Alligator Alcatraz Detainees Include Those Without Criminal Records & Tampa Bay Rays Reportedly Sold to New Owners
July 17, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detainees Include Those Without Criminal Records
Despite state and federal officials describing Florida’s new ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ migrant detention facility as housing the “worst of the worst,” newly obtained records reveal that hundreds of those detained at the site have no U.S. criminal record. This is according to records obtained by the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald, which reviewed a list of more than 700 individuals detained or slated for transfer to the Everglades-based facility. More than 250 individuals are either currently held or awaiting transfer to the facility strictly on immigration violations. Only about one-third of detainees have criminal convictions ranging from attempted murder to traffic infractions, and hundreds of others face only pending charges without convictions, the reporting reveals. This data challenges the narrative from state and federal officials, including Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who asserted that the absence of a U.S. rap sheet doesn't equate to a clean record, claiming many "non-criminals" are "terrorists, human rights abusers, [or] gangsters." The facility, designed to hold up to 3,000 people, has been characterized by state and federal officials as a place for "vicious" and "deranged psychopaths" since it began housing detainees earlier this month. Reports estimate there are over 750 migrants on-site, with ages ranging from 18 to 73. The majority—more than 95%—are citizens from Latin American countries, primarily Mexico, Guatemala, and Cuba, representing nearly 40 different nations in total. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials defended the detentions, claiming undocumented entry is a crime and that some individuals might have serious offenses abroad. But immigration advocates and lawmakers say the data contradicts the claim that the facility detains only violent offenders. Several detainees reportedly include asylum seekers and individuals apprehended after routine ICE check-ins. To date, the state, which has been confirmed by DHS as overseeing Alligator Alcatraz and maintaining authority over custody decisions, has declined to release a complete list of detainees, per the Times/Herald.
Source: Alligator Alcatraz housing migrants with no convictions | Miami Herald
Sale of Tampa Bay Rays to New Ownership Group Nears Completion
Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg may soon hand over the reins of the franchise, as a $1.7 billion agreement with Jacksonville-based developer Patrick Zalupski moves closer to finalization, The Athletic reported this week. The deal, which is not yet official, would require approval from 75% of Major League Baseball team owners. A closing could come as soon as September. Zalupski is reportedly committed to keeping the Rays in the Tampa Bay area, with a preference for Tampa. This potential sale comes after a tumultuous period for the Rays, marked by persistent stadium challenges. Last year's proposed $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg, a deal brokered by Mayor Ken Welch, fell through after hurricanes severely damaged Tropicana Field and altered the financial landscape. The team is currently playing home games at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa while repairs continue at the Trop for a projected 2026 return. Mayor Welch welcomed the news of a possible ownership transition, stating that the city's immediate focus is to formally conclude the previous development agreement. "Once that process is complete, we look forward to engaging in good-faith conversations with any new ownership group about the future of Major League Baseball in St. Petersburg beyond 2028," Welch said, emphasizing the city's commitment to the Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment. After the previous stadium deal collapsed, Welch vowed to cease any further negotiations with Sternberg or existing Rays leadership. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also expressed optimism, recommitting her long-standing desire for the team to remain in the Tampa Bay area. A city spokesperson confirmed that while no financing proposal is yet on the table, both city and county leaders are willing to engage with the new owners at a future date. In 2004, Stuart Sternberg, an investor originally from New York, led a group that purchased the Rays for $200 million. Despite the team’s considerable success on the field since taking the franchise over, Sternberg’s ownership will also be remembered for the multi-decade unsuccessful effort to secure a new ballpark to replace Tropicana Field, which was built in 1990 and is widely regarded as one of the least favorable stadiums in MLB.
