Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
— First Shot —
The Florida Chamber Foundation is set to convene business, nonprofit and policy leaders from across the state next month for a summit focused on reducing childhood poverty and expanding economic opportunity.
The 2026 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit, hosted through the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Prosperity Initiative, is scheduled for June 9 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
According to the Foundation, childhood poverty in Florida has declined by nearly 200,000 children since the initiative launched. Still, more than 711,000 Florida children currently live in poverty, with more than half concentrated in just 152 ZIP codes statewide.
The annual summit centers on the Florida Chamber Foundation’s “ZIP Code Model,” which examines localized barriers to economic mobility and strategies to address the “10 Root Causes of Poverty” the Chamber has highlighted for years.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Florida Prosperity Initiative Statewide Director of Community Engagement Heather Cogar are among the scheduled speakers.
“Florida’s future depends on moving children and their families from government dependence and poverty to prosperity and self-sufficiency,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson. “This Prosperity Summit brings together leaders from across Florida to focus on the root causes of generational poverty and accelerate solutions that strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and improve generational outcomes in every ZIP code.”
Cogar, who grew up in foster care, added, “The work being done through the Florida Prosperity Initiative is helping create pathways to opportunity so more children can reach their full potential.”
Also speaking at the Florida Prosperity Summit is Karen Moore, Founder & CEO of Moore Agency and Chair of the Florida Chamber Foundation.
“As Florida continues to grow, economic opportunity for all is essential to sustaining long-term success,” Moore said. “The Prosperity Summit is about collaboration and action, bringing together leaders who are committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to prosperity for every Floridian.”
Additional speakers include Florida Blue Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Michelle Hamilton.
Registration information is available on the Chamber’s website.
— Evening Reads —
—“Donald Trump administration proposes NDAs for all federal workers” via Scott Nover and Meryl Kornfield of The Washington Post
—“The wars in Ukraine and Iran are more alike than you may think” via Lara Jakes of The New York Times
—”Trump’s missing ambassadors are a sign of a deeper problem” via Tom Nichols of The Atlantic
—”Trump still thinks he’s winning in Iran” via Joshua Keating of Vox
—“Trump is going to the doctor AGAIN. What’s going on?” via Chris Cillizza of So What
—”Judge says Florida can use new congressional map for Midterms” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
—“$115B state budget finalized over Memorial Day weekend” via Christine Sexton of the Florida Phoenix
—”Legislature provides little tax relief with austere spending plan” Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel
—“Lawmakers sign off on new facilities for New College of Florida, courtesy of USF” via Andrew Atterbury of POLITICO Pro
—”Tina Polsky won’t seek re-election in November, opening Senate seat” via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics
—“It’s called the nanoneedle — and it’s fixing baseball’s broken pitchers” via Jared Diamond and Andrew Beaton of The Wall Street Journal
— Quote of the Day —
“Let’s roll!”
— Gov. Ron DeSantis, after a judge upheld Florida’s new congressional map.
— 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.
Send A Fond Farewell to Sen. Tina Polsky, who announced Tuesday that she is forgoing re-election in SD 30.
Have a Level Up at the ready for Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is considering a run for Congress if longtime U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson says she’s ready to retire.
State employees need a Get ‘Em Next Year … because the budget’s wrapped and public employee raises didn’t make the cut.
— Breakthrough Insights —
— Tune In —
The Miami Marlins look to extend a four-game winning streak as they continue a three-game series in Toronto against the Blue Jays (7:07 p.m. ET, MLB.TV).
Miami swept three at home against the New York Mets, allowing just two runs in the series. The Marlins then opened a three-game series in Canada with an 8-2 victory. In the process, the Marlins improved to 26-29, two games behind the Washington Nationals for second place in the National League East. Miami has struggled on the road this season, losing 14 of 22 away from South Florida.
Shortstop Otto Lopez has been a hitting star for the Marlins, leading the National League with a .332 batting average. However, Lopez has struggled over the past five games, going collecting just two hits in 16 at bats in the stretch.
Sandy Alcantara is scheduled to start for the Marlins. Alcantara (3-3, 4.00 ERA) is looking for his first victory since April 24. The two-time Cy Young Award winner won his first two starts of the season but has lost three of four decisions since.
Toronto is scheduled to start Braydon Fisher on the mound. Fisher (2-1, 2.73) has largely been used out of the bullpen. He will make his third start of the season tonight.
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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.
