The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.14.26 — Burnin’ today: Dudley, American AI, Rogers, Jolly, Renner, Donalds & Neill

unburn: The heat behind Florida policy ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises  Good Tuesday morning. I must begin with more difficult news … more difficult news in a difficult month. Former State Sen. Fred Dudley passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, at his home on Lake Yvette in Havana, Florida. He was 81. Dudley is survived by his sons, Chris and Charlie Dudley, both of whom are lobbyists in Tallahassee. Fred Dudley’s passion for politics was passed on to his son, Chris, at a young age. When Chris Dudley was just 12 or 13 years old, he set up a meeting with the then-Governor to discuss education policy. Fred Dudley, who was serving in the House at the time, got a call from then-Gov. Bob Graham’s office to confirm his son’s meeting, sparking joy in a father proud to see his young son so engaged in the process. Chris Dudley, Fred Dudley and Charlie Dudley carry forward a family legacy rooted in Florida politics. Fred Dudley was first elected to office in 1982, serving one term in the Florida House as the first Republican from Lee County in the lower chamber. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 1986, where he served until 2000. Chris Dudley described his father as “a proud member of the Reagan Revolution” who campaigned for the late former President in Southwest Florida and took his family to Reagan’s first inauguration in 1981. “He was incredibly proud to be part of the 1994 Republican takeover of state government, serving as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The highlight of his legislative career came in 1991, when Sen. Dudley led the charge to create Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers as the state’s 10th public university,” Chris Dudley said. “To this day, a door signed by all 81 graduates of the first FGCU Commencement hangs in his home,” he added. In addition to his civil service as an elected official, Dudley was a Florida Bar-certified construction lawyer with more than 45 years of experience in real estate practice, specifically handling construction liens and licensing and disciplinary matters. ___ Our thoughts are also with our friend Jonathan Kilman, who lost his mother, Raeann Ginsberg Kilman, on Monday. ___ Build American AI, a nonprofit working to advance pro-innovation policies across the U.S., is hosting an AI Appreciation Day event Thursday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., with a panel discussion from noon until 12:45. I’ll be moderating the panel, posing difficult questions about the state of AI policy in the U.S. and the future of its regulatory framework. Panelists include Build American AI Executive Director Nathan Leamer, Bake More Pies CEO Cordes Owen, Associated Industries of Florida Vice President of Government Affairs Adam Basford, Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julio Fuentes, EPIC Engineering and Consulting Group CEO Prasad Chittaluru, and Dinner Done co-founder and CEO Audra Nasser. Build American AI convenes a panel in Tampa on innovation, regulation and small-business adoption. The panel will address some of the biggest challenges facing artificial intelligence and the broader tech industry as AI continues to dominate advancements. Topics will include President Donald Trump’s proposed legislative framework for a national standard on AI regulation and why that matters to Florida; how AI makes a difference for small businesses; how to balance regulation with free market ideas; how data centers impact local communities; how businesses are adopting AI; misconceptions regarding AI; unique applications of AI technology; and more. For its part, Build American AI is working, among other things, to ensure that small businesses have access to the technologies that will help them grow, thrive and improve operational efficiency. “Small businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and AI is already helping us work smarter, serve customers better, and compete in a rapidly changing marketplace,” the organization wrote in a letter to Florida lawmakers. “From improving efficiency to expanding access to new tools and technologies, AI is creating real opportunities for businesses like ours.” The Build American AI panel will be held at Bake More Pies, 5019 W. Nassau St., Tampa. ___ Jack Rogers is trading the Burns Building for The Southern Group. The former FDOT Deputy Chief of Staff helped lead the agency’s legislative and policy agenda, including securing more than $7 billion for the Moving Florida Forward Initiative. At Southern, he’ll work on transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, appropriations and executive branch policy. Jack Rogers joins The Southern Group after nearly a decade working in Florida government. “Having led that agency, I know how demanding the work is and how rare it is to find someone who can move seamlessly between the Legislature, the executive branch and the campaign trail,” said Senior Managing Partner Rachel Cone, herself a former interim FDOT Secretary. “Jack understands how policy is shaped, funded and implemented because he has done it at every level, and our clients will feel the benefit of that from day one.” Before FDOT, Rogers worked on Adam Putnam's gubernatorial campaign, served as Political Director for former House Speaker Paul Renner, then managed Sen. Jim Boyd's Senate campaigns and worked as his Legislative Assistant. “A loyal team player, Jack possesses a rare combination of intelligence, integrity, and a robust work ethic,” the Senate President-designate said. “Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working in state government and helping advance policies that improve the lives of Floridians,” said Rogers, a sixth-generation Floridian from Lakeland. “Joining The Southern Group allows me to continue that work in a new way.” ___ The Florida Chamber Foundation is announcing this morning that Florida’s $1.8 trillion economy ranks 14th in the world, surpassing the gross domestic product of both countries. The Chamber’s Florida 2030 Blueprint calls for a top 10 economy by 2030, and the Foundation says the state is on pace. Florida grew 6.3% over the past year; it needs about 2% more growth to pass South Korea for No. 13, and about 21% to catch Canada at No. 10. “Florida’s rise to the world’s 14th largest economy is part of our Florida 2030 Blueprint plan and further proof that free enterprise works,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson. “Florida continues creating jobs, attracting investment, welcoming new businesses, and giving families greater opportunity to succeed.” Florida’s $1.8 trillion economy ranks as the world’s 14th-largest. The Foundation credits a run of No. 1 rankings for the climb, including new business startups, manufacturing job growth, net income migration and Black-owned businesses, as well as the lowest state debt per capita of any state. It also counts 155,742 fewer children living in poverty since the Blueprint launched. “This ranking reflects the impact of Florida’s economic growth over time,” said Sheridan Morby, Senior Director of Economic Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Strong labor market expansion and business investment continue to help position Florida among the world’s largest economies.”

