Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 9.15.25

Good Monday morning.

Longtime Florida TaxWatch leader Dominic Calabro was one of three leaders honored this year with the Florida Press Association’s Lifetime Membership Award.

Presented at the association’s annual convention last month, the award recognizes Calabro’s decadeslong impact on Florida’s civic and policy landscape. While most recipients have roots in the newsroom, Calabro’s influence has been in shaping how Floridians access information about their government — specifically its stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Under his leadership, Florida TaxWatch has become a respected watchdog organization with a strong name ID both among Rotunda regulars and everyday Floridians, thanks to its frequent data-backed reports analyzing state spending and fiscal policy.

The recognition comes as Calabro prepares to pass the torch to former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, the organization’s executive vice president and General Counsel — Kottkamp is slated to take the reins after New Year’s.

Calabro received the award alongside longtime newspaper leaders Joe DeLuca of the Tampa Bay Times and Gerry Mulligan of the Citrus County Chronicle, placing him shoulder to shoulder with trusted and respected members of the Florida press corps; FPA has only awarded Lifetime Membership on two occasions across its nearly 150-year history.

“Each of these individuals has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values of a free and responsible press,” said Florida Press Association President Carolyn Nolte. “Their legacy continues to shape the future of journalism and public discourse in our state.”

___

Morning must read — “When argument dies^[1]” via Karen Cyphers of Decyphered — Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a grim milestone in the normalization of political violence, a trend I have been documenting. Kirk embodied the democratic ideal that differences are argued, not avenged. A new poll my team conducted shows 94% of Floridians are concerned about this trend and 82% fear copycat killings. Soberingly, about one-quarter of voters — and one-third of those under 45 — believe some vigilante killings are justified to stop “vile ideas.” This confirms our earlier polling after the murder of a CEO, where similar numbers justified that killing. This false equivalence of disagreeable public policy with actual murder is dangerous. Each time we excuse or celebrate violence, we chip away at the very foundation of American political culture.

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

—@AndrewKsway: I wanted to share a paise report from TPUSA. The organization has received over 32,000 inquiries in the last 48 hours to start new campus chapters. To put that in perspective, TPUSA currently has 900 official college chapters and around 1,200 high school chapters, with a presence on 3,500 total. Charlie’s vision to have a Club America chapter (our high school brand) in every high school in America (around 23,000) will come true much much faster than he could have ever possibly imagined.

—@rudrarajpandey: Feel so proud as a Nepali to see the first woman PM in Nepal, even if she is interim for now. Women are always better leaders than men. World would have been much better place if we had more women leading us.

—@NickPrimrose: We’ve been going through the Book of Acts for the past few weeks at church, but in a way only God can do, today’s sermon perfectly landed on a verse that needed to be heard. In the face of condemnation early on in the church, instead of becoming silent, Peter and John prayed for God’s followers to speak and proclaim the gospel with boldness, with courage and to let the power of God continue to heal and provide signs and wonders. And if we stand and speak boldly, we will be shaken and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The time is now to speak boldly for truth and righteousness, for the world needs the hope that only Jesus can offer. We were not given a spirit of fear.

—@RealCharlieWard: I know the feeling @ArchManning^[2]. I got booed and benched several times in ‘92. Keep putting in the work and trusting your work as you learn from these experiences. You have a Heisman in your future, just keep growing from each game!

Tweet, tweet:

— DAYS UNTIL —

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 2; ‘Black Rabbit’ with Jude Law and Jason Bateman premieres on Netflix — 3; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 3; ’Tulsa King’ season three premieres — 6; Paul Thomas Anderson’s ’One Battle After Another’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio premieres — 11; Special Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 15; Taylor Swift’s new album ’The Life of a Showgirl’ drops — 18; Regular Session Committee Weeks begin — 21; Florida TaxWatch Annual Board Meeting — 21; ’Tron: Ares’ premieres — 25; ‘Six Kings Slam,’ featuring six of men’s tennis’ best players in the world, premieres on Netflix — 30; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Fall Board Meeting and Gala begins — 35; NBA returns to NBC, with 2025-2026 season Opening Day tipoffs including the Houston Rockets visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder — 36; ’Mayor of Kingstown’ season four premieres — 41; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 42; Miami Beach City Commission Elections — 50; ‘Landman’ season two premieres on Paramount+ — 62; ’Wicked: Part 2’ premieres — 67; ’Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 72; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 74; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 79; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 79; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 85; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 88; DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 93; ’Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 95; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 101; Legislative Session begins — 120; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 120; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 144; last day of the Regular Session — 179; MLB Opening Night matchup between the Giants and Yankees — 191; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 192; Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 203; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 212; F1 Miami begins — 228; Untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 249; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 260; FIFA World Cup begins — 269; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 302; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 361; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 365; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 459; Another untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 459; Tampa Mayoral Election — 533; Jacksonville First Election — 554; Jacksonville General Election — 610; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 628; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 690; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 746; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 823; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 1033; U.S. Presidential Election — 1149; ’Avatar 4’ premieres — 1549; ’Avatar 5’ premieres — 2280.

— TOP STORY —

“Ron DeSantis administration targets teachers, officials who criticize activist Charlie Kirk after his murder” via Michael Orlando of Fresh Take Florida — At least one Florida teacher has been suspended and three others are under investigation for making critical posts about conservative activist Kirk on their personal social media accounts following his murder. The actions set up a potential First Amendment battle as the DeSantis administration threatens sanctions against educators for out-of-classroom speech.^[3]

Florida’s Education Commissioner, Anastasios Kamoutsas, warned that while teachers have free speech rights, “personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families they serve.” DeSantis amplified the message, praising the move for “bringing accountability” against teachers he said were celebrating Kirk’s murder.

The state’s actions extend a broader push by the Governor to limit what teachers can say and teach. However, a First Amendment expert noted that disciplining teachers for personal posts on a matter of public concern is a legally complex issue, unless it can be proven to disrupt the classroom environment.

In Clay County, teacher Kelly Brock-Sanchez was suspended for posts calling Kirk “one less evil person on this planet.” In Lee County, three teachers are being reviewed for similar comments, with one noting Kirk’s past statements that some gun deaths were a worthy price for Second Amendment rights. Hundreds of people have called for their termination online.

