Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics — 7.16.24
Good Tuesday morning. Breaking late Monday — "Donald Trump 'talks about bloodbath if he loses,' Joe Biden reminds Lester Holt in preview of prime-time NBC interview tonight" via Dominic Pattern of Deadline — In a very tight race leaning towa…
Breaking late Monday — "Donald Trump 'talks about bloodbath if he loses,' Joe Biden reminds Lester Holt in preview of prime-time NBC interview tonight" via Dominic Pattern of Deadline — In a very tight race leaning toward his predecessor, the incumbent made it very clear to Holt today he isn't interested in playing a game of false equivalency. "I'm not the guy that said, I want to be a dictator on Day One," Biden stated of the language Trump has been using on the campaign trail for ages. "I'm not the guy that refused to accept the outcome of the election," POTUS added of the 2020 race and Trump's constant statements that it was stolen from him. "I'm not the guy who said he wouldn't accept the outcome of this election automatically." "Look, I'm not engaged in that rhetoric," Biden said when questioned about comments he has made in the past that may be seen as incendiary. "Now, my opponent is against that rhetoric. He talks about a bloodbath if he loses, talking about how he's going to forgive … I guess suspend the sentences of all those who were arrested and sentenced to go to jail because of what happened to the Capitol."
Joe Biden makes his intentions crystal clear to Lester Holt.
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A top-of-the-'burn birthday shoutout to one of Hillsborough's best, Nikki DeBartolo, the better half of Sheriff Chad Chronister.
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U.S. Sen. Rick Scott's re-election campaign is pouring $400,000 into TV ads that will air during the Republican National Convention.
Titled "Grandpa" and "CowboyUp," the ads will run in every Florida market. The campaign said, "They will remind Floridians of Sen. Scott's support for IVF and how he is working to change the status quo in Washington."
"Grandpa" will be familiar to Sunshine State TV watchers. It features footage of Scott and his wife, Ann, spending time with their grandchildren while the Republican Senator explains his support for in vitro fertilization.
The second ad invokes former President Ronald Reagan, whom Scott believes would be dissatisfied with the country's current state.
"Crime is rampant and goes unpunished. Our border is open. Our debt is $32 trillion and climbing. Inflation is growing faster than our wages. There's a land war in Europe. We pulled out of Afghanistan like a bunch of cowards. We don't know what a woman is. We pay people not to work," Scott says.
He concludes: "The game is now rigged against hardworking Americans. We are losing our country. It's time to cowboy up and fight like hell to turn this country around."
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Be there:
— SITUATIONAL AWARENESS —
—@RealDonaldTrump: As we move forward in Uniting our Nation after the horrific events on Saturday, this dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts — The Jan. 6 Hoax in Washington, D.C., the Manhattan D.A.'s Zombie Case, the New York A.G. Scam, Fake Claims about a woman I never met (a decades old photo in a line with her then husband does not count), and the Georgia "Perfect" Phone Call charges. The Democrat Justice Department coordinated ALL of these Political Attacks, which are an Election Interference conspiracy against Joe Biden's Political Opponent, ME. Let us come together to END all Weaponization of our Justice System, and Make America Great Again!
—@RepMattGaetz: I applaud Judge Aileen Cannon's decision dismissing the Trump documents case in federal court in the free State of Florida. Her decision confirms what all of us knew already — that Jack Smith was unlawfully appointed, and his political persecutions of President Trump are entirely invalid. Private citizen Jack Smith is not an employee of the Department of Justice and should immediately shut his offices and stop illegally spending taxpayer money.
—@SahilKapur: This post-debate dynamic looks broadly similar to what it was before: Biden is still trailing Trump in most swing states, but Democratic Senate candidates are still significantly outperforming him and holding their own.
—@LemieuxLGM: Speaking of fatalism, it's also striking to see how many pundits who were absolutely 100% sure that Trump could not win the nomination or the general in 2016 get right back onto the existential certainty horse again
Tweet, tweet:
—@JDVance1: If your worldview tells you that it's bad for women to become mothers but liberating for them to work 90 hours a week in a cubicle at The New York Times or Goldman Sachs, you've been had.
—@DamonLinker: Trump picking (J.D.) Vance is HUGE. Of all the choices, Vance ensures Trump has an IDEOLOGICAL legacy. The old GOP is dead and buried without doubt now. It's Viktor Orhan (sic) as far as the eye can see.
—@MarcoRubio: J.D. Vance is a fantastic choice. Americans will soon see this is an incredibly intelligent and talented man who is completely committed to making America great again. Vote for #TrumpVance2024 so we can unite our people and save our country!
—@AnnieKarni: Sad for my flavorful Rubio pre-write, now relegated to the unpublished files of alternative history.
—@DeFede: The big loser in today's selection of J.D. Vance as Trump's VP is @GovRonDeSantis. By picking Vance, Trump is endorsing the 39-year-old Ohio Senator as the heir apparent for the Republican/MAGA party for 2028. The best-case scenario for DeSantis would have been if Trump had selected Doug Burgum, who will be 72 in 2028 and would have been an unlikely contender in four years. Even Rubio would have been a better pick for DeSantis. DeSantis could have painted Rubio as a creature of D.C.
