August 31, 2025
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Ashley Moody does a TV interview on "Varney and Co."

APoliticalHeadlines
Drew Dixon

Snook ahoy: Recreational harvesting season for the popular fish opens in Florida Monday

Florida Recreational snook fishing season runs through Nov. 30 on the West Coast, Dec. 14 on the East Coast.
0 3min
APoliticalHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

Florida gas prices surge before Labor Day Weekend, but still cheapest holiday rate since pandemic

There was a jump at the pump due to flooding at a major Midwest refinery.
0 6min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

What it could mean for the Fed to lose its independence

Critics maintain an independent Fed maintains objectivity on key economic decisions and impacts.
3 14min
HeadlinesInfluence
Staff Reports

Lobbying compensation: Ticket to Top 20 tops $1M in second quarter

The cutoff for a Top 20 ranking hit the seven-figure mark in Q2.
0 11min

News & Trending

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APoliticalHeadlines
August 31, 2025 Drew Dixon

Snook ahoy: Recreational harvesting season for the popular fish opens in Florida Monday

0 3min 0
APoliticalHeadlines
August 31, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

Florida gas prices surge before Labor Day Weekend, but still cheapest holiday rate since pandemic

0 6min 0
FederalHeadlines
August 31, 2025 Associated Press

What it could mean for the Fed to lose its independence

3 14min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
August 31, 2025 Staff Reports

Lobbying compensation: Ticket to Top 20 tops $1M in second quarter

0 11min 0
APoliticalHeadlines
August 31, 2025 Drew Dixon

Florida ranks 26th in the country for safe driving during Labor Day Weekend

0 3min 0
2026Headlines
August 31, 2025 St. Pete Catalyst

Can David Jolly escape former associate’s fraud indictment?

0 8min 0
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
August 31, 2025 Ryan Nicol

Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics — Week of 8.24.25

0 19min 0
HeadlinesSt. Pete
August 30, 2025 Staff Reports

Report: Pastors arrested for protesting mural removal in St. Petersburg

3 4min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Staff Reports

Lobbying compensation: Ticket to Top 20 tops $1M in second quarter

The cutoff for a Top 20 ranking hit the seven-figure mark in Q2.
0 11min
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

Ashley Moody backs Florida DOGE as way not to ‘treat taxpayers like piggybanks’

‘This is a great idea.’
1 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Associated Press

Florida’s once-pristine springs threatened by pollution, development and climate change

‘You cannot keep taking water out of the aquifer because it’s not an endless supply.’
0 12min
HeadlinesInfluence
Staff Reports

Lobbying compensation: Top 25 firms rake in $800K-plus in Q2

Follow along as Florida Politics’ breaks down how much the top firms earned, and the clients they earned it from.
0 10min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

Florida Chamber gives sneak peek of F3 agenda

The agenda includes a ‘halftime’ assessment of the Florida 2030 Blueprint.
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Staff Reports

Lobbying compensation: Florida’s Top 30 firms see growth in Q2

A long Session does wonders for firm revenues, it seems.
0 10min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

Personnel note: Joe Grimes named FlaSEIA Executive Director

‘His leadership strengthens FlaSEIA’s position in shaping the future of Florida’s solar industry.’
0 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Personnel note: James Uthmeier taps Greg Slemp to serve as General Counsel

It’s Slemp’s highest rank yet in a law career spanning more than a quarter century.
0 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

Florida State Treasury posts record $2.5B in earnings

‘Our treasury team is laser-focused on making Floridians’ dollars work harder, stretch further, and deliver more for the people.’
0 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

James Uthmeier touts 2 high-profile criminal investigations by his office in North Florida

Suspected online predators are rounded up in the Panhandle, while a nurse on the First Coast is being prosecuted on charges of elderly abuse.
0 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

James Uthmeier reclassifies animal tranquilizer xylazine for use on farms

The revised designation by Florida’s Attorney General has backing from Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

Personnel note: Courtney Cox named partner at Moore

‘Courtney’s promotion is a reflection of her leadership and the impact she makes.’
3min

New Administration

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HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Leaving a top Donald Trump administration post? There may be an ambassadorship waiting.

