Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.22.26 — Burnin’ today: Jennifer Canady

From: Extensive Media Enterprises  Good morning. A top-of-'burn birthday shoutout to Speaker-to-be Jennifer Canady. Happy birthday, Jennifer Canady! Oh, happy birthday to Mr. St. Augustine … you know, this guy. — Thomas Chalifoux is launching a $1 million ad buy as he competes in the crowded Republican Primary in Florida’s 9th Congressional District. The Chalifoux campaign said the districtwide effort represents its largest communications investment to date. It includes broadcast and cable TV advertising as well as digital running through the election on Aug. 18. The campaign’s first spot, titled “Not a Suckup,” began airing Tuesday. The ad highlights Chalifoux’s 30 years in the U.S. Army and business career, drawing a contrast between the retired Colonel and the “career politicians” he says “answer to the Washington establishment.” “I didn’t serve this country for 30 years to suck up to career politicians in Washington,” Chalifoux says in the ad. The campaign said the broader advertising push will introduce Chalifoux to voters as a conservative outsider who will support President Donald Trump and advance an “America First” agenda. View the ad here or click the image below:

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Days until   Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida hosts Orange County Mayor debate — 9; ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ premieres — 9; Optional Primary early voting begins — 12; ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 premieres — 14; Primary Election ballot request deadline — 15; Mandatory Primary early voting begins — 17; ‘Lanterns’ premieres on HBO — 25; Primary Election Day — 27; ‘The Dog Stars,’ directed by Ridley Scott, premieres — 37; NFL regular season kicks off — 49; Republican National Midterm Convention — 49; San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia — 50; Yankees host the Mets for the 9/11 anniversary — 51; MLB Roberto Clemente Day — 55; General Election UOCAVA ballot deadline — 59; Tampa Bay Buccaneers home opener against the Cleveland Browns — 60; General Election domestic ballot send window begins — 64; General Election domestic ballot send deadline — 71; ‘Digger,’ with Tom Cruise, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, premieres — 72; General Election voter registration deadline — 75; ‘The Social Network’ sequel, with Jeremy Strong, Jeremy Allen White and Mikey Madison, premieres — 79; Optional General early voting begins — 89; General Election ballot request deadline — 92; Mandatory General early voting begins — 94; General Election — 104; ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ premieres — 107; ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premieres — 107; Florida Automated Vehicles Summit — 112; Joe Biden’s memoir, ‘Promise Me,’ releases — 118; ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ premieres — 121; ‘The Adventures of Cliff Booth,’ with Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino, premieres — 126; ‘Madden’ premieres — 127; Untitled ‘Star Wars’ movie premieres — 149; ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ premieres — 149; ‘Dune: Part 3,’ directed by Denis Villeneuve, premieres — 149; College Football Playoff national championship game in Las Vegas — 187; Grammys — 200; Super Bowl LXI — 207; Tampa Mayoral Election — 223; Oscars — 235; Jacksonville First Election — 244; Jacksonville General Election — 300; ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse’ premieres — 318; ‘Bluey the Movie’ premieres — 380; ‘Miami Vice’ reboot premieres — 380; ‘The Batman Part II’ premieres — 436; ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ premieres — 513; College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans — 551; Oscars — 592; ‘Lilo & Stitch 2’ premieres — 674; ‘Incredibles 3’ premieres — 695; 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony — 723; 2028 U.S. Presidential Election — 839; College Football Playoff national championship game in Tampa — 915; ‘Avatar 4’ premieres — 1,239; College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami — 1,279; ‘Avatar 5’ premieres — 1,970.

Top story   "Data center donors have spent more than $20M in Florida ahead of the 2026 elections" via Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents — Data center supporters have spent more than $22 million on campaign contributions in Florida ahead of the 2026 elections, according to a new Seeking Rents analysis of state fundraising data. The industry’s investment in Tallahassee has already paid dividends. Pro-data center interests have been pouring cash into Florida campaigns. DeSantis and the Legislature enacted a law earlier this year setting a variety of new rules and regulations around data centers. But industry lobbyists persuaded lawmakers to defang much of the package the before they passed it. Early drafts of the legislation would have banned non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and government agencies; eliminated tax incentives for the industry; and prohibited construction of a data center within five miles of any home or school unless approved by a unanimous vote of the local County Commission or City Council. Each of those provisions was removed before DeSantis signed the bill into law.

