Monday, August 17, 2026

Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 8.17.26 — Burnin’ today: Uthmeier, Diamond & Lile, data centers, Donalds, Renner, Barnes & D23


Politics never sleeps. Neither does Sunburn, your morning rundown of all things Florida. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

From: Extensive Media Enterprises

Good Monday morning.

The invitation is cream and flag-motif and entirely unremarkable, which is the remarkable part.

Friends of James Uthmeier would like you to join Florida's 39th Attorney General for a family weekend at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Oct. 23-25. Requested contribution: $25,000 per person or business entity. Details provided upon RSVP.

James Uthmeier makes Disney World the unlikely backdrop for a $25,000-per-person family fundraiser.

Four years ago, this invite would not have been designed. Not because anyone would have blocked it. Because the words "Walt Disney World" on a Republican fundraiser would have read as a surrender document.

You know the war. Ron DeSantis signed the Reedy Creek dissolution in April 2022. Disney sued over First Amendment retaliation in 2023, lost, appealed, and then settled in March 2024. A June development agreement committed the company to an investment of up to $17 billion in Florida. The district built to punish Disney now permits Disney, mostly by consent agenda.

Uthmeier was DeSantis' Chief of Staff for the whole fight.

But with DeSantis term-limited and losing the proxy war over his own succession, Disney has decided Uthmeier is not an enemy. Uthmeier clearly recognizes that Disney is the largest private employer in Central Florida.

To paraphrase a scene from "The Wire," Uthmeier was with DeSantis when he was with him, but now he's writing his own story. And he picked the setting himself.

___

Two longtime Gulf Coast law firms are joining forces to create a new practice with roots stretching from St. Petersburg to Naples and a statewide reach.

The Diamond Law Firm of St. Petersburg and the Laird A. Lile firm of Naples have merged to form Diamond & Lile, combining two established practices focused on trusts, estates, estate planning and fiduciary litigation.

The merger brings together attorneys who have spent years navigating some of the most personal — and often complicated — legal decisions facing Florida families.

Sandra Diamond, Laird Lile, Ben Diamond, Rachel Barlow, Langdon Lile and Marguerite Mills join legal forces.

Sandra Diamond and Laird Lile will remain in leadership roles at the combined firm. They will work alongside former state Rep. Ben Diamond, Rachel Barlow, Langdon Lile and Marguerite Mills.

“This merger brings together attorneys who share exceptionally high standards of legal counsel and a deep commitment to client service,” Lile said, adding that the combination allows both practices to expand while maintaining the personal attention clients expect.

Both names bring significant standing within Florida’s legal community.

Lile served nine consecutive terms on The Florida Bar Board of Governors and previously chaired its Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section.

Diamond also serves on The Florida Bar Board of Governors and previously chaired the same section. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

“Laird has earned an exceptional reputation as both an attorney and a leader in Florida’s trusts and estates community,” Diamond said.

The combination gives Diamond & Lile a larger platform for handling increasingly complex trust and estate matters while preserving the Gulf Coast relationships on which both firms built their practices.

___

Please consider reading my latest post for FloridAI — "Mark Zuckerberg backed up his AI optimism with a free model, and Florida can use it today."

Mark Zuckerberg bets optimism and open AI can share the same server rack.

  Situational awareness  

—@RogerJStoneJr: Frankly, I just want the Florida Primary to be over.

—@JamesBlairUSA: Every Democrat in Congress voted against No Taxes on Tips, No Tax on Social Security, and No Tax on Overtime Pay. But they were all in favor of forcing taxpayers to fund gender transition surgeries for minors. 2026 is Mainstream Republicans vs. Extreme Liberal Democrats.

—@AngieNixon: It’s 2:50 a and I’m still up, bc I had cafecito yesterday in Little Havana at 3:30 p. They wouldn’t take no for an answer. Hermanoooo. Hermanaaaaa. I want to go to sleep. And now I’m just up. Staring at the ceiling.

Tweet, tweet:

@RealAnnaPaulina: Oh no, it’s that time of the year when democrat pages start to post my swimsuit photos again and claim that I’m not Hispanic … one day they’ll realize I live in Florida and represent a beach community. Although I may start to carry a sombrero just to refute the fake Hispanic claims.

—@DannyBurgessFL: I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the Primaries to be behind us so we can come together and return our focus to the true mission. One that unites us. Our real task is not defeating one another. It is defeating progressive ideas that weaken our communities while defending the faith, freedom, opportunity, and common sense values that have made Florida strong.

Tweet, tweet:

—@MattDevittWX: Even for Florida Summer standards, this week ahead is going to be very hot. Highs in the mid to upper 90s inland. In fact, @NWSMiami is going with air temps of 100° Sunday and Monday for parts of the Everglades in Southern Florida. Peak index 110 — 118 possible too for parts of the state. Stay cool!

