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Another 58 lawmakers endorse Blaise Ingoglia in campaign for full term as CFO

Most Republicans in the Legislature are lining up behind Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia’s campaign for a full term.

The Spring Hill Republican just picked up the support of 58 lawmakers. That grows his list of endorsements to include 72 sitting and recent lawmakers, including 16 Senators, 53 Representatives, one incoming Representative and two other state lawmakers who just vacated seats for other public positions.

“Floridians deserve a CFO who is laser-focused on protecting every dollar of the people’s money,” Ingoglia said. “I’m humbled by the support of dedicated legislators from across our amazing state. I had the privilege of serving with them in the House and the Senate to champion conservative values. Together, we will continue to safeguard Florida’s future, deliver tax reform, and ensure transparency and accountability in government.”

Ingoglia, who served in the Senate before Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to his Cabinet post in July, secured endorsements from Sens. Don Gaetz, a Crestview Republican, and Jason Brodeur, a Sanford Republican.

Stephanie Nordin kicks off campaign for Collier County School Board seat

Stephanie Nordin has officially launched a campaign for the Collier County School Board District 1 seat, opening her bid with a campaign kickoff event in Naples that drew more than 150 supporters.

The event, held at Stix Sushi & Seafood, marked Nordin’s entry into the nonpartisan School Board race held during the 2026 election cycle. Nordin will run against Jeff Donaldson and Ronald Nuara for the seat. Jerry Rutherford, who currently holds the seat, has not yet filed for re-election.

Donaldson has raised $8,500 for his campaign, while Nuara raised $100, as of the most recent reporting period.

Nordin is a lifelong Collier County resident, a graduate of the county’s public school system and a mother of four. She’s also the founder of Autism Collier, a nonprofit organization that supports families navigating education and related services, and is the co-founder of the Autism Collier Charter School. 

Nordin said she is seeking to bring practical experience and collaborative leadership to the School Board.

Florida mulls rules for AI data centers to protect consumers

Florida lawmakers are poised to consider new regulations for large data centers, the sprawling, energy-intensive facilities that power artificial intelligence programs and can drive up electricity costs for residents.

House Bill 1007, filed this week by Rep. Philip “Griff” Griffitts, Jr., R-Panama City Beach, would impose a list of new rules that data center proposals would have to meet before the developments could begin construction.

Under the bill, the local government in the area of the project must approve it in a hearing that allows members of the public to speak. The government body must send certified mail notifying property owners who would live within a 10-mile radius of the proposed data center of the meeting at least 30 days in advance.

Once the local government approves the plan, it would then go to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Cabinet — made up of the attorney general, commissioner of agriculture and chief financial officer — for another vote. If those officials reject the proposal, there would be no avenue for the tech company to appeal.

Gov. DeSantis names Stacy Plean to Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees

Realtor Stacy Plean of Boynton Beach is the newest member of the Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees, courtesy of an appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis’ Office announced Plean’s move to the Board amid a flurry of appointments this week.

An associate broker with LoKation Real Estate and the founder of The HomeSeeker Group, Plean’s work in the real property sales industry dates back decades, according to her LinkedIn profile.

That includes some related political activity. She is the current 2026 Regional Vice President and Co-Chair of the state-level Realtors Political Advocacy Committee (RPAC) for Broward, Palm Beach & St. Lucie Realtors.

She also serves on the State and Local Issues Policy Committee of the National Association of Realtors and the Public Policy Committee of Florida Realtors.

Since 2021, Plean has made 49 state-level political donations. Forty-eight went to RPAC, state records show. One $137 check went to DeSantis’ former political committee, Empower Parents PAC, in April 2023.