Tweet, tweet:
—@TessRiski: The spokeswoman for Miami Mayor @FrancisSuarezconfirms he'll be attending the RNC in Milwaukee as the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Republican rep. After his 76-day presidential campaign ended, Suarez has said he's interested in a Cabinet position in the Trump administration
— DAYS UNTIL —
2024 MLS All-Star Game — 8; Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on NBC/Peacock — 10; 'Deadpool & Wolverine' premieres — 10; Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins — 14; 'Alien: Romulus' premieres — 32; Democratic National Convention begins — 34; Florida Primary — 35; FBHA's annual conference, BHCon, begins — 36; second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins — 40; Georgia Tech to face Florida State in 2024 opener in Dublin — 40; Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday begins — 48; 2024 NFL season kicks off — 53; Packers will face Eagles in Brazil — 53; 'The Old Man' season two debuts — 58; Vice-Presidential Debate — 72; Taylor Swift's Eras Tour stops in Miami — 96; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum — 103; Florida TaxWatch's 45th Annual Meeting — 111; 2024 Presidential Election — 112; second half of Yellowstone season five premieres — 116; Taylor Sheridan's 'Landman' premieres — 124; Legislature's 2025 Organizational Session — 126; Las Vegas Grand Prix — 126; 2024 Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit begins — 139; 'Mufasa: The Lion King' premieres — 143; MLS Cup 2024 — 145; College Football Playoff begins — 158; Fiesta, Peach, Rose & Sugar Bowls — 169; Orange Bowl — 177; Sugar Bowl — 179; 'Severance' season two debuts — 185; 'Captain America: Brave New World' premieres — 213; the 2025 Oscars — 234; Florida's 2025 Legislative Session begins — 236; 2025 Session ends — 296; 'Moana' premieres — 343; 'Thunderbolts' premieres — 377; 'Fantastic Four' reboot premieres — 377; 'Blade' reboot premieres — 484; 'Avatar 3' premieres — 522; 'Avengers 5' premieres — 658; Untitled 'Star Wars' movie premieres — 675; FIFA World Cup 26™ final — 695; FIFA World Cup 26™ final match — 733; Another untitled 'Star Wars' movie premieres — 886; 'Avengers: Secret Wars' premieres — 1,026; 'Avatar 4' premieres — 1,985; 'Avatar 5' premieres — 2,706.
— TOP STORY —
"Donald Trump taps Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance to be his Vice President" via Natalie Allison and Burgess Everett of POLITICO — Trump has selected Vance as his running mate, elevating a staunch ally and young GOP star who, less than a decade ago, rose to prominence as a Trump critic.
J.D. Vance becomes a winner in the ultimate reality show.
But over the last few years, Vance, 39, has emerged as a Trump loyalist, becoming one of his most vocal defenders in the Senate and a frequent surrogate on television as he called for the party to embrace Trump's populist agenda.
"After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Sen. J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio," Trump wrote on his Truth Social website.
By selecting Vance, Trump eschewed calls from some in the party to choose a running mate who would add racial diversity to the ticket or use softer rhetoric to appeal to Trump-skeptical moderates, instead tapping a firebrand who shares Trump's pugilistic tendencies and is admired by the MAGA base.
Vance could expand Trump's appeal in other ways, however. He hails from the Rust Belt, which includes portions of the critical swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. He's also a Marine veteran and would be the second youngest Vice President — tied with Richard Nixon — if Trump wins in November.
But Vance's past harsh criticisms of Trump, which he has vehemently walked back, will almost certainly be used against him by Democrats.
However, Vance starts his candidacy as relatively unknown among the electorate. A national CNN/SSRS poll late last month found that 56% had never heard of him. And an additional 15% had heard of him but had no opinion about him.
—@HenryJGomez: Trump called J.D. Vance with the news that he was selecting him as his running mate about 20 minutes before announcing it on social media, a source familiar with the call tells NBC News.
"Vance's journey from a 'Never Trump' guy to Trump's VP pick" via Amy B. Wang and Meryl Kornfield of The Washington Post — His evolution on Trump was perhaps not entirely unpredictable. Even in his 2016 interviews, social media posts and writings that were critical of Trump, Vance often followed up his sentiments by saying he nevertheless understood why White working-class voters would support him. In 2016, Vance said he felt "elites" directed an attitude of "We told you so" toward White working-class Trump supporters. But while he still had "reservations" about Trump two years into his term, Vance also wrote that there were aspects of his candidacy that had appealed to him, including Trump's "disdain for the 'elites' and criticism of foreign policy blunders in Iraq and Afghanistan" by previous administrations. Trump endorsed Vance — a first-time candidate running in a crowded 2022 Republican Primary for the U.S. Senate. He dismissed Vance's past criticisms of him, saying in a statement at the time that the venture capitalist "gets it now, and I have seen that in spades."
"Vance once branded Trump 'America's Hitler' and called his voters 'idiots'" via Falyn Stemper of The Express — Vance, author of bestselling memoir-turned-movie "Hillbilly Elegy," said that Trump is a "cynical a**hole" who is "America's Hitler" that only an "idiot" would vote to the highest office in the country. Vance has previously said that he is "a never Trump guy" who "never liked him" and thinks he is a "terrible candidate" who might be "America's Hitler." He added that he was a "noxious" and "reprehensible," "cynical a**hole" and "cultural heroine." He was so wary of Trump that he once said he was considering voting for a third-party candidate in 2016. "I can't stomach Trump," he once said, according to The Washington Post. "But I think that I'm going to vote third party because I can't stomach Trump.
Tweet, tweet:
"Vance appeared with podcaster who once said 'feminists need rape'" via David Corn of Mother Jones — The show's host was Jack Murphy, who runs a secretive men's organization that claims all major American institutions — universities, the media, the government, unions, professional organizations, nonprofits, and corporations — have been "infiltrated, corrupted, demoralized" and aim to "control you forever." For years, Murphy has railed against feminism, wokeness, and other conservative bête noires. In a blog post written in 2015 and subsequently deleted, he asserted, "Feminists need rape … It is our duty as men to save feminists from themselves. Therefore, I am offering rape to feminists as an olive branch." Vance spent a cordial 90 minutes with Murphy, legitimizing the host and discussing politics, culture wars, and masculinity, as Murphy (whose real name is John Goldman) fawned over Vance.
