"DeSantis just pocketed nearly $1 million from an industry he helped" via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — DeSantis publicly opposed "decoupling" legislation at an Ocala horse auction, assuring the industry he wouldn't let it be "decimated." This stance, interpreted as a veto pledge, preceded his political committee receiving nearly $877,500 from prominent racing figures, including Mike Repole, and industry groups, some of whom helped organize his visit. DeSantis' intervention effectively killed the bill, which would have allowed tracks to cease live racing while retaining lucrative gambling operations. This incident, concerning "this issue with the horses," highlights a pattern where DeSantis' policy decisions appear to align closely with substantial donations from affected special interests, raising questions about influence in Florida politics regarding the horse racing industry.  Gulfstream Park Racetrack: Center of 'decoupling' debate, highlighting political influence in Florida's horse racing. —"Florida's property insurance industry sees financial turnaround in 2024 thanks to state legislative measures" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics "Governor approves measure to ease charter school conversions, ban student cellphone use" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Parents in Florida will soon have an outsize say in whether a private company should operate their kids' public school. DeSantis has signed HB 1105, a patchwork of multiple education-focused measures lawmakers carried this year that failed to pass individually. It contains provisions to facilitate the conversion of public schools into charter schools and a total ban on student use of mobile devices in schools from kindergarten to eighth grade. The new law, effective July 1, modifies state statutes to remove district School Boards, principals, teachers and school Advisory Councils from being able to apply for a conversion charter school. It would also eliminate the requirement that at least half the teachers employed at a given school approve the conversion. "'Cringe' Santa Ono comments concern DeSantis, but he's staying out of UF president decision" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis acknowledged "cringe" past comments from prospective University of Florida President Ono but is ostensibly staying out of the hiring. However, DeSantis issued a stern warning: Ono could be fired if he doesn't adhere to Florida's anti-woke stance, stating higher education shouldn't be a "fountain of activism." UF Trustees, who unanimously selected Ono, believe he seeks to leave "campus leftism" behind. The DeSantis-appointed Board of Governors must give final approval for the potential five-year, $15 million contract. Prominent conservatives, including Christopher Rufo, have criticized Ono's past pro-DEI remarks. DeSantis hopes Ono will now align with Florida's policies, despite his previous statements. "DeSantis to Floridians: It's time to prepare for hurricanes" via Eric Daugherty of Florida's Voice — DeSantis highlighted Florida's past success in hurricane response during a news conference Friday, and called on residents to get ready for the season that begins on Sunday, June 1. Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. "I really hope this is the only time you see me and Kevin Guthrie this Summer," he said. The Florida Division of Emergency Management recently released a call to prepare, listing essential items for Floridians to consider, such as knowing their evacuation zone and building a hurricane preparedness kit. The state urges residents to keep their gas tanks at least half full throughout hurricane season and advises them to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. "You just have to prepare and plan that we are gonna have impacts," DeSantis said. "If you don't plan and it happens, you're gonna immediately be saying, 'Why didn't I do this, why didn't I do that?'" "Insurance costs edge higher for Florida homeowners and condo owners" via Ron Hurtibise of the Orlando Sentinel — The upward rise in costs for homeowner insurance in Florida resumed during the first quarter of 2025, with average premium costs edging higher after dipping slightly in late 2024. The average premium paid by owners of single-family homes in Florida increased by 0.3% — climbing from $3,646 to $3,658 — between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Condo unit owners saw their costs increase by 0.8%, from $1,714 to $1,729 during the period. Since the enactment of reforms in 2022 aimed at sharply reducing litigation costs for insurers, average premiums have increased 30.7% for homeowners and 28.8% for condo unit owners. The first quarter hikes followed cost decreases of less than 1% for homeowner policies and 1.7% for condo unit policies during the fourth quarter of 2024. That was the only quarter with cost decreases since the release of the reports began in 2022. "AG James Uthmeier issues subpoenas to multiple Florida hospitals over price transparency compliance" via Amber Jo Cooper of Florida's Voice — Uthmeier announced the state has issued subpoenas to multiple Florida-based hospitals to "ensure they comply with Florida law and provide patients with open, transparent pricing for medical services." In a video posted on X, he reaffirmed his commitment to Donald Trump's agenda, particularly on immigration and health care. He mentioned Trump's Executive Order, Make America Healthy Again, aimed to "empower patients with clear, accurate and actionable health care pricing information." He stressed the importance of protecting patients and explained why he issued the subpoenas. "The big health care industrial complex continues to rake in billions off Americans in their most vulnerable moments. We must protect patients, just like any market, services have a price, and patients deserve transparency to make fully informed decisions," Uthmeier said. "Florida high court cracks down on misconduct for slew of lawyers" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The Florida Supreme Court recently disciplined a dozen lawyers for misconduct. Notable cases include Barry Gainsburg of Coral Springs, who faced disciplinary revocation (akin to disbarment) with leave to seek readmission after five years, following a no-contest plea to making felony threats. David Stoller of Orlando received a public reprimand and ethics schooling for neglecting immigration cases. Mendel Zilberberg from New York was suspended after convictions for bank fraud and embezzlement. Other disciplinary actions ranged from suspensions for Alexis Benjamin, Danielle Butler, Taylor Casey, Jerry Haynes, and T. Lorraine Johns, to permanent disbarment for Bruce Jacobs and Natalie Jones, and reprimands or revocations for several others, highlighting the court's enforcement of professional standards. "Wayne Blanton, a force for Florida's public schools, dies at 78" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Blanton, a public education icon and influential Tallahassee lobbyist for 40 years, has died at 78. As Executive Director of the Florida School Boards Association (1985-2015), he was a stable, charismatic force, known for his budget expertise and storytelling. Blanton spearheaded initiatives such as the Florida School Board Insurance Trust and Florida Palm, which significantly aided school districts. A U.S. Army veteran, his war experiences shaped his legislative perspective. Remembered for his dedication, FSU love, and passion for helping those with disabilities, Blanton's legacy includes the Association's building named in his honor. Even in retirement, marked by travel and family, he continued to assist schools before succumbing to an aggressive leukemia.  Wayne Blanton, the Influential public education icon and lobbyist, dies at 78, leaving a lasting legacy. New and renewed lobbying registrations: Edward Briggs, B&B Capitol Strategies: Domain Homes, E Solutions Consulting French Brown, Marc Dunbar, Peter Dunbar, Jones Walker: National Safety Commission David Browning, Edgar Castro, Mercer Fearington, Nicole Kelly, John Moore, Jon Stewart, The Southern Group: Onda Housing Group, NASCAR, ACE Septic Tank Service of Tampa |