Good Monday morning.
— ICYMI, each week the Florida Politics team picks the Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics. Sunday’s edition crowns FAMU President Marva Johnson, whose school climbed 12 spots in the U.S. News rankings while UF, FSU, UCF, and USF all slipped. The loser is Rep. Fabián Basabe, who answered a $450,000 jury verdict with a Miami New Times essay that did him no favors. Also inside: the race-ratings shift toward Florida Democrats and a Governor’s race that could go without a debate for the first time in more than half a century. Read this week’s column.
— Election Day in St. Pete is basically now. Overseas ballots are out, Pinellas mails the domestic batch Tuesday, and the mayoral race has turned nasty without anyone airing a negative ad. My five things: Ken Welch did fine on home turf at the Tampa Bay Breakfast Club and still couldn’t say one nice thing about Charlie Crist; the “he doesn’t call people back” complaint now has names attached; no debate is going to save Welch, or anyone else; the Tampa Bay Times just gave Democrats permission to “unelect” him; and, believe it or not, Welch’s committee outraised Crist’s last week. Read my column before your ballot lands in the mailbox.
— The AI boom has a shipping problem. Every data center America is racing to build needs power, and the transformers that deliver it are mostly made overseas. Lead times now run 128 weeks and up, prices on some units have jumped as much as ninefold in five years, and Hitachi Energy recently put two transformers weighing more than 80 metric tons each on one of the world’s largest cargo planes because a hyperscale customer could not wait for a ship. JAXPORT wants a piece of that trade and is pitching its Blount Island heavy-lift berth to anyone moving oversized electrical gear. René Rabeder and I trace the line from Jacksonville’s docks to a Polish factory to an emergency order from President Donald Trump. Read our latest for FloridAI before the next 230-ton transformer rolls down a Florida highway.
___
One sentence flips support for Amendment 1, the measure that would expand Florida’s rainy day fund, a new Sachs Media experiment finds.
Half the 1,000 voters surveyed Sept. 23-24 read only the ballot language and backed the amendment 63% to 35%. The other half first read a single sentence: the fund holds about $5 billion, the constitutional maximum, and it is full. Support fell to 50%, with 44% opposed and 7% unsure.
Republicans went from 75% to 60%, Democrats from 57% to 41%. Independents were under 50% either way, and their “definitely no” share nearly doubled to 27%.
Only 20% of voters knew the fund was already at its cap.
“We didn’t make an argument for or against,” said Sachs Media partner and Chief Research Officer Karen Cyphers. “We stated a fact about the current balance of the fund, and 4 in 5 voters were hearing it for the first time.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging a no vote and calls the amendment “a solution in search of a problem.” The Republican Party of Florida endorsed it. No political committee has registered on either side, and Cyphers doesn’t expect anyone to spend money informing voters, with Amendment 3 and pricier fights on the same ballot.
“Absent someone spending to inform them, voters will decide this on what they assume,” she said.
___
Homeowners are more worried about their insurance bill than their tax bill, and most see no sign that the market is improving.
A new poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab, conducted with the Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel, found 63% of homeowners are more concerned about property insurance than property taxes. Just 36% picked taxes. That held across party lines, even with Amendment 3 on the ballot.
“Even in a rhetorical environment that would otherwise prime Floridians to think heavily about property tax, nearly two in three still said property insurance was the greater concern,” said PORL Faculty Director Sean Freeder.
More than half (54%) have switched insurers at least once in the past five years, and a third have done so twice or more. Of those who switched, 47% said they were dropped, most often by Citizens. Nearly half said premiums have risen by at least 50% in the past five years.
Asked about the 2022-23 reforms, 55% see no signs of improvement, 26% say the market is getting worse, and 18% think it is improving. And 69% say the insurance industry benefited most, versus 16% for consumers.
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
Tweet, tweet:
—@SenRickScott: @SusieWiles47 is a fighter, she always has been. Anne and I are relieved that she is now cancer-free. Susie’s resilience and perseverance through that difficult season of her life are truly inspiring. I encourage everyone to read her story.
—@SteveSchale: Ran a bunch of focus groups in Winter 2025 with 24 Trump voters who had voted Obama or Biden. They were clear-eyed who Trump was, but chose him for this exact reason. When asked what Dems could do to win back, answer was basically ‘not much …’ unless Trump breaks his promises.
Tweet, tweet:
—@CoachSA_: Junior Caminero has accomplished what is considered as rare in today’s era: Play in ALL 162 games He’s also the 4th 3B to start every game at 3B in the division era (since 1969) Availability is a MVP standard
Tweet, tweet:
—@ByTimReynolds: Sept. 27, 2026: The first time in world history that a married couple had both a touchdown catch and an MTV Video Music Award in the same day. Congratulations, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift on this amazing accomplishment.