Source: Sale of Rays expected to be final by September, team likely to stay in Tampa area | The Athletic
Orange County Votes to Preserve Rural Boundary Amid Legal Threats
Orange County commissioners have unanimously decided to maintain their voter-approved rural boundary and other growth management rules, directly defying legal threats linked to a new state law. The conflict stems from Senate Bill 180, passed in June, which restricts local governments in hurricane-affected areas from implementing “burdensome” land-use regulations until 2027. The bill is intended to streamline post-hurricane rebuilding, but it contains broad language that restricts local governments within 100 miles of recent hurricane tracks from enacting "more restrictive" land-use regulations. The law is retroactive to August 1, 2024, and applies to regulations adopted before October 1, 2027. This sweeping scope, critics argue, provides developers with new avenues to override local land-use decisions. Attorneys representing developers and cattle ranchers explicitly warned Orange County to repeal its growth measures, including the rural boundary charter amendment overwhelmingly approved by 73% of voters last fall, or face litigation. Orange County administrators had even urged commissioners to consider a preemptive repeal of the rural boundary and the Vision 2050 growth blueprint, a move that sparked outrage among progressive lawmakers and environmental groups. The county commission, however, criticized the legislation’s last-minute changes and lack of transparency, saying the language was inserted just before passage without many lawmakers fully understanding its implications. They believe the law oversteps local authority and could violate Florida’s constitution, which grants local governments control over land-use planning. Despite a potential lawsuit looming, commissioners chose to move forward with their original planning timeline and take no action to repeal the rural boundary, protecting the county’s rural lands from overdevelopment.
Source: Orange County Stands By Its Growth Controls | Orlando Sentinel
Orlando City Officials Propose $1.8B Budget Without Increasing Property Tax
Orlando city leaders are standing firm on not increasing the city's property tax rate for the 12th consecutive year, even as Republicans in Tallahassee advocate for property tax elimination. In the $1.8 billion proposed city budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026, the millage rate will remain at 6.65 mills, projecting a 6% increase in property tax due to rising property values. This represents $21 million more in revenue, bringing the city’s total property tax proceeds to $360 million. During the city’s budget workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer emphasized that residents' primary complaint isn't property taxes, but soaring property insurance costs. "I can't think of any time in the last 10 years I've actually had anybody say anything to me about property taxes—it's property insurance," Dyer stated, urging residents to pressure the Legislature on this issue. Nearly half of the city’s General Fund, which covers essential services like police, fire, and road maintenance, comes from property taxes. In the budget, the Orlando Police Department would see a 9% funding increase, adding 16 sworn officers and four civilian staff, while continuing to cover high overtime costs amid ongoing vacancies. The city will also allocate nearly $19 million to cover its share of SunRail operations and maintain a 25% reserve fund for emergencies and borrowing leverage. For every dollar paid in property tax, 35 cents go to the city, with 38 cents flowing to Orange County Public Schools. Since earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis has been enthusiastic in his support for a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes for homeowners. Lawmakers are expected to consider it during the 2026 legislative session.
Source: Orlando City Council Budget Workshop Presentation - 14 July 2025; Orlando holds property tax rate steady, part of $1.8 billion proposed budget
Florida Citrus Production Falls to Lowest Level Since 1919
Florida’s iconic citrus industry has reached its lowest production level in more than a century, battered by citrus greening disease and destructive storms, including last year’s Hurricane Milton. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture figures released last Friday, the 2024-2025 season ended with just 14.52 million boxes of citrus produced—the lowest total since the 1919-1920 season. The breakdown includes 12.15 million boxes of oranges, 1.3 million of grapefruit, 400,000 of tangerines and tangelos, and 670,000 of lemons. Despite a slight uptick in orange production from June’s forecast, the overall output is down 28.5% from last season and 75% from five years ago. Orange production alone fell by 32.7% from 2023 to 2024, while grapefruit declined by 27.4%. In response to the years of declines, Florida lawmakers approved $124.5 million in support for the industry in the 2025-2026 state budget, including $100 million for disease-resistant trees and grove rehabilitation. In expressing support for the funding, Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), a citrus grower, emphasized that citrus is deeply embedded in Florida’s heritage and said the industry remains a critical piece of the agricultural economy despite significant strain.