The backlash has extended beyond public schoolteachers. In Jacksonville, a public education fund manager faced calls for his removal after writing that Kirk “got back” the hate he “spewed.” A Palmetto Bay Council member also faced calls to resign from his post, which called Kirk a “fitting sacrifice” to “Smith & Wesson.”

The controversy has also ensnared media figures, with a Florida political reporter briefly suspended and an MSNBC commentator fired for comments made in the immediate aftermath of the assassination. The incidents highlight the intense political polarization and scrutiny surrounding public speech in the wake of the high-profile killing.

— STATEWIDE —

“With shortfalls looming, legislators may look to trim spending in 2026” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — The House’s budget chief warned that legislators may soon need to take additional steps — possibly including spending cuts and an overhaul of state employee health insurance — to avoid looming budget shortfalls. Rep. Lawrence McClure made the comments after a legislative panel signed off on a new three-year Florida financial outlook that shows the state could have shortfalls by 2028 and beyond. “We’ve got to keep chipping away at this,” said McClure, who promised the House would “dig deeper” during the upcoming Session to look at ways to trim the budget. McClure’s comments signal the Legislature could have another bumpy ride once the upcoming annual Session begins in January.^[4]

“Local governments plan challenge to regulatory restrictions in new hurricane emergencies law” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — More than a dozen cities and counties are lining up to challenge recent state law changes that critics say bar local governments from adopting more restrictive land use regulations and development codes following hurricanes. This week, lawyer Jamie Cole of the Weiss Serota Helfman Cole and Bierman law firm said 17 local governments have agreed to join a lawsuit challenging a law regarding emergencies that was filed after the 2024 hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The measure barred local governments from adopting more restrictive regulations following the 2024 hurricanes and others in the future. The environmental group 1000 Friends of Florida said the legislation is too broad, creating confusion for local governments.^[5]

“After open-carry ban struck down, Florida Sheriffs say they’ll halt arrests” via James Call of the USA TODAY Network-Florida — The Florida Sheriffs Association is advising the state’s 67 county Sheriffs not to make any arrests for the open carrying of firearms. The state’s 1st District Court of Appeal declared unconstitutional a state law that bans the open carrying of firearms. But the ruling technically applies only to the 32 north Florida counties of the 1st District. Also, it does not go into effect until Sept. 25. And legislative action will be needed to align state law with the decision. Still, dozens of Sheriffs like Bay County’s Tommy Ford took to social media to declare their deputies would not enforce the ban. Other law enforcement agencies declined to comment or said they were still studying the ruling.^[6]

“Amid Florida’s push against vaccine mandates, fears grow of increased risks” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is leading a push to eliminate state-mandated vaccines for schoolchildren, a move medical experts fear could trigger a public health crisis. Citing medical freedom, Ladapo and DeSantis are calling on the Legislature to repeal longtime requirements for diseases like polio and measles. This high-profile rebuke of conventional medicine aligns with the MAHA movement and is seen as a potential national bellwether. Doctors are already reporting a rise in parents refusing childhood immunizations based on Ladapo’s guidance. At the same time, immunocompromised residents worry declining vaccination rates will put them and other vulnerable Floridians at deadly risk of preventable disease outbreaks.^[7]

—“Should physicians have to see children whose parents oppose vaccinations?” via Annie Martin of the Orlando Sentinel^[8]

—“Most pan DeSantis vaccine plans. One medical group dodged.” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel^[9]

—“DeSantis’ Surgeon General won’t say if kids should be vaccinated” via Lawrence Mower and Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times^[10]

“Florida officials say there’s ‘strong’ interest in budding states-led College Accrediting Board” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — A new College Accrediting Board, the Commission for Public Higher Education, launched by Florida and five other conservative-led states, is seeing “strong” interest ahead of its official debut. Officials reported Wednesday that an initial group of 10 schools from four of the six founding university systems is expected to apply this Fall. The budding accreditor, which aims to secure federal approval by mid-2028, is currently finalizing its bylaws. This move represents a significant step by states like Florida and Texas to create an alternative to existing accreditation bodies, which they have criticized as being overly bureaucratic and politically biased, signaling a potential shake-up in how public universities are evaluated and held accountable.^[11]

“Lobbyists for a billionaire and a charter network pushed lawmakers to expand a school-privatization program, records show^[12]” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin and a New York charter network, Success Academy, successfully lobbied Florida lawmakers to expand a school-privatization program dramatically, newly obtained records show. The recently passed law, a top priority for DeSantis, revises the “Schools of Hope” program, increasing by fivefold the number of locations where charter operators can receive lucrative taxpayer subsidies to open. Records reveal an extensive behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign, with Success Academy drafting the initial bill and Griffin’s team gathering intel. The changes allow subsidized charters to open far from low-performing schools — even in affluent areas or inside traditional public-school buildings rent-free — while also seeking an additional $50 million in taxpayer funds to fuel their Florida expansion.

“Florida Democrat fears DOGE could strike support for LGBTQ programs” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — During his time in office, DeSantis has been aggressive in vetoing appropriations in the state budget for LGBTQ programs. Some Democratic legislators say they’ve been able to continue support for those programs by omitting any direct references to the LGBTQ community in their appropriation proposals. “I think you need to be prepared for what is coming,” warned state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith on Saturday, speaking during the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus Summer meeting in Tampa. “Yes, we should continue to urge our Senators and our representatives in the Legislature to fund these programs. We should not stop.” But Smith fears the state’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, led by Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, are aiming at local governments for funding anything associated with DEI. And he’s concerned that could lead to legislation barring municipalities or counties from such financing efforts in the future.^[13]

—“Blaise Ignoglia sends $1.4M in state funding to Florida local fire departments” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics^[14]

“Up, up and away: 2026 health insurance premiums set to double for millions of Floridians^[15]” via Christine Sexton of Florida Phoenix — Health insurance rates will increase sharply for the four million-plus Floridians who rely on so-called Obamacare plans or small employer health insurance coverage in the coming weeks. The OIR reported late last month that, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Florida health plans had been approved for double-digit increases in monthly premiums that people pay for individual policies sold on the federal health insurance exchange (healthcare.gov). Florida leads the nation in the number of people enrolled in the exchange.

