July 11, 2025
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HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

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
2026Headlines
Jesse Scheckner

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
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Big viewership for The Lincoln Project’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ad shows American disgust, group says

‘You’ve built this, MAGA, and some of you will enjoy the view from inside the wire.’
2 6min

News & Trending

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HeadlinesOrlando
July 11, 2025 Gabrielle Russon

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

0 6min 0
2026Headlines
July 11, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

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

0 8min 0
2026Headlines
July 11, 2025 Jacob Ogles

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

0 4min 0
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
July 11, 2025 Janelle Irwin Taylor

Big viewership for The Lincoln Project’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ad shows American disgust, group says

2 6min 0
HeadlinesSouth Florida
July 11, 2025 Ryan Nicol

Andy Thomson ‘humbled’ after raising $117K for Boca Raton Mayor’s race

0 3min 0
2026Headlines
July 11, 2025 Jacob Ogles

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

0 3min 0
HeadlinesSouth Florida
July 11, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

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

0 5min 0
2026Headlines
July 11, 2025 Jacob Ogles

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

0 3min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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

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

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Peter Schorsch

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

Susie Wiles praises ‘good Governor’ Ron DeSantis, says feud in ‘rearview mirror’

Let the healing begin.
3 3min
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

Greg Steube backs Ron DeSantis’ push to end property taxes

The Congressman says DeSantis’ proposal would be ‘great for the economy.’
2 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Porn industry drops challenge to Florida’s age verification law

But Pornhub still won’t allow Florida users to access content.
2 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

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

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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.
1 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.’
0 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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Jacob Ogles

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
A.G. Gancarski

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
A.G. Gancarski

Horse sense: Donald Trump talks Kentucky Derby and the ‘Golden Age’

POTUS weighs in on Saturday’s premiere sporting event.
4 3min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

Mike Waltz ouster adds to tumult in Trump’s national security team but consolidates power in fewer hands

Are more changes imminent?
3 6min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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

Immigration Enforcement

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HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Big viewership for The Lincoln Project’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ ad shows American disgust, group says

‘You’ve built this, MAGA, and some of you will enjoy the view from inside the wire.’
2 6min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis likens illegal immigration to ‘insurrection’

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

Democrats sue for access into ‘Alligator Alcatraz’; Governor’s Office calls their complaint ‘dumb’

The lawmakers were stopped July 3 from entering the facility for ‘safety reasons.’
2 4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

SCOTUS keeps hold on immigration law

The Court offered no context.
0 2min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

Byron Donalds draws line in sand against ‘mass amnesty’ for undocumented immigrants

‘I know that’s not something I could support.’
2 3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Peter Schorsch

Key West Mayor: Vote to nix ICE agreement was about legality, not policy

‘Let me be clear: I have no intention of breaking state law or undermining lawful immigration enforcement.’
1 4min

2026

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2026Headlines
Jesse Scheckner

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
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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

The Venice Mayor is massively outpacing the rest of the field.
0 3min
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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
2026Headlines
Jesse Scheckner

David Silvers leads 3-way SD 26 fundraising contest with $44K haul in Q2

Some notable names appear on his donations ledger.
0 7min
2026Headlines
Jesse Scheckner

Rob Long taps real estate, food service industries to raise $35K in Q2 for HD 90 bid

The haul pushed him past the $50K mark in gains this cycle.
0 8min

Federal

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FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Jimmy Patronis pushes to keep Blue Angels in Pensacola

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

‘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
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump taps Sean Duffy as interim NASA Administrator

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

A surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts divided

Donald Trump has promised a review of the ‘Johnson Amendment’ for years.
1 12min
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

Democrats in Congress planned an unannounced visit to ‘Alligator Alcatraz.’ Then Florida scheduled a guided tour.

‘This sanitized tour is not real oversight.’
2 3min
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

‘Boo hoo’: Randy Fine refuses to apologize for calling Ilhan Omar a ‘Muslim terrorist’

Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders called Fine’s rhetoric ‘unhinged, racist and Islamophobic.’
8 4min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
A.G. Gancarski

Northeast Florida Builders hail workforce education appropriation

0 3min

Jacksonville celebrates state funding for ‘key projects’

Donna Deegan political committee raises 6 figures in second quarter

Randy White clears 6 figures in early fundraising for Duval County Tax Collector

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

North Florida Land Trust eradicates submerged fencing in waters of Smith Lake Preserve

0 3min 0

Sam Garrison continues to deliver for Clay County

First Coast manufacturing survey shows 5 straight months of significant contraction for most sectors

North Florida Land Trust urges property owners to seek a cut of $1.7M in land management funding

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

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

0 6min 0

Emily Duda Buckley raises $75K in Q2, $146K to date in HD 38 bid

Orlando is giving out free sandbags for precautionary hurricane prep

Stephanie Murphy is running for Orange County Mayor

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Indian Rocks Beach appoints Shumaker lawyer — not Anthony Sabatini — as City Attorney

