Peter Schorsch
Good Monday morning.
Breaking late Sunday — “Santa Ono named sole finalist for UF president” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — University of Michigan President Ono has emerged as the lone finalist to lead the state’s flagship university. The University of Florida Presidential Search Committee announced Sunday that it “has unanimously and enthusiastically recommended” Ono be considered the sole finalist by the UF Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am proud to announce Dr. Santa Ono as the sole finalist to be the University of Florida’s next president,” said Rahul Patel, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.
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Nominations needed for INFLUENCE Magazine’s Golden Rotundas — the definitive awards for the lobbying industry
Hollywood has the Oscars and music has the Grammys. The best in television is awarded Emmys, and the best on Broadway receives Tonys. Even the political consulting industry offers awards — the Pollies — to the best in its business.
Florida’s governmental affairs industry has the Golden Rotundas to recognize the best in the field.
This Summer, INFLUENCE Magazine will reveal the winners of this year’s Golden Rotundas in several categories:
— Lobbying Firm of the Year
— Boutique Lobbying Firm of the Year
— Lobbyist of the Year
— In-house Lobbyist of the Year
— Best Lobbyist in several sectors, including Appropriations, Education, Environment, Gaming, Health Care and Insurance.
Just as the INFLUENCE 150 is the new benchmark for the most powerful people in Florida politics, the Golden Rotundas are the industry standard for lobbyists.
The winners of the Golden Rotundas will be determined, just like the Academy Awards are voted on by those in the movie business, by those who work in the influence industry.
The Golden Rotundas will recognize a firm or a lobbyist’s body of work for the last year, not a firm’s history or a lobbyist’s career.
The Lobbying Firm of the Year can only be awarded to a company ranked in the Top 30 for legislative branch compensation (as listed in our Lobbying Compensation Rankings). Each top 30 firm has one ballot and must rank the top three firms other than themselves.
The Boutique Lobbying Firm of the Year will be awarded to a company with four or fewer full-time registered lobbyists. Voting is open to all registered lobbyists.
Lobbyist of the Year will be awarded to individuals whose professional success exceeded others in the last year. All public sector and private sector lobbyists who are actively retained or employed as lobbyists and are registered with the State of Florida as lobbyists are eligible. Voting is open to all registered lobbyists.
In-house Lobbyist of the Year will be awarded to an individual registered to lobby on behalf of his/her employer (that is not a lobbying firm). Voting is open to all registered lobbyists.
The sector awards for Education, Gaming, Health Care, and Insurance will be awarded to the individual whose accomplishments in these individual silos stood above all others in 2016-17.
Voting is now underway and closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 18.
I will contact a representative from each of the Top 30 firms (by compensation) for their ranking of the Lobbying Firm of the Year.
To complete a ballot, email your selections to [email protected]. You must include your name and vote in at least three categories — only one vote per person. Entries cannot be changed. ALL BALLOTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
I reserve the right to add to the award categories and revise any eligibility and voting rules. My goal is for the lobby corps to recognize the best of the business, so if a suggestion is made to improve the Golden Rotundas process, it will be implemented.
Winners will be featured in the Summer edition of INFLUENCE Magazine.
— ON THE MOVE —
Corcoran Partners announced that former Hialeah Mayor Esteban “Steve” Bovo Jr., has joined the firm.
The move follows a distinguished public service career that saw Bovo serve as Mayor of Hialeah, Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission, Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), president of the Hialeah City Council and state Representative.
“We are excited to have Steve joining our firm family,” said firm founder and CEO Michael Corcoran. “The depth and breadth of Steve’s experience is not only an invaluable addition to our growing roster of talent, but his integrity and dedication to serving others is second to none and of immeasurable value to us and to our clients across Florida and in Washington, D.C.”
Based in Miami, Steve Bovo brings a wealth of policy expertise to the firm. As County Commission Chair, he established a Policy Council to tackle critical local issues such as mass transit, sea level rise, housing affordability and gun violence. As City Council president, he passed anti-sexual predator ordinances and improved quality of life issues on behalf of city residents. And as State Representative, he secured support for the Brigade 2506 Library and Museum, fought to reopen the historic Hialeah Park, and served as Chair of the House Committee on Business Regulation and the Hispanic Legislative Caucus.
Many of Florida’s congressional leaders have relied on Bovo’s counsel and expertise for more than two decades, including former U.S. Senator and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently shared a heartfelt message of congratulations to Bovo.
“Mayor Bovo has been a fearless and dedicated champion throughout his public service career,” said U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. “Leadership matters, and I am grateful for Mayor Bovo’s leadership. I look forward to seeing his public service legacy live on and working alongside him in the future.”
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez added, “Mayor Steve Bovo is a dear friend and an accomplished leader whose know-how, expertise and counsel is highly sought-after. Mayor Bovo has been an asset and incredible advocate throughout his career in public service and I look forward to continuing working with him in this new chapter.”
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Cy Flanagan and Brandi Gunder are joining the ranks at Florida TaxWatch.
Flanagan brings over a decade of experience in membership development, stakeholder engagement and strategic relationship management to the government watchdog, most recently as Membership Director for the Capital City Chamber of Commerce.