"Judge dismisses Trump's Mar-a-Lago classified docs criminal case" via Kyle Chenet, Josh Gerstein and Betsy Woodruff Swan of POLITICO — Cannon has dismissed the federal criminal case against Trump charging him with amassing highly sensitive national security secrets at his Mar-a-Lago estate and then obstructing government efforts to reclaim them. Cannon, in a 93-page ruling, concluded that special counsel Smith's appointment violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. Smith is likely to appeal the ruling. "The Court is convinced that Special Counsel Smith's prosecution of this action breaches two structural cornerstones of our constitutional scheme — the role of Congress in the appointment of constitutional officers, and the role of Congress in authorizing expenditures by law," Cannon wrote.
"Trump was on the phone with Byron Donalds when he learned about the classified documents case being thrown out" via Kimberly Leonard of POLITICO — Donalds was on the phone with Trump when he got the news that the classified documents case had been dismissed. "He was excited, obviously," Donalds said of Trump. "He said, 'Judge Cannon obviously made a great decision. Really happy with the decision and now hopefully that puts a lot of this stuff to bed.'" Donalds, who was attending a breakfast with the Republican Party of Florida — and speaking to POLITICO between posing in photos with eager supporters — called the case "insane" and said he thought it "never made sense" because a former President should be allowed to go through records and return items to the government.
"GOP convention buzzing on Day 1: Trump 'took a bullet and got up ready to fight'" via David Lightman and Danielle Battaglia of the Miami Herald — "I feel a shift from excited to super-excited," said Annie Marszal, a Sacramento gas station owner, of the prospect of another Trump term. That feeling was everywhere, from the cavernous convention hall in downtown Milwaukee to the far-out, suburban hotels where delegates gathered for pre-convention breakfasts. Trump was formally nominated by the convention in the afternoon — less than 48 hours after a gunman fired at him, grazing his ear during a Pennsylvania rally — with each state methodically giving its enthusiastic support to the former President. "They see a candidate who literally took a bullet and got up ready to fight," said Drew McKissick, Chair of the South Carolina Republican Party. Political conventions mirror the mood of a party like no other election year event. When people are wary of the candidate or upset with part of the platform, the mood is tentative, even defeating. Not at this convention. Finding anyone to say anything skeptical about Trump was impossible.
"Michael Waltz presents national GOP platform, Joe Gruters certifies RNC delegates" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The first Florida political leaders hit the stage in Milwaukee minutes after the Republican National Committee (RNC) officially opened. U.S. Rep. Waltz and state Sen. Gruters, both in party positions, appeared to establish the party's platforms and officially empower delegates to nominate their choice for President. Waltz, the first federal official from Florida to take the stage, spoke as Vice Chair of the RNC's Platform Committee. "This platform is historic because it was written with one group of people in mind, the forgotten men and women of America," Waltz said.
"Donalds makes the case for school choice at RNC" by Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — The Naples Republican took the stage in Milwaukee to cheers. He noted that he represents Southwest Florida in Congress but was raised in Brooklyn. He credited much of his success in life to his mother's decision to enroll him in private school despite economic obstacles. "My mother took me out of public school because she could see that public education was failing me," Donalds said. "What about those kids whose parents can't scrape money together for private school? Don't those kids who grew up like I grew up deserve the same chance that I had?"
"Republicans approve new platform with revised abortion position" via Meryl Kornfield, Hannah Knowles and Abbie Cheeseman of The Washington Post — Delegates at the Republican National Convention approved a new party platform Monday that embraces presumptive nominee Trump's political positions, including a leave-it-to-states approach to abortion law that abandons the party's long-standing explicit support for national restrictions on the procedure. The Republican Party's public abandonment of its long-standing position on one of the most controversial issues in American politics reflects the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, which protected abortion rights for half a century. Still, many anti-abortion advocates remain furious with the party's shift on the issue. Anti-abortion protesters hung outside the entrance to a Sunday night convention welcome party and greeted people with shouts, including "Blood, blood, blood on your hands!"
"Swing states get prime spots on the RNC convention floor — except one" via Hannah Dormido, Kati Perry, Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Ricky Carioti, Adrián Blanco and Tim Meko of The Washington Post — As more than 2,400 delegates gather in Milwaukee, some will have much better seats than others in Fiserv Forum. Those from most swing states, including Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, will occupy some of the best seats in the house. The delegation from Arizona, another politically competitive battleground, was not given top billing. Arizona's placement in the far reaches of the forum comes after the Trump campaign in June rushed to head off what was thought to be a plan among some delegates to complicate Trump's formal nomination. The Trump campaign reversed a plan to replace some delegates after securing assurances from the delegation's Chair, Shelby Busch, that there would be no revolt on the floor, according to people familiar with the conversations and records reviewed by The Post.
"GoFundMe account for victims shot at Trump rally raises more than $4M" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — A GoFundMe charitable account started to help victims who were shot in the attempted assassination of Trump has now raised more than $4 million in barely two days. Floridian Meredith O'Rourke started the charitable accountwithin hours after a would-be assassin opened fire at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump had his right ear grazed. But one spectator was killed by gunfire; two others were severely injured. O'Rourke's original effort was to raise $1 million in the GoFundMe account. However, within 24 hours of establishing the account, that figure had exceeded $2 million. That number more than doubled as of Monday, with the total donations topping $4.2 million.
— 2024 — PRESIDENTIAL —
"Biden to unveil plan to cap rents as GOP convention begins" via Jeff Stein and Rachel Siegel of The Washington Post — The policy push reflects the White House's efforts to respond to widespread voter anger over high housing prices, which have soared since the pandemic and undermined Biden's standing among voters about the economy. Nevada has seen among the biggest explosions of housing costs in the country, and Democrats have grown increasingly concerned that Trump could win the state in November. Biden's plan — which would need to be approved by Congress — calls for stripping a tax benefit from landlords who increase their tenants' rent more than 5% per year, the people said. The measure would only apply to landlords who own more than 50 units, representing roughly half of all rental properties. It wouldn't cover units that have not yet been built to ensure that the policy does not discourage the construction of new rental housing.