  Days until  

Primary Election Day — 1; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 11; Florida TaxWatch Government Productivity Awards — 15; NFL regular season kicks off — 23; Republican National Midterm Convention — 23; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 24; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 25; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 29; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 33; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 34; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 38; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 45; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 46; General Election voter-registration deadline — 49; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 53; 'VisionQuest' premieres — 58; Optional General early voting begins — 63; 'Six Kings Slam' on Netflix — 65; Florida TaxWatch Fiscal Accountability Leadership Summit begins — 65; General Election ballot request deadline — 66; Mandatory General early voting begins — 68; General Election — 78; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 81; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 81; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 86; 'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol' starring Johnny Depp premieres — 88; 'Paper Tiger' starring Adam Driver premieres — 88; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 92; New legislator training sessions — 92; Senate convenes for general organization and selection of officers — 92; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 95; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 100; ‘Madden’ premieres — 101; Committee Week #1 — 105; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 123; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 123; Committee Week #2 — 140; Committee Week #3 — 147; 'Ahsoka' season 2 premieres — 156; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 161; Committee Week #4 — 168; Grammys — 174; Committee Week #5 — 175; Super Bowl LXI — 181; Committee Week #6 — 182; Opening day of the 2027 Regular Legislative Session — 197; Tampa Mayoral Election — 197; ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan premieres — 200; Oscars — 209; Jacksonville First Election — 218; Miami Marlins Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. New York Mets — 220; Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day/Home Opener — vs. Baltimore Orioles — 220; Democratic Mayors Association 2027 annual summit in Miami begins — 240; Jacksonville General Election — 274; 'Star Wars: Starfighter' premieres — 284; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 292; Citrus Series — Tampa Bay Rays at Miami Marlins — 333; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 354; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 354; Citrus Series — Miami Marlins at Tampa Bay Rays — 389; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 487; 2028 South Carolina Presidential Primary — 523; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 525; 2028 Nevada Presidential Primary — 533; 2028 New Hampshire Presidential Primary — 540; 2028 New Mexico Presidential Primary — 547; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 550; 2028 Michigan Presidential Primary — 554; 2028 Virginia Presidential Primary — 561; Oscars — 566; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 648; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 669; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 697; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 813; ‘Black Panther 3’ directed by Ryan Coogler premieres — 851; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 889; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,213; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,253; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,944.

  Top story  

Data center opposition faces major test in Florida’s Primary Elections” via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — Florida’s growing backlash against hyperscale data centers will face its first significant electoral test Tuesday, with the issue surfacing in races from Governor to County Commissions. Concerns over electricity demand, water use, environmental effects and rapid development have transformed an issue largely absent in 2024 into a campaign flashpoint.

In Citrus County, residents helped derail a proposed data center and secure a county moratorium. An opposition group is now endorsing County Commission candidates, including Holli Herndon, who has made resistance to data centers central to her campaign. A new state law preserved local governments’ authority over data center land-use decisions.

Holli Herndon turns Citrus County’s data center fight into a campaign calling card.

The issue has also reached the Governor’s race. Democrat David Jolly supports a moratorium, while Dotie Joseph favors tighter regulation. Republicans James Fishback and Paul Renner support a ban and moratorium, respectively.

Jay Collins and Byron Donalds favor guardrails instead. Donalds says Florida should welcome data centers while protecting residents from higher electricity costs and safeguarding the state’s water supply.

In Palm Beach County, most candidates for three open County Commission seats support a moratorium or oppose the proposed Project Tango facility. Tallahassee mayoral candidate Jeremy Matlow has similarly made the issue part of a broader argument about overdevelopment.

Whether that translates into votes remains uncertain. In Polk County, Kelly Quinn is campaigning on a moratorium while challenging Rick Wilson. County GOP Chair Sam Romain says data centers matter to voters but may function more as a tiebreaker than their top concern.

—“Four things to watch in Tuesday’s Florida Primary Election” via Michael Van Sickler and Shauna Muckle of the Tampa Bay Times

  2026  

Happening today — Donalds holds three Get Out the Vote rallies: 9:30 a.m. at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court, Sarasota; 2 p.m. at Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen, 103 N. Palmer St., Plant City; and 5:30 p.m. at El Tropico Cuban Cuisine, 17020 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach.

—“Stephen A. Smith admits he could change political party for Byron Donalds” via Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun

Paul Renner warns Donalds could hand Governor’s race to David Jolly” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Renner is closing the Republican Primary by arguing that nominating Donalds could put Democrat Jolly in the Governor’s Mansion. Renner says Donalds has run a “Joe Biden basement campaign” and carries too much baggage into the General Election. He has repeatedly attacked Donalds over stock trades, personal wealth and past arrests, handing Jolly a ready-made archive of Republican criticism. The problem for Renner is electoral reality: recent public polling has him in single digits, while Donalds remains the clear favorite and is expected to win comfortably. Still, Renner is sticking with his warning that a Donalds nomination could cost Republicans the race, potentially making post-Primary unity difficult once the campaign turns toward November.

Paul Renner warns Byron Donalds about November while the Primary clock keeps ticking.

Independent voters push for broader access to Florida Primaries” via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — Florida’s closed-Primary system is again under scrutiny as advocates push to give no-party-affiliation voters a greater say. More than 60% of Orange County’s 806,000 voters are shut out of Tuesday’s clerk of courts Primary because a write-in candidate keeps the Democratic contest closed. Open-Primary supporters say Florida’s rules exclude 3.3 million independent voters and point to other states that allow unaffiliated voters into party Primaries or use top-two systems. Florida voters narrowly rejected a 2020 open-Primary amendment, with 57% support, falling short of the required 60%. Advocates now hope that changing voter-registration trends and growing independent ranks will revive the issue, though both major parties have historically resisted opening their Primaries.

  More elections  

"Independence Landing's lawyer asks Brice Barnes to stop saying she built it; Barnes asks the Board to back up its claims" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A Tallahassee nonprofit that houses adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities has hired outside counsel to tell congressional candidate Barnes to stop telling voters she built it. Barnes has written back asking the Board to identify the exact words it says are false. "It has come to our attention that you have made false and misleading statements about your role in the creation and funding of Independence Landing," Greenberg Traurig shareholder Fred F. Harris Jr. wrote. The letter says Independence Landing was formally established in 2017, "before you joined its volunteer Board of Directors." "The characterization of my role contained in the letter is incomplete and materially understates the leadership responsibilities I held over approximately eight years," she wrote.

