Ron DeSantis for Defense Secretary? And St. Pete Approves Bonds for New Tampa Bay Rays Stadium
December 12, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
DeSantis for Defense Secretary?
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the position of Secretary of Defense, potentially reshaping both Florida's political landscape and the national security apparatus. This development comes as Trump's initial nominee, Pete Hegseth, faces mounting scrutiny over personal conduct allegations. DeSantis, a Navy veteran with two years remaining in his gubernatorial term, appears receptive to the opportunity. If appointed, he would oversee all branches of the U.S. military, including the newly established Space Force. The move would mark yet another shakeup for Florida politics after Trump has already tapped several Floridians for key positions. It would also be a significant shift in the relationship dynamic between the Republican governor and the former president, which was at odds after the two battled for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, resulting in personal insults and the Trump dubbing DeSantis as "Ron DeSanctimonious." The consideration of Florida’s governor is especially insightful as DeSantis is believed to be considering another presidential run in 2028. The nomination to lead the Pentagon would further position him to make an almost certain bid for the White House. If DeSantis is eventually named, accepts, and confirmed for the role by the U.S. Senate, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez would become Florida's first female governor, inheriting a role that the governor has used to build national prominence. As speculation grows, Gov. DeSantis' office has yet to comment on the reports, while Hegseth maintains that he still has Trump's support for the nomination.
Why DeSantis is Unlikely to Become Defense Secretary
While rumors swirl about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis potentially becoming President-elect Trump's defense secretary, several factors make this scenario unlikely:
Political Rivalry: Despite recently reconciling, DeSantis and Trump have a complicated history, especially following a contentious presential primary contest that turned personal and left lingering tensions. Both leaders are known for holding grudges.
Career Trajectory: While the defense secretary position is high-profile, it could limit DeSantis' political maneuverability ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run. The Hatch Act restrictions on political activities could hinder his ability to fundraise effectively.
Job Security: Serving in Trump's administration may lack stability given his history of frequent cabinet changes. DeSantis could be dismissed at any moment, but his current governorship is secure.
Separation from Trump: If DeSantis accepts the defense secretary position, he'll be limited in his ability to criticize or distance himself from the Trump administration which would be important in a future presidential bid DeSantis is reportedly mulling.
Current Nominee's Chances: Pete Hegseth, Trump's initial choice, still has support from influential figures like Florida Senator Rick Scott, keeping him in contention. Trump has also signaled his continued support for Hegseth.
The Susie Wiles Factor: As Trump’s appointed chief of staff, Wiles could complicate DeSantis’ chances of being tapped for defense secretary. Wiles played a pivotal role in the Republican’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2018 but was later ousted from his team at his request. Their soured relationship, coupled with Wiles’ influence within Trump’s inner circle may create friction between the president-elect and DeSantis.
These considerations, combined with DeSantis' current executive role in Florida and the potential risks of joining the Trump administration, suggest that the governor is unlikely to lead the Pentagon.
St. Pete Approves Bonds for New Tampa Bay Rays Stadium
St. Petersburg City Council has narrowly approved issuing $287.5 million in tax-exempt bonds to partially fund a new $1.3 billion Tampa Bay Rays stadium and redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District. The 4-3 vote marks a significant step forward in St. Peterburg's largest and costliest development project to date, despite ongoing questions about the future of Major League Baseball in the region. The approved bonds are nearly half of the $600 million in public funding for the stadium, with an additional $142 million allocated for infrastructure improvements in the 86-acre district. This decision comes after weeks of uncertainty and delays, marked by the Pinellas County Commission twice delaying a vote to approve $312.5 million in bonds for the project. The St. Petersburg City Council followed suit and delayed a similar bond resolution until its recent approval two weeks later. The Rays have previously suggested the deal might be dead due to the delays that will increase costs and likely push the stadium debut beyond 2028. Before councilors voted last Thursday, several members had reservations about the team’s transparency and long-term commitment to the city, noting their absence from the critical meeting. However, Mayor Ken Welch expressed support for the bond approval, citing recent productive discussions with Rays owner Stu Sternberg. Supporters view the decision as a way to hold the baseball franchise accountable to their commitments and advance the city's vision for the area. On December 17, Pinellas County commissioners are scheduled to reconsider their previous commitment of $312.5 million in tourist development tax funding for the Tampa Bay Rays' stadium project – a high-stakes decision that will determine the Tampa Bay Rays’ future.