— DAYS UNTIL —
General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 3; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 4; General Election voter registration deadline — 7; ‘The Social Reckoning,’ with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 11; Associated Industries of Florida one-on-one conversations with five top-of-ticket Republicans — 14; ‘VisionQuest’ premieres — 16; ‘The Diplomat’ season 4 premieres — 17; Optional General early voting begins — 21; ‘Six Kings Slam’ on Netflix — 23; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 23; General Election ballot request deadline — 24; Mandatory General early voting begins — 26; General Election — 36; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 39; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 39; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 44; ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’ starring Johnny Depp premieres — 46; ‘Paper Tiger’ starring Adam Driver premieres — 46; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me, America’ is released — 50; New legislator training sessions — 50; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 50; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 53; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 58; ‘Madden’ premieres — 59; Committee Week #1 — 63; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 81; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 81; Committee Week #2 — 98; Committee Week #3 — 105; ‘Ahsoka’ season 2 premieres — 114; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 119; Committee Week #4 — 126; Grammys — 132; Committee Week #5 — 133; ‘Remain,’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan, premieres — 139; Super Bowl LXI — 139; Committee Week #6 — 140; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 155; Tampa Mayoral Election — 155; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 158; Oscars — 167; Jacksonville First Election — 176; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 178; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 178; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 198; Jacksonville General Election — 232; ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ premieres — 242; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 250; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 291; ‘The Bluey Movie’ premieres — 312; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 312; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 347; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 445; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 481; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 483; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 491; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 498; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 505; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 508; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 512; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 519; Oscars — 524; ‘X-Men’ premieres — 585; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 606; ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel with Cruise and Anne Hathaway premieres — 613; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 627; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 655; ‘Ghost Rider’ premieres — 669; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 771; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 809; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 847; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,171; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,211; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,902.
— TOP STORY —
“Donald Trump, irked by reporting, announces rallies to boost Byron Donalds” via Claire Heddles and Churchill Ndonwie of the Miami Herald — Trump condemned reports that Donalds distanced himself from the President by pulling a prominent reference to his endorsement from the campaign’s website, and touted upcoming rallies to boost Donalds. “Two Rallies are already scheduled in Florida for Byron and will be, as always, ‘SOLD OUT!’” Trump wrote. The President is holding a rally in Mobile, Alabama, on Oct. 2 aimed at the Panhandle media market, and Vice President JD Vance is attending a rally for Republican candidates in Lakeland on Oct. 1.
Speaking to reporters in Miami Beach, Donalds said “of course” he would campaign with the President and that his redesigned homepage was not evidence of daylight between them; his team had “already made plans to shift the website focus specifically to Florida” after the Primary. He said Trump hadn’t called him about the changes. “It’s a stupid story. Nobody cares. He doesn’t care.”
Within an hour, Trump posted a nearly 500-word diatribe on Truth Social. “Another Fake Story is that a very close friend of mine, a man I endorsed very early, Byron Donalds, is taking me off his website and Campaign materials,” he wrote. “If Florida thought the story that Byron ‘dropped’ me was true, he would lose the Election, and that would be a terrible thing because he’s going to be a fantastic Governor!”
SPOTTED at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for Donalds’ campaign retreat, dinner Friday night and briefings Saturday morning: Rodney Barreto, Adam Basford, Slater Bayliss, Carlos Beruff, Ron Book, former Gov. Jeb Bush, former House Speaker Dean Cannon, Eric Edwards, Tony Fabrizio, John Holley, Manny Kadre, Adrian Lukis, Rep. Fiona McFarland, David McIntosh, Pat Neal, Karl Rasmussen, Jared Rosenstein, Scott Ross, Steve Ross, and Bill Rubin.
— 2026 —
“David Jolly to national Democrats: Show me some money” via Mitch Perry of Florida Phoenix — With more polls and election analysts suggesting Jolly could become the first Democrat to win a Governor’s race in Florida in more than three decades, the former GOP congressman is appealing for money to defeat Donalds. This week, the national elections rating group Decision Desk HQ shifted the Florida Governor’s race to a “Toss-up,” saying Donalds has a 60% probability of winning, down from 68%. “I need the national Democratic Party to come into Florida and start spending money,” he said to cheers.