2026   "Jay Collins says a DeSantis endorsement would have meant a 'proxy war' with Donald Trump" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Lt. Gov. Collins has landed on an explanation for the endorsement DeSantis never delivered: Backing him at his campaign launch, Collins argues, would have dragged DeSantis into a "proxy war" with Trump. During an interview with Coastal Conservative News, Collins suggested DeSantis didn't want to go up against Trump, who has endorsed front-runner Donalds. "In the end, I know why we didn't have an endorsement to launch. And I'll tell you exactly why. If we launch with an endorsement, what do we have? A proxy war? Governor DeSantis versus President Trump. The truth is, in Florida, we want both," Collins said. Even without a formal endorsement, Collins argued, DeSantis' preference is easy to discern. Jay Collins says the Governor hasn't endorsed him to avoid a tiff with the White House. "David Jolly pushes for data center moratorium in campaign for Governor" via Kylie Williams of POLITICO — In a video posted to X, Jolly said he had proposed a moratorium on data centers and slammed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, the Trump-endorsed GOP front-runner, for his stance on regulating the industry. "I'm calling for a moratorium on data centers until Florida has a responsible plan to protect our water, power grid, and communities," the former member of Congress wrote in the post. "Byron Donalds wants to hand pristine Florida land over to the industry funding his campaign. Our state is not for sale." In response to Jolly's calls for a moratorium, Donalds campaign spokesperson Gates McGavick said, "Byron Donalds has made it clear he supports protecting Florida ratepayers and communities." “James Fishback defends his Florida residency in court hearing amid Collins challenge” via Romy Ellenbogen of the Tampa Bay Times — Republican gubernatorial candidate Fishback on Tuesday tried to assure a judge that he’s always lived in Florida as he faces questions about his eligibility to be on the ballot. Documents that could show otherwise — like a Washington, D.C., mortgage record where Fishback attested that the city was his primary residence — were completed without thinking, he and his attorney argued. “I was just kind of signing through stuff,” Fishback testified. He said he rarely used the Washington apartment. He said he registered to vote in Washington, D.C., and voted there in 2020 only because he was stuck amid the pandemic. Fishback previously asserted he never voted in D.C. “Fishback’s eligibility for Governor’s race hangs in balance as Judge eyes Monday ruling” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Testimony, presentation of evidence, questioning and oral arguments in an ongoing court dispute over Republican Fishback’s eligibility to run for Governor this year began and ended Tuesday, when the presiding Judge said he intends to deliver his ruling in less than a week. After a day-long hearing, lawyers for the plaintiff and defendant said they were satisfied with the time allotted to the issue, which was one day shorter than originally scheduled. Judge David Frank of the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Leon County asked the parties to deliver their respective proposed orders by 5 p.m. Friday. He said he plans to make a final decision by Monday, calling the case’s expedited pace “a fire sale timeline.”

More elections   "'Medical freedom' takes a back seat in Florida's Midterm fights" via Arek Sarkissian of POLITICO — Republican-dominated Florida has become the preeminent lab for the medical freedom movement, with the state's leaders and lawmakers banning masks in schools and fluoride in water while questioning the efficacy of some vaccines. But this year, those issues are landing with a thud on the campaign trail. Even though DeSantis made medical freedom a cornerstone of his time in office, and the state's conservative Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, remains a national folk hero to some MAHA groups, the issues are now overshadowed by affordability and broader scrutiny on the effects of some MAHA-influenced proposals. Most candidates this cycle have focused on economic concerns, including taxes and the effects of the AI boom, over government healthcare restrictions. "'American success story': Joe Strada secures support from James Uthmeier, Wayne Ivey, Bill Gladson in CD 11" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Strada continues to rack up endorsements in his bid to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster in Florida's 11th Congressional District. Uthmeier, Brevard Sheriff Ivey and State Attorney Gladson are all behind the businessman as he seeks the Republican nomination. These new endorsers join House Freedom Caucus co-founder Jim Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise in backing the founder of Strada Services, which is now the largest privately held and family-owned air conditioning, electric, security and plumbing company in the country. Uthmeier called Strada a "successful entrepreneur who built an air conditioning and plumbing company from the ground up." "He's a conservative with real world experience! I'm confident Joe will fight for the Free State of Florida just as he has for his thousands of employees," Uthmeier said. Joe Strada picked up a nod from the Attorney General. Image via campaign. "Ola Hawatmeh lands Trump megadonor Dan Newlin's endorsement in CD 19 race" via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — The Primary in Florida's 19th Congressional District features a dozen Republicans racing to out-Trump one another, but Hawatmeh is betting a thick stack of MAGA endorsements will break the tie. Her latest comes from Dan Newlin, the Orlando personal-injury-ad magnate and Trump megadonor. Newlin announced his support in a statement from Hawatmeh's campaign, calling her the only candidate who will "stand firmly with Trump in every single action and vote." Hawatmeh is one of roughly a dozen Republicans running to succeed Byron Donalds, who vacated the safely red Southwest Florida seat to run for Governor. Hawatmeh said Trump personally encouraged her to run, though the President himself has yet to endorse in the race. The backing has not vaulted her clear of the pack. Nearly 77% of voters remain unfamiliar with her. "'Jones has the heart': Democratic Hispanic Caucus, Teddy Bridgewater back Shevrin Jones in CD 24 race" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Jones is adding celebrity backing and more organizational support to his congressional campaign, with new endorsements from the Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida and NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The Democratic Hispanic Caucus announced its "carefully made" endorsement of Jones this week, recognizing Jones' record supporting and engagement with Latino communities. Bridgewater, a Miami native and former Miami Northwestern High School football coach, also endorsed Jones in a video, praising Jones' consistency and compassion. This year, Jones passed the "Teddy Bridgewater Act," which protects coaches from penalties for financially supporting student athletes' basic needs. "When you think of politicians, we usually think they don't really have a heart, and they don't really care for other people. Sen. Jones has the heart," Bridgewater said.