Florida’s Medical Marijuana Market Expands
After a 19-month delay, the Florida Department of Health has issued 22 new medical marijuana licenses, nearly doubling the number of companies in the state’s tightly controlled market. This long-awaited move by the state comes as nearly 900,000 Floridians rely on medical marijuana and follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ criticism of limited competition in the industry. The new licenses aim to increase access and competition in a market historically dominated by 28 companies, of which only two-thirds operate storefronts. The expansion comes amid criticism that Florida’s delays violate state laws requiring four new licenses for every additional 100,000 patients to be issued within six months. Industry insiders speculate the delays may have been linked to the recent ballot initiative on recreational marijuana, which narrowly failed to pass and faced fierce opposition by Gov. DeSantis. The application process for new medical marijuana licensees is competitive and mandates applicants to possess adequate land for growing plants and the ability to pay for retail dispensaries. While the new licenses promise increased competition and potentially lower prices for patients, the road ahead may still be rocky. The state's complex regulatory framework and high barriers to entry may continue to impede the opening of new dispensaries, in addition to expected legal challenges.
Jeanette Núñez Could Make History as Florida’s First Female and Cuban American Governor
As speculation grows over President-elect Donald Trump considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to lead the Pentagon as U.S. Defense Secretary, attention has turned to Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez. Should DeSantis accept a federal appointment and resign, Núñez, 52, would step into the role, marking a historic milestone as Florida’s first female and Cuban American governor. A Miami native, Núñez has deep South Florida roots. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida International University and began her political career as a legislative aide. Elected to the Florida House in 2010, she became speaker pro tempore in 2016 before being chosen as DeSantis’ running mate in 2018. Her tenure has been marked by both alignment with and divergence from DeSantis' policies. In 2014, Núñez championed legislation allowing children of undocumented immigrants to pay in-state college tuition rates, a law DeSantis later attempted to repeal. As lieutenant governor, Núñez’s additional responsibilities include chairing Space Florida, the Cybersecurity Task Force, and involvement in economic and workforce development projects. She also serves on the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking.
Legislation Filed to Protect State Parks from Controversial Development
Newly filed legislation in the State Senate aims to permanently halt the controversial plan to develop golf courses and other recreational facilities at state parks, which was leaked in August and sparked immediate backlash. The “Great Outdoors Initiative,” unveiled by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, proposed “expand[ing] public access” and delivering active recreational opportunities across nine state parks. Proposed plans called for constructing golf courses, pickleball courts, disc golf courses, tennis courts, and 350-room hotels at select parks, including at the environmentally-sensitive Jonathan Dickinson State Park, home to the threatened scrub jay and other at-risk species. Governor Ron DeSantis paused the initiative in August, labeling it “half-baked,” amid fierce bipartisan criticism. Now, Republican State Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart) has introduced Senate Bill 80, or the “State Park Preservation Act,” to prevent such developments in the future. The legislation aims to restrict state parks to conservation-focused activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and camping while banning large-scale recreational developments requiring expansive facilities, including golf and pickleball. It also mandates public hearings for land management plans and proposes limiting cabin occupancy in state parks to six guests while ensuring such facilities minimize impact on critical habitats. SB 80 aims to address concerns expressed by environmental conservationists that developing cherished state parks would compromise the natural beauty and ecological integrity of these lands, including threatening wildlife habitats. If passed, Sen. Harrell’s bill would take effect in July 2025, potentially putting an end to the controversial initiative and preserving Florida's state parks in their current form.
School Swatting Cases Cost Florida Millions, Report Finds
Florida schools faced over 1,500 swatting incidents last year, costing taxpayers approximately $65 million, according to a recent report by TDR Technology Solutions. These false threats of violence, which require law enforcement response and often disrupt classes, also led to $8 million in lost instructional time. Swatting calls, though ultimately deemed not credible, have significant financial and mental health impacts on students, staff, and parents – an emotional toll that cannot be calculated. Law enforcement warns that such school threats create unnecessary panic and divert critical resources from the community, potentially jeopardizing real emergency responses.