“Donalds says Jolly passed up an easy debate” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Speaking in Miami, Donalds said the candidates were onstage separately and that a third chair could have been added for a faceoff. He accused Jolly of avoiding voters. Jolly has said he will not debate Donalds, arguing the exchanges would deepen division rather than produce an honest discussion. His campaign says he accepted two earlier debate invitations that Donalds declined. Donalds’ campaign, meanwhile, says it agreed to three other debates. The dispute leaves Florida voters without a scheduled head-to-head encounter as the Nov. 3 General Election approaches.
“Donalds likes an away game; will he get one?” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Republican gubernatorial nominee Donalds says skeptical crowds bring out his competitive side. On the “A Day in Miami” podcast, he described walking into rooms during the Primary Election, sensing resistance after talking with the first few people and relishing the work of winning them over. Whether he faces many such rooms before November is less clear. His campaign has encountered less visible resistance since he secured the nomination, and he and Democratic opponent Jolly have no debate scheduled. Jolly said Friday that his decision not to debate Donalds was final after the campaigns failed to agree on timing. That leaves Donalds’ preferred “away game” largely off the calendar as the General Election approaches.
—”Donalds: ‘Americans just want to be Americans again.’” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Angie Nixon bets on grassroots organizing against Ashley Moody” via Raisa Habersham of the Miami Herald — Democratic Senate nominee Nixon is bringing tactics learned in labor and civil rights organizing to her race against Republican Sen. Moody. Her protests over Florida’s redrawn congressional districts drew attention, a House reprimand and an arrest; this week, she was ordered to pay a $250 fine and complete 15 hours of community service without admitting wrongdoing. Nixon says the demonstrations reflect her commitment to people she believes government has ignored. Her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America and remarks quoted in a Moody-aligned ad give Republicans lines of attack. Polling suggests Nixon faces a difficult race against a better-funded incumbent in a Republican-leaning state. Supporters say her path runs through grassroots turnout and a message focused on everyday costs.
“José Javier Rodríguez launches multimillion-dollar ‘Give ‘Em Hell’ statewide ad campaign” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Rodríguez is putting seven figures behind a pugilistic message he’s delivering to voters across Florida in his bid for Attorney General. The Democratic nominee just launched “Give ’Em Hell,” the opening ad in a statewide television and digital campaign airing in English and Spanish. It leans heavily on Rodríguez’s biography and portrays the General Election as a choice between an advocate for ordinary Floridians and an incumbent he accuses of exploiting public office for political and personal gain. “My father left communist Cuba. We know what it looks like when the powerful prey on their own people. When I stood up to corporations for screwing us, they tried to give me hell. I gave it right back,” he says.
— MORE ELECTIONS —
“Sydney Gruters, Kelly Kirschner fight over who profits from data centers at CD 16 forum” via Emily L. Mahoney of the Tampa Bay Times — It wasn’t technically a debate, but Republican Gruters and Democrat Kirschner, who are vying for Florida’s 16th Congressional District, took shots at each other all the same in a virtual forum this week. Both have the same top two priorities: tackling affordability and corruption. “I’m really humbled and honored that we have a Republican candidate that has co-opted our same platform,” Kirschner said. Gruters repeatedly pointed to her resume as a longtime congressional staffer and state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On data centers, she said no costs should be passed on to Floridians. “Big Tech should pay their own way,” she said. The sharpest barbs came when the two referenced each other’s financial paperwork. Kirschner dug into Gruters’ campaign donors. Gruters pointed to Kirschner’s disclosure, which shows he owns stock in Meta, Nvidia, and Alphabet. “He may be against AI and against data centers, but yet (he is) personally profiting from them,” she said.
“Scott Singer adds national police backing in Jared Moskowitz challenge” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — The National Association of Police Organizations has endorsed Singer in his bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Moskowitz in Florida’s 25th Congressional District. The group, which says it represents roughly 250,000 officers, followed the Florida Police Benevolent Association’s recommendation. Singer also picked up the National Federation of Independent Business’s endorsement this week and pledged to seek resources for law enforcement if elected. The race remains closely watched: Trump carried the redrawn District by about 9 points in 2024, but Fox News recently shifted its rating from toss-up to Lean Democratic. Singer won a five-way Republican Primary with 31% of the vote; Moskowitz is seeking a third term.
“Trump turns on María Elvira Salazar over immigration ad” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Trump reposted roughly a dozen Truth Social messages criticizing U.S. Rep. Salazar after the Miami Republican said some of his immigration enforcement efforts had gone too far. Her new campaign ad warns that Hispanic voters who supported Trump in 2024 feel betrayed by his deportation policies. Trump said he disagreed with Salazar, called her soft on the border and suggested his endorsement helped her win. Some of his followers called for another Republican candidate in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. The clash leaves Salazar balancing voters concerned about deportations against a Republican base energized by Trump. She has not directly responded to his weekend posts.
