Former Republican leads Democratic race for governor; Earth to be struck by a comet (sort of); and the latest tropical weather tracks
News and views for Floridians
It may be hard to imagine, but we are only a year out until early voting begins for the 2026 mid-term elections where the fate of Congress (and democracy) will be at stake, and Florida will elect a new governor and select a U.S. Senator in statewide races.
Campaigning is already well underway, especially in the governor’s race.
Our incumbent, Ron DeSantis, is term limited. His last day in office will be Jan. 5, 2027, when his successor will be sworn in.
So, what does the field of his replacement candidates look like right now, and what are the chances that a Democrat can bust open the monopoly that Republicans have enjoyed in state politics since Gov. Lawton Chiles died in office in 1998?
On the Republican side, the three declared candidates are:
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds of Naples, who has been endorsed by Donald Trump.
Paul Renner, former Florida House speaker from Palm Coast.
Charles Burkett, the mayor of Surfside.
Other Republicans expected to declare or who have expressed interest include:
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
On the Democratic Party side, there is only one declared candidate so far.
He is Former Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly of St. Petersburg.
Also expected to announce his candidacy is Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, husband of former U.S. Rep. Val Demings.
Others who have publicly expressed interest include former U.S. Rep. Al Lawson and State Rep. Angie Nixon.
Jolly is the clear front-runner so far, and he has been campaigning hard this year already adding up more than 80 speaking engagements around the state — including last week in Collier County where Paradise Progressive writer David Silverberg caught up with him and asked about his conversion from Republican to Democrat, his assessment of his chances, and more.
Spoiler alert: Jolly thinks his chances are good.
You can read the full report here:
And, yes, you read that right. The only declared Democratic Party candidate for Florida governor a year out from the election is a former Republican.
How do you feel about that? And can this be the year Democrats finally retake the governor’s mansion?
Check out the link to David Silverberg’s incisive interview, then share your views by clicking on the COMMENTS link at the end of this newsletter. Thanks!
All hail Halley
What a great click-bait headline: COMET TO STRIKE EARTH!
And it would be at least partially accurate, too. Today and tomorrow are the peak nights to watch the annual Orionid Meteor Shower as our planet is about to sweep through the debris field left in space by the passing of Halley’s Comet.
Expect to see up to 20 meteors an hour. Best viewing is after midnight.
And, no, this is definitely not a Night of the Comet event.
Tropic watch
The National Hurricane Center still has its eye on the Caribbean disturbance that could become Tropical Storm—or even Hurricane—Melissa. Some forecasts show the weather pattern bending north, as you can see in the spaghetti model above. But it is much too early to know for sure.
He said it …
“To be a successful state, we must nurture successful children.”
—Former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles
Happening today
The NBA regular season has finally arrived (yes, yes, the baseball season isn’t even over yet, we know). Tonight’s games: The Houston Rockets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. And at 10 p.m., the Golden State Warriors match up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Catch the games on NBC.
Public Service Announcement
Join Hark-ALS for an inspiring and lively afternoon featuring live music, a silent auction, beer, wine, and delicious offerings from some of St. Petersburg’s favorite restaurants—all in support of families impacted by ALS.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 2:00–5:00 PM at the iconic James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art (150 Central Ave, St. Petersburg). The James has graciously offered guests the opportunity to arrive early and explore the museum’s stunning galleries before the event begins.
This special event benefits Hark-ALS.org, a 15-year-old, fully registered nonprofit dedicated to providing direct support to families facing ALS.
For more information contact Deb@Hark-ALS.org, or Hark-ALS.org Events, or 908-420-4751
More online
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J.C. Bruce, journalist and author, is the founder of Tropic Press. He holds dual citizenship in the United States of America and his native Florida. Forward this email to your friends. They will love you for it.
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J.C., I sent you an email previously. I'd love to see a story about the new voting laws in Florida -- specifically, that anyone who previously voted by mail MUST reregister to vote. People don't know about this change...which I think was part of the intent of enacting the new regulations. Can you cover this sometime?
Trump made me a Democrat in 2015 after 40+ years as a staunch Republican. I think David Jolly may help wake up many R's who are aware enough to realize they are no longer a party but a regime, and they have no voice, they are asked just to "follow". We've got to flip this state, at least in the Gov chair...