"Kamala Harris outdoes Biden in two state polls but has her own weaknesses" via Nate Cohn of The New York Times — Five years ago, Biden was the "electability" candidate — the well-liked, moderate Democrat who promised to beat Trump and had the poll numbers to back it up. The polls don't back up Biden's electability case anymore. In the latest polls on Monday, he trails by three percentage points among likely voters in must-win Pennsylvania, while he leads by a mere three points in Virginia — a state he carried by 10 points four years ago.
Tweet, tweet:
— 2024 — FLORIDA —
"Marco Rubio passed up for VP role by Trump" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — The Republican National Convention is underway, and a big piece of first-day news is that Rubio will not be the vice-presidential pick. Rubio and Trump had spirited battles in 2016, with the former President pillorying "Little Marco" and the Senator cracking on Trump's "tiny hands." But the Primary back-and-forth gave way to genuine collaboration and serious consideration for what could have been a move requiring Rubio to leave the Senate and establish residency elsewhere. Nonetheless, Rubio wasn't the pick. Trump said earlier this month that one complication could be the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which blocks electors from voting for a President and Vice President from the same state, a rule that Trump says presents wrinkles.
Marco Rubio comes up short in the veepstakes.
"Rick Scott raises over $3M in Q2, with double that for a super PAC" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — Florida's junior Senator is holding his own with his likely Democratic challenger in November regarding fundraising. "Sen. Rick Scott raised over $3.1 million in Q2," reads a statement from the campaign obtained by Florida Politics. "Additionally, a super PAC supporting Sen. Scott's efforts announced last week that it raised more than $6 million as of the end of the second quarter." Scott is programming this money as well. His campaign announced, "a nearly $400,000 ad buy that will air during the Republican National Convention."
First in Sunburn — U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell picked the endorsement of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida. "I'm so honored to have earned the support of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida," the Miami Democrat said. "In Congress, I worked tirelessly to deliver $200 million in Everglades restoration funding to our state and to uplift the need for climate resiliency measures. Addressing climate change is a key step to bringing insurers back to Florida and lowering rates so Floridians can afford to live in their home state. In the Senate, I'll continue to work across the aisle to protect Florida's environment, which is the backbone of our tourism, our economy, and of our communities." Mucarsel-Powell has been the top fundraiser among Democrats challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Scott's re-election. But she must make it through a Democratic Primary first, facing several opponents, including entrepreneur Stanley Campbell.
— 2024 — DOWN-BALLOT —
"Trump pollster finds Matt Gaetz with dominating lead in CD 1" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A new poll shows U.S. Rep. Gaetz in a dominating position over Republican Primary opponent Aaron Dimmock. Around 67% of likely Primary voters in Florida's 1st Congressional District intend to vote for Gaetz, while just 20% plan to back Dimmock. That's a polling firm closely associated with Trump's current and prior re-election campaigns. Beyond Gaetz's lead on Dimmock in polls, it also finds the incumbent well-liked in his district, and Dimmock, a political newcomer, already underwater with voters. "With near unanimous name ID in his district, Matt Gaetz's image is positive with 66% viewing him favorably and 25% unfavorably," wrote pollsters David Lee and Tom Fabrizio. "Aaron Dimmock's image does not hold a candle to Gaetz's and is at 9% favorable/15% unfavorable with a majority not even knowing who he is (57%)."
Aaron Dimmock is trailing far behind his opponent, Matt Gaetz.
"Laurel Lee raises $769K in Q2, brings cash on hand to nearly $1.4M" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Lee raised $769,000 in the second quarter of 2024, which spans April through June. That brings her total cash on hand between all funding sources to nearly $1.4 million, far exceeding either her Primary challengers or the lone Democrat in the race for Florida's 15th Congressional District, Pat Kemp. Lee's second term haul includes $330,303 raised to her campaign account, Laurel Lee for Congress. Her political committee, Laurel Lee Victory Fund, brought in more than $425,000, and her affiliated Florida Freedom Fund raised $13,500. Lee's campaign has over $1.2 million remaining on hand, while the Florida Freedom Fund has more than $120,000 and the Laurel Lee Victory Fund nearly $26,000.
— 2024 — DOWN-BALLOT two —
"Monique Worrell holds major donation advantage, though self-funding opponents report more cash" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Suspended State Attorney Worrell has seen substantial donor support as she runs to take back her elected office. But while the Orlando Democrat has raised nearly $235,000 for the race, her political rivals signaled that they could match her spending with self-financed campaigns. As of June 28, Worrell reported almost $109,000 in cash on hand in her official campaign account. The Orlando Democrat has raised nearly $235,000, mainly since DeSantis suspended her in August 2023. She has spent more than $126,000 already. That puts her expenditures alone ahead of what all her political opponents raised combined in terms of outside dollars.
Monique Worrell enjoys a major cash advantage in her bid to return as State Attorney.
"Kendall Federation PAC endorses Bryan Paz-Hernandez for Miami-Dade Commission" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Paz-Hernandez's campaign for the Miami-Dade Commission now has support from the political arm of a community-led homeowners' association (HOA) group serving residents in the district he hopes to represent at County Hall. The Kendall Federation PAC, which makes political contributions for the Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations (KFHA), confirmed its endorsement of Paz-Hernandez in a July 10 letter. He beat out incumbent Miami-Dade Commissioner Rob Gonzalez and fellow teacher Claudia Rainville for the nod. "(Bryan's) qualifications have led us to conclude (he) would serve in the best interest of the Kendall area and our entire community," Kendall Federation PAC Chair Marvin Stein said in the letter.