Mike Waltz, Billy Long and Tammy Bruce all left jobs amid criticism but landed elsewhere in the administration.
1 12min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

It’s a year of rapid change, except when it comes to Donald Trump’s approval numbers, AP-NORC polling finds

While Trump’s poll numbers are under water, many Americans say they’re willing to give the President some leeway to improve things.
1 12min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

In Jeffrey Epstein furor, Donald Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked

‘I don’t want to talk about that.’
1 12min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint, ex-prosecutors say

It may take weeks or even months for judges to rule on the release of additional files related to Epstein.
4 11min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Jacob Ogles

Will new IRS Commissioner Billy Long rescind Joe Biden-era economic substance doctrine?

Fiscal watchdogs and business groups say without the change, small businesses could still face abusive audits.
7min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

State Department fires 1,300 employees as part of mass reorganization

Marco Rubio said some cuts will be unfilled positions or those that are about to be vacated because of buyouts.
2 9min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump comes to Pam Bondi’s defense amid uproar over Jeffrey Epstein files

‘I can’t believe you’re asking a question on Epstein at a time like this.’
7min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump sets 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, new import taxes on 12 other nations

Some tariffs appear to be an attempt to box China in from trading to the U.S> through partner nations.
2 13min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Donald Trump judicial nominee denies advising Justice Dept. lawyers to ignore court orders

Testifying during a separate hearing Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the whistleblower’s timing ‘suspect.’
1 10min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Republicans urge Donald Trump, Elon Musk to end their feud

‘I really like both of them.’
4 6min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Jesse Scheckner

Former 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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Jacob Ogles

Brian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff

He isn’t the only new NASA leader with strong ties to Florida.
4min

Immigration Enforcement

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HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Tom Homan rips ‘radical decision’ by Alligator Alcatraz Judge

The future of the makeshift prison is in doubt.
4 3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

As reporting questions Alligator Alcatraz future, Gov. DeSantis says deportations continue

Kevin Guthrie told a religious leader that the converted airstrip would be down to ‘zero’ inmates.
3 3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Kevin Guthrie says ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ will likely be empty within days

A top Florida official says the controversial state-run immigration detention facility in the Everglades will likely be empty in a matter of days, even as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and the federal government fight a judge’s order to shutter the facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” by late October. That’s according to an email exchange shared with The Associated Press. In a […]
3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

James Uthmeier says state troopers ‘absolutely’ can check citizenship ‘with probable cause’

‘This is a broad problem.’
3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis says troopers were right to ‘clear the road’ rather than arrest Harjinder Singh

The Governor believes primarily foreigners are agitating for leniency.
5min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

‘Ridiculous’: Jay Collins says ‘ethnicity’ drives calls for Harjinder Singh leniency

‘That’s not how this works.’
2 3min

2026

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2026Headlines
St. Pete Catalyst

Can David Jolly escape former associate’s fraud indictment?

The criticism not only questions Jolly’s funding but also touches on a core contradiction in Jolly’s political career.
0 8min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Jay Collins still stalling as 2026 GOP gubernatorial field takes shape

The LG will ‘continue to assess’ even as potential opponents are making moves.
0 4min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

Florida Chamber poll shows voters still support GOP, back lawsuit abuse measures and health care tax credits

Cherry Communications found high trust in Florida’s business institutitions.
0 5min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

‘Great idea’: Joe Gruters on board with Donald Trump’s Midterm Republican Convention idea

‘Let’s Go!’
0 3min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Paul Renner close to announcing run for Governor

‘Give him a week.’
7 4min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Jay Collins punts on question about 2026 intentions

He’s ‘laser-focused’ on serving, but not on saying whether he wants DeSantis’ job when it opens up.
0 7min

Federal

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FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

What it could mean for the Fed to lose its independence

Critics maintain an independent Fed maintains objectivity on key economic decisions and impacts.
3 14min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ashley Moody says ‘activist litigants’ swayed Alligator Alcatraz judge

Because the detention facility was temporary and on state rather than federal land, Moody says federal law didn’t apply.
4 3min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

What happens to Donald Trump’s tariffs now that a federal appeals court has knocked them down?