Even more elections   “Oliver Gilbert-linked PAC attacks Shevrin Jones over votes for Donald Trump airport renaming” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — A new attack ad making the rounds in Florida’s 24th Congressional District is highlighting state Sen. Jones’ early support of legislation this year to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Trump. The short digital spot, funded by a PAC linked to Miami-Dade Commissioner Gilbert, one of Jones’ six Democratic Primary foes in the CD 24 race, says Jones “helped” the controversial measure to pass by voting for it twice in Committee. But the ad omits that Jones also tried to block Trump and his family from profiting off of the airport renaming. After his GOP colleagues stopped that push, Jones voted against the measure in its final Committee stop and on the Senate floor. American Made PAC, which lists numerous expenditures through Plantation consulting firm MDW Communications on behalf of Gilbert’s campaign, announced the 30-second ad in a press release Tuesday that repeatedly misspelled Jones’ name as “Chevron Jones.” An attack ad in the CD 24 Democratic Primary refers to Shevrin Jones as 'Chevron Jones.' Image via Colin Hackley. “Roll cameras: Spectrum announces candidate conversations with CD 11, CD 16 hopefuls” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — Spectrum News 13 and Spectrum Bay News 9 are teaming up with AARP to air candidate conversations featuring contenders in two closely watched Florida congressional races ahead of next month’s Primary. The one-hour programs will spotlight candidates running in Florida’s 11th and 16th Congressional Districts and will air at 7 p.m. on July 22 and July 29, respectively. The conversations will be prerecorded at the stations’ studios and moderated by Spectrum anchors Holly Gregory and Ybeth Bruzual. The CD 16 conversation will feature Republicans Sydney Gruters and Eddie Speir and Democrats Jon Harris, Kelly Kirschner, Tamika Lyles, Glenn Pearson and Jan Schneider. No-party candidate Mark Davis will also take part. —Ashley Gantt adds 6 local leaders, 2 major trade groups to SD 34 endorsement roster via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics Save the date:

Statewide   "Florida disaster fund spent more on immigration than all 2025 missions combined" via Liv Caputo of Florida Phoenix — The DeSantis administration spent nearly two-thirds of Florida's emergency fund last fiscal year on fighting illegal immigration, dwarfing spending for severe weather, international rescues, and other emergency missions for which the fund was created. State records show that the Division of Emergency Management, the agency in charge of the so-called "Alligator Alcatraz" and "Deportation Depot" lockups, shelled out $890 million in taxpayer dollars between July 1, 2025, and June 30. Of that, $564 million — about 63% — went to immigration enforcement, meaning emergency managers spent more on immigration than all emergency missions combined last year. The rest paid for assistance to counties and other states, costs associated with rescuing Americans from Israel, and severe weather. Immigration enforcement accounted for the bulk of emergency fund spending last fiscal year. “UF study shows Florida migration slowed sharply in 2025” via Brittany Sylvestri of Main St. Daily News — New population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show migration to Florida slowed significantly in 2025, with the steepest declines occurring in some of the state’s largest, most expensive counties. The latest data show Florida added 201,191 residents through domestic and international migration in 2025 — about 551 people per day. That marks a sharp decline from the 2022 peak, when the state gained 598,737 residents through migration, or about 1,640 people per day. The figures are available through the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, produced by the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida.