"Dave Aronberg, Joe Abruzzo back 'ideal candidate' Adam Frankel for Public Defender" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Add two big Palm Beach County names to the list of those backing former Delray Beach City Commissioner Frankel's Public Defender bid. Frankel's campaign announced the endorsements of State Attorney Aronberg and Palm Beach Clerk and Comptroller Abruzzo. Both provided statements. "I have known Adam Frankel for 20 years," Aronberg said, "and I am certain he will run an excellent Public Defender's Office where individuals will get the best legal defense available under the law." Abruzzo also said he had known Frankel for two decades when he "witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to public service and his exceptional ability to manage and guide a large city."
— STATEWIDE —
"Ron DeSantis to meet with Iowa Republicans, a nod to 2028 ambitions" via Jennifer Jacobs, Stephanie Lai, and Hadriana Lowenkron of Bloomberg — DeSantis is expected to speak at an Iowa Republican Party event during the GOP convention in Milwaukee on Wednesday. DeSantis' presence at the lunch event is a key sign of his interest in running for President in 2028, the people said, who were granted anonymity to disclose a private conversation. Historically, presidential candidates have wooed Iowans during the GOP conventions in advance of their White House bids.
Ron DeSantis looks toward 2028.
"How DeSantis let thousands of Florida kids go hungry this Summer" via Ashlie Stevens of Salon — In December, Mallory McManus, a spokesperson for the Department of Children and Families in Florida — which administers the federal school lunch program in the state — told reporters that the state planned on refusing over $250 million in new federal food assistance money. That money, available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new SUN Bucks program, would have given $120 of additional Summer grocery money to the parents of the 2.1 million school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price lunches throughout the school year in Florida. As food insecurity experts have established, child hunger spikes during the Summer because millions lose access to the school breakfast, lunches and after-school meals they receive during the regular school year.
"DeSantis goes to perilous lengths to politicize banking in Florida" via John Tammy of Forbes — "We are not going to allow big banks to discriminate based on someone's political or religious beliefs." Those words come to us from DeSantis amid his ongoing (and rather puzzling) war against business in his own state. DeSantis was trumpeting his signing of an "anti-ESG" law in Florida, which, according to a recent report in American Banker, "provides an avenue of recourse for bank customers who believe they were denied financial services based on their political opinions, religious beliefs, lawful ownership of guns or involvement in fossil fuel-based energy production." More realistically, DeSantis' grandstanding could have the unintended effect of politicizing the crucial flow of precious capital in a state that, at least on the surface, claims it's pro-business. Missed by DeSantis, first and foremost, is that banking is — and must be — religion, politics, and color blindness by design. This is particularly true in the days of 5%+ interest on deposits.
Happening tonight — Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman will host a bipartisan Homeowners Insurance Town Hall Meeting, where Insurance Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter will share insurance information with local homeowners: 6 p.m., Tampa Garden Club, 2629 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa. RSVP at Karen.Gonzalez@myfloridahouse.gov.
— AFTERMATH —
"Signs of trouble at Trump rally were evident in minutes before gunman opened fire" via The Associated Press — Several rallygoers reported to local officers that Crooks was acting suspiciously and pacing near the magnetometers, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was a Butler Township police officer who encountered the gunman on the roof before the shooting. Local officials said that the officer was looking for the suspicious person when another officer hoisted him up so he could grab the edge of the roof. The officer dropped back down to safety when the gunman turned and pointed his rifle at him, according to Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe. "I think all law enforcement on-site did everything they could, especially the local law enforcement," Slupe told The Associated Press. "I hope they're not made a scapegoat because they did their job to the best of their abilities."
Before Trump's assassination attempt, red flags abounded.
"Secret Service will privately brief lawmakers on Trump assassination attempt" via Jordain Carney of POLITICO — Congress is quickly ramping up a sprawling, multi-Committee investigation into the assassination attempt against Trump, with much of its early scrutiny focused on the Secret Service. House Oversight Committee members will get a briefing with the agency on Tuesday. In addition to the briefing, Oversight Chair James Comer has invited Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify publicly before his panel on July 22. The Committee aide said that "based on our conversations with the Secret Service," they expect Cheatle will appear for the hearing and "more details will be announced soon." The House Oversight Committee is one of several congressional panels poised to conduct investigations into Saturday's shooting.
"Trump rally gunman was 'definitely conservative,' classmate recalls" via A.J. McDougall of The Daily Beast — A former classmate of the 20-year-old man who tried unsuccessfully to kill former Trump at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday recalled him being staunchly to the right of the political spectrum. "He definitely was conservative," Max R. Smith said of Thomas Crooks. "It makes me wonder why he would carry out an assassination attempt on the conservative candidate." Smith shared an American history class with Crooks, and remembered a mock debate where their teacher made students stand on one side of the classroom or another to signal their allegiance. "The majority of the class were on the liberal side, but Tom, no matter what, always stood his ground on the conservative side," Smith said. "That's still the picture I have of him. Just standing alone on one side while the rest of the class was on the other."
"Jared Moskowitz calls for probe, national unity after Trump assassination attempt" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — U.S. Rep. Moskowitz wants Americans to put their political differences on hold after the attempted assassination of Trump. He said that what's important now is unity and that authorities are given full support to "urgently investigate" the shocking incident, including any and all failures of security and police personnel. "The assassination attempt to take former President Trump's life this weekend was not only a chilling moment in our country's history but also a security failure. As the former Emergency Management Director for Florida, I believe there was a fundamental breakdown by law enforcement that we must urgently investigate and address to prevent future incidents," Moskowitz said.
— LOCAL: S. FL —
"Lax security for walk-ins led to breach, chaos at Hard Rock Stadium's Copa America final" via Charles Rabin, Douglas Hanks and Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald — The start of Sunday night's final of the Copa America futbol tournament between soccer giant Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium was marred by thousands of unruly fans — many without tickets — who stormed the gates, scaled walls, jumped turnstiles and even slithered through vents to get a glimpse of the spectacle. To relieve the pressure and avoid a stampede, Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue ordered the stadium's gates to open well before the kickoff. What ensued was a cat-and-mouse game of police chasing and seeking out thousands of ticketless soccer fans, some of whom were taken into custody.