SCOTUS will likely have a chance to review this decision.
0 9min
FederalForeign Affairs
Jacob Ogles

Marco Rubio signals impending end to USAID

The foreign aid-dispensing agency was folded into the State Department earlier this year.
0 4min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

No debate? New poll shows Gavin Newsom with inside track for 2028, Ron DeSantis an afterthought

One guy looks like he could be headed to the White House. The other one, not so much.
0 4min
FederalHeadlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says nicotine pouches are the safest smoking alternative

Florida spends an estimated $10 billion annually on smoking-related illness.
5min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
Drew Dixon

Union umbrella group holding protest in Jacksonville Saturday to tout values of Labor Day

0 4min

Deborah Wesley scores 10 incumbent endorsements for Jax City Council bid

Florida GOP, Jacksonville City Council Republicans take stand against Donna Deegan’s budget

Jax Mayor’s Office, City Council bicker about who uses more free tickets

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

JEA approves up to $1.57B to build a new electric plant fueled by natural gas

4min 0

Florida agricultural officials invoke protections for more than 500 acres of farm land

Ashley Moody honors Putnam County deputy for saving 1-year-old’s life

11 days after deciding, Gov. DeSantis announces appointment of Kristine Van Vorst to 8th Circuit bench

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Jacob Ogles

Lake-Sumter State College taps John Temple as next College President

0 5min 0

Jerry Demings says the state is targeting Orange County with new investigation

Blaise Ingoglia accuses Orange County of hiding records in DOGE audit

Orange County Board confronts Visit Orlando about $20M misspending, lobbying efforts

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Staff Reports

Report: Pastors arrested for protesting mural removal in St. Petersburg

3 4min

Ben Diamond will not run for St. Pete Mayor

‘Our response will be strategic’: Ken Welch can’t save the street murals, but he will fight back

St. Pete forced to remove rainbow road art from intersections after state denies appeal

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW Florida
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Gov. DeSantis appoints Jim Turner to SWFWMD, reappoints 3 others

3min 0

Ron DeSantis names Karen Rose to Sarasota County School Board months after voters kicked her off

Southwest Florida’s GOP leaders watched Joe Gruters rise from ambitious upstart to national party head

Sarasota-Manatee lawmakers cheer Joe Gruters’ elevation to RNC Chair

Tampa

HeadlinesTampa Bay
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Rock the Park returns for its 15th year of free concerts under the stars

0 3min 0

Michael Owen wants to dissolve Hillsborough transit agency, establish Tampa-only system

Alan Clendenin re-elected to DNC post

Les Miller, Gwendolyn Miller back Naya Young for Tampa City Council

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Drew Dixon

Gov. DeSantis reappoints 3 to the Northwest Florida Water Management District

3min

New bay scallop season opens for Panhandle counties

Stakeholders applaud new forest land acquisition in Bay County

James Uthmeier charges Escambia County woman with exploiting elderly man

Tallahassee

HeadlinesTallahassee
Jesse Scheckner

Gallop Franklin to host second ‘State of Health’ roundtable with Big Bend leaders in Tallahassee

1 5min 0

Banner accusing Donald Trump, Pam Bondi of ‘protecting predators’ flies over Tallahassee

Leon County turns the tide with big wins in 2025 Session

Ron DeSantis shows off Thomas Jefferson statue to get ready for America’s 250th celebration

Communities

Communities
Associated Press

Taking a dip Labor Day weekend? Swimmers face fecal contamination at beaches along US coastline

0 7min 0

League of Cities recognizes 4 local governments for exceptional civic programs

Jena Antonucci: Preserving Florida — an agricultural triumph

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

South Florida

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HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Dem leaders, advocates to rally in Fort Lauderdale to defend rainbow crosswalk

‘The rally will send a clear message to state and federal leaders: our community will not be erased.’
0 7min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Another union backs ‘strong advocate’ Laura Dominguez for re-election in Miami Beach

‘She understands the importance of fair representation, collective bargaining, and supporting the workers who keep our communities running.’
0 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis names 3, reappoints 1, to Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade Board

All bring valuable insights and applicable experience.
0 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

‘The fearless leader Miami needs’: Miami Young Republicans back Emilio González for Mayor

‘He’s committed to reform, accountability, and a resident-first agenda that delivers real results for our city.’
0 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

‘Uniquely qualified’: 11 top Dems back Yvette Drucker for Palm Beach County Clerk

‘Yvette has the skills, temperament, and real-world experience to be an outstanding Clerk of Court.’
0 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Rob Long, Bill Reicherter add big bucks to campaign coffers in Special Election for HD 90

