Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 10.22.25

Good Wednesday morning.

Please join me in wishing a happy birthday to Senate President-designate ‘Diamond Jim’ Boyd, one of the best public servants in Florida.

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The Florida Association of Health Plans (FAHP) has named Brittney Hunt its new CEO, effective Nov. 10.

FAHP, the statewide trade association representing commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage health insurers and managed care organizations, selected Hunt for her extensive experience in health care policy and government affairs, as well as her reputation as a respected leader throughout the state.

Hunt will work with the organization’s members to advance its mission of promoting access to high-quality, affordable health care for Floridians.

“It’s a privilege to be selected to lead FAHP and represent our members who are central to advancing the health and well-being of Floridians,” Hunt said. “Florida’s health plans play an integral role in driving affordability, expanding access to care and improving health outcomes, and I look forward to working with our members, regulators, and policymakers to continue to advance those goals.”

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Professional services firm CohnReznick is opening a Tallahassee office to serve as a regional hub for its Government and Public Sector Advisory practice. This marks a significant milestone in its strategic growth and enhances its ability to meet the evolving needs of its public sector clients in Florida.

The firm’s public sector advisory practice has extensive experience in compliance, monitoring and oversight, as well as grants management and administration and program management. Those skills align well with Florida’s diverse industries and frequent exposure to natural disasters, which, along with the state’s large and rapidly growing population, create a complex public sector landscape that requires flexibility, accountability and strategic oversight.

CohnReznick helps enable agencies to navigate funding requirements, streamline program delivery, and maintain transparency and performance across large-scale initiatives.

“CohnReznick is invested in Florida’s future, and our team is committed to delivering high-impact advisory services where they matter most,” said Frank Banda, the Office Managing Partner in Tallahassee and Managing Partner of the firm’s Government and Public Sector Advisory practice. “Being on the ground in the capital will enable us to serve more of Florida’s complex state and local needs, as well as deepen our impact with clients and stakeholders across the region.”

— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —

Tweet, tweet:

—@SecRubio: Colombia’s justice has prevailed as former President Uribe is absolved after years of the political witch hunt against him and his family. #UribeInocente^[1]

Tweet, tweet:

—@RonDeSantis: That was the crux of our announcement in Stuart. FWC has partnered with a company called Inversa who makes luxury items — belts, wallets, boots, etc. — with python skin. The company has an economic incentive to help FWC; the contractors make more money for hunting them, and the result has been a tripling of the number of pythons removed from the Everglades.

Tweet, tweet:

Tweet, tweet:

—@DonShulaCorelon: Prayers up to an absolute legend, longtime NFL play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan. Ain’t nothing wrong with him, he’s just calling the Dolphins game on CBS this week.

— DAYS UNTIL —

’Mayor of Kingstown’ season four premieres — 4; Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber annual meeting — 5; Miami Beach City Commission Elections — 13; Ted Cruz to keynote Miami-Dade GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner — 20; ‘Landman’ season two premieres on Paramount+ — 25; ’Wicked: For Good’ premieres — 30; ’Stranger Things’ final season premieres — 35; Bears vs. Eagles on Black Friday — 37; Florida Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Solution Summit — 42; Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit — 42; Special General Elections for SD 11 and HD 90 — 48; ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ premieres — 51; ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era’ six-episode docuseries premieres on Disney+ — 51; Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Cabinet will meet — 56; ’Avatar: Fire and Ash’ premieres — 58; Broncos vs. Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas Day — 64; Legislative Session begins — 83; Florida Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Fly-In — 83; ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premieres on HBO — 88; ‘Melania’ documentary premieres — 100; Florida TaxWatch State of the Taxpayer Dinner — 106; Milano Cortina Olympic & Paralympic Games begin — 107; last day of the Regular Session — 142; Yankees-Giants Opening Day matchup/Netflix’s first exclusive MLB stream — 154; MLB 14-game Opening Day slate — 155; Tampa Bay Rays will play their first game at the newly repaired Tropicana Field — 166; Florida TaxWatch Spring Meeting begins — 175; MLB Jackie Robinson Day — 175; First Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (Federal) — 180; Federal Qualifying Period ends — 184; F1 Miami begins — 191; ’Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ premieres — 212; MLB Lou Gehrig Day — 223; Second Qualifying Period for 2026 begins (State) — 229; State Qualifying Period ends — 233; FIFA World Cup begins — 232; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 255; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 260; 96th annual MLB All-Star Game — 265; Domestic Primary Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 267; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation — 271; Primary Election 2026: Deadline to request that ballot be mailed — 288; Primary Election 2026: Early voting period begins (mandatory period) — 290; Primary Election Day 2026 — 300; Yankees host the Mets to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — 324; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 328; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters — 332; General Election 2026: Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters — 337; Domestic General Election VBM Ballots Mailed deadline — 344; General Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote — 348; Early Voting General Election Mandatory period begins — 367; 2026 General Election — 377; ’Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 422; Another untitled ’Star Wars’ movie premieres — 422; Tampa Mayoral Election — 496; Jacksonville First Election — 517; Jacksonville General Election — 573; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse’ premieres — 591; ‘Bluey The Movie’ premieres — 653; ’The Batman 2’ premieres — 709; ’Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 786; Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 996; U.S. Presidential Election — 1112; ’Avatar 4’ premieres — 1512; ’Avatar 5’ premieres — 2243.

