Drew WilsonFlorida Chamber backs Emily Duda Buckley in HD 38
Buckley is one of three Republicans vying to succeed David Smith in the Seminole County-based swing district.
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Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.14.25
Here’s your AM rundown of people, politics and policy in the Sunshine State.
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81min
Jesse SchecknerChristine Hunschofsky named ‘Elected Official of the Year’ by Florida chapter of NASW
‘From our very first meeting, it was clear that Rep. Hunschofsky leads with compassion and conviction.’
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4min
Jacob OglesSarasota Republicans call for Tom Edwards’ resignation, but he brushes that off as a distraction
The 2-term School Board member just took over as Executive Director of Project Pride SRQ.
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8min
News & Trending
August 14, 2025
Peter Schorsch
Peter Schorsch
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.14.25
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81min
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August 13, 2025
Staff Reports
Staff Reports
Last Call for 8.13.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida
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August 13, 2025
Peter Schorsch
Peter Schorsch
Byron Donalds, Aaron Bean join Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus
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6min
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Drew DixonLegislative, Influence & Policy
Veteran law enforcement leader Matt Walsh to helm Department of Juvenile Justice
‘Florida’s juvenile justice system is in great hands with Matt Walsh.’
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6min
James Uthmeier invokes executive action to ban 7-OH in Florida
The 7-OH industry attacked the move by the Attorney General, saying it’s not supported by research.
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5min
Rosanne DunkelbergerExtend federal tax credits and keep working Floridians insured, conservatives say
And Medicaid and nonprofits won’t pick up the slack.
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6min
Gabrielle RussonCha-ching! Gov. DeSantis hands out $5K bonuses to new law enforcement recruits
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said the recruitment bonuses are helping the Sheriff’s Office beef up its ranks.
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4min
‘Miracle in the Sunshine’: Next-level economy needs next-level talent, capital retention
‘If we just change the paradigm from 2% to 10% … we would never look back.’
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5min
Live Local gap: New watchdog report says updated law still overlooks Florida’s ‘missing middle’
‘These are our teachers, firefighters, police, and other professionals who cannot afford to live near where they work.’
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9min
From sun and sand to code and capital: Top 10 economy hinges on embrace of tech
‘Florida’s way further along than I thought, but wow, Florida has a long way to go.’
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8min
Jay Collins, ‘the Chuck Norris of Florida politics,’ sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
‘I am truly honored to be appointed by the Governor — not just any Governor, Florida’s Governor, America’s Governor, the GOAT.’
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6min
Peter SchorschGolden Bear’s son bows out, Joshua Kellam tags in ahead of high-stakes vote
The Commission will decide this week whether to greenlight the first bear hunt since the 2015 free-for-all.
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4min
Early retirement? Ben Albritton says current round of delegation meetings ‘likely my last’
But his Senate term doesn’t run out until 2028.
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5min
Janelle Irwin TaylorLindsay Cross blasts ‘wildlife cruelty’ in proposed 2025 bear hunt, urges FWC to shoot it down
At the very least, she asks that the proposal remove inhumane hunting methods.
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6min
Gov. DeSantis touts opening of water project in Brevard County to clean up environment
‘We are pushing, pushing, pushing to deliver big results.’
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4min
New Administration
Associated PressLeaving 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.
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12min
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.
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12min
In Jeffrey Epstein furor, Donald Trump struggles to shake off a controversy his allies once stoked
‘I don’t want to talk about that.’
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12min
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.
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11min
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
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.
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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.’
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.
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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.’
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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.’
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6min
Brian Hughes to become NASA Chief of Staff
He isn’t the only new NASA leader with strong ties to Florida.
4min
Immigration Enforcement
Some Florida officers are continuing to charge people under halted immigration law
The charges came months after a federal judge in Miami halted enforcement of the statute.
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5min
A.G. GancarskiJames Uthmeier slams ‘sham’ lawsuit thwarting Alligator Alcatraz construction
Cable news viewers got the AG’s take Friday.
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3min
Judge to consider the fate of an agreement on protecting immigrant children in U.S. custody
Advocates for the children say the government is holding children beyond set time limits.
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Florida updated agreement on handling detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, but a month after it opened
The update was made public Thursday.
4min
Homeland Security removes age limits for ICE recruits to boost hiring for deportations
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said applicants could be as young as 18.
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3min
2026
Florida Chamber backs Emily Duda Buckley in HD 38
Buckley is one of three Republicans vying to succeed David Smith in the Seminole County-based swing district.
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3min
Ron DeSantis stops short of endorsing Jay Collins to succeed him
‘Politics will take care of itself.’
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4min
Ron DeSantis blames Barack Obama for current congressional maps
‘They actually even got into Florida.’
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5min
School Board Chair challenges Randy Fine in CD 6 GOP Primary
The challenger believes the incumbent ‘parachuted’ into the district.
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10min
Marcus Herman sets his sights on succeeding Tyler Sirois in Legislature
Herman is the fourth Republican to enter the race for the Brevard-based seat.
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4min
Gov. DeSantis expected to pick Jay Collins as Lieutenant Governor
Does he run in 2026? Or does he stand down and let the First Lady campaign instead?
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5min
Federal
Byron Donalds, Aaron Bean join Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus
If Americans won’t quit, the caucus wants to make sure they have access to less harmful alternatives.