Regulators Approve Tampa Electric Rate Hikes, Shifting Costs to Residents
Florida utility regulators have approved a controversial rate hike for Tampa Electric Company (TECO) that shifts millions of dollars in costs from large corporate power users to residential customers and small businesses. This decision, made by the Florida Public Service Commission, goes against the recommendation of their own staff, who suggested denying many aspects of Tampa Electric's request and slashing the increases by almost half. The commission’s vote approves TECO’s request to increase base rates over the next three years and disproportionately affects residential users during peak usage months. The new rate structure continues a cost-shifting trend from a 2021 agreement, which saw large power users like industrial companies, hospital groups, and stores like Walmart benefit from smaller increases while residential customers bore a greater share of costs. Consumer advocates and environmental lawyers have called the rate hike "egregiously excessive" and warned of "severe economic pain" for Floridians. The commission also approved a higher shareholder profit rate for TECO and additional rate hikes for new power projects. TECO has argued that the base rate increases are essential for reliable service delivery, but critics claim the increases serve to boost profits for its parent company, Canadian-based Emera. Final rates will be set at a December 19 meeting.
450K Floridians at Risk of Losing Health Insurance Without ACA Subsidies
Nearly 450,000 Floridians, including 32,000 children, could lose their health insurance if federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are not extended, according to recent analyses. The tax credits, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly reduced premiums, saving 1.1 million Florida residents an average of $527 monthly. The credits are set to expire next year, and premiums are expected to surge without an extension provided by Congress. Americans could see their annual premiums rise by several thousand dollars. Health advocates warn that the higher costs could leave countless families uninsured as they struggle to maintain coverage, exacerbating strain on the more than 4.2 million Floridians insured under the ACA.
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis Resigns to Run for Congress
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has resigned his position, effective March 31, 2025, to run for the congressional seat vacated by former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz. The announcement followed an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump to compete for the western Panhandle district, which is the most solid Republican district in the state. Patronis is a familiar name in Florida politics, thanks largely to his high-profile tenure as state CFO, in which he was outspoken on insurance reforms, introduced programs to help hurricane-damaged communities recover and rebuild and led during a booming economy, supporting initiatives to further promote job growth and attract new businesses. A former Panama City restaurateur, he began his career in public service as a member of the Florida Elections Commission before becoming a state legislator. Patronis built a trusted relationship with then-Governor Rick Scott in the early days, even before Scott declared his intentions to lead the state. The alliance resulted in Patronis becoming a gubernatorial appointee to the Public Service Commission and the Constitution Revision Commission. In 2017, when the role of CFO became vacant, Gov. Scott appointed the Panhandle Republican to the state cabinet position, carrying out the remainder of the term. He was elected to a full term in 2018 and 2022. Patronis has also courted controversy with his political tactics, including allegations of organizing a “pay-to-play” scheme, though no charges were pursued. As a key figure in Florida's insurance landscape, he also faced criticism for encouraging laws that make it harder to sue insurers while receiving significant campaign contributions from the industry. Meanwhile, Patronis has earned praise from first responders for his work advocating for the successful passage of the "firefighters' presumptive cancer" bill in 2019, providing benefits to firefighters diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
Jury Awards $310 Million to Parents of Teen Who Died in Orlando Ride Accident
An Orange County jury has awarded $310 million to the parents of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall drop tower in March 2022 at ICON Park. The jury found the ride's manufacturer, Funtime, and its designer, Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, liable for negligence, allowing Tyre to board despite exceeding weight limits. The teen slipped from his seat during the 430-foot drop tower's descent, sparking a lawsuit by Tyre’s parents, accusing the companies of neglecting proper safety measures and failing to post clear height and weight restrictions. The swift trial, concluding just hours after jury selection, resulted in each parent being awarded $155 million. This case has already prompted significant changes, including the dismantling of the FreeFall ride and the passage of the Tyre Sampson Act, enhancing ride safety regulations in Florida.
Tampa Bay’s First Surf Park to Open in 2027
An innovative surf experience is heading to Tampa Bay, with Peak Surf Park slated to open in late 2027 in Pasco County’s new Two Rivers development. Tampa entrepreneur Tony Miller has finalized a deal to purchase 35 acres along State Road 56, east of Wesley Chapel, for the groundbreaking project. Unlike traditional wave pools, Peak Surf Park will feature advanced technology from Surf Lakes, an Australia-based company, using a "Central Wave Device" to create customizable swells suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The lagoon aims to replicate ocean waves, providing a controlled, shark-free environment to make surfing accessible to a wider audience. Beyond surfing, the park will include a half-mile beach, dining and shopping venues, an adventure park, and concert spaces, with non-surfing amenities expected to generate two-thirds of its revenue. An economic impact study projects $50 million in first-year revenue and a $1.3 billion impact over a decade. The park aims to become a central part of the growing Two Rivers master-planned community, which will eventually feature 7,000 homes, 3 million square feet of retail and office space, and many other amenities.