— TOP STORY —

“It’s not just Republicans who want property tax relief” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — State lawmakers representing Orange County will take another look at property taxes during an upcoming meeting, as an unusual alliance forms between local Democrats and Republicans on how to make the system fairer.^[2]

Orange County Property Tax Collector Scott Randolph, a Democrat, surprised many this week by voicing support for a GOP-led proposal to lower taxes through a percentage-based homestead exemption. The plan, championed by House Speaker Daniel Perez and backed by DeSantis, would exempt 25% of a home’s assessed value for non-school taxes.

“I urge you to go 40%,” Randolph told the 14 members of the Orange County legislative delegation gathered in downtown Orlando. He said the current property tax structure punishes new homeowners and young families moving into Florida, while longtime residents pay far less for similar homes.

“I’ve lived in the house I’ve lived in for the last 10 years. My property taxes have gone up less than $1,000 in 10 years,” Randolph said. “If somebody purchased that home this year, they would pay double what I pay.”

Randolph also urged lawmakers to increase the tangible personal property tax exemption to $200,000, saying it would help small businesses “at a very minimum cost to local government.” Lawmakers from both parties agreed to continue the discussion with a follow-up virtual meeting before the next Legislative Session.

Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat, cautioned that any property tax cuts could impact emergency services funding. “We have to take our time to make sure that we fully research this issue,” he said.

— STATEWIDE —

“Ron DeSantis announces new initiative to help rid Everglades of invasive Burmese pythons” via Will Greenlee of Treasure Coast Newspapers — DeSantis on Oct. 21 announced a new partnership with a Miami-based company to help remove more invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades, where they have decimated native species for years. DeSantis and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young spoke at the John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area in western Martin County. The 16,600-acre natural area in western Martin and Palm Beach counties is off Southwest Pratt Whitney Road west of Interstate 95. “These things will take out a deer,” DeSantis said of pythons. “I mean, it’s unbelievable what they’re able to do.”^[3]

“Florida charges Texas man over threats to Jewish conservative media figures” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — State officials said a Texas man was arrested for making death threats against Jewish conservative media figures who live in Florida. State Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on X that the Office of Statewide Prosecutor was notified last week of the threats. He added that, after an investigation, authorities got an arrest warrant and have charged Nicholas Ray of Spring, Texas, with extortion, written threats to kill and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Laura Loomer, the far-right activist and ally of President Donald Trump, announced on social media Monday evening that she was one of those targeted with death threats and had reported them to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In her post, she said conservative commentator Josh Hammer and Seth Dillon of The Babylon Bee were also threatened.^[4]

“Enviros back GOP state Senator’s bill protecting local container bans” via Bruce Ritchie of POLITICO — Some environmentalists are backing a bill filed by a GOP state Senate Committee Chair that would protect local ordinances regulating plastic bags and foam containers. State Sen. Ileana Garcia filed the bill that supporters say is a response to a Senate move last year to bar local governments from adopting ordinances to address plastic and foam pollution in waterways. The bill, FL SB240 (26R), would preempt the regulation of such “auxiliary” containers to the state, while leaving local ordinances that already exist in place. Furthermore, the measure would direct the state Department of Environmental Protection to develop a uniform ordinance by Oct. 1, 2027, to be used by cities and counties. The bill also directs DEP to develop a statewide marine debris reduction plan.^[5]

