary croissants? I think not.
Stuffed with schmaltz and controversy against a scaffolding of baroque athletic rules, these games have the effect of a good doomscroll with the neural pathway fortification of, say, a crossword puzzle. The Olympics are on morning, noon and night, including the crucial Diet Coke hour of 3 p.m. From offices, coffee shops and laptops, they transport us to niches that could never crack an algorithm of Pomeranian content.
In just a short time, these games will fly away. We must wait two years for our next mental vacation to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, at which point we can all become vocal experts in the intricacies of the triple Salchow and super giant slalom.
That’s for the best. Having the Olympics all the time would be akin to having Christmas every day and birthday cake for every meal. It sounds fun, but the saccharine storylines of hope and perseverance would grow tiresome, unleashing emotional Type-2 diabetes across the land. Excellence would become rote. Hope would sunset.
Savor it, folks. Become annoyingly patriotic, if only through Aug. 11. Weep openly at dive bars. Imagine that you, too, could still become a top contender in the Olympic trampoline. Cancel plans, for the women from the Netherlands and Spain are up in handball. For 60 minutes, nothing else exists.
– OPINIONS –
Keep an eye on this – “State ‘debanking’ laws undermine the financial system, and bank customers” via Mario Lopez of RealClear Markets – “Debanking” laws in Florida and Tennessee, which went into effect July 1, insert government into the relationship between customers and national banks to advance agendas that directly conflict with federal law. As retribution, state government bureaucrats brandish investigations, enforcement actions, fines, and even customer lawsuits. Regardless of November’s election results, the crossfire will continue. Recent letters from U.S. Department of Treasury officials, as well as lawmakers from both parties, warned of the harm debanking policies pose to “U.S. national security, and the U.S. and international financial systems, as well as economic stability and security.” The laws threaten consumer protections and access and undermine national banking standards that have been a cornerstone of our financial stability and economic prosperity since 1863. Debanking laws hinge on a false premise, and their proponents ignore several realities.
“Florida homeowners become Slide customers – whether they want to or not” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel – Two years ago, when St. Johns Insurance Co. was going under in Florida, state regulators let Slide Insurance, a startup company that virtually no one had ever heard of, take over 147,000 St. Johns policies and tens of millions of dollars in prepaid premiums. Other insurance companies were aghast. Not only were they not invited to compete for the policies, they were flabbergasted that so many policies were given to a company that didn’t exist just months earlier. “It’s an unfair advantage for Slide, and it just seems like a sweetheart deal,” said Bob Ritchie, the CEO of Tampa-based American Integrity Insurance. Slide recently took advantage of an effort by the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Company to shed policies by “offering” to take the policies off the state’s hands.
– INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY –
– ALOE –
Aegis Biz Tech named among ‘Florida’s Best Companies To Work For’ – Aegis Biz Tech was among those companies on the Florida Trend magazine’s annual list of Best Companies To Work For In Florida. The list will be featured in the August 2024 issue, which ranks 100 companies in small, medium and large employer categories. “To be named one of the 100 elite organizations around the greatest state in our nation is a highlight of the year,” said Aegis CEO Blake Dowling. I say that because this designation is 100% about our people. It is about what we have built together, and for 2024, that means regional offices in Panama City and Gainesville, a new HQ in Midtown Tallahassee, and an awesome new logo. Our sincere thanks to Florida Trend for this honor.” The Best Companies program is managed by Florida Trend and Workforce Research Group and is endorsed by the HR Florida State Council. For the full list of the 100 Best Companies, go to FloridaTrend.com/BestCompanies.
“Disney Cruise Line’s new ship Disney Destiny will call Port Everglades home” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel – Disney Cruise Line will be sending its new ship Disney Destiny to Port Everglades instead of Port Canaveral when it debuts in 2025. The sister ship to Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, both of which call Port Canaveral home, will sail from the South Florida port starting in late 2025 after the line takes delivery from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenberg, Germany, where construction began on the ship earlier this year. DCL announced the first details about the ship Tuesday as part of a three-day reveal event on the Disney Parks Blog for the 144,000-gross-ton, 4,000-passenger vessel. The exact itineraries and when people can book them will be announced later this week. Among the spaces coming to the ship will be a dining venue themed to “The Lion King” and a dessert shop themed to “The Incredibles,” leaning into the heroic side of the ship’s overall theme.
“Epic: Universal Orlando details its next ‘Harry Potter’ land” via Dewayne Bevil of the Orlando Sentinel – The new Harry Potter land at Epic Universe theme park will feature a Ministry of Magic-based ride, a full-scale theater experience and characters roaming the streets of 1920s Place Cachee, Universal Orlando announced. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is the fifth Epic land to be detailed by Universal. It will have Parisian settings based on the “Fantastic Beasts” films and British elements from the “Potter” franchise created by author J.K. Rowling. The news was made public on the birthday of the Harry Potter character, which is also Rowling’s birthday.
– OLYMPICS –
“Simone Biles and Pommel Horse Clark Kent: USA Gymnasts are saving me from insanity” via Kevin Fallon of The Daily Beast – You can keep your coconut trees, your couches, and your designer trash bags. The only newsmakers I care about this week are 4’8”, flipping through the air with ease, scripting the clapback of the year on Instagram, and mastering a pommel horse like a cowboy on a mustang. They’re not falling down from anything – coconut trees, uneven bars, or otherwise – and their choice designer accessories are the gold and bronze medals dangling from their necks. I exaggerate. I very much care about all of this extremely consequential news happening in our country, as much as my sanity can take it. It’s been such an energizing respite from all of that, however, to bask in the glory these last few days of the Team USA gymnasts making history at the Paris Olympics. In precarious, unprecedented times for this country, it’s a treat to engage in very precedented patriotism: for two weeks, rooting for America at the world games without feeling any impulse to caveat a single “USA! USA!” cheer.
“Wilton Simpson hammers Olympics for trying to feed athletes lab-grown meat, non-dairy” via Owen Girard of Florida’s Voice – Agriculture Commissioner Simpson hammered the International Olympic Committee for trying to feed athletes lab-grown meat and non-dairy products on the Bob Rose Show. The Committee later decided to provide actual meat and eggs for the participants. “If you’re celebrating the Olympics, the notion that we would have a biomass with synthetic meat being added to our athletes, we don’t even know if that is safe,” Simpson said. “What it is, it’s this world dominance of the net zero people; it’s the indoctrination that happened, by the way, at our university systems. They’re trying to indoctrinate the world, and what better platform to do than at the Olympics?” he added.
“Drag queen in Olympic opening ceremony has no regrets, calls it ‘a photograph of France in 2024’” via The Associated Press – As a gay youth growing up in central France, Hugo Bardin never felt he lived in a world that represented who he was – a world in which he had a place. That is why Bardin, who performs as the drag queen Paloma, felt it was meaningful and important to be part of a Paris Olympics opening ceremony that presented a multifaceted, multiethnic France with people of different ethnicities and orientations. “It was a really important moment for the French people and the representation of France around the world,” says Paloma, who took part in a single scene that has drawn some furious criticism. Although the ceremony’s artistic director, Thomas Jolly, and other participants have repeatedly said the scene wasn’t inspired by “The Last Supper,” critics interpreted that part of the show as a mockery of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting showing Jesus Christ and his apostles.
– HAPPY BIRTHDAY –
Happy birthday to former lawmakers Garrett Richter and Jennifer Sullivan, Mike Huey, the incredible Ashley Kalifeh of Capital City Consulting, (still a) Chef Brian Knepper, Kartik Krishnaiyer, top lawyer Dan Nordby, our ol’ friend Brian Shuford and Karen Unger.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
