Gabrielle RussonGov. DeSantis signs controversial ‘chemtrails’ legislation
‘The purpose of this bill is to separate fact from fiction,’ Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia said.
2
4min
Judge grants partial delay in Carolina Amesty’s federal case until next month
It’s the latest update in the case against the former Republican lawmaker.
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5min
Janelle Irwin TaylorNo. 1 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Lawrence McClure
McClure played hardball with the budget, and in a lot of ways, it paid off.
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12min
No. 2 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Chad Chronister
His rise has been meteoric, landing him consistently among the highest ranked officials in the region.
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15min
News & Trending
June 20, 2025
Jesse Scheckner
Jesse Scheckner
Gov. DeSantis signs measure codifying penalties for gift card fraud
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4min
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Staff ReportsLegislative, Influence & Policy
Gov. DeSantis signs controversial ‘chemtrails’ legislation
‘The purpose of this bill is to separate fact from fiction,’ Republican Sen. Ileana Garcia said.
2
4min
Judge grants partial delay in Carolina Amesty’s federal case until next month
It’s the latest update in the case against the former Republican lawmaker.
0
5min
Gov. DeSantis signs measure codifying penalties for gift card fraud
Stronger punishment is coming.
0
4min
Three Democratic lawmakers join forces to launch new law firm
LaVon Bracy Davis, Ashley Gantt and Michele Rayner will run a multi-practice firm.
1
5min
Drew WilsonPersonnel note: Matt Newton rejoins Shumaker as a Partner
‘Shumaker has always felt like home.’
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2min
Personnel note: Roger Handberg joins GrayRobinson’s Litigation practice
‘What drew me to GrayRobinson is its identity as a true Florida firm … ‘
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3min
Drew DixonCap reax: Controlled growth group rips state lawmakers for not providing more funds to land acquisition program
Some $18 million in funding for Florida Forever drew high praise from another environmental group this week.
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4min
Cap reax: Sadowski Coalition celebrates affordable housing initiatives being fully funded in budget
‘These proven programs are the state’s most successful and effective tools for creating housing that is affordable.’
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4min
Personnel note: Erin Gillespie joins Presidio’s Florida practice
Erin Gillespie, a veteran of Florida state government and a recognized expert in technology-driven public sector solutions, has joined Presidio’s growing Florida. Presidio, which has partnered with state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions across Florida for decades, announced Gillespie’s addition as part of its ongoing expansion of State, Local and Education (SLED) solutions. “Erin’s […]
2min
Cap reax: Florida Hospital Association applauds ‘meaningful health care investments’ in budget
‘These investments give our hospitals great confidence.’
5min
Cap reax: Florida Realtors closes the deal on a winning Session
Florida Association of Realtors is hailing the Session as a major win for property rights and economic growth.
2min
Cap reax: Business advocates give thumbs up to Florida eliminating business rent tax
While lawmakers got rid of the business rent tax, some local governments say it will hurt municipalities because of lost tax revenue.
3min
New Administration
Associated PressFormer SCOFLA justices accuse Pam Bondi of ethical misconduct in Florida Bar complaint
The Department of Justice called them less intelligent or original ‘than sheep.’
6
6min
Jacob OglesBrian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff
He isn’t the only new NASA leader with strong ties to Florida.
4min
Donald Trump taps Bernie Navarro as the next Ambassador to Peru
The Benworth Capital founder is a long-time friend and ally of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
4min
A.G. GancarskiDonald Trump issues edict against ‘useless’ water conservation standards
The President rolls back a 20th century law in his fight against the ‘green’ agenda.
15
2min
Horse sense: Donald Trump talks Kentucky Derby and the ‘Golden Age’
POTUS weighs in on Saturday’s premiere sporting event.
4
3min
As Elon Musk gained power in Washington, his popularity has fallen, an AP poll finds
DOGE efforts by Musk have many starting to wonder if the Tesla entrepreneur knows what he is doing.