At FTW, Flanagan will serve as Director of Membership and Engagement. In her new role, she will lead “efforts to cultivate meaningful relationships, expand the organization’s network and ensure members feel informed, valued, and connected to the mission of promoting responsible government spending across Florida.”
Gunder adds more than 15 years of state government experience to FTW’s roster. The FSU law school graduate has extensive knowledge of state budget and tax policy, having worked in the Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott administrations, most recently as acting Director of Policy and Budget at the Executive Office.
As vice president of Research, Gunder’s policy background will inform FTW’s research output. The organization routinely publishes reports analyzing state tax and budget policy, including widely read annual reports on “Budget Turkeys” and “Taxpayer Independence Day.”
“We are excited to welcome both CyRhonda Flanagan and Brandi Gunder to the Florida TaxWatch team, both bringing substantial credentials and extensive experience to their positions and who will serve our members, our executive committee, our board of trustees, and the people of our state as the respected ‘eyes and ears’ of Florida taxpayers, with honor and distinction,” said FTW President and CEO Dominic Calabro.
Added FTW Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jeff Kottkamp, a former Lt. Governor: “They are both extraordinarily talented and will enhance our ability to significantly impact public policy and hold government accountable on behalf of the taxpayers of our great state.”
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Arrow Group is expanding its practice with the addition of Glen Gilzean, who will become a Senior Adviser.
“I’m excited to join Arrow Group and help further their mission of redefining government affairs consulting,” Gilzean said. “I look forward to working with the talented team to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact in communities across Florida.”
Gilzean spent much of his career in education, founding the nonprofit Educate Today and serving as vice president of Advocacy and Community Affairs at Step Up for Students, the primary facilitator of school vouchers in Florida.
Notably, Gilzean has been a go-to appointee for Gov. DeSantis. He has been named to the state Ethics Commission, Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and served a controversial stretch as interim Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
“Glen’s dedication to advocating for Florida’s children and communities is inspiring,” said Arrow Group President Albert Balido. “His experience and passion will be a tremendous asset to our team and the clients and causes we serve.”
Arrow Group is the government affairs arm of full-service business law firm Gunster, which launched in January through a strategic partnership with Anfield Consulting. Balido, the former head of Anfield, leads Arrow Group, with Ron Brisé serving as Senior Policy Adviser.
Gilzean’s hire marks the second major addition to the firm this year, following Kim Shugar, a veteran public servant with extensive state and local policy development experience who joined as a Senior Adviser.
— DAYS UNTIL —
Conclave for the new Pope begins — 2; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting — 8; Florida Chamber Leadership Conference on Safety, Health + Sustainability — 10; Epic Universe grand opening — 17; Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ premieres — 18; ‘Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning’ premieres — 18; Florida Chamber Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit — 24; ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ premieres — 25; Tony Awards — 34; Special Election for SD 19 — 36; DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet will meet — 37; Special Primary Election for Senate District 15 to succeed the late Geraldine Thompson — 50; Florida Chamber Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit — 50; ‘Squid Game’ season three premieres — 53; James Gunn‘s ‘Superman’ premieres — 67; ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ premieres on Netflix — 81; ‘Fantastic Four – First Steps’ premieres — 81; Florida Freedom Forum — 89; ‘Eyes of Wakanda’ premieres on Disney+ — 93; Florida Chamber Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit — 99; Special Election for Senate District 15 — 120; the Emmys — 132; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 135; Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio premieres — 144; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 175; ‘Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 200; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 212; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 212; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 226; ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 228; Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 277; ‘Avengers 5’ premieres — 365; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 382; FIFA World Cup 26™ final — 403; Another untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 593; Tampa mayoral election — 666; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 733; ‘The Batman 2’ premieres — 879; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1166; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 1282; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1682; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 2413.
— FINAL PUSHES —
“And just like that: Ron DeSantis signs bill targeting citizen-led ballot initiatives into law” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — DeSantis signed the bill adding new hurdles for future citizen-led ballot initiatives Friday night, hours after the Legislature passed the measure. DeSantis, an outspoken critic of Amendment 3 and 4 to legalize marijuana and protect abortion rights, had pushed lawmakers to change the process before the start of the Session. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida warned that the new law will make future constitutional amendment initiatives impossible. The organization, which could not say late Friday if it planned to sue, vowed to fight back. “This is not about protecting the integrity of the process. It’s about preserving power for a few who want unchecked control and the ability to ignore the will of the voters,” said Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.
—”Democrats voice outrage as Legislature passes bill on citizen-led amendments” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics
Happening today — Florida Decides Healthcare (FDH) will hold a virtual news conference to make an announcement regarding HB 1205, the recently signed legislation that significantly undermines Florida’s citizen-led constitutional amendment process: Noon, RSVP to [email protected] to receive the Zoom link and access details.
“Legislature votes to put agriculture tax cut on statewide ballot in 2026” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Florida voters will likely vote next year on giving farmers a tax break on land. The Legislature voted to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to exempt tangible property from property taxes on agricultural land, or if it is used for agricultural production or tourism. “This is a great opportunity to help farmers reach their goals and needs,” said Sen. Keith Truenow. He presented a joint resolution (SJR 318) on the Senate floor on the last day of the Regular Session. The measure passed on a 37-0 vote.