Hard Rock Stadium's Copa America final descends into chaos.
—@AndySlater: SLATER SCOOP: Several weeks before Copa America Final, Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels made leadership changes, which included personnel in charge of security planning at Hard Rock Stadium.
"Joe Sanchez demands independent review of James Reyes' role in 'very dangerous' Copa América debacle" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — One day after calling on him to take a leave of absence following the Copa América Final chaos at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Sanchez is demanding a probe into county Public Safety Chief Reyes' role in the debacle. Sanchez, a former Miami City Commissioner, released a statement asking Miami-Dade Commission Chair Oliver Gilbert to conduct an independent review of Reyes, whom Sanchez hopes to defeat for Sheriff in November. Gilbert is the immediate past Mayor of Miami Gardens, where the stadium is. "After last night's very dangerous situation, it is clear that Mayor (Daniella) Levine Cava's Director of Public Safety is not up to the task of leading the brave men and women of the Miami-Dade Police Department," Sanchez said.
"Broward to send out 200,000 vote-by-mail ballots for Primary, in sharp decrease from 2020" via Ryan Nicol of Florida Politics — Broward County is readying to send out more than 200,000 vote-by-mail ballots ahead of the Aug. 20 Primary. However, that number has significantly decreased since the 2020 Election following new voting laws passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature. A 2021 law canceled pre-existing vote-by-mail requests, which, before that, could last for multiple election cycles. While voters were allowed to renew their requests, it seems as if many around the state have not done so. Broward County Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott said similar impacts are being seen in Broward regarding mail ballots, which will begin being sent out Tuesday.
"Former SAVE Chair and Miami-Dade civic leader Jorge Mursuli is dead at 63" via Syra Ortiz Blanes of the Miami Herald — When Mursuli reflected on how civic leaders successfully campaigned to pass a Miami-Dade ordinance that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in December 1998, he recalled the importance of building bridges in the yearslong process. "When we finally presented this in front of the County Commission, I think we shocked them with this parade of all these leaders that were so amazing and so helpful," he said in a 2019 video for an exhibition about Miami's LGBT history. "You can't expect people to come to you and give you what you need. You have to be able to go to the people and meet them where they're at."
— LOCAL: C. FL —
"Disney hacked: Group claims to have trove of data, company investigating" via Alex Weprin of The Hollywood Reporter — Disney appears to have been hacked. The entertainment giant is the apparent victim of a cybersecurity incident, with hackers claiming to possess more than one terabyte of data from the company. "Disney is investigating this matter," a spokesperson tells The Hollywood Reporter. The hacktivist group "Nullbulge" is claiming responsibility for the hack. The group describes itself as "a hacktivist group protecting artists' rights and ensuring fair compensation for their work."
Disney gets hacked.
"Orlando endorses a plan for permanent limits on downtown nightclubs" via Lauren Brensel of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando intends to strictly limit the number of nightclubs built downtown — replacing a moratorium on new clubs that lasts until September. Despite landlords' and business owners' fears that the city's new nightlife ordinance will also limit options for existing clubs, City Council members voted 6-1 Monday to allow just one club per city block downtown, meaning the establishments must be at least 300 feet from one another. Current clubs are grandfathered in, even if they are closer together, but they would then be prohibited from expanding. Tony Ortiz, the City Commissioner overseeing District 2 covering central Orlando, cast the lone opposing vote Monday, asking city staff for an initiative incorporating safety precautions for downtown patrons.
"Orlando's proposed $1.82B budget adds money for SunRail and more police" via Ryan Gillespie of the Orlando Sentinel — Orlando Commissioners got their first glimpse of a proposed $1.82 billion spending plan for next year, which includes expanding fire services in the fast-growing southeast wing of the city, as well as taking on the city's share of SunRail costs. The budget, which will be tweaked and voted on by Commissioners by the end of September, keeps the property tax rate flat at $6.65 per $1,000 of taxable value — though residents will see higher tax bills with property values continuing to rise year-over-year. Among additions to this year's plan is Orlando's $14 million bill for SunRail, which accounts for nine months of operating the region's commuter train.
"With developer backing, Orange County political newcomer bids to unseat Nicole Wilson" via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel — A relative political unknown has gathered a surprising slew of endorsements from elected officials in and around west Orange County and raised over $200,000 in a bid to unseat incumbent District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson. Austin Arthur, a first-time office-seeker and co-owner of a large gymnastics center in Winter Garden, said his burgeoning campaign shows the district's dissatisfaction with Wilson on several issues. However, interviews with the two candidates and a close look at Arthur's treasury suggest that the key issue may be growth.
"Brevard Sheriff sees budget increase as needed, as agency aims to recruit, retain deputies" via Tyler Vazquez and Dave Berman of Florida Today — Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey has submitted his budget plan to County Commissioners. And some of the issues Ivey raised in his 92-page document parallel those facing Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR). Among them, starting pay for deputies is lower than at other regional law enforcement agencies, resulting in relatively high turnover within the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Also, the costs of vehicles and equipment are rising. But, unlike the BCFR issues ― which have gained visibility with a rally and extensive public comments by firefighters and their supporters at Brevard County Commission meetings amid union contract negotiations ― there has been relatively little public discussion about deputy pay.
Wayne Ivey is pushing for a budget boost to hire and train more officers.
"Osceola deputy used crime surveillance system to spy on girlfriend" via Silas Morgan of the Orlando Sentinel — An Osceola Sheriff's deputy arrested last week for domestic battery and stalking used the agency's crime monitoring system to spy on his girlfriend, court records reveal. Douglas Ford used software at the agency's Real-Time Crime Center to observe his girlfriend, an Osceola reserve deputy, through security cameras where she worked at the Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola. An audit by the Sheriff's Office found Ford had accessed the crime center's database on 10 different days between July 2023 and May 2024. It is used mostly for live viewing on security cameras in and around the academy, which trains aspiring officers.