“Shevrin Jones revives CROWN Act to block discrimination in schools based on hairstyle” via Andrew Powell of Florida Politics — A lawmaker has refiled a piece of legislation aiming to prevent discrimination against natural hair in Florida’s education systems. Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Jones filed the measure (SB 252) that aims to align Florida with a growing movement recognizing hair-based discrimination as a form of racial discrimination. Known as the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or CROWN Act, the measure has been filed in Florida for several years. California first passed the CROWN Act in 2019 and as of 2025, 28 states across the U.S. have enacted similar measures. The legislation would define a “protected hairstyle” as hair characteristics that are historically associated with race, including afros, braids, locks, twists, and hair texture and type.^[6]

— D.C. MATTERS —

“Donald Trump said to demand Justice Dept. pay him $230 million for past cases” via Devlin Barrett and Tyler Pager of The New York Times — Trump is demanding that the Justice Department pay him about $230 million in compensation for the federal investigations into him, according to people familiar with the matter, who added that any settlement might ultimately be approved by senior department officials who defended him or those in his orbit. The situation has no parallel in American history, as Trump, a presidential candidate, was pursued by federal law enforcement and eventually won the election, taking over the very government that must now review his claims. It is also the starkest example yet of potential ethical conflicts created by installing the President’s former lawyers atop the Justice Department.^[7]

“House Judiciary Committee refers John Brennan to DOJ for criminal prosecution” via Shawn Fleetwood of The Federalist — The House Judiciary Committee referred former CIA Director Brennan to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution on Tuesday over allegations that he “knowingly made false statements” to Congress about his role in the Russia collusion hoax. In the letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi obtained by The Federalist, Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan argued that “Brennan made numerous willfully and intentionally false statements of material fact contradicted by the record established by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and the CIA.”^[8]

“Trump considering commuting Diddy’s sentence, possibly this week” via TMZ — Trump is considering commuting Diddy’s sentence as early as this week. According to our source, the President is “vacillating” on a commutation. We’re told some of the WH staff are urging Trump not to commute the sentence. But our source states the obvious: “Trump will do what he wants,” and we’re told Trump could set Diddy free as early as this week. Diddy is serving a 50-month prison sentence for violating the Mann Act. He’s served 13 months, and with credit, he could get out in around two years — but none of that matters if Trump commutes his sentence.^[9]

“Justice Department scrutinizes a trip Fani Willis took to the Bahamas” via Danny Hakim and Richard Fausset of The New York Times — As Trump continues calling for investigations of his perceived political enemies, federal investigators are scrutinizing a trip that Willis, the prosecutor who brought charges against him in Georgia, took to the Bahamas. Willis, the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, brought an election interference case against Trump and his allies in 2023, but was disqualified from continuing to prosecute the case last year. She took the Bahamas trip with some colleagues last November, after she was re-elected to a second term. Her office said on Monday that the trip was for a leadership training session and that campaign funds covered the cost. “The district attorney attended a leadership training seminar in preparation for the start of her second term,” said Jeff DiSantis, a spokesperson for Willis’s office. “Her chief investigator was also present on the trip,” he added. “No government funds were used by District Attorney Willis for expenses related to the training.”^[10]

“The power struggle over who will run NASA is turning ugly” via Emily Glazer, Natalie Andrews and Micah Maidenberg of The Wall Street Journal — A power struggle has emerged over who will run NASA, adding fresh uncertainty about the agency’s leadership. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is NASA’s acting Administrator, has told people that he wants to lead the space agency, according to people familiar with the conversations. So does Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur who was the nominee earlier this year before Trump withdrew his support. Isaacman has reemerged as a candidate as the push for a permanent NASA chief intensified in recent weeks. Duffy interviewed Isaacman on Oct. 13 for the job. Behind the scenes, both men have been jockeying to lead NASA.^[11]

“Carlos Giménez urges Republican leadership to extend health care subsidies, María Elvira Salazar still silent” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Giménez has joined with 12 other Republicans demanding that House leadership take steps to save health care subsidies. In a carefully worded letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the letter effectively calls for lawmakers to immediately take up an extension of Affordable Care Act credits set to expire at the end of the year. The lawmakers want the Republican leader to promise that the matter will be taken up as soon as Democrats agree to end a federal government shutdown. The group praises Johnson’s “strong leadership” in demanding passage of a budget resolution passed by the House in September. “Once the government is reopened, however, we should immediately turn our focus to the growing crisis of health care affordability and the looming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits,” the letter states.^[12]