D.C. matters   “Republicans cite an Olive Garden pasta promotion to push stricter voter ID laws” via Mariana Alfaro of The Washington Post — With the promotion come rules: For $100, a guest has access to 13 weeks of all-you-can-eat pasta at any participating location, as long as they present the pass and a photo ID. House Republicans have adopted that last detail in their push for stricter national voter ID laws, arguing that if Americans have to show a photo ID to eat never-ending pasta at the chain, they should also be required to show a photo ID to cast a vote. “Nowadays, if you want to go to Olive Garden and get unlimited pasta, you’ve got to show a picture ID,” House Majority Leader Scalise said Tuesday. “This isn’t complicated stuff.” Republicans have been demanding national voter ID laws as part of the Save America Act, a piece of legislation that would reform elections nationwide and that has the backing of President Trump. Olive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Passes have become a talking point in the voter ID debate. “Senate panel advances Jay Clayton as next spy chief on party-line vote” via Dustin Volz of The New York Times — The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday approved Clayton as President Trump’s pick to oversee the U.S. intelligence community, clearing a key hurdle that may install Clayton in the job by the end of the week despite evaporating support from Democrats. The vote, 9 to 8, fell along party lines, as every Republican on the panel backed Clayton while every Democrat voted in opposition. Assuming he is confirmed by the full Senate as expected, Clayton will take command of the Office of National Intelligence from Bill Pulte, a housing official who has pursued campaigns of retribution against the President’s perceived enemies. “Rotunda tribute and Cathedral funeral announced for Lindsey Graham” via Savannah Behrmann of rollcall.com — The late U.S. Sen. Graham will be honored with a ceremony in the Capitol’s Rotunda ahead of a funeral at the National Cathedral next Tuesday. “For so many of us in the Senate and the House, myself included, Lindsey was more than a colleague, he was a friend,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. “From the military to state politics to decades of representing South Carolinians in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his life to giving back through public service.” Graham’s remains will be carried into the Rotunda by an Armed Forces Body Bearer Team to mark his years of service in the Air Force, and remain under memorial guard as a nod to his more than two decades in the Senate.

