August 13, 2025
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HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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.’
0 4min
HeadlinesSW Florida
Jacob Ogles

Sarasota 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.
3 8min
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
Staff Reports

Last Call for 8.13.25 – 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.
0 10min
FederalHeadlines
Peter Schorsch

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.
0 6min

News & Trending

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HeadlinesSouth Florida
August 13, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

Christine Hunschofsky named ‘Elected Official of the Year’ by Florida chapter of NASW

0 4min 0
HeadlinesSW Florida
August 13, 2025 Jacob Ogles

Sarasota Republicans call for Tom Edwards’ resignation, but he brushes that off as a distraction

3 8min 0
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
August 13, 2025 Staff Reports

Last Call for 8.13.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 10min 0
FederalHeadlines
August 13, 2025 Peter Schorsch

Byron Donalds, Aaron Bean join Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus

0 6min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
August 13, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

Veteran law enforcement leader Matt Walsh to helm Department of Juvenile Justice

0 6min 0
HeadlinesSouth Florida
August 13, 2025 Drew Dixon

Florida Council of 100 launching tech business accelerator program in South Florida

0 3min 0
FederalHeadlines
August 13, 2025 A.G. Gancarski

Greg Steube refiles pot rescheduling bill as Donald Trump teases a move

0 5min 0
HeadlinesInfluence
August 13, 2025 Drew Dixon

James Uthmeier invokes executive action to ban 7-OH in Florida

0 5min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

Veteran law enforcement leader Matt Walsh to helm Department of Juvenile Justice

‘Florida’s juvenile justice system is in great hands with Matt Walsh.’
0 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

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.
0 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Rosanne Dunkelberger

Extend federal tax credits and keep working Floridians insured, conservatives say

And Medicaid and nonprofits won’t pick up the slack.
0 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Gabrielle Russon

Cha-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.
0 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

‘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.’
1 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

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.’
1 9min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

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.’
0 8min
HeadlinesInfluence
Gabrielle Russon

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.’
2 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Peter Schorsch

Golden 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.
2 4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Early retirement? Ben Albritton says current round of delegation meetings ‘likely my last’

But his Senate term doesn’t run out until 2028.
0 5min
HeadlinesInfluence
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Lindsay 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.
4 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Gabrielle Russon

Gov. DeSantis touts opening of water project in Brevard County to clean up environment

‘We are pushing, pushing, pushing to deliver big results.’
0 4min

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
Associated Press

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.
0 5min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

James Uthmeier slams ‘sham’ lawsuit thwarting Alligator Alcatraz construction

Cable news viewers got the AG’s take Friday.
8 3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

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.
4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

Florida updated agreement on handling detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, but a month after it opened

The update was made public Thursday.
4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

Judge orders temporary halt to construction at Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detention center

The prison will stay open.
3min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Associated Press

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.
1 3min

2026

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2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis stops short of endorsing Jay Collins to succeed him

‘Politics will take care of itself.’
0 4min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis blames Barack Obama for current congressional maps

‘They actually even got into Florida.’
2 5min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

School Board Chair challenges Randy Fine in CD 6 GOP Primary

The challenger believes the incumbent ‘parachuted’ into the district.
1 10min
2026
Drew Wilson

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.
0 4min
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

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?
0 5min
2026Headlines
Jesse Scheckner

Judge blocks Florida’s citizenship requirement for voter registration, but dismisses other challenges

The injunction is very narrow, applying only to one legal permanent resident and his employer.
0 6min

Federal

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FederalHeadlines
Peter Schorsch

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.
0 6min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Greg Steube refiles pot rescheduling bill as Donald Trump teases a move

‘This is a common-sense change.’
0 5min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

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.
0 7min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Rick Scott says Donald Trump will make D.C. safe for his grandkids

The Naples Republican welcomes armed troops in Washington’s streets.
3 3min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

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.’
0 12min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

Donald Trump’s Washington, D.C., takeover begins as National Guard troops arrive

‘It’s a power play and we’re an easy target.’
1 12min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
A.G. Gancarski

Melissa Nelson exonerates cop in violent Jacksonville traffic stop

1 4min

Jacksonville City Council seeks ethics opinion after General Counsel hires in-law’s firm

Trouble for Donna Deegan? Jacksonville voters tell pollster they want a GOP Mayor in 2027