—“GOP wants local governments to stick to roll back rates for property taxes” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“Legislature OKs massive hurricane preparation, response package” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — The Senate has unanimously cleared a measure to boost hurricane relief and recovery capabilities and enhance storm response. It heads next to DeSantis. The bill (SB 180) is sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, whose home was damaged in recent hurricanes. The legislation would provide homeowners with a straightforward and streamlined permitting process as they rebuild. The measure includes clarification on repair guidelines to help avoid future property tax increases and increase disaster management planning, emergency resource coordination, financial transparency and reporting across state and local government entities. “Multiple major hurricanes ravaged Florida last year, leaving extensive damage statewide,” DiCeglie said.
“Legislature passes bill to ease public-to-charter school conversions, ban student cellphone use” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — In the latter hours of what was to be the last day of Session, lawmakers agreed on the final form of a bloated education bill comprising a patchwork of multiple measures that failed to pass on their own. Sen. Danny Burgess referred to the bill (HB 1105), the product of committee substitutes from three separate panels and the office of Lakeland Republican Rep. Jennifer Kincart Johnson, as an “amazingly big education train.” It passed 26-5 in the Senate at 9:35 p.m. Friday and 85-14 in the House two hours earlier. Only Democrats voted “no.” The measure includes considerations for kindergarten, college and every education level. It also impacts public, private and charter schools.
“School utilization bill stalls in the final hours of Session” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — A measure passed by the Florida House to have underutilized public schools reach full capacity, lost steam during the final hours of the Florida Regular Session and stalled. Rep. Susan Valdés sponsored the measure (HB 1115), which trumped its House companion bill (SB 1702) sponsored by Sen. Burgess. The bill was returned to the House after the Senate adopted an amendment. It was due to go back to the Senate after another amendment was approved by a vote of 84-19 in the House, but ultimately the legislation ran out of time. Rep. Demi Busatta introduced the amendment and explained that the House amendment replaced the Senate amendment in its entirety with language from HB 1267 — another bill sponsored by Busatta — that included Schools of Hope and course transparency.
“In last-minute push, lawmakers approve measure to treat Florida detainees with mental illness” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The House backed off proposed amendments Friday for a measure designed to provide mental health treatment to detainees in Florida jails and prisons who suffer from mental illness. The House had approved the “Tristin Murphy Act” on Thursday and adopted the Senate’s original bill (SB 168) as crafted by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican. But Rep. Nan Cobb added three amendments. The Senate reviewed the amended measure Friday afternoon. Bradley motioned to drop all three amendments and said the chamber “refuses to concur” with all three. Her fellow Senators supported her, forcing the issue back to the House one more time. When Cobb addressed the House floor about 7:30 p.m., without dispute or debate, she agreed to recede and the amendments were removed. The House then unanimously passed the final measure in agreement with the Senate hours before Session’s end.
“‘Lucy’s Law,’ named after teen killed in Biscayne Bay boat crash, passes in final hours” via David Goodhue, Grethel Aguila and Ana Ceballos of the Miami Herald — A bill that came about after a boat pilot was charged initially with only minor misdemeanors in a crash that took the life of a 17-year-old Miami girl overwhelmingly passed the Florida Legislature late Friday and is headed to DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law. “Lucy’s Law” is named after Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez, the Our Lady of Lourdes Academy senior who died Sept. 5, 2022, a day after George Pino crashed his boat into a fixed channel marker in Biscayne Bay during an 18th birthday celebration for the Doral real estate broker’s daughter. Lucy was one of 12 teenage girls in the boat.
“Wake up: Nick DiCeglie, Lindsay Cross measure targeting wake in flooded streets clears Legislature in omnibus bill” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — A measure championed by Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Cross that would create a traffic violation for creating wake in flooded streets has cleared the Legislature and heads next to DeSantis for his signature. DiCeglie and Cross both represent areas that experienced significant historic flooding from Hurricane Helene in September. The two bucked partisanship to sponsor bills (SB 350, HB 241) in their respective chambers to ensure neighborhood flooding isn’t exacerbated by vehicles trying to navigate flooded roadways. Neither bill passed, but provisions in both were added to a larger legislative package (SB 462), sponsored by DiCeglie in the Senate and Rep. Fiona McFarland in the House, governing various transportation issues ranging from school bus safety to traffic signal modernization.
— EPILOGUE —
“Lawmakers abandon plan for New College to take over USF’s Sarasota campus and The Ringling” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A proposal to put New College in Florida in charge of the University of South Florida Sarasota campus appears dead. Sources tell Florida Politics the proposal will not be considered during this Session, nor will a proposal by DeSantis put The Ringling Museum of Art facilities under the auspices of the Sarasota school. The Ringling is currently run by Florida State University in Tallahassee, while USF Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) houses students and programs overseen by the Tampa-based USF. Both campuses neighbor New College’s Sarasota campus.
“GOP push to alter state’s labor laws fails this Session” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Several Republican-backed pushes to change the state’s labor laws radically died during the Legislative Session. Bills to require small businesses to use E-Verify to check workers’ legal work status, allow interns to get paid below the minimum wage, and loosen child labor laws all failed to advance. Senate leadership spoke out against at least one of the proposals. Friday marked the last day of Session, although lawmakers’ work continues since they did not pass a balanced budget. For Democrats, who opposed the measures, the failed bills are a victory. “Our caucus was instrumental in defeating several bills with dangerous implications, including easing child labor laws,” new Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Lori Berman said.