— REQUIEM —

“Alleged Kirk assassin’s roommate ‘shocked’ by shooting, has been ‘very cooperative,’ Governor says” via Megan Lebowitz and Kelly O’Donnell of NBC News — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox revealed Sunday that the suspect in Kirk’s assassination, Tyler Robinson, was in a romantic relationship with a roommate who is transgender and cooperating with authorities. Cox said investigators are now trying to determine how that personal relationship factored into a potential motive for the attack. Robinson, described as having a “leftist ideology,” remains uncooperative. Cox stated that the 22-year-old suspect had recently become immersed in the “deep, dark internet” and that more details will be revealed when charges are filed on Tuesday. The Governor also repeated his calls for national calm, blaming social media for fueling the outrage and political violence currently gripping the country.^[16]

“Kirk shooting suspect held ‘leftist ideology,’ Utah Governor says” via Jack Healy and Orlando Mayorquín of The New York Times — Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah on Sunday provided new information about the background and political leanings of the 22-year-old accused of killing Kirk, saying that the suspect had a “leftist ideology” and had also been in a romantic relationship with a partner who was in the process of transitioning from male to female. Cox described the suspect, Robinson, as a “very normal young man” who appeared to have been “radicalized” some time after he dropped out of college and moved back to his hometown in southern Utah, where he had spent the past few years. Cox did not go into specifics about Robinson’s ideological views or offer details to substantiate his assessment of the suspect’s views. Cox said Robinson had spent much of his time immersed in online gaming, message boards and parts of what the Governor called the “deep, dark internet.”^[17]

“After Kirk’s killing, suspect joked that his ‘doppelgänger’ did it” via Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs of The New York Times — The day after Kirk was killed, an acquaintance of Robinson’s posed a question to him in a group chat. The FBI had just released two grainy surveillance images of a skinny young man in a cap and sunglasses walking in a stairwell on the Utah Valley University campus and had asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. Tagging Robinson’s username on Discord, a messaging platform, the acquaintance attached the images and wrote “wya” — where you at? — with a skull emoji, suggesting that Robinson, 22, looked like the man being sought. Robinson replied within a minute. His “doppelgänger,” he wrote, was trying to “get me in trouble.”^[18]

“White House requests $58 million to increase security for executive, judicial branches after Kirk shooting, sources say” via Nikole Killion of CBS News — The Donald Trump administration is sending a $58 million request to Congress to increase security for the executive and judicial branches in the wake of the killing of a conservative activist. Punchbowl was first to report the news. A White House official confirmed the extra funds would be directed to the U.S. Marshals Service and would also include enhanced protection for Supreme Court justices. Additionally, the Trump administration expressed support for increased funding to protect congressional lawmakers but may defer to the legislative branch on that.^[19]

“Kirk’s death raises fears of ‘beginning of a darker chapter’ for U.S. violence” via Rachel Leingang of The Guardian — Kirk’s killing came amid a rise in political violence in the U.S., the kind now so frequent that it moves swiftly out of news cycles it would once have dominated. The list is long and growing. From the two assassination attempts on Trump during his campaign last year to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home being burned in an arson attack in April, and the Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband being gunned down by a man dressed as a police officer in June, to name a few. In the first six months of 2025, more than 520 plots and acts of terrorism and targeted violence occurred, affecting nearly all U.S. states and causing 96 deaths and 329 injuries.^[20]

“Wrestling over Kirk’s legacy and the divide in America^[21]” via Elisabeth Bumiller of The New York Times — The assassination of Kirk has thrown the nation into another polarized crisis, echoing the turmoil following Martin Luther King Jr.’s murder in 1968. As the right lionizes Kirk as a martyr and the left condemns him as a divisive figure, the killing has ignited a firestorm of political anger and fears of escalating violence. Trump has blamed the left for inciting the act, while mentions of “civil war” have soared on social media. Amid the fury, some leaders, like Utah’s Governor, are calling for restraint, urging Americans to reject violence and find a different path forward in a moment seen as a critical test of the nation’s character.

“A campus mourns Kirk” via Rachel Monroe of The New Yorker — Conservative activist Kirk was murdered while speaking on a college campus in Utah, prompting a student-led vigil at Texas A&M University. Aiming to “depolarize” the campus, the organizer invited both conservative and Democratic student groups to the event, which drew hundreds of attendees. Speakers at the somber, faith-filled gathering called for unity and portrayed Kirk as a martyr for free speech. This image contrasts with his legacy as a divisive figure whose confrontational style and Turning Point USA organization fueled campus culture wars, including recent ideological controversies at Texas A&M. Despite Kirk’s polarizing life, his death ironically created a moment of unity, bringing politically opposed students together in shared grief and a call for change.^[22]

“Sen. Chris Coons: The internet ‘is driving extremism in our country’” via Kaia Hubbard of CBS News — Sen. Coons, a Delaware Democrat, said Sunday that amid efforts to foster bipartisan discourse, the internet “is driving extremism in our country,” saying slain conservative activist Kirk “should not have paid with his life for the opportunity to speak out.” “No matter how much I might deeply disagree with his political views, the idea that he would be killed in such a grotesque and public way has to bring all of us to reflect about how hard it’s getting, because the internet is an accelerant,” Coons said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”^[23]

“Something is very wrong online” via Charlie Warzel of The Atlantic — Arguably, the most remarkable aspect of the aftermath of the right-wing activist Kirk’s assassination is how irrelevant its actual perpetrator was to the immediate discourse. I saw the finger-pointing online even before I saw the news that Kirk had been shot. At that point, there was hardly any information about the incident, let alone details about the shooter or a motive. Yet there was plenty of blame to go around: Elon Musk posted on X that “the Left is the party of murder,” even before Kirk’s shocking death had been confirmed. Others blamed the shooting on the media, NGOs and billionaire Democrat fundraisers. This is the algorithmic internet at work. It abhors an information vacuum and, in the absence of facts or credible information, gaps are quickly filled with rage bait, conspiracy theorizing, doomerism and vitriol.^[24]

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump faces same economic challenges that cost Kamala Harris her White House bid^[25]” via David Lynch of The Washington Post — Ahead of the Midterm Elections, Trump’s administration is grappling with a challenging economic environment, creating a political liability for Republicans. A combination of surging consumer prices, with inflation at its fastest pace since January, and a weakening labor market is souring public opinion. Despite campaign promises, key indicators such as job growth remain anemic, and consumer sentiment has fallen to its lowest mark since May. A recent poll indicates 52% of voters believe Trump has made the economy worse. While some bright spots exist, such as GDP growth and a strong stock market, the widespread anxiety over affordability and employment threatens the GOP’s control of Congress, mirroring the economic pressures that hurt the previous administration.