5min

Lewis, Longman & Walker adds Julia Lomonico in St. Pete office

Rene Flowers selected as President-elect for Florida Association of Counties

St. Pete secures $2M in state budget for Manhattan Casino, Shore Acres resiliency

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW Florida
Jacob Ogles

Heidi Brandt raises $40K in 45 days for Bridget Ziegler’s School Board seat

1 4min 0

Matriarch of wealthy real estate family sues ex-employee for defamation over ‘toxic’ land claims

Fiona McFarland secures $39M in state budget for local projects

Sprinkle list: $10M flows from Senate to Caloosahatchee basin

Tampa

HeadlinesTampa Bay
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Democrat to challenge Donna Cameron Cepeda for Hillsborough County Commission

0 5min 0

Orlando Gudes withdraws from Tampa City Council Special Election following residency questions

Kathy Castor demands Pam Bondi reinstate prosecutor handling Leo Govoni case

Tampa real estate investment firm under investigation for potential deceptive practices

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Drew Dixon

James Uthmeier’s office charges man accused of human trafficking with victim tampering

3min

Thanks to Gov. DeSantis, legislators and advocates, a river still runs through it

Gov. DeSantis kills the drill, signing HB 1143 to protect Apalachicola River basin

Gov. DeSantis reappoints Adam Kissel to UWF board after Senate rejects him

Tallahassee

HeadlinesTallahassee
Peter Schorsch

Leon County turns the tide with big wins in 2025 Session

0 4min 0

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

First Tee–Tallahassee celebrates $300,000 in state budget to expand youth development programs

Budget conference: No funding for FSU Election Law Center

Communities

CommunitiesHeadlines
Drew Dixon

League of Cities recognizes 4 local governments for exceptional civic programs

5min 0

Jena Antonucci: Preserving Florida — an agricultural triumph

JJ Grow bests Judith Vowels to win HD 23 open seat

Bill Gladson endorses Matt McClain for Marion County Commission

South Florida

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HeadlinesSouth Florida
Ryan Nicol

Andy Thomson ‘humbled’ after raising $117K for Boca Raton Mayor’s race

‘This campaign is about bringing people together.’
0 3min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

‘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
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

‘Grateful’: Natalie Milian Orbis stacks $301K to defend her Miami-Dade Commission seat

Real estate companies chipped in amply, as did law and lobbying firms.
0 8min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Monique Pardo Pope reports over $105K raised in Miami Beach Commission campaign

Not all of that is reflected in her latest campaign finance report.
0 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

‘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
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Ryan Nicol

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

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Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Preview of 2028? Gavin Newsom knocks ‘anti-Black’ laws pushed by Ron DeSantis

The battle keeps going and going.
5 3min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis vows to defend Floridians against ‘communist’ Zohran Mamdani

Could the mayoral candidate be farther left than a Squad member?
8 2min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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.
7min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Florida defunds ‘academic boycotts’ of Israel

The Governor signs off on a bill overwhelmingly supported in the House and Senate.
4 2min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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

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Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Rick Scott supports Donald Trump decision to wax Brazil with tariffs

The tax will be reciprocated.
2 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Drew Dixon

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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Drew Dixon

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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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

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

Donald Trump ceasefire falters as Israel says Iran launched more missiles

Israeli officials have ordered a strike on Iran in response.
8 5min

Emails & Opinions

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

Delegation 7.11.25: Everything Counts — Venezuelan terror — screwworms — click-to-cancel

From Florida to Capitol Hill.

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.11.25

Last Call for 7.10.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.10.25

Last Call for 7.9.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

July starts with sharp drop in new unemployment claims in Florida

The Sunshine State bucked the national trend, which saw a 4.3% hike in first-time jobless filings.
APoliticalHeadlines

NFIB: Small-business optimism holds steady in June despite concerns over taxes, inventories

Taxes remain the top issue for small-business owners, though they’re feeling more optimistic after state lawmakers eliminated business rent taxes last month.
APoliticalHeadlines

FWC: Summer means more availability for recreational scallop harvesting on Gulf Coast

APoliticalHeadlines

Florida’s new unemployment claims tick up by nearly 6% to close out June

Florida gas prices jump 12 cents from last week

Tech

HeadlinesTech

James Uthmeier levels subpoena in cryptocurrency fraud investigation into Robinhood

Florida’s top prosecutor is seeking a diverse range of documents from the trading firm.
HeadlinesTech

Google to add global subsea fiber cable system landing in Palm Coast

Google project slated for Palm Coast is part of a bigger expansion of the company for 42 ‘cloud’ regions around the world.
HeadlinesTech

Study: Florida poorly positioned to win the AI race

HeadlinesTech

Wilton Simpson warns Floridians not to ‘take the bait’ in subscription-oriented phishing scams

Gov. DeSantis wants state action on ‘very dangerous’ AI

Education

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EducationHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

South Florida school districts again earn top grades as post-pandemic statewide scores surge

‘We’re continuing to see statewide improvements.’
4min
EducationHeadlines
Associated Press

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
EducationHeadlines
Drew Wilson

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

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