The local angle — "Protecting Presidents: Volusia County Council member recalls coordination with Secret Service" via Mark Harper of the Daytona Beach News-Journal — As Jake Johansson watched from afar the shooting of Trump, he is also witnessing the criticism and questions aimed at the U.S. Secret Service team tasked with keeping the former President safe. The Volusia County Council member and former Port Orange City Manager served for three years as the Navy aide to Vice President Dick Cheney from 2004 to 2006. Johansson has been at many political rallies and in proximity to the kind of power that can become an assassin's target. One of Johansson's duties entailed carrying one of the two nuclear footballs — 46-pound satchels containing equipment and codes needed to carry out a nuclear attack.
— LOCAL: TB —
"Bye-bye, bake sales? USF plan would restrict campus banners, fundraisers" via Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times — The University of South Florida's general counsel is seeking feedback on proposed changes to a policy that would clamp down on events on campus and who attends. It would also add more scrutiny for any signage on campus, ban bake sales, unapproved banners, and amplified sound. Months after pro-Palestine protests on campus resulted in arrests, tear gas and suspensions, and more than a year after students were arrested at a separate protest, the university's proposed changes would give the school tighter control of events held on campus. The proposed changes, published online by USF on July 12, say all planned activities and "modifications to campus space" — including canopies, banners and signage, including "temporary signage" — must be preapproved.
No more bake sales — or amplified sound — on the USF campus.
"Robert Blackmon rescinds Vince Nowicki endorsement, backs David Leatherwood in Pinellas Commission race" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — Former St. Petersburg City Council member Blackmon has rescinded his endorsement for Nowicki and is instead backing Leatherwood. Nowicki and Leatherwood are facing each other in the GOP Primary for District 1. The winner will take on incumbent Democrat Charlie Justice. Blackmon first endorsed Nowicki last July, long before Leatherwood had entered the race. Nowicki was, at the time, the only Republican candidate running. Leatherwood entered the race last month, just ahead of the qualifying deadline. His entrance set up a Primary for Nowicki. Blackmon said he shifted support after becoming disenchanted with negative campaigning against Leatherwood, who is gay.
"Ybor landlord sues Big Storm Brewing for millions in unpaid and future rent" via Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Big Storm Brewing has been sued by its former Ybor City landlord, who says it is owed millions of dollars in unpaid and future rent. Tampa-based Third Lake Partners, which owns Centro Ybor, filed a lawsuit in Hillsborough County Circuit Court on Tuesday, seeking a judgment for more than $2.38 million, which includes $422,909 in back rent that Big Storm did not pay from November 2021 to June 30, 2024. Third Lake alleges it is owed more than $1.9 million in future rent through the end of Big Storm's lease in 2033. Under the terms of its lease, Big Storm's monthly rent payments included "minimum percentage rent, monthly common area copayments, monthly trash collection payments, monthly tax contribution payments, monthly insurance contribution payments," according to the lawsuit, which stated minimum percentage rent was 12% of gross sales.
— LOCAL: N. FL —
"Donna Deegan presents $1.92 billion city budget, adds 40 JSO officers" via Hannah Holthaus of The Florida Times-Union — This year's budget will focus on projects with the highest potential return on investment, Mayor Deegan said when presenting her second budget proposal to City Council. When hosting community conversations over the past year, Deegan said she heard affordable housing, homelessness, roads and public safety as the most critical investments for residents. She said that her $1.9 billion general budget and $489 million capital improvement plan will be invested in all four. Deegan has called this a "lean" budget year because the city did not gain as much property tax revenue as expected and stopped receiving federal American Rescue Plan funds.
Donna Deegan's city budget will lean hard on ROI.
"Jacksonville organization loses grant after DeSantis cuts millions in art funding" via Atyia Collins of First Coast News — The Community Foundation is helping some nonprofit organizations recover a portion of the money lost, including Hope at Hand, a nonprofit that uses art and poetry to provide a creative outlet for at-risk youth in Jacksonville. "We teach poetry lessons in juvenile detention, pre-trial detention, we have youth in recovery shelters all over town, and it's really the heart of what we do," said Steffani Fletcher, Founder of Hope at Hand. However, finding funding for these programs has become a challenge. In June, DeSantis vetoed about $32 million for arts, culture, and museum grants and related projects. The cuts are part of $1 billion of line items DeSantis vetoed from the state budget.
"UNF economic report: Jacksonville area manufacturing dropped in some key areas for June" via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The Jacksonville area saw some key manufacturing indicators contract in June. Last month, the UNF Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey (JEMS) showed two key indicators on the slide. Manufacturing output in Northeast Florida contracted, along with new export orders. The output index figure for June dropped 5 points, from 52 in May to 47 on the UNF scale. The survey is overseen by Albert Loh, interim dean of the UNF Coggin College of Business, who wrote that manufacturing output in the Jacksonville area reflects a national trend. "This broader economic contraction highlights ongoing challenges such as weak new order rates and declining backlog levels nationally. It indicates hesitance among companies to invest in inventory amid economic uncertainty. The national contraction reflects a cautious stance by businesses across the country," Loh said in the report.
"Battered by Hurricane Idalia last year, Florida village ponders future as hurricane season begins" via Dorany Pineda and Rebecca Blackwell of The Associated Press — Lisa Bregenzer's waterfront home was her "little slice of heaven." She watched sunsets and migrating birds from the porch, the Gulf of Mexico in the distance. There, she felt close to God and her late father. When Hurricane Idalia tore through Florida in late August, Bregenzer lost everything in the northwest fishing village of Horseshoe Beach. For months, she and her husband slept where they could with friends, neighbors, and family: in Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, and eastern Florida. For nearly 11 months, Bregenzer felt she was no better off than after the storm. "I'm spent. I'm tired. I'm weak. And I'm weary," Bregenzer said in May inside a temporary, state-issued camper she lives in several miles away.