—“Trump is selling a strong economy. Voters aren’t buying it.” via Megan Messerly of POLITICO^[26]

“Trump’s reversals on immigration mount over economic concerns” via Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Hamed Aleaziz of The New York Times — Trump’s competing promises of mass deportations and a business “golden age” are clashing, forcing him to reverse or contradict his own hard-line immigration policies when they threaten the economy. In recent weeks, the President has backtracked on threats to deport South Korean factory workers, revoke Chinese student visas, and conduct raids on agricultural and hotel businesses after facing backlash from industry leaders and foreign allies. This wavering has infuriated his nativist supporters but reveals a core conflict in his agenda. While his administration insists on its consistency, Trump repeatedly prioritizes economic concerns from a business perspective over the “nativist purge” his base desires, creating confusion and illustrating the inherent tension in his platform.^[27]

“Political turbulence engulfs the Fed as Trump pushes to assert control” via Andrew Ackerman of The Washington Post — Trump’s aggressive steps to reshape the Federal Reserve could play out dramatically at this week’s Fed policy meeting, marking an extraordinary moment of political tension at an institution designed to operate independently from White House influence. While financial markets fully expect a quarter-point interest-rate cut at the conclusion of the central bank’s two-day meeting on Wednesday, the gathering will be fundamentally different from those in the immediate past, as the Fed navigates unprecedented pressure from the White House, Congress and the courts that could shape the future of the central bank.^[28]

“How the Trump tariffs boomerang to hurt U.S. winemakers” via Kevin D. Williamson of The Washington Post — Owning a vineyard in Napa Valley sounds fancy. Still, the wine business is, in reality, pretty gritty: It is a low-margin agricultural and food-processing business that is, on top of everything else, highly regulated. Now the Trump administration is threatening to make things a good deal worse by throwing a hand grenade into the U.S. wine industry’s supply chains and distribution networks in the form of tariffs that are meant, in theory, to protect domestic producers from overseas competition. Thanks to a complex set of rules dating to another great American misadventure in regulation — Prohibition — almost all U.S. wine is sold and distributed through what the industry calls the “three-tier system,” with producers and importers selling to distributors, which in turn serve the shops and restaurants that sell to wine drinkers.^[29]

“Confusion, anger, relief: Korean engineer tells of week in U.S. ICE detention” via Jiyoung Sohn and Dasl Yoon of The Wall Street Journal — Cho Young-hee, a 44-year-old South Korean engineer, said his first reaction was confusion when U.S. immigration authorities burst into a Hyundai Motor construction site in Georgia where he was working. He couldn’t tell what the men with guns and armored vehicles were doing there and no English-to-Korean translators were to be found. Maybe it was an inspection of some kind, he supposed. “We thought we’d just be taken somewhere for further questions, but they put on handcuffs and chained our bodies,” Cho recalled. “That’s when we realized, we’re not simply being moved.” Back in South Korea, Cho’s wife, Lee Seul-bi, got a call informing her of her husband’s detention. She thought it was fake. After all, he had a B-1 visa to enter the U.S. for short-term business when he traveled there in mid-July. The visa allows activities such as business meetings, training, and working with industrial equipment in some instances, but it isn’t carte blanche for any work.^[30]

“RFK Jr.’s MAHA report on children’s health leaves something out: nicotine” via Yuki Noguchi of NPR — Frances Daniels, a Baltimore mother of three, read the Trump administration’s 20-page report called “Make Our Children Healthy Again,” and noticed some notable words were missing from it: “Smoking” and “nicotine.” The word “tobacco” is mentioned once in the document, in a reference to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. “I was horrified,” Daniels says. “It never once mentioned substance usage. Specifically: nicotine.” That was of grave concern to Daniels because nicotine and the chemicals vaped with it hooked and nearly killed one of her children three years ago. Her child spent six brutal weeks in the hospital with EVALI, a lung injury caused by e-cigarette use.^[31]

“Marco Rubio in Israel amid rising tensions over Doha strike, then join Trump in U.K.” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Secretary of State Rubio will depart Saturday for Israel and the United Kingdom on a trip framed by U.S. unease with Israel’s recent escalation in Gaza and a regional backlash against its strike in Doha. In a State Department press note, deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio will use the visit to “convey America’s priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Israeli security.” He added that Rubio, a former U.S. Senator from Miami, will underscore Washington’s shared goals with Israel: preventing Hamas from ever regaining control of Gaza and bringing home the remaining hostages.^[32]

“Rubio meets Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the war in Gaza” via Sarah Fortinsky of The Hill — Secretary of State Rubio was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, shortly after he arrived in Israel to discuss diplomacy in the region and the war in Gaza. Netanyahu touted the enduring alliance between their two countries, even as Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar this past week prompted concern among some in the Trump administration. “I think his visit here is a testament to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. It’s as strong and as durable as the stones of the Western Wall that we just touched,” Netanyahu said.^[33]

“Strike on Qatar leaves Marco Rubio with delicate diplomatic task in Israel” via Robbie Gramer of The Wall Street Journal — Rubio said the U.S. wasn’t happy about the Israeli strike on Hamas in Qatar, but moved ahead with a visit to Israel. Rubio said the U.S. wouldn’t reassess its support for Israel but stressed that President Trump was unhappy about the strike. “We’re going to talk about what the future holds, and I’m going to get a much better understanding of what their plans are moving forward,” Rubio told reporters before boarding his flight to Tel Aviv. “Obviously, we’re not happy about it. The President was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next.” The visit comes as the U.S. scrambles to react to the fallout from the Israeli strike and as Arab officials question America’s willingness to protect them from growing Israeli power in the region.^[34]

— ELECTIONS —

“Redistricting push from DeSantis and Trump creates uncertainty for Florida congressional candidates” via Anthony Man of the Orlando Sentinel — Congressional candidates have been strategizing for months, sometimes years. They’ve been raising money, courting grassroots activists, lining up consultants, and figuring out the most promising pockets of support. Now, with just 11 months until Florida’s August 2026 primaries and less than 14 months until the November Midterm Election, there’s sudden uncertainty. The state’s congressional candidates don’t know the contours of the districts in which they’ll be running. DeSantis has said repeatedly in recent weeks that he wants Republicans who control the Florida government to change the boundaries of the state’s congressional districts.^[35]