Local: S. FL   "Miami-Dade paid more than $4K for 3 portraits of the same County Commissioner" via Douglas Hanks of Miami Herald — Records show Miami-Dade County paid for three paintings of County Commissioner Gilbert ahead of the hanging of the least expensive one in the Commission chambers for a new portrait wall honoring past board Chairs. The first portrait cost $2,000 and came from artist Rahiem Milton. The second portrait cost $2,500, according to an invoice, and was painted by artist Sitki Dogan. The third portrait cost just $280 because it was a print of a portrait that Miami Gardens commissioned five years ago to honor Gilbert for his time as that city's Mayor. A painting of a smiling Gilbert was revealed to applause in the chambers. Oliver Gilbert's portrait took three tries and cost Miami-Dade taxpayers nearly $5,000. "Miami-Dade School Board names 2 finalists for next Superintendent" via Austin Horn of Miami Herald — The Miami-Dade School Board is moving forward with a slate of two finalists to replace Superintendent Jose Dotres. The Board winnowed down its list from six semifinalists to two in a vote at a special meeting. Both finalists have deep ties to South Florida. One is internal to the public school system and the other is an administrator in Broward County Public Schools. The finalists are Ernie Lozano, Broward County Public Schools chief human resources officer and Rafael Villalobos, MDCPS' south region Superintendent. Either Villalobos or Lozano could be named Superintendent as early as next week. Board members voted on July 29 as the date for public interviews as well as a final selection. "With 1 more vote, Broward County to embrace major commitment to recycling" via Rafael Olmeda of South Florida Sun Sentinel — Broward County's Solid Waste Authority is one vote away from adopting an ambitious master plan that promises to overhaul the way we get rid of our trash and commit to the practice of recycling. Of the 28 municipalities that are part of the Solid Waste Authority, 24 have voted to approve the compact. The remaining four have until Aug. 14 to sign on. For the master plan to pass, governments representing 80% of Broward's population must join. According to Solid Waste Authority Chair Mike Ryan, Mayor of Sunrise, any one of the remaining cities would put the master plan over the top. "Key West man cost state more than $370K in derelict-boat removals, FWC says" via David Goodhue of Miami Herald — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) arrested a Key West man with a history of derelict-boat violations that have cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars in vessel-removal bills over the past six years, according to his arrest report. Since 2020, the FWC has issued James Huckabay Jr., 69, more than 20 citations about boats that he has either owned or lived on and had no means of propulsion or steering. The state paid contractors more than $372,000 during that time to remove the vessels from the water, according to his probable-cause warrant. His violations were so numerous and egregious, a court revoked Huckabay's ability to register and title a boat in the state. "Andy Amoroso, former Lake Worth Commissioner, suffers stroke" via Chris Persaud of Palm Beach Post — Amoroso, the former Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner, recently suffered a stroke and is asking help paying expenses, unable to run his downtown business, the Tacky Tourist gift shop. Amoroso, 61, suffered the stroke in his Lake Worth Beach apartment, his friend Tracie O'Connor wrote on the fundraising website GoFundMe. He was unable to call for help for 12 hours, and the stroke left him mostly unable to move his left side, O'Connor wrote. As the former Commissioner recovers, O'Connor set up the online fundraiser asking for $11,000 to help pay for rent on Amoroso's shop, as well as other expenses such as his mortgage and bills. "Florida tax plan may cost 1 in 3 Martin County firefighters their jobs" via Keith Burbank of Treasure Coast Newspapers — Martin County could be forced to lay off more than 30% of its firefighters — or close three Fire Stations and shut down its Hazmat, dive and technical-rescue teams — if a statewide property-tax reform proposal passes in November, according to the Fire Rescue department. County Commission Vice Chair Ed Ciampi said it would be "catastrophic" to lose more than 30% of the Department, or 116 firefighters. He has no interest in such radical cuts, he said, and neither personnel nor closing Stations is on the table. Fire Rescue stands to lose $16.5 million over two years as a result of the proposed reform, according to a presentation Fire Rescue plans to make to the County Commission on July 28.

Local: C. FL   "Teresa Jacobs to depart Orange County politics after decades of service" via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — Jacobs ordered a shot of espresso with Splenda at a coffee shop just south of Orange County Public Schools headquarters one blistering June afternoon. Jacobs, whose term is up in November, will soon step away from public office after a 24-year career serving as first a County Commissioner, then County Mayor and then Chair of the School Board. As Mayor, she helped direct public money toward the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a new Orlando Magic arena and Camping World Stadium and championed mental health services. She guided the county through the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub massacre and the School District through the COVID-19 pandemic. "There is nothing that government does that could be more important than education," Jacobs said. Teresa Jacobs is wrapping up a 24-year run in Orange County politics. "Told to cut seven projects, Orange tourist tax panel reinstates six" via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings' newly impaneled tourist-tax task force got lessons Tuesday in tax law, economics and politics at their first meeting where six of the 24 applicants for a share of the public bounty were dropped from consideration — then quickly re-added before the session ended. The $3-billion wish list is led by the Orlando Dreamers, an investment group hoping to build a baseball stadium to lure a Major League Baseball team. The list was ultimately pared by just one — Lake County-based Arching Oaks Japanese Art & Cultural Center, which wanted $20.5 million to attract delegations of Japanese tourists to the Orlando area through an initiative featuring anime, martial arts and other cultural events, was deemed to be ineligible. "Orange County's TDT funds need to stay in Orange County," said Whitney Evers, a county attorney advising the task force. "Orange school board to ban e-bikes, e-scooters for students without licenses" via Steven Walker of the Orlando Sentinel — Most students in Orange County Public Schools likely will be forbidden from riding electric bikes and scooters onto campus starting next month, as officials move toward a wide-ranging ban on the vehicles. The Orange County School Board agreed to the new restrictions Tuesday, though it must officially vote on them July 28. If the board agrees then, the ban would kick in when classes start Aug. 11, allowing the vehicles only on high school campuses and only for students who are licensed drivers. OCPS, like cities and counties around Central Florida, wants to regulate the increasingly popular e-bikes and e-scooters as accidents and injuries spike. Superintendent Maria Vazquez said students are often not doing so safely. "They're driving and riding in major thoroughfares. They're weaving in and out, and we already had one death," Vazquez said. "Lawsuit seeking to remove Orange clerk of courts candidate can move forward, judge says" via Cristóbal Reyes of the Orlando Sentinel — Orange County's chief judge on Tuesday agreed to hear a lawsuit next week that could end outgoing Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero's campaign to become the county's next clerk of courts. The case — brought by Gomez Cordero's opponent Rick Singh, who observed Tuesday's hearing from the gallery — looks to remove her from the Democratic primary ballot over an alleged violation of Florida's so-called resign-to-run law. Chief Judge Lisa Munyon set a deadline for both parties to submit evidence and a witness list by next week ahead of a trial scheduled for July 30. "There are affirmative ways to prove whether someone did or did not send a document to the governor or the supervisor, wherever it needs to go — but if you have no evidence, then I have no basis to grant an injunction," Munyon said.

