July 4, 2025
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APoliticalHeadlines
Drew Dixon

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.
0 8min
APoliticalHeadlines
Drew Dixon

Jimmy Patronis dons his old Florida Fire Marshal cap in Fourth of July advisory

The Panhandle Congressman provided a list of precautions heading into Independence Day Weekend.
0 3min
FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

The House gives final approval to Donald Trump’s big tax bill and sends it to him to sign

Will this be a benefit or an albatross for Republicans in 2026?
4 13min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis deletes funding for veteran transit passes in Palm Beach County

It’s one of several vetoes he made of local funding projects for veteran-focused programs.
3 5min

News & Trending

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APoliticalHeadlines
July 4, 2025 Drew Dixon

FWC officials urge Floridians to be a ‘beach hero’ for wildlife during July 4 coastal events

0 8min 0
APoliticalHeadlines
July 4, 2025 Drew Dixon

Jimmy Patronis dons his old Florida Fire Marshal cap in Fourth of July advisory

0 3min 0
FederalHeadlines
July 3, 2025 Associated Press

The House gives final approval to Donald Trump’s big tax bill and sends it to him to sign

4 13min 0
HeadlinesSouth Florida
July 3, 2025 Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis deletes funding for veteran transit passes in Palm Beach County

3 5min 0
HeadlinesSt. Pete
July 3, 2025 Ryan Nicol

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

0 3min 0
Emails & OpinionsHeadlines
July 2, 2025 Staff Reports

Last Call for 7.2.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

0 14min 0
APoliticalHeadlines
July 2, 2025 Drew Dixon

Florida ranked seventh-worst state in nation for handling credit card debt

0 3min 0
FederalHeadlines
July 2, 2025 Jacob Ogles

Americans for Prosperity will use vote on ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ when it grades House members this Congress

0 3min 0

Legislative, Influence & Policy

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HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

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.
0 6min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Jesse Scheckner

‘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
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Dixon

Florida Public Service Commission seeking replacements for 2 open seats on regulatory board

The deadline to apply for the positions is Aug. 4.
3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

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
HeadlinesInfluence
Ryan Nicol

Citrus growers revel over ‘record-breaking’ $140M for industry in Florida’s budget

‘Research is more critical for the industry than ever before.’
4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

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
HeadlinesInfluence
A.G. Gancarski

Gov. DeSantis strips public radio and TV funding from final budget

Viewers like you will have to pick up the slack.
2 2min
HeadlinesInfluence
Drew Wilson

Sadowski Coalition lauds Gov. DeSantis for preserving affordable housing funds

‘Our state’s seniors, veterans, and working families and individuals stand to benefit immensely.’
3min
HeadlinesInfluence
Ryan Nicol

Small businesses praise tax package, elimination of business rent tax

The move should benefit Florida’s businesses.
4min
HeadlinesInfluence
Jacob Ogles

Gov. DeSantis vetoes funding to study impact of eliminating property taxes

‘We know what needs to be done, so let’s just do it.’
5 8min
HeadlinesInfluence
Gabrielle Russon

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

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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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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.
12 51min
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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
HeadlinesNew Administration
Associated Press

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,’
6 8min

Immigration Enforcement

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HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

‘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.
7 6min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis say ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ could be model for detention centers across country

The President toured the facility Tuesday.
1 4min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

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
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

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.
4 5min
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
Jacob Ogles

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
HeadlinesImmigration Enforcement
A.G. Gancarski

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

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2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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
2026Headlines
A.G. Gancarski

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
2026Headlines
Associated Press

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
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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
2026Headlines
Jacob Ogles

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

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FederalHeadlines
Associated Press

The House gives final approval to Donald Trump’s big tax bill and sends it to him to sign

Will this be a benefit or an albatross for Republicans in 2026?
4 13min
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

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
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

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.
0 4min
FederalHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis surges to best level in weeks in 2028 Republican presidential survey

Don’t call it a comeback.
3 2min
FederalHeadlines
Jacob Ogles

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.’
5 8min
FederalHeadlines
Andrew Powell

DCCC 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.’
0 4min

Jacksonville

HeadlinesJax
A.G. Gancarski

Gov. DeSantis vetoes $250,000 for life-skills training for Jacksonville’s ‘urban youth’