10
9min
Donald Trump’s first 100 days: Steamrolling government, strong-arming allies and igniting trade wars
Norms have been sidetracked as Donald Trump seeks to leave his personal stamp on the United States in the early going of his second term as President.
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51min
Poll: Only about half of Republicans say Trump has focused on the right priorities
Many Americans do not agree with President Donald Trump’s aggressive efforts to quickly enact his agenda, a new poll finds, and even Republicans are not overwhelmingly convinced that his attention has been in the right place. Americans are nearly twice as likely to say Trump has been mostly focusing on the wrong priorities as to […]
12
3min
Elon Musk to spend less time in Washington, more time running Tesla after profit plunges
The billionnaire said the ‘major work of establishing Department of Government Efficiency is done,’
6
8min
Donald Trump considers pausing his auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash
Asian countries are still angling on how to deal with the threat of U.S. tariffs.
7
9min
Immigration Enforcement
James Uthmeier says Florida will help out feds in California immigration mission
‘We’ll be sending any resources we have.’
6
3min
Ron DeSantis reveals Gavin Newsom thought Florida riot help would ‘inflame the situation’
Florida’s State Guard will stay at home.
2
3min
Ron DeSantis blames George Soros for doxxing, attacks on immigration enforcement
The Governor has talked about Soros since at least his 2018 campaign.
11
3min
Donald Trump banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the US. Here’s what to know
Reactions to the ban ran the gamut from anger to guarded relief and support.
5
13min
‘Make this make sense’: Ron DeSantis rips ‘disgraceful’ riots in California
‘They’re waving the flag of the country they don’t want to get sent back to.’
6
2min
Rick Scott says feds have a right to defend ICE agents
The Naples Republican is weighing in on demonstrations on the West Coast.
8
3min
2026
Byron Donalds launches attack ad slamming David Jolly’s ‘own words’ endorsing Democratic agenda
The ad positions Jolly against controversial remarks by Chuck Schumer and Kamala Harris.
5
4min
Prediction market positions Byron Donalds, Ashley Moody as big 2026 favorites
It’s hard to bet against an incumbent and a Trump pick.
2
3min
Not just talk: John Rutherford draws Primary challenge from radio host Mark Kaye
Could this be the incumbent’s toughest test yet?
4
2min
David Hogg won’t run again for DNC post, still intends to back Primary challengers to Democrats
The Parkland survivor said his Leaders We Deserve PAC will seek young, progressive voices to support.
3
6min
Poll shows Byron Donalds starts with 6-point lead over David Jolly in 2026 Governor’s race
Victory Insights found the Florida electorate already leaning toward the first major Republican in the race.
2
6min
Nathan Boyles heading to House after HD 3 Special Election win
He fills the seat Joel Rudman vacated at the beginning of the year.
6min
Federal
Medicare, Social Security go-broke dates pushed up due to rising health care costs, new SSA law
President Donald Trump and other Republicans have vowed not to make any cuts to Medicare or Social Security, even as they seek to shrink the federal government’s expenditures.
1
9min
Personnel note: John Barsa joins Continental Strategy as D.C. partner
‘John is one of the most sophisticated operators in global policy and national security.’
5min
Notable mention on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Vern Buchanan, Jim Boyd and Joe Gruters
From future Senate President to possible future state CFO, and a federal powerhouse in between, Manatee County is well-represented.
8min
Man suspected of shooting 2 Minnesota lawmakers is in custody after surrendering to police
The manhunt for suspected shooter Vance Boelter was the largest in Minnesota state history.
1
10min
Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers
The shooter, who owned a security and protection firm, remains on the run and possibly heading to Canada.
13min
House approves Donald Trump’s request to cut funding for NPR, PBS, foreign aid
The administration is likening the first rescissions package to a test case and says more could be on the way if Congress goes along.