Brice Barnes finds herself in a very literal argument over what it means to have 'built' something.

Video undercuts defense of disputed Independence Landing claims” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Video from an Aug. 4 CD 2 candidate forum shows Barnes making three claims about Independence Landing that the nonprofit’s Board later challenged. Barnes told Wakulla County voters she “built” the Tallahassee housing community, helped secure more than $30 million in state and federal funding and worked with the Biden administration to obtain HUD money. Five days later, the Board’s attorney demanded she stop making those assertions, saying no HUD funding had been secured. Barnes responded that “built” was not intended literally and suggested federal HUD dollars could have reached the project indirectly. She also questioned the Board’s political motives. Barnes faces Yen Bailey, Amanda Green and Nic Zateslo in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary for the open CD 2 seat.

Four Democrats battle for shot at flipping open CD 2” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Four Democrats are competing Tuesday for the chance to flip Florida’s 2nd Congressional District after Republican U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn’s retirement. Yen Bailey brings experience from her 2024 challenge to Dunn, while Nic Zateslo has emphasized his business background and strong fundraising. Amanda Marie Green has support from labor and longtime Democratic figures, and Barnes entered later with backing from prominent Democratic activists and abortion-rights advocates. Each is pitching a different path to victory in a District that President Donald Trump carried with more than 58% in 2024. National Democrats have shown little interest so far, making November an uphill climb regardless of the nominee. But with an anti-Trump political climate and an open seat, Democrats see at least a narrow opening.

—"U.S. Chamber backs John Rutherford ahead of contentious CD 5 Primary" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

Ryan Elijah leads Cory Mills by 17 points in new CD 7 poll” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Elijah holds a 44%-27% lead over Mills in Florida’s 7th Congressional District Republican Primary, according to a Capital Strategic Partners poll released Saturday. Another 19% are undecided, while 10% back another candidate. Elijah’s advantage grows to 48%-20% after respondents are told about Mills’ ethics investigation, an assault allegation and questions surrounding his business record. Nearly half of respondents said they had already voted. Cost of living and the economy ranked as the top issue at 30%, followed by support for Trump’s agenda at 26%. Mills dismissed the results as a “fake push poll.”

—“Ron DeSantis makes clear he doesn’t support Cory Mills” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—"Pete Buttigieg endorses Bale Dalton, a veteran trying to flip CD 7 from red to blue" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

—"Joe Strada outspends field including Carey Baker, Nizam Razack and Tim Wilkins in CD 11 race" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

"Judge dissolves restraining order, allows super PAC to use illustration to attack Mike Beltran" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A Hillsborough County Circuit Judge has dissolved a temporary restraining order against a super PAC attacking congressional candidate Beltran, days after issuing it. That means Conservative Solutions for America, which has supported Kevin Steele in the Republican Primary in Florida's 14th Congressional District, can continue using a photo illustration of Beltran holding a "Defund the Police" sign. After an emergency hearing on arguments from the super PAC, Circuit Judge Christine Marlewski said the courts were not the proper avenue for addressing Beltran's concerns that the image may have violated a 2024 state law requiring disclosures on imagery created with artificial intelligence. "In light of the limited role of the judiciary to determine what the law says rather than what it ought to be, the court dissolves the temporary restraining order," the new order reads.

Mike Beltran learns campaign imagery can survive a courtroom fight, even when the picture itself is disputed.

—"Kathy Castor faces first re-election challenge in nearly 20 years, with a swarm of Republicans hoping to capitalize" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics

—"Sydney Gruters, Eddie Speir, Ed Pope offer competing visions for post-Buchanan CD 16" via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics

—"Four Black candidates are splitting the vote in CD 20. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is banking on it." via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics

"Bogus copyright claims making political stories disappear" via Susannah Bryan of South Florida Sun-Sentinel — In what media experts are calling a threat to free speech, bogus copyright complaints have resulted in the scrubbing of dozens of online stories that mention congressional candidate Michael Carbonara from Google search results weeks ahead of the Aug. 18 Primary Election. It is unclear who is behind all the copyright claims. A person filing a complaint can make up a name, experts say. Both bogus claims asserted that attempts were made to reach the Sun-Sentinel to resolve the issue, but that was not the case, said David Schutz, managing editor at the Sun-Sentinel. "Federal copyright law exists for an important reason: to protect original work from being stolen. It was never intended to be weaponized as a loophole to suppress reporting or hide inconvenient truths," Schutz said.

—"'The clear progressive choice': Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC backs Shevrin Jones for CD 24" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

  Even more elections  

Donald Trump makes late endorsements in four Florida House Primaries” via Florida Politics — Trump is weighing in ahead of Tuesday’s Primary Election, endorsing four Republican state House incumbents facing GOP challengers. Trump backed Rep. Kim Kendall in HD 18, where she faces Diana Jordan-Baldwin, and Rep. J.J. Grow in HD 23 against Tod Gordan Cloud. He also endorsed Rep. Jon Albert, a Marine veteran and former Frostproof Mayor, in his HD 48 contest against Jerry Carter. In HD 72, Trump threw his support behind Rep. Bill Conerly, a Navy veteran, in a race against John “Captain” Phillips. Trump announced the endorsements on Truth Social, highlighting the incumbents’ professional backgrounds, military service and community involvement. Each Republican nominee will advance to a General Election contest against a Democrat.

