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

— First Shot —

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday extended two long-running emergency orders, renewing declarations tied to illegal immigration and Hurricane Milton recovery efforts for another 60 days.

One executive order renews a 2023 emergency declaration related to illegal immigration, which DeSantis originally issued amid what the Governor’s Office described as a “mass migration of illegal aliens to Florida.”  

The new order says the emergency remains necessary because “a large number of illegal aliens who entered the United States due to the Biden administration’s failure to enforce federal immigration law remain within the State of Florida” while deportation efforts continue.  

The order also says the situation continues to strain local resources and requires ongoing coordination from the state.  

DeSantis also renewed a separate emergency declaration connected to Hurricane Milton, the 2024 storm that rapidly intensified in the Gulf before making landfall near Sarasota as a Category 3 hurricane.  

The order states that communities affected by the storm are “still recovering” and continue requiring state support.  

Both emergency orders were set to expire Saturday, absent renewal.

— Evening Reads —

—”Federal Commission, packed with Donald Trump allies, approves his towering triumphal arch” via Dan Diamond and Jonathan Edwards of The Washington Post

—“Democrats’ Midterm strength masks fierce divides and frustration, poll shows” via Katie Glueck, Ruth Igielnik and Camille Baker of The New York Times

—”Can America escape the cycle of Vicemaxxing?” via Derek Thompson

—“I read the 192-page DNC’s disastrous autopsy report so that you don’t have to” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—“HHS launches crackdown using AI to detect Medicaid fraud and waste” via Liz Essley Whyte of The Wall Street Journal

—”The hidden way dictatorships are shaping what AI tells you” via Eric Levitz of Vox

—”Why the 2026 Hurricane Season might not be that bad” via Brian Kahn of WIRED

—”Tampa City Council narrowly approves nonbinding Rays stadium deal” via Nina Moske of the Tampa Bay Times

—”State settles with biologist it fired over Charlie Kirk-related post” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix

—”Former Broward sheriff gets clemency for tax evasion, mail fraud conviction” via Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

— Quote of the Day —

“With radical Midterm redistricting efforts underway, the writing is on the wall, and the call is coming from inside the House.”

— Political consultant Paul Rivera, in the Democratic National Committee’s long-awaited “autopsy” of the 2024 Presidential Election.

— 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.

The next redistricting Session … regularly scheduled, at least … isn’t until 2032, but national Democrats expect Florida will have another Four in Hand when it’s time to draw the maps.

A much-needed Pressure Drop is sliding in from the U.S. Department of Labor, which reported a significant week-over-week drop in initial unemployment claims in Florida.

CFO Blaise Ingoglia is OK with some Splurges, it seems, as he said the state should continue paying for the DeSantis family’s security after the Governor leaves office.

— Breakthrough Insights —

— Tune In —

Gators, Knights each set to begin softball Super Regionals

NCAA Softball Super Regionals begin today and tomorrow with Florida hosting Texas Tech beginning on Friday (11 a.m. ET, ESPN2).

The Gators can advance to the Women’s College World Series by taking two of three from the Red Raiders. Florida breezed through the Gainesville regional without losing a game. They clinched the spot in the Super Regional with a 5-2 win over Georgia Tech on Sunday.

The bottom of the lineup delivered for the Gators with left fielder Townsen Thomas and center fielder Taylor Shumaker each driving in a pair of runs. Pitcher Keagan Rothrock tossed a complete game one-hitter, allowing a pair of runs in the victory.

UCF is also in action, opening play in the Los Angeles Super Regional against UCLA on Friday (9 p.m. ET, ESPNU).

UCF advanced to the Super Regional by beating Florida State in the decisive game in Tallahassee on Sunday, 4-2. Catcher Beth Damon and left fielder Izzy Mertes both drove in a pair of runs in the victory. Starter Tory Payne and reliever Lena Elkins each allowed one run in the victory.

The Women’s College World Series is scheduled to be held in Oklahoma City starting May 28, with the championship games scheduled for June 4 or 5.

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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.

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