Source: USDA Florida Citrus July 2025 Forecast; USDA lifts Florida orange forecast to 12.15 million boxes
State Senator Ingoglia Tapped as Florida’s Next CFO
Governor Ron DeSantis today named State Senator Blaise (R-Spring Hill) Ingoglia as Florida's new Chief Financial Officer, selecting a long-standing political ally over a candidate favored by President Donald Trump. Ingoglia will fill the vacancy left by Jimmy Patronis in January and serve until the 2026 election. In announcing his decision, DeSantis lauded Ingoglia as "the most conservative senator in the state of Florida," emphasizing his commitment to fiscal scrutiny. Ingoglia, in turn, vowed to be a "conservative pitbull when it comes to spending," pledging to scrutinize local government budgets and tackle issues like property tax elimination for homesteaded properties, housing affordability, and insurance company accountability. Ingoglia has served as a state legislator in both the House and Senate since 2014 and was the state GOP chair from 2015 to 2019. In his new role as CFO, he will oversee the Department of Financial Services, managing the state’s checkbook, managing public funds, ensuring fiscal accountability, and regulating the insurance industry. Ingoglia’s appointment creates a political contrast with Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), a Trump-endorsed candidate for the 2026 CFO race. DeSantis criticized Gruters’ legislative record and noted differences on key issues, including immigration and Second Amendment rights. Meanwhile, Ingoglia has been an outspoken supporter of DeSantis, backing him during his failed presidential run and notably, sponsoring the governor’s controversial immigration bills earlier this year. Ingoglia has not yet filed paperwork to run for CFO in 2026.
Source: DeSantis picks Blaise Ingoglia for CFO over Trump candidate
Company Secures ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ State Contract After GOP Donation
A Texas-based emergency management company donated $10,000 to the Republican Party of Florida just days before receiving multimillion-dollar contracts tied to the state’s controversial ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigrant detention center in the Everglades. IRG Global Emergency Management Inc. made the donation on June 24—the same day it signed a $1.1 million contract with the state for operational support related to migration enforcement. Within a week, the company received two additional contracts totaling $5.1 million for shuttle services, emergency response, armory systems, and air operations, with all services centered at the detention site. The firm has been involved in past state-led efforts to relocate migrants and also received a $19.6 million state contract in June to fly Floridians out of Israel amid increased tensions with Iran. Campaign finance records show ARS previously donated more than $150,000 to the state GOP. A DeSantis spokesperson denied any involvement with fundraising for the state party. Other contractors that have secured Florida contracts related to ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ have also made significant political donations in the state, including CDR Maguire and its affiliate, CDR Health, which has donated nearly $2 million to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida.
Source: IRG Global awarded Alcatraz contracts after GOP contribution | Miami Herald
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell Enters State Senate Race for District 16
Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) has officially launched her bid for the state Senate District 16 seat, currently held by term-limited Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg). Driskell’s entry adds significant weight to the race for the deep-blue district, which includes south St. Petersburg, southeast Hillsborough County, and much of the city of Tampa.
Driskell, the first Black woman to lead Florida’s House Democratic caucus, framed her campaign around addressing economic inequality and affordability, noting that nearly 20% residents in the district live below the poverty line, having a median household income of less than $61,000. “We have an affordability crisis that Tallahassee continues to ignore,” Driskell said, pledging to prioritize housing, insurance reform, and workforce development. Driskell, who has led House Democrats since 2022, joins Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg), a civil rights attorney and the first openly queer Black woman elected to the Florida House, who launched her campaign for the Senate seat in December. The race will likely be decided in the Democratic primary election, with 47% of voters in Senate District 16 registered as Democrats, compared to 23% for Republicans. Driskell’s announcement also puts an end to speculation about her political future, as the Harvard and Georgetown-educated lawyer was previously rumored as a gubernatorial or attorney general candidate. The twice-elected Democratic leader said she’s focused on bringing practical, people-first leadership to the Senate, arguing the state has "not done enough" in areas like housing and property insurance. Driskell plans to champion transparency and accountability and explore bipartisan solutions for resilience projects. The primary election is scheduled for August 26, 2026.