"Jorge Figueroa, Anthony Nieves face off to take over Paula Stark's District" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Republican Rep. Stark missed out on running for re-election because of her qualifying snafu. Democrats Figueroa and Nieves are the only candidates who successfully qualified for HD 47, so whoever wins in Tuesday's election will head to Tallahassee. No matter what, it's a big win for Democrats who have been wanting to flip the historically blue seat that Stark won in 2022 in a surprise victory. Figueroa is the former president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, while Nieves is a former financial crimes investigator for the state of Florida and a fraud investigator in New York City. "Those things and those mistakes have to happen for me to be the person that I am today," he told the Sentinel. "My message is that everybody makes mistakes."

First in Sunburn — HD 60 Republican Melissa Rutland's first ad of the General Election:

Watch it here:

Melissa Rutland opens the General Election with a first ad and no interest in easing into November.

"Daisy Morales sues Samuel Vilchez Santiago, House Dems over mailers calling her a Republican backer" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics — Days ahead of Tuesday's House District 43 Democratic Primary, Daisy Morales is suing her opponent, Vilchez Santiago, and the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee for libel over mailers accusing her of backing Republicans. The Committee, chaired by state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, sent mailers saying Morales "endorsed Republican candidates and was expelled from the Orange County Democratic Party." "Enough is enough. My faith is strong, and God's plan is in action," Morales said in a statement. "The people of House District 43 deserve an election based on facts, not false or misleading attacks." Reached for comment Saturday, Vilchez Santiago said the lawsuit "reeks of desperation" and noted Morales is represented by Anthony Sabatini, the Lake County Commissioner who abandoned his own congressional bid in June.

—"Five candidates compete in Primaries for long-vacant, swingy HD 113 seat in Miami-Dade" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

  Statewide  

School Board battles heat up as DeSantis sits out” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO — Florida’s School Board races remain partisan battlegrounds, but DeSantis is largely staying on the sidelines after aggressively shaping the past two election cycles. Democrats, teachers’ unions, and liberal groups are stepping up as conservative organizations continue to back candidates. The marquee fight is in Orange County, where conservative Alicia Farrant, aligned with Moms for Liberty and DeSantis, faces Angie Gallo, who has support from Democrats and unions, for School Board Chair. Republicans are also active in Pasco and Duval counties. Meanwhile, the 1776 Project has spent an estimated $300,000 in Florida, while the SPLC Action Fund and allies launched substantial mail and digital campaigns ahead of Tuesday’s elections.

DeSantis still expects Amendment 3 to clear 60% threshold” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — DeSantis says he still expects Amendment 3 to win the 60% needed for passage after Attorney General Uthmeier rewrote the ballot language following a court order. The proposal would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with subsequent inflation adjustments. DeSantis says the revised language should keep the measure on the ballot and that he supports it as the best available path to tax relief, even though the Legislature stripped out parts of his original plan. Leon County Judge David Frank had ruled that the original title read more like a political slogan than a neutral description. Plaintiffs challenging the wording say the revision now addresses their concerns.

Ron DeSantis watches Amendment 3 get rewritten but still expects voters to clear the 60% threshold.

Property tax proposal lacked transparency, James Uthmeier says” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Miami Herald — On Thursday, under a judge’s order, Uthmeier released a rewritten ballot summary for the property tax proposal that will appear before voters in November. When Uthmeier put the new proposal forward, he issued a statement criticizing the amendment itself — a notable bit of pushback considering that DeSantis’ office authored the initial amendment. Uthmeier said the property tax proposal “could certainly have been rolled out with greater transparency” and the involvement of “key stakeholders” like law enforcement. “No one wants to defund our incredible sheriffs, yet there were no discussions to involve them in this process,” Uthmeier said.

Florida economists offer relatively stable forecast for next Governor” via Gary Fineout of POLITICO — Florida’s next Governor could inherit a relatively steady fiscal picture, though economists remain cautious about national and global uncertainty. A new forecast projects the state will collect an additional $983 million over two years, which economists said does not represent a material change from earlier estimates. Corporate income tax projections rose as national models showed stronger profits, but Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research said forecasters did not assume that increase would continue. General revenue is projected at roughly $52.3 billion this fiscal year and nearly $53.3 billion in 2027-28. The forecast will feed into a three-year financial outlook, which the Legislative Budget Commission will consider in September, and help shape the next Governor’s first budget.

—"Economists raise revenue outlook amid uncertainty" via Jim Turner of The News Service of Florida

Florida wildlife protections face uncertainty after Endangered Species Act rollbacks” via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — Florida conservationists and some Republican lawmakers are warning that Trump administration changes to the Endangered Species Act could threaten wildlife habitat as development expands. The administration narrowed the definition of “harm,” excluding habitat changes that threaten species survival, while rolling back automatic protections for threatened species and giving economic considerations greater weight in critical-habitat decisions. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is already citing the changes as it seeks to overturn a ruling that links state-permitted wastewater systems to manatee habitat loss. State Sen. Ileana Garcia said narrowing protections could leave wildlife without adequate safeguards, while other Florida Republicans have raised concerns about potential effects on Gulf drilling and the state’s environment.

Ileana Garcia raises alarms that federal wildlife rollbacks could leave Florida species with fewer protections.