Local: TB   "How do City Council candidates feel about Tropicana Field's developer?" via Colleen Wright of Tampa Bay Times — The first question asked at a recent forum for St. Petersburg City Council hopefuls went right at one of the biggest decisions weighing on the city. Mayor Ken Welch picked the Burg Bid, a proposal submitted by Blake Investment Partners, to redevelop Tropicana Field. What did Council candidates think about the Mayor's pick, especially so close to an election? If Welch wins re-election, it'll take about a year to negotiate binding agreements that would go before the council for a vote. But if he doesn't, his successor may choose a different path. He didn't move forward with the developer his predecessor, former Mayor Rick Kriseman, picked in his last few weeks in office. Ken Welch picked the Burg Bid. Council candidates have opinions. "In AI-generated ad, Charlie Crist blasts Ken Welch for 'not showing up to work'" via the Tampa Bay Times — What would happen if you only showed up to work 34% of the time? That is the question posed in one of the latest ads from Crist's St. Petersburg mayoral campaign, taking a swing at incumbent Welch. It's based on a Tampa Bay Times report that found Welch swiped into City Hall 60 times in his first eight months in office. The "people" in the clip are AI-generated avatars, created and fed lines by a prompt. Crist, the former Florida governor, said the AI use came down to efficiency and cost-saving, as it does for most candidates using the tool. In a statement, Welch said AI can generate an ad, not a record. "If you're getting your political information from AI-generated attack ads, do your own homework," he said. “Madeira Beach leaders worry sand is building up around debris under John's Pass” via Josh Rojas of Spectrum News — The John’s Pass sand dredge project in Madeira Beach wrapped up nearly two months ago, but the city is still worried some old bridge debris is causing sand to build up again. The city is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to get that debris removed. FDOT had to demolish the old John’s Pass bridge in order to build a new drawbridge. City photos show that concrete rubble sticking out of the water during low tide. Madeira Beach Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks says officials believe that bridge debris is causing sand to build up. “The way the debris is laying, it’s working almost as a seawall," she said. "So when the sand gets into the pass on this side, it can't leave because the seawall is there holding the sand in.” “‘Too big to fail:’ Rays negotiators weigh alternatives if Tampa Council votes fall short” via Jesse Mendoza of Florida Politics — Negotiators working on a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium and surrounding redevelopment in Tampa are nearing completion of the project’s final agreements, according to Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin. Clendenin said discussions have included potential ways to move the project forward if supporters cannot secure the four Tampa City Council votes needed for approval. Staff members representing the Rays, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County have been negotiating the definitive documents after the City Council and County Commission previously approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the proposed deal. The MOU established a framework but did not contain the final terms elected officials would ultimately be asked to approve. Clendenin told Florida Politics Tuesday he expects additional information on the negotiations soon and believes the documents are close to completion.