“Miami congressional candidate Richard Lamondin calls for ‘leadership that heals’ on 9/11 anniversary” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — It’s been 24 years since the U.S. suffered the deadliest terrorist attack in human history, and the unity that Americans felt in its aftermath is much needed now, according to Lamondin, a Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar. In a video posted to X, Lamondin, who was 14 when the al-Qaida extremists crashed planes into the Pentagon and Twin Towers, recalled the compassion he saw in that tragedy’s wake. “We looked past our differences. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Friends united. Families held each other just a little bit closer. We remembered what we had in common and how much stronger we are when we stand together,” he said. “Today, that feeling feels distant. Our country feels fractured in ways that hurt.”^[36]

Florida builders back Lauren Melo for Senate — Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida proudly endorses Rep. Melo for Senate District 28. ABC said the GOP lawmaker “has been a steadfast advocate for workforce development, ensuring consistent state funding for apprenticeship programs that are building the next generation of skilled trades professionals. The organization’s Gulf Coast Chapter president, Steve Cona III, added that “Melo … has empowered ABC and our members to train thousands of men and women for high-wage, high-demand careers. She understands that investing in workforce development is investing in Florida’s future.” Melo is running to succeed term-limited Sen. Kathleen Passidomo in SD 28. She is currently the only declared candidate for the Southwest Florida-based District this cycle.

Happening tonight:

Happening this week:

“Jimmy Glover enters race for Sarasota County School Board District 1” via Samantha Gholar of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A second candidate for the Sarasota County School Board District 1 seat has entered the upcoming race. Glover officially filed as a candidate, with a campaign focused on putting students first and restoring respectful, solutions-driven leadership. Glover, according to his campaign website, describes himself as a father, mentor and public servant with more than three decades of experience at United Airlines, where he worked in customer service, teamwork and crisis management. He says that his background has prepared him to address the challenges facing Sarasota schools with “real-world solutions,” not political agendas. Glover emphasizes his deep personal ties to the District. His four children attended Sarasota County public schools, and his wife is a former District teacher. He frames those connections as central to his understanding of the strengths and needs of the community’s classrooms.^[37]

Continental Strategy launches PAC to support Trump-aligned candidates —The Florida-based lobbying shop founded by former Amb. Carlos Trujillo has launched a PAC, according to federal filings. The move underscores the firm’s deep ties to the Trump administration following Trujillo’s role bolstering the President’s 2024 Latino outreach and fundraising efforts. Those familiar with the goals of the new PAC say its prime directive is helping congressional candidates aligned with the President in the 2026 Elections. Founded by Trujillo, a former Florida lawmaker who was appointed to an Ambassadorship during the first Trump administration, Continental Strategy has been among the Florida firms seeing a boom in business following Trump’s inauguration in January, reporting more than $10 million in revenue in the first half of the year. It also has a burgeoning state-level practice, landing at No. 13 on the Q2 leaderboard with $1.5 million in Florida lobbying revenues.

— LOCAL: S. FL —

First in Sunburn — “‘A true champion for working families’: Property workers union again backs Eileen Higgins, this time for Miami Mayor^[38]” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Higgins, a Miami-Dade Commissioner, has stood by working families, according to a union representing them that says it’s going to continue supporting her too. SEIU 32BJ, which represents nearly 200,000 property services workers, is again endorsing Higgins, this time for Miami Mayor. “From expanding living wage protections to fighting for affordable housing and safer communities, to supporting commercial office janitors in their fight to raise standards, Eileen has proven herself as a true champion for working families,” the group’s Florida Director, Helene O’Brien, said in a statement. The organization joins Equality Florida Action PAC, EMILY’s List and Ruth’s List Florida in backing her bid to be Miami’s first woman Mayor.

“DeSantis appoints former state lawmaker, hostage negotiator to Miami-Dade College Board” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The Miami-Dade College District Board of Trustees just gained two notable new members. One is José Félix Díaz, a lawyer and former state Representative who led a successful charge in 2016 to expand Florida’s KidCare enrollment to the children of legal immigrants. The other is Juan Segovia, a decorated homicide detective in the Cold Case Unit of the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office who also works as a hostage negotiator. They join two reappointed Board members: Board Chair Michael Bileca, a state lawmaker-turned-executive of a charter school nonprofit whose Board includes Díaz, and city of Hialeah Chief Operating Officer Ismare Monreal.^[39]

“Florida is cutting funding for transit — and exposing the true cost of business tax breaks” via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter system is facing a potential shutdown due to a sudden, politically manufactured budget crisis. The problem began when the state Legislature eliminated a $60 million passenger rail fund to help pay for a $1.6 billion package of corporate tax breaks. Now, the DeSantis administration is illegally using that cut as a pretext to slash Tri-Rail’s separate, statutorily mandated funding by more than $40 million. This decision rips a massive hole in the transit agency’s budget, threatening to halt a system that serves nearly 5 million commuters annually. The move appears to be both a consequence of prioritizing corporate tax cuts and a political maneuver in a feud between the Governor and House Speaker.^[40]

“Where did the students go? Fear, migration fuel steep enrollment drop at Miami schools” via Clara-Sophia Daly of the Miami Herald — For the past four years, Vanessa has escorted children and their families across the street to Shenandoah Elementary in Little Havana, ensuring they arrive at school safely. But when school started this Fall, the crossing guard immediately noticed something was different. Beginning last school year, immigrant parents told her they were leaving the United States for their home country. Others said they were too afraid to bring their children to school. On the first day, she watched families turn around after spotting police cars parked near the school. Some never came back, she said. “I’ve had parents tell me they’re not bringing the kids anymore,” said Vanessa. She declined to use her full name because she worries about her own immigration status. She says her daughter came home from school multiple times to tell her that friends had suddenly left for their countries of origin.^[41]

“North Miami Beach approves water rate relief as Miami-Dade moves to rein in utility^[42]” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — While Miami-Dade contemplates hiking water rates to plug budget holes, North Miami Beach is moving in the opposite direction by approving what its leaders describe as the most extensive water relief package in the city’s history for more than 100,000 county residents. City Commissioners this week unanimously approved the NMB Water Relief Act. This program will cut bills for seniors, disabled residents, military families and other qualifying customers of its Norwood Water Treatment Plant. It’s a great deal for those customers — if it goes into effect. At County Hall, legislation is advancing that could preempt the plan.