Situational awareness   —@SusieWiles47: Two years ago, our country witnessed an unspeakable act of violence in Butler, Pennsylvania. Being at the hospital in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump is a day I will never forget. Through it all, President Trump wasn’t focused on himself. He wanted to make sure everyone else was OK. I was with two dear friends — Dan Scavino and Steven Cheung — and must admit I had a few minutes of being in shock and even a little weepy. I’m grateful to God for His protection over the President and the team. But the cost of that day was nevertheless greater than many realize, and we will continue to pray for the families impacted. We will not forget the day in Butler. Tweet, tweet: Tweet, tweet: —@DannyBurgessFL: As someone who’s driven an RV across America, I can assure you: my suspension votes Florida #1 too. Our family has put tens of thousands of miles coast to coast. You don’t realize how good Florida’s roads are until you’ve driven almost everywhere else. Tweet, tweet: —@MearKat00: I am a loyal and faithful Nole, but I cannot thank @UFHealth enough for helping my loved one. We need to do better in Tallahassee. Tweet, tweet:

Days until   Primary Election domestic ballot send deadline — 2; ‘The Odyssey,’ directed by Christopher Nolan, premieres — 3; Primary Election voter registration deadline — 6; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 17; Optional Primary early voting begins — 20; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 22; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 23; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 25; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 33; Primary Election Day — 35; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 45; Republican National Midterm Convention — 57; NFL regular season kicks off — 57; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 58; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 59; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 63; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 67; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 68; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 72; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 79; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 80; General Election voter registration deadline — 83; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 87; Optional General early voting begins — 97; General Election ballot request deadline — 100; Mandatory General early voting begins — 102; General Election — 112; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 115; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 115; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 120; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 129; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 134; ‘Madden’ premieres — 135; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 157; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 157; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 157; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 195; Grammy Awards — 208; Super Bowl LXI — 215; Tampa Mayoral Election — 231; Oscars — 243; Jacksonville First Election — 252; Jacksonville General Election — 308; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 326; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 388; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 388; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 444; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 521; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 559; Oscars — 600; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 682; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 703; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 731; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 847; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 923; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,247; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,287; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,978.

Top story   “In pre-emptive move, David Jolly tries to explain ties to alleged fraudster“ via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — David Jolly, the leading Democratic candidate for Governor, released a video Monday explaining his connection to a Clearwater man accused by federal authorities of stealing more than $100 million from a nonprofit that helped those with special needs and disabilities. Both Jolly and his wife Laura worked for Leo Govoni, and Govoni’s son worked for Jolly as an aide when he was in Congress. Jolly posted the video after U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna questioned the connection earlier in the day — a potential prelude to a bruising General Election campaign — saying he expected Republicans to use “this devastating crime to play ugly politics.” Govoni, along with an accountant who worked at the nonprofit, was indicted in June 2025 and is alleged to have used funds from special-needs clients as a “personal piggy bank,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice, which said the misappropriation spanned 15 years, from 2009 to 2024. Govoni has pleaded not guilty and is expected to go to trial next year. The ties run deeper than employment: The Tampa Bay Times reported Govoni served as Jolly’s finance co-Chair in 2014 and that he and his companies donated $147,000 to Jolly’s congressional campaign. Govoni also co-hosted a fundraiser with his wife for Rick Scott's 2018 Senate campaign — a point Jolly leaned on, noting Govoni gave to Democrats and Republicans alike. In the video, Jolly contended Govoni’s “activities appear to have occurred almost exclusively after we left his employment, and we learned of these charges when the rest of the world did.” He added: “Unlike too many politicians today who hide behind lawyers or refuse to answer questions, I’m an open book. Because when you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide.” On X, Jolly went further, referencing the criminal record of GOP front-runner U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds: “Be very careful also because only one of the candidates running for Governor actually has a criminal record, and it’s the candidate you’ve endorsed. Just be smart and show a little class here.” Watch the video here: David Jolly addresses questions about his past ties to Leo Govoni.

