
With the Florida Legislative Session winding down, state politics attracted the most readers to the blog. However, Inweekly’s feature story on Emily Ley and her legal battle over the Trump Administration’s tariffs drew the most attention on social media. One surprise hit on social media was my mention of my nonfiction book on the 2006 Community Maritime Park:
THE REAL STORY: “Right Idea, Right Time” chronicles the controversial journey to create Pensacola’s Maritime Park—a waterfront development that transformed the city’s future. From impassioned town halls to backroom political deals, this meticulously researched narrative reveals how a dedicated group of citizens, politicians, and business leaders navigated the treacherous waters of public opinion, environmental concerns, and economic interests to revitalize Pensacola’s historic waterfront.
REAL CHANGE IS NEVER EASY. SEE HOW PENSACOLA DID IT.
Look for it in June.
THE BLOG
DeSantis meets his Waterloo in Pensacola: How a university board battle sparked unprecedented Republican rebellion in friendly territory. https://bit.ly/3ExNLIe
Breaking: At the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections hearing this morning, Chairman Senator Don Gaetz announced that Dr. Joel Rudman texted his office this morning, saying he had resigned from the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees. https://bit.ly/3GiLDEK
DeSantis urges voters to pressure Rep. Andrade as the investigation closes on the facts about $10M in Medicaid funds diverted to the First Lady’s foundation. https://bit.ly/3RtkDoz
KUDOS: University of West Florida shatters fundraising records, raising $194,000+ from 1,256 donors in just 24 hours—surpassing $1 million lifetime total for its annual Day of Giving campaign! https://bit.ly/3GyL6yA
Florida Senate panel rejects out-of-state UWF trustee nominee Adam Kissel in 5-4 vote after former university leaders voice trust concerns. https://bit.ly/4cFTrMV
BREAKING: Florida corruption probe ends abruptly as charity execs and lawyer refuse testimony on alleged $10M Medicaid funds secretly funneled to political ads. https://bit.ly/42uChP7
Tampa podcaster Gates Garcia explains why he quit the UWF board after he faced questions about backing the controversial chair—doesn’t live in Panhandle. https://bit.ly/4cHYBbf
Florida’s tourism golden goose is on the chopping block. New bills could trade your favorite restaurants for $156 in tax relief. Is it worth it? https://bit.ly/42PkH7l
DeSantis’ “Massive” Golf Fundraiser Backfired: Tournament Lost Money While Foundation Reports Raise Questions About $300K Versus $40K in Grants Awarded https://bit.ly/4jBI2kd
Breaking news: UWF scores $2M from TDC for new stadium! 7,500 seats coming to replace packed 3,800-seat facility after unanimous vote of support. https://bit.ly/3Y1i8xt
INWEEKLY
Taking on Trump
Before small business owner Emily Ley emerged as the face of the anti-tariff movement in the United States, the Pensacola resident heavily…
Follow the Money
The Hope Florida Foundation, a nonprofit organization tasked with fundraising for Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis’ welfare assistance initiative, has become the center of a rapidly growing controversy. Under oath before…
Winners & Losers 4/24/25
WINNERS: ESCAMBIA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS In partnership with Nemours Children’s Health and the American Heart Association, the school system completed its district-wide CPR training initiative on April 23 when West Florida High School became…
Outtakes—DeSantis’ Pensacola Waterloo
Governor Ron DeSantis may have finally met his match in the determined citizens and lawmakers of Northwest Florida. What began as a seemingly routine reshaping of the University of West Florida’s…
The Buzz 4/24/25
TDC BACKS UWF On April 15, the Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously approved $2 million in funding for the University of West Florida’s new football stadium, supporting a project university officials say…
YOUTUBE