Staff Reports
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
Ed. Note — Peter is celebrating Michelle’s “Re-birth Day” (from her serious health scare a couple of years ago). That said, Sunburn is taking tonight off. Don’t worry, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics will return to your inboxes first thing Friday morning.
Have a great evening, and please stay safe. And thank you for your continued support.
First Shot
Defying President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed his close ally, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, to the vacant Chief Financial Officer position.
DeSantis confirmed the news about the key Cabinet appointment during a press conference in Tampa, touting Ingoglia’s record as a “warrior” and “the most conservative Senator in the state of Florida.”
“Blaise is running into battle to stand up for people like you,” DeSantis said, adding that Ingoglia had played a key role in helping in the Governor’s fight with House Republicans this past Session. “Look at illegal immigration. Nobody in the Florida Legislature has done more to crack down on illegal immigration than Sen. Blaise Ingoglia.”
Ingoglia, who called getting the job an honor, vowed to be a fiscal watchdog.
“I’ve had a history of calling out wasteful spending, whether it was Democrats or Republicans, because I truly believe that government is accountable to the people, and our job is to make sure that we deliver that promise,” he said at the press conference.
He listed priorities such as property tax reform, investigating local government spending and creating a “more vibrant” property insurance market.
“We are going to be a proactive office,” Ingoglia said. “People call me conservative pitbull in the Senate. I’m going to be the conservative pit bull when it comes to spending as your next CFO. That I will promise.”
Americans for Prosperity-Florida State Director Skylar Zander celebrated Ingoglia’s appointment.
“Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a strong choice in appointing Senator Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer. Throughout his time in the Legislature, Sen. Ingoglia has proven to be a principled leader and a reliable advocate for economic freedom, limited government, and fiscal responsibility,” Zander said in a statement. “We are confident he will bring that same results-driven mindset to the CFO’s office, and we look forward to working together to continue building a more prosperous Florida.”
DeSantis was not swayed by Trump, who has been pushing for Sen. Joe Gruters to get the job, which pays $128,972 annually.
Read more on Florida Politics.
Evening Reads
—”The White House’s plan to downsize the federal government, in charts” via Jeremy B. Merrill, Kati Perry and Jacob Bogage of The Washington Post
—”The economy seems healthy. Were the warnings about tariffs overblown?” via Ben Casselman of The New York Times
—”Why Donald Trump betrayed his base on Jeffrey Epstein” via Zack Beauchamp of Vox
—”Trump discovers MAGA has no ‘off’ switch” via Peter Wehner of The Atlantic
—”My rankings of the 10 Republicans most likely to win in 2028” via Chris Cillizza of So What
—“The secret to Baltimore’s extraordinary year” via Rebecca Crosby and Noel Sims of Popular Information
—”Ron DeSantis remembers removing former Broward elections supervisor from office. He didn’t.” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—”Joe Gruters brings Trump confidantes onto campaign as he prepares to challenge Blaise Ingoglia for CFO” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
—”DeSantis rips pols who ‘prattle’ about the ‘most complicated home insurance market’ in the country” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—”New Schools Commissioner delivers fiery speech to the state Board of Education” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix
—“Jacksonville firm with $78 million ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ contract has obscure origins” via Anna-Catherine Brigida and Nate Monroe of The Tributary
—“The SEC confronts a new college football opponent: Panic” via Will Dehmel of The Wall Street Journal
Quote of the Day
“Did you lead, did you cower, or did you stab us in the back. There’s really only three ways you can go.”
— Gov. Ron DeSantis, on his CFO selection.
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.
Ron DeSantis gave Blaise Ingoglia an Early Start, but Joe Gruters is going to give him a run for his money.
Former Rep. Ralph Massullo is sipping on a Back in the Saddle as he sets his sights on Ingoglia’s seat in the Senate.
House Republicans would be wise to trade brinksmanship for a Drinksmanship and extend enhanced premium tax credits … or punt and let the Democrats who replace them do it.
Breakthrough Insights
Tune In
Orlando City hosts NYCFC
A pair of teams battling for playoff spots face off tonight as Orlando City welcomes New York City FC to Inter & Co. Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+).
Four points separate Orlando City from NYCFC in the Eastern Conference standings. Orlando sits in sixth with 35 points while NYCFC is seventh with 31 points and a game in hand.
The top seven teams in each conference are guaranteed a playoff spot, with teams ranked eighth and ninth advancing to a wild-card round. Last season, Orlando earned the fourth seed in the East and defeated Charlotte in a best-of-three series in the first round before knocking off Atlanta United in the conference semifinals, before falling to the New York Red Bulls in the conference finals.
Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda lead the team with 10 goals each, tied for 11th in the league. Ojeda has contributed eight assists.
Orlando City has drawn the last two matches, earning a point each against Montreal and Charlotte. The last win for the Lions came in a 4-2 victory at St. Louis City on June 25. Orlando nearly took three points from Montreal, but an 83rd-minute penalty kick by Prince Owusu earned Montreal the draw.
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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.