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6min
Greg Steube refiles pot rescheduling bill as Donald Trump teases a move
‘This is a common-sense change.’
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5min
Wall Street drifts around its records following a worldwide rally
Hope for lower interest rates are helping to drown out criticism that the U.S. stock market has grown too expensive.
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7min
Rick Scott says Donald Trump will make D.C. safe for his grandkids
The Naples Republican welcomes armed troops in Washington’s streets.
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3min
U.S. inflation held steady as mild tariff hit offset by cheaper gas, food
‘We have not across the board raised prices because of the tariffs — yet.’
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12min
Donald Trump’s Washington, D.C., takeover begins as National Guard troops arrive
‘It’s a power play and we’re an easy target.’
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12min
Jacksonville
NE Florida
Orlando
St. Pete
SW Florida
Tampa
Mike Wright
Panhandle
Tallahassee
Communities
South Florida
Christine Hunschofsky named ‘Elected Official of the Year’ by Florida chapter of NASW
‘From our very first meeting, it was clear that Rep. Hunschofsky leads with compassion and conviction.’
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4min
Florida Council of 100 launching tech business accelerator program in South Florida
Startup entrepreneurs can experience mentorship, networking and other tech business enhancements if they join accelerator.
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3min
Cuban exiles honored at Miami’s ‘Ellis Island of the South’ as Donald Trump ramps up immigrant arrests
The President’s crackdown on migrants — including Cubans — is increasingly viewed as a betrayal and has left many second-guessing that support.
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10min
Bay Harbor Islands removes Joe Geller as Town Attorney after public push by Fabián Basabe
Defenders of Geller, a state lawmaker-turned-School Board member, argued the firing was more about political rivalries than missed deadlines.
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8min
Fabián Basabe calls for firing of Bay Harbor Islands Town Attorney who preceded him in the House
Basabe says the issue isn’t personal or political. His target, Joe Geller, isn’t buying it.
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8min
After bills to ‘merge’ Broward health districts fail, Gov. DeSantis names donor to Board of Memorial Healthcare System
Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County has two new Board of Commissioners members and one returning member, courtesy of appointments and a reappointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis. They come months after a failed legislative effort last Session to merge Memorial Healthcare System and Broward Health by Shane Strum, the CEO for both entities who previously […]
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11min
Culture Wars
FWC approves first black bear hunt in a decade amid fierce opposition
A lawsuit filed by Bear Warriors United could delay or derail the season, which is set to run Dec. 6-28 if the state prevails in court.
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6min
Ron DeSantis rips quality, price of toys for his kids
Frustration continues for the Governor when it comes to what he can buy his kids in big box stores.
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6min
After illness outbreak, Wilton Simpson urges Floridians to stick with pasteurized milk
‘There have been no reported illnesses from pasteurized milk products in Florida.’
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3min
James Uthmeier files suit against adult content companies over law requiring age verification
Uthmeier said he tried to contact some companies in April and they ignored his outreach before he filed suit.
3min
Ron DeSantis set a Florida record for executions. It’s driving a national increase
The Governor is signing off on more death warrants than earlier in his term.
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6min
Poll: How Americans’ views of racial discrimination have shifted since 2021, according to AP-NORC polling
The poll indicates that less than half of Americans think DEI has a benefit for the people it’s intended to help.
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10min
Foreign Affairs
Donald Trump warns of ‘severe consequences’ if Vladimir Putin does not agree to stop war after summit
Trump has said he wants to see whether Putin is serious about ending the war, now in its fourth year.
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10min
What to know about the Vladimir Putin-Donald Trump summit in Alaska
It will be the first visit by a Russian leader to Alaska.
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10min
U.S. at plastics treaty talks is rare international participation under Donald Trump. What’s the goal?
‘This is an historic opportunity to set a global approach for reducing plastic pollution.’
9min
Donald Trump, Pam Bondi double reward to $50 million for arrest of Nicolás Maduro on drug charges
Bondi: ‘Maduro will not escape justice and he will be held accountable for his despicable crimes.’
4min
U.S. is auctioning a seized $325M Russian superyacht with 8 state rooms, a helipad, gym, spa
Litigation over the true ownership of the yacht is ongoing.
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5min
Emails & Opinions
Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.14.25
Here’s your AM rundown of people, politics and policy in the Sunshine State.
Apolitical
AARP makes bright lights shine in Sunshine State to honor 90 years of Social Security
‘It’s something worth celebrating — and protecting.’
Florida gas prices 10 cents higher than last week
Motorists in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach area, Panama City and Pensacola have the best pump prices.
Tech
Rick Scott targets Chinese control of ‘smart’ appliances
‘China could flip a digital switch and plunge parts of America into chaos.’
Rick Scott wants federal money back from Intel
Trump claims the Intel CEO is ‘highly CONFLICTED’ and ‘must resign, immediately.’
Education
Florida Poly celebrates record Fulbright participation
‘I’ve become someone who pops “What if?” questions like balloons, just to see what’s inside.’
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4min
Public education advocates say private schools need more accountability
‘We actually even found schools where there were teachers who didn’t have a high school diploma.’
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6min
UWF opens revamped engineering building just in time for Fall semester
The revisions cost about $1.5M at the Pensacola building.
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3min