Emails & Opinions

Joe HendersonJanuary 1, 2019

Welcome to Florida 2019, a time of hope and optimism that maybe, finally, we’ll get it right. That feeling usually lasts about 24 hours before we realize that while the calendar may have changed, most everything else won’t. People keep moving here. Traffic gets worse. And the National Rifle Association usually gets whatever Marion Hammer wants. […]

Joe HendersonDecember 31, 2018

One of the surest signs of the change about to come to Washington is the appointment of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor to lead the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. To say the least, it was a good move. While the nonstop news cycle has been focused on the government shutdown and border security, Castor’s ascension […]

Drew WilsonDecember 28, 2018

When Dover Republican Ross Spano got called out for breaking campaign finance rules in his successful bid for Florida’s 15th Congressional District, he shifted the blame to his former campaign treasurer. In the eyes of Democratic foe Kristen Carlson — and the many Republicans he faced in the primary election — he may as well […]

Joe HendersonDecember 25, 2018

This is a site devoted to getting deep into the weeds of Florida politics, so we try to avoid going national too often — unless it has direct statewide impact. With that in mind, I know the best Christmas present Florida lawmakers could give to all 21 million residents of the best state in the […]

Peter SchorschDecember 22, 2018

Tallahassee City Commissioners have their work cut out for them during the holidays. They’ll soon be sorting through candidates to replace suspended Commissioner Scott Maddox, who was recently indicted by a federal jury on public corruption charges. Time is of the essence, and everyone’s watching. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Saturday. Mayor […]

Blake DowlingDecember 22, 2018

As we end the year, I would like to thank all of those in public service that serve our great nation and state. It has been a long year of politics with heated battles and recounts; they are now behind us. What lies ahead? According to the Assistant U.S. attorney Steve Kunz, we have an […]

Staff ReportsDecember 21, 2018

Trump navigates political minefield with border wall What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, President Donald Trump and Republicans were basking in the passage of a big tax cut bill that supporters claimed would kick the economy into a higher gear. While the economy has performed well with low unemployment and higher economic […]

Guest AuthorDecember 20, 2018

The strength, love and volunteerism exhibited by the Tallahassee community, and all of Florida, over the past few months is not only rare but praiseworthy. Our headline-making, beautiful melting pot of a state — despite its flaws — is still the best place to live, work and raise a family. Florida is a place of […]

Peter SchorschDecember 20, 2018

Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics. First Shot Editor’s Note: This is the final “Last Call” for 2018. The state’s best evening political newsletter will return Jan. 2. Moreover, Sunburn — the state’s best morning political newsletter — is going on hiatus for the holidays and also will […]

Peter SchorschDecember 20, 2018

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. By Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel McAuliffe, Jim Rosica, and Drew Wilson. A dear friend of mine, James Miller of the Florida Retail Federation (we were fraternity brothers at Florida State), messaged me Wednesay afternoon. His brief words were so inspiring that, without his advance knowledge, […]

Emails & Opinions

Joe Henderson: How much will Florida change in 2019? Probably not much

Joe Henderson: Kathy Castor appointment good sign in climate conversation

Ross Spano’s passing of the buck may have some merit

Joe Henderson: Make Florida politics the opposite of Washington

Takeaways from Tallahassee — New year, new commish

Blake Dowling: A thanks and some last-minute gifts for political junkies

Delegation for 12.21.18 — Insights from the Beltway to the Sunshine State

Allison Aubuchon: A Florida party we can all get behind

Last Call for 12.20.18 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 12.20.18