Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

— First Shot —

The state is already blazing toward its annual wildfire totals before the start of peak season, and officials say the current drought means Florida isn’t out of the woods yet.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia joined Florida Forest Service leaders in Tallahassee to urge residents to take precautions as wildfire risks remain elevated statewide.

Since the start of the year, Florida has seen more than 2,100 wildfires burn nearly 136,000 acres. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, Florida could face above-normal wildfire potential through the Summer as drought conditions persist.

“Florida is already nearing our annual wildfire totals, and we are only entering the peak of wildfire season. With drought conditions affecting the entire state, the wildfire threat across Florida remains extremely high,” Simpson said.

“The Florida Forest Service is fully engaged, and our wildland firefighters have already been working tirelessly for the past few months to protect lives, property, and natural resources across the state.”

Uthmeier emphasized that many fires are preventable, noting that human activity is responsible for most wildfires, with arson accounting for more than one-fifth of cases.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect people and property, and criminal or reckless behavior that puts them in harm’s way will come with severe punishment,” Uthmeier said.

Ingoglia added, “This is only the beginning of peak wildfire season, which means that more wildfires are possible in the coming months. I encourage all Floridians to take preventative measures to stop wildfires and minimize damage in our communities. I am thankful for the hard work of the Florida Forest Service and our forestry firefighters that put their lives on the line to protect our communities.”

Currently, nearly 40 counties have burn bans in place — including most of Central Florida, North Central Florida, Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay region — and the Florida Forest Service is urging Floridians to check local restrictions before attempting to burn anything.

— Evening Reads —

—“A generational fracture emerges for Republicans over foreign policy” via Nate Cohn of The New York Times

—“The American rebellion against AI is gaining steam” via Amrith Ramkumar, Katherine Blunt and Lindsay Ellis of The Wall Street Journal

—“NAACP calls for college sports boycott in states targeting Black voting power” via Amy B Wang of The Washington Post

—“What the Ken Paxton endorsement *really* means” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—“Does Florida have an affordability problem? We asked Sen. Rick Scott” via Arian Campo-Flores of The Wall Street Journal

—“John Morgan’s $100K political party contest starts now” via Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics

—“Florida’s property tax revolution needs a kill switch” via Jeff Brandes for Florida Politics

—“Back in the game? Another national poll finds Ron DeSantis with double-digit GOP support in 2028” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—“AI ‘news’ site with fake reporters is just latest news scam in Florida” via Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel

—“How a Florida city faces millions in unpaid water bills from hospitals, condos” via Verónica Egui Brito of the Miami Herald

— Quote of the Day —

“I’m ready to build it, and I need people’s help to name it.”

— John Morgan, rolling out his $100,000 third party naming contest.

— Put it on the Tab —

Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.

Now’s not the time for a Silent Third — if you have a pick for Morgan’s third-party naming contest, speak up before June 2.

While Mr. Morrison would likely protest, DeSantis is getting a Return of the Mack for showing signs of life in a new poll of potential 2028 GOP Primary contenders.

Sure, the state could spend $6 million on a statewide criminal intelligence platform, but why not save a few bucks and lock in a Global Drinks Intel deal?

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Rays aim to keep best record in baseball

The Tampa Bay Rays look to stretch the lead in the American League East as they continue a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles tonight (6:40 p.m. ET, Rays.TV).

Tampa Bay (31-15) took the first game of the series with a 16-6 drubbing of Baltimore yesterday. Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero each drove in four runs as the Rays pounded out 18 hits in the victory. It was the 13th win in the last 16 games for the Rays, who lead the division by three games over the New York Yankees. Tampa Bay’s record is the best in the Major Leagues.

Griffin Jax is scheduled to start the game on the mound tonight. Jax (1-2, 3.91 ERA) started the season as a reliever but has started four games for the Rays. He has not figured in a decision since pitching one inning of relief in an 8-7 win in 13 innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 18.

Baltimore is scheduled to send right-hander Kyle Bradish to the mound. Bradish (2-5, 4.21 ERA) won his last start, pitching six innings of one-hit ball against the Yankees.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon, and then the Rays are scheduled to travel to New York to face the Yankees in a three-game series that could decide the direction of the divisional race.

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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.

The post Last Call for 5.19.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..