Alvin Brown continues fight for NTSB reinstatement

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

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

0 3min 0

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

North Florida manufacturers show signs of major contraction in July

First Coast home sales slide again in July

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

Monique Worrell asks court what records can be released from grand jury case

0 4min 0

Orlando Regional Realtor Association boots board member as accusations fly

Whoops! The Democratic loser’s name gets printed on HD 40 sample ballots

Orlando man guilty of planning power grid attack draws 20 year stretch

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Janelle Irwin Taylor

Protesters rally as St. Pete gets DOGE’d, but Gov. DeSantis is unmoved

1 9min

The race to replace Gina Driscoll is on, and Rick Kriseman is already weighing in

Pinellas Schools superintendent plans to build on ‘unthinkable’ success

St. Pete City Council OKs new Tropicana Field repair spending, reminds that there is no choice

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW Florida
Jacob Ogles

Sarasota Republicans call for Tom Edwards’ resignation, but he brushes that off as a distraction

3 8min 0

Tim Enos resigns from Sarasota Co. School Board

Manhattan Construction to host hurricane prep workshop for construction industry

Critics warn against change in Sarasota Co. School Board anti-discrimination policy

Tampa

HeadlinesTampa Bay
Mike Wright

Janet Barek apologizes to Citrus County senior staffer for offensive remark

0 6min 0

Two labor unions back Thomas Scott for Tampa City Council

Fentrice Driskell rode along with harbor pilots, and she’s merry about maritime work

Is it 2027 yet? Tampa businessman mulls mayoral bid

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Staff Reports

Stakeholders applaud new forest land acquisition in Bay County

2min

James Uthmeier charges Escambia County woman with exploiting elderly man

Panama City man faces 2 indictments related to methamphetamine trafficking

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

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

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
Jesse Scheckner

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.’
0 4min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Drew Dixon

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.
0 3min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Associated Press

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.
0 10min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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.
0 8min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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.
0 8min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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 […]
1 11min

Culture Wars

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Culture WarsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

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.
0 6min
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

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.
2 6min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Jesse Scheckner

After illness outbreak, Wilton Simpson urges Floridians to stick with pasteurized milk

‘There have been no reported illnesses from pasteurized milk products in Florida.’
1 3min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Drew Dixon

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
Culture WarsHeadlines
Associated Press

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.
1 6min
Culture WarsHeadlines
Associated Press

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.
1 10min

Foreign Affairs

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Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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.
1 10min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

What to know about the Vladimir Putin-Donald Trump summit in Alaska

It will be the first visit by a Russian leader to Alaska.
0 10min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Byron Donalds backs Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

‘He wants people to stop dying.’
8 2min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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
FederalForeign Affairs
Associated Press

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.
1 5min

Emails & Opinions

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

Last Call for 8.13.25 – 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.

Laura Sims: Clear vision ensures a child’s bright future

Jacksonville Bold for 8.13.25: Deegan doubts?

Jeff Brandes: Florida forgot Its Friedman — a $280 million case study in bureaucratic failure

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.13.25

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

AARP makes bright lights shine in Sunshine State to honor 90 years of Social Security

‘It’s something worth celebrating — and protecting.’
APoliticalHeadlines

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.
APoliticalHeadlines

Florida celebrates first annual ‘Bob Graham Day’

APoliticalHeadlines

A Florida woman posed as a nurse and treated thousands of unsuspecting patients, officials say

Disney, Lucasfilm settle with actor Gina Carano following her firing claim from ‘The Mandalorian’

Tech

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

Trump claims the Intel CEO is ‘highly CONFLICTED’ and ‘must resign, immediately.’
HeadlinesTech

Kennedy Space Center adds new bus tour stop with big views

InfluenceTech

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

How U.S. adults are using AI, according to AP-NORC polling

Education

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EducationHeadlines
Staff Reports

Florida Poly celebrates record Fulbright participation

‘I’ve become someone who pops “What if?” questions like balloons, just to see what’s inside.’
0 4min
EducationHeadlines
Gabrielle Russon

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.’
0 6min
EducationHeadlines
Drew Dixon

UWF opens revamped engineering building just in time for Fall semester

The revisions cost about $1.5M at the Pensacola building.
0 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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