Plumbing biz executive with messy past gets appointed to Orlando Airport Board

Jason James faced at least two lawsuits over his departure with One Mechanical to start his own competing business.
0 6min

Eric Stelnicki hauls $200K in first quarter running for HD 100, lapping foes in outside bucks

3 others running in the district have all leaned heavily on their own bank accounts.
0 8min

Lee Steinhauer raises $37K, unveils Orlando homebuilder support for HD 45 bid

‘Lee has been a true champion for the American Dream of homeownership.’
0 4min

Legislative, Influence & Policy


Personnel note: Sunrise Consulting Group brings on education veteran Danielle Thomas

‘Danielle is poised to be an indispensable asset to Sunrise Consulting.’
0 4min

Florida TaxWatch report shows getting child care increasingly challenging for working parents

The analysis calls on Florida employers to provide better child care for workers, and pushes the child care industry to pay employees better.
1 4min

Now live: The latest edition of INFLUENCE Magazine — featuring the Golden Rotundas to honor the Florida lobby corps

For most Floridians, Summer kicks off Memorial Day weekend with delicious barbecues and spectacular fireworks displays. It’s a symbol that’s as American as apple pie. But for those in The Process, there’s a different symbol synonymous with the season: a white hankie. For those who work in Florida politics, Summer doesn’t really start until at […]
0 5min

Personnel note: JMI welcomes Emma Rose Graddy as Media Relations Manager

Graddy previously worked as Communications Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health.
0 3min

Wilton Simpson’s ‘Operation Safe Summer’ seizes 85K hemp products in statewide crackdown

Retailers violating state standards may face administrative penalties, including fines, product seizures and license suspensions.
0 5min

AIF poll: TDT debate simmers, but voters strongly back status quo

While lawmakers waged a behind-the-scenes war over how Florida’s lucrative tourist development tax funds should be spent, voters across the political spectrum are already sold on the current system. New polling from the AIF Center for Political Strategy shows overwhelming bipartisan support for Florida’s existing TDT structure. Eighty-one percent of voters say they back the […]
0 3min

Florida TaxWatch: State consumers will see higher prices as a result of Donald Trump’s trade tariffs

TaxWatch analysts concluded that Floridians could see grocery bills increase by 10% to 15% if new trade tariffs are imposed.
2 6min

Shutts & Bowen partner exits to launch First Amendment Clinic at FSU law school

‘Her commitment to constitutional principles will greatly benefit the law school and the broader legal community.’
3min

FloridaCommerce now accepting applications for state funding to enhance military communities

Military installations in Florida communities are estimated to generate 865K jobs in the state.
4min

New Administration


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.
1 9min

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.’
0 7min

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

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

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

Immigration Enforcement


Ron DeSantis likens illegal immigration to ‘insurrection’

The Governor also offered a warning to lawmakers looking to ‘virtue signal’ about ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’
8 3min

Eric Stelnicki hauls $200K in first quarter running for HD 100, lapping foes in outside bucks

3 others running in the district have all leaned heavily on their own bank accounts.
0 8min

Lee Steinhauer raises $37K, unveils Orlando homebuilder support for HD 45 bid

‘Lee has been a true champion for the American Dream of homeownership.’
0 4min

Nick Pachota raises $115K in HD 74 to replace James Buchanan

The Venice Mayor is massively outpacing the rest of the field.
0 3min

Jake Johansson clears 6-figure mark in campaign to succeed Tommy Wright in SD 8

His next closest opponent, Elizabeth Fetterhoff, hasn’t raised new funds this year but still has money reported from December.
0 3min

Federal


Jimmy Patronis pushes to keep Blue Angels in Pensacola

The freshman Congressman vows that no one will take away this Panhandle perennial.
0 2min

‘Done in Florida’: Ron DeSantis backs Donald Trump push to defund NPR, PBS

The issue matters to the White House, and the Sunshine State is on board.
6 2min

Donald Trump taps Sean Duffy as interim NASA Administrator

What does that mean for attempts to move NASA’s headquarters to Florida?
0 4min

South Florida


‘Overwhelming support’: Fran Nachlas adds $334K in first 2 months of Boca Raton Mayor bid

The haul, inclusive of a $100K self-loan, is more than double what her lone opponent raised in 3 months.
0 5min

‘Energized’: Eileen Higgins camp reports raising nearly $350K in first 3 months of Miami Mayor bid

‘I’m honored and energized by the overwhelming support we’ve received from the community.’
0 5min

Brian Ehrlich adds more than $100K for Miami Beach Commission bid

He’s one of 7 candidates running in a jam-packed open contest.
0 5min

Culture Wars


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

Foreign Affairs


Marco Rubio says U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks

‘We’re going to continue to stay involved where we see opportunities to make a difference.’
1 12min

Ashley Moody, Rick Scott urge Secretary of State to press for release of Americans held in Venezuela

Scott and Moody want the Trump administration to declare elements of the Venezuelan government as ‘terrorist’ organizations.
0 4min

U.S. hospital ship Comfort delivers medical assistance to Panama during five day stay

The Comfort’s crew also provided medical education and help provide other humanitarian assistance in the Central American country.
3min

Gov. DeSantis celebrates ‘very successful’ rescue mission from Israel

Though hostilities have quelled, the state could do this again if needed.
3min

Education


Student loan cancellation program could become Donald Trump retribution tool, some advocates fear

Trump ordered changes to the program in March, declaring it had ‘misdirected tax dollars into activist organizations’ that harm national security.
9min

UF trustees push back on lawmakers’ criticism of presidential search

‘I did not come to Florida to bring DEI back — I came to make sure it never returns.’
4 4min


#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