2026   “‘If he knew what I knew’: Paul Renner says Donald Trump didn’t do due diligence when endorsing Byron Donalds” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Recent polling suggests former House Speaker Renner faces an uphill battle in the Republican Primary for Governor. A key factor is the White House’s support for Donalds, who currently leads the field. However, the Palm Coast Republican remains optimistic. Renner points to recent gubernatorial contests in which Trump-endorsed candidates have come up short. He contends that Trump might have reconsidered his endorsement of Donalds if he had a fuller picture of the third-term Congressman’s record, particularly given Donalds’ prominent role in minority outreach during the 2024 campaign. “If he knew what I knew, I don’t think he would ever have made that endorsement. And the more I’m in this race, the more I see that. I wouldn’t be in this race if I thought the Trump-endorsed candidate was fit for office, to be candid with you,” Renner said. Paul Renner challenges Donald Trump’s endorsement of Byron Donalds in the Governor’s race. “Billionaire backs Donalds with education agenda in mind” via Natasha Yee of Miami New Times — Billionaire investor Jeff Yass has poured $7.5 million into Donalds’ gubernatorial campaign, betting Florida will become the next frontier for expanding school choice. While universal Education Savings Accounts are already law, Donalds and his wife, Erika Donalds, envision broader changes, including personalized learning plans, greater private-sector involvement and expanded education technology. Erika’s leadership of charter school organizations and education companies has drawn conflict-of-interest criticism from public education advocates, though she and the campaign reject those claims. Yass, one of the nation’s leading school-choice donors, has financed similar efforts nationwide and views Florida as an opportunity to push education reform beyond vouchers toward a more competitive, market-driven system. Dan Daley endorses Alex Vindman in Democratic U.S. Senate Primary — State Rep. Daley became the latest sitting lawmaker to endorse Vindman. “Alex has spent his life serving our country, and I believe he will bring that same sense of duty and commitment to the United States Senate,” said Daley, a Coral Springs Democrat. “I am proud to support Alex’s campaign, and I look forward to working with him to deliver for Florida.” Vindman welcomed the support of the South Florida lawmaker, the latest in a string of Florida legislators to endorse the retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. “Rep. Daley has a proven record of stepping up for Floridians, and I am honored to have his support,” Vindman said. “In the U.S. Senate, I will be laser-focused on crushing this corruption and lowering costs for Florida families.” “Nikki Fried says Democrats playing to win in 2026” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida Democrats say they are poised to reverse a string of recent setbacks in this year’s election cycle, signaling a renewed sense of optimism inside a party that has struggled to compete statewide in recent years. During a news conference on Monday, Party Chair Fried said the state apparatus is turning things around and that national power brokers are investing in its efforts. “Since 2024, Democrats have flipped more than 30 seats across our state. That is 18 months of steady wins in districts that look nothing alike,” Fried said, noting that the party is winning throughout Florida, bolstered by an uptick in volunteers, voter contacts, and people wanting to run for office under the party label. Fried said Democrats currently lead Republicans by 138,000 in vote-by-mail ballots, a metric the party has struggled with in recent cycles.

More elections   “Congressional hopeful Mike Beltran threatens defamation suit over Laura Loomer claim he voted in NYC” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Beltran, a Hillsborough Republican running for Congress, denies voting in New York City’s Mayoral Election. Now he’s threatening to sue influencer Loomer. “I did not vote in New York City since 2009. Hard stop,” Beltran told Florida Politics. The former state Representative grew up in Brooklyn but has lived in Florida since 2010 and served three terms in the Florida House before launching a congressional run. Beltran sent a cease-and-desist letter to Loomer after she reported that Beltran has been a registered voter in New York City since 2002 and registered in Florida in 2010. Laura Loomer and Mike Beltran clash over allegations involving his New York voting history. Eileen Higgins endorses Oliver Gilbert for Congress — Miami Mayor Higgins is backing Gilbert, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner running in Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Higgins, elected in December 2025 as Miami’s first female Mayor and first Democratic Mayor in nearly three decades, has built her tenure around affordability, transit expansion and restoring trust in government. “I’m grateful for Mayor Higgins’ support,” Gilbert said. “She and I both know that families across South Florida are dealing with the same struggles: the cost of housing, the cost of getting to work, the cost of just getting by. That’s the fight I’m taking to Congress, and I’m glad to have a partner like her in it.” Happening Wednesday:

Even more elections   “Allison Tant has wide lead in campaign financing for District 9 House race” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — State Rep. Tant is outpacing her Republican challengers by a wide margin in campaign fundraising for the District 9 Florida House race. The Tallahassee Democrat has pulled in nearly $260,000 in direct contributions as of the June 26 reporting deadline. Tracy Robinson reported a total of $50 in campaign contributions through June 26, with only one contribution and a $1,781 self-loan. Jibri Knight, the other Republican in the race, will square off against Robinson in the Aug. 18 Primary. Knight has reported just $930 in contributions, and like Robinson, is relying mostly on personal loans — nearly $9,000 of her own money — to keep her campaign afloat. Tant is unopposed by any fellow Democrats. She chaired the Florida Democratic Party from 2012 to 2016 and represented the state at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. “Fentrice Driskell grows cash lead over Michele Rayner as clock winds down on SD 16 race” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — If elections were decided solely on money raised, House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell would win in a landslide against her current House colleague, Michele Rayner, in Senate District 16. Driskell and Rayner are seeking the seat currently held by Sen. Darryl Rouson, who is leaving office due to term limits. Driskell has a major cash advantage, with $315,007 on hand between her official campaign account and two affiliated political committees. Rayner, meanwhile, has just $58,321 available between her campaign account and affiliated political committee. But despite the cash gap, the race is expected to be competitive, with Rayner consolidating support from the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party and Driskell securing support — or at least cash — from more establishment interests. Fentrice Driskell and Michele Rayner are competing for Senate District 16, with a wide fundraising gap. “Chase Brannan maintains fundraising lead in 2-way GOP Primary in HD 10 to succeed his father” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Chase Brannan has pulled ahead in the fundraising race for the State House District 10 GOP Primary, reporting $178,000 raised through June 26. His opponent, Marshall Rawson, trails with $124,000 collected so far. Brannan, a real estate business owner based in Baker County, is looking to succeed his father, Rep. Chuck Brannan, who is stepping down after eight years due to term limits. Much of Brannan’s financial edge comes from more than 60 contributions tied to political committees, with support from homebuilders, real estate groups, medical associations and the Florida Police Benevolence Association. He also picked up $1,000 checks from the committees of state Rep. Danny Alvarez and Sen. Tom Leek, as well as from the Tallahassee law firm Carlton Fields. “Melissa Rutland builds early fundraising edge over Lindsay Polega-Quigley in the race for St. Pete’s HD 60” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Republican Rutland opened an early fundraising advantage over Democrat Polega-Quigley in the race between two newcomers for the open House District 60 seat to succeed St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross. Rutland raised just over $37,000 in contributions across her campaign account and the Friends of Melissa Rutland committee through June 26, while Polega-Quigley raised about $28,000 through her campaign account. Much of Rutland’s fundraising came from political organizations that quickly lined up behind her candidacy. It also includes a $2,000 candidate loan. Her candidate report lists 13 separate $1,000 contributions from political committees using the same 527 E. Park Ave. address in Tallahassee. Together, those contributions supplied $13,000 — more than 40% of the $31,000 Rutland raised through her candidate account. Happening Saturday:

Statewide   “Top Florida elections official leaving ahead of this year’s Primaries” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — One of Florida’s top election administrators — who carried out multiple contentious changes pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican legislators — is stepping down just ahead of the Aug. 18 Primaries. Gretl Plessinger, a spokesperson for Secretary of State Cord Byrd, said that Maria Matthews, an attorney who has served as director of the Division of Elections since 2013, will continue to assist the division until July 31, but her last day in the office was June 30. Matthews served as a crucial connection between the state and Florida’s 67 election supervisors, who often bristled at directives on voter eligibility, checking voting rolls and handling vote-by-mail ballots. “To say she will be missed would be an understatement of epic proportions,” said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. During her tenure, Matthews carried out voting laws that drew opposition and a stream of litigation, including the battle over felon voting rights, and last fall instructed supervisors to invalidate 200,000 petitions from marijuana legalization organizers. Florida prepares for the Aug. 18 Primaries amid a major transition in election leadership. “James Uthmeier calls for ban on flour additive used to make dough, beer” via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — Attorney General Uthmeier wants Florida’s Legislature to take another look at a proposed ban on a flour additive he called a shortcut used by bread bakers at the expense of consumers. Uthmeier held a Monday news conference at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine to call for a ban on potassium bromate, which is added to products used by bakers to speed up dough development and by beer brewers to malt barley. Canada and countries across Europe banned the additive more than 30 years ago, while American federal regulators have only asked bakers to stop using it. “There’s a reason why the rest of the world has banned the use of potassium bromate,” Uthmeier said. “It’s not something to risk when it comes to our kids.” Uthmeier said his staffers will send subpoenas to the country’s major bakeries, including General Mills and Pillsbury; he was joined by state Rep. Meg Weinberger, who cosigned a 2025 bill seeking to ban the additive. “Whack-a-mole bans won’t fix Florida’s kratom problem, advocates say” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Uthmeier signed an expanded emergency rule last month adding a new batch of 7-OH-related compounds to the state’s banned list, and the Drug Enforcement Administration moved this month to place concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, into Schedule I federally. Advocates, patients, veterans, parents and recovery voices are pushing back, urging policymakers to regulate all kratom products safely rather than ban them one compound at a time. What they want is straightforward. Keep products away from children. Require testing and labeling. Remove bad actors from the market. Preserve access for responsible adults who say these products help them manage pain, avoid opioids or rebuild their lives. The federal picture is unsettled. Trump said in May his administration is looking “very seriously at natural 7-OH” and getting it approved, a comment advocates read as drawing a line between responsible regulation and blanket prohibition. “Court rejects challenge to Florida professor review law” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs — A Florida appeals court upheld the dismissal of a constitutional challenge to a 2023 law requiring tenured university professors to undergo reviews every five years and limiting arbitration in employment disputes. New College professor Sarah Hernandez and University of South Florida professor Adriana Novoa argued the Legislature intruded on powers reserved for the Board of Governors. The state countered that the Board adopted regulations mirroring the law, weakening claims that the statute caused the alleged harm. Senate Bill 266, backed by DeSantis, also targeted diversity, equity and inclusion programs. A separate federal case challenging the arbitration limits remains pending before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. “July sees sharp drop in initial jobless claims in Florida” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Florida entered July on a positive note for job seekers, with a significant drop in weekly unemployment claims signaling a stronger employment outlook. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports there were 4,337 new filings for the week ending July 4. That’s a drop of 1,416 claims from the week ending June 27, when there were 5,753. It’s the biggest drop in initial unemployment claims in a single week in months, and it’s the first time those filings have dipped below 5,000 since early this year. This sharp decrease follows a turbulent Spring when weekly claims spiked above 8,000 in May. June brought some stability, and the start of July saw claims fall even further. The likely reason: employers ramped up hiring to meet demand for the Fourth of July holiday, which this year marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

D.C. matters   “Trump revives Iran blockade as conflict escalates” via Michael Birnbaum, Tara Copp and Gerry Shih of The Washington Post — Trump announced the United States will reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, effectively abandoning last month’s agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting nuclear negotiations. Trump also proposed a 20% fee on cargo moving through the strategic waterway, a reversal from previous U.S. opposition to transit charges. The renewed military campaign follows days of escalating attacks between U.S. and Iranian forces, pushing global oil prices higher and raising concerns about energy supplies. Iran has continued targeting commercial shipping while claiming control of the strait, and the collapse of ceasefire efforts has intensified fears of a prolonged regional conflict with significant economic consequences. U.S. forces move to reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. “Locked away” via Jonathan Blitzer of The New Yorker — Thousands of immigrants are being held in a sprawling tent detention complex on a military base in West Texas, where harsh conditions are not an accident but part of the policy. The Trump administration has dramatically expanded immigration detention, creating facilities designed to discourage migrants from remaining in the United States. According to a former ICE official, the strategy is to make detention so unpleasant that people choose to leave voluntarily. The camp’s austere conditions, limited resources and isolation reflect a broader enforcement philosophy that prioritizes deterrence over humanitarian concerns. Rather than treating detention as a temporary administrative measure, the system increasingly functions as a warning to would-be migrants that seeking entry into the United States will come at an intentionally severe personal cost. “A judge issued a scathing ruling over Trump’s deal with the IRS” via Andrew Duehren and Alan Feuer of The New York Times — A federal judge ruled that Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS was an improper exercise in self-dealing and barred him from claiming that the extraordinary tax protections he received were part of a legitimate settlement agreement. In the 56-page order, Judge Kathleen M. Williams also referred the lawyer who brought Trump’s case against the IRS to the Florida Bar for potential disciplinary proceedings. She added that she would forward her decision to the New York bar for its continuing investigation of the acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, who faces a Senate confirmation hearing this week. “The nature of the suit itself and the conduct of the parties and counsel from its filing make plain that this was an attempt to use the court to provide some legitimacy to an agreement to confer immunity to people and entities affiliated with the President,” the judge wrote. “Anna Paulina Luna signals end to House floor revolt” via Meredith Lee Hill of POLITICO — Rep. Luna says she is prepared to help reopen the House floor after a weekslong standoff with Speaker Mike Johnson over the SAVE America Act. Luna indicated she would support a procedural vote allowing debate on State Department funding and permanent daylight saving time, provided Johnson attaches the GOP election bill to appropriations and other must-pass legislation. Johnson has agreed to pursue that strategy, but Republicans still lack the votes to pass the election measure, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune has rejected efforts to force it through the Senate. Other conservative holdouts continue demanding action on immigration, leaving House leaders uncertain whether they can advance major legislation this week. “Democrats split over making daylight saving time permanent” via Riley Rogerson and Kelsey Brugger of POLITICO — A long-running effort to make daylight saving time permanent faces fresh uncertainty as House Democrats remain sharply divided ahead of a floor vote. While the Sunshine Protection Act cleared the Committee earlier this year and enjoys bipartisan support, lawmakers disagree over its effects on health and public safety. Debbie Wasserman Schultz argued permanent daylight saving time could create safety concerns for children, while Nanette Barragán cited research linking the change to negative sleep, mental health and physical health outcomes. Frank Pallone countered that most Americans are tired of changing their clocks twice a year. The internal Democratic divide could complicate the bill’s path through Congress despite growing momentum among Republicans and supporters.