How does Gregory Tony still have a job? — “8 Broward deputies fired over botched handling of Tamarac triple murders” via Milena Malaver of the Miami Herald — Eight Broward County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been fired — including a captain previously dismissed in May — following an internal investigation into the agency’s bungled handling of a man who repeatedly threatened his wife, then killed her, her father and a neighbor in Tamarac. Since the Feb. 16 killings, 21 deputies have faced or will face discipline over their handling of the murders of Mary Gingles, 34; her father, David Ponzer, 64; and neighbor Andrew Ferrin, 36. The moves stem not only from the shooting response but from deputies’ responses to more than a dozen calls for help in the months leading up to the murders, Sheriff Gregory Tony announced.^[43]

“MAGA madness threatens a small town’s charm” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — The decision to co-designate a street in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea as “President Donald J. Trump Drive” was both misguided and unnecessary. This act of partisanship threatens the economic lifeblood of our charming seaside village, where tourism thrives in a welcoming, neutral atmosphere. Despite numerous residents protesting that Trump is a uniquely polarizing and divisive figure, a narrow majority on the Town Commission ignored these concerns. Instead of addressing pressing issues like finding a new fire-rescue service or replacing an obsolete public safety building, our officials chose to inject divisive politics onto a street sign. In doing so, they have needlessly disrupted a priceless sense of unity and nonpartisanship for a purely political gesture.^[44]

“Freedom Tower to reopen after two years and a multimillion dollar restoration” via Michelle F. Solomon of the Miami Herald — Hundreds of antique items — a wedding dress, a bag of marbles, guayaberas, a stuffed toy, a record player, a postcard, treasured photos and a crucifix — are on display in collections that make up the permanent exhibitions inside downtown Miami’s newly restored Freedom Tower. They are keepsakes and treasured items brought by some of the Cuban migrants that passed through the doors of what was once called the “Ellis Island of the South.” Historical memory and preservation are the cornerstones of the two-year, $25 million restoration of the 100-year-old Freedom Tower on Biscayne Boulevard. The project included extensive structural repairs and a complete exterior restoration. The Freedom Tower was closed in 2023 to begin the undertaking of the property, which is designated a National Historic Landmark.^[45]

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“Jason Albu drops out of Orlando City Council District 3 race” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Orlando City Council candidate Albu is suspending his campaign for District 3. “As much as I care about serving this community, this simply isn’t the right time for me, my family or my business,” Albu wrote in a Facebook post. “Family comes first, and I know this is the best decision for us.” Albu was running for the District 3 seat. It’s an open race because five-time Commissioner Robert Stuart is not seeking re-election. The remaining District 3 candidates are Samuel Chambers, Roger Chapin, Chris Durant, Kimberly Kiss and Mira Tanna. In dropping out, Albu endorsed Chapin, who has surged in a strong fundraising lead.^[46]

“Florida city on verge of all-green buildings as DOGE probes spending” via Ryan Gillespie of the Tampa Bay Times — Orlando is on the verge of powering its municipal buildings entirely by renewable energy, and is on pace to reach that goal three years ahead of schedule. But the city’s green goals have also drawn a critical eye from Florida’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE, which is auditing the city alongside several other local governments across the state. In his recent State of the City speech, Mayor Buddy Dyer said that the city was on track to run city facilities with solar by early 2027 — an initiative he said boasts environmental and economic benefits.^[47]

“‘I will be your sheriff’: Report details how Osceola’s Marcos Lopez began alleged gambling empire” via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Two years before he became Osceola County sheriff, Lopez joined the gambling business, a venture that started when he introduced a veteran of illegal casinos to a Chinese-born Realtor with money to invest. That deal netted him thousands of dollars, but in September 2019, he had to reassure the woman from China that there was no danger of being caught. “Kate, nothing to worry. No matter what the outcome is, when I win, we start the first internet amusement cafe in Osceola County,” Lopez wrote. “You will be safe and not have to worry about anything because I will be your sheriff.” Lopez, who prosecutors say arranged the meeting to discuss investing in illegal gambling houses in Marion and Sumter counties, would go on to win the sheriff’s job in 2020, the first Hispanic in Osceola elected to that position. An illegal casino would open in Osceola in 2022, protected by Lopez, who allegedly convinced his partners to open in his jurisdiction.^[48]

“What’s in a name? Winter Park resident claims city is stealing Christmas^[49]” via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — For decades, Winter Park has celebrated the Winter holidays with popular events and decorations on Park Avenue, all of them branded by the broad “holiday” moniker. Last year, the local group that received city funds to decorate for the holidays changed the name to “Christmas on Park.” This year, city officials, at the urging of some residents, want the more inclusive “holiday” name restored, given that events begin in mid-November, run through New Year’s Day and acknowledge other holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Now, the toney city faces accusations that it’s attacking Christmas — and the name of the 2025 celebration remains uncertain. Carina Sexton, the executive director of Park Avenue District, the nonprofit agency that supports downtown businesses, wouldn’t say this week what it’s calling its festivities this year.