“LGBTQ advocates celebrate wins after Pride flag banning bill and others fail this Session” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — LGBTQ advocates are celebrating several bills, including one that could have banned Pride flags flown at government buildings, stalling out this Session. “Once again, we’ve done what many thought was impossible: not one anti-LGBTQ bill passed this Session,” Equality Florida’s Executive Director Nadine Smith said. The Legislative Session ended Friday, although lawmakers failed to pass a balanced budget. Some of the dead bills, including HB 75/SB 100, that would have banned government buildings, schools, and universities from flying flags that represented a “political viewpoint.”
“Mockingbird keeps perch as state bird as bills flop favoring others in Capitol” via Fresh Take Florida — The northern mockingbird has done it again. Known for its ability to mimic at least a dozen other species vocally, the gray and white bird held off challenges for a fourth consecutive year in the Capitol to unseat it from its perch as Florida’s state bird. Lawmakers this year even tried some new strategies. Sen. Tina Scott Polsky devised what she believed was a “smarter, more nuanced approach” by filing a bill that would allow schoolchildren to pick their favorite bird at various Summer camps over the next two years. Survey results would then be presented to the Senate President and the House Speaker in December 2026. Polsky said she believed involving children also would raise awareness about Florida’s birds. In 2008, when 78,000 children took part in a similar survey, they chose the American osprey, a brown and white hawk.
— MORE LEGISLATIVE —
“At first House talk on property tax relief, not all ideas win praise; one is laughed out of the room” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Members of a new House Select Committee on Property Taxes convened for their first meeting to discuss five proposals Speaker Daniel Perez proffered as a “springboard” for talks on delivering relief to Florida homeowners. Some were more popular than others. One was summarily rejected as “a really bad idea.” The panel, led by Chairs Vicki Lopez and Toby Overdorf, first reviewed the key concepts, definitions and structures by which property taxes are administered in the state. Overdorf said when it comes to finding solutions that fit state and local demands, “everything is on the table.” He noted a sharp rise in property tax rates in recent years. In 2015, collections by counties, municipalities, school districts, and certain independent special districts were about $28.3 billion.
New and renewed lobbying registrations:
Benjamin Blink: Waymo
Christian Minor, Converge Public Strategies: Association of Health Information Outsourcing Services
Carlos Trujillo, James Card, Continental Strategy: MGS Consultants
Eric Vaughan: Wing Aviation
— STATEWIDE —
“Laura Loomer talks Florida Capitol, 2026 Governor’s race, Donald Trump and more” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Controversial political figure Loomer made a surprise appearance in the Florida House on the final day of the Legislative Session, receiving a standing ovation that shocked observers. Invited by Rep. Meg Weinberger, Loomer downplayed the visit, stating, “There really wasn’t that much to it,” attributing it to existing relationships and convenient travel timing after a fundraiser. Loomer, a vocal critic of DeSantis, claimed credit for his failed presidential bid, citing the “insurance fiasco.” She reported receiving “high-fives and attagirls from so many lawmakers,” grateful for her “work exposing the Governor.” Critical of the GOP establishment, calling them ineffective “RINOs,” Loomer stated she has no plans to run for office again, preferring to hold politicians accountable. “I’d rather spend my time on the outside,” she said, adding, “They cannot deny the fact that I am the best at digging up the receipts.”
—“Lawmakers confirm four DeSantis appointees to Florida Transportation Commission” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics
“DeSantis pillories ‘bizarre’ Democratic ‘pilgrimage’ to El Salvador” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — While legislators were hashing out bills Friday, DeSantis was on Fox News opining about national Democrats and their visits to Central America on behalf of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. Garcia, a controversial convict at the Center for Terrorism and Confinement (CECOT) on the American taxpayer’s dime, has seen attention from certain Democrats over an alleged lack of due process for the questionably legal expatriation that is intended to set precedent for more to come from the Trump administration. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland successfully accessed the accused gang member; others, including Rep. Maxwell Frost, were not. “He has a lot of defenders who apparently didn’t know a lot of the details when they started jumping on his bandwagon,” DeSantis told host Martha MacCallum, alluding to disputed claims that Garcia is a member of MS-13.
“DeSantis said every Sheriff has a Hope Florida expert. That’s news to some Sheriffs” via Justin Garcia of the Miami Herald — DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis led a news conference in Tallahassee on April 1 to announce that trained Hope Florida liaisons were in every Sheriff’s office. The DeSantises, flanked by uniformed Sheriffs and deputies in the state Capitol, touted the liaisons as dedicated conduits between the program and law enforcement. The Governor said each one “serves as a trained expert in Hope Florida” who can educate others “on the philosophy and functions” of the First Lady’s signature initiative. “To have cooperation from all 67 counties across the state of Florida is really special,” Casey DeSantis told reporters.