Local: S. FL   “‘He’s not stupid’: Miami Beach lawmaker fumbles through sexual harassment trial” via Claire Heddles of the Miami Herald — A judge told state Rep. Fabian Basabe, a Miami Beach Republican, repeatedly that the courtroom was not a law school, accused him of blatantly violating court orders and briefly threatened to call a mistrial during a chaotic opening day. Basabe — who is not an attorney — is representing himself against civil charges that he sexually harassed a former legislative aide and an intern and later defamed the staffer and his mother. Basabe, 48, denies all the allegations. The former reality TV figure and New York socialite fumbled through testimony and cross-examination of the two men accusing him of sexual harassment and frequently tried to ask the opposing attorneys and Judge J. Lee Marsh for legal advice. Fabian Basabe represents himself during a chaotic Miami-Dade sexual harassment trial. “Luxury hurricane escape plans take flight” via Alex Harris of the Miami Herald — A new Florida company is betting wealthy residents will pay for peace of mind during hurricane season by guaranteeing seats on private evacuation flights. PriorityEvac charges $1,250 annually per person for access to flights departing major Florida airports for Atlanta when tropical storm warnings are issued. Founder Jason Murgio says the service offers a lower-cost alternative to last-minute charter flights while avoiding clogged highways and soaring airline fares. Emergency management experts note most Floridians only need to evacuate a short distance inland, not leave the state, but acknowledge traffic, shelter shortages and special medical or pet needs can complicate evacuations. The service targets those willing to pay a premium for certainty when storms threaten.

Local: C. FL   “Orlando braces for property tax overhaul” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando is freezing most hiring and setting aside surplus funds as city leaders prepare for the potential fiscal impact of Florida’s proposed property tax amendment. Buddy Dyer said the city expects to lose about $35 million in revenue in 2027, growing to roughly $50 million the following year if voters approve the constitutional amendment in November. While Orlando plans to maintain its property tax rate for a 13th consecutive year, officials will create a stabilization fund using year-end budget savings to soften the blow. The city believes its diverse commercial tax base will better cushion the impact than many local governments, but warns that reduced revenue could still threaten future services and spending priorities. Buddy Dyer prepares Orlando for potential property tax losses and service cuts. “International travelers again face hourslong luggage delays at Orlando airport” via Martin E. Comas of the Orlando Sentinel — In the third incident in less than a month, hundreds of travelers who had just arrived on overseas flights Saturday night stood around idle baggage carousels for hours waiting for their luggage at Orlando International Airport. “I knew that something was seriously wrong, but no one was telling us anything,” said a Tampa resident whose Air France jet from Paris landed at OIA at about 8 p.m. The man, who asked to be identified only by his first name, Adam, said he waited two hours before eventually leaving the airport’s Terminal C without his luggage. Airport officials blamed the delay on a backlog of luggage that needed to be searched, labeled, loaded and unloaded during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. “This past Saturday, Terminal C had a high number of departing bags that required additional screening — resulting in a backup,” spokesperson Angela Starke said. “Contingency plans were implemented but were not effective due to the volume of bags …. The system took a few hours to return to normal operations.”