“Cubans with criminal records in the U.S. are being quietly deported to Mexico” via Claire Healy and Syra Ortiz-Blanes of the Miami Herald — The Trump administration is quietly sending hundreds of Cubans and other immigrants with significant criminal records in buses across the border to Mexico, in an expansion of third-country deportations. Although Cuba accepts deportation flights from the U.S., its longtime practice has been to reject deportees who have been convicted of certain crimes. That has left many of the island’s immigrants in limbo for years — unable to return to the island but stripped of their legal status to stay in the United States. But without legal documentation in Mexico, they are now in a new limbo, and it is unclear what future awaits them.^[13]

— ELECTIONS —

“‘A proven leader’: Club for Growth PAC endorses James Uthmeier for Attorney General” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The conservative Club for Growth PAC is backing Attorney General Uthmeier’s campaign to keep his appointed post, following an endorsement from Trump. Club for Growth President David McIntosh praised Uthmeier as “a proven leader” who defends the rule of law and limited government. The Washington-based group joins Trump, the Republican Attorneys General Association, and 51 Sheriffs in endorsing Uthmeier, who was appointed by DeSantis earlier this year. Uthmeier, a former Trump campaign counsel and Commerce Department adviser, faces Punta Gorda attorney Steven Leskovich in the GOP Primary. Former state Sen. José Javier Rodríguez, who served in the Joe Biden administration, remains the sole Democrat in the race for Florida Attorney General.^[14]

Happening tonight:

and

— LOCAL: S. FL —

“Ted Cruz to keynote Miami-Dade GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Republican Party of Miami-Dade will host U.S. Sen. Cruz as the keynote speaker for its Lincoln Day Dinner. The Texas Republican will speak at the Doubletree Hotel in Miami on Nov. 11. “Sen. Cruz is the highest-ranking Cuban American in the United States Senate and is a strong leader for America First Policies,” reads an Instagram post from the party’s official account. That’s notably a credential Cruz can tout only since former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Miami Republican, left the Senate to become Secretary of State earlier this year. The Cuban American community in Miami has long driven Republican politics in South Florida, making Cruz a natural choice. The support played a key role in Trump’s landslide victory in Florida in 2024.^[15]

“Ballot push to expand Miami Commission, move elections to November passes 10K signatures” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Stronger Miami, a nonprofit pushing for broader representation and higher voter turnout, has collected more than 10,000 signatures — halfway to the 20,000 needed to place proposed City Charter amendments on Miami’s 2026 ballot. The group seeks to expand the City Commission from five to nine members, promising smaller districts and better neighborhood representation. They also work to move city elections to coincide with federal contests, hoping to save costs and boost turnout. Leaders of the homeowners’ advocacy group One Grove Alliance praised the milestone as proof that “Miamians are ready for change.” The group also backs a 2024 ballot measure to create a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee, aiming to prevent gerrymandering, following court rulings that past maps intentionally sorted residents by race.^[16]

“County Commission reaffirms budget request cut; Sheriff could appeal to the Governor” via Colleen Wixon of Treasure Coast Newspapers — County Commissioners stood firm at a special meeting over reducing Sheriff Eric Flowers’ budget request by 5.4% — despite opposition from Sheriff employees and residents. Without discussion, the County Commission unanimously approved its previous reduction of the Sheriff’s budget request and notified him in writing of its decision. Despite Commission Chair Joe Flescher telling the almost 100 people in attendance that the meeting was about discussing the budget, supporters and employees spent almost three hours explaining why the Sheriff needed more money.^[17]

“Why does Laura Loomer care so much about the Miami mayoral race?” via Naomi Feinstein of the Miami New Times — Yesterday, for some reason, Loomer jumped off her Islamophobia train to provide her two cents about the Nov. 4 City of Miami Mayoral Election. Florida’s very own far-right provocateur, self-described proud Islamophobe, and once-rumored Trump side piece, took a brief break from attacking the Muslim community on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to deem Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo — who is running to reclaim the mayoral gavel he wielded in 1996-97 and again from 1998 till 2001— “woke,” and not a true Republican. Loomer, who appears to be an avid New Times reader, referenced an August story about Carollo’s monthly event in Little Havana featuring performances by a local Cuban drag queen. She included a screenshot of New Times’ Facebook post about the story along with a quote from Carollo noting that the performers “are not transvestites.”^[18]