— EVEN MORE ELECTIONS —
“Jose Alvarez, Michael Cruz and Ivan Rivera return for House rematch” via Brian Bell of the Orlando Sentinel — The three candidates for House District 46 are back on the ballot after facing one another in 2024. Democratic Rep. Alvarez won that race with 57% of the vote; Republican Cruz took 39.6%, and nonpartisan candidate Rivera received 3.4%. The District spans parts of Osceola and Orange counties, with Democrats holding a substantial registration advantage. Alvarez points to affordable housing, healthcare and public safety as priorities for a second term. He opposes Amendment 3, warning its proposed homestead exemption could strain local budgets. Cruz supports the measure as property tax relief and also cites insurance costs and traffic as concerns. Alvarez has outraised both challengers by a wide margin ahead of November.
Walk this way:
and
Save the dates:
and
— STATEWIDE —
“Hope Florida led disabled people to dead ends as state misused $10M” via Justin Garcia of the Tampa Bay Times — Liz Goodman struggled for years to get support for her autistic son through government programs with long waitlists. She thought Hope Florida might help her find an aide or a tutor — but a “hope navigator” sent her a list of nonprofits and churches she’d already ruled out. “It’s a list of things I could’ve Googled. It wasted my time,” Goodman said. “There’s no capacity to help with things in a real way. I think it’s a shell of an organization.” Two years after approaching the program, Goodman said she’s found a way to get help for Logan, her “best friend”: they moved to North Carolina.
“Joyce Mullen joins Duke Energy Board as demand grows” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Mullen, the former president and CEO of technology services company Insight Enterprises, joins Duke Energy’s Board of Directors on Monday. She will serve on its Audit Committee and Operations and Nuclear Oversight Committee, bringing experience in technology, supply chains and logistics. Mullen retired from Insight in April after previously spending 21 years in executive roles at Dell Technologies. Duke CEO Harry Sideris says her leadership will help the utility respond to growth and changes across the energy industry. Board Chair Ted Craver pointed to her experience with artificial intelligence and digital innovation. Duke serves about 8.7 million customers nationwide, including roughly 2 million in Florida, where its decisions on infrastructure and reliability carry broad consequences.
— D.C. MATTERS —
“Supreme Court allows expansive federal database for voter screening” via Abbie VanSickle of The New York Times — The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can deploy an expansive online system that combines citizenship information, Social Security numbers and other sensitive data about millions of Americans, allowing states to use it to hunt for ineligible voters. Critics fear that states could use the system to purge large numbers of valid voters from their rolls ahead of the Midterm Elections. The decision is a win for Trump, who has pressed his administration to find evidence of widespread non-citizen voting, even though such instances are exceedingly rare. States are not required to use the federal system, and it remains to be seen how enthusiastic local and state election officials will be about it.
“Trump’s vacant appointments undermine his own governing agenda” via David Graham of The Atlantic — Trump has left hundreds of senior jobs unfilled, including posts central to his priorities. The Partnership for Public Service tracks 823 top appointed roles and finds no nominee for 244 of them. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lacks a Senate-confirmed director even as it conducts mass deportations. At the Pentagon, key Army leadership and weapons-acquisition positions remain vacant amid the war with Iran. The United States also has no ambassadors in several countries directly affected by its foreign policy. Some vacancies reflect an effort to weaken agencies, but others leave the administration without leaders needed to carry out its own plans. An assault on career civil servants compounds the problem: a government needs people to govern.
“Trump administration plans to gut clean car rules” via Maxine Joselow of The New York Times — The Trump administration will move on Monday to sharply scale back fuel-efficiency rules for new cars and light trucks, gutting one of the government’s most significant efforts to reduce gasoline consumption and speed the country’s shift to electric vehicles. Trump said on social media that he had “just approved new Fuel Economy Standards,” adding falsely that Biden had implemented an “E.V. mandate.” The final rule from the Transportation Department is expected to significantly weaken federal mileage standards, which have prodded automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of gasoline-powered cars and to sell more nonpolluting electric models. The proposed rule, issued in December, required automakers to achieve an average fuel efficiency of 34.5 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks in model year 2031, down from the standard of 50.4 miles per gallon set by the Biden administration.