Source: Fentrice Driskell jumps into SD 16 race to replace Darryl Rouson
Dozens Suffered Abuse at Florida’s Reform Schools and Ended Up on Death Row
Michael Bell, a convicted murderer executed Tuesday, is one of at least 34 former residents of Florida’s notorious reform schools who later landed on death row, raising new questions about the lasting impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior. Revealed in an investigation by The Marshall Project, 50 men who attended the now-shuttered Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida, or the Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee, another troubled reform school with a lengthy past of abuse, were later sentenced to death. An additional 19 or more were imprisoned for murder. More than two dozen committed murder within years of their release from the schools—many while still teenagers. This includes Bell, who served 30 years on death row for the 1993 shooting deaths of a Jacksonville couple and was executed by the state of Florida on Tuesday. Another Dozier boy, Loran Kentsley Cole, was executed last year after being convicted of murder, kidnapping, and rape in 1994. He was sent to the reform school in 1984, suffering inhumane treatment and regular beatings, including having both legs broken after a failed escape attempt. The findings by The Marshall Project raise critical questions about the impact of severe childhood and adolescent abuse on violent behavior. While experts caution that not all abuse survivors become turn violent or become murderers, research increasingly demonstrates that trauma during these sensitive developmental periods can profoundly affect brain development, potentially leading to increased aggression, impaired impulse control, and reduced emotional regulation. At Dozier and Okeechobee, hundreds of boys were subjected to severe and frequent physical beatings, sexual assaults, torture and extreme punishment, isolation, harsh labor conditions, negligent medical care, and psychological abuse. Neuropsychiatric specialists argue that such brutal environments can impair empathy and judgment, contributing to a disregard for the value of human life. Further, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for controlling emotions and decision-making, continues to develop through the mid-20s, and early trauma can damage these crucial neural pathways during a malleable stage of brain development. Despite the trauma, several former reform school boys convicted of murder or sentenced to death were never evaluated for psychological damage during their trials, and often, their treatment was never presented as a mitigating factor. However, there are complexities in proving a direct causal link between the distressing experiences at the reform schools and the suffering caused to individuals later convicted of murder. Nonetheless, the findings have renewed debate about how the state’s juvenile justice system may have worsened rather than rehabilitated vulnerable youth, and whether it's just to execute those it may have helped break.
Source: They were Abused at Florida’s Dozier School. Now They’re on Death Row | The Marshall Project; Florida man being executed one of 34 Dozier students on death row
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Threatens Clean Energy Incentives for Floridians
Florida residents eyeing solar panels, electric vehicles, or energy-efficient home upgrades could soon face significantly higher costs, as key federal clean energy tax credits begin to phase out under the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBB). President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending package ends several clean energy incentives that have helped citizens and households adopt clean energy technology. As the window is quickly closing for residents to take advantage of thousands in potential savings, here are key deadlines for Floridians to keep in mind:
September 30, 2025: Electric Vehicle Tax Credits end. Buy or lease an EV by this date to qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credits for new EVs or $4,000 for used vehicles.
December 31, 2025: Residential Clean Energy Credit expires, eliminating 30% tax credit for solar panels and other qualifying clean energy systems. Homeowners can save roughly $10,000 on solar panels if installed before year-end. Similarly, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, offering up to $3,200 in tax incentives for efficient upgrades like HVAC systems, heat pumps, and insulation, also expires by year’s end.
June 30, 2026: The Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit, which covers up to $1,000 for home EV charger installations and $100,000 for businesses,Tax credits for installing EV chargers disappear, affecting homeowners and businesses. This could impact the expansion of public charging infrastructure and thousands of related jobs across the state.