— LOCAL: TB —

“Not so fast: Pinellas Sheriff warns that open-carry is not yet legal in Florida despite court ruling” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is reminding those in Pinellas County that open-carry of firearms is still illegal despite an appeals court ruling declaring that Florida’s open-carry ban is unconstitutional. In an extended statement posted to social media, Gualtieri reminded that the order related to Florida Statute 790.053 does not take effect for 15 days after the ruling, which would be Sept. 25. “That means the law prohibiting open-carry is not yet affected and open-carry in Florida is still prohibited,” Gualtieri wrote. “Nobody should now open-carry in Pinellas County.”^[50]

“St. Pete Council scrutinizes $1.18 billion spending plan” via Mark Parker of St. Pete Catalyst — St. Petersburg City Council members approved the mayoral administration’s tentative fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday evening, but not without some concerns and discontent. The first of two budget hearings provided an opportunity for residents and the city’s other elected representatives to scrutinize the $1.18 billion spending plan. Mayor Ken Welch did not speak at the meeting. Funding for youth initiatives, St. Pete Fire Rescue, the city’s Complete Streets program and stormwater infrastructure dominated discourse. While the formula used to calculate property taxes remains unchanged, it represents a 3.93% increase from the rollback rate, which would generate the same amount of revenue as in fiscal year 2025.^[51]

“So much for ‘God’s waiting room.’ Gen Z seems to love St. Pete.” via Emma Behrmann of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — St. Petersburg, long known as a retirement destination, is undergoing a major demographic shift, emerging as a prime hub for Gen Z and millennial professionals. This younger generation is flocking to the “Sunshine City” not for jobs, but for its active, walkable lifestyle, waterfront access, and vibrant cultural scene. The trend is so pronounced that the under-35 downtown population has grown 40% since 2015. This influx of talent is now attracting corporate relocations, with companies like Dynasty Financial Partners moving to tap into the city’s pre-existing young workforce. This reverses traditional migration patterns and signals St. Petersburg’s transformation from “God’s Waiting Room” to a magnet for the next generation.^[52]

“Two more books are removed from Hillsborough County schools” via Lily Belcher of WUSF — Hillsborough County has removed another pair of books from school library shelves. The School Board unanimously voted Tuesday to remove “Blankets” by Craig Thompson and “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins. In Hillsborough, 57 books have been removed, with more than 500 awaiting review. Last year, the Board voted 5-2 to keep the books, but after a challenge, the state recommended the District remove them. “Blankets” is an autobiographical novel about Thompson’s coming-of-age story and crisis of faith. “Identical” is about twin girls coming to terms with their abusive father. School Board Chair Jessica Vaughn said the state is forcing the Board’s hand to remove the books. “If I vote to remove these books, it’s not because I believe it’s right but because I am under duress and facing explicit threats of legal actions, including possible arrest or removal from office,” Vaughn said during the meeting.^[53]

— LOCAL: N. FL —

The Federalist Society wins again — “DeSantis taps Michael Beato for Big Bend circuit judge seat” via Jim Rosica of the USA TODAY Network-Florida — DeSantis has appointed an associate attorney at a prominent and politically-connected law firm to be the Big Bend’s next circuit judge. Beato, an associate in litigation practice with the Tallahassee office of Holtzman Vogel, will replace the late Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson, who died in May. Beato, admitted to practice law in Florida in 2019, was one of six finalists, including two county judges who serve in the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Before working at the firm, Beato was a law clerk to Barbara Lagoa, a federal appellate Judge on the 11th Circuit and briefly a Florida Supreme Court justice before that. He also clerked for U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck of the Southern District of Florida.^[54]

“Former Leon County Sheriff’s deputy indicted federally after drug bust tied to son’s home” via the Tallahassee Democrat — A former Leon County School resource deputy has been indicted in federal court on multiple firearms charges, marking a significant development in a case that began with a large-scale drug bust involving his son and girlfriend. The federal indictment of Bill Culpepper, 57, of Havana, includes three counts of possession of a machine gun, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm/short-barreled rifle, and one count of possession of an unmarked silencer. Culpepper appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for arraignment on Sept. 11. His trial is scheduled for Nov. 4, before U.S. Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for each count.^[55]

“Charter School Queen: How an elected official is cashing in big on a publicly funded school” via Susan Clark Armstrong of the Florida Trident — Clay County Tax Collector Diane Hutchings, a career politician with only a high school education, helped to found St. Johns Classical Academy outside Jacksonville in Fleming Island in 2017. Five years later, she co-founded a two-person firm called Ancora Management, resigned from the St. John’s Board, and was handed a very lucrative contract to serve as the school’s “management consultant.” The deal is a gold mine. Ancora was guaranteed a whopping 10% of all the school’s revenues for 15 years, with an option of an additional five years. In 2023–24, which meant Hutchings’ firm made $1.25 million from a $12.5 million budget — all of it public money.^[56]

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Teachers at three Lee County schools are under investigation for comments about Kirk” via Tayeba Hussein of the Fort Myers News-Press — Teachers at three schools in Lee County are under investigation for making comments on social media about the death of political commentator Kirk. Rob Spicker, director of communications for the School District of Lee County, confirmed that the teachers under investigation work at the following schools: Three Oaks Middle School in Fort Myers, Diplomat Elementary School in Cape Coral and Lemuel Teal Middle School in Lehigh Acres. The School District of Lee County has not fired any teachers who are under investigation. Kevin Daly, the president of the Teachers Association of Lee County, said that no disciplinary action has been taken yet on any educators who are under investigation.^[57]

—“Stephen King, a Sarasota resident, apologizes for false claim about Kirk^[58]” via Anthony Robledo, Wade Tatangelo, Chris Anderson of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Excellent way to launch a congressional campaign — “Former U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn arrested for Collier County court no-show” via Tomas Rodriguez of the Naples Daily News — Former U.S. Congressman Cawthorn was arrested in Lee County after a judge issued a warrant for his failure to appear at a court hearing. The arraignment stemmed from a recent citation for driving without a valid license. This follows another serious traffic incident in April 2024, when Cawthorn rear-ended a state trooper’s cruiser on Interstate 75, causing $30,000 in damage and a minor injury to the officer. He was convicted of that offense and ordered to complete defensive driving school. Cawthorn, a pro-Trump Republican, lost his North Carolina Congressional Primary in 2022 and subsequently relocated to Cape Coral, where his legal troubles have continued.^[59]

“Jimmy Glover enters race for Sarasota County School Board District 1” via Samantha Gholar of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — A second candidate for the Sarasota County School Board District 1 seat has entered the upcoming race. Glover officially filed as a candidate, with a campaign focused on putting students first and restoring respectful, solutions-driven leadership. Glover, according to his campaign website, describes himself as a father, mentor and public servant with more than three decades of experience at United Airlines, where he worked in customer service, teamwork, and crisis management. He says that his background has prepared him to address the challenges facing Sarasota schools with “real-world solutions,” not political agendas. Glover emphasizes his deep personal ties to the District.^[60]

— TOP OPINION —

“You don’t have to say something about every terrible thing” via Nate Silver of the Silver Bulletin — The assassination of Kirk was terrifying. While I didn’t share his politics, I feel an implicit fraternity with anyone who speaks publicly.^[61]

The event left me feeling nervous in a way I never had before. But it also highlights a problematic instinct within our political media ecosystem: the compulsive need for everyone to comment on every terrible thing immediately.