“Kathy Castor mulls bid for top Democratic spot on powerful health panel” via Simon Levien of POLITICO — If U.S. Rep. Castor wins re-election, her next step might be leading the Democrats’ healthcare agenda on the Energy and Commerce Committee, according to two people familiar with her thinking. Castor, who currently leads the Committee’s energy panel, has moved the health panel toward the top of her list for next year. The Committee is the congressional body with the broadest jurisdiction over healthcare, an issue House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries considers paramount to his party’s plans for the next Congress if it wins a majority. Castor is among the most senior Democrats on the Committee and would likely get first or second dibs on which Subcommittee she would like to lead. Rep. Raul Ruiz of California, an emergency physician by training, has expressed interest in leading the Health Subcommittee, but Castor outranks him. Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, the Subcommittee’s current top Democrat, is leaving Congress at the end of the year after losing her Primary.
“Kennedy Center put off planned repairs despite known structural issues, former employees allege” via The Associated Press — Kennedy Center officials were long aware of serious structural issues that they cited as new problems after the abrupt decision to close the performing arts venue this month, a group of former employees alleges in a letter to Congress. The center’s executive director and chief operating officer, Matt Floca, did not treat the roofing issues as priorities and in April halted a funded plan to address them, according to the letter Thursday signed by David Seide, a lawyer representing the anonymous whistleblowers. Floca denied the allegations, saying recent investigations into the leaks revealed new hazards in the building. In a September court declaration, Floca noted there were “acute risks to public safety” when the aging building temporarily closed its doors after an inspection of a deteriorating roof terrace canopy and a partial ceiling collapse.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
“Miami’s plans for Cuba’s ‘day after’ revisit thorny questions about money, reconciliation” via Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald — As Trump mused about “taking Cuba” earlier this year, the question that has hovered over the exile community for decades — what happens the day after Cuba’s communist regime falls — suddenly gained urgency, sparking an intense planning effort in Miami for a future transition whose contours are still unclear. Prominent Cuban Americans and opposition organizations have rushed to offer their own vision for a post-communist Cuba, producing a “freedom accord,” a “fundamental law,” a playbook for “Day zero,” and an economic stabilization program. Wealthy Cuban American families have gathered in a new chamber of commerce, ready to invest when democracy comes to the island.
“South Florida Black leaders call Amendment 3 a tax shift” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Black leaders gathered in Miami Gardens to urge voters to reject Amendment 3, warning that its property tax savings would come at the expense of local services. Sen. Shevrin Jones called the proposal “lipstick on a pig,” arguing residents would pay in other ways. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert cited bus fares, parks, and emergency response as services that could suffer. The measure would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. State estimators project an $11.86 billion annual reduction in local non-school property tax collections once it is fully phased in. Supporters say homeowners need relief. Passage requires 60% support Nov. 3.
“Melissa Castro seeks ethics review of Vincent Lago before vote on 30-year UM deal” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Coral Gables Commissioner Castro wants an independent authority to review Mayor Lago’s professional relationship with the University of Miami before the City Commission votes next week on a proposed 30-year development agreement. Castro has filed a resolution directing City Attorney Cristina Suárez’s Office to seek guidance from the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, the Florida Commission on Ethics, or another appropriate government body. “You cannot wear two hats when negotiating a 30-year agreement on behalf of the public without answering who is paying you privately,” Castro said.
“Former Monroe County IT director jailed again over alleged probation violation” via Ted Lund of Above the Fold — Former Monroe County Information Technology Director Lisa Druckemiller is being held without bond after her Sept. 18 arrest on an alleged probation violation involving $623 in unpaid financial obligations. Druckemiller, who denies the violation through her attorney, is scheduled for a Sept. 30 hearing. She previously served 18 months in state prison after pleading guilty to stealing and selling county-owned phones and tablets valued at about $23,000. Her sentence also included 13 years of probation and $16,000 in restitution. A judge later reduced her supervision costs and allowed her to seek community-service credit toward certain fines. She remains at the Monroe County Detention Center pending the hearing.
“Activist seeks criminal review after Broward watchdog finds Margate Commissioner broke ethics law” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A Margate Commissioner helped expand driveway rules and approve a taxpayer-backed improvement program that later netted his construction company nearly $119,000 in business, the Broward County Office of the Inspector General (OIG) concluded this week. Now, a local activist is asking the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to determine whether the conduct warrants a criminal investigation into public corruption. On Tuesday, the OIG released a report detailing how Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano twice violated a Florida law governing conflicts of interest by participating in decisions that created a financial benefit for him and the construction company he owns and operates. Ruzzano neither disclosed his interests publicly nor abstained from either vote, Inspector General Carol Breece found.