Local: TB   “Brandi Gabbard campaign courts St. Pete’s employees in an open letter promising a more connected City Hall” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg City Council Member Gabbard is making a direct appeal to St. Petersburg’s municipal workforce, asking city employees who live within city limits to support her bid for Mayor. Gabbard, who is seeking to unseat Mayor Ken Welch, released an open letter Monday asking for the vote of the city’s more than 3,400 employees as mail ballots begin arriving. The open letter, distributed via a campaign press release and a post on her campaign social media account, promises a more collaborative relationship between the Mayor’s Office and the people who keep the city running. Gabbard noted that she has built a track record of collaboration, fiscal stewardship and advocacy for employee pay, safety, morale and departmental resources during her nearly nine years on City Council. Brandi Gabbard appeals directly to St. Petersburg employees in her mayoral campaign. “Ben Diamond backs Charlie Crist for St. Pete Mayor as the endorsements keep stacking up” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Former state Rep. Diamond is backing Crist for St. Petersburg Mayor, adding another notch on Crist’s list of local endorsers. In a video over the weekend, Diamond described Crist as a “good friend” and said he’s “looking forward to voting for (Crist) as Mayor.” “I’ve been friends with you, Charlie, for a long time. And I will just say that I am so excited that Charlie wants to take on this role in leading our city because I know how much he cares about public service and doing the right thing for people, and that has always been your ethos,” Diamond says, sitting on a couch with Crist in the video. “I was privileged to work with you when you were Governor and when you were our Congressman and can’t wait to see you in action as our Mayor,” he added. Happening Saturday:

Local: N. FL   “Appeals court weighs testimony in Escambia book ban case” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs — A federal appeals court will hear arguments over whether current and former Escambia County School Board members can be compelled to testify about their decisions to remove library books, a key dispute in a First Amendment lawsuit brought by parents, authors, Penguin Random House and PEN America. The Board members argue that legislative privilege shields them from depositions examining their motives, while plaintiffs contend that those motives are central to determining whether the removals were driven by ideology rather than policy. The case stems from challenges to books removed under Florida’s 2023 library objection law and could shape how courts scrutinize School Boards’ book-removal decisions as similar disputes continue across Florida and the nation. Escambia County’s library removals face First Amendment scrutiny in federal court. “‘Misleading’: After fake voter guide charges, another St. Johns County election flyer raises concerns” via Tiffany Salameh of News4JAX — A political flyer circulating in St. Johns County is drawing criticism from U.S. Rep. John Rutherford and the Republican Party of Florida just days after three local political figures were charged in connection with an alleged fake Republican voter guide from the 2024 election season. The flyer is titled “SJC Republican Endorsed Candidates” and promotes candidates endorsed by the St. Johns County Republican Assembly. The assembly is a separate organization from the St. Johns County Republican Party, which is affiliated with the Florida GOP. “I just think it’s sad that the voters are going to have to go through this again, being misled by another group,” Rutherford said. “Part of Pensacola’s Confederate Monument moving to St. John’s Cemetery” via Jim Little of the Pensacola News Journal — Workers were on site Monday installing the base of the old monument and had already placed the portion of the base that had the inscription “Our Confederate Dead.” City spokesperson Shannon Nickinson confirmed to the News Journal that St. John’s Cemetery Inc. took possession of the cenotaph portion of the monument in the Spring of this year, and there had been discussions about donating the upper portion, including the 9-foot-tall statue of the Confederate soldier, to the University of West Florida Historic Trust. Wesley Odom, a Board member of a nonprofit that owns and manages St. John’s Cemetery, told the News Journal that the cemetery is installing the cenotaph next to the grave of Edward Perry, a Confederate general who later became the 14th Governor of Florida.

Local: SW. FL   “Alligator Alcatraz may be closed, but the legal fallout isn’t over” via Churchill Ndonwie of the Orlando Sentinel — Even though Alligator Alcatraz’s gates are closed, allegations of beatings, pepper-spraying, and injuries continue to haunt the remote Everglades runway where the DeSantis administration held thousands of men over the course of a year in furtherance of Trump’s mass deportation campaign. On the same day DeSantis announced the closure of the camp, lawyers notified the state and federal governments and contractor Critical Response Strategy that they intend to sue on behalf of two Cuban immigrants who say guards brutalized them. The notice, sent by Sanctuary of the South and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, said they intend to sue under the Federal Tort Claims Act, a law that allows individuals to seek damages for injuries or death caused by government negligence. In the litigation notice, the lawyers said the immigrants “suffered grave physical and emotional harm at the hands of the federal and state agents, including contractors and subcontractors, operating the facility.” Legal claims persist after the closure of Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades. “Sarasota emerges as an office investment powerhouse” via Francesca Abarca, Michaela Galligan and Earle Kimel of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota has climbed to No. 2 nationally on LoopNet’s 2026 list of the best U.S. cities for office investment, reflecting strong demand, rising rents, healthy job growth and high-quality office space. The ranking underscores the region’s continued commercial momentum as businesses and investors increasingly target Florida’s Gulf Coast. At the same time, Sarasota’s residential expansion shows no signs of slowing, with hundreds of new homes expected to come online this year to accommodate sustained population growth. Together, the office investment ranking and ongoing housing development highlight Sarasota’s transformation into one of Florida’s fastest-growing business and residential markets, fueled by continued migration, economic expansion and robust real estate investment.