I believe we should establish a permission structure to stay silent, to process, or to wait for facts without it being interpreted as a lack of concern.

Quick-fire reactions are often self-serving, add fuel to the fire, and cede the ground to those who thrive on provocation. Reserving judgment and allowing for a cooling-off period isn’t a weakness; it’s a necessary grace.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“In an era of deep polarization, unity is not Trump’s mission” via Peter Baker of The New York Times — The first few minutes of Trump’s Oval Office address after the assassination of Kirk last week followed the conventional presidential playbook. He praised the victim, asked God to watch over his family and talked mournfully of “a dark moment for America.” Then he tossed the playbook aside, angrily blaming the murder on the American left and vowing revenge. That was stark even for some viewers who might normally be sympathetic. When Trump appeared later on Fox News, a host noted that there were “radicals on the right,” just as there were “radicals on the left,” and asked, “How do we come back together?” The President rejected the premise. Radicals on the right were justified by anger over crime, he said. “The radicals on the left are the problem,” he added. “And they’re vicious. And they’re horrible.”^[62]

“Not vaccinating comes at an exorbitant cost” via Donald McNeil Jr. for The Washington Post — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine efforts are not just scientifically absurd; they are financially ruinous. The core logic of health care economics is simple: spending a little on vaccines saves a fortune on treating preventable diseases. Insurers and employers know this, which is why they cover shots to avoid the catastrophic costs of hospitalizations for flu, measles, or shingles. Even expensive vaccines like the one for HPV are incredibly cost-effective, preventing the immense expense and suffering of cervical cancer — yet Kennedy attacks it while having a financial conflict of interest. If he succeeds in undermining even one vaccine, the financial repercussions for our health care system will be severe, and a generation of unprotected children will pay the physical cost.^[63]

“DeSantis’ plan to carve up Florida for the GOP’s benefit violates the law and voters’ trust” via the Orlando Sentinel editorial board — In the Jim Crow era, old-school Democrats dominated the state’s politics — and did what they needed to do to stay on top, drawing legislative districts that deliberately weakened minority communities and split apart communities to elect as many Democrats as possible. But none of those Dixiecrats would have dared to divide and conquer the state’s voters as ruthlessly as DeSantis. In 2022, he effectively seized control over the state’s redistricting process, vetoing a map approved by the Legislature and demanding that lawmakers substitute a plan written by his own staff. DeSantis’ plan was clearly crafted to maximize Republican dominance, despite a 2010 pair of constitutional amendments that mandated fairly drawn districts. That’s not enough for the Governor.^[64]

“When Florida tried to pass open-carry, Republicans understood why it was risky” via the Miami Herald editorial board — This week’s court ruling declaring Florida’s open-carry ban unconstitutional dangerously intensifies the push for legislation, but lawmakers must remember who has long opposed it: law enforcement. Nine years ago, the Florida Sheriffs Association warned that open-carry complicates policing, making it impossible to distinguish between a credible threat and a citizen exercising a right. In our era of mass shootings, this creates a nightmare for officers in crowded urban areas and could embolden criminals. The argument that other states allow it ignores data linking looser carry laws to increased violence. If this ruling forces our Legislature’s hand, we hope that they will finally heed law enforcement’s original warnings and build in critical safeguards.^[65]

“How did Florida’s GOP turn a blue bastion red? By going green.^[66]” via Vince Lago for The Washington Post — As Mayor of Coral Gables, I witnessed the red wave firsthand when we flipped Miami-Dade County. I know that Republicans across America can copy our success by embracing green reforms. This isn’t a betrayal of our principles; here in Florida, we’ve successfully paired fundamental GOP policies like low taxes with forward-thinking environmental action. In my own city, we’ve championed EVs and solar power, while at the state level, our party has invested heavily in Everglades restoration and climate resilience. This pro-environment record was a significant factor in our electoral success. The lesson is clear: conservative voters care deeply about conservation. If my party wants to win, they should adopt our playbook. The best way to win red is to go green.

“I’m a former Florida legislator and doctor. Vaccines offer parents freedom, peace of mind” via Ronald “Doc” Renuart for The Florida Times-Union — Having a strong vaccination program provides freedom for parents to know that their child has little chance of getting a life-threatening communicable disease at school. It also provides the freedom of a safe learning environment for our most vulnerable. This nation’s forefathers supported vaccinations early in our country’s history. Gen. George Washington, in fact, delayed a military campaign to ensure that the Continental Army was vaccinated against smallpox in 1777, since that disease had created more casualties than the British army.^[67]

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

Rest in peace — “‘I hope people will say I was generous’: Tallahassee’s John Newton remembered” via Mary Ann Lindley for the Tallahassee Democrat — Fifteen days before he died, John Newton wrote on Facebook that he’d sold his sailboat and would be without a boat for the first time since 1991. John, my wise and funny friend of many years, still hoped for a lung transplant at Shands Hospital to slow the assault of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He’d endured IPF for several years, was in a pharmaceutical trial, and remained reasonably optimistic. But one night, he and his 28-year-old daughter Colleen had to call for emergency help when even his oxygen gear failed. Within hours, he was on life support at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. With his Colleen and dear friends at his side, he died the afternoon of Sept. 8.^[68]

“Pope Leo XIV, the youngest pope in four decades, celebrates his 70th birthday at the Vatican” via CBS News — Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday with a public address in which he thanked God, his parents and his followers, after previously receiving a birthday cake from the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. Leo, the first U.S.-born Pope, saw giant “Happy birthday” banners, in English, Italian and Spanish, balloons and congratulatory signs held up by the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his traditional noon blessing. Groups of Peruvian believers, including dancers in traditional attire, were out in force, a testament to the two decades the pope spent in the South American country as a missionary and a bishop at the time. “My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70,” Leo said to cheers. “I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers.”^[69]

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Happy birthday to former Rep. Mike Caruso, Brewster Bevis of Associated Industries of Florida, Chris Heath, Chris Hudson, Catherine Crist Kennedy, Scott Kosanovich, Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter, and Chris Wilkerson.

___

Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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