— LOCAL: SW FL —
"'SAVE' forms to fight longer Venice City Council terms" via Bob Mudge of the Venice Gondolier — Another grassroots group — Save Annual Venice Elections — has sprung up, spawned by the City Council's 4-3 decision to ask voters whether they want Council terms to be three or four years. SAVE launched to oppose a referendum on November's ballot that would increase terms to four years, implementing the change by adding a year to the terms of Council members Rachel Frank and Rick Howard and Mayor Nick Pachota, all of whom voted to hold the referendum. Council member Helen Moore, who's not running for re-election, was the fourth vote. Vice Mayor Jim Boldt, who is unopposed in a bid for a second term, and Council members Joan Farrell and Ron Smith voted against the referendum.
Venice City Council members might be in for longer terms.
— TOP OPINION —
"Dismissal of Trump classified document case is too coincidental" via Timothy O'Brien of Bloomberg — Perhaps it's just a coincidence that Cannon dismissed a criminal case charging Trump with misappropriating classified information on the first day of the Republican National Convention.
Perhaps it's a coincidence that, rather than dismissing the case when it first landed in her courtroom in 2022, Cannon may have discovered the legal reasoning to do so only after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas laid the groundwork for her in an opinion published two weeks ago.
And perhaps it's a coincidence that Cannon, who Trump appointed to the federal bench, has slow-walked the case since it landed on her desk — giving Trump and his lawyers ample latitude to delay the proceedings until a second presidential term might grant him the authority to bury it entirely.
Still, those are a lot of coincidences.
Coincidences aside, the documents case against Trump was built on a damning body of evidence, including surveillance footage from Trump's own security cameras at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach. Trump allegedly stashed classified filings in piles of boxes there — in a ballroom and a bathroom, among other places — including some related to nuclear weapons programs. He possibly violated the Espionage Act along the way. For good measure, he may have also lied to federal officials about the documents and thereby obstructed justice.
Among the many prosecutions engulfing the former President, the documents case appeared singularly airtight and relatively easy to explain to a jury. It also largely involves Trump's post-presidential conduct and wouldn't enjoy the legal insulation afforded by the recent Supreme Court decision expanding presidential immunity from criminal prosecutions. Now, poof.
It's another milestone showing how deeply the rule of law has been toyed with — and undermined — following Trump's rise to political power.
There are rules. There's the rule of law. And then there's Trumplandia. Take your pick because however you lean will fashion the future and the success of the American experiment.
— OPINIONS —
"After Trump's close call, leaders must quiet the rhetoric" via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board — All Americans, regardless of their politics, should be grateful that Trump survived an attempt to murder him. They should also agree emphatically with Biden's declaration that "there is no place for this kind of violence in America. It's sick." The assassin is dead, and he left no immediate obvious clues as to his motive, so it's anyone's guess what put him up to it. But it's a reasonable assumption that Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was infected by the vitriol that dominates the nation's political discourse. On the day of the assassination attempt, The New York Times reported a nationwide poll in which 10% of respondents agreed that the "use of force is justified to prevent Donald Trump from becoming President." Seven percent said they would "support force to restore Trump to the presidency."
"Benefits of legal marijuana hard to ignore, voters must block out the noise" via Tracie Davis for The Florida Times-Union — There are rare moments when citizens can put their fingers on the scale without outside influence and decide which direction they want their communities to go. In a few months, Floridians will have such an opportunity and a chance to join several states in the union in legalizing adult use of marijuana through Amendment 3 on the November ballot. This amendment will give citizens of the Sunshine State a chance to pass a common-sense reform long overdue here in Florida. This amendment will codify the adult use of marijuana into the Florida Constitution while creating a legal and transparent marketplace where these products will be regulated for safe consumption. When thinking about the legalization of adult-use cannabis, the benefits are hard to ignore.
"I learned to respect my political rivals. Americans too can escape this vortex of hatred" via Dan Gelber for the Miami Herald — Contempt for a policy is different from hating the person who advances or merely agrees with it. Over the last few decades, and especially over the last few years, our nation has made dehumanizing political opponents entirely acceptable. We need to figure out how to escape this vortex of political hatred in which so many seem trapped. When we normalize hate speech as reasonable, too many will normalize hateful conduct as appropriate. We saw this last weekend and on Jan. 6, 2021. But hate doesn't merely create blinders; it is blinding. We see it not just in the extreme words people write but in our unwillingness to even consider another's perspective. Worst of all, we see hate in the way people are easily demonized for different beliefs. I wish there were an easy way out. But keyboards lack truth keys, and we can't expect people who make money attracting attention to their websites to embrace a different, less profitable business model.
— INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY —
— ALOE —
"Florida speeders beware: Police cracking down for 'Operation Southern Slow Down'" via Julie Garisto of the Tallahassee Democrat — The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have joined forces for the annual "Operation Southern Slow Down," a joint effort with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The agencies, including the Tallahassee Police Department, will "increase their presence" to crack down on speeding and aggressive driving. "The Florida Highway Patrol will be working with our many dedicated law enforcement partners toward providing highway safety," said Col. Gary L. Howze, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, in a blog post on the FHP's website. "Your FHP troopers will be on patrol monitoring traffic for hazardous drivers and enforcing traffic laws along Florida's state highways in support of Operations Southern Slowdown."
The Florida Highway Patrol wants to slow your roll.
— HAPPY BIRTHDAY —
Celebrating today are Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, former state Sen. J.D. Alexander, Alexis Lambert, former Hillsborough Commission candidate Todd Marks, Alix Miller of the Florida Trucking Association, Ben Stuart, and Victoria Zepp.
___
Sunburn is authored and assembled by Peter Schorsch, Phil Ammann, Daniel Dean, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, and Drew Wilson.
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