Local: N. FL   “Bill Proctor endorses ‘unbought and unbossed’ Jeremy Matlow in Tallahassee mayoral race” via Fabrizio Gowdy of Florida Politics — Matlow has picked up an endorsement from County Commissioner Proctor, Leon County’s longest-tenured local elected official. The endorsement came during a news conference at the Leon County Courthouse. Proctor praised Matlow as genuine, compassionate and someone who would stand up for the “plight of common people.” “My favorite City Commissioner over 30 years has been Jeremy Matlow,” Proctor said. “Commissioner Matlow is unbought and unbossed.” Matlow, a sitting City Commissioner, is running for Mayor of Tallahassee against former Sen. Loranne Ausley, lawyer Darryl Parks and IT entrepreneur Michael Faust. Proctor has served on the Leon County Commission since he won a Special Election in 1996. He represents District 1, which stretches from Florida State University’s campus all the way to the southeast corner of the county. Bill Proctor is endorsing Jeremy Matlow in the Tallahassee Mayor race. “Tropical Storm Bertha has sustained winds of 50 mph as it grows stronger in the Gulf of America” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — Tuesday afternoon report shows Tropical Storm Bertha getting stronger in the Gulf of America off the Panhandle. NHC officials put the center of Bertha 60 miles south-southwest of Panama City. The storm is moving north-northwest at 3 knots in the Gulf. Sustained winds have increased to 50 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Seas in the Gulf are getting more formidable, with NHC officials noting they have climbed to 13 feet near the center of the storm. “Swells generated by Bertha are affecting portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida and are likely to spread westward during the week,” the NHC advisory said. Bertha’s presence over the Gulf is loading the system with moisture. Heavy rains will pound the region for the next several days. “Court wants more arguments before ruling to keep or toss TMH-FSU case” via James Call, Elena Barrera of the Tallahassee Democrat — A Leon County judge declined to immediately rule on a motion to dismiss the Tallahassee NAACP's lawsuit challenging the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare's hospital to Florida State University, instead ordering supplemental briefs on three key legal questions that could determine whether the case survives. Circuit Judge Lee Marsh, after an hour-long hearing July 21 with attorneys representing the city, FSU and the plaintiffs, gave the parties 30 days to submit additional legal analysis before he decides whether the lawsuit may proceed. Specifically, Marsh said he wants more information on whether the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP, which attorneys for FSU and the city contend is not registered as a legal entity with the state, has standing to sue. “‘Cowards’: St. Johns County commissioners attend meeting by phone amid accusations over fake voter-guide scheme” via Scott Johnson, Ben Schubert of News4Jax — Multiple St. Johns County residents called for the resignations of two sitting county commissioners on Tuesday following accusations that they were involved in a fake voter guide scheme. Five people now face criminal charges in connection with the scheme, including District 2 Commissioner Sarah Arnold and District 1 Commissioner Christian Whitehurst. Arnold and Whitehurst were not in the building to face their constituents on Tuesday, and instead attended the meeting by phone. “Depot Park Turns 10: From Brownfield to Gainesville's Crown Jewel” via Elliot Tritto of The Gainesville Sun — As Depot Park prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in August, the 32-acre destination has become one of Gainesville's signature downtown public spaces and the city's most visited park. To mark the occasion, the city will host "Decade at Depot", a free community event from 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 1 featuring food trucks, train rides and a photo booth throughout the evening. From 7 to 9 p.m., children can enjoy a dance party featuring DJ MellowBlendz, face painting, bubbles and crafts. From 9 to 11 p.m., the celebration will shift to a glow party and live a concert featuring Pet Detective and mamish, plus guest musicians from Trustfall, Savants, Wax Wings, Sooza, Blacksnake, NOMORE, The Mermers, Uncle Mosie, The Ones To Blame and other musical acts.

Local: SW. FL   “"Manatee deputies bust illegal gambling arcade in Bradenton, Sheriff says" via Michael Moore of the Bradenton Herald — Manatee County Sheriff's detectives shut down what they say was an illegal gambling operation at a Bradenton storefront, seizing more than $23,000 in cash and arresting a suspect. Following a weekslong investigation, detectives determined an unnamed "arcade" at 4307 26th St. W., Unit B, was operating as an illegal gambling establishment, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Keylin Isabel Reyes Escobar, 21, faces a third-degree felony gambling charge and a first-degree misdemeanor charge of obstructing the execution of a search warrant, according to court records. Undercover detectives visited the business twice in June, where they wagered money on slot-machine-style games, received tickets and watched Reyes Escobar exchange the tickets for cash, according to an arrest report. Manatee County law enforcement busted an illegal gaming operation after a weekslong investigation. Image via CD Davidson-Hiers. "Sarasota County Schools name 6 new principals for 2026-27" via Michaela Galligan of Sarasota Herald-Tribune — Sarasota County Schools have six new Principal changes for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year from elementary to high school. The six new Principals, many of whom are coming from other Sarasota County Schools, are set to start working with students this August. Brooke Teal is the new Principal of Triad Alternative School and will make $110,000. Prior to assuming this role, she served as the Assistant Principal of the school. Charles Elsey is the new Principal of Venice Middle School and will make more than $117,000. He is moving from his role as Assistant Principal of Booker Middle School. Jamal Crook, the Principal of Buchanan Middle School in Tampa, is the new Principal of Booker High School.