“Attorney General digs in against judge blocking new state immigration law” via Ana Ceballos of the Miami Herald — James Uthmeier says he will not tell state law enforcement agencies to obey a federal court order halting immigration arrests under a new state law even as the judge who issued the order threatens to hold him in contempt of court. Uthmeier said that he disagrees with a federal court ruling prohibiting all state law enforcement officials and police agencies from arresting immigrants who enter the U.S. illegally and then come into the state of Florida. He also said he does not believe an attorney general should be held in contempt of court for what he says is “respecting the rule of law.”
“Record-breaking amounts of seaweed drifting toward Florida, experts say” via Bill Kearney of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — The total amount of sargassum, the green and yellowish seaweed that washes up on South Florida beaches in Spring and Summer, is at record-breaking levels, said researchers in a monthly report. The seaweed, which often stinks of rotten eggs once it washes ashore, has not yet reached South Florida, but it’s drifting this way. A mapping system devised by the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab shows that sargassum levels for April in the eastern Caribbean and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean were 200% higher than their historical records for April. When combining all regions, including the Gulf, the total amount was 150% higher than the historical record in April.
— 100 DAYS —
“Trump says “I don’t know, I’m not a lawyer” if everyone is entitled to due process” via Kiki Intarasuwan of CBS News — Trump said he doesn’t know if everyone in the U.S., citizens or non-citizens, is entitled to due process — the constitutional command stated in both the Fifth and the 14th Amendments. “I don’t know. I’m not, I’m not a lawyer. I don’t know,” Trump told NBC News’ Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press” after she asked him whether he agreed that everyone on U.S. soil is entitled to due process in the court of law. When asked by Welker in the interview aired Sunday if he thinks he has to uphold the Constitution as President, Trump also said, “I don’t know.” “I have to respond by saying again, and I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said,” Trump said.
“Trump still would like to add Canada and Greenland but says attack on Canada ‘highly unlikely’” via Gregory Svirnovskiy of POLITICO — Trump isn’t closing the door on using force to attempt to annex Greenland and Canada. But he said the prospect of attacking Ottawa appears “highly unlikely.” Greenland, on the other hand? “I don’t rule it out,” Trump said. “I don’t say I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything. No, not there. We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security.” Since his November election, the President has declared his desire to acquire Greenland.
“Trump accused of ‘mocking’ Catholics after posting image of himself as Pope” via Lisa O. Carroll of The Guardian — Trump has been accused of mocking the election of a new leader of the Catholic church after posting an artificial intelligence-generated picture of himself as the Pope on social media. The image, shared on Friday night on Trump’s Truth Social site and the White House’s official X account, raised eyebrows at the Vatican, which is still in the nine days of official mourning after Pope Francis’s funeral on 26 April. Featuring Trump in a white cassock, a gold crucifix pendant and mitre, or bishop’s hat, and his index finger pointed toward the sky, the image was the topic of several questions during the Vatican’s daily conclave briefing on Saturday.
“Trump takes credit for ‘good parts’ of economy, blames ‘bad parts’ on Joe Biden” via Erin Doherty of CNBC — Trump took credit for the “good parts” of the economy in an exclusive interview with NBC News airing Sunday, but said that the “bad parts” are former President Biden’s economy. Trump defended his tariffs, even amid the economic uncertainty stemming from the sweeping announcement. “Ultimately, I take responsibility for everything, but I’ve only just been here for a little more than three months,” Trump said. “The tariffs have just started kicking in. … The tariffs are going to make us rich. We’re going to be a very rich country,” he added. It’s not the first time Trump has tried to shift blame to his predecessor. Last week, he put the onus on Biden for the U.S. economy contracting in the year’s first quarter.
“Trump budget would slash NASA funds, kill off Artemis’ SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft” via Richard Tribou of the Orlando Sentinel — Trump’s proposed budget looks to end the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft and Gateway space station central to NASA’s existing Artemis program — but only after a successful moon landing as the nation remains in a race with China. A preliminary overview of the White House’s planned 2026 discretionary budget released Friday dubbed SLS and Orion as “grossly expensive and delayed,” citing that each launch of the SLS rocket alone costs the government $4 billion and is 140% over budget. It’s among billions in cuts for the overall $18.8 billion proposed budget for NASA, which for the current fiscal year is nearly $25 billion. Ultimately, Congress will pass a budget and it often counters presidential proposals. The Trump administration looks to drop funds toward Artemis’ future launches by $879 million to end them after the Artemis III flight.
“Trump says he’s ending federal funding for NPR and PBS. They say he can’t” via David Folkenflik of NPR — Trump issued an Executive Order late Thursday directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s board of directors to “cease federal funding for NPR and PBS,” the nation’s primary public broadcasters, claiming ideological bias. “Neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens,” the order says. “The CPB Board shall cancel existing direct funding to the maximum extent allowed by law and shall decline to provide future funding.” It is unclear whether the President has the authority to make such orders to the CPB under the law. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger called it a “blatantly unlawful Executive Order, issued in the middle of the night.”
“A disturbance in the force: White House’s Star Wars Day post raises eyebrows” via Avery Lotz of Axios — The White House may say Trump represents a new hope — but Star Wars fans quickly pointed out that part of the White House’s social media post celebrating Star Wars Day feels a little more Sith-style. The meme-heavy, provocative communications from White House pages, coupled with a new Drudge Report-style site for pro-Trump stories and the President’s own social media stunts, have displayed a sharp shift in the official communications of the United States government. The White House shared what appears to be an AI-generated image of Trump, with heavily muscled and veiny arms, flanked by two bald eagles, wielding a lightsaber to celebrate Star Wars Day, celebrated on May the Fourth.