One major program, the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program, offering up to $14,000 in rebates for low- and middle-income families for energy-efficient appliances, is currently not targeted by the OBBB and is set to continue through September 30, 2031, the broader landscape of clean energy incentives is shifting. The disappearing tax credits have created concerns for utilities like Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida, which have plans for large-scale solar farms, but may also face higher costs, potentially leading to increased customer bills. Critics of the rollbacks say they may increase electricity costs, harm clean energy jobs, and undermine broader environmental benefits.
Source: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements in 2025: What to Know | Kiplinger; https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/06/take-advantage-of-these-tax-credits-before-congress-kills-them/
Underground ‘Loop’ Transit System in Early Talks for Orlando's I-Drive
Orlando’s International Drive could be the next site for a high-tech underground “Loop” transit system built by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, aiming to alleviate traffic in one of Central Florida’s busiest tourism corridors. Early conversations are underway about a possible partnership between Musk’s company and Universal Orlando Resort to create a system similar to Las Vegas’ existing Loop, which shuttles passengers in Teslas at high speeds through tunnels. According to The Boring Company, Loop systems provide flexible underground routes that feature compact stations and are ideal for linking attractions such as Epic Universe, Universal Studios, the Orange County Convention Center, and even Orlando International Airport. Maria Triscari, President of the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, confirmed "early conversations" about the underground transportation system, though nothing is officially confirmed. She noted that I-Drive's reputation as a "forward-thinking, tech-savvy district" makes it a natural fit for such innovative ideas. While the prospect of underground tunnels in Florida's challenging soil and during hurricane season raises some concerns, proponents believe the long-term benefits—including less congestion and greater connectivity—outweigh those risks. No formal plans have been submitted yet.
Source: Underground loop could come to Orlando | WESH
Florida’s Rural Health System Struggles Amid Budget Cuts and Federal Funding Threats
The rural health care system in Florida is facing mounting pressure after state lawmakers approved only a fraction of the funding initially proposed for rural initiatives. Senate President Ben Albritton’s (R-Wauchula) push for a “rural renaissance,” which included plans for new clinics and mobile care units, was sharply cut during final budget negotiations. The approved budget includes just $15 million of the more than $60 million Albritton originally proposed for improving rural health access, including grants for clinics and mobile units. The shortfall for rural hospitals is compounded by reduced Medicaid funding under the recently signed federal ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which health leaders warn could shutter facilities already on the brink. They already experience inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates, with the federal government covering only 48 cents for every dollar spent on Medicaid patients. Over the last two decades, Florida has lost eight rural hospitals, and nine counties currently lack a single facility. Others rely on under-resourced clinics, forcing many residents to travel long distances to access specialized care and essential services like advanced trauma care and nephrology. The struggles also extend to Emergency medical services (EMS) that face increased call volumes, limited resources, and lengthy response times, with some patients waiting up to 30 minutes for an ambulance. While state lawmakers allocated $7.6 million for specific rural health projects, such as new ambulances and community clinics, advocates say this is insufficient to sustain Florida’s extensive rural health infrastructure. Leaders continue to push for more robust and sustained state and federal investment ito stabilize care in these underserved communities.
PolitiFact: Yes, ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Will Impact the Everglades Ecosystem
When ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ was first proposed by the DeSantis administration in late June, environmentalists were quick to raise concerns, arguing that greater human activity and potential development in the sensitive Everglades ecosystem will threaten endangered species and lead to pollution. Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump have dismissed ecological concerns, with DeSantis asserting at a June 27 press briefing that the site poses “zero environmental impact,” emphasizing that the site is temporary and would have “no different footprint” than the existing airstrip to which the new compound has been constructed on. Trump later described the facility as “enhancing” the Everglades during his July 1 visit. PolitiFact has fact-checked this claim, speaking with environmental experts and examining the history of the site to conclude that these statements downplaying the ecological perils of ‘Aligator Alcatraz’ are inaccurate.