Top opinion   “The Attorney General should work for Americans, not Donald Trump” via the Orlando Sentinel and Philadelphia Inquirer editorial boards — The U.S. Attorney General is often called the people’s lawyer because he or she serves the public interest by guarding the legal rights of taxpayers, residents, victims of crimes and the environment. But the Attorney General is not supposed to be the White House consigliere, abusing the rule of law, carrying out political vendettas, and protecting the powerful. Todd Blanche has shown he works solely for the President and not the people. That is why he should not be confirmed after a contentious two-day hearing last week delved into the controversies behind his nomination to be the permanent Attorney General. Blanche, who has been serving as the acting Attorney General, is willing to do whatever Trump wants. He will even go to extremes to protect the president from political or legal trouble.

More opinions   "At least one good thing has come out of Trump's Reflecting Pool fiasco" via Charles P. Pierce of Esquire — I had to see it for myself. The Reflecting Pool, currently d/b/a the National Driveway. Apparently, this thought also occurred to a number of my fellow tourists. There was a great spillover of gawkers from the Lincoln Memorial, taking pictures of the long, wide, blank expanse of what was supposed to be the reflection of the Washington Monument. After all, it's not often that you can see before you a perfect metaphor for an entire presidency. Destruction out of some dark whimsy and attended by a bodyguard of lies, as Churchill once put it. A no-bid contract for nothing. The National Driveway. It is evidence of heroic incompetence, of a delusional hubris. "Florida manatees are so sorry to be an inconvenience" via Stephanie Hayes of Tampa Bay Times — The manatees are sorry. The manatees apologize that groceries and gas are expensive, that there are wars and sickness. The manatees don't know if that's their fault, but they are pretty sure it is. The manatees have accepted last week's changes to the Endangered Species Act that remove blanket protections for threatened species. They figure Trump cares about animals, but he cares more about business, and that makes sense to the manatees. The manatees agree with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, too. They know rules meant to help them are a "regulatory trap." The manatees see now that their protections have been "weaponized" to stop projects. “The one question Project Tango wouldn’t answer doomed it” via Matt Pressberg for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel — Twelve hours into the July 15 marathon hearing on Project Tango, a massive proposed data center, Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores asked the developer’s lawyer the only question that ever mattered: Who is going to operate this data center? The lawyer answered with silence. And as they might say at Roger Dean Stadium, that’s ballgame. You can win all the technical arguments and get absolutely smoked in the battle for hearts and minds. I also believe in the economic promise of data centers. I’ve spent years developing arguments for projects in the face of neighborhood backlash. So believe me when I tell you that Project Tango did not lose on the merits Wednesday night. It doesn’t matter if the truth is on your side if nobody trusts you.

Instagram of the day

Aloe   “World Cup Final scores 63 Million viewers, smashing all-time high for soccer in the U.S.” via Rick Porter of The Hollywood Reporter — The biggest World Cup ever in the United States was fittingly capped by the most watched final match — and most watched match, period. Spain’s 1-0, extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final match delivered a combined total of nearly 63 million viewers on Fox, Telemundo and Peacock (62.8 million, to be precise). That is well beyond every other record set in earlier stages of the tournament and more than doubles the 25.78 million who watched the 2022 final between Argentina and Spain. Sunday’s audience was the the largest ever in the United States for any soccer match by almost 17 million viewers. The World Cup final was ratings gold. Image via AP. “'La La Land' New Poster Fixes Ryan Gosling's Hand for 10th Anniversary” via Matt Minton of Variety — At long last, Gosling‘s wish has been granted. After speaking out in multiple interviews over the years about his dislike of his hand placement as featured on the original “La La Land” theatrical release poster, Lionsgate has unveiled a new design for the movie’s 10th anniversary with Gosling’s flat hand now sticking out. Back in 2024, Gosling told The Wall Street Journal Magazine about a “moment” in the Oscar-winning hit that still haunts him years later: “We’re dancing, Emma and I, and I didn’t know this would become the poster for the movie. We were supposed to have our hands up, and I thought it would be cool to put my hand more flat even though everyone told me it wasn’t cool. I was sure it was cooler. Now when I look at it, and I have to see it all the time, you know what would’ve been cooler …”

Happy birthday   Best wishes to Sen. Vic Torres and Rep. Alex Andrade, Chris Cantens, Eric Draper, the great Vic DiMaio, Kasey Denny, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Desmond Meade, Tim Meenan, Megan Ramba, Missy Timmins, and David Warner. ___ Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.

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