Republican leaders gathered at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for the Sunshine State Showdown, where gubernatorial candidates Jay Collins, Byron Donalds, Paul Renner and Bobby Williams, U.S. senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, U.S. representatives Kat Cammack and Mario Díaz‑Balart, state officials and congressional candidates in Florida’s 19th and 25th districts spoke to attendees and participated in debates moderated by Marc Caputo and Kim Leonard. A Global Strategy Group poll showed President Trump’s approval in Florida fell to a net minus six, with 52 percent unfavorable and 46 percent favorable, a ten‑point decline among registered Republicans and Trump 2024 supporters since January. Friends of Byron Donalds began a $20 million statewide advertising campaign from June 30 to August 18, the largest media buy by the committee, while Donalds’ campaign reported $65 million in cash on hand. James Fishback announced Sean Lozano, a former police officer, as his running mate for the 2026 governor race, saying Lozano would help enforce law and order. The Florida Education Association endorsed former Representative David Jolly for governor, citing concerns over the state’s voucher program and teacher pay, and Jolly said he would strengthen public schools with Gwen Graham as his running mate. Angie Nixon, a U.S. Senate candidate, scheduled campaign events in Tampa on Sunday focused on working‑class Floridians. A Leon County judge will consider arguments on July 29 about the ballot language for a property tax amendment that would raise homestead exemptions and lower local revenue, with Governor DeSantis urging a quick resolution. Republicans plan to spend $6.5 million on advertising in Tampa’s 14th Congressional District to support efforts to unseat Democratic Representative Kathy Castor, whose district now leans Republican after redistricting. The Florida Education Association also endorsed Amanda Green in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. An internal poll in Florida’s 7th District showed Democrat Dalton leading Republican Mills 41 percent to 39 percent, within the survey’s margin of error. Republican candidate Green released a list of endorsements including state Senator Danny Burgess, Sheriff Wayne Ivey and retired Navy SEAL Mark Donald as he seeks the nomination in Florida’s 9th District. Democratic candidate Leela Gray added U.S. Representative Ted Lieu to her support in Florida’s 13th District as she challenges Republican Anna Paulina Luna. Pia Dandiya secured endorsements from several Broward County officials and community leaders in her bid for Florida’s 22nd District. Democrats accuse Representative María Elvira Salazar of misrepresenting her vote on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after she missed votes following her mother’s death. Republican lawmakers in Pinellas County backed Melissa Rutland for Florida House District 60, describing her as a problem‑solver. Republican candidate Melton Little added two law enforcement endorsements and reported a campaign account exceeding $500,000. Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed two bipartisan bills on e‑bike safety regulations and teen poll worker service hours, citing the recent e‑scooter fatality and primary timing. The Florida Board of Governors proposed a rule that would bar undocumented students from enrolling in state universities beginning Fall 2027, pending a Board of Education vote. The emergency ban on 7‑OH kratom products faced legal challenges from retailers who argue the measure lacks scientific basis. Florida is piloting the ElliQ AI companion for seniors through the Department of Elder Affairs, though waiting lists remain. Experts say Florida’s earthquake risk remains low after the last recorded quake measured 4.4 on the Richter scale in 1879. The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Trump’s plan to end Temporary Protected Status for 350,000 Haitians and Syrians, ruling that judges cannot review executive decisions on TPS unrelated to constitutional claims. The Supreme Court also allowed the administration to revive a policy that turns away asylum seekers at the border, stating that individuals physically present in the United States may apply for asylum. Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s $45 million donation to a Trump‑supporting nonprofit and his company’s involvement in AI infrastructure and the TikTok deal have heightened his political influence. Six Florida Republican House members voted against the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after Trump canceled its signing ceremony. An internal poll in Florida’s 7th District shows Democrat Dalton ahead of Republican Mills, while a poll in Florida’s 19th District features candidate Green with numerous endorsements from veterans, law enforcement and elected officials. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre was named the top U.S. amphitheater and second worldwide in Pollstar’s 2026 Mid‑Year Top 50 report. Various items, including a Pride weekend security update in St. Petersburg, a new beach sign ordinance in St. Pete Beach, a lawsuit over contractors removing memorabilia from a hurricane‑damaged home, Manatee County considering a tourist tax for a new indoor sports complex, and Jacksonville officials celebrating Pride Month at City Hall, were also reported.