Local data center moratoriums enter fight over Duke Energy proposal” via Jim Saunders of State Affairs Florida — Local opposition to data centers is entering a regulatory fight over how Duke Energy Florida would serve the power-hungry facilities. The state Office of Public Counsel wants the Public Service Commission to consider moratoriums approved in seven counties, Lakeland and Zephyrhills, along with potential restrictions in five additional counties. The PSC will hold an Aug. 25 hearing on Duke’s proposal, the first test of a new state law intended to prevent data center electricity costs from being shifted to other customers. Duke says its plan complies with the law and protects existing customers. The Office of Public Counsel and Florida Rising disagree, arguing that the proposal lacks a specific rate structure for data centers and should be rejected.

  D.C. matters  

Trump recasts White House ballroom as ‘military complex’ amid court fight” via Dan Diamond of The Washington Post — Trump is leaning heavily on national security as he fights court orders threatening construction of his planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom. An appeals court ordered ballroom work halted by Aug. 21 unless Congress authorizes it, while allowing construction of an underground military complex to continue. Trump now argues that the two structures form one integrated unit needed to protect current and future Presidents. Administration officials backed that argument at the Supreme Court, citing potential drone and sniper attacks and saying the ballroom could provide protective cover for the complex below. Critics counter that security needs do not resolve whether Trump had authority to demolish the East Wing and begin the privately funded project without congressional approval.

Donald Trump’s White House ballroom is suddenly doing double duty as a national-security argument.

Trump voter turns against immigration crackdown after wife’s airport arrest” via Miriam Jordan of The New York Times — Brent Jindra voted for Trump three times and supported his hard-line immigration agenda. That support collapsed after federal agents detained his Russian-born wife, Galina Bobreneva, at a California airport. Bobreneva has a pending marriage-based green card application and no criminal history, but DHS says she overstayed her visa; her attorney maintains she was never unlawfully present. She spent 16 days in detention before being released on a $35,000 bond with an ankle monitor. Jindra says he backed enforcement aimed at people entering illegally, not immigrants who entered legally and were pursuing lawful status. The case illustrates the Trump administration’s expanded airport arrests as it seeks to nearly double daily immigration arrests to 2,000.

Democrats put South Carolina first in reshaped 2028 Primary calendar” via Shane Goldmacher of The New York Times — The Democratic National Committee approved a new 2028 Presidential Primary calendar that puts South Carolina first and sidelines Iowa from the early-state lineup. South Carolina votes Jan. 22, followed by Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia, giving Black and Latino voters greater influence in winnowing the Democratic field. DNC Chair Ken Martin called the six-state lineup geographically and demographically diverse. New Hampshire and Iowa could still challenge the schedule because state laws protect their traditional early positions. The DNC adopted penalties for states and candidates that defy its calendar. Potential 2028 contenders are already visiting early states, including Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom, as Democrats prepare for what could be a crowded presidential field.

"RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas, set to be their largest convention since 2016, will offer public access" via Jack Fink of CBS Texas — The Republican National Committee said its first-ever Midterm convention, taking place in Dallas, will be the party's largest convention in 10 years. The event, which will be held at the American Airlines Center on Sept. 9 and 10, will feature Trump. In an interview with CBS News Texas, RNC spokesperson Zach Kraft said this convention will surpass the one the party held two years ago. "This event will be larger than the Republican convention in Milwaukee in 2024," Kraft said. "The excitement that we are seeing on the ground from grassroots Republicans in Texas and across this country is real, and because of that, we anticipate this will be the largest (Republican) convention since 2016." Winners will be selected by lottery, and a select few chosen to attend will also receive VIP treatment, including a front-row seat.

—"Ben Shapiro believes Marco Rubio running for President in 2028 against JD Vance could backfire" via Sarah Davis of The Hill

  Local: S. FL  

"Bombshell claims against Sara Baxter. Mayor denies them" via Mike Diamond of Palm Beach Post — A former aide to Palm Beach County Mayor Baxter has accused her of pressuring the aide into a sexual relationship with "a potential wealthy donor," according to a whistleblower complaint. When she refused, the former county employee alleged in the document, she was told to start looking for a new job. The complaint was filed just a week before what has already been a highly charged Republican Primary Election for the District 6 County Commission seat to which Baxter seeks re-election. Baxter denied the allegation in a statement, calling the complaint "a last-minute political smear" that she said harkens to similar attacks against Trump, who has endorsed her.

Sara Baxter faces a late Primary allegation she calls a political smear.

—"Two challengers aim to oust Danielle Cohen Higgins in Miami-Dade Commission District 8" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

—"Vicki Lopez seeks full Miami-Dade Commission term against Rob Piper, Joe Sanchez" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics

Miami-Dade families face return of school lunch bills” via René Rabeder of Florida Politics — Miami-Dade’s four-year run of universal free school meals is ending for many families. The District no longer qualifies for federal Community Eligibility Provision coverage across all schools, leaving 121 campuses with free breakfast and lunch for everyone while 218 fall outside the program. Students who qualify through SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or other assistance will still receive free meals, while others will eventually pay $4.20 for lunch. A 30-day grace period gives families time to apply. The shift places Miami-Dade somewhere between competing international models: Finland provides universal free meals, England mixes universal and income-based benefits, and France has a long tradition of school meals. The bottom line is simple: whether lunch comes with a bill now depends on the school and the family.