“Mike Waltz ouster adds to tumult in Trump’s national security team but consolidates power in fewer hands” via The Associated Press — Trump abruptly removed Waltz as National Security Adviser, appointing Secretary of State Rubio to the role on an acting basis while nominating Waltz as U.N. Ambassador. The move deepens recent turmoil within Trump’s national security apparatus, which has been marked by Defense Department shake-ups and scrutiny over messaging app use for sensitive operations. Sources suggest Trump is consolidating foreign policy decision-making among staunch “America First” loyalists. Once derided by Trump as “Little Marco,” Rubio now holds two critical posts after aligning with the President. Waltz reportedly faced criticism over secure communications and was seen as less aligned with Trump’s worldview. Far-right activist Loomer claimed Friday that she recommended Waltz’s removal to Trump directly last month.
“VA mental health care staff, crowded into federal buildings, raise patient privacy alarms” via Ellen Barry and Nicholas Nehamas of The New York Times — In a Boston VA hospital, six social workers are conducting phone and telehealth visits with veterans from a single, crowded room, clinicians say. In Kansas City, providers plan patient care while facing each other across narrow, cafeteria-style tables in a large, open space. And in South Florida, psychiatric nurses have been treating veterans with mental health conditions in a hallway near a bathroom, sitting down with them in a makeshift medical bay jury-rigged out of filing cabinets and a translucent screen. “People walking by can hear everything that’s going on,” said Bill Frogameni, an acute care psychiatric nurse at the Miami VA hospital and director of the local chapter of the National Nurses United union, referring to the patient intake setup in a VA outpatient facility in Homestead, outside Miami.
— ELECTIONS —
“Inside the Trump White House’s early 2026 Midterm strategy” via Matt Dixon, Henry J. Gomez and Bridget Bowman of NBC News — Trump has historically bad poll numbers for a President through the first 100 days in office. Still, the White House’s 2026 Midterms strategy will run through Trump himself while trying to re-create the energy behind his 2024 campaign. Republicans and top White House advisers generally believe the Midterm maps favor them in the Senate, but it’s more up in the air on the House side. But Trump’s lagging poll numbers have some Republicans concerned that both chambers could be at risk. The 2026 goal is to try to overcome negative economic sentiment by rekindling the energy Trump brings when he is on the ballot — a needed boost for the party after Democrats have outpaced Republicans in recent special congressional and state-level elections.
Does he? — “David Jolly entices Florida Democrats with dream of winning 2026 Governor’s race” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Former Republican Congressman Jolly, now an MSNBC commentator and newly registered Democrat, signaled he is preparing a bid for Florida Governor in 2026. “This is a very serious endeavor,” Jolly stated during a busy day of political activities in heavily Democratic Broward County, adding, “I anticipate getting into the Governor’s race.” Effectively already campaigning with town halls and a new fundraising committee, Jolly believes the “greatest political change environment in decades” under Trump and DeSantis creates an opening for Democrats. He aims to build a coalition focusing on issues like insurance and education. Despite Florida’s strong Republican lean, Jolly asserted, “We would not be in this race if I didn’t think there was a pathway.”
“Survey says: DeSantis struggles in yet another 2028 GOP Presidential Primary poll” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Yet another poll of Republicans shows Florida’s Governor with a lot of ground to make up if he runs for President in 2028. The Daily Mail poll shows that whether Trump runs for an unconstitutional third term or not, DeSantis is in single digits. If Trump runs, he takes 39% support. Vice President JD Vance draws 19%. And DeSantis is at 6%, doubling up another Florida man: Secretary of State Rubio, who has 3%. Without Trump in the field, Vance takes 48%, with DeSantis at 8%. Rubio is further back, with 5% support. However, one scenario shows DeSantis at 10%, and that’s if Donald Trump Jr. runs.
“Donalds cautious on property tax cuts” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The man who could be the next Governor wants to put the brakes on a policy proposal of the incumbent. During an appearance on Florida’s Voice Radio, Donalds diagnosed potential problems with DeSantis‘ desire to let voters decide to eliminate property taxes. “I would love to get rid of property taxes, but I think that we have a lot of counties in the state that do not have the tourism base that Miami or Naples or Fort Myers or Palm Beach County or Orlando have. And so, in these rural counties and these northern counties in the state of Florida, what does a proposal like that do to these counties?”
Happening today — Florida Decides Healthcare (FDH) will hold a virtual news conference to make an announcement regarding HB 1205, the recently signed legislation that significantly undermines Florida’s citizen-led constitutional amendment process: Noon, RSVP to [email protected] to receive the Zoom link and access details.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Charge on: UCF awarded 9,000 degrees during graduation weekend” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Florida’s largest college, the University of Central Florida, gave out more than 9,000 degrees during this weekend’s commencement ceremonies that run through Saturday. The school said that the number of degrees is setting a milestone for the Spring semester during the six graduation ceremonies at Addition Financial Arena. “Overall, UCF anticipates awarding nearly a third of all degrees in STEM fields, with 16% of all degrees coming from the College of Engineering and Computer Science,” the school said in a press release. “Of all degrees, the College of Sciences will award 27%, with fields like digital media, chemistry and physics. The College of Business will award 13%, including disciplines such as finance and accounting. The College of Community Innovation and Education will award 12%, representing majors like education, health informatics and emergency management.”
