Staff Reports
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
Ed. Note — As Peter vacations in Alaska, Sunburn will take a short hiatus. Don’t worry, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics will return fresh Monday morning. Enjoy your weekend, and please check out Takaways from Tallahassee, featuring a brand-new Capitol Directions! Thanks again for your support!
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Florida Politics’ 12th annual list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians rolls on, with the No. 10 through No. 6 MPPs revealed today. Check them out here and be sure to check FlaPol tomorrow for the No. 1 reveal.
First Shot
For the first time, three lawmakers — all Democrats, and all women — have joined to establish a law firm dedicated to advancing justice, equity and strategic legal counsel in Florida and beyond.
Named BDGR — an acronym representing each lawmaker’s last name — the firm is being spearheaded by state Reps. LaVon Bracy Davis, Ashley Gantt and Michele Rayner. All three are attorneys licensed to practice in Florida.
The firm will offer services across a broad spectrum of practice areas, including civil rights, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, government affairs, and other related areas.
“I’ve had the honor of walking alongside each of these women in the right for justice — and I can say without hesitation, BDGR Law is built on brilliance, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to our communities,” said renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
“LaVon, Ashley, and Michele don’t just know the law, they live it, they lead, and they use it to lift others. This firm is more than a practice, it’s a movement.”
Davis is a former attorney for the Department of Children and Families and served as a nonprofit executive. She works in family law, government affairs, and community empowerment.
Gantt is a former public defender and educator who is now a leader in civil litigation, probate and education equity.
Rayner, meanwhile, is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney who has built a reputation for groundbreaking work in social justice and criminal defense, including representing the family of Markeis McGlockton, an unarmed man who was shot and killed at a Clearwater convenience store parking lot by Michael Drejka. Charges were not initially filed due to Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Rayner worked the case with Crump.
Read more on Florida Politics.
Evening Reads
—”The Reagan-appointed judge fast-tracking Donald Trump to trial” via Zach Montague of The New York Times
—”A town that pioneered the Juneteenth holiday is now calling off the party” via Heather Gillers of The Wall Street Journal
—”The hollowness of this Juneteenth” via Vann R. Newkirk II of The Atlantic
—”‘He’s right there!’: How the Minnesota attacks and manhunt unfolded” via Holly Bailey, Tim Craig, Daniel Wu, Praveena Somasundaram and María Luisa Paúl of The Washington Post
—“Lawmakers grant Florida DOGE power to fine cities, counties” via Skyler Swisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—”Sewage spills getting worse all over Florida, but funds for testing waterways are drying up” via Craig Pittman of the Florida Phoenix
—“Lawmakers leave Tallahassee without action on insurance” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times
—“Gov. Ron DeSantis gives $10 million to five state colleges for job training programs” via Gray Rohrer of the Tallahassee Democrat
—”Ho hum North Florida: Jax ranks most boring in America, Tallahassee not far behind” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics
—”He’s the godfather of AI. Now, he has a bold new plan to keep us safe from it.” via Sigal Samuel of Vox
Quote of the Day
“I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks.”
— President Donald Trump, on whether the U.S. will enter military conflict with Iran.
Put it on the Tab
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Sorry, Jax residents, FinanceBuzz visited your home turf and decided that the Bored to Death is the official drink of the Bold City.
Freshman Sen. Kristen Arrington gets a Lucky 13 for bringing millions back to her Central Florida district in the 2025-26 budget.
The Orlando Economic Partnership is mixing up a batch of Operation Next Gens for Florida’s next cohort of up-and-coming leaders.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
U.S. Men’s National Team tries to maintain momentum
The U.S. Men’s National team continues play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup when they face Saudi Arabia tonight (9:15 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1).
The U.S. snapped a four-match losing streak with an emphatic 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday. The tournament is the biggest competition in which the USMNT will play until the World Cup next year, so a strong showing is essential.
However, several key players are not participating for the U.S. Christian Pulisic has withdrawn from consideration for this Summer, citing a need to rest after a grueling season with his club in Italy, AC Milan. Two other regulars on the team, Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun, have injuries. Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Tim Weah are unavailable because their club teams are playing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Like Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Antonee Robinson are recuperating from their club seasons.
After facing Saudi Arabia, the USMNT will conclude group stage play against Haiti on Sunday. If they emerge from the group stage, they will play in the quarterfinals, which are scheduled to begin on June 28. The Gold Cup final is scheduled for July 6.
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