—“The race for Miami Mayor is crowded. Here’s a look at the top six candidates” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics^[19]

“Emails show airport’s fight over ‘mystery’ $100K budgeted for county rodeo” via Douglas Hanks of the Tampa Bay Times — In the Summer of 2024, a senior administrator at Miami International Airport discovered a surprise addition to the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s promotional budget: a $100,000 allocation to a county rodeo that didn’t seem eligible for airport funding under federal aviation rules. “We did not budget any funds for CountryFest,” Arlyn Rull Valenciaga, the Aviation Department’s chief of staff, wrote in a July 2024 email to the agency’s finance director. “I do not have an explanation as to how that made it to our budget but do ask that it be removed.” Rull and other senior MIA administrators were raising objections at a time when there was a high-level push in county government to allocate funds to the annual rodeo festival hosted by County Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez each year in his District at Tropical Park.^[20]

“Jack Nicklaus wins $50M in defamation case against his former company” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Golf legend Nicklaus just scored one of the biggest wins of the latter half of his career — this time in court. A Palm Beach County jury awarded the 85-year-old “Golden Bear” $50 million after finding that Nicklaus Companies, the firm he helped build, defamed him by spreading false claims that he secretly negotiated a $750 million deal to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League. Jurors ruled that the company worked to publish falsehoods that damaged Nicklaus’ reputation and subjected him to “ridicule, hatred, mistrust, distrust or contempt.” The verdict closes a two-year feud between Nicklaus and his former partners, billionaire banker Howard Milstein and company executive Andrew O’Brien, who were cleared of personal liability in the case.^[21]

— LOCAL: C. FL —

“New charter schools poised to pull students from under-enrolled Orange campuses” via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — Amid a burgeoning statewide controversy over a new law easing the way for private groups to launch public schools, two charter schools have announced plans to open in Orange County, moves that could pull students from neighborhood campuses already struggling to fill their classrooms. One of the new charter schools hopes to take advantage of the enrollment declines in Orange County Public Schools. It has filed paperwork to move, rent-free, to a campus in Pine Hills that is about half empty. The other wants to recruit students from five different public schools, all under-enrolled, including the OCPS Academic Center of Excellence, which opened eight years ago as part of the effort to revitalize the economically downtrodden Parramore neighborhood.^[22]

“Rick Lacey removed from leadership of Brevard County Republican Executive Committee” via Tyler Vazquez of Florida Today — The Republican Party of Florida issued its decision after determining Lacey violated 15 rules outlined in the party’s official procedures. As a result, Lacey will not be eligible to hold any official Republican Party position for two years and has had his membership from BREC revoked for that timeframe as well. In the event of a Chair’s removal, the Vice Chair is designated to take over the position. Dave Fosdick, the current Vice Chair of BREC, did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. Just this year, Lacey won his fifth two-year term as Brevard Republican Executive Committee Chair when he defeated local Public Defender Blaise Trettis in a close election for the post following a 140-110 vote.^[23]

“Citrus County Commissioners give nod to 2026 sales tax referendum” via Mike Wright of Florida Politics — In all of Florida, only one county has never had a voter-supported local option sales tax. Citrus County Commissioners are hoping that it ends next year. Buoyed by a survey that shows citizens would consider supporting a referendum, Commissioners, by consensus, agreed to place a local option sales tax vote on the November 2026 ballot. The 1-cent sales tax, estimated to bring about $25 million annually, would sunset in four years and be used for road resurfacing. Commissioners, led by Jeff Kinnard, said that it would give the Board time to build trust with voters that the money is being spent where they wanted.^[24]

“Hooters manager running for Mayor of Lakeland” via Carla Bayron of Fox 13 — A 24-year-old Lakelander is one of the youngest candidates ever running for Mayor. Kaitlin Gracie Kramer was born and raised in Lakeland. She graduated from Bartow High School and is running for Mayor because she says she wants to challenge the idea of what leadership can look like. “It doesn’t always just come with a title,” said Kramer. “It comes from hard work and grit. It comes from reaching out to those in the community and listening to people first, and understanding what they think is working or what they think could be changed for the better.”^[25]