“Marathon raises property tax rate above rollback level” via Ted Lund of Above the Fold — The Marathon City Council approved a $201.3 million fiscal 2026-27 budget and a 2.0631-mill property tax rate, 5.52% above the rollback level, following nearly 2½ hours of debate. The rate is unchanged from last year, but higher taxable values mean it will generate more revenue. Finance Director Jennifer Johnson said the plan still requires a $2.6 million draw from General Fund reserves. Council member Lynn Landry cast the lone dissenting vote, warning against continued reliance on reserves. Marathon had adopted the rolled-back rate for the previous three years, but officials said rising expenses made it untenable. The city’s final rate falls below Monroe County’s 7.45% increase over rollback but exceeds Key West’s flat rate. Officials said the move preserves fiscal flexibility ahead.
— LOCAL: C. FL —
“Chris Messina bets an outsider pitch can win blue Orange County” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Republican businessman Messina faces Democrat Tiffany Moore Russell in the Nov. 3 runoff to replace term-limited Mayor Jerry Demings. His pitch: cut government spending, overhaul bus service and bring the proposed U.S. Space Academy to Orange County. He supports Amendment 3’s property tax cuts; Moore Russell opposes them. Messina also wants to revive downtown Orlando and says he would put no more local money into expanding SunRail. He has never held office, but this is his second mayoral campaign. The math is daunting: Democrats outnumber Republicans among registered voters, and Moore Russell has the Democratic establishment’s backing. Messina is counting on an economic message to reach beyond his party.
“Moody faces pressure to restore protections for Haitians,” via Molly Duerig of Central Florida Public Media — Advocates rallied outside Sen. Moody’s Orlando office, urging her to support a bill to restore Temporary Protected Status for Haitians through 2029. The protection ended July 27, leaving people who had been allowed to live and work in the United States at risk of deportation to a country beset by violence and humanitarian crises. The House passed companion legislation 224-204 in April, with 10 Republicans joining most Democrats in support. Advocates delivered roughly 2,000 petition signatures and warned that losing legal status makes people more vulnerable to exploitation. Moody’s office said the group would receive a response. She has previously called for the consideration of Haitians’ cases individually.
“Florida Polytechnic University unveils images for $87M Student Achievement Center” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Florida Polytechnic University is moving forward with plans for a new Student Achievement Center on its Lakeland campus. The school unveiled renderings for the 138,000-square-foot facility. Officials are planning to have the structure open within two years. The three-story building carries an estimated $87 million price tag and will feature a curved roofline and a glass façade designed for natural light and an open interior. “The Student Achievement Center represents the next chapter in Florida Poly’s extraordinary growth,” said President Devin Stephenson.
“Space Coast growth brings a new appetite for entertainment” via Riley Benson of the Orlando Business Journal — Brevard County’s aerospace and manufacturing boom has brought jobs and residents. Now businesses are racing to give them more places to go after work. Viera’s population grew 63% from 2010 to 2020, and its new Lakeside Social venue joins plans for Topgolf and Dave & Buster’s. An aquarium is moving forward at Port Canaveral, while a proposed Melbourne soccer stadium could bring more activity near downtown. Space Coast Chamber CEO Anne Conroy-Baiter says entertainment helps the region retain its workforce. The growth is uneven: downtown Melbourne has a roughly 20% commercial vacancy rate, creating openings for local businesses even as national brands gravitate toward Viera.
— LOCAL: TB —
“Ken Welch presses Charlie Crist in pointed St. Petersburg forum” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — Mayor Welch went on the offensive against former Gov. Crist at a St. Petersburg mayoral forum, accusing his challenger of making false claims and offering plans for work already underway. Crist said residents have struggled to meet with Welch; the Mayor challenged him to provide examples. The candidates also sparred over water and sewer repairs, with Welch pointing to a November referendum intended to accelerate upgrades. Crist, who led Welch by 14 points in the August Primary Election, read many answers from a binder and said preparation matters. Asked what each admired about the other, Crist praised Welch’s kindness. Welch paused before citing Crist’s passion for public office. Their televised debate is scheduled for Oct. 13.
“Pinellas adopts $5.14B budget with millage less than 1% above rollback” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Pinellas County Commissioners approved a $5.14 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, locking in a lower property tax rate less than 1% above rollback after a lengthy debate over how deeply to cut spending. The final budget keeps the General Fund millage at 4.4989 mills, down from the 4.5423 mills originally proposed, and its lowest level since 1989. The rate reduces the county’s property tax revenue by about $6 million compared with the original proposal. That includes roughly $667,000 in Social Action Funding for nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable residents. Commissioners approved the General Fund and Health Department millages and budgets by a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner Vince Nowicki voting in opposition.