4
9min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Tallahassee
Communities
South Florida
Prominent South Florida lobbyist sentenced to 18 months in prison for tax evasion
It’s less than what the prosecution sought, but more than he and his lawyer requested.
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7min
Ryan NicolU.S. Sugar, Everglades Equipment Group partner to add new John Deere tech to sugarcane farms
‘We are continuing to push the limits of American innovation.’
6min
‘She’s kidding, right?’: Todd Delmay bashes Hillary Cassel for backing ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
‘She’s “proud” to support that.’
7min
Delray Beach to receive $15M settlement over ‘forever chemicals’ contamination
The settlement funds are timely.
1
5min
Retired Broward Chief Judge Jack Tuter joins Conrad & Scherer law firm
‘Conrad & Scherer is the only law firm I considered joining.’
3min
Culture Wars
Minnesota shooting drives war of words between Anna Paulina Luna, Florida Democrats
Comments are pouring in after the act of political violence.
7
9min
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: Two lawmakers shot, one killed, in politically targeted shooting
The FBI will investigate the armed assaults.
2min
No Kings Day protests to include march to Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home
A birthday message to the President decrying authoritarianism arrives the same day a military parade unfolds in the nation’s capital.
4min
Brevard Sheriff warns violent protesters could end up ‘graveyard dead’
‘We will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at.’
12
4min
Ron DeSantis says it’s OK to hit a protesting ‘mob’ with your car if you need to ‘flee for your safety’
‘You don’t have to sit there and just be a sitting duck.’
23
3min
Budget conference: People convicted of weed crimes could lose medical cards
An often-revised 1970s law governing illicit substances will likely be invoked.
4min
Foreign Affairs
Ron DeSantis: Florida is taking the lead to rescue 1,400 people from Israel conflict
‘This is an ongoing effort,’ DeSantis said early Friday.
2
6min
Donald Trump says supporters are ‘more in love’ with him than ever, as involvement in Iran roils MAGA world
Some MAGA stallwarts such as Steve Bannon and Alex Jones are raising questions about Middle East military involvement.
7
7min
Florida’s congressional delegation offers bipartisan support to Israel after attack on Iran
Rick Scott and Jared Moskowitz are on the same page when it comes to Israel’s decision.
3
4min
U.S. launches $8M project in Panama to swap Chinese equipment for American-made tech
The U.S.-funded project is expected to take about 2 years to complete.
4min
U.S. stocks drift, Chinese markets rise as trade talks start between world’s largest economies
Hopes President Donald Trump would lower tariffs are among the main reasons the S&P 500 rallied back.
5min
A Ukrainian security official says Kyiv destroyed more than 40 military aircraft in a drone attack
Attack on aircraft deep within Russia comes after drone strikes on Ukrainian targets while peace talks are set to take place in Turkey.
3
5min
Emails & Opinions
Last Call for 6.19.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida
A digest of the day’s politics and policy while the bartender refreshes your drink.
Apolitical
Ho hum North Florida: Jax ranks most boring in America, Tallahassee not far behind
But Miami and Orlando are cranking.
Florida new unemployment down last week to fewer than 7,500
National initial unemployment filings declined as well for the week, dropping 4.1%.
Tech
Donald Trump extends TikTok ban deadline for a third time, without clear legal basis
It is the third time Trump has extended the deadline.
Budget conference: $15M dedicated to laser-assisted mapping of Florida terrain
LiDAR funding appeared in the budget as lawmakers agreed to cut $15 million in vacant Department of Transportation positions,
Education
Jeanette Nuñez confirmed as FIU President, vows to prioritize students, elevate school ranking
‘The students will be at the center of everything I do.’
0
6min
Rick Scott, Byron Donalds, Greg Steube demand more transparency in next UF President pick
‘We urge UF to change course in the upcoming search, and commit to multiple candidates being interviewed by the Board.’
1
6min
UCF taps Boise State leader John Buckwalter to be its next Provost
‘I am honored to join UCF at such an exciting time in the university’s trajectory.’
4min