— LOCAL: TB —

“USF selects beloved former Dean as president” via St. Pete Catalyst — The University of South Florida has named Moez Limayem, a former dean whose popularity extended far beyond the Tampa campus, as its ninth president. He was the sole finalist for the position, and USF’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment on Tuesday morning. Limayem spent 10 years growing the Muma College of Business before leaving to become president of the University of North Florida in 2022. He will succeed President Rhea Law if confirmed on Nov. 6 by the Florida Board of Governors.^[26]

“St. Petersburg gets another pitch to redevelop piece of Tropicana Field” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — Pitches to develop part of the former Gas Plant neighborhood, where Tropicana Field stands today, keep coming in. The city announced Tuesday that it will officially welcome more proposals next month. The latest is from the Pinellas County Housing Authority, which on Oct. 8 submitted a proposal to St. Petersburg city officials to build a seven-story, 80-unit affordable senior housing building at 1659 Third Ave. S. That city-owned lot is east of Lot 3 used for Tampa Bay Rays games. The project would target “lower-income seniors, with an emphasis on very-low income, with preference given to seniors who formerly resided in the Historic Gas Plant District,” the proposal read. The Housing Authority is asking the city to convey the 0.58 acres for $1.^[27]

“Pinellas School Board ponders using AI weapon detection systems” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Citing the desire to ensure schools are as safe as possible, Pinellas County School District officials introduced plans Tuesday to consider using artificial intelligence-enabled weapon detection systems. Two schools, neither of which has been selected, would be the site of a trial run for the technology in the Spring if the District decides to move ahead with the concept. Before reaching that point, safety and security leaders plan to test the equipment to determine if it makes sense to proceed with a pilot. “We are looking for an additional layer of preventive protection,” said Jennifer Dull, the District’s chief operations officer. School Board members said they were in tune with that goal, as school shootings continue to occur around the nation.^[28]

“State removes part of SunRunner’s dedicated lane in South Pasadena” via Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times — The SunRunner, a bus route that runs from downtown St. Petersburg to the beach, will now have to negotiate car traffic on Pasadena Avenue after the state stepped in. The Tampa Bay Times reported in June that the Florida Department of Transportation was conducting what it called a routine review of lane repurposing projects around the state, including the SunRunner. What makes the SunRunner unique in Pinellas County is that its route has its own dedicated lane. Whit Blanton, executive director of the transportation planning agency Forward Pinellas, said the local transportation secretary told him that, in the “worst-case scenario,” the SunRunner could lose part of its lane along Pasadena Avenue.^[29]

— LOCAL: N. FL —

“CFO Blaise Ingoglia awards $1.8M to sheriffs for illegal immigration enforcement efforts” via Anita Padilla of Florida’s Voice — Ingoglia announced more than $1.8 million in state funding Tuesday to support Sheriff’s offices across Northeast Florida in their ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. Speaking to a group of local sheriffs and law enforcement officials, Ingoglia praised Florida’s leadership under DeSantis and Trump, crediting both for prioritizing border security and public safety. He emphasized the state’s commitment to enforcing immigration law through partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.^[30]

“Federal shutdown will close Tallahassee area Head Start preschool programs” via TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — Head Start programs providing preschool care for children throughout the Big Bend are in danger of closing as a direct result of the federal shutdown. The Capital Area Community Action Agency, the lead local agency administering the program, sent letters to impacted families and said programs would temporarily close by Oct. 24 if a federal budget isn’t passed. The Head Start program had 378 prekindergarten students ages 3 to 5 enrolled and 74 staffers, 28% of whom are current or former Head Start parents. “Since October 1, we have made your children’s well-being our priority,” wrote Darrel James, the agency’s Head Start director. “However, if Congress does not pass a federal budget by Friday, October 24, 2025, Community Action Head Start will be forced to close temporarily until a budget is passed.”^[31]