“Hillsborough finalizes $13.8B budget as advocates push for new Pet Resource Center” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Hillsborough County Commissioners approved a $13.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, closing out a spending process that drew heavy attention from animal welfare advocates pushing to replace the county’s aging Pet Resource Center. The final plan sets the aggregate property tax rate at 8.6864 mills, 0.4% above the rolled-back rate. Chair Ken Hagan addressed the issue before public comment began, saying there have been no plans or discussions to delay or change the Pet Resource Center project. “We’re following our process. The County Administrator is coming back to us sometime this Fall. We are currently evaluating the options, both funding and as far as the facility,” Hagan said.
“Nine years after Tampa Confederate monument was moved, one of its soldiers is decapitated” via Tony Marrero of the Tampa Bay Times — Nearly a decade after its controversial removal from Hillsborough County’s old courthouse, a Confederate war memorial is now the subject of a criminal investigation involving a missing head. One of the two soldier figures that comprise the 115-year-old marble monument called “Memoria in Aeterna,” which has sat in the private Brandon Family Cemetery since its relocation from downtown Tampa in 2017, was recently vandalized. The soldier’s head appears to have been sliced clean off. “It’s not broken; it was cut off,” said Kelly McLaren, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay. “Someone went to some effort to accomplish this.”
“Pasco school tax renewal puts teacher pay on November ballot” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times — Pasco voters will decide whether to renew a school property tax that District leaders credit with raising employee pay and reducing vacancies. The levy is $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value and is expected to generate about $68 million this year. Without it, supporters say, employees could lose roughly 12% of their pay. This year’s proposal would also direct 5% of proceeds to school security officers. School Board Chair Colleen Beaudoin says the District began this school year with fewer than 60 teacher openings, compared with hundreds before voters approved the tax in 2022. The vote comes alongside a separate statewide property tax proposal that excludes school taxes.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
“Key endorsement alert in Tallahassee Mayor, City Commission races” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat — Candidates with significant support who were defeated nonetheless in the August Primary announced their endorsements of City Commission candidates Loranne Ausley and Tom Derzypolski, while a dozen current and former elected officials came out in support of City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, with many of them appearing in his new ad. Nixon, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, was the headliner in the Matlow commercial, appearing toward the end alongside City Commissioner Jack Porter and County Commissioner Bill Proctor. “From Washington, D.C., to Tallahassee City Hall, change can’t wait,” said Nixon.
“Jackson County lands $3.8M federal economic development grant with Shumaker Advisors’ help” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Jackson County has received a $3.8 million federal Community Development Block Grant agreement for economic development. Shumaker Advisors worked on the application with the county. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through FloridaCommerce’s Small Cities CDBG program, which is open to counties with fewer than 200,000 residents and cities with fewer than 50,000 residents. The award is larger than any in the two Small Cities rounds DeSantis announced for Northwest Florida and North Florida, which ranged from $211,000 to $3 million. “Securing this $3.8 million investment will provide Jackson County with additional resources to support economic opportunity, job creation, and long-term growth in the community,” said Alan Suskey of Shumaker Advisors.
“Ron DeSantis appoints Brian McBroom to take over Walton County Tax Collector’s office” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — DeSantis filled the vacant Walton County Tax Collector’s seat by appointing McBroom to the post. The Tax Collector’s position became vacant in May when Rhonda Skipper, who held the job for 21 years, stepped down. That prompted the need for a Special Election. That special vote was essentially decided in the Aug. 18 Primary Election. McBroom garnered nearly 57% of the votes cast in the Summer ballot. “As a lifelong resident of Walton County, I have chosen to invest my time and energy in public service here, spending my entire career in Walton County,” McBroom said in his campaign announcement.
— LOCAL: SW. FL —
“Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson resigns FGCU Alumni Board amid sexual misconduct claims” via Mickenzie Hannon of Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News — Anderson has resigned from the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association Board of Directors as he faces public scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations involving two young men. FGCU spokesperson Pamela McCabe confirmed Anderson submitted his resignation from the volunteer Board. The resignation came days before a contentious Fort Myers City Council meeting where 18-year-old FGCU student Dominic Hendricks and 23-year-old Kagan Vann accused Anderson of soliciting them for sex in downtown Fort Myers. Anderson denies both allegations. “These allegations being made are completely false,” he said. “These exchanges are being taken out of context and being used to create a false narrative.”
“Cape Coral holds tax line as Amendment 3 threatens millions” via Evan Williams of Gulfshore Business — Cape Coral City Council approved a $1.44 billion budget for fiscal 2027, holding its general property tax rate at 5.1471 mills despite rising costs. The 7-1 vote preserves public safety services and capital projects, including a major utility expansion. Council member Derrick Donnell cast the lone dissent, favoring a higher rate to raise more revenue. The city’s taxable property value grew just 3.31% this year, down from 22.91% in 2023. Another fiscal test awaits in November: If voters approve Amendment 3, state analysts estimate Cape Coral could lose $31.1 million in property tax revenue in 2028 and $56.9 million in 2029.
