Ryan NicolLewis, Longman & Walker adds Julia Lomonico in St. Pete office
Lomonico will serve as Of Counsel following an extensive history working in the public sphere.
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3min
Staff ReportsLast Call for 7.2.25 – 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.
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14min
Drew DixonFlorida ranked seventh-worst state in nation for handling credit card debt
The 10 worst states in credit card discipline were all from the Sun Belt, with the exception of Nevada.
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3min
Jacob OglesAmericans for Prosperity will use vote on ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ when it grades House members this Congress
The conservative group urged representatives to pass the legislative package that just cleared the Senate.
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3min
News & Trending
Jesse Scheckner
Janelle Irwin Taylor
Gabrielle RussonLegislative, Influence & Policy
Florida TaxWatch applauds $56M in budget vetoes, notes other cuts Gov. DeSantis missed
More than half the individual appropriations DeSantis vetoed were included in Florida TaxWatch’s ‘Budget Turkey’ report.
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6min
Gov. DeSantis vetoes restrictions on Trustee appointees, prohibition on administration politicking
The legislation responded to criticism of the Governor’s staff and appointees.
1
5min
‘The honor of a lifetime’: Mike Redondo wins race to be House Speaker for 2030 term
‘I’m excited for us to work together over the coming years to keep Florida on the right track.’
1
5min
Florida Public Service Commission seeking replacements for 2 open seats on regulatory board
The deadline to apply for the positions is Aug. 4.
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3min
Black history, minority teacher scholarships, Black Men feel brunt of Gov. DeSantis’ veto pen
A number of efforts at lifting up Florida’s marginalized communities faces resistance from the Governor.
9
5min
Citrus growers revel over ‘record-breaking’ $140M for industry in Florida’s budget
‘Research is more critical for the industry than ever before.’
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4min
Funding for West Shore Jr./Sr. High doesn’t make the grade with Gov. DeSantis
The Governor vetoed a $5M line item for the Brevard school, one of Randy Fine’s last budget requests in the Senate.
1
4min
A.G. GancarskiGov. DeSantis strips public radio and TV funding from final budget
Viewers like you will have to pick up the slack.
2
2min
Drew WilsonSadowski Coalition lauds Gov. DeSantis for preserving affordable housing funds
‘Our state’s seniors, veterans, and working families and individuals stand to benefit immensely.’
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3min
Small businesses praise tax package, elimination of business rent tax
The move should benefit Florida’s businesses.
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4min
Gov. DeSantis vetoes funding to study impact of eliminating property taxes
‘We know what needs to be done, so let’s just do it.’
4
8min
Gov. DeSantis vetoes $600M in projects as he signs 2025-26 budget
‘The Session was unnecessarily bumpy,’ DeSantis said Monday at a press conference in The Villages.
2
5min
New Administration
Associated PressDonald 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
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
Brian 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
Donald 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.
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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,’
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8min
Immigration Enforcement
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ brings Republican foes together to promote Donald Trump immigration agenda
Ron DeSantis, Byron Donalds, Wilson Simpson and Joe Gruters were among those at the facility.
6
6min
Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis say ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could be model for detention centers across country
The President toured the facility Tuesday.
1
4min
Ron DeSantis says Donald Trump ‘very excited’ by ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ahead of visit Tuesday
The President wants other states to follow Florida’s lead, the Governor says.
3
3min
James Uthmeier’s office prepared to open ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ on schedule
The detention center in the Everglades will bring 1,000 beds online on Tuesday.
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5min
Senate Democrats blast ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as dangerous political stunt
Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman said the facility was designed to sell merchandise and make headlines.
8min
Ron DeSantis urges Donald Trump to visit ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ after it opens Tuesday
‘We can land Air Force One right there, no problem.’
3
2min
2026
Byron Donalds adds to haul for Governor’s race, bringing total raised to $22M
He amassed another $10M in the second quarter of 2025.
1
3min
Ron DeSantis says Florida ‘gypped’ out of congressional seat, wants another census and redistricting
‘My Legislature will redistrict those lines, we’ll get it to where it’s fair.’
6
4min
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina won’t run in 2026 after opposing Donald Trump’s bill
Thom Tillis had been a key operative in the Republican Party giving congressional control back to the GOP.
2
4min
Petition gatherers organize signature surge ahead of restrictions on citizen initiatives taking effect in July
The Florida Constitutional Amendment Network will have volunteers collecting petitions in Florida’s biggest counties through Monday.
6min
Buddy Dyer and SEIU Florida endorse Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet in open HD 42 race
Orlando’s Democratic leaders continue to rally around the candidate.
1
3min
LaVon Bracy Davis raised $50K in three days. Will it be enough to campaign before a June 24 Special Primary?
Both Coretta Anthony-Smith and Alan Grayson reported upward of $200K in their campaign coffers.
6min
Federal
Americans for Prosperity will use vote on ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ when it grades House members this Congress
The conservative group urged representatives to pass the legislative package that just cleared the Senate.