“Secret price tag? City Manager spent $20K to study TMH value ahead of public debate” via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — City officials released a valuation of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare last week. Still, records show the city manager worked to get a preliminary price long before the City Commission directed him to negotiate a sale with Florida State University. Just two days after the Democrat broke news about a bombshell city agenda item that first introduced the idea of exploring a hospital handover on March 21, City Manager Reese Goad signed off on a $20,000 contract with a private consulting firm to do a quick-turn study to develop “current pricing” numbers for the city’s hospital assets. The firm, Ankura Consulting Group, lists FSU Health among its clients and touts its work on “over 20 hospital transactions.”^[32]

“Wakulla judge recuses himself, apologizes after saying he wanted deputy to shoot lawyers” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Wakulla Circuit Judge J. Layne Smith issued a rare public apology and recused himself from several cases after telling lawyers in his courtroom for a civil matter that he wanted the deputy to “pull his gun and shoot” them. Smith’s comments came during a half-hour hearing on Sept. 23 at the Wakulla County Courthouse, where he scolded attorneys for not resolving ongoing legal disputes between a brother and sister feuding over the estate of their late mother.^[33]

“Escambia waits as calls grow to enact law allowing greater Perdido Key public beach access” via Mollye Barrows of the Pensacola News Journal — Some people who live on Perdido Key say Beach Access No. 1 is like walking through a police buffer zone. During the height of tourist season, there are often deputies, a patrol car and black and yellow boundary tape, which some say resembles crime scene tape, cordoning off the areas between the private property owned by condominiums from the walking path down to the beach. “It’s intimidating, unnecessary and wasteful,” Escambia County resident Ally Brooks told County Commissioners at their Oct. 16 Board meeting. “It appears to residents that they, as taxpayers, are paying for county employees to bully and intimidate, as directed by a few large condos. Is this the message that we want to send to current and prospective residents?”^[34]

“FAMU Board of Trustees files motion to dismiss lawsuit on presidential search process” via Tarah Jean of the Tallahassee Democrat — Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees is now asking a judge to toss out a lawsuit filed months ago over concerns with FAMU’s contentious presidential search process. The recent “motion to dismiss” to Circuit Judge John Cooper comes as FAMU President Marva Johnson has been serving as the university’s new leader since August. It also comes after Board Chair Deveron Gibbons and Vice Chair Michael White – two strong supporters of Johnson during the search – were recently elected to lead. “The complaint is a vague, ambiguous, unanswerable and impermissible shotgun pleading which violates basic rules of pleading and is incapable of response,” the motion says. On June 16, following an 8-4 Board of Trustees vote in favor of Johnson, a group of FAMU stakeholders took their concerns about Johnson’s presidential selection – and how it was allegedly predetermined – to court, pushing for an investigation ahead of her June 18 confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.^[35]

“JU President Tim Cost leaving role in 2026, adding to local colleges’ changes” via Steve Patterson of The Florida Times-Union — Jacksonville University President Cost is leaving the school’s top job in 2026, creating uncertainty about its future as University of North Florida officials also mull choosing a new leader. Cost said he’ll become JU’s chancellor on July 1, focusing on external relationships in a long-vacant position held 31 years ago by his onetime mentor, the late President Frances Bartlett Kinne.^[36]

— LOCAL: SW. FL —

“Lee County investigation reveals three teachers’ Charlie Kirk posts. One resigns” via Mickenzie Hannon of the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — A Lee County School District investigation found that three teachers’ social media posts about conservative activist Kirk’s death caused disruptions at their schools, including parent withdrawals, student complaints and threats that prompted law enforcement involvement. The teachers — Mariah Roller of Three Oaks Middle School, Brooke Wold of Lemuel Teal Middle School and Sarah Seado of Gateway High School — were identified in documents obtained through a public records request. According to Lee County School District spokesperson Rob Spicker, all three educators have been suspended without pay since Oct. 3, pending a School Board vote on their termination next month.^[37]

— TOP OPINION —

“America needs a mass movement — now” via David Brooks of The Atlantic — Other nations have shown what ordinary people can do when democracy falters. From Poland to South Korea, citizens have risked their lives to reclaim rights and restore dignity. The pattern is clear: autocrats may rise, but when people stand together, they fall.^[38]

The Philippines offers one of the most striking examples. When Ferdinand Marcos tried to consolidate power in the 1970s, students, workers, and clergy rose in resistance. The regime cracked down, but defiance spread. When opposition leader Benigno Aquino was assassinated, millions marched. By 1986, Marcos fled, toppled by a decade of courage and conviction.