Top opinion   “Lindsey Graham’s death reveals what politics has cost us” via Mary Anna Mancuso of the Miami Herald — The reaction to Graham’s death exposed how politics has reshaped the nation’s sense of decency. Rather than pausing to reflect, many immediately turned to mockery, celebration or conspiracy theories, while others used his passing to reinforce partisan loyalties. The first instinct was not remembrance but political combat. Graham’s life was more complicated than the online caricatures suggested. Raised behind his family’s liquor store in South Carolina, he became the first in his family to attend college and assumed responsibility for his younger sister after their parents died. His story embodied the kind of upward mobility he often described on the campaign trail. During the 2016 Republican presidential race, Graham warned that nominating Trump would damage the Republican Party. Yet after Trump won, Graham moved from outspoken critic to close political ally, a shift that left many former supporters questioning his convictions and priorities. Those choices deserve scrutiny, but they should not erase the rest of his life. Public officials, like everyone else, are capable of both admirable accomplishments and disappointing decisions. Judging an entire legacy through a single chapter ignores the complexity of human character. Modern politics increasingly demands absolute heroes or irredeemable villains. That mindset encourages conspiracy theories when people change, and it rewards reducing lives to partisan talking points rather than acknowledging nuance or contradiction. An honest assessment requires recognizing both Graham’s strengths and his shortcomings. If Americans lose the ability to extend that basic humanity to political opponents, the country sacrifices something far more valuable than winning arguments — it loses the capacity to see one another as people first.

More opinions   “Most Americans expect prolonged Iran war and higher gas prices” via Fernando Cervantes Jr. of USA Today — Most Americans expect the war with Iran to last for an extended period and drive gasoline prices higher, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Seventy-nine percent anticipate prolonged U.S. military action, while only 18% expect the conflict to end within weeks. Just 37% approve of the strikes, and about half say the war has not been worth its cost. The survey came as the United States launched a third consecutive day of attacks and Trump announced a renewed naval blockade, along with a proposed 20% cargo fee for ships using the Strait of Hormuz. Sixty percent expect gas prices to rise over the next year as oil markets climb amid fears of supply disruptions and regional instability. “Florida keeps explaining away eight road deaths a day” via René Rabeder of Florida Politics — Florida records about eight road deaths every day, yet the toll is still treated as an unavoidable cost of growth, tourism and car-dependent development. Those explanations are real, but they are no longer enough. Florida’s estimated 2025 fatality rate was roughly three times the European Union average and far above rates in Sweden and Denmark. The state already collects crash data, identifies dangerous roads and criminalizes extreme speeding, but enforcement remains weak. Austria, Denmark and Switzerland allow vehicle seizure or confiscation in the worst cases. Florida does not need to copy Europe’s transportation system, but it should adopt the same intolerance for preventable deaths. Eight funerals a day should force accountability from state leaders, not produce another round of excuses.

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Aloe   Gas prices tick up — Florida drivers are paying more at the pump as tensions between the U.S. and Iran ratchet up pressure on global oil markets. The state average hit $3.82 per gallon Sunday — 5 cents more than a week ago, though still 8 cents less than a month ago and 86 cents more than a year ago, according to AAA — The Auto Club Group. Crude oil climbed nearly $2.50 per barrel in early trading, a 3% jump from Friday’s close of $71.41, amid uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. “Concerns about potential fuel supply disruptions have nudged oil prices higher,” said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. “With tensions in the Middle East adding uncertainty to the global oil market, gas prices could remain volatile in the coming weeks.” West Palm Beach-Boca Raton has the state’s most expensive gas at $3.98 per gallon; Pensacola is the cheapest at $3.57. Florida gas prices rise amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.

Happy birthday   Happy birthday to James‘ better half, Samantha Blair, as well as Melanie Bostick, Allison Chavez, Justin Homburg, Holly Tomlin, and Mike Vasilinda. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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