“Four years after Hurricane Ian, Cape Coral manatees face a narrower passage” via WINK — Hurricane Ian washed away a seawall and displaced sand in a Cape Coral waterway, creating “Ian’s Island” and narrowing a channel shared by manatees and boaters. Resident Patti Sullivan, who has watched manatees swim past her home for years, says some have died there since the storm. Neighbor Preston Peacock says boaters sometimes speed through the narrow passage despite its no-wake designation. Sullivan says she once warned a boater about nearby manatees, only to watch the vessel strike one. Both residents want better signs, boater education and more patrols. Dredging plans remain on hold pending permits and funding, another unfinished piece of the region’s Hurricane Ian recovery.
— TOP OPINION —
“Cancer-free, with strength to rebuild and purpose to keep” via Susie Wiles for USA Today — After surgery and chemotherapy for breast cancer, my pathology shows no residual cancer. I am cancer-free. Yet rebuilding my strength will take time. Treatment tested my body and resolve in ways I never anticipated.
Serving as White House Chief of Staff while fighting cancer meant carrying two responsibilities. Some mornings, getting dressed and going to work was its own victory. My approach was not possible for everyone, but work gave me a mission beyond appointments, scans and side effects.
Cancer can shrink your world until every day is measured by how sick you feel. I resisted letting it become my entire identity. People depended on me to remain clear-eyed and effective, even when I worried others might see my illness before my leadership.
I could not have done it alone. My White House colleagues and those outside it filled gaps and carried extra weight. My daughters, family and friends brought love, prayers and encouragement. My medical team offered expertise, honesty, patience and reassurance.
Chemotherapy took stamina, mobility and, at times, concentration. The road ahead involves regaining what treatment took. I am grateful to President Trump for his kindness and compassion, and to everyone whose support helped me keep serving my country.
My experience is not a prescription for anyone else facing cancer. It is a reminder that illness need not erase relationships, work or purpose. I remain a mother, grandmother and friend. Cancer changed my life, but profoundly deepened my appreciation for each day and for God.
— MORE OPINIONS —
“Iran war could cost Trump and Republicans in November” via David Wallace-Wells of The New York Times — The Iran war may become Trump’s most damaging liability in the Midterms. Only about one-third of Americans approve of his handling of the conflict, and eight in 10 say it has raised living costs. Gas prices have risen, while confidence in the economy has fallen even among Republicans. In January, 72% of Republican voters said the economy had strengthened over the previous year; by September, just 29% said so. Those shifts could help Democrats in races once thought out of reach, including Florida’s Senate contest. The election remains weeks away, and Republicans have ample money to spend. But the war’s effect on household costs may be harder to overcome.
“Trump’s press ban crossed a constitutional line” via the Orlando Sentinel and Virginian-Pilot editorial boards — Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from White House access after criticizing their coverage. A federal judge ordered their credentials restored, and the administration complied. The ban was a flagrant offense against the First Amendment and the public’s right to know what its government is doing. Television networks, including Fox News, suspended their shared White House pool coverage until access was restored. The episode also raises questions about the administration’s newly announced 24-hour “Trump TV” livestream and whether official channels could replace independent scrutiny. Trump may dislike critical reporting. That cannot be grounds for excluding journalists from the White House, and the administration must never repeat it.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
“UCF, Walt Disney World partner to add logo to Knights’ football helmets” via Matt Murschel of the Orlando Sentinel — UCF is expanding its partnership with Walt Disney World in a sponsorship deal that includes a logo on the back of the football helmets, starting with Saturday’s game against TCU. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the agreement, which was announced Friday. “Walt Disney World is part of the fabric of Central Florida, and we are incredibly proud to feature its logo on our football helmets,” UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir said in a statement.
“Controversial Wahnish Cigar Factory demolition delayed for now” via TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — The historic Wahnish Cigar Factory and Tobacco Warehouse may avoid the wrecking ball for now after officials learned of alleged issues with the Architectural Review Board that signed off on its demolition. The proposed demolition is slated for discussion at the Sept. 28 meeting of the Development Review Committee, which previously took up the request and postponed action on it. However, it’s not clear what will happen at the meeting following clear direction from City Commissioners to halt any demo permits at this time.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are Helen Aguirre Ferré and Tampa-based consultant Beth Leytham.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
The post Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 9.28.26 appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