St. Petersburg Awards $550,000 in Grants to Local Arts Organizations
The St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved $550,000 in grants for 37 local arts organizations for fiscal year 2025, following recommendations from the city’s Arts Advisory Committee. The nine-member committee, comprising individuals connected to the arts, reviewed 38 applications to determine the awards. Awards range from approximately $5,700 to $19,200, supporting established organizations and emerging artistic initiatives, including museums, theaters, music groups, and educational programs. The funding recognizes the strong influence of the arts in St. Petersburg’s culture and is critical for sustaining programs. Recipients include the Salvador Dalí Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Morean Arts Center, Imagine Museum, St. Pete College/Palladium Theater, and the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. The city’s grant program saw an increase in new applicants and follows Gov. DeSantis’ state budget cuts of $32 million for arts organizations and affiliated programs earlier this year.
I-4 Expansion to Worsen Shoulder Conditions Amid $2.5 Billion Project
A decade-long $2.5 billion project to widen a 14-mile stretch of I-4 from State Road 536 near Disney Springs to U.S. Highway 27 in Polk County is set to begin, aiming to improve congestion in one of the nation’s busiest corridors. However, transportation experts warn of safety concerns as the construction will reduce shoulder widths to just two feet for extended sections, creating hazardous conditions for an already dangerous highway. Studies show that shoulders are among the most unsafe areas along interstates, accounting for about 12% of fatalities, according to AAA. Narrowing them significantly increases crash risks, experts warn. Research by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) found a 13% rise in crashes when shoulder widths were reduced from 8 to 2 feet. AASHTO generally recommends shoulders of at least 10 feet on major roadways, with guidelines varying based on the number of lanes, vehicle traffic, and speed limits.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Announces $62 Million Expansion
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in downtown St. Petersburg will undergo a $62 million expansion to address growing patient needs and enhance surgical capabilities. Construction on the 28,000-square-foot facility is set to begin in spring 2025, with completion anticipated by July 2026. The expansion will feature six flexible emergency rooms for pediatric patients and the hospital’s four largest operating suites. It will also house advanced imaging equipment, including an additional MRI scanner to accommodate increasing demand. Justin Olsen, the hospital’s chief operating officer, emphasized the project’s role in meeting community needs and supporting cutting-edge procedures, particularly in neurology and orthopedics. The facility will also bolster the hospital’s education mission, providing new training opportunities for residents and students. As Florida’s top-ranked children’s hospital, the project is the hospital’s first major expansion since 2018.
Tampa Will Soon be Home to the Second-Largest Planetarium in the U.S.
Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is set to unveil the second-largest planetarium in the United States in 2025. The former IMAX theater is undergoing a $4 million transformation into a state-of-the-art Digital Dome Theatre, featuring an eight-story-wide screen and seating for over 300 visitors. The new planetarium will utilize cutting-edge technology, including 10 advanced digital projectors with 8K resolution, promising ultra-sharp visuals and surround sound for an immersive educational experience. Slated to open in early 2025, the planetarium will offer star tours, constellation shows, and stunning imagery from telescopes like James Webb and Hubble, enhanced by Digistar 7 technology. It will also host 360-degree films exploring space and ocean depths, with potential for event rentals. MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith emphasized the educational value of the new facility, describing it as a premier STEM learning destination for the southeastern U.S.
Popular Tampa Bay Brewery to Lead Revitalization with Mixed-Use Complex
Mastry’s Brewing Co. is spearheading the redevelopment of a former manufacturing site in Pinellas Park into a mixed-use complex designed to boost local business and community engagement. Park Junction, located at 5805 Park Blvd, will be anchored by Mastry’s Brewing Co.’s new 5,000-square-foot brewery and feature a 36,000-square-foot market house with office spaces, studios, event areas, commissary kitchens, a taproom, and a rooftop venue across several floors. Mastry’s Brewing, established in 2014, aims to partner with local businesses to fill the space. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, creating over 100 jobs and positioning Park Junction as a community hub.
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