8 2min

Budget conference: MOSH money likely to continue flowing for ‘Genesis Project’

Budget conference: Jacksonville Fairgrounds closer to next phase funding

UF gets $50M commitment and 20 acres from Jacksonville City Council for downtown campus

NE Florida

HeadlinesNE Florida
Drew Dixon

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

0 4min 0

Gov. DeSantis vetoes Gainesville public safety center, Doyle Connor renovation

Budget conference: Northeast Florida Builders close in on priorities

Budget conference: Funding closer for Flagler Hospital BRAVE program

Orlando

HeadlinesOrlando
Gabrielle Russon

Disney World releases Epcot concert lineup for Food and Wine Festival’s Eat to the Beat

0 6min 0

Anna Eskamani raises nearly $100K in 2 weeks for Orlando Mayor bid

Ron DeSantis says Disney World ‘has to up the game’ after Universal opens Epic Universe

Orange County suspends DEI business program under Donald Trump’s order

St. Pete

HeadlinesSt. Pete
Ryan Nicol

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

0 3min

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

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

Ben Diamond message tests possible run against Ken Welch for Mayor

SW Florida

HeadlinesSW Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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

6min 0

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

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

Gov. DeSantis sends decision on single-member districts to Lee County voters

Tampa

HeadlinesTampa Bay
Gabrielle Russon

G-strings attached: Strip club offers Carolina Amesty $250K for her legal defense — with a catch

0 5min 0

Claims bill paying $1.2M to Pasco man maimed in school bus crash gets Gov. DeSantis OK

Orlando Gudes joins Tampa City Council Special Election, setting up a high-stakes showdown

Florida Aquarium loses $1M in flood protection funding after Gov. DeSantis veto

Panhandle

HeadlinesPanhandle
Peter Schorsch

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

5 5min

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

Gov. DeSantis appoints longtime Panhandle civic player to Florida Housing group

Tallahassee

HeadlinesTallahassee
Gabrielle Russon

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

0 4min 0

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

Budget conference: No funding for FSU Election Law Center

Senate offer funds Legislative Support Services at $57M

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

Gov. DeSantis deletes funding for veteran transit passes in Palm Beach County

It’s one of several vetoes he made of local funding projects for veteran-focused programs.
3 5min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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.
0 9min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jacob Ogles

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.
5 6min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Drew Dixon

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
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

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.
0 11min
HeadlinesSouth Florida
Jesse Scheckner

Gov. DeSantis approves $1.7M payment to family of rec leader drowned in Miami Beach pool

He quietly signed the measure Tuesday.
1 4min

Culture Wars

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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.
0 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
Culture WarsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

‘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

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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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Ron DeSantis says Joe Biden’s policies could lead to Iranian attacks

‘Who knows who they sent across the southern border?’
11 3min
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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
Foreign AffairsHeadlines
Associated Press

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

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Emails & OpinionsHeadlines

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.

Jacksonville Bold for 7.2.25: Musical Chairs

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.2.25

Last Call for 7.1.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

In repeat of Hurricane Maria aftermath, Puerto Rico is again spending big on infrastructure contractor with little history

Apolitical

APoliticalHeadlines

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.
APoliticalHeadlines

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.
APoliticalHeadlines

Jimmy Patronis dons his old Florida Fire Marshal cap in Fourth of July advisory

APoliticalHeadlines

UF consumer sentiment survey shows Floridians growing more confident about economy

State, local officials partner with feds to end multicounty construction fraud scheme

Tech

HeadlinesTech

AI and automation report struck down by gubernatorial veto

The study would ‘likely be obsolete’ by the time it was completed in December.
HeadlinesTech

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.
HeadlinesTech

Budget conference: $15M dedicated to laser-assisted mapping of Florida terrain

HeadlinesTech

Budget conference: Chambers mostly align on cybersecurity, but $15M local gap persists

Spectrum adds 35K new customers to growing broadband expansion in rural areas

Education

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EducationHeadlines
A.G. Gancarski

Breaking his silence: Ron DeSantis offers defense of Santa Ono rejection

The Governor has been quiet on the controversy.
4 5min
EducationHeadlines
Gabrielle Russon

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
EducationHeadlines
Gabrielle Russon

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
#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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