—”Protest over proposed bear hunt” via Fox 35
“Orlando among major U.S. metros with home price drops” via James Cannon of Yahoo News — The median home-sale price in the Orlando metro area fell 0.9%, while Jacksonville’s 2.2% decline marks the steepest drop in Florida and is among the sharpest nationally. The slip comes as the national housing market cools under the weight of high borrowing costs and mounting economic uncertainty. It’s the first time since September 2023 that so many large metros saw prices drop.
— LOCAL: TB —
“The opposite of NIMBY: ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ push for affordable housing clears Legislature, and it started in St. Pete” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg had a seat at the table, literally and figuratively, in the push to increase affordable housing stock. The figurative comes from St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. The literal comes from Rep. Lindsay Cross, who worked exhaustively this Legislative Session on a measure to provide local governments a new tool to drive affordability. At issue is a sweeping legislative package out of the Senate (SB 1730) driving affordable housing solutions and updating the existing Live Local Act. Welch worked with Cross, who then worked with Republican state Rep. Vicki Lopez to include language in the package adopting the “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) policy. It is the YIGBY to some people’s NIMBY (Not in My Backyard), and it allows churches to use their property for affordable housing regardless of zoning.
“Tampa judge finds Leo Govoni in contempt for not complying with court orders” via Christopher O’Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times — The Clearwater businessperson accused in court records of taking $100 million from medical trust funds was found in contempt of court Friday for not cooperating with bankruptcy attorneys trying to document his finances. Federal bankruptcy Judge Roberta Colton ordered that Govoni pay a $5,000 daily fine for every day that he fails to comply with court orders to provide personal and company financial records.
“Powerball jackpot winner arrested after kicking deputy in face: authorities” via Greg Wehner of Fox News — Just days after winning Kentucky’s largest-ever Powerball jackpot of $167 million, James Farthing, 50, was arrested at Florida’s TradeWinds Resort Tuesday night. Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a fight between Farthing and another guest. According to the arrest report, when a deputy intervened, Farthing kicked the officer in the face. He then allegedly resisted arrest before being subdued. Farthing faces felony battery on a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor charges. His girlfriend, Jacqueline Fightmaster, was also arrested for disorderly intoxication but was later released. Farthing remains in custody due to a Kentucky parole violation from a prior incident, despite his massive lottery win just three days earlier.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Politicians trade claims about records of people bringing guns into Jacksonville City Hall” via Steve Patterson of the Florida Times-Union — Has Jacksonville’s handling of information about people carrying guns in city buildings violated state law? The answer could be a problem for Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration, some Mayor before her or maybe no one at all. The question has brewed a set of claims and rebuttals since City Council member Nick Howland warned Thursday that “Jacksonville families could be on the hook for millions in legal fees, damages, and settlements” over actions of Deegan’s staff. “The Deegan administration has kept a registry of individuals who lawfully carry personal firearms into City Hall — a blatant violation of state law and likely the Constitution,” Howland posted on X. “Florida is a ‘no registry’ state for a reason. Violating that law carries steep penalties.”
“On YouTube, Phoenix Ikner backed racist conspiracy theory that inspired other mass shootings” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Ikner once spent more than an hour on his YouTube channel defending a far-right racist conspiracy theory — the same one that motivated some of the bloodiest mass shootings in history. Years before he allegedly killed two people and shot five students in the April 17 mass shooting at Florida State University, Ikner uploaded more than 100 videos to his channel on the popular video-sharing platform. Many of them consisted of livestreams of Ikner, an avid gamer who offered his own commentary and reacted in real time as he played first-person shooters like “Call of Duty” and “Halo.” But he dedicated one video in 2022 entirely to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, a debunked but increasingly mainstreamed belief that liberal immigration policies in the West are part of an effort to supplant white people with non-Whites, particularly Muslims.
Rest in peace — Anne Longman, 76, died May 1, 2025, in Tallahassee after complications from surgery. Born April 16, 1949, in Michigan and raised in Lake Worth, she was an intellectual scholar from a young age. Despite a university president doubting a woman could be a lawyer, Anne earned degrees from Mercer, UNC, and FSU Law. She clerked for a federal judge before co-founding the prominent environmental law firm Lewis, Longman & Walker, a rare achievement for a woman. She balanced her brilliant, reserved nature with her outspoken husband, the late Peter Antonacci. Anne cherished her daughters, Alexis and Claudia, and four grandchildren (“Amie“), sharing her love of learning, nature, and life’s simple joys. A private service will be held.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Portion of Palmetto roadway to be renamed after fallen Army Specialist killed in South Korea” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Two Gulf Coast legislators and local government leaders will gather along with residents Tuesday for a special honor to a fallen military veteran who will have a local roadway named after him. U.S. Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto was killed in November 2019 during a training incident at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. In honor of his name and service, the Florida Legislature agreed in 2024 to name a portion of highway U.S. 19 in Palmetto “Army Specialist Nicholas Panipinto Memorial Highway.” A ceremony marking the official name of the highway section in Manatee County will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday between Palm View Road and Terra Ceia Road. Sen. Jim Boyd was at the forefront of the project to name the portion of the roadway after Panipinto. The bill co-sponsored by Boyd (SB 868) was part of a larger measure that renamed portions of road across the state.