0
3min
Carlos Giménez runs to lead House Homeland Security Committee
He wants to succeed Mark Green, who will vacate his seat in Congress after passage of a tax relief bill.
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4min
Ron DeSantis surges to best level in weeks in 2028 Republican presidential survey
Don’t call it a comeback.
2
2min
Rick Scott votes for ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ despite Senate refusing to consider Medicaid rollback
The Naples Republican lamented that able-bodied Americans will be covered and ‘watch TV instead of work.’
3
8min
Andrew PowellDCCC blasts GOP lawmakers for hiking health care costs with ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ vote
‘Cory Mills, María Elvira Salazar, and Anna Paulina Luna are desperately failing to uphold their campaign promises.’
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4min
Gov. DeSantis presses Donald Trump on Florida taking over EAA construction
The Governor said the state will move quicker than the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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3min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Panhandle
Peter SchorschTallahassee
Communities
South Florida
Coral Gables Commission rejects repeal of city election shift, censures sponsoring member
Commissioner Melissa Castro said voters should have a say in whether to move the election. Her peers questioned why she didn’t say the same about giving herself a big raise in 2023.
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9min
James Uthmeier threatens Key West leaders with removal from office for voiding ICE agreement
Florida’s southernmost municipality this week nixed a deal for police to cooperate in apprehending undocumented migrants.
4
6min
Elliman Report: Broward, Miami-Dade see slide in June home sales
Condo transactions remain sluggish in most areas of South Florida in June as well.
0
3min
Gov. DeSantis signs bill clearing $1.7M to Broward man wrongly imprisoned for 34 years
Sidney Holmes was arrested in October 1989. He was exonerated in March 2023.
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11min
Gov. DeSantis approves $1.7M payment to family of rec leader drowned in Miami Beach pool
He quietly signed the measure Tuesday.
1
4min
Veto list: Gov. DeSantis kills pilot program that would have installed air conditioners at Miami-Dade prisons
‘I’m floored. I can’t believe he turned it down.’
2
10min
Culture Wars
Ron DeSantis vows to defend Floridians against ‘communist’ Zohran Mamdani
Could the mayoral candidate be farther left than a Squad member?
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2min
People convicted of pot crimes can now lose medical marijuana cards
Charges for weed and other Schedule 1 drugs also will result in suspension of the pot privilege.
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7min
Funding to study ketamine use for veterans cut in last-minute vetoes
The drug is getting clinical attention, but no state money in the next fiscal year.
1
3min
Florida defunds ‘academic boycotts’ of Israel
The Governor signs off on a bill overwhelmingly supported in the House and Senate.
4
2min
Budget conference: People convicted of weed crimes could lose medical cards
An often-revised 1970s law governing illicit substances will likely be invoked.
4min
‘Adam Sandler, the hairdresser’: Jimmy Patronis takes shot at New York mayoral candidate
He made the comments Thursday morning on Fox Business.
4
3min
Foreign Affairs
Gov. DeSantis celebrates ‘very successful’ rescue mission from Israel
Though hostilities have quelled, the state could do this again if needed.
3min
Donald Trump ceasefire falters as Israel says Iran launched more missiles
Israeli officials have ordered a strike on Iran in response.
8
5min
Ron DeSantis says Joe Biden’s policies could lead to Iranian attacks
‘Who knows who they sent across the southern border?’
11
3min
U.S. signals a willingness to renew talks with Iran and avoid a prolonged war
Vice President Vance says military strikes on Iran provides an opportunity for negotiations.
2
8min
Secretary of State Rubio warns Iran about response to U.S. bombing of nuclear sites
U.S. State Departments advises non-essential American personnel in Lebanon to leave that country.
6
4min
Pentagon says U.S. doesn’t want to pursue war with Iran after bombing 3 of its nuclear sites
Pentagon officials stress the U.S. does not seek regime change in Iran.
9
2min
Emails & Opinions
Last Call for 7.2.25 – 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
FWC officials urge Floridians to be a ‘beach hero’ for wildlife during July 4 coastal events
Sea turtles and shorebirds are at their peak during nesting season as Independence Day will draw thousands to coastal areas in Florida.
Seven named to Florida Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025
Former Buccaneer Mike Alstott, FSU softball coach Lonni Alameda, motocross champ Ricky Carmichael among this year’s class.
Tech
AI and automation report struck down by gubernatorial veto
The study would ‘likely be obsolete’ by the time it was completed in December.
Supreme Court affirms Texas age verification law. Will Pornhub block Florida users forever?
Sponsors of a similar Florida law say the high court ruling means restrictions in Florida should withstand any legal challenge.
Education
Breaking his silence: Ron DeSantis offers defense of Santa Ono rejection
The Governor has been quiet on the controversy.
4
5min
Budget conference: Senate cuts offer for Florida’s preeminent schools in half
The distinction, and the funding that comes with it, is a big deal to schools.
4min
Budget conference: Lawmakers agree on K-12 education budget as some schools brace for cuts
Lawmakers are moving along in budget talks as they reach agreement on the education budget.
4min