Even before the first detainees arrived on-site, environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit against the state, contending that the state bypassed necessary environmental reviews for the facility situated within the Big Cypress National Preserve, which neighbors Everglades National Park. An environmental impact assessment or study was also not conducted before the buildout of the site. Home to endangered species such as the Florida panther and wood stork, experts say the increased human presence within delicate natural areas will bring unintended consequences such as greater vehicle traffic, light and air pollution, and wastewater management issues. This echoes findings from a landmark 1969 report by hydrologist Dr. Luna B. Leopold, which warned that a proposed "Everglades Jetport" at the same site would "inexorably destroy the south Florida ecosystem." Satellite images show new light activity in what was previously undeveloped wilderness, and photographs reveal acres of newly paved areas, contradicting state claims that no additional development occurred. PolitiFact cited environmental specialists who assert the detention center’s location in a highly sensitive ecosystem, coupled with the heightened potential for light, air, and wastewater pollution resulting from increased traffic and human activity, make it improbable to claim that ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ will have ‘zero’ environmental impact. Consequently, PolitiFact has rated DeSantis’ claim as ‘False.’
Source: Ron DeSantis claims ‘zero’ environmental impact by Alligator Alcatraz. That's false - Poynter
Miccosukee Tribe to Join ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Environmental Lawsuit
The Miccosukee Tribe is formally seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s new migrant detention center in the Everglades, arguing the state failed to conduct required environmental reviews. In court filings, the tribe warns that the construction and operation of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ poses a serious threat to tribal land, culture, and the daily lives of nearby residents. The detention center, located in Big Cypress National Preserve, is just miles from Miccosukee villages and the Miccosukee Indian School. The tribe has long used the surrounding land for fishing, hunting, and sacred ceremonies. They were relocated to the Everglades during the Seminole Wars and have maintained legal recognition by Florida of their land rights for over a century. The Miccosukee cites concerns over water pollution and traffic congestion on the two-lane Tamiami Trail, a vital emergency route. Environmental groups echo their warnings, citing risks to endangered species and disrupting vital habitats. This latest development comes as immigration advocates report detainees have experienced dire conditions within the facility and limited legal access.
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article310716475.html
Universal Orlando Plans New Construction Project at Epic Universe
Less than two months after its grand opening in May, Universal Orlando Resort has filed paperwork with Orange County for a significant expansion at its new Epic Universe theme park. The plans, described vaguely as "vertical construction" for a shop, warehouse, or restaurant, indicate a new structure just under 40,000 square feet, located between the park's main entrance and the Super Nintendo World. While specific details and a timeline remain undisclosed, industry insiders speculate this initial expansion could be a dedicated space for special events, seasonal attractions, or even a preview center for future park additions. Epic Universe, a $7 billion destination featuring five immersive lands, was six years in development and marked Orlando's first major new theme park in over two decades. Its rapid expansion plans underscore Universal's aggressive strategy to bolster its offerings and intensify competition within Central Florida's thriving $92.5 billion tourism industry.
Orlando Board Greenlights Historic Griffin Park Redevelopment
Plans to redevelop the historic Griffin Park public housing site moved forward following the city's Municipal Planning Board’s recent approval of a new four-building complex. Located at the southwest corner of the I-4 and SR-408 interchange, the project now awaits final approval from the Orlando City Council on August 11. The approved plans feature a mixed-income community, including 565 units of affordable housing for families, 160 units for seniors, and 275 market-rate units. Griffin Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, saw most of its original structures demolished in 2024 due to aging issues and interchange modifications. However, two historic buildings will be preserved as part of the new development.
Source: Orlando board approves redevelopment of historic public housing site – WFTV
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The democrats paid billions to ngo’s regarding various participations with the illegals that came in Under Biden. If any of these people committed crimes in other countries I think under the Trump admin they are still considered criminal.