“Manatee County government looks at moving east” via Lesley Dwyer of Your Observer — Manatee County staff are recommending the purchase of a $24.5 million office building in Lakewood Ranch (9000 Town Center Parkway) to serve as a new county administration hub, reflecting the eastward population shift. The total project cost, including renovations, is estimated at under $35 million. While the downtown Bradenton building will remain the official county seat, hosting Commission meetings, departments like Development Services will relocate east. “It’ll save (East County residents) a lot of trips,” said Commissioner Bob McCann. Commissioner Carol Felts also supports the move. The purchase, from CMHC 9000 JV LLC, requires Commission approval. Existing tenants TriNet and the Federal Emergency Management Agency occupy the building; TriNet will vacate, while FEMA might lease space from the county.
— TOP OPINION —
“I worked for Kamala Harris and Biden. Here’s the missing link for Democrats.” via Rob Flaherty for The New York Times — Politics is downstream from culture, and as Democrats, we’re rowing upstream against powerful cultural currents while Republicans work to dam the river itself. The GOP focuses on long-term cultural change; we chase short-term political gains.
Today’s culture isn’t monolithic; it’s fragmented by algorithms into personalized neighborhoods. Many voters, especially the “opt-out” voters who decided the 2024 Election, live outside the political neighborhood. They distrust politicians and mainstream media, assuming the system is rigged. They get information ambiently, through social media and non-political creators, absorbing right-wing narratives about family values or “woke” policies disguised as cultural content.
This is our fundamental challenge. We defend a system that opt-out voters think is broken. We rely on mainstream media that they distrust. Our policy-heavy approach bores them. We’ve become an opt-in party in an opt-out country, clinging to outdated communication methods while the right builds an effective online machine targeting the very voters we need. Their network of influencers pushes conservative messages into diverse online subcultures, reaching people directly and profitably. We rely on a shrinking mainstream media, leaving us unable to influence the culture that matters.
We must build our own online ecosystem, funded by donors shifting from TV ads, and contest non-political spaces that the right currently dominates. But infrastructure isn’t enough; we need to change what we say and how we say it. We must offer a compelling vision: a government that fights corruption, checks corporate power, and actually works for people. We must embrace conflict, call out hypocrisy, take bold stands, and show we care enough to fight. Winning opt-out voters isn’t just about facts; it’s about capturing attention and demonstrating authenticity.
Why should anyone believe in us if we can’t show we believe in something enough to fight for it?
— OPINIONS —
“Why trial lawyers hate Florida’s insurance market reforms” via Paul Renner for The Wall Street Journal — Floridians were drowning in skyrocketing home and auto insurance premiums, largely because our state was plagued by lawsuit abuse. Frivolous claims clogged courts, making Florida account for a staggering 76% of litigated homeowners’ claims nationally in 2019, despite having only 8% of total claims. This litigation “crisis” threatened our insurance market. The Legislature acted decisively, reforming laws to curb abusive lawsuits while ensuring legitimate claims are paid promptly and fairly. We focused on fairness for consumers, not special interests. The results are clear: auto premiums are decreasing, and homeowner rate increases have slowed dramatically, becoming the lowest in the nation this year – far below inflation. Our reforms ended the billboard-lawyer gravy train. While premiums need continued attention, stabilization proves that ending litigation abuse works. We must resist efforts to undo this progress; a model other states now follow.
“A small, belated ray of hope in Tallahassee” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — As the Legislative Session ended chaotically, DeSantis was noticeably absent, a sign of his waning influence in a newly hostile Capitol. Legislators are holding him accountable for the first time, belatedly acting as a co-equal branch. The House notably exposed what members called “a culture of deception” concerning $10 million suspiciously channeled through the First Lady’s charity. While this newfound legislative resolve is progress, lawmakers failed their biggest task: passing a state budget, forcing crucial decisions behind closed doors. Worse, Republicans delivered “the final kill shot against direct democracy,” severely crippling citizen ballot initiatives. Despite dwindling numbers, Democrats remain vital, with Leader Lori Berman insisting, “Our caucus is unified and more determined than ever.”
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“Florida Retail Federation urging Sunshine State residents to buy locally for Mother’s Day” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Mom’s big day is coming up; Americans are expected to spend tens of billions of dollars on Mother’s Day while the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) is urging Sunshine State residents to buy gifts for the day right here. A survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) concluded that Mother’s Day nationwide spending is expected to climb to $34.1 billion for May 11. That’s more than the $33.5 billion spent on Mother’s Day last year and just behind the record spent on Mother’s Day in 2023, when $35.7 billion was spent across America. Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the FRF, said there’s no reason Floridians can’t find their gifts for moms close to home.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Happy birthday to the guy we call every time we head south along I-275, the best political consultant in Southwest Florida, and still our favorite Goodman, Max. Also, happy birthday to Laura Jolly, our friend Jim Magill, and Paul Flemming.
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Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