  Local: C. FL  

—"Early voting slow across Central Florida ahead of Tuesday's Primary" via Sara-James Ranta of Orlando Sentinel

"Money pours into pivotal Orange County Mayor, Commission races" via Ryan Gillespie and Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Five seats on the Board of County Commissioners are up for grabs this year on a Commission that expands from six districts to eight. Most importantly, four candidates — Chris Messina, Tiffany Moore Russell, Stephanie Murphy and Mayra Uribe — are vying for the all-powerful position of Mayor, which serves as the county's chief executive and administrator. Murphy, a former Congresswoman, has spent nearly $1.5 million on the race so far, roughly half a million dollars more than her three opponents combined. Her fundraising haul is highlighted by six-figure donations from her federal PAC, Walt Disney World, billionaires J. Hyatt Brown and Michael Bloomberg, and Avalon Park developer Beat Kahli. Voters this week received a mailer from Uribe's political committee, Action For Florida, charging that "Murphy and her developer buddies want to develop the rural areas of Orange County."

Chris Messina, Stephanie Murphy, Mayra Uribe and Tiffany Moore Russell crowd into Orange County’s marquee mayoral contest.

"Conservative Virginia group tries to sway Orange School Board race" via Steven Walker of Orlando Sentinel — A national political action committee "dedicated to electing conservative School Board members" has spent over $1 million this year to put like-minded candidates in power in Florida, with the race for Chair of the Orange County School Board among the elections it has targeted. A text blast from the 1776 Project PAC, a Virginia-based group, urged Orange voters to elect Alicia Farrant, who is finishing her first four-year term on the School Board, to the Chair position. Farrant, who first ran as a member of the conservative Moms for Liberty group, is vying for the position against Angie Gallo.

—“Orange County School Board faces major reshaping in Tuesday’s election” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—"Roberta Walton Johnson, Rick Singh battle for Orange County Clerk of Courts" via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

Buddy Dyer warns property tax cuts could squeeze Orlando services” via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando Mayor Dyer used his State of the City address to defend the value residents receive from property taxes while warning Amendment 3 could force service cuts or new fees. Orlando expects about $381 million in property tax revenue next year but projects losses reaching $80 million annually if voters approve the homestead exemption expansion. Dyer said reduced revenue could mean slower 911 responses, fewer hours at parks and neighborhood centers and cuts to services such as road repaving and Summer camps. The city has imposed a hiring freeze and is building a stabilization fund. Dyer’s political committee also donated $10,000 to the campaign opposing Amendment 3.

  Local: TB  

Charlie Crist’s fundraising trail runs through a UF frat house” via Emily L. Mahoney and Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times — Crist’s record $1.8 million fundraising haul for St. Petersburg Mayor includes money routed through a complex network of political committees — including one headquartered, on paper, at a University of Florida fraternity house. More than $480,000 flowing to Crist’s St. Pete Shines committee came from other political committees, some with utility-industry connections. Crist said he didn’t know some money passed through the Delta Upsilon address but defended his fundraising and insisted donors wouldn’t influence him. The arrangement raises questions about transparency as St. Petersburg weighs its future with Duke Energy. Crist’s financial advantage remains enormous: his four opponents combined received just over $18,000 from outside political committees.

Charlie Crist’s St. Pete comeback bid comes with big money and an unusually collegiate paper trail.

—“Ark Invest-linked money flows to Crist after Trop snub” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times

Crist calls for one-year data center moratorium in St. Pete” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Crist is proposing at least a one-year moratorium on data centers in St. Petersburg, tying the issue to growing concerns over utility costs and affordability. Crist says the city should pause large-scale projects while studying their potential effects on water, electricity, and traffic, then adopt rules to protect neighborhoods. The proposal comes as City Council moves toward higher utility rates and amid broader anxiety over the resource demands of AI data centers. Rival Brandi Gabbard supported the rate increases, while Crist criticized them. Pinellas Park recently approved its own one-year moratorium on data centers. Crist says he is not opposed to technology but wants safeguards in place before the city considers projects that could strain infrastructure or raise costs.

Ken Welch faces biggest electoral test as support, fundraising slip” via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — St. Petersburg Mayor Welch enters Tuesday’s Primary fighting for his political survival as former Gov. Crist leads in polling and fundraising. Crist held a 15-point advantage in the latest poll, while Welch’s 19% left him only four points ahead of Gabbard and at risk of missing the General Election. Welch has also lost support from former allies and struggled financially, raising less than $500,000 compared with Crist’s more than $1.8 million. His campaign operation has faced problems involving three political committees, including one that was abandoned after its former Treasurer allegedly stole $207,000. Crist, meanwhile, has heavily outspent Welch on advertising and mail. With six candidates competing, the top two are likely headed to a November runoff.

—“Republican consulting firm floods St. Pete mailboxes with pro-Brandi Gabbard flyers” via Florida Politics

"Committee supporting Clearwater candidate has ties to Scientology" via Colbi Edmonds for Tampa Bay Times — A political committee formed last month in Miami has taken a close interest in one of Tampa Bay's down-ballot races — for the Clearwater City Council. The political committee has paid for campaign flyers supporting Jared Leone, a freelance journalist making his second bid for the Council. Donations to the group can be traced to three other Miami political committees that received around $89,000 from people tied to the Church of Scientology around the same time Clearwater Strong formed. Leone's opponent in the race, Bianca Latvala, who has been critical of the church, thinks so. "Voters do want to know who's donated to who and what does that equal," she said. "A contribution should not equal an action, but it has become evident that's the case in Clearwater."