But only Long received significant outside funding.
7min

Culture Wars

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Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Byron Donalds says Americans want National Guard patrolling their streets

‘Why can’t we do the same thing where we live?’
5 3min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

Fort Lauderdale defies Gov. DeSantis order, joins cities fighting to save rainbow street art

‘We cannot be bullied into submission and to allow others to dictate what happens in our community.’
1 5min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Associated Press

Florida to put triple murderer to death in record 11th execution this year

Curtis Windom in 1992 killed his girlfriend, her mother and a man who owed him money.
2 6min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

‘Nation of renters’: Ron DeSantis rips BlackRock, bashes housing market that freezes out the young

‘These young kids, they’re not even in the game.’
6min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis, equal-opportunity executioner

‘Critics are saying this is racist?’
8 3min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

Florida election law dealt blow as judge rules noncitizen petition ban unconstitutional

‘The residency and citizenship requirements effectively silence (the plaintiffs), their members and employees.’
7min

Foreign Affairs

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Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

‘A national security issue’: James Uthmeier subpoenas video surveillance company over data privacy, ties to China

The company was sold to a Taiwanese entity in 2023, but it reportedly still uses key components from its former Chinese owner.
0 8min
FederalForeign Affairs
Jacob Ogles

Marco Rubio signals impending end to USAID

The foreign aid-dispensing agency was folded into the State Department earlier this year.
0 4min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Canadian tourism down year over year, but Ron DeSantis sees them as key to property tax relief

‘Who would want to be in Canada in the winter or spring when you could be in Florida?’
2 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

Carlos Giménez urges Donald Trump to strip PAHO immunity over forced Cuban labor in Brazil

‘Its actions are an affront to U.S. law, our commitment to human rights, and the values we champion throughout the Western Hemisphere.’
8min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

‘I’d rather have none’: Ron DeSantis sees red over Donald Trump greenlight for Chinese students

The Governor says ‘a significant percentage of the Chinese students … are engaged by the CCP.’
1 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

Marco Rubio’s State Department halts visas for people from Gaza after Laura Loomer questions arrivals

The Secretary of State said a “small number” of visas were issued to children in need of medical aid.
7min

Emails & Opinions

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics — Week of 8.24.25

UF has momentum, FMU is facing internal strife, and Alligator Alcatraz is still seemingly doomed.

Blake Dowling: Coastal Chamber clarity

Takeaways from Tallahassee — 🎶Call me Deacon Blues 🎶 

Delegation for 8.29.25: Shooting redux — go East — Legionnaire — vet skills — mockery

Last Call for 8.28.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

Florida ranks 26th in the country for safe driving during Labor Day Weekend

8 of the 10 worst states for driving during the Labor Day stretch were in the Sun Belt.
APoliticalHeadlines

It’s a busy first weekend of college football for Florida teams

The Hurricanes and Gators are among the teams hoping to contend for the College Football Playoff.
APoliticalHeadlines

Florida gas prices surge before Labor Day Weekend, but still cheapest holiday rate since pandemic

APoliticalHeadlines

Florida on 6-week streak of declining first-time unemployment reports

Scott Frost returns: UCF kicks off season with familiar face back in charge

Tech

HeadlinesTech

Ron DeSantis warns that AI is coming for white-collar jobs

‘Those could end up being obsolete.’
HeadlinesTech

Rick Scott targets Chinese control of ‘smart’ appliances

‘China could flip a digital switch and plunge parts of America into chaos.’
HeadlinesTech

Rick Scott wants federal money back from Intel

HeadlinesTech

Kennedy Space Center adds new bus tour stop with big views

Donald Trump admin launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

Education

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EducationHeadlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Laser light from peacocks? Florida Poly student research finds it in feathers

‘Identifying and exploiting such hidden structures could lead to advances not only in photonics but also in sensitive medical diagnostics.’
0 3min
EducationHeadlines
Drew Dixon

Time is running out on Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday

The tax holiday that began Aug. 1 expires Sunday night at midnight.
1 3min
EducationHeadlines
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Tampa Bay Times launches Education Hub to enhance education coverage

‘Politics and culture wars have shaped districts and campuses like never before. There’s a lot of ground to cover.’
3min
#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, Liam Fineout, A.G. Gancarski, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Andrew Powell, Jesse Scheckner, Janelle Taylor, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704

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