Such stories reveal an enduring truth: the people themselves are the last defense of democracy. Political scientists Erica Chenoweth and María Stephan examined hundreds of resistance movements and found that nonviolent uprisings succeed twice as often as violent ones. Ordinary citizens — when organized, disciplined, and united — can defeat authoritarianism.

That reality casts an uncomfortable light on America’s current passivity. Democratic norms are under siege, yet civic resistance is faint. Institutions bend, leaders stay silent, and fear replaces conviction. Every act of accommodation makes the abnormal seem routine.

The danger isn’t that one man declares dictatorship overnight; it’s the slow corrosion of civic courage. When people stop speaking freely, when intimidation replaces debate, democracy rots from within.

The lesson from Manila and Warsaw is simple: freedom survives only when citizens refuse to be passive spectators. If Americans want to preserve self-government, they’ll have to rise, too.

— MORE OPINIONS —

“A Kirk Road, everywhere. Had enough?” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — The death of Kirk, leader of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was a shock to his millions of followers and to the entire country. Regardless of the shooter’s grievances, the murder of Kirk was an attack on a fundamental American value that should be dear to us all: his right to speak. But a tribute planned in the Florida Legislature is both excessive and offensive. House Bill 113 would require a street to be renamed for Kirk at all 40 Florida state universities and colleges. Every 50 miles or so, a state road would bear his name, making it as ubiquitous as U.S. 1 or I-95. In a case of overt political coercion, schools that refuse would lose their state money. This is less of a tribute and more of an act of provocation. The bill sponsor, Republican Rep. Kevin Steele, even specifies which roads to rename, choosing those most traveled by students and the public. In Tallahassee, Florida State University’s Chieftain Way near iconic Doak Campbell Stadium would become Charlie James Kirk Road.^[39]

“Millions of reasons why Trump is fearful” via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Nothing frightens a king more than his people — with good reason. A people’s revolution broke through the last bricks of the Berlin Wall. Street protests toppled communism in Czechoslovakia. The people booted a king before America was a country. On No Kings Day last Saturday, millions of protesting Americans made clear they will not tolerate a new one. All over the country, an estimated 5 to 7 million people enthusiastically stood up to Trump. For a President who obsesses over crowd sizes, he had to be afraid. We heard it in the hysterical talking points from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Trump proxies: how the protesters hate America. They are terrorists, anarchists and Marxists, possibly dangerous, and definitely paid by nefarious Jewish globalists like George Soros. Others expressed confusion, noting that Trump couldn’t be a king because he was democratically elected.^[40]

— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —

— ALOE —

“Ari Abraham Porth honored with Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Broward Circuit Judge Porth, a former Democratic state lawmaker known for championing mental health reform on and off the bench, has been honored for his commitment to justice and compassion in Florida courts. He was recently given the annual Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy Award for his service in the legal community. The honor, presented by the St. Thomas More Society of South Florida, recognizes legal professionals who embody the moral ideals of Thomas More, a judge, statesperson and humanitarian canonized in 1935. Porth, who presides over Felony Mental Health Court in Broward County, has served on the bench since his appointment in 2013 by then-Gov. Rick Scott. Before becoming a judge, he worked as an Assistant State Attorney from 1995 to 2012 and served in the House from 2004 to 2012.^[41]

“How much dirtier can the dirty martini get?” via Maggie Hennessy of The New York Times — The dirty martini at the year-old cocktail bar Gus’ Sip & Dip in Chicago isn’t merely “vodka, house olive brine, dry vermouth, blue cheese stuffed olives,” as the menu suggests. Behind the scenes, bartenders make a slurry of blitzed Gordal olives, distilled white vinegar, malic and citric acids, and monosodium glutamate, or MSG, and clarify it into a clear, intensely concentrated olive brine. Stirred with dry vermouth and vodka and gilded with machine-dispensed ice shards, it tastes like a dirty martini in high definition. Kevin Beary, the beverage director of Gus’, swears this vigorous stand-in improves on the usual splash of jarred olive brine. Customers seem to agree: The enhanced dirty martini is the bestseller at Gus’, to the tune of 2,000 drinks per month.^[42]

— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —

Celebrating today are my friend Tony Carvajal as well as Luke Strickland. It would have been the birthdays of Nancy Detert and Watson Haynes, both incredible, generous leaders.

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