—"New money and political comebacks punctuate otherwise sleepy Clearwater City Council races" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics

"Retired Tampa newscaster Jeff Patterson is running for City Council" via Leif Helland of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — For 38 years at WFLA, Patterson asked questions on behalf of viewers. Now it's his turn to go under the microscope as he makes a run for the District 4 City Council Seat. Currently, two other candidates, real estate agent James Paul "Jaimie" Adair and Stetson College of Law grad John Grandoff, are running to fill the seat being vacated by Council member Bill Carlson, who is running for Mayor. Patterson told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that his top priority for Tampa is improving infrastructure. "And my street, anybody's street in the city of Tampa, was on a schedule to be repaved once every 75 years. 75 years," he added. "The industry standard is like 25, maybe 30 years, that they should be repaved."

Jeff Patterson leaves the anchor desk behind and puts Tampa City Council in his sights.

"Tampa Bay leaders caution losses if property tax referendum passes" via Lizzy Alspach of Tampa Bay Times — In a room of Tampa Bay Commissioners Friday, who expressed concern about a property tax amendment that could sharply curtail local government spending, Vince Nowicki offered another perspective. "My generation not being able to afford a home? That's the American dream," Nowicki told Commissioners from three counties across Tampa Bay. "It's a good chance to deliver relief." If voters pass the measure, homeowners whose homes are their primary residence could see sharp reductions in property taxes. The measure would increase an exemption that shields some of a home's value from property taxes to more than $250,000 over two years. "It's just very attractive to people on the surface," Hillsborough Commissioner Harry Cohen said. State funding requirements, Pinellas Commissioner Kathleen Peters said, put too much on local governments to cover.

"Tampa Bay Rays apply for stadium site land-use changes — again" via Lizzy Alspach and Nina Moske of Tampa Bay Times — A Tampa City Council vote last month blocked the first step in a land-use change for the Tampa Bay Rays' proposed stadium site, adding a layer of uncertainty to the project. Now, as once-skeptical Council member Bill Carlson appears to embrace the ballpark, the team is trying again. A lawyer representing the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees applied last month to update the map detailing the types of development allowed at the school's Dale Mabry campus. That denial came hours after Council members also delayed an upcoming vote on a nonbinding financing deal with the Rays, signaling some officials have enduring concerns about the $2.3 billion ballpark. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, whose administration has led the city's negotiations with the baseball team, said the Council's decision was "beyond frustrating."

—"Diana Finegan, Stacey Worthington again battle for Citrus County Commission" via Mike Wright of Florida Politics

  Local: N. FL  

Democrats eye Jacksonville Council pickup in countywide Special Election” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Jacksonville voters will decide Tuesday whether Republicans retain an at-large City Council seat as Terrance Freeman leaves to pursue a House seat. Republican Deborah Wesley, Democrat Moné Holder and Libertarian Addison Patrick are competing countywide, with Patrick potentially preventing either major-party candidate from reaching the 50% needed to avoid a November runoff. Democrats hope to cut into Republicans’ 14-5 Council advantage, while Wesley faces an ongoing residency challenge. Money is also flowing: Holder’s committee received $300,000 in loans from trial lawyer Steve Pajcic, while she raised more than $55,000 in hard money. Wesley raised nearly $95,000, plus more than $28,000 through a supporting committee.

Deborah Wesley, Moné Holder and Addison Patrick turn a Jacksonville Special Election into a three-way test.

"Donor to St. Johns County Commission candidates charged with battering a House candidate at early voting site" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — A vocal supporter and maximum donor to St. Johns County Commission candidates Krista Keating-Joseph and Martin Pyszczymuka was arrested this week after deputies say he punched a House candidate in the face, pushed her to the ground and struck her husband in the head at an early voting site. Charles Hunt, 55, of St. Augustine, faces two counts of misdemeanor battery following the Tuesday incident at the World Golf Village polling location. The candidate is Diana Jordan-Baldwin, the Republican challenging Rep. Kendall in the House District 18 Primary. "He went around my husband, and he punched me in this side of my face," Jordan-Baldwin told the station. "My husband went after him, and they fought. He tumbled over, got up and hit my husband on the side of his head."

—"The ultimate Tallahassee voter guide to the 2026 Primary Election" via the Tallahassee Democrat

A Cascades vision? Chamber gets look at future development, possibilities” via TaMaryn Waters of the Tallahassee Democrat — Tallahassee's economy is relatively flat, yet leaders see cause for excitement with several major developments and what's possible for areas around Cascades Park – if the state ever unloaded prime land in downtown Tallahassee. One slide showed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation building. Another slide captured the Burns Building used by the Florida Department of Transportation on Suwanee Street. "That one doesn't really have plans yet, but you know that's a big site," said Slaton Murray. "You can see something really cool, mixed-use-wise, go there." Ed Murray made it clear there are no plans for the DOT building to relocate, adding, "We're not saying they're moving. But, if they move, it can be a great place to go." Then, they flashed a bold rendering of a sports venue anchored by a baseball field and surrounded by a hotel, stores, and restaurants, triggering applause from the audience.

Tallahassee imagines a bigger Cascades future, because downtown renderings remain undefeated at generating applause.

Beware any Dixon in Tallahassee — "Man charged with arson of Tallahassee's historic Exchange building" via Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — A Tennessee man has been federally indicted for a 2024 arson that prosecutors say was "politically motivated." Ian Nathaniel Grice, 28, of Dixon, Tennessee, is charged with arson and interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise. Court records say that Grice attempted to "maliciously damage and destroy" the historic Exchange Bank building located at 201 S Monroe St. in downtown Tallahassee. Grice's trial is scheduled for Sept. 21, and he faces five to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. "This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House-directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard," the press release says.

  Local: SW. FL  

—"'Now or never moment.' Bonita voters to decide fate of new rail trail" via Laura Layden of Fort Myers News-Press

"New College picks Tampa business leader as Board Chair" via Lucy Marques of Tampa Bay Times — New College trustees on Thursday named Tampa lawyer and business leader Ronald Christaldi as the Board Chair. Christaldi is a New College alum and partner at Tampa business firm Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. He's held leadership roles at the Tampa Bay Chamber, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the Tampa Museum of Art and Leadership Florida. Christaldi joined the Board in 2019. He voted to fire former President Patricia Okker three years ago, alongside trustees DeSantis appointed to turn the small liberal arts school into a conservative college. Christaldi said in a statement that his focus will be on academic excellence, student success and responsible stewardship. "New College gave me an extraordinary education and helped shape the way I think, lead, and approach complex challenges," Christaldi said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to this remarkable institution."

Ronald Christaldi takes the Chair at New College, where Board leadership has rarely been a sleepy assignment.

  Top opinion  

States seek $1.4 trillion from Meta in social media showdown” via The Wall Street Journal editorial board — States and trial lawyers are borrowing the Big Tobacco playbook in their legal assault on Meta, pursuing potentially staggering damages while claiming they are protecting children from social media.

California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey are seeking $1.4 trillion in a federal case alleging Facebook and Instagram were designed with addictive features while Meta publicly promoted its commitment to youth safety.

The case is part of a much broader legal offensive. Meta faces thousands of lawsuits over alleged youth mental-health harms, while more than 40 state Attorneys General have filed similar claims.

Meta has already suffered costly setbacks. A federal jury found Meta and YouTube liable for contributing to one young woman's mental-health problems, while New Mexico recently secured judgments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

No one disputes that excessive social media use can be harmful. But Meta has introduced parental controls, messaging restrictions, break reminders and other safeguards, and teenagers blocked from one platform can migrate elsewhere.

The $1.4 trillion campaign won't solve the complicated problems surrounding children, smartphones and social media. Those questions require clear rules from elected lawmakers. Using litigation to extract enormous settlements instead risks enriching trial lawyers while allowing politicians to claim they protected children without addressing the problem itself.

  More opinions  

Property tax amendment could leave Florida communities more fragile” via Jeff Brandes for the Tampa Bay Times — Florida homeowners need property tax relief, but Amendment 3 could create lasting fiscal problems by putting an inflation-linked homestead exemption into the Constitution. Local government expenses for police, firefighters, insurance, infrastructure and other essential services often rise faster than consumer inflation. In Pinellas County alone, projections show annual county revenue losses could reach roughly $184 million within two years. Local governments won’t simply absorb those losses; many could turn increasingly to non-ad valorem assessments, effectively shifting costs rather than eliminating them. The amendment could also leave communities with less financial flexibility when hurricanes, infrastructure failures or economic downturns strike. Florida needs meaningful property tax reform, but permanent constitutional changes shouldn’t leave communities financially weaker or homeowners facing costs disguised under different names.

AI can help Florida’s small businesses compete and grow” via Julio Fuentes for the Tallahassee Democrat — Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical tool for Florida’s small businesses, helping owners handle administrative work, analyze data and devote more time to customers and growth. Florida’s more than 604,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, which contribute over $90 billion annually to the state economy, have much to gain. A 2026 report found 58% of Florida small businesses already use AI, with 89% of those reporting increased revenue. But adopting technology isn’t enough. Owners and workers need practical training and AI literacy to understand where these tools can help and where human judgment remains essential. Florida should ensure small businesses have access to trustworthy information and training to use AI responsibly, protect customer relationships, and remain competitive as technology rapidly reshapes the economy.

Flying cars are coming to Florida. What could possibly go wrong? via John A. Torres of Florida Today — Flying cars may finally be moving from Jetsons fantasy to Florida reality, and that’s not necessarily comforting. DeSantis says the vehicles could operate from compact vertiports without traditional runways, while Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue expects testing in Florida by year’s end. The technology sounds exciting until Florida’s existing driving habits come into play. Imagine the aggressive drivers already terrorizing I-4 suddenly operating mini-helicopter-like vehicles 50 to 300 feet overhead — potentially without a pilot’s license, depending on vehicle weight. If road rage is bad now, “sky rage” could be next. Flying cars may represent an extraordinary technological leap, but putting Florida drivers into the air sounds less like The Jetsons and more like a catastrophe waiting to happen.

  Instagram of the day  

  Aloe  

Disney unveils Villains Land rides, Indiana Jones adventure at D23” via Germain Lussier of Gizmodo — Disney unveiled a fresh slate of theme park projects at D23, including major additions headed to Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom’s planned Villains Land will feature two attractions: a Maleficent-themed roller coaster and a dark ride built around the Magic Mirror and an assortment of Disney villains. At Animal Kingdom, the new Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will take guests beneath a Mayan temple, with Harrison Ford's likeness featured in an Indiana Jones animatronic for the first time. EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth is also getting its first significant update in 20 years, shifting from the history of human communication toward a broader theme of human connection. Disney has not announced opening dates for the Florida attractions.

Disney’s D23 previews a future where villains, Indiana Jones and Florida theme parks all get fresh plot twists.

  Happy birthday  

Best wishes to Senate President Ben Albritton and former Reps. Vance Aloupis and Sharon Pritchett. Also celebrating today are photographer Kim DeFalco and Daniel Uhlfelder.

___

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

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